bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexual Dysfunction and Distress—Development of a Polish Version of the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised
Authors: Nowosielski Krzysztof , Wróbel Beata , Sioma-Markowska Urszula , Poręba Ryszard
Published: February 2013

Introduction

The concept of sexually related personal distress, central to the diagnosis of all female sexual dysfunction (FSD), is currently a subject of scientific debate. Several psychometric instruments have been used to measure sexually related personal distress in women, including the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) and its revised version (FSDS-R).

Aim

To develop a Polish version of the FSDS-R (PL-FSDS-R).

Methods

In total, 210 women aged 18–55 years were included in the study. Seventy-five were diagnosed with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), 31 were diagnosed with another FSD, and 104 were control. All subjects completed the PL-FSDS-R at baseline (day 0), day 7, and day 28. Internal consistencies were evaluated by Cronbach's α. Intraclass correlation coefficient was used to assess test–retest reliability. Discriminant validity was assessed by comparing mean scores of the FSD and control groups in a between-groups analysis of variance. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine optimal cutoff values of the PL-FSDS-R.

Main Outcome Measures

To measure the validity and reliability of the PL-FSDS-R and to determine optimal cutoff values.

Results

Mean total PL-FSDS-R score was statistically higher in women with HSDD and other FSD compared to healthy individuals, showing the test had discriminant validity. The frequency of sexual intercourse and quality of relationship with sexual partner but not other sexual behaviors were statistically correlated with the PL-FSDS-R score. ROC analysis confirmed these findings. All domains of the PL-FSDS-R demonstrated satisfactory internal consistencies, with a Cronbach's α-value of >0.70 for the entire sample. Test–retest coefficients were between 0.86–0.92, with the best reliability for a 7-day recall period.

Conclusions

The PL-FSDS-R is a reliable questionnaire with good psychometric and discriminative validity, and can be used to measure sexually related personal distress in Polish women with FSD with a cutoff score of ≥13.
Clitoral Avulsion Successfully Repaired with 2-Octylcyanoacrylate
Authors: Berger Agatha , Worly Brett
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Clitoral piercing is becoming more popular in the general populace, playing an aesthetic as well as likely sexual role. However, potential for injury also impacts future clitoral sexual function, thus highlighting the importance of proper repair.

Aim

To report a 29-year-old woman presented to the emergency department after a clitoral piercing injury. Examination revealed avulsion of most of the clitoral body. After the patient refused expectant and surgical management, reapproximation was performed using 2-octylcyanoacrylate.

Methods

2-Octylcyanoacrylate, commonly known as Dermabond® (Ethicon Inc., Somerville, NJ, USA), was used to reapproximate the clitoral laceration for this patient. It is a cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive, forming a strong bond between wound edges to allow for normal healing to occur below. Benefits of use are decreased time of repair, water-resistant flexible coating, and no need for suture removal.

Results

The laceration was successfully reapproximated with 2-octylcyanoacrylate. The tissue held together satisfactorily and the patient was discharged to home. She was seen as an outpatient 3 days later, with a moderately tender and swollen clitoris, but with an intact repair and improved pain. A visit 8 weeks later showed a well-healed clitoris, and the patient reported resolution of pain and return of sexual function, with successful orgasms.

Conclusions

The delicacy of clitoral anatomy and the potential impact of its injury on future sexual function make it an intimidating area of repair for the general physician. The method of repair must be tailored to the injury, patient, and physician; however, 2-octylcyanoacrylate is a viable alternative to traditional surgical or expectant management, offering strength and flexibility while avoiding further trauma with suture.
Mesangial cells are responsible for orchestrating the renal podocytes injury in the context of malignant hypertension
Authors: Berman Sylvia , Abu Hamad Ramzia , Efrati Shai
Published: February 2013

Aim

Two populations of renal cells fully possess functional contractile cell apparatus: mesangial cells and podocytes. Previous studies demonstrated that in the context of malignant hypertension overproduction of Angiotensin‐II by the contracting mesangial cells aggravated hypercellularity and apoptosis of adjacent cell populations. The role of podocytes in pathogenesis of malignant hypertension is unclear. We investigated responsiveness of normal vs. hyperglycaemic podocytes to pressure in a model of malignant hypertension.

Methods

Rat renal podocytes and mesangial cells were subjected to high hydrostatic pressure, using an in vitro model of malignant hypertension. Part of them was pre‐exposed to hyperglycaemic medium. Alternatively, the cells were cultured in conditioned medium collected from mesangial cells pre‐exposed to pressure.

Results

Angiotensin‐II was significantly increased in normoglycaemic mesangial cells subjected to pressure, triggering enhanced proliferation and apoptosis. No augmented Angiotensin‐II, proliferation or apoptosis were evident in pressure‐exposed normoglycaemic podocytes. In hyperglycaemic mesangial cells, but not podocytes, basal Angiotensin‐II and apoptosis were augmented, along with abrogated proliferation. Challenge with exogenous Angiotensin‐II or Angiotensin‐II‐containing conditioned medium, induced apoptosis both in podocytes and mesangial cells.

Conclusions

1. Unlike mesangial cells, podocytes do not respond to high pressure or hyperglycaemia per se. Resultantly, neither high pressure nor hyperglycaemia, trigger apoptosis of podocytes in vitro. However, surplus of Angiotensin‐II, amply produced in vivo by the adjacent mesangial cells, would seem to be sufficient for initiating apoptosis of both mesangial cells and podocytes. 2. Hyperglycaemia abrogates cell replication. Resultantly, in diabetic patients regeneration of renal tissue damaged by the incidence of malignant hypertension may become compromised or completely lost.
An observational outcomes study from 1966–2008, examining pregnancy and neonatal outcomes from dialysed women using data from the ANZDATA Registry
Authors: Shahir Ahmed Kaithal , Briggs Nancy , Katsoulis John , Levidiotis Vicki
Published: February 2013

Aims

To conduct an observational outcomes study examining pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of dialysed women aged 15–49, from 1966–2008, using data from the ANZDATA Registry.

Methods

Data from the ANZDATA Registry were captured and analysed from 1966–2008. Specific pregnancy outcomes included: live birth (LB), spontaneous abortion, stillbirth (SB) or termination of pregnancy. Delivery and neonatal outcomes, since 2001, were also analysed.

Results

There were 23 700 person‐years (PY) of observational data during the study period with 49 pregnancies, of which 30 (79%) resulted in a LB, once terminations were excluded. Pregnancy rates: Overall the pregnancy rate was 2.07 per 1000 PY for the study interval. A significant increase in the pregnancy rate was noted for the 1996–2008 time interval (3.3 per 1000 PY, compared with 0.54 and 0.67 in the eras 1976–1985 and 1986–1995, respectively; P = 0.004). Most pregnancies were observed in the 25–29 age group: 20–24, 25–29 and 30–34 (5.31, 5.61 and 3.87 per 1000 PY, respectively). Patients on peritoneal dialysis were less likely to achieve a pregnancy compared with haemodialysis patients (P < 0.02). Live birth rates: The overall LB rate was 1.26 per 1000 PY. The rate for each of the age brackets was as follows: 3.54 for 20–24, 3.61 for 25–29, and 2.39 per 1000 PY for 30–34, compared with 0 in the 15–19 group, and 1.22, 0.2 and 0.16 per 1000 PY among the groups 35–39, 40–44 and 45–49 years, respectively. LB rates were more favourable in the younger age groups. There was no significant era, disease, dialysis modality or race effect on LB rates. Excluding terminations, the LB rate was 79%. Age‐effect on pregnancy outcomes: Pregnancy outcome was not affected by age (mean ages shown): spontaneous abortions, 28.7 years (n = 3); LB, 29.3 years (n = 24); SB, 32.4 years (n = 5); terminations 30.6 years (n = 11). Maternal mortality and complications: The preeclampsia rate was 19.4% (6/31). No post‐partum maternal deaths were reported. Neonatal outcomes: Since 2001, 21 neonatal outcomes were reported. One baby developed polyhydramnios, one had a congenital malformation and one post‐natal death was reported. In total 53.4% were born preterm; 65% had a birthweight <2.5 kg (low birthweight) and 35% <1.5 kg (very low birthweight). Low birthweight correlated with prematurity.

Conclusion

Seventy‐nine per cent of women achieving a pregnancy in our cohort achieved a LB, although 53.4% of babies were born preterm and 65% were of low birthweight (<2.5 kg).
Functional analysis of the novel mycorrhiza‐specific phosphate transporter AsPT1 and PHT1 family from Astragalus sinicus during the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis
Authors: Xie Xianan , Huang Wu , Liu Fengchuan , Tang Nianwu , Liu Yi , Lin Hui , Zhao Bin
Published: February 2013

Arbuscular mycorrhizas contribute significantly to inorganic phosphate (Pi) uptake in plants. Gene networks involved in the regulation and function of the Pht1 family transporters in legume species during AM symbiosis are not fully understood.

In order to characterize the six distinct members of Pht1 transporters in mycorrhizal Astragalus sinicus, we combined cellular localization, heterologous functional expression in yeast with expression/subcellular localization studies and reverse genetics approaches in planta. Pht1;1 and Pht1;4 silenced lines were generated to uncover the role of the newly discovered dependence of the AM symbiosis on another phosphate transporter AsPT1 besides AsPT4.

These Pht1 transporters are triggered in Pi‐starved mycorrhizal roots. AsPT1 and AsPT4 were localized in arbuscule‐containing cells of the cortex. The analysis of promoter sequences revealed conserved motifs in both AsPT1 and AsPT4. AsPT1 overexpression showed higher mycorrhization levels than controls for parameters analysed, including abundance of arbuscules. By contrast, knockdown of AsPT1 by RNA interference led to degenerating or dead arbuscule phenotypes identical to that of AsPT4 silencing lines. AsPT4 but not AsPT1 is required for symbiotic Pi uptake.

These results suggest that both, AsPT1 and AsPT4, are required for the AM symbiosis, most importantly, AsPT1 may serve as a novel symbiotic transporter for AM development.
Characterization of the sterol 14α‐demethylases of Fusarium graminearum identifies a novel genus‐specific CYP51 function
Authors: Fan Jieru , Urban Martin , Parker Josie E. , Brewer Helen C. , Kelly Steven L. , Hammond‐Kosack Kim E. , Fraaije Bart A. , Liu Xili , Cools Hans J.
Published: February 2013

CYP51 encodes the cytochrome P450 sterol 14α‐demethylase, an enzyme essential for sterol biosynthesis and the target of azole fungicides. In Fusarium species, including pathogens of humans and plants, three CYP51 paralogues have been identified with one unique to the genus. Currently, the functions of these three genes and the rationale for their conservation within the genus Fusarium are unknown.

Three Fusarium graminearum CYP51s (FgCYP51s) were heterologously expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Single and double FgCYP51 deletion mutants were generated and the functions of the FgCYP51s were characterized in vitro and in planta.

FgCYP51A and FgCYP51B can complement yeast CYP51 function, whereas FgCYP51C cannot. FgCYP51A deletion increases the sensitivity of F. graminearum to the tested azoles. In ΔFgCYP51B and ΔFgCYP51BC mutants, ascospore formation is blocked, and eburicol and two additional 14‐methylated sterols accumulate. FgCYP51C deletion reduces virulence on host wheat ears.

FgCYP51B encodes the enzyme primarily responsible for sterol 14α‐demethylation, and plays an essential role in ascospore formation. FgCYP51A encodes an additional sterol 14α‐demethylase, induced on ergosterol depletion and responsible for the intrinsic variation in azole sensitivity. FgCYP51C does not encode a sterol 14α‐demethylase, but is required for full virulence on host wheat ears. This is the first example of the functional diversification of a fungal CYP51.
Early evolution of Declinognathodus close to the Mid‐Carboniferous Boundary interval in the Barcaliente type section (Spain)
Authors: Sanz‐López Javier , Blanco‐Ferrera Silvia
Published: February 2013

Upper Serpukhovian to lower Bashkirian conodonts studied from the lower and middle part of the Barcaliente Formation type section (NW Spain) are not abundant, but the sedimentary record seems unusually well represented. The first occurrence of Declinognathodus bernesgae occurs more than 140 m below the first occurrence of D. inaequalis, the taxon of the D. noduliferus species group appearing in the bed of the Global Standard Stratotype‐section and Point (GSSP) for the Mid‐Carboniferous Boundary (Arrow Canyon, Nevada). P1 elements transitional between D. bernesgae and D. inaequalis are described and considered relevant to the global correlation of the Mid‐Carboniferous Boundary. In addition, D. praenoduliferus, D. cf. noduliferus, D. lateralis, Idiognathoides asiaticus, I. corrugatus and Neognathodus sp. are described and illustrated from the Barcaliente Formation. A phylogeny is proposed for the early species of these genera on the basis of the morphological changes of the P1 element, where the rostral parapet and area, the surface roughness and the length and depth of the adcarinal troughs are diagnostic characters at the specific level, while caudal ornamentation is a secondary taxonomic character.
An Unusual Mucocutaneous Syndrome with Sensorineural Deafness Due to Connexin 26 Mutations
Authors: Ibáñez María M. , Alcalde María M. , Jiménez María R. , Muñoz María D. , Díez‐Delgado Francisco J.
Published: February 2013

Mutations of the GJB2 gene, which encodes connexin 26, are related to a range of conditions associated with sensorineural deafness and keratinization disorders. We present the case of a newborn girl with sensorineural deafness, erythematous hyperkeratotic plaques on intertriginous areas, and parakeratosis on the oral and esophageal mucosa. She had an F142L mutation in exon 1 of the GJB2 gene, which was described previously in a patient with a similar phenotype.
Ten yr of pediatric heart transplantation: A report from the Pediatric Heart Transplant Study
Authors: Dipchand Anne I. , Kirk Richard , Mahle William T. , Tresler Margaret A. , Naftel David C. , Pahl Elfriede , Miyamoto Shelley D. , Blume Elizabeth , Guleserian Kristine J. , White‐Williams Connie , Kirklin James K.
Published: February 2013

The PHTS was founded in 1991 as a not‐for‐profit organization dedicated to the advancement of the science and treatment of children during listing for and following heart transplantation. Now, 21 yr later, the PHTS has contributed significantly to the field, most notably in the form of outcomes analyses and risk factor assessment, in addition to amassing the most detailed dataset on pediatric heart transplant recipients worldwide. The purpose of this report is to review the last decade of pediatric patients listed for heart transplantation (January 1, 2000–December 31, 2009) and summarize the changes, trends, outcomes, and lessons learned.
Reproductive behaviour and vibratory communication of the neotropical predatory stink bugPodisus nigrispinus
Authors: LAUMANN RAÚL A. , KAVČIČ ANDREJA , MORAES MARIA C. B. , BORGES MIGUEL , ČOKL ANDREJ
Published: February 2013

Vibratory communication during reproductive behaviour is less well described in predatory (Asopinae) than in phytophagous (Pentatominae) stink bugs. Different steps in the mating behaviour of the predatory stink bugPodisus nigrispinus(Dallas) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae; Asopinae) are described in the present study, together with vibratory signals emitted on artificial and natural substrate during courtship and copulation. Vibratory signals inPodisus nigrispinushave a decisive role in copulation success and are produced in both sexes by abdominal vibration and tremulation. InP. nigrispinus, one species‐specific female and two male songs, which do not show the calling function typically found in phytophagous stink bugs, are produced by abdominal vibration and are emitted during reproductive behaviour. Additionally,P. nigrispinusproduces tremulatory signals that have no species or sex specificity. Tremulatory signals emitted spontaneously on a plant as a sequence of readily repeated pulses are similar to the calling songs of the Pentatominae stink bug. These signals may carry information on the presence of a mate; however, in other behavioural contexts, they may have a different function, such as advertisement or even alarm signals. Plants transmit vibratory signals produced by both mechanisms as a low‐pass filter, increasing the amount of low‐frequency components. The results of the present study raise important questions about the interaction between chemical and vibratory signals in the mating behaviour of predatory stink bugs.
Adipokinetic hormone counteracts oxidative stress elicited in insects by hydrogen peroxide: in vivo and in vitro study
Authors: BEDNÁŘOVÁ ANDREA , KRISHNAN NATRAJ , CHENG I‐CHENG , VEČEŘA JOSEF , LEE HOW‐JING , KODRÍK DALIBOR
Published: February 2013

The role of adipokinetic hormone (AKH) in counteracting oxidative stress elicited in the insect body is studied in response to exogenously applied hydrogen peroxide, an important metabolite of oxidative processes. In vivo experiments reveal that the injection of hydrogen peroxide (8 µmol) into the haemocoel of the firebug, Pyrrhocoris apterus L. (Heteroptera: Pyrrhocoridae) increases the level of AKH by 2.8‐fold in the central nervous system (CNS) and by 3.8‐fold in the haemolymph. The injection of hydrogen peroxide also increases the mortality of experimental insects, whereas co‐injection of hydrogen peroxide with Pyrap‐AKH (40 pmol) reduces mortality to almost control levels. Importantly, an increase in haemolymph protein carbonyl levels (i.e. an oxidative stress biomarker) elicited by hydrogen peroxide is decreased by 3.6‐fold to control levels when hydrogen peroxide is co‐injected with Pyrap‐AKH. Similar results are obtained using in vitro experiments. Oxidative stress biomarkers such as malondialdehyde and protein carbonyls are significantly enhanced upon exposure of the isolated CNS to hydrogen peroxide in vitro, whereas co‐treatment of the CNS with hydrogen peroxide and Pyrap‐AKH reduces levels significantly. Moreover, a marked decrease in catalase activity compared with controls is recorded when the CNS is incubated with hydrogen peroxide. Incubation of the CNS with hydrogen peroxide and Pyrap‐AKH together curbs the negative effect on catalase activity. Taken together, the results of the present study provide strong support for the recently published data on the feedback regulation between oxidative stressors and AKH action, and implicate AKH in counteracting oxidative stress. The in vitro experiments should facilitate research on the mode of action of AKH in relation to oxidative stress, and could help clarify the key pathways involved in this process.
Examining the Use of Mass Transplantation of Brooding and Spawning Corals to Support Natural Coral Recruitment in Sulawesi/Indonesia
Authors: Ferse Sebastian C. A. , Nugues Maggy M. , Romatzki Sascha B. C. , Kunzmann Andreas
Published: February 2013

Coral transplantation is frequently advocated as a possible means of coral reef rehabilitation. One of the purported benefits of transplantation is a positive effect of transplants on coral recruitment by sexual reproduction of transplants (“seeding”) and/or settlement cues generated by the presence of live coral (“attraction”). However, evidence for this assertion is scarce. Here, we investigated the effect of coral transplantation on larval recruitment. A total of 6,164 fragments of four coral species (acroporids and pocilloporids) were transplanted at three sites in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Coral recruitment onto limestone settlement plates was examined every 3 months and on concrete structures at the end of the study (≥15 months) in the presence and absence of transplants. Transplant survival after 1 year ranged between 20 and 30% for pocilloporids and between 40 and 80% for acroporids. Transplantation had no consistent effect on the number of coral recruits on the settlement plates or on the concrete structures. Recruitment was relatively high compared to other locations in the region and fluctuated seasonally, with increased rates in all treatments during peaks of reproduction. We conclude that, in the presence of high background recruitment and detrimental environmental conditions, coral transplantation may not be an effective method to boost coral recruitment. The provision of stable substrate for settlement in the form of artificial reefs, combined with improved management to reduce chronic stressors, constitutes a better use of resources.
Comparison of Designed Channel Restoration and Riparian Buffer Restoration Effects on Riparian Soils
Authors: Laub Brian G. , McDonough Owen T. , Needelman Brian A. , Palmer Margaret A.
Published: February 2013

Stream restoration is often employed in efforts to stabilize eroding channel banks. Banks are stabilized through a designed channel approach, which involves grading and armoring of stream banks using heavy machinery, or alternatively through planting of seedlings and saplings to establish forested riparian buffers. We hypothesized that designed channel restoration would have detrimental impacts on riparian soils but that soils would recover over time, and we hypothesized that riparian buffer restoration would not impact riparian soils. We tested these hypotheses by comparing soil attributes (bulk density, soil organic matter, and root biomass) at reaches that had undergone designed channel and riparian buffer restoration in different years (project ages ranged from 2 to 16 years) to paired urban (unrestored) control reaches. Soil properties in sub‐surface soil layers (10–20 and 20–30 cm depth) at both recent (<10 years old) and older (>10 years old) designed channel reaches differed significantly from paired urban control soils; bulk density was higher and root biomass lower in manipulated reaches compared to urban control reaches. At many designed channel reaches, bulk density exceeded values known to restrict root growth. These results indicate that compaction and disturbance of riparian soils may be a significant unintended consequence of designed channel restoration and can persist for at least a decade. In contrast, we found no significant differences in soil properties between riparian buffer restoration reaches and urban control reaches. Thus, the results indicate that riparian buffer restoration is a more ecologically favorable method than designed channel restoration for bank stabilization.
Posttransfusion platelet increments after different platelet products in neonates: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Honohan Áine , van't Ende Ella , Hulzebos Christian , Lopriore Enrico , van't Verlaat Ellen , Govaert Paul , Brand Anneke , van der Bom Johanna
Published: February 2013

Background

In the Netherlands different platelet (PLT) products are used for neonatal transfusions: volume‐reduced PLTs, PLT additive solution (PAS) II PLTs, and plasma PLTs. These are standard products at three different neonatal intensive care units where local transfusion guidelines apply. Here we assess the posttransfusion count increments with these products.

Study Design and Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of neonates who received, in the first month after birth, between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2008, at least one PLT transfusion. Seventy‐four neonates who received 197 volume‐reduced PLTs transfusions, 68 neonates who received 105 PASII PLT transfusions, and eight neonates who received eight plasma PLT transfusions were analyzed. Early (within 8 hr after transfusion) and follow‐up count increments (16‐24 hr after transfusion) were evaluated for 191 and 81 volume‐reduced PLTs, 77 and 56 PASII PLTs, and six and five plasma PLT transfusions, respectively, using a random‐effects model.

Results

Volume‐reduced PLTs were transfused at twice the dose in one‐fifth the volume of PASII and plasma PLTs. The early posttransfusion count increment was higher for volume‐reduced PLTs at 111 × 109/L (95% confidence interval [CI], 86‐135) compared to PASII PLTs at 62 × 109/L (95% CI, 40‐84; p = 0.000) and plasma PLTs at 47 × 109/L (95% CI, 14‐79). The follow‐up count increment was also higher for volume‐reduced PLTs at 60 × 109/L (95% CI, 19‐100) compared to PASII PLTs at 38 × 109/L (95% CI, −0.2 to 77; p = 0.082) and plasma PLTs at 4 × 109/L (95% CI, −38 to 46).

Conclusion

Neonates who received twice the PLT dose by volume‐reduced PLTs had twice as high early and follow‐up count increment showing similar efficacy of products.
FAST LIGHT GENERATION USING GaAlAs/GaAs WAVEGUIDE
Authors: AFROOZEH A. , BAHADORAN M. , AMIRI I. S. , SAMAVATI A. R. , ALI J. , YUPAPIN P. P.
Published: February 2013

Generation of fast light pulses through a nonlinear microring system is an attractive research challenge for high speed optical and quantum computer, optical communication networks and secured communication. In this paper generation of fast light through GaAlAs/GaAs waveguides with fabricated Micro Ring Resonator is reported. Using multistage system, the attosecond pulse can be generated. Simulation results obtained have shown that the generation of a very narrow full-width at half maximum (FWHM) line width and sharp tip is achieved. We propose a new system of multistage micro ring resonators consist of four rings for optical communication system. Here, pulse width of 15 attosecond can be obtained, using proper parameters of the proposed system.
COMPARISON OF DENOISING METHODS FOR DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHIC IMAGE
Authors: KHAIRUDDIN NOR'AIDA , MOHD ISA NORRIZA , WAN HASSAN WAN MUHAMAD SARIDAN
Published: February 2013

We compared effects of denoising methods on digital mammographic images. The denoising methods studied were an adaptive Wiener filter and low–pass Gaussian filter. The denoising methods were applied as an image preprocessing techniques before enhancement. The performance of image denoising methods are based on Mean Squared Error (MSE) and Peak Signal To Ratio (PSNR) values.
PREPARATION OF MOLYBDENUM CARBIDE VIA MICROWAVE INDUCED ALLOYING
Authors: AMAT MUSTAJAB MOHD KHAIRUL ASYRAF , YACOB ABD. RAHIM
Published: February 2013

The concept of “Green Chemistry” was first introduced in 1990. One of the criteria accepted was to perform an energy efficient processes and reactions. Microwave technique was found to be promising method to promote and support “Green Chemistry” since it offers low energy usage and faster reaction time. Based on this idea, this study focused on the preparation of molybdenum carbide using microwave specially modified for this purpose. Commonly, process requires high temperature and pressure conditions thus might lead to inefficient and required high amount of energy. In this study, commercially obtained activated carbon was impregnated with molybdenum solution followed by Microwave Induced Alloying (MIA) method with 2 minutes irradiation time in inert condition of nitrogen atmosphere. Ratios of carbon to molybdenum loading were varied respectively according to their stoichiometric molar ratio. The products obtained were characterized using XRD analysis. As a result, molybdenum carbide was successfully prepared using this method.
ANALYSIS OF C4 EXPLOSIVE RESIDUES ON POST BLAST HAIR SAMPLES
Authors: AHMAD UMI KALTHOM , ABU BAKAR NOOR HIDAYAT , SHAIKH ABDULLAH SHAIKH ABDUL ADZIZ
Published: February 2013

The occurrence of crimes involving high explosives in Malaysia in recent years has warrant the need for the analysis of high explosives in post blast samples, particularly residues that could be found on hairs of victims. This study reports on the detection of post blast residues of C4 explosives on human head hairs. Prior to a simulated explosion, a bundle of hair (200 strands) was tightly bound to a metal hook at each point of several pre–determined distances from the bomb seat. Hair samples containing post blast residues were extracted by ultrasonication using acetonitrile. Two analytes of interest, cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) and pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) were successfully separated using gas chromatography with electron capture detector (GC–ECD) on an HP5–MS capillary column. It was found that the amount of explosive residues decreased with increasing distance from the point of blast. At the nearest specified distance of 2.5m, the amount of PETN residues deposited on hair was much less compared to that of RDX residues.
FORENSIC DATABASE SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT FOR BUILDING PAINTS
Authors: AHMAD UMI KALTHOM , JUN WEI WONG , IBRAHIM ROLIANA
Published: February 2013

Paint flakes are often found at crime scenes as trace physical evidence that offer significance importance for forensic investigations. Matching of unknown paint flakes with known case samples may provide clues in solving crime cases. However, manual paint sample matching of case and control samples is often slow and inefficient. A paint database system for fast data retrieval is much sought after by forensic scientists. In this study, sixty building paints were examined in terms of their color appearance, solubility and Fourier–transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. Ten diagnostic functional groups were selected in IR analysis in order to discriminate between the paints analyzed. The developed database incorporated data of the paint, paint color, solubility testing and IR diagnostic peaks. These attributes were utilized for data searching, retrieval and matching with the unknown paint samples analyzed. An interactive user interface was designed based on the type of data stored in the database. The system flow follows the sequence of paint color matching, then solubility result comparison, and finally IR diagnostic group matching. The developed paint database system supports easy matching of unknown building paint fragments with that stored in the database.
ToF-SIMS depth profiling of organic solar cell layers using an Ar cluster ion source
Authors: Smentkowski Vincent S. , Zorn Gilad , Misner Amanda , Parthasarathy Gautam , Couture Aaron , Tallarek Elke , Hagenhoff Birgit
Published: February 2013

Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS) is a very powerful technique for analyzing the outermost layers of organic and biological materials. The ion fluence in static SIMS is usually kept low enough to prevent decomposition of the organic/molecular species and as a result ToF-SIMS is able to detect and image high mass molecular species, such as polymer additives. Depth profiling, in contrast, uses a high ion fluence in order to remove material between each analysis cycle. Unfortunately, the high ion fluence results in not only erosion but also decomposition of the organic species. Recently, high mass Ar cluster ion sources have become available and are enabling depth profiling through organic layers. In this paper, the authors demonstrate that they can obtain and maintain molecular information throughout an organic solar cell test layer when erosion is performed using an Ar1500+ cluster ion source for material removal. Contrary they show that they cannot maintain molecular information when low energy monoatomic ion beams are used for material removal.
LIFE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGIES: Advancing Science in India
Authors: Sandhu Adarsh
Published: February 2013

Science in India is on the move in a big way. The government has initiated multibillion dollar investments to kick start research, education, and innovation over the next five years. Though several challenging issues remain for the country, India's best and brightest expats living in the United States and Europe are being enticed back to 'Mother India' with the promise of world-class research infrastructure and solid funding.
Longevity Through Cold Transcription
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: February 2013

At cold temperatures, the cation channel TRPA1 extends life span in worms.
Delivering STAT3 into Mitochondria
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: February 2013

A component of the electron transport chain complex I escorts STAT3 into mitochondria.
BJSM social media contributes to health policy rethink: a physical activity success story in Hertfordshire
Authors: Weiler Richard , Neyndorff Christine
Published: February 2013

Strategies to modernise the National Health Service (NHS) in England have brought about the development of local organisations called Health and Wellbeing (H&WB) boards through the Health and Social Care Act 2012. These boards were intended to become a forum where key leaders and stakeholders from health and care systems work together to improve the health and well-being of their local population and reduce health inequalities. Throughout England these boards have been drafting their strategies, largely ignoring the importance of physical activity in health and well-being. In the county of Hertfordshire, the initial draft priorities were released in 2012 and physical activity promotion was not included. Using aBJSMblog,BJSMonline poll, Twitter and email, an attempt was made to generate as much interest and formal feedback as possible to the draft strategy, in order to ensure the inclusion of physical activity as a priority in the revised strategy.
Femoral nerve blocks in fractures of femur: variation in the current UK practice and a review of the literature
Authors: Mittal Rajnish , Vermani Era
Published: February 2013

Fractures of the femur are common orthopaedic emergencies presenting to emergency departments (ED). Femoral nerve block (FNB) is a fast, safe and effective means of providing pain relief to these patients. With the aim to analysing the variation in current practice of giving FNB in patients with fractured femur in the UK, we carried out a telephonic national survey. Out of 252 EDs contacted, 230 departments participated in the survey (91% response rate). The survey showed that 74% EDs in the UK had access to ultrasound, but only 10% EDs gave FNB regularly under ultrasound guidance. In total, 46% of EDs gave FNB by blind technique. Therefore, ultrasound-guided FNB is an underutilised method of providing pain relief for fractured femur patients. The main reasons for not using ultrasound for FNB were: lack of training, participants’ confidence in giving an effective and safe FNB block blindly and time constraints. The literature review suggests that ultrasound-guided FNB has a faster onset of action, is more effective and safer than the FNB given with nerve stimulator (NS) or blindly, and probably needs lower local anaesthetic dose. The use of NS for FNB in ED might not be practical because of the likelihood of the pain resulting from the movement of the affected limb due to the contraction of the muscles caused by nerve stimulation and because of additional training needed in using NS. The studies comparing FNB given using ultrasound or NS, or given blindly, have been done in the perioperative settings. To date, there has been no randomised controlled trial in ED setting comparing FNB given blindly or under ultrasound guidance. Such a study might have provided a good evidence for modifying the current practice of blind FNB.
Intramuscular corpora amylacea adjacent to ileal low-grade neuroendocrine tumours (typical carcinoids): a light microscopic, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study
Authors: Hechtman Jaclyn Frances , Gordon Ronald E , Harpaz Noam
Published: February 2013

Aims

The purposes of this study are to (1) document the prevalence of intracytoplasmic inclusions adjacent to ileal well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumours (WNETs), (2) examine whether and how tumour and patient characteristics are associated with inclusions and (3) investigate their properties on special stains and electron microscopy in comparison with corpora amylacea (CA).

Methods

We examined the resection slides from 26 ileal, 5 gastric and 5 rectal cases of WNET. Inclusions were readily identified with H&E staining. Histochemical, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural evaluations were performed on the block with the highest number of inclusions.

Results

Intracytoplasmic inclusions occurred adjacent (<1 mm) to 15 of 26 (57.7%) ileal WNETs. Patients with and without inclusions were of similar mean ages (59.5 vs 57.4 years; p=0.88), but NETs with inclusions were larger than those without inclusions (3.3 vs 1.7 cm, p=0.03). Inclusions were neither associated with gastric (mean age=65 years, mean diameter=1.5 cm) or rectal WNETs (mean age=47.8 years, mean diameter=0.5 cm) (p=0.01), nor were they present >1 mm from ileal NETs. CA stained strongly for ubiquitin, DPAS and Alcian blue; faintly and peripherally for desmin and smooth muscle actin and negatively for calcium. Ultrastructurally, their appearance was consistent with filaments, some with cores of particle matter.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that these inclusions are virtually identical to CA and present adjacent to the majority of ileal WNET. They may be the result of a degenerative process, possibly due to chronic myocyte stress from an infiltrating slow growing tumour mass or local hormonal effects.
Do Canadians meet Canada's Food Guide's recommendations for fruits and vegetables?
Authors: Black Jennifer L. , Billette Jean-Michel
Published: February 2013

National dietary guidelines pertaining to the intake of fruits and vegetables (FV) were recently amended, in both Canada and the United States, to provide specific recommendations about dark green and orange vegetables and juice consumption. However, little is known about the extent to which Canadians meet the updated recommendations for FV. This study fills current gaps by applying the National Cancer Institute's methodology for assessing the distribution of usual intake of foods to examine reported FV intake using 24-h recalls from the 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey, cycle 2.2, a nationally representative health survey. After identifying plausible respondents, usual intake distributions were estimated after adjustment for respondents' age, sex, body mass index, frequency of FV consumption, sequence effect, weekend–weekday effect, income, and ethnicity. The majority of Canadians did not meet Health Canada's 2007 recommendations for FV intake. Only 26% of the population aged 2 years and older consumed the minimum number of daily servings recommended for their respective age–sex group. Approximately 1 in 5 Canadians consumed at least 1 daily serving of dark green vegetables, and 9% consumed 1 or more daily servings of orange vegetables or their substitutes. Juice was a substantial contributor to FV intake, particularly for children and teens who, on average, consumed 32%–41% of their daily FV servings as juice. These findings provide insight into the quantity and composition of FV intake and adherence to national dietary recommendations in Canada.
How do the organic and mineral fractions drive the opacity of fish otoliths? Insights using Raman microspectrometry
Authors: Jolivet Aurélie , Bardeau Jean-François , Fablet Ronan , Paulet Yves-Marie , de Pontual Hélène
Published: February 2013

We investigated the relationships between the opacity and the physico-chemical characteristics of fish otoliths and more specifically their aragonite and organic fractions. The analysis of these two fractions on otolith macrostructures was performed using Raman microspectrometry on both translucent and opaque zones of otoliths of pollock (Pollachius virens) and European hake (Merluccius merluccius). The magnitude of the Raman signatures of the aragonite and organic fractions were strongly correlated to otolith opacity with maxima in translucent zones. Opacity models, built from Raman signatures, successfully predicted the observed opacity for both species. A partial decorrelation of different aragonite signatures between translucent and opaque zones was revealed and discussed in terms of organisation (size, orientation) of aragonite crystals. Two categories of organic signatures with opposite effects on the opacity were identified, suggesting differences in organic compounds and (or) variations in their relative quantities. These original contributions provided new insight for understanding otolith biomineralization mechanisms as well as for interpreting and discriminating otolith macrostructures.
On the risk of systematic drift under incoherent hierarchical forest management planning
Authors: Paradis Gregory , LeBel Luc , D'Amours Sophie , Bouchard Mathieu
Published: February 2013

In theory, linkages between hierarchical forest management planning levels ensure coherent disaggregation of long-term wood supply allocation as input for short-term demand-driven harvest planning. In practice, these linkages may be ineffective, and solutions produced may be incoherent in terms of volume and value-creation potential of harvested timber. Systematic incoherence between planned and implemented forest management activities may induce drift of forest system state (i.e., divergence of planned and actual system state trajectories), thus compromising credibility and performance of the forest management planning process. We describe hierarchical forest management from a game-theoretic perspective and present an iterative two-phase model simulating interaction between long- and short-term planning processes. Using an illustrative case study, we confirm the existence of a systematic drift effect, which we attribute to ineffective linkages between long- and short-term planning. In several simulated scenarios, the planning process fails to ensure long-term wood supply sustainability, fails to reliably meet industrial fiber demand over time, and exacerbates incoherence between wood supply and fiber demand over several planning iterations. We show that manipulating linkages between long- and short-term planning processes can reduce incoherence and describe future work on game-theoretic planning process model formulations that may improve hierarchical planning process performance.
AN EFFECTIVE-SUBSTRATE METHOD TO INVESTIGATE AN IRON NATIVE OXIDE LAYER ON AN IRON SUBSTRATE BY SPECTROSCOPIC ELLIPSOMETRY
Authors: GAO SHANG , LIAN JIE , SUN ZHAOZONG , WANG XIAO , LI PING , LI QINGHAO
Published: February 2013

An effective-substrate method was presented to obtain the optical constants of an iron native oxide layer with unknown optical constants and film thickness on an iron substrate with unknown optical constants by using spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE). "Thick" iron films were deposited on silicon wafer by magnetron sputtering and were exposed to air at room temperature. They were measured by spectroscopic ellipsometry during this procedure at different time points from ten minutes to seven months. Pseudo optical constants were calculated from the initially measured data and were introduced into the modeling work of subsequent measurements as an effective substrate in order to obtain the optical constants and film thickness of the native oxide layer. After obtaining the optical constants of the subsequent native oxide layer, they were employed in the modeling work of the initially measured data and the optical constants of the iron substrate and the film thickness of the initial native oxide layer was obtained.
PROPAGATION OF LASER BEAMS IN AN ARRAY OF SEMICONDUCTOR CARBON NANOTUBES
Authors: ZHUKOV ALEXANDER V. , BOUFFANAIS ROLAND , BELONENKO MIKHAIL B. , FEDOROV E. G.
Published: February 2013

In this paper, we consider propagation of a monochromatic laser beam in an array of semiconductor carbon nanotubes. Initial distribution of the beam intensity is taken in the form of a Gaussian profile in the plane perpendicular to the wave vector. The electromagnetic field in an array of nanotubes is described by Maxwell equations, reduced to a multidimensional wave equation. With an approximation of the slowly varying amplitudes and phases, we derive the effective equation describing the time-averaged field intensity distribution of the laser beam in a medium. Numerical solution of the derived equations allows us to analyze the dependence of the diffractive spreading of the beam on its frequency and initial amplitude. Furthermore, the influence of the nanotube radius on the diffractive spreading of the laser beam is investigated.
MOTT TRANSITION IN THE HALF-FILLED HUBBARD MODEL ON THE HONEYCOMB LATTICE WITHIN COHERENT POTENTIAL APPROXIMATION
Authors: LE DUC ANH
Published: February 2013

Using the coherent potential approximation, we study zero-temperature Mott transition in the half-filled Hubbard model on the honeycomb lattice. Although a pseudogap is already present for the non-interacting case, the gap will not occur until the onsite Coulomb repulsion exceeds a critical value U ≈ 3.6t, where t is the hopping integral. When increasing U/t, the density of states at the Fermi energy first goes up gradually from zero and after reaching a maximum it goes down to zero again. Our calculated critical interaction UC/t is in very good agreement with the ones obtained by quantum Monte Carlo simulation and cluster dynamical mean-field theory.
SCALE INVARIANT FEATURE MATCHING USING ROTATION-INVARIANT DISTANCE FOR REMOTE SENSING IMAGE REGISTRATION
Authors: LI QIAOLIANG , ZHANG HUISHENG , WANG TIANFU
Published: February 2013

Scale invariant feature transform (SIFT) has been widely used in image matching. But when SIFT is introduced in the registration of remote sensing images, the keypoint pairs which are expected to be matched are often assigned two different value of main orientation owing to the significant difference in the image intensity between remote sensing image pairs, and therefore a lot of incorrect matches of keypoints will appear. This paper presents a method using rotation-invariant distance instead of Euclid distance to match the scale invariant feature vectors associated with the keypoints. In the proposed method, the feature vectors are reorganized into feature matrices, and fast Fourier transform (FFT) is introduced to compute the rotation-invariant distance between the matrices. Much more correct matches are obtained by the proposed method since the rotation-invariant distance is independent of the main orientation of the keypoints. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method improves the match performance compared to other state-of-art methods in terms of correct match rate and aligning accuracy.
THE PARITY HIERARCHY AND NEW INVARIANTS OF KNOTS IN THICKENED SURFACES
Authors: ZENKINA M. V.
Published: February 2013

In this paper, we construct an invariant for virtual knots in the thickened sphere Sg with g handles; this invariant is a Laurent polynomial in 2g + 3 variables. To this end, we use a modification of the Wirtinger presentation of the knot group and the concept of parity introduced by Manturov. By using this invariant, one can prove that the knots shown in Fig. 1 are not equivalent [S. A. Grishanov, V. R. Meshkov and V. A. Vassiliev, Recognizing textile structures by finite type knot invariants, J. Knot Theory Ramifications18(2) (2009) 209–235]. Section 4 of the paper is devoted to an enhancement of the invariant (construction of the invariant module) by using the parity hierarchy concept suggested by Manturov. Namely, we discriminate between odd crossings and two types of even crossings; the latter two types depend on whether an even crossing remains even/odd after all odd crossings of the diagram are removed. The construction of the invariant also works for virtual knots.