bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association Testing of the Mitochondrial Genome Using Pedigree Data
Authors: Liu Chunyu , Dupuis Josée , Larson Martin G. , Levy Daniel
Published: January 2013

In humans, mitochondria contain their own DNA (mtDNA) that is inherited exclusively from the mother. The mitochondrial genome encodes 13 polypeptides that are components of oxidative phosphorylation to produce energy. Any disruption in these genes might interfere with energy production and thus contribute to metabolic derangement. Mitochondria also regulate several important cellular activities including cell death and calcium homeostasis. Aided by sharply declining costs of high‐density genotyping, hundreds of mitochondrial variants will soon be available in several cohorts with pedigree structures. Association testing of mitochondrial variants with disease traits using pedigree data raises unique challenges because of the difficulty in separating the effects of nuclear and mitochondrial genomes, which display different modes of inheritance. Failing to correctly account for these effects might decrease power or inflate type I error in association tests. In this report, we sought to identify the best strategy for association testing of mitochondrial variants when genotype and phenotype data are available in pedigrees. We proposed several strategies to account for polygenic effects of the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes and we performed extensive simulation studies to evaluate type I error and power of these strategies. In addition, we proposed two permutation tests to obtain empirical P values for these strategies. Furthermore, we applied two of the analytical strategies to association analysis of 196 mitochondrial variants with blood pressure and fasting blood glucose in the pedigree rich, Framingham Heart Study. Finally, we discussed strategies for study design, genotyping, and data cleaning in association testing of mtDNA in pedigrees.
Could Infrared Spectroscopy Identify Melamine‐Related Stone Using Melamine‐Contained Mixture as A Reference?
Authors: Cong Xiaoming , Sun Xizhao , Ning Benxiang
Published: January 2013

Background

Recently, a method of infrared spectroscopy analysis to identify melamine‐contained stone was established by examining melamine powders mixed with true urinary stones. However, several studies demonstrated melamine could be interacted with cyanuric acid or uric acid in water through hydrogen bonds. It presents a hypothesis that the infrared spectrum of melamine‐contained stone formed in urine is probably different from melamine‐contained dry mixtures. This study is to testify is it true. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 27:59–61, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Methods

The melamine‐related mixtures were, respectively, prepared by mixing powders of melamine with cyanuric acid or uric acid in equimolar ratio. The melamine‐related precipitates mimicking its related stone formation were, respectively, prepared by mixing melamine with cyanuric acid or uric acid in water at the given conditions. Subsequently, the melamine‐related mixtures and precipitates were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy.

Results

The wave‐number positions of powder mixtures of melamine–cyanuric acid and melamine–uric acid were a combination of these of their individual ingredients. The typical wave‐number positions of melamine were showed in two melamine‐contained mixtures. In contrast, these positions were disappeared or shifted greatly in the two melamine‐related precipitates. In total, the spectrum of precipitates of melamine with cyanuric acid and uric acid had significantly differences with their powder mixtures.

Conclusions

Our results indicate the identification of melamine‐related stone by infrared spectroscopy could not use the infrared spectrum of melamine‐contained mixtures as a reference.
The Different Mechanisms of Hypoxic Acclimatization and Adaptation in Lizard Phrynocephalus vlangalii Living on Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau
Authors: He Jianzheng , Xiu Minghui , Tang Xiaolong , Yue Feng , Wang Ningbo , Yang Shaobin , Chen Qiang
Published: January 2013

Phrynocephalus vlangalii is a species of lizard endemic in China, which lives on Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau ranging from 2000 to 4600 m above sea level. In this study, P. vlangalii were collected from low altitude (2750 m) and high altitude (4564 m). The lizards from low altitude were acclimatized in simulated hypoxic chamber (equivalent to 4600 m) for 7, 15, and 30 days. The hematological parameters, heart weight, myocardial capillary density, and myocardial enzyme activities were examined. The results showed that acclimatization to hypoxia significantly increased hemoglobin concentration ([Hb]), hematocrit (Hct), heart weight (HW), heart weight to body mass (HW/BM), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, but markedly decreased mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity. Red blood cell (RBC) count, body mass (BM), myocardial capillary density did not change markedly during hypoxic acclimatization. On the other hand, [Hb], Hct, MCHC, HW/BM, myocardium capillary density, and SDH activity of P. vlangalii from high altitude were remarkably higher than those from low‐altitude; however, LDH activity of high‐altitude P. vlangalii was lower than that of low‐altitude lizards. There was no significant difference in HW or BM between populations of high‐altitude and low‐altitude. Based on the present data, we suggest that P. vlangalii has special anatomical, physiological, and biochemical accommodate mechanisms to live in hypoxic environment, and the regulative mechanisms are different between hypoxic acclimatization and adaptation. J. Exp. Zool. 319A:117–123, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of extraction procedures for 2‐DE analysis of aphid proteins
Authors: Yiou Pan , Shaoli An , Kebin Li , Tao Wang , Kui Fang , Hua Zhang , Yu Sun , Xun Yang , Jinghui Xi
Published: January 2013

Protein sample preparation is a crucial step in a 2‐DE proteomics approach. In order to establish a routine protocol for the application of proteomics analysis to aphids, this study focuses on the specific protein extraction problems in insect tissues and evaluates four methods to bypass them. The approaches of phenol extraction methanol/ammonium acetate precipitation (PA), TCA/acetone precipitation, PEG precipitation, and no precipitation were evaluated for proteins isolation and purification from apterous adult aphids, Sitobion avenae. For 2‐DE, the PA protocol was optimal, resulting in good IEF and clear spots. PA method yielded the greatest amount of protein and displayed most protein spots in 2‐DE gels, as compared with the TCA/acetone precipitation, PEG precipitation and no precipitation protocols. Analysis of protein yield, image quality and spot numbers demonstrate that the TCA/acetone precipitation protocol is a reproducible and reliable method for extracting proteins from aphids. The PEG precipitation approach is a newly developed protein extraction protocol for aphids, from which more unique protein spots can be detected, especially for detection of acid proteins. These protocols are expected to be applicable to other insects or could be of interest to laboratories involved in insect proteomics, despite the amounts and types of interfering compounds vary considerably in different insects.
Readiness for Change Predicts VA Mental Healthcare Utilization Among Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans
Authors: Jakupcak Matthew , Hoerster Katherine D. , Blais Rebecca K. , Malte Carol A. , Hunt Stephen , Seal Karen
Published: January 2013

Many veterans present to Veteran Affairs (VA) care intending to seek mental health treatment for symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and/or alcohol misuse, yet most subsequently underutilize mental health care. This study examined the association of readiness for change with outpatient VA mental health care utilization in 104 treatment‐seeking Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans who screened positive for PTSD, depression, and/or alcohol misuse at intake. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that readiness for change assessed at intake was positively associated (Incident Rate Ratio [IRR] = 1.22) with prospective outpatient mental health care utilization with demographic factors, military characteristics, and mental health burden in the model. Results suggest that interventions that target readiness to change, such as motivational interviewing, may improve treatment utilization in veterans presenting for mental health care.
Laser Processing of Reflective Materials
Authors: Naeem Mohammed
Published: January 2013

The favourable strength to density ratio of metals and alloys, as well as their good formability and weld‐ability characteristics, are some of the reasons why they account for over half the materials in industrial applications. The most common groups of engineering metals and alloys are steels, titanium alloys, nickel alloys and reflective materials such as aluminium, copper, silver and gold. Compared to traditional techniques, lasers offer manufacturers a highly accurate, easily repeatable, automated and non‐contact means of processing these materials. Their use helps drive down costs and drive up manufacturing quality by reducing tool wear, eliminating the need for additional finishing, improving overall product quality and maximising material usage.
Surface Functionalization by High‐precision Laser Cladding
Authors: Brückner Frank , Nowotny Steffen , Riede Mirko , Kubisch Frank , Leyens Christoph , Beyer Eckhard
Published: January 2013

Meanwhile the laser build‐up welding technology is a well industrially established technique for highly precise coating tasks and additive manufacturing. By means of new precise powder nozzle systems, modified process equipment as well as suited manufacturing strategies, the generation of customized components can be realized up to a detail resolution within the double‐digit micrometer range. This opens a variety of new applications, e. g. in aviation, tooling industry or medical technology.
Laser Line Generators for Light‐sectioning in Rail Inspection
Authors: Krischke Anja , Knothe Christian , Gips Peter , Oechsner Ulrich
Published: January 2013

Modern measuring techniques often involve using lasers specifically designed for the demanding requirements of industrial tasks. An increasing number of laser diodes have become available in the green and blue region of the visible spectrum so that laser‐diode based modules now cover the full range from UV to IR. A variety of beam‐shaping techniques can be used to produce the particular beam profile necessary for a specific measuring task. One application is the continuous monitoring of rail profiles during rail production or of their deterioration in use by mounting the test system on the train itself. The geometry of the rail can be determined by using laser lines and the laser light‐sectioning method. The in situ measurement of wear ensures that the repair of the affected rail sections is performed in time.
Deuterium‐induced isotope effects on the 13C chemical shifts of α‐d‐glucose pentaacetate
Authors: Pérez‐Hernández Nury , Álvarez‐Cisneros Celina , Cerda‐García‐Rojas Carlos M. , Morales‐Ríos Martha S. , Joseph‐Nathan Pedro
Published: January 2013

1,2,3,4,6‐Penta‐O‐acetyl‐α‐d‐glucopyranose and the corresponding [1‐2H], [2‐2H], [3‐2H], [4‐2H], [5‐2H], and [6,6‐2H2]‐labeled compounds were prepared for measuring deuterium/hydrogen‐induced effects on 13C chemical shift nΔ (DHIECS) values. A conformational analysis of the nondeuterated compound was achieved using density functional theory (DFT) molecular models that allowed calculation of several structural properties as well as Boltzmann‐averaged 13C NMR chemical shifts by using the gauge‐including atomic orbital method. It was found that the DFT‐calculated C–H bond lengths correlate with 1Δ DHIECS. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stability assessment of a circular earth dam
Authors: Chugh Ashok K.
Published: January 2013

Stability of a circular earth dam is assessed for radial cracking potential and static slope stability using continuum mechanics‐based three‐dimensional numerical models. Comparisons of numerical model results for a circular water tank with vertical walls and different radii with their analytical counterparts are included to support the validity of the ideas and their implementation in the continuum mechanics‐based computer program used. Effects of sloping wall faces and Poisson's ratio on computed deformations and stresses are also included. The same numerical models are used to assess stability of a circular dam in terms of factor‐of‐safety and associated failure surface. Three‐dimensional slope stability analysis results are compared with continuum based two‐dimensional slope stability analysis results to assess the magnitude of 3D effects. Example problems are included to illustrate the use of ideas presented. Published 2013. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Value at risk for confidence level quantifications in robust engineering optimization
Authors: Mohammadi Bijan
Published: January 2013

We show how to introduce the Value at Risk (VaR) concept in optimization algorithms with emphasis in calculation complexity issues. To do so, we assume known the PDF of the uncertainties. Our aim is to quantify our confidence on the optimal solution at low complexity without sampling of the control space. The notion of over‐solving appears naturally where it becomes useless to solve accurately near an optimum when the variations in control parameters fall below the uncertainties. Examples show the behavior of this VaR‐based correction and link the approach to momentum‐based optimization where the mean and variance of a functional are considered. The approach is then applied to an inverse problem with fluids with uncertainties in the definition of the injection devices. It is shown that an optimization problem with an admissible solution in the control space in the deterministic case can lose its solution in the presence of uncertainties on the control parameters, which suggests that the control space itself should be redefined in such a situation to recover an admissible problem. This permits to evaluate the cost of making reliable a system that has been deterministically designed but has uncertain parameters. A shape optimization problem closes the paper showing the importance of including VaR information during the design iterations and not only at the end of the procedure. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Relation between Appraised Mismatch and the Duration of Negative Emotions: Evidence for Universality
Authors: Verduyn Philippe , Van Mechelen Iven , Tuerlinckx Francis , Scherer Klaus
Published: January 2013

Emotions are processes that unfold over time. As a consequence, a better understanding of emotions can be reached only when their time–related characteristics can be assessed and interpreted adequately. A central aspect in this regard is the duration of emotional experience. Previous studies have shown that an emotional experience can last anywhere from a couple of seconds up to several hours or longer. In this article, we examine to what extent specific appraisals of the eliciting event may account for variability in emotion duration and to what degree appraisal–duration relations are universal or culture specific. Participants in 37 countries were asked to recollect emotional episodes of fear, anger, sadness, disgust, shame and guilt. Subsequently, they were asked to report the duration of these episodes and to answer a number of questions regarding their appraisal of the emotion–eliciting event. Multi–level analyses revealed that negative emotions last especially long when the eliciting event and its consequences are perceived to be incongruent with the individual's goals, values and self–ideal, creating a mismatch. These relations are largely universal, although evidence for some limited variability across countries is found as well. Copyright © 2013 European Association of Personality Psychology
Interlaboratory studies and initiatives developing standards for proteomics
Authors: Ivanov Alexander R. , Colangelo Christopher M. , Dufresne Craig P. , Friedman David B. , Lilley Kathryn S. , Mechtler Karl , Phinney Brett S. , Rose Kristie L. , Rudnick Paul A. , Searle Brian C. , Shaffer Scott A. , Weintraub Susan T.
Published: January 2013

Proteomics is a rapidly transforming interdisciplinary field of research that embraces a diverse set of analytical approaches to tackle problems in fundamental and applied biology. This viewpoint article highlights the benefits of interlaboratory studies and standardization initiatives to enable investigators to address many of the challenges found in proteomics research. Among these initiatives, we discuss our efforts on a comprehensive performance standard for characterizing PTMs by MS that was recently developed by the Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities (ABRF) Proteomics Standards Research Group (sPRG).
Production and initial structural characterization of the TM4TM5 helix‐loop‐helix domain of the translocator protein
Authors: Galvagnion C. , Montaville P. , Coïc Y.‐M. , Jamin N.
Published: January 2013

Mainly present in the mitochondria, the translocator protein, TSPO, previously known as the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor, is a small essential membrane protein, involved in the translocation of cholesterol across mitochondrial membranes, a rate determining step in steroids biosynthesis. We previously reported the structure of five fragments encompassing the five putative transmembrane helices and showed that each of these fragments constitutes an autonomous folding unit. To further characterize the structural determinants responsible for helix–helix association of this membrane protein, we now investigate the folding of double transmembrane domains in various detergent micelles. Herein, we present the successful biosynthesis of a double transmembrane domain encompassing the last two C‐terminal helices (TM4TM5). For optimal production of this domain in Escherichia coli, the evaluation of various peptide constructs, including TM4TM5 fused to different purification tags or to solubilizing proteins, was necessary. The protocol of production of TM4TM5 with more than 95% purity is reported. This domain was further characterized using circular dichroism and solution state NMR. Far‐UV circular dichroism studies indicate that the secondary structure of TM4TM5 is highly helical when solubilized in various detergent micelles including n‐dodecyl‐β‐d‐maltoside, n‐octyl‐β‐d‐glucoside, n‐dodecylphosphocholine, 1,2‐dihexanoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (DHPC), and 1‐palmitoyl‐2‐hydroxy‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phospho‐(1′‐rac‐glycerol). In addition, the solubilization conditions of the domain were optimized for NMR experiments, and preliminary analysis indicates that TM4TM5 adopts a stable tertiary fold within the TM4TM5‐DHPC complex. Copyright © 2013 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐employment, Internal Migration and Place Embeddedness
Authors: Reuschke Darja
Published: January 2013

Little is known about the individual location behaviour of self‐employed entrepreneurs. Population geography has not researched this issue and entrepreneurship literature has given it little attention. This paper examines whether self‐employed entrepreneurs are ‘rooted’ in place and also whether those who are more rooted in place are more likely to enter self‐employment, thereby shedding new light onto the place embeddedness of self‐employment. Drawing on data from the German Socio‐Economic Panel Study (SOEP) 1996–2009 it shows that self‐employed entrepreneurs as compared with employees are not more rooted in place and that those who are more rooted in place are not more likely to become self‐employed. In contrast to expectations drawn from previous literature, flows into self‐employment are positively associated with inter‐regional moves. The only finding that supports the assumption of ‘place inertia’ of entrepreneurship is that starting a business is less likely to be linked with internal migration than job changes in the wage and salary sector. It concludes that mobility and immobility and individual and household constraints and preferences are important for understanding those who become self‐employed. At the same time, the people–place relations of self‐employment are important to understand migration and the functioning of labour markets. More generally, this paper underpins the importance of demographic phenomena for economic outcomes and thus the need for population geography to engage with other disciplines, in this case economic geography and entrepreneurship research. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HCl gas gettering of low‐cost silicon
Authors: Hampel Jonathan , Ehrenreich Philipp , Wiehl Norbert , Kratz Jens Volker , Reber Stefan
Published: January 2013

HCl gas gettering is a cheap and simple technique to reduce transition metal concentrations in silicon. It is attractive especially for low‐cost silicon materials like upgraded metallurgical grade (UMG) silicon, which usually contain 3d transition metals in high concentrations. Etching of silicon by HCl gas occurs during HCl gas gettering above a certain onset temperature. The etching rate as well as the gettering efficiency was experimentally determined as a function of the gettering temperature, using UMG silicon wafers. The activation energy of the etching reaction by HCl gas was calculated from the obtained data. The gettering efficiency was determined by analyzing Ni as a representative of the 3d transition metals in the wafers with and without applied HCl gas gettering. The Ni concentrations were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS).
Quenching of spin fluctuations in the 3d and 4f aluminides YFe2Al10and YbFe2Al10: a comparative27Al NMR and specific heat study
Authors: Khuntia P. , Strydom A. , Steglich F. , Baenitz M.
Published: January 2013

We present investigations on the magnetic susceptibilityχ(T), the specific heat coefficientγ(T) = C(T)/T, and the spin‐lattice relaxation (SLR) rate on the two isostructural iron aluminides YFe2Al10and YbFe2Al10. Below 10 K, both systems display a monotonous field‐dependent increase with decreasing temperature inχ(T),γ(T) and the SLR coefficient27R(T) = 27(1/T1T). These divergences are associated with spin fluctuations near a quantum critical point (QCP). Most probably, the QCP is of ferromagnetic (FM) nature, but so far no magnetic order is observed in either system down to 0.35 K. The application of moderate fields of a few Tesla suppresses the low‐Tupturn in the properties. The comparison between zero‐field and high field measurements allow for the determination of enhancement factors inχ(T), theγ(T), and the spin‐lattice relaxation coefficient (SLRC)27R(T). Surprisingly, the relative enhancement inγ(T) and theT‐dependence [∝ ln(1/T)] are very similar for both systems. In the SLRC, the enhancement is larger for the Yb‐system but both show ln(1/T) behavior forT → 0. The divergences are very similar because the Yb ions in YbFe2Al10are in an intermediate valence state at low temperatures and contribute only very little towards the observed spin fluctuations. This indicates strongly the same underlying physics and the same energy scales for both systems. We propose the presence of dominantq = 0 low‐energy FM spin fluctuations from weak itinerant Fe as the origin for the observed logarithmic divergences.
New electricity distribution network planning approaches for integrating renewable
Authors: Pilo Fabrizio , Celli Gianni , Ghiani Emilio , Soma Gian Giuseppe
Published: January 2013

The electricity distribution business is experiencing a tremendous and challenging transformation. The use of renewable energy sources is moving generation from the top to the bottom of power systems, where traditionally only loads existed. Active demand, distribution energy‐storage devices, and electric vehicles are going to change even more drastically the way the distribution system will be operated. Finally, several stakeholders will share the responsibility for system operation while they often pursue opposite objectives. In contrast to conventional approaches, modern distribution planning algorithms should emulate the new environment to produce expansion and strategic plans for guiding the evolution of system in times of financial restrictions. Probabilistic methods are necessary to capture the intrinsically stochastic behavior of renewable generation, whereas the multiobjective programming is recognized to be the most effective way for planning, transparently and objectively, the system evolution, taking into account the multiple needs of different stakeholders. Finally, the integration of smart grid operation within planning algorithms is the key point for a proper distribution planning that allows integrating renewable resources and minimizing the cost for new electrical infrastructures.

This article is categorized under:

Energy Infrastructure > Economics and Policy

Energy Systems Economics > Economics and Policy

Energy Systems Economics > Systems and Infrastructure

Energy Policy and Planning > Systems and Infrastructure
β‐Arrestin‐kinase scaffolds: turn them on or turn them off?
Authors: Lin Alice , DeFea Kathryn A.
Published: January 2013

G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) can signal through heterotrimeric G‐proteins or through β‐arrestins to elicit responses to a plethora of extracellular stimuli. While the mechanisms underlying G‐protein signaling is relatively well understood, the mechanisms by which β‐arrestins regulate the diverse set of proteins with which they associate remain unclear. Multi‐protein complexes are a common feature of β‐arrestin‐dependent signaling. The first two such complexes discovered were the mitogen‐activated kinases modules associated with extracellular regulated kinases (ERK1/2) and Jnk3. Subsequently a number of other kinases have been shown to undergo β‐arrestin‐dependent regulation, including Akt, phosphatidylinositol‐3kinase (PI3K), Lim‐domain‐containing kinase (LIMK), calcium calmodulin kinase II (CAMKII), and calcium calmodulin kinase kinase β (CAMKKβ). Some are positively and some negatively regulated by β‐arrestin association. One of the missing links to understanding these pathways is the molecular mechanisms by which the activity of these kinases is regulated. Do β‐arrestins merely serve as scaffolds to bring enzyme and substrate together or do they have a direct effect on the enzymatic activities of target kinases? Recent evidence suggests that both mechanisms are involved and that the mechanisms by which β‐arrestins regulate kinase activity varies with the target kinase. This review discusses recent advances in the field focusing on 5 kinases for which considerable mechanistic detail and specific sites of interaction have been elucidated. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2013, 5:231–241. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1203

This article is categorized under:

Biological Mechanisms > Cell Signaling

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Mechanistic Models
Environmental Influences on Human Migration in Rural Ecuador
Authors: Gray Clark , Bilsborrow Richard
Published: January 2013

The question of whether environmental conditions influence human migration has recently gained considerable attention, driven by claims that global environmental change will displace large populations. Despite this high level of interest, few quantitative studies have investigated the potential effects of environmental factors on migration, particularly in the developing world and for gradual but pervasive forms of environmental change. To address this, a retrospective migration survey was conducted in rural Ecuador and linked to data on topography, climate, and weather shocks. These data were used to estimate multivariate event history models of alternative forms of mobility (local mobility, internal migration, and international migration), controlling for a large number of covariates. This approach is generalizable to other study areas and responds to calls for the development of more rigorous methods in this field. The results indicate that adverse environmental conditions do not consistently increase rural out-migration and, in some cases, reduce migration. Instead, households respond to environmental factors in diverse ways, resulting in complex migratory responses. Overall, the results support an alternative narrative of environmentally induced migration that recognizes the adaptability of rural households in responding to environmental change.
Analysis of a Ginzburg–Landau type energy model for smectic C* liquid crystals with defects
Authors: Colbert-Kelly Sean , Phillips Daniel
Published: January 2013

This work investigates properties of a smectic

C^*

liquid crystal film containing defects that cause distinctive spiral patterns in the filmʼs texture. The phenomena are described by a Ginzburg–Landau type model and the investigation provides a detailed analysis of minimal energy configurations for the filmʼs director field. The study demonstrates the existence of a limiting location for the defects (vortices) so as to minimize a renormalized energy. It is shown that if the degree of the boundary data is positive then the vortices each have degree

+1

and that they are located away from the boundary. It is proved that the limit of the energies for a sequence of minimizers minus the sum of the energies around their vortices, as the G–L parameter

ε

tends to zero, is equal to the renormalized energy for the limiting state.

Dans ce travail on étudie les propriétés dʼun film de cristaux liquides smectiques

C^*

contenant des défauts qui produisent des motifs en spirale dans la texture du film. Les phénomènes sont décrits par un modèle de type Ginzburg–Landau dans un domaine borné du plan, et cet article fournit une analyse détaillée des configurations dʼénergie minimale du champ de directions du film. On montre lʼexistence dʼune configuration limite pour les défauts (tourbillons) qui minimise une énergie renormalisée. On démontre que si le degré du champ sur le bord du domaine est positif, alors les tourbillons sont dans lʼintérieur du domaine et sont chacun de degré

+1

. On prouve que quand le paramètre

ε

de Ginzburg–Landau tend vers zéro, pour une suite de minimiseurs, la limite de lʼénergie moins la somme des énergies autour des tourbillons est égale à lʼénergie renormalisée de lʼétat limite.
DecreasedO-GlcNAcylation of the key proteins in kinase and redox signalling pathways is a novel mechanism of the beneficial effect of α-lipoic acid in diabetic liver
Authors: Dinić Svetlana , Arambašić Jelena , Mihailović Mirjana , Uskoković Aleksandra , Grdović Nevena , Marković Jelena , Karadžić Borivoje , Poznanović Goran , Vidaković Melita
Published: January 2013

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the treatment with α-lipoic acid (LA), a naturally occurring compound possessing antioxidant activity, on liver oxidant stress in a rat model of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes by examining potential mechanistic points that influence changes in the expression of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT) and CuZn/Mn superoxide dismutase(s) (SOD). LA was administered for 4 weeks by daily intraperitoneal injections (10 mg/kg) to STZ-induced diabetic rats, starting from the last STZ treatment. LA administration practically normalised the activities of the indicators of hepatocellular injury, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, and lowered oxidative stress, as observed by the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance assay, restored the reduced glutathione:glutathione disulphide ratio and increased the protein sulfhydryl group content. The lower level of DNA damage detected by the comet assay revealed that LA reduced cytotoxic signalling, exerting a hepatoprotective effect. The LA-treated diabetic rats displayed restored specific enzymatic activities of CAT, CuZnSOD and MnSOD. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that LA restoredCATgene expression to its physiological level and increasedCuZnSODgene expression, but the gene expression ofMnSODremained at the diabetic level. Although the amounts of CAT and CuZnSOD protein expression returned to the control levels, the protein expression of MnSOD was elevated. These results suggested that LA administration affected CAT and CuZnSOD expression mainly at the transcriptional level, and MnSOD expression at the post-transcriptional level. The observed LA-promoted decrease in theO-GlcNAcylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, protein 38 kinase, NF-κB, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein and the antioxidative enzymes themselves in diabetic rats suggests that the regulatory mechanisms that supported the changes in antioxidative enzyme expression were also influenced by post-translational mechanisms.
Dietary quebracho tannins are not absorbed, but increase the antioxidant capacity of liver and plasma in sheep
Authors: López-Andrés Patricia , Luciano Giuseppe , Vasta Valentina , Gibson Trevor M. , Biondi Luisa , Priolo Alessandro , Mueller-Harvey Irene
Published: January 2013

A total of sixteen lambs were divided into two groups and fed two different diets. Of these, eight lambs were fed a control diet (C) and eight lambs were fed the C diet supplemented with quebracho tannins (C+T). The objective of the present study was to assess whether dietary quebracho tannins can improve the antioxidant capacity of lamb liver and plasma and if such improvement is due to a direct transfer of phenolic compounds or their metabolites, to the animal tissues. Feed, liver and plasma samples were purified by solid-phase extraction (SPE) and analysed by liquid chromatography–MS for phenolic compounds. Profisitinidin compounds were identified in the C+T diet. However, no phenolic compounds were found in lamb tissues. The liver and the plasma from lambs fed the C+T diet displayed a greater antioxidant capacity than tissues from lambs fed the C diet, but only when samples were not purified with SPE. Profisetinidin tannins from quebracho seem not to be degraded or absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. However, they induced antioxidant effects in animal tissues.
Human milk oligosaccharides are differentially metabolised in neonatal rats
Authors: Jantscher-Krenn Evelyn , Marx Carolin , Bode Lars
Published: January 2013

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) are complex glycans that are highly abundant in human milk, but not in infant formula. Accumulating data, mostly from in vitro and animal studies, indicate that HMO benefit the breast-fed infant in multiple ways and in different target organs. In vitro incubation studies suggest that HMO can resist the low pH in the infant's stomach and enzymatic degradation in the small intestine and reach the colon in the same composition as in the mother's milk. The oligosaccharide composition in faeces of breast-fed infants is, however, very different from that in the mother's milk, raising questions on when, where and how HMO are metabolised between ingestion and excretion. To answer some of these questions, we established a pulse-chase model in neonatal rats and analysed HMO profiles to track their composition over time in five consecutive equal-length intestinal segments as well as in serum and urine. The relative abundance of individual HMO changed significantly within the first 2 h after feeding and already in the segments of the small intestine prior to reaching the colon. Only 3′-sialyllactose, the major oligosaccharide in rat milk, and hardly any other HMO appeared in the serum and the urine of HMO-fed rats, indicating a selective absorption of rat milk-specific oligosaccharides. The present results challenge the paradigm that HMO reach the colon and other target organs in the same composition as originally secreted with the mother's milk. The present results also raise questions on whether rats and other animals represent suitable models to study the effects of HMO.
THE INFLUENCE OF GENDER ATTITUDES ON CONTRACEPTIVE USE IN TANZANIA: NEW EVIDENCE USING HUSBANDS' AND WIVES' SURVEY DATA
Authors: NANDA GEETA , SCHULER SIDNEY RUTH , LENZI RACHEL
Published: January 2013

This paper explores the hypothesis that gender attitude scales (which measure the degree of equity in gender attitudes) are associated with contraceptive use. Four hundred male and female respondents (200 couples) were interviewed using a pre-tested, structured questionnaire. Analyses included comparisons of means and prevalence rates on gender equity indicators, other related factors and socio-demographic characteristics;t-tests to compare mean scores on each gender scale for wives and husbands to identify any significant differences; chi-squared tests to compare associations between individual attributes, attitudes and contraceptive use; and multivariate logistic regression to examine associations between each gender scale and contraceptive use. The findings revealed that, on average, wives endorsed more inequitable gender attitudes compared with husbands on all gender attitude scales. For wives, more equitable gender attitudes were positively associated with contraceptive use. For husbands, the role of gender attitudes had no significant association with wives' reported contraceptive use. Family planning programmes that aim to challenge inegalitarian gender norms should not overlook women in their efforts since both men and women often accept and support inequality in a social system and, in some cases, it may be women's gender attitudes that most influence family planning decisions.
Microclimatic Influences on Lichen Distribution and Community Development
Authors: Canters K. J. , Schöllerj H. , Ott S. , Jahns H. M.
Published: January 2013

The distribution of cryptogams and phanerogams and the microclimate of different habitats have been studied. It is shown that a forest community of phanerogams includes an assemblage of different microhabitats inhabited by different lichens and mosses. The distribution of lichens and mosses is governed by factors that are often of little importance to higher plants.
Food synergy: the key to a healthy diet
Authors: Jacobs David R. , Tapsell Linda C.
Published: January 2013

Food synergy is the concept that the non-random mixture of food constituents operates in concert for the life of the organism eaten and presumably for the life of the eater. Isolated nutrients have been extensively studied in well-designed, long-term, large randomised clinical trials, typically with null and sometimes with harmful effects. Therefore, although nutrient deficiency is a known phenomenon, serious for the sufferer, and curable by taking the isolated nutrient, the effect of isolated nutrients or other chemicals derived from food on chronic disease, when that chemical is not deficient, may not have the same beneficial effect. It appears that the focus on nutrients rather than foods is in many ways counterproductive. This observation is the basis for the argument that nutrition research should focus more strongly on foods and on dietary patterns. Unlike many dietary phenomena in nutritional epidemiology, diet pattern appears to be highly correlated over time within person. A consistent and robust conclusion is that certain types of beneficial diet patterns, notably described with words such as ‘Mediterranean’ and ‘prudent’, or adverse patterns, often described by the word ‘Western’, predict chronic disease. Food is much more complex than drugs, but essentially uninvestigated as food or pattern. The concept of food synergy leads to new thinking in nutrition science and can help to forge rational nutrition policy-making and to determine future nutrition research strategies.
Nutrition and ageing: knowledge, gaps and research priorities
Authors: Mathers John C.
Published: January 2013

Over the past two centuries human life expectancy has increased by nearly 50 years. Genetic factors account for about one-third of the variation in life expectancy so that most of the inter-individual variation in lifespan is explained by stochastic and environmental factors, including diet. In some model organisms, dietary (energy) restriction is a potent, and highly reproducible, means of increasing lifespan and of reducing the risk of age-related dysfunction although whether this strategy is effective in human subjects is unknown. This is ample evidence that the ageing process is plastic and research demonstrates that ageing is driven by the accumulation of molecular damage, which causes the changes in cell and tissue function that characterise the ageing phenotype. This cellular, tissue and organ damage results in the development of age-related frailty, disabilities and diseases. There are compelling observational data showing links between eating patterns, e.g. the Mediterranean dietary pattern, and ageing. In contrast, there is little empirical evidence that dietary changes can prolong healthy lifespan and there is even less information about the intervention modalities that can produce such sustainable dietary behaviour changes. In conclusion, current research needs include (1) a better understanding of the causal biological pathways linking diet with the ageing trajectory, (2) the development of lifestyle-based interventions, including dietary changes, which are effective in preventing age-related disease and disability and (3) the development of robust markers of healthy ageing, which can be used as surrogate outcome measures in the development and testing of dietary interventions designed to enhance health and well-being long into old age.
Some viruses affecting insects of economic importance
Authors: Smith Kenneth M. , Rivers C. F.
Published: January 2013

An account is given of some viruses affecting insects of economic importance. Twenty-six viruses are listed affecting twenty-two species of insects. Of these viruses eleven cause cytoplasmic, and eight cause nuclear, polyhedroses. Six are granulosis viruses and one virus has no intracellular inclusions. Most of these viruses are new or recently recorded. The granulosis viruses, affecting Pieris brassicae, P. rapae and Melanchra persicariae, and the diseases they cause, are described in some detail.

We are indebted to Dr L. L. J. Ossowski of the Wattle Research Institute, University of Natal, and to Mr T. H. Coaker of the Cotton Research Station, Namulonge, Uganda, who sent us, respectively, diseased specimens of the wattle bagworm and the American cotton bollworm, from which the viruses were isolated. Miss S. Vernon-Smith took the electron micrographs, and Mr Simon Frey the photographs on the optical microscope.
XIX.—On the Development and Life-Histories of the Teleostean Food- and other Fishes
Authors: M'Intosh W. C. , Prince E. E.
Published: January 2013

Until very recently existing information concerning the eggs and oviposition of British fishes, and more especially marine fishes, was of the most fragmentary character. In the standard works upon Ichthyology, such as Owen'sAnatomy of Vertebrates(vol. i. Fishes), it is comprised in a few vague sentences; while the original papers published by British ichthyologists are not numerous, and refer, for the most part, to fresh-water species. Within the last few years, however, attention has been more systematically directed to the subject, and the enlightened views of the late Royal Commission on Trawling, and more especially of its chairman, the late Earl of Dalhousie, has given a fresh impetus to the study of the development and life-history of our food-fishes, as preliminary to a thorough investigation of their habits, food, so-called migrations, and general life-history.
Long-term safety and tolerability of iloperidone: results from a 25-week, open-label extension trial
Authors: Cutler Andrew J. , Kalali Amir H. , Mattingly Greg W. , Kunovac Jelena , Meng Xiangyi
Published: January 2013

Introduction/Objective

Long-term use of the atypical antipsychotic iloperidone has not been investigated at doses above 16 mg/d. This article describes safety and tolerability results from the 25-week open-label extension of a 4-week placebo- and ziprasidone-controlled clinical trial of iloperidone.

Methods

Patients received a dose of 24 mg/d (given as 12 mg twice daily; mean dose = 21.6 mg) that could be reduced to 12 mg/d (given once daily at bedtime) any time after day 35 at the investigator's discretion.

Results

A total of 72/173 patients (41.6%) completed the open-label extension. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), most mild to moderate in severity, included headache (13.9%), weight increase (9.2%), dizziness (6.9%), nausea (6.4%), sedation (6.4%), and insomnia (5.2%). The only notable dose-related TEAEs were increased weight and headache. Levels of serum glucose, lipids, and prolactin were essentially unchanged or decreased during treatment. In general, akathisia and extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) improved or were unchanged during treatment. There was no signal of worsening of efficacy based on changes from baseline in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale-Total.

Discussion/Conclusion

This study further supports the long-term safety and tolerability of iloperidone for the treatment of schizophrenia, including iloperidone's favorable effect on metabolic laboratory parameters and low propensity to cause akathisia or EPS.
Stable acyclic aliphatic solid enols: synthesis, characterization, X-ray structure analysis and calculations
Authors: Zhou Yu-Qiang , Wang Nai-Xing , Xing Yalan , Wang Yan-Jing , Hong Xiao-Wei , Zhang Jia-Xiang , Chen Dong-Dong , Geng Jing-Bo , Dang Yanfeng , Wang Zhi-Xiang
Published: January 2013

A synthetic approach to stable enols was introduced and series of acyclic aliphatic solid enols were obtained and characterized. Relationship between the structure and the stability of these enols was discussed. Gaussian 09 calculations had been carried out to rationalize the stability of the enols. These enol structures were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS, IR, partly by single crystal X-ray structure analysis and the protons exchange experiments. This work showed that very stable acyclic aliphatic enols can be synthesized efficiently without any purification.
Small Molecule–Oligonucleotide Conjugates
Authors: Rusling David A. , Fox Keith R.
Published: January 2013

The hybridization of exogenous oligonucleotides to cellular RNA and DNA offers a means to modulate the expression of specific genes, with applications in the treatment of viral infections, cancer and other diseases. The covalent attachment (conjugation) of various low molecular weight compounds to these molecules has proved particularly useful in improving their pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetic and hybridisation properties. The conjugation of small molecules that interact with nucleic acids through intercalation, edge and groove binding has been shown to improve the strength and specificity of oligonucleotide hybridisation, whilst the conjugation of compounds that chemically react with nucleic acids has been used to invoke cross-linking and cleavage reactions at oligonucleotide target sites. The aim of this review is to summarize the properties of some of these small molecule-oligonucleotide conjugates, with an emphasis on their biological applications.