bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inotilone suppresses phorbol ester‐induced inflammation and tumor promotion in mouse skin
Authors: Kuo Yu‐Ching , Lai Ching‐Shu , Tsai Chen‐Yu , Nagabhushanam Kalyanam , Ho Chi‐Tang , Pan Min‐Hsiung
Published: May 2012

Scope

Chemoprevention is one of the most feasible approaches to reduce the risk of cancer. Over the past decades, scientists have realized that chronic inflammation is a critical component of cancer development. Inotilone, existing in Inonotus mushroom has been reported to exhibit anti‐inflammatory properties in vitro. Hence, we investigated the effects of inotilone on 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA)‐mediated acute inflammation and tumor promotion in mouse skin and the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods and results

Inotilone was topically applied to mouse skin 30 min prior to TPA treatment. The results have shown that inotilone inhibited the production of inflammatory mediators by attenuating the activation of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) and the expression of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ). Furthermore, the ability of inotilone to prevent tumorigenesis at promotion stage was evaluated using a classical two‐stage mouse skin carcinogenesis model. After initiation of 7,12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA), applying inotilone topically before each TPA treatment was found to reduce the tumor incidence and tumor multiplicity of papillomas.

Conclusion

Based on the results, we concluded that inotilone has potential to be developed into an effective chemopreventive agent for the treatment of a variety of inflammatory diseases, especially the prevention and treatment of epithelial skin cancer.
Use of systemic antifungals in daily clinical practice in the haematology and oncology setting: results of a prospective observational analysis
Authors: Metzke Barbara , Neubauer Werner Christian , Hieke Stefanie , Jung Manfred , Wäsch Ralph , Engelhardt Monika
Published: May 2012

Purpose

To assess the role of systemic antifungal drugs as well as the frequency of potential drug interactions and adverse drug events of commonly used antifungals in an unselected haematology/oncology patient cohort.

Methods

A prospective analysis was performed in our haematology/oncology department between October 2006 and September 2009. Data were obtained from 250 consecutive patients who received treatment and/or prophylaxis with fluconazole (n = 191), liposomal amphotericin B (n = 105), voriconazole (n = 62), caspofungin (n = 27) and/or posaconazole (n = 22). We performed detailed reviews of patient charts and laboratory values in close cooperation with treating physicians and nursing staff and participated regularly in ward and chart rounds. Potential drug interactions were assessed using the electronic database Micromedex® 1.0 (Healthcare Series).

Results

In terms of adverse drug events, caspofungin (56%) and voriconazole (58%) revealed a slightly more favourable safety profile than liposomal amphotericin B (66%) and posaconazole (64%). We confirmed frequent nephrotoxic effects with the use of liposomal amphotericin B (20%). Regarding potential drug interactions, 97 (66%) of 147 evaluated patients were exposed to at least 1 of 22 different potentially interacting drug combinations involving systemic antifungal agents. Cyclosporine was the most prevalent potentially interacting drug in our cohort.

Conclusions

Systemic antifungal drugs are widely used in the haematology/oncology setting and exhibit numerous potential drug interactions and adverse events in cancer patients. Our results highlight the challenges related to antifungal drugs and should valuably contribute to a safe and efficient application of this increasingly important class of drugs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Internet‐based self‐management compared with usual care in adolescents with asthma: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rikkers‐Mutsaerts E.R.V.M. , Winters A.E. , Bakker M.J. , van Stel H.F. , van der Meer V. , de Jongste J.C. , Sont J.K. ,   the SMASHING Study Group
Published: May 2012

Introduction

Asthma control often is poor in adolescents and this causes considerable morbidity. Internet‐based self‐management (IBSM) improves asthma‐related quality of life in adults. We hypothesized that IBSM improves asthma‐related quality of life in adolescents.

Methods

Adolescents (12–18 years) with persistent and not well‐controlled asthma participated in a randomized controlled trial with 1 year follow‐up and were allocated to IBSM (n = 46) or usual care (UC, n = 44). IBSM consisted of weekly asthma control monitoring with treatment advice by a web‐based algorithm. Outcomes included asthma‐related quality of life (Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, PAQLQ) and asthma control (Asthma Control Questionnaire, ACQ) and were analyzed by a linear mixed‐effects model.

Results

At 3 months, PAQLQ improved with 0.40 points (95% CI: 0.17–0.62, P < 0.01), by IBSM compared to 0.0 points for UC (P = 0.02 for the difference). At 12 months the between‐group difference was −0.05 (95% CI: −0.50 to 0.41, P = 0.85). At 3 months ACQ improved more in IBSM than in UC (difference: −0.32 points; 95% CI: −0.56 to −0.079, P < 0.01). At 12 months the difference was −0.05 (95% CI: −0.35 to 0.25, P = 0.75).

Conclusion

IBSM improved asthma‐related quality of life and asthma control in adolescents with not well‐controlled asthma after 3 months, but not after 12 months. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:1170–1179. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simplified platelet sample preparation for SDS‐PAGE‐based proteomic studies
Authors: Reicheltová Zuzana , Májek Pavel , Riedel Tomáš , Suttnar Jiří , Dyr Jan E.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The goal of this study was to design an easy and simple protocol for platelet isolation and sample preparation for proteomic studies based on 2DE (IEF–SDS‐PAGE) followed by Coomassie blue staining.

Experimental design

Blood was collected by venipuncture into tubes coated with EDTA and platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) was immediately obtained by centrifugation. PRP was stored refrigerated in closed Falcon tubes for 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 days and platelets were isolated by centrifugation. 2DE gels were stained with colloidal Coomassie blue stain and evaluated using the Progenesis SameSpots software. Spots that differed significantly in the gels of fresh and stored platelet samples were excised, digested with trypsin, and further analyzed using nanoLC‐MS/MS.

Results

During the 7‐day follow‐up period, we found 20 spots that differed significantly (ANOVA p <0.05). During the first 2 days of PRP storage in test tubes, however, only nine spots significantly differed in all donors. In these spots, we identified 14 different proteins.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

In conclusion, for proteome investigations, whenever it is not feasible to prepare washed platelets immediately after blood collection, the EDTA‐anticoagulated PRP can be stored in test tubes at 4°C for up to 2 days for the platelet proteome investigation.
Application of systems biology principles to protein biomarker discovery: Urinary exosomal proteome in renal transplantation
Authors: Pisitkun Trairak , Gandolfo Maria T. , Das Samarjit , Knepper Mark A. , Bagnasco Serena M.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

In mass spectrometry (MS)‐based studies to discover urinary protein biomarkers, an important question is how to analyze the data to find the most promising potential biomarkers to be advanced to large‐scale validation studies. Here, we describe a “systems biology‐based” approach to address this question.

Experimental design

We analyzed large‐scale liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) data of urinary exosomes from renal allograft recipients with biopsy‐proven evidence of immunological rejection or tubular injury (TI). We asked whether bioinformatic analysis of urinary exosomal proteins can identify biological‐process based protein groups that correlate with biopsy findings and whether the protein groups fit with general knowledge of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved.

Results

LC‐MS/MS analysis of urinary exosomal proteomes identified more than 1000 proteins in each pathologic group. These protein lists were analyzed computationally to identify the Biological Process and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) Pathway terms that are significantly associated with each pathological group. Among the most informative terms for each group were: “sodium ion transport” for TI; “immune response” for all rejection; “epithelial cell differentiation” for cell‐mediated rejection; and “acute inflammatory response” for antibody‐mediated rejection. Based on these terms, candidate biomarkers were identified using a novel strategy to allow a dichotomous classification between different pathologic categories.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

The terms and candidate biomarkers identified make rational connections to pathophysiological mechanisms, suggesting that the described bioinformatic approach will be useful in advancing large‐scale biomarker identification studies toward a validation phase.
Size‐tuneable synthesis of photoconducting poly‐(3‐hexylthiophene) nanofibres and nanocomposites
Authors: Zhao Yichen , Sugunan Abhilash , Rihtnesberg David B. , Wang Qin , Toprak Muhammet S. , Muhammed Mamoun
Published: May 2012

Poly‐(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) has been applied in many fields such as organic solar cells, printed electronic circuits, due to superior semiconducting properties compared to other semiconducting polymers. The presence of π–π interaction causes regio‐regular P3HT to form ordered lamellar stacks during crystallisation. Here we report a simple room temperature, solution based method to synthesise P3HT nanofibres with controllable sizes. Our method is based on differing solubility of P3HT in various solvents. In a mixed solvent environment, we could control the precipitation of P3HT to obtain nanofibres with various diameters by varying the ratios of the solvents. We found that the lengths of the nanofibres could be controlled with concentration of the solution. Other methods to obtain nanofibres of P3HT invariably involves heating and controlled cooling which makes reproducibility and morphology control difficult. Furthermore, we synthesised a nanocomposite consisting of P3HT nanofibres and quasi‐type‐II quantum dots and evaluated the photoelectric properties of the nanofibres as well as the nanocomposites using interdigitated gold microelectrodes (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Ultrafast photoconductors from low‐temperature‐grown GaAs for terahertz components activated by femtosecond 1‐μm wavelength laser pulses
Authors: Adamonis Juozas , Bertulis Klemensas , Bičiūnas Andrius , Adomavičius Ramūnas , Krotkus Arūnas
Published: May 2012

Terahertz time‐domain spectroscopy (TDS) system based on femtosecond Yb:KGW laser, photoconductive emitters and detectors made using low‐temperature‐grown (LTG) GaAs layers annealed at moderate temperatures (∼400 °C) was demonstrated. Measured photoexcited charge carriers concentration of these layers increased lineary with an optical power, showing that the transitions from defect band to conduction band are dominant. The largest amplitude THz pulse was emitted by the device made from the LTG‐GaAs layer annealed at 420 °C temperature with useful signal bandwidth reaching 3 THz. On the other hand, detectors made from this material were more than an order of magnitude less sensitive than conventional GaBiAs detectors (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structural and optical optimization of ZnSe‐based laser heterostructures with graded index waveguide
Authors: Gronin S. V. , Sedova I. V. , Sorokin S. V. , Klimko G. V. , Belyaev K. G. , Lebedev A. V. , Sitnikova A. A. , Toropov A. A. , Ivanov S. V.
Published: May 2012

We report on structural and photoluminescence (PL) studies of wide gap II‐VI laser heterostructures involving the graded index waveguide (GIW) based on short period Zn(Mg)SSe/ZnSe superlattices (SLs) and the active region comprising single or multiple electronically‐coupled CdSe/ZnSe QD sheets. Precise compensation of elastic stresses in the SL waveguide and optimization of the ZnSe/GaAs initial growth stage have resulted in good crystalline quality of the laser structures and reduction of the extended defect density down to 104 cm‐2. Express monitoring of the defect density by using the photoluminescence microscope was supported by transmission electron microscopy studies. PL data have demonstrated efficient transport of nonequilibrium carriers through the GIW SLs to the active region (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Raman spectra and emission of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots bioconjugated to OC125 antibodies
Authors: Quintos‐Vazquez A. L. , Vega‐Macotela L. G. , Torchynska T. V. , Shcherbyna L.
Published: May 2012

This paper presents the analysis of photoluminescence (PL) and Raman scattering spectra of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) covered by the amine (NH2)‐derivatized PEG polymer nonconjugated and bioconjugated to ovarian cancer (OC 125) antibodies and localized on the Si substrate. Commercial CdSe/ZnS QDs used are characterized by the color emission with the maxima at 525 nm (2.36 eV) and 605 nm (2.05 eV) at 300 K. PL spectra of nonconjugated 525 nm QDs can be presented as a superposition of PL bands related to exciton emission in CdSe cores (2.36 eV) and to hot electron‐hole emission via interface states (2.04, 2.20, 2.71 and 3.06 eV) localized at the CdSe/ZnS or ZnS/polymer interfaces. It is revealed that PL spectra of bioconjugated 525 nm QDs have changed dramatically with essential decreasing the hot electron‐hole recombination flow via interface states. This effect is explained on the base of the model deals with re‐charging QD interface states at the bioconjugation to OC125 antibodies. Raman scattering spectra of bioconjugated QDs can be presented as a superposition of Raman lines related to the silicon substrate. Raman lines deal with the vibration of COH, CH and OH groups of PEG polymer, which covered QDs, were detected additionally in nonconjugated QDs. It is revealed that the QD bioconjugation to OC 125 antibodies is accompanied by the changes in the intensity of all types of Raman lines. The explanation of details of bioconjugation effects has been proposed and discussed (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The effect of growth temperature and spraying rate on the properties of ZnO:In films
Authors: Vent Merike , Kärber Erki , Unt Tarmo , Mere Arvo , Krunks Malle
Published: May 2012

ZnO:In thin films were deposited by chemical spray pyrolysis from zinc acetate solutions containing 3 at.% of InCl3. The films were grown in the temperature region of 400‐500 °C using solution spraying rates 0.6‐7.1 ml/min. ZnO:In films were characterized by XRD, Hall and van der Pauw methods. The dependence of the film resistivity vs growth temperature is parabolic. ZnO:In films with resistivity minimum of 3x10‐3 Ωcm can be deposited at 450 °C. The solution spraying rate has strong effect on the film resistivity, deposition rates below 3 ml/min result in high resistivities (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Band alignment at sputtered ZnSx O1–x/Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2 heterojunctions
Authors: Kieven D. , Grimm A. , Lauermann I. , Lux‐Steiner M. Ch. , Palm J. , Niesen T. , Klenk R.
Published: May 2012

Valence band offsets ΔEVBM at ZnSx O1–x/Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2 (CIGSSe) heterojunctions have been studied by photoemission spectroscopy (XPS, UPS) as a function of composition x in sputtered ZnSx O1–x films. In the composition range from ZnO to ZnS we found ΔEVBM between –(2.1 ± 0.3) eV and –(0.8 ± 0.4) eV, respectively. Considering the optical band gaps, the conduction band offsets ΔECBM range from –(0.1 ± 0.3) eV to +(1.4 ± 0.4) eV. These results suggest that sputtered ZnSx O1–x is suitable as substitution for the CdS buffer and ZnO window layers in standard chalcopyrite‐based solar cells. Current–voltage characteristics of the solar cells have been investigated as a function of the composition x. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A geometrical view of the shallow‐atmosphere approximation, with application to the semi‐Lagrangian departure point calculation
Authors: Thuburn J. , White A. A.
Published: May 2012

The widely used shallow‐atmosphere approximation is a geometrical approximation in which the metric departs from the usual Euclidean metric. This leads to a number of important consequences: shallow‐atmosphere space is intrinsically curved (i.e. non‐Euclidean), geodesics are not unique, the status of the centre of the Earth is uncertain, and position vectors are not well‐defined. Vector semi‐Lagrangian numerical models that use the shallow‐atmosphere approximation must allow explicitly for the non‐Euclidean geometry. During early testing of a new semi‐implicit, semi‐Lagrangian dynamical core, a semi‐implicit (Crank–Nicolson) discretization of the vector departure point equation was found to lead to an instability in deep‐atmosphere (i.e. Euclidean) geometry, but not in shallow‐atmosphere geometry. The instability can be avoided by an alternative treatment in which the departure point equation is projected onto its horizontal and vertical components before discretization. Interestingly, this stable treatment of the deep‐atmosphere case makes use of much of the mathematical machinery of the shallow‐atmosphere departure point calculation. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society and British Crown Copyright, the Met Office
Benzothiadiazoles as DNA intercalators: Docking and simulation
Authors: Netz Paulo Augusto
Published: May 2012

Some organic dyes, derivatives of the 4‐(arylethynyl)‐7‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐2,1,3‐benzothiadiazoles (BTDs) bind strongly to double stranded DNA, exhibiting a strong increase in the fluorescence intensity. Due to this property, they were proposed as very sensitive probes for DNA detection and quantification. The details of the interaction mechanism, however, are unknown. In this work, we use docking and molecular dynamics simulations to study the interactions of these BTDs with DNA. We used a docking protocol where the receptor is a modified canonical oligonucleotide, with a gap, to sample intercalation and minor groove binding modes. Starting from several independent but energetically favorable docking poses, molecular dynamics simulations were carried out, investigating the ligand‐DNA interactions and the time evolution of the DNA structure. We observed, in agreement with experimental results, that the presence of the ethynyl spacer in the ligand stabilizes the intercalation binding mode, yielding strong interactions with DNA and large residence times. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The impacts of performance relative to analyst forecasts and analyst coverage on firm R&D intensity
Authors: Gentry Richard J , Shen Wei
Published: May 2012

Taking an agency theory perspective of managers as risk averse and self‐interest seeking and focusing on externally generated analyst forecasts as the performance target, we propose that managers tend to cut R&D expenses when they are under pressure to meet analyst forecasts, especially when they face an increase in employment risk after missing the forecasts. We further argue that analyst coverage can serve as an external monitoring mechanism to help contain this agency problem. We test these arguments with data from a sample of U.S. manufacturing firms during the period of 1979 to 2005. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical Prediction of Iron Flow and Bottom Erosion in the Blast Furnace Hearth
Authors: Shao Lei , Saxén Henrik
Published: May 2012

The blast furnace (BF) campaign life, which is limited by the hearth erosion, will be decisive for the process to maintain its dominance in ore‐based iron production, so timely prediction of the hearth erosion and proper measures to protect the hearth are important issues. The erosion at the hearth bottom has not received much attention, even though the region is believed to be the most vulnerable part of the hearth. A computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model has been developed to deepen the understanding of iron flow and refractory erosion at the bottom of the hearth. Key boundary and internal conditions, such as slag–iron interface and dead man state, are provided by a BF drainage model which reproduces the tapping process. Simulations with the CFD model illustrate how different factors affect the flow pattern, hearth erosion profile, and bottom breakage ratio. It is shown that the dead man state plays an important role for the flow behavior and erosion conditions in the hearth. The model is demonstrated to predict two erosion types that are commonly encountered in practice.
Gut stem cells in tissue renewal and disease: methods, markers, and myths
Authors: Rizk Pamela , Barker Nick
Published: May 2012

Homeostasis in adult tissue is maintained by the activity of a minor population of long‐lived resident stem cells. These adult stem cells are defined by two essential attributes, self‐renewal and multipotency, and their physiological activity is regulated by a specialized microenvironment, the stem cell niche. These adult stem cells are generally considered to divide infrequently, and cell expansion is mainly achieved through the rapid proliferation of transit amplifying progenitors before they undergo terminal differentiation. Organs that operate in abrasive environments, such as the mucosa of the skin, intestine, and stomach, display a higher tissue turnover rate, which consequently places them at higher risk of developing cancer. Indeed, colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequent cancers worldwide, with over a million new cases every year. Our understanding of stem cell function in tissue homeostasis and their potential role in cancer development has been greatly hampered by the lack of reliable specific biomarkers, but recent discoveries of membrane bound biomarkers promise great progress in the field. Here we review the current advances toward identifying the stem cells of the gastrointestinal tract and in understanding their microenvironmental regulation, and also discuss their implications for human cancer. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2012. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1176

This article is categorized under:

Developmental Biology > Developmental Processes in Health and Disease

Developmental Biology > Stem Cell Biology and Regeneration
Metabolomics Has Great Potential for Clinical and Nutritional Care and Research with Exotic Animals
Authors: Dove Alistair D. M.
Published: May 2012

This essay explores the potential of metabolomics for exotic animal research in a zoological setting. Metabolomics is a suite of analytical tools aimed at gaining a holistic understanding of animal metabolism without prior knowledge of the compounds to be measured. These metabolic fingerprints can be used to define normal metabolism for an unstudied species, to characterize the metabolic deviation of diseased animals from the normal state over time, to identify biomarker compounds that best capture such deviations, and to measure the metabolic impact of clinical and nutritional interventions. Two approaches, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS) provide large amounts of complimentary pure and applied biological data. Metabolomic methods hold great potential for researchers, clinicians, and nutritionists studying exotic and aquatic animals because they can produce a huge data return on research effort, and because they do not require much a priori knowledge of the animals’ metabolism, which is so often then case in zoological settings. Zoo Biol. 32:246–250, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hitting sbottom in natural SUSY
Authors: Lee Hyun Min , Sanz Veronica , Trott Michael
Published: May 2012

Abstract

We compare the experimental prospects of direct stop and sbottom pair production searches at the LHC. Such searches for stops are of great interest as they directly probe for states that are motivated by the SUSY solution to the hierarchy problem of the Higgs mass parameter — leading to a “Natural” SUSY spectrum. Noting that sbottom searches are less experimentally challenging and scale up in reach directly with the improvement on b-tagging algorithms, we discuss the interplay of small TeV scale custodial symmetry violation with sbottom direct pair production searches as a path to obtaining strong sub-TeV constraints on stops in a natural SUSY scenario. We argue that if a weak scale natural SUSY spectrum does not exist within the reach of LHC, then hopes for such a spectrum for large regions of parameter space should “sbottom out”. Conversely, the same arguments make clear that a discovery of such a spectrum is likely to proceed in a “sbottom up” manner.
The Effects of Childhood SNAP Use and Neighborhood Conditions on Adult Body Mass Index
Authors: Vartanian Thomas P. , Houser Linda
Published: May 2012

The disproportionate number of individuals who are obese or overweight in the low-income U.S. population has raised interest in the influence of neighborhood conditions and public assistance programs on weight and health. Generally, neighborhood effects and program participation effects have been explored in separate studies. We unite these two areas of inquiry, using the 1968–2005 Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID) to examine the long-term effects of childhood Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation, neighborhood conditions, and the interaction of these two, on adult body mass index (BMI). Using sibling fixed-effects models to account for selection bias, we find that relative to children in other low-income families, children in SNAP-recipient households have higher average adult BMI values. However, the effects of childhood SNAP usage are sensitive to both residential neighborhood and age at receipt. For those growing up in advantaged neighborhoods, projected adult BMI is higher for children in SNAP-recipient households than for children in low-income, nonrecipient households. In contrast, for those growing up in less-advantaged areas, adult BMI differences between children in SNAP-recipient and those in low-income, nonrecipient households are small. SNAP usage during preschool years (0 to 4) has no impact on adult BMI scores. However, at later childhood ages, the time elapsed receiving SNAP income increases adult BMI values relative to a condition of low-income nonreceipt.
Relationship of roll and pitch oscillations in a fin flapping at transitional to high Reynolds numbers
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Promode R. , Beal David N. , Hrubes J. Dana , Mangalam Arun
Published: May 2012

Hydrodynamic effects of the relationship between the roll and pitch oscillations in low-aspect-ratio fins, with a laminar section and a rounded leading edge, flapping at transitional to moderately high Reynolds numbers, are considered. The fin is hinged at one end and its roll amplitude is large. Also examined is how this relationship is affected by spanwise twist, which alters the pitch oscillation amplitude and its phase relative to the roll motion. Force, efficiency and surface hot-film-anemometry measurements, and flow visualization are carried out in a tow tank. A fin of an abstracted penguin-wing planform and a NACA 0012 cross-section is used, and the chord Reynolds number varies from 3558 to 150 000 based on total speed. The fin is forced near the natural shedding frequency. Strouhal number and pitch amplitude are directly related when thrust is produced, and efficiency is maximized in narrow combinations of Strouhal number and pitch amplitude when oscillation of the leading-edge stagnation point is minimal. Twist makes the angle of attack uniform along the span and enhances thrust by up to 24 %, while maintaining high efficiency. Only 5 % of the power required to roll is spent to pitch, and yet roll and pitch are directly related. During hovering, dye visualization shows that a diffused leading-edge vortex is produced in rigid fins, which enlarges along the span; however, twist makes the vortex more uniform and the fin in turn requires less power to roll. Low-order phase maps of the measurements of force oscillation versus its derivative are modelled as due to van der Pol oscillators; the higher-order maps show trends in the sub-regimes of the transitional Reynolds number. Fin oscillation imparts a chordwise fluid motion, yielding a Stokes wave in the near-wall vorticity layer. When the roll and pitch oscillations are directly related, the wave is optimized: causing vorticity lift-up as the fin is decelerated at the roll extremity; the potential energy at the stagnation point is converted into kinetic energy; a vortex is produced as the lifted vorticity is wrapped around the leading edge; and free-stream reattachment keeps the vortex trapped. When the twist oscillation is phased along the span, this vortex becomes self-preserving at all amplitudes of twist, indicating the most stable (low-bandwidth) tuned nature.
Protein v. carbohydrate intake differentially affects liking- and wanting-related brain signalling
Authors: Born Jurriaan M. , Martens Mieke J. I. , Lemmens Sofie G. T. , Goebel Rainer , Westerterp-Plantenga Margriet S.
Published: May 2012

Extreme macronutrient intakes possibly lead to different brain signalling. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of ingesting high-protein v. high-carbohydrate food on liking and wanting task-related brain signalling (TRS) and subsequent macronutrient intake. A total of thirty female subjects (21·6 (sd 2·2) years, BMI 25·0 (sd 3·7) kg/m2) completed four functional MRI scans: two fasted and two satiated on two different days. During the scans, subjects rated all food items for liking and wanting, thereby choosing the subsequent meal. The results show that high-protein (PROT) v. high-carbohydrate (CARB) conditions were generated using protein or carbohydrate drinks at the first meal. Energy intake and hunger were recorded. PROT (protein: 53·7 (sd 2·1) percentage of energy (En%); carbohydrate: 6·4 (sd 1·3) En%) and CARB conditions (protein: 11·8 (sd 0·6) En%; carbohydrate: 70·0 (sd 2·4) En%) were achieved during the first meal, while the second meals were not different between the conditions. Hunger, energy intake, and behavioural liking and wanting ratings were decreased after the first meal (P< 0·001). Comparing the first with the second meal, the macronutrient content changed: carbohydrate − 26·9 En% in the CARB condition, protein − 37·8 En% in the PROT condition. After the first meal in the CARB condition, wanting TRS was increased in the hypothalamus. After the first meal in the PROT condition, liking TRS was decreased in the putamen (P< 0·05). The change in energy intake from the first to the second meal was inversely related to the change in liking TRS in the striatum and hypothalamus in the CARB condition and positively related in the PROT condition (P< 0·05). In conclusion, wanting and liking TRS were affected differentially with a change in carbohydrate or protein intake, underscoring subsequent energy intake and shift in macronutrient composition.
HEALTH INEQUALITIES AMONG URBAN CHILDREN IN INDIA: A COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF EMPOWERED ACTION GROUP (EAG) AND SOUTH INDIAN STATES
Authors: AROKIASAMY P. , JAIN KSHIPRA , GOLI SRINIVAS , PRADHAN JALANDHAR
Published: May 2012

As India rapidly urbanizes, within urban areas socioeconomic disparities are rising and health inequality among urban children is an emerging challenge. This paper assesses the relative contribution of socioeconomic factors to child health inequalities between the less developed Empowered Action Group (EAG) states and more developed South Indian states in urban India using data from the 2005–06 National Family Health Survey. Focusing on urban health from varying regional and developmental contexts, socioeconomic inequalities in child health are examined first using Concentration Indices (CIs) and then the contributions of socioeconomic factors to the CIs of health variables are derived. The results reveal, in order of importance, pronounced contributions of household economic status, parent's illiteracy and caste to urban child health inequalities in the South Indian states. In contrast, parent's illiteracy, poor economic status, being Muslim and child birth order 3 or more are major contributors to health inequalities among urban children in the EAG states. The results suggest the need to adopt different health policy interventions in accordance with the pattern of varying contributions of socioeconomic factors to child health inequalities between the more developed South Indian states and less developed EAG states.
Laryngeal paraganglioma in an irradiated neck
Authors: Pham T A , De Freitas R , Young G , Safdar A
Published: May 2012

Objective:

We present the first reported case of a paraganglioma of the larynx occurring concurrently with squamous cell carcinoma in an irradiated neck.

Method:

We present a case report and a literature review of paraganglioma of the larynx.

Case report:

A 78-year-old woman was found to have a mass on the laryngeal surface of the epiglottis and non-functioning larynx, four months after radical radiotherapy for biopsy-proven squamous cell carcinoma. Repeated positron emission tomography computed tomography was highly suggestive of residual malignancy. Given these findings, and the fact that the patient was aspirating, she was treated with total laryngectomy, and was found to have a paraganglioma of the larynx.

Conclusion:

This is the first report of such a case. Its importance is three-fold in that it demonstrates: the coexistence of paraganglioma and squamous cell carcinoma; the difficulties that can be encountered in the diagnosis; and the use of radiotherapy in the treatment of paraganglioma.
Chronic non-granulomatous supraglottitis: a rare and difficult disease
Authors: Ledgerwood L G , Belafsky P C
Published: May 2012

Objectives:

To examine chronic non-granulomatous supraglottitis, a rare disorder of uncertain aetiology with few reported cases in the literature.

Case reports:

We describe two cases of chronic non-granulomatous supraglottitis that led to persistent respiratory compromise. Patients underwent extensive investigation that failed to reveal a definitive diagnosis.

Conclusion:

In patients suffering from chronic inflammation of the supraglottic larynx without evidence of infection, neoplasm or granulomatous disease, many disorders must be ruled out in order to diagnose chronic non-granulomatous supraglottitis, which is a diagnosis of exclusion. We review the literature on this rare entity, discuss current management strategies, and suggest an algorithm for diagnostic investigation.
Recurrent phosphaturic mesenchymal tumour of the temporal bone causing deafness and facial nerve palsy
Authors: Syed M I , Chatzimichalis M , Rössle M , Huber A M
Published: May 2012

Objective:

We describe the first reported case of a phosphaturic mesenchymal tumour, mixed connective tissue variant, invading the temporal bone.

Case report:

A female patient presented with increasing deafness. On examination there appeared to be a mass behind an intact tympanic membrane. Further radiological investigation showed a vascular mass occupying the middle ear, mastoid and internal auditory meatus. This was surgically resected and revealed to be a benign phosphaturic mesenchymal tumour, mixed connective tissue variant. The tumour recurred a year later, presenting as facial nerve palsy. A revision procedure was carried out; the tumour was excised with the sacrifice of a segment of the facial nerve, and a facial-hypoglossal nerve anastomosis was performed.

Conclusion:

This case report highlights the occurrence of this benign but sometimes aggressive tumour, of which both clinicians and pathologists should be aware. Early recognition of the condition remains of utmost importance to minimise the debilitating consequences of long-term osteomalacia in affected patients, and to prevent extracranial and intracranial complications caused by the tumour.
Internal carotid artery aneurysm presenting as orofacial pain
Authors: Stone S J , Paleri V , Staines K S
Published: May 2012

Objectives:

We report a case of an internal carotid artery aneurysm presenting as orofacial pain.

Method:

Case report and discussion.

Results:

A 59-year-old patient presented with a four-year history of chronic oral pain accompanied by a right-sided occipital headache. No local organic pathology was detected, and a provisional diagnosis of persistent idiopathic facial pain was made. A neurosurgery referral was made to exclude neurovascular pathology, which resulted in the detection of an aneurysm originating from the right posterior communicating artery. This was successfully treated by coil embolisation, with subsequent resolution of symptoms.

Conclusion:

In this patient, an atypical history of pain with no other neurological signs or symptoms, other than accompanying occipital headache, led to the discovery of an intracranial aneurysm. This case highlights the need for appropriate referral and imaging in cases in which the clinical history and findings are not classical, and also emphasises the need for interdisciplinary management.
Peripheral and central mechanisms involved in the control of food intake by dietary amino acids and proteins
Authors: Fromentin Gilles , Darcel Nicolas , Chaumontet Catherine , Marsset-Baglieri Agnes , Nadkarni Nachiket , Tomé Daniel
Published: May 2012

The present review summarises current knowledge and recent findings on the modulation of appetite by dietary protein, via both peripheral and central mechanisms. Of the three macronutrients, proteins are recognised as the strongest inhibitor of food intake. The well-recognised poor palatability of proteins is not the principal mechanism explaining the decrease in high-protein (HP) diet intake. Consumption of a HP diet does not induce conditioned food aversion, but rather experience-enhanced satiety. Amino acid consumption is detected by multiple and redundant mechanisms originating from visceral (during digestion) and metabolic (inter-prandial period) sources, recorded both directly and indirectly (mainly vagus-mediated) by the central nervous system (CNS). Peripherally, the satiating effect of dietary proteins appears to be mediated by anorexigenic gut peptides, principally cholecystokinin, glucagon-like peptide-1 and peptide YY. In the CNS, HP diets trigger the activation of noradrenergic and adrenergic neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract and melanocortin neurons in the arcuate nucleus. Additionally, there is evidence that circulating leucine levels may modulate food intake. Leucine is associated with neural mechanisms involving mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), energy sensors active in the control of energy intake, at least in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. In addition, HP diets inhibit the activation of opioid and GABAergic neurons in the nucleus accumbens, and thus inhibit food intake by reducing the hedonic response to food, presumably because of their low palatability. Future studies should concentrate on studying the adaptation of different neural circuits following the ingestion of protein diets.
The Association of Biological and Psychological Attributions for Depression with Social Support Seeking Intentions in Individuals with Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Blais Rebecca K. , Renshaw Keith D.
Published: May 2012

Background: Research suggests that biological and psychological attributions for depression are related to professional help-seeking, but the association of these attributions with informal support seeking in social relationships is unknown. As social support is linked with recovery from depression and a lower likelihood of experiencing future episodes of depression, it is important to understand factors that influence an individual's decision to seek social support. Aims: The present study examined depressed individuals’ own attributions for their depressive symptoms (i.e. personal attributions), perceptions of a friend's attributions for these symptoms (i.e. perceived attributions), and the depressed individuals’ willingness to seek social support from that friend. Method: Eighty-six individuals experiencing at least mild depressive symptoms completed self-report measures of personal attributions, perceived attributions, and a social support seeking intentions scale. Results: Participants’ own attributions for depressive symptoms were unrelated to their willingness to seek social support. In contrast, perceived biological attributions were related to greater help-seeking intentions, whereas perceived psychological attributions were associated with lower support seeking intentions. Conclusions: These results suggest that decisions to seek social support are more influenced by perceptions of others’ beliefs about depression than one's own beliefs.
Enterprise risk management for health insurance from an actuarial perspective ‐ Abstract of the London discussion
Authors: Orros George
Published: May 2012

This abstract relates to the following paper:

OrrosG.C., and SmithJ.Enterprise risk management for health insurance from an actuarial perspective. British Actuarial Journal, doi:10.1017/S1357321712000062
Age-Dependent Acoustic and Microelastic Properties of Red Blood Cells Determined by Vector Contrast Acoustic Microscopy
Authors: Mohamed Esam T. Ahmed , Kamanyi Albert E. , Pluta Mieczysław , Grill Wolfgang
Published: May 2012

Variations of the mechanical properties of red blood cells that occur during their life span have long been an intriguing task for investigations. The research presented is based on noninvasive monitoring of red blood cells of different ages performed by scanning acoustic microscopy with magnitude and phase contrast. The characteristic signature of fixed cells from groups of three different ages fractionated according to mass density is obtained from the acoustic microscope images, with the data represented in polar graphs. The analysis of these data enables the determination of averaged values for the velocities of ultrasound propagating in the cells from the different groups ranging from (1,681 ± 16) m s−1in the youngest to (1,986 ± 20) m s−1in the oldest group. The determined bulk modulus varies with age from (3.04 ± 0.05) GPa to (4.34 ± 0.08) GPa. An approach to determine for an age-mixed population of red blood cells, collected from a healthy person, the age of the individual cells and the age dependence of the cell parameters including density, velocity, and attenuation of longitudinal polarized ultrasonic waves traveling in the cells is demonstrated.
OPTIMAL CONTROL OF MULTIPLE-TIME DELAYED SYSTEMS BASED ON THE CONTROL PARAMETERIZATION METHOD
Authors: GUI W. H. , SHEN X. Y. , CHEN N. , YANG C. H. , WANG L. Y.
Published: May 2012

In this paper we study optimal control computation based on the control parameterization method for a class of optimal control problems involving nonlinear systems with multiple time delays subject to continuous state inequality constraints. Both the state and the control are allowed to have different time delays, and they are uncorrelated in this system. The control of the dynamical system is approximated by a piecewise constant function whose heights are taken as decision vectors. The formulae for computing the gradients of the cost and constraint functions are then derived. Based on this, a computational method for finding the optimal control is developed by utilizing the Sequential Quadratic Programming (SQP) algorithm with an active set strategy. The computational method is applied to an industrial problem arising in the purification process of zinc hydrometallurgy. Numerical simulation shows that the amount of zinc powder that is needed can be decreased significantly, thus avoiding wastage of resources.
High‐resolution projections of mean and extreme precipitation over Spain using the WRF model (2070–2099 versus 1970–1999)
Authors: Argüeso D. , Hidalgo‐Muñoz J. M. , Gámiz‐Fortis S. R. , Esteban‐Parra M. J. , Castro‐Díez Y.
Published: May 2012

A set of eight simulations at high spatial resolution (10 km) were performed with WRF to generate future projections of mean and extreme precipitation over Spain. The model was driven with two GCMs (ECHAM5 and CCSM3.0) under the conditions of three SRES emissions scenarios (B1, A1B and A2) which amounts to six future (2070–2099) climate simulations. Two present (1970–1999) climate simulations forced by the same GCMs were previously completed and were used as a baseline to allow for comparison and quantify the changes. The annual and seasonal precipitation means were examined to elucidate how global warming will manifest in the future precipitation climatic means. The distribution of precipitation in different‐intensity events and the percentiles were calculated to further describe the nature of the changes. Additionally, a number of extreme indices were explored to determine changes in the low frequency events and the persistency of specific conditions. The results indicate that Spain might be exposed to a substantial decrease in annual precipitation that range between −18% and −42% depending on the simulation, with a particularly severe reduction during the summer, between −32% and −72%. These changes are generally caused by less light‐to‐moderate events, which leads to a displacement of the probability density function toward higher values. Namely, future climate might be characterized by less precipitation but more concentrated in extreme events, although their occurrence in absolute terms might not vary. The projections also suggest that, by the end of the century, the wet periods might be shorter and the dry spells significantly longer.
Multitracer assessment of wetland succession: Effects on conservative and nonconservative transport processes
Authors: Schuetz Tobias , Weiler Markus , Lange Jens
Published: May 2012

Because of emerging vegetation and sedimentation processes, the succession of wetlands is a dynamic process. Hence, a noticeable impact on the functioning and the efficiency of constructed treatment wetlands regarding solute retention can be expected. Within 5 months a reduction of active wetland volume, a decrease of light decay, and an increase of sorption capacity were observed using four multitracer experiments in a newly established constructed wetland. Tracer breakthrough curves of conservative and nonconservative tracers were analyzed with the help of a transient storage model. The model characterized the impact of vegetation development and sediment accumulation on solute transport properties. Three different tracers allowed an assessment of wetland hydraulics, sorption processes, and light impact on photodegradable solutes. Finally, the exemplary transport prediction of a fourth, independent tracer that was both photodegradable and sorptive demonstrated a cost‐efficient technique to determine the influence of succession processes on treatment efficiency.