bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gold mining companies and the price of gold
Authors: Baur Dirk G.
Published: August 2014

This paper studies the exposure of Australian gold mining firms to changes in the gold price. We use a theoretical framework to formulate testable hypotheses regarding the gold exposure of gold mining firms. The empirical analysis based on all gold mining firms in the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold Index for the period from January 1980 to December 2010 finds that the average gold beta is around one but varies significantly through time. The relatively low average gold beta is attributed to the hedging and diversification of gold mining firms. We further find an asymmetric effect in gold betas, i.e. the gold exposure increases with positive gold price changes and decreases with negative gold price changes consistent with gold mining companies exercising real options on gold.
The impact of a supermarket nutrition rating system on purchases of nutritious and less nutritious foods
Authors: Cawley John , Sweeney Matthew J , Sobal Jeffery , Just David R , Kaiser Harry M , Schulze William D , Wethington Elaine , Wansink Brian
Published: August 2014

Objective

The current study examines the impact of a nutrition rating system on consumers’ food purchases in supermarkets.

Design

Aggregate sales data for 102 categories of food (over 60 000 brands) on a weekly basis for 2005–2007 from a supermarket chain of over 150 stores are analysed. Change in weekly sales of nutritious and less nutritious foods, after the introduction of a nutrition rating system on store shelves, is calculated, controlling for seasonality and time trends in sales.

Setting

One hundred and sixty-eight supermarket stores in the north-east USA, from January 2005 to December 2007.

Subjects

Consumers purchasing goods at the supermarket chain during the study period.

Results

After the introduction of the nutrition ratings, overall weekly food sales declined by an average of 3637 units per category (95 % CI –5961, –1313;P<0·01). Sales of less nutritious foods fell by 8·31 % (95 % CI –13·50, –2·80 %;P=0·004), while sales of nutritious foods did not change significantly (P=0·21); as a result, the percentage of food purchases rated as nutritious rose by 1·39 % (95 % CI 0·58, 2·20 %;P<0·01). The decrease in sales of less nutritious foods was greatest in the categories of canned meat and fish, soda pop, bakery and canned vegetables.

Conclusions

The introduction of the nutrition ratings led shoppers to buy a more nutritious mix of products. Interestingly, it did so by reducing purchases of less nutritious foods rather than by increasing purchases of nutritious foods. In evaluating nutrition information systems, researchers should focus on the entire market basket, not just sales of nutritious foods.
Improved mouse models to assess tumour immunity and irAEs after combination cancer immunotherapies
Authors: Liu Jing , Blake Stephen J , Smyth Mark J , Teng Michele WL
Published: August 2014

The current excitement surrounding cancer immunotherapy stems particularly from clinical data involving agents mediating immune checkpoint receptor blockade, which have induced unprecedented efficacy against a range of tumours compared with previous immunotherapeutic approaches. However, an important consideration in targeting checkpoint receptors has been the emergence of associated toxicities termed immune‐related adverse events (irAEs). In light of the clinical benefits observed after co‐blockade of checkpoint receptors and data from preclinical mouse models, there is now a strong rationale to combine different checkpoint receptors together, with other immunotherapies or more conventional therapies to assess if clinical benefits to cancer patients can be further improved. However, one may predict the frequency and severity of irAEs will increase with combinations, which may result in premature therapy cessation, thus limiting the realization of such an approach. In addition, there is a limit to how many different combination therapies that can be tested in a timely manner given the legal, regulatory and budgetary issues associated with conducting clinical trials. Thus, there is a need to develop preclinical mouse models that more accurately inform us as to which immunotherapies might combine best to provide the optimal therapeutic index (maximal anti‐tumour efficacy and low level irAEs) in different cancer settings. In this review we will discuss the irAEs observed in patients after checkpoint blockade and discuss which mouse models of cancer can be appropriate to assess the development of tumour immunity and irAEs following combination cancer immunotherapies.
The ambrosia symbiosis is specific in some species and promiscuous in others: evidence from community pyrosequencing
Authors: Kostovcik Martin , Bateman Craig C , Kolarik Miroslav , Stelinski Lukasz L , Jordal Bjarte H , Hulcr Jiri
Published: August 2014

Symbioses are increasingly seen as dynamic ecosystems with multiple associates and varying fidelity. Symbiont specificity remains elusive in one of the most ecologically successful and economically damaging eukaryotic symbioses: the ambrosia symbiosis of wood-boring beetles and fungi. We used multiplexed pyrosequencing of amplified internal transcribed spacer II (ITS2) ribosomal DNA (rDNA) libraries to document the communities of fungal associates and symbionts inside the mycangia (fungus transfer organ) of three ambrosia beetle species, Xyleborus affinis, Xyleborus ferrugineus and Xylosandrus crassiusculus. We processed 93 beetle samples from 5 locations across Florida, including reference communities. Fungal communities within mycangia included 14–20 fungus species, many more than reported by culture-based studies. We recovered previously known nutritional symbionts as members of the core community. We also detected several other fungal taxa that are equally frequent but whose function is unknown and many other transient species. The composition of fungal assemblages was significantly correlated with beetle species but not with locality. The type of mycangium appears to determine specificity: two Xyleborus with mandibular mycangia had multiple dominant associates with even abundances; Xylosandrus crassiusculus (mesonotal mycangium) communities were dominated by a single symbiont, Ambrosiella sp. Beetle mycangia also carried many fungi from the environment, including plant pathogens and endophytes. The ITS2 marker proved useful for ecological analyses, but the taxonomic resolution was limited to fungal genus or family, particularly in Ophiostomatales, which are under-represented in our amplicons as well as in public databases. This initial analysis of three beetle species suggests that each clade of ambrosia beetles and each mycangium type may support a functionally and taxonomically distinct symbiosis.
A Cancer-specific Monoclonal Antibody Recognizes the Aberrantly Glycosylated Podoplanin
Authors: Kato Yukinari , Kaneko Mika Kato
Published: August 2014

Podoplanin (PDPN/Aggrus/T1α), a platelet aggregation-inducing mucin-like sialoglycoprotein, is highly expressed in many cancers and normal tissues. A neutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb; NZ-1) can block the association between podoplanin and C-type lectin-like receptor-2 (CLEC-2) and inhibit podoplanin-induced cancer metastasis, but NZ-1 reacts with podoplanin-expressing normal cells such as lymphatic endothelial cells. In this study, we established a cancer-specific mAb (CasMab) against human podoplanin. Aberrantly glycosylated podoplanin including keratan sulfate or aberrant sialylation, which was expressed in LN229 glioblastoma cells, was used as an immunogen. The newly established LpMab-2 mAb recognized both an aberrantO-glycosylation and a Thr55-Leu64 peptide from human podoplanin. Because LpMab-2 reacted with podoplanin-expressing cancer cells but not with normal cells, as shown by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry, it is an anti-podoplanin CasMab that is expected to be useful for molecular targeting therapy against podoplanin-expressing cancers.
Highly-metallized phosphonium polyelectrolytes
Authors: Rabiee Kenaree Amir , Berven Bradley M. , Ragogna Paul J. , Gilroy Joe B.
Published: August 2014

The synthesis, characterization, and pyrolysis of a novel class of highly-metallized, redox-active polyelectrolytes that employ phosphorus as a scaffold for the installation of transition metals is described.
Sulfur copolymer nanowires with enhanced visible-light photoresponse
Authors: Zhuo Sifei , Huang Yi , Liu Cuibo , Wang Huan , Zhang Bin
Published: August 2014

Sulfur copolymer nanowires have been reported for the first time as highly stable visible-light-active photocatalysts for photoelectrochemical water splitting depending on their size and sulfur content. The as-prepared sulfur copolymer nanowires can serve as a sulfur source and templates to create metal sulfide/copolymer heterocatalysts.
Supramolecular assemblies of Ru(ii) organometallic half-sandwich complexes
Authors: Cheng Bao , Tehrani Alireza Azhdari , Hu Mao-Lin , Morsali Ali
Published: August 2014

Extended hydrogen bonding network in [(arene)Ru(para-substituted amine ligand)Cl2].
Copper clusters as novel fluorescent probes for the detection and photocatalytic elimination of lead ions
Authors: Vilar-Vidal N. , Rivas J. , López-Quintela M. A.
Published: August 2014

A new homogeneous assay for a fast, selective and sensitive detection and elimination of lead ions has been developed using copper clusters as novel fluorescent probes in aqueous solutions.
Direct synthesis of phosphorus and nitrogen co-doped monolayer graphene with air-stable n-type characteristics
Authors: Xue Yunzhou , Wu Bin , Liu Hongtao , Tan Jiahui , Hu Wenping , Liu Yunqi
Published: August 2014

Large-area substitutional phosphorus–nitrogen co-doped monolayer graphene is directly synthesized on a Cu surface by chemical vapor deposition using molecules of phosphonitrilic chloride trimer as the phosphorus and nitrogen sources.
Synthesis of porous Co3O4 nanonetworks to detect toluene at low concentration
Authors: Zhao Changhui , Huang Baoyu , Zhou Jinyuan , Xie Erqing
Published: August 2014

A facile synthesis strategy to prepare porous Co3O4 nanonetworks for enhancing the sensor response toward toluene at low concentration.
Pyrolytic cavitation, selective adsorption and molecular recognition of a porous Eu(iii) MOF
Authors: Liao Wei-Ming , Shi Hua-Tian , Shi Xu-Hua , Yin Ye-Gao
Published: August 2014

A channel-equipped metal–organic framework, resulting from pyrolysis of [(CH3)2NH2]@[Eu2L3(HCOO)], showed the preferable absorption of CO2 and the Eu(iii)-based emission quenched by aromatics.
Speciation analysis of antimony in water samples via combined nano-sized TiO2 colloid Preconcentration and AFS analysis
Authors: Wang Xingwen , Li Xuankun , Zhang Xu , Qian Shahua
Published: August 2014

A method for the speciation of Sb was developed using nano-sized TiO2 colloids preconcentration and HG-AFS as a determination technique.
Synthesis of substituted oxazoles from enamides
Authors: Panda Niranjan , Mothkuri Raghavender
Published: August 2014

2,5- and 2,4,5-substituted oxazoles were prepared in one-pot by the NBS/Me2S-mediated cyclization of enamides in the presence of base.
Optimal response surface design of Gum tragacanth-based poly[(acrylic acid)-co-acrylamide] IPN hydrogel for the controlled release of the antihypertensive drug losartan potassium
Authors: Saruchi Saruchi , Kaith B. S. , Jindal Rajeev , Kumar Vaneet , Bhatti Manpreet S.
Published: August 2014

The present study proposes the development and optimization of a new interpenetrating polymer network (IPN), consisting ofGum tragacanth, poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), and poly(acrylamide) (PAAm), for thein situcontrolled release of losartan potassium under different pH conditions at 37 °C.
Development of surfactant coacervation in aqueous solution
Authors: Wang Meina , Wang Yilin
Published: August 2014

Through rational design of surfactant structure and utilization of additives, various surfactant coacervates can be constructed.
A tin(ii) sulfide–carbon anode material based on combined conversion and alloying reactions for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Wu Lin , Lu Haiyan , Xiao Lifen , Qian Jiangfeng , Ai Xinping , Yang Hanxi , Cao Yuliang
Published: August 2014

SnS–C nanocomposite can deliver a high capacity (568 mA h g−1) for Na storage based on the conversion and alloying reaction.
Magnetic anisotropy reversal by shear stress in (110)-orientated La2/3Ca1/3MnO3 films
Authors: Li Y. , Sun J. R. , Zhang J. , Shen B. G.
Published: August 2014

In-plane magnetic anisotropy has been studied for the (110)-orientated La2/3Ca1/3MnO3 (LCMO) films grown on SrTiO3 (STO) and LaAlO3 (LAO) substrates. Deviation from orthorhombic symmetry is observed in these two series of films, particularly for the films grown above LAO, which suffer from a strong shear strain. A switch of the magnetic easy axis between the [001] and [1-10] axes is observed for the LCMO/LAO films as structure deformation varies, while the LCMO/STO films exhibit a [001] easy axis. An analytical analysis of the influence of magnetoelastic energy on magnetic anisotropy is performed, and the dominative role of shear strain is revealed. The present work indicates that the lattice distortion provides a feasible approach towards magnetic engineering, leading to abundant magnetic phenomena.
High optical and structural quality of GaN epilayers grown on (2¯01) β-Ga2O3
Authors: Muhammed M. M. , Peres M. , Yamashita Y. , Morishima Y. , Sato S. , Franco N. , Lorenz K. , Kuramata A. , Roqan I. S.
Published: August 2014

Producing highly efficient GaN-based optoelectronic devices has been a challenge for a long time due to the large lattice mismatch between III-nitride materials and the most common substrates, which causes a high density of threading dislocations. Therefore, it is essential to obtain alternative substrates with small lattice mismatches, appropriate structural, thermal and electrical properties, and a competitive price. Our results show that (2¯01) oriented β-Ga2O3 has the potential to be used as a transparent and conductive substrate for GaN-growth. Photoluminescence spectra of thick GaN layers grown on (2¯01) oriented β-Ga2O3 are found to be dominated by intense bandedge emission. Atomic force microscopy studies show a modest threading dislocation density of ∼108 cm−2. X-ray diffraction studies show the high quality of the single-phase wurtzite GaN thin film on (2¯01) β-Ga2O3 with in-plane epitaxial orientation relationships between the β-Ga2O3 and the GaN thin film defined by (010) β-Ga2O3 || (112¯0) GaN and (2¯01) β-Ga2O3 || (0001) GaN leading to a lattice mismatch of ∼4.7%. Complementary Raman spectroscopy indicates that the quality of the GaN epilayer is high.
Seismic isolation of two dimensional periodic foundations
Authors: Yan Y. , Laskar A. , Cheng Z. , Menq F. , Tang Y. , Mo Y. L. , Shi Z.
Published: August 2014

Phononic crystal is now used to control acoustic waves. When the crystal goes to a larger scale, it is called periodic structure. The band gaps of the periodic structure can be reduced to range from 0.5 Hz to 50 Hz. Therefore, the periodic structure has potential applications in seismic wave reflection. In civil engineering, the periodic structure can be served as the foundation of upper structure. This type of foundation consisting of periodic structure is called periodic foundation. When the frequency of seismic waves falls into the band gaps of the periodic foundation, the seismic wave can be blocked. Field experiments of a scaled two dimensional (2D) periodic foundation with an upper structure were conducted to verify the band gap effects. Test results showed the 2D periodic foundation can effectively reduce the response of the upper structure for excitations with frequencies within the frequency band gaps. When the experimental and the finite element analysis results are compared, they agree well with each other, indicating that 2D periodic foundation is a feasible way of reducing seismic vibrations.
Growth of GaAs1−xBix by molecular beam epitaxy: Trade-offs in optical and structural characteristics
Authors: Li Jincheng , Kim Tong-Ho , Forghani Kamran , Jiao Wenyuan , Kong Wei , Collar Kristen , Kuech Thomas F. , Brown April S.
Published: August 2014

Recent work has shown that Bi incorporation increases during molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) when surface processes are kinetically limited through increased growth rate. Herein we explore how the structural and optical properties of GaAs1−xBix films are modified when grown under conditions with varying degrees of kinetic limitations realized through growth temperature and growth rate changes. Within the typical window of MBE growth conditions for GaAs1−xBix, we compare films with similar (∼3%) compositions grown under conditions of reduced kinetic limitations, i.e., relatively low gallium supersaturation achieved at higher temperatures (∼350 °C) and lower growth rates (∼0.5 μm/h), to those grown farther from equilibrium, specifically, higher supersaturation achieved at lower growth temperatures (∼290 °C) and higher growth rates (∼1.4 μm/h). Both the x-ray diffraction full width at half maximum of the omega-2theta scan and the 300 K photoluminescence intensity increase when samples are grown under less kinetically limited conditions. We interpret these findings in relation to the incorporation of Bi-related microstructural defects that are more readily formed during less kinetically limited growth. These defects lead to enhanced luminescence efficiency due to the spatial localization of carriers.
Unusual winding of helices under tension
Authors: Wang Jian-Shan , Cui Yu-Hong , Shimada Takahiro , Wu Hua-Ping , Kitamura Takayuki
Published: August 2014

An unusual overwinding and a subsequently unwinding behavior of helix of filament with twisted microstructures under stretch is analyzed from the nonlinear variation of material chirality (i.e., chirality in material properties), motivated by recent single-molecule experiments for B-DNA. We establish a refined Cosserat rod model, which reproduces the deformation behaviors of filament incorporating its microscopic chirality. The helix of filament with twisted microstructures is found to exhibit a DNA-like nonlinear variation of material chirality under large elongation. The multiscale interactions between microscopic chirality of twisted microstructures and macroscopic chirality of helix determine the nonlinear coupling behaviors of hierarchically chiral structured materials. These results provide a fundamental principle for understanding the functions and mechanisms of chiral materials.
A flexible graphene touch sensor in the general human touch range
Authors: Chun Sungwoo , Kim Youngjun , Jung Hyojin , Park Wanjun
Published: August 2014

We present a transparent touch sensor based on single layers of graphene that works under a gentle touch. Using the flexible characteristics of graphene, a touching event and a vertical force are measured by a change in the channel conductance. In contrast to the previous graphene gauge sensors, this is an alternative scheme that responds to a vertical force using the contacting properties of two isolated and patterned single graphene layers. This sensor responded to pressures ranging from 1 to 14 kPa, corresponding to the lowest human perception. In addition, we outline the processing methods for handling single layers of graphene for the integration of devices on transparent and flexible substrates.
In situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction study of deformation behavior and load transfer in a Ti2Ni-NiTi composite
Authors: Zhang Junsong , Liu Yinong , Ren Yang , Huan Yong , Hao Shijie , Yu Cun , Shao Yang , Ru Yadong , Jiang Daqiang , Cui Lishan
Published: August 2014

The deformation behavior and load transfer of a dual-phase composite composed of martensite NiTi embedded in brittle Ti2Ni matrices were investigated by using in situ synchrotron x-ray diffraction during compression. The composite exhibits a stage-wise deformation feature and a double-yielding phenomenon, which were caused by the interaction between Ti2Ni and NiTi with alternative microscopic deformation mechanism. No load transfer occurs from the soft NiTi dendrites to the hard Ti2Ni matrices during the pseudoplastic deformation (detwinning) of NiTi, which is significantly different from that previously reported in bulk metallic glasses matrices composites.
Faster, safer, and better DNA purification by ultracentrifugation using GelRed stain and development of mismatch oligo DNA for genome walking
Authors: Kasajima Ichiro , Ohtsubo Norihiro , Sasaki Katsutomo
Published: August 2014

Purification of plant DNA involves lengthy ultracentrifugation using ethidium bromide. Here, ultracentrifugation method is improved by staining with GelRed. The resulting method is faster, safer and of higher sensitivity. Purified DNA quality was confirmed by treatment with restriction enzymes and isolation of gene promoters. New type of long adaptor with mismatch sequence was also developed for promoter isolation.
Meningeal tumours
Authors: Samandouras George
Published: August 2014

Chapter 8.12 covers meningeal tumours, including meningiomas, haemangiopericytoma (HPC), and melanocytic tumours.
Topical anaesthetics and analgesics
Authors: Zempsky William T.
Published: August 2014

Topical administration of anaesthetics and analgesics can allow for the efficient, painless delivery of medications which may reduce systemic side effects associated with the medication while providing clinical advantages over injected or oral administration for the same clinical situation. Topical anaesthetics have become widely used prior to a variety of painful procedures in children including venous access, laceration repair, and injections. Topical administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, lidocaine, capsaicin, and other agents also are useful for a range of conditions including acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain, and neuropathic pain.
Procedural pain distraction
Authors: Cohen Lindsey L. , Cousins Laura A. , Martin Sarah R.
Published: August 2014

This chapter provides a brief overview of paediatric procedural pain, highlighting some of the negative repercussions of untreated pain. The behavioural approach of distraction is covered in depth, starting with the theoretical underpinnings of this pain management intervention and then summarizing the distraction literature across children’s pain during immunizations, venous access, burn debridement and treatment, and cancer treatments. The chapter concludes with a discussion of some of the other reviews of this literature as well as clinical and research considerations when examining distraction for paediatric pain management.
Integrative Nursing in the Community
Authors: Fouladbakhsh Judith , Szczesny Susan G.
Published: August 2014

This chapter discusses integrative community health nursing, providing a model to guide practitioners as they address the physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs of individuals, families, communities and society overall. Community health nurses are in a prime position to comprehensively assess needs of community members, and integrate beneficial and culturally based healing interventions. At all levels of care, integrative community health nurses establish strong caring relationships, recognize the importance of cultural beliefs and values, and incorporate therapies to nurture the body-mind-spirit, resulting in whole person/system healing. Exemplars of integrative nursing are presented to illustrate creative possibilities for community health and wellness.
Mayo Clinic Gastrointestinal Imaging Review
Authors: Johnson Daniel
Published: August 2014

This resource provides an atlas of common abnormalities that affect the gastrointestinal tract and includes all imaging modalities used within GI radiology, as well as plain radiographs, fluoroscopy, ultrasound, CT, MR, angiography, and nuclear medicine. Focusing solely on adult conditions, it features 13 chapters covering a separate organ within the gastrointestinal system and a final exam chapter reviewing all chapter content. Each organ-focused chapter is subdivided into sections related to diseases or findings of that organ. Large, high-quality images are presented so that they can be reviewed as unknowns. A discussion of the cases is presented as if it were a consultation— with a description of the findings, differential diagnosis, and final diagnosis. A brief discussion of the disease is included. The end of each chapter lists differential diagnoses for the chapter's specific organ. Full-color composite anatomical illustrations show the immediately obvious appearance of common conditions that correlate with major radiologic findings.
Performance Increase in Venous Drainage for Mini-Invasive Heart Surgery: Superiority of Self-Expanding Cannulas
Authors: Belkoniene Mhedi , Abdel-Sayed Saad , Favre Julien , Von Segesser Ludwig-Karl
Published: August 2014

Objective

Originally, the Smartcanula principle (collapsed insertion and expansion in situ) was developed for venous drainage by gravity. However, in minimally invasive surgery, augmentation with either constrained force vortex pumps or vacuum is often used. The current study was set up to assess whether smaller diameters of self-expanding venous cannulas are sufficient in conjunction with venous drainage augmentation resulting in smaller access orifices.

Methods

To evaluate cannulas intended for cardiopulmonary bypass, an in vitro circuit was set up with silicone tubing between the test cannula encased in a lower reservoir, the centrifugal pump, and after an upper reservoir. Afterload was set arbitrarily at 60 mm Hg using a centrifugal pump. The pressure value was measured using Millar pressure transducers. Flow rate (Q) was measured using an ultrasonic flow meter calibrated with volume tank and timer. Revolutions per minute of the centrifugal pump were calibrated with a stroboscope. Data display and data recording were controlled using a Lab View application. Self-expanding (24F Smartcanula) and control (25F Biomedicus) cannulas were used.

Results

Sixty measurements were recorded. At pump speed of 1500, 1570, 2000, 2500, and 3000 rpm, the Q values were 3.6, 5.2, 6.6, 9.3, and 11.8 L/min for the 24F self-expanding cannula and 3, 4.3, 5.4, 7.5, and 9.3 L/min for the control cannula. The pressure values were 3.6, −5.4, −15.9, −45.3, and 80.6 mm Hg. Biomedicus 25F showed Q values from 16% to 19% less as compared with 24F Smartcanula. The pressure values were 6, 7, 4, 2, and 2 times more as compared with 24F Smartcanula.

Conclusions

Our experimental evaluation demonstrated the superior performance of the Smartcanula with its self-expanding design in comparison with the reference commercially available standard cannulas. The Smartcanula with its small diameter is particularly welcome for minimally invasive surgery.
Comparison of Different Resection Tools for Human Calcified Aortic Valves
Authors: Marczynski-Bühlow Martin , Groß Justus , Berndt Rouven , Röcken Christoph , Wedel Thilo , Böttner Martina , Cremer Jochen , Lutter Georg , Petzina Rainer
Published: August 2014

Objective

Symptomatic severe aortic valve stenosis is a disease primarily found in patients of advanced age. The standard therapy is the aortic valve replacement. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a treatment for patients ineligible for conventional aortic valve replacement. To minimize the incidence of TAVI-related complications, such as paravalvular leakage, pacemaker necessity, and ostial coronary occlusion, our research group works on the development of resection tools for aortic valves. The aim of this study was to investigate ex vivo different resection tools for human calcified aortic valves concerning cross-section morphology.

Methods

With the use of 12 human calcified aortic leaflets, the effect of laser scalpel, punching device, and scissors on cross-section morphology was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy and histological analyses were applied to evaluate the cutting surface area.

Results

The cross-section areas created by a laser scalpel were smooth, regular, and uniform, whereas these areas were rough, irregular, and inhomogeneous when using the scissors or the punching device. Quantitative analysis of the cutting edges demonstrated significant differences between the three resection tools. The best results were obtained for the laser scalpel compared with the punching device ( P < 0.001) and for the laser scalpel compared with the scissors ( P < 0.05), whereas the scissors compared with the punching device showed no significant differences ( P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Laser cutting of human calcified aortic valves demonstrated the best results concerning homogeneous cross-section morphology compared with the punching device and the scissors and seems to be a promising tool for aortic valve resection during TAVI procedures in the future.
Functional characterization of the dguRABC locus for d-Glu and d-Gln utilization in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1
Authors: He Weiqing , Li Guoqing , Yang Chun-Kai , Lu Chung-Dar
Published: August 2014

d-Glu, an essential component of peptidoglycans, can be utilized as a carbon and nitrogen source by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. DNA microarrays were employed to identify genes involved in d-Glu catabolism. Through gene knockout and growth phenotype analysis, the divergent dguR–dguABC (d-Glu utilization) gene cluster was shown to participate in d-Glu and d-Gln catabolism and regulation. Growth of the dguR and dguA mutants was abolished completely on d-Glu or retarded on d-Gln as the sole source of carbon and/or nitrogen. The dguA gene encoded a FAD-dependent d-amino acid dehydrogenase with d-Glu as its preferred substrate, and its promoter was specifically induced by exogenous d-Glu and d-Gln. The function of DguR as a transcriptional activator of the dguABC operon was demonstrated by promoter activity measurements in vivo and by mobility shift assays with purified His-tagged DguR in vitro. Although the DNA-binding activity of DguR did not require d-Glu, the presence of d-Glu, but not d-Gln, in the binding reaction was found to stabilize a preferred nucleoprotein complex. The presence of a putative DguR operator was revealed by in silica analysis of the dguR–dguA intergenic regions among Pseudomonas spp. and binding of DguR to a highly conserved 19 bp sequence motif was further demonstrated. The dguB gene encodes a putative enamine/imine deaminase of the RidA family, but its role in d-Glu catabolism remains to be determined. Whilst a lesion in dguC encoding a periplasmic solute binding protein only affected growth on d-Glu slightly, expression of the previously characterized AatJMQP transporter for acidic l-amino acid uptake was found inducible by d-Glu and essential for d-Glu utilization. In summary, the findings of this study supported DguA as a new member of the FAD-dependent d-amino acid dehydrogenase family, and DguR as a d-Glu sensor and transcriptional activator of the dguA promoter.
Informal Traders and the Battlegrounds of Revanchism in Cusco, Peru
Authors: Mackie Peter K. , Bromley Rosemary D.F. , Brown Alison M.B.
Published: August 2014

Informal trading in the global South, particularly in Latin America, is the subject of revanchist urban policy and yet few studies have examined the longer‐term impacts of such intolerant policies on traders. This article explores the evolution and impacts of revanchist policies directed at informal traders in the Andean city of Cusco. It makes two key contributions. First, it documents a shift from early revanchist policies to a post‐revanchist era where policies have become more tolerant of informal traders. However, contemporary policies fall short of a supportive environment for informal trading, hence the authors recommend changes that will ensure informal traders can access the city's streets and become an accepted part of the urban fabric. Second, given the lack of theoretical attention given to the impacts of revanchism, a battlegrounds framework is developed, consisting of spatial, political, economic and socio‐cultural battlegrounds. This framework provides a comprehensive insight into the complex set of interactions that exist between informal traders and the state. It is hoped that the framework will provide a tool for further research into the highly damaging impacts of revanchism across the globe.
Simulating and Dissimulating News: Spanish Media Coverage of the Swine Flu Virus
Authors: Cortiñas‐Rovira Sergi , Pont‐Sorribes Carles , Alonso‐Marcos Felipe
Published: August 2014

Spanish press handling of the swine flu crisis of 2009 was explored by studying front pages and editorials for the El Pais, El Mundo, La Vanguardia, El Periódico and Avui newspapers over a period of 8 weeks. Major ethical issues arising during media coverage were identified, notably the use of scaremongering and sensationalist stratagems. The analysis revealed discrepancies between front page information and editorial stance. Specifically, front pages depicted a situation of alarm liable to generate social panic, whereas editorials tended to play down the crisis and complied rigorously with ethical and social responsibility criteria.
Volatile compounds and proteolysis in traditional Beaten (Bieno sirenje) ewe's milk cheese
Authors: Sulejmani Erhan , Rafajlovska Vesna , Güneşer Onur , Karagül‐Yüceer Yonca , Hayaloglu Ali A
Published: August 2014

Beaten ewe's milk cheese is a traditional autochthonous type of cheese manufactured in Macedonia with a relatively high nutritional value and sensory characteristics. The objective of this study was to characterise the gross composition, proteolysis and volatile profiles of the cheese that is supplied from different retails. The ranges for gross composition were from 31.53% to 42.83% (w/w) for moisture, 41.99% to 50.98% (w/w) for fat‐in‐dry matter, 2.03% to 8.25% (w/w) for salt content and 20.74% to 33.35% (w/w) for protein. Proteolysis results showed various levels of soluble nitrogen ranged from 3.15 to 33.50 for water‐soluble nitrogen (WSN) and from 1.11% to 6.79% for nitrogen soluble in 12% trichloroacetic acid (TCA‐SN). The ranges for total free amino acids were from 1.65 to 8.06 mg Leu/g. Lower proteolysis was observed in the cheese samples due to high salt contents. In total, 65 volatile compounds were identified in Beaten cheese. As a conclusion, the variation of the peptide profile, electrophoresis and volatile contents of Beaten cheeses are due to the lack of standardised manufacture protocols.
Ampelopsin‐induced autophagy protects breast cancer cells from apoptosis through Akt‐mTOR pathway via endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Zhou Yong , Liang Xinyu , Chang Hui , Shu Furong , Wu Ying , Zhang Ting , Fu Yujie , Zhang Qianyong , Zhu Jun‐Dong , Mi Mantian
Published: August 2014

Our previous study has shown that ampelopsin (AMP), a flavonol mainly found in Ampelopsis grossedentata, could induce cell death in human breast cancer cells via reactive oxygen species generation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathway. Here, we examined whether autophagy is activated in AMP‐treated breast cancer cells and, if so, sought to find the exact role and underlying molecular profile of autophagy in AMP‐induced cell death. Our results showed that AMP treatment activated autophagy in MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7 breast cancer cells, as evidenced by the accumulation of autophagosomes, an increase of microtubule‐associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta‐2 (LC3B‐II) and the conversion of LC3B‐I to LC3B‐II, the degradation of the selective autophagic target p62/SQSTM1, and the formation of green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐LC3 puncta. Blockage of autophagy augmented AMP‐induced cell death, suggesting that autophagy has cytoprotective effects. Meanwhile, AMP treatment suppressed Akt‐mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway as evidenced by dose‐ and time‐dependent decrease of the phosphorylation of Akt, mTOR and ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K), whereas Akt activator insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) pretreatment partially restored Akt‐mTOR pathway inhibited by AMP and decreased AMP‐inuduced autophagy, signifying that AMP activated autophagy via inhibition of the Akt‐mTOR pathway. Additionally, blocking ER stress not only reduced autophagy induction, but also alleviated inhibition of the Akt‐mTOR pathway induced by AMP, suggesting that activation of ER stress was involved in induction of autophagy and inhibition of the Akt‐mTOR pathway. Taken together, these findings indicate that AMP induces protective autophagy in human breast cancer cells through Akt‐mTOR pathway via ER stress.
Parmelia sulcata Taylor and Usnea filipendula Stirt induce apoptosis‐like cell death and DNA damage in cancer cells
Authors: Ari F. , Aztopal N. , Oran S. , Bozdemir S. , Celikler S. , Ozturk S. , Ulukaya E.
Published: August 2014

Objectives

Successful cancer treatments still require more compounds to be isolated from natural sources. Thus, we have investigated anti‐proliferative/apoptotic effects of methanolic extracts of lichen species Parmelia sulcata Taylor and Usnea filipendula Stirt on human lung cancer (A549, PC3), liver cancer (Hep3B) and rat glioma (C6) cells.

Materials and methods

Anti‐proliferative effects were monitored by MTT and adenosine triphosphate viability assays, while genotoxic activity was studied using the comet assay. Additionally, cell death mode and apoptosis assays (fluorescence staining, caspase‐cleaved cytokeratin 18, caspase‐3 activity and PARP cleavage) were performed.

Results

Extracts produced anti‐population growth effects in a dose‐dependent manner (1.56–100 μg/ml) by inducing apoptosis‐like cell death. This resulted in the lines having the presence of pyknotic cell nuclei. In addition, significant increase in genetic damage in the cell lines was seen, indicating that DNA damage may have been responsible for apoptotic cell death.

Conclusion

In this study, methanolic extracts of Parmelia sulcata and Usnea filipendula induced apoptosis‐like cell death by causing DNA damage, to cancer cells.
Fishing impact and environmental status in European seas: a diagnosis from stock assessments and ecosystem indicators
Authors: Gascuel Didier , Coll Marta , Fox Clive , Guénette Sylvie , Guitton Jérome , Kenny Andrew , Knittweis Leyla , Nielsen J Rasmus , Piet Gerjan , Raid Tiit , Travers‐Trolet Morgane , Shephard Samuel
Published: August 2014

Stock‐based and ecosystem‐based indicators are used to provide a new diagnosis of the fishing impact and environmental status of European seas. In the seven European marine ecosystems covering the Baltic and the North‐east Atlantic, (i) trends in landings since 1950 were examined; (ii) syntheses of the status and trends in fish stocks were consolidated at the ecosystem level; and (iii) trends in ecosystem indicators based on landings and surveys were analysed. We show that yields began to decrease everywhere (except in the Baltic) from the mid‐1970s, as a result of the over‐exploitation of some major stocks. Fishermen adapted by increasing fishing effort and exploiting a wider part of the ecosystems. This was insufficient to compensate for the decrease in abundance of many stocks, and total landings have halved over the last 30 years. The highest fishing impact took place in the late 1990s, with a clear decrease in stock‐based and ecosystem indicators. In particular, trophic‐based indicators exhibited a continuous decreasing trend in almost all ecosystems. Over the past decade, a decrease in fishing pressure has been observed, the mean fishing mortality rate of assessed stocks being almost halved in all the considered ecosystems, but no clear recovery in the biomass and ecosystem indicators is yet apparent. In addition, the mean recruitment index was shown to decrease by around 50% in all ecosystems (except the Baltic). We conclude that building this kind of diagnosis is a key step on the path to implementing an ecosystem approach to fisheries management.
Body mass and latitude both correlate with primary moult duration in shorebirds
Authors: Dietz Maurine W. , Rogers Ken G. , Gutiérrez Jorge S. , Piersma Theunis
Published: August 2014

We investigated the effects of body mass and latitude on primary moult duration from published data of migrating shorebirds that moult exclusively on the wintering grounds. Non‐phylogenetic and phylogenetic models demonstrated that body mass and latitude correlate with moult duration in a non‐additive way: the models predict different latitudinal relationships for smaller and larger shorebirds, and in the northern hemisphere, primary moult duration increased allometrically with body mass (exponent = 0.17), whereas in the southern hemisphere, primary moult duration was not correlated with body mass. If birds optimize feather quality and if slower moult yields sturdier feathers, the fast primary moult of northerly wintering shorebirds indicates additional selection pressures at work.
Barn SwallowHirundo rusticaparents work harder when foraging conditions are good
Authors: Schifferli Luc , Grüebler Martin U. , Meijer Harro A. J. , Visser G. Henk , Naef‐Daenzer Beat
Published: August 2014

In altricial birds, the great effort involved in supplying food to nestlings can create trade‐offs in the allocation of resources between the current brood and parental self‐maintenance. In poor foraging conditions, parents have to adjust their energy expenditure in relation to the increased foraging costs. However, intra‐specific variation in parental energy expenditure has rarely been evaluated in the context of these trade‐offs. Here, we quantified the daily energy expenditure (DEE) of parent Barn SwallowsHirundo rusticaduring the nestling period in relation to foraging conditions while controlling for differences in brood size and nestling age. DEE varied substantially with environmental conditions, increasing by 10 kJ/day per 5 °C in ambient temperature, and by 11 kJ/day per hour in day length. Parent birds did not compensate for a poor aerial insect supply on cool days, but reduced their DEE. Parents only slightly buffered a negative energy balance during chick provisioning with stored body reserves. They did not sacrifice their own energy demands to keep up a high energy flow to the brood when foraging conditions were poor. Instead they worked harder when foraging conditions allowed a surplus intake, fully compensating for their additional efforts, and made maximum use of the rich food supply, allowing the brood to accrue body reserves to compensate for low food intake on cold days. This strategy of energy management may have evolved in the context of the adaptation to the aerial foraging mode and to the ephemeral nature of aerial food resources.
Regional and seasonal flight speeds of soaring migrants and the role of weather conditions at hourly and daily scales
Authors: Vansteelant W. M. G. , Bouten W. , Klaassen R. H. G. , Koks B. J. , Schlaich A. E. , van Diermen J. , van Loon E. E. , Shamoun‐Baranes J.
Published: August 2014

Given that soaring birds travel faster with supportive winds or in good thermal soaring conditions, we expect weather conditions en route of migration to explain commonly observed regional and seasonal patterns in the performance of soaring migrants. We used GPS‐loggers to track 13 honey buzzards and four Montagu's harriers for two to six migrations each. We determined how tailwinds, crosswinds, boundary layer height (a proxy for thermal convection) and precipitation affected hourly speeds, daily distances and daily mean speeds with linear regression models. Honey buzzards mostly travel by soaring while Montagu's harriers supplement soaring with flapping. Therefore, we expect that performance of harriers will be less affected by weather than for buzzards. Weather conditions explained between 30 and 50% of variation in migration performance of both species. Tailwind had the largest effect on hourly speeds, daily mean speeds and daily travel distances. Honey buzzards travelled significantly faster and farther, and Montagu's harriers non‐significantly faster, under better convective conditions. Honey buzzards travelled at slower speeds and shorter distances in crosswinds, whereas harriers maintained high speeds in crosswinds. Weather conditions varied between regions and seasons, and this variation accounted for nearly all regional and seasonal variation in flight performance. Hourly performance was higher than predicted at times when we suspect birds had switched to intermittent or continuous flapping flight, for example during sea‐crossings. The daily travel distance of Montagu's harriers was determined to a significant extent by their daily travel time, which differed between regions, possibly also due to weather conditions. We conclude with the implications of our work for studies on migration phenology and we suggest an important role for high‐resolution telemetry in understanding migratory behavior across entire migratory journeys.
Relationships between dietary intakes of children and their parents: a cross‐sectional, secondary analysis of families participating in the Family Diet Quality Study
Authors: Robinson L. N. , Rollo M. E. , Watson J. , Burrows T. L. , Collins C. E.
Published: August 2014

Background

Being overweight and obese in Australian children is common. Current evidence related to parental influence on child dietary intake is conflicting, and is particularly limited in terms of which parent exerts the stronger relationship. The present study aimed to assess mother–father and parent–child dietary relationships and to identify which parent–child relationship is stronger.

Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis was performed of dietary intake data from 66 families with one parent and one child aged 8–12 years who were participating in the Family Diet Quality Study, in the Hunter and Forster regions of New South Wales, Australia. Dietary intakes were assessed using adult and child specific, validated semi‐quantitative 120‐item food frequency questionnaires. Diet quality and variety subscores were assessed using the Australian Recommended Food Scores for adults and children/adolescents. Pearson's correlations were used to assess dietary relationships between mother–father, father–child and mother–child dyads.

Results

Weak‐to‐moderate correlations were found between mother–child dyads for components of dietary intake (r = 0.27–0.47). Similarly, for father–child dyads, predominantly weak‐to‐moderate correlations were found (r = 0.01–0.52). Variety of fruit intake was the most strongly correlated in both parent–child dyads, with the weakest relationships found for fibre (g 1000 kJ–1) in father–child and percentage energy from total fats for mother–child dyads. Mother–father dyads demonstrated mostly moderate‐to‐strong correlations (r = 0.13–0.73), with scores for condiments showing the weakest relationship and vegetables the strongest. For all dyads, strong correlations were observed for overall diet quality (r = 0.50–0.59).

Conclusions

Parent–child dietary intake is significantly related but differs for mother versus fathers. Further research is required to examine whether differing dietary components should be targeted for mothers versus fathers in interventions aiming to improve family dietary patterns.
Preventive dental health care experiences of preschool‐age children with special health care needs
Authors: Huebner Colleen E. , Chi Donald L. , Masterson Erin , Milgrom Peter
Published: August 2014

Purpose

This study examined the preventive dental health care experiences of young children with special needs and determined the feasibility of conducting clinical dental examinations at a community‐based early intervention services center.

Methods

Study methods included 90 parent interviews and dental examinations of their preschool‐age children.

Results

Thirteen percent of the children received optimal preventive care, defined as twice daily tooth brushing with fluoridated toothpaste and two preventive dental visits in the prior 12 months; 37% experienced care that fell short in both areas. Optimal care was more common among children of parents who reported tooth brushing was not a struggle and those with a personal dentist. Parents’ opinion of the study experience was generally positive.

Conclusions

Few children with special needs receive effective preventive care early, when primary prevention could be achieved. Barriers to optimal care could be readily addressed by the dental community in coordination with early intervention providers.