bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of Serum 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D and Components of the Metabolic Syndrome in Obese Adolescent Females
Authors: Ashraf Ambika P. , Alvarez Jessica A. , Gower Barbara A. , Saenz Karen H. , McCormick Kenneth L.
Published: May 2011

Vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk for metabolic syndrome. We determined the relationship of serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) with metabolic syndrome components in obese adolescent females and assessed whether vitamin D treatment corrects metabolic disturbances. Eighty postmenarchal adolescents (53 African American (AA) and 27 Caucasian American (CA)) were evaluated with blood pressures and fasting measurements of serum 25(OH)D, lipid profile, C‐reactive protein, alanine transaminases (ALTs) and aspartate transaminases followed by an oral glucose tolerance test. A subgroup (n = 14) of vitamin D deficient subjects were re‐evaluated following vitamin D treatment. Among all subjects, 25(OH)D was inversely associated with fasting glucose (r = −0.28, P = 0.02) and positively associated with low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (r = 0.31, P = 0.008), independent of race and BMI. In analyses by race, adjusted for BMI, 25(OH)D was inversely associated with fasting insulin in CA (r = −0.42, P = 0.03) but not AA (r = 0.11, P = 0.43) whereas 25(OH)D was positively associated with ALT in AA, but not CA (r = 0.29, P = 0.04 vs. r = −0.21, P = 0.32). Fasting glucose improved in vitamin D treated subgroup (from 89.07 ± 8.3 mg/dl to 84.34 ± 8.4 mg/dl, P = 0.05). A trend toward improvement in fasting glucose remained after exclusion of four subjects whose serum 25(OH)D2 did not improve following treatment (P = 0.12). In conclusion, serum 25(OH)D was inversely associated with fasting glucose, and vitamin D treatment had beneficial effects on fasting glucose. Relationships of 25(OH)D with fasting insulin and ALT were ethnic specific. The positive relationship with LDL and ALT were suggestive of possible adverse influences of vitamin D.
Psychometric Properties and Construct Validity of the Weight‐Related Eating Questionnaire in a Diverse Population
Authors: Schembre Susan M. , Geller Karly S.
Published: May 2011

This study evaluates the 16‐item, four‐factor Weight‐Related Eating Questionnaire (WREQ), which assesses theory‐based aspects of eating behavior, across diverse, nonclinical subgroups. A total of 621 men and women aged 18–81 years (34.3 ± 16.4) with a mean BMI of 25.7 ± 6.1 kg/m2 (range 15.5–74.1 kg/m2) were recruited from general education classes at the University of Hawai'i, Manoa and an online survey panel of Hawai'i residents to complete a web‐based survey. Participants were predominantly white (23%), Asian/Asian‐mix (42%), or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (18%). The WREQ's factor structure was successfully replicated by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) for the entire sample and by weight status, gender, age, and race with strong internal consistency. Four‐week test‐retest reliability (n = 31) for the subscales was excellent with interclass correlations of 0.849–0.932. Tests of population invariance confirmed the generalizability of the WREQ across all subgroups having provided no evidence that the factor structure, factor loadings, or indicator intercepts varied significantly between the groups. Multivariate regression analyses showed that emotional eating was independently associated with BMI (β = 0.272, P < 0.001) as well as moderate‐ and long‐term weight change rates (weight gain) in young adults (β = 0.152, P = 0.042) and adults (β = 0.217, P = 0.001). Compensatory restraint was negatively associated with weight gain in adults (β = −0.133, P = 0.039). Routine restraint and emotional eating were highest among dieters. All associations remained significant after accounting for gender, age, and race. The hypothesized WREQ measurement model demonstrated very good construct validity, confirming the unbiased generalizability of the WREQ measure across sex, age, race, and BMI subgroups, and excellent criterion‐related validity with respect to current BMI, weight change, and weight control status.
A double-foil target for improving beam quality in laser ion acceleration with thin foils
Authors: Huang C.-K. , Albright B. J. , Yin L. , Wu H.-C. , Bowers K. J. , Hegelich B. M. , Fernández J. C.
Published: May 2011

A double-foil target is proposed for laser ion acceleration with thin targets to take advantage of high efficiency of such targets while avoiding beam degradation in late stage of acceleration. Laser heating of electrons co-moving with the ion beam is stopped by the second foil. It is found that the second foil can also modify and substantially improve the spectral and spatial properties of the ion beam and reduce the temperature of the co-moving electrons, leading to better preservation of the beam quality. Details of the dynamics are studied with particle-in-cell simulations.
Levinson's theorem and higher degree traces for Aharonov-Bohm operators
Authors: Kellendonk Johannes , Pankrashkin Konstantin , Richard Serge
Published: May 2011

We study Levinson-type theorems for the family of Aharonov-Bohm models from different perspectives. The first one is purely analytical involving the explicit calculation of the wave-operators and allowing to determine precisely the various contributions to the left hand side of Levinson's theorem, namely, those due to the scattering operator, the terms at 0-energy and at energy +∞. The second one is based on non-commutative topology revealing the topological nature of Levinson's theorem. We then include the parameters of the family into the topological description obtaining a new type of Levinson's theorem, a higher degree Levinson's theorem. In this context, the Chern number of a bundle defined by a family of projections on bound states is explicitly computed and related to the result of a 3-trace applied on the scattering part of the model.
Characterizations of fixed points of quantum operations
Authors: Li Yuan
Published: May 2011

Let \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\phi _{\mathcal {A}}$\end{document}φA be a general quantum operation. An operator B is said to be a fixed point of \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\phi _{\mathcal {A}},$\end{document}φA, if \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\phi _{\mathcal {A}}(B)=B.$\end{document}φA(B)=B. In this note, we shall show conditions under which B, a fixed point \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\phi _{\mathcal {A}},$\end{document}φA, implies that B is compatible with the operation element of \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\phi _{\mathcal {A}}.$\end{document}φA. In particular, we offer an extension of the generalized Lüders theorem.
Use of a virtual wall valve in polydimethylsiloxane microfluidic devices for bioanalytical applications
Authors: Lai Hsuan-Hong , Xu Wei , Allbritton Nancy L.
Published: May 2011

A simple method for micromanipulation of liquids and/or small groups of cells is presented in this study. Microfabricated sieving structures composed of PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) were used to segregate aqueous solutions. This microfluidic valving scheme was an application of Cassie–Baxter wetting and was termed “virtual walls” as a nonsolid barrier exists at an air/water interface. The manipulation of the virtual-air-wall valve was accomplished by controlling the strength of surface-tension and hydrostatic-pressure forces. Virtual walls with a range of feature sizes were designed and characterized by monitoring air and water displacement in response to hydrostatic pressure. Thresholds for the virtual-air-wall valves to be turned on or off were quantified. The walls could also be formed or dissipated by the focused microbeam of a pulsed laser. As an illustration of the virtual wall utility, a series of microfluidic applications were demonstrated. First, the capability of virtual walls to temporarily segregate liquids was integrated into a device utilized to establish a chemical gradient. In a second application, the arraying of nonadherent cells within individual aqueous cavities created by the virtual walls was demonstrated. Individual cells were also released from the cavities on demand using a focused microbeam. The virtual walls were simple and easy-to-fabricate without the requirement for surface treatment or precision alignment, and should find usage in bioanalytical applications.
Face shear piezoelectric properties of relaxor-PbTiO3 single crystals
Authors: Zhang Shujun , Li Fei , Jiang Wenhua , Luo Jun , Meyer Richard J. , Cao Wenwu , Shrout Thomas R.
Published: May 2011

Poling relaxor-PbTiO3 single crystals along pseudocubic [011] results in a macroscopic symmetry of mm2, enabling a large face shear d36 in Zt±45° cut crystals. In order to allow the determination of electrical properties by the resonance method, square samples are required. Using Pb(In0.5Nb0.5)O3–Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 crystals, piezoelectric d36 coefficients were determined to be in the range of 2000–2500 pC/N, with electromechanical coupling factor k36∼0.80–0.83. Mechanical quality factor Q∼180 and ultralow frequency constant of ∼500 Hz m were obtained. Together with the wide temperature usage range (up to ∼110 °C) and high ac driving field stability (∼5 kV/cm), such face shear crystals have a promising potential for ultralow-frequency-transducer applications.
Compact and accurate concept of laser wavemeters based on ellipsometry
Authors: Ouedraogo K. , Topsu S. , Chassagne L. , Ruaux P. , Cagneau B. , Alayli Y.
Published: May 2011

Common laser wavemeters are based on a scanning Michelson interferometer. Displacements of the moving mirror as long as tens of centimeters are needed to reach a relative accuracy of 1 × 10−6 (1σ) on the unknown laser wavelengths. Such a long displacement range makes the system very sensitive to mechanical vibrations and to misalignments of the laser beams. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a new concept of laser wavemeter based on the measurements of the ellipsometric parameters ψ and Δ of the laser beams. Experimental results show that a 10−6 (1σ) accuracy level could be reach with a displacement range of only 4 \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}${\mu } \text{\emph {\emph {m}}}$\end{document}μm. Implementations of the device are described. Comparisons between our polarimetric wavemeter and a calibrated wavemeter are presented for two lasers, an extended cavity laser diode at 656 nm and a 532 nm green line Nd:YAG laser.
Injection locking of tunnel junction oscillators to a microwave current
Authors: Quinsat M. , Sierra J. F. , Firastrau I. , Tiberkevich V. , Slavin A. , Gusakova D. , Buda-Prejbeanu L. D. , Zarudniev M. , Michel J.-P. , Ebels U. , Dieny B. , Cyrille M.-C. , Katine J. A. , Mauri D. , Zeltser A.
Published: May 2011

Injection locking of a spin transfer nano-oscillator, based on an in-plane magnetized magnetic tunnel junction and generating the frequency f0, to an external signal of varying frequency fe is studied experimentally and with macrospin simulations. It is shown, that if the driving signal has the form of a microwave current, the locking effect is well-pronounced near fe≅2f0, but is almost completely absent near fe≅f0, confirming predictions of analytical theory. It is also shown that noise plays an important role in the locking process, causing the linewidth of the locked oscillation to substantially exceed that of the driving signal.
Direct growth of nanographene on glass and postdeposition size control
Authors: Lee Chang Mook , Choi Jaewu
Published: May 2011

Nanograpehene with an in-plane crystal size of ∼15 nm was directly deposited on glass at 750 °C by thermal chemical deposition, without using any additional metallic catalyst. Annealing of nanographene film at 300 to 500 °C leads to an increase in the in-plane crystal size up to ∼23 nm, when the annealing is done in the presence of an adlayer of nickel, subsequently deposited on the graphene after the initial deposition. This study clearly shows that nanographene can be directly deposited on glass and the crystallite size is controllable.
Processing technology changes in the Australian sheep meat industry: an overview
Authors: Hopkins D. L.
Published: May 2011

Over the last 20 years the Australian sheep industry, particularly the lamb meat sector, has undergone a major change in focus such that consumer requirements are a paramount determinant for production and processing developments. As a result automatic accurate methods of measuring carcasses for traits like fatness and meat yield have been important to aid a reduction by industry in carcass fat levels in line with domestic and international consumer demand. This occurred while carcass weight increased due to a range of genetic and production factors implemented on-farm. Further to this in the last 5–7 years there has been a dramatic increase in the adoption of electrical technologies based on new methodologies with a shift in focus onto eating quality. Underlying this new approach was the electrical stimulation of individual carcasses on segmented electrodes in a dose-responsive way with electricity that has short pulse widths and low to medium voltages and is thus much safer than the original high voltage systems. This technology allowed stimulation units to be fitted into abattoirs where this was not previously possible and validation showed that the technology could reduce toughness in lamb destined for the domestic market and some export markets. More recent technology to stretch and shape cuts shows promise for improving both the quality and product range from sheep and lamb carcasses. The industry continues to focus on meat quality and has shown a significant increase in exports, while maintaining per-capita domestic consumption at record retail prices. This indicates an industry where research investment across the board has shown significant returns.
Accommodating non-market values in evaluation of wildfire management in the United States: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Venn Tyron J. , Calkin David E.
Published: May 2011

Forests in the United States generate many non-market benefits for society that can be enhanced and diminished by wildfire and wildfire management. The Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy (1995, updated 2001), and subsequent Guidance to the Implementation of that policy provided in 2009, require fire management priorities be set on the basis of values to be protected (including natural and cultural resources), costs of protection, and natural resource management objectives (including beneficial fire effects). Implementation of this policy is challenging because those charged with executing the policy have limited information about the value that society places on non-market goods and services at risk. This paper reviews the challenges of accommodating non-market values affected by wildfire in social cost–benefit analysis and proposes an economic research agendum to support more efficient management of wildfire in the United States.
Comparison of several kinetic approaches to evaluate the pyrolysis of three Mediterranean forest fuels
Authors: Tihay Virginie , Gillard Philippe
Published: May 2011

The thermal degradation of three Mediterranean forest fuels was studied by using thermogravimetric analysis. The different behaviours were compared and the degradation characteristics were determined for each fuel. Then a kinetic study was performed. Simple modelling of the thermal degradation was carried out with a global scheme. These results were compared with current kinetic models used in forest fire modelling. These methods predict the mass rate evolution globally. However, they do not describe the fluctuations well owing to the different pyrolysis steps. Next, the kinetic parameters were established in function of the degree of conversion with isoconversion methods for each fuel. The results calculated by the Friedman method were compared with the experimental results, showing good agreement. These data, which take into account the degree of conversion and the fuel, can be useful to model the burning rate of forest fuels.
Languages on the screen: Is film comprehension related to the viewers’ fluency level and to the language in the subtitles?
Authors: Lavaur Jean‐Marc , Bairstow Dominique
Published: May 2011

This research aimed at studying the role of subtitling in film comprehension. It focused on the languages in which the subtitles are written and on the participants’ fluency levels in the languages presented in the film. In a preliminary part of the study, the most salient visual and dialogue elements of a short sequence of an English film were extracted by the means of a free recall task after showing two versions of the film (first a silent, then a dubbed‐into‐French version) to native French speakers. This visual and dialogue information was used in the setting of a questionnaire concerning the understanding of the film presented in the main part of the study, in which other French native speakers with beginner, intermediate, or advanced fluency levels in English were shown one of three versions of the film used in the preliminary part. Respectively, these versions had no subtitles or they included either English or French subtitles. The results indicate a global interaction between all three factors in this study: For the beginners, visual processing dropped from the version without subtitles to that with English subtitles, and even more so if French subtitles were provided, whereas the effect of film version on dialogue comprehension was the reverse. The advanced participants achieved higher comprehension for both types of information with the version without subtitles, and dialogue information processing was always better than visual information processing. The intermediate group similarly processed dialogues in a better way than visual information, but was not affected by film version. These results imply that, depending on the viewers’ fluency levels, the language of subtitles can have different effects on movie information processing.
Wideband mechanical response of a high-Q silicon double-paddle oscillator
Authors: Borrielli A , Bonaldi M , Serra E , Bagolini A , Conti L
Published: May 2011

We present experimental results of operation of a silicon double-paddle oscillator, namely the mechanical transfer function of the system and the quality factor of its resonant modes. We also describe the fabrication process, where efforts have been devoted to ensure strict dimensional tolerances for a proper functioning of the oscillator, and the setup used to drive the oscillation of the device and to detect its displacement with a sensitivity better that 10−12 m Hz−1/2 in the range 0.1–5 kHz. We observed mechanical quality factors higher than 105 in vacuum at room temperature for two specific resonant modes, while for all other modes the quality factor remains in the range 103–104. These values are in good agreement with the limit set by the thermoelastic dissipation in the device, evaluated by a finite element procedure, and demonstrate that our setup allows us to control losses coming from clamping and residual gas effects.
The penalized Lebesgue constant for surface spline interpolation
Authors: Hangelbroek Thomas
Published: May 2011

Problems involving approximation from scattered data where data is arranged quasi-uniformly have been treated by RBF methods for decades. Treating data with spatially varying density has not been investigated with the same intensity and is far less well understood. In this article we consider the stability of surface spline interpolation (a popular type of RBF interpolation) for data with nonuniform arrangements. Using techniques similar to Hangelbroek, Narcowich and Ward, who discuss interpolation from quasi-uniform data on manifolds, we show that surface spline interpolation on

R

d

\mathbb {R}^d

is stable, but in a stronger, local sense. We also obtain pointwise estimates showing that the Lagrange function decays very rapidly, and at a rate determined by the local spacing of datasites. These results, in conjunction with a Lebesgue lemma, show that surface spline interpolation enjoys the same rates of convergence as those of the local approximation schemes recently developed by DeVore and Ron.
Cucurbit Downy Mildew ipmPIPE: A Next Generation Web-based Interactive Tool for Disease Management and Extension Outreach
Authors: Ojiambo P. S. , Holmes G. J. , Britton W. , Babadoost M. , Bost S. C. , Boyles R. , Brooks M. , Damicone J. , Draper M. A. , Egel D. S. , Everts K. L. , Ferrin D. M. , Gevens A. J. , Gugino B. K. , Hausbeck M. K. , Ingram D. M. , Isakeit T. , Keinath A. P. , Koike S. T. , Langston D. , McGrath M. T. , Miller S. A. , Mulrooney R. P. , Rideout S. , Roddy E. , Seebold K. W. , Sikora E. J. , Thornton A. , Wick R. L. , Wyenandt C. A. , Zhang S.
Published: May 2011

Cucurbit downy mildew (CDM), caused by Pseudoperonospora cubensis, is one of the most important diseases affecting cucurbits worldwide. In the USA, host resistance in cucumber had adequately controlled the disease with very minimal application of fungicides from the late 1960s to 2004. In 2004, there was a resurgence of the disease that devastated the cucumber crop in several states in the eastern USA. Since then, host plant resistance alone has not been sufficient to adequately control the disease and now control relies heavily on application of fungicides. To effectively apply fungicides in a timely manner, cucurbit growers, extension personnel, and crop consultants and advisors can now utilize information on disease occurrence and predicted spread disseminated through the United States Department of Agriculture's CDM ipmPIPE decision support system developed by scientists at North Carolina State University. Based on a survey conducted in Georgia, North Carolina, and Michigan, the CDM ipmPIPE resulted in an average reduction of 2 to 3 fungicide applications in 2009 compared to calendar-based fungicide sprays. With approximately 122,000 acres of cucurbits in these three states, this translates to more than $6 million in savings to the producers in these three states. Economic savings and positive environmental implications of reduced fungicide applications demonstrate the value of a coordinated national monitoring network for management of a plant disease that is disseminated aerially over long distances.

Accepted for publication 31 January 2011. Published 11 April 2011.
Root Rot of Dry Edible Bean Caused by Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Bilgi V. N. , Bradley C. A. , Mathew F. M. , Ali S. , Rasmussen J. B.
Published: May 2011

Fusarium graminearum was identified as a root pathogen of a diverse array of dry edible bean genotypes under both field and greenhouse conditions in North Dakota. In comparisons under controlled conditions, root rot caused by F. graminearum was equal or greater than that caused by F. solani f. sp. phaseoli. Out of eleven dry bean genotypes evaluated in controlled conditions, Eclipse, VAX 3, and T-39 had the lowest root rot severity values for both F. graminearum and F. solani f. sp. phaseoli. A significant and positive correlation between genotype response to F. graminearum and F. solani f. sp. phaseoli indicates that genetic resistance to both pathogens may be related.

Accepted for publication 2 March 2011. Published 25 April 2011.
Characterization of the single-cell transcriptional landscape by highly multiplex RNA-seq
Authors: Islam Saiful , Kjällquist Una , Moliner Annalena , Zajac Pawel , Fan Jian-Bing , Lönnerberg Peter , Linnarsson Sten
Published: May 2011

Our understanding of the development and maintenance of tissues has been greatly aided by large-scale gene expression analysis. However, tissues are invariably complex, and expression analysis of a tissue confounds the true expression patterns of its constituent cell types. Here we describe a novel strategy to access such complex samples. Single-cell RNA-seq expression profiles were generated, and clustered to form a two-dimensional cell map onto which expression data were projected. The resulting cell map integrates three levels of organization: the whole population of cells, the functionally distinct subpopulations it contains, and the single cells themselves—all without need for known markers to classify cell types. The feasibility of the strategy was demonstrated by analyzing the transcriptomes of 85 single cells of two distinct types. We believe this strategy will enable the unbiased discovery and analysis of naturally occurring cell types during development, adult physiology, and disease.
Application of Gene Targeting to Designed Mutation Breeding of High-Tryptophan Rice
Authors: Saika Hiroaki , Oikawa Akira , Matsuda Fumio , Onodera Haruko , Saito Kazuki , Toki Seiichi
Published: May 2011

Site-directed mutagenesis via gene targeting (GT) based on homologous recombination is the ultimate mutation breeding technology because it enables useful information acquired from structural- and computational-based protein engineering to be applied directly to molecular breeding, including metabolic engineering, of crops. Here, we employed this rationale to introduce precise mutations in OASA2—an α-subunit of anthranilate synthase that is a key enzyme of tryptophan (Trp) biosynthesis in rice (Oryza sativa)—via GT, with subsequent selection of GT cells using a Trp analog. The expression level of OASA2 in plants homozygous and heterozygous for modified OASA2 was similar to that of nontransformants, suggesting that OASA2 transcription in GT plants was controlled in the same manner as endogenous OASA2, and that GT could lead to a lower risk of gene silencing than in conventional overexpression approaches. Moreover, we showed that enzymatic properties deduced from protein engineering or in vitro analysis could be reproduced in GT plants as evidenced by Trp accumulation levels. Interestingly, mature seeds of homozygous GT plants accumulated Trp levels 230-fold higher than in nontransformants without any apparent morphological or developmental changes. Thus, we have succeeded in producing a novel rice plant of great potential nutritional benefit for both man and livestock that could not have been selected using conventional mutagenesis approaches. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of directed crop improvement by combining precision mutagenesis via GT with a knowledge of protein engineering.
AtMYB2Regulates Whole Plant Senescence by Inhibiting Cytokinin-Mediated Branching at Late Stages of Development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Guo Yongfeng , Gan Susheng
Published: May 2011

Whole plant senescence of monocarpic plants consists of three major processes: arrest of shoot apical meristem, organ senescence, and permanent suppression of axillary buds. At early stages of development, axillary buds are inhibited by shoot apex-produced auxin, a mechanism known as apical dominance. How the buds are suppressed as an essential part of whole plant senescence, especially when the shoot apexes are senescent, is not clear. Here, we report an AtMYB2-regulated post apical dominance mechanism by which Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) inhibits the outgrowth of axillary buds as part of the whole plant senescence program. AtMYB2 is expressed in the compressed basal internode region of Arabidopsis at late stages of development to suppress the production of cytokinins, the group of hormones that are required for axillary bud outgrowth. atmyb2 T-DNA insertion lines have enhanced expression of cytokinin-synthesizing isopentenyltransferases genes, contain higher levels of cytokinins, and display a bushy phenotype at late stages of development. As a result of the continuous generation of new shoots, atmyb2 plants have a prolonged life span. The AtMYB2 promoter-directed cytokinin oxidase 1 gene in the T-DNA insertion lines reduces the endogenous cytokinin levels and restores the bushy phenotype to the wild type.
Thermal slip sources at the extremity and bevel edge of silicon wafers
Authors: Tanner B. K. , Wittge J. , Allen D. , Fossati M. C. , Danilwesky A. N. , McNally P. , Garagorri J. , Elizalde M. R. , Jacques D.
Published: May 2011

High-resolution X-ray diffraction imaging of 200 mm silicon wafers following rapid thermal annealing at a temperature of 1270 K has revealed the presence of many early stage sources of thermal slip associated with the wafer edge. Dislocation sources are primarily at the wafer extremity, though many are generated by damage at the edge of the bevel incline on the wafer surface. A smaller fraction of sources is associated with other regions of localized damage, probably relating to protrusions on the wafer support. The geometry of the latter is similar to that of dislocation sources generated by controlled indentation on the wafer surface. It is concluded that rapid spike annealing at high temperature does not suppress the nucleation of slip, but rather the rapidity of the process prevents the propagation of the dislocations in the slip band into the wafer.
Optimum velocity of a phase-space transformer for cold-neutron backscattering spectroscopy
Authors: Hennig Marcus , Frick Bernhard , Seydel Tilo
Published: May 2011

Cold-neutron backscattering spectrometers are designed for inelastic neutron scattering experiments at a high energy resolution, where 0.5 µeV FWHM can routinely be achieved at the incident wavelength λ ≃ 6.3 Å. The phase-space transformation (PST) technique can be used to enhance the neutron flux at the sample position of such backscattering spectrometers at the expense of an acceptable increase of the beam divergence. Technically, the PST is achieved by a rotating disc carrying mosaic crystals on its circumference. Here a new analytical framework to describe the Bragg reflection of a divergent polychromatic beam from a moving mosaic crystal is discussed. Results obtained using this framework are compared with detailed Monte Carlo numerical simulations. The results presented here provide a deeper understanding of the PST and in particular of the optimum circumferential crystal speed of a PST device.
The ferroelectric properties of Cd2Nb2O7: a Monte Carlo simulation study
Authors: Malcherek T.
Published: May 2011

The order–disorder contributions to the ferroelectric properties of Cd2Nb2O7(CNO) have been studied by Monte Carlo simulation of a 12-state modified Potts model on the pyrochlore lattice. Spin configurations obtained by these simulations are mapped to local Nb displacements. Secondary Cd displacements normal to the Nb displacement directions are considered as well. The model correctly reproduces diffuse scattering experimentally observed in CNO. A first-order phase transition is observed forkTp/J= 0.3891 (kis the Boltzmann constant,Tpis the model phase transition temperature andJis the interaction energy). To further adapt the model to the properties of CNO, coupling of local Nb displacements to theT2usoft mode is simulatedviathe addition of an appropriate field term in the model Hamiltonian. The critical temperatureTcof the soft mode is scaled tokTc/J= 0.3704. Similarities to experimental observations,i.e.the occurrence of stable domains with {100} boundaries, as well as spontaneous polarization along the cubic 〈100〉 and 〈110〉 directions, indicate thatTpcan be associated with the transition temperatureT1= 205 K in CNO. Frequency dispersion of the dielectric permittivity of CNO can be attributed to the low-frequency switching of correlated chains of Nb displacement that remain partially disordered in the temperature range between 195 and ∼100 K.
The first find of dodecagonal quasiperiodic tiling in historical Islamic architecture
Authors: Makovicky Emil , Makovicky Nicolette M.
Published: May 2011

The tympanum of the entrance of the Zaouïa Moulay Idriss II in Fez contains the only known example of a dodecagonal cartwheel quasiperiodic pattern in Islamic art, dating possibly from the Merinid epoch. This pattern, carved in a marble plate, is based on a type of Ammann quasilattice known also from modern mathematical literature. The central portions of this pattern were used as elements in a periodic pattern on the walls of the Saadian mausoleum in Marrakech.
Safety and efficacy of a fixed‐dose cyclosporin microemulsion (100 mg) for the treatment of psoriasis
Authors: SHINTANI Yoichi , KANEKO Natumi , FURUHASHI Takuya , SAITO Chiyo , MORITA Akimichi
Published: May 2011

Cyclosporin is a second‐line modality for the treatment of psoriasis. The long‐term efficacy of cyclosporin and potential adverse side‐effects, however, are a concern to patients. Therefore, a cyclosporin microemulsion (Neoral), which is steadily absorbed at an ultra‐low dosage (1–2 mg/kg per day) or low dosage (2–3 mg/kg per day), is currently recommended. The dose must be calculated based on patient bodyweight and the blood concentration monitored regularly, which is time‐consuming. Furthermore, the concentration is related to the safety profile, but not to efficacy. We examined whether a fixed‐dose cyclosporin microemulsion (100 mg/day) is effective for treating psoriasis. Enrolled patients (n = 40) were given either 100 mg cyclosporin emulsion once daily (group A) or 50 mg twice daily (group B), regardless of patient weight and condition, before meals in a randomized controlled study. Patient bodyweight ranged 50–80 kg. We assessed the serum cyclosporin concentration 1 h after administrating the medicine (C1 score), Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score, quality of life, and the results of regular blood examinations. The improvement rate was 69.4 ± 4.8% in group A and 73.4 ± 4.3% in group B. PASI‐50 was achieved by 82% in group A and 84% in group B. At 6 weeks, the number of patients with PASI‐50 was significantly higher in group A than in group B. PASI‐75 and ‐90 were also achieved in both groups with no significant difference between groups. Administration of a fixed‐dose cyclosporin microemulsion (100 mg/day) is practical for second‐line psoriasis treatment.
Effects of the moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, fluconazole, on the pharmacokinetics of fesoterodine in healthy subjects
Authors: Malhotra Bimal , Dickins Maurice , Alvey Christine , Jumadilova Zhanna , Li Xiaoxi , Duczynski Gregory , Gandelman Kuan
Published: May 2011

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Available data suggest that fesoterodine dosage should not exceed 4 mg once daily when taken concomitantly with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as ketoconazole. Currently, no information is available on whether dose adjustment is necessary when fesoterodine is administered with a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• This study shows that adjustment of fesoterodine dose is not warranted when co‐administered with a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor.

AIMS To assess the effects of fluconazole, a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, on the pharmacokinetics (PK) and safety/tolerability of fesoterodine.

METHODS In this open‐label, randomized, two‐way crossover study, 28 healthy subjects (18–55 years) received single doses of fesoterodine 8 mg alone or with fluconazole 200 mg. PK endpoints, including the area under the plasma concentration–time curve from 0 to infinity (AUC(0,∞)), maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), time to Cmax (tmax), and half‐life (t1/2), were assessed for 5‐hydroxymethyl tolterodine (5‐HMT), the active moiety of fesoterodine.

RESULTS Concomitant administration of fesoterodine with fluconazole increased AUC(0,∞) and Cmax of 5‐HMT by approximately 27% and 19%, respectively, with corresponding 90% confidence intervals of (18%, 36%) and (11%, 28%). There was no apparent effect of fluconazole on 5‐HMT tmax or t½. Fesoterodine was generally well tolerated regardless of fluconazole co‐administration, with no reports of death, serious adverse events (AEs) or severe AEs. Following co‐administration of fesoterodine with fluconazole, 13 subjects (48%) experienced a total of 40 AEs; following administration of fesoterodine alone, six subjects (22%) experienced a total of 19 AEs. The majority of AEs were of mild intensity. There were no clinically significant changes in laboratory or physical examination parameters.

CONCLUSION Fesoterodine 8 mg single dose was well tolerated when administered alone or with fluconazole. Based on the observed increase in 5‐HMT exposures being within the inherent variability of 5‐HMT pharmacokinetics, adjustment of fesoterodine dose is not warranted when co‐administered with a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor provided they are not also inhibitors of transporters.
Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 immunoglobulin modified dendritic cells attenuate allergic airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness by regulating the development of T helper type 1 (Th1)/Th2 and Th2/regulatory T cell subsets in a murine model of asthma
Authors: Ying L , Fu Z , Luo J , Zhou C , Chen Y , Wang L , Liu E
Published: May 2011

T helper type 2 (Th2) and regulatory T cells (Treg) have been postulated to have critical roles in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 immunoglobulin (CTLA4Ig) gene-modified dendritic cells (DC-CTLA4Ig) have the potential to reduce Th2 cells and induce Treg cells. In the present study, we evaluated the therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of the adoptive transfer of DC-CTLA4Ig into mice in an experimental model of asthma. BALB/c mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) and challenged with aerosolized OVA for 7 days. Just prior to the first challenge, DC-CTLA4Ig, DCs or DCs infected with DC-green fluorescent protein (GFP) were injected intravenously into mice. The administration of DC-CTLA4Ig reduced airway hyperresponsiveness, relieved asthmatic airway inflammation and decreased the numbers of esosinophils in the BALF in OVA-sensitized/challenged mice. In addition, DC-CTLA4Ig altered the balance of Th1/Th2 cytokine production in the lungs with increased interferon (IFN)-γ levels and decreased interleukin (IL)-4 levels, decreased the percentage of Th2 and increased both the percentage of Th1 and Treg cells in the lungs of OVA-sensitized/challenged mice. This research demonstrates that DC-CTL4Ig reduces airway hyperresponsiveness effectively and prevents airway inflammation in OVA-sensitized/challenged mice, which is due most probably to attenuated secretion of Th2 cytokines and increased secretion of Th1 cytokines in the local airway, and the correction of the pulmonary imbalance between Th1/Th2 cells and Th2/Treg cells.
MRP8/14 is associated with systemic inflammation in stable coronary atherosclerosis in men
Authors: Baumann Marcus , Schmaderer Christoph , Burkhardt Klaus , Haller Bernhard , Heemann Uwe , Dugi Klaus , von Eynatten Maximilian
Published: May 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2011; 41 (12): 1261–1267

Background  MRP8/14, a secreted heterodimeric protein complex secreted upon phagocyte activation, plays an important role in atherogenesis and vascular injury. Phagocyte activation is crucially involved in the development of atherosclerotic processes, and MRP8/14 levels have also been linked to acute cardiovascular events. We investigated whether circulating MRP8/14 correlates to chronic coronary artery disease (CAD) stages in this observational, cross‐sectional study.

Methods and results  A total of 240 male subjects undergoing elective coronary angiography were included in the study. CAD was present in 166 individuals, whereas 74 subjects were classified without prevalent CAD (control subjects). The atherosclerotic burden was obtained by three independent angiographic scores: the Severity, Gensini and Extent Score. Serum MRP8/14 levels were measured by ELISA. They were associated with hs‐CRP, IL‐6 and fibrinogen levels (r = 0·43, r = 0·40 and r = 0·44, respectively; all P < 0·001). However, MRP8/14 was neither associated with any other cardiovascular disease risk factor nor did serum levels differ between patients with stable CAD [0·82 (0·55–1·14) μg mL−1] and control subjects [0·91 (0·63–1·30) μg mL−1; P = 0·69]. Moreover, atherosclerotic wall irregularities did not demonstrate any association with circulating MRP8/14.

Conclusions  The phagocyte activation marker MRP8/14 is significantly associated with markers of systemic inflammation in male patients with CAD. However, we were unable to find a correlation between circulating MRP8/14 complex and stable CAD.
The evaluation of depression, suicidal ideation and coping strategies in haemodialysis patients with renal failure
Authors: Keskin Gülseren , Engin Esra
Published: May 2011

Aim.  This study aimed at evaluating depression and suicidal ideation and coping strategies with stress in patients receiving haemodialysis replacement therapy.

Background.  Patients undergoing haemodialysis treatment may often experience depression and accompanying suicidal ideation. Coping strategies with depression‐related suicidal ideation may require regular evaluation of the patient and the support of nurses.

Design.  A cross‐sectional descriptive study.

Method.  The sample consisted of 92 adults with an age range of 19–65 who had chronic renal failure and consecutively admitted to the Dialysis Center of Kadiköy and Dialysis Center of Kahraman in Turkey. Four instruments were used: Socio‐demographic Form, Beck Depression Inventory, Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire and Coping Strategies with Stress Inventory.

Results.  The points obtained from Beck Depression Inventory were above 17 (the cut‐off point) in 40·2% of the patients. There were positive correlations between depression and Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire (r = 0·469, p = 0·001), between patients’ age and depression (r = 0·43, p = 0·00) and suicidal ideation (r = 0·27, p = 0·01). Depression and behavioural disengagement had a positive correlation (p = 0·001, r = 0·410). Depression and suicidal ideation increased with lower education status (F = 7·42, p = 0·001; F = 4·51, p = 0·014).

Conclusion.  Haemodialysis patients frequently experience depression. This study demonstrated that suicidal ideation increased as the severity of depression increased. Depression and suicidal ideation were increasing with age in patients with chronic renal failure. Therefore, it is considered necessary for dialysis patients to be under regular psychiatric evaluation with risk assessment.

Relevance to clinical practice.  It is vitally important that nurses in dialysis centres evaluate the psychosocial conditions of patients with renal failure undergoing haemodialysis treatment so as to enhance the quality of nursing care. It is also fundamental for the success of holistic care that nurses properly assess the possibility of depression and suicide as well as coping strategies. This study sheds light on the holistic evaluations of dialysis patients.
A rapid differential staining technique for Fusarium pseudograminearum in cereal tissues during crown rot infections
Authors: Knight N. L. , Sutherland M. W.
Published: May 2011

A novel fluorescence‐based differential staining procedure has been developed for the rapid visualization of Fusarium pseudograminearum hyphae in cereal tissues. Infected tissues are stained with safranin, which binds to host cell walls, while hyphal tissues are stained with the fluorescent dye solophenyl flavine 7GFE. The method is rapid, does not require clearing of culm cross‐sections, and provides high contrast informative images of fungal and plant structures during pathogenesis.
Renal tubulointerstitial hypoxia: Cause and consequence of kidney dysfunction
Authors: Palm Fredrik , Nordquist Lina
Published: May 2011

1. Intrarenal oxygen availability is the balance between supply, mainly dependent on renal blood flow, and demand, determined by the basal metabolic demand and the energy‐requiring tubular electrolyte transport. Renal blood flow is maintained within close limits in order to sustain stable glomerular filtration, so increased intrarenal oxygen consumption is likely to cause tissue hypoxia.

2. The increased oxygen consumption is closely linked to increased oxidative stress, which increases mitochondrial oxygen usage and reduces tubular electrolyte transport efficiency, with both contributing to increased total oxygen consumption.

3. Tubulointerstitial hypoxia stimulates the production of collagen I and α‐smooth muscle actin, indicators of increased fibrogenesis. Furthermore, the hypoxic environment induces epithelial–mesenchymal transdifferentiation and aggravates fibrosis, which results in reduced peritubular blood perfusion and oxygen delivery due to capillary rarefaction.

4. Increased oxygen consumption, capillary rarefaction and increased diffusion distance due to the increased fibrosis per se further aggravate the interstitial hypoxia.

5. Recently, it has been demonstrated that hypoxia simulates the infiltration and maturation of immune cells, which provides an explanation for the general inflammation commonly associated with the progression of chronic kidney disease.

6. Therapies targeting interstitial hypoxia could potentially reduce the progression of chronic renal failure in millions of patients who are otherwise likely to eventually present with fully developed end‐stage renal disease.
Positive effects of native shrubs on three specially protected cacti species in Durango, México
Authors: MURO‐PÉREZ GISELA , JURADO ENRIQUE , FLORES JOEL , SÁNCHEZ‐SALAS JAIME , GARCÍA‐PÉREZ JAIME , ESTRADA EDUARDO
Published: May 2011

The spatial association between the specially protected cacti Coryphanta durangensis, Echinocereus longisetus and Peniocereus greggii and potential nurse plants was evaluated, as was their relative position to the sun under the crown of the latter in the southern Chihuahuan Desert. The soil temperature under potential nurse plants was lower than under direct sunlight. There was more nitrogen and organic matter in the soil under Prosopis laevigata trees than in soil under direct sunlight. There were 68 plants of C. durangensis, 59 plants of E. longisetus and 157 of P. greggii. Only one individual of C. durangensis and one of E. longisetus grew outside the shade of the crown of other plants. Echinocereus longisetus was not associated with any particular species, but grew more often than expected by chance in the northern segment of the crown (i.e. the area most shaded in the afternoon). Coryphanta durangensis and P. greggii grew more often under P. laevigata than expected by chance. The effect of other plants, and P. laevigata in particular, on the facilitation of growth of protected cacti species should be considered in management plans of the Chihuahuan Desert, where mesquite (P. laevigata) is often harvested for charcoal production.
Prescription opioid abuse, pain and addiction: Clinical issues and implications
Authors: LING WALTER , MOONEY LARISSA , HILLHOUSE MAUREEN
Published: May 2011

Issues. Prescription opioid misuse in the USA has increased over threefold since 1990 to epidemic proportions, with substantial increases in prescription opioid use also reported in other countries, such as Australia and New Zealand. The broad availability of prescription pain medications, coupled with public misconceptions about their safety and addictive potential, have contributed to the recent surge in non‐medical use of prescription opioids and corresponding increases in treatment admissions for problems related to opioid misuse. Given competing pressures faced by physicians to both diagnose and treat pain syndromes and identify individuals at risk for addictive disorders, the use of opioids in the treatment of pain poses a significant clinical challenge.

Approach. This paper reviews the interaction between pain and opioid addiction with a focus on clinical management issues, including risk factors for opioid dependence in patients with chronic pain and the use of assessment tools to identify and monitor at‐risk individuals. Treatment options for opioid dependence and pain are reviewed, including the use of the partial µ agonist buprenorphine in the management of concurrent pain and opioid addiction.

Implications. Physicians should strive to find a reasonable balance between minimising potential adverse effects of opioid medications without diminishing legitimate access to opioids for analgesia.

Conclusions. The article discusses the need to identify methods for minimising risks and negative consequences associated with opioid analgesics and poses research directions, including the development of abuse‐deterrent opioid formulations, genetic risk factors for opioid dependence and opioid‐induced hyperalgesia as a potential target for medication therapy.[Ling W, Mooney L, Hillhouse M. Prescription opioid abuse, pain and addiction: Clinical issues and implications. Drug Alcohol Rev 2011;30:300–305]