bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic α-tocopherol supplementation in rats does not ameliorate either chronic or acute alcohol-induced changes in muscle protein metabolism
Authors: KOLL Michael , BEESO Julie A. , KELLY Frank J. , SIMANOWSKI Ulrich A. , SEITZ Helmut K. , PETERS Timothy J. , PREEDY Victor R.
Published: August 2015

Chronic alcohol muscle disease is characterized by reduced skeletal muscle mass precipitated by acute reduction in protein synthesis. The pathogenic mechanisms remain obscure, but several lines of evidence suggest that increased oxidative stress occurs in muscle in response to alcohol and this may be associated with impaired α-tocopherol status. Potentially, this implies a therapeutic role for α-tocopherol, especially as we have shown that supplemental α-tocopherol may increase the rate of protein synthesis in normal rats [Reilly, Patel, Peters and Preedy (2000) J. Nutr. 130, 3045–3049]. We investigated the therapeutic effect of α-tocopherol on plantaris muscle protein synthesis in rats treated either acutely, chronically or chronically+acutely with ethanol. Protein synthesis rates were measured with a flooding dose of L-[4-3H]phenylalanine. Protein, RNA and DNA contents were determined by standard laboratory methods. Ethanol caused defined metabolic changes in muscle, including decreased protein, RNA and DNA contents in chronically treated rats. In acute or chronic+acute studies, ethanol suppressed fractional rates of protein synthesis. α-Tocopherol supplementation did not ameliorate the effects of either acute, chronic or chronic+acute alcohol on plantaris muscle protein content or rates of protein synthesis. In control animals (not treated with alcohol), α-tocopherol supplementation decreased muscle protein content owing to increases in protein turnover (both synthesis and degradation). α-Tocopherol supplementation is not protective against the deleterious effects of alcohol on protein metabolism in skeletal muscle.
Abnormal rhythmic oscillations of atrial natriuretic peptide and brain natriuretic peptide in heart failure
Authors: BENTZEN Hans , PEDERSEN Robert S. , PEDERSEN Henrik B. , NYVAD Ole , PEDERSEN Erling B.
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this study was to clarify whether the secretions of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) are pulsatile in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), and whether the rhythmic oscillations for ANP and BNP are abnormal in patients with CHF. Several reports have shown that ANP and especially BNP are valuable indicators of the prognosis in CHF. Previously, a pulsatile secretion has been described for ANP and BNP in healthy humans and for ANP in CHF patients. More information about the secretion pattern of BNP in heart failure is necessary to increase the clinical usefulness of BNP in patients with CHF. Patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and CHF (n = 12) and controls (n = 12) were investigated. Plasma ANP and BNP levels were determined every 2min during a 2-h period by radioimmunoassay and analysed for pulsatile behaviour by Fourier transformation. All patients and controls had significant rhythmic oscillations in plasma ANP levels, and 11 patients with CHF and 10 controls had significant rhythmic oscillations in plasma BNP levels. The amplitude of the main frequency was considerably higher in patients with CHF than in controls (ANP: CHF, 4.76pmol/l; controls, 0.75pmol/l; P<0.01. BNP: CHF, 3.24pmol/l; controls, 0.23pmol/l; P<0.001; all values are medians), but the main frequency did not differ significantly between the group with CHF and the control group for either ANP or BNP. Patients with CHF demonstrate pulsatile secretion of ANP and BNP with a much higher absolute amplitude, but with the same main frequency as healthy subjects.
Comparison between the effects of mixed dyslipidaemia and hypercholesterolaemia on endothelial function, atherosclerotic lesions and fibrinolysis in rabbits
Authors: HERAS Natalia de las , CEDIEL Eva , OUBIÑA M. Pilar , ARAGONCILLO Paloma , SANZ-ROSA David , LAHERA Vicente , CACHOFEIRO Victoria
Published: August 2015

We compared the impact of hypercholesterolaemia and mixed dyslipidaemia on vascular function, vascular structure and fibrinolytic balance in rabbits. To this end, vascular reactivity was studied in aortic rings from rabbits fed a control diet, a diet containing 0.5% cholesterol+14% coconut oil (mixed dyslipidaemia) or a diet containing 1% cholesterol (hypercholesterolaemia) for 12–14 weeks. Morphometric analysis of aorta was also performed and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) as well as tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) plasma activities were measured. Both diets induced a similar increase in cholesterol plasma levels, although triacylglycerols (triglycerides) were increased in animals with mixed dyslipidaemia. Hypercholesterolaemia was associated with intimal thickening, reduction in acetylcholine-induced relaxation (P<0.05) and increased vasoconstriction induced by acetylcholine+NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) when compared with controls (P<0.05). These effects were more marked (P<0.05) in animals with mixed dyslipidaemia. Incubation with ifetroban, a thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 receptor antagonist, increased acetylcholine-induced relaxation (P<0.05) and reduced acetylcholine+L-NAME contraction (P<0.05) in both diet groups. In contrast, the presence of PD 145, an endothelin (ET)A/ETB receptor antagonist, exerted these effects only in rabbits with mixed dyslipidaemia. Both hypercholesterolaemia and mixed dyslipidaemia induced a similar increase in PAI-1 and a similar decrease in t-PA plasma activities. These data suggest that hypertriglyceridaemia can increase the deleterious effects of hypercholesterolaemia on endothelial function and vascular structure. This additional harmful effect exerted by triacylglycerols on endothelial function could, in part, be mediated by ET.
Clinical and electrophysiological characterization of a novel mutation (F193L) in the KCNQ1 gene associated with long QT syndrome
Authors: YAMAGUCHI Masato , SHIMIZU Masami , INO Hidekazu , TERAI Hidenobu , HAYASHI Kenshi , MABUCHI Hiroshi , HOSHI Naoto , HIGASHIDA Haruhiro
Published: August 2015

KCNQ1 is a gene encoding an α subunit of voltage-gated cardiac K+ channels, with properties similar to the slowly activating delayed rectifier K+ current, and one of the genes causing long QT syndrome (LQTS). However, genotype–phenotype correlations of the KCNQ1 gene mutations are not fully understood. The aims of this study were to identify a mutation in the KCNQ1 gene in patients with LQTS, and to characterize the clinical manifestations and electrophysiological properties of the mutation. We screened and identified mutations by PCR, single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis and DNA sequencing. We identified a novel mutation [Phe193Leu (F193L)] in the KCNQ1 gene in one family with LQTS. The patients with this mutation showed a mildly affected phenotype. The proband was a 17-year-old girl who had a prolonged QT interval. Her elder brother, father and paternal grandmother also had the mutation. None of them had any history of syncope. Sudden death was not found in this family. Next, we studied the electrophysiological characteristics of the F193L mutation in the KCNQ1 gene using the expression system in Xenopus oocytes and the two-microelectrode voltage-clamp technique. Co-expression of F193L KCNQ1 with the K+ channel minK suppressed peak (by 23.3%) and tail (by 38.2%) currents compared with those obtained by the combination of wild-type (WT) KCNQ1 and minK. Time constants of current activation in F193L KCNQ1 and F193L KCNQ1+minK were significantly slower than those of WT KCNQ1 and WT KCNQ1+minK. This electrophysiological study indicates that F193L causes less severe KCNQ1 current suppression, and thereby this mutation may result in a mildly affected phenotype.
Vascular endothelial growth factor and tissue factor in patients with established peripheral artery disease: a link between angiogenesis and thrombogenesis?
Authors: MAKIN Andrew J. , CHUNG Natalia A.Y. , SILVERMAN Stanley H. , LIP Gregory Y.H.
Published: August 2015

Increasing evidence points towards a prothrombotic state in atherosclerosis and its manifestations, such as peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is associated with thrombosis-related complications, such as acute limb ischaemia, graft thrombosis and stroke. We hypothesized that the increased risk of thrombogenesis in PAD may be related to abnormal angiogenesis and, thus, an increased risk of future vascular disease. To test this hypothesis, we measured plasma levels of tissue factor (TF) and related levels to indices of angiogenesis, that is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its soluble receptor sFlt-1. We studied 234 patients (145 males; mean age 68.6±10 years) with proven PAD (ankle brachial pressure index <0.8) and compared them with 50 healthy controls. Levels of VEGF (P = 0.001) and TF (P = 0.043) were increased in patients compared with controls. There were significant correlations between VEGF and TF levels in both patients (Spearman r = 0.351, P<0.001) and healthy controls (Spearman r = 0.335, P = 0.017). Amongst PAD patients, levels of VEGF were related to gender, with women having higher levels than men. There was no difference in the levels of sFlt-1 between the patients and controls, or between the subgroups of patients. There were however significant correlations between the levels of sFlt-1 and TF (Spearman r = 0.268, P<0.001) and between sFlt-1 and VEGF (Spearman r = 0.499, P<0.001). In conclusion, patients suffering from proven PAD have higher plasma levels of TF and VEGF compared with controls, with a significant correlation between the two. This suggests a link between the hypercoagulable state in PAD and the process of angiogenesis.
Cyclical mechanical stretch enhances angiopoietin-2 and Tie2 receptor expression in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: CHANG Hang , WANG Bao-Wei , KUAN Peiliang , SHYU Kou-Gi
Published: August 2015

Endothelial cells are essential for neovascularization. Angiopoietins and Tie receptors are required for a normal vasculature. How cyclical mechanical stretch affects the expression of components of the angiopoietin system is not known. In this study, we investigated the regulation of angiopoietins and Tie receptors by cyclical mechanical stretch in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). HUVECs grown on a flexible membrane base were stretched by vacuum to 20% elongation, at 60cycles/min. The levels of angiopoietin-2 protein began to increase as early as 2h after stretch was initially applied, reached a maximum of 2.7-fold over the control value by 6h. The Tie2 receptor protein showed the same pattern as Ang-2. These increases in angiopoietin-2 and Tie2 receptor proteins at 6h were blocked by the addition (30min before stretch) of the protein kinase C inhibitor Gö6976 (16nM) or the tyrosine kinase inhibitor herbimycin A (24µM). Similar to protein expression, the levels of angiopoietin-2 and Tie2 receptor mRNAs in HUVECs increased 3.1-fold and 2.5-fold respectively after stretch for 6h. These increases were also blocked by Gö6976 or herbimycin A. Cyclical mechanical stretch increased (and Gö6976 or herbimycin A abrogated these increases) the immunohistochemical labelling of angiopoietin-2 and Tie2 receptor after a 6h stretch. The levels of angiopoietin-1 and Tie1 receptor proteins, mRNAs and immunohistochemical staining were unaffected by cyclical mechanical stretch. Thus cyclical mechanical stretch activates the expression of angiopoietin-2 and the Tie2 receptor, but not angiopoietin-1 or the Tie1 receptor, in cultured HUVECs. This mechanical effect is probably mediated by the tyrosine kinase and protein kinase C pathways.
Targeting and intracellular trafficking of clinically relevant hTHTR1 mutations in human cell lines
Authors: Subramanian Veedamali S. , Marchant Jonathan S. , Said Hamid M.
Published: August 2015

The micronutrient thiamine is required for normal growth and development of human tissues, and is accumulated into cells through the activity of plasma membrane thiamine transporters, e.g. hTHTR1 (human thiamine transporter 1). Recent genetic evidence has linked mutations in hTHTR1 with the manifestation of TRMA (thiamine-responsive megaloblastic anaemia), a condition also associated with diabetes mellitus, sensorineural deafness and retinal disorders. To examine how mutations in hTHTR1 impair thiamine accumulation, we have investigated the targeting and functional properties of several different hTHTR1 mutants in human cell lines derived from epithelia relevant to thiamine absorption or tissues implicated in TRMA pathology. These constructs encompassed two newly identified point mutations (P51L and T158R) and two truncations of hTHTR1 identical with those found in TRMA kindreds (W358X and Δ383fs). Our results reveal a spectrum of mutant phenotypes, underlining that TRMA can result from decreased thiamine transport activity underpinned by changes in hTHTR1 expression levels, cellular targeting and/or protein transport activity.
Does physical inactivity cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?
Authors: Hopkinson Nicholas S. , Polkey Michael I.
Published: August 2015

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is the most common pulmonary disease and is the only common cause of death in which mortality is presently rising. It is caused by the inhalation of smoke, which leads to oxidative stress and inflammation both in the lungs and systemically. Reduced physical activity is a well-recognized consequence of the condition, but we argue here that inactivity is itself an early cause of lung function decline and symptoms. This hypothesis is supported by data from population studies that link activity levels to decline in spirometric indices, both in smokers and non-smokers. In addition, smokers with low physical activity levels are more likely to be diagnosed subsequently with COPD. Physical exercise reduces oxidative stress, has an anti-inflammatory effect and reduces the frequency of upper respiratory tract infections, providing a number of mechanisms by which it could attenuate the harmful effects of smoking. There is sufficient evidence to justify population trials of lifestyle interventions aimed at improving physical activity levels and reducing lung function decline in people diagnosed with early COPD through spirometry screening.
Hydrogen sulfide-mediated cardioprotection: mechanisms and therapeutic potential
Authors: Lavu Madhav , Bhushan Shashi , Lefer David J.
Published: August 2015

H2S (hydrogen sulfide), viewed with dread for more than 300 years, is rapidly becoming a ubiquitously present and physiologically relevant signalling molecule. Knowledge of the production and metabolism of H2S has spurred interest in delineating its functions both in physiology and pathophysiology of disease. Although its role in blood pressure regulation and interaction with NO is controversial, H2S, through its anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, has demonstrated significant cardioprotection. As a result, a number of sulfide-donor drugs, including garlic-derived polysulfides, are currently being designed and investigated for the treatment of cardiovascular conditions, specifically myocardial ischaemic disease. However, huge gaps remain in our knowledge about this gasotransmitter. Only by additional studies will we understand more about the role of this intriguing molecule in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Immunological basis of reversible and fixed airways disease
Authors: Tubby Carolyn , Harrison Tim , Todd Ian , Fairclough Lucy
Published: August 2015

Asthma is characterized by airflow obstruction that is usually completely reversible either spontaneously or in response to treatment. However, a small subset of patients with asthma display FAO (fixed airflow obstruction) despite optimal treatment, a feature more commonly associated with smoking-induced COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Why some asthma patients develop FAO is not understood, and it is not clear whether (i) they represent a subset of patients with more severe disease, (ii) they share some characteristics of patients who develop COPD, or (iii) they represent a different disease entity altogether. The present review compares the pulmonary inflammatory profile of asthma patients with FAO with those without FAO, as well as COPD sufferers. The inflammation in asthma patients with FAO can vary from neutrophilic with CD8 T-cell involvement, similar to that of COPD, to eosinophilic with CD4 Th2 cell involvement, akin to that of asthma patients without FAO. Although studies of FAO in asthma sufferers would benefit hugely from consistent inclusion criteria, further research work is also required to shed more light on the immunological processes involved.
Charge separation dynamics at bulk heterojunctions between poly(3-hexylthiophene) and PbS quantum dots
Authors: Firdaus Yuliar , Miranti Rany , Fron Eduard , Khetubol Adis , Vandenplas Erwin , Cheyns David , Borchert Holger , Parisi Jürgen , Van der Auweraer Mark
Published: August 2015

Photo-induced electron transfer between poly-(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and small (2.4 nm) PbS quantum dots (QDs), capped by different ligands, was studied by picosecond and femtosecond time-resolved fluorescence and by photo-induced absorption (PIA) measurements. In line with previous experiments, we observed that the efficiency of the quenching of P3HT by PbS QDs increased upon decreasing the average thickness of the ligand shell. This trend was also observed in the PIA spectra and in prior work on the performance of photovoltaic devices where the active layer was a blend of P3HT with PbS QDs capped by different ligands. Combining the pico- and femtosecond fluorescence decays showed that the quenching in blend films of P3HT and PbS QDs treated with 1,4-benzenedithiol occurred over a broad time scale ranging from tens of femtoseconds to hundreds of picoseconds. This complex kinetics was attributed to exciton hopping followed by electron transfer to the conduction band of the QDs. We also compared the wavelength dependence of the internal quantum efficiency (IQE) in the hybrid photovoltaic devices to those devices where the photoactive layer consists of PbS QDs only. Although excitation in the first excitonic transition of the PbS QDs yielded a similar IQE in both devices, the IQE of the hybrid devices tripled at wavelengths where also P3HT started to absorb. This suggests that upon excitation of P3HT in the latter devices, charge generation occurs by photo-induced electron transfer from P3HT to the QDs rather than by energy transfer to the QDs followed by exciton dissociation in the QDs.
On the constrained classical capacity of infinite-dimensional covariant quantum channels
Authors: Holevo A. S.
Published: August 2015

The additivity of the minimal output entropy and that of the χ-capacity are known to be equivalent for finite-dimensional irreducibly covariant quantum channels. In this paper, we formulate a list of conditions allowing to establish similar equivalence for infinite-dimensional covariant channels with constrained input. This is then applied to bosonic Gaussian channels with quadratic input constraint to extend the classical capacity results of the recent paper [Giovannetti et al., Commun. Math. Phys. 334(3), 1553-1571 (2015)] to the case where the complex structures associated with the channel and with the constraint operator need not commute. In particular, this implies a multimode generalization of the “threshold condition,” obtained for single mode in Schäfer et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 111, 030503 (2013)], and the proof of the fact that under this condition the classical “Gaussian capacity” resulting from optimization over only Gaussian inputs is equal to the full classical capacity. Complex structures correspond to different squeezings, each with its own normal modes, vacuum and coherent states, and the gauge. Thus our results apply, e.g., to multimode channels with a squeezed Gaussian noise under the standard input energy constraint, provided the squeezing is not too large as to violate the generalized threshold condition. We also investigate the restrictiveness of the gauge-covariance condition for single- and multimode bosonic Gaussian channels.
Enhanced electrocaloric effect in displacive-type organic ferroelectrics
Authors: Ding L. J. , Zhong Y. , Fan S. W. , Zhu L. Y.
Published: August 2015

We explore the intrinsic feature of electrocaloric effect (ECE) accompanied by ferroelectric (FE)-paraelectric (PE) transition for displacive-type organic ferroelectrics using Green's function theory. It is demonstrated that decreasing elastic constant K or increasing spin-lattice coupling λ can enhance the ECE, as well as polarization P and transition temperature TC. Indeed, one expects that the optimal operating temperature for solid-state refrigeration is around room temperature, at which the ECE achieves its maximum. As TC is tuned to ∼310 K, it presents larger ECE response and remanent polarization with lower coercive field for smaller K value, suggesting that well flexible displacive-type organic ferroelectrics are excellent candidates both for electric cooling and data storage in the design of nonvolatile FE random-access memories. Furthermore, in an electric field, it provides a bridge between a Widom line that denotes FE-PE crossover above TC and a metaelectric transition line below TC that demonstrates an FE switching behavior with an antiparallel field.
Thermoelectric properties and electronic transport analysis of Zr3Ni3Sb4-based solid solutions
Authors: Tamaki H. , Kanno T. , Sakai A. , Takahashi K. , Yamada Y.
Published: August 2015

We report the synthesis and high thermoelectric properties of Zr3Ni3Sb4-Hf3Ni3Sb4 solid solutions and Zr3Ni3Sb4-Zr3Pt3Sb4 solid solutions. Ternary Zintl phases Zr3Ni3Sb4, Hf3Ni3Sb4, and Zr3Pt3Sb4 are narrow-gap semiconductors (a bandgap Eg≃200 meV in the case of Zr3Ni3Sb4) with low thermal conductivity (4.3 W/mK in the case of Zr3Ni3Sb4 at 300 K). An electronic state calculation of these ternary Zintl phases indicates that the valence bands have a 6-valley or 12-valley structure, providing a high density-of-state effective mass, whereas the conduction bands have low effective mass, resulting in high mobility. Because of these electronic properties that enhance the β factor and the low thermal conductivity due to complex crystal structure and more alloying scattering, high ZT values were obtained for the p-type Zr3Ni2.3Pt0.6Co0.1Sb4 (ZT = 0.65 at 760 K) and the n-type Zr2HfNi2.7Cu0.3Sb4 (ZT = 0.56 at 670 K). We found that Pt-substitution improves the high-temperature thermoelectric performance above 600 K owing to band-gap widening and thermal conductivity reduction in alloying of the p-type Zr3(Ni,Pt)2.9Co0.1Sb4 solid solutions. In the case of n-type (Zr,Hf)3Ni2.7Cu0.3Sb4 solid solutions, we observed that Hf-substitution reduces κph without negatively affecting carrier mobility.
Polaron response dominated multiferroic property in 12R-type hexagonal Ba(Ti1/3Mn2/3)O3-δ ceramics
Authors: Wei Xian-Kui , Su Yantao , Sui Yu , Jin Changqing , Yu Richeng
Published: August 2015

We report the multiferroic properties of 12R-type hexagonal Ba(Ti1/3Mn2/3)O3-δ found in Mn-doped BaTiO3 series samples. Hysteresis measurements reveal the coexistence of weak ferromagnetism and ferroelectricity at room temperature. Furthermore, frequency-driven dynamic ferroelectric phase transition is disclosed around a critical frequency of 220 Hz. Analyses on the dielectric relaxation, leakage current, crystal structure, and magnetic susceptibility lead us to conclude that the response of polarons dominates the observed physical properties, and the dynamic phase transition may ascribe to the response mode changes of the localized electrons. More importantly, we figure out the crucial factors leading to difference of the ferroelectric and magnetic properties of the 12R-type Ba(Ti1/3Mn2/3)O3-δ samples from that of the 6H-type Ba(Ti1-xMx)O3-δ (M = Fe, Mn) samples.
Key plasma parameters for nanometric precision etching of Si films in chlorine discharges
Authors: Brichon P. , Despiau-Pujo E. , Mourey O. , Joubert O.
Published: August 2015

Ultrathin layered films in new transistors architectures (FinFET and fully depleted SOI) require damage-free plasma etching techniques with unprecedented selectivity between materials. To assist the development of advanced processes, molecular dynamics simulations are performed to quantify modifications (plasma-induced damage, etch rate) of Si films after exposition to various Cl2 plasma conditions, simulated by bombarding the substrate with both ion (Cl+, Cl2+) and neutral (Cl, Cl2) species. All simulations show the formation of a stable SiClx reactive layer and a constant etch yield at steady state. The key plasma parameter to control the etching of ultrathin Si layers is the ion energy (Ei), which lowers significantly both the damaged layer thickness (from 1.8 nm at 100 eV to 0.8 nm at 5 eV when Γ = 100) and the etch yield when it is decreased. The neutral-to-ion flux ratio (Γ) is the second key parameter: its increase reduces the damaged layer thickness (from 1.8 nm for Γ = 100 to 1.1 nm for Γ = 1000 at 100 eV) while the etch rate grows. While maintaining Γ constant, the neutral dissociation rate and the ion composition do not influence significantly the etching process. Quantitatively, simulations suggest that plasmas with low ion energies (<15 eV) and high Γ ratios (>1000) should induce sub-nm thick reactive layers, confirming an interest in low-Te or pulsed plasmas (operating at low duty cycle) to achieve nanometric precision etching.
Characterization of the mechanical properties of HL-1 cardiomyocytes with high throughput magnetic tweezers
Authors: Chen La , Maybeck Vanessa , Offenhäusser Andreas , Krause Hans-Joachim
Published: August 2015

We characterized the mechanical properties of cardiomyocyte-like HL-1 cells using our recently developed multi-pole magnetic tweezers. With the optimized design, both high force and high throughput are achieved at the same time. Force up to 100 pN can be applied on a 1 μm diameter superparamagnetic bead in a workspace with 60 μm radius, which is encircled symmetrically by 3 sharp magnetic tips. By adjusting the coil currents, both the strength and direction of force can be controlled. The result shows that both viscosity and shear elastic modulus of HL-1 cells exhibit an approximately log-normal distribution. The cells became stiffer as they matured, consistent with a transition from proliferating cells to contractile muscle tissue. Moreover, the mechanical properties of HL-1 cells show high heterogeneity, which agrees well with their physiological structure.
Absolute and relative emission spectroscopy study of 3 cm wide planar radio frequency atmospheric pressure bio-plasma source
Authors: Deng Xiaolong , Nikiforov Anton Yu , Ionita Eusebiu-Rosini , Dinescu Gheorghe , Leys Christophe
Published: August 2015

The dynamics of low power atmospheric pressure radio frequency discharge generated in Ar gas in long gap of 3 cm is investigated. This plasma source is characterized and analyzed for possible large scale biomedical applications where low gas temperature and potential-less effluent are required. The discharge forms a homogenous glow-like afterglow in ambient air at input power of 30 W with low gas temperature of 330 K, which is desirable in biomedical applications. With absolute calibrated spectroscopy of the discharge, electron density of 0.4 × 1018 m−3 and electron temperature of 1.5 eV are obtained from continuum Bremsstrahlung radiation of the source. Time and spatial resolved emission spectroscopy is used to analyze discharge generation mechanism and active species formation. It is found that discharge dynamics strongly correlates with the discharge current waveform. Strong Ar(2p) excited states emission is observed nearby the electrodes surface on a distance up to 200 μm in the plasma sheath region at 10 ns after the current peak, whereas OH(A) emission is uniform along of the interelectrode gap.
Simulations of three-dimensional dendritic growth using a coupled thermo-solutal phase-field model
Authors: Bollada P. C. , Goodyer C. E. , Jimack P. K. , Mullis A. M.
Published: August 2015

Using a phase field model, which fully couples the thermal and solute concentration field, we present simulation results in three dimensions of the rapid dendritic solidification of a class of dilute alloys at the meso scale. The key results are the prediction of steady state tip velocity and radius at varying undercooling and thermal diffusivities. Less computationally demanding 2-dimensional results are directly compared with the corresponding 3-dimensional results, where significant quantitative differences emerge. The simulations provide quantitative predictions for the range of thermal and solutal diffusivities considered and show the effectiveness and potential of the computational techniques employed. These results thus provide benchmark 3-dimensional computations, allow direct comparison with underlying analytical theory, and pave the way for further quantitative results.
Long time-course monitoring of ZFP809-mediated gene silencing in transgene expression driven by promoters containing MLV-derived PBS
Authors: Ichida Yu , Utsunomiya Yuko , Tomikawa Junko , Nakabayashi Kazuhiko , Sato Toshinori , Onodera Masafumi
Published: August 2015

Expression of Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMLV)-typed retroviral vectors is strictly suppressed in immature cells such as embryonic stem cells. The phenomenon known as gene silencing is primed by the sequence-specific binding of the zinc finger protein 809 (ZFP809) to the primer-binding site of the vectors. However, it has yet to be determined whether the ZFP809-mediated gene silencing is maintained over a long period. In this study, we established an experimental system that can monitor gene silencing during a long-term cell culture using flow cytometry technology combined with fluorescent reporters for the expression of ZFP809 and the transgene expression driven by the promoters of interest. Time-course analysis using our system revealed that ZFP809 maintains gene silencing effect even at a longtime period. Furthermore, our system was useful for the monitoring of ZFP809-mediated gene silencing regardless of the types of vectors and cell lines.
How are bodies special? Effects of body features on spatial reasoning
Authors: Yu Alfred B. , Zacks Jeffrey M.
Published: August 2015

Embodied views of cognition argue that cognitive processes are influenced by bodily experience. This implies that when people make spatial judgments about human bodies, they bring to bear embodied knowledge that affects spatial reasoning performance. Here, we examined the specific contribution to spatial reasoning of visual features associated with the human body. We used two different tasks to elicit distinct visuospatial transformations: object-based transformations, as elicited in typical mental rotation tasks, and perspective transformations, used in tasks in which people deliberately adopt the egocentric perspective of another person. Body features facilitated performance in both tasks. This result suggests that observers are particularly sensitive to the presence of a human head and body, and that these features allow observers to quickly recognize and encode the spatial configuration of a figure. Contrary to prior reports, this facilitation was not related to the transformation component of task performance. These results suggest that body features facilitate task components other than spatial transformation, including the encoding of stimulus orientation.
HIV Care Continuum Among Men Who Have Sex With Men and Persons Who Inject Drugs in India: Barriers to Successful Engagement
Authors: Mehta Shruti H. , Lucas Gregory M. , Solomon Suniti , Srikrishnan Aylur K. , McFall Allison M. , Dhingra Neeraj , Nandagopal Paneerselvam , Kumar M. Suresh , Celentano David D. , Solomon Sunil S.
Published: August 2015

Background.  We characterize the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care continuum for men who have sex with men (MSM) and persons who inject drugs (PWID) across India.

Methods.  We recruited 12 022 MSM and 14 481 PWID across 26 Indian cities, using respondent-driven sampling (September 2012 to December 2013). Participants were aged ≥18 years and either self-identified as male and reported sex with a man in the prior year (MSM) or reported injection drug use in the prior 2 years (PWID). Correlates of awareness of HIV-positive status were characterized using multilevel logistic regression.

Results.  A total of 1146 MSM were HIV infected, of whom a median of 30% were aware of their HIV-positive status, 23% were linked to care, 22% were retained before antiretroviral therapy (ART), 16% had started ART, 16% were currently receiving ART, and 10% had suppressed viral loads. There was site variability (awareness range, 0%–90%; suppressed viral load range, 0%–58%). A total of 2906 PWID were HIV infected, of whom a median of 41% were aware, 36% were linked to care, 31% were retained before ART, 20% had started ART, 18% were currently receiving ART, and 15% had suppressed viral loads. Similar site variability was observed (awareness range: 2%–93%; suppressed viral load range: 0%–47%). Factors significantly associated with awareness were region, older age, being married (MSM) or female (PWID), use of other services (PWID), more lifetime sexual partners (MSM), and needle sharing (PWID). Ongoing injection drug use (PWID) and alcohol use (MSM) were associated with lower awareness.

Conclusions.  In this large sample, the major barrier to HIV care engagement was awareness of HIV-positive status. Efforts should focus on linking HIV testing to other essential services.

Clinical Trials Registration.  NCT01686750.
Electromagnetic Guided Postpyloric Tube Placement in Children
Authors: Koot Bart G.P. , Limpens Arnoldus N.J.M. , Westerhout Renée , Benninga Marc A. , Duflou Anne C.E.M. , Singels Lydia C.M. , van Rijn Rick R. , Mathus‐Vliegen Elisabeth M.H.
Published: August 2015

Objectives:

Postpyloric feeding tube (PPFT) placement can be cumbersome. Fluoroscopic and endoscopic placements are required when unguided placement fails. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of PPFT placement in children, using an electromagnetic (EM) guided system as a rescue strategy in case unguided tube insertion fails.

Methods:

In a single‐center prospective study, we included all the children (weight >2.5 kg) in whom unguided PPFT placement failed between 2009 and 2012. EM guided PPFT placement was attempted before regular fluoroscopic and endoscopic placement was attempted, respectively.

Results:

Forty‐nine children were included (mean age 3.5 years). EM guided PPFT placement was successful in 82% of the children. No adverse events occurred. Age or indication for the PPFT did not influence the success rate of the procedure. A trend of a learning curve of 25 patients was noticed. Costs of EM placement were slightly higher than those of fluoroscopic placement in our hospital setting.

Conclusion:

With enough expertise, EM guided PPFT placement seems safe and can prevent fluoroscopic or endoscopic tube placement in 82% of children.
Prevalence and Clinical, Endoscopic, and Pathological Features of Duodenitis in Children
Authors: Alper Arik , Hardee Steven , Rojas‐Velasquez Danilo , Escalera Sandra , Morotti Raffaella A. , Pashankar Dinesh S.
Published: August 2015

Objectives:

Although gastritis and esophagitis are well studied in children, there is very limited literature on duodenitis in children. We aimed to assess the prevalence, etiology, clinical, endoscopic, and pathological features in a large cohort of unselected children with duodenitis.

Methods:

We reviewed the pathology reports of all the upper endoscopies performed at our institution during 5 years to identify children with duodenitis. Biopsy sections were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis of duodenitis. Demographic, clinical, endoscopic data, and the presence of associated gastritis and esophagitis were noted in all of the children with duodenitis. The etiology of duodenitis was correlated with the patients’ clinical diagnosis.

Results:

Out of 2772 children who had endoscopy, 352 had duodenitis with the prevalence rate of 12.7%. Gastritis was seen in 64% of children with duodenitis compared with 46% of children without duodenitis (P < 0.001). Common indications for endoscopy in children with duodenitis were abdominal pain, positive celiac serology, and diarrhea. The most common etiology was celiac disease (32%), followed by Crohn disease (13%), ulcerative colitis (3%), and Helicobacter pylori infection (6%). In 63% of cases, the endoscopic appearance of duodenum was normal. Cryptitis, villous changes, and cellular infiltration were noted on histology.

Conclusions:

Prevalence of duodenitis is 12.7% in children undergoing endoscopy. Celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease are common causes of duodenitis. Associated gastritis is common in children with duodenitis, and the correlation of endoscopic appearance with histology is poor.
Head and Neck Cancer and Sexuality
Authors: Rhoten Bethany Andrews
Published: August 2015

Background:

Individuals treated for head and neck cancer are at risk of sexual problems, particularly given the probability for disfigurement, body image disturbance, depressive symptoms, and functional difficulties that result from treatment. Because oncology nurses are an important source of information and support for patients, it is important that they be familiar with the current literature as well as opportunities for research.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to present a review of the literature on head and neck cancer and sexuality.

Methods:

PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Ovid databases were searched using the terms “head and neck cancer” and “sexuality.” Publications had to be peer-reviewed, empirical studies, written in English, and published within the last 10 years. Selected publications were compared based on study aims, leading investigator, study location, conceptual framework, study design, sample, instruments, and study findings.

Results:

Nine publications were analyzed in this review. Incidence of individuals reporting a negative effect of head and neck cancer on sexuality varied from 24% to 100% depending on the study.

Conclusions:

There is a paucity of data regarding sexuality among patients with head and neck cancer. Existing studies indicate that sexuality is of considerable significance, particularly after treatment for head and neck cancer.

Implications for Practice:

Holistic care includes information about sexuality during and after treatment for head and neck cancer. Oncology nurses should be aware that this topic is of importance to many patients, and they should familiarize themselves with available resources. It is also important that nurse scientists facilitate research in the area of sexuality.
A Systematic Review of the Symptom Distress Scale in Advanced Cancer Studies
Authors: Stapleton Stephen J. , Holden Janean , Epstein Joel , Wilkie Diana J.
Published: August 2015

Background:

The 13-item Symptom Distress Scale (SDS) is a widely used symptom measurement tool, yet a systematic review summarizing the symptom knowledge generated from its use in patients with advanced cancer is nonexistent.

Objectives:

This was a systematic review of the research literature in which investigators utilized the SDS as the measure of symptoms in patients with advanced cancer.

Methods:

We searched PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Web of Science for primary research studies published between 1978 and 2013 that utilized the SDS as the measurement tool in patients with advanced cancer. Nine hundred eighteen documents were found. Applying inclusion/exclusion criteria, 21 articles and 2 dissertations were included.

Results:

The majority of investigators utilized descriptive, cross-sectional research designs conducted with convenience samples. Inconsistent reporting of SDS total scores, individual item scores, age ranges and means, gender distributions, cancer types, cancer stages, and psychometric properties made comparisons difficult. Available mean SDS scores ranged from 17.6 to 38.8. Reports of internal consistency ranged from 0.67 to 0.88. Weighted means indicated fatigue to be the most prevalent and distressing symptom. Appetite ranked higher than pain intensity and pain frequency.

Conclusions:

The SDS captures the patient’s symptom experience in a manner that informs the researcher or clinician about the severity of the respondents’ reported symptom distress.

Implications for Practice:

The SDS is widely used in a variety of cancer diagnoses. The SDS is a tool clinicians can use to assess 11 symptoms experienced by patients with advanced cancer.
AUF1 promotes let-7b loading on Argonaute 2
Authors: Yoon Je-Hyun , Jo Myung Hyun , White Elizabeth J.F. , De Supriyo , Hafner Markus , Zucconi Beth E. , Abdelmohsen Kotb , Martindale Jennifer L. , Yang Xiaoling , Wood William H. , Shin Yu Mi , Song Ji-Joon , Tuschl Thomas , Becker Kevin G. , Wilson Gerald M. , Hohng Sungchul , Gorospe Myriam
Published: August 2015

Eukaryotic gene expression is tightly regulated post-transcriptionally by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and microRNAs. The RBP AU-rich-binding factor 1 (AUF1) isoform p37 was found to have high affinity for the microRNA let-7b in vitro (Kd = ∼6 nM) in cells. Ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation, in vitro association, and single-molecule-binding analyses revealed that AUF1 promoted let-7b loading onto Argonaute 2 (AGO2), the catalytic component of the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). In turn, AGO2–let-7 triggered target mRNA decay. Our findings uncover a novel mechanism by which AUF1 binding and transfer of microRNA let-7 to AGO2 facilitates let-7-elicited gene silencing.
“Micro” versus “small” family businesses: a multinational analysis
Authors: Lussier Robert N. , Sonfield Matthew C.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to compare “micro” enterprise (0-9 employees) to “small” enterprise (10-49 employees) family businesses with regard to 12 important managerial characteristics in eight countries: Argentina, Croatia, Egypt, France, Kosovo, Kuwait, Serbia, and the USA (n=601).

Design/methodology/approach

– The research methodology was survey research. To statistical test 12 hypotheses, MANCOVA was run to compare differences between micro and small family business, while controlling for years in business.

Findings

– Six significant differences were: “small” firms are more likely to employ non-family member managers, are more likely to engage in the formulation of succession plans, are more likely to utilize outside advisory services, make greater use of sophisticated financial management methods, and have a more formal management style than “micro” firms; but the influence of the founder is greater in “micro” firms.

Practical implications

– For practitioners and consultants the findings of this study should enable family business owner/managers, and their advisors, to better understand the possible impacts of moving from a “micro” level to a “small” size level, and thus lead to more effective family business management.

Originality/value

– This research fills a gap in the literature, as there has been minimal prior research with the specific focus of comparing “micro” vs “small.” Thus, it develops a foundation for further study in this area.
Entrepreneurially oriented in what? A business model approach to entrepreneurship
Authors: Andersén Jim , Ljungkvist Torbjörn , Svensson Lotten
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to illustrate and argue for the necessity of deconstructing the entrepreneurship concept by analyzing entrepreneurial orientation (EO) at various levels of the business model.

Design/methodology/approach

– Literature review supplemented with five illustrative cases.

Findings

– A business model approach to entrepreneurship enables identification of the component of the business model in which entrepreneurship was started. This has several implications for analysis of the EO-performance relationship and for the identification of antecedents to EO.

Originality/value

– The EO of firms has generally been analyzed at a generic level, i.e. the concept has been used to measure and analyze the overall entrepreneurship of firms. In this paper, the authors argue that EO can be present in various dimensions of a business and that firms can be entrepreneurial in certain areas and conservative in other areas.
A communicative efficiency and effectiveness model for using metaphor and metonymy in financial news reporting
Authors: O'Mara-Shimek Michael
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a model to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of metaphor when used in financial news media reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

– Theory in Cognitive Linguistics, Conceptual Metaphor Theory and Frame Semantics are used to demonstrate metaphor’s central role shaping human thought and understanding, producing conceptual frameworks used to understand abstract concepts in not only financial news media but also all human discourse. The deontological principles of the major financial news sources are presented which demonstrate a commitment to common core principles, such as “balance” and “accuracy”, yet few consider the potential role of metaphor toward achieving them. This research presents a minimum source domain model for describing stock market phenomenon to increase “interpretation reliability” based on the concepts of communicative efficiency and effectiveness.

Findings

– This research presents a model for communicative efficiency and effectiveness of metaphor and metonymy (CEEMM) in financial reporting by presenting a minimum source domain model for describing stock market phenomenon to increase “interpretation reliability” when metaphor is used in financial news media sources.

Research limitations/implications

– While evidence for the role of metaphor and metonymy on behavior has been provided and in economic contexts, more research into the role that it plays in financial news media and the dynamics of how it influences consumer decisions is necessary.

Practical implications

– CEEMM provides news media sources with a tool for standardizing the modes they use to semantically create and communicate knowledge of the stock market and stock market phenomenon. Reporting on stock market phenomenon will have, for the first time, objective parameters for using metaphor toward the fulfillment of journalism deontological principles.

Social implications

– CEEMM has the potential to increase clarity in the metaphors used, as they require less creative exploration on the part of readers. This results in greater levels of trust in news media sources and permits news consumers to make more well-informed financial decisions, as their perceptions of events will be less subjective to creative interpretation. This research should urge news media companies to publicly declare principles for metaphor and metonymic practice in their communication of financial data.

Originality/value

– The paper presents the first model for increasing the communicative efficiency and effectiveness in the use of metaphor in financial news media.
Rheological and sensory properties of stirred yoghurt with inulin‐type fructans
Authors: Glibowski Pawel , Rybak Paulina
Published: August 2015

This study concerns physicochemical and sensory analysis of stirred yoghurts, in which skim milk powder was partly replaced by different inulins. The composition of basic solutions contained 12% skim milk powder and 4% inulin, while reference yoghurts contained 16% SMP or whole milk powder. Rheological and sensory analysis showed that one‐quarter of milk powder could be substituted by long‐chain inulin in low‐fat stirred yoghurt. Short‐chain inulin and oligofructose can potentially be applied in the production of drinking yoghurt. Sensory evaluation showed that milk fat cannot be successfully substituted by inulin.