bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Composite Right- and Left-Handed Traveling-Wave Field-Effect Transistors
Authors: Narahara Koichi
Published: September 2012

We introduce a composite right- and left-handed travelling-wave field-effect transistor (CRLH TWFET) for developing large-scale platform to support left-handed waves. The device represents two electromagnetically coupled CRLH transmission lines by capacitance and FET transconductance. Owing to the couplings, two different modes can support waves in CRLH TWFETs. It was experimentally established that waves supported by one of the modes were amplified, while those supported by the other mode were significantly attenuated. To quantify the wave propagation in CRLH TWFETs, we developed a numerical model based on the transmission line theory that well simulated measured results. This paper discusses the results of numerical calculations that validate the design criteria of CRLH TWFETs.
Influence of Bisphosphonate Treatment on Medullary Macrophages and Osteoclasts: An Experimental Study
Authors: Escudero Natalia Daniela , Mandalunis Patricia Mónica
Published: September 2012

Nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates are widely used for treating diverse bone pathologies. They are anticatabolic drugs that act on osteoclasts inhibiting bone resorption. It remains unknown whether the mechanism of action is by decreasing osteoclast number, impairing osteoclast function, or whether they continue to effectively inhibit bone resorption despite the increase in osteoclast number. There is increasing evidence that bisphosphonates also act on bone marrow cells like macrophages and monocytes. The present work sought to evaluate the dynamics of preosteoclast fusion and possible changes in medullary macrophage number in bisphosphonate-treated animals. Healthy female Wistar rats received olpadronate, alendronate, or vehicle during 5 weeks, and 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) on day 7, 28, or 34 of the experiment. Histomorphometric studies were performed to study femurs and evaluate: number of nuclei per osteoclast (N.Nu/Oc); number of BrdU-positive nuclei (N.Nu BrdU+/Oc); percentage of BrdU-positive nuclei per osteoclast (%Nu.BrdU+/Oc); medullary macrophage number (mac/mm2) and correlation between N.Nu/Oc and mac/mm2. Results showed bisphosphonate-treated animals exhibited increased N.Nu/Oc, caused by an increase in preosteoclast fusion rate and evidenced by higher N.Nu BrdU+/Oc, and significantly decreased mac/mm2. Considering the common origin of osteoclasts and macrophages, the increased demand for precursors of the osteoclast lineage may occur at the expense of macrophage lineage precursors.
Higgs Bosons Near 125 GeV in the NMSSM with Constraints at the GUT Scale
Authors: Ellwanger Ulrich , Hugonie Cyril
Published: September 2012

We study the NMSSM with universal Susy breaking terms (besides the Higgs sector) at the GUT scale. Within this constrained parameter space, it is not difficult to find a Higgs boson with a mass of about 125 GeV and an enhanced cross-section in the diphoton channel. An additional lighter Higgs boson with reduced couplings and a mass≲123 GeV is potentially observable at the LHC. The NMSSM-specific Yukawa couplingsλandκare relatively large and tanβis small, such thatλ,κ, and the top Yukawa coupling are of𝒪(1)at the GUT scale. The lightest stop can be as light as 105 GeV, and the fine-tuning is modest. WMAP constraints can be satisfied by a dominantly Higgsino-like LSP with substantial bino, wino, and singlino admixtures and a mass of~60–90 GeV, which would potentially be detectable by XENON100.
PPARs in Liver Diseases and Cancer: Epigenetic Regulation by MicroRNAs
Authors: Peyrou Marion , Ramadori Pierluigi , Bourgoin Lucie , Foti Michelangelo
Published: September 2012

Peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-activated nuclear receptors that exert in the liver a transcriptional activity regulating a whole spectrum of physiological functions, including cholesterol and bile acid homeostasis, lipid/glucose metabolism, inflammatory responses, regenerative mechanisms, and cell differentiation/proliferation. Dysregulations of the expression, or activity, of specific PPAR isoforms in the liver are therefore believed to represent critical mechanisms contributing to the development of hepatic metabolic diseases, disorders induced by hepatic viral infections, and hepatocellular adenoma and carcinoma. In this regard, specific PPAR agonists have proven to be useful to treat these metabolic diseases, but for cancer therapies, the use of PPAR agonists is still debated. Interestingly, in addition to previously described mechanisms regulating PPARs expression and activity, microRNAs are emerging as new important regulators of PPAR expression and activity in pathophysiological conditions and therefore may represent future therapeutic targets to treat hepatic metabolic disorders and cancers. Here, we reviewed the current knowledge about the general roles of the different PPAR isoforms in common chronic metabolic and infectious liver diseases, as well as in the development of hepatic cancers. Recent works highlighting the regulation of PPARs by microRNAs in both physiological and pathological situations with a focus on the liver are also discussed.
Stability Analysis of a Model for Foreign Body Fibrotic Reactions
Authors: Ibraguimov A. , Owens L. , Su J. , Tang L.
Published: September 2012

Implanted medical devices often trigger immunological and inflammatory reactions from surrounding tissues. The foreign body-mediated tissue responses may result in varying degrees of fibrotic tissue formation. There is an intensive research interest in the area of wound healing modeling, and quantitative methods are proposed to systematically study the behavior of this complex system of multiple cells, proteins, and enzymes. This paper introduces a kinetics-based model for analyzing reactions of various cells/proteins and biochemical processes as well as their transient behavior during the implant healing in 2-dimensional space. In particular, we provide a detailed modeling study of different roles of macrophages (MΦ) and their effects on fibrotic reactions. The main mathematical result indicates that the stability of the inflamed steady state depends primarily on the reaction dynamics of the system. However, if the said equilibrium is unstable by its reaction-only system, the spatial diffusion and chemotactic effects can help to stabilize when the model is dominated by classical and regulatory macrophages over the inflammatory macrophages. The mathematical proof and counter examples are given for these conclusions.
Sustained Adoption of an Evidence-Based Treatment: A Survey of Clinicians Certified in Problem-Solving Therapy
Authors: Crabb Rebecca M. , Areán Patricia A. , Hegel Mark T.
Published: September 2012

Training models that incorporate case supervision in addition to didactic instruction appear to be effective in maximizing clinicians’ proficiency in evidence-based treatments (EBTs). However, it is unknown the extent to which these models promote sustained adoption of EBTs. We describe the results of an online survey on post-training utilization of an EBT, problem-solving therapy (PST), among 40 clinicians highly trained in PST. Seventy-five percent of the survey’s 40 respondents reported that they continued to use PST in their clinical practices. Many PST-trained clinicians reported that they had modified the PST protocol in their clinical practices according to patient characteristics or preferences. Considering these results, we recommend emphasizing patient variability and treatment tailoring throughout the training process as a means for promoting clinicians’ sustained adoption of EBTs.
The Intergenerational Transmission of Surnames in Spain and Latin America (1500–1900)
Authors: Ryskamp George R.
Published: September 2012

The historical study of the intergenerational transmission of surnames in the areas ruled by the crowns of Castile and Portugal, peninsular and colonial, reveals a nearly universal sixteenth-century system of surname transmission that antedates the use of permanent hereditary surnames. Great flexibility in surname transmission allowed a child’s selection of a surname from among those of the extended pedigree, both maternal and paternal, demonstrating that Hispanic society did not, and does not, view the extended family in the patrilineal, male-dominated fashion of Anglo society. In the Iberian perspective, the entire extended family, back on all sides to the third and even fourth generation, is viewed as personally relevant.
Consequences of phosphoenolpyruvate:sugar phosphotranferase system and pyruvate kinase isozymes inactivation in central carbon metabolism flux distribution in Escherichia coli
Authors: Meza Eugenio , Becker Judith , Bolivar Francisco , Gosset Guillermo , Wittmann Christoph
Published: September 2012

Background

In Escherichia coli phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) is a key central metabolism intermediate that participates in glucose transport, as precursor in several biosynthetic pathways and it is involved in allosteric regulation of glycolytic enzymes. In this work we generated W3110 derivative strains that lack the main PEP consumers PEP:sugar phosphotransferase system (PTS-) and pyruvate kinase isozymes PykA and PykF (PTS-
pykA
- and PTS-
pykF
-). To characterize the effects of these modifications on cell physiology, carbon flux distribution and aromatics production capacity were determined.

Results

When compared to reference strain W3110, strain VH33 (PTS-) displayed lower specific rates for growth, glucose consumption and acetate production as well as a higher biomass yield from glucose. These phenotypic effects were even more pronounced by the additional inactivation of PykA or PykF. Carbon flux analysis revealed that PTS inactivation causes a redirection of metabolic flux towards biomass formation. A cycle involving PEP carboxylase (Ppc) and PEP carboxykinase (Pck) was detected in all strains. In strains W3110, VH33 (PTS-) and VH35 (PTS-, pykF
-), the net flux in this cycle was inversely correlated with the specific rate of glucose consumption and inactivation of Pck in these strains caused a reduction in growth rate. In the PTS- background, inactivation of PykA caused a reduction in Ppc and Pck cycling as well as a reduction in flux to TCA, whereas inactivation of PykF caused an increase in anaplerotic flux from PEP to OAA and an increased flux to TCA. The wild-type and mutant strains were modified to overproduce L-phenylalanine. In resting cells experiments, compared to reference strain, a 10, 4 and 7-fold higher aromatics yields from glucose were observed as consequence of PTS, PTS PykA and PTS PykF inactivation.

Conclusions

Metabolic flux analysis performed on strains lacking the main activities generating pyruvate from PEP revealed the high degree of flexibility to perturbations of the central metabolic network in E. coli. The observed responses to reduced glucose uptake and PEP to pyruvate rate of conversion caused by PTS, PykA and PykF inactivation included flux rerouting in several central metabolism nodes towards anabolic biosynthetic reactions, thus compensating for carbon limitation in these mutant strains. The detected cycle involving Ppc and Pck was found to be required for maintaining the specific growth and glucose consumption rates in all studied strains. Strains VH33 (PTS-), VH34 (PTS-
pykA
-) and VH35 (PTS-
pykF
-) have useful properties for biotechnological processes, such as increased PEP availability and high biomass yields from glucose, making them useful for the production of aromatic compounds or recombinant proteins.
The Relationship between Egg Size and Chick Size in the Laughing Gull and Japanese Quail
Authors: Ricklefs Robert E. , Hahn D. Caldwell , Montevecchi William A.
Published: September 2012

Variation in the water, lipid, and nonlipid dry matter of eggs and newly hatched chicks of the Laughing Gull and Japanese Quail was related to variation in the size of the egg. Egg contents of the two species were, on average, very similar. Yolk size varied in direct proportion to egg size, but in the quail large eggs contained disproportionately low levels of lipid and high levels of nonlipid dry matter.

The composition of the newly hatched gull chick closely resembled that of the newly hatched quail. With increasing egg size, and thus chick size, water level increased and lipid level decreased in the gull chick, whereas lipid level increased in the quail chick. Among body organs, the integument of the gull exhibited a disproportionate increase with an increase in egg size, owing mostly to the accumulation of water; in the quail, the legs were the only organs to increase out of proportion to increase in body size. Disproportionate decreases in body proportion with increasing chick size appeared mostly in the head, stomach, and intestine components of both species.

Variation in proportions of lipid and water in the chick related to egg size is discussed in terms of (1) ecological requirements of newly hatched chicks, (2) sibling competition within broods, and (3) stage of development of the young at hatching.
On the Adaptive Value of Intraclutch Egg-Size Variation in Birds
Authors: Slagsvold Tore , Sandvik Jostein , Rofstad Gunnar , Lorentsen Öystein , Husby Magne
Published: September 2012

Using data from the field and the literature on 67 species of birds, we analyzed intraclutch variation in egg size, especially the deviation of the last egg from the clutch mean (D). Values of D are closer to zero in precocial than in altricial species; D is negatively correlated with body size in interspecific comparisons, i.e. large birds, including precocial species, lay small final eggs; and D is higher in open-nesting passerines (on average D = +3.56%, 17 species) than in hole-nesting species (on average D = -0.05%, 13 species). Within populations of birds, a negative relationship exists between D and clutch size, particularly in species that have a generally low value of D. The results support the view that intraclutch variation in egg size has an ultimate, adaptive value. We suggest that birds adopting the "brood-reduction strategy" have a small final egg, particularly those birds with large clutches, whereas birds adopting the "brood-survival strategy" have a relatively large final egg, particularly those birds with large clutches.
Estimation by Use of Field Weighings of Metabolic Rate and Food Conversion Efficiency in Albatross Chicks
Authors: Ricketts C. , Prince P. A.
Published: September 2012

A knowledge of the assimilation of food and of the energetic demands of chicks at different stages in the growth period can provide a basis for understanding growth strategies of seabirds. We have developed a simple model of chick weight loss between feeds that allows an estimation of metabolic costs and food-conversion efficiency in albatross chicks. The data required to provide these estimates are a series of frequent weights of a chick following a meal and the weight of food delivered in the meal. Preliminary results show a considerable variation in both food-conversion efficiency, which may reflect variation in the composition of meals delivered to chicks, and in the metabolic demands of individual chicks.
The Effects of Adult Fecal Material on Egg Hatchability in Glaucous-Winged Gulls (Larus glaucescens)
Authors: Verbeek Nicolaas A. M.
Published: September 2012

The effect of gull and cormorant feces applied to naturally incubated Glaucous-winged Gull eggs upon hatching success was studied on Mandarte Island, British Columbia. Gull feces, but not cormorant feces, significantly reduced the hatching success of treated eggs below that of control eggs. Eggs treated with gull feces lost significantly less water during incubation than either control eggs or eggs treated with cormorant feces. Eggs that were covered with gull feces but that nevertheless hatched had a significantly longer incubation period than did control eggs. The removal of the fat from the feces with ether before application to the eggs did not significantly improve hatching success.
A Fuzzy Fluctuation Smoothing Rule for Job Dispatching in a Wafer Fabrication Factory
Authors: Chen Toly
Published: September 2012

Job dispatching in a wafer fabrication factory is a difficult task, mainly due to the complexity of the production system and the uncertainty involved in the production activities. Recently, a number of advanced dispatching rules were proposed, which estimate the remaining cycle times of jobs. This predictive nature is conducive to the effectiveness of these rules. If the uncertainty in the remaining cycle time can be better considered, incorrect scheduling will possibly be reduced. The tailored nonlinear fluctuation smoothing rule for mean cycle time (TNFSMCT) is fuzzified in this study, by expressing the remaining cycle time with a fuzzy value. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology is illustrated with a simulation study.
Contributing to Wikipedia
Authors: Zelenkauskaite Asta , Massa Paolo
Published: September 2012

While the overall amount of user contributions in various namespaces has been discussed in previous research, the question of how and where users contribute, depending on their time spent in Wikipedia, is still open. This study analyzed contribution patterns in three namespaces of 685,897 active users of English Wikipedia since its inception. User editing behaviors were analyzed according to the amount of time spent within Wikipedia where contributions in content-oriented spaces were compared with social-oriented namespaces.
Routing in Coloured Sparse Optical Tori by Using Balanced WDM and Network Sparseness
Authors: Honkanen Risto , Leppänen Ville
Published: September 2012

The authors present a WDM (Wavelength-Division Multiplexing) based all-optical network architecture, and study scheduled routing on it. Their architecture can be seen as a communication system of parallel multi-core computer or a large-scale high bandwidth routing switch of e.g., telecommunication network. The goal is to construct such a scalable architecture and a supporting routing protocol for it so that no electro-optical conversions are needed on the routing paths, all packets are routed along one of the shortest paths, processor nodes can inject packets constantly into the network, and all the packets injected into the routing machinery reach their targets without collisions. The authors’ CSOT is a sparse network. A large fraction of the nodes are intermediate nodes instead of processor nodes. Only the processor nodes are sources and sinks of packets. The number of all nodes is and is the number of processor nodes in our construction. For scheduled routing to work, the authors consider routing problems as a set of h-relations. They achieved work-optimal routing of -relations for a reasonable size of . The efficiency of routing is based on routing latency hiding which is made possible by WDM and sparseness based increase bandwidth per processor node.
E-Commerce Logistics
Authors: Bask Anu , Lipponen Mervi , Tinnilä Markku
Published: September 2012

E-commerce has attracted increasing interest at the beginning of the 21st century, in both academia and practice. Today, the Internet is commonly used by both consumers and businesses as a means of purchasing goods. The authors’ study focuses on e-commerce logistics, focusing on the physical delivery of goods sold over the Internet. Based on a systematic review of articles, the authors will summarize and analyze the main findings of academic literature and highlight certain research issues recognized on this topic. The main objective is to study the state-of-the-art of e-commerce logistics research and future research needs. The reviewed articles have been formed into seven categories, and each category is discussed in the paper. The largest categories discuss e-commerce logistics in relation to retail strategies, logistics strategies and structures, and buyer preferences. Although logistics is a critical part of e-commerce, it seems based on the review that not many e-commerce logistics solutions have been developed or studied in current research, and logistics has often been treated as only a minor issue among other issues in e-commerce.
Critical Business Model Issues in Deploying NFC Technology for Mobile Services
Authors: Juntunen Antero , Tuunainen Virpi Kristiina , Luukkainen Sakari
Published: September 2012

New mobile ticketing services include travel card functionality in mobile phones, providing users with numerous benefits. However, several open issues still pose limitations for these services, including the diffusion of the enabling technology called Near Field Communication (NFC), concerns about security and privacy, as well as uncertainties in the related value networks and business models. In this study, the authors analyze the NFC mobile ticketing business model holistically from a techno-economic viewpoint and identify the critical business model issues that affect the commercial deployment of such services. Using single case methodology, the authors evaluate the NFC mobile ticketing business model with the help of the Service, Technology, Organization, Finance (STOF) model. Their results offer insights both to the researchers and to the practitioners by providing an analysis with theoretical grounding on the possibilities as well as difficulties in the deployment of NFC technology for mobile services.
Management Options in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Desai Himanshu , Dalal Bhavin
Published: September 2012

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading respiratory disease in the world and third leading cause of death in United States. COPD is not recognized as an isolated respiratory disease anymore; in fact it is one of the dreaded diseases with significant systemic involvement and complications. Treatment of COPD requires team work and efforts among physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists and physical therapists. Treatment of patients with frequent exacerbations is a heavy burden on healthcare network. In the last few years, some improvements in the management of COPD have been made, owing to new drugs and management strategies, along with non-pharmacologic treatment of COPD with pulmonary rehabilitation and surgical interventions. Smoking cessation is still the best strategy to prevent COPD and prevent further progression of disease. In this review, we discuss pharmacotherapy of COPD including management of acute exacerbations, pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation and role of vaccination in COPD patients.
Effects of Caffeine on Metabolism and Mitochondria Biogenesis in Rhabdomyosarcoma Cells Compared with 2,4-Dinitrophenol
Authors: Vaughan Roger A. , Garcia-Smith Randi , Bisoffi Marco , Trujillo Kristina A. , Conn Carole A.
Published: September 2012

Purpose

This work investigated if treatment with caffeine or 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) induce expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α) and increase both mitochondrial biosynthesis and metabolism in skeletal muscle.

Methods

Human rhabdomyosarcoma cells were treated with either ethanol control (0.1% final concentration) caffeine, or DNP at 250 or 500 μM for 16 or 24 hours. PGC-1α RNA levels were determined using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). PGC-1α protein and mitochondrial content was determined using flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Metabolism was determined by quantification of extracellular acidification rate and oxygen consumption rate.

Results

Treatment with either caffeine or DNP induced PGC-1α RNA and protein as well as mitochondrial content compared with control. Treatment with caffeine and DNP also significantly increased oxidative metabolism and total metabolic rate compared with control. Caffeine similarly increased metabolism and mitochondrial content compared with DNP.

Conclusion

This work identified that both caffeine and DNP significantly induce PGC-1α, and increase both metabolism and mitochondrial content in skeletal muscle.
Nas tramas do discurso: sentidos sobre biblioteca, leitura e pesquisa escolar
Authors: Ferrarezi Ludmila , Sousa Romão Lucília Maria
Published: September 2012

A partir dos pressupostos teóricos da Análise do Discurso de linha francesa, observamos como as condições sócio-histórico-ideológicas afetam a constituição/formulação/circulação dos sentidos, que podem ser naturalizados, delineando uma determinada imagem de biblioteca, leitura e pesquisa escolar. Para tanto, fizemos um breve percurso histórico sobre o desenvolvimento das bibliotecas escolares brasileiras, marcado por sentidos de falta e restrição, que são atualizados pelo funcionamento da memória discursiva, ecoando nos dizeres contemporâneos sobre essa instituição e as atividades nela realizadas. Tais sentidos apontam a importância de se colocar em prática uma mudança de postura por parte dos professores e bibliotecários, abrindo espaço para práticas (discursivas) de leitura e pesquisa mais críticas, criativas e questionadoras, tanto na sala de aula, quanto na biblioteca, que é muito mais do que um depósito ou uma coleção de livros
Susceptibility of Dermatophytes to Thiabendazole Using CLSI Broth Macrodilution
Authors: Robledo-Leal Efrén , Elizondo-Zertuche Mariana , González Gloria M.
Published: September 2012

Objective. To evaluate in vitro antifungal activity of thiabendazole against strains of dermatophytes using a reference method for filamentous fungi. Materials and Methods. Dermatophytes’ susceptibility to thiabendazole (TBZ) and fluconazole (FCZ) was evaluated using macrodilution method of protocol M38-A2 of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Results. MIC ranges of TBZ for all strains were narrower and/or smaller than those of FCZ. TBZ showed a significantly greater potency than FCZ () against all isolates. Discussion. Although there have been approaches to evaluate the antifungal activity of TBZ in human mycoses, no tests had been made with a standardized protocol. Susceptibility data resulted from this study shows that although TBZ is not a particularly strong inhibitor of dermatophytes, it displays a stable and constant effect against all isolates tested. Conclusion. Results show that TBZ is more effective against strains of dermatophytes than FCZ. We acknowledge the antifungal effect of TBZ against dermatophyte isolates.
Effects of Heat Treatment on Raman Spectra of Two‐Layer 12C/13C Graphene
Authors: Kalbac Martin , Frank Otakar , Kavan Ladislav
Published: September 2012

The Raman spectra of two‐layered graphene on a silicon substrate were studied in the temperature range from 298 to 1073 K in an inert atmosphere. Isotopic engineering was used to fabricate two‐layer graphene specimens containing 13C atoms in the top layer and 12C atoms in the bottom layer, which allowed the behavior of each particular layer to be distinguished as a function of temperature. It is demonstrated that the top layer exhibits much lower Raman temperature coefficients than the bottom one for both the G and the G′ modes. We suggest that the changes in the Raman spectra of graphene observed during thermal cycling are predominantly caused by a superposition of two effects, namely, the mechanical stress in graphene exerted by the substrate and the intrinsic changes in the graphene lattice caused by the temperature itself. The top graphene layer is proposed to be more relaxed than the bottom graphene layer and thus reflects almost exclusively the temperature variations as a freestanding graphene layer would.
(R)‐α‐Lipoyl‐Glycyl‐L‐Prolyl‐L‐Glutamyl Dimethyl Ester Codrug as a Multifunctional Agent with Potential Neuroprotective Activities
Authors: Cacciatore Ivana , Baldassarre Leonardo , Fornasari Erika , Cornacchia Catia , Di Stefano Antonio , Sozio Piera , Cerasa Laura Serafina , Fontana Antonella , Fulle Stefania , Di Filippo Ester Sara , La Rovere Rita Maria Laura , Pinnen Francesco
Published: September 2012

The (R)‐α‐lipoyl‐glycyl‐L‐prolyl‐L‐glutamyl dimethyl ester codrug (LA‐GPE, 1) was synthesized as a new multifunctional drug candidate with antioxidant and neuroprotective properties for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Physicochemical properties, chemical and enzymatic stabilities were evaluated, along with the capacity of LA‐GPE to penetrate the blood–brain barrier (BBB) according to an in vitro parallel artificial membrane permeability assay for the BBB. We also investigated the potential effectiveness of LA‐GPE against the cytotoxicity induced by 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) and H2O2 on the human neuroblastoma cell line SH‐SY5Y by using the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction assay. Our results show that codrug 1 is stable at both pH 1.3 and 7.4, exhibits good lipophilicity (log P=1.51) and a pH‐dependent permeability profile. Furthermore, LA‐GPE was demonstrated to be significantly neuroprotective and to act as an antioxidant against H2O2‐ and 6‐OHDA‐induced neurotoxicity in SH‐SY5Y cells.
Four‐dimensional velocity‐encoded magnetic resonance imaging improves blood flow quantification in patients with complex accelerated flow
Authors: Nordmeyer Sarah , Riesenkampff Eugénie , Messroghli Daniel , Kropf Siegfried , Nordmeyer Johannes , Berger Felix , Kuehne Titus
Published: September 2012

Purpose:

To evaluate the use of four‐dimensional (4D) velocity‐encoded magnetic resonance imaging (VEC MRI) for blood flow quantification in patients with semilunar valve stenosis and complex accelerated flow.

Materials and Methods:

Peak velocities (Vmax) and stroke volumes (SV) were quantified by 2D and 4D VEC MRI in volunteers (n = 7) and patients with semilunar valve stenosis (n = 18). Measurements were performed above the aortic and pulmonary valve with both techniques and, additionally, at multiple predefined planes in the ascending aorta and in the pulmonary trunk within the 4D dataset. In patients, 4D VEC MRI streamline analysis identified flow patterns and regions of highest flow velocity (4Dmax‐targeted) for further measurements and Vmax was also measured by Doppler‐echocardiography.

Results:

In patients, 4D VEC MRI showed higher Vmax than 2D VEC MRI (2.7 ± 0.6 m/s vs. 2.4 ± 0.5 m/s, P < 0.03) and was more comparable to Doppler‐echocardiography (2.8 ± 0.7 m/s). 4Dmax‐targeted revealed highest Vmax values (3.1 ± 0.6 m/s). SV measurements showed significant differences between different anatomical levels in the ascending aorta in patients with complex accelerated flow, whereas differences in volunteers with laminar flow patterns were negligible (P = 0.004).

Conclusion:

4D VEC MRI improves MRI‐derived blood flow quantification in patients with semilunar valve stenosis and complex accelerated flow. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:208–216. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High-affinity and -specificity, bacteriophage-based technologies: beyond phage therapy - Mini Review.
Authors: Hyman P. , Abedon S. T.
Published: September 2012

Taking advantage of bacteriophage versatility and potential to have little negative impact on human health, several medically oriented, phage-based technologies have been developed in addition to phage therapy. Here, we emphasize bacteriophage capacities for natural and enhanced high-specificity binding in phage display, bacterial detection, bacterial identification and nanotechnology.
Cardiac autonomic dysregulation in acute schizophrenia
Authors: Chang Hsin-An , Chang Chuan-Chia , Tzeng Nian-Sheng , Kuo Terry B. J. , Lu Ru-Band , Huang San-Yuan
Published: September 2012

Objective

Altered cardiac autonomic function has been proposed in schizophrenia, but the results are mixed. Therefore, analyses with larger sample sizes and better methodology are needed.

Methods

To examine whether acute schizophrenia is associated with cardiac autonomic dysfunction, 314 unmedicated patients with acute schizophrenia and 409 healthy volunteers, aged 18–65 years, were recruited for a case–control analysis. The severity of schizophrenia symptoms was assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Cardiac autonomic function was evaluated by measuring heart rate variability (HRV) parameters during the supine–standing–supine test. Frequency-domain indices of HRV were obtained.

Results

Unmedicated patients with acute schizophrenia consistently exhibited reduced mean RR interval and HRV levels in a supine rest and standing position compared with healthy volunteers. The severity of psychopathology, in particular positive symptoms, was negatively correlated with cardiac vagal control.

Conclusion

These data suggest that acute schizophrenia is accompanied by cardiac autonomic dysregulation. In view of the higher risk for cardiac complications in these patients, one might also consider the antipsychotic treatment in favour of improving cardiac autonomic modulation. Further studies using larger patient groups and controlled therapeutics may better understand the influence of antipsychotic treatment on cardiac autonomic regulation in schizophrenia.
Building Research Equipment with Free, Open-Source Hardware
Authors: Pearce Joshua M.
Published: September 2012

A rapidly increasing selection of laboratory equipment can be fabricated with open-source three-dimensional printers at low cost.
Symmetries and Forces
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: September 2012

In the standard model, physicists roll all the fields that describe the distribution of the various particles into a single mathematical function called the Lagrangian that encodes all possible particle interactions.
Central Dopaminergic System and Its Implications in Stress-Mediated Neurological Disorders and Gastric Ulcers: Short Review
Authors: Rasheed Naila , Alghasham Abdullah
Published: September 2012

For decades, it has been suggested that dysfunction of dopaminergic pathways and their associated modulations in dopamine levels play a major role in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. Dopaminergic system is involved in the stress response, and the neural mechanisms involved in stress are important for current research, but the recent and past data on the stress response by dopaminergic system have received little attention. Therefore, we have discussed these data on the stress response and propose a role for dopamine in coping with stress. In addition, we have also discussed gastric stress ulcers and their correlation with dopaminergic system. Furthermore, we have also highlighted some of the glucocorticoids and dopamine-mediated neurological disorders. Our literature survey suggests that dopaminergic system has received little attention in both clinical and preclinical research on stress, but the current research on this issue will surely identify a better understanding of stressful events and will give better ideas for further efficient antistress treatments.
Divalent Metal Ion Transport across Large Biological Ion Channels and Their Effect on Conductance and Selectivity
Authors: García-Giménez Elena , Alcaraz Antonio , Aguilella Vicente M.
Published: September 2012

Electrophysiological characterization of large protein channels, usually displaying multi-ionic transport and weak ion selectivity, is commonly performed at physiological conditions (moderate gradients of KCl solutions at decimolar concentrations buffered at neutral pH). We extend here the characterization of the OmpF porin, a wide channel of the outer membrane ofE. coli,by studying the effect of salts of divalent cations on the transport properties of the channel. The regulation of divalent cations concentration is essential in cell metabolism and understanding their effects is of key importance, not only in the channels specifically designed to control their passage but also in other multiionic channels. In particular, in porin channels like OmpF, divalent cations modulate the efficiency of molecules having antimicrobial activity. Taking advantage of the fact that the OmpF channel atomic structure has been resolved both in water and in MgCl2aqueous solutions, we analyze the single channel conductance and the channel selectivity inversion aiming to separate the role of the electrolyte itself, and the counterion accumulation induced by the protein channel charges and other factors (binding, steric effects, etc.) that being of minor importance in salts of monovalent cations become crucial in the case of divalent cations.
Plasmablastic Lymphoma of Gingiva Mimicking a Reactive Lesion: A Case Report
Authors: Bagul Neeta , Mamatha G. S. , Mahalle Aditi
Published: September 2012

Oral plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare malignancy, associated with HIV or other immunocompromised conditions. The lesion constituted a new subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and proposed a distinct entity based on its basic morphology, its clinical behaviour involving predominantly extramedullary sites (particularly oral cavity), and its limited antigenic phenotype data suggesting plasmacytic differentiation. Authors here report a case of apparently healthy individual aged 35 years, presenting one-month history of swelling associated with loosened teeth around upper anteriors. Following incisional biopsy, routine histopathologic and immunohistochemical studies, the diagnosis of plasmablastic lymphoma was given.
Bifurcation from Infinity and Resonance Results at High Eigenvalues in Dimension One
Authors: Gámez José L. , Ruiz-Hidalgo Juan F.
Published: September 2012

This paper is devoted to two different but related tags: firstly, the side of the bifurcation from infinity at every eigenvalue of the problem−u″(t)=λu(t)+g(t,u(t)),u∈H01(0,π), secondly, the solutions of the associated resonant problem at any eigenvalue. From the global shape of the nonlinearitygwe obtain computable integral values which will decide the behavior of the bifurcations and, consequently, the possibility of finding solutions of the resonant problems.
Barriers and Facilitators to Community Mobility for Assistive Technology Users
Authors: Layton Natasha
Published: September 2012

Mobility is frequently described in terms of individual body function and structures however contemporary views of disability also recognise the role of environment in creating disability.Aim. To identify consumer perspectives regarding barriers and facilitators to optimal mobility for a heterogeneous population of impaired Victorians who use assistive technology in their daily lives.Method. An accessible survey investigated the impact of supports or facilitators upon actual and desired life outcomes and health-related quality of life, from 100 AT users in Victoria, Australia. This paper reports upon data pertaining to community mobility.Results. A range of barriers and enablers to community mobility were identified including access to AT devices, environmental interventions, public transport, and inclusive community environs. Substantial levels of unmet need result in limited personal mobility and community participation. Outcomes fall short of many principles enshrined in current policy and human rights frameworks.Conclusion. AT devices as well as accessible and inclusive home and community environs are essential to maximizing mobility for many. Given the impact of the environment upon the capacity of individuals to realise community mobility, this raises the question as to whether rehabilitation practitioners, as well as prescribing AT devices, should work to build accessible communities via systemic advocacy.
Numerical Modelling of Oil Spills in the Area of Kvarner and Rijeka Bay (The Northern Adriatic Sea)
Authors: Lončar Goran , Beg Paklar Gordana , Janeković Ivica
Published: September 2012

Several hypothetical cases of oil spills from tankers in the Kvarner and Rijeka Bay were analyzed using three‐dimensional circulation models coupled with oil spill model. Two circulation models—local one covering the area of Kvarner Bay, Rijeka Bay, and Vinodol channel along with the basin‐wide one covering the whole Adriatic Sea—are connected through the one‐way nesting procedure by imposing the results from the Adriatic model to the open boundaries of the local one. Oil spill model relays on the current fields obtained by the local circulation model during all our simulations. Spreading of the oil pollution from three hypothetical positions of tanker accidents in the local model domain was simulated for the periods of 10 “winter‐season” and “summer‐season” days. The oil spill model results show that the hypothetical tanker accidents in the center of the Rijeka Bay are the most dangerous for the studied area in both seasons. Summer‐season case shows significantly worse situation from the ecological point of view, oil spills spread on the larger area simply because stratification and mixing present during the winter period reduce oil slick effect.
q-Hyperconvexity in Quasipseudometric Spaces and Fixed Point Theorems
Authors: Künzi Hans-Peter A. , Olela Otafudu Olivier
Published: September 2012

In a previous work, we started investigating the concept of hyperconvexity in quasipseudometric spaces which we calledq-hyperconvexity or Isbell-convexity. In this paper, we continue our studies of this concept, generalizing further known results about hyperconvexity from the metric setting to our theory. In particular, in the present paper, we consider subspaces ofq-hyperconvex spaces and also present some fixed point theorems for nonexpansive self-maps on a boundedq-hyperconvex quasipseudometric space. In analogy with a metric result, we show among other things that a set-valued mappingT∗on aq-hyperconvexT0-quasimetric space (X, d) which takes values in the space of nonempty externallyq-hyperconvex subsets of (X, d) always has a single-valued selectionTwhich satisfiesd(T(x),T(y))≤dH(T∗(x),T∗(y))wheneverx,y∈X. (Here,dHdenotes the usual (extended) Hausdorff quasipseudometric determined bydon the set𝒫0(X)of nonempty subsets ofX.)
Improving the Effectiveness of Electronic Health Record-Based Referral Processes
Authors: Esquivel Adol , Sittig Dean F , Murphy Daniel R , Singh Hardeep
Published: September 2012

Electronic health records are increasingly being used to facilitate referral communication in the outpatient setting. However, despite support by technology, referral communication between primary care providers and specialists is often unsatisfactory and is unable to eliminate care delays. This may be in part due to lack of attention to how information and communication technology fits within the social environment of health care. Making electronic referral communication effective requires a multifaceted “socio-technical” approach. Using an 8-dimensional socio-technical model for health information technology as a framework, we describe ten recommendations that represent good clinical practices to design, develop, implement, improve, and monitor electronic referral communication in the outpatient setting. These recommendations were developed on the basis of our previous work, current literature, sound clinical practice, and a systems-based approach to understanding and implementing health information technology solutions. Recommendations are relevant to system designers, practicing clinicians, and other stakeholders considering use of electronic health records to support referral communication.
Temporal regulation of HTLV-2 expression in infected cell lines and patients: evidence for distinct expression kinetics with nuclear accumulation of APH-2 mRNA
Authors: Bender Cecilia , Rende Francesca , Cotena Alessia , Righi Paola , Ronzi Paola , Cavallari Ilaria , Casoli Claudio , Ciminale Vincenzo , Bertazzoni Umberto
Published: September 2012

Background

Human T-cell leukemia virus types 1 and 2 (HTLV-1 and HTLV-2) are delta retroviruses with similar genetic organization. Although both viruses immortalize T-cells in vitro, they exhibit distinct pathogenic potential in vivo. To search for possible differences in its expression strategy with respect to HTLV-1, we investigated the pattern of HTLV-2 expression in infected cell lines and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from infected patients using splice site-specific quantitative RT-PCR.

Findings

A novel alternative splice acceptor site for exon 2 was identified; its usage in env transcripts was found to be subtype-specific. Time-course analysis revealed a two-phase expression kinetics in an infected cell line and in PBMCs of two of the three patients examined; this pattern was reminiscent of HTLV-1. In addition, the minus-strand APH2 transcript was mainly detected in the nucleus, a feature that was similar to its HTLV-1 orthologue HBZ. In contrast to HTLV-1, expression of the mRNA encoding the main regulatory proteins Tax and Rex and that of the mRNAs encoding the p28 and truncated Rex inhibitors is skewed towards p28/truncated Rex inhibitors in HTLV-2.

Conclusion

Our data suggest a general converging pattern of expression of HTLV-2 and HTLV-1 and highlight peculiar differences in the expression of regulatory proteins that might influence the pathobiology of these viruses.
Enlightening Harmonies: Rameau's corps sonore and the Representation of the Divine in the tragédie en musique
Authors: Burgess Geoffrey
Published: September 2012

In his late writings, Jean-Philippe Rameau attributed mystical, almost divine qualities to the corps sonore, a fundamental element in his theory of harmonic generation. This article traces the use that Rameau made of the corps sonore in his stage works as part of a tradition of the oracular pronouncements in the French opera. In addition to using it to symbolize enlightenment, starting from the late 1740s Rameau used it to accompany the spells of the benevolent magicians who take the place of the deities of Classical mythology. The fact that the librettist of these works, Louis de Cahusac, was closely associated with Freemasonry substantiates a case for the influence of progressive philosophy over Rameau. This impacted not only the thematics of his stage works, but the symbolic use of the corps sonore in his musical philosophy and the political message conveyed through his operas.
Online Trust and Health Information Websites
Authors: Corritore Cynthia L. , Wiedenbeck Susan , Kracher Beverly , Marble Robert P.
Published: September 2012

Health care websites are important to people managing their health. But the quality of the information on health care websites varies, so it’s hard for users to decide whether to trust their information. This study develops and tests a model of the factors influencing users’ initial trust of a health care website. The factors are perceived credibility, risk, and ease of use. A survey instrument was developed to test the model with 176 participants who interacted with a health care website. It had strong statistical reliability and validity, and the model showed a statistically strong fit to the data. Users’ website trust was significantly explained by users’ perceptions of website credibility, ease of use, and risk. Ease of use directly predicted trust, and affected trust indirectly through credibility. Credibility was a direct predictor of trust and an indirect predictor of trust through risk. Variance explained by the model was high, 0.73.