bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A polymorphic indel containing the RS3 microsatellite in the 5′ flanking region of the vasopressin V1a receptor gene is associated with chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) personality
Authors: Hopkins W. D. , Donaldson Z. R. , Young L. J.
Published: April 2012

Vasopressin is a neuropeptide that has been strongly implicated in the development and evolution of complex social relations and cognition in mammals. Recent studies in voles have shown that polymorphic variation in the promoter region of the arginine vasopressin V1a receptor gene (avpr1a) is associated with different dimensions of sociality. In humans, variation in a repetitive sequence element in the 5′ flanking region of the AVPR1A, known as RS3, have also been associated with variation in AVPR1a gene expression, brain activity and social behavior. Here, we examined the association of polymorphic variation in this same 5′ flanking region of the AVPR1A on subjective ratings of personality in a sample of 83 chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). Initial analyses indicated that 34 females and 19 males were homozygous for the short allele, which lacks RS3 (DupB−/−), while 18 females and 12 males were heterozygous and thus had one copy of the long allele containing RS3 (DupB+/−), yielding overall allelic frequencies of 0.82 for the DupB− allele and 0.18 for the DupB+ allele. DupB+/+ chimpanzees were excluded from the analysis because of the limited number of individuals. Results indicated no significant sex difference in personality between chimpanzees homozygous for the deletion of the RS3‐containing DupB region (DupB−/−); however, among chimpanzees carrying one allele with the DupB present (DupB+/−), males had significantly higher dominance and lower conscientiousness scores than females. These findings are the first evidence showing that the AVPR1A gene plays a role in different aspects of personality in male and female chimpanzees.
Self‐reported cost‐prohibitive dental care needs among Canadians
Authors: Ramraj C , Quiñonez CR
Published: April 2012

Abstract:  Objectives:  To explore self‐reported cost‐prohibitive dental treatment needs among Canadians.

Methods:  Data were collected through a national telephone interview survey of 1006 randomly selected Canadian adults. Descriptive analyses based on socio‐demographic characteristics and dental‐related behaviours were undertaken. Logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of experiencing a cost‐prohibitive dental care need. Chi‐square tests were used to determine significant differences in the treatments reported as unaffordable by socio‐demographic characteristics and dental‐related behaviours.

Results:  Those of low income, no insurance coverage and poor self‐rated oral health were more likely to report having a cost‐prohibitive dental care need. The top needs reported as unaffordable were fillings, cleanings and check‐ups. Comparatively, preventive services were selected as cost‐prohibitive more often by the insured, dentures by the oldest group and extractions by those with a high school education or less.

Conclusions:  This study confirms that there are significant relationships between socio‐demographic factors, dental‐related behaviours and the types of dental services that are selected as unaffordable. Indirectly, this shows us how socio‐demographic factors may influence the types of dental services that are reported as ‘needed’ by certain groups. Difficulties in distinguishing between the services that are ‘needed’ from and those that are ‘wanted’ demonstrate some of the policy complexity associated with publicly financed dental care.
Distal arthrogryposis: clinical and genetic findings
Authors: Kimber Eva , Tajsharghi Homa , Kroksmark Anna‐Karin , Oldfors Anders , Tulinius Már
Published: April 2012

Aim:  Distal arthrogryposis is characterized by congenital contractures predominantly in hands and feet. Mutations in sarcomeric protein genes are involved in several types of distal arthrogryposis. Our aim is to describe clinical and molecular genetic findings in individuals with distal arthrogryposis and evaluate the genotype‐phenotype correlation.

Method:  We investigated 39 patients from 21 families. Clinical history, including neonatal findings, joint involvement and motor function, was documented. Clinical examination was performed including evaluation of muscle strength. Molecular genetic investigations were carried out in 19 index cases. Muscle biopsies from 17 patients were analysed.

Results:  A pathogenic mutation was found in six families with 19 affected family members with autosomal dominant inheritance and in one child with sporadic occurrence. In three families and in one child with sporadic form, the identified mutation was de novo. Muscle weakness was found in 17 patients. Ambulation was affected in four patients and hand function in 28. Fourteen patients reported pain related to muscle and joint affection.

Conclusion:  The clinical findings were highly variable between families and also within families. Mutations in the same gene were found in different syndromes suggesting varying clinical penetrance and expression, and different gene mutations were found in the same clinical syndrome demonstrating genetic heterogeneity.
Establishing desirable fortificant levels for calcium, iron and zinc in foods for infant and young child feeding: examples from three Asian countries
Authors: Gibbs Michelle M. , Carriquiry Alicia L. , Capanzana Mario V. , Gibson Rosalind S.
Published: April 2012

We used the World Health Organization's recommended procedures to establish desirable fortificant levels for three problem micronutrients in children's diets, based on dietary data collected earlier from Filipino (n = 1374; 6–36 months), Mongolian (n = 179; 12–36 months) and Cambodian (n = 177; 12–36 months) children. Prevalence of inadequate and excessive intakes of calcium and zinc (via cut‐point method) and iron (via full‐probability approach) was assessed after adjusting usual intake distributions with pc‐side using internal or external within‐person variances from Filipino (calcium and iron) and US National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey III (zinc) national surveys. Fortificant levels were determined by repositioning usual intake distributions so that the 2.5th percentile of the targeted populations equalled the estimated average requirement (calcium, zinc) or so that full‐probability prevalence was no larger than 2.5% (iron). Prevalence of inadequate intakes was ≥70% for calcium and iron, except Filipino infants (30% for Ca) and Cambodian toddlers (41% for Fe); but <1% for zinc for toddlers in Mongolia and 20% in Cambodia. Prevalence of excessive intakes was <1% for zinc, calcium and iron, except for Mongolian toddlers (11% for Zn). Desirable fortificant levels, although apparently negligible for zinc, were 530–783 mg for calcium and 10.8–22.8 mg for iron (per 100 g). Fortificant levels can be estimated from 24‐h recalls, preferably by applying internal within‐person variances. Fortification with calcium and iron was necessary, but seemingly not for zinc, despite a high prevalence of low serum zinc, suggesting the need for better defined cut‐offs for population risk of zinc deficiency based on dietary zinc intake and/or serum zinc.
Site‐directed mutagenesis and spectral studies suggest a putative role of FurA from Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 as a heme sensor protein
Authors: Pellicer Silvia , González Andrés , Peleato M. Luisa , Martinez Jesús I. , Fillat María F. , Bes M. Teresa
Published: April 2012

The transcriptional repressor Fur (ferric uptake regulator) is one of the most important switches regulating prokaryotic iron metabolism. Cyanobacterial FurA binds heme in the micromolar concentration range and this interaction negatively affects its in vitro DNA binding ability in a concentration‐dependent manner. Using site‐directed mutagenesis along with difference absorption UV–visible, circular dichroism and electronic paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies, we further analyse the nature of heme binding in FurA. Our data point to Cys141, within a Cys‐Pro motif, as an axial ligand of the Fe(III) high‐spin heme. In the Fe(II) oxidation state, the heme shows low‐spin form with an electronic absorption spectrum typical of six‐coordinated low‐spin heme proteins with a Soret absorption maximum blue‐shifted by 25 nm in relation to typical low‐spin thiolate‐ligated Fe(II) heme proteins. Moreover, the ferrous C141S mutant shows Soret, α and β bands almost identical to those observed for ferrous wild‐type heme–FurA, indicating that the heme in ferrous C141S is in the same six‐coordinated heme ligation as the ferrous native form. Therefore, Cys141 is not a ligand of the Fe(II) heme centre, suggesting a redox‐dependent ligand switch undergone by this regulator. Our results indicate that the binding of heme to FurA exhibits the same physicochemical features as previously described for heme sensor proteins.
Regional anaesthesia with sedation protocol to safely debride sacral pressure ulcers
Authors: O'Neill Daniel K , Robins Bryan , Ayello Elizabeth A , Cuff Germaine , Linton Patrick , Brem Harold
Published: April 2012

A treatment challenge for patients with sacral pressure ulcers is balancing the need for adequate surgical debridement with appropriate anaesthesia management. We are functioning under the hypothesis that regional anaesthesia has advantages over general anaesthesia. We describe our regional anaesthesia protocol for perioperative and postoperative management.
Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy in a patient receiving oxaliplatin‐based chemotherapy
Authors: YOON Ju Young , NAM Tai Seung , KIM Myeong Kyu , HWANG Jun Eul , SHIM Hyun‐Jeong , CHO Sang Hee , CHUNG Ik Joo , BAE Woo Kyun
Published: April 2012

We report a case of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP) that developed in a patient with cholangiocarcinoma after receiving oxaliplatin‐based chemotherapy. A 62‐year‐old man had multiple hypodense lesions with delayed enhancement in the both lobes of the liver on abdominal computed tomography. He was treated with 5‐fluorouracil, leucovorin and oxaliplatin (100 mg/m2). After eight cycles of treatment and a cumulative oxaliplatin dose of 780 mg/m2, he developed an unsteady gait, dysphagia, weakness of both the upper and lower limbs and impairment of all sensory modalities. Nerve conduction studies confirmed the diagnosis of AIDP. Immunoglobulin G i.v. was administered for 5 days but the neurological deficits of both his upper and lower limbs did not improve. This case highlights unusual peripheral nervous system manifestations in a patient who received chemotherapy with oxaliplatin.
FUNCTIONAL PARENTING AND DYSFUNCTIONAL ABORTION POLICY: REFORMING PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT LEGISLATION*
Authors: Manian Maya
Published: April 2012

Abortion‐related parental involvement mandates raise important family law issues about the scope of parents' power over their children's intimate decisions. While there has been extensive scholarly attention paid to the problems with parental involvement laws, relatively little has been said about strategies for reforming these laws. This article suggests using insights from family law relating to functional parenthood and third party caregiving as a basis for crafting more capacious methods of ensuring adult guidance for teenage girls facing an unplanned pregnancy. Recent developments in family law bolster the case for reforming parental involvement legislation to allow teenagers to consult with designated adults other than parents or judges. Enlisting other trusted members of the community to assist pregnant teenagers should assuage those who want to guarantee that adolescents consult with an adult in a time of crisis, while also protecting teenagers who reasonably fear discussing pregnancy with their parents.

Key Points for the Family Court Community:

Many scholars have noted that abortion‐related parental involvement mandates are in need of reform, but relatively little has been said about strategies for reforming these laws.

Insights from family law relating to functional parenthood and third party caregiving provide a sound basis for reform, particularly by bolstering the case for rewriting parental involvement legislation to allow teenagers to consult with designated adults other than parents or judges.

Enlisting other trusted members of the community to assist pregnant teenagers serves the dual goals of (i) assuaging those who want to guarantee that adolescents consult with an adult in a time of crisis, and (ii) protecting teenagers who reasonably fear discussing pregnancy with their parents.
ACTUALIZING INTIMATE PARTNERSHIP THEORY
Authors: Kelly Alicia Brokars
Published: April 2012

This article offers concrete ways to modernize and advance existing laws governing the economics of couple relationships through fuller development and implementation of a “partnership of equals” theory. This is much needed because contemporary law does not adequately protect against financial vulnerabilities produced by partnering, and does not fairly share its benefits. As a result, law contributes to inequalities across a range of groups: between men and women; between cohabitants and married couples; and between same sex and opposite sex couples. Accordingly, I recommend a shift in law's foundation and application. Couple's law should be based on economic sharing behavior, broadly and specifically defined to include decision making as well as labor contributions, and should apply to unmarried as well as married couples. Further, law must recognize that sharing activities often importantly shape each partner's financial situation, including, to an extent, earning power. Drawing on this foundation, I describe specific ways to actualize these principles in legal practice, focusing on when couples break up. Economic advantages and disadvantages that were developed jointly should be shared. At the same time, however, some financial resources are not or are not completely shaped by partnering. In addition, sharing patterns can vary, with the vast majority of married couples being strongly economically intertwined and cohabitants being widely variable. So, for all intimate partnerships, I propose that the legal standard should be an assessment of the degree of economic interdependence in the relationship with resulting rules for sharing property and income streams that vary accordingly. As ripe arenas for extending the reach of the partnership model I offer, for married couples, I focus on alimony and the recent push for guidelines and caps, and for cohabitants, I briefly consider support obligations and the nascent shift in U.S. law toward a joint property regime.

Key Points for Family Court Community:

Develops and modernizes theory of partnership of equals.

Critiques family law for inadequate response to couples’ sharing behaviors and it effects.

Critiques family law for contributing to inequality between men and women; cohabitants and spouses; and same sex and opposite sex couples.

Proposes integration of partnership sharing rules to alimony.

Proposes integration of partnership sharing rules to cohabitants.

Maps practitioner arguments for drawing on partnership within existing laws.

Updates current rules and trends in couple's law.
OVERCOMING THE MARITAL PRESUMPTION*
Authors: Jacobs Melanie B.
Published: April 2012

Parentage law is heavily influenced by the number “two.” The traditional paradigm of one mother and one father, especially a married mother and father, has been a bedrock of Western society. In recent decades, however, the traditional two parent paradigm has started to erode and courts have responded. For example, some courts have held that a child can have two legal parents of the same sex. In other cases, a child has been deemed to have just one legal parent and yet in others, even three legal parents. These cases highlight shifts within the law of parentage that have occurred as the nuclear family has decreased in prominence and as the use of assisted reproductive technologies has changed the ways in which families are created. I have previously advocated for the expansion of legal parentage to persons not traditionally considered a legal parent, such as the lesbian partner of a legal mother. I have also suggested that, in limited circumstances, courts consider conferring legal parentage in more than two adults who are raising a child including recognizing that a child might have two fathers. In my home state of Michigan, the traditional two parent paradigm is firmly entrenched as illustrated, in part, by the state's strict marital presumption, which does not permit a putative father the ability to challenge the husband's paternity. About one‐fifth of U.S. jurisdictions have a similarly strict marital presumption. In this short essay, I criticize the lingering marital presumption and use the critique to illustrate broader inconsistencies within the law of parentage. I also make some modest suggestions for parentage law reform.

Key Points for the Family Law Community:

Family law should embrace changing family forms and recognize more than two legal parents for some children.

The marital presumption, while historically expedient, should be replaced with an intent and function based assumption of parentage.
Beach Morphodynamics in Australia 1970s–2010
Authors: SHORT ANDREW D.
Published: April 2012

A seminal publication by Wright and Thom on coastal morphodynamics followed by a detailed yet expansive range of beach field experiments resulted in the publication of Wright and Short, which presented a fresh morphodynamic approach to the study of beaches. The development of the morphodynamic approach to coastal systems had its origin at Louisiana State University in the 1960–1970s, where Thom, Wright, and Short were students during this period. On their respective returns to Australia in the 1970s, they utilised the vast Australian coastal environment to apply this approach across a wide range of coastal settings and time frames developing the now universal wave‐dominated beach model, followed later by tide‐modified and tide‐dominated beach models, as well as a fresh approach to dunes, barriers, estuaries, and the shoreface. This paper reviews the emergence of the morphodynamic approach in Australia and its subsequent impacts.
Who will have the ‘guts’ to quantify the decline in surgical skills of older surgeons?
Authors: Browning G.G.
Published: April 2012

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2012, 37, 147
Prevalence and severity of dental caries among American Indian and Alaska Native preschool children
Authors: Phipps Kathy R. , Ricks Timothy L. , Manz Michael C. , Blahut Patrick
Published: April 2012

Objectives: To describe the Indian Health Service (IHS) oral health surveillance system and the oral health status of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children aged 1‐5 years.

Methods: A stratified probability sample of IHS/tribal sites was selected. Children were screened by trained examiners at community‐based locations including medical clinics, Head Start, preschools, kindergarten, and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Data collection was limited to the primary dentition and included number of teeth present plus number of teeth with cavitated lesions, restorations, and extracted because of decay. Number of molars with sealants and urgency of need for dental care data were also obtained. Statistical analyses were performed with SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Sample weights were used to produce population estimates based on selection probabilities.

Results: A total of 8,461 AI/AN children 12‐71 months of age were screened at 63 IHS/tribal sites, approximately 7 percent of the estimated IHS user population of the same age. Overall, 54 percent of the children had decay experience, 39 percent had untreated decay, 7 percent had primary molar sealants, 36 percent needed early or urgent dental care, and 6 percent needed urgent dental care. The mean of decayed, missing, or filled teeth was 3.5 (95 percent confidence interval, 3.1‐3.9). The prevalence of decay experience increased with age; 21 percent of 1‐year‐olds and 75 percent of 5‐year‐olds had a history of caries. When stratified by IHS area, there were substantial differences in the oral health of preschool children.

Conclusions: The results confirm that in the United States, AI/AN children served by IHS/tribal programs are one of the racial/ethnic groups at highest risk of caries.
Inflammasome polymorphisms confer susceptibility to sporadic malignant melanoma
Authors: Verma Deepti , Bivik Cecilia , Farahani Ensieh , Synnerstad Ingrid , Fredrikson Mats , Enerbäck Charlotta , Rosdahl Inger , Söderkvist Peter
Published: April 2012

Genetic variants of NLRP3 and NLRP1 are known to modulate levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)‐1β. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of NLRP3/NLRP1 polymorphisms with susceptibility and clinical features of malignant melanoma in a Swedish case–control study. Common variants in NLRP3/NLRP1 were investigated in sporadic malignant melanoma patients and healthy controls followed by analysis using logistic regression. NLRP3 variant (rs35829419) was significantly more common in male patients than in controls (OR, 2.22; CI, 1.27–3.86). Upon stratification, significant association with nodular melanoma was observed (OR, 2.89; CI, 1.33–6.30), which intensified in male patients (OR 4.03, CI 1.40–11.59). The NLRP1 variant (rs12150220) was significantly more common in fair‐skinned female patients (OR, 1.85; CI, 1.04–3.33) and showed strong associations with nodular melanoma (OR, 6.03; CI, 1.33–25). Our data suggest that NLRP3/NLRP1 polymorphisms are associated with melanoma susceptibility; these findings warrant validation in other independent populations.
Light on the Horizont: biologicals in Behçet uveitis
Authors: Hazirolan Dicle , Stübiger Nicole , Pleyer Uwe
Published: April 2012

Relapsing ocular involvement is one of the major manifestations in Behçet disease (BD). When ocular BD is left untreated, it often results in blindness in <5 years. Combining systemic corticosteroids with cyclosporine A and other conventional immune modulating agents has been the only choice for treatment. More recently, the introduction of ‘biologics’ seems to be an effective therapy in patients affected with BD, especially in those with ocular disease. Our purpose was to survey the current knowledge regarding the biological therapeutic approaches for Behçet uveitis. We focused on the most commonly used biological agents: ‘tumor necrosis factor‐alpha antagonists’ and ‘interferon alpha’. We attempted to compare the effectiveness of these two biologicals and tried to balance on the pros and cons of these agents in clinical practice. The impressive efficacy of both approaches in sight‐threatening BD argues for their expanding role. Earlier introduction of these agents in the course of disease may prevent irreversible structural damage and may result in improved long‐term prognosis.
Bone marrow cells and CD117‐positive haematopoietic stem cells promote corneal wound healing
Authors: Sel Saadettin , Schilling Ulf M. , Nass Norbert , Simm Andreas , Garreis Fabian , Knak Matthias , Storsberg Joachim , Kaiser Maja , Kalinski Thomas , Ehrich Dirk , Bredehorn‐Mayr Timm , Paulsen Friedrich
Published: April 2012

Purpose:  The present study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effects of topically applied bone marrow (BM) cells and CD117‐positive haematopoietic stem (CD117+) cells on alkali‐induced corneal ulcers.

Methods:  Bone marrow cells and CD117+ cells were isolated from syngenic mice and labelled with an intracellular cell tracer. Defined corneal wounds were produced in 89 eyes of syngenic mice and allowed to partially heal in vivo for 6 hr. The alkali‐burned eyes were enucleated 6 hr postinjury and randomly divided into three groups. Control group (33 eyes) was incubated with medium only. The treatment groups received either BM cells (30 eyes) or CD117+ cells (26 eyes) suspended in medium. Re‐epithelialization process of corneal defects was qualitatively and quantitatively assessed and statistically analysed. The corneas were examined by histological and immunohistochemical methods.

Results:  We found that the re‐epithelialization of corneal wounds in both treatment groups was significantly accelerated as compared to the control group. During the follow‐up period (85 hr), the corneal transparency was comparable in all groups. Morphological investigations of corneas from control and treatment group showed no evident differences in the phenotype of the regenerated epithelium. Additionally, corneas in the treatment groups were devoid of donor‐derived BM cells and CD117+ cells, respectively.

Conclusions:  This study provides evidence that topical application of BM cells or CD117+ cells can be used to reconstruct corneal surfaces. Because neither BM cells nor CD117+ cells were integrated into the corneal epithelium, we suggest that soluble factors could be responsible for the positive effect of BM cells and CD117+ cells on corneal wound healing.
Optimal Dosages of Fluoxetine in the Treatment of Hypoxic Brain Injury Induced by 3‐Nitropropionic Acid: Implications for the Adjunctive Treatment of Patients after Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Zhu Bing‐Gen , Sun Yan , Sun Zhi‐Qi , Yang Guang , Zhou Cheng‐Hao , Zhu Rong‐Shen
Published: April 2012

Aim

The serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine (Flx) has tried to treat patients suffered acute ischemic stroke because of its possible neuroprotective actions. However, besides the neuroprotective effect, Flx at high concentration also induces some actions in contradiction to neuroprotection in the brain. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether Flx presents neuroprotective effect against 3‐nitropropionic acid (3‐NP)‐induced hypoxic brain injury, and what is the most suitable dosage of Flx.

Methods

Mouse model was established by subacute systemic administration of 3‐NP. Rotarod and pole tests were used to evaluate motor deficit. The oxidative stress and oxidative DNA damage were assessed respectively by measuring malondialdehyde and 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine content in brain homogenates.

Results

According to measurements in the rotarod test, 7 days pretreatment plus 5 days treatment of Flx at low (2.5 mg/kg/day) and, to a lesser degree, medium (5 mg/kg/day) doses exerted a rapid and strong protection against the neurotoxicity induced by 3‐NP, whereas Flx at high dose (10mg/kg/day) showed a much late and light effect. Similarly, in the pole test, Flx at 2.5 mg/kg/day had the strongest protective effects. Again, only Flx administration at 2.5 mg/kg/day canceled out the enhancement of malondialdehyde and 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine in striatum following 3‐NP neurotoxication.

Conclusions

Flx attenuated the motor deficits induced by 3‐NP in a dose‐dependent manner. In contrary to the high dose, Flx at the lower doses had a more remarkable effect against 3‐NP insult, similar to acute ischemic stroke.
Effect of Intravesical Prostatic Protrusion on the Characteristics of Lower Urinary Tract Symptom Change after 12‐Week Drug Medication: A Prospective Analysis
Authors: PARK Hyoung Keun , CHOO Gwoan Youb , CHUNG Hong , PAICK Sung Hyun , KIM Hyeong Gon , KIM Hong Sup , LHO Yong Soo , HONG Woo Sung , YANG Sang‐Kuk
Published: April 2012

Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify whether intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP) is related to the characteristics of voiding symptoms improvement after drug treatment in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients.

Methods: Ninety male patients with more than 30 g prostate volume were prospectively enrolled. All patients were evaluated with International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS), uroflowmetry, postvoid residual urine (PVR), prostate volume and IPP measurement by transrectal ultrasound. Treatment response was evaluated again by IPSS after 12 weeks of medication. We evaluated the correlation of IPP and IPSS, quality of life (QoL) score, maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) and PVR, and compared IPPS and IPSS subscale score change between the IPP and non‐IPP groups.

Results: IPP was significantly correlated with total IPSS, voiding/storage symptom subscore and PVR. IPP was inversely correlated with Qmax. IPP showed a significant correlation with storage symptoms after an adjustment of prostate volume. After 12 weeks of medication, the IPP group showed persistently high storage symptoms than the non‐IPP group.

Conclusion: BPH patients with IPP showed less improvement of storage symptoms after 12 weeks of medication. This study suggests that IPP may be a possible cause of intractable storage symptoms in early treatment.
Negative affect among undergraduates: Why are higher levels reported by Asian students?
Authors: Found Andrew , Cheong Hoi Ieng , Duarte Carlos
Published: April 2012

Introduction

The higher level of negative affect reported by Asian undergraduates was investigated in relation to a range of demographic and other factors.

Methods

A survey of 279 Chinese undergraduates in Macau measured negative affect using the Chinese version of the short form of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS‐21).

Results

High levels of negative affect among Asian respondents were confirmed. No significant difference related to gender, year of study and origin (local to Macau or from Mainland China) was evident. However, living circumstances, difficulties in making friends, language issues, financial concerns and perceived lack of parental support were identified as exerting a significant influence on levels of negative affect.

Discussion

These results indicate a cross‐cultural difference in levels of negative affect with clinical implications.
Rural Community Perspectives on Preparedness and Adaptation to Climate‐Change and Demographic Pressure
Authors: Mayagoitia Laura , Hurd Brian , Rivera José , Guldan Steve
Published: April 2012

This study investigates local‐scale adaptation and long‐run capacity building in acequia communities in Northern New Mexico, where there is a long record of resilience and adaptive capacity spanning more than four centuries. These communities may be particularly vulnerable to current stresses from population growth, changing community composition, and projections of water scarcity that are expected to accompany long‐run climatic changes. This paper uses a survey approach to explore factors and community characteristics that contribute to community adaptation, the level and extent of community preparedness, and the preferred community actions to cope with stresses and disturbances. Key findings suggest that land ownership and acequias’ attachment to water and community have helped these communities cope with environmental and community‐based stresses. Results showed divided opinions regarding the degree of “perceived preparedness” and “perceived vulnerability” to disturbances such as population change and growth, aggressive regional development, economic hardships, and droughts.
Estimating Impulsive Loads in Duffing's Equation Using Two Methods
Authors: Lin Dong-Cherng
Published: April 2012

This work determines the time-varying impulsive loads, called inputs, in a nonlinear system using two novel input estimation inverse algorithms. Both algorithms use the extended Kalman filter with two different recursive estimators to determine impulsive loads. The extended Kalman filter generates the residual innovation sequences. The estimators use the residual innovation sequences to evaluate the magnitudes and, therefore, the onset time histories of the impulsive loads. Based on the two regression equations, a recursive least-squares estimator with a tunable fading factor is called a conventional input estimation with an adaptive weighting fading factor called an adaptive weighting input estimation. Both are used to estimate on-line inputs involving measurement noise and modeling errors. Numerical simulations of a nonlinear system, Duffing’s equation, demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed methods. Simulation results show that the proposed methods accurately estimate impulsive loads, and the AWIE approach has superior robust estimation capability than the CIE method in the nonlinear system.
Use of Low/Mid-Temperature Solar Heat for Thermochemical Upgrading of Energy, Part II: A Novel Zero-Emissions Design (ZE-SOLRGT) of the Solar Chemically-Recuperated Gas-Turbine Power Generation System (SOLRGT) guided by its Exergy Analysis
Authors: Zhang Na , Lior Noam , Luo Chending
Published: April 2012

This paper adds an exergy analysis of the novel SOLRGT solar-assisted power generation system proposed and described in detail in Part I of this study (Zhang and Lior, 2012, “Use of Low/Mid-Temperature Solar Heat for Thermochemical Upgrading of Energy, Part I: Application to a Novel Chemically-Recuperated Gas-Turbine Power Generation (SOLRGT) System,” ASME J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power, Accepted. SOLRGT is an intercooled chemically recuperated gas turbine cycle, in which solar thermal energy collected at about 220 °C is first transformed into the latent heat of water vapor supplied to a reformer, and then via the reforming reactions to the produced syngas chemical exergy. This integration of this concept of indirect thermochemical upgrading of low/mid temperature solar heat has resulted in a high efficiency novel hybrid power generation system. In Part I it was shown that the solar-driven steam production helps improve both the chemical and thermal recuperation in the system, with both processes contributing to the overall efficiency improvement of about 5.6%-points above that of a comparable intercooled CRGT system without solar assist, and nearly 20% reduction of CO2 emissions. An economic analysis of SOLRGT predicted that the generated electricity cost by the system is about 0.06 $/kWh, and the payback period about 10.7 years (including two years of construction). The exergy analysis of SOLRGT in this (Part II) paper identified that the main potentials for efficiency improvement is in the combustion, the turbine and compressors, and in the flue gas due to its large water vapor content. Guided by this, an improved solar-assisted zero-emissions power generation system configuration with oxy-fuel combustion and CO2 capture, ZE-SOLRGT, is hereby proposed, in which the exergy losses associated with combustion and heat dumping to the environment are reduced significantly. The analysis predicts that this novel system with an 18% solar heat input share has a thermal efficiency of 50.7% and exergy efficiency of 53%, with ∼100% CO2 capture.
Numerical Investigations of the Gas Flow Inside the Bassoon
Authors: Richter Andreas
Published: April 2012

This work is devoted to the numerical investigation of the gas flow inside a bassoon while it is played. The digitized geometry for the simulations is taken from measurements using laser scan techniques in combination with image processing. Pressure time series measured at the bell and reed were used to define adequate boundaries. Additional pressure measurements inside the musical instrument helped to validate the calculations. With this approach, it was possible to model the characteristics of a bassoon which plays the lowest note. The results of the three-dimensional simulations showed that the acoustic velocities and the underlying mean flow exhibit the same order of magnitude. The calculations indicate that the flow in curved sections such as the crook and the 180 deg bend is considerably different from a steady-state flow. For example, in bends the time-averaged flow features chains of small, alternating vortex pairs, and the pressure distribution differs significantly from a plane wave solution.
Thin-Film Flow of a Power-Law Fluid Down an Inclined Plane
Authors: Ganguly A. , Reza M. , Gupta A. S.
Published: April 2012

An analysis is presented for two-dimensional flow of a thin layer of power-law fluid down an inclined plane. Integration of the equations of motion using lubrication approximations shows that for both pseudoplastic and dilatant fluids, the rate of advance of a blob of fluid of given volume decreases with increasing time. The analysis further reveals that for dimensionless time less than about 0.50, a blob of the fluid (of fixed volume) with given exponent n moves faster than a fluid of same volume with larger n. However, thereafter, a blob of the latter fluid moves faster than the former fluid.
Numerical Analysis of Droplet Dynamics Under Different Temperature and Cross-Flow Velocity Conditions
Authors: Pathak Manabendra
Published: April 2012

Numerical investigations have been performed to investigate the dynamics of a single liquid droplet formation in another immiscible cross-flow liquid for different values of cross-flow velocities and temperature difference between the two phases. The transient growth of the droplet and detachment time have been calculated by solving Navier-Stokes equation for two-phase flow using coupled level-set and volume of fluid method. The effect of temperature on surface tension has been incorporated in numerical simulation by modeling the surface tension as a linear function of temperature. The effects of cross-flow velocity and temperature in the evolution and detachment of the droplet have been investigated from the balance of different forces acting on the system. With the increase in cross-flow velocity, the diameter of the droplet decreases and droplet detachment time increases. While with the increase in cross-flow temperature, both the diameter and detachment time decreases.
Thin layer composition profiling with angular resolved x-ray photoemission spectroscopy: Factors affecting quantitative results
Authors: Conard T. , Vandervorst W. , Bergmaier A. , Kimura K.
Published: April 2012

Composition profiling of thin films in the nanometer range is critical to the development of future electronic devices. However, the number of techniques with such depth resolution is limited. Among them, angle-resolved x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ARXPS) can be used for thin layers up to a few nanometers, but it is not yet a fully established method. In order to evaluate its capabilities for use as a routine and general method, the authors evaluate both its intrinsic capabilities in comparison with other methods and the factors affecting quantification by analyzing its variability when applied at various laboratory locations with different tools and data treatments. For this purpose, dedicated samples based on multilayers of HfO2 and SiON were produced with a well-determined layer structure. The results show that ARXPS, including depth profiling reconstruction, is very efficient and compares favorably with nuclear analysis techniques. It allows the separation of the surface contamination signal from the interfacial layer signal and allows determination of the coverage quantitatively. An accuracy of ±10% is achieved for most elements except for nitrogen, where strong peak interference with hafnium and a low intensity increase the inaccuracy up to 20%. This study also highlights several technique limitations. First, the quality of the retrieved profile is strongly dependent upon the exact determination of each photoemission peak intensity. Also it demonstrates that, while favorable for chemical identification, very high resolution spectra may lead to larger errors in profile reconstruction due to larger statistical errors in the intensities, though this is true mainly for deeper layers. Finally, it points out the importance of the physical parameters used in the final obtained results.
Made by the Shade
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: April 2012

Low light promotes the activity of a transcription factor that induces expression of genes required for auxin synthesis.
Combined Spatial Limitation around Residues 16 and 108 of Plasmodium falciparum Dihydrofolate Reductase Explains Resistance to Cycloguanil
Authors: Vanichtanankul Jarunee , Taweechai Supannee , Uttamapinant Chayasith , Chitnumsub Penchit , Vilaivan Tirayut , Yuthavong Yongyuth , Kamchonwongpaisan Sumalee
Published: April 2012

Natural mutations of
Plasmodium falciparum
dihydrofolate reductase (
Pf
DHFR) at A16V and S108T specifically confer resistance to cycloguanil (CYC) but not to pyrimethamine (PYR). In order to understand the nature of CYC resistance, the effects of various mutations at A16 on substrate and inhibitor binding were examined. Three series of mutations at A16 with or without the S108T/N mutation were generated. Only three mutants with small side chains at residue 16 (G, C, and S) were viable from bacterial complementation assay in the S108 series, whereas these three and an additional four mutants (T, V, M, and I) with slightly larger side chains were viable with simultaneous S108T mutation. Among these combinations, the A16V+S108T mutant was the most CYC resistant, and all of the S108T series ranged from being highly to moderately sensitive to PYR. In the S108N series, a strict requirement for alanine was observed at position 16. Crystal structure analyses reveal that in
Pf
DHFR-TS variant T9/94 (A16V+S108T) complexed with CYC, the ligand has substantial steric conflicts with the side chains of both A16V and S108T, whereas in the complex with PYR, the ligand only showed mild conflict with S108T. CYC analogs designed to avoid such conflicts improved the binding affinity of the mutant enzymes. These results show that there is greater spatial limitation around the S108T/N residue when combined with the limitation imposed by A16V. The limitation of mutation of this series provides opportunities for drug design and development against antifolate-resistant malaria.
Impact of First-Line Antifungal Agents on the Outcomes and Costs of Candidemia
Authors: Ha Young Eun , Peck Kyong Ran , Joo Eun-Jeong , Kim Shin Woo , Jung Sook-In , Chang Hyun Ha , Park Kyong Hwa , Han Sang Hoon
Published: April 2012

Candida
species are the leading causes of invasive fungal infection among hospitalized patients and are responsible for major economic burdens. The goals of this study were to estimate the costs directly associated with the treatment of candidemia and factors associated with increased costs, as well as the impact of first-line antifungal agents on the outcomes and costs. A retrospective study was conducted in a sample of 199 patients from four university-affiliated tertiary care hospitals in Korea over 1 year. Only costs attributable to the treatment of candidemia were estimated by reviewing resource utilization during treatment. Risk factors for increased costs, treatment outcome, and hospital length of stay (LOS) were analyzed. Approximately 65% of the patients were treated with fluconazole, and 28% were treated with conventional amphotericin B. The overall treatment success rate was 52.8%, and the 30-day mortality rate was 47.9%. Hematologic malignancy, need for mechanical ventilation, and treatment failure of first-line antifungal agents were independent risk factors for mortality. The mean total cost for the treatment of candidemia was $4,743 per patient. Intensive care unit stay at candidemia onset and antifungal switch to second-line agents were independent risk factors for increased costs. The LOS was also significantly longer in patients who switched antifungal agents to second-line drugs. Antifungal switch to second-line agents for any reasons was the only modifiable risk factor of increased costs and LOS. Choosing an appropriate first-line antifungal agent is crucial for better outcomes and reduced hospital costs of candidemia.
A Pharmacodynamic Model of Ganciclovir Antiviral Effect and Toxicity for Lymphoblastoid Cells Suggests a New Dosing Regimen To Treat Cytomegalovirus Infection
Authors: Janoly-Dumenil Audrey , Rouvet Isabelle , Bleyzac Nathalie , Morfin Florence , Zabot Marie-Therese , Tod Michel
Published: April 2012

In bone marrow transplantation, the efficacy of ganciclovir in cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease treatment or prophylaxis remains partial. Because its hematological toxicity is dose limiting, optimization of the dosing schedule is required to increase its therapeutic index. The goal of our study was to describe the influence of the ganciclovir concentration and duration of exposure on cell survival and antiviral efficacy. The study was carried outin vitroon cultures of lymphoblastoid cells infected or not with the CMV AD169 reference strain and exposed to ganciclovir at different concentrations for 1, 2, 7, or 14 days. The data were analyzed by a mathematical model that allowed a quantitative characterization of ganciclovir pharmacodynamics and its variability. Simulations of the model were undertaken to determine the optimal concentration profile for maximizing the ganciclovir therapeutic index. Ganciclovir had very little toxic and antiviral effect, even at 20 mg liter−1, when the duration of exposure was ≤7 days. A biologically significant effect was observed only with a 14-day exposure. Complete inhibition of viral replication was obtained at 20 mg liter−1. The utility function, assuming equal weights for antiviral effect and toxicity, showed that maximal utility was reached around 10 mg liter−1. The optimal ganciclovir concentration profile consisted of maintaining the concentration at 20 mg liter−1at the intervals 0 to 2 days and 7.58 to 9.58 days and a null concentration at other times. This optimal profile could be obtained by intravenous (i.v.) ganciclovir at 10 mg/kg of body weight twice daily (b.i.d.) at days 1, 2, 8.5, and 9.5 in stem cell transplant patients with normal renal function.
The A Subunit of Escherichia coli Heat-Labile Enterotoxin Functions as a Mucosal Adjuvant and Promotes IgG2a, IgA, and Th17 Responses to Vaccine Antigens
Authors: Norton Elizabeth B. , Lawson Louise B. , Mahdi Zaid , Freytag Lucy C. , Clements John D.
Published: April 2012

EnterotoxigenicEscherichia coli(ETEC) produces both heat-labile (LT) and heat-stable (ST) enterotoxins and is a major cause of diarrhea in infants in developing countries and in travelers to those regions. In addition to inducing fluid secretion, LT is a powerful mucosal adjuvant capable of promoting immune responses to coadministered antigens. In this study, we examined purified A subunit to further understand the toxicity and adjuvanticity of LT. Purified A subunit was enzymatically active but sensitive to proteolytic degradation and unable to bind gangliosides, and even in the presence of admixed B subunit, it displayed low cyclic AMP (cAMP) induction and no enterotoxicity. Thus, the AB5 structure plays a key role in protecting the A subunit from proteolytic degradation and in delivering the enzymatic signals required for secretion. In contrast, the A subunit alone was capable of activating dendritic cells and enhanced immune responses to multiple antigens following intranasal immunization; therefore, unlike toxicity, LT adjuvanticity is not dependent on the AB5 holotoxin structure or the presence of the B subunit. However, immune responses were maximal when signals were received from both subunits either in an AB5 structure or with A and B admixed. Furthermore, the quality of the immune response (i.e., IgG1/IgG2 balance and mucosal IgA and IL-17 secretion) was determined by the presence of an A subunit, revealing for the first time induction of Th17 responses with the A subunit alone. These results have important implications for understanding ETEC pathogenesis, unraveling immunologic responses induced by LT-based adjuvants, and developing new mucosal vaccines.