bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Highly Sensitive Hydrogen Peroxide Biosensor Based on Hemoglobin Immobilized on Cadmium Sulfide Quantum Dots/Chitosan Composite Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Butwong Nutthaya , Zhou Lin , Moore Eric , Srijaranai Supalax , Luong John H. T. , Glennon Jeremy D.
Published: October 2014

An L‐cysteine capped cadmium sulfide‐chitosan nanocomposite has been synthesized, characterized and used for surface modification of a glassy carbon electrode. With direct electron transfer, hemoglobin (Hb) adsorbed strongly on the nanocomposite and displayed excellent bioelectrocatalysis for H2O2. The biosensor was capable of reducing H2O2 at −0.35 V, with a detection limit of 3.13 nM, linearity in the range of 15 nM to 10 µM and a response time of less than 2 s. The MichaelisMenten constant (KM) was 0.57 nM, attesting high bioelectrocatalysis of immobilized Hb for H2O2. Reproducibility of the fabrication method was very satisfactory with a relative standard deviation of 5.3 %. The biosensor lost only 6.5 % of its original response after 7 days when stored in a pH 7.4 PBS at 4 °C.
Sensitive Detection of Transcription Factor Kaiso via Self‐Assembly of DNA on an Electrode Surface
Authors: Li Xiaoxi , Yang Nana , Zhang Yuanyuan , Li Hao , Yin Tingting , Sun Lizhou , Li Genxi
Published: October 2014

Here we report a novel method based on the assembly of DNA nanowire on an electrode surface for amplified detection of an essential transcription factor protein named Kaiso, the aberrant expression of which is involved in various kinds of tumors. This method allows efficient bioanalysis of Kaiso in three breast cancer cell lines to be conducted, thus the malignancy degree of the cell lines can be evaluated by using this method. The proposed method also shows desirable sensitivity, high selectivity, and excellent reproducibility, implying that this method may hold considerable potential for clinical diagnosis in the future.
Coextraction and PCR Based Analysis of Nucleic Acids From Formalin‐Fixed Paraffin‐Embedded Specimens
Authors: Ghatak Souvik , sanga Zothan , Pautu Jeremy L. , Kumar Nachimuthu Senthil
Published: October 2014

Background

Retrospective studies of archived human specimens, with known clinical follow‐up, are used to identify predictive and prognostic molecular markers of disease. Due to biochemical differences, however, formalin‐fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) DNA and RNA have generally been extracted separately from either different tissue sections or from the same section by dividing the digested tissue. Our optimized co‐extraction approach provides the option of collecting DNA, which would otherwise be discarded or degraded, for additional or subsequent studies because of the high importance and less availability of clinical FFPE specimen.

Methods

Coextraction of DNA and RNA from a single gastric cancer FFPE specimen was optimized by using TRIzol and purifying DNA from the lower aqueous and RNA from the upper organic phases. The protocol involves modification of incubation period for 30 min with proteinase K in glycin‐tris‐ethylenediamine tetra acetic acid buffer before adding TRIzol.

Results

All samples tested successfully performed semiquantitative gene expression by reverse transcriptase PCR. The quantity and quality of DNA from FFPE samples was high which resulted in successful PCR amplification. The isolated DNA also aided in detection of Helicobacter pylori by amplifying the ribosomal 16S gene in a multiplex PCR reaction along with cagA.

Conclusion

These results show that the RNA/DNA isolated by this method can be used for easy clinical diagnosis of disease‐related gene expression as well as mutation and pathogen detection from a homogenous population of tumor cells.
Establishment and Evaluation of a One‐Step Microplate Chemiluminescence Immunoassay to Detect IgG Antibody Against Treponema Pallidum
Authors: Liu Lijuan , Xie Yuling , Dai Zhenxian , Zhuo Chuanshang , Wu Yushui
Published: October 2014

Background

The serological detection of specific antibodies against Treponema pallidum is of particular importance in the diagnosis of syphilis. The chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) has been widely used for clinical diagnosis because they remit no radical waste products, cause no enzyme precipitation, and exhibit an excellent sensitivity.

Methods

A one‐step CLIA was established to detect T. pallidum IgG antibody based on microplate coated with a mixture of recombinant T. pallidum antigens TpN15, TpN17, and TpN47. The Chinese national reference substances standard panel for T. pallidum diagnosis was applied to test the accuracy, stability, interference, and cross‐reactivity of the established CLIA. The validation of efficacy for clinical application was performed by comparing the established method with the marketed T. pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA) kit and the Abbott ARCHITEC Auto System.

Results

The established method met the requirement of the Chinese national reference substances standard for T. pallidum diagnosis. When compared with TPPA (n = 1,052), the specificity, sensitivity, and overall concordance were 99.7%, 99.0%, and 98.8% respectively, showing a great agreement with a kappa value of 0.81. When compared with the Abbott ARCHITEC Auto System (n = 352), the results showed that the specificity, sensitivity, and overall concordance were 98.6.0%, 96.6% and 98.6% respectively, and a high‐degree agreement was observed (kappa value = 0.95).

Conclusion

The established rapid, specific, sensitive, and stable microplate CLIA method to detect IgG antibody against T pallidum will provide an efficient alternative to the treponemal tests and wide application in clinical laboratory.
Parallelized multilevel fast multipole algorithm for scattering by objects with anisotropic impedance surfaces
Authors: Zhang Kedi , Jin Jian‐Ming
Published: October 2014

A parallelized multilevel fast multipole algorithm (MLFMA) is presented for simulating electromagnetic scattering from complex targets with anisotropic impedance surfaces. By employing both surface electric and magnetic currents as unknowns and weakly enforcing the anisotropic impedance boundary condition, a combined integral equation is formulated to generate a set of well‐conditioned linear systems to be solved by MLFMA. To further improve the iterative convergence of the linear systems, a parallel sparse approximate inverse preconditioner is constructed from the near‐field interaction of the system matrix. The MLFMA is parallelized to enable computation on a large number of processors for large‐scale problems. Several numerical examples are presented to validate the algorithm and demonstrate its accuracy, scalability, and capability in handling large complex objects with anisotropic impedance surfaces. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance and stability analysis of monolayer single‐walled carbon nanotube interconnects
Authors: Zhao Wen‐Sheng , Wang Gaofeng , Hu Jun , Sun Lingling , Hong Hui
Published: October 2014

In this paper, the monolayer single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) interconnects are modeled and investigated comprehensively. On the basis of the ratio of the resistance–capacitance values between Cu and SWCNT interconnects, it is demonstrated that the monolayer SWCNT interconnect can provide comparable and even better performance than Cu wire at the 19 nm technology node and beyond. Furthermore, the relative stability analysis is carried out for the monolayer SWCNT interconnects by investigating the relative position of the Nyquist diagram with respect to the critical point (−1, 0). It is shown that the relative stability can be improved by increasing the length and decreasing the SWCNT diameter. Meanwhile, the relative stability also can be improved with the technology advancement. Finally, the crosstalk effects are studied on the basis of the tri‐interconnect architecture. As the monolayer SWCNT interconnects possess much smaller capacitance, the signal integrity can be improved, with the peak noise voltage suppressed greatly. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Elemental composition of serpentine plants depends on habitat affinity and organ type
Authors: DeHart Kyle S. , Meindl George A. , Bain Daniel J. , Ashman Tia‐Lynn
Published: October 2014

Serpentine soils represent a stressful growing environment for most plants due to a number of edaphic factors, including low concentrations of plant nutrients and high concentrations of heavy metals. Plants in these environments range from weakly resistant to strictly endemic, yet it remains unclear whether serpentine habitat affinity affects plant chemistry, including elemental distribution among various organs. We address this knowledge gap using three confamilial pairs of endemic and non‐endemic plants. First, we determined total and phytoavailable soil concentrations of four nutrients (Ca, Mg, P, K) and three heavy metals (Co, Cr, Ni) across 11 serpentine study sites. Next, we determined the concentrations of these elements in leaves, flowers, and seeds in plants of each species growing on serpentine soil. Soils at the study sites were characteristically high in concentrations of Mg, Ni, Co and Cr, and low in K, P and Ca relative to non‐serpentine soils. Habitat affinity was critical in determining the organ concentrations of Ca, Mg, K, and Co, although concentration often varied by organ type. Relative to non‐endemics, endemics had higher concentrations of Mg and K across all organ types, whereas Ca concentrations were higher for non‐endemics in the leaves but equal for the two reproductive organs. While no difference was observed in Ni or Cr concentrations, endemics contained 56% less Co than non‐endemics across all organ types. These results suggest that serpentine endemics are more effective at acquiring potentially limiting nutrients compared to non‐endemic species, but both endemic and non‐endemic plants exclude most phytotoxic heavy metals. Therefore, growth on serpentine requires common physiological responses of all plants, though high variation in uptake of some key nutrients and exclusion of some metals may reflect differential adaptation to serpentines by non‐endemic and endemic plants.
End Group Modification of Polynorbornenes
Authors: Lin Ting‐Wei , Chou Chih‐Ming , Lin Nai‐Ti , Lin Cheng‐Lan , Luh Tien‐Yau
Published: October 2014

Polynorbornenes with allylic acetoxy terminus are obtained by ring‐opening metathesis polymerization of the norbornene derivatives followed by quenching with 1,4‐diacetoxy‐2Z‐butene. Treatment of these polymers with a range of nucleophiles in the presence of a Pd‐catalyst gives the corresponding polynorbornenes bearing different end groups. The same protocol is used to modify the end groups of polymeric ladderphanes. Incorporation of an end‐group‐modified polynorbornene on indium tin oxide (ITO) surface perturbs the electrochemical properties of the ITO electrode.

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Effects of Thermal Annealing and Solvent Annealing on the Morphologies and Properties of Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) Nanowires
Authors: Fu Chuan‐Min , Jeng Kai‐Sheng , Li Yu‐Hsun , Hsu Yuan‐Chen , Chi Mu‐Huan , Jian Wen‐Bin , Chen Jiun‐Tai
Published: October 2014

In recent years, poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) nanowires have attracted great interest because of their unique physical and electronic properties. The annealing effects on the properties and morphologies of P3HT nanowires, however, are still not fully understood. In this work, the effects of thermal annealing and solvent annealing on the morphologies and crystallinities of P3HT nanowires prepared by the whisker method are studied. P3HT is first dissolved in heated p‐xylene, followed by a cooling process to room temperature, and P3HT nanowires are formed by self‐assembly. The crystallinities of the P3HT nanowires are observed to increase by both thermal annealing and solvent annealing, as confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry and X‐ray diffraction. The device performances of organic field‐effect transistors based on the annealed nanowires are also examined. After annealing, an enhancement of the charge mobility by one order is observed.

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Die Temperatur bei der Bestimmung der Parameter TOC und TNb
Authors: Hupach Sascha
Published: October 2014

Bei der TOC‐Bestimmung mit katalytischer Verbrennungsoxidation bleiben anorganische Stoffe, darunter Salze, auf dem Katalysator zurück. Sie schädigen ihn, wenn sie bei zu hoher Verbrennungstemperatur schmelzen. Oxidation bei 680 °C setzt die organischen Stoffe vollständig um, Salzschmelzen bleiben aus.
Biosynthese der Phenazine
Authors: Diederich Christina , Leypold Mario , Breinbauer Rolf , Blankenfeldt Wulf
Published: October 2014

Phenazine sind farbige Verbindungen synthetischen und natürlichen Ursprungs. Sie standen am Anfang der synthetischen Farbenindustrie und führten zu wichtigen Entdeckungen in der Mikrobiologie. Ihre strukturelle Symmetrie spiegelt sich in ihrer Biosynthese wider.
Nitrit: Raus aus der Wurst?
Authors: Osterath Brigitte
Published: October 2014

Nitritpökelsalz macht Fleisch schmackhaft, appetitlich rot und schützt vor Keimen. Aber es steht im Verdacht, Krebs zu erzeugen. Reicht ein Verdacht aus, um der Fleischindustrie ein wichtiges Hilfsmittel wegzunehmen?
Ein brisantes Element
Authors: Rudnik Julian
Published: October 2014

Phosphor ist ein alter Bekannter. Als vermeintlich längst vergessene Hinterlassenschaft taucht elementarer weißer Phosphor heute manchmal zunächst unbemerkt im Alltag auf — mit gefährlichen Folgen.
Sorgenkind systemischer Pflanzenschutz
Authors: Groß Michael
Published: October 2014

Das Beizen von Saatgut mit Pflanzenschutzmitteln galt ursprünglich als umweltfreundliche Alternative zum Sprühen. Dann wurden die Mittel mit dem Bienensterben in Verbindung gebracht, und jetzt befürchten Biologen, dass die Anreicherung in Böden und Gewässern sogar Vögeln und Fischen schadet.
A cost‐effectiveness analysis of cell free DNA as a replacement for serum screening for Down syndrome
Authors: Walker Brandon S. , Jackson Brian R. , LaGrave Danielle , Ashwood Edward R. , Schmidt Robert L.
Published: October 2014

Objective

The aim of this article is to determine the cost effectiveness of cell free DNA (cfDNA) as a replacement for integrated screening using a societal cost perspective.

Method

This study used Monte‐Carlo simulation with one‐way and probabilistic sensitivity analysis.

Results

Cell free DNA is more effective and less costly than integrated screening. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio for cfDNA relative to the integrated test was −$277 955 per case detected (95th percent confidence interval −$881 882 to $532 785).

Conclusion

Cell free DNA screening is a cost‐effective replacement for maternal serum screening when the lifetime costs of Down syndrome live births are considered. The adoption of cfDNA screening would save approximately $277 955 for each additional case detected over integrated screening. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A mixture model for the analysis of data derived from record linkage
Authors: Hof M. H. P. , Zwinderman A. H.
Published: October 2014

Combining information from two data sources depends on finding records that belong to the same individual (matches). Sometimes, unique identifiers per individual are not available, and we have to rely on partially identifying variables that are registered in both data sources. A risk of relying on these variables is that some records from both datasets are wrongly linked to each other, which introduces bias in further regression analyses. In this paper, we propose a mixture model where we treat the indicator whether records belong to the same individual as missing. Each pair of records from both datasets contributes independently to a pairwise pseudo‐likelihood, which we maximize with an expectation–maximization algorithm. Each part of the pseudo‐likelihood is parameterized by the appropriate (parametric) density function. Moreover, some structures of the data allow for simplifying assumptions, which makes the pseudo‐likelihood considerably easier to parameterize. Because the optimization requires a product over all combinations of records from both datasets, we suggest a procedure that summarizes information from highly unlikely matches. With simulations, we showed that the new approach produces accurate estimates in different linkage scenarios. Moreover, the estimator remained accurate in scenarios where previously proposed analysis approaches give biased results. We applied the method to estimation of the association between pregnancy duration of the first and second born children from the same mother from a register without mother identifier. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
R-parity conservation from a top down perspective
Authors: Acharya Bobby S. , Kane Gordon L. , Kumar Piyush , Lu Ran , Zheng Bob
Published: October 2014

Abstract

Motivated by results from the LHC and dark matter searches, we study the possibility of phenomenologically viable R-parity violation in SU(5) GUT models from a top-down point of view. We show that in contrast to the more model dependent bounds on the proton lifetime, the limits on neutrino masses provide a robust, stringent and complementary constraint on all SU(5) GUT-based R-parity violating models. Focusing on wellmotivated string/M theory GUT frameworks with mechanisms for doublet-triplet splitting and a solution to the μ/Bμ problems, we show that imposing the neutrino mass bounds implies that R-parity violation is disfavored. The arguments can also be generalized to minimal SO(10) GUTs. An experimental observation of R-parity violation would, therefore, disfavor such classes of top-down GUT models.
A Qualitative Evaluation of the Psychosocial Impact of Family History Screening in Australian Primary Care
Authors: Reid Gabrielle T. , Walter Fiona M. , Emery Jon D.
Published: October 2014

Whilst the family history is perceived as a routine part of the medical family history it is not used in a systematic way to tailor disease prevention in primary care. Family history questionnaires (FHQs) may have an important role in primary care as a screening tool to support tailored disease prevention. The potential harms and benefits of family history screening in primary care require investigation before routine adoption. This study aimed: first to explore the experience and impact of family history collection via a novel family history questionnaire and subsequent familial risk assessment, and secondly, to assess the acceptability and feasibility of using the questionnaire in Australian primary care. Twenty‐eight semi‐structured telephone interviews were conducted with patients already enrolled in a family history screening study through their family physician. Qualitative constant comparative analysis was undertaken of transcript data. Common themes included the way in which the family unit, individual stage of life and a number of external triggers interact and contribute to how an individual comes to terms with familial disease risk. Unique findings emerged relating to the Australian perspective of participants. Living in Australia created a barrier to effective communication amongst family members about family health, and family history collection. In addition to the vast geographical distance both within Australia, and between Australia and other countries, there was an additional sense of isolation described within an historical context. The family history screening questionnaire was considered user‐friendly and a worthwhile approach to supporting disease prevention in primary care, although some participants did not retain an accurate understanding of their familial cancer risk. In conclusion, a person's response to family history screening is reliant on a complex interplay of family, personal and external factors, which in turn are driven by their stage of life. The impact of immigration and geographic isolation from family members may further complicate a person's response to undertaking family history screening.
Patient Expectations and Attitudes Towards Specialist Genetic Eye Services
Authors: Clarke E , Combs R , Black G , Hall G
Published: October 2014

Little research has explored the views of patients referred to specialist genetic eye clinics. Future service development must be informed by the perspectives of patients to ensure services are accessible and meet their needs. Semi‐structured telephone interviews were undertaken with patients referred to the Genetic Eye Clinic in Manchester, UK. Participants were interviewed before their first appointment. The interview transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Nine interviews took place. Five participants were adults with sight loss and 4 were the parent/carer of a child patient. The major themes identified were: expectations of a medical‐genetic focus to the clinic, psychological adjustment to the diagnosis of an eye condition impacting on counselling and support needs, lack of preparation and restricted expectations due to unfamiliarity with the service and positive attitudes towards genetic research and testing. Key motivating factors for patients attending specialist ophthalmic genetic services are medical‐genetic orientated, including accurate diagnostic and prognostic information, participation in research and clarification of recurrence risks. Some barriers to patients accessing and fully engaging with services were identified. There is a need to raise awareness of the specialist service amongst the public, patient organisations and professionals. Facilitating patient preparation for clinic could improve patient outcomes, and the need for integrated services is reinforced. The results feed into the development of a best practice model for the delivery of specialist ophthalmic genetic services.
Influence of gangue existing states in iron ores on the formation and flow of liquid phase during sintering
Authors: Zhang Guo-liang , Wu Sheng-li , Chen Shao-guo , Su Bo , Que Zhi-gang , Hou Chao-gang
Published: October 2014

Gangue existing states largely affect the high-temperature characteristics of iron ores. Using a micro-sintering method and scanning electron microscopy, the effects of gangue content, gangue type, and gangue size on the assimilation characteristics and fluidity of liquid phase of five different iron ores were analyzed in this study. Next, the mechanism based on the reaction between gangues and sintering materials was unraveled. The results show that, as the SiO2 levels increase in the iron ores, the lowest assimilation temperature (LAT) decreases, whereas the index of fluidity of liquid phase (IFL) increases. Below 1.5wt%, Al2O3 benefits the assimilation reaction, but higher concentrations proved detrimental. Larger quartz particles increase the SiO2 levels at the local reaction interface between the iron ore and CaO, thereby reducing the LAT. Quartz-gibbsite is more conductive to assimilation than kaolin. Quartz-gibbsite and kaolin gangues encourage the formation of liquid-phase low-Al2O3-SFCA with high IFL and high-Al2O3-SFCA with low IFL, respectively.
Compensation functions for factors of shifts of finite type
Authors: ANTONIOLI JOHN
Published: October 2014

Let ${\it\pi}:X\rightarrow Y$ be an infinite-to-one factor map, where $X$ is a shift of finite type. A compensation function relates equilibrium states on $X$ to equilibrium states on $Y$. The $p$-Dini condition is given as a way of measuring the smoothness of a continuous function, with $1$-Dini corresponding to functions with summable variation. Two types of compensation functions are defined in terms of this condition. Given a fully supported invariant measure ${\it\nu}$ on $Y$, we show that the relative equilibrium states of a $1$-Dini function $f$ over ${\it\nu}$ are themselves fully supported, and have positive relative entropy. We then show that there exists a compensation function which is $p$-Dini for all $p>1$ which has relative equilibrium states supported by a subshift on which ${\it\pi}$ is a finite-to-one map onto $Y$.
The Diagnostic Apathia Scale predicts a dose–remission relationship of T-PEMF in treatment-resistant depression
Authors: Bech Per , Lunde Marianne , Lauritzen Lise , Straasø Birgit , Lindberg Lone , Vinberg Maj , Undén Mogens , Hellström Lone Christina , Dissing Steen , Larsen Erik Roj
Published: October 2014

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive validity of the apathy subsyndrome in patients with therapy-resistant depression in the dose–remission study with transcranial pulsating electromagnetic fields (T-PEMF).

Methods

The apathy subsyndrome consists of the symptoms of fatigue, concentration and memory problems, lack of interests, difficulties in making decisions, and sleep problems. We evaluated 65 patients with therapy-resistant depression. In total, 34 of these patients received placebo T-PEMF in the afternoon and active T-PEMF in the morning, that is, one daily dose. The remaining 31 patients received active T-PEMF twice daily. Duration of treatment was 8 weeks in both groups. The Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D17) and the Bech-Rafaelsen Melancholia Scale (MES) were used to measure remission. We also focused on the Diagnostic Apathia Scale, which is based on a mixture of items from the MINI and the HAM-D17/MES.

Results

In patients without apathy, the remission rate after T-PEMF was 83.9% versus 58.8% in patients with apathy (p≤0.05). In patients without apathy receiving one active dose daily 94.4% remitted versus 50% for patients with apathy (p≤0.05). In patients without apathy who received two active doses 69.9% remitted versus 66.7% for patients with apathy (p≤0.05).

Conclusion

Taking the baseline diagnosis of the apathy syndrome into consideration, we found that in patients without apathy one daily dose of T-PEMF is sufficient, but in patients with apathy two daily doses are necessary. Including the apathy syndrome as predictor in future studies would seem to be clinically relevant.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: need for a balanced nutritional source
Authors: Veena Jayagopalan , Muragundla Anjaneyulu , Sidgiddi Srinivas , Subramaniam Swaminathan
Published: October 2014

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are an increasingly common chronic liver disease closely associated with diabetes and obesity that have reached epidemic proportions. Reports on the prevalence of NAFLD have suggested that 27–34 % of the general population in the USA and 40–90 % of the obese population worldwide have this disease. Increasing urbanisation rate and associated inappropriate lifestyle changes are not only the risk factors of diabetes, but also unmask genetic predisposition in various populations for the metabolic syndrome and its manifestations including NAFLD and NASH. Lifestyle modifications and balanced nutrition are among the foremost management strategies along with ursodeoxycholic acid, metformin, vitamin E and pentoxifylline. Although weight reduction associated with current therapeutic strategies has shown some promise, maintaining it in the long run is largely unsuccessful. With the safety of pharmacotherapy still being uncertain and can be started only after confirmation, other reasonable interventions such as nutrition hold promise in preventing disease progression. The role of dietary components including branched-chain amino acids, methionine, choline and folic acid is currently being evaluated in various clinical trials. Nutritional approaches sought to overcome the limitations of pharmacotherapy also include evaluating the effects of natural ingredients, such as silymarin and spirulina, on liver disease. Understanding the specific interaction between nutrients and dietary needs in NAFLD and maintaining this balance through either a diet or a nutritional product thus becomes extremely important in providing a more realistic and feasible alternative to treat NAFLD. A planned complete nutritional combination addressing specific needs and helping to prevent the progression of NAFLD is the need of the hour to avert people from ending up with complications.
Acute and 3-month effects of microcrystalline hydroxyapatite, calcium citrate and calcium carbonate on serum calcium and markers of bone turnover: a randomised controlled trial in postmenopausal women
Authors: Bristow Sarah M. , Gamble Greg D. , Stewart Angela , Horne Lauren , House Meaghan E. , Aati Opetaia , Mihov Borislav , Horne Anne M. , Reid Ian R.
Published: October 2014

Ca supplements are used for bone health; however, they have been associated with increased cardiovascular risk, which may relate to their acute effects on serum Ca concentrations. Microcrystalline hydroxyapatite (MCH) could affect serum Ca concentrations less than conventional Ca supplements, but its effects on bone turnover are unclear. In the present study, we compared the acute and 3-month effects of MCH with conventional Ca supplements on concentrations of serum Ca, phosphate, parathyroid hormone and bone turnover markers. We randomised 100 women (mean age 71 years) to 1 g/d of Ca as citrate or carbonate (citrate–carbonate), one of two MCH preparations, or a placebo. Blood was sampled for 8 h after the first dose, and after 3 months of daily supplementation. To determine whether the acute effects changed over time, eight participants assigned to the citrate dose repeated 8 h of blood sampling at 3 months. There were no differences between the citrate and carbonate groups, or between the two MCH groups, so their results were pooled. The citrate–carbonate dose increased ionised and total Ca concentrations for up to 8 h, and this was not diminished after 3 months. MCH increased ionised Ca concentrations less than the citrate–carbonate dose; however, it raised the concentrations of phosphate and the Ca–phosphate product. The citrate–carbonate and MCH doses produced comparable decreases in bone resorption (measured as serum C-telopeptide (CTX)) over 8 h and bone turnover (CTX and procollagen type-I N-terminal propeptide) at 3 months. These findings suggest that Ca preparations, in general, produce repeated sustained increases in serum Ca concentrations after ingestion of each dose and that Ca supplements with smaller effects on serum Ca concentrations may have equivalent efficacy in suppressing bone turnover.
Identification of the 2-tridecanone responsive region in the promoter of cytochrome P450CYP6B6of the cotton bollworm,Helicoverpa armigera(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Li F. , Liu X.N. , Zhu Y. , Ma J. , Liu N. , Yang J.H.
Published: October 2014

Eukaryote transcription is controlled by regulatory DNA sequences and transcription factors, so transcriptional control of gene plays a pivotal role in gene expression. In this study, we identified the region of theCYP6B6gene promoter ofHelicoverpa armigerawhich responds to the plant secondary toxicant 2-tridecanone. Transient transfection assay results from five of stepwise deletion fragments linked to the luciferase reporter gene revealed that the promoter activity of eachCYP6B6fragment was significantly higher than that of their basal activity after the Sf9 cells were treated with 2-tridecanone. Among all, the fragment spanning −373 to +405 bp of theCYP6B6promoter showed an obviously 2-tridecanone inducibility (P<0.0001), which might have the 2-tridecanone responsive element based on promoter activity. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that the nuclear protein extracted from midgut of the 6th instar larva ofH. armigera, reared on 10 mg 2-tridecanone per gram artificial diet for 48 h, could specifically bind to the active region from −373 to 21 bp of theCYP6B6promoter. The combination feature also appeared when using a shorter fragment from −292 to −154 bp of theCYP6B6promoter. Taken together, we found a 2-tridecanone core responsive region between −292 and −154 bp of theCYP6B6promoter. This may lead us to a better understanding of transcriptional mechanism of P450 gene and provide very useful information for the pest control.
National Security Evidence: Enhancing Fairness in View of the Non-Disclosure Regime of the Rome Statute
Authors: Zemach Ariel
Published: October 2014

The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court completely divests the Court of the power to compel a state to disclose evidence in its possession if the state opposes such disclosure on grounds of national security. If a state refuses to disclose information essential to the adjudication of a case on national security grounds, the ICC may settle fair trial concerns either by drawing factual inferences favourable to the defendant or by staying the proceedings. I argue, however, that in practice such judicial powers do not provide a sufficient guarantee of a fair trial. I propose to allay fair trial concerns arising from the refusal of states to allow the ICC access to evidence in their possession by introducing a reform in the exercise of the ICC's prosecutorial discretion. According to my proposal, the requirement of a fair trial, which entails the disclosure of material essential for the defence, would be incorporated into the criteria that guide the ICC Prosecutor in the selection of cases for prosecution. Although the present article focuses on the issue of national security evidence, the reach of the proposed reform extends to all cases of state refusal to allow the ICC access to evidence, regardless of the grounds for refusal.
Public Morals and the European Convention on Human Rights
Authors: Perrone Roberto
Published: October 2014

The protection of ‘morals’ appears frequently as a limitation on the exercise of fundamental rights, both in international covenants and in constitutional charters. The European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights is not an exception, and ‘public morals’ may be called upon to justify the restriction of several important rights granted by the Convention, such as freedom of expression or the right to respect for private and family life. To avoid arbitrary restrictions of these rights it is important to understand the meaning of this general clause. This article aims to suggest a reading of the ‘public morals’ clause that singles out its scope and its boundaries.
A Basic Right to Marry: Israeli Style
Authors: Blecher-Prigat Ayelet
Published: October 2014

This article questions the value of the basic right to marry that was recognised by the Israeli Supreme Court in the early 2000s as part of the basic right to human dignity. Since its early days, Israeli law has developed a tradition that has diminished the significance of formal marriage as a way to bypass the religious-based restrictions on marriage in Israel, with the emphasis instead on the idea of functional joint intimate lives.

Against this legal background, the article explores the basic right to marry. It discusses and analyses the Supreme Court cases that have recognised a basic right to marry. It then considers several options to help in understanding the meaning of this right, and supports an understanding of the right to marry within a framework of equality, according to which human dignity requires equality in affording official recognition to intimate partnerships. Nonetheless, given the potentially limited effect of a basic right to marry in Israel, the article considers the idea of abolishing legal marriage in Israel altogether. Responding to potential critique by reference to the unique Israeli context, it suggests that such abolition could resolve the continuous conflict between Israel's self-definition as a Jewish state and its self-definition as a democratic state in the context of recognising adult intimate relationships. As presented in this article, constitutional limitations do not stand in the way for the State of Israel to abolish legal marriage.
A database system for the registration of complications and failures in cochlear implant surgery applied to over 1000 implantations performed in Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Authors: Theunisse H J , Mulder J J , Pennings R J E , Kunst H P M , Mylanus E A M
Published: October 2014

Objective:

To create a system for the uniform registration and classification of complications and failures in cochlear implant surgery, and apply it to all the patients who underwent implantation in our clinic.

Method:

The definition of a medical complication was established, and data for all cochlear implantations performed between 1987 and 2012 were entered into a custom-made database system.

Results:

One or more medical complications were registered in 19.0 per cent of 1003 cochlear implantations. The incidence of ‘hard failure’ was 2.3 per cent. Findings revealed a decrease in device failures over the years; the rate of medical complications remained constant.

Conclusion:

Our database system, which is available free of charge, enables fast and accurate data entry. There were a relatively high number of (minor) complications in our series, but comparison with the relevant literature is difficult. This emphasises the need for a uniform definition of ‘complication’ as it relates to cochlear implant surgery, and an appropriate classification system for such complications.
The psychosocial impact of hearing aids in children with otitis media with effusion
Authors: Qureishi A , Garas G , Mallick A , Parker D
Published: October 2014

Background:

In children, otitis media with effusion is treated using grommets or hearing aids. Parents considering treatment options express concerns regarding the psychosocial impact of hearing aids in terms of self-esteem and bullying. This study assessed the psychosocial impact of hearing aid use.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was undertaken comparing hearing aid users to non hearing aid users with regard to their attitudes towards hearing aids. All subjects, who had been diagnosed with otitis media with effusion, were aged less than 16 years, were without disability and attended mainstream schools. A questionnaire was designed and utilised.

Results:

The study comprised 47 children with hearing aids and 50 with grommets. Significant between-group differences (p < 0.05) were noted with regard to perceptions related to bullying, feelings of inadequacy and embarrassment. The overall negative perceptions of non hearing aid users were not reported by hearing aid users.

Conclusion:

Children with hearing aids do not suffer from bullying or low self-esteem to the extent perceived by parents. This information is useful for informed decisions regarding treatment of otitis media with effusion.
Mark–recapture investigation onOctopus vulgarisspecimens in an area of the central western Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Mereu Marco , Agus Blondine , Cannas Rita , Cau Alessandro , Coluccia Elisabetta , Cuccu Danila
Published: October 2014

T-bar anchor tags and Petersen discs were used during a preliminary mark–recapture experiment in the wild on 268Octopus vulgaris.Discs, despite causing some injuries, were characterized by a quicker healing (within 5 days) and a higher retention rate than T-bar tags (about 97% versus 22%, respectively), therefore they were considered the best technique for tagging the animals in the subsequent growth studies. From 2010 to 2013, a total of 1604O. vulgaris(74.4% with a total weight <300 g) were tagged with discs and released in an area of the central western Sardinian Sea (western Mediterranean Sea). Ninety-one specimens were recaptured after 4–63 days of freedom, 59 of which (31 males and 28 females) showed positive growth increments after a minimum time of 8 days at liberty. In general, a high individual variability (0.96–9.09 g day−1) and higher mean daily growth rates in females (3.07–3.65 g day−1) than in males (2.08–2.98 g day−1) were recorded, but this difference was not statistically significant. Using tag–recapture data, the first exponential growth curves for both sexes ofOctopus vulgarisof small–medium size from the Mediterranean Sea were obtained, and compared with those available in the literature for the species.
Spatial and temporal variability of small-sized copepod assemblages in a shallow semi-enclosed embayment (Kalloni Gulf, NE Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Papantoniou Georgia , Danielidis Daniel B. , Spyropoulou Alexandra , Fragopoulu Nina
Published: October 2014

The small-sized copepod community structure (<1  mm) and its response to environmental variability was examined during an annual cycle in Kalloni Gulf, a semi-enclosed coastal system in the NE Aegean Sea. Α 90 µm net was used in order to adequately sample the smaller copepod fractions. In the copepod ecology the spatial patterns dominated over the seasonal. Total copepod abundance increased towards the inner gulf area while diversity indices followed the opposite trend. The inner gulf copepod assemblage area was affected by the increasing magnitude of eutrophication, characterized by high abundance values, low species richness and dominance of a single species (e.g.Oithona nana). A clear seasonal succession of species was observed, ordered by temperature, salinity, chlorophyll a, heterotrophic bacterial biomass, organic and inorganic nutrients. Freshwater inputs and the subsequent nutrient inflow was a dominant phenomenon enhancing copepod production and negatively affecting the biodiversity of the assemblage. The great contribution of copepod larval stages in the total community and their year-round presence indicate the continuous production of copepods during the annual cycle, highlight the importance of the smaller size fraction and encourage the use of finer mesh-size nets when assessing the structure and dynamics of copepod communities.
Effects of proximity to offshore fish farms over soft-bottom macrofauna
Authors: Riera Rodrigo , Tuya Fernando , Pérez Óscar , Ramos Eva , Rodríguez Myriam , Monterroso Óscar
Published: October 2014

Sea-cage fish farms impact the seabed within their immediate vicinity, potentially affecting recipient communities. We assessed whether proximity to three sea-cage fish farms at the Canary Islands altered patterns in the abundance, assemblage structure and richness of soft-bottom macrofauna. We related among-farm variability in dissimilarities in macrofaunal assemblage structure between seabeds beneath cages and controls to differences in hydrodynamics, production and seabed topography. Contrasting patterns of species abundances with varying proximity to fish farms were observed: some species decreased while other species increased their abundances with increasing distance at some farms. Although faunal assemblages at 0 m (i.e. beneath the cages) were different, in terms of assemblage structure, from those found at controls, pairwise differences in assemblage structure among distances away varied among the studied fish farms. Species richness showed inconsistent patterns with proximity to cages among fish farms. In summary, inconsistent patterns of macrofaunal assemblages with varying proximity to aquaculture facilities preclude confident predictions on the way offshore aquaculture alters macrofauna in the study region.
Seasonal shift in community pattern of periphytic ciliates and its environmental drivers in coastal waters of the Yellow Sea, northern China
Authors: Zhang Wei , Xu Henglong
Published: October 2014

Ciliates are a primary component of the periphyton microfauna and play a crucial role in the functioning of microbial food webs. Seasonal variation in community structures of periphytic ciliate communities was studied, using glass slides as an artificial substratum, during a 1-year cycle (August 2011–July 2012) in coastal waters of the Yellow Sea, northern China. Samples were collected monthly at a depth of 1 m from four sampling stations. A total of 144 ciliate species representing 78 genera, 43 families, 17 orders and eight classes were recorded. Among these species, 31 distributed in all four seasons, while 11, 11, 13 and two forms occurred only in spring, summer, autumn and winter season, respectively. The species number and total abundance peaked in spring and autumn, with minimum values in winter. Ciliate community structures differed significantly between seasons, and were significantly correlated with the changes in environmental variables, especially temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO) and the nutrients. Of 36 dominant species (top 15 ranked contributors in each season), nine (e.g. Pseudovorticella paracratera, Trochilia minuta and Zoothamnium sp.) were significantly correlated with pH, DO or nutrients. Species richness, evenness and diversity measures were significantly correlated with temperature, pH, DO or soluble reactive phosphates. Results demonstrated that periphytic ciliates exhibited a clear seasonal variation in community structures in response to environmental conditions and potentially might be used as a robust bioindicator for assessing environmental quality status in coastal waters.
Local hunting of carnivores in forested Africa: a meta-analysis
Authors: Doughty Hunter L. , Karpanty Sarah M. , Wilbur Henry M.
Published: October 2014

We conducted a meta-analysis of local hunting practices affecting the carnivores of forested Africa and Madagascar to collate the information available on this subject and to assess underlying trends in offtake rates. We located 62 relevant articles in a detailed literature search; the data included taxa reported as hunted, the purpose of hunting and the hunting method. The families most reported as hunted were Herpestidae and Viverridae (excludingCivettictis civetta), with 32.7 and 19.2% of total records, withC. civettacomprising 13.5% of records andNandina binotata9.9%. Hunting for consumption was the most commonly reported purpose (61.7% of all records). Sale for consumption was associated with 60.5% of all consumption records, and sale of any kind was reported for 56.6% of all records. The number of carnivore carcasses or parts sold at urban markets rose by 8.2% from the 1990s to the 2000s. The commonest hunting methods were traps (31.0% of records) and guns (16.6%). For records reporting the use of guns, 89.4% also reported sale of some kind. We conclude that carnivores are hunted pervasively across the forested regions of mainland Africa and Madagascar, and offtake rates for both personal use and income are probably increasing. These findings have implications for efforts to protect dwindling forest ecosystems and to establish sustainable consumptive practices.
Defenders of Arctic orthodoxy turn their backs on Sir John Franklin
Authors: McGoogan Ken
Published: October 2014

William Barr's article on John Rae presents quite the spectacle (Barr 2014). Barr paints a picture of eminent British historians, staunch defenders of Arctic orthodoxy, scurrying around to deny Rae his rightful recognition and stumbling into an abyss of self-contradiction. In their anxiety to keep Rae in his ‘proper place’ at Westminster Abbey, Barr and his friends have repudiated Sir John Franklin's claim to being the discoverer of the northwest passage – the claim they sallied forth to defend.
The folio issues of the Forsters’ Characteres Generum Plantarum (1775 and 1776): a census of copies
Authors: Rosove Michael H.
Published: October 2014

The Characteres Generum Plantarum of Johann Reinhold Forster and Georg Forster was the principal printed botanical work emanating from James Cook's second voyage of 1772–1775. The printing most frequently encountered is a 31.2 cm quarto dated 1776 that was probably run off in several hundred copies. A single 1775 quarto was recently discovered. Also produced was a well-known but very rare 47.5 cm folio. In this first-ever census of folio copies, two dated 1775 and 14 dated 1776 are verified; their locations, descriptions, and provenances are detailed herein.