bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of resistance in paediatric patients with failure on antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Orrell C , Levison J , Ciaranello A , Bekker L , Kuritzkes D , Freedberg K , Wood R
Published: November 2012

Introduction

HIV‐1 resistance data to inform treatment sequencing are limited for children with virological failure on first‐ and second‐line antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Sub‐Saharan Africa.

Methods

HIV‐1‐infected children aged ≤15 years were retrospectively identified from an ART cohort in Cape Town, South Africa (2003 to 2010). First‐line ART was either non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) or lopinavir/ritonavir‐based (with the exception of children <6 months old who received full‐dose ritonavir as the sole protease inhibitor (PI) from 2004 to 2007). Second‐line ART was the alternative regimen. Treatment outcomes, including virological failure, loss to care, death or remaining in care, were determined. Genotypic resistance testing was conducted on stored serum from children at first‐ or second‐line virological failure (two consecutive HIV‐1 RNA levels >1000 copies/ml). International AIDS Society criteria defined resistance mutations.

Results

Of 472 children starting first‐line ART, 352 (75%) remained in care, 45 (9%) were lost and 4 (1%) died on first‐line treatment. Seventy‐one (15%) had observed virological failure, and 37 of these children had specimens available for genotype testing. Eight children (22%) had wild‐type virus, seven (19%) had thymidine analog mutations (TAMs), 24 (65%) had NNRTI resistance and two (5.4%) had multiple protease resistance (PR). Of the 78 children who received second‐line ART, 54 (71%) remained in care, 6 (8%) were lost and 1 (1%) died during second‐line treatment. Fifteen (20%) had observed virological failure; 13 had samples available for genotype. Three (23%) had wild‐type virus, eight (62%) had TAMs, nine (69%) had NNRTI resistance, and five (38%) had multiple PI resistance all of whom had received full‐dose ritonavir.

Conclusion

Although virological failure was infrequent in children on first‐ and second‐line ART, rates of observed resistance including multiple PR resistance after failure were high. Reasons for high rates of resistance include use of full‐dose ritonavir and continued viremia. Wild‐type virus was common, suggesting poor adherence or challenges in correct dosing. Genotype resistance testing in children with virological failure may optimize selection of subsequent regimens and inform recommendations for sequencing of existing ART.
The Influence of Process Parameters on the Properties of PLGA‐Microparticles Produced by the Emulsion Extraction Method
Authors: Kiss Nikolett , Brenn Günter , Suzzi Daniele , Scheler Stefan , Jennewein Herwig , Wieser Juliana , Khinast Johannes
Published: November 2012

Controlled release poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) microparticles for use as active pharmaceutical ingredient carriers were prepared by the emulsion extraction method. Particle formation experiments were carried out in a stirred vessel. The local flow conditions in these experiments, that is, local shear rates and dissipation rates, and the extraction rate of the organic solvent were examined by a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. The local flow conditions in the stirred tank reactor have a significant influence on the final properties, specific surface area, skeletal density, organic solvent content, and size of the microparticles. We determined nondimensional correlations for predicting these particle properties as functions of the process parameters as, for example, the stirrer speed, emulsion injection point, and oil droplet size in the initial emulsion. The results demonstrate that CFD simulations offer insight into the particle formation process for different batch sizes and provide a basis for scale‐up and optimization of the process. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 1868–1881, 2013
Work‐related risk factors for lateral epicondylitis and other cause of elbow pain in the working population
Authors: Herquelot Eleonore , Bodin Julie , Roquelaure Yves , Ha Catherine , Leclerc Annette , Goldberg Marcel , Zins Marie , Descatha Alexis
Published: November 2012

Background

This study was designed to assess the relationship between work‐related combined physical and psychosocial factors and elbow disorders (lateral epicondylitis and non‐specific disorders without lateral epicondylitis) in the working population.

Methods

A total of 3,710 workers (58% men) in a French region in 2002–2005 participated in physical examinations by occupational health physicians and assessed their personal factors and work exposure by self‐administered questionnaire. Statistical associations between elbow disorders and risks factors were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression.

Results

A total of 389 (10.5%) workers had elbow pain without lateral epicondylitis and 90 (2.4%) workers had lateral epicondylitis. Age, body mass index (>25), and low social support (only for men) were significant risks factors. Hard perceived physical exertion combined with elbow flexion/extension (>2 hr/day) and wrist bending (>2 hr/day) was a strong significant risk factor for elbow pain and epicondylitis: among men, adjusted Odds Ratio (ORa) = 2.6 (1.9–3.7) and ORa = 5.6 (2.8–11.3), respectively; among women, ORa = 1.4 (0.9–2.2) and ORa = 2.9 (1.3–6.5).

Conclusions

This study emphasizes the strength of the associations between combined physical exertion and elbow movements and lateral epicondylitis. Certain observed differences in associations with lateral epicondylitis and elbow pain only indicate the need for additional longitudinal studies on different stages of elbow disorders and known risk factors. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:400–409, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and Properties of a Diazopentacene Analogue
Authors: Li Gang , Abiyasa Agus Putu , Gao Junkuo , Divayana Yoga , Chen Wangqiao , Zhao Yang , Sun Xiao Wei , Zhang Qichun
Published: November 2012

We report the synthesis, optical, and electrochemical properties, as well as the organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) performance of diazopentacene 2,7,11,16‐tetra‐tert‐butyldiphenanthro[4,5‐abc:4′,5′‐hij]phenazine (BDPP, 1). BDPP has two absorption peaks centered at 350 nm and 460 nm with a shoulder peak at 434 nm and fluoresces bright green light with the emission peak at 481 nm when excited at 360 nm in dichloromethane solution. Interestingly, the UV absorption of BDPP is sensitive to different Lewis acids and organic acids. Calculations revealed that the theoretical band gap is 2.83 eV, which is close to experimental optical data (2.69 eV). Furthermore, OLEDs that use BDPP as the emitter were fabricated. The results indicate that BDPP derivatives might be a good candidate to enhance the efficiency of OLEDs.
Morphological and thermal properties of photodegradable biocomposite films
Authors: Pillai Sreejarani Kesavan , Ray Suprakas Sinha , Scriba Manfred , Ojijo Vincent , Hato Mpitloane Joseph
Published: November 2012

Biocomposites containing ultraviolet (UV) radiation absorbing inorganic nanofillers are of great interest in food packaging applications. The biodegradable polylactide (PLA) composite films were prepared by solvent casting method by incorporating 1 wt % of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and Ag‐TiO2 (silver nanoparticles decorated TiO2) nanoparticles to impart the photodegradable properties. The films were exposed to UV radiation for different time periods and morphology of the composite films before and after UV exposure were investigated. The results showed that homogenous filler distribution was achieved in the case of Ag‐TiO2 nanoparticles. The thermal properties and thermomechanical stability of the composite film containing Ag‐TiO2 nanoparticles were found to be much higher than those of neat PLA and PLA/TiO2 composite films. The scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction studies revealed that the photodegradability of PLA matrix was significantly improved in the presence of Ag‐TiO2 nanoparticles. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Ultra‐small, Uniform, and Single bcc‐Phased FexCo1‐x/Graphitic Shell Nanocrystals for T1Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agents
Authors: Choi In Ae , Li Yan , Kim Da Jeong , Pal Mou , Cho Jee‐Hyun , Lee Kyujoon , Jung Myung‐Hwa , Lee Chulhyun , Seo Won Seok
Published: November 2012

We have synthesized ultra‐small and uniform FexCo1‐x/graphitic carbon shell (FexCo1‐x/GC) nanocrystals (x=0.13, 0.36, 0.42, 0.50, 0.56, and 0.62, respectively) with average diameters of <4 nm by thermal decomposition of metal precursors in approximately 60 nm MCM‐41 and methane CVD. The composition of the FexCo1‐x/GC nanocrystals can be tuned by changing the Fe:Co ratios of the metal precursors. The FexCo1‐x/GC nanocrystals show superparamagnetic properties at room temperature. The Fe0.50Co0.50/GC, Fe0.56Co0.44/GC, and Fe0.62Co0.38/GC nanocrystals have a single bcc FeCo structure, whereas the Fe0.13Co0.87/GC, Fe0.36Co0.64/GC, and Fe0.42Co0.58/GC nanocrystals have a mixed structure of bcc FeCo and fcc Co. The single bcc‐phased FexCo1‐x/GC nanocrystals functionalized with phospholipid–poly(ethylene glycol) (PL–PEG) in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) are demonstrated to be excellent T1 MRI contrast agents.
CZE study on adsorption processes of aliphatic and aromatic amines on PMMA chip
Authors: Masár Marián , Kruk Pavol , Luc Milan , Bodor Róbert , Danč Ladislav , Troška Peter
Published: November 2012

Adsorption processes on a PMMA chip linked with CZE separations of a group of 13 aliphatic and aromatic mono‐ and di‐amines were studied. Due to the lack of chromophores within aliphatic amines, contact conductivity detection implemented directly onto the chip was used for monitoring of cationic CZE separations. To prevent an adsorption of studied amines to the chip channels, the surface of PMMA chip was modified by dynamic coating. Different surface modifiers, such as aliphatic oligoamines (diethylenetriamine and triethylenetetramine), were added to the BGE solutions filling the chip channels. The effect of various concentrations of surface modifiers on peak profiles and separation parameters of amines was monitored. Of these, mainly, aliphatic di‐amines and aromatic mono‐amines adversely affected the CZE resolution of a whole group of analytes by their strong adsorption to the chip channels. A propionate BGE with pH 3.2 containing 100 μM triethylenetetramine and 25 mM 18‐crown‐6‐ether was found suitable for CZE resolution of 12 from a total of 13 amines studied. Simple dynamic modification of the surface of PMMA chip enabled fast (analysis time lasted 9 min), sensitive (sub‐μM LODs reached) and reproducible (1–3% RSD of the peak areas) CZE analysis of the aliphatic and aromatic amines.
Do Subtoxic levels of chlorate influence the desiccation tolerance of Egeria densa?
Authors: Palma Alvaro T. , Schwarz Alex , Henríquez Luís A. , Alvarez Ximena , Fariña José M. , Lu Qimiao
Published: November 2012

Among the different factors hypothesized to be responsible for the virtual disappearance of Egeria densa, once a dominant aquatic macrophyte in a southern Chile wetland ecosystem, are the negative effects of certain chemical compounds (mainly chlorate) and harsh environmental conditions (desiccation caused by prolonged atmospheric exposure). The authors performed an integrated experiment in which E. densa plants were first exposed for four weeks inside a mesocosm system to levels of chlorate that existed in the wetland at the time of the plant's demise and then exposed to desiccation conditions that also resembled those that the system had experienced. Hence, the authors tested the hypothesis that E. densa plants exposed to sublethal levels of chlorate are more susceptible to the deleterious effect of desiccation compared with plants that had not been exposed to chlorate. This hypothesis was tested by means of quantifying physiologically related parameters in plants right after the four weeks under water and then after the desiccation period of 6 h. Their results rejected this hypothesis, because all plants, regardless of their history, are equally affected by desiccation. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:417–422. © 2012 SETAC
Increased susceptibility of natural killer T-cell-deficient mice to acetaminophen-induced liver injury
Authors: Martin-Murphy Brittany V. , Kominsky Douglas J. , Orlicky David J. , Donohue Terrence M. , Ju Cynthia
Published: November 2012

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose causes severe, fulminant liver injury. The underlying mechanism of APAP-induced liver injury (AILI), studied by a murine model, displays similar characteristics of injury as those observed in patients. Previous studies suggest that aside from APAP-induced direct damage to hepatocytes, the hepatic innate immune system is activated and may contribute to the overall pathogenesis of AILI. The current study employed the use of two murine natural killer (NK) cells with T-cell receptor (NKT) cell knockout models (CD1d−/− and Jα18−/−) to elucidate the specific role of NKT cells in AILI. Compared to wild-type (WT) mice, NKT cell-deficient mice were more susceptible to AILI, as indicated by higher serum alanine transaminase levels and mortality. Increased levels of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) protein expression and activities, which resulted in increased APAP protein adduct formation, were observed in livers of APAP-treated NKT cell-deficient mice, compared to WT mice. Compared to WT mice, starvation of NKT cell-deficient mice induced a higher increase of ketone bodies, which up-regulate CYP2E1 through protein stabilization.

Conclusion

: Our data revealed a novel role of NKT cells in regulating responses to starvation-induced metabolic stress. Elevated ketone body production in NKT cell-deficient mice resulted in increased CYP2E1-mediated APAP biotransformation and susceptibility to AILI.
St. John's wort relieves pain in an animal model of migraine
Authors: Galeotti N. , Ghelardini C.
Published: November 2012

Background

Despite the substantial improvement that antimigraine drugs brought to migraineurs, there is the need for a long‐acting and better tolerated migraine treatment than actual pharmacotherapy. St. John's wort (SJW), a medicinal plant endowed with a favourable tolerability profile, showed numerous bioactivities. We here investigated the pain‐relieving property of SJW and its main components, hypericin and flavonoids, in a mouse model induced by nitric oxide (NO) donors administration.

Methods

The NO donors nitroglycerin and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) induced allodynia (cold plate test) and hyperalgesia (hot plate test). Western blotting experiments were performed to detect c‐Fos and protein kinase C (PKC) expression within periaqueductal grey matter (PAG).

Results

A single oral administration of an SJW dried extract (5 mg/kg p.o.) produced a prolonged relief from pain hypersensitivity. Similarly, preventive SJW administration increased the latency to the induction of hyperalgesia and reduced the duration of the painful symptomatology. Among SJW main components, hypericin showed a similar profile of activity, whereas flavonoids were devoid of any antihyperalgesic effect. To clarify the cellular pathways involved in the SJW mechanism of action, we examined the effects induced by the herbal drug on PKC. NO donors' administration upregulated and increased phosphorylation of PKCγ and PKCε isoforms within PAG that was prevented by SJW treatment. The absence of behavioural side effects or altered animals' locomotor activity by SJW was demonstrated.

Conclusions

These results suggest SJW as a safe therapeutic perspective for migraine pain, and indicate PKC as an innovative target for antimigraine therapy.
Drug delivery from hydroxyapatite‐coated titanium surfaces using biodegradable particle carriers
Authors: Son Jun Sik , Choi Young‐Ae , Park Eui‐Kyun , Kwon Tae‐Yub , Kim Kyo‐Han , Lee Kyu‐Bok
Published: November 2012

The goal of this study was to develop a functional titanium (Ti) implant loaded with bioactive molecules using biodegradable polymeric particles as drug delivery carrier for dental applications. In this study, dexamethasone (DEX)‐loaded poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) particles were electrostatically immobilized on a Ti disc surface coated with hydroxyapatite (HA) nanocrystals using a low temperature high speed collision (LTHSC) method. Resorbable blasting media (RBM) Ti discs (S1), HA‐Ti discs (S2), and HA‐Ti discs treated with DEX‐loaded PLGA particles (S3) were fabricated in this study as sample discs. To facilitate surface immobilization, PLGA particles were coated with polyethyleneimine (PEI) to produce a positive surface charge. This modification of PLGA particle surfaces, allowed DEX‐loaded PLGA particles to be immobilized on negatively charged S2 disc surface. It was found that DEX‐loaded PLGA particles were well dispersed and immobilized onto the S3 disc surfaces. Release profile studies of DEX from S3 discs in a 4‐week immersion study indicated an initial burst release followed by sustained release. In vitro evaluation of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) cultured for 1 and 2 weeks on S3 discs showed greater BMSC differentiation than on S1 or S2 discs, demonstrating that this innovative delivery platform potently induced BMSC differentiation in vitro, and suggesting that it could be exploited for stem cell therapy purposes or to enhance in vivo osteogenesis. In addition, the results of the present study shows that various bioactive molecules that promote bone regeneration can be efficiently incorporated onto HA‐Ti surfaces using biodegradable polymeric particles. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
Wine Compounds as a Source for HTS Screening Collections. A Feasibility Study
Authors: Zhu Feng , Logan Gerard , Reynisson Jóhannes
Published: November 2012

High throughput screening (HTS) is extensively used to identify hit and lead compounds in drug discovery programmes. Designing quality screening libraries is a challenge in terms of water solubility, stability and potential oral bioavailability of the compounds. Wines are widely consumed and wine compounds are inherently water soluble, stable and relatively non‐toxic. Furthermore, many wine compounds have been proved health‐beneficial. To evaluate the feasibility to use wine compounds 3317 were collected from the literature. Their physiochemical properties were evaluated with main stream molecular descriptors. According to the results ∼25 % of the compounds are lead‐like; nearly 80 % lie within drug‐like chemical space and finally 90 % conform to known drug space (KDS). The rotatable bonds descriptor was the most effective defining lead‐like space. The results suggest that many of the wine compounds are interesting and suitable candidates for screening libraries after suitable filtering.
Infinite Concurrent Systems — I. The Relationship between Metric and Order Convergence
Authors: Stannett Mike
Published: November 2012

In recent years, Mazurkiewicz trace theory has become increasingly popular as a model of semantics for non-interleaving concurrency, and the theory is here further extended to allow descriptions of infinite behaviours based on alphabets of arbitrary cardinality. We describe an unconventional but nonetheless natural, ordering on trace space, and show that under this ordering, every nonempty set of traces has a greatest lower bound. Consequently, the ordering is consistently complete, i.e. if a set of traces has an upper bound, it has a least such bound. This parallels the result that traces over finite alphabets form a domain.

Kwiatkowska has demonstrated an ultrametric, definable on (standard) trace spaces, under which they become compact, and hence complete, topological spaces. For finite alphabets, thus ultrametric essentially agrees with that of Comyn and Dauchet, but for infinite alphabets they differ in behaviour. We investigate the structure of trace space under various topologies, demonstrate the relationship between order convergence and the various metric convergence regimes, and thereby explain apparent behaviourial anomalies.
A Principle for Sequential Reasoning about Distributed Algorithms
Authors: Stomp F. A. , de Roever W.-R
Published: November 2012

Designers of network algorithms often give elegant informal descriptions of the intuition behind their algorithms (see [
GHS83
,
Hum83
,
MeS79
,
Seg82
,
Seg83
,
ZeS80
]). Usually these descriptions are structured as if subtasks are performed one after the other. Although these subtasks are performed
sequentially
from a logical point of view, they are performed
concurrently
from an operational point of view. The current paper presents a principle for formally designing and verifying these kinds of algorithms. It is formulated in Manna and Pnueli’s linear time temporal logic [
MaP83
,
MaP92
]. This principle is applicable to large classes of algorithms, such as those for computing minimum-paths, connectivity, network flow, and minimum-weight spanning trees.
$ \overline{B}\ \to {X_s}\gamma $ in the Two Higgs Doublet Model up to next-to-next-to-leading order in QCD
Authors: Hermann Thomas , Misiak Mikolaj , Steinhauser Matthias
Published: November 2012

Abstract

We compute three-loop matching corrections to the Wilson coefficients C
7 and C
8 in the Two Higgs Doublet Model by applying expansions for small, intermediate and large charged Higgs boson masses. The results are used to evaluate the branching ratio of
$ \overline{B}\ \to {X_s}\gamma $
to next-to-next-to leading order accuracy, and to determine an updated lower limit on the charged Higgs boson mass. We find M

H+ ≥ 380GeV at 95% confidence level when the recently completed BABAR data analysis is taken into account. Our results for the charged Higgs contribution to the branching ratio exhibit considerably weaker sensitivity to the matching scale μ
0, as compared to previous calculations.
The matrix element method at next-to-leading order
Authors: Campbell John M. , Giele Walter T. , Williams Ciaran
Published: November 2012

Abstract

This paper presents an extension of the matrix element method to next-to-leading order in perturbation theory, for electro-weak final states. To accomplish this we have developed a method to calculate next-to-leading order weights on an event-by-event basis. This allows for the definition of next-to-leading order likelihoods in exactly the same fashion as at leading order, thus extending the matrix element method to next-to-leading order. A welcome by-product of the method is the straightforward and efficient generation of unweighted next-to-leading order events. As examples of the application of our next-to-leading order matrix element method we consider the measurement of the mass of theZboson and also the search for the Higgs boson in the four lepton channel.
Diffusion constant of supercharge density in N = 4 SYM at finite chemical potential
Authors: Kontoudi Konstantina , Policastro Giuseppe
Published: November 2012

Abstract

We compute holographically the diffusion constant of supercharges in N = 4 SYM at finite chemical potential for the R-charge, by solving the equations of motion for the transverse mode of the gravitino in the STU black hole in 5 dimensions. We consider the case of one charge and three charges, and we present analytical solutions for small values of the charges and numerical solutions for arbitrary values. We compare our results with other known results in 4 dimensions.
Increased glucocerebrosidase (GBA) 2 activity in GBA1 deficient mice brains and in Gaucher leucocytes
Authors: Burke Derek G. , Rahim Ahad A. , Waddington Simon N. , Karlsson Stefan , Enquist Ida , Bhatia Kailash , Mehta Atul , Vellodi Ashok , Heales Simon
Published: November 2012

Lysosomal glucocerebrosidase (GBA1) deficiency is causative for Gaucher disease. Not all individuals with GBA1 mutations develop neurological involvement raising the possibility that other factors may provide compensatory protection. One factor may be the activity of the non‐lysosomal β‐glucosidase (GBA2) which exhibits catalytic activity towards glucosylceramide and is reported to be highly expressed in brain tissue. Here, we assessed brain GBA2 enzymatic activity in wild type, heterozygote and GBA1 deficient mice. Additionally, we determined activity in leucocytes obtained from 13 patients with Gaucher disease, 10 patients with enzymology consistent with heterozygote status and 19 controls. For wild type animals, GBA2 accounted for over 85 % of total brain GBA activity and was significantly elevated in GBA1 deficient mice when compared to heterozygote and wild types (GBA1 deficient; 92.4 ± 5.6, heterozygote; 71.5 ± 2.4, wild type 76.8 ± 5.1 nmol/h/mg protein). For the patient samples, five Gaucher patients had GBA2 leucocyte activities markedly greater than controls. No difference in GBA2 activity was apparent between the control and carrier groups. Undetectable GBA2 activity was identified in four leucocyte preparations; one in the control group, two in the carrier group and one from the Gaucher disease group. Work is now required to ascertain whether GBA2 activity is a disease modifying factor in Gaucher disease and to identify the mechanism(s) responsible for triggering increased GBA2 activity in GBA1 deficiency states.
Assessing the Psychometric Properties of Both a Global and a Domain-Specific Perceived Quality of Life Measure When Used with Youth Who Have Chronic Conditions
Authors: McDougall Janette , Wright Virginia , Nichols Megan , Miller Linda
Published: November 2012

The purpose of this paper was to assess the psychometric properties of the Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale (SLSS) and the Brief Multidimensional Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale (BMSLSS) when used with youth who have chronic conditions. Baseline data from a longitudinal study examining predictors of changes in perceived quality of life (PQOL) for youth with chronic conditions were used. SLSS and BMSLSS data were collected on over 400 youth aged 11–17 using youth self-report and parent proxy-report versions. Internal consistency, convergent validity, and factor structure were examined for both versions. Extent of agreement and magnitude of differences between youth and parent report were evaluated. Finally, gender, age, and condition group differences in youth report scores were examined for the SLSS and BMSLSS. Strong internal consistency was demonstrated for the youth and parent reports of both measures. As with normative samples, a single factor structure was found for youth and parent reports of the BMSLSS. However, both youth and parent reports of the SLSS had a two-factor structure: one consisting of five positively worded items, and the other, two negatively worded items. Youth reported their PQOL to be significantly higher than did their parents. Significant differences in PQOL scores for the youth report were not found by age, gender, or conditions. Findings show that, from a psychometric standpoint, the BMSLSS (both youth and parent report) is a promising measure of PQOL for use in population-based research with youth who have chronic conditions. The SLSS may need to be revised to exclude negative items when used with this population of youth.
Reduced clonal reproduction indicates low potential for establishment of hybrids between wild and cultivated strawberries (Fragaria vesca × F. × ananassa)
Authors: Schulze Juerg , Erhardt Andreas , Stoll Peter
Published: November 2012

The genus Fragaria (Rosaceae) contains 24 species, including hybrid species such as the garden strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.). Natural hybridization between Fragaria species has repeatedly been reported, and studies on the hybridization potential between F. × ananassa and its wild relatives have become increasingly important with the outlook for genetically modified garden strawberries. In Europe, a candidate species for hybridization with garden strawberries is the common woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.). Although a previous field survey indicated that the potential for hybridization between F. vesca and F. × ananassa is low, it is not clear whether the lack of natural hybrids is caused by known pre‐ and postzygotic barriers, or whether hybrid plants lack the fitness to establish in natural F. vesca populations. We grew different F. vesca and F. vesca × F. × ananassa hybrid clones with and without competition in a greenhouse and assessed biomass production, clonal reproduction, and sexual reproduction of plants. While some hybrid clones exceeded F. vesca in biomass production, general clonal reproduction was much lower and delayed in hybrids. Furthermore, hybrids were sterile. These results demonstrate a mechanism by which the general lack of F. vesca × F. × ananassa hybrids in natural habitats can be explained, in addition to the known low hybridization potential between garden and woodland strawberries. We conclude that hybrids have a competitive disadvantage against co‐occurring F. vesca plants due to inferior and delayed clonal reproduction, and that the potential for hybrid establishment under natural conditions is low.
Study of the Properties of Thermoset Materials Derived from Epoxidized Soybean Oil and Protein Fillers
Authors: Fombuena Vicent , L Sánchez‐Nácher , MD Samper , D Juárez , R Balart
Published: November 2012

Novel bio‐based thermoset formulations were prepared by using epoxidized soybean oil (ESBO), nadic methyl anhydride as a hardener and with different types of proteins as fillers. In the first part of the study, the effect of the protein‐type (wheat gluten, soy protein, casein and ovalbumin) on cured ESBO materials was investigated. Thermal and mechanical properties were characterized by flexural tests, Shore D hardness, Charpy impact tests, Vicat softening temperature and heat deflection temperature. In addition, a study of the morphology of fractured surfaces by scanning electron microscopy was carried out. In general, the addition of protein‐based fillers improved the mechanical and thermal properties. It was found that the highest increase of thermal and mechanical properties was achieved by ovalbumin. In the second part of the work, the effect of the total amount of ovalbumin filler was studied. Bio‐based thermoset materials from ESBO and 15 wt % ovalbumin improved flexural modulus more than 150 % when compared to the unfilled material. Similar evolution was observed for other mechanical properties. Moreover, the brittleness of this composition was the minimum from the studied systems. A direct relationship between energy absorption capacity and morphologies of the failure surface was evidenced by SEM.
Treatment with an equine chorionic gonadotrophin single dose restored spermatozoa production in an azoospermic pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) male: a case report
Authors: Ungerfeld Rodolfo
Published: November 2012

Azoospermy was diagnosed after semen extraction in a pampas deer male, an endangered species. To determine the reproductive status, testicular fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), followed by a gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) challenge (8.4 μg of buserelin acetate) was performed. Blood samples were obtained to measure luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone by radioimmunoanalysis. No spermatozoa was visible in the cytology examination. LH and testosterone surges were observed after the GnRH challenge. Thereafter, 5,000 IU of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) were injected intramuscularly. A second FNAC was performed 2 months later, and semen was extracted 4 months after eCG administration. Spermatozoa were observed both in the smear and in the semen sample. In summary, although limited in number, after a single dose of 5,000 IU of eCG, spermatozoa production was restored. This opens an interesting therapeutical option to stimulate testicular activity.
Behavioral correlates of cerebrospinal fluid amino acid and biogenic amine neurotransmitter alterations in dementia
Authors: Vermeiren Yannick , Le Bastard Nathalie , Van Hemelrijck An , Drinkenburg Wilhelmus H. , Engelborghs Sebastiaan , De Deyn Peter P.
Published: November 2012

Background

Behavioral and psychological signs and symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are a heterogeneous group of behavioral and psychiatric disturbances occurring in dementia patients of any etiology. Research suggests that altered activities of dopaminergic, serotonergic, (nor)adrenergic, as well as amino acid neurotransmitter systems play a role in the etiopathogenesis of BPSD. In this study we attempted to identify cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neurochemical correlates of BPSD to provide further insight into its underlying neurochemical pathophysiological mechanisms.

Methods

Patients with probable Alzheimer's disease (AD; n = 202), probable AD with cerebrovascular disease (n = 37), probable frontotemporal dementia (FTD; n = 32), and probable dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB; n = 26) underwent behavioral assessment and lumbar puncture. CSF levels of six amino acids and several biogenic amines and metabolites were analyzed using ultraperformance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection and reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection.

Results

In the AD patients, CSF homovanillic acid/5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid (HVA/5HIAA) ratios correlated positively with anxieties/phobias, whereas CSF levels of taurine correlated negatively with depression and behavioral disturbances in general. In FTD patients, CSF levels of glutamate correlated negatively with verbally agitated behavior. In DLB patients, CSF levels of HVA correlated negatively with hallucinations.

Conclusions

Several neurotransmitter systems can be linked to one specific behavioral syndrome depending on the dementia subtype. In addition to biogenic amines and metabolites, amino acids seem to play a major role in the neurochemical etiology of BPSD as well.
Using fire regimes to delineate zones in a high-resolution lake sediment record from the western United States
Authors: Morris Jesse L. , Brunelle Andrea , DeRose R. Justin , Seppä Heikki , Power Mitchell J. , Carter Vachel , Bares Ryan
Published: November 2012

Paleoenvironmental reconstructions are important for understanding the influence of long-term climate variability on ecosystems and landscape disturbance dynamics. In this paper we explore the linkages among past climate, vegetation, and fire regimes using a high-resolution pollen and charcoal reconstruction from Morris Pond located on the Markagunt Plateau in southwestern Utah, USA. A regime shift detection algorithm was applied to background charcoal accumulation to define where statistically significant shifts in fire regimes occurred. The early Holocene was characterized by greater amounts of summer precipitation and less winter precipitation than modern. Ample forest fuel and warm summer temperatures allowed for large fires to occur. The middle Holocene was a transitional period between vegetation conditions and fire disturbance. The late Holocene climate is characterized as cool and wet reflecting an increase in snow cover, which reduced opportunities for fire despite increased availability of fuels. Similarities between modern forest fuel availability and those of the early Holocene suggest that warmer summers projected for the 21st century may yield substantial increases in the recurrence and ecological impacts of fire when compared to the fire regime of the last millennium.
Benefits of earth observation data for conservation planning in the case of European wetland biodiversity
Authors: JANTKE KERSTIN , SCHLEUPNER CHRISTINE , SCHNEIDER UWE A.
Published: November 2012

To evaluate the status of biodiversity and to determine how current conservation efforts can be improved, biodiversity monitoring is crucial. An important aspect of data quality lies in its spatial resolution. It is unclear how finer scale land cover and land value information might further benefit biodiversity conservation. This paper aimed to assess the impacts of scale by modelling the conservation of endangered European wetland species and their corresponding habitats. Fine-scale datasets were derived by integrating existing geographical, biophysical and economic data. A habitat allocation model, based on principles from systematic conservation planning and economic theory, was developed to estimate area requirements and opportunity costs of habitat protection in Europe. Coarse-scale and fine-scale simulations were compared by inputting both resolutions into the model. Habitat locations were restricted either only by historical species occurrence data at UTM 50 resolution or additionally by explicit wetland data at 1-km2 resolution. Coarse country-average land rents were contrasted with spatially detailed land rent estimates at a 5ʹ resolution. Costs of habitat protection and area requirements for reserves may be severely underestimated when conservation planning relies only on coarse-scale data, which may result in notable shortcomings in conservation target achievement. Improvements in conservation benefits far outweigh the additional costs of acquiring fine-scale data.
THE RISE OF GREED IN EARLY ECONOMIC THOUGHT: FROM DEADLY SIN TO SOCIAL BENEFIT
Authors: VERBURG RUDI
Published: November 2012

This paper discusses the historical changes in economic and ideological conditions through which greed turned from one of the deadly sins into a passion from which society derived social benefits. Adding to the perspective developed by Hirschman in hisThe Passions and the Interests, three stages are distinguished in the construction of the notion of the social utility of greed: (1) the self-sufficient community; (2) the mercantile state; and (3) commercial society. The paper relates how changing conditions led philosophers in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries to recognize the conditional usefulness of greed and, eventually, to build a dream on the idea of greed as instrumental in establishing the material foundation of progress in society.
Effects of Targeted Self-Coaching on Applicant Distortion of Personality Measures
Authors: Sliter Katherine A. , Christiansen Neil D.
Published: November 2012

The present study evaluated the impact of reading self-coaching book excerpts on success at faking a personality test. Participants (N = 207) completed an initial honest personality assessment and a subsequent assessment with faking instructions under one of the following self-coaching conditions: no coaching, chapters from a commercial book on how to fake preemployment personality scales, and personality coaching plus a chapter on avoiding lie-detection scales. Results showed that those receiving coaching materials had greater success in raising their personality scores, primarily on the traits that had been targeted in the chapters. In addition, those who read the chapter on avoiding lie-detection scales scored significantly lower on a popular impression management scale while simultaneously increasing their personality scores. Implications for the use of personality tests in personnel selection are discussed.
Structures of dayside whistler‐mode waves deduced from conjugate diffuse aurora
Authors: Nishimura Y. , Bortnik J. , Li W. , Thorne R. M. , Ni B. , Lyons L. R. , Angelopoulos V. , Ebihara Y. , Bonnell J. W. , Le Contel O. , Auster U.
Published: November 2012

We present simultaneous measurements of dayside diffuse aurora and whistler‐mode waves made by the South Pole all‐sky imager and two of the THEMIS spacecraft. We found a high correlation between the diffuse aurora intensity at 557.7 nm near the footprint latitudes of THEMIS and whistler‐mode wave intensity measured on board. The power in other wave modes was negligibly small in most cases, indicating that the dayside diffuse aurora is driven by precipitating energetic electrons resonating with whistler‐mode waves. The high correlation over a wide L* range (6 < L* < 11) further allowed us to magnetically link the wave and magnetospheric plasma distributions with the auroral patterns. Two distinct regions of whistler‐mode waves and ambient plasma density were found outside the plasmasphere near the equator: (1) intense waves in a smooth, low density and (2) moderate waves with enhanced and fluctuating density. The whistler‐mode wave intensity in the fluctuating plasma density region is positively correlated with the ambient density variations. The corresponding auroral images show an azimuthally elongated diffuse auroral band on the field lines connected to the low density region, as opposed to a structured diffuse aurora on the fluctuating density field lines. Each structured diffuse auroral patch was stable for a few tens of minutes and slowly drifted azimuthally. The high correlation of waves and auroras indicates that the structured diffuse auroral pattern reflects the spatial distribution of whistler‐mode waves and ambient plasma density in space. The enhanced density measured by the spacecraft is quasi‐spatial and contributes to enhanced growth of whistler‐mode waves.
Observations and modeling of steep‐beach grain‐size variability
Authors: Reniers A. J. H. M. , Gallagher E. L. , MacMahan J. H. , Brown J. A. , van Rooijen A. A. , van Thiel de Vries J. S. M. , van Prooijen B. C.
Published: November 2012

Novel observations of surface grain‐size distributions are used in combination with intra‐wave modeling to examine the processes responsible for the sorting of sediment grains on a relatively steep beach (slope = 1:7.5). The field observations of the mean grain size collected with a digital camera system at consecutive low and high tides for a 2 week period show significant temporal and spatial variation. This variation is reproduced by the modeling approach when the surf zone flow‐circulation is relatively weak, showing coarse grain sizes at the location of the shore break and finer sediment onshore and offshore of the shore break. The model results suggest that grain size sorting is dominated by the wave‐breaking‐related suspended sediment transport which removes finer sediment from the shore break and transports it both on‐shore and offshore. The transport capacity of wave‐breaking‐related suspended sediment is controlled by the sediment response time scale in the advection‐diffusion equation, where small (large) values promote onshore (offshore) transport. Comparisons with the observed beach profile evolution suggest a relatively short time scale for the suspended sediment response which could be explained by the vigorous breaking of the waves at the shore break.
Source and formation of the upper halocline of the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Anderson Leif G. , Andersson Per S. , Björk Göran , Peter Jones E. , Jutterström Sara , Wåhlström Iréne
Published: November 2012

The upper halocline of the Arctic Ocean has a distinct chemical signature with high nutrient concentrations as well as low oxygen and pH values. This signature is formed in the Chukchi and East Siberian seas, by a combination of mineralization of organic matter and release of decay products to the sea ice brine enriched bottom water. Salinity and total alkalinity data show that the fraction of sea ice brine in the nutrient‐enriched upper halocline water in the central Arctic Ocean is up to 4%. In the East Siberian Sea the bottom waters with exceptional high nutrient concentration and low pH have typically between 5 and 10% of sea ice brine as computed from salinity and oxygen‐18 values. On the continental slope, over bottom depths of 150–200 m, the brine contribution was 6% at the nutrient maximum depth (50–100 m). At the same location as well as over the deeper basin the silicate maximum was found over a wider salinity range than traditionally found in the Canada Basin, in agreement with earlier observations east of the Chukchi Plateau. A detailed evaluation of the chemical and the temperature‐salinity properties suggests at least two different areas for the formation of the nutrient‐rich halocline within the East Siberian Sea. This has not been observed before 2004 and it could be a sign of a changing marine climate in the East Siberian Sea, caused by more open water in the summer season followed by more sea ice formation and brine production in the fall/winter.
Evaluation of an instrumental method to reduce error in canopy water storage estimates via mechanical displacement
Authors: Van Stan John T. , Martin Kael , Friesen Jan , Jarvis Matthew T. , Lundquist Jessica D. , Levia Delphis F.
Published: November 2012

Key Points

Evaluated method may allow removal of multidirectional bending strains

Canopy water loading signal may be isolated using the evaluated method

Sample storms show water loading response to rainfall until storage capacity
Ischemic-LTP in Striatal Spiny Neurons of both Direct and Indirect Pathway Requires the Activation of D1-Like Receptors and NO/Soluble Guanylate Cyclase/cGMP Transmission
Authors: Arcangeli Sara , Tozzi Alessandro , Tantucci Michela , Spaccatini Cristiano , de Iure Antonio , Costa Cinzia , Filippo Massimiliano Di , Picconi Barbara , Giampà Carmen , Fusco Francesca Romana , Amoroso Salvatore , Calabresi Paolo
Published: November 2012

Striatal medium-sized spiny neurons (MSNs) are highly vulnerable to ischemia. A brief ischemic insult, produced by oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD), can induce ischemic long-term potentiation (i-LTP) of corticostriatal excitatory postsynaptic response. Since nitric oxide (NO) is involved in the pathophysiology of brain ischemia and the dopamine D1/D5-receptors (D1-like-R) are expressed in striatal NOS-positive interneurons, we hypothesized a relation between NOS-positive interneurons and striatal i-LTP, involving D1R activation and NO production. We investigated the mechanisms involved in i-LTP induced by OGD in corticostriatal slices and found that the D1-like-R antagonist SCH-23390 prevented i-LTP in all recorded MSNs. Immunofluorescence analysis confirmed the induction of i-LTP in both substance P-positive, (putative D1R-expressing) and adenosine A2A-receptor-positive (putative D2R-expressing) MSNs. Furthermore, i-LTP was dependent on a NOS/cGMP pathway since pharmacological blockade of NOS, guanylate-cyclase, or PKG prevented i-LTP. However, these compounds failed to prevent i-LTP in the presence of a NO donor or cGMP analog, respectively. Interestingly, the D1-like-R antagonism failed to prevent i-LTP when intracellular cGMP was pharmacologically increased. We propose that NO, produced by striatal NOS-positive interneurons via the stimulation of D1-like-R located on these cells, is critical for i-LTP induction in the entire population of MSNs involving a cGMP-dependent pathway.