bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High expression of the autophagy gene Beclin‐1 is associated with favorable prognosis for salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma
Authors: Liang Li‐Zhong , Ma Ben , Liang Yu‐Jie , Liu Hai‐Chao , Zheng Guang‐Sen , Zhang Tong‐Han , Chu Mei , Xu Ping‐Ping , Su Yu‐Xiong , Liao Gui‐Qing
Published: June 2012

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 621–629

Background:  Although autophagy is universally involved in tumorigenesis and tumor progression, the roles of autophagy and autophagy‐regulating genes in salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the expression of the autophagy‐regulating genes Beclin‐1, death‐associated protein kinase‐1, ultraviolet radiation resistance–associated gene, and phosphatase and tensin homolog in salivary gland ACC samples.

Methods:  Immunohistochemistry and real‐time polymerase chain reaction were used to analyze the expression of these genes in 89 ACC samples and normal salivary gland tissue samples. The relationship of their expression with clinicopathological features was analyzed.

Results:  The data showed significantly lower expression of these genes in the tumor samples than in normal salivary gland tissue samples. Furthermore, Beclin‐1 expression was significantly correlated with histological pattern of ACC (P < 0.05), and high expression of ultraviolet radiation resistance–associated gene was associated with distant metastasis (P < 0.05). Most importantly, univariate and multivariate survival analyses suggested that Beclin‐1 protein and mRNA expression in cancer cells were independent prognostic indicators for ACC.

Conclusion:  Our results suggest that autophagy‐regulating genes may participate in the pathogenesis of salivary gland ACC. Further research will be required to gain a better understanding of autophagy in ACC.
Robust and flexible response of the Ostreococcus tauri circadian clock to light/dark cycles of varying photoperiod
Authors: Thommen Quentin , Pfeuty Benjamin , Corellou Florence , Bouget François‐Yves , Lefranc Marc
Published: June 2012

The green microscopic alga Ostreococcus tauri has recently emerged as a promising model for understanding how circadian clocks, which drive the daily biological rhythms of many organisms, synchronize to the day/night cycle in changing weather and seasons. Here, we analyze translational reporter time series data for the central clock genes CCA1 and TOC1 for a wide range of daylight durations (photoperiods). The variation of temporal expression profiles with day duration is complex, with the two protein peaks tracking different times of the day. Nevertheless, all profiles are accurately reproduced by a simple two‐gene transcriptional loop model whose parameters depend on light only through the photoperiod value. We show that this non‐intuitive behavior allows the circadian clock to combine flexibility and robustness with respect to daylight fluctuations.
Detecting Asymmetric Price Transmission with Consistent Threshold along the Fish Supply Chain
Authors: Simioni Michel , Gonzales Frédéric , Guillotreau Patrice , Le Grel Laurent
Published: June 2012

The present study deals with asymmetric price transmission (APT) along the fish value chain by using a consistent threshold autoregressive (consistent TAR and momentum‐threshold autoregressive [M‐TAR]) model. A nonzero threshold captures strategic behaviors and adjustment costs that are not observable with small price changes around a zero threshold. Fish farming, because of greater control over supply, is expected to produce less asymmetry than wild harvesting. Asymmetry is notwithstanding found for both wild cod and farmed salmon marketed in France, but only with consistent thresholds and operating in opposite ways. The results are discussed with regard to the trade restrictions imposed by the Common Fisheries Policy.

Cet article traite de l’asymétrie de transmission des prix (ATP) dans la filière des produits de la mer en utilisant un modèle autorégressif à effet de seuil (consistent TAR et M‐TAR). Un seuil non nul permet de révéler certains comportements stratégiques et des coûts fixes d’ajustement qui ne seraient pas observables sur de faibles variations de prix autour d’un seuil nul. On s’attend à ce que l’aquaculture, en vertu d’un degré de contrôle supérieur sur l’offre, engendre une plus faible asymétrie comparativement à la production halieutique. Une asymétrie de transmission est néanmoins observée à la fois dans le cas du cabillaud sauvage et du saumon d’élevage commercialisés en France, mais uniquement à partir de seuils endogènes et l’ATP agissant en sens opposé. Les résultats sont commentés au regard des restrictions commerciales imposés par la Politique Commune des Pêches européenne.
U.S. Consumers’ Preference and Willingness to Pay for Country‐of‐Origin‐Labeled Beef Steak and Food Safety Enhancements
Authors: Lim Kar H. , Hu Wuyang , Maynard Leigh J. , Goddard Ellen
Published: June 2012

While previous studies have investigated country‐of‐origin effect from various angles, the extent to which Country‐of‐Origin Labelling (COOL) affects U.S. beef imports from specific countries remains unexplored. Using data from 1,079 consumers from the United States, we examined consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for Canadian and Australian beefsteaks. We also estimated WTP for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)–tested traceability‐enabled, tenderness‐assured, and natural beef. The results from both a mixed logit model and a latent class model (LCM) revealed unobserved taste heterogeneity and important differences in the WTP between the imported and domestic steak. The LCM, for instance, estimated the range of discount needed for consumers to switch from U.S. to Canadian steak as $1.09 to $35.12 per pound. This strongly suggested that U.S. consumers prefer domestic‐originated beef to imported beef. In addition, consumers were found to be willing to pay significant amount for BSE‐tested, traceability‐enabled, and tenderness‐assured beef.

Bien que des études antérieures aient examiné les répercussions de l’étiquetage du pays d’origine sous différents angles, les répercussions de cet étiquetage obligatoire sur les importations étatsuniennes de bœuf en provenance de pays spécifiques ne l’ont pas été. À l’aide de données tirées d’un échantillon de 1079 consommateurs étatsuniens, nous avons examiné le consentement à payer (CAP) pour du bifteck en provenance du Canada et de l’Australie. Nous avons également examiné le CAP des consommateurs pour du bœuf provenant d’un animal ayant subi un test de dépistage de l’ESB, traçable, de tendreté assurée et naturel. Les résultats obtenus à l’aide d’un modèle logit mixte et d’un modèle à classes latentes ont révélé une hétérogénéité non observée du goût et des écarts importants dans le CAP pour du bifteck provenant des États‐Unis et de l’extérieur du pays. Le modèle à classes latentes, par exemple, a révélé que les écarts de rabais nécessaires pour que les consommateurs délaissent le bifteck américain pour le bifteck canadien variaient de 1,09 $à 35,12 $ la livre. Ces résultats montrent clairement que les consommateurs étatsuniens préfèrent le bœuf des États‐Unis plutôt que le bœuf importé. Les résultats montrent également que les consommateurs sont prêts à payer plus cher pour du bœuf provenant d’un animal ayant subi un test de dépistage de l’ESB, traçable et de tendreté assurée.
High Target Hemoglobin With Erythropoiesis‐Stimulating Agents Has Advantages in the Renal Function of Non‐Dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Tsubakihara Yoshiharu , Gejyo Fumitake , Nishi Shinichi , Iino Yasuhiko , Watanabe Yuzou , Suzuki Masashi , Saito Akira , Akiba Takashi , Hirakata Hideki , Akizawa Tadao
Published: June 2012

We investigated the long‐term effects of maintaining high hemoglobin (Hb) on renal function in patients with chronic kidney disease not on dialysis. Subjects (Hb < 10 g/dL and serum creatinine (Cr) 2–6 mg/dL) were randomized to either a high Hb group (N = 161, 11.0 ≤ Hb < 13.0 g/dL) receiving darbepoetin alfa or to a low Hb group (N = 160, 9.0 ≤ Hb < 11.0 g/dL) with epoetin alfa, stratified according to baseline Hb and serum Cr levels, comorbidity of diabetes, and study centers. Primary endpoints were composites of the following events: doubling of serum Cr, initiation of dialysis, renal transplantation, or death. Three‐year cumulative renal survival rates (95% CI) were 39.9% (30.7–49.1%) and 32.4% (24.0–40.8%) in the high and low Hb groups, respectively (log‐rank test; P = 0.111). A Cox proportional‐hazards model adjusted by age, sex and the randomization factors showed a significantly lower event rate in the high Hb group (P = 0.035). The estimated hazard ratio (95% CI) for the high versus the low Hb group was 0.71 (0.52–0.98), the risk reduction was 29% in the high Hb group. Incidences of serious adverse cardiovascular events did not differ significantly between the high and low Hb groups (3.1% and 4.4%, respectively). No safety issues were noted in either group. Maintaining higher Hb levels with darbepoetin alfa better preserved renal function in patients with chronic kidney disease not on dialysis.
Occurrence of toxic cyanobacterial blooms for the first time in Lake Karaoun, Lebanon
Authors: Atoui Ali , Hafez Hala , Slim Kamal
Published: June 2012

The increasing occurrence of cyanobacterial bloom in freshwaters worldwide is of great importance because of public health risks. In addition, they are very likely to have negative impact on ecological and economic aspects. In this study, the seasonal succession of phytoplankton population in Lake Karaoun in Lebanon was monitored from May 2009 to June 2011. The physicochemical parameters of lake water were then monitored for 1 year, from June 2010 until June 2011, to correlate the physicochemical parameters with the phytoplankton population in the lake. Our results showed, for the first time in Lebanon, that the eutrophied Lake Karaoun has been under the invasion of toxic cyanobacterial blooms since May 2009. The cyanobacterial bloom was persistent from late spring (May) until late fall (December) for 2 consecutive years. The high water temperature in the summer season is the main factor that has been affecting the growth of the cyanobacteria. The most frequently encountered bloom‐forming species were Microcystis aeruginosa and Aphanizomenon ovalisporum, which were either present individually or coexistent. The obtained results showed that during the period of cyanobacterial bloom, a deterioration of water quality defined by low levels of dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, and electric conductivity was reported. During cyanobacterial bloom period, the concentration of the orthophosphate–P (PO4‐P) was very minimal. The measured high value of chlorophyll‐a concentration during cyanobacterial bloom period (48.6 μg/L) was attributed to high photosynthetic activity. Cyanobacterial blooms can cause a variety of water‐quality problems in Lake Karaoun in addition to human health risk.
Determination of Cr, Cu, Ni, Sn, Sr and Zn Mass Fractions in Geochemical Reference Materials by Isotope Dilution ICP‐MS
Authors: Cotta Aloísio J.B. , Enzweiler Jacinta
Published: June 2012

Isotope dilution (ID) mass spectrometry is a primary method of analysis suited for the accurate and precise measurement of several trace elements in geological matrices. Here we present mass fractions and respective uncertainties for Cr, Cu, Ni, Sn, Sr and Zn in 10 silicate rock reference materials (BCR‐2, BRP‐1, BIR‐1, OU‐6, GSP‐2, GSR‐1, AGV‐1, RGM‐1, RGM‐2 and G‐3) obtained by the double ID technique and measuring the isotope ratios with an inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometer equipped with collision cell. Test portions of the samples were dissolved by validated procedures, and no further matrix separation was applied. Addition of spikes was designed to achieve isotope ratios close to unity to minimise error magnification factors, according to the ID theory. Radiogenic ingrowth of 87Sr from the decay of 87Rb was considered in the calculation of Sr mass fractions. The mean values of our results mostly agree with reference values, considering both uncertainties at the 95% confidence level, and also with ID data published for AGV‐1. Considering all results, the means of the combined uncertainties were < 1% for Sr, approximately 2% for Sn and Cu, 4% for Cr and Ni and almost 6% for Zn.
Monoclonal gammopathies presenting as inflammatory arthritis: uncommon but important – a case series
Authors: Srinivasulu Nagaraj , Sharma Vishnu , Samant Rohini
Published: June 2012

Objective

To review the clinical profile of patients with plasma cell dyscrasias presenting with inflammatory arthritis.

Material and methods

Retrospective analysis was performed on clinical, laboratory and imaging data of patients who presented with inflammatory arthritis between May 2009 and April 2010 and were subsequently diagnosed as having plasma cell dyscrasias. Six out of 630 patients presenting with inflammatory arthritis were identified. The demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics of these patients were analyzed. The diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathy was based on protein electrophoresis, immunoelectrophoresis and bone marrow biopsy. The outcomes of the treatments were analyzed.

Results

Four patients had monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance and two patients had multiple myeloma. Mean age of the patients was 65 years (range 59–74). Three patients presented with oligoarticular arthritis, two with symmetrical polyarticular joint pains and one with fleeting periarticular pains. Wrist and shoulder were the most commonly involved joints. Three patients had carpal tunnel syndrome. Five patients were seronegative for both rheumatoid factor and anti‐cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies. Mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was high in all patients (range: 82–120 mm/h with a mean of 99.6 mm/h). Arthritis improved with chemotherapy in patients with multiple myeloma.

Conclusion

Occurrence of inflammatory arthritis with plasma dyscrasias is more than a chance association. Plasma cell dyscrasias should be ruled out in any elderly patient presenting with atypical arthritis with disproportionately high ESR, high creatinine and hyperglobulinemia.
High abundance of novel environmental chlamydiae in a Tyrrhenian coastal lake (Lago di Paola, Italy)
Authors: Pizzetti Ilaria , Fazi Stefano , Fuchs Bernhard M. , Amann Rudolf
Published: June 2012

For a long time the bacterial phylum of Chlamydiae exclusively consisted of one family of obligate intracellular bacteria, the Chlamydiaceae, which encompassed causative agents of severe diseases. In the 1990s, environmental chlamydiae were discovered as symbionts of free‐living amoebae and other eukaryotic hosts. During a sampling campaign in September 2008, while monitoring Planctomycetes, we retrieved 20 almost full‐length 16S rRNA gene sequences affiliated with Chlamydiales from a lake at the Tyrrhenian coast of central Italy (Lago di Paola, Latium). Two main clusters were identified. The nine sequences within the tight cluster I shared ∼98% identity, just like the six sequences of cluster II. The 16S rRNA sequence identity between the two novel groups was with 88% higher than with all known families of the order Chlamydiales. Four types of less frequent chlamydial 16S rRNA sequences were also detected. Two oligonucleotide probes were designed, and optimized. Chl282 targets the cluster I and almost all other Chlamydiales, while Chl282bis targets the cluster II and few other sequences. By catalysed reporter deposition fluorescence in situ hybridization (CARD‐FISH), we identified in the Lago di Paola picoplankton abundant tiny cells with dot‐shaped morphology and, interestingly, rarely also protists with intracellular pleomorphic chlamydiae. Abundances of the novel chlamydial clusters were up to 5 × 104 cells per millilitre. The two clusters were also detected in similar numbers during a second sampling in October 2010. This confirmed the relevance of the two newly described clusters of chlamydiae in Lago di Paola, not only enlarging the knowledge on the biodiversity of environmental chlamydiae in aquatic habitats, but also raising sanitary issues that should be addressed in the future.
Extended international (IOTF) body mass index cut‐offs for thinness, overweight and obesity
Authors: Cole T. J. , Lobstein T.
Published: June 2012

Background

The international (International Obesity Task Force; IOTF) body mass index (BMI) cut‐offs are widely used to assess the prevalence of child overweight, obesity and thinness. Based on data from six countries fitted by the LMS method, they link BMI values at 18 years (16, 17, 18.5, 25 and 30 kg m−2) to child centiles, which are averaged across the countries. Unlike other BMI references, e.g. the World Health Organization (WHO) standard, these cut‐offs cannot be expressed as centiles (e.g. 85th).

Methods

To address this, we averaged the previously unpublished L, M and S curves for the six countries, and used them to derive new cut‐offs defined in terms of the centiles at 18 years corresponding to each BMI value. These new cut‐offs were compared with the originals, and with the WHO standard and reference, by measuring their prevalence rates based on US and Chinese data.

Results

The new cut‐offs were virtually identical to the originals, giving prevalence rates differing by <0.2% on average. The discrepancies were smaller for overweight and obesity than for thinness. The international and WHO prevalences were systematically different before/after age 5.

Conclusions

Defining the international cut‐offs in terms of the underlying LMS curves has several benefits. New cut‐offs are easy to derive (e.g. BMI 35 for morbid obesity), and they can be expressed as BMI centiles (e.g. boys obesity = 98.9th centile), allowing them to be compared with other BMI references. For WHO, median BMI is relatively low in early life and high at older ages, probably due to its method of construction.
ATP as a mediator of erythrocyte‐dependent regulation of skeletal muscle blood flow and oxygen delivery in humans
Authors: González‐Alonso José
Published: June 2012

Abstract  In healthy human beings, blood flow to dynamically contracting skeletal muscle is regulated primarily to match oxygen (O2) delivery closely with utilisation. This occurs across a wide range of exercise intensities, as well as when exercise is combined with conditions that modify blood O2 content. The red blood cells (RBCs), the primary O2 carriers in the blood, contribute to the regulation of the local processes matching O2 supply and demand. This is made possible by the ability of RBCs to release the vasoactive substance adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in response to reductions in erythrocyte and plasma O2, as well as to other adjuvant metabolic and mechanical stimuli. The regulatory role of RBCs in human beings is supported by the observations that, i) exercising skeletal muscle blood flow responds primarily to changes in the amount of O2 bound to the erythrocyte haemoglobin molecules, rather than the amount of O2 in plasma, and ii) exercising muscle blood flow can almost double (from 260 to 460 ml min−1 100 g−1) with alterations in blood O2 content, such that O2 delivery and are kept constant. Besides falling blood O2 content, RBCs release ATP when exposed to increased temperature, reduced pH, hypercapnia, elevated shear stress and augmented mechanical deformation, i.e. conditions that exist in the microcirculation of active skeletal muscle. ATP is an attractive mediator signal for skeletal muscle blood flow regulation, not only because it can act as a potent vasodilator, but also because of its sympatholytic properties in the human limb circulations. These properties are essential to counteract the vasoconstrictor effects of concurrent increases in muscle sympathetic nerve activity and circulating vasoconstrictor substances during exercise. Comparison of the relative vasoactive potencies and sympatholytic properties of ATP, other nucleotides, and adenosine in human limbs, suggests that intravascular ATP exerts its vasodilator and sympatholytic effects directly, and not via its degradation compounds. In conclusion, current evidence clearly indicates that RBCs are involved directly in the regulation of O2 supply to human skeletal muscle during dynamic exercise. Further, intravascular ATP might be an important mediator in local metabolic sensing and signal transduction between the RBCs and the endothelial and smooth muscle cells in the vascular beds of skeletal muscle.
Gβ2 and Gβ4 participate in the opioid and adrenergic receptor‐mediated Ca2+ channel modulation in rat sympathetic neurons
Authors: Mahmoud Saifeldin , Yun Jong K. , Ruiz‐Velasco Victor
Published: June 2012

Key point

Sympathetic stellate ganglion (SG) neurons that innervate cardiac muscle play an important role in regulating heart rate and contractility.

In this study, we examined which Gβ protein subunit couples Ca2+ channels to opioid and adrenergic receptors expressed in SG neurons.

We show that Gβ2 and Gβ4 are important signalling elements that maintain the transduction pathway of both receptor subtypes and Ca2+ channels, and how their expression levels are differentially compensated.

Our results also indicate that Gβ1 subunits do not appear to play a role in either signalling pathway.

The elucidation of specific G proteins that couple Ca2+ channels with opioid and adrenergic receptors will help us better understand how these receptors regulate synaptic transmission of SG neurons that innervate cardiac muscle.

Abstract  Cardiac function is regulated in part by the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system via the stellate ganglion (SG) neurons. Neurotransmitters, such as noradrenaline (NA), and neuropeptides, including nociceptin (Noc), influence the excitability of SG neurons by modulating Ca2+ channel function following activation of the adrenergic and nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide (NOP) opioid receptors, respectively. The regulation of Ca2+ channels is mediated by Gβγ, but the specific Gβ subunit that modulates the channels is not known. In the present study, small interference RNA (siRNA) was employed to silence the natively expressed Gβ proteins in rat SG tissue and to examine the coupling specificity of adrenergic and NOP opioid receptors to Ca2+ channels employing the whole‐cell variant of the patch‐clamp technique. Western blotting analysis showed that Gβ1, Gβ2 and Gβ4 are natively expressed. The knockdown of Gβ2 or Gβ4 led to a significant decrease of the NA‐ and Noc‐mediated Ca2+ current inhibition, while Gβ1 silencing was without effect. However, sustaining low levels of Gβ2 resulted in an increased expression of Gβ4 and a concomitant compensation of both adrenergic and opioid signalling pathways modulating Ca2+ channels. Conversely, Gβ4‐directed siRNA was not accompanied with a compensation of the signalling pathway. Finally, the combined silencing of Gβ2 and Gβ4 prevented any additional compensatory mechanisms. Overall, our studies suggest that in SG neurons, Gβ2 and Gβ4 normally maintain the coupling of Ca2+ channels with the receptors, with the latter subtype responsible for maintaining the integrity of both pathways.
Effect of Hydrocarbon Emissions From PCCI-Type Combustion on the Performance of Selective Catalytic Reduction Catalysts
Authors: Prikhodko Vitaly Y. , Pihl Josh A. , Lewis Samuel A. , Parks James E.
Published: June 2012

Core samples cut from full size commercial Fe-and Cu- zeolite selective catalytic reduction catalysts were exposed to a slipstream of raw engine exhaust from a 1.9-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine operating in conventional and premixed charge compression ignition (PCCI) combustion modes. Subsequently, the NOx reduction performance of the exposed catalysts was evaluated on a laboratory bench-reactor fed with simulated exhaust. The Fe-zeolite NOx conversion efficiency was significantly degraded, especially at low temperatures (<250 °C), after the catalyst was exposed to the engine exhaust. The degradation of the Fe-zeolite performance was similar for both combustion modes. The Cu-zeolite was much more resistant to hydrocarbon (HC) fouling than the Fe-zeolite catalyst. In the case of the Cu-zeolite, PCCI exhaust had a more significant impact than the exhaust from conventional combustion on the NOx conversion efficiency. For all cases, the clean catalyst performance was recovered after heating to 600 °C. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis of the HCs adsorbed to the catalyst surface provided insights into the observed NOx reduction performance trends.
Corrosion Resistance of SOFC and SOEC Glass-Ceramic Seal Materials in High Temperature Steam/Hydrogen
Authors: J. Howard Paul , Szkoda Iwona
Published: June 2012

There exists concern that glass-ceramic seal materials may not tolerate the high temperature gaseous environment in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) applications, potentially leading to the poisoning of electrodes by silica and ultimate loss of hermeticity. A mechanism for the loss of silicon from glass seals has been proposed by other workers. To address this concern, material samples of proprietary glass-ceramics were exposed to steam/hydrogen atmospheres at 800 °C for up to 1000 h. The mass losses of the samples were measured at intervals and their changes in surface chemistry were analyzed using techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and dynamic secondary ion mass spectroscopy. It was shown that the extent of corrosion depends on composition and surface microstructure and that some glass-ceramics are particularly resistant to steam/hydrogen corrosion.
Long-range time reversal communication in deep water: Experimental results
Authors: Shimura T. , Watanabe Y. , Ochi H. , Song H. C.
Published: June 2012

In December 2011 a long-range acoustic communication experiment was conducted in deep water, west of Izu-Ogasawara Islands, Japan. The experiment involved a stationary source (450–550 Hz) and an 18-element vertical array (102-m aperture), both deployed at around the sound channel axis. Initial analysis of data demonstrates that a data rate of 400 bits/s can be achieved over ∼600-km range in deep water using 16 quadrature amplitude modulation and passive time reversal equalization.
Channeling Death
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: June 2012

Caspase-mediated cleavage of the channel TRPM7 enhances its activity and promotes Fas-mediated cell death.
Life and Death with Salicylic Acid
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: June 2012

Two receptors for the plant hormone salicylic acid differentially determine cellular responses to infection.
Burnout levels among Portuguese family doctors: a nationwide survey
Authors: Marcelino Gisela , Cerveira João Melich , Carvalho Inês , Costa João Azeredo , Lopes Marta , Calado Nelson Encarnação , Marques-Vidal Pedro
Published: June 2012

Aim

To characterise the prevalence of burnout syndrome in a sample of family doctors (FDs) working in the Portuguese National Health System.

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Primary healthcare centres from the 18 continental districts and two archipelagos of Portugal.

Method

The Portuguese version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory—Human Services Survey was sent to 40 randomly selected healthcare centres and distributed to the FDs employed. Socio-demographic and work-related data were also collected. Participants were classified as having high, average or low levels of emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalisation (DP) and personal accomplishment (PA) dimensions of burnout.

Results

371 questionnaires were sent, of which 153 (83 women, age range 29–64 years; response rate 41%) returned. One-quarter (25.3%, 95% CI 18.6% to 33.1%) of FDs scored high for EE, 16.2% (10.7% to 23.2%) for DP and 16.7% (11.1% to 23.6%) for lack of PA. On multivariate analysis, being married, of older age, having many years of practice or working in a personalised healthcare unit tended to be associated with increased burnout components. Men tended to present higher EE and DP but lower lack of PA than women. Finally, the prevalence (95% CI) of burnout ranged between 4.1% (1.5% to 8.6%) and 32.4% (25.0% to 40.6%), depending on the definition used.

Conclusions

High burnout is relatively common among Portuguese FDs. Burnout relief measures should be developed in order to prevent a further increase of burnout syndrome among Portuguese FDs.
Exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and the risk of congenital malformations: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Jimenez-Solem Espen , Andersen Jon Traerup , Petersen Morten , Broedbaek Kasper , Jensen Jonas Krogh , Afzal Shoaib , Gislason Gunnar H , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Poulsen Henrik Enghusen
Published: June 2012

Objectives

To analyse the relation between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) use and major congenital malformations, with focus on malformations of the heart.

Design

Register-based retrospective nationwide cohort study, using the Danish Medical Birth Registry.

Setting

Denmark.

Participants

Pregnant women in Denmark between 1997 and 2009 and their offspring.

Primary outcome measures

For each SSRI, ORs for major congenital malformations were estimated using multivariable logistic regression models for women exposed to an SSRI during the first trimester and for women with paused exposure during pregnancy.

Results

The authors identified 848 786 pregnancies; 4183 were exposed to an SSRI throughout the first trimester and 806 pregnancies paused exposure during pregnancy. Risks of congenital malformations of the heart were similar for pregnancies exposed to an SSRI throughout the first trimester, adjusted OR 2.01 (95% CI 1.60 to 2.53), and for pregnancies with paused SSRI treatment during pregnancy, adjusted OR 1.85 (95% CI 1.07 to 3.20), p value for difference: 0.94. The authors found similar increased risks of specific congenital malformations of the heart for the individual SSRIs. Furthermore, the authors found no association with dosage.

Conclusions

The apparent association between SSRI use and congenital malformations of the heart may be confounded by indications. The moderate absolute risk increase combined with uncertainty for causality still requires the risk versus benefit to be evaluated in each individual case.
AN EXAMINATION OF SMALL FIRM BOOTSTRAP FINANCING AND USE OF DEBT
Authors: NEELY LYNN , VAN AUKEN HOWARD
Published: June 2012

This study examines the relationships between entrepreneurs' use of bootstrap financing methods and access to short- and long-term debt capital. By providing additional funding options, bootstrap financing helps alleviate liquidity issues by providing small firms additional sources of capital when more traditional sources are not accessible. Capital constraints can result in firms being unable to successfully compete and often lead to difficulties associated with liquidity constraints. The findings show that use of short- and long-term debt capital is directly associated with the use of bootstrap financing sources. The growing body of research is demonstrating that bootstrap financing is commonly used, but is related to the use of debt capital. These findings contribute to the growing body of research on small firm use of bootstrap financing and can be used by owners of small firms, consultants and educators. Programs that provide educational assistance to owners of small firms, including university courses and practitioner seminars/workshops, can expand the coverage of bootstrap financing in the curriculum.
CDL-BASED SEMANTIC REPRESENTATION FOR DYNAMIC WEB PAGES
Authors: FAROUK MAMDOUH , ISHIZUKA MITSURU
Published: June 2012

Representing web data in a machine-understandable format is an important task for the next generation of the web. Most solutions reported to date rely on ontologies. However, the use of ontologies is associated with many problems. Moreover, representing web data in a machine-understandable format is not sufficient to respond to all user queries. This paper proposes an approach for representing dynamic web page content retrieved from an underlying database in the concept description language (CDL). This is a semantic format that does not depend on ontologies. However, CDL describes the semantic structure of web content based on a set of predefined concepts and semantic relations. Moreover, this work proposes the addition of extra knowledge to the semantic level of the DB schema to improve the query answering process. A prototype of the proposed approach was implemented to demonstrate its feasibility, and a simple query engine was developed to demonstrate the effectiveness of adding extra knowledge to the DB semantic schema.
PERFECT MATCHINGS AND GENUS OF SOME CARTESIAN PRODUCTS OF GRAPHS
Authors: LIN FENGGEN , ZHANG LIANZHU , LU FULIANG
Published: June 2012

Lovász and Plummer conjectured that: for k ≥ 3 there exist constants c1(k) > 1 and c2(k) > 0 such that every k-regular elementary graph on 2n vertices, without forbidden edges, contains at least c2(k)⋅c1(k)nperfect matchings. Furthermore c1(k) → ∞ as k → ∞. In this paper, for some Cartesian products of graphs, we obtain a lower bound of their number of perfect matchings which is similar to that of Lovász and Plummer's conjecture. Furthermore, we compute the genus of some Cartesian products of graphs.
LIST POINT ARBORICITY OF GRAPHS
Authors: XUE NINI , WU BAOYINDURENG
Published: June 2012

Let G be a graph. The point arboricity of G, denoted by ρ(G), is the minimum number of colors that can be used to color the vertices of G so that each color class induces an acyclic subgraph of G. Borodin et al. (Discrete Math.214 (2000) 101–112) first introduced the list point arboricity of G, denoted by ρl(G). We prove that for any graph G, [Formula: see text], where deg (G) denotes the degeneracy of G, that is, the minimum number k such that δ(H) ≤ k for any subgraph H of G. Using this upper bound, we show that ρl(G) ≤ 3 for any planar graph G. In particular, if either G is K4-minor free, or for an integer k ∈ {3, 4, 5, 6}, G is planar and does not contain k-cycles, then ρl(G) ≤ 2. For any graph G of order n, [Formula: see text]. In addition, we provide a new proof of a theorem of Borodin et al., which states that if G is neither a complete graph of odd order nor a cycle then [Formula: see text]. Finally, we show that la (G) = lla (G) = 2 if G is 3-regular, and la (G) = lla (G) = 3 if G is 4-regular, where la (G) is the linear arboricity of G and lla (G) is list linear arboricity of G which is introduced recently by An and Wu.
EXTREME STEINER GRAPHS
Authors: SANTHAKUMARAN A. P.
Published: June 2012

For a connected graph G of order p ≥ 2 and a set W ⊆ V(G), a tree T contained in G is a Steiner tree with respect to W if T is a tree of minimum order with W ⊆ V(T). The set S(W) consists of all vertices in G that lie on some Steiner tree with respect to W. The set W is a Steiner set for G if S(W) = V(G). The Steiner number s(G) of G is the minimum cardinality of its Steiner sets and any Steiner set of cardinality s(G) is a minimum Steiner set of G. A geodetic set of G is a set S of vertices such that every vertex of G is contained in a geodesic joining some pair of vertices of S. The geodetic number g(G) of G is the minimum cardinality of its geodetic sets and any geodetic set of cardinality g(G) is a minimum geodetic set of G. A vertex v is an extreme vertex of a graph G if the subgraph induced by its neighbors is complete. The number of extreme vertices in G is its extreme order ex (G). A graph G is an extreme Steiner graph if s(G) = ex (G), and an extreme geodesic graph if g(G) = ex (G). Extreme Steiner graphs of order p with Steiner number p - 1 are characterized. It is shown that every pair a, b of integers with 0 ≤ a ≤ b is realizable as the extreme order and Steiner number, respectively, of some graph. For positive integers r, d and l ≥ 2 with r < d ≤ 2r, it is shown that there exists an extreme Steiner graph G of radius r, diameter d, and Steiner number l. For integers p, d and k with 2 ≤ d < p, 2 ≤ k < p and p - d - k + 2 ≥ 0, there exists an extreme Steiner graph G of order p, diameter d and Steiner number k. It is shown that for every pair a, b of integers with 3 ≤ a < b and b = a + 1, there exists an extreme Steiner graph G with s(G) = a and g(G) = b that is not an extreme geodesic graph. It is shown that for every pair a, b of integers with 3 ≤ a < b, there exists an extreme geodesic graph G with g(G) = a and s(G) = b that is not an extreme Steiner graph.
RANDOM FIELDS IN RELAXOR FERROELECTRICS — A JUBILEE REVIEW
Authors: KLEEMANN WOLFGANG
Published: June 2012

Substitutional charge disorder as in PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3 , structural cation vacancies as in Sr x Ba 1-x Nb 2 O 6 and isovalent substitution of off-centered cations as in BaTi 1-x Sn x O 3 and BaTi 1-x Zr x O 3 give rise to quenched electric random-fields (RF s ), which we proposed to be at the origin of the peculiar behavior of relaxor ferroelectrics 20 years ago. These are, e.g. a strong frequency dispersion of the dielectric response and an apparent lack of macroscopic symmetry breaking in the low temperature phase. Both are related to mesoscopic RF-driven phase transitions, which give rise to irregularly shaped quasi-stable polar nanoregions below the characteristic temperature T*, but above the global transition temperature Tc. Their co-existence with the paraelectric parent phase can be modeled by time-dependent field equations under the control of quenched RF s and stress-free strain (in the case of order parameter dimension n ≥ 2). Transitions into global polar order at Tc may occur in uniaxial relaxors as observed on the uniaxial relaxor ferroelectric Sr0.8Ba0.2Nb2O6 and come close to RF Ising model criticality. Re-entrant relaxor transitions as observed in solid solutions of Ba2Pr0.6Nd0.4(FeNb4)O15 are proposed to evidence the coexistence of distinct normal and relaxor ferroelectric phases within the framework of percolation theory.
DO WE NEED THE ETHER OF POLAR NANOREGIONS?
Authors: HLINKA J.
Published: June 2012

This paper deals with possible experimental signatures of the so-called polar nanoregions in lead-based perovskite relaxors. It outlines both traditional and alternative approaches to these signatures. It is argued that the concept of polar nanoregions is useful but largely speculative. Polar nanoregions are compared with ferroelectric nanodomains. Qualitative explanation of the principal "relaxor" properties of PMN are discussed in both frameworks. It is argued that polarization as a vector may not be well defined at any nanometric region in PMN Crystal.
Optical Spectroscopy of Marine Bioadhesive Interfaces
Authors: Barlow Daniel E. , Wahl Kathryn J.
Published: June 2012

Marine organisms have evolved extraordinarily effective adhesives that cure underwater and resist degradation. These underwater adhesives differ dramatically in structure and function and are composed of multiple proteins assembled into functional composites. The processes by which these bioadhesives cure—conformational changes, dehydration, polymerization, and cross-linking—are challenging to quantify because they occur not only underwater but also in a buried interface between the substrate and the organism. In this review, we highlight interfacial optical spectroscopy approaches that can reveal the biochemical processes and structure of marine bioadhesives, with particular emphasis on macrofoulers such as barnacles and mussels.
Chemical Mapping of Paleontological and Archeological Artifacts with Synchrotron X-Rays
Authors: Bergmann Uwe , Manning Phillip L. , Wogelius Roy A.
Published: June 2012

The application of the recently developed synchrotron rapid scanning X-ray fluorescence (SRS-XRF) technique to the mapping of large objects is the focus of this review. We discuss the advantages of SRS-XRF over traditional systems and the use of other synchrotron radiation (SR) techniques to provide corroborating spectroscopic and diffraction analyses during the same analytical session. After reviewing routine techniques used to analyze precious specimens, we present several case studies that show how SR-based methods have been successfully applied in archeology and paleontology. For example, SRS-XRF imaging of a seventh-century Qur'ān palimpsest and an overpainted original opera score from Luigi Cherubini is described. We also review the recent discovery of soft-tissue residue in fossils of Archaeopteryx and an ancient reptile, as well as work that has successfully resolved the remnants of pigment in Confuciusornis sanctus, a 120-million-year-old fossil of the oldest documented bird with a fully derived avian beak.
Probing Embryonic Stem Cell Autocrine and Paracrine Signaling Using Microfluidics
Authors: Przybyla Laralynne , Voldman Joel
Published: June 2012

Although stem cell fate is traditionally manipulated by exogenously altering the cells' extracellular signaling environment, the endogenous autocrine and paracrine signals produced by the cells also contribute to their two essential processes: self-renewal and differentiation. Autocrine and/or paracrine signals are fundamental to both embryonic stem cell self-renewal and early embryonic development, but the nature and contributions of these signals are often difficult to fully define using conventional methods. Microfluidic techniques have been used to explore the effects of cell-secreted signals by controlling cell organization or by providing precise control over the spatial and temporal cellular microenvironment. Here we review how such techniques have begun to be adapted for use with embryonic stem cells, and we illustrate how many remaining questions in embryonic stem cell biology could be addressed using microfluidic technologies.
Optical Tomography
Authors: Haisch Christoph
Published: June 2012

The number of applications using optical tomography has significantly increased over the past decade. A literature research providing this term as keyword gives 26 hits for 1990, 719 for 2000, and 9,202 for 2010. With an increasing number of applications, the number of different imaging modalities is also increasing. This review summarizes recent developments in tomographic methods for scattering and nonscattering samples. These two different cases of optical tomography are typically represented by biomedical imaging and atmospheric tomography, representing high- and low-scattering samples, respectively. An essential prerequisite for tomographic analyses is an understanding of light propagation in different media, which allows for the development of specific reconstruction algorithms for the different tomographic tasks.
Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy
Authors: Chen Chiao-Chen , Zhou Yi , Baker Lane A.
Published: June 2012

Scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) is a versatile type of scanning probe microscopy for studies in molecular biology and materials science. Recent advances in feedback and probe fabrication have greatly increased the resolution, stability, and speed of imaging. Noncontact imaging and the ability to deliver materials to localized areas have made SICM especially fruitful for studies of molecular biology, and many examples of such use have been reported. In this review, we highlight new developments in the operation of SICM and describe some of the most exciting recent studies from this growing field.
Surface Plasmon–Coupled Emission: What Can Directional Fluorescence Bring to the Analytical Sciences?
Authors: Cao Shuo-Hui , Cai Wei-Peng , Liu Qian , Li Yao-Qun
Published: June 2012

Surface plasmon–coupled emission (SPCE) arose from the integration of fluorescence and plasmonics, two rapidly expanding research fields. SPCE is revealing novel phenomena and has potential applications in bioanalysis, medical diagnostics, drug discovery, and genomics. In SPCE, excited fluorophores couple with surface plasmons on a continuous thin metal film; plasmophores radiate into a higher–refractive index medium with a narrow angular distribution. Because of the directional emission, the sensitivity of this technique can be greatly improved with high collection efficiency. This review describes the unique features of SPCE. In particular, we focus on recent advances in SPCE-based analytical platforms and their applications in DNA sensing and the detection of other biomolecules and chemicals.
Noetherian and Artinian Lattices
Authors: Keskin Tütüncü Derya , Toksoy Sultan Eylem , Tribak Rachid
Published: June 2012

It is proved that ifLis a complete modular lattice which is compactly generated, then Rad(L)/0 is Artinian if, and only if for every small elementaofL, the sublatticea/0 is Artinian if, and only ifLsatisfies DCC on small elements.
Assessment of 5-HT7Receptor Agonists Selectivity Using Nociceptive and Thermoregulation Tests in Knockout versus Wild-Type Mice
Authors: Brenchat Alex , Rocasalbas Maria , Zamanillo Daniel , Hamon Michel , Vela José Miguel , Romero Luz
Published: June 2012

No study has ever examined the effect of 5-HT7receptor agonists on nociception by using 5-HT7receptor knockout mice. Basal sensitivity to noxious heat stimuli and formalin-induced nociception in both phase I and II of the formalin test did not differ in 5-HT7receptor knockout mice and paired wild-type controls. Similarly, there was no significant difference in basal body temperature between both genotypes. Subcutaneous administration of 5-HT7receptor agonists AS-19 (10 mg/kg), E-57431 (10 mg/kg), and E-55888 (20 mg/kg) significantly reduced formalin-induced licking/biting behavior during the phase II of the test in wild-type but not in 5-HT7receptor knockout mice. At these active analgesic doses, none of the three 5-HT7receptor agonists modified the basal body temperature neither in wild-type nor in 5-HT7receptor knockout mice. However, a significant decrease in body temperature was observed at a higher dose (20 mg/kg) of AS-19 and E-57431 in both genotypes. Our data strongly suggest that the 5-HT7receptor agonists AS-19, E-57431, and E-55888 produce antinociception in the formalin test by activating 5-HT7receptors. These results also strengthen the idea that the 5-HT7receptor plays a role in thermoregulation, but by acting in concert with other receptors.
Existence Results of Nondensely Defined Fractional Evolution Differential Inclusions
Authors: Zhang Zufeng , Liu Bin
Published: June 2012

This paper deals with the existence results of integral solutions for nondensely defined fractional evolution differential inclusions. Our approach is based on integrated semigroup theory and a fixed point theorem for condensing map due to Martelli. An example is also given to illustrate our results.
cDNA-SRAP and Its Application in Differential Gene Expression Analysis: A Case Study inErianthus arundinaceum
Authors: Que Youxiong , Xu Liping , Lin Jianwei , Luo Jun , Xu Jingsheng , Zheng Jin , Chen Rukai
Published: June 2012

Erianthus arundinaceumis a wild relative species of sugarcane. The aim of this research was to demonstrate the feasibility of cDNA-SRAP for differential gene expression and to explore the molecular mechanism of drought resistance inE. arundinaceum. cDNA-SRAP technique, for the first time, was applied in the analysis of differential gene expression inE. arundinaceumunder drought stress. In total, eight differentially expressed genes with length of 185–427 bp were successfully isolated (GenBank Accession numbers: EU071770, EU071772, EU071774, EU071776, EU071777, EU071779, EU071780, and EU071781). Based on their homologies with genes in GenBank, these genes were assumed to encode ribonuclease III, vacuolar protein, ethylene insensitive protein, aerobactin biosynthesis protein, photosystem II protein, glucose transporter, leucine-rich repeat protein, and ammonia monooxygenase. Real-time PCR analysis on the expression profiling of gene (EU071774) encoding ethylene-insensitive protein and gene (EU071781) encoding ammonia monooxygenase revealed that the expression of these two genes was upregulated both by PEG and ABA treatments, suggesting that they may involve in the drought resistance ofE. arundinaceum. This study constitutes the first report of genes activated inE. arundinaceumby drought stress and opens up the application of cDNA-SRAP in differential gene expression analysis inE. arundinaceumunder certain stress conditions.