bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human β-Defensin 2 Is a Novel Opener of Ca
2+
-Activated Potassium Channels and Induces Vasodilation and Hypotension in Monkeys
Authors: Liu Rui , Zhang Zheng , Liu Huan , Hou Panpan , Lang Jun , Wang Sheng , Yan Hongli , Li Pengcheng , Huang Zhigang , Wu Hongbing , Rong Mingqiang , Huang Jian , Wang Hong , Lv Longbao , Qiu Mingfeng , Ding Jiuping , Lai Ren
Published: June 2013

Human β-defensin 2 (HBD2) is a cysteine-rich cationic antimicrobial peptide known for its important role in innate immune system. Intensive studies have demonstrated its antimicrobial and chemotactic activities in vitro. In this study, ELISA analysis showed that HBD2 was significantly downregulated in sera of patients with hypertension. It relaxed vessel smooth muscle by acting on the major regulatory pathways, contributing to vessel smooth muscle contraction. Electrophysiology analysis indicated that HBD2 acted as an opener of large-conductance Ca
2+
-activated potassium (BK
Ca
)-mSlo+hβ1 channels and increased BK
Ca
currents. Mutation analysis revealed that HBD2 activated BK
Ca
-mSlo+hβ1 channels via interacting with Leu41 and Gln43 of β1-loop. In vivo experiments suggested that HBD2 at 4× to 6× of physiological concentration exerted hypotensive effect in monkeys significantly, whereas the selective blocker of BK
Ca
channels, Paxilline, inhibited the effect. HBD2 is the first peptide opener of BK
Ca
-mSlo+hβ1 channels. It may be a novel regulator of blood pressure and provides a new therapeutic target for the treatment of hypertension. The HBD2 blockade of the BK
Ca
channels may represent a new type of cross-talk between immune and cardiovascular systems.
Hypertension After Preeclampsia Is Preceded by Changes in Cardiac Structure and Function
Authors: Ghossein-Doha Chahinda , Peeters Louis , van Heijster Sanne , van Kuijk Sander , Spaan Julia , Delhaas Tammo , Spaanderman Marc
Published: June 2013

Preeclampsia is associated with a 4-fold higher risk for developing remote chronic hypertension. Preeclampsia is accompanied by left ventricular hypertrophy and decreased diastolic function, which may or may not resolve postpartum. We tested the hypothesis that increased measures of cardiac geometry and decreased cardiac function persisting for ≥6 months postpartum in normotensive women with a history of preeclampsia precede the development of later chronic hypertension. Formerly preeclamptic women (n=652) underwent echocardiography at 9 months (range, 6–19) postpartum. We excluded women with preexisting hypertension (n=42), hypertension at the postpartum screening (n=133), and those that did not return any checklist (n=128). Eventually, 349 women were included. Remote health was evaluated by a biennially checklist. We used Cox regression for analysis. Twenty-seven (8%) normotensive women had developed chronic hypertension during a medium follow-up period of 6 years. At screening they differed from their counterparts who remained normotensive by hazard ratio for left ventricular mass index (1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–1.18), diastolic blood pressure (1.13; 95% CI, 1.06–1.20), systolic blood pressure (1.07; 95% CI, 1.02–1.11), mean arterial pressure (1.11; 95% CI, 1.05–1.18), heart rate (1.05; 95% CI, 1.01–1.10), and E/A ratio (0.22; 95% CI, 0.06–0.85). Backward stepwise analysis showed independent hazard ratio for left ventricular mass index and diastolic blood pressure 1.08 (95% CI, 1.01–1.16) and 1.13 (95% CI, 1.06–1.21), respectively. In conclusion, the development of later chronic hypertension in initially normotensive formerly preeclamptic women is preceded by increased left ventricular mass index and diastolic blood pressure at postpartum screening.
Sexual Dimorphism in the Transition From Masked to Sustained Hypertension in Healthy Youths
Authors: Lurbe Empar , Thijs Lutgarde , Torro Maria Isabel , Alvarez Julio , Staessen Jan A. , Redon Josep
Published: June 2013

The risk and factors related to the development of hypertension among healthy youths with elevated ambulatory and normal conventional blood pressure, masked hypertension, have not been established. We performed a long-term follow-up study assessing how hypertension develops over time in healthy, masked hypertensive youths. The potential sex dimorphism in the incidence and timing of the development of hypertension has been analyzed. In a long-term follow-up study (median follow-up, 36 months), we enrolled 272 healthy conventional normotensive youths (aged 6–18 years; 55.8% girls) of whom 39 had masked hypertension at baseline. Development of sustained hypertension (hypertension in both conventional and ambulatory measurement) was recorded. The daytime systolic blood pressure increased from baseline to last available follow-up in boys (3.5 mm Hg;
P
<0.001) but not in girls (0.7 mm Hg;
P
=0.23), leading to a significant between-sex difference (
P
=0.0022). The incidence of sustained hypertension was 7.0/100 subjects/y (n=12) in masked hypertensives and 0.6/100 subjects/y (n=4) in normotensives. Masked hypertensive boys more frequently proceeded to sustained hypertension as compared with masked hypertensive girls (50.0% versus 17.4%;
P
=0.041). Masked hypertension at baseline (hazard ratio, 15.6; 95% confidence interval, 4.91–49.7;
P
<0.0001) and male sex (hazard ratio, 3.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.12–9.39;
P
=0.0295) were independent factors associated with the incidence of sustained hypertension during the follow-up. In youth, masked hypertension is a precursor of sustained hypertension. The risk of developing sustained hypertension is higher in boys than it is for girls. The fact that masked hypertension is not prognostically innocent increases the importance of the diagnosis at an early age.
Early development of fat snook, Centropomus parallelus (Poey 1860) (Teleostei, Centropomidae) from Southeastern Brazil
Authors: ITAGAKI MICHAEL KENGO , KATSURAGAWA MARIO , PIMENTEL CELINA MARIA MARCONDES , OLIVEIRA IDILI DA ROCHA , OHKAWARA MARCIO HIDEKAZU
Published: June 2013

Early development of fat snook, Centropomus parallelus (Poey 1860), is described based on embryos and larvae obtained from rearing experiments and from specimens caught in the field, in Cananéia, southeastern Brazil, during December 1999–January 2000. Larvae of common snook, C. undecimalis, were also collected to compare the pigmentation pattern and body shape. Eggs of C. parallelus were relatively small (0.65 to 0.70 mm in diameter), spherical, and usually with a single oil globule. Notochord length (NL) of newly hatched ranged between 1.1 mm to 1.4 mm. Notochord flexion began at 3.4 mm NL and was usually completed by 4.0 mm SL. Larval and early juvenile of both species were very similar with tenuous distinction, however, some morphological and pigmentation characters were used to distinguish their early stages. The main differences were as follow: trend of lower values of the ratio of body depth to body length (BD/BL) for C. par-allelus larger than 10.0 mm SL; absence of the post-temporal spine in C. undecimalis; absence of pigmentation along the dorsal midline of C. parallelus larvae by 2.6–7.0 mm; and presence of a pair of dendritic melanophores posterior to the bases of pelvic fins in C. parallelus larger than 6.0.
Policing terrorism with procedural justice: The role of police legitimacy and law legitimacy
Authors: Cherney Adrian , Murphy Kristina
Published: June 2013

Research shows that procedural justice influences public cooperation with the police. However, it cannot be assumed that factors that influence cooperation in general crime control also apply to people’s willingness to cooperate in counter-terrorism. This proposition is tested among a sample of Arabic-speaking people in Australia. We explore whether procedural justice has an impact on reported willingness to cooperate in counterterrorism policing, and if this is mediated by law legitimacy and identity related factors. Our results show that perceptions about the legitimacy of the law and identification with Australian society matter a great deal when it comes to predicting cooperation in counter-terrorism. In contrast, perceptions of police legitimacy matter most for predicting cooperation in general crime control activities. Our discussion and results are linked to debates about how best to police terrorism.
The struggle for recognition of normative powers: Normative power Europe and normative power China in context
Authors: Kavalski Emilian
Published: June 2013

Who or what is a normative power? In response to this query the article suggests that normative powers are those actors that are recognized as such by others. This qualifies Ian Manners’s oft-quoted proposition that normative powers are only those actors that have the ability to ‘shape what can be “normal” in international life’. The proposition is that the definitions of the ‘normal’ are not merely undertaken by normative power, but they emerge in the context of its interaction with others. Recognition, in this setting, is indicated by the specific reactions of target states. In this respect, the issue is not merely about being and becoming a normative power, but also about being recognized as one by others. The article details this proposition through a parallel assessment of normative power Europe and normative power China. The intention of such comparison is to elicit the key elements of normative power in global life.
‘Normative power Europe’ meets economic liberalism: Complicating cosmopolitanism inside/outside the EU
Authors: Parker Owen , Rosamond Ben
Published: June 2013

This article offers a reading of ‘normative power Europe’ (NPE) suggesting that the concept has been used for two distinct purposes: as a distinctive ontological characterisation of the EU, on the one hand, and as a critical approach to the study of the EU and its external projection, on the other. These positions are labelled ‘NPE ontological reality’ (NPE-OR) and ‘NPE critical ontology’ (NPE-CO), respectively, and this article sets out to show how they might work together in practice, even if they are incommensurable in theory. It is argued that NPE’s ethico-political value resides in the extent that it embodies an ontologically plural reality, never entirely defined. By drawing attention to a blind-spot in the NPE position – the constitutive importance of economic liberalism (‘market cosmopolitanism’) to the EU’s post-Westphalian character – attention is drawn to the normative basis of market cosmopolitanism and its connections to NPE-OR are described. It is argued that, from an NPE-CO perspective, we should exercise caution in celebrating NPE-OR as post-Westphalian reality to the extent that it is rooted in a market cosmopolitics.
Understanding psychopathology in migrants: A mixed categorical-dimensional approach
Authors: Braca Mauro , Berardi Domenico , Mencacci Elisa , Murri Martino Belvederi , Mimmi Stefano , Allegri Fabio , Mazzi Fausto , Menchetti Marco , Tarricone Ilaria
Published: June 2013

Background:

Literature on mental disorders in migrants is constantly increasing. Only a few studies describe psychopathological dimensions in migrants over their nosographic diagnoses; however, there is a growing literature about the greater utility of a categorical-dimensional approach, rather than a solely categorical approach, in the understanding of mental disorders. The aim of this paper is to describe the phenomenology of mental disorders in migrants referred to the Transcultural Psychiatric Team of Bologna (BoTPT), by analysing the psychopathological dimensions that underlie their clinical diagnoses.

Methods:

We recruited all migrants who attended the BoTPT between May 1999 and July 2009. The psychopathological assessment was conducted with the Association for Methodology and Documentation in Psychiatry (AMDP) and clinical diagnoses were formulated according to ICD-10. We proceeded through a two-step analysis: (1) comparing the prevalence rates of psychopathological symptoms across diagnoses; then (2) conducting a factor analysis to assess how those symptoms configure psychopathological dimensions and how these dimensions underlie clinical diagnoses.

Results:

As expected, we found significant associations between diagnoses and the prevalence of their core psychopathological symptoms. Factor analysis revealed a strong polymorphism of the psychopathological presentation of mental disorders and unexpectedly showed that in each diagnostic cluster, the first extracted factor was not composed of core symptoms.

Conclusions:

A mixed categorical-dimensional approach seems to improve the description of the psychopathology among migrants, as it adds relevant information regarding psychopathological dimensions useful to the understanding of the peculiar clinical expressivity of our patients.
In vivo serial sampling of epididymal sperm in mice
Authors: Val Gonzalo Moreno Del , Robledano Patricia Muñoz
Published: June 2013

This study was undertaken to refine the techniques of in vivo collection of sperm in the mouse. The principal objective was to offer a viable, safe and reliable method for serial collection of in vivo epididimary sperm through the direct puncture of the epididymis. Six C57Bl/6J males were subjected to the whole experiment. First we obtain a sperm sample of the right epididymis, and perform a vasectomy on the left side. This sample was used in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) experiment while the males were individually housed for 10 days to let them recover from the surgery, and then their fertility was tested with natural matings until we obtained a litter of each one. After that, the animals were subjected another time to the same process (sampling, recover and natural mating). The results of these experiments were a fertilization average value of 56.7%, and that all the males had a litter in the first month after the natural matings. This study documented the feasibility of the epididimary puncture technique to in vivo serial sampling of sperm in the mouse.
Impact of anaesthetics and analgesics on fetal growth in the mouse
Authors: Thaete Larry G , Levin Stephen I , Dudley Andrew T
Published: June 2013

Common anaesthetic and analgesic agents used during pregnancy in mice have been observed to cause fetal growth restriction. We investigated the impact of therapeutic doses of three anaesthetics (ketamine/xylazine, isoflurane, and tribromoethanol) and two analgesics (buprenorphine and meloxicam) on fetal and placental growth. Pregnant mice were treated with one of these agents at fertilization (E0), attachment (E4), beginning of organogenesis (E6), end of organogenesis (E12), or during the logarithmic growth phase (E15), or they were placed into an untreated control group. At term (E18), fetal and placental growth were evaluated, morphological analyses were performed, and skeletal measurements were conducted. Fetal growth was reduced significantly ( P < 0.01) by ketamine/xylazine treatment at E0, E4, E12, or E15, by isoflurane administered at E0 or E6, and by tribromoethanol administered at E6 or E12. Two-day treatment with buprenorphine beginning at E4 or E6, or with meloxicam at E0 also significantly reduced fetal growth ( P < 0.01). Neither placental growth nor litter size was significantly affected by any of these agents. The occurrence of microphthalmia was nearly eight-fold higher ( P < 0.05) in response to buprenorphine administration at E6 compared with controls. The length of the humerus was reduced at most gestation times in response to each of these agents and was correlated ( P < 0.01) with fetal weight for ketamine/xylazine, tribromoethanol, and meloxicam. These data reveal patterns of acceptable and detrimental anaesthetic and analgesic use during fetal development and have refined our capability to provide recommendations for the use of these agents during pregnancy in the mouse.
Viscose as an alternative to aramid in workwear: Influence on endurance performance, cooling, and comfort
Authors: Kofler Philipp , Herten Anne , Heinrich Dieter , Bottoni Giuliamarta , Hasler Michael , Faulhaber Martin , Bechtold Thomas , Nachbauer Werner , Burtscher Martin
Published: June 2013

Workwears are required to maintain optimum performance during dangerous, exhausting activities (e.g. those involving the fire brigade or police). The purpose of the present study was to compare two workwears (A and B) composed of underwear and outerwear with different fiber blends (A: 100% aramid; B: combination of fire resistant (FR) viscose/merino wool underwear and FR viscose/aramid outerwear) during strenuous physical activity. In a climatic chamber (25℃, 50% RH) participants had to walk on a treadmill until exhaustion occurred. Weight measurements were made for calculating evaporation, sweat residue, and sweat distribution. Endurance performance was assessed by time to exhaustion. Core temperature, heart rate, lactate, thermal comfort, microclimate between skin and underwear, surface temperature of the outerwear, and perceived exertion were also measured. The tested workwears caused no significant differences in time to exhaustion, core temperature, and thermal comfort. Sweat distribution differed significantly in the workwears. The underwear of workwear B caused less moisture accumulation in the outerwear and this may be a beneficial safety feature for the prevention of hazardous burns of the skin. Moisture accumulation in the outerwear may reduce thermal insulation and increase the possibility of evaporation whereby hot steam may move to the skin. The potential protective feature of the FR viscose/merino wool blended underwear and the economical price of viscose support the use of fire resistant (FR) viscose blended fabrics in workwears.
Eco-friendly sizing technology of cotton yarns with He/O2 atmospheric pressure plasma treatment and green sizing recipes
Authors: Sun Shiyuan , Yu Hang , Williams Thomas , Hicks Robert F , Qiu Yiping
Published: June 2013

In order to avoid using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), an eco-friendly sizing technology with atmospheric pressure plasma treatment and green sizing recipes has been developed and evaluated with respect to sizing properties and desizing efficiency. The results show that the eco-friendly sizing technology can endow cotton yarn with better sizing properties, including significantly improved size-pick-up, breaking strength, breaking elongation, abrasion resistance and substantially reduced yarn hair, than the traditional sizing technology with the use of PVA. Compared with a typical traditional sizing technology using PVA and modified starch, the optimized eco-friendly sizing technology can impart the yarn an increase of 19.4%, 5.3%, 3.4% and 169.2% for the size-pick-up, breaking strength, breaking elongation and the abrasion resistance time, respectively, and a reduction of 59.3% for the yarn hairiness index value at level 1. The sizing properties can be obviously improved by the atmospheric pressure plasma treatment, which can roughen the fiber surface, etch away the hydrophobic cuticle layer and introduce polar groups. The glycerol in the green sizing recipes can effectively reduce the yarn hairiness and increase size-pick-up and abrasion resistance. The eco-friendly sizing technology has no observable negative influence on desizing of cotton fabrics. Furthermore, a better water diffusion in the fabric can be achieved because of the improved hydrophilicity by using the plasma treatment.
Mobilities of Disadvantage: The Housing Pathways of Low-income Australians
Authors: Wiesel Ilan
Published: June 2013

Mobility is often overlooked in debates about spatial disadvantage, which tend to focus on place. In this paper, the focus is on residential mobility and the ways in which it derives from, and contributes to, processes of social disadvantage. Building on David Clapham’s concept of ‘housing pathways’, mobility-based disadvantage is analysed with a focus on questions of housing quality, control over residential moves and accumulation of economic, social and cultural capital through such moves. These themes are considered in an empirical study of the housing pathways of sixty low-income households in Australia, through which four typical patterns are identified as ‘mobilities of disadvantage’: hectic private rental pathways; pathways of homelessness; pathways out of homeownership; and, repeat moves in and out of social housing. These pathways represent one neglected aspect of the ‘unfair structure’ of the Australian city, as a network of pathways rather than a mosaic of places.
Improvement in oil resistance of room temperature-vulcanized polysiloxane rubber via blending with self-synthetic fluorosilicone
Authors: Li Bo , Chen Shuangjun , Zhang Jun
Published: June 2013

In this work, different contents of vinyl-terminated fluorosilicone oil (VFS oil) were blended with room temperature-vulcanized (RTV) polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Via rheological detection, the addition of VFS oil could increase the viscosities of VFS/PDMS/silicon dioxide (SiO2) blends, probably due to the interaction between incorporated fluorine atom and silanol on the surfaces of SiO2. The additional “structuring effect” was reduced by enhancing the shearing rate of the mixed gums containing VFS oil and the obvious shear-thinning property was helpful for enhancing the processability. The curing process and cross-linking degree test of VFS/PDMS/SiO2 blends suggested that the VFS oil could reduce the curing time and the induction time, but did not play a positive role in the cure depth using a platinum catalyst. Mechanical property tests showed that the VFS oil did not increase the tensile strength and elongation at break, and the hardness slightly decreased with increasing VFS oil content. The oil resistance property test showed that the oil resistance of the polysiloxane rubber was well improved by the incorporation of the VFS oil containing the functional group –CH2CH2CF3.
Upper Airway Anatomical Changes after Velopharyngeal Surgery in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients with Small Tonsils
Authors: Zhang Junbo , Ye Jingying , Xian Junfang , Wang Jiangyong , Dong Jiajia
Published: June 2013

Objective

To evaluate the relationships between anatomical changes and treatment outcomes after velopharyngeal surgery in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients with small tonsils (grade 0‐2 on the Brodsky scale).

Study Design

Case series with planned data collection.

Setting

University medical center.

Subjects and Methods

Thirty‐six OSA patients with small tonsils underwent velopharyngeal surgery including revised uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with uvula preservation and transpalatal advancement pharyngoplasty. Pre‐ and postoperative upper airway 3‐dimensional computed tomography and polysomnography findings were obtained for comparison and analysis.

Results

The overall apnea hypopnea index (AHI) decreased from 56.8 (interquartile range, 37.5‐70.1) preoperatively to 16.1 (10.8‐33.5) postoperatively (P <. 001). The change in minimal cross‐sectional area of the velopharynx (VmCSA) was independently associated with the change in AHI (P =. 001, R2 = 0.271). Preoperative VmCSA was the only preoperative anatomical variable that was an independent predictor of change in VmCSA (P =. 009, R2 = 0.184). Postoperative VmCSA was independently associated with postoperative AHI (P <. 001, R2 = 0.341).

Conclusion

In patients with small tonsils, an adequate increase in VmCSA is associated with a successful outcome after surgery. Patients with a relatively small preoperative VmCSA are more likely to have favorable anatomical changes after surgery.
Techniques to understand the changing needs of library users
Authors: Gibbons Susan
Published: June 2013

This paper demonstrates a set of techniques development by the River Campus Libraries at the University of Rochester (USA) which have facilitated a tight alignment between the services, collections, facilities, and digital presence of the Libraries with the academic needs of the undergraduate students, graduate students and faculty at the University of Rochester. At the heart of what has come to be called the ‘Rochester method’ is a belief that a greater understanding of the academic work practices of a university or college community can reveal unintentional misalignments between a library's services and user needs, as well as overlooked opportunities for a library to provide new services. The focus and study of academic work practices has been achieved through the adoption and adaptation of methods from anthropological and ethnography, which are then applied to the study of segments of a university community. The process begins with the identification of a question, such as “what does a student do between the time a research paper is assigned and the paper is complete?” A suite of research methods are then developed to explore the question, such as in situ interview, photo elicitation exercises, design charettes, and academic diaries. The application of those study methods results in data in various forms including photographs, drawings, interview transcripts, and blue-sky descriptions of ideal tools, spaces, and services. Diverse teams of staff from across the library study the data and develop findings. At this point in the cycle, those findings require an organizational response that results in real change which can vary from improved marketing, altered physical facilities, new services and web tools. The success at the University of Rochester has demonstrated that a greater understanding and appreciation of the academic needs of library users is not overly difficult nor costly to obtain. While the findings of the Rochester studies are unique to the unique community of the University of Rochester, the methods of study can and have been applied successfully to the study of library users on other campuses.
Their Fathers’ Daughters
Authors: Bender Tovah
Published: June 2013

Based on an analysis of how the identities of women were recorded in legal and familial documents, this article argues that women’s social identities were primarily and permanently linked to that of their natal families, particularly to their fathers. Given the frequent shifts in women’s living positions, marital status, and legal guardianship, women’s ties to their natal families have often been seen as tenuous. However, identifying a woman through her patriline was common practice and made practical sense in that it identified the individual woman in a permanent way and reflected the enduring ties between a women and her patriline.
Psychological Responses Matter in Returning to Preinjury Level of Sport After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery
Authors: Ardern Clare L. , Taylor Nicholas F. , Feller Julian A. , Whitehead Timothy S. , Webster Kate E.
Published: June 2013

Background:

Up to two-thirds of athletes may not return to their preinjury level of sport by 12 months after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery, despite being physically recovered. This has led to questions about what other factors may influence return to sport.

Purpose:

To determine whether psychological factors predicted return to preinjury level of sport by 12 months after ACL reconstruction surgery.

Study Design:

Case control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Recreational and competitive-level athletes seen at a private orthopaedic clinic with an ACL injury were consecutively recruited. The primary outcome was return to the preinjury level of sports participation. The psychological factors evaluated were psychological readiness to return to sport, fear of reinjury, mood, emotions, sport locus of control, and recovery expectations. Participants were followed up preoperatively and at 4 and 12 months postoperatively.

Results:

In total, 187 athletes participated. At 12 months, 56 athletes (31%) had returned to their preinjury level of sports participation. Significant independent contributions to returning to the preinjury level by 12 months after surgery were made by psychological readiness to return to sport, fear of reinjury, sport locus of control, and the athlete’s estimate of the number of months it would take to return to sport, as measured preoperatively (χ22 = 18.3, P < .001, classification accuracy = 70%) and at 4 months postoperatively (χ24 = 38.7, P < .001, classification accuracy = 86%).

Conclusion:

Psychological responses before surgery and in early recovery were associated with returning to preinjury level of sport at 12 months, suggesting that attention to psychological recovery in addition to physical recovery after ACL injury and reconstruction surgery may be warranted. Clinical screening for maladaptive psychological responses in athletes before and soon after surgery may help clinicians identify athletes at risk of not returning to their preinjury level of sport by 12 months.
The Noncircadian Function of the Circadian Clock Gene in the Regulation of Male Fertility
Authors: Liang Xin , Cheng Shuting , Jiang Xiaohui , He Xuan , Wang Yuhui , Jiang Zhou , Hou Wang , Li Shiping , Liu Yanyou , Wang Zhengrong
Published: June 2013

Mice homozygous for a dominant-negative allele of the Clock gene ( ClockΔ 19/Δ 19) have slightly but significantly decreased male fertility. The molecular mechanism for this reduction in fertility is unknown. In the present study, we used a small hairpin RNA (shRNA) strategy to specifically knock down the Clock gene expression in the testes of male mice and determined its effect on male fertility. Clock knockdown led to smaller litter size, a lower in vitro fertility rate, lower blastula formation rate, and lower acrosin activity of the knockdown sperm. Locomotor activity analysis of the Clock knockdown mice revealed that Clock knockdown in testes did not alter their circadian rhythm. Taken together, these results provide the first evidence that Clock gene expression in round spermatids is essential for maintaining male reproductivity and suggest that acrosin may be a novel regulatory target of the Clock gene that would regulate the fertilization and early embryonic development to blastula. These findings may provide new clues for development of novel male contraceptive strategies.
Accelerated Degradation of perS Protein Provides Insight into Light-Mediated Phase Shifting
Authors: Li Yue , Rosbash Michael
Published: June 2013

Phase resetting by light is an important feature of circadian rhythms, and the current Drosophila model focuses on light-mediated degradation of the clock protein TIMELESS (TIM). PERIOD (PER) is the binding partner of TIM and a major repressor of the molecular clock, but direct evidence of PER in phase resetting is lacking. Because light sensitivity of the perS short period mutant strain is strongly enhanced compared with wild-type strains, we assayed the importance of PER degradation for light-induced phase shifting. The perS protein (PERS) is markedly less stable than wild-type PER, in tissue culture and in flies, and PERS as well as PER is stabilized by TIM in both systems. Consistent with this finding, light-induced TIM degradation appears to trigger PER degradation. Moreover, TIM degradation is similar in the clock neurons of both strains, suggesting that it is not strongly affected by PERS and does not dictate the difference in the light response. In contrast, there is a dramatic quantitative difference between PER and PERS degradation in these neurons, indicating that PER degradation dictates the enhanced amplitude of the light-induced phase response. The data indicate that TIM inhibits PER degradation and that PER degradation follows light-mediated TIM degradation within circadian neurons; PER degradation then dictates qualitative as well as quantitative features of light-mediated phase-resetting.
Structure and blood compatibility of highly oriented PLA/MWNTs composites produced by solid hot drawing
Authors: Li Zhengqiu , Zhao Xiaowen , Ye Lin , Coates Phil , Caton-Rose Fin , Martyn Michasel
Published: June 2013

Highly oriented poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) composites were fabricated through solid hot drawing technology in an effort to improve the mechanical properties and blood biocompatibility of PLA as blood-contacting medical devices. It was found that proper MWNTs content and drawing orientation can improve the tensile strength and modulus of PLA dramatically. With the increase in draw ratio, the cold crystallization peak became smaller, and the glass transition and the melting peak of PLA moved to high temperature, while the crystallinity increased, and the grain size decreased, indicating the stress-induced crystallization of PLA during drawing. MWNTs showed a nucleation effect on PLA, leading to the rise in the melting temperature, increase in crystallinity and reduction of spherulite size for the composites. Moreover, the intensity of (002) diffraction of MWNTs increased with draw ratio, indicating that MWNTs were preferentially aligned and oriented during drawing. Microstructure observation demonstrated that PLA matrix had an ordered fibrillar bundle structure, and MWNTs in the composite tended to align parallel to the drawing direction. In addition, the dispersion of MWNTs in PLA was also improved by orientation. Introduction of MWNTs and drawing orientation could significantly enhance the blood compatibility of PLA by prolonging kinetic clotting time, reducing hemolysis ratio and platelet activation.
Structural response of a recycled thermoplastic lumber bridge under civilian and military loads
Authors: Diaz-Alvarez Henry , Picucci Jenifer R , McKenna Mihan House , Lampo Richard G
Published: June 2013

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) executed a load test and verification simulation on a novel thermoplastic composite bridge, T-8518, located on Tuckers Road in Camp Mackall, North Carolina. The bridge was made with 94% recycled plastic material, primarily recycled high-density polyethylene. An M1 Abrams battle tank and a loaded dump truck were used as a live load to determine the appropriate military load classification (MLC) and civilian load rating for the bridge superstructure. The bridge was designed to support the M1 Abrams battle tank with a gross weight of 63.5 tones to replace a dilapidated timber bridge that, because of its condition, was limited to a maximum load of 4.26 tones. A finite element analysis (FEA) of the entire superstructure based on the load test results indicated that the bridge exceeded design specifications and performed in a normal linear–elastic manner with relatively small viscoelastic responses for all loads.
The Life and Death of Axis IV
Authors: Probst Barbara
Published: June 2013

Axis IV, one of the five dimensions of clinical description, has provided a way to report psychosocial and environmental problems that may affect the diagnosis, treatment, and/or prognosis of a psychiatric disorder. Originally conceived in DSM-III as a way to rate and rank the severity of particular environmental stressors, axis IV was simplified for DSM-IV to a more straightforward listing of psychosocial factors, given the reliability and validity problems with quantifying the etiologic contribution of specific stresses to mental disorder. In the newest manual, however (DSM-5), the entire multiaxial system has been quietly eliminated. How and why multiaxial assessment was abandoned, and what this implies for social work theory and practice, are addressed in a conceptual review that traces the history and empirical evidence, positive and negative, for incorporating a psychosocial dimension into the diagnosis of mental disorder.
Effect of seasonal changes on the gelling properties of farmed sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)
Authors: Cardoso Carlos L , Mendes Rogério O , Vaz-Pires Paulo , Nunes Maria L
Published: June 2013

The effect of seasonal changes (summer versus winter) upon the quality of heat-induced gel products from farmed sea bass ( Dicentrarchus labrax) was studied. Moreover, the effect of microbial transglutaminase addition (0.5%, w/w) on the quality was assessed. Fat content of gel products attained from sea bass grown during summer was higher (12.0% versus 7.6%). Textural properties of the gels from the summer fish were higher. Protein of gels from winter fish was less soluble in SDS + DTT (sodium dodecyl sulphate, SDS; dithiothreitol, DTT). Contrary to some literature, higher fat level may have played a protective role during processing. Accordingly, season via fat content variation had a strong effect on the gelling ability of heat-induced gels prepared from sea bass.
The Positive Illusory Bias in Children and Adolescents With ADHD
Authors: Volz-Sidiropoulou Eftychia , Boecker Maren , Gauggel Siegfried
Published: June 2013

Objective: This study aimed to examine the accuracy of self-reports of children and adolescents with ADHD in evaluating activity limitations. Method: Self-reports of children/adolescents with ADHD ( n = 89) were compared with those of nonreferred children ( n = 94), relative to parent reports about children’s competence. Competence was measured with a 34-item rating scale. Behavioral disorders were documented with the Child Behavior Checklist. Results: Children/adolescents with ADHD were much more likely than controls to overestimate their competence in certain daily activities relative to parent reports, demonstrating a positive illusory bias. Positive illusory bias was found to be pronounced in activities, which were expected to be affected by symptoms of ADHD. Overestimations of competencies were more likely to be accompanied with externalizing problems. Conclusion: Results support the presence of the positive illusory bias also in the domain of everyday life activities. Improvement of self-evaluation of competencies should become a focus of treatment.
Thermal and non-thermal germicidal effects of microwave radiation on microbial agents
Authors: Kang Yoonkyung , Kato Shinsuke
Published: June 2013

To assess possible applications of evaporative humidifier elements of air-conditioning systems, the germicidal effect of microwave irradiation on fungal spores (e.g. Cladosporium herbarum and Fusarium solani), vegetative bacteria and bacterial spores (e.g., Bacillus subtilis) was investigated by this study. A general purpose microwave oven and a specifically assembled microwave source placed in a 2.45 GHz magnetron were used. Initially, the optimal radiation output power and exposure time were determined to achieve the desired germicidal effects using both wet and dry sample filters. The study also investigated whether the germicidal effect could be a direct result of the microwave irradiation or rather a result of the radiation-induced heat. The results of our study have indicated that microbial degradation could be dependent on the fungal strain type, microwave output power, exposure time and sample moisture. Our results have also illustrated that the germicidal effect shown in the experiments could be attributed to the associated rise in temperature particularly above 60℃ during the microwave irradiation of the fungal buffer solutions.
Persona studies: Mapping the proliferation of the public self
Authors: Marshall P David
Published: June 2013

Celebrity has developed into a particularly powerful and pervasive trope for contemporary culture. It works at organising what we perceive as significant and this is made evident through its permeation of what constitutes news. Similarly, celebrity has been well documented in terms of its capacity to shape our entertainment: stardom is at least one of the cultural economies in which our stories and fictions are selected or read and recreated in popular culture. This article argues for the development of persona studies, where research on the celebrity is a subset of a wider study of how the self and public intersect and produce versions and identities that in some way continue to support the wider demands of our work economies.
Metabolic engineering of Caldicellulosiruptor bescii yields increased hydrogen production from lignocellulosic biomass
Authors: Cha Minseok , Chung Daehwan , Elkins James G , Guss Adam M , Westpheling Janet
Published: June 2013

Background

Members of the anaerobic thermophilic bacterial genus Caldicellulosiruptor are emerging candidates for consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) because they are capable of efficiently growing on biomass without conventional pretreatment. C. bescii produces primarily lactate, acetate and hydrogen as fermentation products, and while some Caldicellulosiruptor strains produce small amounts of ethanol C. bescii does not, making it an attractive background to examine the effects of metabolic engineering. The recent development of methods for genetic manipulation has set the stage for rational engineering of this genus for improved biofuel production. Here, we report the first targeted gene deletion, the gene encoding lactate dehydrogenase (ldh), for metabolic engineering of a member of this genus.

Results

A deletion of the C. bescii L-lactate dehydrogenase gene (ldh) was constructed on a non-replicating plasmid and introduced into the C. bescii chromosome by marker replacement. The resulting strain failed to produce detectable levels of lactate from cellobiose and maltose, instead increasing production of acetate and H2 by 21-34% relative to the wild type and ΔpyrFA parent strains. The same phenotype was observed on a real-world substrate – switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). Furthermore, the ldh deletion strain grew to a higher maximum optical density than the wild type on maltose and cellobiose, consistent with the prediction that the mutant would gain additional ATP with increased acetate production.

Conclusions

Deletion of ldh in C. bescii is the first use of recently developed genetic methods for metabolic engineering of these bacteria. This deletion resulted in a redirection of electron flow from production of lactate to acetate and hydrogen. New capabilities in metabolic engineering combined with intrinsic utilization of lignocellulosic materials position these organisms to provide a new paradigm for consolidated bioprocessing of fuels and other products from biomass.
Advantages and Challenges of Using Physics Curricula as a Model for Reforming an Undergraduate Biology Course
Authors: Donovan D. A. , Atkins L. J. , Salter I. Y. , Gallagher D. J. , Kratz R. F. , Rousseau J. V. , Nelson G. D.
Published: June 2013

We report on the development of a life sciences curriculum, targeted to undergraduate students, which was modeled after a commercially available physics curriculum and based on aspects of how people learn. Our paper describes the collaborative development process and necessary modifications required to apply a physics pedagogical model in a life sciences context. While some approaches were easily adapted, others provided significant challenges. Among these challenges were: representations of energy, introducing definitions, the placement of Scientists’ Ideas, and the replicability of data. In modifying the curriculum to address these challenges, we have come to see them as speaking to deeper differences between the disciplines, namely that introductory physics—for example, Newton's laws, magnetism, light—is a science of pairwise interaction, while introductory biology—for example, photosynthesis, evolution, cycling of matter in ecosystems—is a science of linked processes, and we suggest that this is how the two disciplines are presented in introductory classes. We illustrate this tension through an analysis of our adaptations of the physics curriculum for instruction on the cycling of matter and energy; we show that modifications of the physics curriculum to address the biological framework promotes strong gains in student understanding of these topics, as evidenced by analysis of student work.
Biology and Physics Competencies for Pre-Health and Other Life Sciences Students
Authors: Hilborn Robert C. , Friedlander Michael J.
Published: June 2013

The recent report on the Scientific Foundations for Future Physicians (SFFP) and the revised Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) reframe the preparation for medical school (and other health professional schools) in terms of competencies: what students should know and be able to do with that knowledge, with a strong emphasis on scientific inquiry and research skills. In this article, we will describe the thinking that went into the SFFP report and what it says about scientific and quantitative reasoning, focusing on biology and physics and the overlap between those fields. We then discuss how the SFFP report set the stage for the discussion of the recommendations for the revised MCAT, which will be implemented in 2015, again focusing the discussion on biology and physics. Based on that framework, we discuss the implications for undergraduate biology and physics education if students are to be prepared to demonstrate these competencies.
The Effects of Symptom Recognition and Diagnostic Labels on Public Beliefs, Emotional Reactions, and Stigmas Associated with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Scior Katrina , Connolly Theresa , Williams Janice
Published: June 2013

Labels are firmly rejected by the disability rights movement, yet the complex effects of labeling on lay beliefs are poorly understood. This study examined the effects of labeling on the general public's reactions to people with intellectual disabilities. A sample of 1,233 adult members of the UK general population were randomly presented with either a diagnostically labeled or unlabeled case vignette, and their emotional reactions, causal beliefs, and social distance were assessed. Providing a label reduced social distance, increased biomedical attributions, and had a small positive direct effect on emotional reactions. Making a diagnosis of mild intellectual disability known may prevent misattribution to more stigmatizing causes and thus reduce social distance. Some undesirable effects were observed though on causal beliefs and associated emotional reactions.
Interaction of Carbocyanine Dyes with DNA: Synthesis and Spectroscopic Studies
Authors: Jędrzejewska Beata , Bajorek Agnieszka , Moraczewska Joanna
Published: June 2013

Six carbocyanine dyes have been synthesized and their interactions with DNA have been investigated for their prospective use as fluorescent markers in molecular biology. The noncovalent binding of the compounds with DNA was explored by fluorescence spectroscopy, ultraviolet/visible spectrophotometry, and photobleaching. The electron-withdrawing ability of the substituents in N-position of free thio- and selenocarbocyanines strongly affected their photostabilities. Changes in the experimental conditions, such as the presence or absence of oxygen, had an impact on the rate of photobleaching. In the presence of DNA, absorbance photofading and fluorescence photobleaching occurred. It appears that the reduction of fluorescence intensity was due to quenching of the dye fluorescence by interaction with DNA.
Sparse Methods in Spectroscopy: An Introduction, Overview, and Perspective
Authors: Andries Erik , Martin Shawn
Published: June 2013

Multivariate calibration methods such as partial least-squares build calibration models that are not parsimonious: all variables (either wavelengths or samples) are used to define a calibration model. In high-dimensional or large sample size settings, interpretable analysis aims to reduce model complexity by finding a small subset of variables that significantly influences the model. The term “sparsity”, as used here, refers to calibration models having many zero-valued regression coefficients. Only the variables associated with non-zero coefficients influence the model. In this paper, we briefly review the regression problems associated with sparse models and discuss their spectroscopic applications. We also discuss how one can re-appropriate sparse modeling algorithms that perform wavelength selection for purposes of sample selection. In particular, we highlight specific sparse modeling algorithms that are easy to use and understand for the spectroscopist, as opposed to the overly complex “black-box” algorithms that dominate much of the statistical learning literature. We apply these sparse modeling approaches to three spectroscopic data sets.