bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Usefulness of Forensic Dental Symbols© and Dental Encoder© Database in Forensic Odontology*
Authors: Martínez‐Chicón Jesús , Valenzuela Aurora
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  A new universal graphic dental system, Forensic Dental Symbols©, has been created to provide precision in the construction of dental records, improve standardization, and increase efficiency in dental identification procedures. Two hundred and thirty‐four different graphic symbols representing the most frequent clinical status for each tooth were designed. Symbols can be then converted to a typographic font and then are ready to use in any computer. For the appropriate use, manipulation, and storage of dental information generated by the Forensic Dental Symbols©, Dental Encoder© database has been created. The database contains all the information required by INTERPOL Disaster Victim Identification (DVI)‐dental‐forms. To explore the possibilities that Dental Encoder© offers, an antemortem dental database from a Spanish population of 3920 military personnel had been constructed. Data generated by Dental Encoder© were classified into sex and age groups. The program can perform an automatic search of the database for cases that match a selected clinical status presented in a single tooth or a combination of situations for several teeth. Moreover, Dental Encoder© allows information to be printed on INTERPOL DVI‐dental‐forms, or the inclusion of any completed form into any document, technical report, or identification of dental report.
Phenoloxidase: a key component of the insect immune system
Authors: González‐Santoyo Isaac , Córdoba‐Aguilar Alex
Published: November 2011

The innate immune system in insects is composed of a large variety of specific and non‐specific responses that are activated in response to the presence of foreign agents. One important element in such responses is the enzyme phenoloxidase (PO). Here, we review recent progress in PO research and discuss new applications in the emerging field of ecological immunology. Phenoloxidase produces indole groups, which are subsequently polymerized to melanin. The enzymatic reactions in turn produce a set of intermediate products such as quinones, diphenols, superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and reactive nitrogen intermediates, which are important during defense against bacterial (gram+ and −), fungal, and viral agents. Phenoloxidase requires a complex system of activation and inhibition that involves various cell types, PO zymogens, inhibitor enzymes, and signaling molecules. Finally, research in evolutionary ecology has studied the costs of PO in terms of resource use and pleiotropic relations with other key traits and functions. These studies indicate that PO is a costly trait, whose production and maintenance have fitness costs for hosts. Phenoloxidase does not seem to be an indicator of resistance but rather of host condition. Finally, we put forward some basic directions for future investigation of PO aimed at explaining its activating system, its substrates, its coordination with other immune components to fight off pathogens, and variation in PO in relation to gender, life stages, seasonality, and across different host species.
How important are tariffs and nontariff barriers in international markets for fresh fruit?
Authors: Rickard Bradley J. , Lei Lei
Published: November 2011

International markets for agricultural products are often subject to a range of trade barriers, and horticultural products are no exception. This article examines the economic implications of tariffs and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regulations that are applied to global markets for fresh apples and fresh oranges. We calculate regional‐level tariff rates and ad valorem equivalents for SPS barriers following the price‐wedge approach. A simulation model is developed and used to assess the price, quantity, and welfare implications of reducing tariffs, removing SPS barriers, and removing SPS barriers that have been identified as a Specific Trade Concern (STC) by the World Trade Organization. Results suggest that a 36% reduction in global tariffs would lead to greater welfare gains than would the elimination of SPS measures in apple markets. However, in orange markets, we find that SPS measures have much larger economic implications for producers and consumers. Here, a 36% reduction in tariffs would lead to smaller overall welfare effects compared to removal of all SPS measures, and only slightly larger effects than those from removal of STCs alone.
Nontraditional crops, traditional constraints: The long‐term welfare impacts of export crop adoption among Guatemalan smallholders
Authors: Carletto Calogero , Kilic Talip , Kirk Angeli
Published: November 2011

This article documents the long‐term welfare effects of household nontraditional agricultural export (NTX) adoption. We use a panel dataset that spans the period 1985–2005, and employ difference‐in‐differences estimation to investigate the long‐term impact of nontraditional agricultural export adoption on changes in household consumption status and asset position in the Central Highlands of Guatemala. Given the heterogeneity in adoption patterns, the analysis differentiates the impact estimates based on a classification of households that takes into account the timing and duration of nontraditional agricultural export adoption. The results show that while, on average, welfare levels have improved for all households irrespective of adoption status and duration, the extent of improvement has varied across groups. Long‐term adopters exhibit the smallest increase in the lapse of two decades, in spite of some early gains. Conversely, early adopters who withdrew from nontraditional agricultural export production after reaping the benefits of the boom period of the 1980s are found to have fared better and shown greater improvements in durable asset position and housing conditions than any other category.
Osseointegration – communication of cells
Authors: Terheyden Hendrik , Lang Niklaus P. , Bierbaum Susanne , Stadlinger Bernd
Published: November 2011

Background

The article provides the scientific documentation for the 3D animated film – “Osseointegration – Communication of cells”.

Aim

The aim of this article and of the film is to visualise the molecular and cellular events during the healing of an osseous wound after installation of a dental implant with special emphasis on the process of osseointegration.

Material and Results

In this review article for didactic reasons the concept of the four phases of a healing soft tissue wound was transferred to a bone wound after insertion of a dental implant: haemostasis, inflammatory phase, proliferative phase and remodelling phase. Wound healing throughout these phases is the result of a coordinated action of different cell types which communicate with each other by their interaction using signalling molecules like cytokines, extracellular matrix proteins and small molecules. A regular sequence of cell types controlled by adequate concentrations of signalling molecules results in undisturbed healing. Disturbed healing is associated with a continuation of the early inflammatory phase and the development of a toxic wound environment. The latter is characterized by high counts of polymorphnuclear cells, high concentrations of toxic radicals and proteolytic enzymes and low concentrations of growth factors and extracellular matrix molecules. Clinically the development of a toxic wound environment should be avoided, e.g. by antibacterial measures.

Discussion and Conclusion

Experiencing implant osseointegration as a biological process may provide the clinician new targets to improve the therapy with dental implants.
Novel protein identification methods for biomarker discovery via a proteomic analysis of periodontally healthy and diseased gingival crevicular fluid samples
Authors: Baliban Richard C. , Sakellari Dimitra , Li Zukui , DiMaggio Peter A. , Garcia Benjamin A. , Floudas Christodoulos A.
Published: November 2011

Aim

To identify possible novel biomarkers in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples from chronic periodontitis (CP) and periodontally healthy individuals using high‐throughput proteomic analysis.

Materials and Methods

Gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected from 12 CP and 12 periodontally healthy subjects. Samples were trypically digested with trypsin, eluted using high‐performance liquid chromatography, and fragmented using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). MS/MS spectra were analysed using PILOT_PROTEIN to identify all unmodified proteins within the samples.

Results

Using the database derived from Homo sapiens taxonomy and all bacterial taxonomies, 432 human (120 new) and 30 bacterial proteins were identified. The human proteins, angiotensinogen, clusterin and thymidine phosphorylase were identified as biomarker candidates based on their high‐scoring only in samples from periodontal health. Similarly, neutrophil defensin‐1, carbonic anhydrase‐1 and elongation factor‐1 gamma were associated with CP. Candidate bacterial biomarkers include 33 kDa chaperonin, iron uptake protein A2 and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (health‐associated) and ribulose biphosphate carboxylase, a probable succinyl‐CoA:3‐ketoacid‐coenzyme A transferase, or DNA‐directed RNA polymerase subunit beta (CP‐associated). Most of these human and bacterial proteins have not been previously evaluated as biomarkers of periodontal conditions and require further investigation.

Conclusions

The proposed methods for large‐scale comprehensive proteomic analysis may lead to the identification of novel biomarkers of periodontal health or disease.
First results from the multicentre study Rehabilitation of Occupational Skin Diseases – Optimization and Quality Assurance of Inpatient Management (ROQ)
Authors: Skudlik Christoph , Weisshaar Elke , Scheidt Reginald , Elsner Peter , Wulfhorst Britta , Schönfeld Michael , John Swen Malte , Diepgen Thomas Ludwig ,   for the ROQ Study Group
Published: November 2011

Background and objectives. The German stepwise procedure of handling occupational skin diseases (OSDs) offers interdisciplinary integrated (inpatient/outpatient) rehabilitation measures [tertiary individual prevention (TIP)] for severe OSD. In 2005, a prospective cohort multicentre study was started in order to evaluate TIP.

Methods. One thousand seven hundred and eighty‐eight patients with severe OSD were treated and educated in five clinics with follow‐up before and 4 weeks after return to work.

Results. During the inpatient phase, there was a significant improvement in the severity of OSD (Osnabrueck Hand Eczema Severity Index, p < 0.001) and in the quality of life (Dermatology Life Quality Index, p < 0.001). These effects were largely sustained during the outpatient follow‐up phase and in the 4 weeks after return to work. Among all patients, 89.4% used topical steroids before TIP, including 52.5% using high‐grade topical steroids; 93.2% of the patients were able to refrain from using topical steroids before returning to work. As a result of TIP, return to work was possible for 1587 patients (88.8%).

Conclusions. The primary objectives of TIP (return to work, improvement of OSD, enhancement of quality of life, and reduction in the use of topical steroids) were successfully met. The long‐term follow‐up (1 and 3 years after TIP) will examine whether these favourable outcomes can be sustained.
Pediatric inpatient falls and injuries: A descriptive analysis of risk factors
Authors: Schaffer Patricia L. , Daraiseh Nancy M. , Daum Lynn , Mendez Ed , Lin Li , Huth Myra Martz
Published: November 2011

Purpose.  This study identified patient characteristics and environmental factors related to falls and injuries at one pediatric hospital.

Design and Methods.  This descriptive study was part of a multisite study based on inpatient pediatric falls reported over a 6‐month period.

Results.  Fall prevalence was .84/1,000 patient days. Thirty‐one of the 53 falls (58.5%) resulted in injury; 17% required treatment. Of the injured children, 83% were developmentally appropriate, 58% were in the hospital room, and five fell from a bed.

Practice Implications.  Comprehensive fall prevention programs are required to promote patient safety.
PERSPECTIVES ON THE USE OF ESSENTIAL OILS AS ANTIMICROBIALS AGAINST CAMPYLOBACTER JEJUNI CECT 7572 IN RETAIL CHICKEN MEATS PACKAGED IN MICROAEROBIC ATMOSPHERE
Authors: DJENANE DJAMEL , YANGÜELA JAVIER , GÓMEZ DIEGO , RONCALÉS PEDRO
Published: November 2011

The chemical composition of the essential oils (EOs) of Inula graveolens, Laurus nobilis, Pistacia lentiscus and Satureja montana was analyzed using a gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry technique. The main components of EOs obtained were, respectively, bornyl acetate, 1,8‐cineole, β‐myrcene and carvacrol. EOs were screened for their ability to inhibit the growth of Campylobacter jejuni CECT 7572 using the standard agar‐disk diffusion assay. The results obtained, followed by measurements of minimal inhibitory concentrations, indicated that I. graveolens was most active (Φ = 53.3 mm), with the lowest MIC value against C. jejuni (2 µL/mL). EOs were tested in chicken stored in microaerobic conditions at 3 ± 2C, experimentally inoculated with the pathogen at a level of 5 × 105 cfu/g. C. jejuni counts in treated samples were 0.7–4.7 log10 cfu/g lower (P < 0.05) than the controls throughout storage. The latter reached numbers of about 8 log10 cfu/g after 1 week. Lipid oxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS]) and sensory freshness odor were also determined. Samples treated with any EO had the lowest TBARS values (P < 0.05). The presence of EOs significantly extended fresh meat odor. The results of the bioassays, together with the chemical profile of the EOs, support the possibility of using all EOs as potent natural preservatives to contribute in the reduction of experimentally inoculated C. jejuni in chicken meat.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The results revealed for the first time in a chicken meat system the potential of I. graveolens, L. nobilis, P. lentiscus and S. montana EOs in inhibiting C. jejuni. This suggests the possibility that they, particularly I. graveolens, could be used as natural preservatives in chicken meat for reducing food hazards caused by this pathogen, which is now recognized as the leading cause of bacterial foodborne gastroenteritis.
Assessment of the Long‐Term Stability of Retort Pouch Foods to Support Extended Duration Spaceflight
Authors: Catauro Patricia M. , Perchonok Michele H.
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  To determine the suitability of retort processed foods to support long‐duration spaceflight, a series of 36‐mo accelerated shelf life studies were performed on 13 representative retort pouch products. Combined sensory evaluations, physical properties assessments, and nutritional analyses were employed to determine shelf life endpoints for these foods, which were either observed during the analysis or extrapolated via mathematical projection. Data obtained through analysis of these 13 products were later used to estimate the shelf life values of all retort‐processed spaceflight foods. In general, the major determinants of shelf life appear to be the development of off‐flavor and off‐color in products over time. These changes were assumed to be the result of Maillard and oxidation reactions, which can be initiated or accelerated as a result of the retort process and product formulation. Meat products and other vegetable entrées are projected to maintain their quality the longest, between 2 and 8 y, without refrigeration. Fruit and dessert products (1.5 to 5 y), dairy products (2.5 to 3.25 y), and starches, vegetable, and soup products (1 to 4 y) follow. Aside from considerable losses in B and C vitamin content, nutritional value of most products was maintained throughout shelf life. Fortification of storage‐labile vitamins was proposed as a countermeasure to ensure long‐term nutritive value of these products. The use of nonthermal sterilization technologies was also recommended, as a means to improve initial quality of these products and extend their shelf life for use in long‐duration missions. Data obtained also emphasize the importance of low temperature storage in maintaining product quality.

Practical Application:  Retort sterilized pouch products are garnering increased commercial acceptance, largely due to their improved convenience and quality over metal‐canned products. Assessment of the long‐term stability of these products with ambient storage can identify potential areas for improvement, and ultimately increase consumer satisfaction with these technologies.
Food Protein‐Derived Bioactive Peptides: Production, Processing, and Potential Health Benefits
Authors: Udenigwe Chibuike C. , Aluko Rotimi E.
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  Bioactive peptides (BAPs), derived through enzymatic hydrolysis of food proteins, have demonstrated potential for application as health‐promoting agents against numerous human health and disease conditions, including cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and cancer. The feasibility of pharmacological application of these peptides depends on absorption and bioavailability in intact forms in target tissues, which in turn depends on structure of the peptides. Therefore, production and processing of peptides based on important structure‐function parameters can lead to the production of potent peptides. This article reviews the literature on BAPs with emphasis on strategic production and processing methods as well as antihypertensive, anticancer, anticalmodulin, hypocholesterolemic, and multifunctional properties of the food protein‐derived peptides. It is recommended that future research efforts on BAP should be directed toward elucidation of their in vivo molecular mechanisms of action, safety at various doses, and pharmacological activity in maintaining homeostasis during aberrant health conditions in human subjects.
Tagatose Stability in Milk and Diet Lemonade
Authors: Bell Leonard N. , Luecke Katherine J.
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  The monosaccharide tagatose has been shown to behave physiologically as a prebiotic. To provide its healthful prebiotic effect to consumers, tagatose must not break down during food processing and storage. The objective of this study was to evaluate the storage and thermal stabilities of tagatose in milk and lemonade. Tagatose (0.9% to 1.5%) was added to commercially available shelf stable milk and diet lemonade. Samples were stored at 20, 40, 61, and 81 °C. Tagatose loss was monitored chromatographically. Pseudo‐first‐order rate constants for tagatose degradation were determined along with the reaction's activation energy. No tagatose degradation was observed in lemonade at temperatures equal to or less than 61 °C. Degradation occurred faster in milk because of its higher pH in comparison to lemonade and its dairy proteins enabling the Maillard reaction. The activation energy for tagatose degradation in milk was 24.6 kcal/mol. Using this activation energy, it was estimated that less than 0.1% tagatose would be lost during pasteurization and less than 4% would be lost during storage at 25 °C for 6 mo. Although tagatose degradation occurs in beverages, the extent of its loss during pasteurization and storage would be very low. Tagatose can be formulated into beverages with minimal concern about its degradation and the subsequent loss of prebiotic activity.

Practical Application:  Tagatose can be incorporated into beverages as a prebiotic to improve the healthful characteristics of the product without significant degradation.
Molecular techniques in the biotechnological fight against halogenated compounds in anoxic environments
Authors: Ding Chang , He Jianzhong
Published: November 2011

Microbial treatment of environmental contamination by anthropogenic halogenated organic compounds has become popular in recent decades, especially in the subsurface environments. Molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction‐based fingerprinting methods have been extensively used to closely monitor the presence and activities of dehalogenating microbes, which also lead to the discovery of new dehalogenating bacteria and novel functional genes. Nowadays, traditional molecular techniques are being further developed and optimized for higher sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy to better fit the contexts of dehalogenation. On the other hand, newly developed high throughput techniques, such as microarray and next‐generation sequencing, provide unsurpassed detection ability, which has enabled large‐scale comparative genomic and whole‐genome transcriptomic analysis. The aim of this review is to summarize applications of various molecular tools in the field of microbially mediated dehalogenation of various halogenated organic compounds. It is expected that traditional molecular techniques and nucleic‐acid‐based biomarkers will still be favoured in the foreseeable future because of relative low costs and high flexibility. Collective analyses of metagenomic sequencing data are still in need of information from individual dehalogenating strains and functional reductive dehalogenase genes in order to draw reliable conclusions.
Fluoride content of solid foods impacts daily intake
Authors: Rankin Scott J. , Levy Steven M. , Warren John J. , Gilmore Julie Eichenberger , Broffitt Barbara
Published: November 2011

Objective: To determine the amount of fluoride received from solid foods for a cohort of children.

Methods: Parents were asked to complete questionnaires for the preceding week and dietary diaries for 3 days for their children. Data collected at 6, 9, 12, 16, 20, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months were analyzed cross‐sectionally.

Results: At 6 months of age, children ingested an estimated mean of 8 percent of dietary fluoride from solid foods. At 12 months of age, children ingested an estimated 39 percent of dietary fluoride from solid foods. Although the percentage of fluoride intake from solid foods stabilized from 24 to 60 months (means of 36‐39 percent), some children received as much as 85‐88 percent of their dietary fluoride from solid foods.

Conclusions: Some children receive a substantial portion of dietary fluoride from solid foods.
Locating the source of hyperglycemia: Liver versus muscle
Authors: YU Haoyong , ZHOU Dequan , JIA Weiping , GUO ZengKui
Published: November 2011

Background:  Glucose homeostasis relies on insulin to suppress hepatic glucose production and to stimulate glucose uptake by peripheral tissues (primarily skeletal muscle) during and after a meal or glucose load. Glucose metabolism impairments in the liver and/or muscle attenuate these insulin actions, causing hyperglycemia. Thus, identifying the loci of the impairments can improve the understanding of hyperglycemia and enable organ‐targeted interventions.

Methods:  Studies were performed to identify such loci using modified oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) techniques in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and overweight/obese individuals.

Results:  Individuals with severe T2D were found to have significantly impaired glucose metabolism in both the liver and muscle. In contrast, impairments in glucose metabolism in individuals with non‐severe T2D were predominantly localized in the liver or muscle, but not both. Similarly, milder impairments in overweight or obese individuals were clearly localized in either the liver or muscle, but not both. All these impairments are quantifiable.

Conclusion:  Impairments in glucose metabolism in the liver and muscle can be differentiated and quantified in a clinical setting.
Complexity and Extended Phenomenological‐Cognitive Systems
Authors: Silberstein Michael , Chemero Anthony
Published: November 2011

The complex systems approach to cognitive science invites a new understanding of extended cognitive systems. According to this understanding, extended cognitive systems are heterogenous, composed of brain, body, and niche, non‐linearly coupled to one another. This view of cognitive systems, as non‐linearly coupled brain–body–niche systems, promises conceptual and methodological advances. In this article we focus on two of these. First, the fundamental interdependence among brain, body, and niche makes it possible to explain extended cognition without invoking representations or computation. Second, cognition and conscious experience can be understood as a single phenomenon, eliminating fruitless philosophical discussion of qualia and the so‐called hard problem of consciousness. What we call “extended phenomenological‐cognitive systems” are relational and dynamical entities, with interactions among heterogeneous parts at multiple spatial and temporal scales.
Commentary: Why I Am Not a Dynamicist
Authors: Botvinick Matthew
Published: November 2011

The dynamical systems approach in cognitive science offers a potentially useful perspective on both brain and behavior. Indeed, the importation of formal tools from dynamical systems research has already paid off for our field in many ways. However, like some other theoretical perspectives in cognitive science, the dynamical systems approach comes in both moderate or pragmatic and “fundamentalist” varieties (Jones & Love, 2011). In the latter form, dynamical systems theory can rise to some stirring rhetorical heights. However, as argued here, it also triggers a number of serious and specific reservations.
Biofuels: A Cure or a Curse? Implications of Increased Production and Consumption in Mexico and the United States
Authors: Valle Valeria Marina
Published: November 2011

The aim of this article is to detect economic, social, political, and environmental implications of encouraging the use of biofuels in Mexico and the United States. It will explore negative aspects that derive from promoting the production and use of biofuels in both countries. It also will identify which corporate interests and values sustain arguments for the use of industrial large‐scale biofuels in both countries. Moreover, it will identify what mandates, laws, initiatives, and government policies have been created in both countries encouraging the use of this fuel. Finally, this report will shed light on the actions that would be needed to comply with those government policies and what consequences they may have on local communities, as well as on the environment.
Alteronol inhibits proliferation in HeLa cells through inducing a G1-phase arrest
Authors: Yao Ying , Zhang Bo , Chen Hongmei , Chen Na , Liu Liangliang , Yishan Wang , Li Changling , Zheng Qiusheng
Published: November 2011

Objectives

Alteronol is a novel compound purified from fermentation products of a microorganism in the bark of the yew tree. The study was designed to evaluate the anticancer effects of alteronol.

Methods

Human cervical carcinoma cell line HeLa was cultured in vitro. The cell viability was evaluated by using sulforhodamine B assay. The cell cycle distribution was analysed by flow cytometry. The level of cyclin D1 protein was evaluated using Western blot analysis. The changes in cyclinD1, CDK4 and p21 were detected by ELISA assay and the changes in G1-related regulators were detected by RT-PCR assay.

Key findings

Our data showed that alteronol inhibited the proliferation of HeLa cells and induced G1 phase arrest. Downregulation of the mRNA levels of CDK2, CDK4 and cyclin D1 and upregulation of p21 in alteronol-treated cells were observed.

Conclusions

Downregulation of the mRNA levels of CDK2, CDK4 and cyclin D1 and upregulation of p21 might be a possible mechanism for the inhibition of proliferation induced by alteronol in HeLa cells.
Interpersonal interactions, job demands and work-related outcomes in pharmacy
Authors: Gaither Caroline A , Nadkarni Anagha
Published: November 2011

Objectives

The objective of this study was to examine the interaction between job demands of pharmacists and resources in the form of interpersonal interactions and its association with work-related outcomes such as organizational and professional commitment, job burnout, professional identity and job satisfaction. The job demands-resources (JD-R) model served as the theoretical framework.

Methods

Subjects for the study were drawn from the Pharmacy Manpower Project Database (n = 1874). A 14-page mail-in survey measured hospital pharmacists' responses on the frequency of occurrence of various job-related scenarios as well as work-related outcomes. The study design was a 2 × 2 factorial design. Responses were collected on a Likert scale. Descriptive statistics, reliability analyses and correlational and multiple regression analyses were conducted using SPSS version 17 (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA).

Key findings

The 566 pharmacists (30% response rate) who responded to the survey indicated that high-demand/pleasant encounters and low-demand/pleasant encounters occurred more frequently in the workplace. The strongest correlations were found between high-demand/unpleasant encounters and frequency and intensity of emotional exhaustion. Multiple regression analyses indicated that when controlling for demographic factors high-demand/unpleasant encounters were negatively related to affective organizational commitment and positively related to frequency and intensity of emotional exhaustion. Low-demand/pleasant encounters were positively related to frequency and intensity of personal accomplishment. Low-demand/unpleasant encounters were significantly and negatively related to professional commitment, job satisfaction and frequency and intensity of emotional exhaustion, while high-demand/pleasant encounters were also related to frequency and intensity of emotional exhaustion

Conclusion

Support was found for the JD-R model and the proposed interaction effects. Study results suggest that adequate attention must be paid to the interplay between demands on the job and interactions with healthcare professionals to improve the quality of the pharmacist's work life. Future research should examine other types of job demands and resources.
Modeling Two-Phase Flow Inside an Electrical Submersible Pump Stage
Authors: Barrios Lissett , Prado Mauricio Gargaglione
Published: November 2011

Dynamic multiphase flow behavior inside a mixed flow electrical submersible pump (ESP) has been studied experimentally and theoretically for the first time. The overall objectives of this study are to determine the flow patterns and bubble behavior inside the ESP and to predict the operational conditions that cause surging. The theoretical study includes a mechanistic model for the prediction of the flow behavior inside the pump. The model comprises a one-dimensional force balance to predict occurrence of the stagnant bubbles at the channel intake. This model depends on two important variables, namely the stagnant bubble size and the bubble drag coefficient. The bubble size has been measured and a physically based correlation is presented. A new correlation for the drag coefficient is proposed as a function of rotational speed and Reynolds number. The model enables the prediction of the operational envelope of the ESP, namely the transition to surging.
Sensitivity of Slug Flow Mechanistic Models on Slug Length
Authors: Sarica Cem , Zhang Hong-Quan , Wilkens Robert J.
Published: November 2011

Slug flow is one of the common flow patterns in gas and oil production and transportation. One of the closure relationships required by the multiphase flow mechanistic models is slug length correlation. There are several closure relationships proposed in the literature as function of pipe geometry, pipe diameter, and inclination angle, and to a lesser extent to the flow rates and fluid properties. In this paper, we show that most of the frequently used mechanistic models are insensitive to slug length information. The only exception to this is identified as the Zhang et al. (2003, “Unified Model for Gas-Liquid Pipe Flow via Slug Dynamics—Part 1: Model Development,” ASME J. Energy Resour. Technol., 125, pp. 266–272). The unified model shows sensitivity at high gas flow rates, while displaying a negligible sensitivity at low gas flow rates. In conclusion, the slug length closure relationship is not crucial for pressure loss and holdup calculations. It can be speculated that the success of the unit cell slug flow modeling approach could be attributed to insensitivity of the models to slug length considering the highly probabilistic nature of the slug length.
Predicting the fidelity of JPEG2000 compressed CT images using DICOM header information
Authors: Kim Kil Joong , Kim Bohyoung , Lee Hyunna , Choi Hosik , Jeon Jong‐June , Ahn Jeong‐Hwan , Lee Kyoung Ho
Published: November 2011

Purpose:

To propose multiple logistic regression (MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN) models constructed using digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) header information in predicting the fidelity of Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) 2000 compressed abdomen computed tomography (CT) images.

Methods:

Our institutional review board approved this study and waived informed patient consent. Using a JPEG2000 algorithm, 360 abdomen CT images were compressed reversibly (n = 48, as negative control) or irreversibly (n = 312) to one of different compression ratios (CRs) ranging from 4:1 to 10:1. Five radiologists independently determined whether the original and compressed images were distinguishable or indistinguishable. The 312 irreversibly compressed images were divided randomly into training (n = 156) and testing (n = 156) sets. The MLR and ANN models were constructed regarding the DICOM header information as independent variables and the pooled radiologists' responses as dependent variable. As independent variables, we selected theCR (DICOM tag number: 0028, 2112), effective tube current‐time product (0018, 9332), section thickness (0018, 0050), and field of view (0018, 0090) among the DICOM tags. Using the training set, an optimal subset of independent variables was determined by backward stepwise selection in a four‐fold cross‐validation scheme. The MLR and ANN models were constructed with the determined independent variables using the training set. The models were then evaluated on the testing set by using receiver‐operating‐characteristic (ROC) analysis regarding the radiologists' pooled responses as the reference standard and by measuring Spearman rank correlation between the model prediction and the number of radiologists who rated the two images as distinguishable.

Results:

TheCR and section thickness were determined as the optimal independent variables. The areas under the ROC curve for the MLR and ANN predictions were 0.91 (95% CI; 0.86, 0.95) and 0.92 (0.87, 0.96), respectively. The correlation coefficients of the MLR and ANN predictions with the number of radiologists who responded as distinguishable were 0.76 (0.69, 0.82, p < 0.001) and 0.78 (0.71, 0.83, p < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusions:

The MLR and ANN models constructed using the DICOM header information offer promise in predicting the fidelity of JPEG2000 compressed abdomen CT images.
Global DNA Demethylation During Mouse Erythropoiesis in Vivo
Authors: Shearstone Jeffrey R. , Pop Ramona , Bock Christoph , Boyle Patrick , Meissner Alexander , Socolovsky Merav
Published: November 2011

Erythroblasts undergoing differentiation into red cells lose one-third of DNA methylation marks at nearly all genomic loci.
Sirt5 Is a NAD-Dependent Protein Lysine Demalonylase and Desuccinylase
Authors: Du Jintang , Zhou Yeyun , Su Xiaoyang , Yu Jiu Jiu , Khan Saba , Jiang Hong , Kim Jungwoo , Woo Jimin , Kim Jun Huyn , Choi Brian Hyun , He Bin , Chen Wei , Zhang Sheng , Cerione Richard A. , Auwerx Johan , Hao Quan , Lin Hening
Published: November 2011

Biological functions of sirtuins may involve lysine desuccinylase and demalonylase activities.
Forecasting Fire Season Severity in South America Using Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies
Authors: Chen Yang , Randerson James T. , Morton Douglas C. , DeFries Ruth S. , Collatz G. James , Kasibhatla Prasad S. , Giglio Louis , Jin Yufang , Marlier Miriam E.
Published: November 2011

Sea surface temperature anomalies can predict annual fire season severity in South America up to 3 to 5 months in advance.
Is Weather Event Attribution Necessary for Adaptation Funding?
Authors: Hulme Mike , O'Neill Saffron J. , Dessai Suraje
Published: November 2011

The new science of weather event attribution is unlikely to make useful contributions to adaptation funding decisions.
Living Fossil Younger than Thought
Authors: Renner Susanne S.
Published: November 2011

Cycads survived an evolutionary bottleneck to diversify into today's ∼300 species.
As Far As Her Eyes Can See
Knocking on Heaven's Door
How Physics and Scientific Thinking Illuminate the Universe and the Modern World

by Lisa Randall

Ecco, New York, 2011. 464 pp. $29.99. ISBN 9780061723728. Bodley Head, London. £20. ISBN 9781847920690.
Authors: Shermer Michael
Published: November 2011

In addition to providing uninitiated readers with lucid accounts of theoretical particle physics and the Large Hadron Collider, Randall discusses the nature of science and its practice.
Anatomy of Prostaglandin Signals
Authors: Stella Nephi
Published: November 2011

An enzymatic step in prostaglandin synthesis plays a key role in neuroinflammation in the mammalian brain.
China to Spend Billions Cleaning Up Groundwater
Authors: Qiu Jane
Published: November 2011

On 28 October, China's State Council unveiled a $5.5 billion initiative over 10 years to prevent and treat groundwater contamination. The project is long overdue, hydrologists say.
Fewer Dollars, Forced Choices
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: November 2011

Doing more with less may be a cliché. But as Congress moves ahead with deficit reduction, U.S. research agencies may need to find ways to embrace that adage without sacrificing excellence.
Persistence and Titer Changes of Rubella Virus Antibodies in Primiparous Women Who Had Been Vaccinated with Strain RA 27/3 in Junior High School
Authors: Lin Ching-Chiang , Yang Chun-Yuh , Shih Yung-Luen , Huang Yang-Yang , Yang Tsung-Han , Liang Jin-Yuan , Chang Chu-Fen , Hsieh Hsiu-Shu , Huang Yeou-Lih
Published: November 2011

Taiwan's rubella vaccination program was launched in 1986; each schoolgirl in the third grade of junior high school received one dose of rubella (RA 27/3) vaccine. We reviewed the results of 14,090 prenatal rubella tests for primiparas from three areas of Taiwan during 2002 to 2008 to investigate seronegativity rates and titer changes. In all primiparous women, the average rubella virus seronegativity rate was 6.5% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 6.1 to 6.9%), and the average rubella virus antibody titer was 65.9 IU/ml (95% CI, 64.7 to 67.1 IU/ml). There were 1,220 women (8.7%) with weakly positive antibody titers (10 to 20 IU/ml). The rubella virus seronegativity rates, which ranged from 5.4 to 9.7%, did not exhibit a linear trend from 9 to 22 years after vaccination (
P
= 0.201); in contrast, a significant trend appeared in the average rubella virus IgG titer (
P
= 0.003), dropping from 69.9 IU/ml in the 9th year after vaccination to 54.8 IU/ml in the 22nd year. The mean annual antibody decay rate was −0.77 IU/ml. This study reveals that the level of rubella virus antibodies declined slowly in women of childbearing age who were vaccinated with RA 27/3 at junior high school age. The number of women who were seronegative or had weakly positive antibody titers was still high (15.2%). Therefore, in countries that implement a single-dose regimen in children or teenagers, it should remain an important policy to encourage voluntary immunization in seronegative women and to immunize all postpartum women who are susceptible to rubella virus infection before they leave the hospital.
Covariation of Major and Minor Viral Capsid Proteins in Norovirus Genogroup II Genotype 4 Strains
Authors: Chan Martin Chi-Wai , Lee Nelson , Ho Wing-Shan , Law Carmen Oi-Kwan , Lau Terrence Chi-Kong , Tsui Stephen Kwok-Wing , Sung Joseph Jao-Yiu
Published: November 2011

We report sequence hypervariability in the viral protein 1 (VP1) interaction domain of VP2 in the norovirus (NoV) genogroup II genotype 4 (GII.4) lineage on 3 levels: (i) the global evolution of pandemic/epidemic strains from the mid-1970s through post-2006, (ii) the local emergence of an epidemic strain, and (iii) an immunocompromised patient chronically shedding NoV. When a quantitative yeast two-hybrid assay was used, VP2 was found to interact with VP1 in a time-ordered, strain-dependent manner among 3 NoV GII.4 strains. Our findings suggest that VP1 and VP2 may covary in virus evolution and that sequence hypervariability of VP2 may be functionally driven. Further investigations are warranted.
Δγ
1
34.5 Herpes Simplex Viruses Encoding Human Cytomegalovirus IRS1 or TRS1 Induce Interferon Regulatory Factor 3 Phosphorylation and an Interferon-Stimulated Gene Response
Authors: Cassady Kevin A. , Saunders Ute , Shimamura Masako
Published: November 2011

The chimeric herpes simplex viruses (HSV) are Δγ
1
34.5 vectors encoding the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) IRS1 or TRS1 genes. They are capable of late viral protein synthesis and are superior to Δγ
1
34.5 HSVs in oncolytic activity. The interferon (IFN) response limits efficient HSV gene expression and replication. HCMV TRS1 and IRS1 restore one γ
1
34.5 gene function: evasion of IFN-inducible protein kinase R, allowing late viral protein synthesis. Here we show that, unlike wild-type HSV, the chimeric HSV do not restore another γ
1
34.5 function, the suppression of early IFN signaling mediated by IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3).
The Toll-Like Receptor 3-Mediated Antiviral Response Is Important for Protection against Poliovirus Infection in Poliovirus Receptor Transgenic Mice
Authors: Abe Yuko , Fujii Ken , Nagata Noriyo , Takeuchi Osamu , Akira Shizuo , Oshiumi Hiroyuki , Matsumoto Misako , Seya Tsukasa , Koike Satoshi
Published: November 2011

RIG-I-like receptors and Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play important roles in the recognition of viral infections. However, how these molecules contribute to the defense against poliovirus (PV) infection remains unclear. We characterized the roles of these sensors in PV infection in transgenic mice expressing the PV receptor. We observed that alpha/beta interferon (IFN-α/β) production in response to PV infection occurred in an MDA5-dependent but RIG-I-independent manner in primary cultured kidney cells
in vitro
. These results suggest that, similar to the RNA of other picornaviruses, PV RNA is recognized by MDA5. However, serum IFN-α levels, the viral load in nonneural tissues, and mortality rates did not differ significantly between MDA5-deficient mice and wild-type mice. In contrast, we observed that serum IFN production was abrogated and that the viral load in nonneural tissues and mortality rates were both markedly higher in TIR domain-containing adaptor-inducing IFN-β (TRIF)-deficient and TLR3-deficient mice than in wild-type mice. The mortality rate of MyD88-deficient mice was slightly higher than that of wild-type mice. These results suggest that multiple pathways are involved in the antiviral response in mice and that the TLR3-TRIF-mediated signaling pathway plays an essential role in the antiviral response against PV infection.
Conserved Glycine 33 Residue in Flexible Domain I of Hepatitis C Virus Core Protein Is Critical for Virus Infectivity
Authors: Angus Allan G. N. , Loquet Antoine , Stack Séamus J. , Dalrymple David , Gatherer Derek , Penin François , Patel Arvind H.
Published: November 2011

Hepatitis C virus core protein forms the viral nucleocapsid and plays a critical role in the formation of infectious particles. In this study, we demonstrate that the highly conserved residue G33, located within domain 1 of the core protein, is important for the production of cell culture-infectious virus (HCVcc). Alanine substitution at this position in the JFH1 genome did not alter viral RNA replication but reduced infectivity by ∼2 logs. Virus production by this core mutant could be rescued by compensatory mutations located immediately upstream and downstream of the original G33A mutation. The examination of the helix-loop-helix motif observed in the core protein structure (residues 15 to 41; Protein Data Bank entry
1CWX
) indicated that the residues G33 and F24 are in close contact with each other, and that the G33A mutation induces a steric clash with F24. Molecular simulations revealed that the compensatory mutations increase the helix-loop-helix flexibility, allowing rescue of the core active conformation required for efficient virus production. Taken together, these data highlight the plasticity of core domain 1 conformation and illustrate the relationship between its structural tolerance to mutations and virus infectivity.
Combination of PB2 271A and SR Polymorphism at Positions 590/591 Is Critical for Viral Replication and Virulence of Swine Influenza Virus in Cultured Cells and
In Vivo
Authors: Liu Qinfang , Qiao Chuanling , Marjuki Henju , Bawa Bhupinder , Ma Jingqun , Guillossou Stephane , Webby Richard J. , Richt Jürgen A. , Ma Wenjun
Published: November 2011

Triple reassortant swine influenza viruses (SIVs) and 2009 pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) virus contain an avian-origin PB2 with 271A, 590S, 591R, and 627E. To evaluate the role of PB2 271A, 590S, and 591R in the replication and virulence of SIV, single (1930-TX98-PB2-271T)-, double (1930-TX98-PB2-590A591A)-, and triple (1930-TX98-PB2-271T590A591A)-mutated viruses were generated in the background of the H1N1 A/swine/Iowa/15/30 (1930) virus with an avian-origin PB2 from the triple-reassortant A/swine/Texas/4199-2/98 (TX98) virus, called the parental 1930-TX98-PB2. Compared to parental virus and single- and double-mutated viruses, the triple-mutated virus replicated less efficiently in cell cultures and was attenuated in mice. These results suggest that a combination of 271A with the 590/591 SR polymorphism is critical for pH1N1 and triple-reassortant SIVs for efficient replication and adaptation in mammals.
Genetic Inactivation of COPI Coatomer Separately Inhibits Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Entry and Gene Expression
Authors: Cureton David K. , Burdeinick-Kerr Rebeca , Whelan Sean P. J.
Published: November 2011

Viruses coopt cellular membrane transport to invade cells, establish intracellular sites of replication, and release progeny virions. Recent genome-wide RNA interference (RNAi) screens revealed that genetically divergent viruses require biosynthetic membrane transport by the COPI coatomer complex for efficient replication. Here we found that disrupting COPI function by RNAi inhibited an early stage of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) replication. To dissect which replication stage(s) was affected by coatomer inactivation, we used visual and biochemical assays to independently measure the efficiency of viral entry and gene expression in hamster (ldlF) cells depleted of the temperature-sensitive ε-COP subunit. We show that ε-COP depletion for 12 h caused a primary block to virus internalization and a secondary defect in viral gene expression. Using brefeldin A (BFA), a chemical inhibitor of COPI function, we demonstrate that short-term (1-h) BFA treatments inhibit VSV gene expression, while only long-term (12-h) treatments block virus entry. We conclude that prolonged coatomer inactivation perturbs cellular endocytic transport and thereby indirectly impairs VSV entry. Our results offer an explanation of why COPI coatomer is frequently identified in screens for cellular factors that support cell invasion by microbial pathogens.