bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ERβ Selective Agonist Inhibits Angiotensin-Induced Cardiovascular Pathology in Female Mice
Authors: Pedram Ali , Razandi Mahnaz , Korach Kenneth S. , Narayanan Ramesh , Dalton James T. , Levin Ellis R.
Published: August 2013

Cardiac hypertrophy in humans can progress to cardiac failure if the underlying impetus is poorly controlled. An important direct stimulator of hypertrophy and its progression is the angiotensin II (AngII) peptide. AngII also causes hypertension that indirectly contributes to cardiac hypertrophy. Others and we have shown that estrogens acting through the estrogen receptor (ER)-β can inhibit AngII-induced or other forms of cardiac hypertrophy in mice. However, the proliferative effects of estrogen in breast and uterus that promote the development of malignancy preclude using the steroid to prevent cardiac disease progression. We therefore tested whether an ERβ selective agonist, β-LGND2, can prevent hypertension and cardiac pathology in female mice. AngII infusion over 3 weeks significantly stimulated systolic and diastolic hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, and cardiac fibrosis, all significantly prevented by β-LGND2 in wild-type but not in ERβ genetically deleted mice. AngII stimulated the Akt kinase to phosphorylate and inhibit the glycogen synthase kinase-3β kinase, leading to GATA4 transcription factor activation and hypertrophic mRNA expression. As a novel mechanism, all these actions were opposed by estradiol and β-LGND2. Our findings provide additional understanding of the antihypertrophic effects of ERβ and serve as an impetus to test specific receptor agonists in humans to prevent the worsening of cardiovascular disease.
Pin1 acts as a negative regulator of the G2/M transition through an interplay with the Aurora A/hBora complex
Authors: Lee Yu-Cheng , Que Jenny , Chen Yu-Chia , Lin Jen-Tai , Liou Yih-Cherng , Liao Po-Chi , Liu Yu-Peng , Lee Kuen-Haur , Lin Li-Ching , Hsiao Michael , Hung Liang-Yi , Huang Chi-Ying , Lu Pei-Jung
Published: August 2013

Pin1 was the first prolyl isomerase identified that is involved in cell division. The mechanism how Pin1 acts as a negative regulator of mitotic activity in G2 phase remains unclear. In our present study, we found that Aurora A can interact with and phosphorylate Pin1 at Ser16, which suppresses the G2/M function of Pin1 by disrupting its binding ability and mitotic entry. Our results also show that phosphorylation at Ser274 and Ser278 of hBora is critical for Pin1 binding. Through the interaction, Pin1 can alter the cytoplasmic translocation of hBora and promote premature degradation by β-TrCP, which results in a mitotic entry delay. Together with the results that Pin1 protein levels do not significantly fluctuate during cell-cycle progression and Aurora A suppresses the Pin1 G2/M function, our current data demonstrate that a gain of Pin1 function can override the Aurora A-mediated functional suppression of Pin1. Collectively, these results highlight the physiological significance of Aurora A-mediated Pin1 Ser16 phosphorylation for mitotic entry and the suppression of Pin1 is functionally linked to the regulation of mitotic entry via the Aurora A/hBora complex.
A Serrate-Notch-Canoe complex mediates glial-neuroepithelial cell interactions essential during Drosophila optic lobe development
Authors: Pérez-Gómez Raquel , Slováková Jana , Rives-Quinto Noemí , Krejci Alena , Carmena Ana
Published: August 2013

It is firmly established that neuron-glia interactions are fundamental across species for the correct establishment of a functional brain. Here, we found that the glia of the Drosophila larval brain display an essential non-autonomous role during the development of the optic lobe. The optic lobe develops from neuroepithelial cells that proliferate by dividing symmetrically until they switch to asymmetric/differentiative divisions generating neuroblasts. The proneural gene lethal of scute (l'sc) is transiently activated by the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)/Ras signal transduction pathway at the leading edge of a proneural wave that sweeps from medial to lateral neuroepithelium promoting this switch. This process is tightly regulated by the tissue-autonomous function within the neuroepithelium of multiple signaling pathways, including EGFR/Ras and Notch. This study shows that the Notch ligand Serrate (Ser) is expressed in the glia and it forms a complex in vivo with Notch and Canoe, which colocalize at the adherens junctions of neuroepithelial cells. This complex is crucial for glial-neuroepithelial cell interactions during optic lobe development. Ser is tissue-autonomously required in the glia where it activates Notch to regulate its proliferation, and non-autonomously in the neuroepithelium where Ser induces Notch signaling to avoid the premature activation of the EGFR/Ras pathway and hence of L'sc. Interestingly, different Notch activity reporters showed very different expression patterns in the glia and in the neuroepithelium, suggesting the existence of tissue-specific factors that promote the expression of particular Notch target genes or/and a reporter response dependent on different thresholds of Notch signaling.
Tetrathiafulvalene Hybridized with Indacenetetraone as Visible-light-harvesting Electron Acceptor Applicable to Bulk-heterojunction Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Akaike Kouki , Enozawa Hideo , Kajitani Takashi , Koizumi Mari , Kosaka Atsuko , Hashizume Daisuke , Koizumi Yoshiko , Saeki Akinori , Seki Shu , Fukushima Takanori
Published: August 2013

π-Extension of tetrathiafulvalene by hybridization with an indacenetetraone leads to an electron acceptor that can harvest visible light efficiently and serve as an electron-transport material for poly(3-hexylthiophene)-based bulk-heterojunction photovoltaics, where brief thermal annealing of the active layer results in better carrier transport pathways to enhance the device performance.
Model Updating with a Neural Network Method Based on Uniform Design
Authors: Zhang Shilei , Chen Shaofeng , Wang Huanding , Wang Wei , Chen Zaixian
Published: August 2013

In order to effectively update structural models by the neural network method based on uniform design, this paper takes beam structures as objects to study three problems that are the completeness of uniform design sampling scheme, the method of extending the uniform design sampling scheme and how to choose excellent neural network samples. The difference between the uniform design sampling scheme and the complete sampling scheme is analyzed. An idea of factor rearranging is proposed to extend the uniform design sampling scheme. A fuzzy analytical hierarchy process is used to evaluate and choose excellent neural network samples. The results show that the uniform design sampling scheme is an approximate complete sampling scheme and the idea of factor rearranging can extend the uniform design sampling scheme effectively. In the process of model updating of large complicated structures, the uniform design sampling scheme should be extended by the way of factor rearranging to improve the accuracy of model updating and physical variables with definite physical significance should be used as the samples of neural networks.
Concrete Filled Steel Tube Reinforced Concrete (CFSTRC) Columns Subjected to ISO-834 Standard Fire: Experiment
Authors: Xu Lei , Liu Yu-Bin
Published: August 2013

This paper is an attempt to study the fire performance of concrete filled steel tube reinforced concrete (CFSTRC) columns exposed to fire condition. Tests were carried out on CFSTRC columns subjected to ISO-834 standard fire. Details of temperature distribution, fire resistance, deformations and failure mechanism are presented in the paper. Based on the observation and analysis of test results, the characteristics of CFSTRC columns subjected to a fire were investigated. It was found that the concrete outside CFST can act as a natural insulation to the steel tube and the inner concrete; there was no local buckling in steel tube due to the presence of concrete both outside and inside steel tube; the concrete inside steel tube kept intact in the test. These characteristics make CFSTRC columns obtain a favorable fire performance. A three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA) model was developed to calculate the temperature field of CFSTRC columns. Based on theoretic analysis, the influences of important parameters on the temperature field of the composite columns were investigated. The studies in the paper will be a foundation for further theoretical analysis on the mechanic performance of CFSTRC columns exposed to fire.
Flexural Capacity and Stress in Unbonded Tendons of Post-Tensioned Lightweight Concrete Beams
Authors: Yang Keun-Hyeok , Mun Ju-Hyun
Published: August 2013

The present study reports the effect of the amounts of mild longitudinal tensile reinforcement, effective prestress and prestressing strands on the flexural performance of the prestressed lightweight concrete (LWC) beams. Test data were compared with those compiled from the post-tensioned normal-weight concrete (NWC) beam specimens and prediction models derived based on the ACI 318–11 provision. Test results showed that the effect of the investigated parameters on the flexural behavior of the post-tensioned LWC beams was usually similar to the typical trends observed in the post-tensioned NWC concrete beams. With the increase of the reinforcing index, the incremental stress of the unbonded strands at ultimate and displacement ductility ratio of the beams decreased, while flexural capacity of the beams increased. The incremental stress of the unbonded strands at ultimate strength of the post-tensioned LWC beams was commonly higher than that of the post-tensioned NWC beams with the same reinforcing index values and the predictions obtained from the ACI code equations. Alternatively, the normalized flexural capacity of the post-tensioned LWC beams was comparable to that of the post-tensioned NWC beams and higher than the predictions based on the ACI code provision.
Applicability of Gibbs adsorption equation and Maxwell relations to deformed solid surfaces
Authors: Gutman E.
Published: August 2013

Revisiting derivations of Gibbs adsorption equation show its applicability to solid surfaces without limiting requirement of constant state of strain. Some attempts to use such a restriction to prove the correctness of the Shuttleworth equation have failed. Also, we have shown that the mandatory conditions for the Maxwell's relations make its inapplicable for the description of capillary and electrocapillary phenomena on solid surfaces, as they lead, if used correctly, to trivial results - known Gibbs adsorbtion equation and Lippmann electrocapillary equation. Attempts to use Maxwell's relations for the case of solid electrodes available in the literature are based on mathematical defects and, consequently, yield erroneous results.
Mechanical properties of BaBi2Nb2O9 ceramics obtained by different measurements techniques
Authors: Kozielski L. , Adamczyk M. , Lisińska-Czekaj A. , Czekaj D. , Zachariasz R. , Pawełczyk M. , Pilch M.
Published: August 2013

Gaining the precise control over the matter at the nanometre scale is the main leitmotif in a majority of nanoscience oriented research measurements nowadays. The availability of new advanced tools, as a nanoindentation technique, for evaluation of the mechanical properties, seems to be prerequisite for exploitation of the dramatic development in nanoscience and meeting the emerging needs of the industries in new electronic applications. The nanoindentation technique was applied to evaluate the elastic modulus and hardness values as a function of indentation depth. However, in the presented experiment the nanoscale mechanical properties of BaBi2Nb2O9 ceramics have been characterized and compared with the macroscale measurements with macroscale method with the implementation of ultrasound techniques. A draw conclusion indicates that expensive nanoscale characterisation presented here is not fully consisted with the microscale. The reasons of such state of things are widely discussed.
Simulating Free Boundaries in 2D FEM Flow Simulation with Direct Time Integration of the Surface Velocities
Authors: Ng Shi Han , Matuttis Hans-Georg
Published: August 2013

We have derived a novel approach to simulate free surfaces. For two-dimensional finite-element flow simulations of the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations we integrate out the velocities on the surface obtained from the FEM-simulations with integrators for ordinary differential equations. The advance of the fluid front does not need additional data structures or interpolated mesh points as in the front tracking for finite difference methods, the adaptive mesh of the FEM-simulation is sufficient. As we perform the time-integration of the FEM-code, the second-order Adams-Bashforth turns out to be the most suitable integrator for the surface motion. For the speed of the wavefronts, we get excellent agreement for large viscosity with the lubrication approximation by Huppert, and for small viscosity, we get very good agreement with the experimental data for water by Martin and Moyce.
Bioreactors as Engineering Support to Treat Cardiac Muscle and Vascular Disease
Authors: Massai Diana , Cerino Giulia , Gallo Diego , Pennella Francesco , Deriu Marco A. , Rodriguez Andres , Montevecchi Franco M. , Bignardi Cristina , Audenino Alberto , Morbiducci Umberto
Published: August 2013

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the Western World. The inability of fully differentiated, load‐bearing cardiovascular tissues to in vivo regenerate and the limitations of the current treatment therapies greatly motivate the efforts of cardiovascular tissue engineering to become an effective clinical strategy for injured heart and vessels. For the effective production of organized and functional cardiovascular engineered constructs in vitro, a suitable dynamic environment is essential, and can be achieved and maintained within bioreactors. Bioreactors are technological devices that, while monitoring and controlling the culture environment and stimulating the construct, attempt to mimic the physiological milieu. In this study, a review of the current state of the art of bioreactor solutions for cardiovascular tissue engineering is presented, with emphasis on bioreactors and biophysical stimuli adopted for investigating the mechanisms influencing cardiovascular tissue development, and for eventually generating suitable cardiovascular tissue replacements.
Full-Probabilistic Analysis of Concrete Beams During Fire
Authors: Van Coile Ruben , Annerel Emmanuel , Caspeele Robby , Taerwe Luc
Published: August 2013

Asimplified full-probabilistic calculation tool is developed which is capable of calculating the bending moment capacity of simply supported beams exposed to fire. It is found that the uncertainty with respect to the reduction factors for the material properties at elevated temperatures and the uncertainty with respect to the concrete cover have a negative effect on the safety level corresponding to the design value of the bending moment capacity calculated according to the Eurocode. Furthermore, the model allows an objective comparison of different design alternatives with respect to the safety level.
Reporting research antibody use: how to increase experimental reproducibility
Authors: Helsby Matthew A , Fenn Joe R , Chalmers Andrew D
Published: August 2013

Research antibodies are used in a wide range of bioscience disciplines, yet it is common to hear dissatisfaction amongst researchers with respect to their quality. Although blame is often attributed to the manufacturers, scientists are not doing all they can to help themselves. One example of this is in the reporting of research antibody use. Publications routinely lack key details, including the host species, code number and even the company who supplied the antibody. Authors also fail to demonstrate that validation of the antibodies has taken place. These omissions make it harder for reviewers to establish the likely reliability of the results and for researchers to reproduce the experiments. The scale of this problem, combined with high profile concerns about experimental reproducibility, has caused the Nature Publishing Group to include a section on antibody information in their recent Reporting Checklist for Life Science Articles. In this commentary we consider the issue of reporting research antibody use and ask what details authors should be including in their publications to improve experimental reproducibility.
Firms, Markets, and the State: Institutional Change and Manufacturing Sector Profitability Variances in India
Authors: Majumdar Sumit K. , Bhattacharjee Arnab
Published: August 2013

We assess absolute magnitudes, relative importance, and intertemporal differences in firm, industry, and business group effects in explaining the variance of Indian manufacturing firms’ profitability over the 26-year period between 1980–1981 and 2005–2006. We stratify the data by institutional phases to place emphasis on the role of changing institutional factors in an emerging economy: first as a regime of command and control transits to partial liberalization (between 1985 and 1991) and then to an open competitive market economy (after 1991); thereafter, financial reforms occur, followed by legal reforms. We find that liberalization significantly affects and alters the relative importance of firm, industry, and group effects. Firm effects are always important, whether in a command and control regime, with benefits accruing from protectionism and political rent seeking, or in liberalized periods where firm-specific capabilities and dynamic efficiencies are valued. Industry effects are significant in the command and control regime, when mandatory sector placement benefits firms in industries with superior profits, and in the liberalized period, when the choice of the industry segment in which to operate is open to firms. Thereafter, industry effects dissipate. Business group effects matter in explaining profitability variances. Group effects’ magnitudes, however, do not change significantly over time.
A Method for Resolving Overlapped Peaks in Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)
Authors: Zhang Bo , Yu Haibin , Sun Lanxiang , Xin Yong , Cong Zhibo
Published: August 2013

Spectral peak overlapping is a basic problem in analytical data processing of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Curve fitting is the typical method of resolving overlapped peaks. For preventing ambiguous fitting, appropriate initial values must be known. The aim of this work was to present a method that could be used to determine appropriate initial values of the curve-fitting method by using fractional differential theory. According to the variation of characteristic points of Lorentzian peaks at different fractional differential orders, parameter estimators were obtained that were used to calculate the initial values of the curve-fitting method. As it is a widely used optimization method, the Levenberg–Marquardt method was used in curve fitting. Simulation and LIBS experimental results proved that the proposed method of the initial value estimation can effectively resolve the overlapped peaks in LIBS data processing.
Broadband Two-Color Laser-Induced Incandescence Pyrometry Approach for Nanoparticle Characterization with Improved Sensitivity
Authors: Flügel Alexandre , Kiefer Johannes , Will Stefan , Leipertz Alfred
Published: August 2013

A spectral filtering approach for improving the sensitivity of two-color laser-induced incandescence measurements is proposed. The commonly used bandpass filters providing wavelength selection, and hence temperature sensitivity, are replaced by shortpass and longpass filters, respectively, allowing significantly higher signal intensities to be detected. This modification is of particular interest when nanoparticles with low emissivity, for instance, metal and metal oxide particles, are investigated. An example case in which the conventional optical components are compared with the new approach reveals an improvement by more than one order of magnitude.
Monologue
Authors: Shercliff Emma
Published: August 2013

The writing emerged from attempts to document visually and orally what it feels like to be engaged in the process of hand-stitching. As a result, the text performs both collaboratively as ethnographic material, and independently as a piece of creative writing.
Translation and the artist
Authors: Connolly Brigit
Published: August 2013

This article reflects on the idea and role of translation in relation to artistic practice. In its trajectory around the subject it aims to bring out some of the issues at stake for artists and writers within this process of translation such as: loss, boundary, threshold, discipline, fidelity, infidelity, accuracy and error. Its disjunctive structure is intentional, since it is a meditation on the subject, which alludes or touches on aspects of theory as they might be encountered in and through practice – stumbled upon in an unsystematic, sometimes haphazard and equivocal, non-linear or tangential way – rather than provides an exposition of it.
Type-1 and Type-2 Fuzzy Logic and Sliding-Mode Based Speed Control of Direct Torque and Flux Control Induction Motor Drives – A Comparative Study
Authors: Ramesh Tejavathu , Panda A. K. , Kumar S. Shiva
Published: August 2013

In this research study, the performance of direct torque and flux control induction motor drive (IMD) is presented using five different speed control techniques. The performance of IMD mainly depends on the design of speed controller. The PI speed controller requires precise mathematical model, continuous and appropriate gain values. Therefore, adaptive control based speed controller is desirable to achieve high-performance drive. The sliding-mode speed controller (SMSC) is developed to achieve continuous control of motor speed and torque. Furthermore, the type-1 fuzzy logic speed controller (T1FLSC), type-1 fuzzy SMSC and a new type-2 fuzzy logic speed controller are designed to obtain high performance, dynamic tracking behaviour, speed accuracy and also robustness to parameter variations. The performance of each control technique has been tested for its robustness to parameter uncertainties and load disturbances. The detailed comparison of different control schemes are carried out in a MATALB/Simulink environment at different speed operating conditions, such as, forward and reversal motoring under no-load, load and sudden change in speed.
Communities of Practice in Nursing Academia: A Growing Need to Practice What We Teach
Authors: Risling Tracie , Ferguson Linda
Published: August 2013

Although the community of practice (CoP) concept has been heavily utilized in business literature since its inception in the 1990s, it has not been significantly featured in nursing research. With student-centered approaches increasingly infusing nursing classrooms, including opportunities for collaborative learning and the development of student learning communities, it may be time to ask: Do we practice what we teach? Nursing academia faces challenges related to recruitment and retention, scholarly productivity and engagement of new faculty, and increasing demands for collaborative research. Challenges, some would argue, that could be addressed through CoPs; a sentiment reflected in the recent expansion of nursing CoP literature. What is the current state of the application of this concept in nursing academia and what barriers present in the promotion and development of CoPs in the academy? This article addresses these questions and provides guidance for those in search of community.
Effect of high-fat diet prior to pregnancy on hepatic gene expression and histology in mouse offspring
Authors: Hori Hiroshi , Umezawa Masakazu , Uchiyama Mariko , Niki Rikio , Yanagita Shinya , Takeda Ken
Published: August 2013

Maternal overnutrition and obesity are associated with fetal development and cause long-term effects in offspring. However, the effects of a high-fat diet specific to the pre-pregnancy period are not determined. The present study aimed to examine the effect of high-fat diet prior to pregnancy on the liver of mouse offspring. Female C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal chow (15.2% fat by energy) [control diet (CTR) and CTR pre-pregnancy (PP) groups] or a high-fat chow (31.2% fat by energy) [high-fat diet (HFD) and HFD-pre-pregnancy (PP) groups] for 3–4 weeks and then mated with male C57BL/6J mice fed normal chow. Some mothers continued on the same diet until pups reached 21 days of age (CTR and HFD), and others were fed the different chows from gestational day 0 (CTR-PP and HFD-PP) to determine the effects of a high-fat diet during the pre-pregnancy period in HFD-PP/CTR and HFD/CTR-PP comparisons. Liver tissues from pups were subjected to gene expression analysis by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and microarray, and histological analysis using Oil Red O staining (Sigma Chemical Co., Ltd., Balcatta, WA, USA). Lipid droplets were increased in hepatocytes of mice in HFD-PP compared to CTR and those in HFD compared to CTR-PP. Expression of stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 (Scd1), acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase beta (Acacb), and fatty acid binding protein 5 (Fabp5) was increased by maternal high-fat diet during pre-pregnancy. The results showed that maternal high-fat diet intake prior to pregnancy uniquely affects metabolic phenotype related to health and disease in the liver of the next generation.
Effect of MMT concentrations as reinforcement on the properties of recycled PET/HDPE nanocomposites
Authors: Rosnan Rizuan Mohd , Arsad Agus
Published: August 2013

The objective of this research is to investigate the effect of incorporating montmorillonite (MMT) on the mechanical, morphological, rheological, and thermal properties of recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (rPET) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) nanocomposites. The MMT contents in 90:10 rPET/HDPE and 70:30 rPET/HDPE ranged from 1 to 5 wt.%. rPET/HDPE nanocomposites were prepared by using a single screw extruder, and injection molded to prepare mechanical test specimens. The samples underwent rheological tests by using a capillary rheometer, and the morphology of the nanocomposites was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The thermal stability of the nanocomposites was tested using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results showed that MMT acts as compatibilizing agent and improves phase dispersion and interfacial adhesion in the nanocomposites. The maximum tensile strength was found at 3 and 1 wt.% of MMT for the 90:10 and 70:30 rPET/HDPE blends. However, the tensile modulus decreased significantly with the incorporation of MMT. The impact strength for both the 90:10 and 70:30 blends reached a maximum at 3 wt.% and started to decrease beyond 3 wt.%. The incorporation of MMT increased the shear viscosity of the 90:10 and 70:30 blends, which reached a maximum value at 3 and 1 wt.%. SEM micrographs showed a good interaction of MMT that improved the adhesion between the two phases of blends and led to an increase in the mechanical properties of rPET/HDPE nanocomposites.
Investigation of Aging of Asphalt Concrete Reservoir Facing With Time
Authors: Wang Weibiao , Zhang Yingbo , Zhu Yue , Lan Xiao
Published: August 2013

The objective of this work was to study the aging of asphalt concrete facings with time based on the test results from field and laboratory specimens. The mechanical behavior of samples drilled out at three different locations of the Tianhuangping asphalt facing, which had performed for 13 years, was tested, and the properties of the bitumen extracted from the samples were investigated. Test results show that hot production caused most of the aging of the bitumen, and the most severe aging in the field occurred in the most exposed location, but only “skin deep” (0–10 mm) in the asphalt facing. To predict the aging of asphalt facings with time, an accelerated aging method was developed in the laboratory, and a relationship was established between the laboratory-accelerated aging in hours and the field aging in years. Laboratory-accelerated aging test results show that bending strain at failure of asphalt concrete reduced 37 % because of hot production, 25 % in the first 20 years of service, and 6 % in another 30 years of service.
3D Ordered Macroporous Ge/Al and Ge/Si Bilayer Films Made by Electrodeposition from Ionic Liquids
Authors: Liu Xin , Zhao Jiupeng , Zhang Yiwen , An Xiaokun , Ding Yanbo , Zhang Yi , Li Yao , Endres Frank
Published: August 2013

Three dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) Ge/Al and Ge/Si
bilayer films have been made via ordered
polystyrene (PS) templates by electrodeposition from ionic liquids
(IL), at room temperature. For this purpose, the ionic liquid
1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide
([EMIm]Tf2N) and 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium
bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide
([Py1,4]Tf2N) with aluminium, germanium and
silicon chlorides dissolved in were used as
electrolytes. Self-assembled PS colloidal crystals were made by
the vertical deposition method and used as templates. Germanium
was chosen as the first layer, then after washing and drying Al
and Si layers were deposited subsequently. SEM results verify that
the 3DOM Ge/Al and Ge/Si have a different morphology, and EDX was
used to analyze the composition of the samples. Novel 3DOM bilayer
films made from reactive elements could have some potential as
anode host material in future generation lithium ion batteries and
can be regarded as the first step to make 3D ordered macroporous
bilayer films.
THE SCHISTOSOMULA TEGUMENT ANTIGEN AS A POTENTIAL CANDIDATE FOR THE EARLY SEROLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS OF SCHISTOSOMIASIS MANSONI
Authors: Grenfell Rafaella , Martins Watson , Silva-Moraes Vanessa , Araujo Neusa , Oliveira Edward , Fonseca Cristina , Coelho Paulo Marcos Zech
Published: August 2013

If Schistosoma mansoni infection could be detected in its early stages, especially before the egg deposition in the host tissues, the development of severe pathologic lesions could be efficiently prevented. We therefore developed an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based on the detection of specific IgG against schistosomula antigens (ELISA-SmTeg). The assay was applied in sera samples from non-infected and infected mice collected seven and 15 days post-infection. The results were compared to the number of adult worms obtained by perfusion of the murine hepatic system 50 days post-infection. The sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA-SmTeg were 100% (p = 0.0032 and 0.0048 respectively for seven and 15 days of infection) with a cutoff value of 0.15 (p = 0.0002). Our findings show a novel low-cost serological assay using antigens which are easy to obtain, which was able to detect all the infected mice as early as seven days post-infection.
Serological survey of hantavirus in rodents in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Limongi Jean Ezequiel , Moreira Fernando Guimarães , Peres Joel Batista , Suzuki Akemi , Ferreira Ivani Bisordi , Souza Renato Pereira , Pinto Rogério Melo Costa , Pereira Luiz Eloy
Published: August 2013

We conducted a serological survey to determine the presence of hantavirus infection in rodents in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais as well as to identify and characterize associated factors. Rodents were captured using Sherman live-capture traps set in rural and peri-urban environments. A total of 611 rodents were captured. There was a higher trap success in peri-urban areas (26.3%) and a higher prevalence of antibodies among rodents captured in rural areas (2.9%). Necromys lasiurus was the most common species (42.2%) and the more frequently infected (4.6%). One Calomys tener (1/141; 0.7%) and one Calomys sp. (1/14; 7.1%) were also positive for the hantavirus infection. In N. lasiurus, antibody prevalence correlated with population density (p < 0.01), age class (p = 0.003) and presence of scars (p = 0.02). The data confirm that horizontal transmission is the main mechanism that maintains the virus in nature. The higher seropositivity in N. lasiurus is consistent with genetic studies that associate this species with an Araraquara virus reservoir; the seropositivity of C. tener and Calomys sp. may indicate the occurrence of spillover infection or the presence of other circulating hantaviruses.
Histoplasmosis presenting with multiple pulmonary nodules. A case mimicking radiological features of pulmonary metastasis
Authors: Dall Bello Aline Gehlen , Severo Cecília Bittencourt , Oliveira Flávio de Mattos , Hallal Junior Ramon Joaquim , Hochhergger Bruno , Severo Luiz Carlos
Published: August 2013

We present a case of histoplasmosis with multiple pulmonary nodules in a patient with a history of melanoma. This case closely simulated malignancy, including the presence of feeding vessel sign, which occurs in pulmonary metastasis. We emphasize the need to be aware of this infection in areas where histoplasmosis is endemic.
Baixa temperatura noturna e deficiência hídrica na fotossíntese de cana‑de‑açúcar
Authors: Machado Daniela Favero São Pedro , Lagôa Ana Maria Magalhães Andrade , Ribeiro Rafael Vasconcelos , Marchiori Paulo Eduardo Ribeiro , Machado Ricardo Silvério , Machado Eduardo Caruso
Published: August 2013

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as respostas fotossintéticas da cana‑de‑açúcar aos efeitos simultâneos e isolados de baixa temperatura noturna (TN) e deficiência hídrica (DH). Após 128 dias do plantio, as plantas da cultivar IACSP94-2094 foram submetidas aos tratamentos: controle, sem DH e com TN de 20°C (TN20); com DH e TN de 20°C (DH/TN20); sem DH e com TN de 12°C (TN12); e com DH e TN de 12°C (DH/TN12) por cinco dias. Após o período de tratamento, as plantas foram irrigadas e submetidas à TN de 20°C por mais quatro dias, para recuperação. Houve decréscimos na assimilação de CO2 em todos os tratamentos. A recuperação total da assimilação de CO2 foi observada apenas nas plantas do tratamento TN12. A ocorrência simultânea da baixa temperatura noturna e da deficiência hídrica causou dano acentuado e persistente na condutância estomática, na capacidade máxima da ribulose‑1,5‑bisfosfato carboxilase, no transporte aparente de elétrons, no fator de eficiência e na eficiência operacional do fotossistema II, o que resultou em limitações difusivas, bioquímicas e fotoquímicas da fotossíntese das plantas de cana‑de‑açúcar.
Meat lipid profile of steers finished in pearl millet pasture with different rates of concentrate
Authors: Menezes Luis Fernando Glasenapp de , Segabinazzi Luciane Rumpel , Restle João , Freitas Leandro da Silva , Brondani Ivan Luiz , Silveira Magali Floriano da , Pacheco Rangel Fernandes , Paula Perla Cordeiro de , Joner Guilherme
Published: August 2013

The objective of this work was to evaluate the meat lipid profile from Devon beef steers finished in pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum) pasture and fed at different rates of concentrate supplementary diet. Twelve steers weighing 270 kg, at 12‑month‑average initial age, were randomly distributed into three treatments: pearl millet pasture; and pearl millet pasture plus a concentrate equivalent at 0.5 or 1.0% of body weight, with two replicates. Total contents of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, the polyunsaturated:saturated ratio and other relevant fatty acids as the vaccenic acid, conjugated linoleic acid, omega‑3, and omega‑6 were not affected by the consumption of a concentrate supplement at 0.5 or 1.0% live weight. However, the 0.5% supplementation level reduced the concentration of dihomo‑γ‑linolenic fatty acid (C20: 3 n‑6), while the 1.0% supplementation level elevated the content of docosahexaenoic (DHA) (C22: 6 n‑3) fatty acid, and the omega‑6:omega‑3 ratio in meat. Consumption of up to 1.0% energy supplementation increases the omega‑6:omega‑3 ratio in meat from Devon steers grazing on pearl millet pasture.
Calcareous nannoplankton ecology and community change across the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum
Authors: Schneider Leah J. , Bralower Timothy J. , Kump Lee R. , Patzkowsky Mark E.
Published: August 2013

The Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM; ca. 55.8 Ma) is thought to coincide with a profound but entirely transient change among nannoplankton communities throughout the ocean. Here we explore the ecology of nannoplankton during the PETM by using multivariate analyses of a global data set that is based upon the distribution of taxa in time and space. We use these results, coupled with stable isotope data and geochemical modeling, to reinterpret the ecology of key genera. The results of the multivariate analyses suggest that the community was perturbed significantly in coastal and high-latitudes sites compared to the open ocean, and the relative influence of temperature and nutrient availability on the assemblage varies regionally. The open ocean became more stratified and less productive during the PETM and the oligotrophic assemblage responded primarily to changes in nutrient availability. Alternatively, assemblages at the equator and in the Southern Ocean responded to temperature more than to nutrient reduction. In addition, the assemblage change at the PETM was not merely transient—there is evidence of adaptation and a long-term change in the nannoplankton community that persists after the PETM and results in the disappearance of a high-latitude assemblage. The long-term effect on communities caused by transient warming during the PETM has implications for modern-day climate change, suggesting similar permanent changes to nannoplankton community structure as the oceans warm.
Population structure of the oldest known macroscopic communities from Mistaken Point, Newfoundland
Authors: Darroch Simon A. F. , Laflamme Marc , Clapham Matthew E.
Published: August 2013

The presumed affinities of the Terminal Neoproterozoic Ediacara biota have been much debated. However, even in the absence of concrete evidence for phylogenetic affinity, numerical paleoecological approaches can be effectively used to make inferences about organismal biology, the nature of biotic interactions, and life history. Here, we examine the population structure of three Ediacaran rangeomorph taxa (Fractofusus, Beothukis, and Pectinifrons), and one non-rangeomorph taxon (Thectardis) across five fossil surfaces around the Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland, through analysis of size-frequency distributions using Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC). Best-supported models resolve communities of all studied Ediacaran taxa at Mistaken Point as single cohorts with wide variance. This result is best explained in terms of a “continuous reproduction” model, whereby Ediacaran organisms reproduce aseasonally, so that multiple size modes are absent from preserved communities. Modern benthic invertebrates (both as a whole and within specific taxonomic groups) in deeper-water settings reproduce both seasonally and aseasonally; distinguishing between biological (i.e., continuous reproductive strategies) and environmental (lack of a seasonal trigger) causes for this pattern is therefore difficult. However, we hypothesize that the observed population structure could reflect the lack of a trigger for reproduction in deepwater settings (i.e., seasonal flux of organic matter), until the explosive appearance of mesozooplankton near the base of the Cambrian.
Sundays and Mortality in Patients with AKI
Authors: Wilson F. Perry , Yang Wei , Schrauben Sarah , Machado Carlos , Lin Jennie J. , Feldman Harold I.
Published: August 2013

Background and objectives

Initiation of dialysis on Sunday is limited by constraints that do not exist on other days of the week, which may lead to triaging of dialysis therapy. The study hypothesis was that patients with AKI on a Sunday would sustain higher mortality rates.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Study participants (n=4970) were part of the retrospective University of Pennsylvania Health AKI cohort, which is composed of patients with severe inpatient AKI (characterized by a doubling of admission creatinine) who were hospitalized from January 1, 2004, to August 31, 2010. Patient-days (n=15,995) were included if the patient had AKI severity of Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) stage 2 or greater and had not yet begun receiving dialysis. The association of day of the week and inpatient mortality was assessed with logistic regression of data updated daily, using robust variance estimators.

Results

The rate (95% confidence interval [CI]) of initiation of dialysis on Sunday was 2.5 (1.8 to 3.1) per 100 patient-days, compared with 3.8 (3.5 to 4.1) per 100 patient-days on other days of the week (P=0.001). Inpatient mortality (95% CI) among patients with severe AKI present on a Sunday was 30% (28% to 32%), compared with 31% (31% to 32%) on other days of the week (P=0.08). Inpatient mortality among patients who initiated dialysis on Sunday was 65% (52% to 79%), compared with 65% (61% to 70%) among those who initiated dialysis from Tuesday through Saturday (P=0.79). Patients who initiated dialysis on Monday had a lower mortality than those who initiated it on another day of the week (52% [40% to 64%] versus 65% [61% to 70%]; P=0.03).

Conclusions

Despite a lower frequency of dialysis, patients with severe AKI on Sunday have mortality similar to that of patients with severe AKI on other days of the week.
Carbamylation of Serum Albumin and Erythropoietin Resistance in End Stage Kidney Disease
Authors: Kalim Sahir , Tamez Hector , Wenger Julia , Ankers Elizabeth , Trottier Caitlin A. , Deferio Joseph J. , Berg Anders H. , Karumanchi S. Ananth , Thadhani Ravi I.
Published: August 2013

Background and objectives

The mechanisms underlying erythropoietin resistance are not fully understood. Carbamylation is a post-translational protein modification that can alter the function of proteins, such as erythropoietin. The hypothesis of this study is that carbamylation burden is independently associated with erythropoietin resistance.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

In a nonconcurrent prospective cohort study of incident hemodialysis patients in the United States, carbamylated albumin, a surrogate of overall carbamylation burden, in 158 individuals at day 90 of dialysis initiation and erythropoietin resistance index (defined as average weekly erythropoietin dose [U] per kg body weight per hemoglobin [g/dl]) over the subsequent 90 days were measured. Linear regression was used to describe the relationship between carbamylated albumin and erythropoietin resistance index. Logistic regression characterized the relationship between erythropoietin resistance index, 1-year mortality, and carbamylation.

Results

The median percent carbamylated albumin was 0.77% (interquartile range=0.58%–0.93%). Median erythropoietin resistance index was 18.7 units/kg per gram per deciliter (interquartile range=8.1–35.6 units/kg per gram per deciliter). Multivariable adjusted analysis showed that the highest quartile of carbamylated albumin was associated with a 72% higher erythropoietin resistance index compared with the lowest carbamylation quartile (P=0.01). Increasing erythropoietin resistance index was associated with a higher risk of death (odds ratio per unit increase in log-erythropoietin resistance index, 1.69; 95% confidence interval, 1.06 to 2.70). However, the association between erythropoietin resistance index and mortality was no longer statistically significant when carbamylation was included in the analysis (odds ratio, 1.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.87 to 2.37), with carbamylation showing the dominant association with death (odds ratio for high versus low carbamylation quartile, 4.53; 95% confidence interval, 1.20 to 17.10).

Conclusion

Carbamylation was associated with higher erythropoietin resistance index in incident dialysis patients and a better predictor of mortality than erythropoietin resistance index.
Trust and Commitment in Relationships Among Medical Equipment Suppliers: Transaction Cost and Social Exchange Theories
Authors: Chao Cheng-Min , Yu Cheng-Tao , Cheng Bor-Wen , Chuang Pen-Chen
Published: August 2013

Successful supply chain management can reinforce the competitive strength of hospitals. In this study we applied transaction cost theory and social exchange theory to the development of trust and commitment in supply chain relationships. Data were collected from procurement personnel
who are in charge of selecting medical device suppliers in 128 hospitals in Taiwan. The results showed that managerial decision variables such as asset specificity, communication, and perceived benefits had a positive effect on trust. However, behavioral uncertainty had a significant negative
effect on trust and trust had a significant positive effect on commitment. The findings provide a reference for partnerships between hospitals and suppliers and for managerial decision variables in medical supply chain management, as well as a method for successful supply chain management
in the medical field.
Influences of Framing Effect and Green Message on Advertising Effect
Authors: Tu Jui-Che , Kao Tsai-Feng , Tu Yi-Chan
Published: August 2013

Designing green product marketing is a helpful solution for enhancing green awareness, and for promoting the protection of the environment. In this study we explored the framing effect in advertising design, and analyzed the relationship between framing effect (FE) and green message
(GM), as well as their influences on advertising. We adopted a quasiexperimental method, and conducted empirical research according to 2 x 2 between-subject factors. The results showed that green messages influenced consumers' reaction toward positive and negative frames. Consumers who did
not receive green messages preferred positively framed advertising. After receiving a green message, the consumers' attitudes regarding positively and negatively framed advertising were similar for both types.
Body Dissatisfaction and Restrained Eating: Mediating Effects of Self-Esteem
Authors: Kong Fanchang , Zhang Yan , You Zhiqi , Fan Cuiying , Tian Yuan , Zhou Zongkui
Published: August 2013

Mixed results have been found in studies of the relationship between body dissatisfaction and restrained eating, and self-esteem (Flament et al., 2012; Forrester-Knauss, Perren, & Alsaker, 2012; Wilksch & Wade, 2004). We investigated if body dissatisfaction significantly predicted
restrained eating and if restrained eating was affected by body dissatisfaction through the mediation of self-esteem. The Negative Physical Self Scale-Fatness Scale (NPSS-F; Chen, Jackson, & Huang, 2006), the State Self-Esteem Scale (SSES; Heatherton & Polivy, 1991), and the Three-Factor
Eating Questionnaire-Revised 18-item version (TFEQ-R18; Karlsson, Persson, Sjöström, & Sullivan, 2000) were administered to 376 Chinese women undergraduates. Results showed that body dissatisfaction, as measured with the NPSS-F, was positively related to restrained eating, and
self-esteem mediated in the relationship between body dissatisfaction and restrained eating. Therefore, restrained eating was affected not only directly by body dissatisfaction, but also indirectly by body dissatisfaction through the mediation of self-esteem.
Leadership Style, Self-Sacrifice, and Team Identification
Authors: Ruggieri Stefano , Abbate Costanza Scaffidi
Published: August 2013

Leadership is a group feature that directly impacts on team identification. Effective leaders are especially capable of fostering group cohesiveness and promoting efficacy in goal attainment. We assessed the relationship between transactional and transformational leadership style, team
identification, and leader self-sacrifice. Participants were 186 call center employees who were headed by a leader who operated with either a transactional or a transformational leadership style. The employees reported their level of team identification and leader self-sacrifice. Results show
how, in either the transactional or transformational leadership condition, levels of leadership and self-sacrifice were related to team identification, as well as the interaction effect between transactional leadership level and leader self-sacrifice. Our findings demonstrate how different
leadership styles play a diverse role in this relationship.