bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Icelandic Nurses' Beliefs, Skills, and Resources Associated with Evidence‐Based Practice and Related Factors: A National Survey
Authors: Thorsteinsson Hrund S.
Published: July 2012

Background

Evidence‐based practice (EBP) is essential to the improvement of patient outcomes and the quality of care. Nurses’ use of evidence in practice, however, remains limited. Assessing nurses’ readiness for EBP where it is not as prominent as in countries leading EBP research was of particular interest.

Purpose

To determine Icelandic registered nurses’ (RNs’) ability to provide care based on evidence as measured by their beliefs, perception of skills, and access to resources associated with EBP.

Methods

A descriptive survey was used in which a random sample of 540 Icelandic RNs completed the translated and modified version of the Information Literacy for Evidence‐Based Nursing Practice and the translated EBP Beliefs Scale. Descriptive statistics, correlations, chi‐square tests, t tests and one‐way ANOVAs were used to analyze the data.

Results

Participants strongly believed in the value of EBP for patient care, but were less confident regarding their own knowledge and skills needed for EBP. Most (82%) of the respondents (i.e., RNs) turned to peers when in need of information, rather than peer‐reviewed resources. Although over half of the RNs (54%) had received instructions in the use of electronic databases, only a third indicated success in using them. They considered “lack of search skills” as the primary barrier to use of research in practice. Using research findings in practice was associated with positive EBP beliefs, familiarity with EBP and other EBP‐related activities. Clinical RNs were found to be at a disadvantage when it came to access to EBP‐related resources and participated less frequently in EBP‐related activities other than using research in practice.

Conclusion and Implications

Icelandic RNs’ beliefs regarding EBP are similar to those of RNs in other countries. Their access to EBP resources is generally good, but they lack the skills and knowledge needed for EBP. Strategies aimed at changing the organizational and practice context need to be developed.
Enzymatic synthesis of valerena‐4,7(11)‐diene by a unique sesquiterpene synthase from the valerian plant (Valeriana officinalis)
Authors: Pyle Bryan W. , Tran Hue T. , Pickel Benjamin , Haslam Tegan M. , Gao Zhizeng , MacNevin Gillian , Vederas John C. , Kim Soo‐Un , Ro Dae‐Kyun
Published: July 2012

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a popular medicinal plant in North America and Europe. Its root extract is commonly used as a mild sedative and anxiolytic. Among dozens of chemical constituents (e.g. alkaloids, iridoids, flavonoids, and terpenoids) found in valerian root, valerena‐4,7(11)‐diene and valerenic acid (C15 sesquiterpenoid) have been suggested as the active ingredients responsible for the sedative effect. However, the biosynthesis of the valerena‐4,7(11)‐diene hydrocarbon skeleton in valerian remains unknown to date. To identify the responsible terpene synthase, next‐generation sequencing (Roche 454 pyrosequencing) was used to generate ∼ 1 million transcript reads from valerian root. From the assembled transcripts, two sesquiterpene synthases were identified (VoTPS1 and VoTPS2), both of which showed predominant expression patterns in root. Transgenic yeast expressing VoTPS1 and VoTPS2 produced germacrene C/germacrene D and valerena‐4,7(11)‐diene, respectively, as major terpene products. Purified VoTPS1 and VoTPS2 recombinant enzymes confirmed these activities in vitro, with competent kinetic properties (Km of ∼ 10 μm and kcat of 0.01 s−1 for both enzymes). The structure of the valerena‐4,7(11)‐diene produced from the yeast expressing VoTPS2 was further substantiated by 13C‐NMR and GC‐MS in comparison with the synthetic standard. This study demonstrates an integrative approach involving next‐generation sequencing and metabolically engineered microbes to expand our knowledge of terpenoid diversity in medicinal plants.

Database
 The sequences of cDNAs described in this work are available in the GenBank database under the following accession numbers: VoTPS1, JQ437839; VoTPS2, JQ437840
Physiological and Molecular Changes of Detached Wheat Leaves in Responding to Various TreatmentsF
Authors: Zhao Lifeng , Zhang Haoshan , Zhang Bingjing , Bai Xiaojuan , Zhou Chunjiang
Published: July 2012

Leaf senescence is induced or accelerated when leaves are detached. However, the senescence process and expression pattern of senescence‐associated genes (SAGs) when leaves are detached are not clearly understood. To detect senescence‐associated physiological changes and SAG expression, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) leaves were detached and treated with light, darkness, low temperature (4 °C), jasmonic acid (JA), abscisic acid (ABA), and salicylic acid (SA). The leaf phenotypes, chlorophyll content, delayed fluorescence (DF), and expression levels of two SAGs, namely, TaSAG3 and TaSAG5, were analyzed. Under these different treatments, the detached leaves turned yellow with different patterns and varying chlorophyll content. DF significantly decreased after the dark, ABA, JA and SA treatments. TaSAG3 and TaSAG5, which are expressed in natural senescent leaves, showed different expression patterns under various treatments. However, both TaSAG3 and TaSAG5 were upregulated after leaf detachment. Our results revealed senescence‐associated physiological changes and molecular differences in leaves, which induced leaf senescence during different stress treatments.
Resveratrol Enhances Solar UV‐induced Responses in Normal Human Epidermal Keratinocytes
Authors: Pastore Saveria , Lulli Daniela , Pascarella Antonia , Maurelli Riccardo , Dellambra Elena , Potapovich Alla , Kostyuk Vladimir , De Luca Chiara , Korkina Liudmila
Published: July 2012

Resveratrol (RV) differentially affects UV‐induced death/pro‐survival pathways in normal and tumor cells. On these grounds, RV‐containing topical products have been developed to prevent UV‐associated tumorigenesis/damage to human skin. In this study, we evaluated mechanisms of combined effects of RV and low‐dose solar simulated UVA+UVB or 6‐formylindo[3,2‐b]carbazole (FICZ), a product of tryptophan photo‐oxidation known to mediate UV effects, on the inflammatory, metabolic and proliferative responses of cultured normal human epidermal keratinocytes (HEK). Applied alone, RV, UV and FICZ induced time‐ and dose‐dependent activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway followed by over‐expression of Cyp1A1 (metabolic response), UV and RV induced IL‐8 expression (inflammatory response), while RV enhanced also HEK proliferation revealed by MTT assay and 3H‐thymidine incorporation. In the combined treatment, RV synergized with both UV and FICZ, leading to further activation of AhR machine, Cyp1A1 transcription and IL‐8 expression, the latter partly AhR‐dependent as assessed by AhR silencing. RV enhanced UV‐induced NFkappaB activation and nuclear translocation of epidermal growth factor receptor. By contrast, proliferative effect of RV was abolished in the presence of UV, whereas synergic anti‐proliferative action of RV+UV was observed in the Nrf2‐silenced HEK. Our data suggest cooperative effects of RV‐specific and UV‐/FICZ‐activated transcription factors leading to deregulated inflammatory, metabolic and proliferative responses of HEK.
Reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent to detect thalassemia and thalassemic hemoglobin variants
Authors: Sudmann Å. A. , Piehler A. , Urdal P.
Published: July 2012

Introduction

Thalassemia and iron deficiency may both result in hypochromic microcytic anemia. Hematological algorithms that differentiate the two are mainly established in adult selected diagnostic groups. We aimed at creating an algorithm applicable in the presence of children, hemoglobin variants, and iron deficiency.

Methods

Our study material constituted blood samples referred during 1 year for routine diagnostics of hemoglobinopathy. We included 443 samples, of which 37% were from children 3 months or older. We found β‐thalassemia trait (n = 100), α‐thalassemia (n = 75), combined α‐/β‐thalassemia (n = 14), hemoglobin variants (n = 42), and no‐hemoglobinopathy (n = 207), of whom 107 had a ferritin at or below 20 μg/L. We included reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent, ferritin, and erythrocyte count in our algorithm.

Results

Our algorithm differentiated β‐thalassemia trait from no‐hemoglobinopathy with a sensitivity of 99% at 83% specificity. It performed better than other published algorithms when applied to all patient samples, while equally or moderately better in the 63% adult samples. Our algorithm also detected the clinically significant α‐thalassemias, and most of the combined α‐/β‐thalassemias and thalassemic hemoglobin variants.

Conclusion

Our algorithm efficiently differentiated thalassemia and thalassemic hemoglobin variants from iron deficiency in children and adults.
New updating into hemoglobinopathies
Authors: Fucharoen S. , Winichagoon P.
Published: July 2012

Thalassemia and abnormal hemoglobin are the most common genetic disorders and are considered health problems in many developing countries. In the last few years, there has been much progress in laboratory diagnosis, treatment and control of thalassemia. The variation in the clinical severity in both α‐ and β‐thalassemia reflects a genotype‐phenotype interaction. This is important for future therapeutic intervention and should be well characterized in each population. The quality of life of the patients is much improved with regular blood transfusion and novel iron chelators. The cure for thalassemia is possible by stem cell transplantation and future gene therapy. It is expected that under multinational collaboration the prevention of thalassemia will happen worldwide.
Early tailored assertive community case management for hard‐to‐engage adolescents suffering from psychiatric disorders: an exploratory pilot study
Authors: Baier Vanessa , Favrod Jérôme , Ferrari Pascale , Koch Nathalie , Holzer Laurent
Published: July 2012

Aim

The study aims to evaluate the effects of assertive community treatment (ACT) on the mental health and overall functioning of adolescents suffering from severe psychiatric disorders and who refuse any traditional child psychiatric care. There are a few studies evaluating the effects of ACT on a population of adolescents with psychiatric disorders. This short report highlights the impact of an ACT programme tailored to the needs of these patients, not only as an alternative to hospitalization, but also as a new form of intervention for patients that are difficult to engage.

Methods

The effect of ACT on 35 adolescents using the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales for Children and Adolescents (HoNOSCA) as a measuring tool in pre‐ and post‐intervention was evaluated.

Results

The results show that the intervention was associated with a significant improvement on the HoNOSCA overall score, with the following items showing significant amelioration: hyperactivity/focus problems, non‐organic somatic symptoms, emotional symptoms, scholastic/language skills, peer relationships, family relationships and school attendance.

Conclusion

ACT appears as a feasible intervention for hard‐to‐engage adolescents suffering from psychiatric disorders. The intervention seems to improve their mental health and functioning. This pilot study may serve as a basis to prepare a controlled study that will also take the costs of the intervention into account.
The influence of the volume of dental treatment on change in self‐reported oral health
Authors: Crocombe Leonard Alfred , Brennan David Simon , Slade Gary Douglas
Published: July 2012

Objectives: To find an association between self‐reported change in oral health and dental treatment volume.

Methods: Baseline data were obtained from the Tasmanian component of the National Survey of Adult Oral Health 2004‐06 and 12‐month follow‐up data from service use logbooks and mail self‐complete questionnaires. The global oral health transition statement indicated change in oral health. Many putative confounders were analyzed and Poisson regression with robust variance estimation was used to calculate the prevalence ratios and 95 percent confidence intervals for bivariate‐ and multivariate‐adjusted relationships.

Results: One‐eighth (12.4 percent) of the participants reported that their oral health had improved. Over half visited a dentist (n = 176, 52.6 percent), of whom 105 received less than six dental services and 71 received six or more dental services. Baseline oral disease (P = 0.01), having a treatment need (P < 0.01), usually visiting a dentist for a problem (P < 0.05), and having a lot of difficulty paying a $100 dental bill (P = 0.01) were significantly associated with the same or worsening oral health. The regression model indicated that having six or more dental services (P < 0.01) was significantly associated with improvement in oral health, indicating a threshold effect. Usually visiting a dentist for a check‐up was significantly associated with improvement in oral health (P < 0.01).

Conclusion: Having six or more dental services was significantly associated with a greater self‐reported improvement in oral health than having less than six dental services. The greater prevalence ratios with increasing dental service volume suggested a threshold effect.
Current opportunities and challenges: genome‐wide association studies on pigmentation and skin cancer
Authors: Meng Shasha , Zhang Mingfeng , Liang Liming , Han Jiali
Published: July 2012

Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have become a widely used approach for genetic association studies of various human traits. A few GWAS have been conducted with the goal of identifying novel loci for pigmentation traits, melanoma, and non‐melanoma skin cancer. Nevertheless, the phenotype variation explained by the genetic markers identified so far is limited. In this review, we discuss the GWAS study design and its application in pigmentation and skin cancer research. Furthermore, we summarize recent developments in post‐GWAS activities such as meta‐analysis, pathway analysis, and risk prediction.
New Recognized Intellect for Prospecting Large‐superlarge Mineral Deposits
Authors: Rongfu PEI , Yanxiong MEI , Hongying QU , Haolin WANG
Published: July 2012

Based on the data base of 1285 mineral deposits of 22 commodities in 121 countries of 6 continents of the world, the authors use the linear trend analysis for their reserves to determine the cut‐off limited order of reserves to select 36 exceptional superlarge (as peak mineral), 95 superlarge and 314 large deposits as new recognized intellect for their quantitative change. We have projected above 445 large‐superlarge deposits on (1:5 M) global tectonic background map and divided 4 metallogenic domains, 21 metallogenic belts. Global metallogeny of large‐superlarge deposits are: unity by endogenic, exogenic metamorphic and epigenetic in origin; speciality in different metallogenic domains and belts; preferentiality to ore‐forming elements of Cu, Au, Fe, Ag, Cr, Mn, Zn, Pb, Sb, Hg, to continental margins or plate convergent belts, to Intra‐continental tectono‐magmatic complex belts and Large ductile shear zones; abnormality by the global oxyatmversion (excess oxygen atmospheric event) in Archean, redoxyatmversion (lack oxygen atmospheric event) in Proterozoic‐Paleozoic, and tectonosphere thermal erosion (great amount of tectonic magmatic event) in Mesozoic‐Cenozoic.
Chronology of the Tungsten Deposits in Southern Jiangxi Province, and Episodes and Zonation of the Regional W‐Sn Mineralization – Evidence from High‐precision Zircon U‐Pb, Molybdenite Re‐Os and Muscovite Ar‐Ar Ages
Authors: Chengyou FENG , Dequan ZHANG , Zailin ZENG , Song WANG
Published: July 2012

Previous studies have obtained some petrogenetic and metallogenic chronological data with SHRIMP (sensitive high‐resolution ion microprobe) zircon U‐Pb, zircon LA‐ICPMS (laser‐ablation–inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy) U‐Pb, molybdenite Re‐Os isochron and muscovite Ar‐Ar methods in southern Jiangxi Province and its adjacent areas. Based on these, the purpose of this paper is to study the petrogenetic and metallogenic ages and their time gap for different genetic types of W‐Sn deposits, and thus to research their numerous episodes, zonal arrangement and their geodynamic background. The result shows that the large‐scale W‐Sn mineralization in southern Jiangxi Province occurred in the middle to late Jurassic (170–150 Ma), the skarn W‐Sn‐polymetallic deposits formed much earlier (170–161 Ma), and all of the wolframite – quartz vein type, greisen type, altered granite type and fractured zone type tungsten deposits formed in the late Jurassic (160–150 Ma). In one ore field or ore district, greisen type tungsten deposits formed earlier than quartz vein type ones hosted in the endo‐ or exo‐contact zone; and quartz vein type hosted in the endocontact zone formed earlier than that of exocontact zone. There is no significant time difference between tungsten‐tin mineralization and its intimately associated parent granite emplacement (1–6 Ma). They all formed in the same rock‐forming and ore‐forming system and under the same geodynamic setting. Regionally, rock‐forming and ore‐forming processes of the W‐Sn deposits in the Nanling region (include southern Jiangxi Province, southern Hunan Province, northern Guangdong Province and eastern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region) exhibit numerous episodes. The mineralization in the Nanling region mainly occurred at (240–210) Ma, (170–150) Ma and (130–90) Ma. The tungsten‐tin deposits in this region are centered by the largest scale in southern Jiangxi Province and southern Hunan Province, and become small in the east, west, south and north directions. This displays a zonal arrangement and temporal and spatial distribution regularity. Integrated with the latest research results, it is concluded that the W‐Sn mineralization in southern Jiangxi Province and its adjacent areas corresponds to the second large‐scale mineralization in South China. The Indosinian W‐Sn mineralization formed under the extensional tectonic regime between collisional compressional stages, while the Yanshanian large‐scale petrogenetic and metallogenic processes occurred in the Jurassic intraplate extensional geodynamic setting of lithosphere extension.
New Evidence for Hydrothermal Sedimentary Genesis of the Ni‐Mo Deposits in Black Rock Series of the Basal Cambrian, Guizhou Province: Discovery of Coarse‐Grained Limestones and its Geochemical Characteristics
Authors: Huairui WEI , Ruidong YANG , Junbo GAO , Jiyan CHEN , Kun LIU , Wei CHENG
Published: July 2012

The molybdenum‐nickel deposits in Shuidong District of Nayong County (Guizhou Province, Southwest China) are found mainly in black shale series of Lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation, which is another Mo‐Ni‐rich region besides Zunyi District (Guizhou province). Our systematic study on the Mo‐Ni deposits in Tangjiaba of Nayong reveals that layered coarse‐grained limestones, spherical beaded limestones concretions are hosted at the lower seam of the Mo‐Ni deposits. Its strong negative carbon isotope anomaly (the carbon isotope value of the coarse‐grained limestones varies from –2.148‰ to 8.223‰) is similar to that in the modern submarine black smoker chimney. The carbon in the coarse‐grained limestones from black rock series of Nayong County might be deep source inorganic carbon. The seams, coarse‐grained limestones, ore‐bearing coarse‐grained limestones and the roof and floor of the deposits are characterized by co‐variation on the trace element spider diagram, showing good homology. The extraordinary enrichment of Ag, As and Sb resembles hydrothermal sedimentation. Pro‐Earth's core elements Se is strongly enriched in Ni‐Mo ore‐bearing coarse‐grained limestones. The ore‐bearing rock series has an extremely low Th/U value (0.012–0.19); in the logU‐logTh Cartesian Coordinates, the samples of the roof and floor of the deposits and ore‐bearing coarse‐grained limestones are found in the East Pacific tise; and the samples of coarse‐grained limestones are found between the paleo‐hydrothermal dedimentary area and the East Pacific tise. The chondrite‐normalized rare earth element patterns of the Ni‐Mo deposits show LREE enrichment, Ce negative anomaly, and Eu negative anomaly (which is supposed to be influenced by the deep magmatic processes in an extensional environment) resembles the rare earth element distribution patterns of the fluid and its sediments in modern submarine hydrothermal system. It proves that coarse‐grained limestones is characterized by typical hydrothermal limestones, being closely related with the genesis of Mo‐Ni deposits in Nayong County, which provides new evidence for hydrothermal sedimentary genesis of Mo‐Ni deposit and negative carbon anomaly in the basal Cambrian on a global scale.
Geochronology and Geochemistry of Metallogenetic Porphyry Bodies from the Nongping Au‐Cu Deposit in the Eastern Yanbian Area, NE China: Implications for Metallogenic Environment
Authors: Yunsheng REN , Nan JU , Hualei ZHAO , Hui WANG , Kejun HOU , Shen LIU
Published: July 2012

The metallogenetic porphyry bodies in the Nongping Au‐Cu deposit, in the eastern Yanbian area, mainly include porphyritic granodiorite and biotite granodiorite porphyry. They are featured with high silicon and enrichment in sodium, and classified into sodic rocks of low‐K tholeiitic basalt series. Except slightly low Sr content, the rock basically has the geochemical characteristics of the adakite: relatively high A12O3 content, relatively low MgO content, depletion in Y and Yb; relative enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and light rare‐earth elements (LREEs), relatively low content of high field strength elements (HFSEs); positive Eu anomaly or weak negative Eu anomaly. In situ zircon dating technology LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS was used to conduct single‐grain zircon dating of biotite granodiorite porphyry, and the results show that the age of metallogenetic porphyry body is 100.04±0.88 Ma, indicating that the porphyry bodies were emplaced in the late Cretaceous period. According to the regional tectonic setting and the comparison with the same kind of deposits, we think that the metallogenetic porphyry bodies in the Nongping Au‐Cu deposit have a close genetic connection with the subduction of the Pacific plate in the late Yanshanian period. The adakitic magma generated from partial melting of the subducting plate has high formation temperature, high oxygen fugacity, and volatile constituents' enrichment, so it is helpful for enrichment of metallogenetic elements and plays an important role in the formation of porphyry Au‐Cu deposits in this region.
3D Positional and Quantitative Prediction of the Xiaoqinling Gold Ore Belt in Tongguan, Shaanxi, China
Authors: Jianping CHEN , Rui SHI , Zhenping CHEN , Limei WANG , Yan SUN
Published: July 2012

Quantitative prediction of deep orebody based on 3D visualization technology is of great significance in mineral exploration. Based on the 2D traditional quantitative predicting method, the geoanomaly theory and the mineral exploration model idea, we constructed 3D models of the topography, strata, structure, magmatite and prospecting engineering of the study area using the commercial 3D modeling software Micromine, delineated eight prospective areas and estimated the gold resources amount with methods of Abundance Estimation and Volume Estimation. Then, we compared and counted the known ore blocks and the predicted blocks, which quantitatively explains this prediction's validity. The results show that Xiaoqinling gold belt in Tongguan has convincing potential for gold development and utilization and the prediction method based on 3D visualization technology proves to be effective.
Geology, Geochemistry, and Geochronology of the Fenghuangshan Skarn‐type Copper Deposit in the Tongling Ore Cluster, Anhui Province, East China
Authors: Hongying QU , Rongfu PEI , Hongcai FEI , Jinwen LI , Yonglei WANG , Haolin WANG , Lei YAO
Published: July 2012

The Fenghuangshan skarn‐type Cu deposit, Tongling Ore Cluster, Anhui Province, is an important component in the Middle—Lower Yangtze River ore‐forming belt. To better understand magmatism and its relationship to mineralization, we investigated geochemical features, ore‐forming fluids, and geochronology of the Xinwuli intrusion and the related Fenghuangshan Cu deposit. Lithogeochemical characteristics show that the Xinwuli quartz monzodiorite is formed by mixing magma derived from upper mantle alkaline basalt that has been contaminated by crust materials. C, H and O isotopes indicate that ore‐forming fluids mainly come from the magma, with minor amounts of meteoric fluids involved at the late stage. S and Pb isotopic components indicate that ore‐forming materials are derived from the mantle. Molybdenite Re—Os isotopic dating yields Re—Os model ages ranging from 139.1±2.4 Ma to 142.0±2.2 Ma, with an isochronal age of 141.1±1.4 Ma, which is consistent with sensitive, high‐resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) zircon U—Pb ages of quartz monzodiorite and granodiorite in the mining area. Dating analysis yields ages from 136.0±2.0 Ma to 143.0±2.4 Ma for the quartz monzodiorite (a weighted average of 139.4±1.2 Ma) and ages from 136.7±2.0 Ma to 145.3±2.4 Ma for granodiorite (a weighted average of 141.0±1.1 Ma).
Orderliness of Hydrocarbon Accumulation Distribution in Rift Basins of Eastern China
Authors: Xiyuan CAI
Published: July 2012

The Cenozoic rift basins in eastern China show a clear temporal and spatial zonation and episodic tectonic evolution, which control their episodic hydrocarbon generation and zonal accumulation. In this paper, based on the study of depositional architecture, hydrocarbon migration system and dynamic evolution in the rift basins, combinations of hydrocarbon accumulation elements were analyzed using sequence stratigraphy. Hydrocarbon distribution in system tracts with different sequence orders was further studied. And we summarized stacking patterns and horizontal combination relationships for different types of reservoirs, such as lithological, tectonic‐lithological, tectonic and stratigraphical reservoirs which can be observed from depression center to basin margin. The result reveals that various scales of pools exhibit significant distribution and evolution orderliness in different pool‐forming units, i.e., depositional systems, plays and depressions. The regular distribution of various scales of pools is closely related to tectonic evolution and depositional filling in the rift basins. The result can be applied to the fine petroleum exploration in rift basins in eastern China. It will promote the scientific prediction and evaluation of reservoir types and their spatial distribution, lead to the active shifts of exploration targets in different zones, and thus support the stable progress of fine exploration in mature exploration areas.
Conifer genome sizes of 172 species, covering 64 of 67 genera, range from 8 to 72 picogram
Authors: Zonneveld B. J. M.
Published: July 2012

Nuclear genome size of conifers as measured by flow cytometry with propidium iodide was investigated, striving to collect at least a single species from each genus. 64 out of 67 genera and 172 species were measured. Of the 67 genera, 21 are reported here for the first time and the same is true for 76 species. This nearly doubles the number of measured genera and adds 50% to the number of analyzed species. Conifers have chromosome numbers in the range of n = (7)10–12(19). However, the nuclear DNA content (2C‐value) is shown here to range from 8.3 to 71.6 picogram. The largest genome contains roughly 6 × 1010 more base pairs than the smallest genome. Genome sizes are evaluated and compared with available taxonomic treatments. For the mainly (sub)tropical Podocarpaceae small genome sizes were found with a 2C‐value of only 8–28 pg, with 13.5 pg on average. For the Taxaceae 2C‐values from 23–60 pg were determined. Not surprisingly, the genus Pinus with 97 species (39 species measured here) has a broad range with 2C = 38–72 pg. A factor of 2 difference is also found in the Cupressaceae (136 species) with nuclear DNA contents in the range 18–35 pg. Apart from the allohexaploid Sequoia, ploidy plays a role only in Juniperus and some new polyploids are found. The data on genome size support conclusions on phylogenetic relationships obtained by DNA sequencing. Flow cytometry is applicable even to young plants or seeds for the monitoring of trade in endangered species.
Temporal pattern of floral color change and time retention of post‐change flowers in Weigela japonica var. sinica (Caprifoliaceae)
Authors: ZHANG Yan‐Wen , ZHAO Xing‐Nan , HUANG Sheng‐Jun , ZHANG Li‐Hui , ZHAO Ji‐Min
Published: July 2012

Abstract  Floral color changes are common in Weigela and the retention of post‐change flowers has been interpreted as a mechanism to increase attractiveness from a long distance and shorten pollinators’ lingering time on the inflorescence(s) of individual plants. In the present study, we investigated the temporal pattern of floral color change and time required for pollen tube growth in the shrub Weigela japonica var. sinica. Over the 4‐day anthesis, the color of the corolla in this species changes from white to red and the color cue changes from yellow to purple. The duration of both the white phase and the intermediate phase is approximately 1 day and the duration of the red phase is approximately 2 days. Our studies showed that color change in Weigela japonica var. sinica is age‐dependent but independent of pollinator visits and flower pollination. Post‐change flowers lost most of both the male and female residual reproductive ability and retained no rewards for pollinators. It took at least 3 days for a pollen tube to grow to the ovules and achieve fertilization. Thus, retention of post‐change flowers is necessary for the completion of pollen tube growth. Our results indicate that the temporal pattern of color change and time requirement for pollen tube growth are most likely related events.
Suppression of liver regeneration affects hepatic graft survival in small‐for‐size liver transplantation in rats
Authors: Fu Wen‐Yi , Yan Ji‐Qi , Shi Min‐Min , Ma Di , Peng Cheng‐Hong , Li Hong‐Wei
Published: July 2012

Aim:  Small‐for‐size liver transplantation (SFSLT) often results in hepatic graft failure and decreased survival. The present study was aimed to investigate the possible mechanism of hepatic graft failure in SFSLT in rats.

Methods:  Rat models of full‐size orthotopic liver transplantation, 50% partial liver transplantation and 30% partial liver transplantation were established. Proliferative responses of the hepatic graft were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining and western blotting. Apoptosis‐, inflammatory‐, anti‐inflammatory‐ and growth factor‐related genes were screened by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Activities of transcription factors of AP‐1 and nuclear factor (NF)‐κB were analyzed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay.

Results:  A 30% partial liver transplant not only resulted in marked structural damages to the hepatic graft, but also showed the lowest 7‐day survival rate. In addition, sup pressed expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and cyclin D1 by immunohistochemical staining and decreased expressions of cyclin D1 and p‐c‐Jun by western blotting were detected. Downregulated expressions of Bcl‐2, Bcl‐XL, interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐10, IP‐10 and CXCR2, upregulated expression of tumor necrosis factor‐α, and decreased levels of AP‐1 and NF‐κB were also found following 30% partial liver transplantation after reperfusion.

Conclusion:  Liver regeneration is remarkably suppressed in SFSLT. The significant changes of intra‐graft gene expression described above indicated that ischemia reperfusion injury would be severe in 30% partial liver transplantation. The capability of liver regeneration secondary to ischemia reperfusion injury might determine hepatic graft survival in SFSLT.
China's Vision of Its Seascape: The First Island Chain and Chinese Seapower
Authors: Yoshihara Toshi
Published: July 2012

This article examines the lively Chinese discourse about Beijing's maritime geography. In particular, the debates over the so‐called first island chain, which stretches from the Japanese archipelago through Taiwan to the Philippines, offer a unique window onto Chinese geostrategic thought. This article relies on an extensive open‐source literature in China to discern the contours of this debate. It finds that the first island chain construct resonates deeply with analysts on the mainland. The island chain idea stimulates China's fears of strategic encirclement, underscores the geostrategic value of Taiwan, frames Chinese military options at sea, and engages important economic interests. As such, this geostrategic dimension of China's maritime rise will likely continue to drive Beijing's naval activism in East Asian waters, with lasting implications for regional stability.
Roughness-Induced Vibration Caused by a Tangential Oscillating Mass on a Plate
Authors: Feldmann Joachim
Published: July 2012

This work examines the dynamic behavior of a system consisting of a mass-block on the rough surface of a simply supported plate, harmonically excited in the tangential direction. The vertical excitation emerges from roughness, tracked by the mass-block. Low-frequency sliding results in high-frequency vertical excitation up to the ultrasonic range. The conditions of the elastic contact between the two bodies are modeled in the form of vertical contact stiffness. A specific friction law with a behavior similar to an elastically coupled coulomb damper represents the tangential direction. The model allows for the study of the interaction between the tangential friction behavior and the vertical roughness-induced vibrations. Parameters of interest are friction velocity, mass-block weight, surface roughness, and contact material. Because of nonlinearities, the theoretical model must be solved within the time domain. The theoretical results are verified through experimental results of a corresponding setup. The subject combines material science, contact mechanics, and structural dynamics.
A New Optical Evaluation Approach for Parabolic Trough Collectors: First-Principle OPTical Intercept Calculation
Authors: Zhu Guangdong , Lewandowski Allan
Published: July 2012

A new analytical method—First-principle OPTical Intercept Calculation (FirstOPTIC)—is presented here for optical evaluation of trough collectors. It employs first-principle optical treatment of collector optical error sources and derives analytical mathematical formulae to calculate the intercept factor of a trough collector. A suite of MATLAB code is developed for FirstOPTIC and validated against theoretical/numerical solutions and ray-tracing results. It is shown that FirstOPTIC can provide fast and accurate calculation of intercept factors of trough collectors. The method makes it possible to carry out fast evaluation of trough collectors for design purposes. The FirstOPTIC techniques and analysis may be naturally extended to other types of CSP technologies such as linear-Fresnel collectors and central-receiver towers.
Physics-Based Seated Posture Prediction for Pregnant Women and Validation Considering Ground and Seat Pan Contacts
Authors: Howard Bradley , Cloutier Aimee , Yang Jingzhou (James)
Published: July 2012

An understanding of human seated posture is important across many fields of scientific research. Certain demographics, such as pregnant women, have special postural limitations that need to be considered. Physics-based posture prediction is a tool in which seated postures can be quickly and thoroughly analyzed, as long the predicted postures are realistic. This paper proposes and validates an optimization formulation to predict seated posture for pregnant women considering ground and seat pan contacts. For the optimization formulation, the design variables are joint angles (posture); the cost function is dependent on joint torques. Constraints include joint limits, joint torque limits, the distances from the end-effectors to target points, and self-collision avoidance constraints. Three different joint torque cost functions have been investigated to account for the special postural characteristics of pregnant women and consider the support reaction forces (SRFs) associated with seated posture. Postures are predicted for three different reaching tasks in common reaching directions using each of the objective function formulations. The predicted postures are validated against experimental postures obtained using motion capture. A linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the validity of the predicted postures and was the criteria for comparison between the different objective functions. A 56 degree of freedom model was used for the posture prediction. Use of the objective function minimizing the maximum normalized joint torque provided an R2 value of 0.828, proving superior to either of two alternative functions.
New Mathematical Model to Estimate Tissue Blood Perfusion, Thermal Contact Resistance and Core Temperature
Authors: Alkhwaji Abdusalam , Vick Brian , Diller Tom
Published: July 2012

Analytical solutions were developed based on the Green’s function method to describe heat transfer in tissue including the effects of blood perfusion. These one-dimensional transient solutions were used with a simple parameter estimation technique and experimental measurements of temperature and heat flux at the surface of simulated tissue. It was demonstrated how such surface measurements can be used during step changes in the surface thermal conditions to estimate the value of three important parameters: blood perfusion (wb), thermal contact resistance (R″), and core temperature of the tissue (Tcore). The new models were tested against finite-difference solutions of thermal events on the surface to show the validity of the analytical solution. Simulated data was used to demonstrate the response of the model in predicting optimal parameters from noisy temperature and heat flux measurements. Finally, the analytical model and simple parameter estimation routine were used with actual experimental data from perfusion in phantom tissue. The model was shown to provide a very good match with the data curves. This demonstrated the first time that all three of these important parameters (wb, R″, and Tcore) have simultaneously been estimated from a single set of thermal measurements at the surface of tissue.
Evaluation of a Voxelized Model Based on DCE-MRI for Tracer Transport in Tumor
Authors: Magdoom K. N. , Pishko Gregory L. , Hwan Kim Jung , Sarntinoranont Malisa
Published: July 2012

Recent advances in the treatment of cancer involving therapeutic agents have shown promising results. However, treatment efficacy can be limited due to inadequate and uneven uptake in solid tumors, thereby making the prediction of drug transport important for developing effective therapeutic strategies. In this study, a patient-specific computational porous media model (voxelized model) was developed for predicting the interstitial flow field and distribution of a systemically delivered magnetic resonance (MR) visible tracer in a tumor. The benefits of a voxel approach include less labor and less computational time (approximately an order of magnitude reduction compared to the traditional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach developed earlier by our group). The model results were compared with that obtained from a previous approach based on unstructured meshes along with MR-measured tracer concentration data within tumors, using statistical analysis and qualitative representations. The statistical analysis indicated the similarity between the structured and unstructured models’ results with a low root mean square error (RMS) and a high correlation coefficient. The voxelized model captured features of the flow field and tracer distribution such as high interstitial fluid pressure inside the tumor and the heterogeneous distribution of the tracer. Predictions of tracer distribution by the voxelized approach also resulted in low RMS error when compared with MR-measured data over a 1 h time course. The similarity in the voxelized model results with experiment and the nonvoxelized model predictions were maintained across three different tumors. Overall, the voxelized model serves as a reliable and swift alternative to approaches using unstructured meshes in predicting extracellular transport within tumors.
It's the Politics
Why Nations Fail
The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty

by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson

Crown, New York, 2012. 541 pp. $30. ISBN 9780307719218. Profile, London. 464 pp. £25. ISBN 9781846684296.
Authors: Garrett Geoffrey
Published: July 2012

Writing for nonspecialists, Acemoglu and Robinson explore the interplay of economic forces, politics, and policy choices to explain why some nations are rich and others poor.
The Seasonal Smorgasbord of the Seas
Authors: Martin Adrian
Published: July 2012

Observational and modeling studies probe the causes and consequences of the spring bloom of phytoplankton.
Human Genetic Variation, Shared and Private
Authors: Casals Ferran , Bertranpetit Jaume
Published: July 2012

Analyses of rare and common variants in the genome reveal another layer of human genetic variation within and among populations.
The Internet and Academic Freedom
Authors: Posner Michael H.
Published: July 2012

The internet is as valuable a research tool as any microscope or magnetic resonance imaging scanner. It was shaped by researchers and academics who wanted to collaborate across campuses, then across borders. Many aspects of scholarship are now conducted online. This is particularly true in the sciences. Researchers around the globe store data in the “cloud” and analyze those data with software that requires connectivity. And critical discussions are routinely conducted by e-mail and videoconferencing. But the academic freedom that is often taken for granted depends on an Internet that is maintained as an open platform for the free exchange of information and ideas—or “Internet freedom.” At present, Internet freedom is threatened across the globe, and this should concern scientists and other academics as much as it does human rights activists.
Rapid estimation of excess mortality: nowcasting during the heatwave alert in England and Wales in June 2011
Authors: Green Helen K , Andrews Nick J , Bickler Graham , Pebody Richard G
Published: July 2012

Background

A Heat-Health Watch system has been established in England and Wales since 2004 as part of the national heatwave plan following the 2003 European-wide heatwave. One important element of this plan has been the development of a timely mortality surveillance system. This article reports the findings and timeliness of a daily mortality model used to ‘nowcast’ excess mortality (utilising incomplete surveillance data to estimate the number of deaths in near-real time) during a heatwave alert issued by the Met Office for regions in South and East England on 24 June 2011.

Methods

Daily death registrations were corrected for reporting delays with historical data supplied by the General Registry Office. These corrected counts were compared with expected counts from an age-specific linear regression model to ascertain if any excess had occurred during the heatwave.

Results

Excess mortality of 367 deaths was detected across England and Wales in ≥85-year-olds on 26 and 27 June 2011, coinciding with the period of elevated temperature. This excess was localised to the east of England and London. It was detected 3 days after the heatwave.

Conclusion

A daily mortality model was sensitive and timely enough to rapidly detect a small excess, both, at national and regional levels. This tool will be useful when future events of public health significance occur.
Endovascular therapy of internal carotid artery bifurcation aneurysms
Authors: Oishi Hidenori , Yamamoto Munetaka , Nonaka Sensyu , Arai Hajime
Published: July 2012

Background

Internal carotid artery (ICA) bifurcation aneurysms are uncommon. Therefore, there have been only a few endovascular series on ICA bifurcation aneurysms published to date. The purpose of this study is to report the safety and efficacy of endovascular therapy for ICA bifurcation aneurysms.

Methods

There were 25 ICA bifurcation aneurysms (unruptured n=23, ruptured n=2) in 25 patients in this study. There were 14 women, with a mean age of 60.9±10.1 years. All patients underwent endosaccular coil embolization.

Results

Aneurysm size and neck size ranged from 2.5 to 10.0 mm (mean 5.4±1.5) and from 1.5 to 4.0 mm (mean 2.7±0.8), respectively. Regarding the clinical outcomes of the 23 patients with unruptured aneurysms, 22 patients had no change in their preprocedural modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. The other patient died of ventilator associated aspiration pneumonia. Two patients with ruptured aneurysms each had scores of mRS 0. Overall morbidity and death rates were 0% and 4%, respectively. 15 aneurysms were treated with a simple technique. The 10 remaining aneurysms required adjunctive techniques: balloon assisted (n=9) and double catheter (n=1). The immediate anatomical outcomes were complete occlusion (n=19 (76.0%)), residual neck (n=4 (16.0%)) and residual aneurysm (n=2 (8.0%)). The overall follow-up of anatomical outcomes were unchanged (n=14 (63.7%)), improved (n=5 (22.7%)) and recurrence (n=3 (13.6%)). No patient suffered from aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage after endovascular therapy. Thromboembolic events without clinical modification occurred in two patients.

Conclusions

Endovascular therapy of ICA bifurcation aneurysms is safe and effective, with a low risk of recanalization and re-treatment.
O-002 A retrospective multicenter study of Solitaire device used for the revascularization in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Costalat V
Published: July 2012

Purpose

To evaluate safety and efficacy of the Solitaire device when used as 1st choice device in the treatment of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) secondary to large artery occlusion.

Methods

A retrospective data collection on consecutive patients presenting with AIS treated with Solitaire device as first line device to restore blood flow in six experienced European sites from March 2009 to June 2010. An independent Core Lab evaluated TICI scores on the pre-procedure and post-procedure angiograms. Complete recanalization was defined as TICI 2b or three-post treatment. Baseline and post-treatment brain CT or MRI were also centrally reviewed to evaluate ASPECTS and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (SICH). The definition of SIH used is parenchymal hemorrhage type 2 + death or neurologic deterioration of 4 or more point of NIHSS. Patients were treated according to the hospitals' stroke protocols (direct IA, bridging IV t-PA/IA and failed or contraindicated IV t-PA). Sites provided patient information at pre-procedure, procedure, 24 h, discharge and 90 days. Good early neurological outcome was defined as NIHSS score improvement of ≥10 points or NIHSS 0, 1 at discharge, and favorable functional outcome as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≤2 at day 90. Patients with missing mRS data were judged to have worst possible outcome for data analysis.

Results

Of the 206 patients treated with Solitaire device, the device was used as first line treatment in 141 patients (mean age, 66; median NIHSS, 18): 74 patients were treated with IV t-PA prior to endovascular treatment, 56 had contra indication to IV t-PA and 11 were directly treated IA. The revascularization success independently evaluated was 85%. The mean number of recoveries was 1.8 and median time from groin puncture to successful revascularization was 40 min. Good early neurological outcome at discharge was 41% and good clinical outcome at 90 days was 55%. Sub group analysis on results according to administration or not of IV tPA pre use of Solitaire device was performed. The two sub-groups were analyzed and considered statistically similar on criteria such as age, sex, NIHSS at baseline, ASPECTS at baseline, occlusion lesion site.

Conclusions

This retrospective, uncontrolled study shows the positive effect of Solitaire device in treatment of patients with acute ischemic stroke to restore flow and good clinical outcomes in patients with AIS and large artery occlusion.

Competing interests

V Costalat: Covidien.