bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetism modulation of Fe/ZnO heterostructure by interface oxidation
Authors: Lin Wen-Chin , Chang Po-Chun , Tsai Cheng-Jui , Hsieh Tsung-Chun , Lo Fang-Yuh
Published: November 2013

In this study, the magnetic coercivity (Hc) of Fe/ZnO heterostructure was significantly enhanced by 2–3 times after applying a suitable current. This Hc enhancement originates from the Fe-oxidation at the Fe/ZnO interface induced by direct current heating. Depth-profiling X-ray photoemission spectroscopy analysis confirmed the formation of FeO, Fe3O4, and Fe2O3 close to the interface region, depending on the Fe thickness and annealing process. This study demonstrates that direct current heating can moderately change the local interface oxidation and modulate the magnetic properties. These results clearly reveal the correlation between magnetism and interface properties in the Fe/ZnO heterostructure and provide valuable information for future applications.
12. Prevalence of and risk factors for abnormal anal cytology in an HIV colposcopy clinic
Authors: Garcia Jorge , Maguire Karla , Cunha Isabella Rosa , Koshy Linda , Duthely Lunthita , Arheart Kristopher , Potter JoNell
Published: November 2013

Background
HIV-positive women with cervical dysplasia are at increased risk of anal dysplasia. Anal cancer screening may be an important prevention strategy. Recommendations for care are derived from studies on men who have sex with men, while limited information is available on women. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for abnormal anal cytology in HIV-positive women with established cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Methods: Anal Pap smear screening was offered to women in an HIV colposcopy clinic at an urban, university hospital as part of routine care. Variables examined included demographics, smoking, rectal symptoms, receptive anal intercourse, CD4 count, viral load, HAART, cervical Pap and biopsy results. Results: 124 anal Pap smears were performed from May 2012 to June 2013. The mean age of patients was 44.1 (s.d. 10.8), and the majority was black (80%). 114 (92%) anal Pap smears were abnormal: 67 (54%) ASCUS, 41 (33%) LSIL, 3 (2%) ASC-H, and 3 (2%) HSIL. The only statistically significant variable was CD4 count. The mean CD4 count of patients with LSIL, ASC-H, or HSIL anal Pap results was 407 and 522 (P ≤ 0.05) for those patients with normal or ASCUS results. Conclusions: Women attending an HIV colposcopy clinic are at high risk for abnormal anal cytology, especially women with lower CD4 counts. Our data supports screening in a high-risk colposcopy clinic for HIV-positive women as standard of care, particularly in South Florida, where HIV/AIDS rates are the highest in the country.
14. Natural history of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) in homosexual men: early evidence from the Study of the Prevention of Anal Cancer (SPANC)
Authors: Grulich Andrew E. , Jin Fengyi , Poynten I. Mary , Roberts Jennifer , Farnsworth Annabelle , Templeton David J. , Tabrizi Sepehr N. , Garland Suzanne M. , Fairley Christopher , Hillman Richard J.
Published: November 2013

Background
Screening for the anal cancer precursor HSIL is not recommended in national guidelines. A recent Cochrane review of HSIL treatment concluded there is no evidence of efficacy. In this context, we aimed to describe the natural history of anal HSIL, and association with human papillomavirus (HPV), in a community-recruited cohort of Australian homosexual men. Methods: The SPANC study is a three-year prospective study in men aged ≥35 years. At each visit, men undergo an anal swab for cytology and HPV genotyping (Roche Linear Array), followed by high-resolution anoscopy-aided biopsy. Anal HSIL is defined as having either anal intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2/3 on histology and/or HSIL/ASC-H on cytology. Results: Among 342 men recruited by March 2013, median age was 49 with 29% HIV positive. At baseline, prevalence of anal HSIL was 50% and 44% in the HIV-positive and HIV-negative groups, respectively (P = 0.303). Among those without HSIL at baseline, HSIL incidence was 28/100 person-years in both the HIV-positive and HIV-negative groups (P = 0.920). Among those with HSIL at baseline, the incidence of change to non-HSIL was 41 and 43/100 person-years (P = 0.851). Men with anal HPV16 at baseline were more likely to develop incident HSIL (57 vs 23/100 person-years, P = 0.010), and less likely to change to non-HSIL (18 vs 61/100 person-years, P = 0.001). Conclusions: Anal HSIL was highly prevalent in these homosexual men. Both incidence of HSIL and change to non-HSIL were common, and were closely associated with HPV16 status. HPV16 positivity may identify men with HSIL at higher risk of anal cancer.
15. Evaluation of anal cytology versus high-resolution anoscopy (HRA) in the diagnosis of preneoplastic lesions in a multicenter HIV-infected Spanish Cohort (CoRIS-HRA): incorporation of cellular proliferation molecular markers into the algorithm
Authors: Hernández-Novoa Beatriz , Pérez-Molina José Antonio , Benito Amparo , Ocampo Antonio , del Romero Jorge , Sendagorta Elena , Masiá Mar , Cervantes José Luis , Ortiz Marta , González Cristina , Mayer Gal , Hernández-Novoa Beatriz
Published: November 2013

Background
Evaluation of the diagnostic value of anal cytology versus HRA in detecting anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) and the added value of molecular markers in a multicenter cohort of HIV positive MSM (CoRIS-HRA). Methods: Concomitant anal liquid cytology and HRA with biopsy of acetowhite lugol-negative lesions if observed. Concordance was evaluated by the Kappa index. Dual staining for p16INK4a and Ki-67 (CINtec® PLUS, Roche) was done in cytology samples. Taking biopsy as the ‘gold standard’ for AIN diagnosis, the sensitivity and specificity of anal cytology and p16INK4/Ki-67 dual positivity was calculated. Results: Since November 2012, 172 patients were recruited in five Spanish hospitals. In 56 patients, no biopsies were performed as no lesions were observed. In the remaining 116 patients, 142 biopsies were obtained. Among 172 cytologies, 10.5% were inadequate, 27.9% negative, 1.1% ASCUS, 45.3% LSIL and 15.2% HSIL. Histology showed inadequacy in 3.5% of cases, negativity in 25.3%, LG-AIN in 35.2% and HG-AIN in 35.9%. In 116 patients, cytology and biopsy results were available (the highest lesion grade was used if multiple biopsies existed); the strength of agreement was fair (Kappa 0.351; 95% CI 0.232–0.470). Sensitivity and specificity of anal cytology versus HRA guided biopsy was 88.3% and 66.7%, respectively. In 67 cases, results from dual staining for p16INK4a/Ki-67 were available, rendering a sensitivity of 47.3% and a specificity of 66.7% compared with histology results. Conclusions: Although preliminary, our results show that in our setting dual staining for p16INK4a/Ki-67 did not improve the operational characteristics of anal liquid cytology.
21. Risk of anal neoplasia and cancer associated with glucocorticoid use and immune-related conditions
Authors: Madeleine Margaret M. , Johnson Lisa G.
Published: November 2013

Background
Corticosteroid use is associated with increased risk of anal neoplasia in transplant patients. We investigated the relationship between these medications, indications for their use, and risk of anal neoplasia in the general population. Methods: Men (n = 119) and women (n = 187) diagnosed with anal carcinoma in situ or anal cancer (AC) in the Seattle area (1986–2004) were compared with controls (n = 239 men and n = 1445 women), matched for sex and age. In-person interviews included questions about medical history and medications used for >6 months. Odds ratios (OR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI), were used to approximate the relative risk and adjusted for age, smoking, and number of partners. Results: AC was associated with corticosteroid use for women (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.5–3.9) but not men (OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.5–4.0). We also investigated conditions associated with corticosteroids including diabetes, asthma, sinusitis, chronic kidney disease, and arthritis. Two immune-related conditions were associated with increased risk of AC in women but not men, specifically chronic kidney disease (women: OR 5.8, 95% CI 2.3–14.9; men: OR 1.0) and arthritis (women: OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.4–5.4; men: OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1–1.7). Conclusions: Our population-based study suggests that women who use corticosteroids or have immune-related conditions may be at increased risk of AC. Future studies that examine dose and duration of corticosteroid use are needed to confirm these findings. As screening guidelines for anal neoplasia develop, consideration of women with a history of indications for immune suppression are warranted.
23. Prevalence of virus infection of human papillomavirus and identification of variants in the anal canal of men who have sex with men HIV-positive in Mexico
Authors: Martínez Rocio Susana Méndez , Rivera-Martínez Norma , Sierra-Madero Juan G. , Cantú de León David , García-Carranca Alejandro
Published: November 2013

Background
Men who have sex with men (MSM) have been identified as a high-risk group for anal cancer. HPV has been found associated with this neoplasia as it has been in cervical cancer. Concurrent infection with HIV may facilitate or accelerate the pathological consequences of HPV infections. In Mexico, where cervical cancer is a major public health problem, little is known about the prevalence of anal cancer and the role of HPV in the HIV-positive population of MSM. Methods: We analysed 323 anal exudates from HIV-positive MSM, from the HIV Clinic at Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición ‘Salvador Zubirán’, in Mexico City. Extraction and purification of DNA was performed with the Genomics Wizard kit (Promega), HPV detection was performed by PCR using primers MY09/11. All negative samples underwent a PCR for identification of fragment of the β-globin gene to check DNA integrity. Positive samples were subjected to PCR using specific primers for E6 of type 16, and the LCR from type 18. The identification of variants was determined by sequencing the E6 gene and the LCR of 40 samples positive for HPV type 16, using the Big Dye terminator kit and AB Prism 3100. We used INNO-LiPA HPV Genotyping Extra kit (INNOGENETICS), for the identification of 28 different types of HPV using SPF10 primers in these samples. Results: The prevalence of HPV in the anal epithelium of 323 patients was high (86%). 28% were positive for type 16, and 9% for type 18. Among those patients who were type 16+, all except one were co-infected with other HPV types that included 21 different types present in the following order: 11, 51, 52, 66, 68, 74, 18, 45, 35, 26, 44, 70, 53, 54, 82, 31, 33, 56, 58, 59. In addition, in these patients, European variants were the most prevalent, followed by Asian American ones. Conclusions: The prevalence of HPV was high in the anal canal of a group of 323 HIV+ MSM in Mexico City. A group of 40 HPV16-positive patients showed multiple co-infections with other different HPV types. In addition, European variants of type 16 were the most prevalent. This study emphasises the need for an early detection of HPV infections in the anal canal of MSM who are positive for HIV in order to avoid progression to anal neoplasia.
25. Observational database of anal dysplasia in persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) in an HMO
Authors: McDonald James E.
Published: November 2013

Background
PLWH have increased risk for HPV-related squamous cell cancer of the anus. Screening PLWH for anal dysplasia can reduce morbidity and mortality. Routine screening for anal dysplasia is not yet universally adopted. Accumulating evidence and clinical experience support screening for and treatment of precancerous lesions. Methods: KPNW started an anal dysplasia screening program using anal cytology, HRA with biopsies and ablation of biopsy-proven HGAIN as a routine component of the primary care HIV services. The Anal Dysplasia Clinic (ADC) follows and treats members with any abnormal findings. Treatment includes the use of intra-anal imiquimod, trichloroacetic acid, efudex and infrared coagulation. When indicated, patients are referred to rectal surgery for excision and fulguration. Results: 73% of eligible members have been screened for anal dysplasia. 45% of the 1438 screenings performed were abnormal. There have been 390 referrals since 20 April 2011. To evaluate the success of early detection and treatment, stages of precancerous lesions found in each biopsy are tracked. 619 biopsies were examined from 207 patients. There has been an overall decrease in HGAIN in patients who received multiple biopsies. 52% of 122 patients with HGAIN were successfully treated with IRC. Conclusions: Over 300 patients have been identified as having anal abnormalities. Routine anal Pap screening is easily performed in an HMO setting utilising clinic support staff. High-grade lesions were present in 70% and correlated with Pap smear but not CD4 nadir. Routine anal Pap smears in PLWH followed by HRA with biopsy and treatment HGAIN should be the standard of care for PLWH.
27. Natural history of anal HPV in heterosexual women and risks associated with persistence
Authors: Moscicki Anna-Barbara , Ma Yifei , Farhat Sepideh , Jay Julie , Hanson Evelyn , Benningfield Susanna , Jonte Janet , Godwin-Medina Cheryl , Wilson Robert , Shiboski Stephen
Published: November 2013

Background
Anal cancer is more common in women than in men, yet little is known about the natural history of HPV in women. The objective was to examine the natural history of anal HPV in heterosexual women and to examine risk factors associated with persistence. Methods: Young women participating in a HPV cohort study were seen at 4-month intervals for cervical and anal testing for HPV DNA. The distribution of time to clearance was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier approach, and risks for persistence assessed using Cox regression models. Results: Seventy-five women (mean age 23.5 ± 4.1 years) who tested positive for anal HPV were followed for a mean of 84.5 ± 44.9 months. By 3 years, 82.5% of anal non-16 high risk (HR) HPV, 82.6% of low risk (LR) HPV and 76.2% of HPV16 infections had cleared. By 3 years, only 36.4% of women had become negative for all HPV types. In the multivariable model, concurrent cervical HPV 16 (P = 0.009) or any HR HPV (P = 0.046) detection, weekly alcohol use (P = 0.018), anal touching during sex (P = 0.034), and ever having anal sex (P = 0.06) were associated with HPV 16 persistence. Having a new sex partner (P < 0.001) and condom use during vaginal sex (P = 0.06) were associated with clearance. Similar associations were found for clearance all HR HPV infections. Only concomitant cervical HPV infection was associated with non-16 HR HPV persistence. Conclusions: The majority of anal HPV infections cleared within 3 years. HPV 16 infections were slower to clear than other HR HPV, consistent with its role in anal cancer. Sexual behaviour was associated with persistence, suggesting that education and behavioural interventions may decrease persistence and the risk of anal cancer.
28. Investigating motivations for participation in an anal cancer screening trial (IMPACT)
Authors: Neumark Donna E. , Sheon Nicolas , Palefsky Joel
Published: November 2013

Background
The efficacy of preventing anal cancer by treating the anal cancer precursor, anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), has not yet been demonstrated. The AIDS Malignancy Consortium’s (AMC) 076 protocol is a 2-year randomised controlled trial (RCT) of infrared coagulation to treat HSIL compared with observation only. The goal of the present study was to understand motivations for participation in AMC 076 in preparation for a larger 5-year study of the efficacy of HSIL treatment in prevention of anal cancer. Methods: AMC 076 participants (n = 17) from three clinical sites were recruited for telephone interviews at 3 months and 12 months after enrolment. Topics covered included motivations for participating in the clinical trial, randomisation, preferences for treatment versus monitoring, understanding of HSIL diagnosis, tolerability of the clinical procedures and treatment sequelae. Results: Participants reported a desire to contribute to research to help the HIV community as motivation for joining the study. Regardless of their assigned study arm, participants valued frequent monitoring of their HSIL. Those in the monitoring arm expressed trust that the provider would treat them upon early signs of cancer. Concerns expressed about participating in a 5-year trial were more often related to transportation issues than randomisation or tolerability of clinical procedures. Conclusions: Trust in providers’ clinical assessment is vital for willingness to be observed without treatment for pre-cancerous anal lesions. The experience of living with HIV appears to condition participants to trust providers’ treatment advice, value frequent screening, and to live with the ambiguity of test results.
39. Can't you just cut them off? Meeting the educational and emotional needs of the patient with anal HPV/dysplasia
Authors: Schwartz Theresa M.
Published: November 2013

HPV infection among sexually active people is ubiquitous. Concern regarding the consequences of cervical HPV infection is not significant in most asymptomatic women who present for annual GYN screening. However, men and women who are referred for diagnosis of an HPV condition presenting as condylomata or an incidental finding of colonoscopy or following haemorrhoidectomy often present with highly emotional concerns and questions. Primary care providers frequently lack basic information with which to appropriately address issues such as:

Will I ever get rid of these warts?
Will I always be contagious?
Did I get these from my current partner?
Does this mean my current partner was unfaithful to me?
Do I have to tell future partners?
Am I going to die?
I feel unlovable! Sometimes I think about just giving in and dying of cancer.
My PCP told me they were haemorrhoids!
Can’t you just cut them off??
Why didn’t anyone recommend anal screening after my treatment for cervical cancer?
My husband was treated for anal cancer. Should I be checked?
I asked my PCP and oncologists what caused my anal cancer. They said they didn’t know. Now I read online that it’s caused by an STD?!
Responding to these concerns, promoting a hopeful attitude, and supporting a fragile self-esteem are important aspects of an anal dysplasia practice. This presentation will provide some practical approaches to anal HPV education and counselling.
41. Willingness to join an anal cancer screening and prevention trial
Authors: Sheon Nicolas , Pollack Lance , Palefsky Joel
Published: November 2013

Background
HIV-infected men and women are at elevated risk for developing anal cancer. The AIDS Malignancy Consortium is designing a 5-year randomised controlled trial to determine whether treatment of anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) can prevent anal cancer. HIV-infected men and women over 35 years of age will be screened and those with anal HSIL will be randomly assigned to have their HSIL removed (intervention arm) or not removed (monitoring arm). Both arms would be monitored for progression to cancer at regular intervals for 5 years, and cancer incidence in the two arms will be compared. Methods: The present study sought to assess willingness to participate in such a trial through focus groups with 241 HIV-infected men and women in 10 US cities, and a survey of 257 HIV-infected men and women in 20 cities. Results: 87% of survey respondents reported that they were ‘likely’ or ‘very likely’ to participate in the trial. Altruism and gratitude towards previous AIDS trial cohorts were the most cited motivations for participation. Over half (51.5%) of survey participants expressed equipoise, viewing participation in either arm as beneficial. Of the remaining respondents, 71.8% expressed a preference for the intervention arm if given a choice. Concerns expressed in the focus groups about randomisation to the monitoring arm centred on the conflation of HSIL with cancer, suggesting a need for ongoing education and psychological support. Conclusions: High levels of expressed interest and motivation to participate in the study suggest that recruitment and retention over 5 years will be feasible.
43. Anal human papillomavirus prevalence in HIV-negative and HIV-infected Russian men who have sex with women
Authors: Smelov Vitaly , Elfström Miriam , Eklund Carina , Sokolova Olga , Novikov Andrey , Komyakov Boris , Dillner Joakim
Published: November 2013

Background
HPV has been found in the anal canal of heterosexual men (MSWs) but knowledge on anal HPV epidemiology among MSWs is still limited. So far, there are no such data from Russia. Methods: In total, 350 β-globin-positive anal samples from Russian MSWs (age 18–58 years; sex debut 9–23 years; 1–700 life-time sex partners) attending a urology unit of an STI clinic and HIV+ patients from a city infection hospital were collected in St Petersburg. PCR using HPV general primers with genotyping using Luminex with probes for 13 oncogenic, high-risk HPV types (16, 18, 31, 33, 35 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, and 68, including variants) and 23 non-oncogenic types (6, 11, 26, 30, 40, 42, 43, 53, 54, 61, 66, 67, 70, 73, 74, 81, 82, 83, 86, 87, 89, 90, and 91) was used with 11 negative controls (water) and 8 positive controls (HPV plasmid pools) run in each assay. The method was proficient in the WHO HPV LabNet global proficiency panel. Results: Overall, HPV prevalence (including oncogenic and non-oncogenic types) was 17.1%, with 15.2% in HIV– compared with 40.7% in HIV+ Russian MSW (P = 0.0022). The most commonly detected was HPV-16 (5.4%) followed by HPV-51 (2.0%), HPV-45, (1.7%) and HPV-87 (1.7%). Interestingly, neither age, nor number of sexual partners, nor age at sexual debut were associated with HPV infection. Conclusions: HPV infection is common in anal canal samples of Russian MSWs. HPV prevalence is higher among men who were HIV positive.
Topological friction strongly affects viral DNA ejection
Authors: Marenduzzo Davide , Micheletti Cristian , Orlandini Enzo , Sumners De Witt
Published: November 2013

Significance

Bacteriophages are viruses which infect bacteria. Many of these contain double-stranded DNA packed to almost crystalline density and exploit the resulting pressure to trigger DNA ejection into the infected bacterial cell. We show that the ejection kinetics is highly sensitive to the ordering and knotting of the packaged DNA which, in turn, is controlled by DNA self-interactions. The latter favor ordered DNA spools which have a lower effective or topological friction than disordered entangled DNA structures. We also find that torus knots (which can be drawn on the surface of a doughnut) exit the bacteriophage easily; while complex knots or twist knots (which can be formed by linking the ends of a twisted loop) slow down and may stall ejection.
Dialogue in second language learning and teaching
Authors: Vitanova Gergana
Published: November 2013

The paper contextualizes the concepts of dialogue and dialogism, as outlined by Bakhtin’s framework, in the fields of second language acquisition and applied linguistics. Specifically, it shows how dialogism could be applied to three distinct, but interconnected contexts: the context of immigrant second language learners, second and foreign language teacher education, and the increasingly important area of English as an international language. The paper argues that viewing language learners’ and their teachers’ identities as dialogic constructions and, particularly, the texts they produce as examples of active dialogic activities can help researchers and practitioners understand the active, agentive nature of the process of language acquisition better.
River: Cultural Experiences as a Trinidadian Dramatherapist with an Evolving Practice in the UK
Authors: Forde Haydn
Published: November 2013

This is a continuation of a flow which seemed to start four years ago when writing the Critical Review of my MA titled—‘Carnival Fever, Sesame and the Client’. In the Review, some reflections included parallels between my cultural experiences as a Trinidadian and my developing Dramatherapy practice here in the UK. In particular, I focused on Trinidad Carnival as a National Festival, its potential for healing and the implications this cultural awareness might have for me as a Dramatherapist in clinical settings. Anthony Stevens partially describes the symbol of the River as ‘sacred and worshipped as deities, particularly as masculine river gods who fertilise the lands through which they pass’ (Stevens 1998:111). As a cultural counter-point this description, the Yoruban Orisha—Oshun—is also a river deity who is known for healing the sick, fertility, prosperity and her fierce temper. So with a backdrop of what might be regarded as cultural opposites, this article will contain some of the themes covered in the Critical Review and continue the flow with a Case Study from my current practice. In this process of writing, the symbol of a river has surfaced—possibly because it was explored within the therapeutic space in the Case Study to be discussed. As with any River—especially one containing elements of cultural identity relevant to the therapeutic relationship—it might be good to start at the source, the first point to which we sail on the former Slave Triangle….
Effect of movement speed on trunk and hip exercise performance
Authors: Elvira Jose L. L. , Barbado David , Flores‐Parodi Belen , Moreside Janice M. , Vera‐Garcia Francisco J.
Published: November 2013

The influence of speed on trunk exercise technique is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of movement speed on the kinematics and kinetics of curl‐up, sit‐up and leg raising/lowering exercises. Seventeen healthy, recreationally trained individuals (13 females and 4 males) volunteered to participate in this study. Four different exercise cadences were analysed: 1 repetition/4 s, 1 repetition/2 s, 1 repetition/1.5 s and 1 repetition/1 s. The exercises were executed on a force plate and recorded by three cameras to conduct a 3D photogrammetric analysis. The cephalo‐caudal displacement of the centre of pressure and range of motion (ROM) of six joints describing the trunk and hip movements were measured. As sit‐up and curl‐up speed increased, hip and knee ROM increased. Dorsal‐lumbar and upper trunk ROM increased with speed in the curl‐up. Faster cadence in the sit‐up exercise had minimal effect on trunk ROM: only the upper trunk ROM decreased significantly. In the leg raising/lowering exercise there was a decrease in the pelvic tilt and hip ROM, and increased knee flexion ROM. During higher speed exercises, participants modified their technique to maintain the cadence. Thus, professionals would do well to monitor and control participants' technique during high‐speed exercises to maintain performance specificity. Results also suggest division of speed into two cadence categories, to be used as a reference for prescribing exercise speed based on preferred outcome goals.
Different Predictors of Multiple-Target Search Accuracy between Nonprofessional and Professional Visual Searchers
Authors: Biggs Adam T. , Mitroff Stephen R.
Published: November 2013

Visual search, locating target items among distractors, underlies daily activities ranging from critical tasks (e.g., looking for dangerous objects during security screening) to commonplace ones (e.g., finding your friends in a crowded bar). Both professional and nonprofessional individuals conduct visual searches, and the present investigation is aimed at understanding how they perform similarly and differently. We administered a multiple-target visual search task to both professional (airport security officers) and nonprofessional participants (members of the Duke University community) to determine how search abilities differ between these populations and what factors might predict accuracy. There were minimal overall accuracy differences, although the professionals were generally slower to respond. However, the factors that predicted accuracy varied drastically between groups; variability in search consistency—how similarly an individual searched from trial to trial in terms of speed—best explained accuracy for professional searchers (more consistent professionals were more accurate), whereas search speed—how long an individual took to complete a search when no targets were present—best explained accuracy for nonprofessional searchers (slower nonprofessionals were more accurate). These findings suggest that professional searchers may utilize different search strategies from those of nonprofessionals, and that search consistency, in particular, may provide a valuable tool for enhancing professional search accuracy.
Symmetries for Casorati determinants of classical discrete orthogonal polynomials
Authors: Durán Antonio
Published: November 2013

Given a classical discrete family

(

p
n

)
n

(p_n)_n

of orthogonal polynomials (Charlier, Meixner, Krawtchouk or Hahn) and the set of numbers

m
+
i
−
1

m+i-1

,

i
=
1
,
⋯
,
k

i=1,\cdots ,k

and

k
,
m
≥
0

k,m\ge 0

, we consider the

k
×
k

k\times k

Casorati determinants

det
(
(

p

n
+
j
−
1

(
m
+
i
−
1
)

)

i
,
j
=
1

k

)

\det ((p_{n+j-1}(m+i-1))_{i,j=1}^k)

,

n
≥
0

n\ge 0

. In this paper, we conjecture a nice symmetry for these Casorati determinants and prove it for the cases

k
≥
0
,
m
=
0
,
1

k\ge 0, m=0,1

and

m
≥
0
,
k
=
0
,
1

m\ge 0, k=0,1

. This symmetry is related to the existence of higher order difference equations for the orthogonal polynomials with respect to certain Christoffel transforms of the classical discrete measures. Other symmetry will be conjectured for the Casorati determinants associated to the Meixner and Hahn families and the set of numbers

−
c
+
i

-c+i

,

i
=
1
,
⋯
,
k

i=1,\cdots ,k

and

k
,
m
≥
0

k,m\ge 0

.
Refining carbon flux paths using atomic trace data
Authors: Pey Jon , Planes Francisco J. , Beasley John E.
Published: November 2013

Motivation: Pathway analysis tools are a powerful strategy to analyze ‘omics’ data in the field of systems biology. From a metabolic perspective, several pathway definitions can be found in the literature, each one appropriate for a particular study. Recently, a novel pathway concept termed carbon flux paths (CFPs) was introduced and benchmarked against existing approaches, showing a clear advantage for finding linear pathways from a given source to target metabolite.

CFPs are simple paths in a metabolite–metabolite graph that satisfy typical constraints in stoichiometric models: mass balancing and thermodynamics (irreversibility). In addition, CFPs guarantee carbon exchange in each of their intermediate steps, but not between the source and the target metabolites and consequently false positive solutions may arise. These pathways often lack biological interest, particularly when studying biosynthetic or degradation routes of a metabolite. To overcome this issue, we amend the formulation in CFP, so as to account for atomic fate information. This approach is termed atomic CFP (aCFP).

Results: By means of a side-by-side comparison in a medium scale metabolic network in Escherichia Coli, we show that aCFP provides more biologically relevant pathways than CFP, because canonical pathways are more easily recovered, which reflects the benefits of removing false positives. In addition, we demonstrate that aCFP can be successfully applied to genome-scale metabolic networks. As the quality of genome-scale atomic reconstruction is improved, methods such as the one presented here will undoubtedly be of value to interpret ‘omics’ data.

Contact:  fplanes@ceit.es or John.Beasley@brunel.ac.uk

Supplementary Information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Pathway Commons at Virtual Cell: use of pathway data for mathematical modeling
Authors: Blinov Michael L. , Schaff James C. , Ruebenacker Oliver , Wei Xintao , Vasilescu Dan , Gao Fei , Morgan Frank , Ye Li , Lakshminarayana Anuradha , Moraru Ion I. , Loew Leslie M.
Published: November 2013

Summary: Pathway Commons is a resource permitting simultaneous queries of multiple pathway databases. However, there is no standard mechanism for using these data (stored in BioPAX format) to annotate and build quantitative mathematical models. Therefore, we developed a new module within the virtual cell modeling and simulation software. It provides pathway data retrieval and visualization and enables automatic creation of executable network models directly from qualitative connections between pathway nodes.

Availability and implementation: Available at Virtual Cell (http://vcell.org/). Application runs on all major platforms and does not require registration for use on the user’s computer. Tutorials and video are available at user guide page.

Contact: vcell_support@uchc.edu
Attenuation of Responses to Endotoxin by the Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells-1 Inhibitor LR12 in Nonhuman Primate
Authors: Derive Marc , Boufenzer Amir , Gibot Sébastien
Published: November 2013

Background:

The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 is an immunoreceptor that amplifies the inflammatory response mediated by toll-like receptors engagement. Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 inhibitory peptides such LR12 have been shown to prevent hyperresponsiveness and death in several experimental models of septic shock.

Methods:

Twelve adult male Cynomolgus (Macaca fascicularis) monkeys exposed to an intravenous bolus of endotoxin (10 μg/kg) were randomized to receive LR12 or placebo (n = 6 per group) as an initial intravenous bolus followed by an 8-h continuous intravenous infusion. An additional group of four only received vehicle infusion. Vital signs were monitored for 8 h. Blood was sampled at H0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 for analysis of clinical chemistries, leukocyte count, coagulation parameters, and cytokine plasma concentration.

Results:

LR12 showed no effect on heart rate and body temperature. By contrast to the placebo group, which experienced a 25 to 40% blood pressure decrease after endotoxin administration, LR12-treated monkeys remained normotensive. Endotoxin induced leukopenia at 2 h (mean leukocyte count, 7.62 g/l vs. 21.1 at H0), which was attenuated by LR12. LR12 also attenuated cytokine production.

Conclusions:

The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 inhibitor LR12 is able to mitigate endotoxin-associated clinical and biological alterations, with no obvious side effects. This study paves the way for future phases Ia and Ib trials in humans.
2,5-Dimethoxybenzonitrile
Authors: Bugenhagen Bernhard , Al Jasem Yosef , Thiemann Thies
Published: November 2013

In the title molecule, C9H9NO2, the non-H atoms are essentially coplanar with a maximum deviation of 0.027 (2) Å for the C atom of one of the methyl groups. In the crystal, the molecules are arranged into centrosymmetric pairsviapairs of C—H...O and C—H...N interactions whereas π–π stacking interactions between the benzene rings [centroid–centroid distance 3.91001 (15) Å] organize them into polymeric strands propagating along thea-axis direction. There is a step of 0.644 (2) Å between the two planar parts of the centrosymmetric pair. In neighboring strands related by then-glide operation, the aromatic rings are tilted by 29.08 (2)°.
2-(6-Bromobenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-5,5-dimethylthiazol-4(5H)-one
Authors: Würfel Hendryk , Görls Helmar , Weiss Dieter , Beckert Rainer
Published: November 2013

The title compound, C12H9BrN2OS2, was obtained by reacting 6-bromobenzo[d]thiazole-2-carbonitrile iniso-propanol with ethyl 2-mercapto-2-methylpropanoate at reflux temperature for several hours. The resulting dimethyloxyluciferin derivative shows partial double-bond character of the carbon–carbon bond between the two heterocyclic moieties [C—C = 1.461 (3) Å]. This double bond restricts rotation around this C—C axis, therefore leading to an almost planar molecular structure [N—C—C—S torsion angle = 9.7 (3)°]. The five-membered thiazoline ring is not completely planar as a result of the bulky S atom [C—S—C—C torsion angle = 5.17 (12)°].
1-Octylindoline-2,3-dione
Authors: Qachchachi Fatima-Zahrae , Kandri Rodi Youssef , Essassi El Mokhtar , Kunz Werner , El Ammari Lahcen
Published: November 2013

In the title compound, C16H21NO2, the indoline ring and the two ketone O atoms are approximately coplanar, the largest deviation from the mean plane being 0.063 (2) Å. The mean plane through the fused ring system is nearly perpendicular to the mean plane passing through the 1-octyl chain [dihedral angle = 77.53 (17)°]. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network.
Di-n-butyl[4-hydroxy-N′-(3-methoxy-2-oxidobenzylidene-κO2)benzohydrazidato-κ2N,O]tin(IV)
Authors: Qiao Yanling , Wang Fei
Published: November 2013

In the title compound, [Sn(C4H9)2(C15H12N2O4)], the SnIVatom is coordinated by the N, O and O′ atoms from the tridentate Schiff base dianion in an overallcis-C2SnNO2trigonal–bipyramidal geometry. Adjacent molecules are linked by O—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a chain running along [001].
Bis(μ-2-hydroxymethyl-2-methylpropane-1,3-diolato)bis[dichloridotitanium(IV)] diethyl ether disolvate
Authors: Nielson Alastair J. , Shen Chaohong , Waters Joyce M.
Published: November 2013

The title complex, [Ti2Cl4{CH3C(CH2O)2(CH2OH)}2], lies across a centre of symmetry with a diethyl ether solvent molecule hydrogen bonded to the –CH2OH groups on either side of it. The TiIVatom is coordinated in a distorted octahedral geometry by a tripodal ligand and two terminal chloride atoms. There are three coordination modes for the tripodal ligand distinguishable on the basis of their very different Ti—O bond lengths. For the terminal alkoxo ligand, the Ti—O distance is 1.760 (1) Å, the asymmetric bridge system has Ti—O bond lengths of 1.911 (1) and 2.048 (1) Å. The Ti—O bond length for the alcohol O atom is the longest at 2.148 (1) Å.
Rheumatoid arthritis disease activity and vitamin D deficiency in an Asian resident population
Authors: Quraishi Mohammed K. , Badsha Humeira
Published: November 2013

Aim

We aimed to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its association with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity in a UAE population.

Methods

Forty‐five consecutive subjects were prospectively recruited during the early summer with their clinical examination and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) being recorded at a clinic appointment, along with their blood sample being taken for the 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) total test.

Results

Thirty‐five (76%) patients claimed to be exposed to sunlight for < 30 min daily. The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (20–30 ng/mL) and deficiency (< 20 ng/mL) was 36% and 29%, respectively. RA patients who exposed their hands and feet (29 ng/mL) or more (34 ng/mL) to the sunlight had serum vitamin D levels higher than those who exposed their hands alone (18 ng/mL) or less (19 ng/mL) (P < 0.05). The variations in vitamin D levels due to skin color did not reach significance. No significant correlation was seen between serum vitamin D levels and Disease Activity Score (DAS28) or HAQ scores. A direct relationship was observed between HAQ scores and DAS28 scores (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

We highlight the importance of skin exposure to sunlight in a conservative dressing culture. No association was observed between vitamin D and disease activity. However, the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency may negatively impact on bone health of these patients in the future.
Vested Interests in Addiction Research and Policy. The challenge corporate lobbying poses to reducing society's alcohol problems: insights from UK evidence on minimum unit pricing
Authors: McCambridge Jim , Hawkins Benjamin , Holden Chris
Published: November 2013

Background

There has been insufficient research attention to alcohol industry methods of influencing public policies. With the exception of the tobacco industry, there have been few studies of the impact of corporate lobbying on public health policymaking more broadly.

Methods

We summarize here findings from documentary analyses and interview studies in an integrative review of corporate efforts to influence UK policy on minimum unit pricing (MUP) of alcohol 2007–10.

Results

Alcohol producers and retailers adopted a long‐term, relationship‐building approach to policy influence, in which personal contacts with key policymakers were established and nurtured, including when they were not in government. The alcohol industry was successful in achieving access to UK policymakers at the highest levels of government and at all stages of the policy process. Within the United Kingdom, political devolution and the formation for the first time of a Scottish National Party (SNP) government disrupted the existing long‐term strategy of alcohol industry actors and created the conditions for evidence‐based policy innovations such as MUP.

Conclusions

Comparisons between policy communities within the United Kingdom and elsewhere are useful to the understanding of how different policy environments are amenable to influence through lobbying. Greater transparency in how policy is made is likely to lead to more effective alcohol and other public policies globally by constraining the influence of vested interests.
Composition and distribution of indigenous trees and shrubs as possible criteria for indicating adapted species in semi‐arid rangelands
Authors: Mengich Edward K. , Too Daniel K. , Macharia Joseph M. , Mitloehner Ralph
Published: November 2013

This study assessed the composition and natural distribution of indigenous trees and shrubs as possible criteria for selecting suitable species for rehabilitation of degraded sites in semi‐arid rangelands. Study sites were identified at Nthangu, Kathonzweni and Kibwezi forests of Makueni County, Kenya using existing vegetation, agro‐climatic maps and Landsat imageries. The sites had mean annual rainfalls of 974 mm, 700 mm and 616 mm, respectively, and moisture indices of 49%, 35% and 32%. Data were collected by establishing sample plots and assessing species counts and diameters at breast height (DBH). Basal area, relative dominance, relative abundance, relative frequency and important value indices (IVIs) were computed for individual families and species at each site. The number of families, genera and species declined from Nthangu (33, 60, 77) through Kibwezi (30, 48, 70) to Kathonzweni (28, 42, 69). Corresponding mean basal areas were 16.7 m2 ha−1, 76.8 m2 ha−1 and 19.3 m2 ha−1. The families Combretaceae, Burseraceae and Mimosaceae were the most important and widely distributed. Based on ecological importance values, candidate species for rehabilitation of degraded sites at Nthangu, Kathonzweni and Kibwezi were Combretum molle and Acacia hockii; Combretum collinum, Commiphora campestris and Acacia tortilis; and Commiphora africana and A. tortilis, respectively.
N1‐guanyl‐1,7‐diaminoheptane sensitizes bladder cancer cells to doxorubicin by preventing epithelial–mesenchymal transition through inhibition of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A2 activation
Authors: Yang Jinsong , Yu Haogang , Shen Mo , Wei Wei , Xia Lihong , Zhao Peng
Published: November 2013

Drug resistance greatly reduces the efficacy of doxorubicin‐based chemotherapy in bladder cancer treatment; however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. We aimed to investigate whether N1‐guanyl‐1,7‐diaminoheptane (GC7), which inhibits eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A2 (eIF5A2) activation, exerts synergistic cytotoxicity with doxorubicin in bladder cancer, and whether eIF5A2 is involved in chemoresistance to doxorubicin‐based bladder cancer treatment. BIU‐87, J82, and UM‐UC‐3 bladder cancer cells were transfected with eIF5A2 siRNA or negative control siRNA before incubation with doxorubicin alone or doxorubicin plus GC7 for 48 h. Doxorubicin cytotoxicity was enhanced by GC7 in BIU‐87, J82, and UM‐UC‐3 cells. It significantly inhibited activity of eIF5A2, suppressed doxorubicin‐induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition in BIU‐87 cells, and promoted mesenchymal–epithelial transition in J82 and UM‐UC‐3 cells. Knockdown of eIF5A2 sensitized bladder cancer cells to doxorubicin, prevented doxorubicin‐induced EMT in BIU‐87 cells, and encouraged mesenchymal–epithelial transition in J82 and UM‐UC‐3 cells. Combination therapy with GC7 may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of doxorubicin in bladder cancer by inhibiting eIF5A2 activation and preventing epithelial–mesenchymal transition.
The RICHE taxonomy – an innovative means of classification of child health research
Authors: Alexander D. , Bourek A. , Kilroe J. , Rigby M. , Staines A.
Published: November 2013

Background

Research outputs increase inexorably. Health is now a required element in all policies of the European Union. There is a need for a system that helps to navigate the vast body of children's health research, identify pertinent research institutions, discover ongoing and recently funded research projects and identify gaps where there is little knowledge.

Methods

The European Commission funded the Research Inventory of Child Health in Europe (RICHE) project through the Framework 7 Programme, to identify gaps in child health research in Europe. A necessary first step was to identify and index current research, for which a website repository was created. As a basis for this task, an innovative taxonomy was necessary to encompass the many arenas of children's health and development, including subjects outside the traditional areas of children's health. Drawing inspiration from existing taxonomies, library systems and other forms of classification, a multi‐axial approach was selected as the best way to encompass the many influences on children's health. Six axes were identified and their contents defined. All of the axes can be viewed and searched independently, as well as in relation to each other. The axes encompass factors and service areas that impact on children, including health, education, justice, the environment and others. This has created a system that is consistent and impartial, but adaptable to an enormous variety of uses.

Results

The taxonomy has been tested and validated by a number of well‐respected academics, researchers and practitioners across Europe. It forms the basis of an intuitive and accessible database. This allows research knowledge to be easily identified and for networking to take place.

Conclusions

The RICHE taxonomy facilitates retrieval of knowledge – ongoing research as well as findings – in order to inform researchers and policy makers who wish to include children's health as an element of new policy.
Family‐centred music therapy to promote social engagement in young children with severe autism spectrum disorder: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Thompson G. A. , McFerran K. S. , Gold C.
Published: November 2013

Background

Limited capacity for social engagement is a core feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), often evident early in the child's development. While these skills are difficult to train, there is some evidence that active involvement in music‐making provides unique opportunities for social interaction between participants. Family‐centred music therapy (FCMT) endeavours to support social engagement between child and parent within active music‐making, yet the extent of benefits provided is unknown.

Aim

This study investigated the impacts of FCMT on social engagement abilities.

Methods

Twenty‐three children (36–60 months) with severe ASD received either 16 weeks of FCMT in addition to their early intervention programmes (n = 12), or their early intervention programme only (n = 11). Change in social engagement was measured with standardized parent‐report assessments, parent interviews and clinician observation.

Results

Intention‐to‐treat analysis for the Vineland Social Emotional Early Childhood Scale indicated a significant effect in favour of FCMT. Thematic qualitative analysis of the parent interviews showed that the parent–child relationship grew stronger.

Conclusion

FCMT improves social interactions in the home and community and the parent–child relationship, but not language skills or general social responsiveness. This study provides preliminary support for the use of FCMT to promote social engagement in children with severe ASD.