bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Symmetry-Itemized Enumeration of Cubane Derivatives as Three-Dimensional Entities by the Fixed-Point Matrix Method of the USCI Approach
Authors: Fujita Shinsaku
Published: November 2011

Cubane derivatives with chiral and achiral proligands are counted as three-dimensional (3D) structural isomers by the fixed-point matrix method of the unit-subduced-cycle-index (USCI) approach (S. Fujita, “Symmetry and Combinatorial Enumeration in Chemistry,” Springer-Verlag, 1991). The numbers of such 3D structural isomers are itemized with respect to their point-group symmetries, which are subgroups of the point group Oh for a cubane skeleton. For this purpose, the full list of unit subduced cycle indices with chirality fittingness (USCI-CFs) of Oh is constructed in a tabular form. Fixed-point vectors or fixed-point matrices, which are calculated by starting from USCI-CFs, are used to count 3D structural isomers in the form of isomer-counting matrices. A Maple program source for counting cubane derivatives as 3D structural isomers is given as an example of practical calculation.
An alternative method of endotracheal intubation of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Thomas A A , Leach M C , Flecknell P A
Published: November 2011

Endotracheal intubation was carried out in 11 common marmosets ( Callithrix jacchus). A commercially available tilting stand and a Miller laryngoscope blade were used to visualize the larynx. Anaesthesia was induced with alphaxalone (10.6 ± 1.6 mg/kg intramuscularly, followed by 3.2 ± 1.2 mg/kg intravenously). The diameter of the proximal trachea easily fitted an endotracheal tube made from readily available material (a 12 G ‘over the needle’ catheter). Once the tip of the endotracheal tube was at the level of the vocal folds, the tube had to be gently rotated through a 180° angle in order to pass through the larynx into the trachea. Assessment of the dimensions of the larynx and trachea, and comparison with external anatomical features of the animals ( n = 10) showed that the length of the trachea could be predicted by multiplying the craniosacral length of the marmoset by a factor of 0.42.
Nonhematopoietically Derived DNA Is Shorter than Hematopoietically Derived DNA in Plasma: A Transplantation Model
Authors: Zheng Yama W L , Chan K C Allen , Sun Hao , Jiang Peiyong , Su Xiaoxi , Chen Eric Z , Lun Fiona M F , Hung Emily C W , Lee Vincent , Wong John , Lai Paul B S , Li Chi-Kong , Chiu Rossa W K , Lo Y M Dennis
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND

Plasma DNA is predominantly hematopoietic in origin. The size difference between maternal- and fetal-derived DNA in maternal plasma prompted us to investigate whether there was any discrepancy in molecular size between hematopoietically and nonhematopoietically derived DNA in plasma.

METHODS

Plasma DNA samples from 6 hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients and 1 liver transplant recipient were analyzed by massively parallel paired-end sequencing. The size of each fragment was deduced from the alignment positions of the paired reads. In sex-mismatched transplant recipients, the reads from chromosome Y were used as markers for the male donor/recipient. For other transplant recipients, the reads of the donor- and recipient-specific alleles were identified from the single-nucleotide polymorphism genotypes.

RESULTS

In male patients receiving female hematopoietic stem cells, more chromosome Y–derived DNA molecules (nonhematopoietically derived) were ≤150 bp than the autosome-derived ones (mainly hematopoietically derived) (median difference, 9.9%). In other hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, more recipient-specific DNA molecules (nonhematopoietically derived) were ≤150 bp than the donor-specific ones (hematopoietically derived) (median difference, 14.8%). In the liver transplant recipient, more donor-derived DNA molecules (liver derived) were ≤150 bp than the recipient-derived ones (mainly hematopoietically derived) (difference, 13.4%). The nonhematopoietically derived DNA exhibited a reduction in a 166-bp peak compared with the hematopoietically derived DNA. A 10-bp periodicity in size distribution below approximately 143 bp was observed in both DNA populations.

CONCLUSIONS

Massively parallel sequencing is a powerful tool for studying posttransplantation chimerism. Plasma DNA molecules exhibit a distinct fragmentation pattern, with the nonhematopoietically derived molecules being shorter than the hematopoietically derived ones.
The physiology and pathobiology of human kallikrein-related peptidase 6 (KLK6)
Authors: Bayani Jane , Diamandis Eleftherios P.
Published: November 2011

The human kallikrein-related peptidase 6 (
Synthesis of glucose esters from cellulose in ionic liquids
Authors: Ignatyev Igor A. , Doorslaer Charlie Van , Mertens Pascal G.N. , Binnemans Koen , Vos Dirk E. de
Published: November 2011

The transformation of cellulose into glucose ester α-d-glucose pentaacetate (GPAc) was carried out in ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride under mild reaction conditions. The reaction comprises two steps: the first involves a hydrolysis reaction, yielding α-d-glucose and glucose oligomers; and then only after some time, the acetylating reagent acetic anhydride is added. Under optimized conditions and with the acidic resin Amberlyst 15DRY as a hydrolysis catalyst, a 70% yield of GPAc was obtained. This product could be quantitatively isolated by simple liquid-liquid extraction, which allowed easy recycling of the ionic liquid and catalyst.
Prädiktive Bedeutung von Autoantikörpern/Predictive relevance of autoantibodies
Authors: Conrad Karsten
Published: November 2011

Autoantikörper (AAK) mit hoher Krankheitsspezifität sind bedeutsame Marker für die Diagnostik und Differentialdiagnostik von Autoimmunerkrankungen (AIE). Bei Negativität bestimmter AAK bzw. AAK-Kombinationen kann in vielen Fällen mit relativer Sicherheit die entsprechende AIE ausgeschlossen werden. Bei Vorliegen typischer klinischer Symptome kann mittels AAK-Bestimmung die Diagnose häufig bestätigt werden, auch wenn noch nicht das Vollbild der Erkrankung entsprechend den Klassifikations- oder Diagnosekriterien vorliegt. Da für eine optimale Kontrolle der Krankheitsentwicklung eine frühzeitige adäquate Therapie erforderlich ist, sollte die Diagnose in einem möglichst frühen Stadium der Erkrankung gesichert werden. Hierfür kommt der Bestimmung von AAK, welche eine hohe Krankheitsspezifität und eine hohe prädiktive Wertigkeit aufweisen, eine wachsende Bedeutung zu.
Multiparameteranalytik in Diagnostik und Monitoring von Autoimmunerkrankungen: Stand und Perspektiven/Multiparametric analyses in diagnostics and monitoring of autoimmune diseases: current state and perspectives
Authors: Conrad Karsten , Sack Ulrich
Published: November 2011

Das meist lange präklinische Stadium, die große Variabilität in den klinischen Manifestationen sowie der Notwendigkeit einer frühzeitigen adäquaten Therapie von Autoimmunerkrankungen erfordern die Suche und Evaluierung geeigneter Biomarker, welche den Erkrankungsprozess zuverlässig reflektieren und eine sichere Frühdiagnostik sowie therapeutisch relevante Aussagen (Organmanifestationen, Aktivität, Erkrankungsentwicklung, Ansprechen auf bestimmte Therapieformen) zulassen. Bisher werden vorwiegend Autoantikörper für die serologische Diagnostik, Prognostik und teilweise auch für das Monitoring von Autoimmunerkrankungen herangezogen. Sie sind in Abhängigkeit von den diagnostischen Variablen wertvolle diagnostische Marker, jedoch in Bezug auf Prognostik, Aktivität und Therapieansprechbarkeit nicht oder nur eingeschränkt nutzbar. Ziel künftiger Entwicklungen sollte es daher sein, geeignete Kombinationen von krankheitsrelevanten Autoantikörpern oder Autoantikörper-Profilen und anderen Biomarkern zu finden, welche im Rahmen einer multiparametrischen Analytik eine verlässliche Frühdiagnostik, Prognostik und Theranostik garantieren und damit über eine optimierte personalisierte Therapie wesentlich zur Verbesserung der medizinischen Betreuung von Patienten mit Autoimmunerkrankungen beitragen.
Clinical Results of a Total Knee Prosthesis with Floating Platform at 5.5 Years
Authors: Miehlke Rolf , Geyer Robert , Clemens Ulrich , Thiel Birger
Published: November 2011

In this study, 117 patients who had received the e.motion FP prosthesis between 2001 and 2003 were followed up for 5.5 years to assess the clinical and radiological outcomes and survival of this mobile platform prosthesis. As this design is intended to improve the mobility of the replaced knee, particular emphasis was placed on the clinical and functional results. The hypothesis was that they would be comparable to the excellent results reported in the literature of state-of-the-art total knee arthroplasty. After 66months, the average Knee Society clinical and functional scores were 93.8 points (KSS-C) and 90.5 (KSS-F) points, respectively. The clinical and radiographical results were excellent, with a low rate of anterior knee pain of 2.3 %.
Continuous glucose monitoring: coming of age?
Authors: DeVries J Hans
Published: November 2011

In a recent issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, an Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline on Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) was published, co-sponsored by the European Society of Endocrinology. Such a guideline is a necessary step in the maturation of any new technology. This commentary tries to delineate where we stand some 10 years after the first retrospective CGM device entered the market from a European perspective.
Nuclear receptor NR5A2 and bone: gene expression and association with bone mineral density
Authors: Riancho José A , Liu Yongjun , Sainz Jesús , García-Pérez Miguel A , Olmos José M , Bolado-Carrancio Alfonso , Valero Carmen , Pérez-López Javier , Cano Antonio , Yang Tielin , Sañudo Carolina , Deng Hong-Wen , Rodríguez-Rey José C
Published: November 2011

Objective

There is growing evidence for a link between energy and bone metabolism. The nuclear receptor subfamily 5 member A2 (NR5A2) is involved in lipid metabolism and modulates the expression of estrogen-related genes in some tissues. The objective of this study was to explore the influence ofNR5A2on bone cells and to determine whether its allelic variations are associated with bone mineral density (BMD).

Design

Analyses of gene expression by quantitative PCR and inhibition ofNR5A2expression by siRNAs were used to explore the effects of NR5A2 in osteoblasts. Femoral neck BMD and 30 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were first analyzed in 935 postmenopausal women and the association ofNR5A2genetic variants with BMD was explored in other 1284 women in replication cohorts.

Results

NR5A2was highly expressed in bone. The inhibition ofNR5A2confirmed that it modulates the expression of osteocalcin, osteoprotegerin, and podoplanin in osteoblasts. Two SNPs were associated with BMD in the Spanish discovery cohort (rs6663479,P=0.0014, and rs2816948,P=0.0012). A similar trend was observed in another Spanish cohort, with statistically significant differences across genotypes in the combined analysis (P=0.03). However, the association in a cohort from the United States was rather weak. Electrophoretic mobility assays and studies with luciferase reporter vectors confirmed the existence of differences in the binding of nuclear proteins and the transcriptional activity of rs2816948 alleles.

Conclusions

NR5A2modulates gene expression in osteoblasts and some allelic variants are associated with bone mass in Spanish postmenopausal women.
DIAGNOSIS OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Limitations of the IGF1 generation test in children with short stature
Authors: Coutant Régis , Dörr Helmuth-Günther , Gleeson Helena , Argente Jesús
Published: November 2011

The IGF1 generation test (IGFGT) is often used during the assessment of suspected GH insensitivity (GHI). We report the results of a survey undertaken in 2010 to determine the use of IGFGT amongst members of the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology to evaluate suspected GHI. The literature surrounding the usefulness and limitations of IGFGT are reviewed, and recommendations provided for its use. Of 112 paediatric endocrinologists from 30 countries who responded to the survey, 91 (81%) reported that they had used the IGFGT in the previous 2 years; >10 IGFGT protocols were used. The IGFGT impacted treatment decisions for 97% of the respondents and was a prerequisite for recombinant human IGF1 treatment for 45% of respondents. From a literature review, sensitivity of the IGFGT was evaluated as 77–91% in molecularly proven cases of GHI; specificity was ≤97%, depending on the protocol. The positive predictive value of the IGFGT is likely to be low, as the frequency of normality is predictably higher than that of abnormality in GH signalling. Given the limitations of the IGFGT in the most severe cases of GHI syndrome (GHIS), the ability of the IGFGT to detect less severe GHIS is doubtful. In a pragmatic approach, the IGFGT may not be useful for the diagnosis of GHIS.
Evidence that polymorphisms in detoxification genes modulate the susceptibility for sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Barbieri R B , Bufalo N E , Secolin R , Silva A C N , Assumpção L V M , Maciel R M B , Cerutti J M , Ward L S
Published: November 2011

Aim

Polymorphic low-penetrance genes have been consistently associated with the susceptibility to a series of human tumors, including differentiated thyroid cancer.

Methods

To determine their role in medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), we used TaqMan SNP method to genotype 47 sporadic MTC (s-MTC) and a control group of 578 healthy individuals for CYP1A2*F, CYP1A1m1, GSTP1, NAT2 and 72TP53. A logistic regression analysis showed that NAT2C/C (OR=3.87; 95% CI=2.11–7.10; P=2.2×10−5) and TP53C/C genotypes (OR=3.87; 95% CI=1.78–6.10; P=2.8×10−4) inheritance increased the risk of s-MTC. A stepwise regression analysis indicated that TP53C/C genotype contributes with 8.07% of the s-MTC risk.

Results

We were unable to identify any relationship between NAT2 and TP53 polymorphisms suggesting they are independent factors of risk to s-MTC. In addition, there was no association between the investigated genes and clinical or pathological features of aggressiveness of the tumors or the outcome of MTC patients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we demonstrated that detoxification genes and apoptotic and cell cycle control genes are involved in the susceptibility of s-MTC and may modulate the susceptibility to the disease.
Successful treatment of congenital hyperinsulinism with long-acting release octreotide
Authors: Le Quan Sang Kim-Hanh , Arnoux Jean-Baptiste , Mamoune Asmaa , Saint-Martin Cécile , Bellanné-Chantelot Christine , Valayannopoulos Vassili , Brassier Anais , Kayirangwa Honorine , Barbier Valérie , Broissand Christine , Fabreguettes Jean-Roch , Charron Brigitte , Thalabard Jean-Christophe , de Lonlay Pascale
Published: November 2011

Context

Congenital hyperinsulinism (HI) is a common cause of hypoglycemia in infancy. The medical treatment of diazoxide-unresponsive HI is based on a somatostatin analogue.

Objective

This study aims at replacing three daily s.c. octreotide (Sandostatin, Novartis) injections by a single and monthly i.m. injection of long-acting release (LAR) octreotide (Sandostatin LP, Novartis) in HI patients.

Subjects and method

LAR octreotide was injected every 4 weeks during 6 months and s.c. octreotide injections were stopped after the third injection of LAR octreotide. After this 6-month study, LAR octreotide was continued, with an average follow-up of 17 months. Ten HI pediatric patients unresponsive to diazoxide and currently treated with s.c. octreotide were included in the trial. Glycemias and other parameters (HbA1c, IGF1, height, weight, quality of life (QoL), and satisfaction) were monitored at each monthly visit.

Results

For all ten patients, glycemias were maintained in the usual range, HbAlc (mean 5.5%; 95% CI: 4.6–6.2) and IGF1 (mean 89.7 ng/ml; 95% CI: 26–153) were unchanged. Patients gained height significantly (mean 2.7 cm; 95% CI: 1.9–3.4) and no side effect was noted during the study and the later follow-up. Plasma octreotide levels were stable under LAR octreotide. Parents' questionnaires of general satisfaction were highly positive whereas children's QoL evaluation remained unchanged.

Conclusion

In these diazoxide-unresponsive HI patients, LAR octreotide was efficient, well tolerated and contributed to a clear simplification of the medical care.
Down-regulation of microRNAs controlling tumourigenic factors in follicular thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Rossing Maria , Borup Rehannah , Henao Ricardo , Winther Ole , Vikesaa Jonas , Niazi Omid , Godballe Christian , Krogdahl Annelise , Glud Martin , Hjort-Sørensen Christian , Kiss Katalin , Bennedbæk Finn Noe , Nielsen Finn Cilius
Published: November 2011

The molecular determinants of thyroid follicular nodules are incompletely understood and assessment of malignancy is a diagnostic challenge. Since microRNA (miRNA) analyses could provide new leads to malignant progression, we characterised the global miRNA expression in follicular adenoma (FA) and follicular carcinoma (FC). Comparison of carcinoma and adenoma with normal thyroid revealed 150 and 107 differentially expressed miRNAs respectively. Most miRNAs were down-regulated and especially miR-199b-5p and miR-144 which were essentially lost in the carcinomas. Integration of the changed miRNAs with differentially expressed mRNAs demonstrated an enrichment of seed sites among up-regulated transcripts encoding proteins implicated in thyroid tumourigenesis. This was substantiated by the demonstration that pre-miR-199b reduced proliferation when added to cultured follicular thyroid carcinoma cells. The down-regulated miRNAs in FC exhibited a substantial similarity with down-regulated miRNAs in anaplastic carcinoma (AC) and by gene set enrichment analysis, we observed a significant identity between target mRNAs in FC and transcripts up-regulated in AC. To examine the diagnostic potential of miRNA expression pattern in distinguishing malignant from benign nodules we employed a supervised learning algorithm and leave-one-out-cross-validation. By this procedure, FA and FC were identified with a negative predicted value of 83% (data generated by microarray platform) and of 92% (data generated by qRT-PCR platform). We conclude that follicular neoplasia is associated with major changes in miRNA expression that may promote malignant transformation by increasing the expression of transcripts encoding tumourigenic factors. Moreover, miRNA profiling may facilitate the diagnosis of carcinoma vs adenoma.
dSet1 Is the Main H3K4 Di- and Tri-Methyltransferase ThroughoutDrosophilaDevelopment
Authors: Hallson Graham , Hollebakken Robert E , Li Taosui , Syrzycka Monika , Kim Inho , Cotsworth Shawn , Fitzpatrick Kathleen A , Sinclair Donald A R , Honda Barry M
Published: November 2011

In eukaryotes, the post-translational addition of methyl groups to histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) plays key roles in maintenance and establishment of appropriate gene expression patterns and chromatin states. We report here that an essential locus within chromosome 3L centric heterochromatin encodes the previously uncharacterized Drosophila melanogaster ortholog (dSet1, CG40351) of the Set1 H3K4 histone methyltransferase (HMT). Our results suggest that dSet1 acts as a “global” or general H3K4 di- and trimethyl HMT in Drosophila. Levels of H3K4 di- and trimethylation are significantly reduced in dSet1 mutants during late larval and post-larval stages, but not in animals carrying mutations in genes encoding other well-characterized H3K4 HMTs such as trr, trx, and ash1. The latter results suggest that Trr, Trx, and Ash1 may play more specific roles in regulating key cellular targets and pathways and/or act as global H3K4 HMTs earlier in development. In yeast and mammalian cells, the HMT activity of Set1 proteins is mediated through an evolutionarily conserved protein complex known as Complex of Proteins Associated with Set1 (COMPASS). We present biochemical evidence that dSet1 interacts with members of a putative Drosophila COMPASS complex and genetic evidence that these members are functionally required for H3K4 methylation. Taken together, our results suggest that dSet1 is responsible for the bulk of H3K4 di- and trimethylation throughout Drosophila development, thus providing a model system for better understanding the requirements for and functions of these modifications in metazoans.
Raízes do vitalismo francês: Bordeu e Barthez, entre Paris e Montpellier
Authors: Waisse Silvia , Amaral Maria Thereza Cera Galvão do , Alfonso-Goldfarb Ana M.
Published: November 2011

Analisa as propostas classificadas como vitalistas, formuladas na França no século XVIII. Contextualiza a tradição da escola médica de Montpellier, abordando as concepções fisiológico-médicas de Théophile de Bordeu. Nesse ambiente Paul-Joseph Barthez realizou sua formação original. Sua concepção sobre a autonomia da vida também foi influenciada pela interação com círculos dos enciclopedistas de Paris. No entanto, na formulação desse conceito identificam-se igualmente ruptura e permanência com relação a ambas as linhas de pensamento - a respeito do conceito de ser humano na classificação das ciências prescrita pela Encyclopédie e na tradição típica de Montpellier.
ITZ volume fraction in concrete with spheroidal aggregate particles and application: Part I. Numerical algorithm
Authors: Zheng Jianjun J. , Guo Zhanqi Q. , Pan Xiaodong D. , Stroeven Piet , Sluys Lambertus J.
Published: November 2011

When the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) is treated as a separate phase, the ITZ volume fraction plays an essential role in determining the physico-mechanical properties of concrete. The intention of the present paper is to develop a numerical algorithm for the ITZ volume fraction in concrete with spheroidal aggregate particles. By applying a contact function for two spheroidal aggregate particles and introducing periodic boundary conditions, the distribution of spheroidal aggregate particles with various sizes within a cubic element is implemented. The Monte Carlo method is then adopted to evaluate the ITZ volume fraction. After the validity of the developed numerical algorithm is verified with the analytical solution for the ITZ volume fraction in concrete with spherical aggregate particles, the effects of various factors that affect the ITZ volume fraction are evaluated through sensitivity analysis. It is found that the ITZ volume fraction increases with the increase of the ITZ thickness, but decreases with the increase of the maximum aggregate diameter and the aspect ratio of spheroidal aggregate particles. It is also found that the aggregate gradation has a significant influence on the ITZ volume fraction. The paper concludes that the numerical algorithm developed in the paper can predict the ITZ volume fraction with reasonable accuracy.
Effect of column rectangularity on CFRP-strengthened RC flat plates
Authors: Erdogan Hakan , Binici Baris , Ozcebe Guney
Published: November 2011

This study presents experimental and analytical research that focused on the behaviour of carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP)-strengthened flat-slab specimens for punching shear enhancement. Seven 0·75-scale flat-slab specimens representing interior slab–column connections with different column aspect ratios varying from 1 to 3 were tested. The results revealed that increasing column rectangularity had a detrimental effect on column punching strength of all specimens. A strength increase of at least 30% was obtained for the CFRP retrofitted specimens compared with the companion reference specimen. Three-dimensional finite-element models were successful in providing reasonable estimates of load–deformation behaviour and strains. Based on these results, CFRP strains at failure and the punching failure mechanism are discussed.
Synergies between low-carbon and healthy transport policies
Authors: Mindell Jennifer S. , Cohen Judith M. , Watkins Stephen , Tyler Nicholas
Published: November 2011

Public health engineering emerged from the need to tackle cholera in the nineteenth century. Transport today is a challenge comparable to cholera in the nineteenth and air pollution in the twentieth century in its complexity, cost, engineering and health consequences. Engineers dealing with the ‘low-carbon' transport agenda must contribute to carbon dioxide reduction targets as a matter of policy requirement. Cross-disciplinary synergies between low-carbon approaches and health are important to both policy fields. Transport is not an end in itself, but provides access to facilities, people, work, education and goods and can build physical activity into everyday life. Simultaneously, transport causes stress, disruption of communities, injuries and death, noise and air pollution, causing physical and mental ill-health, and is a major emitter of greenhouse gases. Benefits of motorised transport accrue particularly to the wealthy, while adverse effects fall disproportionately on the disadvantaged. Effective low-carbon policies must reduce the need to travel and promote modal shift as well as embracing technological advances. However, making transport carbon dioxide-free will neither offset all health issues nor deliver all quality-of-life requirements. This paper explores ways in which the low-carbon and health agendas are complementary, and where potential conflicts could arise.
Calibration of hydrogeochemical model by multi-isotope approach
Authors: Guo Xinxin , Gan Yiqun , Wang Yanxin
Published: November 2011

Inverse geochemical modelling was used to identify the hydrogeochemical processes at Xinzhou basin, northern China. The modelling was based on results of chemical and isotopic analysis of the groundwater samples and chemical and mineralogical investigation of aquifer host rocks and sediments. Results of geochemical modelling clearly indicate the importance of mineral dissolution/precipitation on groundwater chemistry, but provide no clue about the effect of mixing and evaporation. Combining the hydrogeochemical data with strontium, hydrogen and oxygen isotope composition data helps in understanding the hydrogeochemical processes. On the graph of 87Sr/86Sr against 1/Sr plot, an evident mixing process occurred at the depth of 160 m, while water samples from wells with depths less than 100 m were significantly affected by evaporation. The oxygen isotope shift observed in the water samples from Xinzhou was caused by evaporative processes. The deuterium-excess for the groundwater samples from Xinzhou ranged from −0·4 to 12·2‰, with an average of 5·7294‰ reflecting the effect of the semi-arid climate. The multi-isotope approach can provide valuable information which can be used for groundwater model calibration and make the inverse modelling more valid.
Expression of the Interleukin‐10 Signaling Pathway Genes in Individuals With Down Syndrome and Periodontitis
Authors: Cavalcante Lícia Bezerra , Tanaka Marcia Hiromi , Pires Juliana Rico , Henrique Apponi Luciano , Aparecida Giro Elisa Maria , Roberto Valentini Sandro , Palomari Spolidório Denise M. , Capela Marisa Veiga , Rossa Carlos , Scarel‐Caminaga Raquel M.
Published: November 2011

Background: Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) have a higher prevalence and severity of periodontal disease, which cannot be explained by poor oral hygiene alone and is related to changes in the immune response. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether DS was associated with differential modulation of expression of genes associated with proinflammatory and anti‐inflammatory responses in periodontal disease.

Methods: A total of 51 individuals were evaluated: 19 individuals with DS and periodontal disease (group 1), 20 euploid individuals with periodontal disease (group 2; positive control), and 12 euploid individuals without periodontal disease (group 3; negative control). Clinical periodontal evaluation and gingival biopsies were performed. Quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction was used to determine expression levels of interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), the receptors IL‐10RA and IL‐10RB, intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1), interferon‐γ‐inducible protein 10 (IP‐10), and the signaling intermediates Janus kinase 1, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT‐3), and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS‐3).

Results: Expression of IL10, SOCS3, IP10, and ICAM1 mRNA in DS patients was significantly lower compared to euploid individuals with periodontal disease, whereas IL‐10RB and STAT‐3 mRNA levels were higher in individuals with DS.

Conclusion: Reduced expression of IL‐10 coupled with a possible increase of STAT3 activation (increase of STAT3 and reduction of SOCS3 mRNA) indicates an important modulation of the immune response, with attenuation of anti‐inflammatory and increase of proinflammatory mediators. This modulation may be related to the increased prevalence and severity of periodontitis in individuals with DS.
Investor Competition over Information and the Pricing of Information Asymmetry
Authors: Akins Brian K. , Ng Jeffrey , Verdi Rodrigo S.
Published: November 2011

Whether the information environment affects the cost of capital is a fundamental question in accounting and finance research. Relying on theories about competition between informed investors as well as the pricing of information asymmetry, we hypothesize a cross-sectional variation in the pricing of information asymmetry that is conditional on competition. We develop and validate empirical proxies for competition using the number and concentration of institutional investor ownership. Using these proxies, we find a lower pricing of information asymmetry when there is more competition. Overall, our results suggest that competition between informed investors has an important effect on how the information environment affects the cost of capital.

JEL Classifications: G12; G14.
Tax Avoidance, Large Positive Temporary Book-Tax Differences, and Earnings Persistence
Authors: Blaylock Bradley , Shevlin Terry , Wilson Ryan J.
Published: November 2011

We investigate why temporary book-tax differences appear to serve as a useful signal of earnings persistence (Hanlon 2005). We first test and show that temporary book-tax differences provide incremental information over the magnitude of accruals for the persistence of earnings and accruals. We then opine that there are multiple potential sources of large positive book-tax differences. We predict and find that firms with large positive book-tax differences likely arising from upward earnings management (tax avoidance) exhibit lower (higher) earnings and accruals persistence than do other firms with large positive book-tax differences. Finally, we find significant variation in current-period earnings and accruals response coefficients and insignificant hedge returns in period t+1, consistent with investors being able to look through to the source of large positive book-tax differences (earnings management and tax avoidance), allowing them to correctly price the persistence of accruals for these subsamples.

Data Availability: Data are available from public sources identified in the study.
Shareholder Voting on Auditor Selection, Audit Fees, and Audit Quality
Authors: Dao Mai , Raghunandan K , Rama Dasaratha V.
Published: November 2011

The Advisory Committee on the Auditing Profession (ACAP), formed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, has recommended that all public companies be required to have shareholder ratification of auditor selection. Using data from 1,382 firms for the year ending December 31, 2006, we find that audit fees are higher in firms with shareholder voting on auditor ratification. We also find that firms that started having a shareholder vote pay higher fees than firms that stopped having a shareholder vote. In the second part of our study, we find that in firms with shareholder voting on auditor selection (1) subsequent restatements are less likely and (2) abnormal accruals are lower. Our findings are consistent with the experimental results in Mayhew and Pike (2004), and provide empirical grounding for the debate about mandating shareholder voting on auditor selection.
Compensation Committees' Treatment of Earnings Components in CEOs' Terminal Years
Authors: Huson Mark R. , Tian Yao , Wiedman Christine I. , Wier Heather A.
Published: November 2011

Compensation committees face special difficulties when setting pay in the last years of a CEO's tenure. For example, incentives to manipulate earnings for the purpose of enhancing earnings-based compensation are greater in CEOs' terminal years. We predict that compensation committees are aware of these incentives and adjust the relative weights placed on earnings components in the cash compensation function to mitigate the problem. Consistent with our prediction, we find that in CEOs' terminal years, positive changes in discretionary accruals receive significantly less weight than other income components in determining cash compensation. This provides new evidence that not all gains flow through to compensation. We also find that in non-terminal years, managers' compensation is partially shielded from the negative effects of selling, general, and administrative expenditures (SG&A), but this effect reverses in the terminal period, consistent with the compensation committee discouraging investment in legacy assets by outgoing CEOs. Overall, our findings suggest that compensation committees treat components of earnings differently when setting pay in the terminal period.

JEL Classifications: M41; J33.
A Convenient Scapegoat: Fair Value Accounting by Commercial Banks during the Financial Crisis
Authors: Badertscher Brad A. , Burks Jeffrey J. , Easton Peter D.
Published: November 2011

Critics argue that fair value provisions in U.S. accounting rules exacerbated the recent financial crisis by depleting banks' regulatory capital, which curtailed lending and triggered asset sales, leading to further economic turmoil. Defenders counter-argue that the fair value provisions were insufficient to lead to the pro-cyclical effects alleged by the critics. Our evidence indicates that these provisions did not affect the commercial banking industry in the ways commonly alleged by critics. First, we show that fair value accounting losses had minimal effect on regulatory capital. Then, we examine sales of securities during the crisis, finding mixed evidence that banks sold securities in response to capital-depleting charges. However, the sales that potentially resulted from the charges appear to be economically insignificant, as there was no industry- or firm-level increase in sales of securities during the crisis.

JEL Classifications: M41; M42; M44.

Data Availability: Data are available from sources identified in the article.
Assessing the Impact of Alternative Fair Value Measures on the Efficiency of Project Selection and Continuation
Authors: Caskey Judson , Hughes John S.
Published: November 2011

We examine how alternative accounting measures of fair value impact the ability of debt covenants to mitigate inefficient investment decisions. In our setting, shareholders make a non-contractible project choice after signing a debt contract. At a later date, the project can be abandoned and new information determines whether shareholders or creditors make that decision. The value of debt covenants depends on their ability to deter costly asset substitution while also mitigating inefficient continuation decisions. A covenant based on a conservative fair value measure tends to perform best in this respect. Departing from purely fair-value-based covenants, an even more conservative covenant based on fair values and historical cost outperforms those based solely on fair values. Notably, the “highest and best use” measure advocated by the FASB performs poorly in deterring the choice of inferior projects. Our results provide a setting in which the contracting efficiencies associated with different accounting measures cannot be replicated across measures by altering covenant “triggers.”
Computational nanofluidics: Nonlocal transport and the glass transition
Authors: Puscasu Ruslan
Published: November 2011

Computational nanofluidics: Nonlocal transport and the glass transition
The Prediction of Bowing Distortion of Film after Transverse Stretching with Consideration of Heated Air Flow in a Tenter
Authors: Tokihisa M. , Kushizaki Y. , Tomiyama H. , Yamamoto Y. , Yamada T.
Published: November 2011

The bowing distortion of polypropylene (PP) film during transverse direction (TD) stretching with a tenter was newly predicted with consideration for heated air flow. The distribution of the heat transfer coefficient on film was calculated by the results of air flow analysis in the tenter in order to obtain a more realistic heat transfer condition than in previous works based on an impinging jet model and a wall jet model. Bowing distortion after stretching was calculated by applying the distribution of heat transfer coefficient obtained from air flow analysis under the assumption that the deformation of film obeys an elastic-plastic rule. Another bowing distortion was also calculated by applying an impinging jet model and a wall jet model in order to evaluate the applicability of the distribution of heat transfer coefficient obtained from air flow analysis. The authors experimentally measured the bowing distortion and the film thickness after stretching using a pilot plant. It has been shown that the calculated results based on the distribution of heat transfer coefficient obtained from air flow analysis are closer to the experimental results than previous works based on an impinging jet model and a wall jet model, particularly at faster line speed. It is revealed that the distribution of heat transfer coefficient has a strong influence on the temperature of film, and the difference of the predicted temperature causes a difference in the thickness change in film and longitudinal stress. The authors concluded that the difference in thickness change in film and longitudinal stress brought about the difference in bowing distortion.
The Influence of Injection Molding and Injection Compression Molding on Ultra-high Molecular Weight Polyethylene Polymer Microfabrication
Authors: Kuo H.-C. , Jeng M.-C.
Published: November 2011

The replication accuracy of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) was investigated by using injection molding (IM) and injection compression molding (ICM). The mold insert was fabricated by using a stainless-steel etching method. Both the injection molded part and the injection compression molded part were observed under a microscope to compare the quality and accuracy of the replication. A high performance surface profiler was used to measure the microstructure profile. For the mold insert, the injection molded parts and injection compression molded parts were measured. The experimental results show that the UHMWPE can fill in microcavities by using IM and ICM technology. The height and shape of microstructure were influenced by the IM process parameters. For an injection molded part, the injection velocity was the most significant factor. This study also revealed that the ICM method was a more stable microstructure processing method than that of the IM. However, for better replication accuracy, both the IM and ICM processes require parametric optimization.
Determination of serum antibody titres and immune status of layer flocks against Newcastle Disease virus at Chittagong district of Bangladesh
Authors: Kashem MA , Parvej M , Hashem MA , Moula MM , Kibria ASMG
Published: November 2011

A study was conducted to assess the level of serum antibody titres and immune status of layer birds against Newcastle Disease virus by Haemagglutination Inhibition (HI) test in different areas of Chittagong district during November to December, 2010. Sixteen layer flocks were selected based on different ages of birds. A total of 235 serum samples were collected and tested at Microbiology laboratory of CVASU. HI test was performed using commercial Newcastle Disease vaccine (Avinew®) as a source of 4HAU virus antigen. The antibody titre (GMT) levels in 18-26 weeks age group were found to be 70.198, followed by 47.551, 34.776, 17.281 and 18.855 in 27-40, 41-57, 58-73 and >73 weeks age groups, respectively. Moreover, 100% specific immunity against ND was found in 18-26, 27-40 and 41-57 weeks age groups of birds, whereas 93.33 and 94.73% specific immunity was found in 58-73 and >73 weeks age groups, respectively. On an average, 97.87% layer birds showed specific immunity and 2.13% showed nonspecific immunity against NDV. We considered HI titre of 1:8 or above as specific immunity and less than 1:8 as non specific immunity. Highest HI titre was found at the age of 18-26 weeks and lowest titre was at 58-73 weeks of age. The lower level of HI titre seemed to be directly related to some important factors relating to vaccination which have been highlighted in this paper. Key words: Antibody titers; Immune status; HI test; Newcastle disease virus; Layer birds. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijns.v1i2.8818 International Journal of Natural Sciences (2011), 1(2):35-38
Reproductive and Productive performances of Black Bengal Goats reared by the NGO Beneficiaries under semi intensive system in Bangladesh
Authors: Halim MA , Kashem MA , Mannan A , Ahmed SSU , Hossain MA
Published: November 2011

The present study was carried out to investigate the reproductive and productive performances of Black Bengal goats reared by moderate and ultra-poor households at three different districts of Bangladesh during March, 2008 to June 2009. Two-stage stratified sampling procedures were applied for selection of farmers to conduct field base experiment. A total of 12 households from moderate poor and 12 from ultra- poor were selected purposively from selected NGO beneficiaries. Three separate ultra poor households were also selected for rearing of bucks for breeding of the does of the study areas. As a whole, 81 goats rearing households from 3 districts came under the study. The average (mean±SE) age at puberty, services per conception, gestation period, age at first kidding, post partum heat period and kidding interval were found to be 234.16±6.54 days, 1.22±0.25 numbers, 145.61±2.17 days, 361.83±11.29 days, 67.00±4.97days and 252.45±3.57days, respectively. The effect of herd size on age at first kidding was significant at P<0.05, whereas on age at puberty and kidding interval it was found significant at P<0.01. The average weight at puberty, weight of kids, weaning weight, litter size, milk yield/day, milk yield/lactation and lactation period were found to be 10.01±0.19kg, 0.93±0.03kg, 4.82±0.53kg, 1.68±0.001 numbers, 75.20±15.22 ml, 5.18±1.11 liters and 69.83±10.09 days, respectively. Body weight of goats at puberty and weaning weight of kids found to be significant among groups at p<0.05 whereas milk yield/day found to be significant at p<0.01. Thus, it could be recommend that the body weight at puberty, weaning weight, milk yield/day, age at first kidding, age at puberty and kidding interval of Black Bengal Goat have significant impact on rearing. Key words: Reproductive and productive traits; Black Bengal goat; moderate and ultra-poor households DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijns.v1i2.8819 International Journal of Natural Sciences (2011), 1(2):39-43
Seasonal status of white spot syndrome virus in broodstocks, nauplii and postlarvae of black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) in Bangladesh
Authors: Iqbal MM , Kabir MA , Alan CB , Mamun MAA , Hossain MM
Published: November 2011

Seasonal variation of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) prevalence in broodstocks shrimp, nauplii and postlarvae were investigated from 2004 to 2006 in Bangladesh by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. There was consistent pattern of fluctuation of WSSV prevalence in broodstocks, nauplii and postlarvae. WSSV fluctuation pattern in three stages were more or less similar for each year. Average lowest prevalence in broodstock was 0% in September and highest was 90% in May-June during the monsoon season in Bangladesh. The WSSV fluctuation patterns for nauplius correlated with broodstock patterns with average lowest prevalence of 0% in September compared to the highest of 40% in July. Similarly, average lowest prevalence of WSSV in postlarvae was 0% in December and highest was 14% in July. It was evident from this study that WSSV prevalence in broodstock, nauplius and postlarvae remained high during the monsoon season and low during the winter season when the water current, salinity and tidal flashing remained more or less stable in the Bay of Bengal in Bangladesh. Key words: Bangladesh; broodstocks; nauplii; postlarvae; seasonal; shrimp; WSSV. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijns.v1i3.8822 International Journal of Natural Sciences (2011), 1(3):56-61
Molecular characterization of guava (Psidium guajava L.) germplasm by RAPD analysis
Authors: Ahmed B , Mannan MA , Hossain SA
Published: November 2011

Psidium guajava L. is a perennial fruit tree in subtropical and tropical areas. In Bangladesh, P. guajava has been used as edible fruits and people use it to treat acute diarrhea, cough and intestinal spasmodic diseases. In the present study, morphological and molecular characterizations were used to display different levels of variability. Molecular marker random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was used for the molecular identification of 33 P. guajava germplasm from three selected south-western location of Bangladesh. Among them, eleven commercially cultivated germplasm and the rest twenty two were collected from local farmers. The 10-mer and 12-mer oligonucleotide primers were used in RAPD to amplify. Four primers, A02, A03, S07 and S08, were able to direct the amplification and yield a total of 252 band patterns of which 33.19% were polymorphic. The highest percent of polymorphic loci (37.5%) was observed from primer A03 and the lowest (28.57%) was from primer S08. Results were analyzed by molecular algorithm UPGMA and Neighbor-Joining. Thirty-three genotypes on the dendrogram were identified and divided into two major groups and subgroups on the basis of morphological characteristics and also on the uncultivated and commercial cultivars. The range of genetic distance was observed 0.5253 (Jelly and Thai) to 0.6631 (V30 and V 22). Based on the cluster analysis, the P. guajava samples have morphological difference were grouped independently. The results suggested that RAPD is useful for the discrimination of uncultivated, cultivars P. guajava for high economy.Key words: Guava; Germplasm; RAPD; Marker; Dendrogram.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijns.v1i3.8823International Journal of Natural Sciences (2011), 1(3):62-67
Do Protective Lead Garments Harbor Harmful Bacteria?
Authors: Grogan Brian F. , Cranston William C. , Lopez Donna M. , Furbee Christopher , Murray Clinton K. , Hsu Joseph R. ,   Skeletal Trauma Research Consortium
Published: November 2011

This study attempted to identify and characterize bacteria present on shared-use protective lead shielding garments worn in the operating room. Those worn at the authors’ institution were collected and swabbed in designated 5×5-cm areas. Swabs were sent to the clinical laboratory for bacterial isolation and identification. All isolates were identified using standard microbiological methods. Isolates then underwent antimicrobial susceptibility testing as per standard hospital procedures. Of 182 total collected swabs, bacteria were isolated on only 5 (2.7%) samples. Coagulase-negative
Staphylococci
was identified on 3 samples and the remaining 2 grew coagulase-negative
Staphylococci
and gram-positive rods. The collection sites for these isolates were the lead apron, midline, bottom outer surface (n=3), thyroid shield midline, inner surface (n=1), and skirt midline, bottom inner surface (n=1). Of the collected samples, 98.3% were negative for bacterial growth. The remaining isolates were consistent with common skin flora. No multi-drug resistant organisms were identified on any garments. Standard cleaning procedures at the institution are an effective way to prevent growth of bacteria on shared-use protective lead shielding garments worn in the operating room.