bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fecundity and oviposition of Eucelatoria bryani, a gregarious parasitoid of Helicoverpa zea and Heliothis virescens
Authors: Reitz Stuart R. , Adler Peter H.
Published: April 2011

We examined longevity, fecundity, and oviposition strategies of Eucelatoria bryani Sabrosky (Diptera: Tachinidae), a gregarious endoparasitoid of Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) and Heliothis virescens (F.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Longevity of adult female E. bryani was not related to body size. In contrast to longevity, larger E. bryani females had greater potential fecundity than smaller females, as determined by the number of embryonated eggs present in the common oviduct. However, female parasitoid size did not affect primary clutch size (number of eggs deposited in a host). Because embryos in eggs located in the ovisac were larger than those located elsewhere in the common oviduct, maximum primary clutch size may be physiologically limited by the number of fully mature eggs a female has available at one time. E. bryani females adjusted primary clutch size in response to host size, for both H. zea and H. virescens. This adjustment appears to be adaptive because females did not overexploit hosts by depositing more larvae than a host could support. Adult emergence was not related to host size. Although host weight positively influenced E. bryani progeny weight, increases in progeny size with host size were counterbalanced by increases in primary clutch size with host size.
Life history of Aphis gossypii on cucumber: influence of temperature, host plant and parasitism
Authors: van Steenis M. J. , El‐Khawass K. A. M. H.
Published: April 2011

Life table data for Aphis gossypii Glover (Homoptera: Aphididae), an important pest in glasshouse cucumber crops, were studied at 20, 25 and 30 °C on two cucumber cultivars (Cucumis sativus L.) in controlled climate cabinets. The development time on the cucumber cv. ‘Sporu’ ranged from 4.8 days at 20 °C to 3.2 days at 30 °C. Immature mortality was approximately 20% and did not differ between temperatures. Most mortality occurred during the first instar. Reproduction periods did not differ among temperatures, but at 25 and 30 °C more nymphs were produced (65.9 and 69.8 nymphs/♀, respectively) than at 20 °C (59,9 nymphs/♀) because of a higher daily reproduction. Intrinsic rate of increase was greatest at 25 °C (rm = 0.556 day−1). At 20 and 30 °C the intrinsic rate of increase was 0.426 and 0.510, respectively. On cv. ‘Aramon’, the development time of A. gossypii was approximately 20% longer at all temperatures. Immature mortality did not differ between the two cultivars. The intrinsic rate of increase on cv. ‘Aramon’ was 15% smaller than on cv. ‘Sporu’. The use of cucumber cultivars partially resistant to aphids is discussed in relation to biological control of cotton aphid in glasshouses. Development time and immature mortality on leaves of the middle and upper leaf layer of glasshouse grown cucumber plants (cv. ‘Aramon’) were comparable to development in the controlled climate cabinets. On the lower leaves immature mortality was much higher (approximately 82%) than on leaves of the middle (24.0%) and upper leaf layer (24.5%). Reproduction was less on the lower leaf layer (45.9, 70.5 and 70.1 nymphs/♀ on leaves of the lower, middle and upper leaf layer, respectively).

Aphids, successfully parasitized by Aphidius colemani Viereck (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) only reproduced when they were parasitized after the third instar. Fecundity was 0.1 to 0.9 and 10.5 to 13.3 nymphs/♀ for aphids parasitized in the fourth instar or as adults, respectively. Reproduction of aphids that were stung but survived the attack was lower than for aphids not stung. Average longevity of these aphids was equal to the longevity of aphids not stung by A. colemani.
Seasonal body weight, lipid content, and impact of starvation and water stress on adult survivorship and longevity of Nezara viridula and Euschistus heros
Authors: Panizzi Antônio R. , Hirose Edson
Published: April 2011

Fresh and dry body weights (FW, DW) were greater for adult southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula (L.) than for the brown stink bug, Euschistus heros F. throughout the year in southern Brazil. Females N. viridula significantly increased FW and DW in late summer‐early autumn, and during mid‐spring; female E. heros did not show the same rates of increase in FW and DW. Female N. viridula were heavier than males, particularly during summer; however, female and male E. heros were generally similar in weight. E. heros contained significantly greater amounts of lipid than N. viridula, during mid‐autumn to early‐spring (April‐September). Survivorship (%) and total longevity of E. heros adults provided water only was greater (34.6–24.6 days, for females and males) than that for N. viridula (14.8–13.0 days); without water and food, longevity was drastically reduced (<7 days) for both species.
Vertical distribution of codling moth adults in pheromone‐treated and untreated plots
Authors: Weissling Thomas J. , Knight Alan L.
Published: April 2011

The vertical distribution of codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) within pheromone‐treated and untreated apple and pear orchard canopies was determined using tethered virgin females, unbaited sticky traps, and blacklight observation of released moths. Mating of virgin females tethered at various heights in untreated orchard canopies increased with placement height from 1–4 m. Application of pheromone dispensers for mating disruption at 2 and 4 m above the ground greatly decreased mating. Greatest capture of males and females on unbaited sticky traps occurred at mid‐ and upper‐canopy heights. Total capture of males and females in pheromone‐treated plots was not statistically different than in untreated plots. The percentage of mated females captured on sticky traps did not vary with trap height or pheromone treatment. Released moths marked with fluorescent powder and observed at dark with a blacklight indicated that moths are primarily distributed high in the canopy. However, males shifted to a position lower in the canopy when pheromone dispensers were placed 2.1 m above the ground. Results suggest that pheromone dispensers be placed in the upper canopy for optimal disruption of codling moth mating.
Disturbance regime and limits on benefits of refuge use for fishes in a fluctuating hydroscape
Authors: Parkos Joseph J. , Ruetz Carl R. , Trexler Joel C.
Published: April 2011

Refuge habitats increase survival rate and recovery time of populations experiencing environmental disturbance, but limits on the ability of refuges to buffer communities are poorly understood. We hypothesized that importance of refuges in preventing population declines and alteration in community structure has a non‐linear relationship with severity of disturbance. In the Florida Everglades, alligator ponds are used as refuge habitat by fishes during seasonal drying of marsh habitats. Using an 11‐year record of hydrological conditions and fish abundance in 10 marshes and 34 alligator ponds from two regions of the Everglades, we sought to characterize patterns of refuge use and temporal dynamics of fish abundance and community structure across changing intensity, duration, and frequency of drought disturbance. Abundance in alligator ponds was positively related to refuge size, distance from alternative refugia (e.g. canals), and abundance in surrounding marsh prior to hydrologic disturbance. Variables negatively related to abundance in alligator ponds included water level in surrounding marsh and abundance of disturbance‐tolerant species. Refuge community structure did not differ between regions because the same subset of species in both regions used alligator ponds during droughts. When time between disturbances was short, fish abundance declined in marshes, and in the region with the most spatially extensive pattern of disturbance, community structure was altered in both marshes and alligator ponds because of an increased proportion of species more resistant to disturbance. These changes in community structure were associated with increases in both duration and frequency of hydrologic disturbance. Use of refuge habitat had a modal relationship with severity of disturbance regime. Spatial patterns of response suggest that decline in refuge use was because of decreased effectiveness of refuge habitat in reducing mortality and providing sufficient time for recovery for fish communities experiencing reduced time between disturbance events.
THE LIOUVILLE INTEGRABLE LATTICE EQUATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH A DISCRETE THREE-BY-THREE MATRIX SPECTRAL PROBLEM
Authors: LI XIN-YUE , LI XIAO-JING , LI YU-XIA
Published: April 2011

A hierarchy of integrable lattice equations with three potentials is constructed from a new discrete 3 × 3 matrix spectral problem. It is shown that the hierarchy possesses a Hamiltonian structure and a hereditary recursion operator, which implies that there exist infinitely many common commuting symmetries and infinitely many common commuting conserved functionals.
SYNCHRONIZATION INSIDE COMPLEX DYNAMICAL NETWORKS WITH DOUBLE TIME-DELAYS AND NONLINEAR INNER-COUPLING FUNCTIONS
Authors: SUN WEIGANG , YANG YUEYING , LI CHANGPIN , LIU ZENGRONG
Published: April 2011

In this article, synchronization inside complex networks with double time-delays and nonlinear inner-coupling functions are studied. Here double time-delays mean that each node vector field and every coupling node have retard time, while nonlinear inner-coupling functions refer to all the components of every node that are nonlinearly coupled. The theoretical criterion respecting synchronization is derived. And illustrative numerical examples are also given.
PHASE SEPARATION INDUCED BY CATION DISORDER IN (La, Y)2/3(Sr, Ca)1/3MnO3
Authors: ZHANG A. M. , CAI H. L. , WU X. S. , WANG Z. H. , GAO J.
Published: April 2011

Polycrystalline manganite oxides with different A-site cation disorder were synthesized. The hole concentration and average radius of A-site cation are kept unchanged while the A-site cation disorder increases linearly by Y and Sr co-doped in La 2/3 Ca 1/3 MnO 3. All these samples exhibit a paramagnetic insulator to ferromagnetic (FM) metal transition, and the transition temperature T C and T MI decrease while the transition width increases with increasing the A-site cation disorder. T MI is usually 10 K higher than T C for the small cation disorder samples. However, with increasing the cation disorder, T MI is about 60 K lower than T C , and the resistivity increases in magnitude while the magnetization decreases. The metal-to-insulator transition for samples with small cation disorder can be well described by a percolative model, which indicates FM-metal state and antiferromagnetic insulator state assuredly coexist in the transition interval. It reveals that cation disorder suppresses the long-range FM-metal state which results in the phase separation behavior in samples with large cation disorder.
THE EFFECT OF AMOUNT TANTALUM DOPING ON THE PROPERTIES OF MgCuZn FERRITES
Authors: TAWFIK A. , SAID M. Z. , HEMEDA O. M.
Published: April 2011

The systems MgCuZn Fe 2 O 4 doped (0–0.6 wt% Ta) are prepared by the general ceramic method using the sintering temperature at 1200°C. The variations of the sintered density, lattice parameter, jump length of electrons, and initial permeability were studied. A maximum density was obtained at 1200°C during the preparation process. The electrical resistivity decreases with increasing tantalum ( Ta ) content upto 0.1 wt% and then increases for higher concentrations. The initial permeability and the change carries mobility increase upto 0.1 Ta and then decreases. The jump length decreases with enhancing Ta ions because the substitution of Ta ion with small size instead of Fe 3+ at the A sites increase the concentration of iron ions at the B sites. The increase of the iron content causes the decrease of the jump length of electrons between Fe 3+ and Fe 2+. These improvements of the magnetic properties give some light about the importance of these compositions to be used in technology.
NONEQUILIBRIUM SELF-GRAVITATING SYSTEM
Authors: LEV B. I.
Published: April 2011

A new approach to the statistical description of a self-gravitating system has been proposed. The approach employs a nonequilibrium statistical operator that involves into consideration inhomogeneous distributions of particles and temperature. The states with dominant contributions to the partition function are found in terms of the saddle-point method that yields all the thermodynamic relations for a self-gravitating system. The approach makes it possible to describe new peculiar features in the behavior of the gravitating system under various external conditions; it may be applied to describe the formation of stars and galaxies.
GROUPS WITH CONTEXT-FREE CONJUGACY PROBLEMS
Authors: HOLT DEREK F. , REES SARAH , RÖVER CLAAS E.
Published: April 2011

The conjugacy problem and the inverse conjugacy problem of a finitely generated group are defined, from a language theoretic point of view, as sets of pairs of words. An automaton might be obliged to read the two input words synchronously, or could have the option to read asynchronously. Hence each class of languages gives rise to four classes of groups; groups whose (inverse) conjugacy problem is an (a)synchronous language in the given class. For regular languages all these classes are identical with the class of finite groups. We show that the finitely generated groups with asynchronously context-free inverse conjugacy problem are precisely the virtually free groups. Moreover, the other three classes arising from context-free languages are shown all to coincide with the class of virtually cyclic groups, which is precisely the class of groups with synchronously one-counter (inverse) conjugacy problem. It is also proved that, for a δ-hyperbolic group and any λ ≥ 1, ϵ ≥ 0, the intersection of the inverse conjugacy problem with the set of pairs of (λ, ϵ)-quasigeodesics is context-free. Finally we show that the conjugacy problem of a virtually free group is an asynchronously indexed language.
EFFECTS OF EXPLORATION ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL AND THE RETAINED TECHNICAL VALUE OF INNOVATION
Authors: MEYER JOHN P.
Published: April 2011

As organizational success becomes increasingly tied to the generation of new technologies and the continuous improvement of existing technologies, numerous questions arise regarding the management of knowledge in ways that maximize the technical value of the resulting innovations. Scholars and practitioners alike need to gain a better understanding of not only how knowledge can be applied to the generation of technically valuable innovations, but also how that value can be captured and retained by the innovating organization itself. Using patent-based measures across 117 innovations in the inkjet printing field over the last two decades of the twentieth century, the research described in this study investigates the relationships among selected components of intellectual capital, different knowledge exploration (i.e., search and selection) strategies, and the retained technical value of organizationally generated innovations.
Origin of Crossover in Current Density–Voltage Characteristics of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Thin Film Solar Cell Fabricated Using Lift-Off Process
Authors: Abe Yasuhiro , Minemoto Takashi , Takakura Hideyuki
Published: April 2011

Crossover is observed in the current density–voltage characteristics of the Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cell with the inverted graded band gap structure fabricated using the lift-off process. We found that the crossover was attributed to the fact that photocurrent flew toward the same direction as the forward bias owing to the increases in bias. We propose that the quasi-electric field in which the inverted graded band gap structure of the CIGS layer formed plays an important roll in this crossover behavior.
Perfluoropolymer as Planar Alignment Layer for Liquid Crystal Mixtures
Authors: Kumar Tatipamula Arun , Takezoe Hideo , Dhara Surajit
Published: April 2011

We report a perfluoropolymer (CYTOP) provides planar alignment to liquid crystal mixtures (e.g., ZLI-2293) that are used in display. We found that the anchoring energy of ZLI-2293 on CYTOP is almost eighteen times less and the pretilt angle is slightly larger than on AL-1254. It is expected that the low surface anchoring and high transmission in CYTOP cell will make CYTOP a suitable aligning agent for LC displays as well as many other LC devices.
Overhead-aware energy optimization for real-time streaming applications on multiprocessor System-on-Chip
Authors: Wang Yi , Liu Hui , Liu Duo , Qin Zhiwei , Shao Zili , Sha Edwin H.-M.
Published: April 2011

In this article, we focus on solving the energy optimization problem for real-time streaming applications on multiprocessor System-on-Chip by combining task-level coarse-grained software pipelining with DVS (Dynamic Voltage Scaling) and DPM (Dynamic Power Management) considering transition overhead, inter-core communication and discrete voltage levels. We propose a two-phase approach to solve the problem. In the first phase, we propose a coarse-grained task parallelization algorithm called RDAG to transform a periodic dependent task graph into a set of independent tasks by exploiting the periodic feature of streaming applications. In the second phase, we propose a scheduling algorithm, GeneS, to optimize energy consumption. GeneS is a genetic algorithm that can search and find the best schedule within the solution space generated by gene evolution. We conduct experiments with a set of benchmarks from E3S and TGFF. The experimental results show that our approach can achieve a 24.4% reduction in energy consumption on average compared with the previous work.
Postmenopausal hypertension: role of 20-HETE
Authors: Yanes Licy L. , Lima Roberta , Moulana Mohadetheh , Romero Damian G. , Yuan Kuichang , Ryan Michael J. , Baker Rodney , Zhang Huimin , Fan Fan , Davis Deborah D. , Roman Richard J. , Reckelhoff Jane F.
Published: April 2011

Blood pressure (BP) increases after menopause. However, the mechanisms responsible have not been elucidated. In this study we tested the hypothesis that 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (20-HETE), produced by cytochrome P-450 (CYP450) ω-hydroxylase, contributes to the hypertension in a model of postmenopausal hypertension, aged female spontaneously hypertensive rats (PMR). 1-Aminobenzotriazole, a nonselective inhibitor of arachidonic acid metabolism, for 7 days, reduced BP in PMR but had no effect in young females. Acute intravenous infusion of HET-0016, a specific inhibitor of 20-HETE, over 3 h, also reduced BP in PMR. CYP4A isoform mRNA expression showed no difference in renal CYP4A1 or CYP4A3 but increases in CYP4A2 and decreases in CYP4A8. CYP4A protein expression was decreased in kidney of PMR compared with young females. Endogenous 20-HETE was significantly higher in cerebral vessels of PMR than young females (YF) but was significantly lower in renal vessels of PMR. Omega-hydroxylase activity in cerebral vessels was also higher in PMR but was similar in kidney vessels in both groups. In renal microsomal preparations, endogenous 20-HETE was not different in PMR and young females, but ω-hydroxylase activity was significantly lower in PMR than YF. The data with blockers suggest that 20-HETE contributes to postmenopausal hypertension in SHR. The data also suggest that cerebral production of 20-HETE may be increased and renal tubular production may be decreased in PMR, thus both contributing to their elevated BP.
On Algebraic Approach in Quadratic Systems
Authors: Mencinger Matej
Published: April 2011

When considering friction or resistance, many physical processes are mathematically simulated by quadratic systems of ODEs or discrete quadratic dynamical systems. Probably the most important problem when such systems are applied in engineering is the stability of critical points and (non)chaotic dynamics. In this paper we consider homogeneous quadratic systems via the so‐called Markus approach. We use the one‐to‐one correspondence between homogeneous quadratic dynamical systems and algebra which was originally introduced by Markus in (1960). We resume some connections between the dynamics of the quadratic systems and (algebraic) properties of the corresponding algebras. We consider some general connections and the influence of power‐associativity in the corresponding quadratic system.
A Combined Strategy of SAGE and Quantitative PCR Provides a 13-Gene Signature that Predicts Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy Response and Outcome in Rectal Cancer
Authors: Casado Enrique , García Victor Moreno , Sánchez Jose Javier , Blanco Montserrat , Maurel Joan , Feliu Jaime , Fernández-Martos Carlos , de Castro Javier , Castelo Beatriz , Belda-Iniesta Cristóbal , Sereno María , Sánchez-Llamas Benito , Burgos Emilio , García-Cabezas Miguel Ángel , Manceñido Noemí , Miquel Rosa , García-Olmo Damián , González-Barón Manuel , Cejas Paloma
Published: April 2011

Purpose: Preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is the treatment of choice for rectal cancer (RC), but half of the patients do not respond, suffer unnecessary toxicities, and surgery delays. We aimed to develop a model that could predict a clinically meaningful response to CRT by using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) biopsies.

Experimental Design: We first carried out an exploratory screening of candidate genes by using SAGE technology to evaluate dynamic changes in the RC transcriptome in selected refractory patients before and after CRT. Next, 53 genes (24 from SAGE and 29 from the literature) were analyzed by qPCR arrays in FFPE initial biopsies from 94 stage II/III RC patients who were preoperatively treated with CRT. Tumor response was defined by using Dworak's tumor regression grade (2–3–4 vs. 0–1). Multivariate Cox methods and stepwise algorithms were applied to generate an optimized predictor of response and outcome.

Results: In the training cohort (57 patients), a 13-gene signature predicted tumor response with 86% accuracy, 87% sensitivity, and 82% specificity. In a testing cohort (37 patients), the model correctly classified 6 of 7 nonresponders, with an overall accuracy of 76%. A signature-based score identified patients with a higher risk of relapse in univariate (3-year disease-free survival 64% vs. 90%, P = 0.001) and multivariate analysis (HR = 4.35 95% CI: 1.2–15.75, P = 0.02), in which it remained the only statistically significant prognostic factor.

Conclusions: A basal 13-gene signature efficiently predicted CRT response and outcome. Multicentric validation by the GEMCAD collaborative group is currently ongoing. If confirmed, the predictor could be used to improve patient selection in RC studies. Clin Cancer Res; 17(12); 4145–54. ©2011 AACR.
Modification of the Orthodromic Temporalis Tendon Transfer Technique for Reanimation of the Paralyzed Face
Authors: Sidle Douglas M. , Fishman Andrew J.
Published: April 2011

Objective

To report a modification of the temporalis tendon transfer technique used in facial paralysis where dynamic adjacent muscle transfer is determined to be the best treatment option.

Study design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care teaching hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Review of 10 consecutive patients who underwent orthodromic transfer of the temporalis tendon and the attached coronoid process for the treatment of long‐standing facial paralysis. Outcomes measured included patient satisfaction, measurements of oral commissure elevation with smiling, and grading of preoperative and postoperative patient photographs by objective physician observers. Reporting of complications.

Results

Patient satisfaction was high, with a mean score of 7.0 (possible score of 10). Four patients were graded by the observer as excellent to superb. The other 6 patients were rated as having fair to good postoperative results. Movement was identified in every patient and ranged from 2.1 to 9.3 mm, with mean movement of the oral commissure of 5.12 mm. One patient developed a seroma at the site of harvest of the fascia that was drained without further complication.

Conclusions

This facial reanimation procedure is a novel modification of the temporalis tendon transfer technique in which the coronoid process is transferred in conjunction with the tendon. This technique is minimally invasive and may result in less variability of the postoperative aesthetic result. The procedure allows orthodromic action of the temporalis muscle, is relatively easy to perform, and eliminates the facial asymmetry typically produced by transfer of the origin of the temporalis muscle.
Context-specific gene regulatory networks subdivide intrinsic subtypes of breast cancer
Authors: Nasser Sara , Cunliffe Heather E , Black Michael A , Kim Seungchan
Published: April 2011

Background

Breast cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease with respect to molecular alterations and cellular composition making therapeutic and clinical outcome unpredictable. This diversity creates a significant challenge in developing tumor classifications that are clinically reliable with respect to prognosis prediction.

Results

This paper describes an unsupervised context analysis to infer context-specific gene regulatory networks from 1,614 samples obtained from publicly available gene expression data, an extension of a previously published methodology. We use the context-specific gene regulatory networks to classify the tumors into clinically relevant subgroups, and provide candidates for a finer sub-grouping of the previously known intrinsic tumors with a focus on Basal-like tumors. Our analysis of pathway enrichment in the key contexts provides an insight into the biological mechanism underlying the identified subtypes of breast cancer.

Conclusions

The use of context-specific gene regulatory networks to identify biological contexts from heterogenous breast cancer data set was able to identify genomic drivers for subgroups within the previously reported intrinsic subtypes. These subgroups (contexts) uphold the clinical relevant features for the intrinsic subtypes and were associated with increased survival differences compared to the intrinsic subtypes. We believe our computational approach led to the generation of novel rationalized hypotheses to explain mechanisms of disease progression within sub-contexts of breast cancer that could be therapeutically exploited once validated.
A longitudinal study of allergy and intestinal helminth infections in semi urban and rural areas of Flores, Indonesia (ImmunoSPIN Study)
Authors: Hamid Firdaus , Wiria Aprilianto E , Wammes Linda J , Kaisar Maria MM , Lell Bertrand , Ariawan Iwan , Uh Hae Won , Wibowo Heri , Djuardi Yenny , Wahyuni Sitti , Schot Robert , Verweij Jaco J , van Ree Ronald , May Linda , Sartono Erliyani , Yazdanbakhsh Maria , Supali Taniawati
Published: April 2011

Background

The prevalence of asthma and atopic disease has been reported to be low in low income countries, however helminth infections are likely to be high among these communities. The question of whether helminth infections play a role in allergic diseases can best be addressed by intervention studies. None of the studies so far have been based on a large scale placebo-controlled trial.

Method/Design

This study was designed to assess how intestinal helminth infections can influence the immune response and atopic and allergic disorders in children in Indonesia. The relations between allergic outcomes and infection and lifestyle factors will be addressed. This study was set up among school-age children in semi urban and rural areas, located in Ende District of Flores Island, Indonesia. A randomized placebo-controlled anthelmintic treatment trial to elucidate the impact of helminth infections on the prevalence of skin prick test (SPT) reactivity and symptoms of allergic diseases will be performed. The children living in these semi-urban and rural areas will be assessed for SPT to allergens before and after 1 and 2 years of treatment as the primary outcome of the study; the secondary outcome is symptoms (asthma and atopic dermatitis); while the tertiary outcome is immune responses (both antibody levels to allergens and cellular immune responses).

Discussion

The study will provide information on the influence of helminth infections and anthelmintic treatment on immune response, atopy and allergic disorders.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN:ISRCTN83830814
Social capital and life satisfaction: a cross-sectional study on persons with musculoskeletal impairments in Hanoi, Vietnam
Authors: Takahashi Kyo , Thuy Nguyen Thi Minh , Poudel Krishna C , Sakisaka Kayako , Jimba Masamine , Yasuoka Junko
Published: April 2011

Background

Social capital has been recognized as a major social determinant of health, but less attention has been given to social capital of persons with musculoskeletal impairments. The present study aimed to explore the associations between social capital and life satisfaction of persons with musculoskeletal impairments in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Hanoi, Vietnam. From June to July 2008, we collected data from 136 persons with musculoskeletal impairments who belonged to disabled people's groups. Social capital was measured using a short version of the Adapted Social Capital Assessment Tool that included group membership, support from groups, support from individuals, citizenship activities, and cognitive social capital. Life satisfaction was measured using the Satisfaction with Life Scale. As possible confounding factors, we measured socio-economic factors and disability-related factors such as activities of daily living.

Results

After controlling for confounding effects, group membership remained significantly associated with the level of life satisfaction reported by the persons with musculoskeletal impairments. In particular, being an active member of two or more groups was associated with higher life satisfaction. In contrast, other components of social capital such as citizenship activities and cognitive social capital were not significant in the multiple regression analysis of this study.

Conclusions

The findings suggest the importance of considering an active participation in multiple groups toward the enhancement of the life satisfaction among persons with musculoskeletal impairments. To encourage persons with musculoskeletal impairments to have multiple active memberships, their access to groups should be facilitated and enhanced.
Malaria diagnostic testing and treatment practices in three different Plasmodium falciparum transmission settings in Tanzania: before and after a government policy change
Authors: Bastiaens Guido JH , Schaftenaar Erik , Ndaro Arnold , Keuter Monique , Bousema Teun , Shekalaghe Seif A
Published: April 2011

Background

Patterns of decreasing malaria transmission intensity make presumptive treatment of malaria an unjustifiable approach in many African settings. The controlled use of anti-malarials after laboratory confirmed diagnosis is preferable in low endemic areas. Diagnosis may be facilitated by malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). In this study, the impact of a government policy change, comprising the provision of RDTs and advice to restrict anti-malarial treatment to RDT-positive individuals, was assessed by describing diagnostic behaviour and treatment decision-making in febrile outpatients <10 years of age in three hospitals in the Kagera and Mwanza Region in northern Tanzania.

Methods

Prospective data from Biharamulo and Rubya Designated District Hospital (DDH) were collected before and after policy change, in Sumve DDH no new policy was implemented. Diagnosis of malaria was confirmed by RDT; transmission intensity was evaluated by a serological marker of malaria exposure in hospital attendees.

Results

Prior to policy change, there was no evident association between the actual level of transmission intensity and drug-prescribing behaviour. After policy change, there was a substantial decrease in anti-malarial prescription and an increase in prescription of antibiotics. The proportion of parasite-negative individuals who received anti-malarials decreased from 89.1% (244/274) to 38.7% (46/119) in Biharamulo and from 76.9% (190/247) to 10.0% (48/479) in Rubya after policy change.

Conclusion

This study shows that an official policy change, where RDTs were provided and healthcare providers were advised to adhere to RDT results in prescribing drugs can be followed by more rational drug-prescribing behaviour. The current findings are promising for improving treatment policy in Tanzanian hospitals.
Targeted expression of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand TRAIL in skin protects mice against chemical carcinogenesis
Authors: Kedinger Valerie , Muller Stephanie , Gronemeyer Hinrich
Published: April 2011

Background

Gene ablation studies have revealed that tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL, Apo2L, TNFSF10) plays a crucial role in tumor surveillance, as TRAIL-deficient mice exhibit an increased sensitivity to different types of tumorigenesis. In contrast, possible tumor-protective effect of increased levels of endogenous TRAIL expression in vivo has not been assessed yet. Such models will provide important information about the efficacy of TRAIL-based therapies and potential toxicity in specific tissues.

Methods

To this aim, we engineered transgenic mice selectively expressing TRAIL in the skin and subjected these mice to a two-step chemical carcinogenesis protocol that generated benign and preneoplastic lesions. We were therefore able to study the effect of increased TRAIL expression at the early steps of skin tumorigenesis.

Results

Our results showed a delay of tumor appearance in TRAIL expressing mice compared to their wild-type littermates. More importantly, the number of tumors observed in transgenic animals was significantly lower than in the control animals, and the lesions observed were mostly benign. Interestingly, Wnt/β-catenin signaling differed between tumors of wild-type and TRAIL transgenics.

Conclusion

Altogether, these data reveal that, at least in this model, TRAIL is able on its own to act on pre-transformed cells, and reduce their tumorigenic potential.
Insertion of the human sodium iodide symporter to facilitate deep tissue imaging does not alter oncolytic or replication capability of a novel vaccinia virus
Authors: Haddad Dana , Chen Nanhai G , Zhang Qian , Chen Chun-Hao , Yu Yong A , Gonzalez Lorena , Carpenter Susanne G , Carson Joshua , Au Joyce , Mittra Arjun , Gonen Mithat , Zanzonico Pat B , Fong Yuman , Szalay Aladar A
Published: April 2011

Introduction

Oncolytic viruses show promise for treating cancer. However, to assess therapeutic efficacy and potential toxicity, a noninvasive imaging modality is needed. This study aimed to determine if insertion of the human sodium iodide symporter (hNIS) cDNA as a marker for non-invasive imaging of virotherapy alters the replication and oncolytic capability of a novel vaccinia virus, GLV-1h153.

Methods

GLV-1h153 was modified from parental vaccinia virus GLV-1h68 to carry hNIS via homologous recombination. GLV-1h153 was tested against human pancreatic cancer cell line PANC-1 for replication via viral plaque assays and flow cytometry. Expression and transportation of hNIS in infected cells was evaluated using Westernblot and immunofluorescence. Intracellular uptake of radioiodide was assessed using radiouptake assays. Viral cytotoxicity and tumor regression of treated PANC-1tumor xenografts in nude mice was also determined. Finally, tumor radiouptake in xenografts was assessed via positron emission tomography (PET) utilizing carrier-free 124I radiotracer.

Results

GLV-1h153 infected, replicated within, and killed PANC-1 cells as efficiently as GLV-1h68. GLV-1h153 provided dose-dependent levels of hNIS expression in infected cells. Immunofluorescence detected transport of the protein to the cell membrane prior to cell lysis, enhancing hNIS-specific radiouptake (P < 0.001). In vivo, GLV-1h153 was as safe and effective as GLV-1h68 in regressing pancreatic cancer xenografts (P < 0.001). Finally, intratumoral injection of GLV-1h153 facilitated imaging of virus replication in tumors via 124I-PET.

Conclusion

Insertion of the hNIS gene does not hinder replication or oncolytic capability of GLV-1h153, rendering this novel virus a promising new candidate for the noninvasive imaging and tracking of oncolytic viral therapy.
Origins of 1/f noise in nanostructure inclusion polymorphous silicon films
Authors: Li Shibin , Jiang Yadong , Wu Zhiming , Wu Jiang , Ying Zhihua , Wang Zhiming , Li Wei , Salamo Gregory
Published: April 2011

In this article, we report that the origins of 1/f noise in pm-Si:H film resistors are inhomogeneity and defective structure. The results obtained are consistent with Hooge's formula, where the noise parameter, αH, is independent of doping ratio. The 1/f noise power spectral density and noise parameter αH are proportional to the squared value of temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR). The resistivity and TCR of pm-Si:H film resistor were obtained through linear current-voltage measurement. The 1/f noise, measured by a custom-built noise spectroscopy system, shows that the power spectral density is a function of both doping ratio and temperature.
Efficient thermoelectric energy conversion on quasi-localized electron states in diameter modulated nanowires
Authors: Zianni Xanthippi
Published: April 2011

It is known that the thermoelectric efficiency of nanowires increases when their diameter decreases. Recently, we proposed that increase of the thermoelectric efficiency could be achieved by modulating the diameter of the nanowires. We showed that the electron thermoelectric properties depend strongly on the geometry of the diameter modulation. Moreover, it has been shown by another group that the phonon conductivity decreases in nanowires when they are modulated by dots. Here, the thermoelectric efficiency of diameter modulated nanowires is estimated, in the ballistic regime, by taking into account the electron and phonon transmission properties. It is demonstrated that quasi-localized states can be formed that are prosperous for efficient thermoelectric energy conversion.
Thermal conductivity and thermal boundary resistance of nanostructures
Authors: Termentzidis Konstantinos , Parasuraman Jayalakshmi , Da Cruz Carolina Abs , Merabia Samy , Angelescu Dan , Marty Frédéric , Bourouina Tarik , Kleber Xavier , Chantrenne Patrice , Basset Philippe
Published: April 2011

We present a fabrication process of low-cost superlattices and simulations related with the heat dissipation on them. The influence of the interfacial roughness on the thermal conductivity of semiconductor/semiconductor superlattices was studied by equilibrium and non-equilibrium molecular dynamics and on the Kapitza resistance of superlattice's interfaces by equilibrium molecular dynamics. The non-equilibrium method was the tool used for the prediction of the Kapitza resistance for a binary semiconductor/metal system. Physical explanations are provided for rationalizing the simulation results.

PACS

68.65.Cd, 66.70.Df, 81.16.-c, 65.80.-g, 31.12.xv
Positive selection in the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase gene of Newcastle disease virus and its effect on vaccine efficacy
Authors: Gu Min , Liu Wujie , Xu Lijun , Cao Yongzhong , Yao Chunfeng , Hu Shunlin , Liu Xiufan
Published: April 2011

Background

To investigate the relationship between the selective pressure and the sequence variation of the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) protein, we performed the positive selection analysis by estimating the ratio of non-synonymous to synonymous substitutions with 132 complete HN gene sequences of Newcastle disease viruses (NDVs) isolated in China.

Results

The PAML software applying a maximum likelihood method was used for the analysis and three sites (residues 266, 347 and 540) in the HN protein were identified as being under positive selection. Codon 347 was located exactly in a recognized antigenic determinant (residues 345-353) and codon 266 in a predicted linear B-cell epitope. Substitutions at codon 540 contributed to the N-linked glycosylation potential of residue 538. To further evaluate the effect of positively selected sites on the vaccine efficacy, we constructed two recombinant fowlpox viruses rFPV-JS6HN and rFPV-LaSHN, expressing the HN proteins from a genotype VII field isolate Go/JS6/05 (with A266, K347 and A540) and vaccine strain La Sota (with V266, E347 and T540), respectively. Two groups of SPF chickens, 18 each, were vaccinated with the two recombinant fowlpox viruses and challenged by Go/JS6/05 at 3 weeks post-immunization. The results showed that rFPV-JS6HN could elicit more effective immunity against the prevalent virus infection than rFPV-LaSHN in terms of reducing virus shedding.

Conclusions

The analysis of positively selected codons and their effect on the vaccine efficacy indicated that the selective pressure on the HN protein can induce antigenic variation, and new vaccine to control the current ND epidemics should be developed.
Ret-Dependent and Ret-Independent Mechanisms of Gfl-Induced Sensitization
Authors: Schmutzler Brian S , Roy Shannon , Pittman Sherry K , Meadows Rena M , Hingtgen Cynthia M
Published: April 2011

Background:

The GDNF family ligands (GFLs) are regulators of neurogenic inflammation and pain. We have previously shown that GFLs increase the release of the sensory neuron neuropeptide, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) from isolated mouse DRG.

Results:

Inhibitors of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway abolished the enhancement of CGRP release by GDNF. Neurturin-induced enhancement in the stimulated release of CGRP, used as an indication of sensory neuronal sensitization, was abolished by inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI-3K) pathway. Reduction in Ret expression abolished the GDNF-induced sensitization, but did not fully inhibit the increase in stimulus-evoked release of CGRP caused by neurturin or artemin, indicating the presence of Ret-independent GFL-induced signaling in sensory neurons. Integrin β-1 and NCAM are involved in a component of Ret-independent GFL signaling in sensory neurons.

Conclusions:

These data demonstrate the distinct and variable Ret-dependent and Ret-independent signaling mechanisms by which GFLs induce sensitization of sensory neurons. Additionally, there is a clear disconnect between intracellular signaling pathway activation and changes in sensory neuronal function.
A case of zootherapy with the tarantula Brachypelma vagans Ausserer, 1875 in traditional medicine of the Chol Mayan ethnic group in Mexico
Authors: Machkour-M'Rabet Salima , Hénaut Yann , Winterton Peter , Rojo Roberto
Published: April 2011

Background

In practically every human culture, the use of arthropods as medicinal resources has been reported. In Mexico, the Mayan people mainly use plants but occasionally also animals and minerals in their medicine. This article is the first to report the traditional use of the tarantula Brachypelma vagans by medicine men in the Chol community, an ancient indigenous group that inhabits the southeastern part of Mexico. We also describe the utility of such arachnids in traditional medicine.

Methods

This study was carried out in different Chol communities in the states of Chiapas and Campeche (southeastern Mexico) from 2003 until 2007. We interviewed the local medicine men, patients and non-Chol people in each village visited to collect information about the rituals involved and the effectiveness of this traditional medicine and also their opinion of this traditional medicine.

Results

In all independent villages, the people who present an illness called 'aire de tarantula' or tarantula wind with symptoms including chest pain, coughing and asthma, were treated by the medicine man (called 'hierbatero') with a tarantula-based beverage. From village to village, the beverage has a similar base composition but some variations occur in additional ingredients depending on the individual medicine man. Like in all traditional Mayan medicine, the ritual of the ceremony consists of drinking the tarantula-based beverage and this is principally accompanied by chants and burning of incense.

Conclusions

The recipe of the tarantula-based beverage and the procedure of this ritual ceremony were fairly constant in all the villages visited. Our work shows that despite the tarantula's bad image in several cultures, in others positive use is made of these spiders, as in modern medicine.
Treatment of forefoot problems in older people: study protocol for a randomised clinical trial comparing podiatric treatment to standardised shoe advice
Authors: van der Zwaard Babette C , Elders Petra JM , Knol Dirk L , Gorter Kees J , Peeraer Louis , van der Windt Daniëlle AWM , van der Horst Henriëtte E
Published: April 2011

Background

Foot problems in general and forefoot problems in particular can lead to a decrease in mobility and a higher risk of falling. Forefoot problems increase with age and are more common in women than in men. Around 20% of people over 65 suffer from non‐traumatic foot problems and 60% of these problems are localised in the forefoot. Little is known about the best way to treat forefoot problems in older people. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of two common modes of treatment in the Netherlands: shoe advice and podiatric treatment. This paper describes the design of this study.

Methods

The study is designed as a pragmatic randomised clinical trial (RCT) with 2 parallel intervention groups. People aged 50 years and over who have visited their general practitioner (GP) with non traumatic pain in the forefoot in the preceding year and those who will visit their GP during the recruitment period with a similar complaint will be recruited for this study. Participants must be able to walk unaided for 7 metres and be able to fill in questionnaires. Exclusion criteria are: rheumatoid arthritis, neuropathy of the foot or pain caused by skin problems (e.g. warts, eczema). Inclusion and exclusion criteria will be assessed by a screening questionnaire and baseline assessment. Those consenting to participation will be randomly assigned to either a group receiving a standardised shoe advice leaflet (n = 100) or a group receiving podiatric treatment (n = 100). Primary outcomes will be the severity of forefoot pain (0‐10 on a numerical rating scale) and foot function (Foot Function 5‐pts Index and Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Index). Treatment adherence, social participation and quality of life will be the secondary outcomes. All outcomes will be obtained through self‐administered questionnaires at the start of the study and after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Data will be analysed according to the “intention‐to‐treat” principle using multilevel level analysis.

Discussion

Strength of this study is the comparison between two common primary care treatments for forefoot problems, ensuring a high external validity of this trial.

Trial registration

Netherlands Trial Register (NTR): NTR2212