bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of pain with HbA1c in a predominantly black population of community‐dwelling adults with diabetes: a cross‐sectional analysis
Authors: Herbert M. S. , Varley A. L. , Andreae S. J. , Goodin B. R. , Bradley L. A. , Safford M. M.
Published: June 2013

Aims

To assess the relationship between pain and HbA1c levels in a predominantly black population with diabetes, and to determine whether self‐management behaviours (exercise and diet) and symptoms of depression mediate this relationship.

Methods

We analysed cross‐sectional data from 417 community‐dwelling individuals with diabetes in rural Alabama, USA. Binary logistic regression was used to analyse the relationship between pain and HbA1c levels, defined as relatively good [≤ 64 mmol/mol (≤ 8.0%)] and relatively poor [> 64 mmol/mol (> 8.0%)], after adjusting for sociodemographics, insulin use, medication count, cigarette smoking history and body mass index (BMI). We examined the mediating roles of exercise, diet, and symptoms of depression using bootstrapping.

Results

Participants were primarily black (86.6%), female (76.1%) and reported an annual income of ≤$20,000 (52.7%). Their mean (sd) age was 59.6 (12.8) years. The majority of the participants reported moderate to extreme pain (71.5%). Participants reporting pain were more than twice as likely to have HbA1c levels > 64 mmol/mol (8.0%) in the fully adjusted model (odds ratio 2.33 [95% CI 1.28–4.24]; P < 0.05). Diet significantly mediated the relationship between pain and HbA1c control (β = 0.06; 95% CI: 0.01–0.17), but only in the unadjusted model. Exercise and symptoms of depression were not significant mediators.

Conclusions

A significant independent relationship between pain and HbA1c control was found in this mainly black population, which was not explained by self‐management behaviours or symptoms of depression. Future research is needed to delineate the mechanism by which pain influences HbA1c control, especially among black people with diabetes on low incomes.
Challenging the Aggressive Spillover Hypothesis: Is Pre‐Copulatory Sexual Cannibalism a Part of a Behavioural Syndrome?
Authors: Kralj‐Fišer Simona , Schneider Jutta M. , Kuntner Matjaž
Published: June 2013

Pre‐copulatory cannibalism – females devouring males during courtship – may bring no benefit to either sex. The ‘aggressive spillover hypothesis’ (ASH) posits that pre‐copulatory cannibalism represents a spillover of female aggressiveness from the juvenile foraging context, when aggressiveness is advantageous, to the adult mating context, when aggressiveness may be non‐adaptive or maladaptive. TheASHsuggests that individuals exhibit limited plasticity in aggressive behaviours because they are genetically canalised for indiscriminate aggressiveness towards prey and conspecifics, including males. Hence, a tendency to employ pre‐copulatory cannibalism is a part of the female aggression syndrome, an assertion generally accepted in the personality field. We here re‐evaluate the previous findings in the light of personality criteria, which we propose forASHvalidation: between‐individual differences, repeatability and heritability in tendency for pre‐copulatory attacks (and pre‐copulatory cannibalism) and voracity towards prey, and their correlation. To re‐evaluateASHand to allow for additional or alternative explanations, we ask whether pre‐copulatory cannibalism depends on female hunger, mating status, size and/or male quality. Finally, we ask whether cannibalistic females have a reduced reproductive success as predicted by theASH. While repeatability and heritability in voracity towards prey and its correlation with the tendency to engage in pre‐copulatory cannibalism were found in certain systems, we lack any evidence for repeatability and heritability in pre‐copulatory cannibalistic attempts and for its maladaptiveness. Rather than only resorting to theASH, foraging and mate choice hypotheses may also explain pre‐copulatory cannibalism. We suggest clarifying the use of the termssexual cannibalism(effect) andfemale aggressivenessortendency to attack and devour males(cause), and argue that male strategies to avoid cannibalism should be considered. We propose testing theASHas the explanation for pre‐copulatory cannibalism in those cases where female tendency to devour males correlates with actual pre‐copulatory cannibalism and when all the above criteria are fulfilled. Finally, we propose future directions for studying theASH.
Mate Choice and Mechanical Constraint on Size‐Assortative Paring Success in a Simultaneous Hermaphroditic Pond Snail Radix lagotis (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Yu Tong Lei , Wang Li Ming
Published: June 2013

Body size is expected to affect the mating behaviour and mating patterns of simultaneous hermaphrodites, because it can influence fecundity, mate choice and mechanical constraints to mating. However, there is a lack of detailed research on size‐dependent mating patterns in hermaphroditic species, including aquatic pulmonates. We investigated mating patterns and mating success in the simultaneous hermaphroditic pond snail Radix lagotis (Gastropoda: Pulmonata). We found that fecundity increased with body size and we observed a strong pattern of size‐assortative mating across two breeding seasons. Sperm donors were more likely to inseminate large snails than small snails, and pairings between two large individuals were more likely to result in successful copulations than pairings of two small individuals or two individuals of differing sizes. Other possible explanations (mechanical constraint) for these patterns are also discussed.
Mathematical models for optimizing production chain planning in salmon farming
Authors: Bravo Fernanda , Durán Guillermo , Lucena Abilio , Marenco Javier , Morán Diego , Weintraub Andrés
Published: June 2013

The salmon farming production chain is structured in four consecutive phases: freshwater, seawater, plant processing, and distribution and marketing. The phases interact in a pull manner, freshwater stocks fish to meet seawater's demand, seawater produces to meet plant processing biomass demand, and the processing plant produces to satisfy consumers' demand. Freshwater planning decisions are in regard to which freshwater center the fish should be located depending on the state of development of the fish. The goal is to satisfy seawater's demand while minimizing costs. In the seawater phase, the fish are first placed in seawater centers, and then sent to the processing plant as they approach suitable harvest conditions. The goal of seawater is to maximize harvested biomass while satisfying processing plant's demand. This paper presents two mixed‐integer linear programming models—one for the freshwater phase and another for the seawater phase. These models are designed in such a way that the production planning is well integrated and more efficient and incorporates the requirements of the farm operator's freshwater and seawater units (biological, economic, and health‐related constraints) ensuring that production in both phases is better coordinated. The development of the two models was based on the farming operations of one of the main producer farms in Chile. Preliminary evaluations of the models indicate that they not only succeed in enforcing constraints that are difficult to be met by manual planning but also led to more effective results in terms of the objectives set out.
Externally visible fluorochrome marks and allometries of growing sea urchins
Authors: Johnson Amy S. , Salyers Jordan M. , Alcorn Nicholas J. , Ellers Olaf , Allen Jonathan D.
Published: June 2013

Externally visible, growing calcitic structures can be marked using fluorochromes. Such marks are useful for field recapture studies in ecology, evolution, and aquaculture as well as for studies on mechanisms of growth and development. We marked 2‐month‐old sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis) with the fluorochromes calcein, calcein blue, and tetracycline by batch‐marking via immersion. Neither growth nor survival was affected by marking. Marks were externally visible on the skeletal plates, demipyramids, and spines of 100% of the marked sea urchins up to 63 d post‐marking. After 342 d, marks were still externally visible on 100% of calcein‐marked, 98% of calcein blue‐marked, and 22% of tetracycline‐marked sea urchins. Marks were brightest on calcein‐marked and faintest on tetracycline‐marked sea urchins, in correspondence to the fluorochrome dose. Growth marks in the aboral oculogenital ring, followed for 333 d, showed that genital plate growth in the hoop direction was greatest adjacent to the anal suture and that both the oculogenital ring and periproct grew less than isometrically. Internal marks (not externally visible) were subsequently seen on 99% of the demipyramids at 342 d post‐marking. Such fluorochrome marks on demipyramids have previously been used to measure aboral and oral‐end demipyramid growth to allometrically calibrate diametrical growth rates of field sea urchins. We found that although aboral demipyramid marks were always clear, 13% of marks on the oral end were obscured. However, we show that measuring only aboral end growth is sufficient for allometric calibration. In a separate experiment, multiple marks of the above three fluorochromes plus alizarin complexone, administered by injection to larger (12.9–37.1 mm diameter) sea urchins, persisted internally for at least 2 years. Multi‐color, internally and externally visible, persistent marks will enhance experimental designs in laboratory, field, and common garden experiments.
Carcinoma In Situ of the Glans Penis and Distal Urethra
Authors: BERNSTEIN GERALD , FORGAARD DEAN M. , MILLER JORDAN E.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. A case is presented of erythroplasia of Queyrat involving the distal glans penis surrounding the urethral meatus. Therapy with topical 5‐fluorouracil was followed by recurrence within 14 months. Treatment by excision utilizing the Mohs technique demonstrated carcinoma in situ of over 5 cm of the distal urethra. Plastic surgical reconstruction produced a cosmetically and functionally normal penis.
The Bilateral Occipito‐Parietal Flap
Authors: BRANDY DOMINIC A.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. The “bilateral occipitoparietal flap” is a technique whereby the entire occipito‐parietal, donor dominant scalp is undermined past the galeal attachment and advanced forward into the balding areas. Use of this method for the treatment of bitemporal recessions and type 6 male pattern baldness is discussed in detail.
Primary Malignant Melanoma of the Vermilion of the Lower Lip
Authors: RADERMAN DAVID , ROTHEM ARIE , GILER SHAMAI , BEN‐BASSAT MOISE
Published: June 2013

Abstract. A 30‐year‐old man with primary nodular, rapidly growing malignant melanoma of the vermilion of the lower lip is described. The tumor was excised with wide tumor‐free margins and an Abbe‐Estlander reconstruction was carried out. The literature on oral melanomas has also been reviewed with special attention given to melanoma of the lip which is extremely rare (31 reported cases). This case is highly unusual in two respects: (1) the melanoma was a nodular type, level 5, while nearly all melanomas reported previously have been superficial with slow radial growth; (2) it was a small lesion arising on the vermilion and not an extension from the cutaneous junction or oral mucosa.
Cheek‐Neck Advancement‐Rotation Flaps following Mohs Excision of Skin Malignancies
Authors: KATZ ARNOLD E. , GRANDE DONALD J.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. The cheek‐neck advancement‐rotation flap has proved extremely useful for delayed reconstruction of the face following the microscopically controlled surgical excision (MCSE) of skin malignancies. We have recently used these flaps successfully to repair combined defects of the cheek and nose in eight patients, isolated cheek defects in six patients, combined defects of the cheek and lips in two patients, and isolated defects of the nose, temple, and an antral cutaneous fistula in each of three patients. Defects as large as 6.0 × 10.0 cm have been closed in one stage with this flap. This flap is extremely hearty and its scars can be well concealed. It is especially valuable in the elderly patient and should always be considered as one of the options for reconstruction of the face following MCSE of skin malignancies.
Chemosurgical Report: Recurrence (Persistence) of Tumor following Excision by Mohs Surgery
Authors: DZUBOW LEONARD M.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. The persistence (clinical recurrence) of tumor following excision by Mohs surgery may not solely be due to biologic properties of the neoplasm such as mul‐tifocality. Various technical difficulties intrinsic to the technique that may contribute to recurrence are discussed and illustrated.
Transepithelial Elimination of Benign and Malignant Tumors
Authors: GOETTE DETLEF K.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Transepithelial elimination is a common physiologic mechanism by which the skin rids itself of externally introduced or endogenously generated waste and foreign material. Although originally observed mostly as a process of elimination of altered connective tissue, transepithelial elimination has recently been described in deep mycoses, bacterial diseases, and nonspecific and foreign‐body granulomas. This report describes transepithelial elimination of benign and malignant tumors.
Sunscreens and Their Use in the Preventive Treatment of Sunlight‐Induced Skin Damage
Authors: PATHAK MADHU A.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. In this brief review, clinically relevant practical aspects of topical protection against the harmful effects of solar radiation on human skin are discussed. The article covers information in the following areas of photo‐protection: (a) nature of solar radiation; (b) classification of normal individuals into sun‐reactive skin types I‐VI; (c) minimal erythema doses of UVB and UVA radiation for individuals of skin types I‐VI; (d) classification of sunscreens and SPF values of brand‐name sunscreens; (e) a list of UVB‐ and UVA‐absorbing chemicals used in sunscreen formulations in the USA; (f) guidelines for recommending topical sunscreens for the prevention of sunburn, skin photoaging, and skin cancer; and (g) concerns about the harmful effects of UVA radiation and tanning parlors on human skin and the methods used to minimize the potential damaging effects of UVA.
Skin Grafting: Perioperative Technique and Management
Authors: SALASCHE COL STUART J. , FELDMAN BRUCE D.
Published: June 2013

The opinions or assertions contained herein are the private views of the authors and are not to be construed as reflecting the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense.

Abstract The transfer and successful “take” of a full‐thickness skin graft depends on the critical, early events leading toward graft revascularization. The paper discusses and illustrates operative technique as well as methodology of wound care and dressing design directed toward achieving such a goal.
Treatment of Telangiectasia: Comparison of Sclerosing Agents
Authors: CARLIN MARIE C. , RATZ JOHN LOUIS
Published: June 2013

A double‐blind, double‐paired comparison, placebo‐controlled study was undertaken to determine the optimal agent for sclerotherapy of spider telangiec‐tasias of the lower extremities. Sodium tetradecyl sulfate 0.5%, polidocanol 0.25%, heparsal, and normal saline control were evaluated in terms of clinical effectiveness and patient acceptance. Although all of the agents, except for the control, were effective, polidocanol was found to have the fewest adverse reactions and afforded the greatest patient comfort.
Tattoo Removal by Overtattooing with Tannic Acid
Authors: FOGH HANNE , WULF HANS CHRISTIAN , POULSEN THOMAS , LARSEN PREBEN
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Removal of tattoos was studied in the guinea pig. Professional tattoos were made, and two different solutions of tannic acid were injected intradermally into the tattoos four times. The macroscopic end result was formation of a slight fibrosis with little visible pigment. Histologic examination after treatment showed a moderate fibrosis with little visible pigment situated deeper in the dermis than in the untreated tattoo.
A New Technique for Curvilinear Scalp Reduction
Authors: HITZIG GARY S. , SADICK NEIL S.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. A technique of alopecia reduction utilizing a curvilinear ellipse employing a sequential excision and suture technique is described. Advantages of the technique over previously described procedures are presented. Measurements of individual scalp elasticity and alternating suture tension vectors help to produce an excellent cosmetic result with minimal complications.
Split‐Thickness Skin Grafting in Extensive Ulcerative Sarcoidosis
Authors: COLLISON DANIEL W. , NOVICE FRED , BANSE LENISE , RODMAN O.G. , KELLY ALEX P.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. A 64‐year‐old white male had extensive ulcerative cutaneous sarcoidosis of the lower extremities. After stabilization with methotrexate and prednisone therapy, the ulcers were debrided and covered with split‐thickness skin grafts. An 80% graft acceptance was maintained 2 months later. Successful grafting of ulcerative sarcoidosis has not been reported previously.
A Biomechanical Evaluation of Three Drop Wire Configurations
Authors: Arango Johnattan , Lewis Daniel D. , Hudson Caleb C. , Horodyski MaryBeth
Published: June 2013

Objective

Evaluate effect of adding drop wires to single‐ring constructs.

Study Design

Biomechanical study

Sample Population

Single ring circular external skeletal fixator constructs stabilizing a Delrin segment bone model.

Methods

Eight replicates of 5 constructs made with 66 mm complete rings, 1.6 mm olive wires, and a 15.9‐mm diameter Delrin rod were loaded in axial compression, craniocaudal and mediolateral bending, and torsion. Constructs tested were: (1) base single‐ring construct; (2) single‐ring construct with a drop wire mounted on fixation bolts; (3) single‐ring construct with a drop wire mounted on 1‐hole posts; (4) single‐ring construct with a drop wire mounted on 2‐hole posts; and (5) 2‐ring construct. Construct stiffness for each mode of loading was compared using repeated measures ANOVAs (P ≤ .05).

Results

Axial compression and torsion: the 2‐ring construct was stiffer than all others. Drop wire constructs were stiffer than the single‐ring construct, but not significantly different from each other. Craniocaudal bending: the 2‐ring construct was stiffest with the 2‐hole post construct being stiffer than all except the 2‐ring construct. Mediolateral bending: the 2‐hole post construct was stiffer than the 2‐ring construct, which was stiffer than the 1‐hole post construct, which was stiffer than the fixation‐bolt construct, which was stiffer than the single‐ring construct.

Conclusions

Drop wires improved stiffness of single‐ring constructs in all loading modalities. Positioning the drop wire farther from the ring surface significantly improved craniocaudal and mediolateral bending stiffness, but did not affect axial compression and torsional stiffness.
Dear Mr Carney … Memos to the new Bank of England governor
Authors: Baker Dean , Coppola Frances , DeLong Brad , Portes Jonathan , Kaminska Izabella , Corry Dan , Pettifor Ann , Allan Tim , Banner Bruce
Published: June 2013

As Mark Carney prepares to take up the reins at the Bank of England, accompanied by sky‐high expectations for his economy‐saving powers, Juncture asked economists and commentators from Britain and abroad how they would advise the new governor.
Macmansions, cellars and garrets: Surveying the new Ireland
Authors: Foster Roy
Published: June 2013

Roy Foster investigates the public response to Ireland's harsh, post‐Celtic tiger existence, and finds more verve and resonance in the nation's proud cultural life than in protest or political change.
Immigration: Consensus and contention on the left
Authors: Mulley Sarah
Published: June 2013

Sarah Mulley envisions a new approach to centre‐left immigration policy, through the prism provided by David Goodhart's much‐discussed book, The British Dream.
Democracy and violence, in India and beyond
Authors: Guha Ramachandra
Published: June 2013

Historian Ramachandra Guha analyses the causes and conditions of the violent struggles of Kashmiris in India and Tamils in Sri Lanka, and draws an alternative path between independence and assimilation that recognises and preserves the essential elements of democracy for all sides.
Editorial Perspective: The need for new guidelines to improve the reporting of trials in child and adolescent mental health
Authors: Gardner Frances , Mayo‐Wilson Evan , Montgomery Paul , Hopewell Sally , Macdonald Geraldine , Moher David , Grant Sean
Published: June 2013

We are pleased to announce the development of CONSORT‐SPI: a new reporting guideline for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of social and psychological interventions. We invite the readership of Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry (JCPP) to participate in this project by visiting our website (http://tinyurl.com/CONSORT-study). Well‐designed and conducted randomised trials are essential for improving services for children and young people.
Retinitis Pigmentosa: over‐expression of anti‐ageing protein Klotho in degenerating photoreceptors
Authors: Farinelli Pietro , Arango‐Gonzalez Blanca , Völkl Jakob , Alesutan Ioana , Lang Florian , Zrenner Eberhart , Paquet‐Durand François , Ekström Per A.R.
Published: June 2013

Retinitis Pigmentosa involves a hereditary degeneration of photoreceptors by as yet unresolved mechanisms. The secretable protein α‐Klotho has a function related to ageing processes, and α‐Klotho‐deficient mice have reduced lifespan and declining functions in several tissues. Here, we studied Klotho in connection with inherited photoreceptor degeneration. Increased nuclear immunostaining for α‐Klotho protein was seen in degenerating photoreceptors in four different Retinitis Pigmentosa models (rd1, rd2 mice; P23H, S334ter rhodopsin mutant rats). Correspondingly, in rd1 retina α‐Klotho mRNA expression was significantly up‐regulated. Moreover, immunostaining for another Klotho family protein, β‐Klotho, also co‐localized with degenerating rd1 photoreceptors. The rd1 retina displayed reduced levels of fibroblast growth factor 15, a member of the fibroblast growth factor subfamily for which Klotho acts as a co‐receptor. Exogenous α‐Klotho protein added to retinal explant cultures did not affect cell death in rd1 retinae, but caused a severe layer disordering in wild‐type retinae. Our study suggests Klotho as a novel player in the retina, with a clear connection to photoreceptor cell death as well as with an influence on retinal organization.
Melatonin ameliorates endothelial dysfunction, vascular inflammation, and systemic hypertension in rats with chronic intermittent hypoxia
Authors: Hung Ming‐Wai , Kravtsov Gennadi M. , Lau Chi‐Fai , Poon Angela Ming‐See , Tipoe George L. , Fung Man‐Lung
Published: June 2013

The pathogenesis of hypertension in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with endothelial dysfunction induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia (IH). Studies have shown that administration of melatonin ameliorates oxidative injury and inflammation. This study examined the effect of melatonin on the oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammation during the pathogenesis of hypertension in chronic IH. Adult Sprague‐Dawley rats that had received a daily injection of melatonin or vehicle were exposed to IH treatment mimicking a severe OSA condition for 14–21 days. Systolic pressure was significantly higher in the vehicle‐treated (144 ± 2.7 mmHg) but not in the melatonin‐treated rats (123 ± 5.1 mmHg) by 21–day IH treatment when compared with the normoxic control. Levels of malondialdehyde and the expressions of NADPH oxidase, pro‐inflammatory mediators (TNF‐α, inducible NO synthase, COX‐2), and adhesion molecules (ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1, and E‐selectin) of the thoracic aorta were markedly increased by 14‐day IH treatment preceding the hypertensive response. Also, levels of nitric oxide (NO˙), endothelial‐dependent relaxation, and the expressions of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and antioxidant enzymes (GPx, CAT, and Cu/Zn SOD) were significantly lowered in the IH rats. Melatonin treatment significantly mitigated the increased expression of NADPH oxidase, pro‐inflammatory mediators, and adhesion molecules. Moreover, melatonin prevented the endothelial dysfunction with ameliorated levels of NO˙, endothelial‐dependent relaxation, and expressions of eNOS and antioxidant enzymes. These results suggest that melatonin is protective against IH‐induced hypertension and endothelial dysfunction via an antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory mechanism.
The cooling rate of the El'gygytgyn impact glass
Authors: Rantzsch Ulrike , Haber Thomas , Klimm Detlef , Kloess Gert
Published: June 2013

The thermal history of an impact glass from the El'gygytgyn impact structure, central Chukotka, Russia has been investigated with the method of relaxation geospeedometry. The cooling rate of the melt fragment has been quantified by heat capacity (cp) measurements using differential scanning calorimetry. Cycles of thermal treatments applied to the melt fragment sample result in a set of unique kinetic parameters, which were then used to model heat capacity curves. The Tool–Narayanaswamy–Moynihan approach was used to quantify the natural cooling rate from changes in the normalized heat capacity curves. Cooling rates ranging from 0.06 to 0.40 K min−1 were found by modeling the structural relaxation within the glass transition interval. Because of the absence of thermal reheating, a single natural annealing process is thought to have been responsible for the modeled cooling rate, even though a heat buffering process that affects the cooling history might have been involved. The El'gygytgyn impact glass cooled significantly slower than previously studied tektites and faster than most volcanic glasses. The calculated viscosity of log η = 10.75 ± 0.50 Pa s at the glass transition temperature Tgpeak (1020 K) supports this assumption. Consequently, a slow cooling process is accompanied by a high viscosity η.
Spatiotemporal regulation of Rho1 and Cdc42 activity during Candida albicans filamentous growth
Authors: Corvest Vincent , Bogliolo Stéphanie , Follette Peter , Arkowitz Robert A. , Bassilana Martine
Published: June 2013

Rho G‐proteins are critical for polarized growth, yet little is known about the dynamics of their activation during fungal filamentous growth. We first investigated the roles of Rho1 and Rho2 during Candida albicans filamentous growth. Our results show that Rho1 is required for invasive filamentous growth and that Rho2 is not functionally redundant with Rho1. Using fluorescent reporters, we examined the dynamics of the active form of Rho1 and Cdc42 during initiation and maintenance of hyphal growth. Quantitative analyses indicated that the distribution, but not the level, of these active G‐proteins is altered during initial polarization upon germ tube emergence. A comparison of the dynamics of these active G‐proteins during budding and hyphal growth indicates that a higher concentration of active Cdc42 was recruited to the germ tube tip than to the bud tip. During hyphal elongation, active Cdc42 remained tightly restricted to the hyphal tip, whereas active Rho1 was broadly associated with the apex and subsequently recruited to the cell division site. Furthermore, our data suggest that phosphoinositide‐bis‐phosphates are critical to stabilize active Rho1 at the growth site. Together, our results point towards different regulation of Cdc42 and Rho1 activity during initiation and maintenance of filamentous growth.
Characterization of Monocyte‐Derived Dendritic Cells from Immunosuppressed Renal Transplant Recipients with and without Squamous Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Sandvik L. F. , Volchenkov R. , Jonsson R. , Appel S.
Published: June 2013

Renal transplant recipients (RTR) have a high risk of tumour development, especially cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), due to long‐term immunosuppressive therapy. RTR may develop multiple lesions over short time periods, and these are often more aggressive with a higher risk of local recurrence and metastasis resulting in increased morbidity and mortality in these patients. Therefore, we took the first step towards evaluating the possibility of generating a therapeutic vaccine based on monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (moDC) for these patients. We analysed the phenotype and cytokine/chemokine profile of moDC from long‐term immunosuppressed RTR with and without previous SCC. The number of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated per ml blood as well as the efficiency of generating moDC from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was similar in patients and immunocompetent controls. Phenotype and cytokine/chemokine profile of the moDC from immunosuppressed patients were similar to those from immunocompetent controls, making moDC‐based immunotherapy a potential future treatment option for RTR with multiple SCC.
A messenger at the door: cytomegalovirus retinitis in myeloma patients with progressive disease
Authors: Teh B.W. , Khot A.S. , Harrison S.J. , Prince H.M. , Slavin M.A.
Published: June 2013

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is an uncommon manifestation of CMV disease and is a marker of severe and profound immunosuppression in human immunodeficiency virus‐positive patients. Here, we describe 2 cases of CMV retinitis in myeloma patients with progressive disease, following autologous stem cell transplantation and immunomodulatory therapy for myeloma. To our knowledge, this is the first report of CMV retinitis in this patient population. This report illustrates the need for close monitoring of relapsed and refractory myeloma patients for new presentations of opportunistic infections secondary to severe immunosuppression.
Return behavior of occasional and multigallon blood donors: the role of theory of planned behavior, self‐identity, and organizational variables
Authors: Wevers Anne , Wigboldus Daniël H.J. , van Baaren Rick , Veldhuizen Ingrid J.T.
Published: June 2013

Background

For blood establishments it is important that blood donors return for a donation. Past research has stressed the importance of theory of planned behavior (TPB) on return behavior, but self‐identity (SI) and organizational variables (OVs) might play a role as well. This study added SI and OVs to the TPB to identify the determinants for return behavior.

Study Design and Methods

Whole blood donors (n = 2005) completed a questionnaire assessing TPB, SI, and OVs. OVs contained “perceived satisfaction with the blood bank” and “feeling pressure from the blood bank to donate blood.” Return behavior over the past 2 years was dichotomized as low return (0%‐50%) versus high return (51%‐100%). Logistic regression analyses assessed the effects of TPB, SI, and OVs on high return, separately for occasional donors (two to 10 lifetime donations) and multigallon donors (>10 lifetime donations).

Results

Results showed that, for all donors, affective attitude was positively associated with return behavior, whereas pressure to donate blood was negatively associated with return behavior. The point estimates of self‐efficacy, SI, and perceived satisfaction are high for multigallon donors, but do not reach significance.

Conclusion

For all donors, positive feelings about donating blood stimulate return behavior, while experiencing a pressure to donate blood emanating from the blood bank was not beneficial. Results suggest that multigallon donors are more stimulated to return when they score higher on self‐efficacy, SI, and perceived satisfaction. Interventions aiming at donor retention need to be carefully formulated to avoid negative effects of feeling pressure to donate blood.
Finless Heat Sinks, High Performance and Low Cost for Low Profile Cooling Applications
Authors: Walsh Ed , Grimes Ronan , Walsh Patrick , Stafford Jason
Published: June 2013

The need for low profile, sustainable thermal management solutions is becoming critical in information and communications technology applications ranging from consumer products to server cabinets. This work presents a finless thermal management solution that utilizes fluidic structures generated within an empty cavity to enhance the heat transfer coefficient. The finless thermal management solution can be manufactured to have a height of less than 5 mm when using low profile motors. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) combined with infrared (IR) imaging techniques are used to explain the underlying flow physics that results in increased heat transfer rates compared to typical laminar flows. It is found that the local heat transfer coefficients in the finless design are up to 500% greater than those achieved at the same Reynolds number using conventional boundary layer theory. The design is compared to an existing commercial solution and is found to provide benefits in terms of cost, reliability, weight, acoustics, and fan power consumption. These advancements over current state of the art lead to a more sustainable solution for low cost, low profile cooling applications.
Design, Analysis, and Experimental Evaluation of a Novel Three-Fingered Endoscopic Large-Organ Grasper
Authors: Mirbagheri Alireza , Farahmand Farzam
Published: June 2013

The currently available laparoscopic instruments are unable to manipulate and grasp the large intra-abdominal organs, such as spleen and kidney, with sufficient stability and safety. This paper describes a novel three-fingered endoscopic instrument, based on parallelogram mechanism, which can fully constrain the large organs and provide an effective grasping function. We first evaluated the efficacy of the design using a 3D model and finite element analysis. Then, a fully functional prototype was fabricated for experimental evaluations, including force propagation and pull force limitation characteristics. Finally, the instrument's capability for effective grasping was investigated on animal specimens in in vitro and in vivo examinations. The results of the force propagation analysis indicated a high amplification ratio of more than 1.2 for the actuating force when grasping large organs. The pull force experiments on a sheep heart specimen revealed a nearly linear relationship between the actuating force and the limit of the pulling force that could be attained without slippage. The resulting pinch force, however, was found to be injurious if the actuating force exceeded a limit of 8.6 N. The in vitro and in vivo examinations of the instrument indicated its capability to pass through a standard 10-mm trocar to enter the abdomen, open its fingers to a diameter of about 80 mm, and grasp and manipulate organs with different sizes, shapes, and properties. With further developments, the proposed design is expected to provide a practical and feasible solution for grasping of large organs during endoscopic operations. However, more preclinical examinations are needed to evaluate the potential risks of using rigid jaws against injury-prone soft organs.
Principle of Detailed Balance and the Second Law of Thermodynamics in Chemical Kinetics
Authors: Janbozorgi Mohammad , Sheikhi M. Reza H. , Metghalchi Hameed
Published: June 2013

The principle of detailed balance is shown to be a sufficient condition for the second law of thermodynamics in thermally equilibrated elementary chemical reactions. For an elementary reaction, the principle of detailed balance relates the forward and the reverse rate constants through the reaction equilibrium constant. It is shown that, in addition to the long known thermodynamic inconsistency at chemical equilibrium state, departure from this principle introduces an extra source/sink of entropy in the entropy balance for an elementary chemical reaction. The departure results in the wrong final chemical equilibrium state and, depending on the choice of the reverse rate constants, may lead to negative entropy productions during kinetic transients.
p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase interacts with vinculin at focal adhesions during fatty acid-stimulated cell adhesion
Authors: George Margaret D. , Wine Robert N. , Lackford Brad , Kissling Grace E. , Akiyama Steven K. , Olden Kenneth , Roberts John D.
Published: June 2013

Arachidonic acid stimulates cell adhesion by activating α2β1 integrins in a process that depends on protein kinases, including p38 mitogen activated protein kinase. Here, we describe the interaction of cytoskeletal components with key signaling molecules that contribute to the spreading of, and morphological changes in, arachidonic acid-treated MDA-MB-435 human breast carcinoma cells. Arachidonic acid-treated cells showed increased attachment and spreading on collagen type IV, as measured by electric cell-substrate impedance sensing. Fatty acid-treated cells displayed short cortical actin filaments associated with an increased number of β1 integrin-containing pseudopodia, whereas untreated cells displayed elongated stress fibers and fewer clusters of β1 integrins. Confocal microscopy of arachidonic acid-treated cells showed that vinculin and phospho-p38 both appeared enriched in pseudopodia and at the tips of actin filaments, and fluorescence ratio imaging indicated the increase was specific for the phospho-(active) form of p38. Immunoprecipitates of phospho-p38 from extracts of arachidonic acid-treated cells contained vinculin, and GST-vinculin fusion proteins carrying the central region of vinculin bound phospho-p38, whereas fusion proteins expressing the terminal portions of vinculin did not. These data suggest that phospho-p38 associates with particular domains on critical focal adhesion proteins that are involved in tumor cell adhesion and spreading, and that this association can be regulated by factors in the tumor microenvironment.
Hydrogen-bonded proton transfer in the hydrated adenine–thymine anion
Authors: Wu Yingxi , Wang Hongyan , Lin Yuexia , Gao Simin , Zhang Feng
Published: June 2013

The proton transfer processes of microhydrated adenine–thymine anions are studied using density functional theory with the B3LYP method and DZP++ basis set. The microhydration effects on the geometrical structures, adsorption site, and the proton transfer reaction of the adenine–thymine anion are investigated. The site N10 atom of the adenine moiety has a larger proton affinity than the site O24 atom of thymine, which facilitates the proton H26 transfers from the N25 site of thymine to the N10 site of adenine. Therefore, the first single-proton transfer pathway (SPT1) is found for the all of the monohydrated adenine–thymine anions (AN4T)−·H2O, (AN13T)−·H2O, (ATO24)−·H2O, and (ATO28)−·H2O and tetrahydrated adenine–thymine anions (AT)−·4H2O. The proton H9 at the N7 site of adenine is also found to transfer to the O24 site of thymine for (AN4T)−·H2O and (AN13T)−·H2O in the gas phase. The double-proton transferred pathway is found when one water molecule interacts with the O28 atom of thymine. The reactant structures before the proton transfer are more stable than the product structures, and the structural changes mainly occur in thymine. The reaction energies of the microhydrated adenine–thymine anion in the gas phase and in the aqueous environment predict that the proton transfer process of the microhydrated adenine–thymine anion are more favorable in the gas phase than in aqueous solution.
Combined effect of sustained load and freeze–thaw cycles on one-way concrete slabs reinforced with glass fibre – reinforced polymer
Authors: Bellakehal Hizia , Zaidi Ali , Masmoudi Radhouane , Bouhicha Mohamed
Published: June 2013

Flexural behaviour of reinforced-concrete slabs has been widely investigated to characterize properties and behaviour of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) materials as reinforcement for concrete structures. However, the short- and long-term thermal effects on FRP bars owing to the significant difference between the bars’ coefficients of thermal expansion in the transverse and longitudinal directions are still to be evaluated and may affect the bond properties and the concrete cover thickness after multiple exposures to freeze–thaw cycles. This paper presents the thermostructural behaviour of one-way concrete slabs reinforced with glass FRP (GFRP) that have previously been subjected to mechanical loads of 20% and 30% of the ultimate flexural capacity of reinforced-concrete slabs, simultaneously with short freeze–thaw cycles. Series tests were conducted on FRP-reinforced concrete slabs 500 mm wide, 195–215 mm thick, and 2500 mm long. The thermal cycles were varied from −30 to 60 °C. Four-point bending tests were conducted up to failure of the slabs. The results show that the thermomechanical load applied before bending tests increases the performance of reinforced-concrete slabs, particularly the concrete shear capacity. The deflection predicted from CSA code and ACI guidelines are very close to those obtained from experimental tests; however, the CSA code overestimates the deflection at the service load. The applied thermal cycles have no big influence on the behaviour before shear failure of concrete slabs reinforced with GFRP bars.
INADEQUACY OF ZERO-WIDTH APPROXIMATION FOR A LIGHT HIGGS BOSON SIGNAL
Authors: KAUER NIKOLAS
Published: June 2013

The zero-width approximation (ZWA) restricts the intermediate unstable particle state to the mass shell and, when combined with the decorrelation approximation, fully factorizes the production and decay of unstable particles. The ZWA uncertainty is expected to be of [Formula: see text], where M and Γ are the mass and width of the unstable particle. We review the ZWA and demonstrate that errors can be much larger than expected if a significant modification of the Breit–Wigner lineshape occurs. A thorough examination of the recently discovered candidate Standard Model Higgs boson is in progress. For MH≈125 GeV, one has ΓH/MH < 10-4, which suggests an excellent accuracy of the ZWA. We show that this is not always the case. The inclusion of off-shell contributions is essential to obtain an accurate Higgs signal normalization at the 1% precision level. For gg→H→VV, V = W, Z, [Formula: see text] corrections occur due to an enhanced Higgs signal in the region MVV > 2MV, where also sizable Higgs-continuum interference occurs. We discuss how experimental selection cuts can be used to suppress this region in search channels where the Higgs mass cannot be reconstructed. We note that H→VV decay modes in non-gluon-fusion channels are similarly affected.
PROTON RADIUS PUZZLE AND LARGE EXTRA DIMENSIONS
Authors: WANG LI-BANG , NI WEI-TOU
Published: June 2013

We propose a theoretical scenario to solve the proton radius puzzle which recently arises from the muonic hydrogen experiment. In this framework, (4+n)-dimensional theory is incorporated with modified gravity. The extra gravitational interaction between the proton and muon at very short range provides an energy shift which accounts for the discrepancy between spectroscopic results from muonic and electronic hydrogen experiments. Assuming the modified gravity is a small perturbation to the existing electromagnetic interaction, we find the puzzle can be solved with stringent constraint on the range of the new force. Our result not only provides a possible solution to the proton radius puzzle but also suggests a direction to test new physics at very small length scale.
PARITY AND PROJECTION FROM VIRTUAL KNOTS TO CLASSICAL KNOTS
Authors: MANTUROV VASSILY OLEGOVICH
Published: June 2013

We construct various functorial maps (projections) from virtual knots to classical knots. These maps are defined on diagrams of virtual knots; in terms of Gauss diagram each of them can be represented as a deletion of some chords. The construction relies upon the notion of parity. As corollaries, we prove that the minimal classical crossing number for classical knots. Such projections can be useful for lifting invariants from classical knots to virtual knots. Different maps satisfy different properties.
APPROXIMATE BOUND DIRAC STATES FOR PSEUDOSCALAR HULTHÉN POTENTIAL
Authors: HAMZAVI M. , RAJABI A. A. , KOOCHAKPOOR F.
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we present approximate analytical solutions of the Dirac equation with the pseudoscalar Hulthén potential under spin and pseudospin (p-spin) symmetry limits in (3+1) dimensions. The energy eigenvalues and corresponding eigenfunctions are given in their closed forms by using the Nikiforov–Uvarov (NU) method. Numerical results of the energy eigenvalue equations are presented to show the effects of the potential parameters on the bound-state energies.
ON THE FOURIER COEFFICIENTS OF MODULAR FORMS OF HALF-INTEGRAL WEIGHT
Authors: CHOIE YOUNG JU , KOHNEN WINFRIED
Published: June 2013

It is known that if the Fourier coefficients a(n)(n ≥ 1) of an elliptic modular form of even integral weight k ≥ 2 on the Hecke congruence subgroup Γ0(N)(N ∈ N) satisfy the bound a(n) ≪f nc for all n ≥ 1, where c > 0 is any number strictly less than k - 1, then f must be cuspidal. Here we investigate the case of half-integral weight modular forms. The main objective of this note is to show that to deduce that f is a cusp form, it is sufficient to impose a suitable growth condition only on the Fourier coefficients a(|D|) where D is a fundamental discriminant with (-1)kD > 0.
EQUIDISTRIBUTION OF DIVISORS IN RESIDUE CLASSES AND REPRESENTATIONS BY BINARY QUADRATIC FORMS
Authors: DRMOTA MICHAEL , SKAŁBA MARIUSZ
Published: June 2013

We study the number of divisors in residue classes modulo m and prove, for example, that the exact equidistribution holds for almost all natural numbers coprime to m in the sense of natural density if and only if m = 2kp1p2…ps, where k and s are non-negative integers and pj are distinct Fermat primes. We also provide a general and exact lower bound for the proportion of divisors in the residue class 1 mod m. The same combinatorial technique using Davenport's constant leads to exact lower bounds for the number of representations of a natural number by a given binary quadratic form with a negative discriminant.
Fracture patterns in the Permian Magnesian Limestone Aquifer, Co. Durham, UK
Authors: Kortas Lukasz , Younger Paul L.
Published: June 2013

Fractures constitute some of the most permeable groundwater migration pathways. The directional regularity of fracture sets largely determines the hydraulic anisotropy (single- or multi-directional) of fractured rocks. Knowledge of the preferential directions of possible water flow and pollutant migration paths along fracture-controlled azimuths is useful for understanding the flow patterns and spread of pollutants in a given aquifer. Yet systematic regional fracture mapping is still rare in hydrogeological studies. To assist in ongoing predictive modelling of mine water pollution plume migration within the Magnesian Limestone Aquifer (Permian) in County Durham, U.K., a survey was undertaken of basic fracture characteristics, including angles of dip, strike directions, aperture and frequency. These parameters were measured both in natural exposures and working quarries across the outcrop of the aquifer in the study area. Scrutiny of the measurements reveals the presence of two major fracture sets, one oriented WNW to NNW and the other oriented NNE to ENE. These are likely to be extensional joints, with perhaps a few minor faults, that form reasonably consistent conjugate sets distributed across the Permian outcrop, and suggest that the permeability tensor in the aquifer is also likely to have axes oriented with maxima trending NNE to ENE. This is only slightly oblique to the general eastward trend of groundwater flow towards the coast, suggesting a mild tendency to sinistral preference in transverse dispersivity.