bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dielectrophoretic manipulation and solubility of protein nanofibrils formed from crude crystallins
Authors: Domigan Laura , Andersen Karsten B. , Sasso Luigi , Dimaki Maria , Svendsen Winnie E. , Gerrard Juliet A. , Castillo‐León Jaime
Published: February 2013

Protein nanofibrils and nanotubes are now widely accepted as having potential for use in the field of bionanotechnology. For this to be a feasible alternative to existing technologies, there is a need for a commercially viable source. Previous work has identified amyloid fibrils formed from crude crystallin proteins as such a source, since these fibrils can be produced in large quantities at a low cost. Applications include use of fibrils as templates for the formation of nanowires or as biosensing scaffolds. There remains a number of practical considerations, such as stability and the ability to control their arrangement. In this study, crude crystallin amyloid fibrils are shown to be stable in a range of biological and clean room solvents, with the fibril presence confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and the thioflavin T fluorescent assay. The fibrils were also immobilised between microelectrodes using dielectrophoresis, which enabled the recording of I–V curves for small numbers of fibrils. This investigation showed the fibrils to have low conductivity, with current values in the range of 10−10 A recorded. This low conductivity could be increased through modification, or alternately, the fibrils could be used unmodified for applications where they can act as templates or high surface area nanoscaffolds.
MOVPE growth for photodiodes in 2.5 µm region with InGaAs/GaAsSb type‐II quantum wells
Authors: Fujii Kei , Ishizuka Takashi , Nagai Youichi , Iguchi Yasuhiro , Akita Katsushi
Published: February 2013

Low dark current photodiodes (PDs) in the short wavelength infrared (SWIR) region over 1.7 µm are expected to be used for many applications. InGaAs/GaAsSb type‐II quantum well (QW) structures are considered to be attractive material systems for realizing low dark current PDs, owing to lattice‐matching to InP substrates. In this report, we describe the successful operation of pin‐PDs with InGaAs/GaAsSb QWs with InP capping layers grown by metal‐organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE). Distinct X‐ray diffraction satellite peaks and emissions from type‐II transition were observed. Electrical and optical characteristics of pin‐PDs, such as dependence of responsivity on the number of QWs, were investigated. Dark current was 9.0 µA/cm2 at 233 K and an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 48% was obtained. These results indicate that it is possible to reduce the dark current of InGaAs/GaAsSb type‐II PDs by using the InP capping layers grown by MOVPE. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Modeling of Sb‐heterostructure backward diode for millimeter‐ and submillimeter‐wave detection
Authors: Aghdam Parisa Yadranjee , Zhao Huan
Published: February 2013

We present modeling of Sb‐heterostructure backward tunneling diode (Sb‐HBD) for high efficient millimeter‐ and submillimeter wave detection. The diode heterostructure is modeled and optimized using TCAD software implementing a non‐local band‐to‐band tunneling model combining with the standard drift‐diffusion model. The physical device model was found to be in good agreement with reported experimental results. InAsSb/AlSb/AlGaSb structures were proposed and simulated considering the material growth. The potential of the Sb‐HBDs for high frequency operation applications is investigated. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Modeling software development practices using reusable project patterns: a case study
Authors: Martín Diego , García Guzmán Javier , Urbano Julián , Amescua Antonio
Published: February 2013

Software process improvement in software development organizations is a complex task that can be solved using knowledge management strategies. The definition and use of process patterns is a proven approach to apply knowledge management strategies in software engineering organizations. One of the main problems for the effective application of process patterns is the difficulty of formalizing the knowledge about the development process using these approaches.

In this paper, a framework to manage software project patterns is presented. This framework is composed of a model called reusable project pattern (RPP) and a tool called sdpReuser. It is able to formalize the knowledge on software development projects from software development methodologies, reference frameworks, best practices and also tacit knowledge, useful to software engineers.

The authors carried out a case study at the University Carlos III of Madrid, where junior software engineers used RPP. This study shows that the quality of pattern formalization correlates with experience in specific software engineering methods, the quality of the references in software engineering practices and the collaboration among software engineers to develop an RPP. It also analyzed the usefulness of RPP information elements to help software engineers to identify the most appropriate RPP and how to adapt it to project restrictions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Implications of Pay-Rolling Agency Systems for Workers’ Statutory Rights in Pakistan
Authors: SHEIKH ABDULLAH ZAFAR
Published: February 2013

The proliferation of agency employment in Pakistan is a serious social problem and a public policy concern because of the potentially negative implications for agency workers’ basic statutory rights. Agency workers are normally given a vastly different, often negligible, package of benefits compared to their permanent counterparts and are generally excluded from collective bargaining arrangements. Unions regard the use of agency employment as a threat to their jurisdiction and membership. This study explored the motives, nature and implications of agency employment in six case study organisations in Pakistan. A total of eighty-nine interviews, undertaken with employers’ representatives, agency and union officials and agency workers revealed sufficient evidence confirming previous anecdotal evidence that some employment agencies are not truly genuine and the set up was merely a legal fiction. Evidence suggested that agency employment often involves dubious, unfair, law-evading and at times illegal practices, such as the use of pay-rolling agencies. The pay-rolling agency system is potentially an attempt by employers to bypass statutory obligations concerning workers’ benefit entitlements and trade union rights by paying workers through an agency to illustrate the indirectness of employment. It thus appeared from the evidence that the use of temporary agency workers is, in many instances, a labour relations strategy rather than a matter of workforce flexibility, and challenges the widely held belief that temporary work has only been a natural and inevitable response to changes in the economy.
Exploring linkages between Consumer Food Co-operatives and Domestic Fair Trade in the United States
Authors: Duram Leslie , Mead Amber
Published: February 2013

Consumer Food Co-operatives (co-ops) have provided consumers an alternative to corporate supermarkets and big-box stores since the 1960s. Producers seeking broader marketing opportunities often turn to co-ops. This study examines how, within alternative food networks (AFNs), co-ops play a role in the emergence of the Domestic Fair Trade (DFT) movement in the USA. The DFT movement is based on the idea that family farms and small- to mid-sized farms in the global north are facing many of the same pressures as producers in the global south. The Domestic Fair Trade Association (DFTA) in the USA is the umbrella organization for a variety of stakeholders. The DFTA seeks to ‘support family-scale farming, to reinforce farmer-led initiatives such as farmer co-operatives, and to bring these groups together with mission-based traders, retailers and concerned consumers to contribute to the movement for sustainable agriculture in North America’1. This study assessed five co-ops (through interviews and document analysis) to determine their experiences with integrating DFT into their business practices. The research reveals that DFT concepts are important to co-operative decision-makers, but they are faced with challenges when it comes to actually integrating DFT into their business model. Insight into stakeholder perceptions and professional-level DFT activities, indicates that co-ops will be a key factor in determining whether the DFT movement will succeed in the USA.
International organizations and organizational fields: explaining policy change in the IMF
Authors: Vetterlein Antje , Moschella Manuela
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this paper is to account for varieties of organizational change. In particular, we contend that in order to explain change in international organizations (IOs) we cannot simply dichotomize between change and the lack thereof. Rather, change is best conceptualized as made up of two dimensions: speed and scope. The combination of the two dimensions leads to a taxonomy with four distinct types of policy change. The paper evaluates the emergence of different types of change by focusing on the relationship between IOs and their fields. Specifically, the position of the organization in the field helps to account for the speed of change (slow vs. rapid), whereas the openness of the organization to the inputs coming from the field helps to explain the scope of change (incremental vs. radical). We illustrate our argument by comparing the changes in the International Monetary Fund's policies in the areas of financial sector surveillance and poverty reduction.
Transport properties of multicomponent thermal plasmas: Grad method versus Chapman-Enskog method
Authors: Porytsky P. , Krivtsun I. , Demchenko V. , Reisgen U. , Mokrov O. , Zabirov A. , Gorchakov S. , Timofeev A. , Uhrlandt D.
Published: February 2013

Transport properties (thermal conductivity, viscosity, and electrical conductivity) for multicomponent Ar-Fe thermal plasmas at atmospheric pressure have been determined by means of two different methods. The transport coefficients set based on Grad's method is compared with the data obtained when using the Chapman-Enskog's method. Results from both applied methods are in good agreement. It is shown that the Grad method is suitable for the determination of transport properties of the thermal plasmas.
A flow simulation study of protein solution under magnetic forces
Authors: Okada Hidehiko , Hirota Noriyuki , Matsumoto Shinji , Wada Hitoshi
Published: February 2013

We have developed a superconducting magnet system generating magnetic forces able to compensate gravity and suppress convection of diamagnetic protein solution from which protein crystals precipitate. A simulation model has been proposed to elucidate the motion of protein solutions and search for the optimal conditions of the crystal formation process. This model incorporates general, non-uniform magnetic forces as external forces, while the previous models involve only simple, uniform magnetic forces. The simulation results indicate that the vertical component can suppress the convection of protein solution, while the horizontal component induces minimal convection. We, therefore, need to take into account the both components when considering the formation of protein crystals under magnetic forces.
1,3-Di(alkoxy)imidazolium-based Ionic Liquids: Improved Synthesis and Crystal Structures
Authors: Froschauer Carmen , Salchner Robert , Laus Gerhard , Weber Hedda K. , Tessadri Richard , Griesser Ulrich , Wurst Klaus , Kahlenberg Volker , Schottenberger Herwig
Published: February 2013

A new and convenient synthetic pathway to 1,3-di(alkoxy)imidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amides and novel 1,3-di(alkoxy)imidazolium tetrachloroferrates was developed. As an intermediate isolation step of the respective hexafluorophosphates was required in previously reported preparations, they suffered from low overall yields and additional expense. The use of FeCl3/HCl resulted in substantially improved yields and allows one-pot preparations with good scalability. Results of single-crystal X-ray structure determination of the new tetrachloroferrate salts are discussed.
Renal function in heart failure: a disparity between estimating function and predicting mortality risk
Authors: Plischke Max , Neuhold Stephanie , Kohl Maria , Heinze Georg , Sunder‐Plassmann Gere , Pacher Richard , Hülsmann Martin
Published: February 2013

Aims

To compare the predictive value of estimated renal function calculated by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (eGFRCKD‐EPI), four‐variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (eGFRMDRD‐4), and Cockcroft–Gault [estimated creatinine clearance (eCcr)] equation in terms of all‐cause mortality in heart failure. Renal function is an important prognostic factor in heart failure. Established methods of estimating renal function are known to under‐/overestimate true function in certain settings.

Methods and results

A total of 800 systolic heart failure outpatients (mean age 57 ± 11.5 years, 82% male) were studied over a median follow‐up of 121 (Q1–Q3: 110–130) months. The highest systematic difference was seen between eCcr and eGFRMDRD‐4 [+12.33 points (mean), 95% limits of agreement –22.35 to 47.01; generalized kappa = 0.36]. eGFRMDRD‐4 and eGFRCKD‐EPI were the most similar [–4.16 points (mean), 95% limits of agreement –11.56 to 3.25; generalized kappa = 0.74]. Up to 35.4% of patients were reclassified into different estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) categories when comparing eGFRCKD‐EPI with eCcr and eGFRMDRD‐4. eGFRCKD‐EPI performed marginally better in terms of predicting all‐cause mortality than eGFRMDRD‐4, as univariate areas under the time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC), marginal and partial proportions of explained variation (PEV), net reclassification improvement (NRI), and the integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) for 5 years of follow‐up were significantly higher for eGFRCKD‐EPI than for eGFRMDRD‐4.

Conclusion

In this cohort of heart failure patients, eGFRCKD‐EPI was marginally better in predicting all‐cause mortality than eGFRMDRD‐4. Estimated function differed widely between equations and is likely to have an effect on therapy choice.
Main Controlling Factors and Dominant Reservoir Series Analysis of Es3 in the Qibei Area of Qikou Sag
Authors: Xiugang PU , Wenzhong HAN , Shuangjun HUA , Wei ZHANG , Changwei CHEN
Published: February 2013

Based on analysis of geophysical data such as core observation, rock slices identification, physical property, scanning electron microscope, X‐ray diffraction, logging data etc., 16 factors of sedimentation, diagenesis, fluid pressure, and their relationships with reservoir physical property were analyzed, and the results indicate sedimentation is the internal factor controlling the reservoir property, diagenesis is the external and final decisive factor and abnormal fluid pressure is an important factor preserving the deep reservoir property. Quantitative characterization of diagenesis indicates that compaction and dissolution are more important than cementation and they respectively cause porosity change of −23.6% and 7.7% and −6.2%. Through optimizing 11 main controlling factors and constructing reservoir evaluation index (REI) according to the hierarchical cluster and principal component analysis, reservoir classification standard was established and reservoirs were divided into four classes. The studies show that Es32 SQ4 consists mainly of class 1 and II, while Es32 SQ6 is mainly of class III and II; the favorable zone is the north and south slope of Qibei sub‐sag and the Liujianfang fault‐nose. The successful application of the quantitative and comprehensive evaluation in the Qibei area verifies the advanced, practicable method of less artificial factor is suitable for the low porosity and permeability reservoir.
From high school to university: Impact of social networking sites on social capital in the transitions of emerging adults
Authors: Mazzoni Elvis , Iannone Maria
Published: February 2013

In recent years, the huge success of social network sites (SNSs) has principally been determined by their ability to link people and their respective relationships. These relationships allow people to access different resources, information, emotional and social support, entertainment, as well as providing them with the opportunity to extend personal social ties. This paper investigates the way in which SNSs are used by emerging adults, defined as young people in the transition from adolescence to adulthood, and particularly those in their last year of high school or at university. The study focuses on different types of social capital and on the use of SNSs by emerging adults during this transitional phase in maintaining and developing relationships. Data collected from a questionnaire administered to 927 emerging adults show, first of all, the relevance of different types of social capital (bridging, bonding and maintaining) based on the student's position (high school, university first‐year student or university student). Second, the data analysis indicates that SNSs can be conceived as part of functional organs that support emerging adults in their ability to connect and to be connected to a social network and to develop and maintain it over time.
Thalidomide in systemic mastocytosis: results from an open‐label, multicentre, phase II study
Authors: Gruson Bérengère , Lortholary Olivier , Canioni Danielle , Chandesris Olivia , Lanternier Fanny , Bruneau Julie , Grosbois Bernard , Livideanu Cristina , Larroche Claire , Durieu Isabelle , Barete Stéphane , Sevestre Henri , Diouf Momar , Chaby Guillaume , Marolleau Jean‐Pierre , Dubreuil Patrice , Hermine Olivier , Damaj Gandhi
Published: February 2013

Mastocytosis can lead to organ failure as well as systemic symptoms that can be disabling, with considerable deterioration in quality of life. Beside symptomatic treatments, interferon‐α and purine analogues have been shown to be effective but complete or long‐term remission is rarely obtained with these drugs. We conducted a phase II, multicentre, study to investigate thalidomide in severely symptomatic indolent and aggressive systemic mastocytosis. Twenty patients were enrolled of whom 16 were analysed for response. The overall response rate was 56%. Responses were observed in the skin in 61% of patients with a significant decrease in the pruritus score. Mast cell mediator‐related symptoms responded in 71% of cases and 25% of aggressive systemic mastocytosis patients had a response in terms of B/C findings (borderline/cytoreduction needed). Bone marrow mast cell infiltration decreased in five of the eight evaluable patients. There was no significant improvement in the AFIRMM (Association Française pour les Initiatives de Recherche sur le Mastocyte et Les Mastocytoses), Quality of Life or Hamilton scores. Grade 3–4 toxicities consisted of peripheral neuropathy (11%) and myelosuppression (neutropenia: 5%; thrombocytopenia: 11%). In conclusion, thalidomide might be useful in mastocytosis and in the treatment of mast cell‐related symptoms. It might be considered in selected patients, taking into account the benefit/risk balance and the individual patient evaluation.
Evaluation of epicardial fat tissue thickness in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis
Authors: Asik Mehmet , Sahin Sinan , Ozkul Faruk , Anaforoglu Inan , Ayhan Semiha , Karagol Sukriye , Gunes Fahri , Algun Ekrem
Published: February 2013

Objective

Hypothyroidism, whether overt or subclinical, has multiple effects on the cardiovascular system. Epicardial fat tissue (EFT) is closely related to cardiovascular disorders and atherosclerosis. Our study aimed to assess EFT thickness and carotid artery intima‐media thickness (CIMT) in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) displaying overt and subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH).

Design and patients

The study included 33 patients with SCH and 24 patients with overt hypothyroidism (OH) with HT as well as 32 healthy controls. EFT thickness, CIMT, thyroid hormone levels and lipid parameters were measured in all subjects. Correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were performed for EFT thickness.

Results

Mean EFT thickness was 2·89 ± 0·38, 3·53 ± 0·92 and 4·56 ± 1·61 mm in control, SCH and OH groups, respectively (P < 0·001). EFT thickness of OH patients was high compared with SCH and control subjects (P < 0·01 and <0·001, respectively). CIMT of OH patients was high compared with SCH and control subjects (P < 0·01 and <0·001, respectively). In addition, EFT was significantly thicker in SCH patients than in controls (P < 0·05). Correlation analysis showed that EFT thickness was significantly positively correlated with CIMT, age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, thyroid‐stimulating hormone, total and LDL cholesterol and triglyceride and negatively correlated with free T4. In the regression analysis, EFT thickness retained its independent and positive association with CIMT, patient group (particularly OH) and systolic blood pressure.

Conclusions

Epicardial fat tissue thickness may be a useful indicator of early atherosclerosis in SCH and OH patients with HT.
BXSB/MpJ‐Yaa mice develop autoimmune dacryoadenitis with the appearance of inflammatory cell marker messenger RNAs in the lacrimal fluid
Authors: Kosenda Keigo , Ichii Osamu , Otsuka Saori , Hashimoto Yoshiharu , Kon Yasuhiro
Published: February 2013

Background

Dacryoadenitis is characteristic of an autoimmune exocrinopathy, e.g. Sjögren syndrome. We pathologically examined the lacrimal glands of autoimmune‐prone BXSB/MpJ‐Yaa mice for the appearance of pathological signs of dacryoadenitis progression in autoimmune dacryoadenitis models, particularly focusing on messenger RNAs in the lacrimal fluid.

Methods

The lacrimal glands of the BXSB/MpJ‐Yaa and C57BL/6 mice were histopathologically analyzed in parallel with the evaluation of lacrimation and messenger RNA expression of water channels (Aqp3, Aqp4 and Aqp5). In addition, autoimmune model mice (MRL/MpJ‐lpr/lpr and NZB/NZWF1) were used for evaluating cell infiltration and detecting inflammatory cell marker messenger RNAs (Cd68, Ptprc and Cd3e) in the lacrimal fluids by polymerase chain reaction‐based methods.

Results

B‐cell predominant lymphocytic infiltrations and the destruction of acini were observed in the lacrimal glands of BXSB/MpJ‐Yaa mice. There was no significant difference in the quantity of lacrimal fluid between the BXSB/MpJ‐Yaa and C57BL/6 mice. In the BXSB/MpJ‐Yaa mice, Aqp3 expression increased significantly with the cell infiltration score, whereas expression of Aqp4 and Aqp5 tended to decrease. Aqp3 expression increased significantly with the cell infiltration score in BXSB/MpJ‐Yaa mice. Among inflammatory cell markers, Cd68 was more frequently detected in the lacrimal fluid of the BXSB/MpJ‐Yaa, MRL/MpJ‐lpr/lpr and NZB/NZWF1 mice than in that of the C57BL/6 mice.

Conclusion

BXSB/MpJ‐Yaa mice clearly developed autoimmune dacryoadenitis. The altered expression of water channels in lacrimal glands might be associated with the preservation of lacrimal fluid excretion in BXSB/MpJ‐Yaa mice. The detection of inflammatory cell markers in lacrimal fluid could be used as a diagnostic marker for autoimmune dacryoadenitis.
Utility of near infrared spectroscopy for the screening of the growth restricted fetus
Authors: Acton Angus L. , Goswami Tarun , McKenna David S.
Published: February 2013

A myriad of factors have been linked to increased risk for intrauterine growth restriction and the associated complications; the majority of which are based on observational statistics of demographics, socioeconomics and patient history. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of factors available that can appropriately address the underlying anatomy and physiology responsible for intrauterine growth restriction. To this point, it becomes necessary to use data acquisition modalities capable of addressing both the etiology and pathology in an effort to improve clinical management strategies. Near‐infrared spectroscopy, although not traditionally used in standard, clinical screening has proven valuable for risk assessment in a number of recent investigational studies. Simulations based on the current literature are presented to assess near infrared spectroscopy utility regarding the ability to distinguish between the normal fetus and the growth restricted fetus. Findings are presented for all simulated data as well as the equipment‐specific data derived from the NIRO‐100 system (Hamamatsu Photonics, Hamamatsu, Japan). Results suggest an overall sensitivity and specificity on the order of 62% and 58%, respectively, and NIRO‐100 sensitivity and specificity on the order of 85% and 92%, respectively.
Structural and mechanistic principles of intramembrane proteolysis – lessons from rhomboids
Authors: Strisovsky Kvido
Published: February 2013

Intramembrane proteases cleave membrane proteins in their transmembrane helices to regulate a wide range of biological processes. They catalyse hydrolytic reactions within the hydrophobic environment of lipid membranes where water is normally excluded. How? Do the different classes of intramembrane proteases share any mechanistic principles? In this review these questions will be discussed in view of the crystal structures of prokaryotic members of the three known catalytic types of intramembrane proteases published over the past 7 years. Rhomboids, the intramembrane serine proteases that are the best understood family, will be the initial area of focus, and the principles that have arisen from a number of structural and biochemical studies will be considered. The site‐2 metalloprotease and GXGD‐type aspartyl protease structures will then be discussed, with parallels drawn and differences highlighted between these enzymes and the rhomboids. Despite the significant advances achieved so far, to obtain a detailed understanding of the mechanism of any intramembrane protease, high‐resolution structural information on the substrate–enzyme complex is required. This remains a major challenge for the field.
Staphylococcus aureus and topical fusidic acid use: results of a clinical audit on antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Heng Yee Kiat , Tan Kian Teo , Sen Priya , Chow Angela , Leo Yee Sin , Lye David C. , Chan Roy K.W.
Published: February 2013

Background

Fusidic acid (FA) resistance in Staphylococcus aureus poses a problem for treating systemic methicillin‐resistant S. aureus infection, in which FA may otherwise remain a viable option. It can also result in treatment failure of common dermatological conditions such as impetigo and infected atopic eczema. Several studies have linked trends in prescribing medication and topical use of FA to development of resistance. However, few case–control studies have evaluated risk factors for developing FA resistance in S. aureus.

Methods

A clinical audit for antimicrobial resistance was performed in dermatology patients from the National Skin Centre who were admitted for inpatient care from 2006 to 2008 and had positive bacterial cultures for S. aureus. Each FA‐resistant S. aureus (FRSA) case was compared with four randomly selected FA‐susceptible (FSSA) cases. Medical records were reviewed retrospectively, and potential risk factors for development of resistance were analyzed.

Results

Thirteen of 37 patients with FRSA (35.1%) had used FA topically compared with 11 of 148 patients with FSSA (7.4%). Findings from multivariate analysis indicate that previous use of topical FA was the only independent risk factor of FA resistance (adjusted OR 7.46, 95% CI [2.60–21.41], P < 0.001). Patients' coexisting illnesses, recent hospitalization, or systemic antibiotic use were not significant risks.

Conclusions

Previous recent topical FA use correlated positively with FA resistance in S. aureus. Prescribing physicians must be vigilant of the rise of FA resistance and its resultant problems and prescribe topical FA discerningly.
Ecological predictors of reduced avian reproductive investment in the southern hemisphere
Authors: Samaš Peter , Grim Tomáš , Hauber Mark E. , Cassey Phillip , Weidinger Karel , Evans Karl L.
Published: February 2013

Despite intensive research, the factors driving spatial patterns in life‐history traits remain poorly understood. One of the most frequently documented, and paradoxically, least understood patterns, is the latitudinal gradient of increasing avian clutch size at higher latitudes. These gradients are less marked in the southern hemisphere, thus clutch sizes tend to be smaller at southern latitudes than at equivalent northern ones. We exploited a natural experiment provided by the introduction of European passerines to New Zealand (NZ) to test three widely proposed ecological drivers of this pattern, i.e. the nest predation, Ashmole’s seasonality, and the breeding density hypotheses. We focus on the blackbird Turdus merula and the song thrush T. philomelos as founder effects do not have a major influence on the reproductive traits of their introduced populations. Both species laid smaller clutches in NZ than in Europe. These reductions had stabilised within one hundred years and were not associated with a compensatory increase in investment in individual offspring by laying larger eggs. In contrast to the nest predation hypothesis, daily nest predation rates were lower in NZ than in Europe. Smaller southern hemisphere clutches were associated with higher conspecific population densities and a relaxation of seasonal clutch size trends. These findings thus provide some support for both Ashmole’s seasonality and the breeding density hypotheses. Analyses across 11 European passerines introduced to NZ suggest, however, that neither of these hypotheses provide general explanations of smaller clutches in the southern hemisphere. We suggest that reduced seasonality and lower nest predation promote increased breeding densities and adult survival in the southern hemisphere. The later may drive smaller southern clutch sizes by generating spatial variation in the outcome of the trade‐off between reproductive investment and longevity.
Meperidine as the single sedative agent during esophagogastroduodenoscopy, a double‐blind, randomized, controlled study
Authors: Hsieh Yu‐Hsi , Lin Hwai‐Jeng , Hsieh Jin‐Jian , Tseng Kuo‐Chih , Tseng Chih‐Wei , Hung Tsung‐Hsing , Leung Felix W.
Published: February 2013

Background and Aim

In Taiwan, unsedated esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is widely used, but it is uncomfortable for some patients. While meperidine has been adopted in colonoscopy, its use in EGD has not received extensive attention. This was a prospective study to investigate the use of meperidine as a single sedative agent during EGD.

Methods

One hundred and forty patients were randomized to receive either 25‐mg meperidine (n = 70) or placebo (n = 70) by intramuscular injection before EGD. The primary outcome was patient discomfort scores. The secondary outcomes included patient, endoscopist, and EGD‐related variables.

Results

Patients in the meperidine group reported less discomfort during esophageal intubation (median score of 2.0 and interquartile range [IQR] of 0–4.0 vs median score of 4.8 and IQR of 1.7–7.0, respectively; P < 0.001) and during the procedure (median score of 1.0 [IQR 0–3.1] vs 3.5 [IQR 0–5.6], P = 0.001) than patients in the placebo group. The endoscopist found patients in the meperidine group had better tolerance during esophageal intubation (median score of 1.0 [IQR 0–2.0] vs 2.0 [IQR 1.0–3.0], P = 0.021) and during the procedure (median score of 0 [IQR 0–1.0] vs 1.0 [IQR 0–3.0], P < 0.001). After the procedure more patients in the meperidine group (71.4% vs 35.7%, P < 0.001) experienced self‐limited dizziness that prolonged recovery by ∼3.7 min.

Conclusions

After receiving meperidine injection, patients had better tolerance and less discomfort during diagnostic EGD (NCT01547520).
Current and historical perspectives on methodological flaws in processing umbilical cord blood
Authors: Mehrishi J.N.
Published: February 2013

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) hematopoietic stem cells (HSC‐CD34+) are valuable for treating malignant or nonmalignant disease. Processing UCB by HESPAN‐6% and anti‐CD34‐Miltenyi particles provides insufficient cells for treating adults. Physicochemical‐electrokinetic studies on UCB‐mononuclear cells (MNCs) under conditions of delayed processing, ice or very low temperatures, and some cell separation media identified artifacts introduced by procedures. Adsorption of biomaterials from cell damage by temperature, degradation products after using enzymes, harsh reagents, dithiothreitol, and HESPAN affect cell properties and distribution. Miltenyi particles internalized by cells could release iron that accumulating in liver or spleen would then risk toxicity. Summary topics included the effects of temperature, HESPAN (fast sedimenting agent), glycoproteases, DNase, and dithiothreitol risk affecting cell receptors in recognition, “homing,” leading to possible unintended iatrogenic bioeffects should such cells be transfused into humans. The loss of undetectable and uncaptured low CD34 antigen–bearing cells by Miltenyi particles seems to occur when the current methods of isolation of CD34+ cells and other cells are critically assessed. The purpose here is to highlight and suggest avoiding the procedural flaws involved. Preventing ice temperatures avoids ice‐damaged platelets releasing biomaterials that are adsorbed on cells altering UBC‐MNCs/HSC properties and cell loss. Omitting the positive selection with antibody‐linked Miltenyi particles obviates the use of harsh reagents to release the cells. Internalized Miltenyi particles are a toxicity hazard that needs investigations. Achieving approximately 5% yields of CD34+ cells (153 × 105/110 mL cord‐placenta blood) is a major advance holding great promise, for the first time increasing the prospect of stem cell therapy of 70‐kg adults, using a single UCB donation (with dose of 1.5 × 105 cells/kg) and considerably cheaper cultured red blood cells manufacture (multiple packs/2 × 1012).
Effects of substrate doping on Gd2O3(100)/Si(100) heterostructure
Authors: Sitaputra Wattaka , Tsu Raphael
Published: February 2013

Among the three major orientations, i.e., (100), (110), and (111), Gd2O3(100) is known from the energy point of view to be least favorable on Si(100), unless accompanied by an energy reduction mechanism with a subsequent transfer of electrons across the interface into the silicon substrate. Although the growth on p-type Si(100) results in the best structural consideration from XRD, sufficiently satisfactory stability is demonstrated with Gd2O3(100)/n-type Si(100) with a significantly higher mobility enhancement at high carrier concentration with features most desirable for CMOS applications.
Draft Genome Sequence of Enterococcus faecalis PC1.1, a Candidate Probiotic Strain Isolated from Human Feces
Authors: Ó Cuív Páraic , Klaassens Eline S. , Smith Wendy J. , Mondot Stanislas , Durkin A. Scott , Harkins Derek M. , Foster Les , McCorrison Jamison , Torralba Manolito , Nelson Karen E. , Morrison Mark
Published: February 2013

Enterococcus faecalis
is commonly isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of healthy infants and adults, where it contributes to host health and well-being. We describe here the draft genome sequence of
E. faecalis
PC1.1, a candidate probiotic strain isolated from human feces.
An infected urachal cyst
Authors: Gami Bhavna L , Biswas S
Published: February 2013

Urachal cysts present very uncommonly in adults. We describe a 25-year-old man who attended with a discharging umbilical swelling and pain. Ultrasonography and CT scan demonstrated an infected urachal cyst which, following cystoscopy, was excised without complication.
PUTRACER: A NOVEL METHOD FOR IDENTIFICATION OF CONTINUOUS-DOMAINS IN MULTI-DOMAIN PROTEINS
Authors: ARAB SEYED SHAHRIAR , GHARAMALEKI MOHAMMADBAGHER PARSA , PASHANDI ZAIDDODINE , MOBASSERI REZVAN
Published: February 2013

Computer assisted assignment of protein domains is considered as an important issue in structural bioinformatics. The exponential increase in the number of known three dimensional protein structures and the significant role of proteins in biology, medicine and pharmacology illustrate the necessity of a reliable method to automatically detect structural domains as protein units. For this aim, we have developed a program based on the accessible surface area (ASA) and the hydrogen bonds energy in protein backbone (HBE). PUTracer (Protein Unit Tracer) is built on the features of a fast top-down approach to cut a chain into its domains (contiguous domains) with minimal change in ASA as well as HBE. Performance of the program was assessed by a comprehensive benchmark dataset of 124 protein chains, which is based on agreement among experts (e.g. CATH, SCOP) and was expanded to include structures with different types of domain combinations. Equal number of domains and at least 90% agreement in critical boundary accuracy were considered as correct assignment conditions. PUTracer assigned domains correctly in 81.45% of protein chains. Although low critical boundary accuracy in 18.55% of protein chains leads to the incorrect assignments, adjusting the scales causes to improve the performance up to 89.5%. We discuss here the success or failure of adjusting the scales with provided evidences. Availability: PUTracer is available at http://bioinf.modares.ac.ir/software/PUTracer/
Cybercrime
Authors: Hyman Paul
Published: February 2013

Symantec says $110 billion annually while McAfee says $1 trillion. Why can't anyone agree?
Vitamin D signaling pathway plays an important role in the development of heart failure after myocardial infarction
Authors: Bae Soochan , Singh Sylvia S. , Yu Hyeon , Lee Ji Yoo , Cho Byung Ryul , Kang Peter M.
Published: February 2013

Accumulating evidence suggests that vitamin D deficiency plays a crucial role in heart failure. However, whether vitamin D signaling itself plays an important role in cardioprotection is poorly understood. In this study, we examined the mechanism of modulating vitamin D signaling on progression to heart failure after myocardial infarction (MI) in mice. Vitamin D signaling was activated by administration of paricalcitol (PC), an activated vitamin D analog. Wild-type (WT) mice underwent sham or MI surgery and then were treated with either vehicle or PC. Compared with vehicle group, PC attenuated development of heart failure after MI associated with decreases in biomarkers, apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. There was also improvement of cardiac function with PC treatment after MI. Furthermore, vitamin D receptor (VDR) mRNA and protein levels were restored by PC treatment. Next, to explore whether defective vitamin D signaling exhibited deleterious responses after MI, WT and VDR knockout (KO) mice underwent sham or MI surgery and were analyzed 4 wk after MI. VDR KO mice displayed a significant decline in survival rate and cardiac function compared with WT mice after MI. VDR KO mice also demonstrated a significant increase in heart failure biomarkers, apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Vitamin D signaling promotes cardioprotection after MI through anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic and antiapoptotic mechanisms.
Highly Pathogenic Influenza Viruses Inhibit Inflammatory Response in Monocytes via Activation of Rar-Related Orphan Receptor RORa
Authors: Friesenhagen Judith , Viemann Dorothee , Börgeling Yvonne , Schmolke Mirco , Spiekermann Christoph , Kirschnek Susanne , Ludwig Stephan , Roth Johannes
Published: February 2013

Infections with highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIV) in humans lead to systemic disease associated with cytokine storm and multiorgan failure. In this study we aimed to identify the role of monocytes for the host response to HPAIV infection. Using genome-wide microarray analysis, we surprisingly demonstrate a reduced immune response of human monocytes to HPAIV H5N1 compared to human influenza A viruses. In bioinformatic analyses we could reveal a potential role of the Rar-related orphan receptor alpha (RORa) for the gene expression pattern induced by H5N1. RORa is known as an inhibitor of NF-κB signaling. We provide evidence that in monocytes RORa is activated by H5N1, resulting in inhibited NF-κB signaling. Using murine Hoxb8-immortalized RORa-/-, monocytes rescued NF-κB signaling upon H5N1 infection, confirming the biological relevance of RORa as an H5N1-induced mediator of monocytic immunosuppression. In summary, our study reveals a novel RORa-dependent escape mechanism by which H5N1 prevents an effective inflammatory response of monocytes blocking NF-κB-dependent gene expression.
Assessment of Dynamical Downscaling in Near-Surface Fields with Different Spectral Nudging Approaches Using the Nested Regional Climate Model (NRCM)
Authors: Wang Jiali , Kotamarthi Veerabhadra R.
Published: February 2013

Dynamic downscaling with regional-scale climate models is used widely for increasing the spatial resolution of global-scale climate model projections. One uncertainty in generating these projections is the choice of boundary forcing applied. In this study the Nested Regional Climate Model (NRCM) is used with a grid spacing of 12 km over the United States (excluding Hawaii) to dynamically downscale 2.5° National Centers for Environmental Prediction–U.S. Department of Energy Reanalysis-2 data, with different applications of spectral nudging (SN) for the boundary conditions. Nine numerical experiments for July 2005—each with different wavenumbers and nudging duration periods, applied to different model layers—evaluated the performance of SN in downscaling near-surface fields. The calculations were compared with the North America Regional Reanalysis dataset over four subregions of the contiguous 48 states. Results show significant differences with different wavenumbers, nudging duration periods, and nudging altitudes. The short-period SN with three waves, applied above 850 hPa, showed the highest skill in simulating precipitation, whereas whole-period SN produced a higher skill level and performed slightly better than short-period SN for surface temperature and 10-m wind, respectively. Differences in the performance of SN applied at different altitudes were not significant. On the basis of the comparisons for precipitation, surface temperature, and wind fields over entire contiguous states, whole-period nudging with six waves starting above 850 hPa for downscaling calculations for climate-related variables is recommended. This method improved the performance of the NRCM in predicting near-surface fields by more than 30.5% relative to a case with no nudging.
A Subseasonal Teleconnection Analysis: PNA Development and Its Relationship to the NAO
Authors: Baxter Stephen , Nigam Sumant
Published: February 2013

The Pacific–North American (PNA) teleconnection is a major mode of Northern Hemisphere wintertime climate variability, with well-known impacts on North American temperature and precipitation. To assess whether the PNA teleconnection has extended predictability, comprehensive data analysis is conducted to elucidate PNA evolution, with an emphasis on patterns of PNA development and decay. These patterns are identified using extended empirical orthogonal function (EEOF) and linear regression analyses on pentad-resolution atmospheric circulation data from the new Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR). Additionally, dynamical links between the PNA and another important mode of wintertime variability, the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), are analyzed both in the presence and absence of notable tropical convections, for example, the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO), which is known to be influential on both. The relationship is analyzed using EEOF and regression techniques.

It is shown that the PNA structure is similar in both space and time when the MJO is linearly removed from the dataset. Furthermore, there is a small but significant lag between the NAO and PNA, with the NAO leading a PNA of opposite phase on time scales of one to three pentads. It is suggested from barotropic vorticity analysis that this relationship may result in part from excitation of Rossby waves by the NAO in the Asian waveguide.
Combining the All-Source Green's Functions and the GPS-Derived Source Functions for Fast Tsunami Predictions—Illustrated by the March 2011 Japan Tsunami
Authors: Xu Zhigang , Song Y. Tony
Published: February 2013

This paper proposes an effective approach on how to predict tsunamis rapidly following a submarine earthquake by combining a real-time GPS-derived tsunami source function with a set of precalculated all-source Green's functions (ASGFs). The approach uses the data from both teleseismic and coastal GPS networks to constrain a tsunami source function consisting of both sea surface elevation and horizontal velocity field, and uses the ASGFs to instantaneously transfer the source function to the arrival time series at the destination points. The ASGF can take a tsunami source of arbitrary geographic origin and resolve it as fine as the native resolution of a tsunami propagation model from which the ASGF is derived. This new approach is verified by the 2011 Tohoku tsunami using data measured by the Deep-Ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis (DART) buoys.
Double-ligand modulation for engineering magnetic nanoclusters
Authors: Kim Bongjune , Yang Jaemoon , Lim Eun-Kyung , Park Joseph , Suh Jin-Suck , Park Hyo Seon , Huh Yong-Min , Haam Seungjoo
Published: February 2013

Magnetic nanoclusters (MNCs) are agglomerated individual magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) that show great promise in increasing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sensitivity. Here, we report an effective strategy to engineer MNCs based on double-ligand modulation to enhance MRI sensitivity. The oleic acid-coated individual MNPs self-assembled and then were enveloped by polysorbate 80, using a nanoemulsion method to prepare MNCs. By modulating the amounts of the two ligands, and thus the size and magnetic content of the resultant MNCs, we were able to enormously improve MRI sensitivity.
Wissensbasiertes Assistenzsystem für modulares Engineering
Authors: Obst Michael , Doherr Falk , Urbas Leon
Published: February 2013

Die Zeitspanne von der Entwicklung bis zur Inbetriebnahme einer typischen Chemieanlage beträgt mit dem heutigen Stand der Technik ca. 5 bis 10 Jahre. Durch den Einsatz standardisierter Module sowie deren Auslegung mit Hilfe des fallbasierten Schließens sollen sich wiederholende Problemstellungen innerhalb der Planungsphase in deutlich kürzerer Zeit gelöst werden und somit zu einer Effizienzsteigerung und Kostenreduktion führen.