bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Building up polymer architectures on graphene oxide sheet surfaces through sequential atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Peng Kang‐Jen , Wang Ke‐Hsuan , Hsu Keh‐Ying , Liu Ying‐Ling
Published: March 2014

The reactivity between the active species of atom transfer radical addition and the unsaturated groups of graphene oxides (GOs) has been demonstrated in this work. The reaction and the sequential surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization provide a convenient approach to anchor various polymer chains and to buildup various polymer architectures, such as linear polymer, V‐shape block polymer, multibonded polymer layer, and hierarchical brush‐on‐layer polymer, on GO sheet surfaces. The chemical structures and morphology of the polymer‐modified GOs have been characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. After organomodification, the GOs exhibit a good dispersion ability in organic solvent over 80 days, amphiphilic characteristics, and temperature‐responsive properties. Reduction of the GOs has been performed to result in graphene‐like materials showing certain extent of electron conductivities. An effective approach to synthesize GO/polymer hybrid materials possessing various polymer architectures and attractive properties has been developed. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 1588–1596
Clinical outcomes after initial pseudomonas acquisition in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Zemanick Edith T. , Emerson Julia , Thompson Valeria , McNamara Sharon , Morgan Wayne , Gibson Ronald L. , Rosenfeld Margaret ,   the EPIC Study Group
Published: March 2014

Objectives

To evaluate clinical outcomes associated with initial isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) in a large U.S. cystic fibrosis (CF) cohort in the current era of widespread early Pa eradication therapy.

Methods

Participants were children with CF enrolled in the Early Pseudomonas Infection Control (EPIC) Observational Study who had no isolation of Pa from respiratory cultures prior to enrollment. Population‐averaged regression models using generalized estimating equation methods were used to estimate the effect of Pa acquisition on endpoints including lung function, growth, pulmonary exacerbation rate, respiratory signs and symptoms, and respiratory cultures.

Results

Eight hundred thirty‐eight subjects were observed for a mean 4.6 (SD 1.2) years during which 431 (51%) acquired Pa. There was no statistically significant effect of Pa acquisition on the slopes of FEV1% predicted or growth parameters. Pulmonary exacerbation rate was statistically significantly greater after Pa acquisition (incident rate ratio 1.40, 95% CI 1.07, 1.84) as were odds of crackles or wheeze on physical exam (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.00, 1.52). Odds of isolation of MRSA (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.38, 2.49) and S. maltophilia (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.49, 2.98) increased after Pa acquisition, while the odds of H. influenzae (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.46, 0.64) decreased.

Conclusions

In this large U.S. cohort, we did not detect an association between acquisition of Pa and deterioration in lung function or nutrition. Pa acquisition was associated with significantly increased pulmonary exacerbation rate and odds of crackles or wheeze. Pa infection may be the cause of these outcomes or a marker of more severe disease. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:42–48. © 2014 The Authors. Pediatric Pulmonology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preliminary Safety Evaluation and Biochemical Efficacy of a Carum carvi Extract: Results from a Randomized, Triple‐Blind, and Placebo‐Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Kazemipoor Mahnaz , Radzi Che Wan Jasimah Bt Wan Mohamed , Hajifaraji Majid , Cordell Geoffrey A.
Published: March 2014

Carum carvi L. (Apiaceae) is known as caraway, and its derivatives find wide medicinal use for health purposes, including for gastrointestinal problems and obesity. Since there is inconsistency among the reports on the safety of this plant in humans, this research was aimed at assessing the safety of a characterized caraway aqueous extract (CAE) in a randomized, triple‐blind, placebo‐controlled study. Seventy, overweight and obese, healthy women were randomly assigned into placebo (n = 35) and plant extract (n = 35) groups. Participants received either 30 ml/day of CAE or placebo. Subjects were examined at baseline and after 12 weeks for changes in heart rate, blood pressure, urine test, 25‐item blood chemistries, and general health status. No significant changes of blood pressure, heart rate, urine specific gravity, and serum blood tests were observed between the two groups before and after treatment. However, in the complete blood count test, red blood cell levels were significantly (p < 0.01) increased, and platelet distribution width was significantly decreased after the dietary CAE treatment, as compared with placebo. No negative changes were observed in the general health status of the two groups. This preliminary study suggests that the oral intake of CAE appears to be without any adverse effects at a dosage of 30 ml daily for a period of 12 weeks. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface characterization of lignocellulosic biomass submitted to pyrolysis
Authors: Grams Jacek , Ruppert Agnieszka , Rzeźnicka Izabela , Niewiadomski Michał , Jędrzejczyk Marcin
Published: March 2014

The aim of this work was to determine changes in the surface composition and structure of different biomass samples submitted to high temperature treatment. Cellulose and lignocellulosic biomass were pyrolysed in a stirred batch reactor under atmospheric pressure at 700 °C for 4 h. The reaction was executed without and in the presence of Ni/ZrO2 catalyst. Different biomass samples and the remaining residues after the pyrolysis were investigated by time‐of‐flight SIMS, infrared spectroscopy, and SEM. The results of the studies showed an alteration of the surface of materials submitted to high temperature treatment in comparison to untreated specimens. The composition of uppermost layer of biomass samples influenced the reaction yield and was notably different after pyrolysis in the presence of the catalyst. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Model thin films of Ce(III)‐based mixed oxides
Authors: Skála Tomáš , Matolín Vladimír
Published: March 2014

Ce(III) sites on cerium oxide‐based catalysts are known to be active in many reactions. In order to study the interaction of cerium dioxide with three easily oxidizable elements, aluminum, silicon, and tungsten, and to prepare multicomponent materials of the Ce(III) electronic structure, we followed two inverse approaches: we step‐wisely deposited (i) Al, Si, or W onto CeO2(111) and (ii) CeO2 onto Al(111), Si(111), or W(110). We found out that the interaction in all cases was very strong and lead to a formation of mixed oxides of CeAlO3, Ce4.67Si3O13, and Ce6WO12 composition determined by quantitative XPS. The elements were present in Ce(III), Al(III), Si(IV), and W(VI) oxidation states, and the maximum thickness of the films was limited as thicker overlayers prevent the diffusion of the element from the substrate. Above this limit, the deposited aluminum, silicon, or tungsten formed oxides of consequently lower oxidation states on the surface before their purely elemental form was growing, while in the inverse systems, the insufficient diffusion from the Al, Si, and W substrates caused the growth of CeO2 on top of the mixed oxide films. We show that this method permits to prepare model thin films of various thickness and finely tunable Ce(IV) contribution and position (below or above the mixed oxide). Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal characteristics and temperature profile changes of structurally different polyethylenes with peroxide modifications
Authors: Likhitlert Somthida , Wongchaleo Chatchai , Kositchaiyong Apisit , Wimolmala Ekachai , Mitrprasertporn Santi , Sombatsompop Narongrit
Published: March 2014

Crosslinking and processing characteristics of polyethylenes (PEs) with different molecular architectures, namely high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE), and low‐density polyethylene (LDPE), were studied with regard to the effects of peroxide modifications and coolant flow rates. Dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and di‐tert‐butyl peroxide (DTBP) were used as free‐radical inducers for crosslinking the PEs. The characteristics of interest included normalized gel content, real‐time temperature profiles and their cooling rates, exothermic period, crystallinity level, crystallization temperature, and heat distortion temperature. The experiments showed that LDPE exhibited the highest normalized gel content. The real‐time cooling rates, taken from the temperature profiles for all PEs before the crystallization region, were greater than those after the crystallization region. The cooling rate of the PEs increased with the presence of DCP, whereas the crystallization temperature of the PEs was lowered. The HDPE appeared to show the longest exothermic period as compared with those of the LLDPE and LDPE. The exothermic period showed an increase with increasing coolant flow rate, but it was decreased by the use of DCP. As for the effect of peroxide type, the gel content and cooling rate of the PE crosslinked by DCP were higher than those for the PE crosslinked by DTBP. The DTBP was the more effective peroxide for introducing crosslinks and simultaneously maintaining the crystallization behavior of the PE. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 20:80‐90, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Improvement of oxidative stress tolerance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae through global transcription machinery engineering
Authors: Zhao Hongwei , Li Jingyuan , Han Beizhong , Li Xuan , Chen Jingyu
Published: March 2014

Excessive oxidative stress poses significant damage to yeast cells during fermentation process, and finally affects fermentation efficiency and the quality of products. In this paper, global transcription machinery engineering was employed to elicit Saccharomyces cerevisiae phenotypes of higher tolerance against oxidative stress caused by H2O2. Two strains from two plasmid-based mutagenesis libraries (Spt15 and Taf25), which exhibited significant increases in oxidative stress tolerance, were successfully isolated. At moderate H2O2 shock (≤3.5 mM), a positive correlation was found between the outperformance in cell growth of the oxidation-tolerate strains and H2O2 concentration. Several mutations were observed in the native transcription factors, which resulted in a different transcriptional profile compared with the control. Catalase and superoxide dismutase activities of the two mutants increased under H2O2 stress conditions. Fermentation experiments revealed that the mutant strain taf25-3 has a shorter lag phase compared to the control one, indicating that taf25-3 had improved adaptation ability to H2O2-induced oxidative stress and higher fermentation efficiency. Our study demonstrated that several amino acid substitutions in general transcription factors (Spt15 and Taf25) could modify the cellular oxidation defense systems and improve the anti-oxidation ability of S. cerevisiae. It could make the industrial ethanol fermentation more efficient and cost-effective by using the strain of higher stress tolerance.
Long‐term effectiveness of enzyme replacement therapy in children with Gaucher disease: results from the NCS‐LSD cohort study
Authors: Anderson L. J. , Henley W. , Wyatt K. M. , Nikolaou V. , Waldek S. , Hughes D. A. , Pastores G. M. , Logan S.
Published: March 2014

Objectives

To determine the effectiveness of enzyme replacement therapies (ERT) for children with Gaucher disease (GD).

Design

A longitudinal cohort study including prospective and retrospective clinical data. Age‐ and gender‐adjusted treatment effects were estimated using generalised linear mixed models. Children on treatment contributed data before and during treatment. Children not on treatment contributed natural history data.

Participants

Consenting children (N = 25, aged 1.1 to 15.6 years) with a diagnosis of GD (14 with GD1 and 11 with GD3) who attended a specialist treatment centre in England. At recruitment, 24 patients were receiving ERT (mean treatment duration, 5.57 years; range 0‐13.7 years).

Outcome measures

Clinical outcomes chosen to reflect disease progression, included platelet count; haemoglobin and absence/presence of bone pain.

Results

Duration of ERT was associated with statistically significant improvements in platelet count (p < 0.001), haemoglobin (p < 0.001), and reported bone pain (p = 0.02). The magnitude of effect on haematological parameters was greater in children with GD3 than in those with GD1.

Conclusions

These data provide further evidence of the long‐term effectiveness of ERT in children with GD.
Upper Extremity Orthoses Use in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/Motor Neuron Disease: Three Case Reports
Authors: Ivy Cindy C. , Smith Susan M. , Materi Miranda M.
Published: March 2014

Background

Central to the armamentarium of a hand therapist is evaluation for successful orthotic use. Orthoses can have a profound effect on quality of life in persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/motor neuron disease (MND). The purposes of orthoses are to decrease the effects of muscle imbalance, provide assistance in performance of activities of daily living (ADLs), prevent joint contracture, and relieve pain. There are few published accounts on the usefulness of orthoses and ALS. The purpose of this paper is to expand the body of literature by describing three successful cases.

Methods

Three cases illustrate effects on weakened proximal muscles, wrist extensors, thenar musculature, and intrinsic muscles. The primary outcome measure is patient report, but functional rating scales, goniometry, quality of life scores, and pinch strength when obtainable are described.

Results

Due to the progressive nature of the disease, outcome measures can be inconclusive. Patient report of increased life satisfaction and ability to participate in daily life is the critical outcome in these case examples. In all cases, satisfaction increased. Some of the stated changes include the following: ability to manipulate objects, grip, eat, wipe face, hold phone, use iPad®, and adjust hat.

Conclusions

Upper extremity orthotic use can be a beneficial adjunct contributing to the quality of life for individuals with ALS/MND. We have observed positive responses in pain control, contracture management, functional positioning, and increased independence with the use of orthoses. Designing appropriate means of studying effects of orthosis intervention is deficient in the current scientific literature.
The Dynamics of African-American Health: A Historical Perspective
Authors: Logan Trevon D. , Parman John M.
Published: March 2014

There are many misconceptions about African American health that have subtle and continuing influence on health policy debates. Unfortunately, many of the misconceptions surrounding African American health have an implicit historical dimension, and the usual response for the lack of evidence in support of any myth is that “the data does not exist” to shed full light on the given question. This is unfortunate as there is now a growing body of evidence pertaining to the historical health of the African American population, and this data is currently being used to uncover a number of facts about the historical dynamics of African American health. In this paper, we show that our historical data on the health of African Americans is wholly lacking and at the same time show that one prominent myth about trends in African American health does not stand up to historical investigation. We conclude with a brief note about where this research is headed and what future topics should be explored in African American economic and health history.
Utilization patterns of antidepressants between 1991 and 2011 in a population-based cohort of middle-aged and elderly
Authors: Aarts N. , Noordam R. , Hofman A. , Tiemeier H. , Stricker B.H. , Visser L.E.
Published: March 2014

Background

In middle-aged and older patients in whom antidepressant use increased in last decades, patterns of use might be of concern The objective of this study was to investigate the patterns of prevalence, incidence and duration of antidepressant use in an ageing population.

Methods

All participants (aged > 45 years) from the population-based Rotterdam Study were followed from January 1st 1991 until death, loss to follow-up, or end of the study period (December 31st 2011). Antidepressant drug dispensing, based on pharmacy records, were subdivided into Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and other antidepressants. One-year prevalence, 5-year incidence and duration of antidepressant use were calculated.

Results

Yearly prevalence of antidepressant use increased from 3.9% in 1991 to 8.3% of the population in 2011. The increase in SSRI use was 5.8-fold, whereas use of other antidepressants doubled and TCA use remained stable over time. Incidence of all antidepressants decreased from 23.9 to 14.2 per 1000 person-years between 1992 and 2011. The duration of a first treatment episode increased over time.

Conclusion

Despite the prevalence of antidepressant use increased over time, incidence did not, which is most likely explained by a longer treatment duration and recurrent episodes.
A genetic variant in the microRNA-146a gene is associated with susceptibility to alcohol use disorders
Authors: Novo-Veleiro I. , González-Sarmiento R. , Cieza-Borrella C. , Pastor I. , Laso F.-J. , Marcos M.
Published: March 2014

Background:

Polymorphisms in the microRNA (miRNA) regulatory pathways are novel functional genetic variants whose association with alcoholism susceptibility has not been previously studied. Given the potential relationship between certain miRNAs and alcohol use disorders (AUDs), this study was designed to explore the association between two polymorphisms within hsa-miR-146a and hsa-miR-196a2 genes and susceptibility to these diseases.

Methods:

Three hundred and one male patients with AUDs and 156 sex-matched healthy volunteers were enrolled. Polymorphisms were genotyped using TaqMan® PCR assays. Allele and genotype frequencies were compared between groups and logistic regression analysis was also performed to analyze the model of inheritance.

Results:

There was a significantly higher prevalence of allele C carriers (47.8%) of the miR-146a G>C polymorphism (rs2910164) among patients with AUDs when compared with controls (35.9%), and multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the C allele was associated with these AUDs (OR = 1.615, 95% CI 1.067–2.442; P = 0.023). Neither the genotype nor the allele distribution of miR-196a2 polymorphism (rs11614913) was significantly different between groups.

Conclusions:

This is the first genetic association study to explore the relationship of miRNA polymorphisms with AUDs and to show an association of the miR-146a C>G rs2910164 allelic variant with this disease.
Current status of atrial pacing algorithms for the prevention of atrial fibrillation: Should algorithms be used?
Authors: Nakai Toshiko , Watanabe Ichiro , Hirayama Atsushi
Published: March 2014

Since the development of an atrial pacing algorithm for preventing atrial fibrillation (AF), approximately 20 years ago, many clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of atrial pacing with respect to AF prevention. Nevertheless, the actual effectiveness of AF suppression via atrial pacing remains under debate, and no definitive conclusion has been reached. The AF suppression algorithms embedded in pacemakers have not demonstrated an unequivocal clinical efficacy that would support changing of the guidelines to recommend such algorithms. In this review of studies conducted since 2006, we discuss the efficacies of these AF suppression algorithms and their usefulness in patients requiring pacemaker implantation.
Influence of autochthonous lactic acid bacteria and enzymatic yeast extracts on the microbiological, biochemical and sensorial properties of Lben generic products
Authors: Mangia Nicoletta P , Garau Giovanni , Murgia Marco A , Bennani Abdelmajid , Deiana Pietrino
Published: March 2014

In this study we identified Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, Lc. lactis subsp. lactis biovar diacetylactis, Kluyveromices lactis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae as the dominant microorganisms of traditional Moroccan acid-alcoholic fermented milk named Lben. The low pH (3·8±0·3), lactose (16·8±3·4 mg/l) and lactic acid (8·16±0·6 mg/l) content indicated that a strong fermentation occurred in the traditional product which was also characterised by the substantial presence of ethanol and typical volatile carbonyl compounds (i.e., acetoin, diacetyl and acetaldehyde). Microbiological analyses of experimental Lben manufactured with selected strains (isolated from the traditional product) of Lc. lactis subsp. lactis and Lc. lactis subsp. lactis biovar. diacetylactis alone (batch A) and in combination with enzymatic extract of a K. lactis strain (batch B) indicated a good effectiveness of the starters employed (∼1010 CFU/g of lactococci after 8 h of incubation) and a significant effect of the yeast enzyme extract on lactococci viability. Despite slight changes in the physicochemical characteristics of the two Lben during the 15 d storage period, volatile compounds (i.e. ethanol, acetaldehyde, diacetyl and acetoin) were consistently higher in batch B. Moreover, sensorial analysis performed after 15 d of storage, highlighted higher odour and flavour intensity, vegetable odour and viscosity in batch B while batch A displayed higher astringency.
Temporal and spatial distribution of the commercial shrimp Litopenaeus schmitti (Dendrobranchiata: Penaeidae) in the south-eastern Brazilian coast
Authors: Bochini Gabriel L. , Fransozo Adilson , Castilho Antonio L. , Hirose Gustavo L. , Costa Rogerio C.
Published: March 2014

The goal of the present study was to assess the temporal and spatial distribution of L. schmitti in three bays of the northern coast of the State of São Paulo, Ubatumirim (UBM), Ubatuba (UBA) and Mar Virado (MV), over a period of two years (1998 and 1999). Abiotic factors were monitored to test their influence on the distribution of the species through redundancy analysis. The shrimp were captured using a commercial fishing boat equipped with double-rig trawling nets at six sampling points. A total of 5658 individuals were collected during the study (4437 and 1221 in the first and second years, respectively). The number of individuals differed between years, bays, seasons and sampling locations. The highest number of L. schmitti was collected in MV (N = 2747), followed by UBM (N = 1649) and UBA (N = 1262). Shrimp abundance correlated positively with organic matter content, salinity and temperature, with the highest number of individuals collected from sites with intermediate levels of organic content (4 and 6%) and increasing when the sediment had a higher proportion of fine and very fine sand + clay. Abundance was also associated negatively with rainfall, given that the analysed population showed a seasonal pattern, with an increase in capture rate in those months following the rainy season. Average rainfall was 222.47 ± 138.68 mm, with a maximum of 538 mm and a minimum of 22.4 mm. The results obtained in this study suggest that, in the region of Ubatuba, temperature, salinity, organic content and rainfall modulate the distribution of these animals.
Fast protein folding kinetics
Authors: Gelman Hannah , Gruebele Martin
Published: March 2014

Fast-folding proteins have been a major focus of computational and experimental study because they are accessible to both techniques: they are small and fast enough to be reasonably simulated with current computational power, but have dynamics slow enough to be observed with specially developed experimental techniques. This coupled study of fast-folding proteins has provided insight into the mechanisms, which allow some proteins to find their native conformation well <1 ms and has uncovered examples of theoretically predicted phenomena such as downhill folding. The study of fast folders also informs our understanding of even ‘slow’ folding processes: fast folders are small; relatively simple protein domains and the principles that govern their folding also govern the folding of more complex systems. This review summarizes the major theoretical and experimental techniques used to study fast-folding proteins and provides an overview of the major findings of fast-folding research. Finally, we examine the themes that have emerged from studying fast folders and briefly summarize their application to protein folding in general, as well as some work that is left to do.
CATALAN'S TRAPEZOIDS
Authors: Reuveni Shlomi
Published: March 2014

Named after the French–Belgian mathematician Eugène Charles Catalan, Catalan's numbers arise in various combinatorial problems [12]. Catalan's triangle, a triangular array of numbers somewhat similar to Pascal's triangle, extends the combinatorial meaning of Catalan's numbers and generalizes them [1,5,11]. A need for a generalization of Catalan's triangle itself arose while conducting a probabilistic analysis of the Asymmetric Simple Inclusion Process (ASIP) — a model for a tandem array of queues with unlimited batch service [7–10]. In this paper, we introduce Catalan's trapezoids, a countable set of trapezoids whose first element is Catalan's triangle. An iterative scheme for the construction of these trapezoids is presented, and a closed-form formula for the calculation of their entries is derived. We further discuss the combinatorial interpretations and applications of Catalan's trapezoids.
Le désintérêt progressif des résidents en médecine familiale à l’égard du suivi à domicile des personnes âgées
Authors: Aubry François , Couturier Yves , Dumont Serge
Published: March 2014

This paper deals with the lack of interest shown by family medicine residents in Quebec (Canada) in home follow-up or monitoring of the elderly. By collecting and analyzing data from sixteen family medicine residents before and after their first experience of home follow-up, and from four medical supervisors, we found that residents experience a rapid loss of interest in this practice over a very short period. We show that this lack of interest stems first from the difficulty of applying the principle of patient-centered care, wherein medical interventions must meet the needs of the elderly in their entirety. Secondly, residents complain that they have to deal with many administrative tasks. They call for implementation of professional features to better integrate services such as case management.
Retrospective space–time analysis methods to support West Nile virus surveillance activities
Authors: MULATTI P. , MAZZUCATO M. , MONTARSI F. , CIOCCHETTA S. , CAPELLI G. , BONFANTI L. , MARANGON S.
Published: March 2014

The steep increase in human West Nile virus (WNV) infections in 2011–2012 in north-eastern Italy prompted a refinement of the surveillance plan. Data from the 2010–2012 surveillance activities on mosquitoes, equines, and humans were analysed through Bernoulli space–time scan statistics, to detect the presence of recurrent WNV infection hotspots. Linear models were fit to detect the possible relationships between WNV occurrence in humans and its activity in mosquitoes. Clusters were detected for all of the hosts, defining a limited area on which to focus surveillance and promptly identify WNV reactivation. Positive relationships were identified between WNV in humans and in mosquitoes; although it was not possible to define precise spatial and temporal scales at which entomological surveillance could predict the increasing risk of human infections. This stresses the necessity to improve entomological surveillance by increasing both the density of trapping sites and the frequency of captures.
Cyclic variations in the dynamics of flu incidence in Azerbaijan, 1976–2000
Authors: DIMITROV B. D. , BABAYEV E. S.
Published: March 2014

Multicomponent cyclicity in influenza (flu) incidence had been observed in various countries (e.g. periods T = 1, 2–3, 5–6, 8·0, 10·6–11·3, 13, 18–19 years) and its close similarity with cycles in natural environmental phenomena as meteorological factors and heliogeophysical activity (HGA) suggested. This report aimed at verifying previous results on cyclic patterns of flu incidence by exploring whether flu annual cyclicity (seasonality) and trans-year (13 to <24 months) and/or multiannual (long-term, ⩾24 months) cycles might be present. For this purpose, a relatively long monthly flu incidence dataset consisting of absolute numbers of new cases from the Grand Baku area, Azerbaijan, for the years 1976–2000 (300 months) was analysed. The exploration of underlying chronomes or, time structures, was done by linear and nonlinear parametric regression models, autocorrelation, spectral analysis and periodogram regression analysis. We analysed temporal dynamics and described multicomponent cyclicity, determining its statistical significance. The analysis, considering the flu data specifically stratified in three distinct intervals (1976–1990, 1991–1995, 1996–2000), and also combinations thereof, indicated that the main cyclic pattern was a seasonal one, with a period of T = 12 months. Further, a number of multiannual cycles with periods T in the ranges of 26–36, 62–85 or 113–162 months were observed, i.e. average periods of 2·5, 6·1 and 11·5 years, respectively. Indeed, most of these cycles correspond to similar cyclic parameters of HGA and further analyses are warranted to investigate such relationships. In conclusion, our study revealed the presence of multicomponent cyclic dynamics in influenza incidence by using relatively long time-series of monthly data. The specific cyclic patterns of flu incidence in Azerbaijan allows further, more specific modelling and correlations with environmental factors of similar cyclicity, e.g. HGA, to be explored. These results might contribute more widely to a better understanding of influenza dynamics and its aetiology as well as to the derivation of more precise forecasted estimates for planning and prevention purposes.
Combat trauma-associated invasive fungal wound infections: epidemiology and clinical classification
Authors: WEINTROB A. C. , WEISBROD A. B. , DUNNE J. R. , RODRIGUEZ C. J. , MALONE D. , LLOYD B. A. , WARKENTIEN T. E. , WELLS J. , MURRAY C. K. , BRADLEY W. , SHAIKH F. , SHAH J. , AGGARWAL D. , CARSON M. L. , TRIBBLE D. R. ,   the Infectious Disease Clinical Research Program Trauma Infectious Disease Outcomes Study Group
Published: March 2014

The emergence of invasive fungal wound infections (IFIs) in combat casualties led to development of a combat trauma-specific IFI case definition and classification. Prospective data were collected from 1133 US military personnel injured in Afghanistan (June 2009–August 2011). The IFI rates ranged from 0·2% to 11·7% among ward and intensive care unit admissions, respectively (6·8% overall). Seventy-seven IFI cases were classified as proven/probable (n = 54) and possible/unclassifiable (n = 23) and compared in a case-case analysis. There was no difference in clinical characteristics between the proven/probable and possible/unclassifiable cases. Possible IFI cases had shorter time to diagnosis (P = 0·02) and initiation of antifungal therapy (P = 0·05) and fewer operative visits (P = 0·002) compared to proven/probable cases, but clinical outcomes were similar between the groups. Although the trauma-related IFI classification scheme did not provide prognostic information, it is an effective tool for clinical and epidemiological surveillance and research.
Inequalities in the incidence of infectious disease in the North East of England: a population-based study
Authors: HUGHES G. J. , GORTON R.
Published: March 2014

The objective of this study was to measure the association between deprivation and incidence of 21 infectious diseases in the North East of England (2007–2011). We used count regression models with the Index of Multiple Deprivation and population/landscape data for small areas (~1500 persons). Deprivation significantly predicted incidence (P < 0·05) for 17 infectious diseases. The direction of association was broadly consistent within groups: increased incidence with increased deprivation for all three bloodborne viruses, 2/3 invasive bacterial diseases, 4/5 sexually transmitted infections (STI) and tuberculosis (TB); decreased incidence with increased deprivation for 5/6 infectious intestinal diseases (IID) and 2/3 vaccine-preventable diseases. Associations were removed for all but one IID (E. coliO157 infection) after accounting for recent foreign travel. Hepatitis C virus, TB and STI are priority infections for reduction of inequalities associated with deprivation in the North East of England.
Drying Effect Creates False Assemblies in DNA-Coated Gold Nanoparticles as Determined Through In Situ Liquid Cell STEM
Authors: Rudolph Angela R. , Jungjohann Katherine L. , Wheeler David R. , Brozik Susan M.
Published: March 2014

The drying effect associated with utilizing transmission electron microscopy to study deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-coated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) remains largely uninvestigated, though this technique is frequently utilized to characterize nanoparticle–DNA interactions. Investigation of the drying effect is essential to the progress of the many fields that utilize AuNPs, including cancer research. In this study, we compare DNA hybridization-directed nanoparticle assemblies with control samples omitting the necessary complementary DNA, effectively blocking directed assembly, in both the liquid state and the dry state, within a scanning transmission electron microscope. We show that the dry samples contain AuNPs spaced at significantly smaller intervals than identical samples measured in situ, with no dependence on the DNA bound to the AuNPs in the dry samples. A partially wet sample, with distances measured along the drying edge, provided an intermediate binding distance, strengthening the conclusion that drastic differences observed between the dry and in situ samples are due to a pronounced drying effect. This drying effect will falsely indicate certain grouping arrangements and will change the impression of the size of the groups formed, providing misinformation for the development of these controlled assemblies that could impact applications such as targeted drug vehicles for cancer treatment.
AN OPTIMAL DIVIDEND POLICY WITH DELAYED CAPITAL INJECTIONS
Authors: JIN ZHUO , YIN GEORGE
Published: March 2014

This work focuses on finding optimal dividend payment and capital injection policies to maximize the present value of the difference between the cumulative dividend payment and the possible capital injections with delays. Starting from the classical Cramér–Lundberg process, using the dynamic programming approach, the value function obeys a quasi-variational inequality. With delays in capital injections, the company will be exposed to the risk of financial ruin during the delay period. In addition, the optimal dividend payment and capital injection strategy should balance the expected cost of the possible capital injections and the time value of the delay period. In this paper, the closed-form solution of the value function and the corresponding optimal policies are obtained. Some limiting cases are also discussed. A numerical example is presented to illustrate properties of the solution. Some economic insights are also given.
BLOW-UP OF THE NONEQUIVARIANT ()-DIMENSIONAL WAVE MAP
Authors: FRAUENDIENER JÖRG , PETER RALF
Published: March 2014

It has been known for a long time that the equivariant $2+1$ wave map into the $2$-sphere blows up if the initial data are chosen appropriately. Here, we present numerical evidence for the stability of the blow-up phenomenon under explicit violations of equivariance.
A programmable compact wide-band RF feed network
Authors: Sharawi Mohammad S. , Deif Sameir E. , Ghafari Elias , Aloi Daniel N.
Published: March 2014

The design and fabrication of a wide-band programmable radio frequency (RF) feed network is proposed. It is designed to cover a wide band from 2.5 to 6 GHz over two separate branches. The feed network is simulated and fabricated on an FR-4 substrate with 0.8 mm thickness. Good matching between simulation and measurement results is achieved. The measured amplitude resolution was 0.5 dB with a maximum error of 0.22 dB. The measured phase resolution was approximately 5.6° with 1° maximum error. This design is a generic one that can be used in any kind of RF or antenna systems.
Diagnose berufsbezogener Kreativität–Planung und Gestaltung (DBK-PG)
Authors: Pundt Alexander
Published: March 2014

Der Test zur Diagnose berufsbezogener Kreativität–Planung und Gestaltung (DBK-PG) von Schuler, Gelléri, Winzen und Görlich (2013) hat zum Ziel, die Erfassung verschiedener kreativitätsbezogener Fähigkeiten zu ermöglichen, die im beruflichen Kontext benötigt werden. Es richtet sich an Berufstätige, kann aber auch an Schülern und Studenten eingesetzt werden. Anwendungsfelder des Tests liegen in der Personalauswahl, der Personalentwicklung sowie in der Berufs- und Studienberatung.
Differential Item Functioning by Education and Sex in Subtests of the Repeatable Battery Assessment of Neuropsychological Status
Authors: Kurt Murat , Karakaya İsmail , Safaz İsmail , Ateş Gönül
Published: March 2014

The main objective of this study is to evaluate functions of the items changing with the gender and educational level in the List Learning and the Picture Naming subtests in the Repeatable Battery Assessment of Neuropsychological Status. The study was implemented on 315 volunteers consisting of 157 women and 158 males in the 20–79 age group with three different educational levels (107 graduates of primary school, 102 graduates of high school, and 106 graduates of university). Logistic Regression method was used to determine the items that included differential item functioning (DIF). As a result of the analyses, DIF was encountered in the Picture Naming that could cause bias in several items in levels B and C based on the gender and education variables. Although DIF was not found in the List Learning based on the gender variable, DIF was found in some items based on the education variable.
Confirmatory Factor Analyses of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) in a Turkish Adolescent Sample
Authors: Sarıtaş-Atalar Dilek , Gençöz Tülin , Özen Ayça
Published: March 2014

The aim of the present study was to explore the psychometric properties of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) among Turkish adolescents. A total of 595 high school students (300 females and 295 males) whose ages ranged between 14 and 17 years participated in the study, and were administered the DERS, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), and the Childhood Depression Inventory (CDI). Confirmatory factor analyses supported the six-factor structure of the DERS among adolescents. In addition, results indicated sound internal consistency as well as concurrent validity. It is concluded that the DERS is a valid age-appropriate measure for investigating emotion regulation difficulties in adolescents.
An Exploratory Study of Meta-Factors of Expert Witness Persuasion
Authors: Cramer Robert J. , Parrott Caroline Titcomb , Gardner Brett O. , Stroud Caroline H. , Boccaccini Marcus T. , Griffin Michael P.
Published: March 2014

The present study integrates mock juror perceptions of witness credibility (i.e., Confidence, Trustworthiness, Likeability, and Knowledge), efficacy (i.e., Poise and Communication Style), and personality (i.e., the Five-Factor Model) of an expert witness in order to evaluate meta-factors or simplified structures of witness persuasion. Across two studies, mock jurors watched videotaped expert testimony about risk for future violence during the sentencing phase of a capital murder trial. Participants subsequently rated the expert on measures of credibility, efficacy, and personality, as well as various legal decisions. Study I (n = 314) factor-analytic results yielded two meta-factors of expert witness testimony, with a confirmed structure in Study II (n = 324): Character and Efficacy. Character was comprised of all four credibility subscales, as well as Neuroticism, Openness, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness. Efficacy was represented by Poise, Communication Style, Confidence (which cross-loaded), and Extraversion. In Study II structural equation modeling also showed that perceived Character, but not Efficacy, was associated with sentencing recommendations directly and indirectly via attribution of perpetrator blame. Two meta-factors offering evaluation of character traits and behavioral performance appear supported by the present study. Implications for expert witness credibility and blame attributions theories are discussed.
The Role of Personality in the Initiation of Communication Situations
Authors: Frederickx Sofie , Hofmans Joeri
Published: March 2014

Whereas a small number of studies have focused on the impact of extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism on the way people communicate, little is known about how the big five personality traits relate to individual differences in the specific types of communication-related situations selected in daily life. For a period of five days, people were asked to report on the types of conversations they initiated earlier that day (N = 168). Multilevel negative binomial regression analysis showed that the specific types of conversations initiated in daily life can be predicted by individual differences in extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. As such, the results show that individual differences in personality are not only reflected in the way people behave once they communicate, but also in the situations that people report to select in daily life.
An Investigation of the Factor Structure of the 16PF, Version 5
Authors: Irwing Paul , Booth Tom , Batey Mark
Published: March 2014

In order to examine its higher-order factor structure, we applied confirmatory factor and invariance analysis to item level data from the US standardization sample of the 16PF5, divided into a calibration sample (N = 5,130) and a validation sample (N = 5,131). Using standard assessments of model fit, all primary factors displayed good to excellent model fit, thus suggesting the scales to be broadly unidimensional. Results indicated a drop in model fit in both the structural and configurally invariant second order models, suggesting some level of misspecification in the global scales of Extraversion, Anxiety, Tough-Mindedness, Independence, and Self-Control. However, the degree of misspecification was slight. Overall, the analyses generally supported the proposed structure of the 16PF5.
Active and Sedentary Video Game Time
Authors: Scharrer Erica , Zeller Adam
Published: March 2014

This study used survey methodology to measure opinions of 13- to 15-year-olds (N = 176) about sedentary and active video games and the relative amount of time spent with those games, and evaluated correlations between time spent with those two types of games and the body mass index (BMI) of the respondent. Results showed no evidence of any correlation between BMI and relative time devoted to video game usage by type of game (active versus sedentary), nor any support for a correspondence between overall levels of time spent with video games and BMI. Yet, the data did point to a nonlinear association in which those who devoted more than 50% of the total time they spend with video games on sedentary games had a higher BMI than those who spent less than 50% of their video gaming time with sedentary games. Important gender differences also emerged in the adolescents’ opinions of active versus sedentary games.
AMPK promotes macrophage fatty acid oxidative metabolism to mitigate inflammation: implications for diabetes and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Steinberg Gregory R , Schertzer Jonathan D
Published: March 2014

Metabolic inflammation, a low‐grade chronic pro‐inflammatory environment in metabolic or vascular tissues during nutrient excess, has emerged as an important factor underpinning the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Macrophages are a primary source of inflammatory effectors that contribute to insulin resistance and atherosclerosis, the precursors of T2D and CVD, respectively. Oxidative metabolism dictates the inflammatory status of macrophages, effects that may be upstream of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the NLRP3 inflammasome. The AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) lies at the crossroads of metabolically driven macrophage inflammation and exerts control over mitochondrial metabolism, and therefore is vital for dictating the inflammatory status of macrophages. Understanding how AMPK regulates oxidative metabolism and substrate selection to control both ER stress and NLRP3 inflammasome‐mediated inflammation holds promise for identifying new therapies and the tailoring of current therapies for the treatment of T2D and CVD.
The invariant chain p35 isoform promotes formation of nonameric complexes with MHC II molecules
Authors: Cloutier Maryse , Gauthier Catherine , Fortin Jean‐Simon , Thibodeau Jacques
Published: March 2014

Four different isoforms of the human invariant chain (Ii) have been described (p33, p35, p41 and p43). These heterotrimerize in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) before associating with MHC class II molecules (MHCIIs). However, the final stoichiometry of the Ii/MHCII complex remains debated. This is particularly interesting as both p35 and p43 include a di‐arginine motif that requires masking by MHCII to allow ER egress. Here, to functionally address the requirement for stoichiometric interactions, we used a recombinant DR heterodimer bearing its own cytoplasmic di‐lysine ER‐retention motif (DRKKAA). When coexpressed with p33 and a control myc‐tagged DR (DRmyc), DRKKAA was retained in the ER but had little impact on surface expression of DRmyc. However, when coexpressed with p35, DRKKAA restricted the surface expression of DRmyc, indicating that Ii trimers can be loaded with more than one MHCII. Similar results were obtained using HLA‐DQ instead of DRmyc, showing that a single trimeric Ii scaffold can include distinct MHCII isotypes. Altogether, these results demonstrate that the subunit stoichiometry of oligomeric Ii/MHCII complexes is influenced by p35.
LAPTM5 promotes lysosomal degradation of intracellular CD3ζ but not of cell surface CD3ζ
Authors: Kawai Yohei , Ouchida Rika , Yamasaki Sho , Dragone Leonard , Tsubata Takeshi , Wang Ji‐Yang
Published: March 2014

The lysosomal protein LAPTM5 has been shown to negatively regulate cell surface T cell receptor (TCR) expression and T‐cell activation by promoting CD3ζ degradation in lysosomes, but the mechanism remains largely unknown. Here we show that LAPTM5 promotes lysosomal translocation of intracellular CD3ζ but not of the cell surface CD3ζ associated with the mature TCR complex. Kinetic analysis of the subcellular localization of the newly synthesized CD3ζ suggests that LAPTM5 targets CD3ζ in the Golgi apparatus and promotes its lysosomal translocation. Consistently, a Golgi‐localizing mutant CD3ζ can be transported to and degraded in the lysosome by LAPTM5. A CD3ζ YF mutant in which all six tyrosine residues in the immunoreceptor tyrosine‐based activation motif are mutated to phenylalanines is degraded as efficiently as is wild type CD3ζ, further suggesting that TCR signaling‐triggered tyrosine phosphorylation of CD3ζ is dispensable for LAPTM5‐mediated degradation. Previously, Src‐like adapter protein (SLAP) and E3 ubiquitin ligase c‐Cbl have been shown to mediate the ubiquitination of CD3ζ in the internalized TCR complex and its subsequent lysosomal degradation. We show that LAPTM5 and SLAP/c‐Cbl function in distinct genetic pathways to negatively regulate TCR expression. Collectively, these results suggest that CD3ζ can be degraded by two pathways: SLAP/c‐Cbl, which targets internalized cell surface CD3ζ dependent on TCR signaling, and LAPTM5, which targets intracellular CD3ζ independent of TCR signaling.