bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retrospective Investigation of Testosterone Undecanoate Depot for the Long-term Treatment of Male Hypogonadism in Clinical Practice
Authors: Conaglen Helen M. , Paul Ryan G. , Yarndley Tania , Kamp Jozef , Elston Marianne S. , Conaglen John V.
Published: November 2013

Introduction

Testosterone undecanoate depot (TUD) administered intramuscularly is an effective form of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for male hypogonadism. Because of the ease of administration, TUD therapy may be preferable to subcutaneously implanted extended release T pellet implants (TI).

Aim

The primary objective was to retrospectively assess the efficacy and safety of long-term (≥2 years therapy) TUD therapy in the clinical setting. The secondary objective was to retrospectively compare TUD with TI therapy.

Methods

Retrospective data were collected from the Waikato Hospital Endocrine Database for 179 hypogonadal men treated with TUD for ≥2 years from 1998–2011, with 124 of these men receiving previous TI therapy.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome measure for efficacy was serum trough total testosterone (TT), and for safety an increase in hemoglobin (Hb) and/or hematocrit (Hct), rise in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and/or prostatic biopsy and alteration in body mass index and lipid profile. Additional outcome measures were changes in the dosing and/or interval regimens for TUD therapy.

Results

Overall, 72% of trough TT levels were in the normal range for TUD therapy compared with 53% of trough TT levels during TI therapy. TUD therapy was well tolerated with 162 men (90.5%) completing 2 years of treatment, and only seven men (3.9%) stopping TUD because of adverse effects. A rise in Hb and/or Hct occurred in 25 men (14%), and a significant rise in PSA in 20 men (13%) at some stage during TUD therapy. At 2 years, 91% of men received the standard 1,000 mg TUD dose with 66% at the standard dosing interval of 10–14 weekly.

Conclusions

TUD is an efficacious, safe, and well tolerated form of TRT, and individual optimisation of the dose and/or interval is only required in the minority of men. Particularly given the ease of administration, TUD was the preferred TRT for both patients and clinicians.
An avirulence gene, AvrLmJ1, from the blackleg fungus, Leptosphaeria maculans, confers avirulence to Brassica juncea cultivars
Authors: Van de Wouw Angela P. , Lowe Rohan G. T. , Elliott Candace E. , Dubois David J. , Howlett Barbara J.
Published: November 2013

The fungus Leptosphaeria maculans causes blackleg of Brassica species. Here, we report the mapping and subsequent cloning of an avirulence gene from L. maculans. This gene, termed AvrLmJ1, confers avirulence towards all three Brassica juncea cultivars tested. Analysis of RNA‐seq data showed that AvrLmJ1 is housed in a region of the L. maculans genome which contains only one gene that is highly expressed in planta. The closest genes are 57 and 33 kb away and, like other avirulence genes of L. maculans, AvrLmJ1 is located within an AT‐rich, gene‐poor region of the genome. The encoded protein is 141 amino acids, has a predicted signal peptide and is cysteine rich. Two virulent isolates contain a premature stop codon in AvrLmJ1. Complementation of an isolate that forms cotyledonary lesions on B. juncea with the wild‐type allele of AvrLmJ1 confers avirulence towards all three B. juncea cultivars tested, suggesting that the gene may confer species‐specific avirulence activity.
Jordanian nurses' knowledge and responsibility for enteral nutrition in the critically ill
Authors: Al Kalaldeh Mahmoud , Watson Roger , Hayter Mark
Published: November 2013

Background

Poor nursing adherence to evidence‐based guidelines has negative consequences leading to higher mortality rates, delayed recovery and longer length of stay. Evidence‐based practice has the potential to minimize complications and discrepancies between nurses.

Aim

This study aimed to assess nurses' practice and perception of their knowledge and responsibility in relation to enteral nutrition (EN) in the critically ill.

Design and methods

This descriptive correlational design was applied to nurses working in intensive care units (ICUs) from three health care sectors in Jordan (Governmental, Military and Private sectors). Nurses were recruited using a stratified sampling technique. A pre‐prepared questionnaire focusing on nurses' practice and perception towards EN was used.

Results

A total of 253 ICU nurses completed the questionnaire. Nurses revealed a tendency to undertake nutritional care despite the recognition clinical nutrition is a secondary role. In terms of nursing processes, nurses showed greater levels of knowledge and responsibility for ‘preventing complications’ and ‘evaluation’ more than ‘assessment’ and ‘identifying goals’. Nurses inadequately assess both gastric residuals and tube placement before feeding. Diarrhoea was the most frequent complication followed by abdominal pain, vomiting, tube dislodgment and weight loss. However, nurses realized that the incidences of complications is less likely when applying evidence‐based protocol.

Conclusion

It is necessary to establish a preliminary assessment for patients' nutritional needs prior to using EN. Aspiration reduction measures are still deficient and need further attention. An evidence‐based protocol for EN should be adopted in the critically ill.

Relevance to clinical practice

This article provides insight into the current practice of Jordanian intensive care nurses in different health care sectors. The study can contribute to redirect the perception of nurses towards nutrition in the critically ill in addition to enhance positive adherence to evidence base.
Electronic Opioid Risk Assessment Program for Chronic Pain Patients: Barriers and Benefits of Implementation
Authors: Butler Stephen F. , Zacharoff Kevin , Charity Sadaf , Lawler Kristen , Jamison Robert N.
Published: November 2013

Objectives

A preliminary electronic pain assessment program known as Pain Assessment Interview Network, Clinical Advisory System (painCAS), was implemented in 2 pain centers over the course of 10 months to understand the tool's impact on opioid risk assessment documentation and clinical workflow. The program contains validated electronic versions of screeners for opioid misuse risk (SOAPP‐R and Current Opioid Misuse Measure).

Methods

Charts of patients with an initial and 2 follow‐up visits were randomly selected for review of presence of opioid risk assessments before and after implementation of the electronic assessment program. Clinical and administrative staff members were interviewed to gain their perceptions of the impact of the program.

Results

Significant increases were observed in the documentation of opioid risk assessments between the baseline patient chart reviews before implementation of the program (n = 66) and the postintervention patient chart reviews after the implementation of the program (n = 39), for both initial and follow‐up clinic visits (P < 0.001). Specific benefits of the program identified by 7 clinicians and 8 administrators included ease of use, reduced paperwork, completion of the assessment before the clinic visit, and incorporation of information directly into an electronic medical record (EMR). Perceived barriers to implementation included poor patient compliance, changes in administration workflow, and difficulties associated with patients with no email addresses, and limited computer skills.

Conclusions

Implementation of an opioid risk electronic pain assessment program significantly increased the likelihood that a risk assessment would be included in the medical record, which has implications for improvement of quality of care.
Role of Ozone in UV‐C Disinfection, Demonstrated by Comparison between Wild‐Type and Mutant Conidia of Aspergillus niger
Authors: Liu Jing , Zhou Lin , Chen Ji‐Hong , Mao Wang , Li Wen‐Jian , Hu Wei , Wang Shu‐Yang , Wang Chun‐Ming
Published: November 2013

This study aimed to investigate the tolerance of a melanized wild‐type strain of Aspergillus niger (CON1) and its light‐colored mutant (MUT1) to UV–C light and the concomitantly generated ozone. Treatments were segregated into four groups based on whether UV irradiation was used and the presence or absence of ozone: (−UV, −O3), (−UV, +O3), (+UV, −O3) and (+UV, +O3). The survival of CON1 and MUT1 conidia under +UV decreased as the exposure time increased, with CON1 showing greater resistance to UV irradiation than MUT1. Ozone induced CON1 conidium inactivation only under conditions of UV radiation exposure. While, the inactivation effect of ozone on MUT1 was always detectable regardless of the presence of UV irradiation. Furthermore, the CON1 conidial suspension showed lower UV light transmission than MUT1 when examined at the same concentration. Compared with the pigment in MUT1, the melanin in CON1 exhibited more potent radical‐scavenging activity and stronger UV absorbance. These results suggested that melanin protected A. niger against UV disinfection via UV screening and free radical scavenging. The process by which UV–C disinfection induces a continual decrease in conidial survival suggests that UV irradiation and ozone exert a synergistic fungicidal effect on A. niger prior to reaching a plateau.
Evaluating complications during intraoral administration of local anesthetics in a rural, portable special needs dental clinic
Authors: Boynes Sean , Riley Amah , Milbee Sarah
Published: November 2013

The aim of this study was to identify and quantify complications with local anesthetic administration on consecutive patients seen for dental care in a portable dental clinic providing care to patients with special needs. This prospective study includes data on the patients seen by the portable dental team. A standardized form is used to determine complications and associated information for 172 dental visits in which local anesthetic is administered. After statistical analysis of 172 consecutive cases, the overall complication rate is 8.1%. All of the complications are considered to be mild or moderate; there are no reports of severe events. The complications encountered most frequently are associated with self‐inflicted soft tissue injury or inadequate anesthesia. Comprehensive care with local anesthesia delivered by a portable dental clinic has a low risk of complication. The administration of an inferior alveolar nerve block or body‐mass status appears to affect the incidence of complications.
Long‐range sequencing revealed a new KIR3DL1*0150204 allele in 20 individuals of Asian descent
Authors: Yindom L.‐M. , Wang L. , Dong T. , Rowland‐Jones S. L.
Published: November 2013

The novel KIR3DL1*0150204 has four point mutations: 3037G>A, 4115A>G, 6053G>C, and 8034A>G compared to KIR3DL1*0150201.
HIV-1 Vpr Induces Adipose Dysfunction in Vivo Through Reciprocal Effects on PPAR/GR Co-Regulation
Authors: Agarwal Neeti , Iyer Dinakar , Patel Sanjeet G. , Sekhar Rajagopal V. , Phillips Terry M. , Schubert Ulrich , Oplt Toni , Buras Eric D. , Samson Susan L. , Couturier Jacob , Lewis Dorothy E. , Rodriguez-Barradas Maria C. , Jahoor Farook , Kino Tomoshige , Kopp Jeffrey B. , Balasubramanyam Ashok
Published: November 2013

HIV-1 Vpr induces the cardinal metabolic defects of HIV-associated lipodystrophy and hepatosteatosis in vivo.
Inhibitor of Cysteine Proteases Is Critical for Motility and Infectivity of
Plasmodium
Sporozoites
Authors: Boysen Katja E. , Matuschewski Kai
Published: November 2013

Malaria is transmitted when motile sporozoites are injected into the dermis by an infected female
Anopheles
mosquito. Inside the mosquito vector, sporozoites egress from midgut-associated oocysts and eventually penetrate the acinar cells of salivary glands. Parasite-encoded factors with exclusive vital roles in the insect vector can be studied by classical reverse genetics. Here, we characterized the
in vivo
roles of
Plasmodium berghei
falstatin/ICP (inhibitor of cysteine proteases). This protein was previously suggested to act as a protease inhibitor during erythrocyte invasion. We show by targeted gene disruption that loss of ICP function does not affect growth inside the mammalian host but causes a complete defect in sporozoite transmission. Sporogony occurred normally in
icp
(−) parasites, but hemocoel sporozoites showed a defect in continuous gliding motility and infectivity for salivary glands, which are prerequisites for sporozoite transmission to the mammalian host. Absence of ICP correlates with enhanced cleavage of circumsporozoite protein, in agreement with a role as a protease regulator. We conclude that ICP is essential for only the final stages of sporozoite maturation inside the mosquito vector. This study is the first genetic evidence that an ICP is necessary for the productive motility of a eukaryotic parasitic cell.

IMPORTANCE
Cysteine proteases and their inhibitors are considered ideal drug targets for the treatment of a wide range of diseases, including cancer and parasitic infections. In protozoan parasites, including
Leishmania
,
Trypanosoma
, and
Plasmodium
, cysteine proteases play important roles in life cycle progression. A mouse malaria model provides an unprecedented opportunity to study the roles of a parasite-encoded inhibitor of cysteine proteases (ICP) over the entire parasite life cycle. By precise gene deletion, we found no evidence that ICP influences disease progression or parasite virulence. Instead, we discovered that this factor is necessary for parasite movement and malaria transmission from mosquitoes to mammals. This finding in a fast-moving unicellular protozoan has important implications for malaria intervention strategies and the roles of ICPs in the regulation of eukaryotic cell migration.
Low-Dose Laser Acupuncture for Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain: A Double-Blind Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Glazov Gregory , Yelland Michael , Emery Jon
Published: November 2013

Objective

To determine if infrared laser acupuncture (LA) may have a specific effect in reducing pain and disability in treatment of chronic low back pain (LBP).

Methods

This was a double-blind sham laser controlled trial performed in general practices in Perth, Western Australia. The participants were 144 adults with chronic non-specific LBP. They were randomised to receive eight once-weekly treatments. Laser machines (20 mW, 840 nm diode, power density 0.1 W/cm2) stimulated points in three treatment groups: sham (0 joules/point), low dose (0.2 J/point) and high dose (0.8 joules/point). Participants were followed-up at 1 and 6 weeks, and 6 and 12 months post treatment. Primary outcomes were pain (Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)) and disability (Oswestry Disability Inventory (ODI)) at 6 weeks post treatment. Secondary outcomes included numerical rating scale for limitation of activity, global assessment of improvement, analgesic usage and adverse effects after treatment.

Results

The analysis showed no difference between sham and the laser groups at 6 weeks for pain or disability. There was a significant reduction in mean pain and disability in all groups at 6 weeks (p<0.005); NPRS: sham (−1.5 (95% CI −2.1 to −0.8)), low dose (−1.3 (−2.0 to −0.8)), high dose (−1.1 (−1.7 to −0.5)). ODI: sham (−4.0 (−7.1 to −1.0)), low dose (−4.1, (−6.7 to −1.5)), high dose (−2.6 (−5.7 to 0.5)). All secondary outcomes also showed clinical improvement over time but with no differences between groups.

Conclusions

LA using energy density range (0–4 J/cm2) for the treatment of chronic non-specific LBP resulted in clinical improvement unrelated to laser stimulation.

Trial Registration

http://www.anzctr.org.au ACTRN12610000043033.
Randomised Clinical Trials on Acupuncture in the Korean Literature: Bibliometric Analysis and Methodological Quality
Authors: Kim Sina , Sagong Hye Seon , Kong Jae Cheol , Choi Jun-Yong , Lee Myeong Soo , Wieland L Susan , Manheimer Eric , Shin Byung-Cheul
Published: November 2013

Objective

Acupuncture systematic reviewers have increasingly searched Chinese databases and journals to identify eligible randomised clinical trials (RCTs). However, reviewers have infrequently searched for eligible RCTs in Korean databases and journals. This study aimed to identify difficult to locate acupuncture RCTs in Korean databases and journals and to assess the characteristics and quality of the identified RCTs.

Methods

Eleven electronic databases and seven journals were searched up to December 2012. All RCTs using needle acupuncture were considered for inclusion. Key study characteristics were extracted and risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool.

Results

One hundred and forty-three publications met our inclusion criteria. Acupuncture RCTs in the Korean literature emerged in the mid-1990s and increased in the mid-2000s. Diverse methods of acupuncture were used, including some methods unique to Korea (eg, Saam acupuncture). The largest proportion of trials evaluated acupuncture for musculoskeletal conditions (27.3%). The mean sample size was 44.3±25.3 per trial. Random sequence generation methods were reported in 44.8% of the RCTs, whereas only 11.9% reported methods of allocation concealment. A low proportion of trials reported participant blinding (32.9%) and outcome assessment blinding (18.9%).

Conclusions

Korean acupuncture trials, many of which evaluate acupuncture styles unique to Korea, are typically omitted from systematic reviews of acupuncture, resulting in the potential for language bias. The development of this database of difficult to locate Korean trials, which includes English language translations of abstracts, will enable these trials of varying quality to be assessed for inclusion in future acupuncture systematic reviews.
Non-invasive, low-grade papillary urothelial carcinoma in the urachus
Authors: Pedersen Gyrithe Lynghøj , Dahl Claus , Azawi Nessn Htum
Published: November 2013

The urachus is a duct connecting the allantois with the fetal bladder, forming the median umbilical ligament; it usually obliterates during fetal life. Carcinomas arising from urachal remnants are rare but associated with a poor prognosis. We present one case of non-invasive urachal papillary urothelial carcinoma, and through a systematic literature search, we identified 12 additional cases of urachal urothelial carcinoma reported in English literature in the past 20 years. The cases were compared according to the Sheldon Staging System and the Mayo Staging System presented by Ashleyet alin 2006, and both Staging Systems tend to predict clinical outcome. The urachal carcinoma is an important differential diagnosis in patients presenting with haematuria or an infraumbilical mass, because the symptoms may be sparse and diagnosis at an early stage is essential for successful treatment.
Reduction in myocardial infarction admissions in Liverpool after the smoking ban: potential socioeconomic implications for policymaking
Authors: Liu Andrew , Guzman Castillo Maria , Capewell Simon , Lucy John , O'Flaherty Martin
Published: November 2013

Objectives

To analyse the trends and trend changes in myocardial infraction (MI) and coronary heart disease (CHD) admissions, to investigate the effects of the 2007 smoke-free legislation on these trends, and to consider the policy implications of any findings.

Design setting

Liverpool (city), UK.

Participants

Hospital episode statistics data on all 56 995 admissions for CHD in Liverpool between 2004 and 2012 (International Classification of Diseases codes I20–I25 coded as an admission diagnosis within the defined dates).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Trend gradient and change points (by trend regressions analysis) in age-standardised MI admissions in Liverpool between 2004 and 2012; by sex and by socioeconomic status. Secondary analysis on CHD admissions.

Results

A significant and sustained reduction was seen in MI admissions in Liverpool beginning within 1 year of the smoking ban. Comparing 2005/2006 and 2010/2011, the age-adjusted rates for MI admissions fell by 42% (39–45%) (41.6% in men and by 42.6% in women). Trend analysis shows that this is significantly greater than the background trend of decreasing admissions. These reductions appeared consistent across all socioeconomic groups. Interestingly, admission rates for total CHD (including mild to severe angina) increased by 10% (8–12%).

Conclusions

A dramatic reduction in MI admissions in Liverpool has been observed coinciding with the smoking ban in 2007. Furthermore, the benefits were apparent across the socioeconomic spectrum. Health inequalities were not affected and may even have been reduced. The rapid effects observed with this top-down, environmental policy may further increase its value to policymakers.
Improving adherence to guidelines for extended venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Patel Markand , Harris Mark , Tapply Ian , Longman Rob
Published: November 2013

Extended venous thromboembolism prophylaxis (EVTEP) with low-molecular weight heparin such as enoxaparin for 28 days following surgery for cancer significantly reduces venous thromboembolic events compared to a standard 6-10 day course. National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines suggest EVTEP should be offered to patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery. Local EVTEP prescribing and monitoring guidelines in a busy inner city teaching hospital colorectal surgery unit, were devised to ensure NICE guidelines are followed. Adherence to local EVTEP guidelines was recorded through a retrospective audit of patients undergoing elective colorectal cancer surgery during February 2011 (n=19). Prospective re-audit cycles were undertaken during April-May (n=17) and September-December 2012 (n=17). The first audit cycle revealed that overall standards were not being met with just 11% of ‘at risk’ patients being correctly identified in pre-operative assessment clinic and continued low adherence to guidelines on the ward with only 44% of patients being prescribed EVTEP at discharge. Following each audit cycle, educational interventions were directed towards the multi-disciplinary team involved in the care of patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery. This involved education of the team members regarding EVTEP, presentation of the audit results with instruction for improvement. Results of the second and third audit cycles showed improvements in guideline adherence with 100% of patients in these cohorts having been prescribed EVTEP at discharge. Marked improvements were also seen in the correct identification of ‘at risk’ patients, patient education in pre-operative assessment clinic, and warning of potential side-effects. This project has shown a significant global improvement in EVTEP-related patient care and adherence to local guidelines following education of the multi-disciplinary team involved, which consequently reduced the risk of venous thromboembolism within this patient cohort.
The impact of the Iraq War on neonatal polio immunisation coverage: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Cetorelli Valeria
Published: November 2013

Background

The public health consequences of the Iraq War (2003–2011) have remained difficult to quantify, mainly due to a scarcity of adequate data. This paper is the first to assess whether and to what extent the war affected neonatal polio immunisation coverage.

Method

The study relies on retrospective neonatal polio vaccination histories from the 2000, 2006 and 2011 Iraq Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (N=64 141). Pooling these surveys makes it possible to reconstruct yearly trends in immunisation coverage from 1996 to 2010. The impact of the war is identified with a difference-in-difference approach contrasting immunisation trends in the autonomous Kurdish provinces, which remained relatively safe during the war, with trends in the central and southern provinces, where violence and disruption were pervasive.

Results

After controlling for individual and household characteristics, year of birth and province of residence, children exposed to the war were found to be 21.5 percentage points (95% CI −0.341 to −0.089) less likely to have received neonatal polio immunisation compared with non-exposed children.

Conclusions

The decline in neonatal polio immunisation coverage is part of a broader war-induced deterioration of routine maternal and newborn health services. Postwar strategies to promote institutional deliveries and ensure adequate vaccine availability in primary health facilities could increase dramatically the percentage of newborns immunised.
Assessment of reproductive requirements in habitat conservation efforts: a case study on blackside dace (Chrosomus cumberlandensis), a federally listed threatened species
Authors: Scherer Avery E. , Santangelo Nicholas
Published: November 2013

Species conservation efforts often fail to consider specific-species reproductive requirements. This omission is understandable given that collection of such data must focus on individual taxa and is potentially disruptive. However, spawning requirements remain a vital component in long-term conservation efforts. Using blackside dace (Chrosomus cumberlandensis), a federally listed threatened species, we demonstrate how reproductive habitat can be unobtrusively quantified to improve restoration efforts. Reproductive habitat characteristics are unquantified for blackside dace. However, these fish spawn in certain areas, suggesting they have specific reproductive microhabitat requirements. The physical habitat of nests and surrounding areas was characterized by assessing depth, stream flow, and physical structure, which were correlated with nest activity. Flow and depth were the most influential factors in determining nest location and nest activity, respectively, and nest activity was positively correlated with substrate size. These data are a critical component for ongoing habitat restoration and captive breeding efforts for this species, providing the foundation for recreating essential reproductive habitat. Our study emphasizes the importance of understanding a species’ reproductive habitat requirements and ecology to aid habitat restoration efforts for threatened species.
Optical properties of photoconductor using crystalline selenium
Authors: Imura Shigeyuki , Kikuchi Kenji , Miyakawa Kazunori , Kubota Misao
Published: November 2013

Recently, there has been an increased need for highly sensitive solid-state imaging devices to develop high-resolution and high-speed image sensors. Crystalline selenium is a suitable material for a photosensitive layer because of its high absorption coefficient in the visible light region. In our experiment with an image pick-up tube using crystalline selenium as a photosensitive layer, a high-resolution image was obtained for the first time. In addition, test sandwich cells have been fabricated to demonstrate a large photocurrent multiplication phenomenon with very high quantum efficiency greatly exceeding unity as a result of injection carriers from an external electrode caused by a high electric field at the interface between the crystalline selenium and the metal electrode.
Investigation of porosity and atmospheric gas diffusion in microcrystalline silicon fabricated at high growth rates
Authors: Michard S. , Meier M. , Zastrow U. , Astakhov O. , Finger F.
Published: November 2013

The effects of postdeposition air exposure of microcrystalline silicon films, prepared at varied deposition rates, are investigated. The changes in the oxygen content, evaluated from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements, were studied over a period of time after deposition (up to 180 days) depending on deposition rate and Raman intensity ratio. Two types of behavior were identified: in the case of highly crystalline samples, an oxygen uptake increases with increasing Raman intensity ratio; while less crystalline samples were found to be more stable against oxygen incorporation. These observations are related to the film microstructure and porosity and are linked to the variations in Raman intensity ratio and growth rate of microcrystalline silicon films.
Microclimate preferences correlate with contrasted evaporative water loss in parapatric vipers at their contact zone
Authors: Guillon Michaël , Guiller Gaëtan , DeNardo Dale F. , Lourdais Olivier
Published: November 2013

Terrestrial ectotherms predominantly use behavioural means to thermoregulate and thereby optimize performances. However, thermoregulation can impart physiological challenges to other critical processes such as water balance by increasing evaporative water loss (EWL). Like thermoregulation, water balance is influenced by both external factors (e.g., microhabitat and environmental constraints) and endogenous traits (e.g., evaporative water loss rates, dehydration tolerance). Although thermoregulation and water balance are tightly linked, the role of water balance is often overlooked when evaluating species climatic adaptation and response to global warming. We studied two congeneric viperid species (the Aspic Viper, Vipera aspis (L., 1758), and the Common Viper, Vipera berus (L., 1758)) with contrasted climatic affinities (south European versus boreal, respectively). These parapatric species are syntopic in narrow contact zones where microhabitat partitioning has been reported. We compared total EWL and cutaneous evaporative water loss (CEWL) of the two species and monitored the thermal and hydric conditions of the microhabitats used in syntopic populations. We found that the boreal V. berus has greater EWL, both total and cutaneous. Accordingly, this species selected more humid microhabitats throughout the year. Humidity appears to be an important determinant of habitat selection, and therefore, V. berus is likely vulnerable to changing precipitation at the southern limit of its distribution.
Boolean linear differential operators on elementary cellular automata
Authors: Martín del Rey Ángel
Published: November 2013

In this paper, the notion of boolean linear differential operator (BLDO) on elementary cellular automata (ECA) is introduced and some of their more important properties are studied. Special attention is paid to those differential operators whose coefficients are the ECA with rule numbers 90 and 150.
DETAILED INVESTIGATION OF THE TENSOR FORCE ON THE EVALUATION OF THE SINGLE PARTICLE LEVELS OF Z = 28 AND Z = 82 NUCLEI
Authors: YÜKSEL E. , GÖK Ç , BOZKURT K.
Published: November 2013

In this work, effects of tensor force on the evaluation of shell structure of Z = 28 and Z = 82 isotopes are investigated in the framework of Hartree–Fock+BCS approach. Skyrme type SLy5 and SIII interactions are used with and without tensor interaction. The effect of tensor force on the gap evaluation, single particle energies and spin-orbit splittings of the selected isotopic chain are presented. Pairing energy results are also discussed. It is shown that tensor force plays a crucial role in the evaluation of the single particle states and changing spin-orbit splittings of Nickel and Lead isotopic chain.
LAGRANGIAN FORMULATION OF A MAGNETOSTATIC FIELD IN THE PRESENCE OF A MINIMAL LENGTH SCALE BASED ON THE KEMPF ALGEBRA
Authors: MOAYEDI S. K. , SETARE M. R. , KHOSROPOUR B.
Published: November 2013

In the 1990s, Kempf and his collaborators Mangano and Mann introduced a D-dimensional (β, β′)-two-parameter deformed Heisenberg algebra which leads to an isotropic minimal length [Formula: see text]. In this work, the Lagrangian formulation of a magnetostatic field in three spatial dimensions (D = 3) described by Kempf algebra is presented in the special case of β′ = 2β up to the first-order over β. We show that at the classical level there is a similarity between magnetostatics in the presence of a minimal length scale (modified magnetostatics) and the magnetostatic sector of the Abelian Lee–Wick model in three spatial dimensions. The integral form of Ampere's law and the energy density of a magnetostatic field in the modified magnetostatics are obtained. Also, the Biot–Savart law in the modified magnetostatics is found. By studying the effect of minimal length corrections to the gyromagnetic moment of the muon, we conclude that the upper bound on the isotropic minimal length scale in three spatial dimensions is 4.42×10-19m. The relationship between magnetostatics with a minimal length and the Gaete–Spallucci nonlocal magnetostatics [J. Phys. A: Math. Theor. 45, 065401 (2012)] is investigated.
On some Montgomery's results on algebras with involution in superalgebras
Authors: Laliena Jesús , Rizzo Roberto
Published: November 2013

We study semiprime superalgebras with superinvolution whose symmetric or skewsymmetric elements are assumed to be regular or nilpotent, and superalgebras in which xx* = 0 implies x*x = 0.
Zero-divisor graph of abelian groups
Authors: Baziar M. , Momtahan E. , Safaeeyan S. , Ranjebar N.
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we will extend the notion of zero-divisor graph of commutative rings to zero-divisor graph of abelian groups and study this zero-divisor graph. We characterize the zero-divisor graph of almost all abelian groups. Just a few classes of reduced abelian groups remain untouched in this paper.
Acid-base and aggregation behavior of water soluble N-confused porphyrin
Authors: Shaw Janet L. , McMurry Jonathan L. , Salehi Pooya , Stovall Alexander
Published: November 2013

The acid-base and aggregation behavior of water soluble meso-tetrakis(p-sulfonato-phenyl)N-confused porphyrin was explored using UV-visible spectroscopy. Stepwise protonation events were observed in acidic media with pK4 = 5.8 and pK3 = 7.7, and spectroscopic evidence suggests the formation of polymeric aggregates at low pH. meso-tetrakis(p-sulfonatophenyl)N-confused porphyrin was found to obey Beer's Law in dimethylformamide and methanol over the concentration range of 10-4 to 10-6 M and at low concentration in water. Deviations in water at higher concentration were analyzed to determine KD values for aggregate formation in the presence and absence of salt and buffer.
SHS-HTTPS enforcer
Authors: B Sugavanesh , R Hari Prasath , S Selvakumar
Published: November 2013

Web servers provide immunity against Man In The Middle (MITM) attacks and eavesdropping by using HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) to force user agents to communicate only over HTTPS connections. However, the initial connection request from a user is made over an insecure HTTP connection. This issue was addressed by user agents; Google Chrome and Firefox, implicitly, by including a static list of URLs to be accessed only over secure HTTPS connections. Since, these user agents maintain their lists independently, the URLs used by one user agent are invisible to another. A user is prone to MITM attacks, especially in public hotspot environments, when accessing a URL present in the list of secure URLs of one browser but not in another, since the initial handshake from that user agent is insecure. Attacks can be initiated by modifying the outgoing HTTP packets and also the HTTPS response packets from the webserver. This motivated us to propose a solution independent of user agents, by merging the static URL lists of different user agents and enforcing HTTPS for all those URLs. In this paper, we propose a solution, SHSHTTPS Enforcer that introduces a local daemon to enforce URL redirection before the request flows out of the client for the URLs in a list compiled from multiple sources. The proposed solution has been demonstrated through a prototype implementation of the Squid Proxy server as our local daemon. The experiment was conducted by providing a URL, which was not present in one browser's list but was present in another browser's list. It was evident that SHS-HTTPS Enforcer enforced HTTPS successfully and MITM attacks were prevented.
A novel bipartite graph approach for selection and prioritisation of test cases
Authors: Garg Deepak , Datta Amitava , French Tim
Published: November 2013

Every regression testing cycle of a software application results in new test cases being introduced in a test suite. Many test cases from previous regression testing cycles become unstable or unusable due to the removal/addition of the new functionalities. The execution of a large number of unusable test cases results in less test coverage and higher test execution time. The lower test coverage is due to the coverage of the non-existent code statements. The higher test execution time is due to the execution of unused and broken test cases. In this paper, we propose a new bipartite graph approach to eliminate the subset of test cases that are not relevant for the testing of the current version of a software application. The suggested approach helps in executing a minimal set of test cases that are required to cover more code statements.
An extended ravenscar profile for execution time control
Authors: Gregertsen Kristoffer Nyborg
Published: November 2013

This position paper argues that an "extended Ravenscar" profile supporting execution time control should be specified. The new profile should add sufficent tasking features to handle execution time overruns, while keeping most of the Ravenscar properties such as a static task set and efficient run-time environments.
A new partnership to reform HS
Authors: Astrachan Owen , Chapman Gail , Goode Joanna , Osborne Brook , Yongpradit Pat
Published: November 2013

Changing the landscape of computer science education for both K-12 and higher education requires efforts by a large community working together to achieve education reform at scale. We are excited to announce that three groups---Code.org, Exploring Computer Science (ECS) and Computer Science Principles (CSP)---have formed a public/private partnership that will build on previous work of ECS and CSP.
CPU frequency emulation based on DVFS
Authors: Kamga Christine Mayap
Published: November 2013

Nowadays, virtualization is present in almost all computing infrastructures. Thanks to VM migration and server consolidation, virtualization helps in reducing power consumption in distributed environments. On another side, Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS) allows servers to dynamically modify the processor frequency (according to the CPU load) in order to achieve less energy consumption. We observe that DVFS is mainly used, but still generates a waste of energy. In fact, the DVFS frequency scaling policies are based on advertised processor frequency. By default and thanks to the ondemand governor, it scales up or down the processor frequency according to the current load and the different predefined threshold (up and down). However, the set of frequencies constitutes a discrete range of frequencies. In this case, the frequency required for a specific load will almost be scaled to a frequency more higher than expected; which leads to a non-efficient use of energy. In this paper, we analyze and address a way of emulating a precise CPU frequency thanks to the DVFS management in virtualized environments. We implemented and evaluated our prototype in the Xen hypervisor.
NF-κB and STAT1 control CXCL1 and CXCL2 gene transcription
Authors: Burke Susan J. , Lu Danhong , Sparer Tim E. , Masi Thomas , Goff Matthew R. , Karlstad Michael D. , Collier J. Jason
Published: November 2013

Diabetes mellitus results from immune cell invasion into pancreatic islets of Langerhans, eventually leading to selective destruction of the insulin-producing β-cells. How this process is initiated is not well understood. In this study, we investigated the regulation of the CXCL1 and CXCL2 genes, which encode proteins that promote migration of CXCR2+cells, such as neutrophils, toward secreting tissue. Herein, we found that IL-1β markedly enhanced the expression of the CXCL1 and CXCL2 genes in rat islets and β-cell lines, which resulted in increased secretion of each of these proteins. CXCL1 and CXCL2 also stimulated the expression of specific integrin proteins on the surface of human neutrophils. Mutation of a consensus NF-κB genomic sequence present in both gene promoters reduced the ability of IL-1β to promote transcription. In addition, IL-1β induced binding of the p65 and p50 subunits of NF-κB to these consensus κB regulatory elements as well as to additional κB sites located near the core promoter regions of each gene. Additionally, serine-phosphorylated STAT1 bound to the promoters of the CXCL1 and CXCL2 genes. We further found that IL-1β induced specific posttranslational modifications to histone H3 in a time frame congruent with transcription factor binding and transcript accumulation. We conclude that IL-1β-mediated regulation of the CXCL1 and CXCL2 genes in pancreatic β-cells requires stimulus-induced changes in histone chemical modifications, recruitment of the NF-κB and STAT1 transcription factors to genomic regulatory sequences within the proximal gene promoters, and increases in phosphorylated forms of RNA polymerase II.
Pharmacological enhancement of leg and muscle microvascular blood flow does not augment anabolic responses in skeletal muscle of young men under fed conditions
Authors: Phillips Bethan E. , Atherton Philip J. , Varadhan Krishna , Wilkinson Daniel J. , Limb Marie , Selby Anna L. , Rennie Michael J. , Smith Kenneth , Williams John P.
Published: November 2013

Skeletal muscle anabolism associated with postprandial plasma aminoacidemia and insulinemia is contingent upon amino acids (AA) and insulin crossing the microcirculation-myocyte interface. In this study, we hypothesized that increasing muscle microvascular blood volume (flow) would enhance fed-state anabolic responses in muscle protein turnover. We studied 10 young men (23.2 ± 2.1 yr) under postabsorptive and fed [iv Glamin (∼10 g AA), glucose ∼7.5 mmol/l] conditions. Methacholine was infused into the femoral artery of one leg to determine, via bilateral comparison, the effects of feeding alone vs. feeding plus pharmacological vasodilation. We measured leg blood flow (LBF; femoral artery) by Doppler ultrasound, muscle microvascular blood volume (MBV) by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and breakdown (MPB; a-v balance modeling), and net protein balance (NPB) using [1,2-13C2]leucine and [2H5]phenylalanine tracers via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Indexes of anabolic signaling/endothelial activation (e.g., Akt/mTORC1/NOS) were assessed using immunoblotting techniques. Under fed conditions, LBF (+12 ± 5%, P < 0.05), MBV (+25 ± 10%, P < 0.05), and MPS (+129 ± 33%, P < 0.05) increased. Infusion of methacholine further enhanced LBF (+126 ± 12%, P < 0.05) and MBV (+79 ± 30%, P < 0.05). Despite these radically different blood flow conditions, neither increases in MPS in response to feeding (0.04 ± 0.004 vs. 0.08 ± 0.01%/h, P < 0.05) nor improvements in NPB (−4.4 ± 2.4 vs. 16.4 ± 5.7 nmol Phe·100 ml leg−1·min−1, P < 0.05) were affected by methacholine infusion (MPS 0.07 ± 0.01%/h; NPB 24.0 ± 7.7 nmol Phe·100 ml leg−1·min−1), whereas MPB was unaltered by either feeding or infusion of methacholine. Thus, enhancing LBF/MBV above that occurring naturally with feeding alone does not improve muscle anabolism.
Loss ofPgc-1αexpression in aging mouse muscle potentiates glucose intolerance and systemic inflammation
Authors: Sczelecki Sarah , Besse-Patin Aurèle , Abboud Alexandra , Kleiner Sandra , Laznik-Bogoslavski Dina , Wrann Christiane D. , Ruas Jorge L. , Haibe-Kains Benjamin , Estall Jennifer L.
Published: November 2013

Diabetes risk increases significantly with age and correlates with lower oxidative capacity in muscle. Decreased expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α ( Pgc-1α) and target gene pathways involved in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation are associated with muscle insulin resistance, but a causative role has not been established. We sought to determine whether a decline in Pgc-1α and oxidative gene expression occurs during aging and potentiates the development of age-associated insulin resistance. Muscle-specific Pgc-1α knockout (MKO) mice and wild-type littermate controls were aged for 2 yr. Genetic signatures of skeletal muscle (microarray and mRNA expression) and metabolic profiles (glucose homeostasis, mitochondrial metabolism, body composition, lipids, and indirect calorimetry) of mice were compared at 3, 12, and 24 mo of age. Microarray and gene set enrichment analysis highlighted decreased function of the electron transport chain as characteristic of both aging muscle and loss of Pgc-1α expression. Despite significant reductions in oxidative gene expression and succinate dehydrogenase activity, young mice lacking Pgc-1α in muscle had lower fasting glucose and insulin. Consistent with loss of oxidative capacity during aging, Pgc-1α and Pgc-1β expression were reduced in aged wild-type mouse muscle. Interestingly, the combination of age and loss of muscle Pgc-1α expression impaired glucose tolerance and led to increased fat mass, insulin resistance, and inflammatory markers in white adipose and liver tissues. Therefore, loss of Pgc-1α expression and decreased mitochondrial oxidative capacity contribute to worsening glucose tolerance and chronic systemic inflammation associated with aging.
Contribution of CBX4 to cumulus oophorus cell phenotype in mice and attendant effects in cumulus cell cloned embryos
Authors: Hao Lanping , Midic Uros , Garriga Judith , Latham Keith E.
Published: November 2013

Cumulus oophorus cells play an essential role in oocyte development. They are also widely employed as donor cells for cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer. Our previous studies revealed that Cbx4 mRNA was overexpressed in cloned two-cell embryos. These data indicated that CBX4 may regulate normal cumulus cell differentiation and that its overexpression in clones could contribute to aberrant gene regulation. We used siRNA-mediated knockdown of Cbx4 to assess its role in determining cumulus cell phenotype and compared the effects of this knockdown to published data for aberrant gene regulation in cloned embryos. We observed widespread effects on the expression of genes related to diverse processes in cultured cumulus cells, including cell assembly/proliferation and DNA replication/repair, endocrine function, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, inflammation, and cell morphology, with apparent effects of CBX4 in promoting cumulus cell proliferation and survival and inhibiting differentiation. Overall, the data implicate CBX4 as a key component in the pathway integrating endocrine signals, intraovarian paracrine factors, and oocyte-derived factors in the control of cumulus cell functions. We also observed altered expression of 25 cumulus cell markers of oocyte quality, indicating an important role of CBX4 in production of high quality oocytes. Finally, we found that about one-quarter of the genes showing aberrant transcription in cloned embryos are sensitive to Cbx4 knockdown in cumulus cells, consistent with a role for aberrant Cbx4 regulation in elaborating abnormal cloned embryo characteristics.
Implementation of Low-Cost UHF RFID Reader Front-Ends with Carrier Leakage Suppression Circuit
Authors: You Bin , Yang Bo , Wen Xuan , Qu Liangyu
Published: November 2013

A new ultrahigh frequency radio frequency identification (UHF RFID) reader’s front-end circuit which is based on zero-IF, single antenna structure and composed of discrete components has been designed. The proposed design brings a significant improvement of the reading performance by adopting a carrier leakage suppression (CLS) circuit instead of a circulator which is utilized by most of the conventional RF front-end circuit. Experimental results show that the proposed design improves both the sensitivity and detection range compared to the conventional designs.