bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of fatty phosphonic acid based polymethacrylamide by RAFT polymerization and self-assembly in solution
Authors: Bouilhac Cécile , Travelet Christophe , Graillot Alain , Monge Sophie , Borsali Redouane , Robin Jean-Jacques
Published: December 2013

RAFT polymerization of dimethyl(methacrylamido)dodecylphosphonate (DMADP-(OMe)2) was successfully achieved and resulting polymer proved to self-assemble in liquid media.
Beam brilliance investigation of high current ion beams at GSI heavy ion accelerator facility
Authors: Adonin A. A. , Hollinger R.
Published: December 2013

In this work the emittance measurements of high current Ta-beam provided by VARIS (Vacuum Arc Ion Source) ion source are presented. Beam brilliance as a function of beam aperture at various extraction conditions is investigated. Influence of electrostatic ion beam compression in post acceleration gap on the beam quality is discussed. Use of different extraction systems (single aperture, 7 holes, and 13 holes) in order to achieve more peaked beam core is considered. The possible ways to increase the beam brilliance are discussed.
Band gap modulation of ZnTe1-xOx alloy film by control of oxygen gas flow rate during reactive magnetron sputtering
Authors: Uk Lee Dong , Pil Kim Seon , Su Lee Kyoung , Woo Pak Sang , Kyu Kim Eun
Published: December 2013

The band gap energy of ZnTe1-xOx alloy films grown on c-plane sapphire substrates was modulated by controlling the argon-oxygen ratio during radio frequency magnetron sputtering. The ZnTe1-xOx samples were deposited at a substrate temperature of 200 °C and with gas mixtures of 2%–8% oxygen in argon. The optical transparency of the ZnTe1-xOx samples was measured in the 1.5–6.0 eV energy range by optical transmission spectra. The optical band gap, obtained from plots of (αhν)2 as a function of hν, increased from 2.2 to 4.9 eV with increasing oxygen ratio, believed to be a result of a change in bonding structure through composition exchange during film deposition by reactive magnetron sputtering. These results show that the band gap energy of ZnTe1-xOx, ZnOTeO, and (ZnO)1-x(TeO2)x alloy films can be modulated, making them more suited for applications as windows and as active layers for ZnTe-based intermediate band solar cells.
Optical and structural characterization of nitrogen-rich InN: Transition from nearly intrinsic to strongly n-type degenerate with temperature
Authors: Hong Tran Nhung , Huy Le Binh , Fan Shizhao , Zhao Songrui , Mi Zetian , Schmidt Benjamin A. , Savard Michel , Gervais Guillaume , Butcher Kenneth Scott A.
Published: December 2013

We report on a detailed study of the structural and optical properties of nonstoichiometric nitrogen-rich InN grown on sapphire substrates, by migration enhanced afterglow deposition. The samples were polycrystalline, with the presence of InN dots. Unusually strong photoluminescence emission was measured at cryogenic temperatures, with the peak energy at ∼0.68 eV. Detailed analysis further shows that the sample has very low residual electron density in the range of ∼1016 cm−3 at temperatures below 20 K.
In vitro reconstitution of an mRNA-transport complex reveals mechanisms of assembly and motor activation
Authors: Heym Roland G. , Zimmermann Dennis , Edelmann Franziska T. , Israel Lars , Ökten Zeynep , Kovar David R. , Niessing Dierk
Published: December 2013

The assembly and composition of ribonucleic acid (RNA)–transporting particles for asymmetric messenger RNA (mRNA) localization is not well understood. During mitosis of budding yeast, the Swi5p-dependent HO expression (SHE) complex transports a set of mRNAs into the daughter cell. We recombinantly reconstituted the core SHE complex and assessed its properties. The cytoplasmic precomplex contains only one motor and is unable to support continuous transport. However, a defined interaction with a second, RNA-bound precomplex after its nuclear export dimerizes the motor and activates processive RNA transport. The run length observed in vitro is compatible with long-distance transport in vivo. Surprisingly, SHE complexes that either contain or lack RNA cargo show similar motility properties, demonstrating that the RNA-binding protein and not its cargo activates motility. We further show that SHE complexes have a defined size but multimerize into variable particles upon binding of RNAs with multiple localization elements. Based on these findings, we provide an estimate of number, size, and composition of such multimeric SHE particles in the cell.
Space in the brain: how the hippocampal formation supports spatial cognition
Authors: Hartley Tom , Lever Colin , Burgess Neil , O'Keefe John
Published: December 2013

Over the past four decades, research has revealed that cells in the hippocampal formation provide an exquisitely detailed representation of an animal's current location and heading. These findings have provided the foundations for a growing understanding of the mechanisms of spatial cognition in mammals, including humans. We describe the key properties of the major categories of spatial cells: place cells, head direction cells, grid cells and boundary cells, each of which has a characteristic firing pattern that encodes spatial parameters relating to the animal's current position and orientation. These properties also include the theta oscillation, which appears to play a functional role in the representation and processing of spatial information. Reviewing recent work, we identify some themes of current research and introduce approaches to computational modelling that have helped to bridge the different levels of description at which these mechanisms have been investigated. These range from the level of molecular biology and genetics to the behaviour and brain activity of entire organisms. We argue that the neuroscience of spatial cognition is emerging as an exceptionally integrative field which provides an ideal test-bed for theories linking neural coding, learning, memory and cognition.
Flavodiiron Protein Flv2/Flv4-Related Photoprotective Mechanism Dissipates Excitation Pressure of PSII in Cooperation with Phycobilisomes in Cyanobacteria
Authors: Bersanini Luca , Battchikova Natalia , Jokel Martina , Rehman Ateeq , Vass Imre , Allahverdiyeva Yagut , Aro Eva-Mari
Published: December 2013

Oxygenic photosynthesis evolved with cyanobacteria, the ancestors of plant chloroplasts. The highly oxidizing chemistry of water splitting required concomitant evolution of efficient photoprotection mechanisms to safeguard the photosynthetic machinery. The role of flavodiiron proteins (FDPs), originally called A-type flavoproteins or Flvs, in this context has only recently been appreciated. Cyanobacterial FDPs constitute a specific protein group that evolved to protect oxygenic photosynthesis. There are four FDPs in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (Flv1 to Flv4). Two of them, Flv2 and Flv4, are encoded by an operon together with a Sll0218 protein. Their expression, tightly regulated by CO2 levels, is also influenced by changes in light intensity. Here we describe the overexpression of the flv4-2 operon in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and demonstrate that it results in improved photochemistry of PSII. The flv4-2/OE mutant is more resistant to photoinhibition of PSII and exhibits a more oxidized state of the plastoquinone pool and reduced production of singlet oxygen compared with control strains. Results of biophysical measurements indicate that the flv4-2 operon functions in an alternative electron transfer pathway from PSII, and thus alleviates PSII excitation pressure by channeling up to 30% of PSII-originated electrons. Furthermore, intact phycobilisomes are required for stable expression of the flv4-2 operon genes and for the Flv2/Flv4 heterodimer-mediated electron transfer mechanism. The latter operates in photoprotection in a complementary way with the orange carotenoid protein-related nonphotochemical quenching. Expression of the flv4-2 operon and exchange of the D1 forms in PSII centers upon light stress, on the contrary, are mutually exclusive photoprotection strategies among cyanobacteria.
A Nodule-Specific Lipid Transfer Protein AsE246 Participates in Transport of Plant-Synthesized Lipids to Symbiosome Membrane and Is Essential for Nodule Organogenesis in Chinese Milk Vetch
Authors: Lei Lei , Chen Ling , Shi Xiaofeng , Li Yixing , Wang Jianyun , Chen Dasong , Xie Fuli , Li Youguo
Published: December 2013

Rhizobia in legume root nodules fix nitrogen in symbiosomes, organelle-like structures in which a membrane from the host plant surrounds the symbiotic bacteria. However, the components that transport plant-synthesized lipids to the symbiosome membrane remain unknown. This study identified and functionally characterized the Chinese milk vetch (Astragalus sinicus) lipid transfer protein AsE246, which is specifically expressed in nodules. It was found that AsE246 can bind lipids in vitro. More importantly, AsE246 can bind the plant-synthesized membrane lipid digalactosyldiacylglycerol in vivo. Immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy showed that AsE246 and digalactosyldiacylglycerol localize in the symbiosome membrane and are present in infection threads. Overexpression of AsE246 resulted in increased nodule numbers; knockdown of AsE246 resulted in reduced nodule numbers, decreased lipids contents in nodules, diminished nitrogen fixation activity, and abnormal development of symbiosomes. AsE246 knockdown also resulted in fewer infection threads, nodule primordia, and nodules, while AsE246 overexpression resulted in more infection threads and nodule primordia, suggesting that AsE246 affects nodule organogenesis associated with infection thread formation. Taken together, these results indicate that AsE246 contributes to lipids transport to the symbiosome membrane, and this transport is required for effective legume-rhizobium symbiosis.
Expression of a xanthine permease and phosphate transporter in cultures and field populations of the harmful alga Aureococcus anophagefferens: tracking nutritional deficiency during brown tides
Authors: Wurch Louie L. , Gobler Christopher J. , Dyhrman Sonya T.
Published: December 2013

Targeted gene expression using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was employed to track patterns in the expression of genes indicative of nitrogen or phosphorus deficiency in the brown tide‐forming alga Aureococcus anophagefferens. During culture experiments, a xanthine/uracil/vitamin C permease (XUV) was upregulated ∼20‐fold under nitrogen‐deficient conditions relative to a nitrogen‐replete control and rapidly returned to nitrogen‐replete levels after nitrogen‐deficient cells were resupplied with nitrate or ammonium. It was not responsive to phosphorus deficiency. Expression of an inorganic phosphate transporter (PTA3) was enriched ∼10‐fold under phosphorus‐deficient conditions relative to a phosphorus‐replete control, and this signal was rapidly lost upon phosphate resupply. PTA3 was not upregulated by nitrogen deficiency. Natural A. anophagefferens populations from a dense brown tide that occurred in Long Island, NY, in 2009 were assayed for XUV and PTA3 expression and compared with nutrient concentrations over the peak of a bloom. Patterns in XUV expression were consistent with nitrogen‐replete growth, never reaching the values observed in N‐deficient cultures. PTA3 expression was highest prior to peak bloom stages, reaching expression levels within the range of P‐deficient cultures. These data highlight the value of molecular‐level assessments of nutrient deficiency and suggest that phosphorus deficiency could play a role in the dynamics of destructive A. anophagefferens blooms.
Methanogen community composition and rates of methane consumption in Canadian High Arctic permafrost soils
Authors: Allan J. , Ronholm J. , Mykytczuk N. C. S. , Greer C. W. , Onstott T. C. , Whyte L. G.
Published: December 2013

Increasing permafrost thaw, driven by climate change, has the potential to result in organic carbon stores being mineralized into carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) through microbial activity. This study examines the effect of increasing temperature on community structure and metabolic activity of methanogens from the Canadian High Arctic, in an attempt to predict how warming will affect microbially controlled CH4 soil flux. In situ CO2 and CH4 flux, measured in 2010 and 2011 from ice‐wedge polygons, indicate that these soil formations are a net source of CO2 emissions, but a CH4 sink. Permafrost and active layer soil samples were collected at the same sites and incubated under anaerobic conditions at warmer temperatures, with and without substrate amendment. Gas flux was measured regularly and indicated an increase in CH4 flux after extended incubation. Pyrosequencing was used to examine the effects of an extended thaw cycle on methanogen diversity and the results indicate that in situ methanogen diversity, based on the relative abundance of the 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene associated with known methanogens, is higher in the permafrost than in the active layer. Methanogen diversity was also shown to increase in both the active layer and permafrost soil after an extended thaw. This study provides evidence that although High Arctic ice‐wedge polygons are currently a sink for CH4, higher arctic temperatures and anaerobic conditions, a possible result of climate change, could result in this soil becoming a source for CH4 gas flux.
MicroRNA expression analysis and Multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification in metastatic and non‐metastatic uveal melanoma
Authors: Larsen Ann‐Cathrine , Holst Line , Kaczkowski Bogumil , Andersen Morten T. , Manfé Valentina , Siersma Volkert D. , Kolko Miriam , Kiilgaard Jens F. , Winther Ole , Prause Jan U. , Gniadecki Robert , Heegaard Steffen
Published: December 2013

Purpose

To determine the association of microRNA expression and chromosomal changes with metastasis and survival in uveal melanoma (UM).

Methods

Thirty‐six patients with UM were selected based on the metastatic status, and clinicopathological data were collected. Multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) was used to identify chromosomal changes. Chromosomal changes and clinicopathological data were correlated with survival and metastasis. The microRNA expression was analysed in 26 of the 36 archived UM samples. Unsupervised analysis, differential expression analysis and Cox regression analysis were performed to determine the association with metastasis and survival.

Results

Metastasis and metastatic death occurred in 20 patients, two patients died of other causes and one patient of unknown causes. A significant association between increasing size category (p = 0.002, log‐rank), extraocular extension (p = 0.001), chromosome 3 loss (p = 0.033) and 1p loss (p = 0.030) and development of metastases was observed. Tumour, node, metastasis (TNM) staging showed a significant association with survival (p < 0.0001, log‐rank). Adjusting for gender and age TNM size category T4 (p = 0.016, Cox regression analysis), mixed (p = 0.029) and epithelioid (p = 0.0058) cell types, chromosome 3 loss (p = 0.014) and 8q gain (p = 0.010) were significant prognosticators for a poor survival.

Hierarchical clustering divided the UM into three groups based on microRNA expression. The clusters showed no association with clinical or histopathological features, TNM staging, metastasis or survival. Differential expression analysis did not reveal microRNAs related to metastasis or survival.

Conclusions

The prognostic significance of chromosome 3 loss and 8q gain identified by MLPA analysis was confirmed in archived UM samples. The value of microRNA expression as a predictor of metastasis and survival in UM could not be confirmed.
Kinetics of γ‐cyclodextrin nanoparticle suspension eye drops in tear fluid
Authors: Jóhannesson Gauti , Moya‐Ortega Maria D. , Ásgrímsdóttir Gudrún Marta , Lund Sigrún H. , Thorsteinsdóttir Margrét , Loftsson Thorsteinn , Stefánsson Einar
Published: December 2013

Purpose

We have developed nanoparticle γ‐cyclodextrin dexamethasone (DexNP) and dorzolamide (DorzNP) eye drops that provide sustained high drug concentrations on the eye surface. To test these characteristics, we measured dexamethasone and dorzolamide levels in tear fluid in humans following eye drop administration.

Methods

Concentration of dexamethasone was measured by mass spectrometry. One drop of DexNP was instilled into one eye. Tear fluid was sampled with microcapillary pipettes at seven time‐points after drop instillation. Control eyes received Maxidex® (dexamethasone). The same procedure was performed for dorzolamide with DorzNP and Trusopt®.

Results

Six subjects were included in each group. The peak concentration (μg/ml ± standard deviation) of dexamethasone for DexNP eye drops (636.6 ± 399.1) was up to 19‐fold higher than with Maxidex® (39.3 ± 18.9) (p < 0.001). At 4 hr, DexNP was still 10 times higher than Maxidex®. In addition, DexNP resulted in about 30‐fold higher concentration of dissolved dexamethasone in the tear fluid of extended time period allowing more drug to partition into the eye tissue. The overall concentration of dorzolamide was about 50% higher for DorzNP (59.5 ± 76.9) than Trusopt® (40.0 ± 76.7) (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The results indicate high and extended concentration of dissolved dexamethasone with DexNP, which can explain the greater and longer lasting effect of dexamethasone in the cyclodextrin nanoparticle drug delivery platform. Dexamethasone seems to fit the cyclodextrin nanoparticle suspension drug delivery platform with longer duration and higher concentrations in tear fluid than available commercial drops, while dorzolamide is less suitable.
Ultrastructure of trichome of old world porcupine of Indian subcontinent
Authors: Raha Paramaa , Ghosh Biswatosh , Bhar Radhaballabh , Das Nilansu , Poddar‐Sarkar Mousumi
Published: December 2013

The present investigation is based on ultrastructural details of different types of quills of two species of old world porcupine (Hystrix indica and Hystrix brachyura) of Indian subcontinent using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). In H. indica, four types of quills have been detected – bristlelike spines, stilettolike spines, spikes and mane. The quills of H. brachyura are categorized into four types – broad, slender, hollow tail quill and quills of the anogenital region. The ESEM images of surface characteristic of different types of quills of both the species except the hollow tail quill showed usual scaly features without having any differences. The cross‐sectional images of quills of H. indica and H. brachyura show a narrow cortex and a broad medullary region with a network of anastomosing channels. The cortical layer is comparatively thicker in mane hairs of H. indica and in slender quills of H. brachyura. With extensive exploration of the anatomical structures of the quills by ESEM from both the species of Hystrix, we could not find ‘osmetrichia’ in any forms of quill. In contrast, we hypothesized that the channels and network of medulla are serving the purpose for transportation of pheromonal signalling molecules in old world porcupine.
Asymmetric Forecast Information and the Value of Demand Observation in Repeated Procurement
Authors: Shamir Noam
Published: December 2013

In many supply chain relationships that continue over multiple periods, information about the hidden properties of the supply chain partners can be revealed throughout the course of the relationship. This article examines how the availability of such information affects the contracting scheme between a supplier and his manufacturer in a relationship that persists over several selling seasons. At the beginning of the first selling season, the manufacturer observes private information about the demand distribution, whereas the supplier who is less familiar with the market is endowed only with a prior belief about the market condition. When the supplier cannot observe the demand realization during the first selling period, she offers a contract that induces the manufacturer to reveal the market condition in the first selling season. However, the opportunity for the supplier to observe demand realization can result in the supplier offering the manufacturer a simple contract that does not induce the manufacturer to reveal his private information during the first selling season. In the latter case, the supplier observes the demand realization and designs the second period contract based on this information. We show that when the supplier chooses to offer such a contract, the manufacturer becomes worse‐off, and it has an ambiguous effect on the performance of the supply chain.
Tissue Doppler–Derived Strain and Strain Rate during the First 28 Days of Life in Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Helfer Sven , Schmitz Lothar , Bührer Christoph , Czernik Christoph
Published: December 2013

Background

Preterm infants may have cardiac stress related to patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). In this study, we examined the development of cardiac function in preterm infants by measuring tissue Doppler–derived peak systolic strain (PSS) and strain rate (PSSR) in the first 28 days of life.

Methods

Peak systolic strain and strain rate were measured in series in the free wall of the right (RV) and left (LV) ventricles on days 1, 7, 14, and 28 of life in 119 preterm infants <1500 g birth weight along with weight, heart rate, and presence of hemodynamically significant (hs) PDA or BPD. Both were assigned retrospectively. HsPDA was defined as a PDA requiring intervention whereas BPD was determined based on an infant's need for supplemental oxygen at 36 weeks of gestational age.

Results

Peak systolic strain and strain rate of the RV rose significantly during the first 28 days of life (P < 0.01). Infants who developed BPD had significantly lower RV free wall PSS on days 14 and 28 (P < 0.01 and <0.05). HsPDA resulted in a significantly lower PSS in the LV free wall as of day 14 (P < 0.01). After PDA intervention (day 28), LV PSS remained significantly lower (P < 0.05), but showed a tendency to increase (P = 0.18).

Conclusions

Peak systolic strain determined in preterm infants appears to reflect increased afterload (decreased RV PSS in BPD infants) and increased preload (decreased LV PSS in hsPDA infants). The merits of such measurements as a basis for making clinical decisions still need to be explored.
Rationale and Design of a Randomized Trial Comparing Initial Stress Echocardiography versus Coronary CT Angiography in Low‐to‐Intermediate Risk Emergency Department Patients with Chest Pain
Authors: Levsky Jeffrey M. , Haramati Linda B. , Taub Cynthia C. , Spevack Daniel M. , Menegus Mark A. , Travin Mark I. , Vega Shayna , Lerer Rikah , Brown‐Manhertz Durline , Hirschhorn Esther , Tobin Jonathan N. , Garcia Mario J.
Published: December 2013

Background

Comparative effectiveness research (CER) has become a major focus of cardiovascular disease investigation to optimize diagnosis and treatment paradigms and decrease healthcare expenditures. Acute chest pain is a highly prevalent reason for evaluation in the Emergency Department (ED) that results in hospital admission for many patients and excess expense. Improvement in noninvasive diagnostic algorithms can potentially reduce unnecessary admissions.

Objective

To compare the performance of treadmill stress echocardiography (SE) and coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) in ED chest pain patients with low‐to‐intermediate risk of significant coronary artery disease.

Design

This is a single‐center, randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing SE and CTA head‐to‐head as the initial noninvasive imaging modality. The primary outcome measured is the incidence of hospitalization. The study is powered to detect a reduction in admissions from 28% to 15% with a sample size of 400. Secondary outcomes include length of stay in the ED/hospital and estimated cost of care. Safety outcomes include subsequent visits to the ED and hospitalizations, as well as major adverse cardiovascular events at 30 days and 1 year. Patients who do not meet study criteria or do not consent for randomization are offered entry into an observational registry.

Conclusions

This RCT will add to our understanding of the roles of different imaging modalities in triaging patients with suspected angina. It will increase the CER evidence base comparing SE and CTA and provide insight into potential benefits and limitations of appropriate use of treadmill SE in the ED.
Unruptured Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm in a Neonate with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: Echocardiographic Diagnosis and Features
Authors: Thankavel Poonam Punjwani , Lemler Matthew S. , Ramaciotti Claudio
Published: December 2013

An unruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is usually asymptomatic, and a rare, often incidental echocardiographic diagnosis. Its presentation in the neonatal period is extremely rare. We describe this finding in a neonate with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, which has not been previously reported in the literature. This constellation of findings may have important clinical implications in regards to medical management and surgical options.
Informal employment dynamics in Ukraine: An analytical model of informality in transition economies
Authors: COMMANDER Simon , ISACHENKOVA Natalia , RODIONOVA Yulia
Published: December 2013

The transition economies of the former Soviet Union have experienced a surge of informal employment since the 1990s. This trend, the authors argue, is driven by the structure of labour compensation inherited from central planning. Their innovative theoretical model centres on worker choices of full‐time and/or part‐time employment across formal, informal and mixed formal‐informal sectors. Factoring in the probability of payroll tax evasion detection and the non‐monetary benefits provided by state‐owned/privatized firms, it suggests that such benefits incentivize workers to combine formal and informal employment. This is confirmed empirically by panel data evidence from the Ukraine Longitudinal Monitoring Surveys.
Evaluating the acceptability and efficacy of a psycho‐educational intervention for coping and symptom management by children with cancer: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Wu Li‐Min , Chiou Shyh‐Shin , Sheen Jiunn‐Ming , Lin Pei‐Chin , Liao Yu Mei , Chen Hsing‐Mei , Hsiao Chih‐Cheng
Published: December 2013

Aims

To evaluate the acceptability and efficacy of a psycho‐educational intervention designed to improve effective coping and reduce symptom severity in children with cancer.

Background

Cancer treatments increase survival rates and also cause physical and psychological effects on children with cancer. A psycho‐educational intervention is used to assist children and adolescents with these effects and its efficacy has been described in several studies.

Design

A randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Participants being treated were recruited and randomly assigned to two groups from September 2011–February 2013 in Taiwan. The intervention group received a psycho‐educational intervention in addition to standard care, while the control group received only standard care. Each participant was assessed using a paediatric cancer coping scale and perceived symptom severity was evaluated at three time points (baseline, 1 month and 3 months). A repeated‐measures analysis of variance was used to estimate the effects of intervention. Qualitative findings were analysed using content analysis.

Results

No significant difference in coping scores was found between groups, but the experimental group reported significantly lower scores in gastrointestinal problems and pain. Most symptoms decreased significantly over time in both groups, except for gastrointestinal problems. The scores in pain, bone marrow suppression and body image showed significant interaction effects between groups on changes over time. Qualitative results reported that participants evaluated the intervention positively, especially about receipt of psychological support and learnt coping skills.

Conclusions

The psycho‐educational intervention administered was acceptable for children with cancer and was found to reduce gastrointestinal problems and pain.
The Indirect Nature of Social Motives: The Relation of Social Approach and Avoidance Motives with Likeability via Extraversion and Agreeableness
Authors: Nikitin Jana , Freund Alexandra M.
Published: December 2013

The current study tested assumptions derived from the whole‐trait theory (Fleeson, 2012), which proposes a connection between personality and motivation. We hypothesized that individual differences in social approach and avoidance motives are associated with personality as observed by others. In addition, we expected that observed personality links social approach and avoidance motives to interpersonal outcomes. The sample was composed of 83 young adults (25.3% males, Mage = 21.66 years) who had recently moved into a shared apartment. Roommates (N = 83; 50.6% males, Mage = 22.83 years) evaluated the newcomers on Extraversion, Agreeableness, and likeability. Approach motives had an indirect positive effect on likeability through other‐reported Extraversion and Agreeableness. Although avoidance motives had some negative effects on likeability mediated through low Extraversion, they were positively associated with Agreeableness. These results demonstrate the complexity of social approach and avoidance motives. Moreover, they highlight the importance of motivational factors for observed personality.
Recent advances in soft tissue minimally invasive surgery
Authors: Mayhew P. D.
Published: December 2013

Advancements in soft tissue minimally invasive surgery have been rapid and comprehensive since its inception in human medicine approximately 25 years ago. From its origins in traditional laparoscopy, followed rapidly by video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery, minimally invasive surgery in human medicine has evolved through a number of different platforms that now include single‐port approach devices, robotic surgery as well as natural orifice transluminal endosurgery. Whilst some of these remain beyond the reach of veterinary medicine for now, largely because of technical challenges and the prohibitive costs of some single‐use disposable components, veterinary minimally invasive surgery is advancing rapidly allowing our small animal patients to benefit from some of the many documented advantages that a minimally invasive approach affords the patient.
Changes in perceived health status, physical symptoms, and sleep satisfaction of postpartum women over time
Authors: Song Ju‐Eun , Chae Hyun Ju , Kim Chang Hee
Published: December 2013

The aim of this study was to identify the changes of perceived health status, physical symptoms, and sleep satisfaction of postpartum women over time. A longitudinal design was used. Participants were 137 healthy postpartum women who had not been diagnosed with any medical diseases. Data were collected by a self‐report questionnaire at three periods, the second day, 4–6 weeks, and 12–14 weeks postpartum. Women's perceived health status was lower at 4–6 weeks than on the second day after childbirth, physical symptoms were more frequent at 4–6 weeks than on the second day after childbirth, and sleep satisfaction was lower at 4–6 weeks than at 12–14 weeks postpartum. Tiredness or fatigue was the most frequent symptom experienced by postpartum women at all three periods. These results indicate that the period from 4 to 6 weeks postpartum is the most difficult time for mothers. Therefore, there is a need to develop nursing interventions to alleviate fatigue and other symptoms, and to help and support women during the period 4–6 weeks postpartum, a critical period for interventions.
AN INFORMATION PROCESSING PERSPECTIVE ON DECISION MAKING IN THE EUROPEAN UNION
Authors: DAVITER FALK
Published: December 2013

Two decades after the introduction of the punctuated equilibrium model, information processing theory now offers one of the most comprehensive analytical perspectives on decision making in public administration and policy research. This article applies information processing analysis to the decision making process in the European Union (EU). Towards this end, the article inquires into the organizational foundations of information processing at successive levels of administrative and legislative decision making and shows how this analytical perspective can be used to gain a better understanding of policy dynamics at the supranational level. The article argues that information processing in the EU is likely to produce distinct policy dynamics in key respects. It identifies promising avenues for future research and discusses some of the issues this evolving theoretical framework should address in order to allow for a more comprehensive exploration of this analytical perspective in the context of the EU.
Anesthetic management of bronchial rupture following extraction of a fishbone from the bronchus after 5 months
Authors: Ma Guoping , Yang Jingli , Liu Song
Published: December 2013

Bronchial rupture occurred during bronchoscopic visualization and extraction of a fishbone from the bronchus in a 2‐year‐old male patient with a 5‐month history of foreign body aspiration. Emergency thoracotomy was scheduled for examination and surgical repair of the bronchus. The pressure of the airway and circuit fell sharply and ventilation could not be maintained after muscle relaxants were injected and spontaneous respiration ceased. Oxygenation worsened rapidly with the peripheral oxygen saturation level decreasing below 60%. An endotracheal tube was inserted into one of the main bronchi. Peripheral oxygen saturation improved from 60% to 90%, and subsequent surgery was performed without complications.
Prophylactic red blood cell exchange for ABO‐mismatched hematopoietic progenitor cell transplants
Authors: Cunard Robyn , Marquez Isagani I. , Ball Edward D. , Nelson Connie L. , Corringham Sue , Clopton Paul , Sanchez Amber P. , Lane Thomas , Ward David M.
Published: December 2013

Background

To enhance donor availability, almost half of hematopoietic progenitor cell transplants (HPCTs) cross ABO blood type boundaries. ABO‐incompatible HPCTs are well tolerated; however, there is an increased risk of delayed hemolysis in patients with minor and bidirectional ABO mismatches. Delayed hemolysis generally occurs 1 to 2 weeks after HPCT and is related to production of alloantibodies directed against recipient ABO red blood cell (RBC) antigens by passenger donor lymphocytes. One previous study has suggested that prophylactic RBC exchange in patients with minor and bidirectional ABO‐mismatched HPCT reduces the risks of severe immune hemolysis, but this recommendation is controversial.

Study Design and Methods

Herein we describe our experience using prophylactic RBC exchange in patients with minor and bidirectional ABO‐mismatched HPCTs who were deemed to be at high risk for immune hemolysis. We compare the group of patients that received prophylactic RBC exchange with a historical cohort of ABO‐mismatched patients who underwent HPCT without prophylactic RBC exchange.

Results

Our study suggests that prophylactic RBC exchange in minor and bidirectional ABO‐mismatched HPCT does not reduce severe immune hemolysis, nor does it improve 1‐year survival, the number of RBC units transfused after transplant, or length of hospitalization after HPCT.

Conclusion

This study failed to identify a clear role for selected prophylactic RBC exchange in patients who were deemed at risk for severe post‐HPCT immune hemolysis.
Bi‐directional modulation of somatosensory mismatch negativity with transcranial direct current stimulation: an event related potential study
Authors: Chen Jui‐Cheng , Hämmerer Dorothea , D'Ostilio Kevin , Casula Elias P. , Marshall Louise , Tsai Chon‐Haw , Rothwell John C. , Edwards Mark J.
Published: December 2013

Key points

Sensory mismatch negativity is impaired in patients with cerebellar lesions, suggesting that the cerebellum may play an important role in this form of sensory processing.

Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation over the right cerebellar hemisphere increased the amplitude of sensory mismatch negativity to stimuli delivered to the right hand while cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation reduced it.

The cerebellum appears to be an important node in the network mediating sensory mismatch negativity, and tDCS is a useful method with which to manipulate sensory mismatch negativity for experimental studies.

Appropriate orientation towards potentially salient novel environmental stimuli requires a system capable of detecting change in the sensorium. Mismatch negativity (MMN), an evoked potential calculated by subtracting the response to a standard repeated stimulus and a rare ‘oddball’ stimulus, is proposed as such a change detection mechanism. It is most widely studied in the auditory domain, but here we chose to explore the mechanism of somatosensory MMN, and specifically its dependence on the cerebellum. We recorded event‐related potentials (ERPs) evoked in response to auditory and sensory stimuli from 10 healthy subjects before and after anodal, cathodal and sham transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the right cerebellar hemisphere. There was a significant increase in peak amplitude of somatosensory MMN after anodal tDCS (F(1,9) = 8.98, P < 0.02, mean difference anodal pre–post: −1.02 μV) and a significant reduction in peak amplitude of somatosensory MMN after cathodal tDCS (F(1,9) = 7.15, P < 0.03, mean difference cathodal pre–post: 0.65 μV). The amplitude of auditory MMN was unchanged by tDCS. These results reveal the capability of tDCS to cause bidirectional modulation of somatosensory MMN and the dependence of somatosensory MMN on the cerebellum.
Inhibition of cardiac pacemaker channel hHCN2 depends on intercalation of lipopolysaccharide into channel‐containing membrane microdomains
Authors: Klöckner Udo , Rueckschloss Uwe , Grossmann Claudia , Matzat Saskia , Schumann Katja , Ebelt Henning , Müller‐Werdan Ursula , Loppnow Harald , Werdan Karl , Gekle Michael
Published: December 2013

Key points

The regulation of cardiac function is seriously impaired in severe inflammatory diseases. One characteristic of this dysfunction is a strong reduction in heart rate variability (HRV) so that the cardiac cycle is more regular. This phenomenon is strongly correlated with an unfavourable prognosis in patients with systemic inflammation.

Although the depression in HRV can be partially explained by the interplay between cardiac pacemaker channels and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) liberated from the outer walls of Gram‐negative bacteria, the underlying mechanism is still elusive.

Using HEK293 cells stably expressing a cardiac pacemaker channel, we demonstrate that only intact LPS molecules can intercalate into target cell membranes and then directly interact with extracellular parts of pacemaker channels. Intracellular signalling cascades do not contribute to LPS‐dependent channel modulation.

The present results help to elucidate how LPS interacts with pacemaker channels to attenuate the regularity of the cardiac cycle.

Depressed heart rate variability in severe inflammatory diseases can be partially explained by the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐dependent modulation of cardiac pacemaker channels. Recently, we showed that LPS inhibits pacemaker current in sinoatrial node cells and in HEK293 cells expressing cloned pacemaker channels, respectively. The present study was designed to verify whether this inhibition involves LPS‐dependent intracellular signalling and to identify structures of LPS responsible for pacemaker current modulation. We examined the effect of LPS on the activity of human hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated channel 2 (hHCN2) stably expressed in HEK293 cells. In whole‐cell recordings, bath application of LPS decreased pacemaker current (IhHCN2) amplitude. The same protocol had no effect on channel activity in cell‐attached patch recordings, in which channels are protected from the LPS‐containing bath solution. This demonstrates that LPS must interact directly with or close to the channel protein. After cleavage of LPS into lipid A and the polysaccharide chain, neither of them alone impaired IhHCN2, which suggests that modulation of channel activity critically depends on the integrity of the entire LPS molecule. We furthermore showed that β‐cyclodextrin interfered with LPS‐dependent channel modulation predominantly via scavenging of lipid A, thereby abrogating the capability of LPS to intercalate into target cell membranes. We conclude that LPS impairs IhHCN2 by a local mechanism that is restricted to the vicinity of the channels. Furthermore, intercalation of lipid A into target cell membranes is a prerequisite for the inhibition that is suggested to depend on the direct interaction of the LPS polysaccharide chain with cardiac pacemaker channels.
Everyday relativity and the Doppler effect
Authors: Picton Drake Samuel , Purvis Alan
Published: December 2013

It is generally believed that special relativistic effects are important only when studying objects moving at speeds close to that of light. This belief leaves many practicing scientists and engineers with the impression that an understanding of relativity is not necessary for their day jobs. Our aim is to show that the ideas and mathematics of the special theory of relativity are used in practical applications involving objects moving much slower than the speed of light. In particular, we show how the Doppler shift for sound and light can be calculated from the postulates of relativity.
In Vitro
Synergistic Effect of Amphotericin B and Allicin on Leishmania donovani and L. infantum
Authors: Corral M. J. , González-Sánchez E. , Cuquerella M. , Alunda J. M.
Published: December 2013

Current monotherapy against visceral leishmaniasis has serious side effects, and resistant
Leishmania
strains have been identified. Amphotericin B (AmB) has shown an extraordinary antileishmanial efficacy without emergence of resistance; however, toxicity has limited its general use. Results obtained showed, using a fixed-ratio analysis, that the combination of diallyl thiosulfinate (allicin) and AmB ranged from moderately synergic to synergic at low concentrations (0.07 μM AmB plus 35.45 μM allicin induced 95% growth inhibition). None of the treatments, alone or in combination, had noticeable adverse effects on macrophages (Mϕ) in the concentration range examined (allicin, 0.5, 1, 5 and 10 μM; AmB, 0.05, 0.075, and 0.1 μM). Allicin, AmB, or the combination did not affect the infection rate (percentage of infected Mϕ) of
Leishmania
. Allicin enhanced the activity of AmB on intracellular amastigotes of
Leishmania donovani
and
L. infantum
(ca. 45% reduction of amastigote burden with 0.05 μM AmB plus 10 μM allicin); this represented nearly a 2-fold reduction in the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC
50
) of the antibiotic added alone. Results point toward the possible utility of testing this combination
in vivo
to reduce the toxicity associated with monotherapy with AmB.
Multiple Classes of Antiviral Agents Exhibit
In Vitro
Activity against Human Rhinovirus Type C
Authors: Mello Chris , Aguayo Esmeralda , Rodriguez Madeleine , Lee Gary , Jordan Robert , Cihlar Tomas , Birkus Gabriel
Published: December 2013

Human rhinovirus type C (HRV-C) is a newly discovered enterovirus species frequently associated with exacerbation of asthma and other acute respiratory conditions. Until recently, HRV-C could not be propagated
in vitro
, hampering in-depth characterization of the virus replication cycle and preventing efficient testing of antiviral agents. Herein we describe several subgenomic RNA replicon systems and a cell culture infectious model for HRV-C that can be used for antiviral screening. The replicon constructs consist of genome sequences from HRVc15, HRVc11, HRVc24, and HRVc25 strains, with the P1 capsid region replaced by a
Renilla
luciferase coding sequence. Following transfection of the replicon RNA into HeLa cells, the constructs produced time-dependent increases in luciferase signal that can be inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by known inhibitors of HRV replication, including the 3C protease inhibitor rupintrivir, the nucleoside analog inhibitor MK-0608, and the phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase IIIβ (PI4K-IIIβ) kinase inhibitor PIK93. Furthermore, with the exception of pleconaril and pirodavir, the other tested classes of HRV inhibitors blocked the replication of full-length HRVc15 and HRVc11 in human airway epithelial cells (HAEs) that were differentiated in the air-liquid interface, exhibiting antiviral activities similar to those observed with HRV-16. In summary, this study is the first comprehensive profiling of multiple classes of antivirals against HRV-C, and the set of newly developed quantitative HRV-C antiviral assays represent indispensable tools for the identification and evaluation of novel panserotype HRV inhibitors.
Binding Pocket Alterations in Dihydrofolate Synthase Confer Resistance to
para
-Aminosalicylic Acid in Clinical Isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Zhao Fei , Wang Xu-De , Erber Luke N. , Luo Ming , Guo Ai-zhen , Yang Shan-shan , Gu Jing , Turman Breanna J. , Gao Yun-rong , Li Dong-fang , Cui Zong-qiang , Zhang Zhi-ping , Bi Li-jun , Baughn Anthony D. , Zhang Xian-En , Deng Jiao-Yu
Published: December 2013

The mechanistic basis for the resistance of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
to
para
-aminosalicylic acid (PAS), an important agent in the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, has yet to be fully defined. As a substrate analog of the folate precursor
para
-aminobenzoic acid, PAS is ultimately bioactivated to hydroxy dihydrofolate, which inhibits dihydrofolate reductase and disrupts the operation of folate-dependent metabolic pathways. As a result, the mutation of dihydrofolate synthase, an enzyme needed for the bioactivation of PAS, causes PAS resistance in
M. tuberculosis
strain H37Rv. Here, we demonstrate that various missense mutations within the coding sequence of the dihydropteroate (H
2
Pte) binding pocket of dihydrofolate synthase (FolC) confer PAS resistance in laboratory isolates of
M. tuberculosis
and
Mycobacterium bovis
. From a panel of 85 multidrug-resistant
M. tuberculosis
clinical isolates, 5 were found to harbor mutations in the
folC
gene within the H
2
Pte binding pocket, resulting in PAS resistance. While these alterations in the H
2
Pte binding pocket resulted in reduced dihydrofolate synthase activity, they also abolished the bioactivation of hydroxy dihydropteroate to hydroxy dihydrofolate. Consistent with this model for abolished bioactivation, the introduction of a wild-type copy of
folC
fully restored PAS susceptibility in
folC
mutant strains. Confirmation of this novel PAS resistance mechanism will be beneficial for the development of molecular method-based diagnostics for
M. tuberculosis
clinical isolates and for further defining the mode of action of this important tuberculosis drug.