bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and prevention of workplace aggression in Australian clinical medical practice
Authors: Hills Danny J. , Joyce Catherine M. , Humphreys John S.
Published: August 2011

Objective. To determine the extent of aggression directed towards Australian doctors and the implementation of aggression prevention and minimisation strategies in medical workplaces. Methods. Data were obtained from the pilot phase (n = 321) of the Medicine in Australia: Balancing Employment and Life survey of the clinical medical workforce in 2010. Descriptive statistics were generated in relation to doctors’ experiences of aggression at work in the previous 12 months, and the implementation of workplace aggression prevention and minimisation strategies. Distributions of the outcome variables were evaluated by doctor type and sex. Results. More than 70% of doctors experienced verbal or written aggression and almost a third experienced physical aggression. Higher proportions of hospital non-specialists and specialists-in-training experienced aggression from patients, patient relatives or carers and co-workers. Higher proportions of female doctors experienced verbal or written aggression from patient relatives or carers and co-workers. Overall, the more basic aggression prevention and minimisation strategies had been implemented in approximately two-thirds of clinical settings, with lower rates for more extended strategies. Conclusions. Many Australian doctors experience workplace aggression. The more widespread adoption of measures that support the prevention and minimisation of aggression in medical practice settings appears necessary. What is known about the topic? The limited research on workplace aggression in Australian medical practice primarily focusses on the prevalence of patient aggression in General Practice. What does this paper add? Current evidence is provided on the extent of workplace aggression directed towards Australian doctors from multiple sources and the implementation of workplace aggression prevention and minimisation strategies in diverse clinical settings. What are the implications for practitioners? More concerted efforts need to be undertaken to ensure that effective aggression prevention and minimisation strategies are implemented in medical practice.
Heterozygous Inverdale ewes show increased ovulation rate sensitivity to pre-mating nutrition
Authors: Demmers K. J. , Smaill B. , Davis G. H. , Dodds K. G. , Juengel J. L.
Published: August 2011

This study aimed to determine whether ewes heterozygous (I+) for the Inverdale mutation of the bone morphogenetic protein-15 (BMP15) gene with high natural ovulation rate (OR) show similar sensitivity to nutritional manipulation as non-carriers (++). Increasing pre-mating nutrition results in OR increases in sheep, but whether this effect occurs in ewes with naturally high OR is unknown. Over 2 years, I+ or ++ ewes were given high (ad libitum) or control (maintenance) pasture allowances for 6 weeks prior to mating at a synchronised oestrus, with OR measured 8 days later. The high group increased in weight compared with controls (+5.84 kg; P < 0.01), accompanied by increased OR (+19%; P < 0.01). As well as having higher OR (+45%; P < 0.01), I+ ewes responded to increased feed with a larger proportional increase in OR (+27%; P < 0.01) compared with the response in ++ ewes (+11%; P < 0.05), suggesting an interaction between BMP15 levels and nutritional signals in the follicle to control OR. Although litter size increases only tended to significance (+12%; P = 0.06), extra feed resulted in over 50% of I+ ewes giving birth to more than three lambs, compared with 20–31% of I+ ewes on maintenance rations. This information can guide feed management of prolific Inverdale ewes prior to breeding.
Effect of pasture buffer length and pasture type on runoff water quality following prescribed burning in the Wivenhoe Catchment
Authors: Ghadiri H. , Hussein J. , Rose C. W.
Published: August 2011

Burning of pastures is a management practice adopted by graziers worldwide. When rain falls on burnt pastures, it can lead to increased pollutant transport in runoff. However, this transport can be modified by vegetative buffers which intercept the runoff downslope of burnt areas. This study examines the effects of different pasture buffer lengths (0, 2, and 5 m) on sediment and chemical transport from two pasture sites near Wivenhoe Dam, the main water reservoir for Brisbane City. Simulated rainfall (100 mm/h) was applied to 18 plots on pasture sites after they were burnt, and insoluble and soluble components were measured in the runoff. Most eroded sediment/organic debris accumulated against the first row of the grass buffer strips or was deposited in the upslope backwater region. Buffer length had little impact on the runoff concentrations of NO3– and NO2– (NOx), total Kjeldahl nitrogen, and total nitrogen from the 5-m-length upslope plots but was significant for sediment loss rate, filterable reactive phosphate, ammonium, and total and dissolved organic carbon. Pasture type was significant for NOx, ammonium, sediment loss rate, and total organic carbon only. Burning increased enrichment ratios of nutrients and carbon in the runoff compared with unburnt plots, but a 2-m buffer strip subsequently reduced the enrichment ratio values by >30%. Buffers strips of unburnt pasture grass may provide an effective tool for post-fire erosion control following prescribed burning; however, further work including scaling to larger plot sizes and catchment level is required.
Different telomere-length dynamics at the inner cell mass versus established embryonic stem (ES) cells
Authors: Varela Elisa , Schneider Ralph P. , Ortega Sagrario , Blasco Maria A.
Published: August 2011

Murine embryonic stem (ES) cells have unusually long telomeres, much longer than those in embryonic tissues. Here we address whether hyper-long telomeres are a natural property of pluripotent stem cells, such as those present at the blastocyst inner cell mass (ICM), or whether it is a characteristic acquired by the in vitro expansion of ES cells. We find that ICM cells undergo telomere elongation during the in vitro derivation of ES-cell lines. In vivo analysis shows that the hyper-long telomeres of morula-injected ES cells remain hyper-long at the blastocyst stage and longer than telomeres of the blastocyst ICM. Telomere lengthening during derivation of ES-cell lines is concomitant with a decrease in heterochromatic marks at telomeres. We also found increased levels of the telomere repeat binding factor 1 (TRF1) telomere-capping protein in cultured ICM cells before telomere elongation occurs, coinciding with expression of pluripotency markers. These results suggest that high TRF1 levels are present in pluripotent cells, most likely to ensure proficient capping of the newly synthesized telomeres. These results highlight a previously unnoticed difference between ICM cells at the blastocyst and ES cells, and suggest that abnormally long telomeres in ES cells are likely to result from continuous telomere lengthening of proliferating ICM cells locked at an epigenetic state associated to pluripotency.
Size at Release, Size‐Selective Mortality, and Age of Maturity of Willamette River Hatchery Yearling Chinook Salmon
Authors: Claiborne Andrew M. , Fisher Joseph P. , Hayes Sean A. , Emmett Robert L.
Published: August 2011

We analyzed scales from returning Willamette River yearling Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha to explore the effects of size at release on subsequent adult returns. We tested the hypothesis that survival to adulthood is independent of size at ocean entry for yearling Chinook salmon. Significant size‐selective mortality, indicated by a larger size at ocean entry among surviving adults than among all released juveniles, was observed for Chinook salmon released in 2002–2004 but not for those released in 2005. Juvenile Chinook salmon released in 2002–2004 that entered the ocean at less than 150 mm in fork length were underrepresented in the returning adult populations. We also investigated the relationships between age at maturity and size at ocean entry, timing of release, circulus spacing, and size at the end of the first ocean year. We observed significant differences in fork length at the end of the first ocean winter among returning age‐4, ‐5, and ‐6 Chinook salmon; the younger returning fish were larger after their first year of ocean growth. Fork length at ocean entry and average first‐ocean‐year circulus spacing were significantly greater for age‐4 than for age‐5 and age‐6 Chinook salmon but were similar for age‐5 and age‐6 fish. Our analyses indicate that yearling Chinook salmon may experience size‐selective mortality, although the relationship between the intensity of size‐selective mortality and smolt‐to‐adult survival remains unclear.
DISCRIMINATION, EXCLUSION AND IMMIGRANTS' CONFIDENCE IN PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS IN EUROPE
Authors: Röder Antje , Mühlau Peter
Published: August 2011

What determines the confidence of immigrants in public institutions? Using pooled data from the European Social Survey of 26 countries, the study examines whether processes of social exclusion and discrimination can account for migrants’ confidence in public institutions. Specifically, it examines the role of the quality of public institutions and of the migrant integration policies of the host country and how they interact with migrant status and proxies for experienced or potential discrimination in shaping institutional trust. Results show that the performance of public institutions matters less for the confidence of immigrants than that of natives, in particular for those who see themselves as an ethnic minority or members of a group that has faced discrimination. Second-generation migrants exhibit less trust than first-generation migrants. However, discriminatory processes appear to be of less importance than the expectations carried from the home country or acculturation processes.
Carrier compensation mechanism in heavily Nb-doped anatase Ti1−xNbxO2+δ epitaxial thin films
Authors: Nogawa H , Chikamatsu A , Hirose Y , Nakao S , Kumigashira H , Oshima M , Hasegawa T
Published: August 2011

We investigated the electronic structures of anatase Ti1−x
Nb
x
O2+δ (TNO) thin films as a function of Nb concentration x using photoemission spectroscopy (PES) measurements to elucidate the origin of the abrupt decrease in carrier activation in heavily Nb-doped regime. The existing intensity ratio of Nb5+ evaluated from Nb 3d core-level PES spectra maintained a constant value of ∼0.8 at x = 0.06–0.3, implying that electron carriers generated by Nb doping are compensated by p-type defects. Ti 2p-3d and O1s-2p resonant PES measurements of x = 0.06–0.3 films revealed that the in-gap states positioned ∼1 eV below the Fermi level (E
F) have a mixed character of Ti 3d and O 2p orbitals, whereas the states at E
F mainly have a Ti 3d nature. We proposed a carrier compensation mechanism that interstitial oxygen atoms strongly combined with surrounding Nb atoms kill conduction electrons in heavily Nb-doped anatase TiO2.
The large Rep protein of adeno-associated virus type 2 is polyubiquitinated
Authors: Sukhu Loretta , Pintel David
Published: August 2011

Five adenovirus (Ad) gene products are required for efficient replication of co-infecting adeno-associated virus (AAV); however, the combined net enhancement by these factors is composed of both positive and negative effects. Similar to previous results with AAV Rep52, AAV2 large Rep was targeted for ubiquitination and degradation by the Ad E4orf6/E1b 55 kDa, cullin 5-containing, E3-ubiquitin ligase. Additionally, large Rep was targeted for ubiquitination via extension of ubiquitin lysine K48 and K63 both in the presence and absence of E4orf6.
Acoustic attenuation, phase and group velocities in liquid-filled pipes II: Simulation for spallation neutron sources and planetary exploration
Authors: Jiang Jian , Baik Kyungmin , Leighton Timothy G.
Published: August 2011

This paper uses a Finite Element Method (FEM) to compare predictions of the attenuation and sound speeds of acoustic modes in a fluid-filled pipe with those of the analytical model presented in the first paper in this series. It explains why, when the predictions of the earlier paper were compared with experimental data from a water-filled PMMA pipe, the uncertainties and agreement for attenuation data were worse than those for sound speed data. Having validated the FEM approach in this way, the versatility of FEM is thereafter demonstrated by modeling two practical applications which are beyond the analysis of the earlier paper. These applications model propagation in the mercury-filled steel pipework of the Spallation Neutron Source at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (Tennessee), and in a long-standing design for acoustic sensors for use on planetary probes. The results show that strong coupling between the fluid and the solid walls means that erroneous interpretations are made of the data if they assume that the sound speed and attenuation in the fluid in the pipe are the same as those that would be measured in an infinite volume of identical fluid, assumptions which are common when such data have previously been interpreted.
Method for measuring violin sound radiation based on bowed glissandi and its application to sound synthesis
Authors: Pérez Carrillo Alfonso , Bonada Jordi , Pätynen Jukka , Välimäki Vesa
Published: August 2011

This work presents a method for measuring and computing violin-body directional frequency responses, which are used for violin sound synthesis. The approach is based on a frame-weighted deconvolution of excitation and response signals. The excitation, consisting of bowed glissandi, is measured with piezoelectric transducers built into the bridge. Radiation responses are recorded in an anechoic chamber with multiple microphones placed at different angles around the violin. The proposed deconvolution algorithm computes impulse responses that, when convolved with any source signal (captured with the same transducer), produce a highly realistic violin sound very similar to that of a microphone recording. The use of motion sensors allows for tracking violin movements. Combining this information with the directional responses and using a dynamic convolution algorithm, helps to improve the listening experience by incorporating the violinist motion effect in stereo.
Extending the articulation index to account for non-linear distortions introduced by noise-suppression algorithms
Authors: Loizou Philipos C. , Ma Jianfen
Published: August 2011

The conventional articulation index (AI) measure cannot be applied in situations where non-linear operations are involved and additive noise is present. This is because the definitions of the target and masker signals become vague following non-linear processing, as both the target and masker signals are affected. The aim of the present work is to modify the basic form of the AI measure to account for non-linear processing. This was done using a new definition of the output or effective SNR obtained following non-linear processing. The proposed output SNR definition for a specific band was designed to handle cases where the non-linear processing affects predominantly the target signal rather than the masker signal. The proposed measure also takes into consideration the fact that the input SNR in a specific band cannot be improved following any form of non-linear processing. Overall, the proposed measure quantifies the proportion of input band SNR preserved or transmitted in each band after non-linear processing. High correlation (r = 0.9) was obtained with the proposed measure when evaluated with intelligibility scores obtained by normal-hearing listeners in 72 noisy conditions involving noise-suppressed speech corrupted in four different real-world maskers.
Edge resonance and zero group velocity Lamb modes in a free elastic plate
Authors: Cès M. , Clorennec D. , Royer D. , Prada C.
Published: August 2011

The local resonances of a free isotropic elastic plate are investigated using laser ultrasonic techniques. Experimental results are interpreted in terms of zero group velocity Lamb modes and edge mode. At a distance from the edge larger than the plate thickness a sharp resonance is observed at the frequency where the group velocity of the first symmetrical Lamb mode vanishes. Close to the edge of the plate, the resonance due to the edge mode dominates. Both zero group velocity and edge resonances appear at the theoretically predicted frequencies. These frequencies do not vary with the distance from the edge of the plate and the transition between the two modes of vibration, at about the plate thickness, is abrupt. Using a laser excitation on the edge, the amplitude profile of the normal displacement at the edge resonance frequency was determined.
Temporal masking functions for listeners with real and simulated hearing loss
Authors: Desloge Joseph G. , Reed Charlotte M. , Braida Louis D. , Perez Zachary D. , Delhorne Lorraine A.
Published: August 2011

A functional simulation of hearing loss was evaluated in its ability to reproduce the temporal masking functions for eight listeners with mild to severe sensorineural hearing loss. Each audiometric loss was simulated in a group of age-matched normal-hearing listeners through a combination of spectrally-shaped masking noise and multi-band expansion. Temporal-masking functions were obtained in both groups of listeners using a forward-masking paradigm in which the level of a 110-ms masker required to just mask a 10-ms fixed-level probe (5-10 dB SL) was measured as a function of the time delay between the masker offset and probe onset. At each of four probe frequencies (500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz), temporal-masking functions were obtained using maskers that were 0.55, 1.0, and 1.15 times the probe frequency. The slopes and y-intercepts of the masking functions were not significantly different for listeners with real and simulated hearing loss. The y-intercepts were positively correlated with level of hearing loss while the slopes were negatively correlated. The ratio of the slopes obtained with the low-frequency maskers relative to the on-frequency maskers was similar for both groups of listeners and indicated a smaller compressive effect than that observed in normal-hearing listeners.
Single frequency sound propagation in flat waveguides with locally reactive impedance boundaries
Authors: Min Hequn , Chen Weisong , Qiu Xiaojun
Published: August 2011

A coherent image source method is presented for evaluating single frequency sound propagation from a point source in a flat waveguide with two infinite and parallel locally reactive boundaries. The method starts from formulating reflections of the spherical sound radiation into integrals of plane wave expansion, and the analytical evaluation of the integrals is simplified by introducing a physically plausible assumption that wave front shapes remain the same before and after each reflection on a reflective boundary. The proposed model can determine coherently the sound fields at arbitrary receiver locations in a flat waveguide, even when one boundary is highly sound absorptive. Being compared with the classical wave theory and the existing coherent ray-based methods, it is shown that the proposed method provides considerable accuracy and advantages to predict sound propagation in flat waveguides with a sound absorptive ceiling and a reflective floor over a broad frequency range, particularly at large distances from the source where the existing methods are problematic.
Modeling manner of contact in the synthesis of impact sounds for perceptual research
Authors: Stoelinga Christophe N. J. , Lutfi Robert A.
Published: August 2011

Impact sounds synthesized according to a physical model have increasingly become the stimulus of choice in studies of sound source perception. Few studies, however, have incorporated manner of contact in their models because of the complexity of the mechanics involved. Here a simplified model of contact is described suitable for application to perceptual research. The results of the simplified model are shown to be in good agreement with those of more comprehensive numerical methods receiving prior acoustic validation [Chaigne and Lambourg, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 109, 1422–1432 (2001)]. The advantages of the model for applications to perceptual research are discussed.
Oxygen Isotopic Compositions of Asteroidal Materials Returned from Itokawa by the Hayabusa Mission
Authors: Yurimoto Hisayoshi , Abe Ken-ichi , Abe Masanao , Ebihara Mitsuru , Fujimura Akio , Hashiguchi Minako , Hashizume Ko , Ireland Trevor R. , Itoh Shoichi , Katayama Juri , Kato Chizu , Kawaguchi Junichiro , Kawasaki Noriyuki , Kitajima Fumio , Kobayashi Sachio , Meike Tatsuji , Mukai Toshifumi , Nagao Keisuke , Nakamura Tomoki , Naraoka Hiroshi , Noguchi Takaaki , Okazaki Ryuji , Park Changkun , Sakamoto Naoya , Seto Yusuke , Takei Masashi , Tsuchiyama Akira , Uesugi Masayuki , Wakaki Shigeyuki , Yada Toru , Yamamoto Kosuke , Yoshikawa Makoto , Zolensky Michael E.
Published: August 2011

Laboratory analysis of samples returned from an asteroid establishes a direct link between asteroids and meteorites and provides clues to the complex history of the asteroid and its surface.
Irradiation History of Itokawa Regolith Material Deduced from Noble Gases in the Hayabusa Samples
Authors: Nagao Keisuke , Okazaki Ryuji , Nakamura Tomoki , Miura Yayoi N. , Osawa Takahito , Bajo Ken-ichi , Matsuda Shintaro , Ebihara Mitsuru , Ireland Trevor R. , Kitajima Fumio , Naraoka Hiroshi , Noguchi Takaaki , Tsuchiyama Akira , Yurimoto Hisayoshi , Zolensky Michael E. , Uesugi Masayuki , Shirai Kei , Abe Masanao , Yada Toru , Ishibashi Yukihiro , Fujimura Akio , Mukai Toshifumi , Ueno Munetaka , Okada Tatsuaki , Yoshikawa Makoto , Kawaguchi Junichiro
Published: August 2011

Laboratory analysis of samples returned from an asteroid establishes a direct link between asteroids and meteorites and provides clues to the complex history of the asteroid and its surface.
Synthesis and Structure Determination of the Hierarchical Meso-Microporous Zeolite ITQ-43
Authors: Jiang Jiuxing , Jorda Jose L. , Yu Jihong , Baumes Laurent A. , Mugnaioli Enrico , Diaz-Cabanas Maria J. , Kolb Ute , Corma Avelino
Published: August 2011

A zeolite with microporous channels (6 to 7 angstrom diameter) and mesoporous channels (~2-nanometer diameter) was made.
How Great Wings Can Look Alike
Authors: Carroll Sean B.
Published: August 2011

The
optix
gene controls mimetic wing pattern evolution in
Heliconius
butterflies.
Bringing Part of an Asteroid Back Home
Authors: Krot Alexander N.
Published: August 2011

A space mission that took samples of an asteroid has provided insights into the evolution of the solar system.
8.7 Million: A New Estimate for All the Complex Species on Earth
Authors: Strain Daniel
Published: August 2011

A novel type of analysis, which takes advantage of an apparently natural mathematical pattern in the biodiversity produced by evolution, has settled on a tally of 8.7 million eukaryotic species, give or take a million.
A Denisovan Legacy in the Immune System?
Authors: Gibbons Ann
Published: August 2011

A study published online in
Science
this week suggests that mating between human ancestors and other now-extinct groups boosted the immune systems of early Europeans and Asians.
Mending the Youngest Hearts
Authors: Vogel Gretchen
Published: August 2011

Researchers have begun implanting tissue-engineered blood vessels into toddlers with heart defects, and new studies of the grafts in animals show they work in unexpected ways.
Poor Diagnostic Accuracy of Commercial Antibody-Based Assays for the Diagnosis of Acute Chikungunya Infection
Authors: Blacksell Stuart D. , Tanganuchitcharnchai Ampai , Jarman Richard G. , Gibbons Robert V. , Paris Daniel H. , Bailey Mark S. , Day Nicholas P. J. , Premaratna Ranjan , Lalloo David G. , de Silva H. Janaka
Published: August 2011

A Sri Lankan fever cohort (
n
= 292 patients; 17.8% prevalence) was used to assess two standard diagnostic Chikungunya IgM tests. The immunochromatographic test (ICT) acute sample sensitivity (SN) was 1.9 to 3.9%, and specificity (SP) was 92.5 to 95.0%. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) gave an acute sample SN of 3.9% and an SP of 92.5% and a convalescent sample SN of 84% and an SP of 91%. These assays are not suitable for the acute diagnosis of Chikungunya virus infection.
Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein A2 Participates in the Replication of Japanese Encephalitis Virus through an Interaction with Viral Proteins and RNA
Authors: Katoh Hiroshi , Mori Yoshio , Kambara Hiroto , Abe Takayuki , Fukuhara Takasuke , Morita Eiji , Moriishi Kohji , Kamitani Wataru , Matsuura Yoshiharu
Published: August 2011

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that is kept in a zoonotic transmission cycle between pigs and mosquitoes. JEV causes infection of the central nervous system with a high mortality rate in dead-end hosts, including humans. Many studies have suggested that the flavivirus core protein is not only a component of nucleocapsids but also an important pathogenic determinant. In this study, we identified heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2 (hnRNP A2) as a binding partner of the JEV core protein by pulldown purification and mass spectrometry. Reciprocal coimmunoprecipitation analyses in transfected and infected cells confirmed a specific interaction between the JEV core protein and hnRNP A2. Expression of the JEV core protein induced cytoplasmic retention of hnRNP A2 in JEV subgenomic replicon cells. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of hnRNP A2 resulted in a 90% reduction of viral RNA replication in cells infected with JEV, and the reduction was cancelled by the expression of an siRNA-resistant hnRNP A2 mutant. In addition to the core protein, hnRNP A2 also associated with JEV nonstructural protein 5, which has both methyltransferase and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activities, and with the 5′-untranslated region of the negative-sense JEV RNA. During one-step growth, synthesis of both positive- and negative-strand JEV RNAs was delayed by the knockdown of hnRNP A2. These results suggest that hnRNP A2 plays an important role in the replication of JEV RNA through the interaction with viral proteins and RNA.
Mutation of Glutamine to Arginine at Position 548 of IE2 86 in Human Cytomegalovirus Leads to Decreased Expression of IE2 40, IE2 60, UL83, and UL84 and Increased Transcription of US8-9 and US29-32
Authors: Burgdorf Sarah W. , Clark Charles L. , Burgdorf James R. , Spector Deborah H.
Published: August 2011

The IE2 86 protein of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is essential for productive infection. The mutation of glutamine to arginine at position 548 of IE2 86 causes the virus to grow both slowly and to very low titers, making it difficult to study this mutant via infection. In this study, Q548R IE2 86 HCMV was produced on the complementing cell line 86F/40HA, which allowed faster and higher-titer production of mutant virus. The main defects observed in this mutant were greatly decreased expression of IE2 40, IE2 60, UL83, and UL84. Genome replication and the induction of cell cycle arrest were found to proceed at or near wild-type levels, and there was no defect in transitioning to early or late protein expression. Q548R IE2 86 was still able to interact with UL84. Furthermore, Q548R IE2 40 maintained the ability to enhance UL84 expression in a cotransfection assay. Microarray analysis of Q548R IE2 HCMV revealed that the US8, US9, and US29-32 transcripts were all significantly upregulated. These results further confirm the importance of IE2 in UL83 and UL84 expression as well as pointing to several previously unknown regions of the HCMV genome that may be regulated by IE2.
HIV, HSV-2 and syphilis among married couples in India: patterns of discordance and concordance
Authors: Arora Paul , Nagelkerke Nico , Sgaier Sema K , Kumar Rajesh , Dhingra Neeraj , Jha Prabhat
Published: August 2011

Objectives

Differences in sexual networks probably explain the disparity in the scale of HIV epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa and India. HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) discordant couple studies provide insights into important aspects of these sexual networks. The authors quantify the role of male sexual behaviour in HIV transmission in married couples in India.

Methods

The authors analysed patterns of HIV and STI discordance in married couples from two community surveys in India: the National Family Health Study-3 for HIV-1 and the Centre for Global Health Research health check-up for HSV-2 and syphilis. A statistical model was used to estimate the fraction of infections introduced by each of the two partners.

Results

Only 0.8%, 16.0% and 3.5% of couples were infected (either partner or both) with HIV-1, HSV-2 and syphilis, respectively. A large proportion of infected couples were discordant (73.0%, 56.3% and 84.2% for HIV-1, HSV-2 and syphilis, respectively). This model estimated that, among couples with any STI, the male partner introduced the infection the majority of the time (HIV-1: 85.4%, HSV-2: 64.1%, syphilis: 75.0%).

Conclusions

Male sexual activity outside of marriage appears to be a driving force for the Indian HIV/STI epidemic. Male client and female sex worker contacts should remain a primary target of the National AIDS Control Program in India.
Impact of a combined diet and progressive exercise intervention for overweight and obese children: the B.E. H.I.P. study
Authors: Doyle-Baker Patricia K. , Venner Allison A. , Lyon Martha E. , Fung Tak
Published: August 2011

The Biochemical Evaluation of a Health Intervention Programme (B.E. H.I.P.) investigated the impact of progressive exercise intensity in overweight and obese children. A 5-month prospective randomized crossover design (XA, immediate intervention; OB, control group; XB, delayed intervention, OA, postintervention follow-up) with a 10-week health intervention programme was employed. The intervention utilized a progressive increase in high-intensity exercise (≥75% maximum heart rate) and included 3 nutrition and 2 parent education sessions. Primary analysis was completed with (i) XA versus OB and (ii) all intervention participants (collapsed XA and XB = XAXB). Prepubertal overweight and obese male and female children (n = 27) between 5 and 10 years of age were randomly allocated to XA (n = 16; 11 females; waist circumference = 80.0 ± 10.6 cm) or OB (n = 11; 3 females; waist circumference = 76.6 ± 7.5 cm). The primary variables were heart rate and percent fat mass. All variables, including body composition, habitual activity, and serum lipids, were repeatedly measured for up to a maximum of 7 time points. Energy expenditure was quantitatively measured throughout each exercise class (n = 20). A significantly longer time in the exercise sessions was spent in high-intensity (35.1%–60.0%) versus low- to moderate-intensity (64.9%–40.0%) exercise as the intervention progressed from the first to the last attended exercise class (Fisher exact test, p < 0.0001). The percent fat mass decreased in all intervention participants (–2.2%, p < 0.0001). XA had a greater slope decrease than OB for percent fat mass (p = 0.00051) and triglycerides (p = 0.0467). In conclusion, high-intensity exercise, within a comprehensive health programme that includes nutrition education, improved the lipid and physiological health profiles of obese children.
Tumor growth reduction in Walker 256 tumor-bearing rats performing anaerobic exercise: participation of Bcl-2, Bax, apoptosis, and peroxidation
Authors: de Lima Carina , Alves Luciana , Iagher Fabíola , Machado Andressa Franzoi , Kryczyk Marcelo , Yamazaki Ricardo Key , Brito Gleisson Alisson Pereira , Nunes Everson Araújo , Naliwaiko Katya , Fernandes Luiz Cláudio
Published: August 2011

Physical activity has been used in cancer prevention and treatment. In this study, we investigated some of the mechanisms by which anaerobic exercise reduces tumor growth. To do so, rats were trained for 8 weeks. Training consisted of jumping in a swimming pool for ten 30-s sets, with a load that was 50% of body weight attached to the back, 4 times per week. At the sixth week, anaerobic exercise trained rats (EX group) were inoculated with a suspension of Walker 256 tumor cells. Tumor weight, apoptotic tumor cells, tumor Bax and Bcl-2 protein expression, tumor lipid peroxidation, and tumor cell proliferation ex vivo were evaluated. Tumor weight was significantly lower in the EX group (∼30%) than in rats that did not undergo training (sedentary group) (p < 0.05). Apoptosis in the tumor cells of EX rats was 2-fold higher than in the tumor cells of sedentary rats; in addition, Bax expression increased by 10% and Bcl-2 decreased by 13% in EX rats. Lipid peroxidation was 4-fold higher in the tumor cells of EX rats than in those of sedentary rats (p < 0.05). Tumor cell proliferation ex vivo was 29% lower in the EX group than in the sedentary group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Walker 256 tumor-bearing exercised rats presented more tumor cell apoptosis, a higher tumor content of lipid peroxides, pro-apoptotic protein expression balance, and reduced tumor weight and cell proliferation ex vivo, compared with sedentary rats. These events, together, account for the lower tumor growth we observed in the EX rats.
Prevalence of caffeine use in elite athletes following its removal from the World Anti-Doping Agency list of banned substances
Authors: Del Coso Juan , Muñoz Gloria , Muñoz-Guerra Jesús
Published: August 2011

The aim of this investigation was to determine the use of caffeine by athletes after its removal from the World Anti-Doping Agency list. For this purpose, we measured the caffeine concentration in 20 686 urine samples obtained for doping control from 2004 to 2008. We utilized only urine samples obtained after official national and international competitions. Urine caffeine concentration was determined using alkaline extraction followed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The limit of detection (LOD) was set at 0.1 µg·mL–1. The percentage of urine samples below the LOD was 26.2%; the remaining 73.8% of the urine samples contained caffeine. Most urine samples (67.3%) had urinary caffeine concentrations below 5 µg·mL–1. Only 0.6% of urine samples exceeded the former threshold for caffeine doping (12 µg·mL–1). Triathlon (3.3 ± 2.2 µg·mL–1), cycling (2.6 ± 2.0 µg·mL–1), and rowing (1.9 ± 1.4 µg·mL–1) were the sports with the highest levels of urine caffeine concentration; gymnastics was the sport with the lowest urine caffeine concentration (0.5 ± 0.4 µg·mL–1). Older competitors (>30 y) had higher levels of caffeine in their urine than younger competitors (<20 y; p < 0.05); there were no differences between males and females. In conclusion, 3 out of 4 athletes had consumed caffeine before or during sports competition. Nevertheless, only a small proportion of these competitors (0.6%) had a urine caffeine concentration higher than 12 µg·mL–1. Endurance sports were the disciplines showing the highest urine caffeine excretion after competition.
A BLOW-UP CRITERION FOR 3D COMPRESSIBLE MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC EQUATIONS WITH VACUUM
Authors: XU XINYING , ZHANG JIANWEN
Published: August 2011

This paper is concerned with a blow-up criterion of strong solutions for three-dimensional compressible isentropic magnetohydrodynamic equations with vacuum. It is shown that if the density and velocity satisfy [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text], 3 < r ≤ ∞ and [Formula: see text] denotes the weak Lr-space, then the strong solutions to the Cauchy problem of the compressible magnetohydrodynamic equations can exist globally over [0, T].
Evaluating the Impact of Data Quality on Sampling
Authors: Van Hulse Jason , Khoshgoftaar Taghi M. , Napolitano Amri
Published: August 2011

Learning from imbalanced training data can be a difficult endeavour, and the task is made even more challenging if the data is of low quality or the size of the training dataset is small. Data sampling is a commonly used method for improving learner performance when data is imbalanced. However, little effort has been put forth to investigate the performance of data sampling techniques when data is both noisy and imbalanced. In this work, we present a comprehensive empirical investigation of the impact of changes in four training dataset characteristics — dataset size, class distribution, noise level and noise distribution — on data sampling techniques. We present the performance of four common data sampling techniques using 11 learning algorithms. The results, which are based on an extensive suite of experiments for which over 15 million models were trained and evaluated, show that: (1) even for relatively clean datasets, class imbalance can still hurt learner performance, (2) data sampling, however, may not improve performance for relatively clean but imbalanced datasets, (3) data sampling can be very effective at dealing with the combined problems of noise and imbalance, (4) both the level and distribution of class noise among the classes are important, as either factor alone does not cause a significant impact, (5) when sampling does improve the learners (i.e. for noisy and imbalanced datasets), RUS and SMOTE are the most effective at improving the AUC, while SMOTE performed well relative to the F-measure, (6) there are significant differences in the empirical results depending on the performance measure used, and hence it is important to consider multiple metrics in this type of analysis, and (7) data sampling rarely hurt the AUC, but only significantly improved performance when data was at least moderately skewed or noisy, while for the F-measure, data sampling often resulted in significantly worse performance when applied to slightly skewed or noisy datasets, but did improve performance when data was either severely noisy or skewed, or contained moderate levels of both noise and imbalance.
Within and Between Shot Information Utilisation in Video Key Frame Extraction
Authors: Liu Dianting , Shyu Mei-Ling , Chen Chao , Chen Shu-Ching
Published: August 2011

In consequence of the popularity of family video recorders and the surge of Web 2.0, increasing amounts of videos have made the management and integration of the information in videos an urgent and important issue in video retrieval. Key frames, as a high-quality summary of videos, play an important role in the areas of video browsing, searching, categorisation, and indexing. An effective set of key frames should include major objects and events of the video sequence, and should contain minimum content redundancies. In this paper, an innovative key frame extraction method is proposed to select representative key frames for a video. By analysing the differences between frames and utilising the clustering technique, a set of key frame candidates (KFCs) is first selected at the shot level, and then the information within a video shot and between video shots is used to filter the candidate set to generate the final set of key frames. Experimental results on the TRECVID 2007 video dataset have demonstrated the effectiveness of our proposed key frame extraction method in terms of the percentage of the extracted key frames and the retrieval precision.
SYMPLECTIC SPACE OR ORTHOGONAL SPACE OF n QUBITS
Authors: XU JIAN-WEI
Published: August 2011

In Hilbert space of n qubits, we introduce symplectic space (n odd) or orthogonal space (n even) via the spin-flip operator. Under this mathematical structure we discuss some properties of n qubits, including homomorphically mapping local operations of n qubits into symplectic group or orthogonal group, and proving that the generalized "magic basis" is just the biorthonormal basis (i.e. the orthonormal basis of both Hilbert space and the orthogonal space). Finally, a demonstrated example is given to discuss the application in physics of this mathematical structure.
THE EFFECT OF DIPOLE–DIPOLE INTERACTION ON ATOMIC QUANTUM DISCORD IN DISSIPATIVE ENVIRONMENT
Authors: HAN MEI , ZHANG YING-JIE , XIA YUN-JIE
Published: August 2011

We study the quantum discord dynamics of two atoms resonantly coupled with a dissipative cavity field. Considering the atomic dipole–dipole interaction, we show that the dipole–dipole interaction can make the atomic quantum discord more robust, and when the strength of dipole–dipole interaction is strong enough, the atomic quantum discord can be improved. In addition, we also analyze the effect of dipole–dipole interaction on dynamical behaviors of mutual information and classical correlation.
Aryl nitroporphycenes and derivatives: first regioselective synthesis of dinitroporphycenes
Authors: Anguera Gonzalo , Llinàs Maria C. , Batllori Xavier , Sánchez-García David
Published: August 2011

The nitration reaction of 2,7,12,17-tetraphenylporphycene has been studied. The use of AgNO3 and a mixture of acetic acid and 1,2-dichloroethane as a mild nitrating system provides an optimized preparation of 9-nitro-2,7,12,17-tetraphenylporphycene and a regioselective synthesis of 9,20-dinitro-2,7,12,17-tetraphenylporphycene. While 25 min of reaction are needed to obtain the mononitrated compound, 4 h are necessary to yield a mixture of 9,20-dinitro and 9,19-dinitro 2,7,12,17- tetraphenylporphycene in a proportion of 3 to 1. From this mixture, the geometric isomers can be isolated by fractional crystallization. 9-Nitro-2,7,12,17-tetraphenylporphycene can be reduced to the corresponding amino derivative, which is the starting material to obtain 9-(glutaric methylesteramide)- 2,7,12,17-tetraphenylporphycene, a versatile derivative useful for conjugation.
Regulation of apical H+-ATPase activity and intestinal HCO3−secretion in marine fish osmoregulation
Authors: Guffey S. , Esbaugh A. , Grosell M.
Published: August 2011

The absorption of Cl−and water from ingested seawater in the marine fish intestine is accomplished partly through Cl−/HCO3−exchange. Recently, a H+pump (vacuolar-type H+-ATPase) was found to secrete acid into the intestinal lumen, and it may serve to titrate luminal HCO3−and facilitate further Cl−/HCO3−exchange, especially in the posterior intestine, where adverse concentration gradients could limit Cl−/HCO3−exchange. The H+pump is expressed in all intestinal segments and in gill tissue of gulf toadfish ( Opsanus beta) maintained in natural seawater. After acute transfer of toadfish to 60 ppt salinity, H+pump expression increased 20-fold in the posterior intestine. In agreement with these observations was a fourfold-increased H+-ATPase activity in the posterior intestine of animals acclimated to 60 ppt salinity. Interestingly, Na+-K+-ATPase activity was elevated in the anterior intestine and gill, but not in the posterior intestine. Apical acid secretion by isolated intestinal tissue mounted in Ussing chambers fitted with pH-stat titration systems increased after acclimation to hypersalinity in the anterior and posterior intestine, titrating >20% of secreted bicarbonate. In addition, net base secretion increased in hypersalinity-acclimated fish and was ∼70% dependent on serosal HCO3−. Protein localization by immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of the vacuolar-type H+-ATPase in the apical region of intestinal enterocytes. These results show that the H+pump, especially in the posterior intestine, plays an important role in hypersaline osmoregulation and that it likely has significant effects on HCO3−accumulation in the intestinal lumen and, therefore, the continued absorption of Cl−and water.
Impact of l-NAME on the cardiopulmonary reflex in cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Buckley Maria M. , Johns Edward J.
Published: August 2011

There is evidence that in cardiac failure, there is defective baroreceptor reflex control of sympathetic nerve activity. Often, cardiac failure is preceded by a state of cardiac hypertrophy in which there may be enhanced performance of the heart. This study investigated whether in two different models of cardiac hypertrophy, there was an increased contribution of nitric oxide (NO) to the low-pressure baroreceptor regulation of renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) and nerve-dependent excretory function. Administration of a volume load, 0.25* body wt/min saline for 30 min, in normal rats decreased RSNA by 40* and increased urine flow by some 9-fold. Following nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) administration, 10 μg·kg−1·min−1 for 60 min, which had no effect on blood pressure, heart rate, or RSNA, the volume load-induced renal sympathoinhibitory and excretory responses were markedly enhanced. In cardiac hypertrophy states induced by 2 wk of isoprenaline/caffeine or 1 wk thyroxine administration, the volume challenge failed to suppress RSNA, and there were blunted increases in urine flow in the innervated kidneys, but following l-NAME infusion, the volume load decreased RSNA by 30–40* and increased urine flow by some 20-fold in the innervated kidneys, roughly to the same extent as observed in normal rats. These findings suggest that the blunted renal sympathoinhibition and nerve-dependent diuresis to the volume load in cardiac hypertrophy are related to a heightened production or activity of NO within either the afferent or central arms of the reflex.
Staged Concept for Treatment of Severe Postsaphenectomy Wound Infection
Authors: Schroeter Thomas , Subramanian Sreekumar , Borger Michael A. , Mohr Friedrich W.
Published: August 2011

The saphenous vein remains the most commonly used conduit in coronary artery bypass surgery. Vein harvest is a critical component with significant morbidity associated with leg wounds from open technique. Occurring complications are hematoma, postoperative pain, skin changes, neuropathy, and septic or nonseptic wound complications. Within the context of a recent case, we present our approach to postsaphenectomy wound management.
Could Mineralocorticoids Play a Role in the Pathophysiology of Open Angle Glaucoma?
Authors: May Christian Albrecht
Published: August 2011

Since the pathomechanisms of primary open angle glaucoma are still not defined, different aspects related to this topic have to be discussed and further investigated. Possible candidates are the mineralocorticoids, which are known to lower intraocular pressure. A data search and personal investigations assume a limited role of mineralocorticoids for the development of glaucoma. Specific experiments for a final conclusion are, however, not yet performed.
Impact of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea) and Flax (Linum usitatissimum) Seed Meal Applications on Soil Carbon, Nitrogen, and Microbial Dynamics
Authors: Wang Autumn S. , Hu Ping , Hollister Emily B. , Rothlisberger Katie L. , Somenahally Anil , Provin Tony L. , Hons Frank M. , Gentry Terry J.
Published: August 2011

There is a critical need to investigate how land application of dedicated biofuel oilseed meals affects soil ecosystems. In this study, mustard (Brassica juncea) and flax (Linum usitatissimum) seed meals and sorghum-sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor) were added to soil at levels of 0, 1, 2.5, and 5% (w/w). Both the type of amendment and application rate affected soil organic C, total C & N, and C & N mineralization. Mustard meal amendment initially inhibited C mineralization as compared to flax, but >50% of mustard and flax organic C was mineralized within 51 d. Nitrogen mineralization was similar for flax and mustard, except for the 2.5% rate for which a lower proportion of mustard N was converted to nitrate. The mustard meal greatly impacted microbial community composition, appearing to select for specific fungal populations. The potential varying impacts of different oilseed meals on soil ecosystems should be considered when developing recommendations for land application.