bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psoriasis treatment: faster and long‐standing results after bathing in geothermal seawater. A randomized trial of three UVB phototherapy regimens
Authors: Eysteinsdóttir Jenna Huld , Ólafsson Jón Hjaltalín , Agnarsson Bjarni A. , Lúðvíksson Björn Rúnar , Sigurgeirsson Bárður
Published: November 2013

Background

The combination of seawater baths and narrowband ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB) is a known treatment for psoriasis. This study evaluates two treatment regimens that combine bathing in geothermal seawater and NB‐UVB therapy in comparison with NB‐UVB monotherapy.

Methods

Sixty‐eight psoriasis patients were randomly assigned to outpatient bathing in geothermal seawater combined with NB‐UVB therapy three times a week, intensive daily treatment involving bathing in geothermal seawater combined with NB‐UVB therapy, or NB‐UVB therapy alone three times a week; treatment period was 6 weeks. Disease severity [Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) and Lattice System Physician's Global Assessment scores], quality of life (Dermatology Life Quality Index) and histological changes were evaluated before, during and after treatment. The primary end point was the proportion of patients who achieved PASI 75 at 6 weeks.

Results

At 6 weeks, the percentage of patients who achieved PASI 75 and PASI 90 was significantly greater for both regimens, bathing in geothermal seawater three times a week (68.1% and 18.2%, respectively) and intensive treatment with geothermal seawater (73.1% and 42.3%, respectively) than for NB‐UVB monotherapy (16.7% and 0%, respectively) (P < 0.05 in all comparisons). Clinical improvement was paralleled by improvement in quality of life and histological score and a reduction in NB‐UVB doses.

Conclusion

Bathing in geothermal seawater combined with NB‐UVB therapy in psoriasis induces faster clinical and histological improvement, produces longer remission time and permits lower NB‐UVB doses than UVB therapy alone.
Aldrin and Dieldrin: A Reevaluation of the Cancer and Noncancer Dose‐Response Assessments
Authors: Hooker Eric P. , Fulcher Keri G. , Gibb Herman J.
Published: November 2013

The dose‐response analyses of cancer and noncancer health effects of aldrin and dieldrin were evaluated using current methodology, including benchmark dose analysis and the current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) guidance on body weight scaling and uncertainty factors. A literature review was performed to determine the most appropriate adverse effect endpoints. Using current methodology and information, the estimated reference dose values were 0.0001 and 0.00008 mg/kg‐day for aldrin and dieldrin, respectively. The estimated cancer slope factors for aldrin and dieldrin were 3.4 and 7.0 (mg/kg‐day)−1, respectively (i.e., about 5‐ and 2.3‐fold lower risk than the 1987 U.S. EPA assessments). Because aldrin and dieldrin are no longer used as pesticides in the United States, they are presumed to be a low priority for additional review by the U.S. EPA. However, because they are persistent and still detected in environmental samples, quantitative risk assessments based on the best available methods are required. Recent epidemiologic studies do not demonstrate a causal association between aldrin and dieldrin and human cancer risk. The proposed reevaluations suggest that these two compounds pose a lower human health risk than currently reported by the U.S. EPA.
Amlodipine reduces blood pressure during dynamic resistance exercise in hypertensive patients
Authors: Souza D. R. , Gomides R. S. , Costa L. A. R. , Queiroz A. C. C. , Barros S. , Ortega K. C. , Mion D. , Tinucci T. , Forjaz C. L. M.
Published: November 2013

This study investigated the effect of the dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonist, amlodipine, on blood pressure (BP) during resistance exercise performed at different intensities in hypertensives. Eleven hypertensives underwent 4 weeks of placebo and amlodipine (random double‐blinded crossover design). In each phase, they performed knee extension exercise until exhaustion following three protocols: one set at 100% of 1 RM (repetition maximum), three sets at 80% of 1 RM, and three sets at 40% of 1 RM. Intraarterial BP was measured before and during exercise. Amlodipine reduced maximal systolic/diastolic BP values achieved at all intensities (100% = 225 ± 6/141 ± 3 vs. 207 ± 6/130 ± 6 mmHg; 80% = 289 ± 8/178 ± 5 vs. 273 ± 10/169 ± 6 mmHg; 40% = 289 ± 10/176 ± 8 vs. 271 ± 11/154 ± 6 mmHg). Amlodipine blunted the increase in diastolic BP that occurred during the second and third sets of exercise at 40% of 1RM (+75 ± 6 vs. +61 ± 5 mmHg and +78 ± 7 vs. +64 ± 5 mmHg, respectively). Amlodipine was effective in reducing the absolute values of systolic and diastolic BP during resistance exercise and in preventing the progressive increase in diastolic BP that occurs over sets of low‐intensity exercise. These results suggest that systemic vascular resistance is involved in BP increase during resistance exercise, and imply that hypertensives receiving amlodipine are at lower risk of increased BP during resistance exercise than non‐medicated patients.
Social Movements and Patronage Politics: Processes of Demobilization and Dual Pressure
Authors: Lapegna Pablo
Published: November 2013

Why might social movements be highly contentious at one point in time and demobilize shortly after? Based on ethnographic fieldwork, this article examines the dynamics of demobilization of popular movements in a context of patronage politics. I argue that demobilization in these contexts results from relational processes creating a “dual pressure” stemming “from below” and “from above.” In social environments where patronage is pervasive, poor people develop survival strategies relying on clientelistic arrangements. They participate in a social movement organization (SMO) to voice their rights, but also to address pressing survival needs by gaining access to resources. These expectations of constituents create a pressure “from below” on leaders of anSMO, which respond by securing resources obtained through alliances with national political actors. In turn, these alliances create a pressure “from above,” because local leaders reciprocate this national support by eschewing the organization of collective actions. Drawing on data culled from 12 months of fieldwork on an Argentine peasant movement, this article inspects the interconnections between popular movements and patronage politics to refine our understanding of demobilization processes; contribute to discussions regarding the role of culture on contentious politics; and shed light on current demobilization trends in Latin America.
“What's the Matter With Kansas?” A Sociological Answer
Authors: Young Frank W.
Published: November 2013

Thomas Frank's book poses a question: Why do working people in Kansas vote for Republican candidates when supporting them is antithetical to their economic interests? This article analyzes the statistical evidence for such alleged deviant voting and finds support for his thesis that the working class does vote Republican. Also supported is his principal causal suggestion for this hypothesized “backlash,” the decline in average county population. But both variables lack a supporting theory. A “structural ecological” explanation for both facts is introduced that claims that the fear that whites experience as the white population shrinks causes the backlash reaction and the Republican vote that Frank describes. Statistical tests support the alternative explanation and illustrate the difference between Frank's ethnography‐based arguments and the approach that most sociologists use.
Early infections after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children and adolescents: the St. Jude experience
Authors: Srinivasan A. , McLaughlin L. , Wang C. , Srivastava D.K. , Shook D.R. , Leung W. , Hayden R.T.
Published: November 2013

Introduction

Advances in autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) over the past 20 years may have had an impact on the morbidity and mortality associated with infections post transplant.

Patients and methods

We sought to retrospectively analyze the epidemiology of the first episode of bacterial, fungal, viral, or parasitic infections 0–30 days post transplant in a cohort of 320 children and adolescents who underwent autologous HSCT in a single institution, between 1990 and 2009 for solid tumors or lymphoma, and in 65 children transplanted for acute leukemia during the same period.

Results

Infections occurred in 66 (21%) patients with solid tumors or lymphoma. Bacterial infections occurred in 33 (10%) including bacteremia in 23 (7%), and viral infections in 34 (11%) patients. Gram‐positive bacterial infections were more prevalent than gram‐negative bacterial infections (P = 0.03). Infections caused by fungal or parasitic pathogens were uncommon. The decade when transplant was performed (1990–1999 vs. 2000–2009) had no impact on the incidence of bacterial (P = 0.41) or viral (P = 0.47) infection. Between 1990 and 1999, a total of 60 (92%) children were transplanted for leukemia, and 5 (8%) in the 2000–2009 period (P < 0.0001). Infections occurred in 32 (49%) patients. Bacterial (P = 0.004), candidal (P = 0.003), and herpes simplex viral (P = 0.03) infections were more common in patients transplanted for leukemia. In patients transplanted for leukemia, 3 deaths occurred attributed to infection, all before 2000.

Conclusion

Changes in epidemiology of infection are likely a result of decline in autologous transplantation for childhood leukemia in the recent era. Autologous transplantation for solid tumors or lymphoma was not associated with mortality from early infections at our institution.
On Quantum Models of the Human Mind
Authors: Wang Hongbin , Sun Yanlong
Published: November 2013

Recent years have witnessed rapidly increasing interests in developing quantum theoretical models of human cognition. Quantum mechanisms have been taken seriously to describe how the mind reasons and decides. Papers in this special issue report the newest results in the field. Here we discuss why the two levels of commitment, treating the human brain as a quantum computer and merely adopting abstract quantum probability principles to model human cognition, should be integrated. We speculate that quantum cognition models gain greater modeling power due to a richer representation scheme.
Conditions for Quantum Interference in Cognitive Sciences
Authors: Yukalov Vyacheslav I. , Sornette Didier
Published: November 2013

We present a general classification of the conditions under which cognitive science, concerned, e.g. with decision making, requires the use of quantum theoretical notions. The analysis is done in the frame of the mathematical approach based on the theory of quantum measurements. We stress that quantum effects in cognition can arise only when decisions are made under uncertainty. Conditions for the appearance of quantum interference in cognitive sciences and the conditions when interference cannot arise are formulated.
Conceptual Combination: Extension and Intension. Commentary on Aerts, Gabora, and Sozzo
Authors: Hampton James A.
Published: November 2013

Aerts et al. provide a valuable model to capture the interactive nature of conceptual combination in conjunctions and disjunctions. The commentary provides a brief review of the interpretation of these interactions that has been offered in the literature, and argues for a closer link between the more traditional account in terms of concept intensions, and the parameters that emerge from the fitting of the Quantum Probability model.
THE METAPHOR OF THE ARCHITECT IN DARWIN: CHANCE AND FREE WILL
Authors: Noguera‐Solano Ricardo
Published: November 2013

In The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication, published in 1868, Darwin used the metaphor of the architect to argue in favor of natural autonomy and to clarify the role of chance in his theory of adaptive change by variation and natural selection. In this article, I trace the history of this important heuristic instrument in Darwin's writings and letters and suggest that this metaphor was important to Darwin because it helps him to explain the role of chance, and gives an argument in favor of the free will.
THE RELEVANCE OF EMERGENCE THEORY IN THE SCIENCE–RELIGION DIALOGUE
Authors: Leidenhag Mikael
Published: November 2013

In this article, I call into question the relevance of emergence theories as presently used by thinkers in the science–religion discussion. Specifically, I discuss theories of emergence that have been used by both religious naturalists and proponents of panentheism. I argue for the following conclusions: (1) If we take the background theory to be metaphysical realism, then there seems to be no positive connection between the reality of emergent properties and the validity of providing reality with a religious interpretation, though one could perhaps construe an argument for the positive ontological status of emergence as a negative case for a religious worldview. (2) To be considered more plausible, religious naturalism should interpret religious discourse from the perspective of pragmatic realism. (3) Panentheistic models of divine causality are unable to avoid ontological dualism. (4) It is not obvious that emergent phenomena and/or properties are nonreducible in the ontological sense of the terms; indeed, the tension between weak and strong emergence makes it difficult for the emergentist to make ontological judgments. My general conclusion is that the concept of emergence has little metaphysical significance in the dialogue between science and theology.
GUILT AND THE SCIENCE OF EMOTION: HOW DOES PRAYER FIT?
Authors: Tsakiridis George
Published: November 2013

This article engages sources regarding evolutionary development of guilt (Richard Joyce's The Evolution of Morality, Jesse Prinz's Gut Reactions, and others) and how they can be used to dialogue with material on the alleviation of guilt in the Christian tradition using examples in the work of Anselm of Canterbury and John Chrysostom. This raises a few key questions. If guilt is an evolutionary trait created to build reputation and relationship, how does this mesh with some theological approaches to solutions for guilt? To be more precise, guilt possibly evolved to create a motivation for beneficial communal actions, and necessitates belief in the authority of the rules that one breaks to induce it. That said, does religion play a role in awareness of one's guilt, while also providing a solution to that guilt? The possibilities are explored in this article as they relate to issues of repentance, atonement, and prayer.
Nonlinear Compensators of Exhaust Gas Recirculation and Variable Geometry Turbocharger Systems using Air Path Models for a CRDI Diesel Engine
Authors: Park Yeongseop , Park Inseok , Lee Joowon , Min Kyunghan , Sunwoo Myoungho
Published: November 2013

This paper investigates the design of model-based feedforward compensators for exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) systems using air path models for a common-rail direct injection (CRDI) diesel engine to cope with the nonlinear control problem. The model-based feedforward compensators generate set-positions of the EGR valve and the VGT vane to track the desired mass air flow (MAF) and manifold absolute pressure (MAP) with consideration of the current engine operating conditions. In the best case, the rising time to reach 90% of the MAF set-point was reduced by 69.8% compared with the look-up table based feedforward compensators.
Monte Carlo calculations for reference dosimetry of electron beams with the PTW Roos and NE2571 ion chambers
Authors: Muir B. R. , Rogers D. W. O.
Published: November 2013

Purpose:

To investigate recommendations for reference dosimetry of electron beams and gradient effects for the NE2571 chamber and to provide beam quality conversion factors using Monte Carlo simulations of the PTW Roos and NE2571 ion chambers.

Methods:

The EGSnrc code system is used to calculate the absorbed dose‐to‐water and the dose to the gas in fully modeled ion chambers as a function of depth in water. Electron beams are modeled using realistic accelerator simulations as well as beams modeled as collimated point sources from realistic electron beam spectra or monoenergetic electrons. Beam quality conversion factors are calculated with ratios of the doses to water and to the air in the ion chamber in electron beams and a cobalt‐60 reference field. The overall ion chamber correction factor is studied using calculations of water‐to‐air stopping power ratios.

Results:

The use of an effective point of measurement shift of 1.55 mm from the front face of the PTW Roos chamber, which places the point of measurement inside the chamber cavity, minimizes the difference betweenR50, the beam quality specifier, calculated from chamber simulations compared to that obtained using depth‐dose calculations in water. A similar shift minimizes the variation of the overall ion chamber correction factor with depth to the practical range and reduces the root‐mean‐square deviation of a fit to calculated beam quality conversion factors at the reference depth as a function of R50. Similarly, an upstream shift of 0.34 rcav allows a more accurate determination of R50 from NE2571 chamber calculations and reduces the variation of the overall ion chamber correction factor with depth. The determination of the gradient correction using a shift of 0.22 rcav optimizes the root‐mean‐square deviation of a fit to calculated beam quality conversion factors if all beams investigated are considered. However, if only clinical beams are considered, a good fit to results for beam quality conversion factors is obtained without explicitly correcting for gradient effects. The inadequacy of R50 to uniquely specify beam quality for the accurate selection of kQ factors is discussed. Systematic uncertainties in beam quality conversion factors are analyzed for the NE2571 chamber and amount to between 0.4% and 1.2% depending on assumptions used.

Conclusions:

The calculated beam quality conversion factors for the PTW Roos chamber obtained here are in good agreement with literature data. These results characterize the use of an NE2571 ion chamber for reference dosimetry of electron beams even in low‐energy beams.
Measuring uncertainty in dose delivered to the cochlea due to setup error during external beam treatment of patients with cancer of the head and neck
Authors: Yan M. , Lovelock D. , Hunt M. , Mechalakos J. , Hu Y. , Pham H. , Jackson A.
Published: November 2013

Purpose:

To use Cone Beam CT scans obtained just prior to treatments of head and neck cancer patients to measure the setup error and cumulative dose uncertainty of the cochlea.

Methods:

Data from 10 head and neck patients with 10 planning CTs and 52 Cone Beam CTs taken at time of treatment were used in this study. Patients were treated with conventional fractionation using an IMRT dose painting technique, most with 33 fractions. Weekly radiographic imaging was used to correct the patient setup. The authors used rigid registration of the planning CT and Cone Beam CT scans to find the translational and rotational setup errors, and the spatial setup errors of the cochlea. The planning CT was rotated and translated such that the cochlea positions match those seen in the cone beam scans, cochlea doses were recalculated and fractional doses accumulated. Uncertainties in the positions and cumulative doses of the cochlea were calculated with and without setup adjustments from radiographic imaging.

Results:

The mean setup error of the cochlea was 0.04 ± 0.33 or 0.06 ± 0.43 cm for RL, 0.09 ± 0.27 or 0.07 ± 0.48 cm for AP, and 0.00 ± 0.21 or −0.24 ± 0.45 cm for SI with and without radiographic imaging, respectively. Setup with radiographic imaging reduced the standard deviation of the setup error by roughly 1–2 mm. The uncertainty of the cochlea dose depends on the treatment plan and the relative positions of the cochlea and target volumes. Combining results for the left and right cochlea, the authors found the accumulated uncertainty of the cochlea dose per fraction was 4.82 (0.39–16.8) cGy, or 10.1 (0.8–32.4) cGy, with and without radiographic imaging, respectively; the percentage uncertainties relative to the planned doses were 4.32% (0.28%–9.06%) and 10.2% (0.7%–63.6%), respectively.

Conclusions:

Patient setup error introduces uncertainty in the position of the cochlea during radiation treatment. With the assistance of radiographic imaging during setup, the standard deviation of setup error reduced by 31%, 42%, and 54% in RL, AP, and SI direction, respectively, and consequently, the uncertainty of the mean dose to cochlea reduced more than 50%. The authors estimate that the effects of these uncertainties on the probability of hearing loss for an individual patient could be as large as 10%.
Magnetic Resonance Angiography: Principles and Applications.
Authors: Dyke Lara M.
Published: November 2013

Magnetic Resonance Angiography: Principles and Applications. Carr J. C., Carroll T. J., Springer‐Verlag, Heidelberg/New York, 2012. 412 pp. Price $179.00. ISBN 978‐1‐4419‐1685‐3 (hardcover).
Measuring the refractive index of thin transparent films using an extended cavity diode laser
Authors: Luetjen Christopher , Hallsted Jonathan , Kleinert Michaela
Published: November 2013

We report on a novel method for determining refractive indices of thin layers of liquids or gases, based on the use of extended cavity diode lasers. Measurements for air, water, and vegetable oil show excellent agreement with accepted values. Applications in determining the refractive index of thin optical coatings and biological cells are discussed.
Evidence for High-Energy Extraterrestrial Neutrinos at the IceCube Detector
Authors:   IceCube Collaboration*
Published: November 2013

Extraterrestrial Neutrinos

Neutrinos are thought to be produced in astrophysical sources outside our solar system but, up until recently, they had only been observed from one supernova in 1987.

Aartsen
et al.

(
10.1126/science.1242856
; see the cover) report data obtained between 2010 and 2012 with the IceCube neutrino detector that reveal the presence of a high-energy neutrino flux containing the most energetic neutrinos ever observed, including 28 events at energies between 30 and 1200 TeV. Although the origin of this flux is unknown, the findings are consistent with expectations for a neutrino population with origins outside the solar system.
Imaging of a Circumsolar Dust Ring Near the Orbit of Venus
Authors: Jones M. H. , Bewsher D. , Brown D. S.
Published: November 2013

Venus' Orbit in STEREO

Around Earth's orbit there is a circumsolar dust ring composed of particles of cometary and asteroidal origin. Tenuous dust rings are believed to be commonly associated with planets, but—other than around Earth—have not been detected. Now,

Jones
et al.

(p.
960
) have used observations from the solar terrestrial relations observatory (STEREO) to map a dust ring associated with the orbit of Venus.
Chromosome Capture Brings It All Together
Authors: Kleckner Nancy , Zickler Denise , Witz Guillaume
Published: November 2013

A simple, robust model explains higher-order organization of mammalian chromosomes.

[Also see Research Article by

Naumova
et al.

]
Synapses, Language, and Being Human
Authors: Lieberman Philip
Published: November 2013

Two factors that control synapse formation in mammalian brain are associated with human language acquisition.

[Also see Report by

Sia
et al.

]
Cancer Therapies Use a Little Help From Microbial Friends
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: November 2013

Two teams have shown that it takes gut microbes to make three anticancer therapies most effective.
The Pathogenesis of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus Infection in Alpha/Beta Interferon Knockout Mice: Insights into the Pathologic Mechanisms of a New Viral Hemorrhagic Fever
Authors: Liu Yan , Wu Bin , Paessler Slobodan , Walker David H. , Tesh Robert B. , Yu Xue-jie
Published: November 2013

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is a newly discovered
Phlebovirus
causing an emerging hemorrhagic fever in East Asia, with reported case fatality rates up to 30%. Despite the high case fatality rate and large number of persons at risk of infection, the pathobiology of the disease is unknown, and no effective animal model has been available for investigating its pathogenesis. We have studied mice and hamsters as potential small-animal models of SFTSV infection following subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, or intracerebral inoculation. Animal tissues were processed for viral load determination, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and confocal microscopic studies. We found that immunocompetent adult mice and hamsters did not become ill after SFTSV infection. However, alpha/beta interferon receptor knockout (IFNAR
−/−
) mice were highly susceptible to SFTSV infection, and all mice died within 3 to 4 days after subcutaneous inoculation of 10
6
focus-forming units of SFTSV. Histologic examination of tissues of IFNAR
−/−
mice infected with SFTSV showed no detectable lesions. In contrast, by immunohistochemistry virus antigen was found in liver, intestine, kidney, spleen, lymphoid tissue, and brain, but not in the lungs. Mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen were the most heavily infected tissues. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) confirmed the presence of virus in these tissues. Confocal microscopy showed that SFTSV colocalized with reticular cells but did not colocalize with dendritic cells, monocytes/macrophages, neutrophils, or endothelium. Our results indicate that SFTSV multiplied in all organs except for lungs and that mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen were the most heavily infected tissues. The major target cells of SFTSV appear to be reticular cells in lymphoid tissues of intestine and spleen.
The Canarypox Virus Vector ALVAC Induces Distinct Cytokine Responses Compared to the Vaccinia Virus-Based Vectors MVA and NYVAC in Rhesus Monkeys
Authors: Teigler Jeffrey E. , Phogat Sanjay , Franchini Genoveffa , Hirsch Vanessa M. , Michael Nelson L. , Barouch Dan H.
Published: November 2013

Despite the growing use of poxvirus vectors as vaccine candidates for multiple pathogens and cancers, their innate stimulatory properties remain poorly characterized. Here we show that the canarypox virus-based vector ALVAC induced distinct systemic proinflammatory and antiviral cytokine and chemokine levels following the vaccination of rhesus monkeys compared to the vaccinia virus-based vectors MVA and NYVAC. These data suggest that there are substantial biological differences among leading poxvirus vaccine vectors that may influence resultant adaptive immune responses following vaccination.
Differential
In Vitro
Immortalization Capacity of Eleven, Probable High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Types
Authors: Schütze Denise M. , Snijders Peter J. F. , Bosch Leontien , Kramer Duco , Meijer Chris J. L. M. , Steenbergen Renske D. M.
Published: November 2013

Epidemiological studies identified 12 high-risk HPV (hrHPV) types and 8 probable/possible hrHPV types that display different cancer risks. Functional studies on transforming properties of hrHPV are mainly limited to HPV16 and -18, which induce immortalization of human foreskin keratinocytes (HFKs) by successive bypass of two proliferative life span barriers, senescence and crisis. Here, we systematically compared the
in vitro
immortalization capacities, as well as influences on p53, pRb, hTERT, growth behavior, and differentiation capacity, of nine hrHPV types (HPV16, -18, -31, -33, -35, -45, -51, -52, and -59), and two probable hrHPV types (HPV66 and -70). By retroviral transduction, the respective E6/E7 coding sequences were expressed in HFKs from two or three independent donors. Reduced p53 levels and low-level hTERT expression in early-passage cells, as seen in HPV16-, -31-, -33-, and -35-, and to a lesser extent HPV18-transduced HFKs, was associated with continuous growth and an increased immortalization capacity. Less frequent immortalization by HPV45 and -51 and immortalization by HPV66 and -70 was preceded by an intervening period of strongly reduced growth (crisis) without prior increase in hTERT expression. Immortalization by HPV59 was also preceded by a period crisis, despite the onset of low hTERT expression at early passage. HPV52 triggered an extended life span but failed to induce immortality. Variations in p53 and pRb levels were not correlated with differences in alternative E6/E7 mRNA splicing in all hrHPV-transduced HFKs. On collagen rafts, transductants showed disturbed differentiation reminiscent of precancerous lesions. In conclusion,
in vitro
oncogenic capacities differ between the established hrHPV types, and both some established and probable hrHPV types display weak or moderate immortalization potential.
Adenosine Deaminase Acts as a Natural Antagonist for Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4-Mediated Entry of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus
Authors: Raj V. Stalin , Smits Saskia L. , Provacia Lisette B. , van den Brand Judith M. A. , Wiersma Lidewij , Ouwendijk Werner J. D. , Bestebroer Theo M. , Spronken Monique I. , van Amerongen Geert , Rottier Peter J. M. , Fouchier Ron A. M. , Bosch Berend Jan , Osterhaus Albert D.M.E. , Haagmans Bart L.
Published: November 2013

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) replicates in cells of different species using dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) as a functional receptor. Here we show the resistance of ferrets to MERS-CoV infection and inability of ferret DDP4 to bind MERS-CoV. Site-directed mutagenesis of amino acids variable in ferret DPP4 thus revealed the functional human DPP4 virus binding site. Adenosine deaminase (ADA), a DPP4 binding protein, competed for virus binding, acting as a natural antagonist for MERS-CoV infection.
Global Bidirectional Transcription of the Epstein-Barr Virus Genome during Reactivation
Authors: O'Grady Tina , Cao Subing , Strong Michael J. , Concha Monica , Wang Xia , Splinter BonDurant Sandra , Adams Marie , Baddoo Melody , Srivastav Sudesh K. , Lin Zhen , Fewell Claire , Yin Qinyan , Flemington Erik K.
Published: November 2013

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation involves the ordered induction of approximately 90 viral genes that participate in the generation of infectious virions. Using strand-specific RNA-seq to assess the EBV transcriptome during reactivation, we found extensive bidirectional transcription extending across nearly the entire genome. In contrast, only 4% of the EBV genome is currently bidirectionally annotated. Most of the newly identified transcribed regions show little evidence of coding potential, supporting noncoding roles for most of these RNAs. Based on previous cellular long noncoding RNA size calculations, we estimate that there are likely hundreds more EBV genes expressed during reactivation than was previously known. Limited 5′ and 3′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) experiments and findings of novel splicing events by RNA-seq suggest that the complexity of the viral genome during reactivation may be even greater. Further analysis of antisense transcripts at some of the EBV latency gene loci showed that they are “late” genes, they are nuclear, and they tend to localize in areas of the nucleus where others find newly synthesized viral genomes. This raises the possibility that these transcripts perform functions such as new genome processing, stabilization, organization, etc. The finding of a significantly more complex EBV transcriptome during reactivation changes our view of the viral production process from one that is facilitated and regulated almost entirely by previously identified viral proteins to a process that also involves the contribution of a wide array of virus encoded noncoding RNAs.

IMPORTANCE
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a herpesvirus that infects the majority of the world's population, in rare cases causing serious disease such as lymphoma and gastric carcinoma. Using strand-specific RNA-seq, we have studied viral gene expression during EBV reactivation and have discovered hundreds more viral transcripts than were previously known. The finding of alternative splicing and the prevalence of overlapping transcripts indicate additional complexity. Most newly identified transcribed regions do not encode proteins but instead likely function as noncoding RNA molecules which could participate in regulating gene expression, gene splicing or even activities such as viral genome processing. These findings broaden the scope of what we need to consider to understand the viral manufacturing process. As more detailed studies are undertaken they will likely change the way we view this process as a whole.
Weekly sport practice and adolescent well-being
Authors: Merglen Arnaud , Flatz Aline , Bélanger Richard E , Michaud Pierre-André , Suris Joan-Carles
Published: November 2013

Objective

Sport practice is widely encouraged, both in guidelines and in clinical practice, because of its broad range of positive effects on health. However, very limited evidence directly supports this statement among adolescents and the sport duration that we should recommend remains unknown. We aimed to determine sport durations that were associated with poor well-being.

Methods

We conducted a survey including 1245 adolescents (16–20 years) from the general Swiss population. Participants were recruited from various settings (sport centres, peers of sport practicing adolescents, websites) and asked to complete a web-based questionnaire. Weekly sport practice was categorised into four groups: low (0–3.5 h), average (≈ recommended 7 h (3.6–10.5)), high (≈14 h (10.6–17.5)) and very high (>17.5 h). We assessed well-being using the WHO-5 Well-Being Index.

Results

Compared with adolescents in the average group, those in the very high group had a higher risk of poor well-being (OR 2.29 (95% CI 1.11 to 4.72)), as did those in the low group (OR 2.33 (1.58 to 3.44)). In contrast, those in the high group had a lower risk of poor well-being than those in the average group (OR 0.46 (0.23 to 0.93)).

Conclusions

We found an inverted, U-shaped relationship between weekly sport practice duration and well-being among adolescents. The peak scores of well-being were around 14 h per week of sport practice, corresponding to twice the recommended 7 h. Practicing higher sport durations was an independent risk factor of poor well-being.
Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity: prospective cohort study from Pakistan
Authors: Shaikh Abdul Sattar , Saleem Ali Faisal , Mohsin Shazia Samad , Alam Muhammad Matloob , Ahmed Mehnaz Atiq
Published: November 2013

Objectives

To identify anthracycline-induced acute (within 1 month) and early-onset chronic progressive (within 1 year) cardiotoxicity in children younger than 16 years of age with childhood malignancies at a tertiary care centre of Pakistan.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.

Participants

110 children (aged 1 month–16 years).

Intervention

Anthracycline (doxorubicin and/or daunorubicin).

Outcome measurements

All children who received anthracycline as chemotherapy and three echocardiographic evaluations (baseline, 1 month and 1 year) between July 2010 and June 2012 were prospectively analysed for cardiac dysfunction. Statistical analysis including systolic and diastolic functions at baseline, 1 month and 1 year was carried out by repeated measures analysis of variance.

Results

Mean age was 74±44 months and 75 (68.2%) were males. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia was seen in 70 (64%) patients. Doxorubicin alone was used in 59 (54%) and combination therapy was used in 35 (32%). A cumulative dose of anthracycline <300 mg/m2was used in 95 (86%). Fifteen (14%) children developed cardiac dysfunction within a month and 28 (25%) children within a year. Of these 10/15 (66.6%) and 12/28 (43%) had isolated diastolic dysfunction, respectively, while 5/15 (33.3%) and 16/28 (57%) had combined systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Seven (6.4%) patients expired due to severe cardiac dysfunction. Eight of 59 (13.5%) children showed dose-related cardiotoxicity (p=<0.001). Cardiotoxicity was also high when the combination of doxorubicin and daunorubicin was used (p=0.004).

Conclusions

Incidence of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity is high. Long-term follow-up is essential to diagnose its late manifestations.
Effects of different meal compositions after exercise on fat and carbohydrate oxidation in women with different levels of body fat
Authors: Bernardoni Brittney , Mitchell Nicole , Hughes Michael J. , Claytor Randal P. , Potteiger Jeffrey
Published: November 2013

We investigated the effects of consuming a high-carbohydrate meal (HC), high-fat meal (HF), or no meal (CON) following exercise on fat and carbohydrate oxidation (FAT-OX, CHO-OX) in women with differing levels of body fat. Healthy, physically active females were divided into a Lower Fat (<25% fat, n = 10) or Higher Fat (>25% fat, n = 9) group and tested on 4 occasions. During session 1, body composition and maximal oxygen consumption were determined. During 3 treatment sessions, subjects preformed treadmill exercise at 55% of maximal oxygen consumption until 350 kcal were expended. At 10 min postexercise subjects consumed a liquid meal standardized to provide energy equal to 20% of 24-h energy expenditure plus the 350 kcal of exercise. The HC meal comprised 64% carbohydrate, 21.6% fat, and 14.4% protein. The HF meal comprised 24% carbohydrate, 62% fat, and 14% protein. CON consisted of water equal to the meal volume. During exercise and 2 h postexercise, expired gases were collected to determine FAT-OX and CHO-OX. During exercise CHO-OX was a significantly higher for the Lower Fat group and FAT-OX was significantly higher for the Lower Fat group for each of the meal conditions. A significant difference was observed across meals (p < 0.05) for CHO-OX (first hour) and for CHO-OX and FAT-OX (second hour) postexercise. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between the Lower Fat and Higher Fat groups for either recovery period. In physically active females, the macronutrient composition of the postexercise meal affects substrate oxidation, but the level of body fat does not.
A review of the inferred geodynamic evolution of the Dharwar craton over the ca. 3.5–2.5 Ga period, and possible implications for global tectonics
Authors: Sunder Raju P.V. , Eriksson P.G. , Catuneanu O. , Sarkar S. , Banerjee S.
Published: November 2013

The geological history and evolution of the Dharwar craton from ca. 3.5–2.5 Ga is reviewed and briefly compared with a second craton, Kaapvaal, to allow some speculation on the nature of global tectonic regimes in this period. The Dharwar craton is divided into western (WDC) and eastern (EDC) parts (separated possibly by the Closepet Granite Batholith), based on lithological differences and inferred metamorphic and magmatic genetic events. A tentative evolution of the WDC encompasses an early, ca. 3.5 Ga protocrust possibly forming the basement to the ca. 3.35–3.2 Ga Sargur Group greenstone belts. The latter are interpreted as having formed through accretion of plume-related ocean plateaux. The approximately coeval Peninsular Gneiss Complex (PGC) was possibly sourced from beneath plateau remnants, and resulted in high-grade metamorphism of Sargur Group belts at ca. 3.13–2.96 Ga. At about 2.9–2.6 Ga, the Dharwar Supergroup formed, comprising lower Bababudan (largely braided fluvial and subaerial volcanic deposits) and upper Chitradurga (marine mixed clastic and chemical sedimentary rocks and subaqueous volcanics) groups. This supergroup is preserved in younger greenstone belts with two distinct magmatic events, at 2.7–2.6 and 2.58–2.54 Ga, the latter approximately coincident with ca. 2.6–2.5 Ga granitic magmatism which essentially completed cratonization in the WDC. The EDC comprises 2.7–2.55 Ga tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite (TTG) gneisses and migmatites, approximately coeval greenstone belts (dominated by volcanic lithologies), with minor inferred remnants of ca. 3.38–3.0 Ga crust, and voluminous 2.56–2.5 Ga granitoid intrusions (including the Closepet Batholith). An east-to-west accretion of EDC island arcs (or of an assembled arc – granitic terrane) onto the WDC is debated, with a postulate that the Closepet Granite accreted earlier onto the WDC as part of a “central Dharwar” terrane. A final voluminous granitic cratonization event is envisaged to have affected the entire, assembled Dharwar craton at ca. 2.5 Ga. When Dharwar evolution is compared with that of Kaapvaal, while possibly global magmatic events and freeboard–eustatic changes at ca. 2.7–2.5 Ga may be identified on both, the much earlier cratonization (by ca. 3.1 Ga) of Kaapvaal contrasts strongly with the ca. 2.5 Ga stabilization of Dharwar. From comparing only two cratons, it appears that genetic and chronologic relationships between mantle thermal and plate tectonic processes were complex on the Archaean Earth. The sizes of the Kaapvaal and Dharwar cratons might have been too limited yet to support effective thermal blanketing and thus accommodate Wilson Cycle onset. However, tectonically driven accretion and amalgamation appear to have predominated on both evolving cratons.
Maternally transmitted isotopes and their effects on larval fish: a validation of dual isotopic marks within a meta-analysis context
Authors: Starrs Danswell , Davis Jacqueline T. , Schlaefer Jodie , Ebner Brendan C. , Eggins Stephen M. , Fulton Christopher J.
Published: November 2013

Transgenerational marking enables mass-marking of larval fishes via transmission of enriched stable isotopes from mother to offspring, but potential impacts on the resultant progeny are poorly understood. We injected enriched stable isotopes (137Ba and87Sr) into female purple-spotted gudgeon, Mogurnda adspersa, to produce multiple batch markers and examined larval morphology at hatch as well as survival and growth to 31 days posthatch in marked and unmarked offspring. Transgenerational marking had minimal effects on larval growth and survival, whereas body depth at hatch was significantly reduced in marked larvae. A meta-analysis of transgenerational marking effects on larval morphology at hatch and growth rates across multiple fish species found a nonsignificant positive effect of enriched stable barium isotopes on larval morphology at hatch, but a significant negative effect on growth. There were no significant effects of strontium on morphology or growth. Meta-regression analysis revealed that larval size at hatch increased with the dose of injected stable barium isotopes, but this result should be interpreted cautiously. Because of high levels of between-study heterogeneity, we caution against assuming there are no effects of transgenerational marking on fish offspring; any such effects should be validated and incorporated into transgenerational marking studies of fish dispersal.
Structural phase transition of refractory metal carbides at high pressure
Authors: Diwan Bhoopendra Dhar
Published: November 2013

There has been significant concern in analyzing the structural stability, structural properties, and pressure-induced structural phase transition of refractory metal carbides, RC (R = Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, and Ta), by using the three-body force potential model calculation modified approach. The more accurate description of the interionic spacing (r0) suggests that the interactions considered in the present computation are capable of correctly predicting the structural properties of these materials. In the preset paper, we have investigated the relative stability of the two competitive phases of metal carbides and discussed the possible phase transitions from its parental NaCl (B1) type phase to its most stable CsCl (B2) type phase in the pressure range 344–572 GPa. The computed interionic spacing (r0) and phase transition pressures (PT) are in reasonable agreement with the other reported data.
Temperature dependence of charge carrier ranges in stabilized a-Se photoconductors
Authors: Fogal Bud , Kasap Safa
Published: November 2013

Using time-of-flight (TOF) and interrupted-field TOF we have measured the electron and hole drift mobilities, μe and μh, lifetimes, τe and τh, and hence carrier ranges, μeτe and μhτh, in stabilized a-Se as a function of temperature from −25 to 45 °C. Above room temperature, μeτe and μhτh show a slight increase with temperature and peak around 31 and 35 °C, respectively. The μeτe at 35 °C and μhτh at 40 °C are approximately the same as room temperature values. Below room temperature, down to −25 °C, both μe and μh decrease with decreasing temperature with activation energies Eμe and Eμh that are 0.38 and 0.21 eV. The electron and hole lifetimes, τe and τh, are also thermally activated but they increase with decreasing temperature with activation energies Eτe and Eτh that are 0.31 and 0.18 eV. These are quite close to corresponding activation energies for the drift mobilities within experimental errors. The electron and hole ranges, μeτe and μhτh, therefore exhibit only a weak temperature dependence, both increase slightly with temperature. These observations are consistent with shallow trap controlled transport in the presence of a set of deep traps. The X-ray sensitivity of a photoconductor, among other factors, depends on the charge collection efficiency, which depends on electron and hole ranges, μeτe and μhτh. Because these carrier ranges do not show any significant temperature dependence, one can conclude that the X-ray sensitivity of stabilized a-Se over the temperature range from −25 to 40 °C should not be affected by changes in the collection efficiency.
ADAPTIVE FULL STATE HYBRID PROJECTIVE SYNCHRONIZATION IN THE IDENTICAL AND DIFFERENT CYQY HYPER-CHAOTIC SYSTEMS
Authors: LI PI , WANG XING-YUAN , WEI NA , JIANG SI-HUI , WANG XIU-KUN
Published: November 2013

This paper further investigates the adaptive full state hybrid projective synchronization (FSHPS) of hyper-chaotic systems — CYQY system with fully unknown parameters and perturbations. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory, adaptive controllers and updating laws of parameters can be designed for achieving the FSHPS of the CYQY hyper-chaotic systems with the same and different structures. Two groups numerical simulations are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
EFFECT OF ETCHING TIME ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF LOW RESISTIVITY POROUSSiDEVICES
Authors: ISMAIL RAID A.
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we report the effect of etching time on the morphological, structural and electrical properties of porous silicon ( PSi ) synthesized by electrochemical anodization of low resistivity p-type crystalline silicon at current density of 15 mA/cm2. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements showed that the square root of roughness is increased with etching time. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigations revealed that the microstructure of porous silicon is varying with etching time and pores from nano-size to micro-size were formed. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis confirmed that the amount of oxygen increases with etching time. Porosity and thickness estimated gravimetrically showed a dependence on the anodization time. The room temperature dark electrical resistivity of porous silicon has observed to be increased with etching time. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of synthesized porous silicon has shown peaks of C 1s, Si 2p, O 1s, F 1s and N 1s. Current–voltage (I–V) characteristics of synthesized Al / PSi /c -Si junctions prepared at different etching times are investigated and analyzed. The ideality factor, barrier height and built-in potential of porous silicon junctions were strongly found to be dependent on the etching time.