bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upconverting nanoparticles for pre‐clinical diffuse optical imaging, microscopy and sensing: Current trends and future challenges
Authors: Xu Can T. , Zhan Qiuqiang , Liu Haichun , Somesfalean Gabriel , Qian Jun , He Sailing , Andersson‐Engels Stefan
Published: January 2013

Upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) are a class of recently developed luminescent biomarkers that – in several aspects – are superior to organic dyes and quantum dots. UCNPs can emit spectrally narrow anti‐Stokes shifted light with quantum yields which greatly exceed those of two‐photon dyes for fluence rates relevant for deep tissue imaging. Compared with conventionally used Stokes‐shifting fluorophores, UCNP‐based imaging systems can acquire completely autofluorescence‐free data with superb contrast. For diffuse optical imaging, the multi‐photon process involved in the upconversion process can be used to obtain images with unprecedented resolution. These unique properties make UCNPs extremely attractive in the field of biophotonics. UCNPs have already been applied in microscopy, small‐animal imaging, multi‐modal imaging, highly sensitive bioassays, temperature sensing and photodynamic therapy. In this review, the current state‐of‐the‐art UCNPs and their applications for diffuse imaging, microscopy and sensing targeted towards solving essential biological issues are discussed.
Silver nanowires for photonics applications
Authors: Xiong Xiao , Zou Chang‐Ling , Ren Xi‐Feng , Liu Ai‐Ping , Ye Yan‐Xia , Sun Fang‐Wen , Guo Guang‐Can
Published: January 2013

Although silver nanowires as plasmonic components have been investigated extensively in both theoretical and experimental studies, a systematic study is still lacking. In this work, a review is given to explain some basic features of experimentally prepared nanowires and their optical properties in different situations, such as waveguides, resonators, and antennas. The review also lists several possible applications of nanowires for enhanced light‐emitting, photonic device fabrication, sensors, lasers, and nonlinear optics. Combined with the merits of both nanowires and surface plasmon polaritons, silver nanowires are certain to show their potential in photonics in the near future.
Quantitative near infrared spectroscopic analysis of Q‐Switched Nd:YAG treatment of generalized argyria
Authors: Saager Rolf B. , Hassan Khaled M. , Kondru Clement , Durkin Anthony J. , Kelly Kristen M.
Published: January 2013

Background and Objective

Generalized argyria is a blue‐gray hyperpigmentation of the skin resulting from ingestion or application of silver compounds, such as silver colloid. Case reports have noted improvement after Q‐Switched Neodymium–Yttrium Aluminum Garnet laser (1,064 nm QS Nd:YAG) laser treatment to small surface areas. No reports have objectively monitored laser treatment of generalized argyria over large areas of skin, nor have long‐term outcomes been evaluated.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

An incremental treatment plan was developed for a subject suffering from argyria. A quantitative near infrared spectroscopic measurement technique was employed to non‐invasively analyze tissue‐pigment characteristics pre‐ and post‐laser treatment. Post‐treatment measurements were collected at weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4, and again at 1 year.

Results

Immediate apparent removal of pigment was observed with 1 Q‐switched 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser treatment (3–6 mm spot; 0.8–2 J/cm2) per area. Entire face, neck, upper chest, and arms were treated over multiple sessions. Treatments were very painful and general anesthesia was utilized in order to treat large areas. Near‐infrared spectroscopy was used to characterize and quantify the concentration of silver particles in the dermis based on the absorption features of the silver particles as well as the optical scattering effects they impart. We were able to estimate that there was, on average, 0.042 mg/ml concentration of silver prior to treatment and that these levels went below the minimum detectable limit of the instrument post‐treatment. There was no recurrence of discoloration over the 1‐year study period.

Conclusion

QS 1,064 nm laser treatment of argyria is a viable method to restore normal skin pigmentation with no evidence of recurrence over study period. Quantitative spectroscopic measurements: (1) confirmed dyspigmentation was due to silver, (2) validated our clinical assessment of no recurrence up to 1‐year post‐treatment, and (3) indicated no collateral tissue damage with treatments. Lasers Surg. Med. 45: 15–21, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Read‐Across Prediction of the Acute Toxicity of Organic Compounds toward the Water Flea Daphnia magna
Authors: Kühne Ralph , Ebert Ralf‐Uwe , von der Ohe Peter C. , Ulrich Nadin , Brack Werner , Schüürmann Gerrit
Published: January 2013

According to the European REACH Directive, the acute daphnid toxicity needs to be assessed for industrial chemicals with market volumes ≥1 t/a. Employing a data set of 1365 organic compounds with experimental 48‐h LC50 data for Daphnia magna, a read‐across approach has been developed that makes use of the atom‐centered fragment (ACF) method as quantitative measure for structural similarity. Both quantitative log LC50 predictions and a discrimination between narcosis‐level and excess toxicity can be obtained, augmented by similarity‐triggered information that characterizes a compound as inside or outside the quantitative or qualitative model domain. Reading across proceeds as interpolation of the toxicity enhancement (Te) over predicted narcosis‐level toxicity, taking experimental log Te values from similarity‐selected reference compounds as input. The resultant decision tree model yields r2=0.85 and rms=0.66 for the subset of 757 compounds (56 %) identified as inside the quantitative model domain, and can handle further 318 compounds (23 %) with the categorical submodel, with 290 compounds (21 %) being outside its domain. The new in silico approach appears useful as ITS (Integrated Testing Strategy) tool for the daphnid toxicity assessment. The discussion includes a comparison of Kow‐ and LSER‐predicted narcosis‐level toxicity in the read‐across context.
Growth failure in children with chronic myeloid leukemia receiving imatinib is due to disruption of GH/IGF‐1 axis
Authors: Narayanan Karthik R. , Bansal Deepak , Walia Rama , Sachdeva Naresh , Bhansali Anil , Varma Neelam , Marwaha R.K.
Published: January 2013

Background

The frontline treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy. There is increasing evidence that imatinib results in growth failure in children; etiology is unclear.

Procedure

The cross‐sectional study was conducted from January 2011 to June 2012 in a pediatric oncology unit. Patients with chronic‐phase CML, receiving imatinib for more than 6 months were enrolled. Growth hormone (GH): Insulin like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) axis was evaluated by GH stimulation test by insulin tolerance and clonidine stimulation test, among other hormonal assays.

Results

Eighteen patients with a median age of 12.9 years (range 6.5–17) completed the study. The mean duration of imatinib therapy was 43.7 ± 32.8 months. The height‐for‐age z‐scores at the start of imatinib and at enrollment were −1.07 ± 0.88 and −1.8 ± 0.98, respectively (P < 0.001). Seven (39%) patients were GH deficient and lacked a sufficient response to either of the two stimulation tests. Majority, 16 (89%) patients had IGF‐1 z‐scores less than the mean. IGFBP‐3 levels were below the mean in all patients. Every patient had deficiency of either GH, or IGF‐1, or both. Bone age was delayed in 7 (39%).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that imatinib results in growth failure in children with CML by disturbing the GH:IGF‐1 axis. GH stimulation test and serum IGF‐1 levels should be performed in children on treatment with imatinib who have growth retardation. Future studies should evaluate the role of recombinant GH therapy for ameliorating the adverse effect on growth. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 1148–1153. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In‐tube Extraction and GC–MS Analysis of Volatile Components from Wild and Cultivated sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L. ssp. Carpatica) Berry Varieties and Juice
Authors: Socaci Sonia A. , Socaciu Carmen , Tofană Maria , Raţi Ioan V. , Pintea Adela
Published: January 2013

Introduction

The health benefits of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) are well documented due to its rich content in bioactive phytochemicals (pigments, phenolics and vitamins) as well as volatiles responsible for specific flavours and bacteriostatic action. The volatile compounds are good biomarkers of berry freshness, quality and authenticity.

Objective

To develop a fast and efficient GC–MS method including a minimal sample preparation technique (in‐tube extraction, ITEX) for the discrimination of sea buckthorn varieties based on their chromatographic volatile fingerprint.

Material and methods

Twelve sea buckthorn varieties (wild and cultivated) were collected from forestry departments and experimental fields, respectively. The extraction of volatile compounds was performed using the ITEX technique whereas separation and identification was performed using a GC–MS QP‐2010. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to discriminate the differences among sample composition.

Results

Using GC–MS analysis, from the headspace of sea buckthorn samples, 46 volatile compounds were separated with 43 being identified. The most abundant derivatives were ethyl esters of 2‐methylbutanoic acid, 3‐methylbutanoic acid, hexanoic acid, octanoic acid and butanoic acid, as well as 3‐methylbutyl 3‐methylbutanoate, 3‐methylbutyl 2‐methylbutanoate and benzoic acid ethyl ester (over 80% of all volatile compounds). Principal component analysis showed that the first two components explain 79% of data variance, demonstrating a good discrimination between samples.

Conclusion

A reliable, fast and eco‐friendly ITEX/GC–MS method was applied to fingerprint the volatile profile and to discriminate between wild and cultivated sea buckthorn berries originating from the Carpathians, with relevance to food science and technology. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aberrant right subclavian artery in Down syndrome fetuses
Authors: Fehmi Yazıcıoğlu H. , Sevket Osman , Akın Hale , Aygün Mehmet , Özyurt Osman Nuri , Karahasanoğlu Ayse
Published: January 2013

Objectives

The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) in trisomic and normal fetuses during the routine detailed ultrasonography in the second trimester and to evaluate the potential value of ARSA as an ultrasonographic marker for trisomy 21.

Methods

The presence of normal brachicephalic trunk/or ARSA was confirmed in all pregnant women undergoing second trimester detailed fetal anomaly screening beyond 16th week of pregnancy. Amniocentesis following genetic councelling was recommended to all women having either any positive ultrasonographic marker including ARSA or a positive biochemical screening test (triple test) result.

Results

During the 17‐month period, 2081 patients were screened, and 23 patients with ARSA (1,1%) and 20 patients with trisomy 21 were detected. Of those 20 patients with trisomy 21, ARSA was detected in seven (%35). On the other hand, 30.4% of the fetuses with ARSA had also trisomy 21. The positive and negative likelihood ratios of ARSA for trisomy 21 were 45.08 and 0.65, respectively.

Conclusions

In our study, the ARSA in combination with other ultrasound signs increased the risk for trisomy 21 by factor of 45, but the independent ability of ARSA as an isolated marker to predict fetal Trisomy 21 is unclear. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plasma Polymer Membranes for Immobilising Metalloporphyrins
Authors: Boscher Nicolas D. , Duday David , Heier Philip , Heinze Katja , Hilt Florian , Choquet Patrick
Published: January 2013

Atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge formation of organosilicon thin films loaded with zinc 5,10,15,20‐tetraphenylporphyrin (Zn(TPP)) was investigated for different deposition conditions. UV–visible spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed the effects of the metalloporpyhrins injection parameters and the plasma polymerisation conditions can affect the dispersion of the metalloporphyrins and the morphology of the coatings. The stability of the embedded Zn(TPP) molecules was investigated by orbitrap mass spectrometry.

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Solution structure of the recombinant target recognition domain of zoocin A
Authors: Chen Yinghua , Simmonds Robin S. , Young John K. , Timkovich Russell
Published: January 2013

The protein rTRD is the recombinant form of the target recognition domain of zoocin A, a lytic exoenzyme produced by Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus 4881. It has no known sequence homologs. However, the catalytic domain of zoocin A is homologous to lysostaphin which is another exoenzyme active against a different spectrum of bacteria, including the pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. An ensemble of models for the solution structure of rTRD has been generated by NMR techniques. The minimum energy model from the ensemble was subjected to three‐dimensional homology search engines, but no homologs were found, suggesting rTRD may represent a new protein folding family. There is some similarity in the folding of rTRD to the immunoglobin fold of the antigen binding region of mammalian antibodies which could suggest an ancient evolutionary relation. © Proteins 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Solution structures of Mycobacterium tuberculosis thioredoxin C and models of intact thioredoxin system suggest new approaches to inhibitor and drug design
Authors: Olson Andrew L. , Neumann Terrence S. , Cai Sheng , Sem Daniel S.
Published: January 2013

Here, we report the NMR solution structures of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) thioredoxin C in both oxidized and reduced states, with discussion of structural changes that occur in going between redox states. The NMR solution structure of the oxidized TrxC corresponds closely to that of the crystal structure, except in the C‐terminal region. It appears that crystal packing effects have caused an artifactual shift in the α4 helix in the previously reported crystal structure, compared with the solution structure. On the basis of these TrxC structures, chemical shift mapping, a previously reported crystal structure of the M. tuberculosis thioredoxin reductase (not bound to a Trx) and structures for intermediates in the E. coli thioredoxin catalytic cycle, we have modeled the complete M. tuberculosis thioredoxin system for the various steps in the catalytic cycle. These structures and models reveal pockets at the TrxR/TrxC interface in various steps in the catalytic cycle, which can be targeted in the design of uncompetitive inhibitors as potential anti‐mycobacterial agents, or as chemical genetic probes of function. © Proteins 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evidence of π‐stacking interactions in the self‐assembly of hIAPP22‐29
Authors: Profit Adam A. , Felsen Valentina , Chinwong Justina , Mojica Elmer‐Rico E. , Desamero Ruel Z. B.
Published: January 2013

The role aromatic amino acids play in the formation of amyloid is a subject of controversy. In an effort to clarify the contribution of aromaticity to the self‐assembly of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP)22‐29, peptide analogs containing electron donating groups (EDGs) or electron withdrawing groups (EWGs) as substituents on the aromatic ring of Phe‐23 at the para position have been synthesized and characterized using turbidity measurements in conjunction with Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy. Results indicate the incorporation of EDGs on the aromatic ring of Phe‐23 virtually abolish the ability of hIAPP22‐29 to form amyloid. Peptides containing EWGs were still capable of forming aggregates. These aggregates were found to be rich in β‐sheet secondary structure. Transmission electron microscopy images of the aggregates confirm the presence of amyloid fibrils. The observed difference in amyloidogenic propensity between peptides containing EDGs and those with EWGs appears not to be based on differences in peptide hydrophobicity. Fluorescence and Raman spectroscopic investigations reveal that the environment surrounding the aromatic ring becomes more hydrophobic and ordered upon aggregation. Furthermore, Raman measurements of peptide analogs containing EWGs, conclusively demonstrate a distinct downshift in the CC ring mode (ca. 1600 cm−1) upon aggregation that has previously been shown to be indicative of π‐stacking. While previous work has demonstrated that π‐stacking is not an absolute requirement for fibrillization, our findings indicate that Phe‐23 also contributes to fibril formation through π‐stacking interactions and that it is not only the hydrophobic nature of this residue that is relevant in the self‐assembly of hIAPP22‐29. © Proteins 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Predicting permanent and transient protein–protein interfaces
Authors: La David , Kong Misun , Hoffman William , Choi Youn Im , Kihara Daisuke
Published: January 2013

Protein–protein interactions (PPIs) are involved in diverse functions in a cell. To optimize functional roles of interactions, proteins interact with a spectrum of binding affinities. Interactions are conventionally classified into permanent and transient, where the former denotes tight binding between proteins that result in strong complexes, whereas the latter compose of relatively weak interactions that can dissociate after binding to regulate functional activity at specific time point. Knowing the type of interactions has significant implications for understanding the nature and function of PPIs. In this study, we constructed amino acid substitution models that capture mutation patterns at permanent and transient type of protein interfaces, which were found to be different with statistical significance. Using the substitution models, we developed a novel computational method that predicts permanent and transient protein binding interfaces (PBIs) in protein surfaces. Without knowledge of the interacting partner, the method uses a single query protein structure and a multiple sequence alignment of the sequence family. Using a large dataset of permanent and transient proteins, we show that our method, BindML+, performs very well in protein interface classification. A very high area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.957 was observed when predicted protein binding sites were classified. Remarkably, near prefect accuracy was achieved with an AUC of 0.991 when actual binding sites were classified. The developed method will be also useful for protein design of permanent and transient PBIs. © Proteins 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thermally assisted recovery of low energy electron beam irradiation induced optical degradation of GaN
Authors: Nykänen Henri , Suihkonen Sami , Sopanen Markku , Tuomisto Filip
Published: January 2013

In this paper, we present our studies on thermally assisted recovery of low energy electron beam induced optical degradation of gallium nitride. A clear reduction in MOVPE grown GaN band‐to‐band photoluminescence intensity induced by low energy electron beam irradiation has been found before. Partial recovery of the band‐to‐band emission was observed after annealing in both H2 and N2 ambient, at 500 °C for 35 sec‐52 h. The photoluminescence intensity was reduced to approximately 15% by the low energy electron beam irradiation and recovered to maximum of 40% of the non‐irradiated level. The recovery saturated after approximately 1 minute of annealing. Since hydrogen passivated Ga‐vacancies have been shown to be activated by the electron beam treatment, a plausible recovery mechanism is suggested to involve re‐passivation of these vacancies due to internal hydrogen diffusion in the sample (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Time‐resolved luminescence studies on AlN and high AlN mole fraction AlGaN alloys
Authors: Chichibu Shigefusa F. , Onuma Takeyoshi , Hazu Kouji , Uedono Akira
Published: January 2013

Impacts of point defects and impurities on the recombination dynamics for the near‐band‐edge (NBE) emission in AlN and high AlN mole fraction AlxGa1‐xN epilayers are revealed by means of deep ultraviolet (DUV) time‐resolved luminescence and positron annihilation measurements. Extremely radiative nature of AlN is identified, as the radiative lifetime (τR) for a free excitonic polariton emission is as short as 10 ps at 7 K and 180 ps at 300 K, which are the shortest ever reported for spontaneous emission of bulk semiconductors. However, τR increases with the increase in impurity and Al‐vacancy (VAl) concentrations up to 530 ps at 7 K, irrespective of the threading dislocation (TD) density. Continuous decrease in τR with temperature rise up to 200 K for heavily‐doped samples may reflect the carrier release from band‐tail states. Similar to these AlN, low‐temperature τR for low‐temperature‐grown high‐x AlxGa1‐xN are longer than that for low‐x AlxGa1‐xN, AlN, or GaN due to the contribution of bound and localized tail‐states. However, τR shows little change with temperature rise, and is still a few ns at 300 K. The results essentially indicate an excellent radiative performance, although the luminescence efficiency of AlN and AlxGa1‐xN DUV light‐emitting‐diodes (LEDs) reported so far is limited by short nonradiative lifetimes (τNR). To increase τNR, high temperature growth with appropriate defect management is preferable (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Self‐organization of iridium nanoislands for GaN applications
Authors: Grinys Tomas , Silinskas Mindaugas , Mekys Algirdas , Kalpakovaite Agne , Tomasiunas Roland
Published: January 2013

This work concerns research on iridium nanoislands morphology primarily attributed to internal quantum efficiency enhancement in GaN emitters such as quantum wells or nanowires. The self‐organized nanoislands were formed by an annealing process after the deposition of Ir thin film on silicon substrate. The nanoislands have been found to be have the shape of compressed half‐spheres as high as 30 nm and less than 100 nm in diameter. The optical spectroscopy, scanning electron as well as atomic force microscopy were employed to study the evolution of the prepared nanostructures (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An empirical Bayes approach to evaluation of results for a specific region in multiregional clinical trials
Authors: Huang Yufen , Chang Wan‐Jung , Hsiao Chin‐Fu
Published: January 2013

To accelerate the drug development process and shorten approval time, the design of multiregional clinical trials (MRCTs) incorporates subjects from many countries/regions around the world under the same protocol. After showing the overall efficacy of a drug in all global regions, one can also simultaneously evaluate the possibility of applying the overall trial results to all regions and subsequently support drug registration in each of them. In this paper, we focus on a specific region and establish a statistical criterion to assess the consistency between the specific region and overall results in an MRCT. More specifically, we treat each region in an MRCT as an independent clinical trial, and each perhaps has different treatment effect. We then construct the empirical prior information for the treatment effect for the specific region on the basis of all of the observed data from other regions. We will conclude similarity between the specific region and all regions if the posterior probability of deriving a positive treatment effect in the specific region is large, say 80%. Numerical examples illustrate applications of the proposed approach in different scenarios. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anodizing of AA6063 aluminium alloy profiles: Generation of dark appearance
Authors: Ma Y. , Zhou X. , Thompson G. E. , Nilsson J‐O. , Gustavsson M. , Crispin A.
Published: January 2013

The generation of dark appearance on an anodized AA6063‐T6 aluminium alloy profile has been investigated. Plan and cross‐sectional views of the anodic films of normal and dark samples revealed a distinct layer, of 1–2 µm thickness, decorated with characteristic features in the outer film regions of the dark sample, contrasting with typical porous anodic film of the normal sample. Additionally, it was revealed that the alloy substrate of the dark sample was over‐aged and the characteristic features in the outer film regions of the dark sample are related to preferential anodizing of coarsened β′ (Mg2Si) precipitates. Further, it is suggested that the over‐aged microstructure is not the sufficient condition for the occurrence of dark appearance, and the anodizing conditions in the early stages also play an important role in the generation of dark appearance. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
M‐estimation for general ARMA Processes with Infinite Variance
Authors: WU RONGNING
Published: January 2013

Abstract.  General autoregressive moving average (ARMA) models extend the traditional ARMA models by removing the assumptions of causality and invertibility. The assumptions are not required under a non‐Gaussian setting for the identifiability of the model parameters in contrast to the Gaussian setting. We study M‐estimation for general ARMA processes with infinite variance, where the distribution of innovations is in the domain of attraction of a non‐Gaussian stable law. Following the approach taken by Davis et al. (1992) and Davis (1996), we derive a functional limit theorem for random processes based on the objective function, and establish asymptotic properties of the M‐estimator. We also consider bootstrapping the M‐estimator and extend the results of Davis & Wu (1997) to the present setting so that statistical inferences are readily implemented. Simulation studies are conducted to evaluate the finite sample performance of the M‐estimation and bootstrap procedures. An empirical example of financial time series is also provided.
Situational and emotional influences on the acceptability of wolf management actions in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
Authors: Vaske Jerry J. , Roemer Jennifer M. , Taylor Jonathan G.
Published: January 2013

Emotions play a key role in our experiences with and our responses to wildlife. We examined the effectiveness of situational and emotional variables in predicting acceptability of management actions for wolves (Canis lupus) in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, USA. We advanced 3 hypotheses: 1) both situational and emotional variables will influence acceptability ratings; 2) emotions will explain the largest proportion of variance for the lethal management action; and 3) this pattern of findings will be the same for residents and visitors of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. We obtained our data from a survey of residents living near Jackson, Wyoming (n = 604, response rate = 51%) and a survey of visitors to Grand Teton National Park (n = 596, response rate = 81%). We included 2 situational variables (i.e., location of encounter, wolf status) and 3 emotional variables (i.e., sympathy for ranchers, sympathy for wolves, anger about wolves) as independent variables. The dependent variables were acceptability ratings of non‐lethal and lethal management actions. Regression analyses supported all 3 hypotheses. For both groups, situational variables accounted for between 1% and 8% of the variance in acceptability of non‐lethal management actions, while emotions explained between 3% and 20%. For the lethal management action, situational variables predicted between 3% and 5% of the variance in acceptability ratings, while emotions accounted for between 41% and 49%. Although debates regarding the status of wolves are likely to continue, these findings highlight the role emotion plays in evaluating the acceptability of management actions. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Porcine G0/G1 Switch Gene 2 (G0S2) Expression is Regulated During Adipogenesis and Short‐Term In‐Vivo Nutritional Interventions
Authors: Ahn Jinsoo , Oh Shin‐Ae , Suh Yeunsu , Moeller Steven J. , Lee Kichoon
Published: January 2013

Adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), catalyzing the initial step of hydrolysis of triacylglycerol (TAG) in adipocytes, has been known to be inhibited by G0/G1 switch gene 2 (G0S2). In this study, we report the porcine G0S2 cDNA and amino acid sequences as well as the expression level of porcine G0S2. The porcine G0S2 mRNA was abundantly expressed in adipose tissue and liver among various tissues. In adipose tissue, porcine G0S2 expression was 16‐fold higher in the fat cell fraction than the stromal vascular fraction. The G0S2 level increased significantly during adipogenesis in vitro and in vivo. These data indicate that G0S2 expression is closely associated with lipid accumulation and adipogenesis. Considering G0S2 as an inhibitor of cell proliferation, the relatively low levels of G0S2 in preadipocytes and adipose tissues of fetal and neonatal pigs compared to adipocytes and adipose tissues of adult pigs may allow the fast cell proliferation rates. Further studies showed that a short‐term 24‐h fast down‐regulated G0S2 expression and increased ATGL expression in adipose tissue; however, a long‐term calorie restriction for 8 days had no influence on the level of G0S2 but increased ATGL expression. Therefore, porcine G0S2, which is both a negative regulator of ATGL‐mediated lipolysis and cell proliferation in adipose tissue, can be down‐regulated in vivo by a short‐term 24‐h fast followed by increased ATGL‐mediated lipolysis.
Central simple algebras of prime exponent and divided power operations
Authors: Sivatski A.S.
Published: January 2013

Let p be a prime and F a field of characteristic different from p. Suppose all p-primary roots of unity are contained in F. Let α ∈ pBr(F) which has a cyclic splitting field. We prove that γi(α) = 0 for all i ≥ 2, where γi : pBr(F) → K2i(F)/pK2i(F) are the divided power operations of degree p. We also show that if char F ≠ 2, √−1 ∈ F*. D ∈2 Br(F), indD = 8 and a ∈ F* such that ind DF(√a) = 4, then γ3(D) = {a,s}γ2(D) for some s ∈ F*. Consequently, we prove that if D, considered as a division algebra, has a subfield of degree 4 of certain type, then γ3(D) = 0. At the end of the paper we pose a few open questions.
CONJUGACY CLASS SIZE CONDITIONS WHICH IMPLY SOLVABILITY
Authors: KONG QINGJUN , LIU QINGFENG
Published: January 2013

Let $G$ be a finite $p$-solvable group and let ${G}^{\ast } $ be the set of elements of primary and biprimary orders of $G$. Suppose that the conjugacy class sizes of ${G}^{\ast } $ are $\{ 1, {p}^{a} , n, {p}^{a} n\} $, where the prime $p$ divides the positive integer $n$ and ${p}^{a} $ does not divide $n$. Then $G$ is, up to central factors, a $\{ p, q\} $-group with $p$ and $q$ two distinct primes. In particular, $G$ is solvable.
Lactose malabsorption and colonic fermentations alter host metabolism in rats
Authors: Alexandre Virginie , Even Patrick C. , Larue-Achagiotis Christiane , Blouin Jean-Marc , Blachier François , Benamouzig Robert , Tomé Daniel , Davila Anne-Marie
Published: January 2013

Lactose malabsorption is associated with rapid production of high levels of osmotic compounds, such as organic acids and SCFA in the colon, suspected to contribute to the onset of lactose intolerance. Adult rats are lactase deficient and the present study was conducted to evaluatein vivothe metabolic consequences of acute lactose ingestion, including host–microbiota interactions. Rats received diets of 25 % sucrose (S25 control group) or 25 % lactose (L25 experimental group). SCFA and lactic acid were quantified in intestinal contents and portal blood. Expression of SCFA transporter genes was quantified in the colonic mucosa. Carbohydrate oxidation (Cox) and lipid oxidation (Lox) were computed by indirect calorimetry. Measurements were performed over a maximum of 13 h. Time, diet and time × diet variables had significant effects on SCFA concentration in the caecum (P< 0·001,P= 0·004 andP= 0·007, respectively) and the portal blood (P< 0·001,P= 0·04 andP< 0·001, respectively). Concomitantly, expression of sodium monocarboxylate significantly increased in the colonic mucosa of the L25 group (P= 0·003 att= 6 h andP< 0·05 att= 8 h). During 5 h after the meal, the L25 group's changes in metabolic parameters (Cox, Lox) were significantly lower than those of the S25 group (P= 0·02). However, after 5 h, L25 Cox became greater than S25 (P= 0·004). Thus, enhanced production and absorption of SCFA support the metabolic changes observed in calorimetry. These results underline the consequences of acute lactose malabsorption and measured compensations occurring in the host's metabolism, presumably through the microbiota fermentations and microbiota–host interactions.
A review on the mechanism of sore throat in tonsillitis
Authors: Bathala S , Eccles R
Published: January 2013

Background:

Sore throat is a common condition associated with acute upper respiratory tract infection, and recurrent episodes of infection may result in chronic tonsillitis. The current UK and USA guidelines for tonsillectomy use the incidence of sore throat episodes as an indication for surgery. However, the mechanism of sore throat is poorly described in the literature.

Objectives:

This review will provide basic information for the clinician regarding: the causes, pathophysiology and neurophysiology of sore throat; the mechanism of inflammation; and the role of transient receptor potential ion channels as nociceptors involved in sore throat. The review will present new ideas on the mechanism of ice therapy as an analgesic for post-tonsillectomy pain, and the role of vanilloid and cold receptors.
Unilateral sudden hearing loss as the first presenting symptom of moyamoya disease
Authors: Tseng L-S , Luo S-D
Published: January 2013

Objective:

We describe a rare case of sudden onset of unilateral sensorineural hearing loss occurring as the first symptom of moyamoya disease, which is characterised by progressive stenosis of the intracranial internal carotid arteries and their proximal anterior cerebral arteries and middle cerebral arteries.

Method:

Case report and review of the world literature regarding moyamoya disease with hearing loss.

Results:

The reported patient had moyamoya disease that initially presented as sudden, unilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Magnetic resonance imaging showed occlusion of the anterior cerebral, middle cerebral and distal internal carotid arteries bilaterally. The possible mechanism of this patient's sudden sensorineural hearing loss may have been vascular occlusion resulting from thrombotic narrowing or blockage by plaque.

Conclusion:

The described patient represents the first reported case of sudden onset, unilateral sensorineural hearing loss occurring as the first symptom of moyamoya disease. The possibility of a vascular lesion such as moyamoya disease should be considered in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss, especially children, young adults and Asian patients. Due to this disease's poor outcome, early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent stroke.
Evaluation of antioxidant treatment in presbyacusis: prospective, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomised trial
Authors: Polanski J F , Cruz O L
Published: January 2013

Objective:

There are many well-known aetiological mechanisms of presbyacusis, and free radicals have been shown to play an important role. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of antioxidant agents on the hearing threshold of patients with presbyacusis.

Methods:

One hundred and twenty individuals were divided into four groups and received one of the following treatment schemes: ginkgo biloba dry extract, α-lipoic acid plus vitamin C, papaverine chlorhydrate plus vitamin E, or placebo. All participants were evaluated at recruitment and after six months, using pure tone audiometry (at isolated and average frequencies), speech recognition threshold and percentage index of speech recognition.

Results:

The various treatments had no effect on any of the evaluated measures of hearing, either between groups or over time.

Conclusion:

There was no statistically significant change in the hearing threshold after treatment with any of the tested drugs, during the study period.
Schleiermacher on Justification: A Departure From the Reformation?
Authors: Nimmo Paul T.
Published: January 2013

In his 1923–4 lectures on the theology of Friedrich Schleiermacher, Karl Barth offered a strikingly negative verdict on Schleiermacher's doctrine of justification, lamenting that it was radically discontinuous with the theology of the Reformation. The core purpose of this article is to assess this verdict in detail. The introduction presents in outline Barth's criticism of Schleiermacher's doctrine of justification from these lectures. The first section of the article provides a summary of the doctrine of justification as it is found in Schleiermacher's mature work, The Christian Faith, together with a brief consideration of the related doctrines of conversion and sanctification, and an exposition of the dogmatic location and inter-relation of the three loci. In the second section, the article proceeds to investigate closely whether three of the central criticisms of Barth pertaining to Schleiermacher's doctrine of justification reflect an accurate reading and adjudication of the underlying material. The criticisms explored are: that for Schleiermacher there is no justification as a free act of God but only a justification which takes place according to the law of nature; that in the event of justification Schleiermacher considers both God and the human being to be active; and that the doctrine of Schleiermacher repeats the heresy of essential righteousness after the fashion of Andreas Osiander. The common theme underlying each charge is that Schleiermacher has departed significantly (and lamentably) from the tradition of the Reformation. The third section of the article proceeds to explore these charges carefully in light of a close reading of Schleiermacher's dogmatic work on justification and related doctrines. In the case of each of the criticisms directed at his doctrine of justification, it is argued that there are strong grounds for asserting that Barth's concerns may be rather misplaced and that – true to his word – Schleiermacher indeed remains in broad dogmatic continuity with the Reformation tradition. In the conclusion, two further theological possibilities are noted. First, it is suggested that, far from leaving the Reformation tradition behind, Schleiermacher's work on justification resonates strongly with one particular reading of Calvin's work which has much currency in contemporary theology. And second, it is suggested that, far from Schleiermacher being the one to depart from the Reformation tradition on justification, it might actually – ironically – be Barth who is more guilty of that charge in view of his own doctrine of justification in the Church Dogmatics.
Meeting Nicodemus: A Case Study in Daring Theological Interpretation
Authors: Ford David F.
Published: January 2013

The Nicodemus story can be read as a distillation of the Gospel of John and an example of many of its key features. John 3:1–21 poses a wide range of the problems raised by this most distinctive and mysterious of the four gospels. It shows characteristic practices of John as a reader, writer and teacher. In line with John's theology of the Spirit ‘leading into all the truth’, it also shows him as a daring theologian, opening up fresh interpretations and ways of doing theology beyond the Septuagint and the Synoptic Gospels and even beyond his own Prologue (itself a remarkably daring piece of theology). That same Spirit means that John also expects his readers to be led into further truth, and to improvise on his theology as he himself did on the Septuagint and on the Synoptic traditions. His ways of reading, writing and teaching encourage such a response in the Spirit by creating a work rich in intertextuality, imagery and conceptuality which has a ‘deep plain sense’, superabundant in meaning and always inviting the reader to reread, learn more and interpret afresh. So one challenge for readers now is whether they are open not only to thinking along with John but also to thinking beyond him, in ways appropriate to different people and contexts. But this transformation in thought and imagination is not all: it is inseparable from doing the truth ‘in God’. The mutual involvement of seeing, believing/trusting, knowing and living in love is above all communicated in the drama of John's Gospel, whose backbone is a series of meetings with Jesus and the injunction to follow Jesus. More embracing and fundamental than, for example, doctrinal theology or existential decision-making, is the dramatic reality of encountering other people and following Jesus in all the complexities of life in specific contexts. In John 3:1–21 the encounter of Jesus with Nicodemus is the dramatic heart of the passage, blending into a discourse which itself culminates in the ultimate drama of ‘deeds done in God’. But to stop interpretation there would be to refuse the Johannine invitation to enter into more truth with a view to ‘doing greater things’. So the article ends with two midrashic interpretations of Nicodemus for today.
Lewis Ayres,Augustine and the Trinity
Authors: Drecoll Volker Henning
Published: January 2013

This is an impressive work. It is not a book just about Augustine's work ‘On the Trinity’, but on Augustine's trinitarian thought as a whole. It is a mature work, not written within a couple of months, but with years of thinking and rethinking. All this time has helped make the book what it is. I am pleased that it is a historical work, mainly for two reasons: (a) it sketches the development of Augustine's thought (this old model of German historical approach is always helpful), and (b) it places Augustine's trinitarian thought in a specific place in the history of theology. Of course, there are warnings in the Introduction that the book has neither the aim to offer a complete ‘history of Augustine's Trinitarian thought’ nor does it set out to be a monograph about the whole ofDe trinitate. In fact, the monograph starts with the early Augustine, sketching the ‘origins’ of his trinitarian thought, and the chapters aboutDe trinitateintend to set out the fundamental lines of Augustine's thought inDe trinitate. So I think we are allowed to read this book as a new approach to an old problem: how did Augustine's trinitarian thought develop into the mature form found inDe trinitate? If we follow Ayres’ approach, three problems appear. I ask: (a) what about philosophy, (b) what about Manichaeism and (c) what kind of theology is regarded as the background to Augustine's trinitarian thought?
QuenchML: A semantics-preserving markup language for knowledge representation in quenching
Authors: Varde Aparna S. , Maniruzzaman Mohammed , Sisson Richard D.
Published: January 2013

Knowledge representation (KR) is an important area in artificial intelligence (AI) and is often related to specific domains. The representation of knowledge in domain-specific contexts makes it desirable to capture semantics as domain experts would. This motivates the development of semantics-preserving standards for KR within the given domain. In addition to the storage and analysis of information using such standards, the effect of globalization today necessitates the publishing of information on the Web. Thus, it is advisable to use formats that make the information easily publishable and accessible while developing KR standards. In this article, we propose such a standard called Quenching Markup Language (QuenchML). This follows the syntax of the eXtensible Markup Language and captures the semantics of the quenching domain within the heat treating of materials. We describe the development of QuenchML, a multidisciplinary effort spanning the realms of AI, database management, and materials science, considering various aspects such as ontology, data modeling, and domain-specific constraints. We also explain the usefulness of QuenchML in semantics-preserving information retrieval and in text mining guided by domain knowledge. Furthermore, we outline the significance of this work in software tools within the field of AI.
Physical Appearance Anxiety Impedes the Therapeutic Effects of Video Feedback in High Socially Anxious Individuals
Authors: Orr Elizabeth M. J. , Moscovitch David A.
Published: January 2013

Background: Video feedback (VF) interventions effectively reduce social anxiety symptoms and negative self-perception, particularly when they are preceded by cognitive preparation (CP) and followed by cognitive review. Aims: In the current study, we re-examined data from a study on the efficacy of a novel VF intervention for individuals high in social anxiety to test the hypothesis that physical appearance anxiety would moderate the effects of VF. Method: Data were analyzed from 68 socially anxious participants who performed an initial public speech, and were randomly assigned to an Elaborated VF condition (VF plus cognitive preparation and cognitive review), a Standard VF condition (VF plus cognitive preparation) or a No VF condition (exposure alone), and then performed a second speech. Results: As hypothesized, when appearance concerns were low, both participants who received Elaborated and Standard VF were significantly less anxious during speech 2 than those in the No VF condition. However, when levels of appearance concern were high, neither Elaborated nor Standard VF reduced anxiety levels during speech 2 beyond the No VF condition. Conclusions: Results from our analog sample suggest the importance of tailoring treatment protocols to accommodate the idiosyncratic concerns of socially anxious patients.
White Matter Microstructural Integrity and Executive Function in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Gallagher Catherine , Bell Brian , Bendlin Barbara , Palotti Matthew , Okonkwo Ozioma , Sodhi Aparna , Wong Rachel , Buyan-Dent Laura , Johnson Sterling , Wilette Auriel , Harding Sandra , Ninman Nancy , Kastman Erik , Alexander Andrew
Published: January 2013

Recent studies suggest that white matter abnormalities contribute to both motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The present study was designed to investigate the degree to which diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DTI) indices are related to executive function in Parkinson's patients. We used tract-based spatial statistics to compare DTI data from 15 patients to 15 healthy, age- and education-matched controls. We then extracted mean values of fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) within an a priori frontal mask. Executive function composite Z scores were regressed against these DTI indices, age, and total intracranial volume. In Parkinson's patients, FA was related to executive composite scores, and both indices were related to Stroop interference scores. We conclude that white matter microstructural abnormalities contribute to cognitive deficits in Parkinson's disease. Further work is needed to determine whether these white matter changes reflect the pathological process or a clinically important comorbidity. (JINS, 2013, 19, 1–6)
Redefining the deviance objective for generalised linear models ‐ Abstract of the Norwich discussion
Authors: Lovick Tony
Published: January 2013

This abstract relates to the following paper:

LovickA.C. and LeeP.K.W.Redefining the deviance objective for generalised linear models.British Actuarial Journal, doi:10.1017/S1357321712000190