bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Older Adults Living with Osteoarthritis: Examining the Relationship of Age and Gender to Medicine Use
Authors: Fisher Judith E. , Ballantyne Peri J. , Hawker Gillian A.
Published: August 2012

L’ostéoarthrite (OA) chez les personnes âgées constitue une condition chronique et répandue associée à des douleurs importantes d’invalidité. L’utilisation d’analgésiques par voie orale est un élément central de la gestion des symptômes. L’utilisation de médicaments par cette population, cependant, est complexe et la nécessité de contrôler les symptômes doivent être mis en balance avec les préoccupations concernant la sécurité des médicaments. Notre étude s’est concentrée à illustrer et à explorer les variations entre divers médicaments différents utilisés pour gérer les symptômes liés à l’ostéoarthrite. Nous avons analysé les données provenant d’un échantillon de personnes âgées de 55 ans et plus, qui vivent dans les communautés, et qui souffrent d’arthrite de la hanche ou du genou pour examiner les facteurs sociaux et médicaux associés à la variation dans les médicaments rapporté. Une conclusion principale est que les types de médicaments utilisés par les patients atteints d’ostéoarthrite varient selon l’âge et le sexe, indépendamment de la maladie et du contexte médical et social. Les explications possibles ont été considérés comme relatives aux préférences des patients et des professionnels.
Vortex shedding in flow past an inclined flat plate at high incidence
Authors: Yang Dan , Pettersen Bjørnar , Andersson Helge I. , Narasimhamurthy Vagesh D.
Published: August 2012

The properties of asymmetric wake patterns behind a flat plate inclined at angles of attack 20°, 25°, and 30° are investigated. The Reynolds number based on the inflow velocity and the plate width is 1000. Both two-dimensional and three-dimensional calculations are performed by direct numerical simulations. Compared to the three-dimensional simulations, the two-dimensional calculations predict a significantly lower pressure on the rear surface of the plate, which consequently leads to very high drag and lift forces on the plate. The asymmetric mean wake flow, turbulence properties, and coherent patterns in the three-dimensional simulations are analysed by time- and phase-averaged techniques. Unlike the symmetric wake flow, the vortices shed from the leading and trailing edges of an inclined plate possess unequal strength with the trailing edge vortex having higher strength. It is observed that the present three-dimensional simulations predict results which compare well with the experimental data. In addition, wake instabilities in the form of oblique modes and vortex dislocations are observed in the 20° angle of attack case. It is found that this intrinsic instability is most likely due to the low incidence angle rather than the prevailing low Reynolds numbers.
Response theory for confined systems
Authors: Bernardi Stefano , Brookes Sarah J. , Searles Debra J. , Evans Denis J.
Published: August 2012

In this work, we use the transient time correlation function (TTCF) method to evaluate the response of a fluid confined in a nanopore and subjected to shear. The shear is induced by the movement of the boundaries in opposite directions and is made of moving atoms. The viscous heat generated inside the pore is removed by a thermostat applied exclusively to the atomic walls, so as to leave the dynamics of the fluid purely Newtonian. To establish a link with nonlinear response theory and apply the TTCF formalism, dissipation has to be generated inside the system. This dissipation is then time correlated with a phase variable of interest (e.g., pressure) to obtain its response. Until recently, TTCF has been applied to homogeneous fluids whose equations of motion were coupled to a mechanical field and a thermostat. In our system dissipation is generated by a boundary condition rather than a mechanical field, and we show how to apply TTCF to these realistic confined systems, comparing the shear stress response so obtained with that of homogeneous systems at equivalent state points.
Localized removal of layers of metal, polymer, or biomaterial by ultrasound cavitation bubbles
Authors: Fernandez Rivas David , Verhaagen Bram , Seddon James R. T. , Zijlstra Aaldert G. , Jiang Lei-Meng , van der Sluis Luc W. M. , Versluis Michel , Lohse Detlef , Gardeniers Han J. G. E.
Published: August 2012

We present an ultrasonic device with the ability to locally remove deposited layers from a glass slide in a controlled and rapid manner. The cleaning takes place as the result of cavitating bubbles near the deposited layers and not due to acoustic streaming. The bubbles are ejected from air-filled cavities micromachined in a silicon surface, which, when vibrated ultrasonically at a frequency of 200 kHz, generate a stream of bubbles that travel to the layer deposited on an opposing glass slide. Depending on the pressure amplitude, the bubble clouds ejected from the micropits attain different shapes as a result of complex bubble interaction forces, leading to distinct shapes of the cleaned areas. We have determined the removal rates for several inorganic and organic materials and obtained an improved efficiency in cleaning when compared to conventional cleaning equipment. We also provide values of the force the bubbles are able to exert on an atomic force microscope tip.
Nonseed plant
Selaginella moellendorffii
has both seed plant and microbial types of terpene synthases
Authors: Li Guanglin , Köllner Tobias G. , Yin Yanbin , Jiang Yifan , Chen Hao , Xu Ying , Gershenzon Jonathan , Pichersky Eran , Chen Feng
Published: August 2012

Terpene synthases (TPSs) are pivotal enzymes for the biosynthesis of terpenoids, the largest class of secondary metabolites made by plants and other organisms. To understand the basis of the vast diversification of these enzymes in plants, we investigated
Selaginella moellendorffii
, a nonseed vascular plant. The genome of this species was found to contain two distinct types of
TPS
genes. The first type of genes, which was designated as
S. moellendorffii TPS
genes (
SmTPSs
), consists of 18 members.
SmTPSs
share common ancestry with typical seed plant
TPSs
. Selected members of the
SmTPSs
were shown to encode diterpene synthases. The second type of genes, designated as
S. moellendorffii
microbial
TPS
-like genes (
SmMTPSLs
), consists of 48 members. Phylogenetic analysis showed that SmMTPSLs are more closely related to microbial TPSs than other plant TPSs. Selected SmMTPSLs were determined to function as monoterpene and sesquiterpene synthases. Most of the products formed were typical monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes that have been previously shown to be synthesized by classical plant TPS enzymes. Some in vitro products of the characterized SmMTPSLs were detected in the headspace of
S. moellendorffii
plants treated with the fungal elicitor alamethicin, showing that they are also formed in the intact plant. The presence of two distinct types of
TPSs
in the genome of
S. moellendorffii
raises the possibility that the
TPSs
in other plant species may also have more than one evolutionary origin.
Plant neighbor detection through touching leaf tips precedes phytochrome signals
Authors: de Wit Mieke , Kegge Wouter , Evers Jochem B. , Vergeer-van Eijk Marleen H. , Gankema Paulien , Voesenek Laurentius A. C. J. , Pierik Ronald
Published: August 2012

Plants in dense vegetation compete for resources, including light, and optimize their growth based on neighbor detection cues. The best studied of such behaviors is the shade-avoidance syndrome that positions leaves in optimally lit zones of a vegetation. Although proximate vegetation is known to be sensed through a reduced ratio between red and far-red light, we show here through computational modeling and manipulative experiments that leaves of the rosette speciesArabidopsis thalianafirst need to move upward to generate sufficient light reflection potential for subsequent occurrence and perception of a reduced red to far-red ratio. This early hyponastic leaf growth response is not induced by known neighbor detection cues under both climate chamber and natural sunlight conditions, and we identify a unique way for plants to detect future competitors through touching of leaf tips. This signal occurs before light signals and appears to be the earliest means of above-ground plant–plant signaling in horizontally growing rosette plants.
Anatomically modern human in Southeast Asia (Laos) by 46 ka
Authors: Demeter Fabrice , Shackelford Laura L. , Bacon Anne-Marie , Duringer Philippe , Westaway Kira , Sayavongkhamdy Thongsa , Braga José , Sichanthongtip Phonephanh , Khamdalavong Phimmasaeng , Ponche Jean-Luc , Wang Hong , Lundstrom Craig , Patole-Edoumba Elise , Karpoff Anne-Marie
Published: August 2012

Uncertainties surround the timing of modern human emergence and occupation in East and Southeast Asia. Although genetic and archeological data indicate a rapid migration out of Africa and into Southeast Asia by at least 60 ka, mainland Southeast Asia is notable for its absence of fossil evidence for early modern human occupation. Here we report on a modern human cranium from Tam Pa Ling, Laos, which was recovered from a secure stratigraphic context. Radiocarbon and luminescence dating of the surrounding sediments provide a minimum age of 51–46 ka, and direct U-dating of the bone indicates a maximum age of ∼63 ka. The cranium has a derived modern human morphology in features of the frontal, occipital, maxillae, and dentition. It is also differentiated from western Eurasian archaic humans in aspects of its temporal, occipital, and dental morphology. In the context of an increasingly documented archaic–modern morphological mosaic among the earliest modern humans in western Eurasia, Tam Pa Ling establishes a definitively modern population in Southeast Asia at ∼50 ka cal BP. As such, it provides the earliest skeletal evidence for fully modern humans in mainland Southeast Asia.
Curriculum policy implementation: how schools respond to government's ‘soft’ policy in the curriculum reform
Authors: Chan Jacqueline K.S.
Published: August 2012

‘Soft’ policy has newly emerged as a policy implementation concept in relation to governance. Non‐binding in character, ‘soft’ policy is designed for multi‐level systems of governance in which there is relative autonomy at different levels of collective decision‐making. ‘Soft’ policy has gained attention since the adoption of curriculum reforms in various countries that involve governance and coordination among multi‐level systems. In real practice, ‘soft’ methods or measures are used to assist implementation at various levels. The present study explores how ‘soft’ policy has been realised in recent large‐scale curriculum reform in Hong Kong. In essence, the study explores the ‘soft’ measures used by the government in the curriculum change, how these ‘soft’ measures have brought changes to schools, and how they were received by school principals and teachers. Implications are also drawn from these real cases of ‘soft’ policy implementation.
Generalized Maass wave forms
Authors: Mühlenbruch T. , Raji W.
Published: August 2012

We initiate the study of generalized Maass wave forms, those Maass wave forms for which the multiplier system is not necessarily unitary. We then prove some basic theorems inherited from the classical theory of modular forms with a generalization of some examples from the classical theory of Maass forms.
Some theorems on Feller processes: Transience, local times and ultracontractivity
Authors: Schilling René , Wang Jian
Published: August 2012

We present sufficient conditions for the transience and the existence of local times of a Feller process, and the ultracontractivity of the associated Feller semigroup; these conditions are sharp for Lévy processes. The proof uses a local symmetrization technique and a uniform upper bound for the characteristic function of a Feller process. As a by-product, we obtain for stable-like processes (in the sense of R. Bass) on

R

d

\mathbb {R}^d

with smooth variable index

α
(
x
)
∈
(
0
,
2
)

\alpha (x)\in (0,2)

a transience criterion in terms of the exponent

α
(
x
)

\alpha (x)

; if

d
=
1

d=1

and

inf

x
∈

R

α
(
x
)
∈
(
1
,
2
)

\inf _{x\in \mathbb {R}} \alpha (x)\in (1,2)

, then the stable-like process has local times.
Modelling in-season pulses of recruitment and hyperstability-hyperdepletion in the Loligo gahi fishery around the Falkland Islands with generalized depletion models
Authors: Roa-Ureta Rubén H.
Published: August 2012

Roa-Ureta, R. H. 2012. Modelling in-season pulses of recruitment and hyperstability-hyperdepletion in the Loligo gahi fishery around the Falkland Islands with generalized depletion models. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: .

The time-series of daily catch, fishing effort, and mean body mass of the summer fishing seasons of the squid, Loligo gahi, in the Falkland Islands from 1990 to 2009 are investigated with generalizations of depletion models that account for in-season pulses of recruitment (i.e. open populations) and non-linear relationships between catch as the response variable, and effort and abundance as the predictor variables. Two main results were found. First, stock dynamics are more complex than assumed by Leslie–Davis or De Lury depletion models, because in most years, there are several major in-season recruitment pulses, sometimes even larger than the pre-season pulse, contradicting the basic assumption of a decline in catch rates over the fishing season. Second, the fishery operates under a regime of hyperstability—catch rates decline slower than abundance—at low stock abundance and hyperdepletion—catch rates decline faster than abundance—at intermediate and high stock abundance. The hyperdepleted regime is far more prevalent, a result attributed to the availability of refuges from fishing operations, which may lower the abundance threshold to pass from the low-abundance hyperstable regime to the higher-abundance hyperdepleted regime.
Spawning location of Norway pout (Trisopterus esmarkii Nilsson) in the North Sea
Authors: Nash Richard D. M. , Wright Peter J. , Matejusova Iveta , Dimitrov Stefan Petev , O'Sullivan Martha , Augley Julian , Höffle Hannes
Published: August 2012

Nash, R. D. M., Wright, P. J., Matejusova, I., Dimitrov, S. P., O'Sullivan, M., Augley, J., and Höffle, H. 2012. Spawning location of Norway pout (Trisopterus esmarkii Nilsson) in the North Sea. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: . The northern region of the North Sea (56–62°N) was sampled in February/March 2009 for eggs and in May 2010 for larvae. To aid in the identification of Norway pout stage I eggs and distinguish them from other ‘cod-like’ eggs, a Taq-Man probe was designed for this species and used here. Stage I Norway pout egg diameters collected from the field were in the range 1.03–1.28 mm and largely overlapped with the size range determined for whiting (Merlangius merlangus). The distribution of Norway pout stage I eggs in 2009 revealed the distribution of spawning in the North Sea and showed that it was similar to the distribution of 2 + Norway pout taken during the International Bottom Trawl Surveys (IBTS) over the same period covering the whole North Sea. The larvae sampled in 2010 were largely in the same area; however, larger larvae occurred to the south-east of the survey area, suggesting advection of young stages from the principal spawning areas in the north-western North Sea to the south-east and toward the Skagerrak.
Assessing the sensitivity of seabird populations to adverse effects from tidal stream turbines and wave energy devices
Authors: Furness Robert W. , Wade Helen M. , Robbins Alexandra M. C. , Masden Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2012

Furness, R. W., Wade, H. M., Robbins, A. M. C., and Masden, E. A. 2012. Assessing the sensitivity of seabird populations to adverse effects from tidal stream turbines and wave energy devices. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: . Tidal turbines and wave energy devices may affect seabird populations through collision mortality, disturbance and habitat loss. Given the pressures to harness tidal and wave energy, especially in Scottish waters, there is an urgent need to assess population-level impacts on seabird species. With a lack of deployed devices to monitor in areas of importance for seabirds, our approach uses data from scientific literature on seabird ecology and conservation importance likely to influence population vulnerability to “wet renewables” in Scottish waters. At this stage however, we can only infer likely interactions with tidal and wave devices. We identify black guillemot, razorbill, European shag, common guillemot, great cormorant, divers and Atlantic puffin as the species most vulnerable to adverse effects from tidal turbines in Scottish waters. We identify divers as the species most vulnerable to adverse effects from wave energy devices in Scottish waters. Wave energy devices seem likely to represent a lesser hazard to seabirds than tidal turbines, and both forms of energy capture seem likely to represent a lower hazard to seabirds than offshore wind farms (wind-power plants). The indices developed here for Scottish seabird populations could be applied to populations elsewhere. This approach will help in identifying likely impacts of tidal and wave energy deployments on seabirds, and in optimizing deployment of resources for compulsory environmental monitoring.
Antitumor effect of new multiple antigen peptide based on HLA‐A0201‐restricted CTL epitopes of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT)
Authors: Liao Zhong‐Li , Tang Xu‐Dong , Lü Mu‐Han , Wu Yu‐Yun , Cao Ya‐Ling , Fang Dian‐Chun , Yang Shi‐Ming , Guo Hong
Published: August 2012

The development of peptide vaccines aimed at enhancing immune responses against tumor cells is becoming a promising area of research. Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is an ideal universal target for novel immunotherapies against cancers. The aim of this work was to verify whether the multiple antigen peptides (MAP) based on HLA‐A0201‐restricted CTL epitopes of hTERT could trigger a better and more sustained CTL response and kill multiple types of hTERT‐positive tumor cells in vitro and ex vivo. Dendritic cells (DC) pulsed with MAP based on HLA‐A0201‐restricted CTL epitopes of hTERT (hTERT‐540, hTERT‐865 and hTERT‐572Y) were used to evaluate immune responses against various tumors and were compared to the immune responses resulting from the use of corresponding linear epitopes and a recombinant adenovirus‐hTERT vector. A 4‐h standard 51Cr‐release assay and an ELISPOT assay were used for both in vitro and ex vivo analyses. Results demonstrated that targeting hTERT with an adenovector was the most effective way to stimulate a CD8+ T cell response. When compared with linear hTERT epitopes, MAP could trigger stronger hTERT‐specific CTL responses against tumor cells expressing hTERT and HLA‐A0201. In contrast, the activated CTL could neither kill the hTERT‐negative tumor cells, such as U2OS cells, nor kill HLA‐A0201 negative cells, such as HepG2 cells. We also found that these peptide‐specific CTL could not kill autologous lymphocytes and DC with low telomerase activity. Our results indicate that MAP from hTERT can be exploited for cancer immunotherapy.
Teaching spiritual care – a grounded theory study among undergraduate nursing educators
Authors: Cone Pamela H , Giske Tove
Published: August 2012

Aims and objectives.  To explore teachers’ understanding of spirituality and how they prepare undergraduate nursing students to recognise spiritual cues and learn to assess and provide spiritual care.

Background.  Nursing education addresses patient care in all domains of the person. Systematic teaching and supervision of students to prepare them to assist patients spiritually is an important part of holistic care. However, few role models for spiritual care are seen in clinical practice, and limited research addresses necessary student competencies or how teachers can best facilitate this process.

Design.  Grounded theory was used to identify teachers’ main concern and develop a substantive grounded theory.

Methods.  Data collected during semi‐structured interviews at three Norwegian University Colleges in five focus groups with 19 undergraduate nursing teachers were conducted from 2008 to 2009. Data were analysed through constant comparison of transcribed interviews until categories emerged and were saturated.

Results.  The participants’ main concern was ‘How to help students recognize cues and ways of providing spiritual care’. Participants resolved this by ‘Journeying with Students through their Maturation’. This basic social process has three iterative phases that develop throughout the nursing programme: ‘Raising Student awareness to Recognize the Essence of Spirituality’, ‘Assisting Students to Overcome Personal Barriers’, and ‘Mentoring Students’ Competency in Spiritual Care’.

Conclusion.  Nursing education should prepare students to recognise and act on spiritual cues. Making spiritual assessment and interventions more visible and explicit throughout nursing programmes, in both classroom and clinical settings, will facilitate student maturation as they learn to integrate theoretical thinking into clinical practice.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nursing students need role models who demonstrate spiritual care in the fast‐paced hospital environment as well as in other clinical practice settings. To model spirituality as part of nursing care can assist students to overcome their vulnerability and to safeguard ethical issues and promote patient integrity.
Complementary and alternative medicine use in children with thalassaemia
Authors: Efe Emine , Işler Ayşegül , Sarvan Süreyya , Başer Hayriye , Yeşilipek Akif
Published: August 2012

Aims and objectives.  The aims of this study were to: (1) determine the types of complementary and alternative medicine use among children with thalassaemia as reported by parents and (2) describe sociodemographic and medical factors associated with the use of such treatments in families residing in southern Turkey.

Background.  Thalassaemia is one of the most common human genetic diseases. Despite the therapeutic efforts, patients will encounter a variety of physical and psychological problems. Therefore, the use of complementary and alternative medicines among children thalassaemia is becoming increasingly popular.

Design.  This is a descriptive study of complementary and alternative medicine.

Methods.  This study was conducted in the Hematology Outpatient Clinic at Akdeniz University Hospital and in the Thalassemia Centre at Ministry of Health Antalya Education and Research Hospital, Antalya, Turkey, between January 2010–December 2010. Parents of 97 paediatric patients, among 125 parents who applied to the haematology outpatient clinic and thalassaemia centre between these dates, agreed to take part in the study with whom contact could be made were included. Data were collected by using a questionnaire.

Results.  The proportion of parents who reported using one or more of the complementary and alternative medicine methods was 82·5%. Of these parents, 61·8% were using prayer/spiritual practice, 47·4% were using nutritional supplements and 35·1% were using animal materials.

Conclusion.  It was determined that a significant portion of the parents using complementary and alternative medicine use it to treat their children’s health problems, they were informed about complementary and alternative medicine by their paediatricians and family elders, and they have discussed the use of complementary and alternative medicine with healthcare professionals.

Relevance to clinical practice.  To sustain medical treatment and prognosis of thalassaemia, it is important for nurses to consult with their patients and parents regarding the use and potential risks of some complementary and alternative medicine.
Missed viral surveillance testing visits associate with full blown viral diseases in children receiving kidney transplants
Authors: Al Khasawneh Eihab , Araya Carlos E. , Dharnidharka Vikas R.
Published: August 2012

Al Khasawneh E, Araya CE, Dharnidharka VR. Missed viral surveillance testing visits associate with full blown viral diseases in children receiving kidney transplants.

Abstract:  Surveillance testing for major viral infections such as CMV, EBV, and BKV early in their natural history course may allow for early intervention and prevention of FBVD, but the testing is expensive and optimal interval/frequency are uncertain. At our center we initiated routine monthly viral surveillance for CMV, EBV, and BKV in July 2008 for the first 12 months post‐transplant. Here, we retrospectively analyzed for outcome of the patients who missed three or more surveillance tests in the first 12 months post‐transplant vs. those who did not. Of 21 patients, five missed three or more surveillance tests. Two of those five developed FBVD (one BKV nephropathy and one EBV‐PTLD). None of the 16 patients with more regular surveillance testing developed FBVD. The incidence of viral replication was similar in both groups. The odds ratio for FBVD if viral surveillance tests were missed was 23.57 (p‐value of 0.047). In this small group of contemporaneous patients on identical immunosuppression, those patients who missed regular viral surveillance were more likely to develop FBVD. Prospective randomized trials to confirm the benefit of regular viral testing are recommended.
Consumers' Creative Talent: Which Characteristics Qualify Consumers for Open Innovation Projects? An Exploration of Asymmetrical Effects
Authors: Füller Johann , Matzler Kurt , Hutter Katja , Hautz Julia
Published: August 2012

Virtual customer integration and open innovation are considered as appropriate means to improve the success of new product development. However, only when consumers are qualified and motivated to contribute promising ideas and relevant know‐how they are able to add value to a producer's innovation process. In this study, we explore the symmetric and asymmetric impact of various creativity components on consumers' idea generation, concept development, or prototype building abilities as well as interest in co‐creation projects. Our results show that creativity components are of different importance. While some characteristics are needed above certain thresholds to successfully accomplish a certain development task, exceeding those does not necessarily lead to better outputs. Other characteristics improve the creative output only if they exceed specific levels.
Phase II study of oral docetaxel and cyclosporine in canine epithelial cancer
Authors: Waite A. , Balkman C. , Bailey D. , Kiselow M. , Flory A. , Beaulieu B. B. , Lewis L. D. , McEntee M.
Published: August 2012

The goal of the current study was to determine the efficacy of oral docetaxel in combination with cyclosporine in the treatment of canine epithelial cancer. Requirements for eligibility were histological confirmation of epithelial neoplasia, measurable disease, no chemotherapy treatment within 2 weeks, and a life expectancy of ≥3 months. Fifty‐one dogs were enrolled. All dogs received 1.625 mg kg−1 of docetaxel with 5 mg kg−1 of cyclosporine (DT/CSA) by gavage. Ten dogs had progressive disease at 2 weeks, one dog died, and one dog was withdrawn from the study. Thirty‐nine dogs were given a second dose of DT/CSA, three each receiving a third or fourth dose. Eight dogs had a dose reduction (1.5 mg kg−1) and six dogs had treatment delays primarily for gastrointestinal toxicity. The overall response rate was 16.7% (8/48 had a partial response there were no complete responses). The highest response rate was seen in dogs with oral squamous cell carcinoma (50%; 6/12).
Homotherium serum and Cervalces from the Great Lakes Region, USA: geochronology, morphology and ancient DNA
Authors: Widga Chris , Fulton Tara L. , Martin Larry D. , Shapiro Beth
Published: August 2012

A scimitar‐toothed cat (Homotherium serum) and stag moose (Cervalces sp.) are described from Tyson Spring Cave, Fillmore County, Minnesota. These specimens represent the first records of both species in the state, and the first record for H. serum in the Great Lakes region. Although the Cervalces specimen remains undated, it shares features with pre‐Wisconsin specimens from the eastern Great Plains. The H. serum individual dates to c. 26.9 ka, when the Wisconsin ice margin was less than 60 km away. Genetic analyses support the identity of the Homotherium specimen as conspecific with Homotherium serum found in older Beringian deposits, as well as both the early divergence of tribes Homotherini and Smilodontini within Machairodontinae and the early divergence of this Machairodontinae from the lineage that produced extant cats.
Tree‐Based Logistic Regression Approach for Work Zone Casualty Risk Assessment
Authors: Weng Jinxian , Meng Qiang , Wang David Z. W.
Published: August 2012

This study presents a tree‐based logistic regression approach to assessing work zone casualty risk, which is defined as the probability of a vehicle occupant being killed or injured in a work zone crash. First, a decision tree approach is employed to determine the tree structure and interacting factors. Based on the Michigan M‐94\I‐94\I‐94BL\I‐94BR highway work zone crash data, an optimal tree comprising four leaf nodes is first determined and the interacting factors are found to be airbag, occupant identity (i.e., driver, passenger), and gender. The data are then split into four groups according to the tree structure. Finally, the logistic regression analysis is separately conducted for each group. The results show that the proposed approach outperforms the pure decision tree model because the former has the capability of examining the marginal effects of risk factors. Compared with the pure logistic regression method, the proposed approach avoids the variable interaction effects so that it significantly improves the prediction accuracy.
Rereading the Archives: Uncovering Spaces of Feminist Engagement in IWAC (International Women's Anthropology Conference)
Authors: Youngling Elizabeth , Arjona Jamie , Fuchs Ofira , Sohn Agnes , Tate Natalye
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT  IWAC—the International Women's Anthropology Conference—has grown over four decades from a small New York–based organization to one that is truly global in scope and agenda. Inspired by the civil rights and feminist movements of the 1960s and early 1970s, three anthropologists, Eleanor Leacock, Constance Sutton, and Ruby Rohrlich‐Leavitt, came together to form a feminist anthropology organization—the New York Women's Anthropology Caucus—dedicated to supporting women's struggles both inside and outside the Academy. In 1976, four years after its inception, the organization expanded to become IWAC. By using their anthropological expertise and connections with women in areas targeted for international development, IWAC members were able to provide the United Nations and other policymaking organizations with situated case studies of women's collective action and concerns. In this way, IWAC has charted a course for publicly engaged feminist anthropology that continues to resonate for engaged feminist scholars and activists today. [feminism, engaged anthropology, IWAC]
Gastrointestinal stromal tumours in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1: A case report and retrospective review of 72 cases
Authors: Xiao Ke , Tan Xin‐Yu , Tang Hui‐Huan , Chang Shi , Zhou Jun , Gong Xue‐Jun
Published: August 2012

In the present study, the features of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) are analysed, and the fundamental differences between NF1‐associated GIST and the common types of GIST are illustrated. We report a case of NF1‐associated GIST, and discuss the clinical and pathological data of 71 reported cases from the PubMed/MEDLINE database over the past two decades. The clinical characteristics, histopathology, biological behaviour, immunohistochemistry, phenotype and gene mutation status of GIST in NF1 are carefully reviewed. A total of 72 cases (35 females and 37 males; median age: 53 years) was included in this study. More than 80 per cent of lesions were located in the small intestine, most of which were multicentric (63.89 per cent), and the median diameter of the tumours was 4 cm (range: 0.3–20 cm). The positive expression rates for transmembrane type III receptor tyrosine kinase (KIT), CD34, S‐100, smooth muscle actin, and desmin were 100 per cent, 94.34 per cent, 37.5 per cent, 35.9 per cent and 7.41 per cent, respectively. There were just six cases found with the KIT gene mutation; no cases were found with mutations in the platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐α (PDGFRA) gene. Patients with NF1 have a high risk of developing GIST. NF1‐associated GIST are significantly different from common GIST in terms of clinical characteristics, histopathology, biological behaviour, immunohistochemistry and the mutation status of the KIT and PDGFRA genes. In addition, in this research, we indicate that different pathogenetic mechanisms are involved in their evolution, and that imatinib has limited effects on GIST in NF1 patients.
Dietary sodium loading impairs microvascular function independent of blood pressure in humans: role of oxidative stress
Authors: Greaney Jody L. , DuPont Jennifer J. , Lennon‐Edwards Shannon L. , Sanders Paul W. , Edwards David G. , Farquhar William B.
Published: August 2012

Key points

Pre‐clinical studies suggest that acute dietary sodium loading impairs vascular function without alterations in blood pressure; however, human data are lacking.

In this study, normotensive salt‐resistant adults participated in a controlled feeding study, in which they consumed a low‐sodium diet for 1 week and a high‐sodium diet for 1 week, in random order. During each diet, microvascular function was assessed.

Here we report the novel finding of sodium‐induced impairments in microvascular function independent of blood pressure in healthy adults.

We additionally show that function was improved by the administration of the anti‐oxidant ascorbic acid.

Therefore, in addition to its well‐known importance for blood pressure control, lowering sodium intake may have beneficial effects on microvascular function in healthy normotensive adults.

Abstract  Animal studies have reported dietary salt‐induced reductions in vascular function independent of increases in blood pressure (BP). The purpose of this study was to determine if short‐term dietary sodium loading impairs cutaneous microvascular function in normotensive adults with salt resistance. Following a control run‐in diet, 12 normotensive adults (31 ± 2 years) were randomized to a 7 day low‐sodium (LS; 20 mmol day−1) and 7 day high‐sodium (HS; 350 mmol day−1) diet (controlled feeding study). Salt resistance, defined as a ≤5 mmHg change in 24 h mean BP determined while on the LS and HS diets, was confirmed in all subjects undergoing study (LS: 84 ± 1 mmHg vs. HS: 85 ± 2 mmHg; P > 0.05). On the last day of each diet, subjects were instrumented with two microdialysis fibres for the local delivery of Ringer solution and 20 mm ascorbic acid (AA). Laser Doppler flowmetry was used to measure red blood cell flux during local heating‐induced vasodilatation (42°C). After the established plateau, 10 mm l‐NAME was perfused to quantify NO‐dependent vasodilatation. All data were expressed as a percentage of maximal cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) at each site (28 mm sodium nitroprusside; 43°C). Sodium excretion increased during the HS diet (P < 0.05). The plateau % CVCmax was reduced during HS (LS: 93 ± 1 % CVCmax vs. HS: 80 ± 2 % CVCmax; P < 0.05). During the HS diet, AA improved the plateau % CVCmax (Ringer: 80 ± 2 % CVCmax vs. AA: 89 ± 3 % CVCmax; P < 0.05) and restored the NO contribution (Ringer: 44 ± 3 % CVCmax vs. AA: 59 ± 6 % CVCmax; P < 0.05). These data demonstrate that dietary sodium loading impairs cutaneous microvascular function independent of BP in normotensive adults and suggest a role for oxidative stress.
Following the Integration of Diamond Particles on the Lapping-Plate Surface: Towards a More Efficient Charging Process
Authors: Mayén-Mondragón Rodrigo , Yánez-Limón José M. , Espinoza-Beltrán Francisco , Muñoz-Saldaña Juan , Herrera-Gómez Alberto , Vargas-Ortíz Ramón A. , Ramírez-Bon Rafael , Coronado Francisco
Published: August 2012

Even when the charging of lapping plates can extensively influence their subsequent finishing performance, the subject has been scarcely treated in specialized literature. The present paper aims to help fill such a gap and gain a better insight of the charging process. A semiquantification of the diamond particles integrated into the lapping plate surface as a function of charging time was performed by Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, together with a simple image-analysis procedure. The corresponding evolution of surface rough features was followed from atomic force micrographs with the aid of fractal-analysis tools. It was observed that charging proceeds in two stages, both with different rates of diamond particle integration. This leads to a significant waste of diamond slurry. During the first stage, the charging ring seems to preferentially promote a further flattening of the lapping-plate surface. Diamond particles are apparently more readily incorporated into such “flattened” regions during the second stage. The results suggest a specific topographic condition must be attained before the diamond can be efficiently integrated into the lapping plate surface. A lapping-plate preconditioning step could help improve this situation and reduce the amount of abrasive waste during charging.
Simulation of Interactions and Emergent Failure Behavior During Complex System Design
Authors: Papakonstantinou Nikolaos , Sierla Seppo , Jensen David C. , Tumer Irem Y.
Published: August 2012

Emergent behavior is a unique aspect of complex systems, where they exhibit behavior that is more complex than the sum of the behavior of their constituent parts. This behavior includes the propagation of faults between parts, and requires information on how the parts are connected. These parts can include software, electronic and mechanical components, hence requiring a capability to track emergent fault propagation paths as they cross the boundaries of technical disciplines. Prior work has introduced the functional failure identification and propagation (FFIP) simulation framework, which reveals the propagation of abnormal flow states and can thus be used to infer emergent system-wide behavior that may compromise the reliability of the system. An advantage of FFIP is that it is used to model early phase designs, before high cost commitments are made and before high fidelity models are available. This has also been a weakness in previous research on FFIP, since results depend on arbitrary choices for the values of model parameters and timing of critical events. Previously, FFIP has used a discrete set of flow state values and a simple behavioral logic; this has had the advantage of limiting the range of possible parameter values, but it has not been possible to model continuous process dynamics. In this paper, the FFIP framework has been extended to support continuous flow levels and linear modeling of component behavior based on first principles. Since this extension further expands the range of model parameter values, methods and tools for studying the impact of parameter value changes are introduced. The result is an evaluation of how the FFIP results are impacted by changes in the model parameters and the timing of critical events. The method is demonstrated on a boiling water reactor model (limited to the coolant recirculation and steam outlets) in order to focus the analysis of emergent fault behavior that could not have been identified with previously published versions of the FFIP framework.
The Stretching Point
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: August 2012

In addition to binding to the adipokine apelin, the G protein–coupled receptor APJ responds to mechanical stretch.
Substitutions at Position 105 in SHV Family β-Lactamases Decrease Catalytic Efficiency and Cause Inhibitor Resistance
Authors: Li Mei , Conklin Benjamin C. , Taracila Magdalena A. , Hutton Rebecca A. , Skalweit Marion J.
Published: August 2012

Ambler position 105 in class A β-lactamases is implicated in resistance to clavulanic acid, although no clinical isolates with mutations at this site have been reported. We hypothesized that Y105 is important in resistance to clavulanic acid because changes in positioning of the inhibitor for ring oxygen protonation could occur. In addition, resistance to bicyclic 6-methylidene penems, which are interesting structural probes that inhibit all classes of serine β-lactamases with nanomolar affinity, might emerge with substitutions at position 105, especially with nonaromatic substitutions. All 19 variants of SHV-1 with variations at position 105 were prepared. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that
Escherichia coli
DH10B expressing Y105 variants retained activity against ampicillin, except for the Y105L variant, which was susceptible to all β-lactams, similar to the case for the host control strain. Several variants had elevated MICs to ampicillin-clavulanate. However, all the variants remained susceptible to piperacillin in combination with a penem inhibitor (MIC, ≤2/4 mg/liter). The Y105E, -F, -M, and -R variants demonstrated reduced catalytic efficiency toward ampicillin compared to the wild-type (WT) enzyme, which was caused by increased

K
m

. Clavulanic acid and penem

K
i

values were also increased for some of the variants, especially Y105E. Mutagenesis at position 105 in SHV yields mutants resistant to clavulanate with reduced catalytic efficiency for ampicillin and nitrocefin, similar to the case for the class A carbapenemase KPC-2. Our modeling analyses suggest that resistance is due to oxyanion hole distortion. Susceptibility to a penem inhibitor is retained although affinity is decreased, especially for the Y105E variant. Residue 105 is important to consider when designing new inhibitors.
Body heat storage during intermittent work in hot–dry and warm–wet environments
Authors: Stapleton Jill M. , Wright Heather E. , Hardcastle Stephen G. , Kenny Glen P.
Published: August 2012

We examined heat balance using an American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists threshold limit value allocated exercise protocol in hot–dry (HD; 46 °C, 10% relative humidity (RH)) and warm–wet (WW; 33 °C, 60% RH) environments of equivalent WBGT (29 °C) for different clothing ensembles. Whole-body heat exchange and changes in body heat content (ΔHb) were measured using simultaneous direct whole-body and indirect calorimetry. Eight males performed six 15-min cycling periods at a constant rate of metabolic heat production (360 W) interspersed by 5-min rest periods for six experimental trials: HD and WW environments for a seminude control (CON), modified work uniform (MWU, moisture permeable top and work pants), and standard work uniform (SWU, work coveralls and cotton undergarments). Whole-body evaporative and dry heat exchange, rectal temperature (Tre), and heart rate were measured continuously. The cumulative ΔHb during the 2 h intermittent exercise protocol was similar between HD and WW environments for each of the clothing ensembles (CON, 387 ± 55 vs. 435 ± 49 kJ; MWU, 485 ± 58 vs. 531 ± 61 kJ; SWU, 585 ± 74 vs. 660 ± 54 kJ, respectively). Similarly, no differences in Tre (CON, 37.67 ± 0.07 vs. 37.48 ± 0.08 °C; MWU, 37.73 ± 0.08 vs. 37.53 ± 0.09 °C; SWU, 38.01 ± 0.09 vs. 37.94 ± 0.05 °C) or heat rate (CON, 93 ± 3 vs. 84 ± 3 beats·min–1; MWU, 102 ± 5 vs. 95 ± 9 beats·min–1; SWU, 119 ± 8 vs. 110 ± 9 beats·min–1) were observed at the end of the 2 h intermittent exercise protocol in HD vs. WW environments, respectively. We showed similar levels of thermal and cardiovascular strain for intermittent work performed in high heat stress conditions of varying environmental conditions but similar WBGT.
Quercetin alters energy metabolism in swimming mice
Authors: Wu Jianquan , Gao Weina , Wei Jingyu , Yang Jijun , Pu Lingling , Guo Changjiang
Published: August 2012

Quercetin has been demonstrated to be effective in increasing physical endurance in mice and humans. However, the mechanisms involved are not fully understood. In this study, male Kunming mice were fed a diet containing 0.1% quercetin for 14 days before swimming for 60 min. The overall serum metabolic profile was investigated by a 1H nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomic approach. Serum glucose, lactate, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), and nonprotein nitrogen (NPN), as well as hepatic and muscular glycogen were measured biochemically. The results of metabolomic analysis showed that swimming induced a significant change in serum metabolic profile. Relative increases in the levels of lactate, alanine, low-density lipoprotein–very low-density lipoprotein, and unsaturated fatty acids, and decreases in choline, phosphocholine, and glucose were observed after swimming. With quercetin supplementation, these changes were attenuated. The results of biochemical assays were consistent with the data obtained from metabolomic analysis, in that serum NEFA was increased while lactate and NPN decreased after exposed to quercetin in swimming mice. Similar change in NEFA was also found in liver and gastrocnemius muscle tissues. Our current findings suggest that quercetin alters energy metabolism in swimming mice and increased lipolysis may contribute to the actions of quercetin on physical endurance.
Alterations in energy balance following exenatide administration
Authors: Bradley David P. , Kulstad Roger , Racine Natalie , Shenker Yoram , Meredith Melissa , Schoeller Dale A.
Published: August 2012

Exenatide is a medication similar in structure and effect to native glucagon-like peptide-1, an incretin hormone with glucose-lowering properties. The aim of the study was to measure the change in total energy expenditure (TEE) and body composition during exenatide administration and by deduction the relative contributions of energy expenditure and energy intake to exenatide-induced weight loss. Forty-five obese (body mass index, 30–40 kg·m–2) subjects were identified. After exclusion criteria application, 28 subjects entered into the study and 18 subjects (12 female, 6 male) completed the study, which consisted of 6 visits over 14 weeks and injection of exenatide for an average of 84 ± 5 days. Respiratory gas analysis and doubly labeled water measurements were performed before initiation of exenatide and after approximately 3 months of exenatide administration. The average weight loss from the beginning of injection period to the end of the study in completed subjects was 2.0 ± 2.8 kg (p = 0.01). Fat mass declined by 1.3 ± 1.8 kg (p = 0.01) while the fat-free mass trended downward but was not significant (0.8 ± 2.2 kg, p = 0.14). There was no change in weight-adjusted TEE (p = 0.20), resting metabolic rate (p = 0.51), or physical activity energy expenditure (p = 0.38) and no change in the unadjusted thermic effect of a meal (p = 0.37). The significant weight loss because of exenatide administration was thus the result of decreasing energy intake. In obese nondiabetic subjects, exenatide administration did not increase TEE and by deduction the significant weight loss and loss of fat mass was due to decreased energy intake.