bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison of the prediction of apparent metabolisable energy content of starchy grains and cereal by-products for poultry from its chemical components, in vitro analysis or near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Losada B. , García Rebollar P. , Cachaldora P. , Álvarez C. , Méndez J. , Blas C. de
Published: November 2013

Regression models including chemical composition, in vitro digestibility and near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) were compared in order to predict the energy value of several feed ingredients for poultry. The nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolisable energy content (AMEn) in cockerels and its proportion on total gross energy (AMEn/GE) were determined in 94 batches from six starchy grains and six cereal byproducts. Two preliminary trials were also designed to adapt in vitro methods for prediction of in vivo energy values for poultry. Mean concentrations of AMEn of the ingredient studied ranged from 2,464 to 3,595 kcal/kg DM, and those of AMEn/GE from 53.7 to 80.0%. The most precise model of prediction of AMEn and AMEn/GE values was that based on NIRS equations (R2cv = 0.823 and 0.861, respectively). The best single chemical predictor of these energy values was the neutral detergent fibre concentration (R2 = 0.616 and 0.736, respectively). Further inclusion of ether extract and ash contents in the AMEn model and those of starch and ether extract in the AMEn/GE model allowed increasing coefficients of determination up to 0.791 and 0.839, respectively. A model including linear and quadratic effects of in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMd) provided a similar prediction of AMEn/GE values (R2 = 0.833). However the prediction of AMEn from IVOMd was worse (R2 = 0.62), as variations among batches of GE concentration (from 4,225 to 5,896 kcal/kg DM) were little related to in vitro digestibility values.
Assessment of genetic diversity of selected tartary and common buckwheat accessions
Authors: Hlásná Cepková P. , Janovská D. , Stehno Z.
Published: November 2013

Genetic diversity of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture is a unique and irreplaceable source for further crop genetic improvement. The aim of this paper was the field evaluation of buckwheat genetic resources in the Czech Republic. In the case of the 77 common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.) genotypes, most had reddishgreen stems (80%), cordate leaves (82%), white flowers (87%), and grey ovate achenes (44% and 57%, respectively). Vegetative growth duration ranged from 104 to 131 days. The 1000 seed weight (TSW) varied from 18.6 to 33.2 g. In the 15 tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.) genotypes, there were no remarkable differences in morphological traits. Vegetative growth duration was 101 to 148 days, and the TSW varied from 8.10 to 20.0 g. Similarity/dissimilarity dendograms were calculated using the results of the field evaluation. Principal component analysis was also performed. The dendrograms showed high diversity in the morphological and phenological characteristics evaluated. Performance of the buckwheat varieties, particularly, their developmental stages, depended highly on the weather conditions of the year. Only days to flowering seemed to be affected by variety. Because the evaluation was made according to the IPGRI buckwheat descriptors the characteristics are compatible with data from other gene banks.
Uma interpretação alternativa da origem dos turmalina leucogranitos de Mailasqui, São Paulo
Authors: Pressinotti Paulo Cesar , Silva Rubens Borges da , Hasui Yociteru , Martins Fernando Antonio Guimarães
Published: November 2013

Os granitos de fonte crostal são importantes por constituírem forte inêlicação de ambiente colisional e por serem potenciais portadores de mineralizações epigenéticas de inúmeros elementos litófilos (Sn. W, Li, Be, U, Nb, Ta, ETR, etc.) Apresenta-se aqui uma interpretação alternativa sobre a origem dos turmalina leucogranitos que ocorrem a norte da localidade de Mailasqui, Estado de São Paulo - o Granito de Mailasqui - e faz-se uma primeira abordagem do potencial metalífero deste tipo particular de plutonito ácido que ocorre nas proximidades da cidade de São Paulo.
Vibrotestemunhador leve: construção, utilização e potencialidades
Authors: Martin Louis , Flexor Jean-Marie , Suguio Kenitiro
Published: November 2013

É bastante difícil obter testemunhos não-perturbados ou com mínima perturbação de depósitos sedimentares moles, principalmente de idade quatemária. Por outro lado, detalhes de estruturas primárias devem ser preservados tornando factível reconstruir, tão perfeitos quanto possível, seus ambientes de sedimentação. Um vibrotestemunhador muito leve e barato, adequadamente usado para sedimentos argilo-arenosos e orgânicos, como depósitos de fundo de baía, lacustres ou lagunares, é aqui descrito.
Solve It! Seeing Dots
Authors: Bair Sherry L. , Cady JoAnn
Published: November 2013

To elicit creative student thinking, this open-ended problem asks solvers to build polygons on a geoboard.
The Great Mathematician Project
Authors: Goldberg Sabrina R.
Published: November 2013

Introduce mixed-ability classes to a project exploring famous mathematicians and scientists and ignite students' math interest.
Quick Reads: Engaging Geometry Students through Technology
Authors: Andreasen Janet B. , Haciomeroglu Erhan S.
Published: November 2013

Dynamic software is used to teach geometry, tying into the Common Core's Standard 5, “Use appropriate tools strategically.”
Delineation of Water Logging and Salinity for Salvaging Built Environment
Authors: Rao Atif  , Mohammed Raza Mehdi  , Sheeba Afsar
Published: November 2013

Millions of acres of splendidly productive land and valuable infrastructure are deteriorated continuously. The reason for such deterioration in majority of areas is mainly due to water logging and salinity. Rise of water table level and the dearth of drainage and lack of continuous monitoring and timely remedial measures, extended the circle of devastation to historical heritage and precious archeological sites as well.

Mohenjo-Daro has been selected for this study, it has global significance but due to water logging and salinity, it is in danger of total destruction. The archeological buildings and other infrastructure and land in its environs are being gradually eroded by the capillary rise of saline ground the intensity of which constitutes a serious threat.

For delineating and periodic monitoring of the salinity and waterlogging and to effectively implement the appropriate remedies, use of the latest technologies is essential. In this study the remote sensing technologies are used to address this issue with the help of Soil investigation parameters mainly EC and pH.

The aftermaths of this study would provide a methodological framework along with practical application in delineation saline areas using satellite technology. The final value-added products of this research would be useful for all interested stakeholders including conservationists, environmentalists, archeologists, planners and decision-makers at various levels. The international community at large would be the beneficiary of this study since Mohenjo-Daro is the heritage of entire mankind.
Evaluation of the Erosive Potential of Acidic Candies Consumed by Children and Teenagers
Authors: Jeison Gabriel da Silva  , Maria Mercês Aquino Gouveia Farias  , Eliane Garcia da Silveira  , Silvana Marchiori de Araújo  , Beatriz Helena Eger Schmitt
Published: November 2013

This research aims at investigating the acidity of candies commonly consumed by children and teenagers. Eight flavors of candy produced by the brand Halls Kraft Foods Brazil Ltda.®: cherry, extra strong, watermelon, strawberry, mint, menthol, wild strawberry and chantilly cream strawberry were analyzed. The candies were crushed. Five grams of crushed candy were added to 10 ml of doubly deionized water and stirred until all candy was dissolved. The pH was measured in triplicate using a potentiometer and combined glass electrode (Tec-2 Tecnal). Fifteen grams of crushed candy were added to 30 ml doubly deionized water. The titratable acidity was measured by adding 100 μl of 0.1 M NaOH to the solution under constant stirring until a pH of 5.5 was reached. This procedure was performed for each of the flavors. Mineral water was used as a negative control and citric acid as positive control. The results were statistically analyzed by the Variance Analysis (ANOVA). Comparisons of means were performed by the Scott Knott Test, at a 5% level of significance (p <0.05). The results showed that all candies had pH values below 5.5, ranging from 3.6 to 5.2. These values were significantly different from the positive and negative controls. The flavors Chantilly Cream Strawberry and Wild Strawberry have shown to be the candies with highest erosive potential due to their lower pH values and higher intrinsic buffer capacity. It is concluded that the candies have erosive potential and their frequent use can contribute to the development of dental erosion.
Assessing Systematic Bias in Museum Collections
Authors: Huster Angela C.
Published: November 2013

Archaeologists often overlook museum collections for research purposes due to concerns about the representativeness of the artifacts in the collection. Such concerns can be addressed by comparing non-scientifically produced collections to collections of known standing, such as those from more modern projects, using the same exploratory data analysis and basic statistical methods that archaeologists use to compare sets of artifacts in other situations. As a case study, this article compares spindle whorls recovered during the 2007 excavations at the Aztec site of Calixtlahuaca with two museum collections of whorls attributed to the site. A variety of metric and non-metric traits were recorded for each item in the three collections and were compared using Kolmogrov-Smirnov, Chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests. Both museum collections show a bias toward more elaborately decorated pieces, but with varying side effects on other attributes of analytical interest.
Comment mobiliser la communauté grâce au forum communautaire ?
Authors: Tétreault Sylvie , Beaupré Pauline , Deschênes Pascale Marier , Rajotte Thomas , Gascon Hubert , Boucher Normand , Carrière Monique
Published: November 2013

Dans le contexte actuel, il est important d’utiliser des méthodologies facilitant la consultation des citoyens concernés par une problématique quelconque. À cet effet, il est proposé d’explorer la méthode du forum communautaire. Celle-ci a été utilisée lors d’une étude québécoise portant sur les stratégies de soutien destinées aux familles ayant un enfant handicapé d’âge mineur. Le forum communautaire sera décrit et différents aspects de son organisation seront expliqués. Les avantages et les limites de cette consultation citoyenne seront également discutés. Le forum communautaire s’avère un outil intéressant pour l’intervenant social, car il remplit une triple fonction. Il permet de recueillir des informations de qualité, de sensibiliser les gens à un problème social ou de santé et de réaliser un processus de réflexion autour d’une question précise. La participation de la communauté étant incontournable dans la recherche de solutions à des préoccupations sociétales, le forum communautaire s’avère un outil de choix.
La prostitution en situation de rue
Authors: Provencher Marie-Andrée , Côté Philippe-Benoit , Blais Martin , Manseau Hélène
Published: November 2013

Cette étude vise à décrire l’articulation entre les trajectoires d’entrée et de sortie de la prostitution chez les jeunes femmes en situation de rue, ainsi qu’à comparer les représentations de cette pratique entre les jeunes femmes qui y ont déjà eu recours et celles qui n’y ont jamais eu recours. Seize jeunes femmes en situation de rue, âgées de 18 à 25 ans, ont été rencontrées en entrevue individuelle semi-dirigée. En s’appuyant sur une méthodologie qualitative, deux groupes de jeunes femmes ont été comparés : l’un ayant eu recours à la prostitution (9/16) et l’autre n’y ayant jamais eu recours (7/16). Leurs témoignages mettent en relief le rôle cardinal de la précarité de la situation de rue et la nécessité de subvenir à des besoins jugés pressants. Cette précarité donne prise à l’influence d’autrui dans l’évolution de leurs représentations, rendant plus acceptable le recours à la prostitution aux yeux des jeunes femmes.
“The public goes to the theatre”: an action-oriented ethnography on publics in action
Authors: Lopes João Teixeira , Dias Sara Joana
Published: November 2013

Challenged by Teatro Municipal de Lisboa, independent theatre companies from Oporto were invited to organize that institution’s programming throughout a month. “The public goes to the theatre” was the ironic response of a young company from Oporto to the challenge. This project aimed to promote a performance, a folk parody excursion that would lead the provincial public of Oporto to the capital, a journey preceded by several workshops to help them familiarize with theatrical language codes. Via research-action-oriented ethnographic methods, the sociological research intended to analyze and mediate the recruited individual’s relationship with culture and theater institutions. This article draws a preliminary assessment of the project, not including the final session, a diagnosis based on the population’s representations and theater relation approach.
Ageing and social policies in times of crisis
Authors: Capucha Luís
Published: November 2013

The ageing of the populations at the top of the age structure is a result of the relationship between social policies and longevity, and is posing new challenges to the sustainability of health and pension systems. The response to these challenges has been taking the shape of austerity policies that are not sparing the elderly. This backwards step in the quality of social policies has been degrading people’s living conditions and harming their rights, without resolving the problem of how to finance the state. An alternative may entail reforms that see the state as an investment and a factor for growth and well-being.
Review: O Sistema Político Português, Séculos XIX-XXI. Continuidades e Ruturas [André Freire (org.), 2012, Coimbra, Almedina]
Authors: Fernandes João Pedro Teixeira
Published: November 2013

-
Plasmonic Gradient Effects on High Vacuum Tip‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Sun Mengtao , Zhang Zhenglong , Chen Li , Sheng Shaoxiang , Xu Hongxing
Published: November 2013

Experimental evidence is given of the breakdown of Raman selection rules in high vacuum tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (HV‐TERS), where molecular Raman‐active, IR‐active, and overtone modes are simultaneously observed in situ, due to the strong tip‐enhanced near‐field gradient effects. Theoretical calculations firmly support our experimental multipole vibrational observation, and the ratio of the near‐field gradient term over electric field term is dependent on both the ratio of and the ratio of , which are dependent on the physical structure of TERS and the molecular structure, respectively, in HV‐TERS. When the molecule is symmetric along the tip axis, the strongest near‐field gradient effect in HV‐TERS can be obtained. These experimental findings can promote an understanding of the unexpected “additional Raman peaks” in HV‐TERS and provide a promising technique for ultrasensitive molecular spectroscopy.
CO methanation toward the production of synthetic natural gas over highly active Ni/TiO2 catalyst
Authors: Shinde Vijay M. , Madras Giridhar
Published: November 2013

The sonochemical synthesis and characterization of highly active and stable Ni nanoparticles supported on TiO2 as a CO methanation catalyst for the production of synthetic natural gas are reported. The catalyst synthesized by sonication showed higher activity for CH4 formation than the catalyst synthesized via the conventional wet impregnation method. The activation energy was found to be 79 and 94 kJ mol−1 for the catalyst synthesized with sonication and wet impregnation method, respectively. The combined results of x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and x‐ray diffraction show that the enhancement in activity of the sample synthesized by sonication method is due to partial substitution of Ni in TiO2 lattice. This creates oxide vacancies and facilitates hydrogen adsorption and spillover from nickel to support. H2‐ temperature‐programmed reduction study corroborates the intimate contact of Ni with support, thus rendering strong metal support interactions. The mechanism involving Langmuir–Hinshelwood kinetics with hydrogen‐assisted CO dissociation was used to correlate experimental data. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 1027–1035, 2014
A novel distillation design for vapor phase dimethyl ether production process
Authors: Tavan Yadollah , Khosravi Nikou Mohammad Reza
Published: November 2013

The vapor phase dimethyl ether (DME) synthesis is simulated by hysys process simulation software, and relevant cost analysis is also conducted. Based on cost estimation results, it is found that capital investment of the classic DME process is greatly influenced by the distillation towers and operating costs. Accordingly, to solve these problems, an innovative DME process based on a thermally coupled distillation sequence in vapor phase is proposed in this work. The results clearly demonstrated that the novel proposed process leads to 47.9% and 39.7% reductions in operating and capital costs as compared with the conventional DME process, respectively. © 2013 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of Y(1‐x)Eu(x)(TTA)3(Phen) organic luminescent thin films
Authors: Kalyani N. Thejo , Atram R. G. , Dhoble S. J.
Published: November 2013

Yttrium is stoichiometrically doped into europium by mole percentage, during the synthesis of Y(1‐x)Eu(x)(TTA)3(Phen), using solution techniques (where x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6 and 0.8, TTA = thenoyltrifluoroacetone and Phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline).These complexes were characterized using different techniques such as X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis, optical absorption and emission spectra. Thin films of the doped Eu–Y complexes were prepared on a glass substrate under a high vacuum of 10‐6 Torr. The photoluminescence spectra of these thin films were recorded by exciting the sample at a wavelength of 360 nm. The emission peak for all the synthesized complexes centered at 611 nm; maximum emission intensity was obtained from Y0.6Eu0.4 (TTA)3(Phen). The results proved that these doped complexes are more economical than pure Eu(TTA)3(Phen) and are best suited as red emissive material for energy‐efficient and eco‐friendly organic light‐emitting diodes and displays. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmacokinetics and oral bioavailability of epimedin C after oral administration of epimedin C and Herba Epimedii extract in rats
Authors: Lee Chia‐Jung , Wu Yu‐Tse , Hsueh Thomas Y. , Lin Lie‐Chwen , Tsai Tung‐Hu
Published: November 2013

Epimedin C, an ingredient of Herba Epimedii, has potential for treatment of cardiovascular disease and bone loss. However, there is still no sensitive analytical method to monitor epimedin C in biological samples. The goal of this study was to develop a sensitive and reliable method based on a LC‐MS/MS for evaluating the pharmacokinetics of epimedin C after administration of Herba Epimedii in rat. Electrospray ionization in positive‐ion mode and multiple reaction monitoring were used to identify and quantitate active components. Analytes were separated by a reverse‐phase C18 column. Liquid–liquid extraction using ethyl acetate, evaporation and reconstitution was used to plasma sample preparation. Mass transition of precursor ion → product ion pairs were monitored at m/z 823.4 → 313.1 for epimedin C and m/z 237.1 → 178.9 for carbamazepine (internal standard). A calibration curve gave good linearity (r > 0.999) over the concentration range 2.5–500 ng/mL. Pharmacokinetic data demonstrated that there was rapid distribution and slow elimination after epimedin C administration (1 mg/kg, i.v.). Oral bioavailabilities of epimedin C in the pure compound and in the Herba Epimedii were around 0.58% and 0.13%, respectively. The result suggests that other herbal ingredients of Herba Epimedii may suppress the oral bioavailability of epimedin C. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vortex‐assisted liquid–liquid micro‐extraction and high‐performance liquid chromatography for a higher sensitivity methyl methacrylate determination in biological matrices
Authors: Sousa Tiago F. A. , Aniceto Marta C. , Amorim Célia G. , Souto‐Lopes Mariana , Pérez‐Mongiovi Daniel , Montenegro Maria C. B. S. M. , Araújo Alberto N.
Published: November 2013

A vortex‐assisted liquid–liquid micro‐extraction coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography, with UV–vis, is proposed to pre‐concentrate methyl methacrylate and to improve separation in biological matrices. The use of 1‐octanol as extracting phase, its volume, the need for a dispersant agent, the agitation conditions and the cooling time before phase separation were evaluated. In optimum conditions, enrichment factors of 20 (±0.5) and enrichment recovery of 99% were obtained. The straightforward association of this extraction process with the HPLC method, previously regulated by the International Organization for Standardization, afforded a detection limit of 122 ng/mL and a quantification limit of 370 ng/mL. The within‐batch precision, relative standard deviation, was 3% for a sample with 1.49 µg/mL and 4% for a sample with 13.4 µg/mL. The results showed a between batch‐precision of 21% for experiments performed on five different days, for a sample with a concentration of 1.10 µg/mL in methyl methacrylate. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combination of microwell structures and direct oxygenation enables efficient and size‐regulated aggregate formation of an insulin‐secreting pancreatic β‐cell line
Authors: Shinohara Marie , Kimura Hiroshi , Montagne Kevin , Komori Kikuo , Fujii Teruo , Sakai Yasuyuki
Published: November 2013

Spherical three‐dimensional (3D) cellular aggregates are valuable for various applications such as regenerative medicine or cell‐based assays due to their stable and high functionality. However, previous methods to form aggregates have shown drawbacks, being labor‐intensive, showing low productivity per unit area or volume and difficulty to form homogeneous aggregates. We proposed a novel strategy based on oxygen‐permeable polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) honeycomb microwell sheets, which can theoretically supply about 80 times as much oxygen as conventional polystyrene culture dishes, to produce recoverable aggregates in controllable sizes using mouse insulinoma cells (MIN6‐m9). In 48 hours of culture, the PDMS sheets produced aggregates whose diameters were strictly controlled (⋍32, 60, 90, 150 and 280 mm) even at an inoculum density eight times higher (8.0×105 cells/cm2) than that of normal confluent monolayers (1.0×105 cells/cm2). Measurement of the oxygen tension near the cell layer and glucose/lactate analysis clearly showed that cells exhibit aerobic respiration on the PDMS‐based culture system. Glucose‐responsive insulin secretion of the recovered aggregates showed that the aggregates around 90 mm in diameter secreted the largest amounts of insulin. This confirmed the advantages of 3D cellular organization and the existence of a suitable aggregate size, above which excess organization leads to a decreased metabolic response. These results demonstrated that this microwell‐based PDMS culture system provides a promising method to form size‐regulated and better functioning 3D cellular aggregates of various kinds of cells with a high yield per surface area. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:178–187, 2014
Rapid algal culture diagnostics for open ponds using multispectral image analysis
Authors: Murphy Thomas E. , Macon Keith , Berberoglu Halil
Published: November 2013

This article presents a multispectral image analysis approach for probing the spectral backscattered irradiance from algal cultures. It was demonstrated how this spectral information can be used to measure algal biomass concentration, detect invasive species, and monitor culture health in real time. To accomplish this, a conventional RGB camera was used as a three band photodetector for imaging cultures of the green alga Chlorella sp. and the cyanobacterium Anabaena variabilis. A novel floating reference platform was placed in the culture, which enhanced the sensitivity of image color intensity to biomass concentration. Correlations were generated between the RGB color vector of culture images and the biomass concentrations for monocultures of each strain. These correlations predicted the biomass concentrations of independently prepared cultures with average errors of 22 and 14%, respectively. Moreover, the difference in spectral signatures between the two strains was exploited to detect the invasion of Chlorella sp. cultures by A. variabilis. Invasion was successfully detected for A. variabilis to Chlorella sp. mass ratios as small as 0.08. Finally, a method was presented for using multispectral imaging to detect thermal stress in A. variabilis. These methods can be extended to field applications to provide delay free process control feedback for efficient operation of large scale algae cultivation systems. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:233–240, 2014
Longitudinal HCR‐20 scores in a high‐secure psychiatric hospital
Authors: Morrissey Catrin , Beeley Chris , Milton John
Published: November 2013

Background

The HCR‐20 is a widely used 20 item structured professional judgement aid to risk assessment and management, but longitudinal studies of its value are rare, particularly with people at high risk of reoffending.

Aims

To investigate whether the HCR‐20 discriminates between patient subgroups in one high‐security hospital in England, whether scores reduce with hospital treatment and whether lower scores predict discharge.

Methods

Repeated HCR‐20 ratings were made by clinical teams across five services within the hospital, two of them (women and men with intellectual disability) national services. A database of 3337 HCR‐20 ratings, from 532 patients over a period of 5 years, was examined using mixed effects models.

Results

As expected, HCR‐20 scores were high overall, but there were differences between services in the ratings obtained. Female patients and men with intellectual disability had the highest total score. There was a significant relationship between discharge and lower clinical risk score, but not between total and risk scale scores and discharge. There were significant changes in scores over time, although these were small and may not be clinically meaningful. Differences between services were observed, with women evidencing greater change.

Conclusions

It is unsurprising that patients in two national services (for men with intellectual disability and women) have the highest HCR‐20 scores; however, the finding of relatively greater risk reduction in women needs further investigation. Although we did not find ceiling effects in this sample, the clinical value of frequently repeated HCR‐20 ratings may be limited for high‐risk populations where any change is likely to be slow. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of myocardial supply area on the transstenotic hemodynamics as determined by fractional flow reserve
Authors: Shiono Yasutsugu , Kubo Takashi , Tanaka Atsushi , Kitabata Hironori , Ino Yasushi , Tanimoto Takashi , Wada Teruaki , Ota Shingo , Ozaki Yuichi , Orii Makoto , Shimamura Kunihiro , Ishibashi Kohei , Yamano Takashi , Yamaguchi Tomoyuki , Hirata Kumiko , Imanishi Toshio , Akasaka Takashi
Published: November 2013

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of myocardial area supplied by the coronary artery on fractional flow reserve (FFR).

Background

Various factors other than the degree of epicardial stenosis influence the physiological significance of a coronary artery stenosis.

Methods

A total of 296 coronary lesions in 217 patients were analyzed by quantitative coronary angiography and FFR. Myocardial area supplied by the coronary artery distal to the stenosis was evaluated by angiography using a modified version of the Alberta Provincial Project for Outcome Assessment in Coronary Heart Disease (APPROACH) score.

Results

Percent diameter stenosis of the coronary lesion was 57 ± 15% (mean ± standard deviation). FFR <0.80 was seen in 132 (45%) lesions. FFR was significantly correlated with minimum lumen diameter (r = 0.584, P <0.001), percent diameter stenosis (r = −0.565, P <0.001), lesion length (r = −0.306, P <0.001), and myocardial supply area (r = −0.504, P <0.001). Multivariate logistic analysis demonstrated that minimum lumen diameter (odds ratio [OR] = 0.031, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.013–0.076, P < 0.001), lesion length (OR = 1.038, 95% CI = 1.009–1.069, P = 0.001), and myocardial supply area (OR = 1.113, 95% CI = 1.079–1.147, P <0.001) were independent determinants for FFR <0.80.

Conclusions

FFR, which is the index of physiological significance of coronary artery stenosis, is influenced by myocardial supply area distal to the stenosis as well as by its own minimal lumen diameter and lesion length. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acute gastritis‐induced Takotsubo's cardiomyopathy
Authors: Villablanca Pedro A. , Sukhal Shashvat , Ansari Asimul , Mohammed Dergham
Published: November 2013

Key Clinical Message

A 50‐year‐old lady presented with epigastralgia, electrocardiogram (ECG) showed T‐wave inversions and the echocardiogram low ejection fraction (EF) with apical ballooning. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) revealed gastritis. She recovered with proton pump inhibitors treatment. This is the first case that describes gastritis‐induced stress cardiomyopathy. Clinicians should be aware of Takotsubo's cardiomyopathy (TCM) as a possible complication of gastritis.
A computer vision approach to rare cell in vivo fluorescence flow cytometry
Authors: Markovic Stacey , Li Binlong , Pera Vivian , Sznaier Mario , Camps Octavia , Niedre Mark
Published: November 2013

Noninvasive enumeration of rare circulating cell populations in small animals is of great importance in many areas of biomedical research. In this work, we describe a macroscopic fluorescence imaging system and automated computer vision algorithm that allows in vivo detection, enumeration and tracking of circulating fluorescently‐labeled cells from multiple large blood vessels in the ear of a mouse. This imaging system uses a 660 nm laser and a high sensitivity electron‐multiplied charge coupled device camera (EMCCD) to acquire fluorescence image sequences from relatively large (∼5 × 5 mm2) imaging areas. The primary technical challenge was developing an automated method for identifying and tracking rare cell events in image sequences with substantial autofluorescence and noise content. To achieve this, we developed a two‐step image analysis algorithm that first identified cell candidates in individual frames, and then merged cell candidates into tracks by dynamic analysis of image sequences. The second step was critical since it allowed rejection of >97% of false positive cell counts. Overall, our computer vision IVFC (CV‐IVFC) approach allows single‐cell detection sensitivity at estimated concentrations of 20 cells/mL of peripheral blood. In addition to simple enumeration, the technique recovers the cell's trajectory, which in the future could be used to automatically identify, for example, in vivo homing and docking events. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Mutational analysis of cytocentrifugation supernatant fluid from pancreatic solid mass lesions
Authors: Finkelstein Sydney D. , Bibbo Marluce , Kowalski Thomas E. , Loren David E. , Siddiqui Ali A. , Solomides Charalambos , Ellsworth Eric
Published: November 2013

Diagnosis of fine‐needle aspirations of pancreatic solid masses is complicated by many factors that keep its false‐negative rate high. Our novel approach analyzes cell‐free cytocentrifugation supernatant, currently a discarded portion of the specimen. Supernatant and cytology slides were collected from 25 patients: 11 cases with confirmed outcome [five positive (adenocarcinoma) and six negative (inflammatory states)], plus 14 without confirmed outcomes. Slides were microdissected, DNA was extracted from microdissections and corresponding supernatants, and all were analyzed for KRAS point mutation and loss of heterozygosity. Notably, higher levels of free DNA were found in supernatants than in corresponding microdissected cells. Supernatants contained sufficient DNA for mutational profiling even when samples contained few to no cells. Mutations were present in 5/5 malignancies and no mutations were present in inflammatory states. In conclusion, these findings support using supernatant for mutational genotyping when diagnostic confirmation is required for pancreatic solid masses. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2014;42:719–725. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Antiparasite treatments reduce humoral immunity and impact oxidative status in raptor nestlings
Authors: Hanssen Sveinn Are , Bustnes Jan Ove , Schnug Lisbeth , Bourgeon Sophie , Johnsen Trond Vidar , Ballesteros Manuel , Sonne Christian , Herzke Dorte , Eulaers Igor , Jaspers Veerle L. B. , Covaci Adrian , Eens Marcel , Halley Duncan J. , Moum Truls , Ims Rolf Anker , Erikstad Kjell Einar
Published: November 2013

Parasites are natural stressors that may have multiple negative effects on their host as they usurp energy and nutrients and may lead to costly immune responses that may cause oxidative stress. At early stages, animals may be more sensitive to infectious organisms because of their rapid growth and partly immature immune system. The objective of this study was to explore effects of parasites by treating chicks of two raptor species (northern goshawk Accipiter gentilis and white‐tailed sea eagle Haliaeetus albicilla) against both endoparasites (internal parasites) and ectoparasites (external parasites). Nests were either treated against ectoparasites by spraying with pyrethrin or left unsprayed as control nests. Within each nest, chicks were randomly orally treated with either an antihelminthic medication (fenbendazole) or sterile water as control treatment. We investigated treatment effects on plasma (1) total antioxidant capacity TAC (an index of nonenzymatic circulating antioxidant defenses), (2) total oxidant status TOS (a measure of plasmatic oxidants), and (3) immunoglobulin levels (a measure of humoral immune function). Treatment against ectoparasites led to a reduction in circulating immunoglobulin plasma levels in male chicks. TOS was higher when not receiving any parasite reduction treatment and when receiving both endo‐ and ectoparasitic reduction treatment compared with receiving only one treatment. TAC was higher in all treatment groups, when compared to controls. Despite the relatively low sample size, this experimental study suggests complex but similar relationships between treatment groups and oxidative status and immunoglobulin levels in two raptor species.
Subordinate regulatory mode and leader power: Interpersonal regulatory complementarity predicts task performance
Authors: Hamstra Melvyn R. W. , Orehek Edward , Holleman Mark
Published: November 2013

This research examines the implications of locomotion regulatory mode (orientation toward making progress on goals) and assessment regulatory mode (orientation toward critically evaluating alternatives) for employees' performance. Regulatory mode theory suggests that, although these are both integral to self‐regulation, they may also function independently of one another and affect distinct, but equally important, performance aspects. We propose and find that performance of locomotion‐oriented employees is complemented by their leader's expert power (ability to provide superior knowledge and information), whereas performance of assessment‐oriented employees is complemented by their leader's coercive power (ability to administer negative consequences). These findings support the regulatory mode interpersonal complementarity hypothesis and show that complementarity plays a role in self‐regulation of objective performance. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
When ideology matters: Moral conviction and the association between ideology and policy preferences in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict
Authors: Reifen Tagar Michal , Morgan G. Scott , Halperin Eran , Skitka Linda J.
Published: November 2013

Do people's policy preferences toward outgroups in intractable conflict consistently correspond with political ideology? To what extent are policy‐related cleavages between the political right and left in such contexts fueled by moral conviction and emotions? Analyses of a survey of Jewish‐Israelis (N = 119) conducted immediately after a war between Israelis and Palestinians revealed little to no ideological differences in acceptance of “collateral damage,” support for retribution, or support for compromise when positions about the Israeli–Palestinian conflict were devoid of moral fervor. Those on the left and right endorsed polarized policy preferences only when their positions about the conflict were held with moral conviction. Presence or absence of guilt about harm to Palestinians mediated the effects of moral conviction on policy preferences in this context. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Consumption of omega‐3 fatty acids and the risk of skin cancers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Noel Sophie E. , Stoneham Adam C.S. , Olsen Catherine M. , Rhodes Lesley E. , Green Adele C.
Published: November 2013

Skin cancers have a higher incidence than all other cancers combined and are a major cause of morbidity worldwide. Laboratory data suggest certain dietary constituents, notably omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 PUFAs), could potentially protect against skin malignancy, although no large‐scale review has been conducted in humans. The objective of this review and meta‐analysis was to determine the relationship between dietary n‐3 PUFAs and skin cancer incidence. It considered all published randomized controlled trials and observational studies up to March 2013. Five studies (two case–control and three cohort) were identified pertaining to oral n‐3 PUFA consumption and incidence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), melanoma (or a combination) and were included in a random‐effects meta‐analysis. A further six studies considering nondietary n‐3 PUFA exposure (e.g. by tissue analysis) and/or recognized biological markers of skin cancer risk (e.g. p53 expression) were analyzed qualitatively. Dietary n‐3 PUFAs were not associated with BCC (pooled OR 1.05, 95% CIs 0.86–1.28). Consumption of high levels of n‐3 PUFAs were inversely associated with melanoma, although with only one estimate available (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.34–0.78), and SCC, although nonsignificantly (pooled OR 0.86, 95% CIs 0.59–1.23). Available evidence is suggestive, but currently inadequate, to support the hypothesis that n‐3 PUFAs protect against skin malignancy.
Oncolytic viral therapy with a combination of HF10, a herpes simplex virus type 1 variant and granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor for murine ovarian cancer
Authors: Goshima Fumi , Esaki Shinichi , Luo Chenhong , Kamakura Maki , Kimura Hiroshi , Nishiyama Yukihiro
Published: November 2013

Ovarian cancer is the most frequent cause of gynecological cancer‐related mortality as a majority of patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage with intraperitoneal dissemination because of the absence of initial symptoms. Granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) plays an important role in the maturation of specialized antigen‐presenting cells. In this study, we utilized a herpes simplex virus (HSV) amplicon expressing murine GM‐CSF combined with HF10 (mGM‐CSF amplicon), a highly attenuated HSV type 1 strain functioning as a helper virus to strengthen anti‐tumor immune response, for the treatment of ovarian cancer with intraperitoneal dissemination. A mouse ovarian cancer cell line, OV2944‐HM‐1 (HM‐1), was intraperitoneally injected, following which HF10 only or the mGM‐CSF amplicon was injected intraperitoneally three times. HF10 injection prolonged survival and decreased intraperitoneal dissemination, but to a lesser extent than the mGM‐CSF amplicon. Although HF10 replication was not observed in HM‐1 cells, expression of VP5, a late gene coding the major capsid protein of HSV, was detected. Moreover, mGM‐CSF production was detected in transfected HM‐1 cells. Immunohistochemical staining revealed the infiltration of CD4‐ and CD8‐positive cells into the peritoneal tumor(s). A significantly increased CD4+ T cell concentration was observed in the spleen. Murine splenic cells after each treatment were stimulated with HM‐1 cells, and the strongest immune response was observed in the mice that received mGM‐CSF amplicon injections. These results suggested that the mGM‐CSF amplicon is a promising agent for the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer with intraperitoneal dissemination.
Structural Features of Azurin at 2.7 Å Resolution
Authors: Adman E. T. , Jensen L. H.
Published: November 2013

The phases for the x‐ray data for crystals of azurin from P. aeruginosa have been refined and extended from 3 Å to 2.7 Å resolution by a method based on the direct space averaging of the electron density of the four molecules in the asymmetric unit. The electron density in the present map is much improved over the earlier one, and most of the side‐chains are now evident. In the detailed fitting of a model to the present map, an alternative interpretation, conforming to the plastocyanin model and reversing the chain directions in strands one and two of the original azurin model, was found to better represent certain features of the present map. The surface of the molecule closest to the copper consists of an extended region of invariant or semiconserved hydrophobic residues. There is not a region of conserved charge that is not paired with a compensating charge.
Affinity Labeling of an Electron Transfer Pathway in Azurin by Cr(II) Ions
Authors: Farver Ole , Pecht Israel
Published: November 2013

Pseudomonas aeruginosa azurin is stoichiometrically reduced by chromium (II) ions to yield a relatively inert chromium (III) complex with azurin. When this derivative is proteolytically digested by either trypsin or chymotrypsin, only a single, yet different peptide labeled with chromium is obtained upon chromatographic separations. Amino acid analysis of these fragments shows that the tryptic peptide consists of residues Val‐80 to Lys‐92, while the chymotryptic peptide consists of the Thr‐84 to Val‐95 fragment. Based on the above findings, the chemical nature of the amino acid side chains of these peptides and the crystallographic model of azurin, it is suggested that the chromium is coordinated to Lys‐85 and Glu‐91. This assignment and the analysis of the three dimensional model of azurin serve in delineating an electron transfer pathway. A resonance transfer from an opening in the peptide sheath to Cu(II) through an extended relay of the aligned imidazoles of His‐35 and His‐46 is proposed.
Metal Ion Interactions with Apo‐Concanavalin A and Some Observations on Metal Ion Requirements and Sugar Binding by Bandeiraea simplicifolia I Lectin
Authors: Harrington Patricia C. , Moreno Rafael , Wilkins Ralph G.
Published: November 2013

The kinetics of interaction of Ca2+ ions with M ConA (M = Co2+, Mn2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+) were followed by using the quenching of fluorescence of 4‐methylumbelliferyl‐α‐D‐mannopyranoside when bound to protein. The kinetic data can be interpreted in terms of a mechanism in which a species (MCaP)1 initially formed (constant K1) transforms slowly (k2) to the final form. Values of k1, ΔH1 and ΔS1 and (particularly) k2, ΔH2≠ and ΔS2≠ are very similar for all metals, but the ΔH2≠‐values are much lower than previously reported by other investigators. The kinetics of binding of 4‐methylumbelliferyl‐α‐D‐galactopyranoside to Bandeiraea simplicifolia I lectin were studied by stopped‐flow fluorescence methods. The formation rate constant (∼ 105 M−1 s−1) is similar to that of sugars with other lectins. EDTA removes the sugar binding ability of B. simplicifolia I lectin with t1/2 = 24 min (pH = 7.2, 25°). The addition of Ca2+ ions to apolectin to give a final product appears controlled by a conformational change.
The pH Dependence of the Spectral and Anion Binding Properties of Iron Containing Superoxide Dismutase from E. Coli B: An Explanation for the Azide Inhibition of Dismutase Activity
Authors: Fee James A. , McClune Gregory J. , Lees Alison C. , Zidovetzki Raphael , Pecht Israel
Published: November 2013

Examination of the optical and EPR properties of the ferric form of the iron containing superoxide dismutase from E. coli B, at pH values ranging from 4.5 to 10.9, has revealed two reversible structural transitions affecting the Fe3+ ion. The apparent pKa. values of these transitions are 5.1±0.3 and 9.0±0.3. The binding of azide has been studied over the pH range 4.5 to 10.7; the affinity of the Fe3+ for N3− is independent of pH from 4.5 to ∼ 7.5, after which the dissociation constant decreased by a factor of 10 per unit increase in pH. The apparent pKa. which affects N3− binding to the iron is 8.6±0.2. The association of N3− with the iron has been examined using the temperature‐jump method at pH 7.4 and 9.3. The kinetics of ligand association were shown to conform to the minimal mechanism:

magnified image

K1 was found to be essentially unaffected by pH whereas K2 was much lower at pH 9.3 than at 7.4. The value of K1 at pH 7.4 (100 M−1) corresponds very closely to that obtained for the inhibition constant of azide, 10 mM.12 A scheme is presented in which N3− inhibits the iron containing dismutase by competing with O2− for an anion binding site near, but not on the Fe3+.
Products of Class‐Sums of the Symmetric Group: Elimination of Two‐Index Cycles
Authors: Katriel Jacob
Published: November 2013

The present status of the efforts to develop a closed‐form expression for the product of arbitrary class‐sums in the symmetric group is critically reviewed. The relevant data base is extended by determining the full [(7)]N ·[(1)11(2)11 …]n product. The extended data base is used to formulate a conjectured recurrence relation for reduced class coefficients of the general form C〈(r1 + r2)A·(r1 + r2 + … + r1)B〉 in terms of class coefficients in which r1 and r2 are eliminated.
On the Pairing Theorem and Its Extension
Authors: Löwdin Per‐Olov
Published: November 2013

The mirror theorem in matrix theory is briefly reviewed. It says that if R and S are matrices of the order m × n and nxm, then the two products RS and SR have the same nonvanishing eigenvalues with the same multiplicities and canonical structures. The mirror theorem is used to show that if a = {ak} and b = {bl} are two sets of orbitals of order m and n, respectively, then there exist two unitary transformations U and V such that the orbitals a′ = aU and b′ = bV have the special property  = λkδkl, i.e., they are all orthogonal to each other unless they belong to the same pair having k = l. This pairing theorem is of fundamental importance in treating the Coulomb correlation in molecular calculations by means of the so‐called Alternant Molecular Orbital (AMO) method, which uses for the occupied orbitals different orbitals for different spins. A simple extension of this approach to the virtual orbitals is also shown.