bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Full-field optical micro-angiography
Authors: Wang Mingyi , Zeng Yaguang , Liang Xianjun , Lu Xuanlong , Feng Guanping , Han Dingan , Yang Guojian
Published: February 2014

We present a detailed description of full-field optical micro-angiography on the basis of frequency-domain laser speckle imaging with intensity fluctuation modulation (LSI-IFM). The imaging approach works based on the instantaneous local intensity fluctuation realized via the combination of short exposure and low sampling rate of a camera and appropriate magnification of a microscope. In vivo experiments on mouse ear verify the theoretical description we made for the imaging mechanism and demonstrate the ability of LSI-IFM as optical micro-angiography. By introducing a fundus camera into LSI-IFM system, our approach has a potential application in label-free retina optical micro-angiography.
Enhanced thermoelectric performance via carrier energy filtering effect in β-Zn4Sb3 alloy bulk embedded with (Bi2Te3)0.2(Sb2Te3)0.8
Authors: Zou T. H. , Qin X. Y. , Li D. , Ren B. J. , Sun G. L. , Dou Y. C. , Li Y. Y. , Li L. L. , Zhang J. , Xin H. X.
Published: February 2014

In Pb-free β-Zn4Sb3 based composites incorporated with (Bi2Te3)0.2(Sb2Te3)0.8, we concurrently realize ∼30% increase in thermoelectric power factor through an energy filtering effect caused by carrier scattering at interface barriers, and ∼15% reduction in thermal conductivity due to interface scattering, allowing the figure of merit to reach 1.1 at 648 K in the composite system with 1 vol. % of (Bi2Te3)0.2(Sb2Te3)0.8.
Electro-thermal bistability in (La0.7Sr0.3)MnO3 suspended microbridges: Thermal characterization and transient analysis
Authors: Ceriale Valentina , Pellegrino Luca , Manca Nicola , Marré Daniele
Published: February 2014

Bistability of the electrical resistance in free-standing (La0.7Sr0.3)MnO3 conducting microbridges under Joule self-heating conditions is reported and modeled by Finite Element Analysis. We show that a low (LRS) and a high (HRS) resistance state can be selected below room temperature, where the typical non-linearity of ρ(T) relationship of manganites determines multiple thermal equilibrium conditions. We analyze bistability in microbridges in terms of temperature and heat dissipation conditions. Thanks to the small thermal coupling of the suspended geometry, switching between LRS/HRS can be driven with small amount of power (∼250 μW). Finally, temporal evolution of the transition between the LRS and HRS is discussed in the framework of the heating dynamics.
Development of “fragility” in relaxor ferroelectrics
Authors: Wang Yi-zhen , Chen Lan , Wang Hai-yan , Frank Zhang X. , Fu Jun , Xiong Xiao-min , Zhang Jin-xiu
Published: February 2014

Relaxor ferroelectrics (RFs), a special class of the disordered crystals or ceramics, exhibit a pronounced slowdown of their dynamics upon cooling as glass-forming liquids, called the “Super-Arrhenius (SA)” relaxation. Despite great progress in glass-forming liquids, the “fragility” property of the SA relaxation in RFs remains unclear so far. By measuring the temperature-dependent dielectric relaxation in the typical relaxor Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-x%PbTiO3 (PMN − x%PT) with 0 ≤ x ≤ 20.0, we in-depth study the “fragility” properties of the SA relaxation in PMN − x%PT. Such fascinating issues as the mechanism of the “fragility” at an atomic scale, the roles of the systematic configurational entropy change and interaction among relaxing units (RUs, including polar nanoregions and free dipoles) and the relation between “fragility” and ferroelectric order are investigated. Our results show that both the “fragility” of the temperature-dependent SA relaxation and ferroelectric order in the PMN − x%PT systems investigated arise thermodynamically from the configurational-entropy loss due to the attractive interaction among RUs, and develops as a power law, possibly diverging at the finite critical temperature Tc. A reasonable physical scenario, based on our “configurational-entropy-loss” theory and Nowick's “stress-induced-ordering” theory, was proposed.
Blue light absorption enhancement based on vertically channelling modes in nano-holes arrays
Authors: Gomard Guillaume , Peretti Romain , Callard Ségolène , Meng Xianqin , Artinyan Rémy , Deschamps Thierry , Roca i Cabarrocas Pere , Drouard Emmanuel , Seassal Christian
Published: February 2014

We investigate the specific optical regime occurring at short wavelengths, in the high absorption regime, in silicon thin-films patterned by periodically arranged nano-holes. Near-field scanning optical microscopy indicates that the incoming light is coupled to vertically channelling modes. Optical modelling and simulations show that the light, travelling inside the low-index regions, is absorbed at the direct vicinity of the nano-holes sidewalls. This channelling regime should be taken into account for light management in optoelectronic devices.
A tunable microresonator sensor based on a photocrosslinking polymer microwire
Authors: Lee Seongjae , Yun Minhyuk , Jeon Sangmin
Published: February 2014

A polyvinylcinnamate (PVCN) microwire was attached between the two tines of a quartz tuning fork (QTF) to form a polymer bridge. Exposure of a PVCN wire-connected QTF to ethanol vapor decreased the modulus of the wire, resulting in a decrease in the resonance frequency. The resonance frequency and Q factor of the resonator were measured as a function of the ethanol vapor concentration. The photocrosslinking of the PVCN wire enhanced the sensitivity of the QTF sensor and offered a facile route to developing a sensor with a tunable resonance frequency.
3 ns single-shot read-out in a quantum dot-based memory structure
Authors: Nowozin T. , Beckel A. , Bimberg D. , Lorke A. , Geller M.
Published: February 2014

Fast read-out of two to six charges per dot from the ground and first excited state in a quantum dot (QD)-based memory is demonstrated using a two-dimensional electron gas. Single-shot measurements on modulation-doped field-effect transistor structures with embedded InAs/GaAs QDs show read-out times as short as 3 ns. At low temperature (T = 4.2 K) this read-out time is still limited by the parasitics of the setup and the device structure. Faster read-out times and a larger read-out signal are expected for an improved setup and device structure.
Infrared pulse characterization using four-wave mixing inside a few cycle pulse filament in air
Authors: Marceau Claude , Thomas Steven , Kassimi Yacine , Gingras Guillaume , Witzel Bernd
Published: February 2014

We demonstrate a four-wave mixing (FWM) technique to measure near- and mid-infrared (IR) laser pulse shapes in time domain. Few cycle 800 nm laser pulses were synchronized with the IR pulse and focused colinearly to generate a plasma filament in air. Second harmonic radiation around 400 nm was generated through FWM, with a yield proportional to the IR pulse intensity. Excellent signal to noise ratio was observed from 2.1 μm to 18 μm. With proper phase stabilization of the IR beam, this technique is a promising step toward direct electric field sensing of near-IR pulses in air.
Optical anisotropy in type-II quantum wells on high-index substrates
Authors: Kawazu Takuya
Published: February 2014

Optical anisotropy in type-II quantum wells (QWs) on high-index (11n) substrates is studied theoretically. By solving 6 × 6 Luttinger-Kohn Hamiltonian, we analyze GaSbxAs1-x/InxGa1-xAs type-II QWs and calculate the degree ρ of polarization at various compositions X. With increasing X, the preferential direction of the polarization is changed from [11-2/n] ([-110]) to [-110] ([11-2/n]) directions for n > 1 (n < 1). The optical anisotropy can be vanished even on high-index (11n) substrates by adjusting the composition X. These curious polarization properties are originated from the spatial separation of electrons and holes in the type-II QWs, where the overlap integral of their wave functions is strongly affected by the composition X.
Plasmonic properties of Au-Ag nanoparticles: Distinctiveness of metal arrangements by optical study
Authors: Kuzma Anton , Weis Martin , Daricek Martin , Uhrik Jan , Horinek Frantisek , Donoval Martin , Uherek Frantisek , Donoval Daniel
Published: February 2014

The core-shell arrangement of binary compound plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) is usually verified by plasmonic extinction spectra, since microscopy-based methods cannot provide analysis of many NPs. Here, we discuss possible scenarios of different metal arrangements: (i) core-shell model, (ii) bimetallic model, and (iii) mixture of pure metal NPs. The possibility of distinguishing individual cases is discussed in accordance with numerical simulations and an alternative characterization is suggested.
Non-uniform absorption of terahertz radiation on superconducting hot electron bolometer microbridges
Authors: Miao W. , Zhang W. , Zhong J. Q. , Shi S. C. , Delorme Y. , Lefevre R. , Feret A. , Vacelet T.
Published: February 2014

We interpret the experimental observation of a frequency-dependence of superconducting hot electron bolometer (HEB) mixers by taking into account the non-uniform absorption of the terahertz radiation on the superconducting HEB microbridge. The radiation absorption is assumed to be proportional to the local surface resistance of the HEB microbridge, which is computed using the Mattis-Bardeen theory. With this assumption the dc and mixing characteristics of a superconducting niobium-nitride (NbN) HEB device have been modeled at frequencies below and above the equilibrium gap frequency of the NbN film.
Astrophysics experiments with radioactive beams at ATLAS
Authors: Back B. B. , Clark J. A. , Pardo R. C. , Rehm K. E. , Savard G.
Published: February 2014

Reactions involving short-lived nuclei play an important role in nuclear astrophysics, especially in explosive scenarios which occur in novae, supernovae or X-ray bursts. This article describes the nuclear astrophysics program with radioactive ion beams at the ATLAS accelerator at Argonne National Laboratory. The CARIBU facility as well as recent improvements for the in-flight technique are discussed. New detectors which are important for studies of the rapid proton or the rapid neutron-capture processes are described. At the end we briefly mention plans for future upgrades to enhance the intensity, purity and the range of in-flight and CARIBU beams.
Predicting the population impact of increased HIV testing and treatment in Australia
Authors: Jansson James , Kerr Cliff C. , Wilson David P.
Published: February 2014

Introduction
The treatment as prevention strategy has gained popularity as a way to reduce the incidence of HIV by suppressing viral load such that transmission risk is decreased. The effectiveness of the strategy also requires early diagnosis. Methods: Informed by data on the influence of diagnosis and treatment on reducing transmission risk, a model simulated the impact of increasing testing and treatment rates on the expected incidence of HIV in Australia under varying assumptions of treatment efficacy and risk compensation. The model utilises Australia’s National HIV Registry data, and simulates disease progression, testing, treatment, transmission and mortality. Results: Decreasing the average time between infection and diagnosis by 30% is expected to reduce population incidence by 12% (~126 cases per year, 95% confidence interval (CI): 82–198). Treatment of all people living with HIV with CD4 counts <500 cells μL–1 is expected to reduce new infections by 30.9% (95% CI: 15.9–37.6%) at 96% efficacy if no risk compensation occurs. The number of infections could increase up to 12.9% (95% CI: 20.1–7.4%) at 26% efficacy if a return to prediagnosis risk levels occur. Conclusion: Treatment as prevention has the potential to prevent HIV infections but its effectiveness depends on the efficacy outside trial settings among men who have sex with men and the level of risk compensation. If antiretroviral therapy has high efficacy, risk compensation will not greatly change the number of infections. If the efficacy of antiretroviral therapy is low, risk compensation could lead to increased infections.
Evidence for an evolutionary relationship between the large adaptor nucleoporin Nup192 and karyopherins
Authors: Stuwe Tobias , Lin Daniel H. , Collins Leslie N. , Hurt Ed , Hoelz André
Published: February 2014

Significance

Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are proteinaceous transport channels gating transport of macromolecules across the nuclear envelope. Nup192 is one of five members of an adaptor nucleoporin complex (ANC) that is believed to be integral for linking the NPC subcomplexes and accommodating the dilations of the central transport channel. We present the structure of the N-terminal half of Nup192 that uncovers similarities with karyopherins, suggesting an evolutionary relationship. Using biochemical and in vivo data, we generated an interaction map of the ANC, providing a starting point for its mechanistic dissection.
Thioredoxin targets fundamental processes in a methane-producing archaeon,
Methanocaldococcus jannaschii
Authors: Susanti Dwi , Wong Joshua H. , Vensel William H. , Loganathan Usha , DeSantis Rebecca , Schmitz Ruth A. , Balsera Monica , Buchanan Bob B. , Mukhopadhyay Biswarup
Published: February 2014

Significance

This study extends thioredoxin (Trx)-based oxidative redox regulation to the archaea, the third domain of life. Our study suggests that Trx is nearly ubiquitous in anaerobic methanogens, enabling them to recover from oxidative stress and synchronize cellular processes, including methane biogenesis, with the availability of reductants. As methane is a valuable fuel, an end product of anaerobic biodegradation and a potent greenhouse gas, Trx may now be considered a critical participant in the global carbon cycle, climate change, and bioenergy production. Because methanogenesis developed before the oxygenation of the earth, our work raises the possibility that Trx functioned in a complex redox regulatory network in anaerobic prokaryotes at least 2.5 billion years ago.
Flirting with Neutrality: The Shah, Khrushchev, and the Failed 1959 Soviet–Iranian Negotiations
Authors: Alvandi Roham
Published: February 2014

Despite the Eisenhower administration's strong support for the Pahlavi monarchy, tensions simmered under the surface of Mohammad Reza Shah's relationship with the United States throughout the 1950s. Following the Qarani coup attempt and the overthrow of the Iraqi monarchy in 1958, the shah sought to diminish the Soviet threat to his regime and reduce his dependence on the United States by exploring Moscow's offer of a non-aggression treaty. Drawing on American, British, and Iranian sources, this article provides the first detailed history of these secret Soviet–Iranian negotiations that ended in disastrous failure for the shah in February 1959.
iNuc-PseKNC: a sequence-based predictor for predicting nucleosome positioning in genomes with pseudo k-tuple nucleotide composition
Authors: Guo Shou-Hui , Deng En-Ze , Xu Li-Qin , Ding Hui , Lin Hao , Chen Wei , Chou Kuo-Chen
Published: February 2014

Motivation: Nucleosome positioning participates in many cellular activities and plays significant roles in regulating cellular processes. With the avalanche of genome sequences generated in the post-genomic age, it is highly desired to develop automated methods for rapidly and effectively identifying nucleosome positioning. Although some computational methods were proposed, most of them were species specific and neglected the intrinsic local structural properties that might play important roles in determining the nucleosome positioning on a DNA sequence.

Results: Here a predictor called ‘iNuc-PseKNC’ was developed for predicting nucleosome positioning in Homo sapiens, Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster genomes, respectively. In the new predictor, the samples of DNA sequences were formulated by a novel feature-vector called ‘pseudo k-tuple nucleotide composition’, into which six DNA local structural properties were incorporated. It was observed by the rigorous cross-validation tests on the three stringent benchmark datasets that the overall success rates achieved by iNuc-PseKNC in predicting the nucleosome positioning of the aforementioned three genomes were 86.27%, 86.90% and 79.97%, respectively. Meanwhile, the results obtained by iNuc-PseKNC on various benchmark datasets used by the previous investigators for different genomes also indicated that the current predictor remarkably outperformed its counterparts.

Availability: A user-friendly web-server, iNuc-PseKNC is freely accessible at http://lin.uestc.edu.cn/server/iNuc-PseKNC.

Contact:  hlin@uestc.edu.cn, wchen@gordonlifescience.org, kcchou@gordonlifescience.org

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
US‐Guided Percutaneous Liver Biopsy in Pediatric Liver Transplant Recipients
Authors: Mandal Soma , Miraglia Roberto , Maruzzelli Luigi , Liotta Rosa , Tuzzolino Fabio , Spada Marco , Riva Silvia , Luca Angelo
Published: February 2014

Objectives:

The present study assesses the safety of ultrasound (US)‐guided percutaneous liver biopsies (PLBs) within pediatric liver allograft recipients, describes the pathological results according to early (≤12 months) and late (>12 months) posttransplantation periods, and analyzes the value of liver function tests (LFTs) and Doppler US variables in determining these results.

Methods:

A total of 219 US‐guided PLBs in 85 pediatric patients with liver transplant (mean age 7 ± 5 years, range: 6 months to 18 years) performed between March 2005 and May 2012 were retrospectively evaluated at a single institution. Doppler US and LFT evaluation (including total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, γ‐glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase) occurred within 1 day of early (n = 92, 42%) and late term (n = 127, 58%) posttransplantation biopsies.

Results:

The rate of major complications (hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion) was 0.91% (n = 2). The early versus late term biopsy results, respectively, included: cholestasis at 36% versus 18% (P = 0.003), minimal changes 16% versus 24% (not significant [NS]), acute rejection 13% versus 5% (P = 0.027), inflammatory diseases 15% versus 15% (NS), indeterminate acute rejection 11% versus 7% (NS), chronic rejection 4% versus 14% (P = 0.017), fibrotic diseases 4% versus 12% (NS), and other 0% versus 5% (NS). Neither LFT nor US variables were correlated with pathological outcomes.

Conclusions:

The rate of complications in pediatric patients after US‐guided liver biopsy is low. A range of pathological results exists between early and late posttransplantation liver biopsies. LFT and Doppler US findings are not predictors of pathological results.
Biochemical ‘Cambrian’ explosion-implosions: the generation and pruning of genetic codes
Authors: Wallace Rodrick
Published: February 2014

Tlusty’s topological analysis of the genetic code suggests ecosystem changes in available metabolic free energy that predated the aerobic transition enabled a punctuated sequence of increasingly complex genetic codes and protein translators. These coevolved via a ‘Cambrian explosion’ until, very early on, the ancestor of the present narrow spectrum of protein machineries became evolutionarily locked in at a modest level of fitness reflecting a modest embedding metabolic free energy ecology. Similar biochemical ‘Cambrian singularities’ must have occurred at different scales and levels of organizaron on Earth, with competition or chance-selected outcomes frozen at a far earlier period than the physical bauplan Cambrian explosion. Other examples might include explosive variations in mechanisms of photosynthesis and subsequent oxygen metabolisms. Intermediate between Cambrian bauplan and genetic code, variants of both remain today, even after evolutionary pruning, often protected in specialized ecological niches. This suggests that, under less energetic astrobiological ecologies, a spectrum of less complicated reproductive codes may also survive in specialized niches.
catena-Poly[[bis(ethanol-κO)manganese(II)]-μ-2,5-dichloro-3,6-dioxocyclohexa-1,4-diene-1,4-bis(olato)-κ4O1,O6:O3,O4]
Authors: Tanaka Seiya , Himegi Akiko , Ohishi Tomomi , Fuyuhiro Akira , Kawata Satoshi
Published: February 2014

In the title coordination polymer, [Mn(C6Cl2O4)(C2H5OH)2]n, the MnIIatom and the chloranilate [systematic name: 2,5-dichloro-3,6-dioxocyclohexa-1,4-diene-1,4-bis(olate)] ion lie on crystallographic inversion centers. The geometry around the MnIIatom is a distorted octahedron involving four O atoms of two chloranilate ions and two O atoms from two ethanol molecules. The chloranilate ion serves as a bridging ligand between the MnIIions, leading to an infinite linear chain along theb-axis direction. The chains are linked by O—H...O hydrogen bonds between the apically coordinating ethanol molecule and the chloranilate ion, affording a two-dimensional layer expanding parallel to theabplane.
Propane-1,2-diammonium chromate(VI)
Authors: Trabelsi Sonia , Essid Manel , Roisnel Thierry , Rzaigui Mohamed , Marouani Houda
Published: February 2014

In the title molecular salt, (C3H12N2)[CrO4], each chromate anion accepts six N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds from nearby propane-1,2-diammonium cations. Three of the four O atoms of the chromate anion accept these bonds; the remaining Cr—O bond length is notably shorter than the others. In the crystal, the anions and cations stack in layers lying parallel to (100): the hydrogen-bonding pattern leads to a three-dimensional network.
Santal monohydrate, an isoflavone isolated fromWyethia mollis
Authors: Knight Kyle S. , Smith Cole T. , Waddell Thomas G. , Noll Bruce
Published: February 2014

The title compound [systematic name: 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5-hydroxy-7-methoxy-4H-chromen-4-one monohydrate], C16H12O6·H2O, is a monohydrate of a natural product santal isolated fromWyethia mollis. In the santal molecule, the dihedral angle between the benzoquinone and dihydroxyphenyl fragments is 53.9 (1)° and an intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bond occurs. In the crystal, O—H...O hydrogen bonds link the components into corrugated layers parallel to theacplane. The short distance of 3.474 (5) Å between the centroids of the benzene rings in neighbouring santal molecules reveals then existence of π–π interactions within the layers.
Individual (co)variation in thermal reaction norms of standard and maximal metabolic rates in wild‐caught slimy salamanders
Authors: Careau Vincent , Gifford Matthew E. , Biro Peter A.
Published: February 2014

Standard metabolic rate (SMR) and maximal metabolic rate (MMR) are fundamental measures in ecology and evolution because they set the scope within which animals can perform activities that directly affect fitness. In ectotherms, both SMR and MMR are repeatable over time when measured at a single ambient temperature (Ta).

Many ectotherms encounter variable Ta from day to day and over their lifetime, yet it is currently unknown whether individual differences hold across an ecologically relevant range of Ta (i.e. thermal repeatability; RT). Moreover, it is possible that thermal sensitivity of SMR and MMR are important individual attributes, and correlated with one another, but virtually nothing is known about this at present.

We measured SMR and MMR across an ecologically relevant Ta gradient (i.e. from 10 to 25 °C) in wild‐caught salamanders (Plethodon albagula) and found that RT was significant in both traits. SMR and MMR were also positively correlated, resulting in a lower RT in absolute and factorial aerobic scopes (AAS and FAS).

We found significant individual differences in thermal sensitivity for both SMR and MMR, but not for AAS and FAS. The intercept (at Ta = 0 °C) and the slope of the thermal reaction norms were negatively correlated; individuals with low MR at low Ta had a higher thermal sensitivity. Finally, individuals with a high thermal sensitivity for SMR also had high thermal sensitivity for MMR.

Our results suggest that natural selection occurring over variable Ta may efficiently target the overall level of – and thermal sensitivity in – SMR and MMR. However, this may not be the case for metabolic scopes, as the positive correlation between SMR and MMR, in addition to their combined changes in response to Ta, yielded little individual variation in AAS and FAS.

Our results support the idea that organisms with low metabolism at low Ta have a high metabolic thermal sensitivity as a compensatory mechanism to benefit in periods of warmer environmental conditions. Hence, our study reveals the importance of considering within‐individual variation in metabolism, as it may represent additional sources of adaptive (co)variation.
Variation in early‐life testosterone within a wild population of red deer
Authors: Pavitt Alyson T. , Walling Craig A. , McNeilly Alan S. , Pemberton Josephine M. , Kruuk Loeske E. B.
Published: February 2014

Individual differences in circulating hormone concentrations can affect life‐history traits throughout an animal's life. Despite this, relatively little is known about the potential drivers or consequences of individual variation in hormone levels, particularly in early life. In animals showing maternal care, early development is often dependent on maternal characteristics and condition. It is therefore possible that individual hormone profiles early in life are dependent on condition‐linked characteristics of the mother.

Using data from a long‐term study of a wild red deer (Cervus elaphus) population, we investigated the potential role of maternal effects on offspring early‐life testosterone concentrations and the relationship between these testosterone levels and juvenile survival.

Most of the variation among neonatal calves was accounted for by their age and sex. Both sexes showed a steep decline in testosterone levels within 24 h of birth, although concentrations were consistently higher in males, and females showed a steeper decline in testosterone after 24 h. Furthermore, male calves born in years after a brother had lower concentrations than those who were preceded by a sister or who were firstborns. We did not find any evidence of repeatable differences among mothers in the testosterone levels of their calves, but there was significant interannual variation across the 17‐year study period.

We also found early‐life testosterone to be associated with calf survival, but only among individuals already at higher mortality risk: male calves born to first‐time mothers were increasingly less likely to survive with higher neonatal testosterone concentrations.

These results support the suggestion that a neonate's circulating testosterone concentrations can be linked to both individual and maternal characteristics and that interindividual variation in these levels can have implications for juvenile fitness within a wild mammal population.
Chemical Profile and Antioxidative and Antimicrobial Activity of Juices and Extracts of 4 Black Currants Varieties (Ribes nigrum L.)
Authors: Miladinović Bojana , Kostić Milica , Šavikin Katarina , Đorđević Boban , Mihajilov‐Krstev Tatjana , Živanović Slavoljub , Kitić Dušanka
Published: February 2014

The aim of this article was to determine the chemical composition (anthocyanin and ascorbic acid contents, total phenols, and tannins), and the antioxidative, and antimicrobial activities of the juices and methanol extracts of 4 varieties—Tenah, Triton, Ben Sarek, and Ometa. The juices were made during 2008, 2009, and 2010 from the berries grown on the same location. Statistically significant differences were found in all the tested parameters of each variety for every year. Ometa variety exhibited the best antioxidative activity. The highest ascorbic acid value had Tenah juice from 2010 (211 mg/100 g) and Ben Sarek methanol extract (656 mg/100 g). Delphinidin‐3‐ruthenoside was the dominant anthocyanin in Triton, Tenah, and Ben Sarek variety during all 3 y and Ometa in 2010 where Ometa in 2008 and 2009 had slightly higher content of cyanidin‐3‐ruthenoside. The minimum inhibitory and microbicidal concentrations ranged from MIC/MBC(MFC) = 62.5 to 500 mg/mL for juices and 0.4 to 500 mg/mL for extracts. There was no significant difference in the effect of the juices against Gram(+) and Gram(−) bacteria. All the extracts acted in lower concentrations than juices.

Practical Application

Data contained in this article provide an insight into the effects the weather condition has on the content of the bioactive compounds in genetically different types of black currants, during the 3‐y observation period. This article is relevant to the commercial application of black currants‐based dietary supplements.
Clinical profile of 266 Filipino patients with rheumatoid arthritis included in the rheumatoid arthritis database and registry (RADAR) of the Philippine General Hospital
Authors: Penserga Ester G. , Natividad Therese Aileen L. , Salido Evelyn S. ,   for the RADAR Study Group
Published: February 2014

Aim

To describe Filipino patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) entered in the Rheumatoid arthritis database and registry (RADAR) of the Philippine General Hospital.

Methods

Cases entered to RADAR from 2010–2012 were included. All fulfilled the 1987 American College of Rheumatology criteria for classification of RA. Included cases gave written infomed consent. Data extracted were demographics, clinical presentation, laboratory tests, treatment and disease course. Means and proportions were used for population characteristics.

Results

Two hundred and sixty‐six cases were included. Mean age was 44 years, with 9 : 1 female preponderance and mean diagnosis time of 5 years. There was symmetrical polyarthritis with high tender and swollen joint count and mean Disease Activity Score of 28 joints, erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 5.27 (3.39, 8.13). Rheumatoid factor was positive in 2/3 of cases. Hypertension, tuberculosis and diabetes were important co‐morbidities. Treatment included prednisone, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and methotrexate. At 12 months of treatment, evaluable cases (< 20%) showed improvement from high to moderate disease activity. Methotrexate average dose was 8.6 mg/week. Nine cases received biologic agents. Factors affecting treatment included access to rheumatology centers, low socioeconomic status, presence of co‐morbid diseases and treatment adverse events.

Conclusion

This study reports a cohort of Filipino RA patients seen in a government arthritis unit whose disease characteristics are similar to what is reported worldwide. This cohort differs from most studies in having a high female to male ratio, a long delay in diagnosis, and high attrition rate. Mean methotrexate dose was low and there was less access to biologic disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs.
Scaling Politically Meaningful Dimensions Using Texts and Votes
Authors: Lauderdale Benjamin E. , Clark Tom S.
Published: February 2014

Item response theory models for roll‐call voting data provide political scientists with parsimonious descriptions of political actors' relative preferences. However, models using only voting data tend to obscure variation in preferences across different issues due to identification and labeling problems that arise in multidimensional scaling models. We propose a new approach to using sources of metadata about votes to estimate the degree to which those votes are about common issues. We demonstrate our approach with votes and opinion texts from the U.S. Supreme Court, using latent Dirichlet allocation to discover the extent to which different issues were at stake in different cases and estimating justice preferences within each of those issues. This approach can be applied using a variety of unsupervised and supervised topic models for text, community detection models for networks, or any other tool capable of generating discrete or mixture categorization of subject matter from relevant vote‐specific metadata.
The changing face of urinary continence surgery in England: a perspective from the Hospital Episode Statistics database
Authors: Withington John , Hirji Sadaf , Sahai Arun
Published: February 2014

Objective

To quantify changes in surgical practice in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), urge urinary incontinence (UUI) and post‐prostatectomy stress incontinence (PPI) in England, using the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) database.

Patients and Methods

We used public domain information from the HES database, an administrative dataset recording all hospital admissions and procedures in England, to find evidence of change in the use of various surgical procedures for urinary incontinence from 2000 to 2012.

Results

For the treatment of SUI, a general increase in the use of synthetic mid‐urethral tapes, such as tension‐free vaginal tape (TVTO) and transobturator tape (TOT), was observed, while there was a significant decrease in colposuspension procedures over the same period. The number of procedures to remove TVT and TOT has also increased in recent years. In the treatment of overactive bladder and UUI, there has been a significant increase in the use of botulinum toxin A and neuromodulation in recent years. This coincided with a steady decline in the recorded use of clam ileocystoplasty. A steady increase was observed in the insertion of artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) devices in men, related to PPI.

Conclusions

Mid‐urethral synthetic tapes now represent the mainstream treatment of SUI in women, but tape‐related complications have led to an increase in procedures to remove these devices. The uptake of botulinum toxin A and sacral neuromodulation has led to fewer clam ileocystoplasty procedures being performed. The steady increase in insertions of AUSs in men is unsurprising and reflects the widespread uptake of radical prostatectomy in recent years. There are limitations to results sourced from the HES database, with potential inaccuracy of coding; however, these data support the trends observed by experts in this field.
Naïveté in novel ecological interactions: lessons from theory and experimental evidence
Authors: Carthey Alexandra J. R. , Banks Peter B.
Published: February 2014

The invasion of alien species into areas beyond their native ranges is having profound effects on ecosystems around the world. In particular, novel alien predators are causing rapid extinctions or declines in many native prey species, and these impacts are generally attributed to ecological naïveté or the failure to recognise a novel enemy and respond appropriately due to a lack of experience. Despite a large body of research concerning the recognition of alien predation risk by native prey, the literature lacks an extensive review of naïveté theory that specifically asks how naïveté between novel pairings of alien predators and native prey disrupts our classical understanding of predator–prey ecological theory. Here we critically review both classic and current theory relating to predator–prey interactions between both predators and prey with shared evolutionary histories, and those that are ecologically ‘mismatched’ through the outcomes of biological invasions. The review is structured around the multiple levels of naïveté framework of Banks & Dickman (2007), and concepts and examples are discussed as they relate to each stage in the process from failure to recognise a novel predator (Level 1 naïveté), through to appropriate (Level 2) and effective (Level 3) antipredator responses. We discuss the relative contributions of recognition, cue types and the implied risk of cues used by novel alien and familiar native predators, to the probability that prey will recognise a novel predator. We then cover the antipredator response types available to prey and the factors that predict whether these responses will be appropriate or effective against novel alien and familiar native predators. In general, the level of naïveté of native prey can be predicted by the degree of novelty (in terms of appearance, behaviour or habitat use) of the alien predator compared to native predators with which prey are experienced. Appearance in this sense includes cue types, spatial distribution and implied risk of cues, whilst behaviour and habitat use include hunting modes and the habitat domain of the predator. Finally, we discuss whether the antipredator response can occur without recognition per se, for example in the case of morphological defences, and then consider a potential extension of the multiple levels of naïveté framework. The review concludes with recommendations for the design and execution of naïveté experiments incorporating the key concepts and issues covered here. This review aims to critique and combine classic ideas about predator–prey interactions with current naïveté theory, to further develop the multiple levels of naïveté framework, and to suggest the most fruitful avenues for future research.
Kaleidoscope model of diabetes care: time for a rethink?
Authors: Barnard K. D. , Lloyd C. E. , Dyson P. A. , Davies M. J. , O'Neil S. , Naresh K. , Lawton J. , Ziegler R. , Holt R. I. G.
Published: February 2014

National Audit Data highlight persistent sub‐optimum control among increasing numbers of people living with diabetes, with severe consequences for the individual and the NHS. The aim of the present review was to introduce a new cohesive, holistic model of care, tailored to individual needs to support optimum diabetes outcomes. This model of diabetes is necessary in order to understand the driving forces behind behaviour and their impact on diabetes management. Feelings (an emotional state or reaction) and beliefs (an acceptance that something is true or real) are fundamental behavioural drivers and influence diabetes self‐management choices. Individually, these explain some of the complexities of behaviour and, collectively, they impact on personal motivation (rationale/desire to act) to achieve a specific outcome. Inevitably, they independently affect diabetes self‐management and the environment in which individuals live. A model of care that proposes the encompassing of environment, intrinsic thought and therapy regimens to provide tailored, personalized healthcare should support enhanced diabetes self‐management and outcomes from diagnosis. The Kaleidoscope model of care could be deliverable in routine care, incorporating each of the influences on diabetes self‐management, and should benefit both individuals with diabetes and healthcare professionals.
In vitro fracture resistance of mandibular incisors restored with modified partial‐coverage ceramic restorations
Authors: Vilaplana‐Vivo Jaime , Vilaplana‐Vivo Carlos , Miguel‐Sánchez Alfonso , García‐Ballesta Carlos , Camacho‐Alonso Fabio
Published: February 2014

Background/Aim

The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the impact fracture resistance of anterior teeth that had been fractured and restored with modified partial‐coverage ceramics using the edge‐up technique.

Material and methods

A total of 178 extracted human mandibular central and lateral incisors were included in this study. The incisors were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 (n = 89) teeth were cleaved and restored with modified partial‐coverage ceramics using the edge‐up technique; Group 2 (n = 89) consisted of intact teeth that served as control. Impact strength was tested in a modified impact testing machine (pendulum type), and the severity of crown fracture after fracture resistance test was registered.

Results

Impact strength was insignificantly lower in restored teeth (median 5.39 and range 0.81–14.12 kJ m−2) than in intact teeth (median 5.45 and range 0.31–16.47 kJ m−2), although no statistically significant differences were observed. Regarding the severity of crown fracture, restored teeth showed a lower rate of severe fractures (20.22%) compared to intact teeth (25.84%), but no statistically significant differences were observed.

Conclusions

Restoration of cleaved mandibular incisors with modified partial‐coverage ceramics using the edge‐up technique shows fracture resistance and severity of crown fracture following traumatism similar to intact teeth. In this way, this technique can be used successfully for the treatment of fractured anterior teeth.
Fracture resistance and failure mode of fatigued endodontically treated teeth restored with fiber‐reinforced resin posts and metallic posts in vitro
Authors: A. Alharbi Fahad , Nathanson Dan , Morgano Steven M. , Baba Nadim Z.
Published: February 2014

Background

Fracture of restored endodontically treated teeth is a common complication. The mechanical properties of post systems may play a role in the incidence of tooth fracture.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro the fracture resistance and pattern of fracture of endodontically treated teeth restored with three different post systems.

Material and methods

Posts used were fiber‐reinforced composite resin posts (FRC post), custom cast silver‐palladium, and nickel‐chromium posts and cores. A 3‐point bending test was performed to calculate flexural strengths and elastic moduli of the specimens. Sixty extracted human maxillary canines were endodontically treated and divided into three groups (n = 20). All‐ceramic crowns were fabricated and cemented with Variolink II resin cement. Ten specimens of each group were subjected to a constantly increasing load until fracture. The other 10 specimens were fatigued for 106 cycles in a custom‐made fatigue machine. Recorded failure loads and modes were statistically compared with one‐way anova and Tukey‐HSD tests (α = 0.05).

Results

The resistance to fracture of teeth restored with FRC posts, composite resin cores, and Empress II crowns was similar to that of teeth restored with cast posts and cores (P = 0.162). Supracrestal (above root/level of acrylic resin base) oblique fracture was the predominant mode of fracture associated with teeth restored with FRC posts (70%), while vertical root fractures were more common with teeth restored with cast posts and cores.

Conclusions

Teeth restored with the FRC post system did not exhibit vertical root fractures and were less likely to show root fracture. Sixty to 80% of teeth restored with both types of cast posts and cores showed vertical and subcrestal root fractures.
Reduced survival and reproductive success generates selection pressure for the dengue mosquito Aedes aegypti to evolve resistance against infection by the microsporidian parasite Vavraia culicis
Authors: Sy Victoria E. , Agnew Philip , Sidobre Christine , Michalakis Yannis
Published: February 2014

The success and sustainability of control measures aimed at reducing the transmission of mosquito‐borne diseases will depend on how they influence the fitness of mosquitoes in targeted populations. We investigated the effects of the microsporidian parasite Vavraia culicis on the survival, blood‐feeding behaviour and reproductive success of female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the main vector of dengue. Infection reduced survival to adulthood and increased adult female mosquito age‐dependent mortality relative to uninfected individuals; this additional mortality was closely correlated with the number of parasite spores they harboured when they died. In the first gonotrophic cycle, infected females were less likely to blood‐feed, took smaller meals when they did so, and developed fewer eggs than uninfected females. Even though the conditions of this laboratory study favoured minimal developmental times, the costs of infection were already being experienced by the time females reached an age at which they could first reproduce. These results suggest there will be selection pressure for mosquitoes to evolve resistance against this pathogen if it is used as an agent in a control program to reduce the transmission of mosquito‐borne human diseases.
Trophic‐level dependent effects on CO2 emissions from experimental stream ecosystems
Authors: Atwood Trisha B. , Hammill Edd , Richardson John S.
Published: February 2014

Concern over accelerating rates of species invasions and losses have initiated investigations into how local and global changes to predator abundance mediate trophic cascades that influence CO2 fluxes of aquatic ecosystems. However, to date, no studies have investigated how species additions or losses at other consumer trophic levels influence the CO2 flux of aquatic ecosystems. In this study, we added a large predatory stonefly, detritivorous stonefly, or grazer tadpole to experimental stream food webs and over a 70‐day period quantified their effects on community composition, leaf litter decomposition, chlorophyll‐a concentrations, and stream CO2 emissions. In general, streams where the large grazer or large detritivore were added showed no change in total invertebrate biomass, leaf litter loss, chlorophyll‐a concentrations, or stream CO2 emissions compared with controls; although we did observe a spike in CO2 emissions in the large grazer treatment following a substantial reduction in chlorophyll‐a concentrations on day 28. However, the large grazer and large detritivore altered the community composition of streams by reducing the densities of other grazer and detritivore taxa, respectively, compared with controls. Conversely, the addition of the large predator created trophic cascades that reduced total invertebrate biomass and increased primary producer biomass. The cascading effects of the predator additions on the food web ultimately led to decreased CO2 emissions from stream channels by up to 95%. Our results suggest that stream ecosystem processes were more influenced by changes in large predator abundance than large grazer or detritivore abundance, because of a lack of functionally similar large predators. Our study demonstrates that the presence/absence of species with unique functional roles may have consequences for the exchange of CO2 between the ecosystem and the atmosphere.
Conventional and Microwave‐Assisted Sintering of CaCu3Ti4O12 Ceramics Obtained from Coprecipitated Powders
Authors: Thomazini Daniel , Gelfuso Maria Virginia , Volpi Gabriela Maira Sanches , Eiras José Antonio
Published: February 2014

CaCu3Ti4O12(CCTO) powders were prepared by coprecipitated method starting from CaCO3, Cu(NO3)2, and Ti‐butoxide. The exclusive presence of CCTO phase was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction analyses after calcination at 850°C for 2 h. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed nanosized particles of CCTO phase. Samples were sintered in conventional and microwave oven at 1050°C, producing differences on particles and grain size, densification, microstructure, and dielectric properties of the ceramics. Energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) was performed in the grain and grain boundary to investigate the formation and composition of the secondary phase formed during sintering methods. It could be noted that the presence of this secondary phase interferes directly on dielectric constant and loss factor values.