bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transinfected Wolbachia have minimal effects on male reproductive success in Aedes aegypti
Authors: Turley Andrew P , Zalucki Myron P , O’Neill Scott L , McGraw Elizabeth A
Published: February 2013

Background

Wolbachia are maternally inherited endosymbiotic bacteria that manipulate the reproductive success of their insect hosts. Uninfected females that mate with Wolbachia infected males do not reproduce due to cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). CI results in the increased frequency of Wolbachia-infected individuals in populations. Recently, two Wolbachia strains, the benign w Mel and virulent w MelPop have been artificially transinfected into the primary vector of dengue virus, the mosquito Ae. aegypti where they have formed stable infections. These Wolbachia infections are being developed for a biological control strategy against dengue virus transmission. While the effects of Wolbachia on female Ae. aegypti have been examined the effects on males are less well characterised. Here we ascertain and compare the effects of the two strains on male fitness in resource-limited environments that may better approximate the natural environment.

Methods

A series of population mating trials were conducted to examine the effect of Wolbachia infection status (with strains w Mel and w MelPop) and male larval nutrition on insemination frequency, remating rates, the fecundity of females, the hatch rates of eggs and the wing length and fertility of males.

Results

w Mel and w MelPop infections reduce the fecundity of infected females and w MelPop reduces the viability of eggs. Low nutrition diets for males in the larval phase affects the fecundity of w Mel-infected females. Neither strain of Wolbachia affected sperm quality or viability or the ability of males to successfully mate multiple females.

Conclusions

The benign strain of Wolbachia, w Mel causes similar reductions in fecundity as the more virulent, w MelPop, and neither are too great that they should not still spread given the action of CI. The ability of Wolbachia-infected males to repeat mate as frequently as wildtype mosquitoes indicates that they will be very good agents of delivering CI in field release populations.
Ultra-wide-field retinal imaging in the management of non-infectious retinal vasculitis
Authors: Leder Henry A , Campbell John P , Sepah Yasir J , Gan Theresa , Dunn James P , Hatef Elham , Cho Brian , Ibrahim Mohamed , Bittencourt Millena , Channa Roomasa , Do Diana V , Nguyen Quan Dong
Published: February 2013

Background

The purpose of this study is to describe and quantify the benefit of ultra-wide-field imaging and fluorescein angiography (FA) in the management of non-infectious retinal vasculitis. In this prospective observational cohort series, patients with non-infectious retinal vasculitis were evaluated and enrolled by four investigators from the Divisions of Retina and Ocular Immunology at the Wilmer Eye Institute. In each patient, disease activity and the need for management changes were assessed, based on clinical examination with or without standard (60°) imaging and then with the addition of ultra-wide-field pseudo-color scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) images and FA using the Optos ultra-wide-field SLO (Optos Panoramic 200MA™, Optos PLC, Dunfermline, Scotland, UK). A standardized questionnaire was completed by each investigator at the time of the clinical evaluation.

The primary outcome was the percentage of patients whose management was changed by clinical examination and standard FA, compared with clinical examination plus ultra-wide-field imaging. The secondary outcome was the percentage of patients whose disease was determined to be active based on each modality.

Results

Seventy-one visits from 23 patients were reviewed and analyzed. Based on examination plus ultra-wide-field imaging and ultra-wide-field angiography, disease activity was detected in 48/71 (68%) compared with 32/71 (45%) based on examination and standard FA (P = 0.0095). Based on the clinical examination alone, the decision to alter management was made in 4 of 71 visits (6%), and an additional 3 of 71 (4%) based on simulated standard FA. The addition of ultra-wide-field SLO pseudo-color images altered management in an additional 10/71 visits (14%), and 36/71 (51%) with the addition of ultra-wide-field FA.

Conclusions

Ultra-wide-field fluorescein imaging and angiography can provide additional information that may be important and relevant in the management of retinal vasculitis.
Polymorphisms in migraine-associated gene, atp1a2, and ischemic stroke risk in a biracial population: the genetics of early onset stroke study
Authors: Harriott Andrea M , Dueker Nicole , Cheng Yu-Ching , Ryan Kathleen A , O’Connell Jeffrey R , Stine O Colin , McArdle Patrick F , Wozniak Marcella A , Stern Barney J , Mitchell Braxton D , Kittner Steven J , Cole John W
Published: February 2013

In a recent meta-analysis migraine was associated with a two-fold increase in stroke risk. While the mechanism driving this association is unknown, one intriguing hypothesis is that migraineurs are genetically predisposed to developing ischemic stroke. Mutations in the ATP1A2 gene are implicated in familial hemiplegic migraine type II and increase the severity of ischemic brain injury in animal models. To further explore these observations, we assessed the association between ATP1A2 polymorphisms, migraine, and the risk of ischemic stroke in participants of the Genetics of Early-Onset Stroke Study, a population-based case–control study of ischemic stroke among men and women aged 15–49. Using responses to a headache symptoms questionnaire, subjects were classified as having no migraine, or migraine with or without visual aura. Evaluating a total of 134 ATP1A2 polymorphisms genotyped using a combination of Illumina platforms (Cardiovascular Gene-centric 50 K SNP Array and HumanOmni1-Quad_v1-0_B Bead Chip), only one polymorphism (rs2070704) demonstrated a nominally significant association with stroke in an age-, gender-, ethnicity-adjusted model (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.71-0.98, p = 0.025) and in a vascular risk factor model adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and myocardial infarction (OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.63-0.89, p = 0.001). Ethnicity-stratified analyses demonstrated a significant association for rs2070704 among African-Americans (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.53-0.90, p = 0.005) but not Caucasians (OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.64-1.04, p = 0.107). These associations were unchanged when migraine subtypes were included as co-variates. We did not observe an association between ATP1A2 polymorphisms and migraine. While our results do not demonstrate a strong relationship between ATP1A2 polymorphisms and migraine associated stroke risk, the results are hypothesis generating and indicate that an association between ATP1A2 polymorphisms and stroke risk may exist. Additional studies are required.
Acetate adaptation of clostridia tyrobutyricum for improved fermentation production of butyrate
Authors: Jaros Adam M , Rova Ulrika , Berglund Kris A
Published: February 2013

Clostridium tyrobutyricum ATCC 25755 is an acidogenic bacterium capable of utilizing xylose for the fermentation production of butyrate. Hot water extraction of hardwood lingocellulose is an efficient method of producing xylose where autohydrolysis of xylan is catalysed by acetate originating from acetyl groups present in hemicellulose. The presence of acetic acid in the hydrolysate might have a severe impact on the subsequent fermentations. In this study the fermentation kinetics of C. tyrobutyricum cultures after being classically adapted for growth at 26.3 g/L acetate equivalents were studied. Analysis of xylose batch fermentations found that even in the presence of high levels of acetate, acetate adapted strains had similar fermentation kinetics as the parental strain cultivated without acetate. The parental strain exposed to acetate at inhibitory conditions demonstrated a pronounced lag phase (over 100 hours) in growth and butyrate production as compared to the adapted strain (25 hour lag) or non-inhibited controls (0 lag).

Additional insight into the metabolic pathway of xylose consumption was gained by determining the specific activity of the acetate kinase (AK) enzyme in adapted versus control batches. AK activity was reduced by 63% in the presence of inhibitory levels of acetate, whether or not the culture had been adapted.
Nutritional knowledge, attitude and practice of Iranian households and primary health care staff: NUTRIKAP Survey
Authors: Azemati Bahar , Heshmat Ramin , Sanaei Maryam , Salehi Forouzan , Sadeghi Farzaneh , Ghaderpanahi Maryam , Mirarefin Mojde , Abdollahi Zahra , Rezaei Hemami Mohsen , Larijani Bagher
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study is to determine knowledge, attitude and practice of Iranian households and health staff on nutrition at province level. The sampling method in NUTRIKAP survey for households in each province is single-stage cluster sampling and the size of clusters is equal. The sampling method for health staff in each province is stratified random sampling. Samples are selected from physicians, health experts, health technicians, nutritionists and health assistants (Behvarz). Overall, 14136 people in 57 clusters in each province and 480 health staff over the country participate in this survey. The necessary data will be gathered by the structured questionnaire and the interview with the eligible person in each household. Data gathering from health staff will be carried out by self-administered questionnaire. The results of this study can help the bureau of community nutrition to provide the proper interventions to improve nutritional health of households.
Hewlett Packard: Delivering Profitable Growth for HPDirect.com Using Operations Research
Authors: Tandon Rohit , Chakraborty Arnab , Srinivasan Girish , Shroff Manav , Abdullah Ahmar , Shamasundar Bharathan , Sinha Ritwik , Subramanian Suresh , Hill Dave , Dhore Prasanna
Published: February 2013

Hewlett Packard (HP) entered the online consumer sales business with its launch of HPDirect.com, a portal that allows consumers to purchase HP products (e.g., desktop and notebook computers, printers, accessories, supplies) online. This paper describes operations research solutions to a variety of problems in the e-commerce value chain. HP’s objective was to use these solutions to grow its share in the online sales market. First, we identify and quantify the impact of key drivers of online traffic to enhance our market planning and budget allocation process. Next, we apply Bayesian modeling and Markov chain methods to predict which customers are most likely to buy which product, and when and through which marketing channel they are likely to make a purchase. Finally, we use a hybrid forecasting approach combining time-series and regression modeling to predict customer orders for optimizing warehouse inventory holding and ensuring timely fulfillment of customer orders. Since 2009, the integration of these solutions into HP’s marketing planning and warehouse operations processes has helped to generate an additional $117 million in revenue for HPDirect.com.
Optimizing Ship Routing to Maximize Fleet Revenue at Danaos
Authors: Varelas Takis , Archontaki Sofia , Dimotikalis John , Turan Osman , Lazakis Iraklis , Varelas Orestis
Published: February 2013

In this paper we present an innovative toolkit that Danaos Corporation developed and deployed to optimize ship routing. Operations Research In Ship MAnagement (ORISMA) provides a clear answer to the conventional dilemma of least-cost voyage versus faster voyage. ORISMA maximizes revenue by using relevant information, including financial data, hydrodynamic models, weather conditions, and marketing forecasts. It considers the financial benefits after ship voyage completion to optimize the fleetwide performance instead of single-vessel performance. Using operations research and expert knowledge, we developed ORISMA to include world-class capabilities in scheduling optimization, intelligent voyage planning, ship bunkering, and chartering. In addition to maximizing Danaos’ profit, it helps the company to minimize carbon emissions, reduce staff workload, and increase customer satisfaction.
Racial and Ethnic Variation in Unmarried Young Adults’ Motivation to Avoid Pregnancy
Authors: Hayford Sarah R. , Guzzo Karen Benjamin
Published: February 2013

Context

Racial and ethnic differences in unintended fertility are well documented, but mechanisms underlying these differences are poorly understood. To identify the factors that may contribute to such disparities, differences in distal characteristics theoretically linked to unintended fertility—such as the motivation to avoid a pregnancy—need to be identified.

Methods

Data on sexual and reproductive attitudes and behavior among a sample of 1,573 unmarried men and women aged 18–29 came from the 2009 National Survey of Reproductive and Contraceptive Knowledge. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine two measures of motivation: one cognitive (perceived importance of avoiding pregnancy) and one affective (predicted feelings about experiencing an unplanned pregnancy).

Results

Seventy‐seven percent of young adults reported that avoiding pregnancy is very important, and 34% would be very upset if they were to experience an unplanned pregnancy. In multivariate analyses, the cognitive measure of motivation was not associated with race and ethnicity. The affective measure, however, was: Foreign‐born Hispanics would be less upset than whites, and blacks would be more upset than whites, if they were to experience an unplanned pregnancy (coefficients, –1.7 and 0.5, respectively).

Conclusions

Differences in motivation to avoid pregnancy—particularly in predicted emotional responses to an unplanned pregnancy—should be further investigated as a potential factor in Hispanics’ relatively high rates of unintended births. Future research should also examine connections between motivation to avoid pregnancy and reproductive behavior.
The Human Gut Microbiome and Body Metabolism: Implications for Obesity and Diabetes
Authors: Devaraj Sridevi , Hemarajata Peera , Versalovic James
Published: February 2013

BACKGROUND

Obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes are major public health challenges. Recently, interest has surged regarding the possible role of the intestinal microbiota as potential novel contributors to the increased prevalence of these 3 disorders.

CONTENT

Recent advances in microbial DNA sequencing technologies have resulted in the widespread application of whole-genome sequencing technologies for metagenomic DNA analysis of complex ecosystems such as the human gut. Current evidence suggests that the gut microbiota affect nutrient acquisition, energy harvest, and a myriad of host metabolic pathways.

CONCLUSION

Advances in the Human Microbiome Project and human metagenomics research will lead the way toward a greater understanding of the importance and role of the gut microbiome in metabolic disorders such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes.
The nucleolus: a raft adrift in the nuclear sea or the keystone in nuclear structure?
Authors: O’Sullivan Justin M. , Pai Dave A. , Cridge Andrew G. , Engelke David R. , Ganley Austen R.D.
Published: February 2013

The nucleolus is a prominent nuclear structure that is the site of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) transcription, and hence ribosome biogenesis. Cellular demand for ribosomes, and hence rRNA, is tightly linked to cell growth and the rRNA makes up the majority of all the RNA within a cell. To fulfill the cellular demand for rRNA, the ribosomal RNA (rDNA) genes are amplified to high copy number and transcribed at very high rates. As such, understanding the rDNA has profound consequences for our comprehension of genome and transcriptional organization in cells. In this review, we address the question of whether the nucleolus is a raft adrift the sea of nuclear DNA, or actively contributes to genome organization. We present evidence supporting the idea that the nucleolus, and the rDNA contained therein, play more roles in the biology of the cell than simply ribosome biogenesis. We propose that the nucleolus and the rDNA are central factors in the spatial organization of the genome, and that rapid alterations in nucleolar structure in response to changing conditions manifest themselves in altered genomic structures that have functional consequences. Finally, we discuss some predictions that result from the nucleolus having a central role in nuclear organization.
Transport of substrates into peroxisomes: the paradigm of β-lactam biosynthetic intermediates
Authors: Martín Juan-Francisco , García-Estrada Carlos , Ullán Ricardo V.
Published: February 2013

Peroxisomes are ubiquitous organelles that enclose catalases, fatty acid-oxidizing enzymes, and a variety of proteins involved in different cellular processes. Interestingly, the late enzymes involved in penicillin biosynthesis, and the isopenicillin N epimerization enzymes involved in cephalosporin biosynthesis are located inside peroxisomes in the producer fungi Penicillium chrysogenum and Acremonium chrysogenum. Peroxisome proteins are targeted to those organelles by peroxisomal targeting signals located at the C-terminus (PTS1) or near the N-terminal end (PTS2) of those proteins. Peroxisomal membrane proteins (PMPs) are largely recruited by the interaction with specific sequences in the Pex19 protein. The compartmentalization into peroxisomes of several steps of the biosynthesis of penicillin, cephalosporin, and other secondary metabolites raises the question of how the precursors and/or intermediates of the biosynthesis of β-lactam antibiotics are transported into peroxisomes and the mechanisms of secretion of the final products (penicillin or cephalosporin) from peroxisomes to the extracellular medium. Recent advances in peroxisome proteomics, immunoelectron microscopy, and fluorescence labeling have shown that the transport of these intermediates is mediated by membrane proteins of the major facilitator superfamily class (drug/H+ antiporters) containing 12 transmembrane-spanning domains (TMS). In some cases, the transport of the substrates (e.g., fatty acids) or intermediates may be mediated by ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. Knowledge on the transport and secretion mechanisms is of paramount importance to understand the complex mechanisms of cell differentiation and their crosstalk with the biosynthesis of different secondary metabolites that act as biochemical signals between the producer cells and also as communication signals with competing microorganisms (e.g., antimicrobial agents or plant elicitors).
Vegetative and reproductive morphology of Polysiphonia tripinnata (Rhodomelaceae, Rhodophyta): a new record from the European Atlantic coast
Authors: Díaz-Tapia Pilar , Bárbara Ignacio , Berecibar Estíbaliz
Published: February 2013

Polysiphonia tripinnata, a member of the Rhodomelaceae originally described from the Mediterranean Sea, is newly recorded off the European Atlantic coast. It was collected mostly from sand-covered rocks between the low intertidal zone and the upper subtidal zone of 18 sites from the Iberian Peninsula. Most locations were from the southern Iberian Peninsula; nevertheless, it was also found at three sites on the northern coast (Galicia and Basque Country). In this work, the vegetative and reproductive morphologies of P. tripinnata are described and for the first time a detailed description of female structures is provided. Polysiphonia tripinnata is distinguished from its congeners by its decumbent robust thalli attached to the substratum by abundant rhizoids cut off from the pericentral cells; axes are ecorticate with (14–) 17–19 (–20) pericentral cells; branches of indeterminate and/or determinate growth are alternately arranged and form in the axils of trichoblasts, which are borne on every segment; carpogonial branches are four-celled, cystocarps are globose; tetrasporangia are formed in spiral series. The type material of P. tripinnata has been examined and a lectotype is designated for the species. Differences between P. tripinnata and similar species are discussed. Moreover, COI-5P sequences of P. tripinnata as well as Polysiphonia nigra and Boergeseniella spp. are provided to allow subsequent assignment to these entities using the DNA barcode tool.
A novel weighted cumulative delta-check method for highly sensitive detection of specimen mix-up in the clinical laboratory
Authors: Yamashita Teppei , Ichihara Kiyoshi , Miyamoto Ayaho
Published: February 2013

Background: We sought to detect specimen mix-up by developing a new cumulative delta-check method applicable to a mixture of test items with heterogeneous units and distribution patterns.

Methods: The distributions of all test results were successfully made Gaussian using power transformation. Values were then standardized into z-score (zx) based on reference interval (RI) so that limits of RI take zx=±1.96. To find a weight for summing absolute value of delta between current and previous zx (Dz), we evaluated the distribution of Dz. Its central portion was always regarded as Gaussian despite the presence of symmetrical long tails. Thus, an adjusted SD (aSD) representing the center was estimated with an iterative method. By setting 1/aSD2 as a weight factor, we computed a weighted mean of Dz as an index for specimen mix-up (wCDI).

Results: The performance of wCDI was evaluated, using a model laboratory database consisting of 32 basic test items, by a simulation study generating artificial cases of mix-up. When wCDI was computed from three commonly ordered test sets consisting of 6–9 items each, its diagnostic efficiency in detecting the artificial cases was 0.937–0.967 expressed as area under ROC curves (AUC). When the performance of wCDI was evaluated simply by the number of test items (p) included in the computation, AUC gradually increased from 0.944 (p=5) to 0.976 (p=8). However, when p≥10, AUC stayed at approximately 0.98.

Conclusions: wCDI was proven to be highly effective in uncovering cases of specimen mix-up. The diagnostic efficiency of wCDI depends only on the number of test items included in the computation.
Quantification of mobilized copper(II) levels in micronized copper-treated wood by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy
Authors: Xue Wei , Kennepohl Pierre , Ruddick John N.R.
Published: February 2013

Sapwood sawdust from southern pine was treated with micronized copper (MC) under various conditions and the mobilized copper(II) (Cumob) concentrations were determined in the treated wood by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The spectral parameters for the copper sulfate (CuSO4)-treated sapwood and those of the MC-treated sapwood were very similar. A linear correlation was found between the intensities of copper (Cu) EPR spectra and those of Cu energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy in a series of CuSO4-treated sapwood reference samples. Thus, the EPR signal intensities could be reliably correlated to the mass of reacted Cu present using this calibration curve. The amount of the Cumob in sawdust treated by MC suspensions increased during the first 2–3 days after the initial treatment and then reached a maximum during the 7-day monitoring period. In the case of the treatment with MC alone or MC azole, an increased MC concentration led to an elevated amount of Cu (to a maximum of ∼0.23% Cu) solubilized by the sapwood. If the wood was treated with MC quat, the Cumob initially increased, but at higher concentrations the Cumob content decreased, due to the interference by the quat cobiocide on the acid reaction between the wood and the basic Cu carbonate. An examination of commercially-treated wood confirmed the laboratory observations.
Mimicking of the strength loss in the Vasa: model experiments with iron-impregnated recent oak
Authors: Norbakhsh Shahin , Bjurhager Ingela , Almkvist Gunnar
Published: February 2013

Previous studies of the oak wood of the 17th century warship the Vasa have shown significant changes in the chemical and mechanical properties compared with recent oak. The most important factors contributing to these changes are the incorporation of iron compounds during waterlogging and the uptake of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in the course of the 17 years of preservation treatment. To investigate the effect of iron-dependent oxidative degradation reactions, recent oak wood samples were impregnated with aqueous iron(II) chloride solution (0.1 M) and thereafter exposed to air or pure oxygen at controlled relative humidity in long-term experiments followed by tensile strength (TS) measurements. The iron-impregnated samples exposed to oxygen displayed significant effects already after 1 week and the reduction in TS was ~50% after 1 year. The samples treated with additional PEG displayed less TS reduction, whereas the addition of cysteine had no effect. The size exclusion chromatography of treated samples showed that the average molecular weight of holocellulose had decreased. The results confirm that iron compounds have a detrimental effect in wood and indicate that PEG might act as an antioxidant for the degradation processes. Concerning the Vasa, it may be concluded that most degradation related to iron compounds and oxidative processes have taken place during the first period of conservation when the wood was exposed to oxygen in a still very humid state. Thus, the current rate of oxidative degradation under the present relatively dry museum conditions should be relatively low.
Chemistry and kraft pulping of seven hybrid aspen clones. Dimension measurements on the vessels and UMSP of the cell walls
Authors: Sable Inese , Grinfelds Uldis , Zeps Martins , Irbe Ilze , Noldt Guna , Jansons Aris , Treimanis Arnis , Koch Gerald
Published: February 2013

Micropropagated hybrid aspen clones (Populus tremuloides Michx.×Populus tremula L.) and a plus-tree (superior phenotypes selected) aspen (Populus tremula L.) were grown under similar conditions in the central part of Latvia. After cutting at the age of 12 years, 64 sample trees were examined. The dimensions of the vessels and the content of cellulose, lignin, extractives and ash were determined. The cell walls were characterised by UV microspectrophotometry (UMSP) in the UV range. The dimensions of fibres obtained by kraft pulping were determined such as length, width, and their shape factors. Coarseness measurements were performed, and strength properties of the handsheets were tested. One of the clones (no. 44) had a significantly higher stem volume of 208 dm3 and stem diameter of 17 cm at a height of 1.3 m. This clone had otherwise no notable differences to the other clones concerning the chemical composition, except a slightly higher lignin content (20.0% as compared with the mean value of 19.3% for other clones). Kraft cooking of hybrid aspen chips gave pulp yields in the range of 48.6–52.4%. Slightly higher strength properties (10–15%) were found for the handsheets prepared from a common aspen pulp (reference) as compared with those from hybrid aspen fibres.
Improved heat insulation system (Mirrorpanel) for construction of wood buildings
Authors: Pásztory Zoltán
Published: February 2013

A new thermal insulation system (Mirrorpanel) based on an effective thermal insulation of the air by multiple heat reflection of the radiation heat flux was produced at the Innovation Center of the University of West Hungary. The system was created for wood frame structure buildings where the units of the framework provide the fixing points. In the panels of the new system, there are narrow air fields with high thermal resistance and the lamellae in the field have low surface emission properties, which reflect a considerable part of heat radiation. This system of heat reflection and the narrow air fields was formed with the help of stretched foils. Based on the results of tests gained from the small and medium-sized insulation panels, a life-size test building was constructed, where the performance and conduct of the Mirrorpanel can be continuously studied.
Highlight: sensing hypoxia in the cell and the organism
Authors: Fandrey Joachim
Published: February 2013

No abstract available
Problemlösung. Verifiziertes Faktum oder Illusion? / Problem Solving. Proven Fact or Illusion? / La résolution de problèmes. Fait vérifié ou illusion ?
Authors: Ratzek Wolfgang
Published: February 2013

Die nächste Krise kommt mit Sicherheit. Nur wissen wir nicht in welcher Gestalt und Intensität. Welche Mittel gibt es, um Krise abzumildern, sie nicht zu einer Katastrophe ausarten zu lassen? Für die Bewältigung dieser Problemlagen stehen zahlreiche Methoden und Techniken zur Verfügung. Wir machen es uns aber zu einfach, wenn wir glauben, dass die Anwendung der „richtigen“ Methode und Technik schon zur Lösung führt. Patentrezepte gibt es nicht. Die Realität ist komplexer als das Simulakrum, das wir uns schaffen. Daraus resultieren einige grundlegende Fragestellungen: Was ist das charakteristische an einem Problem? Worin besteht der Unterschied zwischen einem Problem und einer Aufgabe? Lässt sich Komplexität nachhaltig managen? Welche Formen der Komplexitätsreduzierung gibt es? Wie können Information Professionals bei der Bewältigung mitwirken? Erst mit diesen Vorkenntnissen lassen sich Problemlagen für eine unbestimmte Zeit bewältigen
The diet of Schreiber’s bent-winged bat, Miniopterus schreibersii (Chiroptera: Miniopteridae), in northeastern Slovenia (Central Europe)
Authors: Presetnik Primož , Aulagnier Stéphane
Published: February 2013

The diet of Miniopterus schreibersii was investigated by morphological analysis of prey remains in droppings from the spring to the autumn of 2000 from a bat roost in northeastern Slovenia (Central Europe). Lepidoptera dominated, having an average percent volume (APV) of 79% and constituting the bulk of the diet throughout the year. By decreasing importance in the diet, the insects identified were Neuroptera – mostly Chrysopidae (APV 9.2%), Diptera (APV 7.4%), Trichoptera (APV 2.2%) and Coleoptera (APV 1.4%). The diet was most diverse in late October. It seems that M. schreibersii is an aerial hawker that specialises in eating moths, but can opportunistically switch to other seasonably abundant prey. It hunts small- to medium-sized winged prey (wing length: 2–18 mm), of which most are tympanate insects.
What is expected from the novel triple combination antiviral treatment of patients infected with hepatitis C virus genotype 1?
Authors: Tusnádi Anna , Szabó Anna
Published: February 2013

Introduction: Since May 2011, protease inhibitor/ribavirin/peginterferon combination has become the standard treatment for both treatment-naive and treatment-experienced patients infected with hepatitis C virus genotype 1. In Hungary, due to limited resources, the therapy of treatment-experienced patients might only be financed in the near future. Aim: The aim of this retrospective study was to find out characteristics of the patient group waiting for new triple combination in a single hepatology centre in Hungary, and to estimate the possible rate of their sustained virologic response. Method: Between January 2004 and September 2012, 269 patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection were treated with peginterferon/ribavirin therapy. 142 patients failed to achieve sustained virologic response, but out of them, 93 individuals are the possible candidates for the triple antiviral treatment. In the latter group, the previous virologic response to dual therapy was determined. To register fibrosis scores, findings of liver biopsy and/or fibroelastography were also collected. Interleukin28B genotypes of 49 patients were determined. Results: Among the 93 treatment-experienced patients, 25 relapsed, 26 responded partially , 6 broke through, and 36 null-responders were found. 29% of patients had mild or moderate fibrosis and 71% of those already had severe fibrosis. Of the 49 patients with known interleukin28B genotype only 8 patients had the CC genotype. Conclusions: About half of the patients (mostly relapsers, and some partial responders as well) have a good chance of achieving sustained virologic response, which may be influenced by the fibrosis score. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 257–261.
Lessons from the novel renoprotective studies made by antihypertensive drugs
Authors: Bajnok László
Published: February 2013

From the evaluated ONTARGET, ALTITUDE, ACCOMPLISH, ROADMAP, and ACCORD-BP studies a conclusion can be drawn that though microalbuminuria/proteinuria is a strong epidemiological biomarker, in interventional studies it is not necessarily a reliable surrogate endpoint as actual renal function may change in an opposite way. Namely, some therapeutic measures improving microalbuminuria/proteinuria may actually worsen renal function. In case of procedures such as blood pressure lowering or measure of RAS blockade an optimum point on a J-curve may exist. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 243–247.
Study of the Effects of a Two-Step Anneal on the End of Range Defects in Silicon
Authors: Camillo-Castillo Renata A. , Jones Kevin. S. , Law Mark E. , Rubin Leonard M.
Published: February 2013

Transient enhanced diffusion (TED) is a challenge that the semi-conductor industry has been faced with for more than two decades. Numerous investigations have been conducted to better understand the mechanisms that govern this phenomenon, so that scale down can be acheived. {311} type defects and dislocation loops are known interstitial sources that drive TED and dopants such as B utilize these interstitials to diffuse throughout the Si lattice. It has been reported that a two-step anneal on Ge preamorphized Si with ultra-low energy B implants has resulted in shallower junction depths. This study examines whether the pre-anneal step has a measurable effect on the end of range defects. Si wafers were preamorphized with Ge at 10, 12, 15, 20 and 30keV at a dose of 1x1015cm-2 and subsequently implanted with 1x1015cm-2 1keV B. Furnace anneals were performed at 450, 550, 650 and 750°C; the samples were then subjected to a spike RTA at 950°C. The implant damage was analyzed using Quantitative Transmission Electron Microscopy (QTEM). At the low energy Ge preamorphization, little damage is observed. However at the higher energies the microstructure is populated with extended defects. The defects evolve into elongated loops as the preanneal temperature increases. Both the extended defect density and the trapped interstitial concentration peak at a preanneal temperature of 550°C, suggesting that this may be an optimal condition for trapping interstitials.
S/D Engineering for Sub-100 nm MOSFET using Ultra Shallow Junction Formation Technique, Elevated S/D Structure and SALICIDE Technique
Authors: Ohuchi Kazuya , Adachi Kanna , Hokazono Akira , Toyoshima Yoshiaki
Published: February 2013

Suppression of short channel effect (SCE) by utilizing the technology of formation of ultrashallow junctions is one of the important issues. The annealing process of implantation-damage that induces transient enhanced diffusion during a subsequent thermal process, such as low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) for gate sidewall spacer, should be optimized. To pursuit high performance of MOSFETs, parasitic resistance must be reduced with scaling. On the other hand, it is difficult to decrease the parasitic resistance in the region of contact junction, which is a function of physical constant such as Schottky barrier height of silicide materials and solid solubility of dopant. The elevated source/drain structure reduces parasitic resistance of contact junction due to reduction of resistance of diffusion beneath salicide materials. Cobalt salicide is widely used till 100nm node. However, cobalt salicide has disadvantage in the thermal budget for shallow junction and quantity of silicon consumption during silicidation. Nickel salicide is one of the candidates for successor of cobalt salicide to 70 nm node or above, because of its characteristics of low temperature formation, low silicon consumption and low contact resistivity on p+ junctions. In this paper, S/D engineering will be discussed from the viewpoint of the process integration of sub-100 nm physical gate length complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (CMOSFET) device.
Silicon Self-Interstitial Cluster Formation and Dissolution in SOI
Authors: Saavedra A. , Frazer J. , Wrigley D. , Jones K. , Avci I. , Earles S. , Law M. , Jones E.
Published: February 2013

Silicon-on-insulator (SOI) is a promising alternative to bulk silicon as ultra shallow junction depths have begun to shrink below 50 nm. This study examined the effect of the SOI surface silicon/buried oxide interface on {311} defect evolution after Si+ ion implantation. SOI wafers were produced such that the surface silicon thickness varied from 300Å to 1600Å. Non-amorphizing Si+ implants at 5 and 20 keV with a dose of 2x1014 cm-2 were performed into SOITEC SOI wafers. Furnace anneals were done at 750°C from 5 minutes to 4 hours and quantitative transmission electron microscopy (QTEM) was used to study the implant damage evolution. At 5 keV, the dissolution behavior of the SOI was very similar to that of the bulk. However, the extended defects in the 300 Å SOI did not nucleate the same as those observed in the bulk or thicker SOI. Similar results were seen at 20 keV for the 700 Å SOI, but a slight decrease in the concentration of trapped interstitials was observed due to interface recombination as a result of the increased projected range of the implant. It is concluded that the surface Si/BOX interface does not significantly affect recombination of interstitials trapped in extended defects unless the interstitial profile is close to or truncates the interface. However, the interface does appear to affect the stability of zig-zag {311} defects and dislocation loops in thin SOI at lower implant energies.
A New Approach to the All-on-Four Treatment Concept Using Narrow Platform NobelActive Implants
Authors: Babbush Charles A. , Kanawati Ali , Brokloff John
Published: February 2013

Although a number of approaches to implant-supported restoration of severely atrophic maxillae and mandibles have been developed, most of these treatments are costly and protracted. An exception is the All-on-Four concept, which uses only 4 implants to support an acrylic, screw-retained provisional prosthesis delivered on the day of implant placement, followed by a definitive prosthesis approximately 4 months later. After the introduction of a new implant design in 2008, a new protocol was developed for provisionally treating patients with severely atrophic jaws using the All-on-Four concept and 3.5-mm-diameter implants. This article describes that protocol and reports on the results of 227 implants after 1 to 3 years of follow-up. The cumulative survival rate was 98.7% at the end of 3 years, with a 100% prosthetic survival rate. Combining the 3.5-mm-diameter NobelActive implants with the All-on-Four concept promises to become a new standard of care for severely compromised patients.
Prenatal Diagnosis of a Large Epignathus Teratoma Using Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Ultrasound: Correlation with Pathological Findings
Authors: Takagi Maira Mariko , Bussamra Luiz Claudio Silva , Júnior Edward Araujo , Drummond Carolina Leite , Herbst Sandra Regina Silva , Nardozza Luciano Marcondes Machado , Moron Antonio Fernandes , Aldrighi José Mendes
Published: February 2013

Epignathus teratomas are rare tumors that originate in the region of the palate or pharynx and are known as Rathke pouch. They may be associated with other malformations such as a cleft palate and bifid tongue or nose. The prenatal diagnosis can be established by two-dimensional ultrasonography showing a heterogeneous mass protruding through the mouth of the fetus. The three-dimensional ultrasonography in rendering mode permits better understanding of this anomaly by the parents, facilitating the counseling. The importance of prenatal diagnosis lies in the fact that this tumor may obstruct the airways, thus leading to death at birth due to respiratory insufficiency. We report a case of prenatal diagnosis of epignathus teratoma in the 30th week of pregnancy by two-dimensional ultrasonography. We focus on the importance of three-dimensional ultrasonography in rendering mode for demonstrating the spatial relationships of the tumor with the oral cavity and provide correlations between the ultrasound images and the anatomopathological findings.
Consequences of climate change for biotic disturbances in North American forests
Authors: Weed Aaron S. , Ayres Matthew P. , Hicke Jeffrey A.
Published: February 2013

About one‐third of North America is forested. These forests are of incalculable value to human society in terms of harvested resources and ecosystem services and are sensitive to disturbance regimes. Epidemics of forest insects and diseases are the dominant sources of disturbance to North American forests. Here we review current understanding of climatic effects on the abundance of forest insects and diseases in North America, and of the ecological and socioeconomic impacts of biotic disturbances. We identified 27 insects (6 nonindigenous) and 22 diseases (9 nonindigenous) that are notable agents of disturbance in North American forests. The distribution and abundance of forest insects and pathogens respond rapidly to climatic variation due to their physiological sensitivity to temperature, high mobility, short generation times, and high reproductive potential. Additionally, climate affects tree defenses, tree tolerance, and community interactions involving enemies, competitors, and mutualists of insects and diseases. Recent research affirms the importance of milder winters, warmer growing seasons, and changes in moisture availability to the occurrence of biotic disturbances. Predictions from the first U.S. National Climate Assessment of expansions in forest disturbances from climate change have been upheld, in some cases more rapidly and dramatically than expected. Clear examples are offered by recent epidemics of spruce beetles in Alaska, mountain pine beetle in high‐elevation five‐needle pine forests of the Rocky Mountains, and southern pine beetle in the New Jersey Pinelands. Pathogens are less studied with respect to climate, but some are facilitated by warmer and wetter summer conditions.

Changes in biotic disturbances have broad consequences for forest ecosystems and the services they provide to society. Climatic effects on forest insect and disease outbreaks may foster further changes in climate by influencing the exchange of carbon, water, and energy between forests and the atmosphere. Climate‐induced changes in forest productivity and disturbance create opportunities as well as vulnerabilities (e.g., increases in productivity in many areas, and probably decreases in disturbance risks in some areas). There is a critical need to better understand and predict the interactions among climate, forest productivity, forest disturbance, and the socioeconomic relations between forests and people.
Effects of Resolvin D1 on Cell Survival and Cytokine Expression of Human Gingival Fibroblasts
Authors: Khaled Mohamed , Shibani Nouf‐Al , Labban Nawaf , Batarseh Ghada , Song Fengyu , Ruby John , Windsor L. Jack
Published: February 2013

Background: Tissue breakdown in periodontitis is initiated by bacteria, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, and is caused largely by host responses. Resolvins protect the host against acute inflammation by blocking the migration of polymorphonuclear neutrophils to initiate resolution. The effects of resolvins on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) are unknown. This study examines the effects of resolvin D1 on HGF survival and cytokine expression when treated with or without P. gingivalis supernatant.

Methods: Cytotoxicity of resolvin D1 on HGFs with or without a toxic level of P. gingivalis supernatant was measured with lactate dehydrogenase assays. Cytokine arrays were performed on HGF‐conditioned media treated with or without resolvin D1 and with or without P. gingivalis supernatant.

Results: Resolvin D1 had no cytotoxic effects on HGFs at concentrations between 1 and 1,000 nM (all P > 0.05). Resolvin D1 (1,000 nM) significantly inhibited the toxic effects of 13.5% (v/v) P. gingivalis supernatant on HGFs (P = 0.002). Resolvin D1 significantly reduced the expression of interleukin (IL)‐6 (P = 0.010) and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)‐1 (P = 0.04) in untreated fibroblasts. P. gingivalis (10%) supernatant significantly increased the expression levels of granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (CSF), granulocyte CSF, growth‐regulated oncogene (GRO), IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐7, IL‐8, IL‐10, MCP‐1, MCP‐2, MCP‐3, and monokine induced by γ‐interferon. Resolvin D1 significantly reduced the expression of GRO (P = 0.04), marginally reduced the levels of MCP‐1 (P = 0.10), and marginally increased the levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 (P = 0.07) from HGFs treated with P. gingivalis supernatant.

Conclusions: Resolvin D1 altered the cytotoxicity of P. gingivalis supernatant on HGFs. Resolvin D1 significantly reduced GRO, marginally reduced MCP‐1, and marginally increased TGF‐β1 from P. gingivalis–treated HGFs, which could alter the ability of P. gingivalis to induce inflammation.
Evaluation of nitrate concentration in groundwater and drinking water distribution network of Robat-Karim City, Tehran Province, Iran
Authors: Panahi S. , Alavi Moghaddam M. R.
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate the amount of nitrate concentration in groundwater resources (wells) and drinking water distribution network of Robat-Karim city of Tehran Province, Iran. The study was accomplished during 8 months (March–Oct 2009). For this purpose, 40 samples from groundwater resources (wells) and 32 samples from water distribution network were collected and analyzed. In this study, a spectrophotometer was used for nitrate analysis of all samples. Based on the results of this study, the maximum, minimum and mean amounts of nitrate concentrations in wells and distribution network samples were 5.9, 0.2, 2.1 and 4, 1.4, 2.05 mg NO3−-N/L, respectively. The amounts of nitrate concentrations in all samples were much lower than its permissible levels in national and international standards.
Micro hydraulic mobile water treatment plant: application in the field
Authors: Garsadi R. , Notodarmojo S. , Ross P. S. , Verberk J. Q. J. C.
Published: February 2013

The micro hydraulic mobile water treatment plant is an emergency water treatment unit which is fast to deploy, simple to operate and has a low energy and chemical consumption. The mobile treatment plant has been operated successfully after several natural disasters in Indonesia. Currently more than 30 installations are used on a daily basis in Indonesia. Water quality control is done manually on a daily basis and a large database of results is available. These water quality data have been compared with computer model water quality calculations in order to optimize coagulant dosage.