bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Religion civique, religion civile, religion séculière.
Authors: Boucheron Patrick
Published: July 2013

L’usage de la notion de religion civique s’est imposé aux historiens, et notamment aux historiens médiévistes, du fait sans doute de sa souplesse conceptuelle. Le présent article part de l’hypothèse que les historiens auraient beaucoup à gagner à mettre au jour les relations, parfois subreptices, que la notion entretient avec des concepts contigus – ceux, notamment, de la religion civique gréco-romaine, de la religion civile du temps des Lumières ou de la religion séculière telle que les penseurs du XXesiècle l’ont élaborée.
Braucht die Theoretische Physik den Religiësen Glauben?
Authors: Neuber Matthias
Published: July 2013

Pierre Duhem gilt ais einer der wichtigsten Reprüsentanten der franzosischen Wissenschaftsphilosophie um 1900. Seine Konzeption physikalischer Theorien wird üblicherweise ais moderne Umsetzung des antiken – proto-positivistischen – Programms der „Rettung der Phänomene‟ angesehen. Diese Sicht ist richtig, bedarf aber der Ergänzung, indem derdiskursive Kontextder Duhemschen Position berücksichtigt wird. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird dargelegt, dass Duhems philosophischer Zeitgenosse Abel Rey eine zentrale Rolle in diesem Zusammenhang spielte.
A novel approach to Hugoniot measurements utilizing transparent crystals
Authors: Fratanduono D. E. , Eggert J. H. , Akin M. C. , Chau R. , Holmes N. C.
Published: July 2013

A new absolute equation of state measurement technique is described and demonstrated measuring the shock state and the refractive index of MgO up to 226 GPa. This technique utilizes steady shock waves and the high-pressure transparency of MgO under dynamic shock compression and release. Hugoniot measurements performed using this technique are consistent with the previous measurements. A linear dependence of the shocked refractive index and density is observed up to 226 GPa, over a magnitude greater in pressure that previous studies. The transparency of MgO along the principal Hugoniot is higher than any other material reported to date. We observe a significant change in the refractive index of MgO as the Hugoniot elastic limit is exceeded due to the transition from uniaxial to hydrostatic strain. Measurements of the elastic-plastic two-wave structure in MgO indicate a nucleation time for plastic deformation.
Invited Article: Micron resolution spatially resolved measurement of heat capacity using dual-frequency time-domain thermoreflectance
Authors: Wei Changdong , Zheng Xuan , Cahill David G. , Zhao Ji-Cheng
Published: July 2013

A pump-probe photothermal technique – dual-frequency time-domain thermoreflectance – was developed for measuring heat capacity with a spatial resolution on the order of 10 μm. The method was validated by measuring several common materials with known heat capacity. Rapid measurement of composition-phase-property relationships was demonstrated on Ti-TiSi2 and Ni-Zr diffusion couples; experimental values of heat capacity of the intermetallic compounds in these diffusion couples were compared with literature values and CALPHAD (CALculation of PHAse Diagram) calculations. The combination of this method and diffusion multiples provides an efficient way to generate thermodynamic data for CALPHAD modeling and database construction. The limitation of this method in measuring low thermal diffusivity materials is also discussed.
Entanglement dynamics of two qubits coupled individually to Ohmic baths
Authors: Duan Liwei , Wang Hui , Chen Qing-Hu , Zhao Yang
Published: July 2013

Developed originally for the Holstein polaron, the Davydov D1 ansatz is an efficient, yet extremely accurate trial state for time-dependent variation of the spin-boson model [N. Wu, L. Duan, X. Li, and Y. Zhao, J. Chem. Phys. 138, 084111 (2013)]10.1063/1.4792502. In this work, the Dirac-Frenkel time-dependent variational procedure utilizing the Davydov D1 ansatz is implemented to study entanglement dynamics of two qubits under the influence of two independent baths. The Ohmic spectral density is used without the Born-Markov approximation or the rotating-wave approximation. In the strong coupling regime finite-time disentanglement is always found to exist, while at the intermediate coupling regime, the entanglement dynamics calculated by Davydov D1 ansatz displays oscillatory behavior in addition to entanglement disappearance and revival.
Quantum mechanical modeling of excited electronic states and their relationship to cathodoluminescence of BaZrO3
Authors: Moreira Mário L. , Andrés Juan , Gracia Lourdes , Beltrán Armando , Montoro Luciano A. , Varela José A. , Longo Elson
Published: July 2013

First-principles calculations set the comprehension over performance of novel cathodoluminescence (CL) properties of BaZrO3 prepared through microwave-assisted hydrothermal. Ground (singlet, s*) and excited (singlet s** and triplet t**) electronic states were built from zirconium displacement of 0.2 Å in {001} direction. Each ground and excited states were characterized by the correlation of their corresponding geometry with electronic structures and Raman vibrational frequencies which were also identified experimentally. A kind of optical polarization switching was identified by the redistribution of 4dz2 and 4dxz (Zr) orbitals and 2pz O orbital. As a consequence, asymmetric bending and stretching modes theoretically obtained reveal a direct dependence with their polyhedral intracluster and/or extracluster ZrO6 distortions with electronic structure. Then, CL of the as-synthesized BaZrO3 can be interpreted as a result of stable triplet excited states, which are able to trap electrons, delaying the emission process due to spin multiplicity changes.
General coalescence conditions for the exact wave functions: Higher-order relations for two-particle systems
Authors: Kurokawa Yusaku I. , Nakashima Hiroyuki , Nakatsuji Hiroshi
Published: July 2013

We derived the necessary conditions that the non-relativistic time-independent exact wave functions for two-particle systems must satisfy at a coalescence (or cusp) point. Some of such necessary conditions are already known to be Kato's cusp condition (CC) and Rassolov and Chipman's CC. In the present study, we extended and generalized those conditions, calling them generalized coalescence conditions (GCCs). Kato's CC and Rassolov and Chipman's CC were shown to be specific cases included in the GCCs. The GCCs can be applied not only to Coulombic systems but also to any systems where the interaction between two particles is represented in a power series of the inter-particle distance. We confirmed the correctness of our derivation of these GCCs by applying the free complement wave functions of a hydrogen atom in ground and excited states, a harmonic oscillator, and a system with an interacting potential of V = r.
Room temperature spin valve effect in highly ordered array of methanofullerene nanotubes
Authors: Starko-Bowes R. , Bodepudi S. C. , Alam K. M. , Singh A. P. , Pramanik S.
Published: July 2013

Organic spin valve array, with vertically oriented methanofullerene [6, 6]-phenyl C61- butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) nanotubes as spacer, has been prepared by combining an electrochemical self-assembly with a recently developed fixed angle centrifuge-assisted organic nanowire growth technique. The PCBM nanotubes are ∼325 nm long, have outer shell diameter of ∼70 nm, and inner shell diameter of ∼ 45 nm. In spite of the relatively long channel length, these devices exhibit an inverse spin valve effect, which persists even at room temperature. Spin relaxation length in PCBM nanotubes is relatively temperature-independent and its lower limit is estimated to be ∼50 nm at room temperature. This is the largest room-temperature spin relaxation length in organic nanowire systems, including carbon nanotubes reported to date, and identifies PCBM as a promising material for room temperature organic nanospintronics. Observation of spin valve signals in these devices is due to efficient spin selective transmission at the interfacial Schottky barriers.
Global motions exhibited by proteins in micro- to milliseconds simulations concur with anisotropic network model predictions
Authors: Gur M. , Zomot E. , Bahar I.
Published: July 2013

The Anton supercomputing technology recently developed for efficient molecular dynamics simulations permits us to examine micro- to milli-second events at full atomic resolution for proteins in explicit water and lipid bilayer. It also permits us to investigate to what extent the collective motions predicted by network models (that have found broad use in molecular biophysics) agree with those exhibited by full-atomic long simulations. The present study focuses on Anton trajectories generated for two systems: the bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor, and an archaeal aspartate transporter, GltPh. The former, a thoroughly studied system, helps benchmark the method of comparative analysis, and the latter provides new insights into the mechanism of function of glutamate transporters. The principal modes of motion derived from both simulations closely overlap with those predicted for each system by the anisotropic network model (ANM). Notably, the ANM modes define the collective mechanisms, or the pathways on conformational energy landscape, that underlie the passage between the crystal structure and substates visited in simulations. In particular, the lowest frequency ANM modes facilitate the conversion between the most probable substates, lending support to the view that easy access to functional substates is a robust determinant of evolutionarily selected native contact topology.
Phenomenon of Eu3+ self-reduction induced by B2O3 configuration structure in sodiumborate glasses
Authors: Jiao Qing , Yu Xue , Xu Xuhui , Zhou Dacheng , Qiu Jianbei
Published: July 2013

The self-reduction of Eu3+ to Eu2+ is realized in Eu2O3 doped sodiumborate glasses in the air condition. With increasing in B2O3 concentration, the blue emission of Eu2+ is significantly enhanced while the 615 nm emission of Eu3+ is soon decreased. The calculation result indicates that the [BO4] tetrahedron are gradually replaced by [BO3] triangle with increasing in the network former B2O3 in the glass matrix. According to the infrared and Raman spectra analysis, the high polymeric network structure is depolymerized mainly from the complicated framework by [BO4] linking with [BO3] to the smaller planar BO3-triangles consisted structure units. Accordingly, the characteristic vibrations of the relevant peaks are reflected by the orthoborate groups, boroxol rings, and pyroborate structure units, etc., decomposed in the sodiumborate glasses. In addition, the effect of the structure variation on the mechanism of Eu3+ reduction in borate glasses is discussed.
Manipulation of domain wall dynamics in amorphous microwires through domain wall collision
Authors: Zhukov A. , Blanco J. M. , Chizhik A. , Ipatov M. , Rodionova V. , Zhukova V.
Published: July 2013

Experimental results of the magnetic field driven domain walls dynamics in magnetically bistable Fe-rich microwires are reported. We have observed that under certain conditions a controllable domain wall (DW) collision can be realized in different parts of the wire, and that it is possible to manipulate the DW dynamics in a field-driven regime. The DW collisions obtained in this way can be used to release pinned domain walls. We have also found a correlation between the local nucleation field distribution and field dependence of DW velocity: the magnetic field value corresponding to the minimum nucleation field determines a threshold between single and multiple domain wall propagation regimes.
Can multiple flow boiling regimes be reduced into a single one in microchannels?
Authors: Yang Fanghao , Dai Xianming , Peles Yoav , Cheng Ping , Li Chen
Published: July 2013

We report that multiple and transitional flow boiling regimes in microchannels can be reduced into a single annular flow from the onset of nucleate boiling to the critical heat flux condition. Hydrophilic silicon nanowires directly grown on inner walls of microchannels were tailored to create boiling surfaces with optimal submicron pores surrounded by nanogaps through controlling the height and density of silicon nanowires using the nanocarpet effect. A single two-phase regime can be realized by controlling the flow structure in two aspects: reducing bubble size and transforming the dominant surface tension force from the cross-sectional plane to the inner-wall plane.
Photon counting technique applied to time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence measurements on a stabilized discharge
Authors: Vaudolon J. , Balika L. , Mazouffre S.
Published: July 2013

A novel approach to perform time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) measurements in plasma discharges is presented. The LIF technique relies on a photon counting method associated with a sinusoidal potential modulation on a floating electrode located in the plasma to ensure time coherence. By tuning the modulation frequency, resonance can be reached with the discharge current in order to guarantee repeatable measurement conditions. Time-averaged characteristics of the discharge (such as \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\text{T}_\text{e}$\end{document}Te, \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\text{n}_\text{e}$\end{document}ne, \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\text{V}_\text{p}$\end{document}Vp, and \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\text{V}_\text{ion}$\end{document}Vion) remain unaffected by the modulation. As an example, the association of the photon counting method with the modulation system is employed to determine the time evolution of several ion velocity groups inside an E × B discharge. Interesting features of the velocity oscillations are examined and pave the way for more focused studies.
Correction for thermal lag in dynamic temperature measurements using resistance thermometers
Authors: Tomczuk Krzysztof , Werszko Radoslaw
Published: July 2013

Periodical changes of temperature in the autoclave for the purpose of automatic control are measured with the aid of an encased resistance thermometer. To minimize dynamic errors of this thermometer, two different correcting algorithms have been employed: a known single time-constant one and an algorithm proposed by the authors—two time-constant one. The verification and comparison of the two algorithms was done using a physical model of the autoclave and a real thermometer. Additionally, three methods for the determination of time constants of the second order model were compared and factors influencing the algorithms accuracy, including time constants and sampling time, were analysed. The presented methods make possible to increase both the bandwidth of dynamical temperature measurements and its precision with relatively limited increase in computational complexity of the correction algorithm.
Dipolar-glass-like relaxor ferroelectric behaviour in the 0.5BaTiO3-0.5Bi(Mg1/2Ti1/2)O3 electroceramic
Authors: Wang Jian , Liu Yun , Li Qian , Lau Kenny , Withers Ray L. , Li Zhenrong , Xu Zhuo
Published: July 2013

In this study, the dielectric and ferroelectric switching behaviour of 0.5BaTiO3-0.5Bi(Mg1/2Ti1/2)O3 (BT-BMT) ceramics are investigated. The BT-BMT ceramic exhibits a typical dipolar-glass-like, dielectric polarisation relaxation. This is attributed to the 15 distinct possible local A4B2 configurations around the O ions and the effect this unavoidable local compositional variability has on the dipole relaxation behaviour of inherent 1-D ⟨111⟩ dipole chains, arising from correlated off-centre displacements of Bi3+ and Ti4+ ions along local ⟨111⟩ directions. On the other hand, switchable polarisation under strong applied electric fields is observed on different length scales accompanied by the appearance of strong polarisation relaxation, as observed via time-delayed piezoresponse hysteresis loop measurements. These experimental results demonstrate that this BT-BMT ceramic is relaxor ferroelectric in nature, although it exhibits dipolar-glass-like dielectric relaxation behaviour.
Anti-ferromagnetic coupling in hybrid magnetic tunnel junctions mediated by monomolecular layers of α-sexithiophene
Authors: Blouzon C. , Ott F. , Tortech L. , Fichou D. , Moussy J.-B.
Published: July 2013

We report here on the magnetic coupling taking place between Fe3O4 and Co layers across an organic monolayer of α-sexithiophene (6T). The controlled growth of 6T ultrathin films on epitaxial Fe3O4 surfaces allows to prepare highly homogeneous insulating layers with thicknesses in the range 0.5–2.0 monolayers (ML). A combined study using vibrating sample magnetometry and polarized neutron reflectivity reveals that hybrid Fe3O4/6T/Co tunnel junctions show different magnetic couplings depending on the 6T thickness. In particular, magnetic coupling between Fe3O4 and Co layers separated by 1 ML of 6T is consistent with anti-ferromagnetic coupling, opening new perspectives for controlling magnetization in organic spintronic devices.
Summer Habitat Use of Large Adult Striped Bass and Habitat Availability in Lake Martin, Alabama
Authors: Sammons Steven M. , Glover David C.
Published: July 2013

To identify the summer habitat use by Gulf strain Striped Bass Morone saxatilis in Lake Martin, Alabama, 36 fish greater than 4 kg were tracked weekly from June through September in 2009 and 2010. Temperature and dissolved oxygen profiles were collected biweekly from July to October each year and were incorporated into a hypsographic curve to estimate summertime volumes of Striped Bass habitat. Striped Bass moved downstream in the reservoir and deeper in the water column as the summer progressed in both years. Across all temperatures and dissolved oxygen concentrations (DOCs) measured, fish generally selected cooler temperatures when DOCs were greater than 3.1 mg/L, but below that level, fish selected warmer temperatures. By early July each year, quality Striped Bass habitat (≤21.0°C and ≥3.2 mg/L DOC) comprised 40–50% of the total habitat available in Lake Martin. However, in 2009 all quality habitat was gone from the reservoir by August 1, and total habitat (≤25.0°C and ≥1.6 mg/L DOC) rapidly decreased until there was no suitable habitat found in Lake Martin by mid-September. The quantity of quality and total habitat declined more rapidly in 2009 than in 2010; although quality habitat was eliminated from the reservoir by the end of August 2010, total habitat persisted throughout the summer. In both years, habitat availability increased when reservoir destratification began. Analysis of historical data indicated that quality habitat was found in the lower portion of the reservoir during the latter half of August in only 6 of 15 years; total Striped Bass habitat was available in all but 1 year. The amount of water flowing through the system during the spring and summer was a key determinant of Striped Bass habitat availability by late summer.

Received September 26, 2012; accepted May 15, 2013
The family, sexual morality and gender identity in the communist tradition in Italy (1921–1956)
Authors: Casalini Maria
Published: July 2013

This essay will compare the model of the communist family during the era of Palmiro Togliatti's ‘partito nuovo’, beginning with the famous ‘svolta di Salerno’ in 1944, with the model outlined when the Italian Communist Party (PCdI) was first founded in 1921. The sources used vary, spanning memoirs, literature, the press and autobiographies of political activists. The aim of this essay is to expand the research on the ‘communist tradition’; to examine the characteristics of both its theoretical thinking and pedagogic structure; to explore the nature of its propaganda; and to study the individual experiences of activists.
Relationship between state and religion: Egypt after the revolution
Authors: El-Beshry Tarek
Published: July 2013

According to Tariq Al-Bishri, it is not true that it is the Islamic current that controls the state in Egypt as a political project is in the process of crystallizing. His main proposal is for the three forces dominating the structure and dynamics of political life in Egypt – namely the army and judiciary, the Muslim Brotherhood, and liberals – to collaborate and avoid posing religion and the state as two opposing entities. Having to deal with the Shari’a as the source or reference for legislation need not be a polarizing issue as religion is being dealt with as ‘the dominant culture’; moreover, much work has already been done along this line throughout the 20th century. Al-Bishri argues that democracy within a society becomes vacuous if it is detached from solving its socio-economic challenges. To this end he prioritizes four main issues: (1) freeing the Egyptian national will from American and Israeli pressures; (2) reforming and rebuilding government administrative bureaucracy; (3) organizing civil society; and (4) drafting a constitution. Al-Bishri considers that ‘after Islamists assume power in Egypt’ it is imperative for the existing political and cultural forces in Egypt to cooperate as none of them has enough power to negate the others or lead on his own.
Overcoming Patient Barriers to Discussing Physician Hand Hygiene: Do Patients Prefer Electronic Reminders to Other Methods?
Authors: Michaelsen Kaarin , Sanders Jason L. , Zimmer Shanta M. , Bump Gregory M.
Published: July 2013

Background.

Despite agreement that handwashing decreases hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), physician hand hygiene remains suboptimal. Interventions to empower patients to discuss handwashing have had variable success.

Objective.

To understand patient perceived barriers to discussing physician hand hygiene and to determine whether patients prefer electronic alerts over printed information as an intervention to discuss physician handwashing.

Design.

Cross-sectional study of 250 medical/surgical patients at an academic medical center.

Results.

Ninety-six percent of patients had heard of HAIs. Ninety-six percent of patients thought it was important for physicians to clean their hands before touching anything in a patient's room. The majority of patients (78%) believed patients should remind physicians to clean their hands. Thirty-two percent of patients observed physician hand hygiene noncompliance. In multivariate analysis, predictors of not speaking up regarding physician hand hygiene included never having worked in health care (odds ratio [OR], 2.8 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.5-5.1]), not observing a physician clean hands before touching the patient (OR, 2.4 [95% CI, 1.3-4.4]), and not thinking patients should have to remind physicians to clean hands (OR, 5.5 [95% CI, 2.4-12.7]). Ninety-three percent of patients favored electronic device reminders over printed information as an intervention to encourage patients to discuss hand hygiene with their doctors.

Conclusions.

The strongest predictor of not challenging a doctor to clean their hands was not believing it was the patient's role to do so. Patients prefer electronic device reminders to printed information as an aid in overcoming barriers to discussing hand hygiene with physicians.
GALANT: a Cytoscape plugin for visualizing data as functional landscapes projected onto biological networks
Authors: Camilo Esther , Bovolenta Luiz A. , Acencio Marcio L. , Rybarczyk-Filho José L. , Castro Mauro A.A. , Moreira José C.F. , Lemke Ney
Published: July 2013

Summary: Network-level visualization of functional data is a key aspect of both analysis and understanding of biological systems. In a continuing effort to create clear and integrated visualizations that facilitate the gathering of novel biological insights despite the overwhelming complexity of data, we present here the GrAph LANdscape VisualizaTion (GALANT), a Cytoscape plugin that builds functional landscapes onto biological networks. By using GALANT, it is possible to project any type of numerical data onto a network to create a smoothed data map resembling the network layout. As a Cytoscape plugin, GALANT is further improved by the functionalities of Cytoscape, the popular bioinformatics package for biological network visualization and data integration.

Availability:  http://www.lbbc.ibb.unesp.br/galant.

Contact:  esther@ibb.unesp.br

Supplementary Information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Designing and Evaluating Culturally Specific Smoking Cessation Interventions for American Indian Communities
Authors: Fu Steven S. , Rhodes Kristine L. , Robert Christina , Widome Rachel , Forster Jean L. , Joseph Anne M.
Published: July 2013

Introduction:

American Indians have the highest smoking rates in the United States, yet few randomized controlled trials of culturally specific interventions exist. This study assessed American Indians’ opinions about evidence-based treatment and attitudes toward participating in clinical trials.

Methods:

Six focus groups were conducted based on smoking status (current/former smoker), sex, and elder status (55 years and older or younger). Meetings were held at local American Indian community organizations. This project was accomplished in partnership with the American Indian Community Tobacco Projects, a community–academic research partnership at the University of Minnesota. Thematic qualitative data analyses were conducted.

Results:

Participants desired the following: (a) programs led by trained American Indian community members, (b) the opportunity to connect with other American Indian smokers interested in quitting, and (c) programs promoting healthy lifestyles. Strategies desired for treatment included (a) free pharmacotherapy, including nicotine replacement therapy (NRT); (b) nominal incentives, e.g., gift cards for groceries; and (c) culturally specific program components such as American Indian images, education on traditional tobacco use, and quit-smoking messages that target the value of family and include narratives or story telling in recruitment and program materials. Biochemical verification of smoking abstinence, such as salivary cotinine or carbon monoxide breathalyzers, is likely acceptable. Standard treatment or delayed treatment control groups were viewed as potentially acceptable for randomized study designs.

Conclusions:

Rigorously conducted randomized controlled trials of culturally specific smoking cessation interventions are sorely needed but will only be accomplished with the commitment of funders, researchers, and collaborative trusting relationships with the community.
Avoidance of Wrong-level Thoracic Spine Surgery Using Sterile Spinal Needles
Authors: Chin Kingsley R. , Seale Jason , Cumming Vanessa
Published: July 2013

Study Design:

A technical report.

Objective:

The aim of the present study was to present an improvement on localization techniques employed for use in the thoracic spine using sterile spinal needles docked on the transverse process of each vertebra, which can be performed in both percutaneous and open spinal procedures.

Summary of Background Data:

Wrong-level surgery may have momentous clinical and emotional implications for a patient and surgeon. It is reported that one in every 2 spine surgeons will operate on the wrong level during his or her career. Correctly localizing the specific thoracic level remains a significant challenge during spine surgery.

Methods:

Fluoroscopic anteroposterior and lateral views were obtained starting in the lower lumbar spine, and an 18-G spinal needle was placed in the transverse process of L3 counting up from the sacrum and also at T12. The fluoroscopy was then moved cephalad and counting from the spinal needle at T12, the other spinal needles were placed at the targeted operating thoracic vertebrae. Once this was done, we were able to accurately determine the thoracic levels for surgical intervention.

Results:

Using this technique, the markers were kept in place even after the incisions were made. This prevented us from losing our location in the thoracic spine. Correctly placed instrumentation was made evident with postoperative imaging.

Conclusions:

We have described the successful use of a new technique using spinal needles docked against transverse processes to correctly and reliably identify thoracic levels before instrumentation. The technique was reproducible in both open surgeries and for a percutaneous procedure. This technique maintains the correct spinal level during an open procedure. We posit that wrong-level thoracic spine surgery may be preventable.
Inactivation of a fibronectin-binding TonB-dependent protein increases adhesion properties of Bacteroides fragilis
Authors: Pauer Heidi , Cavalcanti Soraia N. V. , Teixeira Felipe L. , Santos-Filho Joaquim , Vommaro Rossiane C. , Oliveira Ana Carolina S. C. , Ferreira Eliane O. , Domingues Regina R. M. C. P.
Published: July 2013

Bacteroides fragilis is the Gram-negative strictly anaerobic bacterium most frequently isolated from clinical infections, including intra-abdominal abscess and bacteraemia. A number of factors can contribute to its virulence, including the expression of adhesins. Some of them are already characterized and can recognize and bind to extracellular matrix components, such as fibronectin. One of the molecules responsible for fibronectin-binding is an outer-membrane protein previously described by our group, which belongs to the TonB-dependent family. The aim of the present work was to characterize this protein. Initially, it was confirmed by fluorescence and electron microscopy that the fibronectin-binding molecules were located in the bacterial surface, but the distribution of these molecules on the surface was not uniform. To further evaluate the role of this protein, the gene bf1991, responsible for encoding this protein, was inactivated by a suicide vector and the mutant strains generated were used in several experiments to verify possible phenotypical alterations. In adherence assays with fibronectin immobilized on latex beads an increased adhesion was observed with the mutant strains compared with the wild-type strain. Western blot analysis in the mutant strain revealed the absence of the 120 kDa TonB-dependent outer-membrane protein and an alteration in the expression of an unknown 30 kDa protein. Killing assays using peritoneal macrophages were performed to evaluate the role of this protein as a virulence attribute and it was observed that the mutant strains were more efficiently internalized than the wild-type strains, with more internalization in the samples covered with fibronectin than in the samples not covered with it.
Evidence that acidification‐induced declines in plant diversity and productivity are mediated by changes in below‐ground communities and soil properties in a semi‐arid steppe
Authors: Chen Dima , Lan Zhichun , Bai Xue , Grace James B. , Bai Yongfei
Published: July 2013

Anthropogenic acid deposition–induced soil acidification is one of the major threats to biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and services. Few studies, however, have explored in detail how above‐ground changes in plant species richness and productivity resulting from soil acidification are mediated by effects on below‐ground biota and soil properties.

To increase our understanding of this linkage, we collected data on below‐ and above‐ground communities and soil properties in a 3‐year field experiment with seven levels of acid addition rate to build‐up broad intensities of soil acidification in the semi‐aridInnerMongolian grassland.

Acid addition directly elevated concentrations of soil Al3+ions, decreased the base cations Ca2+, Mg2+and Na+, and increased soil moisture and available phosphorus. Acid addition also appears to have altered the soil microbial community via changes in H+and Al3+ions and altered the nematode community via changes in H+ions and soil moisture.

The observed changes in soilNavailability (i.e. netNmineralization,‐N and‐N) could be explained by mediating changes in the H+and Al3+ions, microbial community (i.e. community structure, bacteria and fungi/bacteria as indicated by phospholipid fatty acids analysis) and the nematode community (i.e. total abundance, taxa richness and maturity index).

Declines in plant species richness and productivity were greater at high intensities of soil acidification in the second sampling year than in the first sampling year.The changes in plant community observed were mostly explained by soil nutrient pathways (e.g. N availability or base mineral cations), which were in turn regulated by the soil microbial or nematode communities as well as by the direct effects of the increase in H+or Al3+ions.

Synthesis. Our results suggest that the below‐ground microbial and nematode communities are more sensitive to soil acidification than the plant communities are, and further that soil acidification–induced changes in plants are mediated by changes in below‐ground communities and soil nutrients. These findings improve our understanding of the links between below‐ and above‐ground communities in theInnerMongolia grassland, especially in the context of anthropogenic acid enrichment.
Climate Change and the Management of Fire‐Prone Vegetation in Southwest and Southeast Australia
Authors: ENRIGHT NEAL J. , FONTAINE JOSEPH B.
Published: July 2013

Mediterranean regions worldwide, and southwest (SW) Australia in particular, are characterised by their high plant biodiversity, fire‐prone vegetation, and substantial conservation challenges in relation to human land use, expanding populations and changing climate. Recent climate change is evident in SW Australia, with markedly decreasing rainfall and increasing temperatures since the 1970s. Fire management in SW Australia, historically focused in the southern forests, but now also engaged with a rapidly expanding wildland‐urban interface, is faced with the formidable challenge of increased fire likelihoods due to increased fire danger weather under a warming climate, and more human‐caused ignitions as population growth proceeds. Here, we review key components of the fire–environment relationship, the use of fuel reduction burning as a wildfire mitigation strategy, and the potential impacts of changing climate on fire regimes and fire management in the SW, including ecological impacts. We draw comparisons between SW and southeastern (SE) Australia, contrasting the recent history of fire in these two regions, how they differ, and how this helps us to understand the circumstances under which planned fire may be an effective approach to fire hazard mitigation in SW Australia. Evidence suggests that fuel reduction burning in wildlands produces little benefit for wildfire control. While wildfire sizes differ between regions, a concentration of resources and fire management near human infrastructure and not in wildlands seems warranted with increasing emphasis on fire suppression and fuels management.
Excavating the Pilbara: A Polanyian Exploration
Authors: PECK JAMIE
Published: July 2013

Taking its cues from the ‘substantivist’ economics of Karl Polanyi, the paper retraces a socio‐economic history of the Pilbara from the pastoral capitalism of the region's initially tenuous colonial settlement to the contemporary regime of extractive capitalism. Spatial fixes have been etched deeply into the landscape of this heterogeneously ‘productive’ region, but crises of social reproduction have remained endemic. Since the nineteenth century, disequilibrium has been the reigning principle, as successive failures of commodification and marketisation have marked a long and non‐linear history of double movements.
Autologous serum eye drops diluted with sodium hyaluronate: clinical and experimental comparative study
Authors: López‐García José S. , García‐Lozano Isabel , Rivas Luis , Ramírez Nuria , Raposo Rafaela , Méndez Maria T.
Published: July 2013

Purpose:  To assess the efficacy of sodium hyaluronate as vehicle for diluting autologous serum.

Methods:  The concentration and temporal stability of EGF, TGF‐β, PDGF‐AB and albumin in fresh and frozen samples of autologous serum diluted with sodium hyaluronate and saline solution, as well as the pH, osmolarity and density was studied. In parallel, the clinic effects of autologous serum diluted to 20% with sodium hyaluronate were compared with another solution of autologous serum diluted to 20% with saline in a prospective, comparative, randomized and double‐blind study in 26 patients (52 eyes) with Sjögren syndrome. Patients underwent a complete ophthalmic assessment including tear film evaluation and corneal and conjunctival impression cytology at the beginning of the study and 2 months later.

Results:  The growth factor (GF) concentration remained stable during 1 month at 4°C both in fresh and defrosted samples without any differences being found between both preparations. No differences were found related to osmolarity, pH and density between these preparations before and after frosting. Autologous serum diluted with sodium hyaluronate caused a significant improvement of the tear film stability, fluorescein and rose Bengal stain, break‐up time, corneal and conjunctival squamous metaplasia as well as in the patient subjective perception.

Conclusions:  Sodium hyaluronate is an excellent vehicle for diluting autologous serum due to the gradual release of GF and increasing their duration and effect on the ocular surface. Preparations diluted with sodium hyaluronate are better tolerated by patients and require a lower number of drops administrations.
Changes in aqueous cytokines after intravitreal triamcinolone versus bevacizumab for macular oedema in branch retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Sohn Hee Jin , Han Dae Heon , Lee Dae Yeong , Nam Dong Heun
Published: July 2013

Purpose:  To investigate the changes in the aqueous levels of various cytokines after intravitreal triamcinolone or bevacizumab for branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

Methods:  Twenty‐four eyes with macular oedema associated with BRVO and six eyes of six patients undergoing cataract surgery participated in this study. Each patient with BRVO randomly received an intravitreal injection of either 4 mg triamcinolone or 1.25 mg bevacizumab. Aqueous samples were obtained before and 4 weeks after the intravitreal injection in the BRVO group and before surgery in the control group. Aqueous concentrations of 16 cytokines were measured via multiplex bead assay.

Results:  Prior to the administration of the drugs, aqueous levels of interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8, IL‐17 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were significantly higher in the BRVO group than in the control group (p = 0.044, p = 0.013, p < 0.001, and p = 0.008, respectively). Between the control group and the BRVO group, no significant differences were noted between pre‐ and postinjection best‐corrected visual acuity (p = 0.60, p = 0.54) and central foveal thickness (p = 0.47, p = 0.82). In the triamcinolone group, levels of IL‐6, IL‐17, IP‐10, platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐AA and VEGF were reduced significantly (p = 0.012, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.015, and p < 0.001, respectively). But in bevacizumab group, only VEGF was significantly reduced (p < 0.001). Between the IVTA group and the IVBe group, no significant differences in the changes in VEGF levels were noted (p = 0.06).

Conclusion:  Triamcinolone injection reduces plural inflammatory cytokines in BRVO, while bevacizumab has no influence on other cytokines as selective anti‐VEGF therapy. No differences in the therapeutic effect were noted between an inhibition of plural inflammatory cytokines and an inhibition of VEGF only.
An Optimal Test with Maximum Average Power While Controlling FDR with Application to RNA‐Seq Data
Authors: Si Yaqing , Liu Peng
Published: July 2013

The recent RNA‐seq technology is an attractive method to study gene expression. One of the most important goals in RNA‐seq data analysis is to detect genes differentially expressed across treatments. Although several statistical methods have been published, there are no theoretical justifications for whether these methods are optimal or how to search for the optimal test. Furthermore, most proposed tests are designed for testing whether the mean expression levels are exactly the same or not across treatments, whereas sometimes, biologists are interested in detecting genes with expression changes larger than a certain threshold. Another issue with current methods is that the false discovery rate (FDR) control is not well studied. In this manuscript, we propose a test to address all the above issues. Under model assumptions, we derive an optimal test that achieves the maximum of average power among those that control FDR at the same level. We also provide an approximated version, the approximated most average powerful (AMAP) test, for practical implementation. The proposed method allows for testing null hypotheses that are much more general than the ones most previous studies have considered, and it leads to a natural way of controlling the FDR. Through simulation studies, we show that our test has a higher power than other methods, including the widely‐used edgeR, DESeq, and baySeq methods, as well as better FDR control than two other FDR control procedures commonly used in practice. For demonstration, we also apply the proposed method to a real RNA‐seq dataset obtained from maize.
Does the presence of a high grade internal rectal prolapse affect the outcome of pelvic floor retraining in patients with faecal incontinence or obstructed defaecation?
Authors: Adusumilli S. , Gosselink M. P. , Fourie S. , Curran K. , Jones O. M. , Cunningham C. , Lindsey I.
Published: July 2013

Aim

Pelvic floor retraining is considered first‐line treatment for patients with faecal incontinence or obstructed defaecation. There are at present no data on the effect of a high grade internal rectal prolapse on outcomes of pelvic floor retraining. The current study aimed to assess this influence.

Method

In all, 120 consecutive patients were offered pelvic floor retraining. The predominant symptom was faecal incontinence in 56 patients (47%) and obstructed defaecation in 64 patients (53%). Patients were assessed before and after therapy using the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI), the Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms (PAC‐SYM) score and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI). Defaecography and anorectal manometry were performed in all patients before pelvic floor retraining.

Results

A high grade internal rectal prolapse was observed in 42 patients (35%). In patients with faecal incontinence without a high grade internal rectal prolapse, the FISI score decreased from 36 to 27 (P < 0.01). The FISI score did not change (32 vs 32; P = 0.93) in patients with a high grade internal rectal prolapse. The PAC‐SYM score improved significantly (24 vs 19; P = 0.01) in patients with obstructed defaecation without a high grade rectal prolapse compared with no significant change (26 vs 25; P = 0.21) in patients with a high grade rectal prolapse. Quality of life (GIQLI) improved only in patients without a high grade internal rectal prolapse.

Conclusion

Pelvic floor retraining may be useful in patients with defaecation disorders not associated with a high grade internal rectal prolapse. Patients with a high grade internal rectal prolapse may be considered for surgery from the outset.
Bilateral areolar leiomyomas in a patient undergoing BRAF inhibition therapy for melanoma
Authors: Clarke Michael , Ortel Bernhard , Brockstein Bruce , Rojanapremsuk Theera , Victor Thomas , Thomas Antoinette , Cibull Thomas
Published: July 2013

BRAF inhibition therapy, used to treat melanomas with BRAF mutations, is associated with both neoplastic and non‐neoplastic cutaneous side effects including squamous cell carcinomas, warty dyskeratomas, verrucous keratoses, photosensitivity and widespread eruptions that present histopathologically as acantholytic dyskeratosis. We report a case of a patient undergoing BRAF inhibition therapy for disseminated melanoma with a V600E mutation who developed bilateral areolar leiomyomas, one of which was biopsied and the other of which resolved after discontinuation of vemurafenib therapy. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a mesenchymal neoplasm developing in association with BRAF inhibition therapy.
Histopathology of acneiform eruptions in patients treated with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors
Authors: Brodell Lindsey A. , Hepper Donna , Lind Anne , Gru Alejandro A. , Anadkat Milan J.
Published: July 2013

Background

Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs) are anticancer agents that have been approved for use in a variety of solid tumors. EGFR‐inhibiting agents produce a variety of cutaneous adverse events: most commonly a follicular papulopustular (acneiform) eruption on the face, scalp, chest and upper back.

Objective

The goal of this manuscript is to elucidate the histopathologic findings associated with this most common adverse event.

Methods

The histopathological findings of 10 patients with papulopustular eruptions induced by EGFRIs are described and compared to the four prior published case series of acneiform rashes attributed to EGFRIs.

Results

All 10 patients in our case series showed a superficial, predominantly neutrophilic suppurative folliculitis with ectatic follicular infundibula and rupture of the epithelial lining. Similar pathology was found in the four other case series discussing this phenomenon.

Conclusion

While the characteristic clinical appearance of this rash precludes the need for a biopsy in most cases, this knowledge promotes our understanding of the pathophysiologic process. As the use of EGFRIs expands, dermatopathologists will see these reactions more commonly and will need to recognize this pattern.
Distribution and predictive factors of seizure types in 104 cases
Authors: Lacombe V. A. , Mayes M. , Mosseri S. , Reed S. M. , Ou T. H.
Published: July 2013

Reasons for performing the study

Although many studies have been performed to classify seizures by type in man and small animals, a similar study in horses is lacking.

Objectives

The aims of this study were as follows: 1) to characterise the distribution of seizure types in 104 horses presented for seizure disorders to a referral veterinary hospital; and 2) to characterise the various types of seizures by identifying associated clinical factors.

Study design

Retrospective analysis of clinical records.

Methods

Seizures were classified based on seizure type, according to the most recent accepted definitions in both human and small animal epileptology. History, clinical and neurological examinations, diagnostic investigations andpost mortemexaminations, when available, were recorded for univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses.

Results

Seizures were categorised as primary generalised in 23% of horses, focal without secondary generalisation in 42% of cases and secondary generalised in 24% of cases. The type of seizure could not be classified in 11% of cases. Significant associations were found between seizure type and the following characteristics: 1) gender; 2) frequency of seizures; and 3) presence of seizures during hospitalisation. Seizure type was not significantly associated with aetiology. For a horse with recurrent seizures, the odds of having focal seizures was 3.7 times higher (P = 0.02) than in a similar horse with nonrecurring seizures in the final logistic regression model.

Conclusions

The majority of the seizures described were focal seizures with or without secondary generalisation. The clinical presentation was independent of the underlying disease.