bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survival and Growth of Lake Sturgeon during Early Life Stages as a Function of Rearing Environment
Authors: Crossman James A. , Scribner Kim T. , Davis Christin A. , Forsythe Patrick S. , Baker Edward A.
Published: January 2014

The need for hatchery programs to reflect the latest scientific knowledge is critical for understudied groups with unique ecologies such as Acipenseriform species, including Lake SturgeonAcipenser fulvescens. In order to address uncertainties regarding the efficacy of Lake Sturgeon culture techniques, we quantified and compared growth and survival at the egg, larval, and juvenile life history stages as a function of hatchery rearing environment over 2 years (two cohorts). Furthermore, we evaluated growth and survival of juveniles produced from three methods of progeny collection including direct gamete takes, collection of naturally spawned eggs from the stream substrate, and collection of larvae dispersing downstream from the spawning grounds. Progeny from each collection method were evenly divided between a streamside hatchery on the natal river and a traditional hatchery. Progeny reared at the streamside hatchery experienced a natural temperature regime and were exposed to natal water only filtered to remove larger sediments. We found that daily survival at the egg stage varied as a function of hatchery environment, duration of incubation, and maternal sources. Microbial infection during incubation contributed significantly to mortality, was higher, and occurred earlier in the incubation period at the streamside hatchery than at the traditional hatchery. Hatching rate was significantly higher at the streamside hatchery in 2006 than at the traditional hatchery. Daily survival at the larval stage was high at both hatcheries but was significantly higher at the streamside hatchery in 2006. Importantly, survival of progeny collected as dispersing larvae was significantly lower during the first week of rearing in both hatchery environments and years. Growth rates at the juvenile stage were comparable between hatcheries and inter‐individual variation in growth increased through the rearing period in both years. Natural temperature regimes resulted in variable egg incubation time and concomitant variation in larval size at hatch that extended into the juvenile stage. Results indicate conservation hatchery programs that incorporate rearing environments reflective of natural conditions can increase phenotypic variation in stocked progeny without compromising survival in the hatchery.
Spatially Varying Population Demographics and Fishery Characteristics of Lake Erie Walleyes Inferred from a Long‐Term Tag Recovery Study
Authors: Vandergoot Christopher S. , Brenden Travis O.
Published: January 2014

Although the Lake Erie population of Walleyes Sander vitreus exhibits complex spatial structuring, the extent to which population demographics also vary spatially is unknown. Using a spatial tag recovery model, we estimated region‐ and age‐specific mortalities and regional movement probabilities by using recoveries from a jaw tagging study initiated in 1990. The best‐performing model based on a comparison of quasi‐likelihood Akaike's information criterion values had age‐group‐specific movement probabilities, age‐ and region‐specific natural mortalities, and age‐group‐ and region‐specific annual fishing mortalities. Commercial fishing mortality varied considerably during the study, while recreational fishing mortality was more static. Natural mortality of age‐5 and older Walleyes was lower than that of younger fish in all regions, with values ranging from 0.30 to 0.40 for age‐4 and younger fish and from 0.13 to 0.27 for age‐5 and older fish. In Lake Erie's western basin, natural mortality of age‐4 fish was lower than that of age‐3 fish. Sensitivity analyses indicated that some natural mortality estimates were sensitive to (1) prior probability distributions assigned to mortality components and (2) assumed movement probabilities in regions where no tagging was conducted. The decline in natural mortality with age in Lake Erie's western basin matches what has been found for other populations, suggesting that such patterns are perhaps common in exploited Walleye populations. Movement probabilities in the western basin were greater than those in the combined central and eastern basins. The mortality rates and movement probabilities estimated in this study should assist in the parameterization and scaling of a spatially explicit Lake Erie Walleye assessment model, the development of which has been recommended for the lake's quota management system. Our study is one of the first to apply a spatial tag recovery model to a freshwater fish population for estimating mortality components. We encourage wider use of this method to improve the understanding of how mortality components and movements vary regionally within freshwater systems.
Prey Availability, Consumption, and Quality Contribute to Variation in Growth of Subyearling Chinook Salmon Rearing in Riverine and Reservoir Habitats
Authors: Tiffan Kenneth F. , Erhardt John M. , St. John Scott J.
Published: January 2014

We examined prey availability, prey consumed, and diet energy content as sources of variation in growth of natural fall Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha subyearlings rearing in riverine and reservoir habitats in the Snake River. Subyearlings in riverine habitat primarily consumed aquatic insects (e.g., Diptera, Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera), of which a high proportion was represented by adult, terrestrial forms. In the reservoir, subyearlings also consumed aquatic insects but also preyed heavily at times on nonnative lentic amphipods Corophium spp. and the mysid Neomysis mercedis, which were absent in riverine habitats. The availability of prey was typically much higher in the reservoir due to N. mercedis often composing over 90% of the biomass, but when this taxon was removed from consideration, biomass estimates were more often higher in the riverine habitat. Subyearling diets during 2009–2011were generally 17–40% higher in energy in the riverine habitat than in the reservoir. Observed growth in both length and weight were significantly higher in the riverine habitat than in the reservoir. Little is known about how temporal and spatial changes in the food web in large river landscapes influence populations of native anadromous fishes. Our results provide a glimpse of how the spread and establishment of nonnative prey species can reduce juvenile salmon growth in a large river impoundment, which in turn can affect migration timing and survival.
CHES1/FOXN3 regulates cell proliferation by repressing PIM2 and protein biosynthesis
Authors: Huot Geneviève , Vernier Mathieu , Bourdeau Véronique , Doucet Laurent , Saint-Germain Emmanuelle , Gaumont-Leclerc Marie-France , Moro Alejandro , Ferbeyre Gerardo
Published: January 2014

The expression of the forkhead transcription factor checkpoint suppressor 1 (CHES1), also known as FOXN3, is reduced in many types of cancers. We show here that CHES1 decreases protein synthesis and cell proliferation in tumor cell lines but not in normal fibroblasts. Conversely, short hairpin RNA–mediated depletion of CHES1 increases tumor cell proliferation. Growth suppression depends on the CHES1 forkhead DNA-binding domain and correlates with the nuclear localization of CHES1. CHES1 represses the expression of multiple genes, including the kinases PIM2 and DYRK3, which regulate protein biosynthesis, and a number of genes in cilium biogenesis. CHES1 binds directly to the promoter of PIM2, and in cells expressing CHES1 the levels of PIM2 are reduced, as well as the phosphorylation of the PIM2 target 4EBP1. Overexpression of PIM2 or eIF4E partially reverses the antiproliferative effect of CHES1, indicating that PIM2 and protein biosynthesis are important targets of the antiproliferative effect of CHES1. In several human hematopoietic cancers, CHES1 and PIM2 expressions are inversely correlated, suggesting that repression of PIM2 by CHES1 is clinically relevant.
Association between 318C/T polymorphism of the CTLA‐4 gene and systemic lupus erythematosus in Iranian patients
Authors: Shojaa Mahdieh , Aghaie Mehrdad , Amoli Mahsa , Javid Naemeh , Shakeri Fatemeh , Khashayar Patricia , Tabarraei Alijan , Keshtkar Abbas A. , Joshaghani Hamid R. , Kouroshnia Arghavan , Qorbani Mostafa , Mahmoudi Faranak , Mohebbi Ramin , Ranjbarpour Neda
Published: January 2014

Background

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte‐associated antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4) is an important negative regulator of T‐cell response. It is a functional candidate gene connected with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We analyzed the role of −318C/T polymorphism in the promoter region of the CTLA‐4 gene in Iranian patients suffering from SLE.

Methods

A total of 180 SLE patients and 304 healthy ethnically matched controls were enrolled in the study. DNA was extracted from blood samples according to the standard procedure. Polymerase chain reaction restriction fragments length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) was used to analyze the genotype and allele frequencies of these polymorphisms.

Results

The CC genotype was observed in 170 (94.5%) of the SLE patients, which was significantly different compared to the controls (251 [82.4%]; P = 0.0001, OR = 3.51 95%CI = 1.77–7.53). T allele was significantly more common in the controls (9.2%) compared to SLE patients 2.8% (P = 0.0001, OR = 0.26, 95%CI = 0.13–0.53). There was no significant correlation between different genotypes and age, gender or family history of SLE in the studied population.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that −318C/T polymorphism of CTLA‐4 gene might play a significant role in the development of SLE in the Iranian patients.
Building Leadership among Laboratory‐Based and Clinical and Translational Researchers: The University of California, San Francisco Experience
Authors: Wides Cynthia , Mertz Elizabeth , Lindstaedt Bill , Brown Jeanette
Published: January 2014

In 2005 the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) implemented the Scientific Leadership and Management (SLM) course, a 2‐day leadership training program to assist laboratory‐based postdoctoral scholars in their transition to independent researchers managing their own research programs. In 2011, the course was expanded to clinical and translational junior faculty and fellows. The course enrollment was increased from approximate 100 to 123 participants at the same time. Based on course evaluations, the number and percent of women participants appears to have increased over time from 40% (n = 33) in 2007 to 53% (n = 58) in 2011. Course evaluations also indicated that participants found the course to be relevant and valuable in their transition to academic leadership. This paper describes the background, structure, and content of the SLM and reports on participant evaluations of the course offerings from 2007 through 2011.
Molecular modelling of HLA‐B*35:132
Authors: Longhi E. , Crivello P. , Mantovani M. , Frison S. , Fleischhauer K. , Crespiatico L. , Piccolo G. , Poli F.
Published: January 2014

Here we describe the molecular modelling of the new variant HLA‐B*35:132. This allele shows one mismatch with B*35:01:01:01 in exon 3 at position 575 where a T is substituted by a C, which implies an amino acidic change from Leucine to Proline. This seems not to alter the molecular structure and not to compromise the HLA complex and T‐cell receptor interaction.
Thottea sasidharaniana sp. nov. (Aristolochiaceae) from Peninsular India
Authors: Robi A. J. , Jose P. A. , Udayan P. S.
Published: January 2014

Thottea sasidharaniana (Aristolochiaceae), a new species from the southern part of the Western Ghats, India is described and illustrated. The new species is phenotypically close to the Indian species T. dinghoui. However, it differs from the latter in its ovate and glossy leaves, larger bracts, uniseriate stamens, 6 anthers, short and pubescent filaments and fewer seeds per fruits. It resembles T. tomentosa in having 6 distinct anthers, but the non‐urceolate flowers and the inflorescence architecture distinguish T. sasidharaniana from T. tomentosa. The latter species is distributed from Bangladesh, India (i.e. Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Assam, Manipur), Thailand, Malaysia, Java, Sumatra to the Philippines.
Western Flower Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) Transmits Maize Chlorotic Mottle Virus
Authors: Zhao Mingfu , Ho Honhing , Wu Yixin , He Yueqiu , Li Mengjiao
Published: January 2014

Maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV) is one of the co‐infection pathogens that cause corn (maize) lethal necrosis, but the transmission mechanism of MCMV is not yet clear. In order to determine the ability of western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis; WFT) to transmit MCMV, imported maize seeds from Thailand were germinated in an insect‐free greenhouse and the seedlings were tested for the transmission by WFT of chlorotic mottle virus disease. The thrips (WFT), starved for 48 h then allowed to feed for 30 min on maize plants infected with MCMV or asymptomatic maize plants, were transferred to healthy seedlings. After 35 days, the seedlings with WFT from diseased maize plants showed chlorotic mottle symptoms, whereas seedlings with WFT from asymptomatic maize plants remained healthy. A single band of 711 bp was amplified by RT‐PCR using primers MCMV‐F/MCMV‐R from the MCMV‐infected plants and WFT collected from the diseased plants. Sequencing of the amplified product and further sequence comparison indicated that the two viruses from both sources showed 99% similarity of nucleotides and they should be regarded as identical. In addition, isometric particles c. 30 nm in diameter, characteristic of MCMV, were found in the WFT samples from diseased maize plants. Thus, it is concluded that WFT transmits MCMV. Our findings suggest that corn lethal necrosis disease can be controlled or minimized by the eradication of WFT from the field or greenhouses.
Study on the Effect of Concentration and Temperature on Rheological Properties of Whole Barley Flour Suspension by Using Mitschka Method
Authors: Kaur Sumeet , Das Madhusweta
Published: January 2014

Rheological behavior of cooked whole barley flour suspension (5–7 g/100 mL) was studied using Brookfield Digital Viscometer at four rpm (10, 20, 50 and 100), and for five temperatures (30, 35, 40, 45 and 50C). The suspension behaved as a shear‐thinning fluid and the power law model could satisfactorily describe the relationship between shear rate and shear stress with flow behavior index in the range of 0.49–0.74. The consistency coefficient was in the range of 0.20–2.08 Pa·sn and it varied inversely with temperature following Arrhenius equation, while a power law model was suitable for its direct relationship with concentration.

Practical Applications

Barley is gaining importance in human food because of the presence of β‐glucans having beneficial effects on health. The study embodied in the present work gives the idea of viscosity of whole barley flour suspension for different concentrations, temperatures and shear rates. Information on these parameters and a model relating them are important attributes required in preparation, quality control and equipment design for barley‐based soups.
Exploration and classification of intensive care nurses' clinical decisions: a Greek perspective
Authors: Karra Vassiliki , Papathanassoglou Elizabeth D. , Lemonidou Chryssoula , Sourtzi Panayota , Giannakopoulou Margarita
Published: January 2014

Aim

The recording, identification, coding and classification of clinical decisions by intensive care nurses.

Background

Clinical decision‐making is an essential dimension of nursing practice as through this process nurses make choices to meet the goals of patient care. Intensive care nurses' decision‐making has received attention because of the complexity and urgency associated with it, however, the types of nurses' clinical decisions have not been described systematically.

Methods

Qualitative content analysis of daily diaries of clinical decisions recorded during nursing work by 23 purposefully selected intensive care nurses from three major hospitals of Greece. The process of data collection and analysis continued until the point of theoretical saturation.

Findings

Eight categories of nursing clinical decisions emerged including decisions related to: (1) evaluation, (2) diagnosis, (3) prevention, (4) intervention, (5) communication with patients, (6) clinical information seeking, (7) setting of clinical priorities and (8) communication with health care professionals. Psychological assessment and support decisions were scarce, whereas patient input in care decisions appeared to be limited. The most frequent types of decisions were regarding intervention (29%), evaluation (25%) and clinical setting of priorities (17%), while clinical information seeking (3%) and communication with patients decisions (2%) were the least frequent. Additionally, recorded decisions were ranked in order of degree of urgency and of dependency on medical order. Non‐urgent decisions were 78% of the total and 60% of nurses' intervention decisions were independent of medical order and were related to basic nursing care.

Conclusions

Intensive care nurses make multiple decisions that seem to be in line with the nursing process, although the latter is not officially implemented in Greek ICUs.

Relevance to clinical practice

The types and frequency of clinical decisions made by intensive care nurses are related to features of ICU work environment, their professional autonomy and accountability, as well as their perceptions of their clinical role.
Economic perspectives on integrating early child stimulation with nutritional interventions
Authors: Alderman Harold , Behrman Jere R. , Grantham‐McGregor Sally , Lopez‐Boo Florencia , Urzua Sergio
Published: January 2014

There is a strongly held view that a narrow window exists for effective nutritional interventions and a widely known stylized depiction of age‐dependent economic rates of returns to investments in cognitive and socioemotional development. Both indicate critical periods in early life. Moreover, the fact that both the physical and cognitive development of a child in these early years are highly dependent on childcare practices and on the characteristics of the caregivers motivates an interest in finding effective means to enhance stimulation in the context of nutritional programs, or vice versa. Nevertheless, there is relatively little evidence to date on how to align integrated interventions to these age‐specific patterns and how to undertake benefit–cost analyses for integrated interventions. Thus, many core questions need further consideration in order to design integrated nutritional and stimulation programs. This paper looks at some of these questions and provides some guidelines as to how the economic returns from joint nutrition and stimulation programs might be estimated.
Restricting Kidney Transplant Wait‐Listing for Obese Patients: Let's Stop Defending the Indefensible
Authors: Kovesdy Csaba P. , Molnar Miklos Z.
Published: January 2014

The allocation of limited medical resources represents an ethical dilemma that continues to generate lively debates. While the allocation of allografts to wait‐listed patients is done in a transparent manner, with its rules open to public debate and prone to continuous improvement, the practice of wait‐listing is not centrally regulated, and its rules are often less scrutinized. Denial of kidney transplant wait‐listing to obese individuals has been a common practice by most transplant centers. On the face of it, this practice is justified by commonly accepted ethical standards, yet there is now mounting evidence that these justifications do not withstand closer scrutiny. A candid and open debate in the Nephrology and Transplant community is needed to examine the true motivations that underlie the practice of denying wait‐listing to obese individuals, and to find a solution that is truly in the best interest of our patients.
Systems Dynamics in Endocytosis
Authors: Fürthauer Maximilian , Smythe Elizabeth
Published: January 2014

The endocytic system acts at the crossroads of different cellular activities to play a central role in the regulation of cell signaling and membrane dynamics. An European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) conference held in October 2013 in Villars‐sur‐Ollon gathered researchers from all over the world to present their latest findings on the endolysosomal system and identify major challenges for the future. The conference covered the entire spectrum of research in this rapidly evolving field ranging from the cellular mechanics of endocytosis to the role of proteins and lipids in the biogenesis and function of endolysosomal organelles and the analysis of higher order system properties in multicellular contexts. In particular, the meeting highlighted current efforts to complement the insights that can be gained by biochemical and cell biological approaches with the use of quantitative biophysics, systems biology and animal model systems to achieve an integrated view of the properties of the endomembrane system and its role in cellular information processing.
Neuromuscular and Metabolic Responses to High-Intensity Intermittent Cycling Protocols With Different Work-to-Rest Ratios
Authors: Nicolò Andrea , Bazzucchi Ilenia , Lenti Mauro , Haxhi Jonida , di Palumbo Alessandro Scotto , Sacchetti Massimo
Published: January 2014

Purpose:

To investigate the effects of work-to-rest-ratio manipulation on neuromuscular and metabolic responses during 2 high-intensity intermittent training (HIT) protocols to exhaustion. Since different exercise durations were expected, the authors hypothesized that the protocol registering a longer duration would have a more pronounced effect on neuromuscular responses, while the other would challenge the cardiopulmonary system more.

Methods:

Thirteen competitive cyclists (age 19 ± 2 y) performed a preliminary incremental test to identify their maximal power output and 2 intermittent protocols to exhaustion (40:20s and 30:30s) at a fixed work rate of 135%Pmax interspersed by passive recovery. Surface electromyographic (sEMG) parameters (including muscle-fiber conduction velocity), cardiopulmonary parameters, and blood lactate concentration [La−] were recorded.

Results:

Time to exhaustion and total work were significantly higher for the 30:30s (38 ± 13 min, 495 ± 161 kJ) than for the 40:20s (10 ± 3 min, 180 ± 51 kJ). No differences were found in sEMG parameters for the 2 protocols. Mean and peak values of VO2, heart rate, ventilatory parameters (except for the peak value of respiratory frequency), and [La−] were significantly higher in the 40:20s than in the 30:30s.

Conclusions:

These results do not support the hypothesis that a longer time spent at high intensity has a more pronounced effect on neuromuscular responses, as no differences in EMG parameters were found in the 2 HIT protocols. Regarding metabolic responses, while the 40:20s led to maximal values of VO2, [La−], and ventilatory parameters within a few minutes, the 30:30s allowed maintenance of moderately high values for a considerably longer period, especially for [La−] and ventilatory parameters.
Variability and Predictability of Performance Times of Elite Cross-Country Skiers
Authors: Spencer Matt , Losnegard Thomas , Hallén Jostein , Hopkins Will G.
Published: January 2014

Analyses of elite competitive performance provide useful information for research and practical applications.

Purpose:

Here the authors analyze performance times of cross-country skiers at international competitions (World Cup, World Championship, and Olympics) in classical and free styles of women’s and men’s distance and sprint events, each with a total of 410–569 athletes competing in 1–44 races at 15–25 venues from seasons 2002 to 2011.

Methods:

A linear mixed model of race times for each event provided estimates of within-athlete race-to-race variability expressed as a coefficient of variation (CV) after adjustment for fixed or random effects of snow conditions, altitude, race length, and competition terrain.

Results:

Within-athlete variability was similar for men and women over various events for all athletes (CV of 1.5–1.8%) and for the annual top-10 athletes (1.1–1.4%). Observed effects of snow conditions and altitude on mean time were substantial (~2%) but mostly unclear, owing to large effects of terrain (CV of 4–10% in top-10 analyses). Predictability of performance was extremely high for all athletes (intraclass correlations of .90–.96) but only trivial to poor for top-10 athletes (men .00–.03, women .03–.35).

Conclusion:

The race-to-race variability of top-ranked skiers is similar to that of other elite endurance athletes. Estimates of the smallest worthwhile performance enhancement (0.3× within-athlete variability) will help researchers and practitioners evaluate strategies affecting performance of elite skiers.
Studies Suggest Two-Way Street for Science Majors
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: January 2014

New studies raise questions about the conventional wisdom on how U.S. college students decide to major in science and engineering and the significance of high attrition rates.
Europe Focuses Fusion Research on Building a Working Power Reactor
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: January 2014

As the new year dawned, nuclear fusion researchers in the European Union woke to a new funding system aimed at sharpening their focus on generating energy.
Beta Interferon Regulation of Glucose Metabolism Is PI3K/Akt Dependent and Important for Antiviral Activity against Coxsackievirus B3
Authors: Burke J. D. , Platanias L. C. , Fish E. N.
Published: January 2014

An effective type I interferon (IFN)-mediated immune response requires the rapid expression of antiviral proteins that are necessary to inhibit viral replication and virus spread. We provide evidence that IFN-β regulates metabolic events important for the induction of a rapid antiviral response: IFN-β decreases the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), coincident with an increase in intracellular ATP. Our studies reveal a biphasic IFN-β-inducible uptake of glucose by cells, mediated by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, and IFN-β-inducible regulation of GLUT4 translocation to the cell surface. Additionally, we provide evidence that IFN-β-regulated glycolytic metabolism is important for the acute induction of an antiviral response during infection with coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3). Last, we demonstrate that the antidiabetic drug metformin enhances the antiviral potency of IFN-β against CVB3 bothin vitroandin vivo. Taken together, these findings highlight an important role for IFN-β in modulating glucose metabolism during a virus infection and suggest that the use of metformin in combination with IFN-β during acute virus infection may result in enhanced antiviral responses.

IMPORTANCEType I interferons (IFN) are critical effectors of an antiviral response. These studies describe for the first time a role for IFN-β in regulating metabolism—glucose uptake and ATP production—to meet the energy requirements of a robust cellular antiviral response. Our data suggest that IFN-β regulates glucose metabolism mediated by signaling effectors similarly to activation by insulin. Interference with IFN-β-inducible glucose metabolism diminishes the antiviral response, whereas treatment with metformin, a drug that increases insulin sensitivity, enhances the antiviral potency of IFN-β.
Sepsis-associated renal salt wasting: how much is too much?
Authors: Saleh Mohamed
Published: January 2014

We report the case of a patient who presented with an extremely high level of glomerular filtration rate and renal salt wasting during acute severe sepsis. Clinical implications for resuscitation and antibiotics dosage regimens are discussed.
A DARK SECTOR EXTENSION OF THE ALMOST-COMMUTATIVE STANDARD MODEL
Authors: STEPHAN CHRISTOPH A.
Published: January 2014

We consider an extension of the Standard Model within the framework of Noncommutative Geometry. The model is based on an older model [C. A. Stephan, Phys. Rev. D79, 065013 (2009)] which extends the Standard Model by new fermions, a new U(1)-gauge group and, crucially, a new scalar field which couples to the Higgs field. This new scalar field allows to lower the mass of the Higgs mass from ~170 GeV, as predicted by the Spectral Action for the Standard Model, to a value of 120–130 GeV. The shortcoming of the previous model lay in its inability to meet all the constraints on the gauge couplings implied by the Spectral Action. These shortcomings are cured in the present model which also features a "dark sector" containing fermions and scalar particles.
Photophysicochemical properties and TD-DFT calculations of a novel terminal alkyne substituted metal free phthalocyanine
Authors: Yılmaz Yusuf , Mack John , Sönmez Mehmet , Nyokong Tebello
Published: January 2014

The synthesis of a novel free base tetrakis(prop-2-ynyloxy)phthalocyanine (2) is described, along with its characterization by IR, UV-visible absorption, and 1 H NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The compound exhibited good solubility in a wide range of organic solvents and no significant aggregation was observed over a wide concentration range. The values for the singlet oxygen (ΦΔ), photodegradation, fluorescence (ΦF) and triplet state quantum yields and the fluorescence and triplet state lifetimes are reported. A relatively high ΦΔ value of 0.46 was obtained in DMSO. The ability to carry out "click" chemistry at the ligand periphery enhances the potential utility of 2 for use in bioconjugates in photodynamic therapy (PDT). A moderately high ΦF value of 0.18 is observed for emission in the therapeutic window in the near-IR region, which suggests that it may also be possible to determine the level of localization of 2 in tumor cells through bioimaging.
CHALLENGE OF MTJ-BASED NONVOLATILE LOGIC-IN-MEMORY ARCHITECTURE FOR DARK-SILICON LOGIC LSI
Authors: HANYU TAKAHIRO
Published: January 2014

This paper presents an architecture-level approach, called nonvolatile logic-in-memory (NV-LIM) architecture, to solving performance-wall and power-wall problems in the present CMOS-only-based logic-LSI (Large-Scaled Integration) processors. The use of magnetic tunnel junction devices combined with a CMOS-gate style makes it possible to achieve a high-performance and ultra-low-power logic LSI. Some concrete examples using the proposed method allow you to achieve the desired performance improvement compared to a corresponding CMOS-only-based realization.
GRIN2B Gene and Associated Brain Cortical White Matter Changes in Bipolar Disorder: A Preliminary Combined Platform Investigation
Authors: Kuswanto Carissa Nadia , Sum Min Yi , Thng Christopher Ren Zhi , Zhang Yi Bin , Yang Guo Liang , Nowinski Wieslaw Lucjan , Sitoh Yih Yian , Low Chian Ming , Sim Kang
Published: January 2014

Abnormalities in glutamate signaling and glutamate toxicity are thought to be important in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD). Whilst previous studies have found brain white matter changes in BD, there is paucity of data about how glutamatergic genes affect brain white matter integrity in BD. Based on extant neuroimaging data, we hypothesized that GRIN2B risk allele is associated with reductions of brain white matter integrity in the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital regions and cingulate gyrus in BD. Fourteen patients with BD and 22 healthy controls matched in terms of age, gender and handedness were genotyped using blood samples and underwent diffusion tensor imaging. Compared to G allele, brain FA values were significantly lower in BD patients with risk T allele in left frontal region (P=0.001), right frontal region (P=0.002), left parietal region (P=0.001), left occipital region (P=0.001), right occipital region (P<0.001), and left cingulate gyrus (P=0.001). Further elucidation of the interactions between different glutamate genes and their relationships with such structural, functional brain substrates will enhance our understanding of the link between dysregulated glutamatergic neurotransmission and neuroimaging endophenotypes in BD.
Alcohol Consumption among the Oldest Old and How It Changes during Two Years
Authors: Fornazar Robin , Spak Fredrik , Dahlin-Ivanoff Synneve , Wilhelmson Katarina
Published: January 2014

This longitudinal study aimed to examine the pattern of alcohol consumption (using the AUDIT-C) among the oldest old (80+) and how it changed two years later. Five hundred seventy-six persons from the Gothenburg metropolitan area were interviewed between 2008 and 2011. Men represented a higher proportion of at-risk consumers (21.8%) than women (14.5%), but there was no sex difference in binge drinking (13.8% versus 12%). Men decreased their weekly consumption and also the proportion of binge drinking, and women decreased only in binge drinking. Further studies of the causality between alcohol consumption and health are suggested.
CD59 Underlines the Antiatherosclerotic Effects of C-Phycocyanin on Mice
Authors: Li Bing , Chu Xian-Ming , Xu Ying-Jie , Yang Fan , Lv Cong-Yi , Nie Shu-min
Published: January 2014

The effects of C-phycocyanin (C-PC) on atherosclerosis and the regulatory effects of CD59 gene on anti-atherosclerotic roles of C-PC were investigated. Apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE(−/−)) mice were randomly divided into four groups: control group, C-PC treatment group, CD59 transfection group and C-PC+CD59 synergy group. The mice were fed with high-fat-diet and treated with drug intervention at the same time. Results showed the atherosclerotic mouse model was successfully established. CD59 was over-expressed in blood and tissue cells. Single CD59 or C-PC could reduce blood lipid levels and promote the expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 but inhibit pro-apoptotic Fas proteins in endothelial cells. The expression levels of cell cycle protein D1 (Cyclin D1) and mRNA levels of cyclin dependent protein kinase 4 (CDK4) in smooth muscle cells were restrained by CD59 and C-PC. CD59 or C-PC alone could inhibit the formation of atherosclerotic plaque by suppressing MMP-2 protein expression. In addition, C-PC could promote CD59 expression. So both CD59 and C-PC could inhibit the progress of atherosclerosis, and the anti-atherosclerotic effects of C-PC might be fulfilled by promoting CD59 expression, preventing smooth muscle cell proliferation and the apoptosis of endothelial cells, reducing blood fat levels, and at last inhibiting the development of atherosclerosis.
Almost Sequence Spaces Derived by the Domain of the Matrix
Authors: Karaisa Ali , Karabıyık Ümıt
Published: January 2014

By using , we introduce the sequence spaces , , and of normed space and -space and prove that , and are linearly isomorphic to the sequence spaces , , and , respectively. Further, we give some inclusion relations concerning the spaces , , and the nonexistence of Schauder basis of the spaces and is shown. Finally, we determine the - and -duals of the spaces and . Furthermore, the characterization of certain matrix classes on new almost convergent sequence and series spaces has exhaustively been examined.
Role of NADPH Oxidase-Mediated Reactive Oxygen Species in Podocyte Injury
Authors: Chen Shan , Meng Xian-Fang , Zhang Chun
Published: January 2014

Proteinuria is an independent risk factor for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) (Shankland, 2006). Recent studies highlighted the mechanisms of podocyte injury and implications for potential treatment strategies in proteinuric kidney diseases (Zhang et al., 2012). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are cellular signals which are closely associated with the development and progression of glomerular sclerosis. NADPH oxidase is a district enzymatic source of cellular ROS production and prominently expressed in podocytes (Zhang et al., 2010). In the last decade, it has become evident that NADPH oxidase-derived ROS overproduction is a key trigger of podocyte injury, such as renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation (Whaley-Connell et al., 2006), epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (Zhang et al., 2011), and inflammatory priming (Abais et al., 2013). This review focuses on the mechanism of NADPH oxidase-mediated ROS in podocyte injury under different pathophysiological conditions. In addition, we also reviewed the therapeutic perspectives of NADPH oxidase in kidney diseases related to podocyte injury.
Differences of Cytotoxicity of Orthodontic Bands Assessed by Survival Tests inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Gonçalves Tatiana Siqueira , Menezes Luciane Macedo de , Ribeiro Luciele Gonzaga , Lindholz Catieli Gobetti , Medina-Silva Renata
Published: January 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity induced by orthodontic bands through survival tests onSaccharomyces cerevisiae,a microorganism that presents several genetic and biochemical characteristics similar to human cells. Three groups of bands were evaluated: silver soldered (SSB), laser soldered (LSB), and bands without any solder (WSB). Yeast cells were directly exposed to the bands and indirectly, when a previous elution of the metals in artificial saliva was performed. The negative control was composed of yeast cells or artificial saliva not exposed to any kind of metal. In the direct exposure experiments, all tested groups of bands induced a slight reduction in yeast viability compared to the control. This effect was more intense for the SSB, although not statistically significant. For the indirect exposure experiments, the SSB induced a statistically significant decrease in cell viability compared to the LSB. There were no significant differences between the survival rates of the negative control and the LSB group in both direct and saliva tests. SSBs were cytotoxic, whilst LSBs were not, confirming that laser soldering may be a more biocompatible alternative for use in connecting wires to orthodontic appliances.
Hospital-Based Study of Epithelial Malignancies of Endometrial Cancer Frequency in Lahore, Pakistan, and Common Diagnostic Pitfalls
Authors: Tanvir Imrana , Riaz Sabiha , Hussain Afshan , Mehboob Riffat , Shams M. Usman , Khan Haseeb Ahmad
Published: January 2014

The current study was conducted to see the frequency of epithelial malignancies of endometrium with focus on the common diagnostic pitfalls and identify morphological and immunohistochemical markers helpful in the differential diagnosis between different subtypes. It is a retrospective descriptive study carried out on 52 specimens of endometrial tumors received in Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, during three years (2010–2012). Patients were divided into 5 age groups: <40, 41–50, 51–60, 61–70, and >70 yrs. Tissues were fixed in 10% formalin and processed and stained with haematoxylin-eosin. Stained slides were examined to determine the histological types by WHO classification, and immunohistochemistry for WT1, p53, ER/PR, and MIB1 was done in cases where morphology alone was not helpful in making a confirmed diagnosis. 80% of specimens were of endometrioid adenocarcinomas, 11% of serous tumors, 4% of clear cell carcinoma, and 4% of squamous cell carcinomas involving both cervix and endometrium. Most of the patients (28.84%) with endometrial carcinomas fall in the age range of 51–60 yrs. Endometrioid adenocarcinoma is the most common type of epithelial endometrial malignancies. Morphology is the keystone in the evaluation of these tumors, but immunohistochemistry can also be helpful in establishing the correct diagnosis.
Spectral Analysis of EEG in Familial Alzheimer’s Disease with E280A Presenilin-1 Mutation Gene
Authors: Rodriguez Rene , Lopera Francisco , Alvarez Alfredo , Fernandez Yuriem , Galan Lidice , Quiroz Yakeel , Bobes Maria Antonieta
Published: January 2014

To evaluate the hypothesis that quantitative EEG (qEEG) analysis is susceptible to detect early functional changes in familial Alzheimer's disease (AD) preclinical stages. Three groups of subjects were selected from five extended families with hereditary AD: a Probable AD group (18 subjects), an asymptomatic carrier (ACr) group (21 subjects), with the mutation but without any clinical symptoms of dementia, and a normal group of 18 healthy subjects. In order to reveal significant differences in the spectral parameter, the Mahalanobis distance (D2) was calculated between groups. To evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of this statisticD2, the ROC models were used. The ROC curve was summarized by accuracy index and standard deviation. TheD2using the parameters of the energy in the fast frequency bands shows accurate discrimination between normal and ACr groups (area ROC = 0.89) and between AD probable and ACr groups (area ROC = 0.91). This is more significant in temporal regions. Theses parameters could be affected before the onset of the disease, even when cognitive disturbance is not clinically evident. Spectral EEG parameter could be firstly used to evaluate subjects with E280A Presenilin-1 mutation without impairment in cognitive function.
Molecular Simulation of Hydrogen Storage in Ion-Exchanged X Zeolites
Authors: Du Xiaoming
Published: January 2014

Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) method was employed to simulate the adsorption properties of molecular hydrogen on ion-exchanged X zeolites at 100–293 K and pressures up to 10 MPa in this paper. The effect of cation type, temperature, and pressure on hydrogen adsorption capacity, heat of adsorption, adsorption sites, and adsorption potential energy of ion-exchanged X zeolites was analyzed. The results indicate that the hydrogen adsorption capacity increases with the decrease in temperatures and the increase in pressures and decreases in the order ofKX<LiX<CaX. The isosteric heat of adsorption for all the three zeolites decreases appreciably with the increase in hydrogen adsorption capacity. The hydrogen adsorption sites in the three zeolites were determined by the simulated distribution of hydrogen adsorption energy and the factors that influence their variations were discussed. Adsorption temperature has an important effect on the distribution of hydrogen molecules in zeolite pores.
Feature Selection for Very Short-Term Heavy Rainfall Prediction Using Evolutionary Computation
Authors: Seo Jae-Hyun , Lee Yong Hee , Kim Yong-Hyuk
Published: January 2014

We developed a method to predict heavy rainfall in South Korea with a lead time of one to six hours. We modified the AWS data for the recent four years to perform efficient prediction, through normalizing them to numeric values between 0 and 1 and undersampling them by adjusting the sampling sizes of no-heavy-rain to be equal to the size of heavy-rain. Evolutionary algorithms were used to select important features. Discriminant functions, such as support vector machine (SVM),k-nearest neighbors algorithm (k-NN), and variantk-NN (k-VNN), were adopted in discriminant analysis. We divided our modified AWS data into three parts: the training set, ranging from 2007 to 2008, the validation set, 2009, and the test set, 2010. The validation set was used to select an important subset from input features. The main features selected wereprecipitation sensingandaccumulated precipitation for 24 hours. In comparative SVM tests using evolutionary algorithms, the results showed that genetic algorithm was considerably superior to differential evolution. The equitable treatment score of SVM with polynomial kernel was the highest among our experiments on average.k-VNN outperformedk-NN, but it was dominated by SVM with polynomial kernel.
Application of Different Extraction Methods for Investigation of Nonmetallic Inclusions and Clusters in Steels and Alloys
Authors: Janis Diana , Inoue Ryo , Karasev Andrey , Jönsson Pär G.
Published: January 2014

The characterization of nonmetallic inclusions is of importance for the production of clean steel in order to improve the mechanical properties. In this respect, a three-dimensional (3D) investigation is considered to be useful for an accurate evaluation of size, number, morphology of inclusions, and elementary distribution in each inclusion particle. In this study, the application of various extraction methods (chemical extraction/etching by acid or halogen-alcohol solutions, electrolysis, sputtering with glow discharge, and so on) for 3D estimation of nonmetallic Al2O3inclusions and clusters in high-alloyed steels was examined and discussed using an Fe-10 mass% Ni alloy and an 18/8 stainless steel deoxidized with Al. Advantages and limitations of different extraction methods for 3D investigations of inclusions and clusters were discussed in comparison to conventional two-dimensional (2D) observations on a polished cross section of metal samples.
High Intensity Physical Exercise and Pain in the Neck and Upper Limb among Slaughterhouse Workers: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sundstrup Emil , Jakobsen Markus D. , Jay Kenneth , Brandt Mikkel , Andersen Lars L.
Published: January 2014

Slaughterhouse work involves a high degree of repetitive and forceful upper limb movements and thus implies an elevated risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. High intensity strength training effectively rehabilitates musculoskeletal disorders among sedentary employees, but less is known about the effect among workers with repetitive and forceful work demands. Before performing randomized controlled trials it may be beneficial to assess the cross-sectional connection between exercise and musculoskeletal pain. We investigated the association between high intensity physical exercise and pain among 595 slaughterhouse workers in Denmark, Europe. Using logistic regression analyses, odds ratios for pain and work disability as a function of physical exercise, gender, age, BMI, smoking, and job position were estimated. The prevalence of pain in the neck, shoulder, elbow, and hand/wrist was 48%, 60%, 40%, and 52%, respectively. The odds for experiencing neck pain were significantly lower among slaughterhouse workers performing physical exercise (OR = 0.70, CI: 0.49–0.997), whereas the odds for pain in the shoulders, elbow, or hand/wrist were not associated with exercise. The present study can be used as general reference of pain in the neck and upper extremity among slaughterhouse workers. Future studies should investigate the effect of high intensity physical exercise on neck and upper limb pain in slaughterhouse workers.
Characterization of Shape Memory Polymer Estane by Means of Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis Technique
Authors: Kazakevičiūtė-Makovska Rasa , Özlem Özarmut Aycan , Steeb Holger
Published: January 2014

Commercially available shape memory polymer (SMP) Estane (designation: ETE75DT3 NAT022) is investigated by means of dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) technique in torsion mode using the Modular Compact Rheometer MCR-301 (Anton Paar GmbH). Amplitude sweep tests have been run below and above the glass transition temperature to establish the linear viscoelastic range (LVR) in glassy and rubbery phase of this SMP for the correct physical interpretation of DMTA data. Temperature sweep tests were performed at various frequencies to study the influence of this parameter on values of the storage and loss moduli and the storage and loss compliances as well as the viscosities. These tests have been carried out in heating mode with different rates and at different strain amplitudes. The short- and long-term behavior of SMP Estane have been studied by frequency sweep tests performed at different temperatures and data have been transformed into time-domain properties by applying time-temperature superposition principles. All these DMTA data provide the experimental basis for the study of relaxation processes, property-structure relationships, and the shape memory effect in this little-known SMP.
The Deng Algorithm in Higher Dimensions
Authors: Nyonyi Y. , Maharaj S. D. , Govinder K. S.
Published: January 2014

We extend an algorithm of Deng in spherically symmetric spacetimes to higher dimensions. We show that it is possible to integrate the generalised condition of pressure isotropy and generate exact solutions to the Einstein field equations for a shear-free cosmological model with heat flow in higher dimensions. Three new metrics are identified which contain results of four dimensions as special cases. We show graphically that the matter variables are well behaved and the speed of sound is causal.