bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing Multiple‐Probe Microarray: Estimation and Application of Gene Expression Indexes
Authors: Maadooliat Mehdi , Huang Jianhua Z. , Hu Jianhua
Published: July 2012

Summary Gene expression index estimation is an essential step in analyzing multiple probe microarray data. Various modeling methods have been proposed in this area. Amidst all, a popular method proposed in Li and Wong (2001) is based on a multiplicative model, which is similar to the additive model discussed in Irizarry et al. (2003a) at the logarithm scale. Along this line, Hu et al. (2006) proposed data transformation to improve expression index estimation based on an ad hoc entropy criteria and naive grid search approach. In this work, we re‐examined this problem using a new profile likelihood‐based transformation estimation approach that is more statistically elegant and computationally efficient. We demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method using a benchmark Affymetrix U95A spiked‐in experiment. Moreover, We introduced a new multivariate expression index and used the empirical study to shows its promise in terms of improving model fitting and power of detecting differential expression over the commonly used univariate expression index. As the other important content of the work, we discussed two generally encountered practical issues in application of gene expression index: normalization and summary statistic used for detecting differential expression. Our empirical study shows somewhat different findings from the MAQC project (MAQC, 2006).
Identification of Synthetic Cannabinoids in Herbal Incense Blends in the United States
Authors: Logan Barry K. , Reinhold Lindsay E. , Xu Allan , Diamond Francis X.
Published: July 2012

Abstract:  Synthetic cannabinoid agonists are chemically diverse with multiple analogs gaining popularity as drugs of abuse. We report on the use of thin layer chromatography, gas chromatography mass spectrometry, high‐performance liquid chromatography, and liquid chromatography time of flight mass spectrometry for the identification and quantitation of these pharmacologically active chemicals in street drug dosage forms. Using these approaches, we have identified the synthetic cannabinoids JWH‐018, JWH‐019, JWH‐073, JWH‐081, JWH‐200, JWH‐210, JWH‐250, CP47,497 (C=8) (cannabicyclohexanol), RCS‐4, RCS‐8, AM‐2201, and AM‐694 in various commercially available products. Other noncannabinoid drugs including mitragynine have also been detected. Typical concentrations of drug in the materials are in the range 5–20 mg/g, or 0.5–2% by weight for each compound, although many products contained more than one drug.
(S)he's Got the Look: Gender Stereotyping of Robots1
Authors: EYSSEL FRIEDERIKE , HEGEL FRANK
Published: July 2012

Previous research on gender effects in robots has largely ignored the role of facial cues. We fill this gap in the literature by experimentally investigating the effects of facial gender cues on stereotypical trait and application ascriptions to robots. As predicted, the short‐haired male robot was perceived as more agentic than was the long‐haired female robot, whereas the female robot was perceived as more communal than was the male counterpart. Analogously, stereotypically male tasks were perceived more suitable for the male robot, relative to the female robot, and vice versa. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that gender stereotypes, which typically bias social perceptions of humans, are even applied to robots. Implications for design‐related decisions are discussed.
Effects of insulin‐like growth factor I on alveolar bone remodeling in diabetic rats
Authors: Fang Y. , Wang L.‐P. , Du F.‐L. , Liu W.‐J. , Ren G.‐L.
Published: July 2012

Fang Y, Wang L‐P, Du F‐L, Liu W‐J, Ren G‐L. Effects of insulin‐like growth factor I on alveolar bone remodeling in diabetic rats. J Periodont Res 2013; 48: 144–150. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Background and Objective:  Diabetes is a chronic hyperglycemic disorder and results in a tendency to develop osteoporosis. Furthermore, the delayed healing of tooth‐extraction wounds, the activation of alveolar resorption and the suppressed formation of bone around implants are difficult for dentists to resolve. In diabetes, insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I) appears to enhance the differentiation of osteoblasts and to activate the mineralization of bone. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of insulin‐like growth factor I on the remodeling of alveolar bone in diabetic rats.

Material and Methods:  Diabetes was induced in 40 male Sprague‐Dawley rats by intravenous administration of alloxan. The teeth of the rats were extracted to investigate remodeling of alveolar bone. Insulin‐like growth factor I was administered, via intraperitoneal injection, to diabetic rats following tooth extraction. The remodeling of alveolar bone was determined using radiographic data, histological analyses and tetracycline fluorescence labeling.

Results:  Compared with the control group, diabetes decreased alveolar bone formation. The height of alveolar bone and the bone‐formation rate was significantly lower in the untreated diabetic group than in the control group or in the treated rats. Treatment with insulin‐like growth factor I not only regulated abnormal blood glucose levels but also increased the height of the alveolar bone and increased the bone‐formation rate relative to the results in diabetic animals. Furthermore, the expression of glucose transporter‐1, the main transporter of glucose, was changed by hyperglycemia.

Conclusion:  The results suggest that insulin‐like growth factor I treatment increases the volume of newly formed bone following tooth extraction and normalizes the expression of glucose transporter‐1 in diabetic rats, which may play an important role in bone formation and mineralization.
Effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy on serum and gingival crevicular fluid cytokine levels during pregnancy and postpartum
Authors: Fiorini T. , Susin C. , da Rocha J. M. , Weidlich P. , Vianna P. , Moreira C. H. C. , Bogo Chies J. A. , Rösing C. K. , Oppermann R. V.
Published: July 2012

Background and Objective:  A low‐grade systemic inflammatory status originating from periodontal infection has been proposed to explain the association between periodontal disease and systemic conditions, including adverse obstetric outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of periodontal therapy during pregnancy on the gingival crevicular fluid and serum levels of six cytokines associated with periodontal disease and preterm birth.

Material and Methods:  A subsample of 60 women (18–35 years of age) up to 20 gestational weeks, previously enrolled in a larger randomized clinical trial, was recruited for the present study. Participants were randomly allocated to receive either comprehensive nonsurgical periodontal therapy before 24 gestational weeks (n = 30, test group) or only one appointment for supragingival calculus removal (n = 30, control group). Clinical data, and samples of blood and gingival crevicular fluid, were collected at baseline, at 26–28 gestational weeks and 30 d after delivery. The levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐12p70 and tumor necrosis factor‐α were analyzed by flow cytometry.

Results:  After treatment, a major reduction in periodontal inflammation was observed in the test group, with bleeding on probing decreasing from 49.62% of sites to 11.66% of sites (p < 0.001). Periodontal therapy significantly reduced the levels of IL‐1β and IL‐8 in gingival crevicular fluid (p < 0.001). However, no significant effect of therapy was observed on serum cytokine levels. After delivery, the levels of IL‐1β in the gingival crevicular fluid of the test group were significantly lower than were those in the control group (p < 0.001), but there were no significant differences between test and control groups regarding serum cytokine levels.

Conclusion:  Although periodontal therapy during pregnancy successfully reduced periodontal inflammation and gingival crevicular fluid cytokine levels, it did not have a significant impact on serum biomarkers.
Obstetrical Outcome of Anti‐Inflammatory and Anticoagulation Therapy in Women with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss or Unexplained Infertility
Authors: Han Ae Ra , Ahn Hyunkyong , Vu Peter , Park Joon Cheol , Gilman‐Sachs Alice , Beaman Kenneth , Kwak‐Kim Joanne
Published: July 2012

Problem

Women with a history of recurrent pregnancy losses (RPL) and unexplained infertility (UI) have a high incidence of preeclampsia (PE) and other obstetrical complications. We aimed to investigate the incidence of PE and other obstetrical complications in women with RPL or UI who were treated with anti‐inflammatory and anticoagulant treatment.

Methods

The medical records of 72 women who delivered a live born infant from January 2008 to December 2009 with anti‐inflammatory (prednisone and/or intravenous immunoglobulin G) and anticoagulant (low‐molecular‐weight heparin and low‐dose aspirin) treatment were reviewed retrospectively. A total of 41 women with a history of RPL and 31 with UI were enrolled as a study group.

Results

All patients had at least one or more positive test results for autoantibodies, thrombophilic gene mutations, elevated proportion of peripheral blood CD56+ NK cells or NK cell cytotoxicities, or high T helper 1 to T helper 2 cytokine‐producing CD3+/CD4+cell ratios. The incidence of PE was 5.6% (n = 4), which was comparable to that of general population (2009 CDC data) (P > 0.05); one of them developed HELLP syndrome and none exacerbated to eclampsia. Preterm birth was more frequent in study group than general population (21.7 versus 10.4%, P < 0.028); however, early preterm birth (<34 weeks of gestation, 1.72%), small or large for gestation (SGA or LGA) (10.6 and 4.3%, each), gestational diabetes (GDM) (4.2%), and abruptio placentae (0 of 72) were not increased in study group as compared to general population data.

Conclusion

The incidences of PE, GDM, SGA, LGA, early preterm birth, and abruptio placentae are not increased in women with RPL or UI who were administered anti‐inflammatory and anticoagulation treatment compared to general population. The potential role of anti‐inflammatory and anticoagulation treatment in prevention of obstetrical complications in women with immune abnormalities and thrombophilia is suggested.
Faith, phonics and identity: reading in faith complementary schools
Authors: Rosowsky Andrey
Published: July 2012

Thousands of UK school children spend considerable time during a lengthy period of their youth learning to read, or decode, a ‘religious classical’, the liturgical language connected to their faith. Drawing on recent theories of reading, identity and literacy practices, this paper briefly describes and seeks to share tentative thoughts about some common issues around the teaching and learning of religious classicals within minority ethnic faith settings. It presents a comparative textual analysis of a central teaching resource used in three Jewish, Muslim and Sikh complementary schools in the United Kingdom. It is concluded that, regardless of any relative effectiveness of method or resource, what may be more interesting for researchers is the symbolic value of learning to read the religious classical. This may be more important than the eventual outcome in terms of reading competence. Here, ‘successful reading’ is understood primarily as ‘successful decoding’. The tenacity of this literacy practice in the face of spoken community language attrition is testimony to the importance placed upon it both individually and collectively.
Evaluation of clinical and financial outcomes of a new no‐sting barrier film and barrier cream in a large UK primary care organisation
Authors: Stephen‐Haynes Jackie , Stephens Claire
Published: July 2012

The study involves 95 subjects within a UK Primary Care Organisation and was undertaken in two arms. The objective was to determine the clinical outcomes and clinical acceptability of a newly available range of no‐sting barrier film and no‐sting barrier cream products offering significant financial benefits. The importance of undertaking this study is underpinned by evidence in the literature relating to the use of no‐sting barrier preparations within clinical practice. The first part of the study (arm 1) involved extensive evaluation of either the film or cream barrier in 36 patients and was compared to existing standardised barrier protection care within the organisation. The results indicated that the new product range met all the criteria for formulary inclusion and following this the barrier range was further evaluated in arm 2, 33 patients with barrier cream and 26 patients with barrier film. The entire study was conducted over a 3‐month period with patient treatment lasting a minimum of 2 days to a maximum 4‐week period adhering to the agreed evaluation protocol as approved by clinical governance. In arm 1 (n = 36), the clinical expectation of the product was met in 32 cases relating to ease of use, conformability, no‐sting, quick drying, ease of absorption, compatibility with devices, frequency of application, prevention and management including visual skin improvement resulting in a recommendation for formulary listing in 31 of 36 cases. In arm 2 (n = 59), barrier film and barrier cream performance was consistently rated same as, better than or much better than the existing barrier used. A formulary listing recommendation was made in 51 of 59 cases.
Live fast, die young: the life cycle of the brooding feather star Aporometra wilsoni (Echinodermata: Crinoidea)
Authors: Haig Jodie A. , Gillanders Bronwyn M. , Rouse Greg W.
Published: July 2012

We present here the first documentation of the entire life cycle of a crinoid. A population of the diminutive feather star
Aporometra wilsoni, which broods larvae, was sampled near Adelaide, in the Gulf St Vincent, South Australia, every fortnight between February 2004 and February 2005. Body size, sex, and reproductive status were recorded for 30–50 individuals collected on each occasion. The population showed a sex ratio of 1:1, with unequivocal male and female specimens found in 10 of 13 months. The average size (arm length) of individuals increased until June, when it stabilized and females began to brood larvae. Females were found brooding larvae until November, when adults began senescing. By January, the majority of the population consisted of small recruits. The entire life cycle of this small ovoviviparous crinoid occurs over a single year, a life cycle that is unique among echinoderms.
Feedback from the infrared background in the early Universe
Authors: Wolcott-Green J. , Haiman Z.
Published: July 2012

It is commonly believed that the earliest stages of star formation in the Universe were self-regulated by global radiation backgrounds - either by the ultraviolet (UV) Lyman-Werner (LW) photons emitted by the first stars (directly photodissociating H2), or by the X-rays produced by accretion on to the black hole (BH) remnants of these stars (heating the gas but catalysing H2 formation). Recent studies have suggested that a significant fraction of the first stars may have had low masses (a few M⊙). Such stars do not leave BH remnants and they have softer spectra, with copious infrared (IR) radiation at photon energies ∼1 eV. Similar to LW and X-ray photons, these photons have a mean-free path comparable to the Hubble distance, building up an early IR background. Here we show that if soft-spectrum stars, with masses of a few M⊙, contributed ≳0.3 per cent of the UV background (or their mass fraction exceeded ∼80 per cent), then their IR radiation dominated radiative feedback in the early Universe. The feedback is different from the UV feedback from high-mass stars, and occurs through the photodetachment of H− ions, necessary for efficient H2 formation. Nevertheless, we find that the baryon fraction which must be incorporated into low-mass stars in order to suppress H2 cooling is only a factor of a few higher than for high-mass stars.
Drivers of Relationship Quality in Logistics Outsourcing in China
Authors: Chu Zhaofang , Wang Qiang
Published: July 2012

Given that an increasing number of companies outsource their logistics activities to third‐party logistics providers (3PLs), managing logistics outsourcing relationships has become a critical capability. Although the fundamental importance of relationship quality in supply chain relationship management has begun to be understood, it has not been investigated in the context of logistics outsourcing, especially in China. This study addresses the gap in the literature by examining the drivers of relationship quality and investigating its effect on performance in logistics outsourcing in China. We use transaction cost economics and resource dependence theory as bases of this study. Dependence on 3PL (i.e., 3PL importance and unavailability of alternatives), logistics performance and relationship characteristics (i.e., the level of information sharing, relationship length and legal contract) are hypothesized as the relationship drivers based on transaction cost economics and resource dependence theory. Findings reveal that 3PL importance, logistics performance and information sharing are positively related to relationship quality, and that relationship length and the presence of a legal contract are marginally and positively related to relationship quality. The positive influence of relationship quality on financial performance is also observed. The managerial implications of the findings are considered, and the limitations along with future research directions are discussed.
The Intersection of Power, Trust and Supplier Network Size: Implications for Supplier Performance
Authors: Terpend Regis , Ashenbaum Bryan
Published: July 2012

This paper examines the intersecting effects of power, trust and supplier network size on five dimensions of supplier performance (delivery, quality, cost, innovation and flexibility). When assessing main effects, coercive power shows a negative relationship with supplier quality and innovation, referent power shows a positive relationship with all dimensions of supplier performance and legitimate power shows a positive relationship with supplier delivery, cost and flexibility. The supplier's trust in the buyer also shows a positive relationship to all five supplier performance dimensions. While exhibiting no main effects, supplier network size moderates these power–performance relationships. Increasing supplier network size appears to attenuate the impacts of coercive and referent power upon supplier performance, while strengthening this connection in the case of legitimate power. Contrary to our hypotheses, expert power use exhibits a negative relationship with supplier delivery performance, an effect which is exacerbated with increasing supplier network size. Overall, this study suggests that while not as independently important as perhaps thought, selecting the right number of suppliers may have considerable contextual influence on the interplay between power, trust and performance in buyer–supplier relationships.
The Geography of Global Supply Chains: Evidence from Third‐Party Logistics
Authors: Rodrigue Jean‐Paul
Published: July 2012

Global supply chains have a distinct geography that involves the dimensions of production, distribution and consumption. This geography, at the heart of many sourcing strategies, is often neglected by supply chain managers, or at least scholars investigating supply chain management. However, this essay underlines that this geography reveals patterns that depict well the organization and structure of outsourcing with distribution systems supporting the dichotomy between the geography of production and consumption. Significant segments of supply chain management exist solely to support this spatial divergence. Global processes are also reflected in regional structures and the case of third party logistics providers is investigated. Depending on the gateway and the type of supply chain being serviced, North American 3PLs display a clustering that is particularly prevalent around airport terminals and crossborder ports of entry. Such firms are highly flexible and changes in the locational behavior are likely to reflect changes in outsourcing and supply chain management.
Supply Chain Logistics, Trade Facilitation and International Trade: A Macroeconomic Policy View
Authors: Mann Catherine L.
Published: July 2012

Trade facilitation (TF) is the rubric that covers the research and policy analysis on impediments to global sourcing and multinational supply chains that are not the traditional border barriers such as tariffs or quotas. Trade‐facilitation research offers a macroeconomic perspective on how policymakers should change the environment facing business to promote international trade and economic growth, whereas the microeconomic perspective of supply‐chain logistics considers how a business should organize its operations given the policy environment. Four approaches to trade‐facilitation research that are oriented toward measuring the policy environment facing business are covered in this review: country benchmarking, country or product case study, deep econometric analysis of one type of trade facilitation and econometric analysis of multiple trade‐facilitation issues faced by businesses across multiple countries. All told, the research shows that the links between improved trade‐facilitation policies and business global sourcing through international trade are positive, although which policy reforms support more global sourcing is unique to each country, depending on the products and supply chains that the country is part of, and initial conditions. Even so, a key finding that spans the research is that unilateral policy reforms within a country can expand international trade more than multilateral trade negotiations, and that trade‐facilitation reforms tend to improve the country's supplier position more than its buyer activities. Moreover, adherence to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and use of information technology are particularly important, confirming that ISO certification has become the “price of admission” for many supply chains.
Why the World Suddenly Cares About  Global Supply Chains
Authors: Gereffi Gary , Lee Joonkoo
Published: July 2012

The global value chain (GVC) concept has gained popularity as a way to analyze the international expansion and geographical fragmentation of contemporary supply chains and value creation and capture therein. It has been used broadly in academic publications that examine a wide range of global industries, and by many of the international organizations concerned with economic development. This note highlights some of the main features of GVC analysis and discusses the relationship between the core concepts of governance and upgrading. The key dynamics of contemporary global supply chains and their implications for global production and trade are illustrated by: (1) the consolidation of global value chains and the new geography of value creation and capture, with an emphasis on China; (2) the key roles of global supermarkets and private standards in agri‐food supply chains; and (3) how the recent economic crisis contributes to shifting end markets and the regionalization of value chains. It concludes with a discussion of the future direction of GVC analysis and a potential collaboration with supply chain researchers.
Linking Supply Chain Management Superiority to Multifaceted Firm Financial Performance
Authors: Greer Bertie M. , Theuri Peter
Published: July 2012

Research has shown that superior supply chain effectiveness can yield enhanced firm financial performance. However, existing research does not use a consistent definition or a comprehensive list of supply chain leader firms. Using matched sample comparison, this study investigates the robustness of the relationship between supply chain effectiveness and the overall financial health of firms viewed as supply chain leaders by using AMR's supply chain top 25 list. We hypothesize that firms that have been identified by AMR as supply chain leaders will be more financially healthy than nonsupply chain leaders. That is, they will have better cost, activity, and liquidity ratios. The findings indicate that firms identified as supply chain leaders outperform their nonsupply chain leader peers in accounting‐based activity, cost, and liquidity measures.
Identification and Assessment of Confined and Perched LNAPL Conditions
Authors: Kirkman Andrew J. , Adamski Mark , Hawthorne J. Michael
Published: July 2012

Although confined and perched light nonaqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs) have previously been recognized, the majority of technical LNAPL literature focuses on unconfined LNAPL. Little information exists regarding the appropriate use of LNAPL distribution and transmissivity data to distinguish between confined, perched, and unconfined LNAPL hydrogeological scenarios. This paper describes three case histories that illustrate how the observed behavior of LNAPL can be used to identify the hydrogeologic condition of LNAPL at a given site and improved methods for calculating LNAPL drawdown based on these hydrogeologic conditions. The assessment methodology uses routinely available data such as fluid gauging, boring lo, laser‐induced fluorescence, visual observations of soil cores, and LNAPL baildown testing. Identification of the correct LNAPL hydrogeologic condition results in more accurate LNAPL conceptual site models, improved estimates of LNAPL recovery rates and volumes, more appropriate technology applications, and improved accuracy of LNAPL remediation metrics such as LNAPL transmissivity.
A Practical Measurement Strategy to Estimate Nonlinear Chlorinated Solvent Sorption in Low foc Sediments
Authors: Wang Guohui , Allen‐King Richelle M. , Choung Sungwook , Feenstra Stanley , Watson Robert , Kominek Michael
Published: July 2012

In this study, we tested a practical strategy useful for accurate chlorinated volatile organic compound (cVOC) sorption prediction. Corresponding to the feature of the superposition of adsorption due to thermally altered carbonaceous matter (TACM) with organic carbon‐water partitioning, a nonlinear Freundlich sorption isotherm covering a wide range of aqueous concentrations was defined by equilibrium sorption measurement at one or a few low concentration points with extrapolation to the empirical organic carbon‐water partition coefficient (Koc,e) near compound solubility. We applied this approach to obtain perchloroethene equilibrium sorption isotherm parameters for TACM‐containing glacial sand and gravel subsoil samples from a field site in New York. Sorption and associated Koc,c applicable to low (5–500 µg/L) and high (>100,000 µg/L) aqueous concentrations were determined in batch experiments. (The Koc,c is the organic carbon‐normalized sorption partition coefficient corresponding to aqueous concentration Cw.) The Koc,c measurements at low concentration (~5 µg/L) were 6 to 34 times greater than the Koc,e. The importance of this type of data is illustrated through presentation of its substantial impact on the site remedy. In so doing, we provide an approach that is broadly applicable to cVOC field sites with similar circumstances (low carbon content glacial sand and gravel with TACM).
Protection against L‐NAME‐induced reduction in cardiac output persists even after cessation of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor treatment
Authors: Biwer L. A. , Broderick T. L. , Xu H. , Carroll C. , Hale T. M.
Published: July 2012

Aim

We have demonstrated that short‐term angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition in adult spontaneously hypertensive rats produces cardiac changes that persist following cessation of treatment that result in a reduced inflammatory, proliferative and fibrotic response to the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor Nω‐Nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME). The present study examines whether prior ACE inhibition with enalapril also protects against L‐NAME‐induced cardiac dysfunction.

Methods

Rats were treated with enalapril (Enal + L) or tap water (Con, Con + L) for 2 weeks followed by a 2‐week washout period. At this point, Con + L and Enal + L rats were treated with L‐NAME for 10 days. Hearts were perfused in the working mode, mean arterial pressure (MAP) was assessed via radiotelemetry, and myocardial injury was evaluated in hematoxylin and eosin‐stained sections.

Results

L‐NAME increased MAP by a similar magnitude in Con + L and Enal + L. L‐NAME‐induced statistically significant decreases in flow‐mediated functional parameters in Con + L rats including cardiac output, stroke volume and coronary flow. This was prevented by prior enalapril treatment. Prior enalapril did not prevent L‐NAME‐induced myocardial injury, but may have lessened the degree of it. Regardless of treatment, changes in cardiac function did not correlate with myocardial injury.

Conclusion

Despite equivalent impact on MAP and incidence of myocardial infarction, prior enalapril treatment resulted in the preservation of cardiac function following L‐NAME. Understanding the mechanisms by which transient ACE inhibition protects against reductions in cardiac function in the absence of ongoing treatment may reveal novel targets for heart failure treatment.
The circadian clock transcriptional complex: metabolic feedback intersects with epigenetic control
Authors: Masri Selma , Zocchi Loredana , Katada Sayako , Mora Eugenio , Sassone‐Corsi Paolo
Published: July 2012

Chromatin remodeling is a prerequisite for most nuclear functions, including transcription, silencing, and DNA replication. Accumulating evidence shows that many physiological processes require highly sophisticated events of chromatin remodeling. Recent findings have linked cellular metabolism, epigenetic state, and the circadian clock. The control of a large variety of neuronal, behavioral, and physiological responses follows diurnal rhythms. This is possible through a transcriptional regulatory network that governs a significant portion of the genome. The harmonic oscillation of gene expression is paralleled by critical events of chromatin remodeling that appear to provide specificity and plasticity in circadian regulation. Accumulating evidence shows that the circadian epigenome appears to share intimate links with cellular metabolic processes. These notions indicate that the circadian epigenome might integrate tissue specificity within biological pacemakers, bridging systems physiology to metabolic control. This review highlights several advances related to the circadian epigenome, the contribution of NAD+ as a critical signaling metabolite, and its effects on epigenetic state, followed by more recent reports on circadian metabolomics analyses.
Conjectures on some curious connections among social status, calorie restriction, hunger, fatness, and longevity
Authors: Kaiser Kathryn A. , Smith Daniel L. , Allison David B.
Published: July 2012

Many animal and human studies show counterintuitive effects of environmental influences on energy balance and life span. Relatively low social and/or economic status seems to be associated with and produce greater adiposity, and reduced provision (e.g., caloric restriction) of food produces greater longevity. We suggest that a unifying factor may be perceptions of the environment as “energetically insecure” and inhospitable to reproduction, which may in turn provoke adiposity‐increasing and longevity‐extending mechanisms. We elaborate on two main aspects of resources (or the perceptions thereof) on body weight and longevity. We first discuss the effects of social dominance on body weight regulation in human and animal models. Second, we examine models of the interactions between caloric restriction, body composition, and longevity. Finally, we put forth a relational model of the influences of differing environmental cues on body composition and longevity.
Antioxidant potential of zinc–flavonol complex studied in streptozotocin‐diabetic rats (锌黄酮醇复合物在链脲霉素‐糖尿病大鼠中的抗氧化作用)
Authors: Vijayaraghavan Kalavakunda , Iyyampillai Subramanian , Subramanian Sorimuthu Pillai
Published: July 2012

Background:  Diabetic oxidative stress coexists with a reduction in the antioxidant status, which can further increase the deleterious effects of free radicals. Zinc is an essential trace element with significant antidiabetic activity. However, the acceptance of zinc compounds as promising therapeutic antidiabetic agents has been slowed due to concerns regarding chronic toxicity. Recently, we have designed, synthesized and characterized a novel zinc–flavonol complex and evaluated its antidiabetic efficacy in streptozotocin (STZ)‐diabetic rats. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of the zinc–flavonol complex in the antioxidant status of diabetic rats.

Methods:  Diabetes was induced in rats by i.p. injection of STZ. Diabetic rats were then treated with the zinc–flavonol complex (5 mg/kg, p.o.) for 30 days. The extent of oxidative stress was assessed by determining lipid peroxide levels, pancreatic tissue antioxidant enzyme activities and plasma concentrations of non‐enzymatic antioxidants. In addition, nuclear levels of nuclear factor (NF)‐κB p65, pancreatic nitric oxide (NO), and plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐6 were determined. Pancreatic tissues were examined histologically.

Results:  Oral treatment with the zinc–flavonol complex significantly improved antioxidant levels and alleviated levels of oxidative stress markers. Furthermore, significant increases were seen in NF‐κB p65, NO, TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐6 levels. Histological observations revealed that the zinc–flavonol complex effectively protects pancreatic β‐cells against oxidative damage.

Conclusion:  The results of the present study indicate that the zinc–flavonol complex has an antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory role in the diabetic milieu.
Adam10 haploinsufficiency causes freckle‐like macules in Hairless mice
Authors: Tharmarajah Grace , Faas Laura , Reiss Karina , Saftig Paul , Young Antony , Van Raamsdonk Catherine D.
Published: July 2012

The Hairless nuclear receptor co‐repressor is required for hair follicle regeneration during the hair cycle. The classical HairlessHr/HairlessHr mouse mutant loses all hair between 2 and 3 weeks of age. As the mice age, their trunk skin develops epidermal pigmentation, a feature of human skin which is not found in normal haired mice. In this report, we present a new, dominant mouse mutation, Pied, which arose within a colony of HairlessHr/HairlessHr mice and causes freckle‐like macules on the skin. The Pied macules require HairlessHr homozygosity to form and are composed of localized clusters of epidermal melanocytes. Through linkage analysis, we find that the Pied mutation is a 1914 base pair loss‐of‐function deletion in the Adam10 zinc metalloprotease gene. The pathways that specifically maintain long‐term pigmentation patterns in adults are not well understood. We have identified Adam10 as an inhibitor of melanocyte expansion in adult skin.
SalmonellaPrevalence Among Reptiles in a Zoo Education Setting
Authors: Hydeskov H. B. , Guardabassi L. , Aalbæk B. , Olsen K. E. P. , Nielsen S. S. , Bertelsen M. F.
Published: July 2012

Clinically healthy reptiles may shedSalmonellaand therefore act as a potential zoonotic threat. Most people in Northern European countries are rarely exposed to reptiles, but many zoos have education departments where children have direct contact with this group of animals. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence and serotype distribution ofSalmonellaamong reptiles in the Education Department (n = 55) at Copenhagen Zoo and compare it to the Zoo’s main reptile collection (n = 145) to evaluate the zoonotic risk.Salmonellawas isolated from cloacal swabs by selective enrichment, and a single isolate from each positive sample was further identified by biochemical tests and serotyped. The overall prevalence was 35% (69/200) with significant difference between the Education Department (64%, 35/55) and the main reptile collection (23%, 34/145). A total of 28 serotypes were detected. Ten serotypes were isolated from more than one specimen and four from more than one species.Salmonella entericasubsp.entericaserovar Eastbourne was the predominant serotype (32%, 22/69) and was also the serotype isolated from most reptile species (n = 7). Transmission of serotypes from one department to another was very limited indicated by the serotype distribution. Despite the relative high prevalence observed among the reptiles in the Zoo’s Education Department compared to the reptiles in the Zoo’s main reptile collection, noSalmonellacases have been linked to the Zoo, andSalmonellaser. Eastbourne is very rarely isolated from humans in Denmark. Simple hygienic procedures such as hand washing which is consistently carried out following handling of reptiles at the Education Department may reduce the risk and therefore contribute to this low prevalence.
The views of pharmacists who participated in a community pharmacy randomised controlled trial
Authors: Twigg Michael J , Bhattacharya Debi , Poland Fiona , Desborough James A , Wright David J
Published: July 2012

Objective

Examining case studies of research projects can prove useful to determine what design aspects can be changed to improve the robustness and feasibility of future projects.

Methods

Pharmacists who took part as research partners in a feasibility study of an eczema support service that failed to achieve its recruitment objectives were asked to attend a focus group to determine their views about factors that may have affected pharmacist recruitment rate.

Key findings

Pharmacists expressed positive opinions about being involved in research in principle and remaining engaged for further projects. However, they identified problems in their relationship with the medical practices, their unfamiliarity with this particular study design and the challenges this brought. They also experienced frustration from delays to the research timetable holding back their contribution to the research.

Conclusion

In this case study, pharmacists described how and why they wanted a study process to be made as simple and easy as possible for the participants and themselves to engage in, so as to maintain their own and participants’ engagement in studies.
Aluminum-doped zinc oxide formed by atomic layer deposition for use as anodes in organic light emitting diodes
Authors: Gong Su Cheol , Choi Yong-June , Kim Hyuncheol , Park Chang-Sun , Park Hyung-Ho , Jang Ji Geun , Chang Ho Jung , Yeom Geun Young
Published: July 2012

Aluminum-doped zinc oxide films produced by atomic layer deposition were investigated for use as anodes in organic light emitting diode (OLED) devices. Al-doped ZnO (AZO) films (∼200 nm thick) were deposited at temperatures of 200, 230, and 260 °C and the AZO film deposited at 260 °C demonstrated carrier mobility, carrier concentration, resistivity, and transmittance values of 16.2 cm2 V−1 s−1, 5.18 × 1020 cm−3, 7.34 × 10−4 Ω cm, and 90%, respectively. OLED devices with a DNTPD/TAPC/Bebq2:10% doped RP-411/Bphen/LiF/Al structure on a glass substrate fabricated using an AZO anode formed at 260 °C showed turn-on voltage, maximum luminance, and current efficiency values of 5.3 V, 16680 cd/m2, and 4.8 cd/A, respectively.
Formation of large-area GaN nanostructures with controlled geometry and morphology using top-down fabrication scheme
Authors: Paramanik Dipak , Motayed Abhishek , Aluri Geetha S. , Ha Jong-Yoon , Krylyuk Sergiy , Davydov Albert V. , King Matthew , McLaughlin Sean , Gupta Shalini , Cramer Harlan
Published: July 2012

This paper details the fabrication of GaN nanoscale structures using deep ultraviolet lithography and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching techniques. The authors controlled the geometry (dimensions and shape) and surface morphology of such nanoscale structures through selection of etching parameters. The authors compared seven different chlorine-based etch chemistries: Cl2, Ar, Cl2/N2, Cl2/Ar, Cl2/N2/Ar, Cl2/H2/Ar, and Cl2/He/Ar. The authors found that nitrogen plays a significant role in fabricating high quality etched GaN nanostructures. This paper presents the effects of varying the etch parameters, including gas chemistry, gas flow rate, ICP power, rf power, chamber pressure, and substrate temperature, on the etch characteristics, including etch rate, sidewall angle, anisotropy, mask erosion, and surface roughness. Dominant etch mechanisms in relation to the observed characteristics of the etched features are discussed. Utilizing such methods, the authors demonstrated the fabrication of nanoscale structures with designed shapes and dimensions over large area. Nanocolumns with diameter of 120 nm and height of 1.6 μm with sidewall angle of 86° (90° represent a vertical sidewall) were fabricated. Nanocones with tip diameter of 30 nm and height of 1.6 μm with sidewall angle of 70° were demonstrated. Such structures could potentially be used in light-emitting diodes, laser diodes, photodetectors, vertical transistors, field emitters, and photovoltaic devices. This study indicates the feasibility of top-down methods in the fabrication of next-generation nitride-based nanoscale devices, with large-area uniformity and scalability.
Thin InAs membranes and GaSb buffer layers on GaAs(001) substrates
Authors: Astromskas Gvidas , Borg Mattias , Wernersson Lars-Erik
Published: July 2012

Thin InAs layers and membranes are fabricated on GaAs substrates using GaSb buffer layers grown by MOVPE. The quality of the GaSb buffer layers is optimized and epitaxial InAs layers are grown on GaSb layers of various thickness. The best GaSb buffer layers are obtained for a nucleation temperature of 450 °C and a subsequent growth temperature of 570 °C with a V/III ratio of 3, as confirmed by both the structural (high-resolution XRD, AFM) and electrical (Hall) measurements. Furthermore, a clear relationship between the structural quality of the GaSb and InAs layers is established. Finally, free-standing InAs structures are fabricated where Hall measurements reveal a mobility that depends on the film thickness.
Intelligent scanning: Automated standard plane selection and biometric measurement of early gestational sac in routine ultrasound examination
Authors: Zhang Ling , Chen Siping , Chin Chien Ting , Wang Tianfu , Li Shengli
Published: July 2012

Purpose:

To assist radiologists and decrease interobserver variability when using 2D ultrasonography (US) to locate the standardized plane of early gestational sac (SPGS) and to perform gestational sac (GS) biometric measurements.

Methods:

In this paper, the authors report the design of the first automatic solution, called “intelligent scanning” (IS), for selecting SPGS and performing biometric measurements using real‐time 2D US. First, the GS is efficiently and precisely located in each ultrasound frame by exploiting a coarse to fine detection scheme based on the training of two cascade AdaBoost classifiers. Next, the SPGS are automatically selected by eliminating false positives. This is accomplished using local context information based on the relative position of anatomies in the image sequence. Finally, a database‐guided multiscale normalized cuts algorithm is proposed to generate the initial contour of the GS, based on which the GS is automatically segmented for measurement by a modified snake model.

Results:

This system was validated on 31 ultrasound videos involving 31 pregnant volunteers. The differences between system performance and radiologist performance with respect to SPGS selection and length and depth (diameter) measurements are 7.5% ± 5.0%, 5.5% ± 5.2%, and 6.5% ± 4.6%, respectively. Additional validations prove that the IS precision is in the range of interobserver variability. Our system can display the SPGS along with biometric measurements in approximately three seconds after the video ends, when using a 1.9 GHz dual‐core computer.

Conclusions:

IS of the GS from 2D real‐time US is a practical, reproducible, and reliable approach.
3D DVH‐based metric analysis versus per‐beam planar analysis in IMRT pretreatment verification
Authors: Carrasco Pablo , Jornet Núria , Latorre Artur , Eudaldo Teresa , Ruiz Agustí , Ribas Montserrat
Published: July 2012

Purpose:

To evaluate methods of pretreatment IMRT analysis, using real measurements performed with a commercial 2D detector array, for clinical relevance and accuracy by comparing clinical DVH parameters.

Methods:

We divided the work into two parts. The first part consisted of six in‐phantom tests aimed to study the sensitivity of the different analysis methods. Beam fluences, 3D dose distribution, and DVH of an unaltered original plan were compared to those of the delivered plan, in which an error had been intentionally introduced. The second part consisted of comparing gamma analysis with DVH metrics for 17 patient plans from various sites. Beam fluences were measured with the MapCHECK 2 detector, per‐beam planar analysis was performed with the MapCHECK software, and 3D gamma analysis and the DVH evaluation were performed using 3DVH software.

Results:

In a per‐beam gamma analysis some of the tests yielded false positives or false negatives. However, the 3DVH software correctly described the DVH of the plan which included the error. The measured DVH from the plan with controlled error agreed with the planned DVH within 2% dose or 2% volume. We also found that a gamma criterion of 3%/3 mm was too lax to detect some of the forced errors. Global analysis masked some problems, while local analysis magnified irrelevant errors at low doses. Small hotspots were missed for all metrics due to the spatial resolution of the detector panel. DVH analysis for patient plans revealed small differences between treatment plan calculations and 3DVH results, with the exception of very small volume structures such as the eyes and the lenses. Target coverage (D98 and D95) of the measured plan was systematically lower than that predicted by the treatment planning system, while other DVH characteristics varied depending on the parameter and organ.

Conclusions:

We found no correlation between the gamma index and the clinical impact of a discrepancy for any of the gamma index evaluation possibilities (global, local, 2D, or 3D). Some of the tests yielded false positives or false negatives in a per‐beam gamma analysis. However, they were correctly accounted for in a DVH analysis. We also showed that 3DVH software is reliable for our tests, and is a viable method for correlating planar discrepancies with clinical relevance by comparing the measured DVH of target and OAR's with clinical tolerance.
A new technology for revealing the flow profile in integrated lab‐on‐a‐chip
Authors: Liu Tian‐Cai , Wohland Thorsten , Watt Frank , Bettiol Andrew , Udalagama Chammika , Wang Li‐Ping
Published: July 2012

Purpose:

Recently, greater attention has been paid to interactions between biomolecules particularly at the single‐molecular level. Due to their novel properties, integrated lab‐on‐a‐chip (LOC) devices and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) are in high demand.

Methods:

The LOC was manufactured using the technique of proton beam writing. The biomolecule fluorescein was used to probe flow profiles in the micro/nanochannels on the LOC by FCS. The FCS optical system was based on a confocal microscopy setup. At different locations on the LOC, the numbers and traveling time of the fluorescein fluidic solution were investigated.

Results:

From calibrations,ω0 and τD were 217 nm and 2.2 × 10−5 s, respectively. Particle number and duration in passing through the detect volume, τF, were investigated. Results indicated that particle number was proportional to the size of micro/nanochannels in the LOC. The particle number distribution and speed of the flow were mirror‐symmetric in the two parallel (inlet/outlet) microchannels. The distribution of the fluidic particles remained stable and the speed of the flow was nearly symmetrical when being transferred in the nanochannels.

Conclusions:

The results were realistic and in line with the hydromechanics, indicating that in multidisciplinary areas measurements of flow profiles by FCS are possible inside the LOC channels. This study paves the way to investigate biomolecular interactions at the single‐molecular level.