bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic hypoxia reprograms human immature dendritic cells by inducing a proinflammatory phenotype and TREM‐1 expression
Authors: Pierobon Daniele , Bosco Maria Carla , Blengio Fabiola , Raggi Federica , Eva Alessandra , Filippi Miriam , Musso Tiziana , Novelli Francesco , Cappello Paola , Varesio Luigi , Giovarelli Mirella
Published: February 2013

DCs are powerful antigen‐presenting cells central in the orchestration of innate and acquired immunity. DC development, migration, and activities are intrinsically linked to the microenvironment. DCs migrate through pathologic tissues before reaching their final destination in the lymph nodes. Hypoxia, a condition of low partial oxygen pressure, is a common feature of many pathologic situations, capable of modifying DC phenotype and functional behavior. We studied human monocyte‐derived immature DCs generated under chronic hypoxic conditions (H‐iDCs). We demonstrate by gene expression profiling the upregulation of a cluster of genes coding for antigen‐presentation, immunoregulatory, and pattern recognition receptors, suggesting a stimulatory role for hypoxia on iDC immunoregulatory functions. In particular, we show that H‐iDCs express triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells(TREM‐1), a member of the Ig superfamily of immunoreceptors and an amplifier of inflammation. This effect is reversible because H‐iDC reoxygenation results in TREM‐1 down‐modulation. TREM‐1 engagement promotes upregulation of T‐cell costimulatory molecules and homing chemokine receptors, typical of mature DCs, and increases the production of proinflammatory, Th1/Th17‐priming cytokines/chemokines, resulting in increased T‐cell responses. These results suggest that TREM‐1 induction by the hypoxic microenvironment represents a mechanism of regulation of Th1‐cell trafficking and activation by iDCs differentiated at pathologic sites.
Lack of Mycobacterium tuberculosis–specific interleukin‐17A–producing CD4+ T cells in active disease
Authors: Perreau Matthieu , Rozot Virginie , Welles Hugh C. , Belluti‐Enders Felicitas , Vigano Selena , Maillard Michel , Dorta Gian , Mazza‐Stalder Jesica , Bart Pierre‐Alexandre , Roger Thierry , Calandra Thierry , Nicod Laurent , Harari Alexandre
Published: February 2013

Protective immunity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is commonly ascribed to a Th1 profile; however, the involvement of Th17 cells remains to be clarified. Here, we characterized Mtb‐specific CD4+ T cells in blood and bronchoalveolar lavages (BALs) from untreated subjects with either active tuberculosis disease (TB) or latent Mtb infection (LTBI), considered as prototypic models of uncontrolled or controlled infection, respectively. The production of IL‐17A, IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, and IL‐2 by Mtb‐specific CD4+ T cells was assessed both directly ex vivo and following in vitro antigen‐specific T‐cell expansion. Unlike for extracellular bacteria, Mtb‐specific CD4+ T‐cell responses lacked immediate ex vivo IL‐17A effector function in both LTBI and TB individuals. Furthermore, Mtb‐specific Th17 cells were absent in BALs, while extracellular bacteria‐specific Th17 cells were identified in gut biopsies of healthy individuals. Interestingly, only Mtb‐specific CD4+ T cells from 50% of LTBI but not from TB subjects acquired the ability to produce IL‐17A following Mtb‐specific T‐cell expansion. Finally, IL‐17A acquisition by Mtb‐specific CD4+ T cells correlated with the coexpression of CXCR3 and CCR6, currently associated to Th1 or Th17 profiles, respectively. Our data demonstrate that Mtb‐specific Th17 cells are selectively undetectable in peripheral blood and BALs from TB patients.
The Linkage Between the Options and Credit Default Swap Markets During the Subprime Mortgage Crisis
Authors: Kim Tong Suk , Park Yuen Jung , Noh Jaesun
Published: February 2013

This study investigates the linkage between the options and credit default swap (CDS) markets around the subprime mortgage crisis period, using the unit recovery claim (URC). Through estimation of a well‐hedging strike price within a firm‐specific and time‐varying default corridor and consideration of the CDS term structure and firm‐specific recovery rate, modified URCs from the two markets are demonstrated to have a tighter linkage. The adjusted URCs show that, after the crisis, the effect of macroeconomic variable on deviations between the two markets increased and the options market's predictive power for the future movement of the CDS market was amplified. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark
Drug‐Induced Liver Injury: The Role of Drug Metabolism and Transport
Authors: Corsini Alberto , Bortolini Michele
Published: February 2013

Many studies have pinpointed the significant contribution of liver‐mediated drug metabolism and transport to the complexity of drug‐induced liver injury (DILI). Phase I cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes can lead to altered drug metabolism and formation of toxic metabolites, whilst Phase II enzymes are also associated with DILI. The emerging role of hepatic transporters in regulating the movement of endogenous and exogenous chemicals (e.g., bile acids and drugs) across cellular and tissue membranes is critical in determining the pathophysiology of liver disease as well as drug toxicity and efficacy. Genetic and environmental factors can have a significant impact on drug metabolism and transporter proteins, consequently increasing the risk of DILI in susceptible individuals. The assessment of these factors therefore represents an important approach for predicting and preventing DILI, by better understanding the pharmacological profile of a specific drug. This review focuses on the mechanisms of DILI associated with drug metabolism and hepatic transport, and how they can be influenced by underlying factors.
Effect of Excipients on Acetaminophen Metabolism and Its Implications for Prevention of Liver Injury
Authors: Ganetsky Michael , Böhlke Mark , Pereira Luis , Williams David , LeDuc Barbara , Guatam Shiva , Salhanick Steven D.
Published: February 2013

Acetaminophen poisoning is the most frequent cause of acute hepatic failure in the US. Toxicity requires reductive metabolism of acetaminophen, primarily via CYP2E1. Liquid acetaminophen preparations contain propylene glycol, a common excipient that has been shown to reduce hepatocellular injury in vitro and in rodents. Children are less susceptible to acetaminophen toxicity for unclear reasons. We conducted a pharmacokinetic single‐blinded crossover study of 15 healthy adult volunteers comparing the CYP2E1 and conjugative metabolism of a 15 mg/kg dose of liquid versus solid preparations of acetaminophen. Measured AUC's for the CYP2E1 metabolites were 16–17% lower and extrapolated AUC's were 25–28% lower in the liquid formulation arm while there was no difference in conjugative metabolite production. The formation rate constants for reductive metabolites were equivalent between solid and liquid formulations indicating that enzyme inhibition was competitive. Propylene glycol, an established CYP2E1 competitive antagonist, was detected in the liquid formulation but not solid formulation arm. Since children tend to ingest liquid preparations, the protective effect of this excipient could explain their decreased susceptibility to acetaminophen toxicity. A less hepatotoxic formulation of acetaminophen could potentially be developed if co‐formulated with a CYP2E1 inhibitor.
Error bounds for reduction of multi‐port resistor networks
Authors: Ugryumova M. V. , Rommes J. , Schilders W. H. A.
Published: February 2013

The interconnect layouts of chips can be modeled by large resistor networks. In order to be able to speed up simulations of such large networks, reduction techniques are applied to reduce the size of the networks. For some class of networks, an existing reduction strategy does not provide sufficient reduction in terms of the number of resistors appearing in the final network. In this paper, we propose an approach for obtaining a further reduction in the amount of resistors. The suggested approach improves sparsity of the conductance matrix by neglecting resistors that do not contribute significantly to the behavior of the circuit. Explicit error bounds, which give an opportunity to control the errors due to approximation, have been derived. Numerical examples show that the suggested approach appears promising for multi‐terminal resistor networks, and in combination with the existing reduction strategy, leads to better reduction. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New low band‐gap semiconducting polymers consisting of 5‐(9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)benzo[a]phenazine as a new acceptor unit for organic photovoltaic cells
Authors: Kim Ji‐Hoon , Kim Hee Un , Song Chang Eun , Park Moo‐Jin , Kang In‐Nam , Shin Won Suk , Hwang Do‐Hoon
Published: February 2013

A new carbazole‐based electron accepting unit, 5‐(2,7‐dibromo‐9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)benzo[a]phenazine (CBP), was newly designed and synthesized as the acceptor part of donor‐acceptor type low band‐gap polymers for polymer solar cells. The CBP was copolymerized with electron donating monomers such as benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene (BDT) or 4,8‐bis(2‐octyl‐2‐thienyl)‐benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene (BDTT) through Stille cross‐coupling polymerization, and produced two alternating copolymers, PBDT‐CBP and PBDTT‐CBP. An alternating copolymer (PBDT‐CBZ) consisted of 2,7‐dibromo‐9‐(heptadecan‐9‐yl)‐9H‐carbazole (CBZ) and BDT units was also synthesized for comparison. PBDT‐CBZ showed the maximum absorption at 430 nm and did not show absorption at wavelengths longer than 513 nm. However, CBP containing polymers (PBDT‐CBP and PBDTT‐CBP) showed a broad absorption between 300 and 850 nm due to the intramolecular charge transfer interaction between the electron donating and accepting blocks in the polymeric backbone. Bulk heterojunction photovoltaic devices were fabricated using the synthesized polymers as electron donors and [6,6]‐phenyl C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) as electron acceptor. One of these devices showed a power conversion efficiency of 2.33%, with an open‐circuit voltage of 0.81 V, a short‐circuit current of 6.97 mA/cm2, and a fill factor (FF) of 0.41 under air mass (AM) 1.5 global (1.5 G) illumination conditions (100 mW/cm2). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013, 51, 2354–2365
Synthesis and characterization of multiblock partially fluorinated hydrophobic poly(arylene ether sulfone)‐hydrophilic disulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) copolymers for proton exchange membranes
Authors: Chen Yu , Rowlett Jarrett R. , Lee Chang Hyun , Lane Ozma R. , VanHouten Desmond J. , Zhang Mingqiang , Moore Robert B. , McGrath James E.
Published: February 2013

Hydrophobic‐hydrophilic sequence multiblock copolymers, based on alternating segments of phenoxide terminated fully disulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) (BPS100) and fluorine‐terminated poly(arylene ether sulfone) (6FBPS0) were synthesized and evaluated for application as proton exchange membranes. By utilizing mild reaction conditions the ether–ether interchange reactions were minimized, preventing the randomization of the multiblock copolymers. Tough, ductile, transparent membranes were solution cast from the block copolymers and were characterized with regard to intrinsic viscosity, morphology, water uptake, and proton conductivity. The conductivity values of the 6FBPS0‐BPSH100 membranes were compared to Nafion 212 and a partially fluorinated sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) random copolymer (6F40BP60). The nanophase separated morphology was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and small angle X‐ray scattering, and enhanced proton conductivity at reduced relative humidity was observed with longer block lengths. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013
Shotgun proteomics of archival triple‐negative breast cancer samples
Authors: Gámez‐Pozo Angelo , Ferrer Nuria Ibarz , Ciruelos Eva , López‐Vacas Rocío , Martínez Fernando García , Espinosa Enrique , Vara Juan Ángel Fresno
Published: February 2013

Purpose

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for 15–20% of all breast cancers, and has a worse prognosis compared with hormone receptor‐positive disease. Its unfavorable outcome and the lack of hormonal receptors determine the use of adjuvant chemotherapy as part of the standard treatment for these tumors, although several studies have documented that the current standard combination chemotherapy is suboptimal. Therefore, a new functional taxonomy of breast cancer and new targets for therapeutic development are urgently needed.

Experimental design

In this study, we have analyzed the proteome of TNBC applying a high‐throughput proteomics approach to routinely archived formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tumor tissues.

Results

We have been able to identify and quantify more than 1000 protein groups. Some of these proteins are of outstanding interest in the biology and clinical management of this disease, such as CD44 and PARP1. Moreover, we have characterized some signaling pathways that could be related to TNBC genesis and development.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

Our results open up new avenues for the use of proteomics technologies in clinically relevant studies using archival samples. Shotgun LC‐MS/MS studies could serve to discover new biomarkers and may provide clues to the genesis of TNBC and underlying molecular alterations.
A Comparative Study of Micellization Behavior of an Ethoxylated Alkylphenol in Aqueous Solutions of Glycine and Leucine
Authors: Chauhan Suvarcha , Sharma Kundan , Kumar Kuldeep , Kumar Girish
Published: February 2013

Densities (d) and sound velocities (v) of an ethoxylated alkyl phenol surfactant in aqueous solutions of two amino acids, namely glycine and leucine, have been measured over a temperature range of 25–40 °C at intervals of 5 °C by using density and sound analyzers. Experimental data have been used to calculate the isentropic compressibilities (κs), apparent molar volumes (ϕv) and apparent molar adiabatic compressions (ϕκ) in order to explain amino acid–surfactant interactions. The results have been discussed in terms of the effect of amino acids on the micellization behavior of the surfactant. A comparative study of both the amino acids has been carried out and is found that both amino acids produce a decrease in the CMC value of nonionic surfactant but to different extents.
The impact of obesity-related SNP on appetite and energy intake
Authors: Dougkas Anestis , Yaqoob Parveen , Givens D. Ian , Reynolds Christopher K. , Minihane Anne M.
Published: February 2013

An increasing number of studies have reported a heritable component for the regulation of energy intake and eating behaviour, although the individual polymorphisms and their ‘effect size’ are not fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between specific SNP and appetite responses and energy intake in overweight men. In a randomised cross-over trial, forty overweight men (age 32 (sd 09) years; BMI 27 (sd 2) kg/m2) attended four sessions 1 week apart and received three isoenergetic and isovolumetric servings of dairy snacks or water (control) in random order. Appetite ratings were determined using visual analogue scales and energy intake at an ad libitum lunch was assessed 90 min after the dairy snacks. Individuals were genotyped for SNP in the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO), leptin (LEP), leptin receptor (LEPR) genes and a variant near the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) locus. The postprandial fullness rating over the full experiment following intake of the different snacks was 17·2 % (P= 0·026) lower in A carriers compared with TT homozygotes for rs9939609 (FTO, dominant) and 18·6 % (P= 0·020) lower in G carriers compared with AA homozygotes for rs7799039 (LEP, dominant). These observations indicate that FTO and LEP polymorphisms are related to the variation in the feeling of fullness and may play a role in the regulation of food intake. Further studies are required to confirm these initial observations and investigate the ‘penetrance’ of these genotypes in additional population subgroups.
Dusty plasma processes in Earth's polar summer mesosphere
Authors: POPEL S. I. , DUBINSKY A. Yu.
Published: February 2013

A self-consistent model for the description of dusty plasma structures, such as noctilucent clouds (NLC) and polar mesosphere summer echoes (PMSE), which are frequently grouped together under the common term polar mesospheric clouds, is presented. The model takes into account the processes of condensation of water vapor, ionization, recombination, action of solar radiation, sedimentation, dust particle growth, dust particle charging, electric fields, etc. Using the model, we explain the basic data of observations on the behavior of charged component in polar summer mesosphere. Furthermore, we show the influence of initial distributions of fine particles as well as that of the processes of condensation and water molecule absorption by fine particles on the formation of NLC and PMSE. We also illustrate the possibility of the formation of layered structure and sharp boundaries of NLC.
The influence of park access during drought on attitudes toward wildlife and lion killing behaviour in Maasailand, Kenya
Authors: HAZZAH LEELA , DOLRENRY STEPHANIE , KAPLAN DAVID , FRANK LAURENCE
Published: February 2013

Minimizing the inherent conflict between protecting fauna and flora and accommodating the needs of the local communities is one of the greatest challenges facing protected area (PA) management in developing countries of the world. Allowing pastoralists access to PAs and their resources remains a contentious issue in southern Kenya, where retaliatory killing of African lions (Panthera leo) by Maasai pastoralists has caused a steep decline in the lion population, threatening local extinction. Previous studies that have shown that local people often have negative attitudes toward PAs; here PA policy during times of hardship is linked to attitudes toward lions and behavioural intentions. Different access policies to grazing inside Tsavo and Nairobi National Parks during the 2008/2009 drought influenced Maasai attitudes toward lions and their propensity to kill them. A semi-structured questionnaire (n = 206) and a multivariate model examine the relative importance of PA access and 11 additional predictors on individuals’ attitudes and reported inclination to kill lions. Access for livestock to PAs, benefits from wildlife and higher education were associated with positive attitudes toward lions and a lower reported propensity to kill. The success of lion conservation in Maasailand may depend upon recognizing and accommodating pastoralists’ inherent vulnerability to drought-induced livestock mortality.
Norovirus outbreaks: a systematic review of commonly implicated transmission routes and vehicles
Authors: BITLER E. J. , MATTHEWS J. E. , DICKEY B. W. , EISENBERG J. N. S. , LEON J. S.
Published: February 2013

Causal mechanisms of norovirus outbreaks are often not revealed. Understanding the transmission route (e.g. foodborne, waterborne, or environmental) and vehicle (e.g. shellfish or recreational water) of a norovirus outbreak, however, is of great public health importance; this information can facilitate interventions for an ongoing outbreak and regulatory action to limit future outbreaks. Towards this goal, we conducted a systematic review to examine whether published outbreak information was associated with the implicated transmission route or vehicle. Genogroup distribution was associated with transmission route and food vehicle, but attack rate and the presence of GII.4 strain were not associated with transmission route, food vehicle, or water vehicle. Attack rate, genogroup distribution, and GII.4 strain distribution also varied by other outbreak characteristics (e.g. setting, season, hemisphere). These relationships suggest that different genogroups exploit different environmental conditions and thereby can be used to predict the likelihood of various transmission routes or vehicles.
On the bifurcation of limit cycles in a dynamic model of a small open economy
Authors: MAKOVÍNYIOVÁ KATARÍNA , ZIMKA RUDOLF
Published: February 2013

In this paper a four-dimensional macroeconomic model of a small open economy, describing the development of income, capital stock, interest rate and money stock, which was constructed in [5] (Makovínyiová, K. & Zimka, R. (2009) On stability in generalized Schinasi's macroeconomic model under fixed exchange rates. Tatra Mt. Math. Publ. 43, 115–122), is analysed. Sufficient conditions for the existence of one pair of purely imaginary eigenvalues and two eigenvalues with negative real parts in the linear approximation matrix of the model are found. Formulae for the calculation of the bifurcation coefficients of the model are derived. A statement about the existence of limit cycles is made. A numerical example is given illustrating the results.
Mass-media, violence and mental illness. Evidence from some Italian newspapers
Authors: Carpiniello Bernardo , Girau Roberta , Orrù Maria Germana
Published: February 2013

Aims – Media reports related to people suffering from mental illness appear to deal prevalently with acts of violence and crimes. The present study focused on all newspaper reports relating to homicides, suicide, and other acts of violence, in an attempt to ascertain whether a different pattern emerged in some Italian newspapers in describing deeds committed by the mentally ill. Materials and methods – All articles published over a six–month period in the two main national and two main regional newspapers relating to homicides, suicides, and other acts of violence were selected. A comparison of reports regarding events attributed to mentally ill people was performed according to quantitative parameters. Results – 2279 articles were considered; 54% regarded homicides, 8.2% suicides and attempted suicides, 2.1% homicides/suicides; the remaining 35.8% regarded other acts of violence. A significantly higher number of words, accompanying photos and a more stigmatizing language were used in reporting deeds when attributed to mentally ill people. Conclusion – An excessive emphasis on deeds related to a psychopathological condition still emerged in media reports, almost as though acts of violence committed by the mentally insane should be viewed in a different light. These findings support the hypothesis that media portrayal mirrors the enduring stereotype of “diversity” of the mentally ill.

Declaration of Interest: no conflict of interest declared.
Highly localized heat generation by femtosecond laser induced plasmon excitation in Ag nanowires
Authors: Liu Lei , Peng Peng , Hu Anming , Zou Guisheng , Duley W. W. , Zhou Y. Norman
Published: February 2013

Photo-excitation of plasmons in nano-systems initially results in highly localized heating, but the final temperature distribution in irradiated nanostructures is almost uniform because heat diffusion equilibrates the overall temperature within ∼10−12 s. Here, we show that irradiation with femtosecond pulses enables visualization of the location of plasmonic heating because thermal effects such as plasmon-induced melting are frozen in at the initial location of energy deposition. Simulations show plasmonic heating is related to the orientation of the laser polarization and to the geometry of partially melted nanowires. This may provide a useful tool in joining, cutting, and reshaping nano-objects.
Exchange resonance in MDM nanolayer systems: Experiment and theory
Authors: Makarov Vladimir I. , Khmelinskii Igor
Published: February 2013

Exchange resonance spectra of three sandwich devices containing nanolayers of Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, and Eu were recorded at 77 K. We found that these spectra are significantly different from those obtained earlier for Fe-SiO2-Au three-layer nanosandwich device. Detailed theoretical approach was developed to analyze the recorded spectra, g-factor values, and relaxation properties of the spin-polarized states in the nanolayers. We found that the g-factor values and spin-lattice relaxation rates may be adequately described by the spin-orbit scattering mechanism. Electric charge density fluctuations may also contribute to spin-lattice relaxation in nanolayers. Second-order effects in the relaxation mechanism were also briefly considered.
Reynolds-number scaling of turbulent channel flow
Authors: Schultz M. P. , Flack K. A.
Published: February 2013

Results of an experimental study of smooth-wall, fully developed, turbulent channel flow are presented. The Reynolds number (Rem) based on the channel height and the bulk mean velocity ranged from 10 000 to 300 000. The present results indicate that the skin-friction coefficient (Cf) closely follows a power law for Rem < 62 000. At higher Reynolds numbers, Cf is best described by a log law. Detailed two-component velocity measurements taken at friction Reynolds numbers of Reτ = 1000–6000 indicate that the mean flow and Reynolds shear stress display little or no Reynolds-number dependence. The streamwise Reynolds normal stress ($\overline {u^{\prime 2} } ^ + $u′2¯+), on the other hand, varies significantly with Reynolds number. The inner peak in $\overline {u^{\prime 2} } ^ + $u′2¯+ is observed to grow with Reynolds number. Growth in $\overline {u^{\prime 2} } ^ + $u′2¯+ farther from the wall is documented over the entire range of Reynolds number giving rise to a plateau in the streamwise Reynolds normal stress in the overlap region of the profile for Reτ = 6000. The wall-normal Reynolds normal stress ($\overline {v^{\prime 2} } ^ + $v′2¯+) displays no Reynolds-number dependence near the wall. Some increase in $\overline {v^{\prime 2} } ^ + $v′2¯+ in the outer layer is noted for Reτ ≤ 4000. The trends in the present Reynolds stress results agree qualitatively with recent experimental results from pipe and boundary layer flows.
Evidence for hydrogen generation in laser- or spark-induced cavitation bubbles
Authors: Sato Takehiko , Tinguely Marc , Oizumi Masanobu , Farhat Mohamed
Published: February 2013

The growing use of focused lasers or electric sparks to generate cavitation bubbles raises concerns about the possible alteration of gas content during the initiation process and its effect on bubble dynamics. We provide experimental evidence that hydrogen molecules are produced for such plasma-induced bubbles. We performed spectral analysis of the light emitted by the plasma and monitored the dissolved hydrogen concentration in water. The mass of dissolved hydrogen was found proportional to the potential energy of the rebound bubble for both laser and spark methods. Nevertheless, hydrogen concentration was found 2.7 times larger with the spark.
Bias controlled capacitive driven cantilever oscillation for high resolution dynamic force microscopy
Authors: Zhang Jinjin , Czajkowsky Daniel M. , Shen Yi , Sun Jielin , Fan Chunhai , Hu Jun , Shao Zhifeng
Published: February 2013

Well controlled cantilever oscillations are essential for precise measurements in dynamic force microscopy and spectroscopy, especially in demanding conditions such as under solution or at high frequencies. Here, we show that, with a capacitive driving system, an externally introduced DC-bias significantly increases the driving efficiency in solution and in air, as well as at high resonant frequencies, in agreement with theoretical predictions. This DC-voltage dependence not only improves the robustness of the method but also offers the possibility for precise amplitude control. The simplicity of this design further reinforces its potential for widespread implementation in dynamic force microscopy.
Electrokinetic trapping and surface enhanced Raman scattering detection of biomolecules using optofluidic device integrated with a microneedles array
Authors: Deng Yu-Luen , Juang Yi-Je
Published: February 2013

In this study, microneedles which possess sharp tips were utilized to trap and detect the biomolecules. Owing to the large curvature, the tips of the microneedles created a substantially high gradient of electric field under the non-uniform electric field which served as not only the trapping sites but also the substrate for surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Separation of polystyrene microparticles with different sizes and two kinds of biomolecules (Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and the red blood cells (RBCs)) were demonstrated. Moreover, in situ detection of S. aureus was performed immediately after separation was completed. The results showed that, after 15 s of sample collection, the Raman signals of S. aureus were detected and greatly enhanced through SERS effect.
Changes in the aerobic vaginal bacteria load and antimicrobial susceptibility after different oestrous synchronisation treatments in goats
Authors: Manes J. , Fiorentino M. A. , Hozbor F. , Paolicchi F. , Alberio R. , Ungerfeld R.
Published: February 2013

The objectives of this study were to determine (i) the variation in the bacterial population, (ii) the changes in the number of aerobic bacteria, and (iii) in vitro bacterial susceptibility to different antibiotics after the use of two different intravaginal devices (silicone devices or polyurethane sponges) for 6 or 11 days in goats. During the breeding season, 25 multiparous Saanen goats were randomly allocated to four treatments. Group IS-6 (n = 6) and Group IS-11 (n = 6) goats received a polyurethane intravaginal sponge (60 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate with oxytetracycline in powder) during 6 or 11 days, respectively. Goats from groups SD-6 (n = 7) and SD-11 (n = 6) received an intravaginal silicone device (0.3 g progesterone) during 6 or 11 days, respectively. Before the introduction of the devices, at device withdrawal, and the day of oestrus we performed standard bacteriological procedures on vaginal mucus samples. The predominant bacterial flora at device insertion was gram-positive (77%), and the most frequent strain was Bacilllus sp. The samples obtained on Day 6 [SD-6: 9/12 (75.0%); IS-6: 5/9 (55.5%)] and Day 11 [SD-11: 3/4 (75.0%); IS-11: 5/5 (100%)] were predominantly gram-negative, and the most frequently isolated bacteria was Arcanobacterium pyogenes. The total number of aerobic bacteria forming colony units (CFU/mL) was greater in goats treated with inert silicon device that those treated with intravaginal sponges (P = 0.028). On device removal (Days 6 and 11), we observed more CFU/mL than on device insertion. We observed no difference in CFU/mL on day of oestrus with respect to the day of device insertion (Day 0: 41.1 ± 19.3; Day 6: 187.1 ± 51.3; Day 11: 169.1 ± 27.8; day of oestrus: 20.1 ± 25.8 CFU × 103/mL; P < 0.05). The in vitro studies demonstrated that most samples were resistant to oxytetracycline. We concluded that the use of intravaginal devices, regardless of their composition, provoked an increase in the normal vaginal bacterial flora, but values returned to pre-insertion numbers by the day of oestrus. According to in vitro results, amoxicillin, ampicillin and streptomycin were the most effective antibiotics to prevent vaginal bacterial growth.
The evolution of desiccation tolerance in angiosperm plants: a rare yet common phenomenon
Authors: Gaff Donald F. , Oliver Melvin
Published: February 2013

In a minute proportion of angiosperm species, rehydrating foliage can revive from airdryness or even from equilibration with air of ~0% RH. Such desiccation tolerance is known from vegetative cells of some species of algae and of major groups close to the evolutionary path of the angiosperms. It is also found in the reproductive structures of some algae, moss spores and probably the aerial spores of other terrestrial cryptogamic taxa. The occurrence of desiccation tolerance in the seed plants is overwhelmingly in the aerial reproductive structures; the pollen and seed embryos. Spatially and temporally, pollen and embryos are close ontogenetic derivatives of the angiosperm microspores and megaspores respectively. This suggests that the desiccation tolerance of pollen and embryos derives from the desiccation tolerance of the spores of antecedent taxa and that the basic pollen/embryo mechanism of desiccation tolerance has eventually become expressed also in the vegetative tissue of certain angiosperm species whose drought avoidance is inadequate in micro-habitats that suffer extremely xeric episodes. The protective compounds and processes that contribute to desiccation tolerance in angiosperms are found in the modern groups related to the evolutionary path leading to the angiosperms and are also present in the algae and in the cyanobacteria. The mechanism of desiccation tolerance in the angiosperms thus appears to have its origins in algal ancestors and possibly in the endosymbiotic cyanobacteria-related progenitor of chloroplasts and the bacteria-related progenitor of mitochondria. The mechanism may involve the regulation and timing of the accumulation of protective compounds and of other contributing substances and processes.
Australian practice nurses’ perceptions of their role and competency to provide nutrition care to patients living with chronic disease
Authors: Cass Sarah , Ball Lauren , Leveritt Michael
Published: February 2013

Nutrition is important in the management of chronic disease, and practice nurses in the Australian primary care setting are increasingly providing nutrition care to patients living with chronic disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate practice nurses’ perceptions of their role and competency to provide nutrition care to patients living with chronic disease in Australia. Twenty practice nurses currently employed in general practice participated in an individual semi-structured telephone interview. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Practice nurses perceived themselves to be in a prime position to provide opportunistic nutrition care to patients. Participants perceived that the ideal role of a practice nurse is to advocate for nutrition and provide a basic level of nutrition care to patients; however, the interpretation of the term ‘basic’ varied between participants. Participants perceived that practice nurses are highly trusted and approachable, which they valued as important characteristics for the provision of nutrition care. Barriers to providing nutrition care included time constraints, lack of nutrition knowledge and lack of confidence. Participants were concerned about the availability and accessibility of nutrition education opportunities for practice nurses. The present study has demonstrated that practice nurses perceive themselves as having a significant role in the provision of nutrition care to patients with chronic disease in the Australian primary care setting. Further investigation of strategies to enhance the effectiveness of nutrition care provision by practice nurses is warranted.
Inferring the Relative Oceanic Distribution of Salmon from Patterns in Age‐Specific Arrival Timing
Authors: Bracis C. , Anderson J. J.
Published: February 2013

The oceanic distribution of Columbia River spring–summer Chinook SalmonOncorhynchus tshawytschais essentially unknown, as they are first detected in the fishery at the mouth of the river and then at Bonneville Dam, located 235 km upstream of the river mouth. Although the composite run timing to Bonneville Dam varies interannually, earlier studies revealed that the distinct populations comprising this run are ordered in arrival time. Our analysis of returning tagged adults shows that within populations, the oldest fish (3‐ocean; i.e., those that spend 3 years in the ocean) arrive first, the 2‐ocean fish arrive next, and the 1‐ocean fish arrive last. To explore possible mechanisms underlying this persistent age‐dependent ordering of arrival time, we simulated the fish's return migration using a model based on a geomagnetic homing mechanism with age‐specific swimming speeds. To reproduce the observed age‐dependent differences in arrival time with the model, the 2‐ocean and 3‐ocean fish within a population needed to initiate migration from the same location and time, while 1‐ocean fish could initiate homeward migration from a more consistent location in the northern Gulf of Alaska with some delay. Arrival timing patterns provide valuable information that can be used to infer the features of homing migrations, which in turn may be useful for managing fish harvest by integrating age information into existing management techniques and for considering potential responses to climate change.
Development of powder diffraction apparatus for small-angle X-ray scattering measurements
Authors: Bóta Attila
Published: February 2013

A novel type of X-ray collimation system attached to commercial powder diffractometers makes the structural characterization of nanomaterials possible in a wide size range from <0.1 to 100 nm by combination of the small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering techniques. There is no dead interval in the detection between the small- and wide-angle regimes. This device can be attached to any existing `θ/θ' powder diffractometer, providing a multi-functional small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering/diffraction (SWAXS) apparatus. After proper alignment and adjustment, the device can be removed and re-attached at any time to switch between normal and SWAXS functions.
Hepatitis B inactive carriers: Clinical course and outcomes
Authors: Tong Myron J. , Trieu Judy
Published: February 2013

Objective

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) inactive carriers are HBV e antigen (HBeAg)‐negative patients with normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and HBV DNA of ≤ 10 000 copies/mL. We aimed to determine the clinical impact of ALT and HBV DNA elevations during the course of HBV infection.

Methods

From January 1989 to January 2012, 146 inactive carriers were prospectively followed every 6–12 months with ALT and HBV DNA measurements and with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance.

Results

During the follow‐up of 8 ± 6.3 years, 56 of the 146 patients maintained ALT ≤ 40 U/L and HBV DNA ≤ 10 000 copies/mL. However, 39 had rises of ALT > 40–80 U/L and 4 had ALT > 80 U/L; all except one reverted to baseline values. Also, during follow up, 69 (47.3%) inactive carriers had increases in HBV DNA of > 10 000–999 999 copies/mL; 38 of these patients’ HBV DNA returned to baseline levels, while the remaining 31 patients maintained elevated HBV DNA values but had corresponding ALT of ≤ 40 U/L. There were four liver‐related outcomes: 129 (88.4%) remained “inactive carriers”, 13 (8.9%) had loss of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), one (0.7%) had a spontaneous reactivation to HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis, and two (1.4%) developed HCC.

Conclusions

Although the prognosis of inactive carrier is favorable, transient ALT and HBV DNA elevations may be observed but have minimal clinical significance. Moreover, continuous HCC surveillance remains necessary since the risk of development still exists.
A Review of the Tetrapod Track Record in China, with Special Reference to Type Ichnospecies: Implications for Ichnotaxonomy and Paleobiology
Authors: LOCKLEY Martin G. , Jianjun LI , Rihui LI , MATSUKAWA Masaki , HARRIS Jerald D. , Lida XING
Published: February 2013

“Splitting” and “lumping” are perpetual problems in vertebrate, especially dinosaur, ichnotaxonomy. Chinese dinosaur ichnotaxonomy, which began in 1940, provides a series of interesting case studies, highlighting the dual problems of historical and dubious ichnotaxonomy. Chinese Mesozoic tetrapod track types have been placed into 63 ichnospecies (one Triassic, 28 Jurassic, and 34 Cretaceous), exclusive of other, non‐type ichnospecies or ichnotaxa identified from China. Fifty‐two (∼83%) of these 63 tetrapod ichnospecies were placed in monospecific ichnogenera. At the ichnogenus level, we prune—either by recognizing nomina dubia or by synonymy—17 from the list of 53 dinosaurian ichnogenera (a 32% reduction), leaving 36 ichnotaxa that we consider valid. Most of the cuts affect Jurassic theropod ichnotaxa, which are reduced from 23 to only nine because most ichnogenera are subjective junior synonyms of Grallator and Eubrontes. Fewer Chinese Cretaceous ichnotaxa (only six of 21 ichnogenera) are obvious nomina dubia or subjective synonyms, suggesting greater east Asian endemism during this time. Because ichnospecies differences are subtle, we provisionally retain ichnospecies as valid pending detailed comparative analyses of congeneric ichnospecies. This synthesis is long overdue and is necessary to address problems of historical and provincial ichnotaxonomy, which severely hamper comparisons of tetrapod ichnofaunas in space and time.
Geochronological and Geochemical Constrains on Petrogenesis of the Jietebutiao A‐type Granite in West Junggar, Xinjiang
Authors: Gaoxue YANG , Yongjun LI , Lili TONG , Bing ZHANG , Zhixian TIAN , Baokai YANG
Published: February 2013

Late Paleozoic post‐collisional granitoids are widespread in West Junggar, as well as northern Xinjiang. As a representative of those intrusions, the Jietebutiao granite occurs in the southwestern margin of the West Junggar (northwest China), and is mainly composed of mid‐coarse‐grained monzogranite and syenogranite. In the present study, we report the results of high‐precision zircon laser‐ablation–inductively‐coupled plasma mass–spectrometry U–Pb dating on the Jietebutiao granite for the first time, and yield weighted mean 206Pb/238U ages of 287 ± 9 Ma and 278 ± 3 Ma for monzogranite and syenogranite, respectively. The Jietebutiao granite has a pronounced A‐type affinity; it is metaluminons to slightly peraluminous; has a high‐K calc‐alkaline composition; high concentrations of Na2O + K2O, varying from 6.8 to 8.5 wt%; high FeOt/MgO; 10 000Ga/Al ratios, a low CaO, MgO, and TiO2 content; enriched in some large ion lithophile elements (LILE, such as Rb and Th) and high field strength elements (HFSE, such as Zr, Hf, and Y); and depleted in Sr, Ba, and Ti. In addition, the granite has a relatively high rare earth element (REE) content (except for Eu), with significant negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu*= 0.01–0.72), and showing slight tetrad REE patterns and non‐charge and radius controlled (CHARAC) trace element behavior. Petrographic, geochemical, and geochronological data suggest that the parental magma of Jietebutiao intrusions are of mixed origin, and are most probably formed by the interaction between the lower crust‐ and mantle‐derived magmas in the Early Permian post‐collisional tectonic setting. The basaltic magmas underplated and interacted with the lower crust that was dominated by deeply buried arc (and back‐arc basin) series and the oceanic crust formed in the Paleozoic, and then triggered the partial melting of the juvenile lower crust, producing voluminous granitic melts and forming the Jietebutiao A2‐type monzogranites, with the lithospheric mantle progressively thinning and rifting to form A‐type granites, such as syenogranites, in the Jietebutiao pluton. This further proves the important contribution of Late Paleozoic granitic magmatism in terms of vertical crustal growth in northern Xinjiang.
The effects of goal specificity and scaffolding on programming performance and self‐regulation in game design
Authors: Feng Chia‐Yen , Chen Ming‐Puu
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of goal specificity and scaffolding on the programming performance and self‐regulation of elementary students engaged in learning game design. This study recruited 232 students for the experimental activities. Two levels of goal specificity were employed: specific and nonspecific. Structuring and problematizing scaffolds were also used to support students in the process of learning. Our results reveal the following: (1) nonspecific goals and structuring scaffolds led to superior comprehension of programming, (2) nonspecific goals with problematizing scaffolds led to better problem‐solving performance, (3) problematizing scaffolds were more effective than structuring scaffolds in the development of self‐regulation behavior, and (4) nonspecific goals were more effective than specific goals in the promotion of resource management associated with self‐regulation.
The effect of secondary prophylaxis versus episodic treatment on the range of motion of target joints in patients with haemophilia
Authors: Gupta Sweta , Siddiqi Azfar‐E‐Alam , Soucie J. Michael , Manco‐Johnson Marilyn , Kulkarni Roshni , Lane Heidi , Ingram‐Rich Robina , Gill Joan C. ,   Joint Outcomes Committee of Universal Data Collection and the Hemophilia Treatment Centres Network
Published: February 2013

This study prospectively compared the effect of secondary prophylaxis to episodic treatment on target joint (TJ) range of motion (ROM), number of joint haemorrhages and new TJ development in patients with moderate or severe haemophilia. Two‐hundred and eighty‐six males, 17% in prophylaxis, 83% in episodic treatment group, participating in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Universal Data Collection project, fulfilled inclusion criteria: age >2 years at enrolment, free of TJs at enrolment, developed at least one TJ after enrolment, and received either prophylaxis or episodic treatment continuously for two follow‐up visits after TJ development. The outcomes of interest – percentage change in TJ ROM, number of joint haemorrhages and new TJ development, were modelled using multivariate linear, Poisson and logistic regression techniques respectively. Individuals who received secondary prophylaxis in comparison to episodic treatment were younger at TJ development (P < 0·01); there was no difference in the decrease in TJ ROM between the two groups (P = 0·9). Factors significantly associated with a higher rate of haemarthroses included episodic treatment, severe haemophilia, age >5 years at TJ development, obesity and inhibitor negative status. Secondary prophylaxis significantly decreased haemarthroses but was not associated with a significant improvement in TJ ROM or with new TJ development.
Lack of predictive correlation between peripheral arterial tone and colour flow Doppler parameters in men with erectile dysfunction
Authors: Seager Catherine M. , Li Jianbo , Shoskes Daniel A.
Published: February 2013

Objective

To evaluate whether peripheral arterial tone (PAT) can predict the results of penile colour flow Doppler in the evaluation of erectile dysfunction (ED).

Patients and Methods

Fifty men presenting to an ED clinic were tested with an Endo‐PAT2000 machine (Itamar Medical, Caesarea, Israel), which assessed augmentation index (AI), a measure of arterial stiffness, and reactive hyperaemia index (RHI), a measure of endothelial vasodilatation.

Penile haemodynamics were measured and used to identify both arterial insufficiency (abnormal peak systolic velocity [PSV]) and veno‐occlusive disease (abnormal end diastolic velocity [EDV]) after pharmacological erection with prostaglandin E1 using colour flow Doppler.

Between‐group comparisons were carried out using a Wilcoxon rank‐sum test for continuous variables and a chi‐squared test for categorical variables. Simple and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to analyse the correlation between outcome measures.

Results

Using Doppler analysis, 58% of patients were found to have arterial insufficiency (abnormal PSV) and 48% had veno‐occlussive disease (abnormal EDV).

Using the Endo‐PAT machine, 44% of patients were found to have increased arterial stiffness (abnormal AI) and 54% had decreased endothelial relaxation (abnormal RHI).

Neither AI nor RHI were correlated with PSV or EDV. The closest association was between high AI and low PSV, with a sensitivity of 0.55 and specificity of 0.71.

Conclusions

In our patient cohort, PAT did not reliably predict the results of penile Doppler.

The two tests appear to measure different although potentially complementary aspects of the local and systemic vasculature.