bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Melanoma cells present high levels of HLA‐A2‐tyrosinase in association with instability and aberrant intracellular processing of tyrosinase
Authors: Michaeli Yael , Sinik Keren , Haus‐Cohen Maya , Reiter Yoram
Published: April 2012

Short‐lived protein translation products are proposed to be a major source of substrates for major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigen processing and presentation; however, a direct link between protein stability and the presentation level of MHC class I–peptide complexes has not been made. We have recently discovered that the peptide Tyr(369–377), derived from the tyrosinase protein is highly presented by HLA‐A2 on the surface of melanoma cells. To examine the molecular mechanisms responsible for this presentation, we compared characteristics of tyrosinase in melanoma cells lines that present high or low levels of HLA‐A2–Tyr(369–377) complexes. We found no correlation between mRNA levels and the levels of HLA‐A2–Tyr(369–377) presentation. Co‐localization experiments revealed that, in cell lines presenting low levels of HLA‐A2–Tyr(369–377) complexes, tyrosinase co‐localizes with LAMP‐1, a melanosome marker, whereas in cell lines presenting high HLA‐A2–Tyr(369–377) levels, tyrosinase localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum. We also observed differences in tyrosinase molecular weight and glycosylation composition as well as major differences in protein stability (t1/2). By stabilizing the tyrosinase protein, we observed a dramatic decrease in HLA‐A2‐tyrosinase presentation. Our findings suggest that aberrant processing and instability of tyrosinase are responsible for the high presentation of HLA‐A2–Tyr(369–377) complexes and thus shed new light on the relationship between intracellular processing, stability of proteins, and MHC‐restricted peptide presentation.
Human polymorphonuclear neutrophils express RANK and are activated by its ligand, RANKL
Authors: Riegel Alexander , Maurer Thomas , Prior Birgit , Stegmaier Sabine , Heppert Volkmar , Wagner Christof , Hänsch G. Maria
Published: April 2012

The receptor activator of NF‐κB (RANK) is especially well studied in the context of bone remodeling, and RANK and its ligand, RANKL, are key molecules in the induction of bone resorbing osteoclasts. We now report that polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) contain preformed RANK, stored in secretory vesicles and in specific granules. Upon stimulation of PMNs in vitro, RANK was translocated to the cell membrane. In patients with persistent bacterial infections, RANK surface expression was enhanced compared with that of healthy individuals. The functional activity of RANK was assessed by determining migration of PMNs toward RANKL. A time‐ and dose‐dependent migration was seen, leading to the conclusion that RANK on PMNs is functional. We presume that regulated RANK expression contributes to the fine tuning of PMN migration, for example, on and through inflamed endothelium that is known to express RANKL.
Enhanced FcαRI‐mediated neutrophil migration towards tumour colonies in the presence of endothelial cells
Authors: Otten Marielle A. , Bakema Jantine E. , Tuk Cornelis W. , Glennie Martin J. , Tutt Alison L. , Beelen Robert H.J. , van de Winkel Jan G. J. , van Egmond Marjolein
Published: April 2012

Neutrophils potently kill tumour cells in the presence of anti‐tumour antibodies in vitro. However, for in vivo targeting, the neutrophils need to extravasate from the circulation by passing through endothelial barriers. To study neutrophil migration in the presence of endothelial cells in vitro, we established a three‐dimensional collagen culture in which SK‐BR‐3 tumour colonies were grown in the presence or absence of an endothelial barrier. We demonstrated that — in contrast to targeting FcγR on neutrophils with mAbs — targeting the immunoglobulin A Fc receptor (FcαRI) instead triggered neutrophil migration and degranulation leading to tumour destruction, which coincided with release of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)‐1β and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α. Interestingly, neutrophil migration was enhanced in the presence of endothelial cells, which coincided with production of significant levels of the neutrophil chemokine IL‐8. This supports the idea that stimulation of neutrophil FcαRI, but not FcγR, initiates cross‐talk between neutrophils and endothelial cells, leading to enhanced neutrophil migration towards tumour colonies and subsequent tumour killing.
Cannabidiol‐induced apoptosis in murine microglial cells through lipid raft
Authors: Wu Hsin‐Ying , Goble Kathleen , Mecha Miriam , Wang Chia‐Chi , Huang Chung‐Hsiung , Guaza Carmen , Jan Tong‐Rong
Published: April 2012

Cannabidiol (CBD), the major nonpsychotropic phytocannabinoid, induces apoptosis in both immortalized and primary lymphocytes and monocytes. However, contrasting effects of CBD on the apoptosis between normal and immortalized glial cells have been reported. This study investigated the proapoptotic effect of CBD on primary microglial cells. Treatment of murine primary microglial cultures with CBD resulted in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent induction of apoptosis, as shown by increase in hypodiploid cells and DNA strand breaks, and marked activation of both caspase‐8 and −9. Mechanistic studies revealed that antioxidants, including N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine and glutathione, the G protein‐coupled receptor 55 agonist abnormal‐CBD and specific antagonists for vanilloid, and CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors did not counteract the apoptosis induced by CBD. In contrast, methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (MCD), a lipid raft disruptor, potently attenuated CBD‐induced microglial apoptosis and caspase activation. Furthermore, CBD induced lipid raft coalescence and augmented the expression of GM1 ganglioside and caveolin‐1, all of which were attenuated by MCD. Taken together, these results suggest that CBD induces a marked proapoptotic effect in primary microglia through lipid raft coalescence and elevated expression of GM1 ganglioside and caveolin‐1. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association of Risk Factors with Musculoskeletal Disorders among Male Commercial Bus Drivers in Malaysia
Authors: Tamrin Shamsul Bahri M. , Yokoyama Kazuhito , Aziz Nasaruddin , Maeda Setsuo
Published: April 2012

A national study in Malaysia was conducted with the main objective being to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and the association between risk factors and MSDs among Malaysian bus drivers. Cross‐sectional data were collected from 1,181 male commercial bus drivers in Malaysia using questionnaires to determine demographic, working characteristics and a translated Nordic questionnaire to determine MSD complaints. A Human Vibration Meter was used to measure whole body vibration (WBV) exposure, and postural analysis was used to evaluate awkward working posture. To assess psychological factors, the validated Profile of Mood States (POMS) was used. The overall prevalence of MSD was 81.8% and, by body parts, low back pain was reported to be the highest complaint of lifetime MSD (58.5%) compared to other body parts. The levels of WBV acceleration magnitude A(8) exceed the European Union Directive (0.54 m/s2 root‐mean‐square [r.m.s.] acceleration), and only 1.2% of the bus drivers adopt more than 40% of awkward postures while driving. Logistic regression analysis, controlling for age, income, education level, and work activities, revealed that factors such as lack of seat adjustability, uncomfortable seat, seat's material, seat contour and design, WBV exposure, smoking, frequency of daily trips, duration of daily driving, prolonged sitting, working part time, and psychological factors (namely, feeling stress, feeling worried, feeling fatigued) were important risk factors of MSDs among Malaysian bus drivers. As a conclusion, bus drivers are exposed to a combination of risk factors that may lead to an increased risk of developing MSDs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Total waterborne carbon export and DOC composition from ten nested subarctic peatland catchments—importance of peatland cover, groundwater influence, and inter‐annual variability of precipitation patterns
Authors: Olefeldt David , Roulet Nigel , Giesler Reiner , Persson Andreas
Published: April 2012

Waterborne carbon (C) export from terrestrial ecosystems is a potentially important flux for the net catchment C balance and links the biogeochemical C cycling of terrestrial ecosystems to their downstream aquatic ecosystems. We have monitored hydrology and stream chemistry over 3 years in ten nested catchments (0.6–15.1 km2) with variable peatland cover (0%–22%) and groundwater influence in subarctic Sweden. Total waterborne C export, including dissolved and particulate organic carbon (DOC and POC) and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), ranged between 2.8 and 7.3 g m–2 year–1, representing ~10%–30% of catchment net ecosystem exchange of CO2. Several characteristics of catchment waterborne C export were affected by interacting effects of peatland cover and groundwater influence, including magnitude and timing, partitioning into DOC, POC, and DIC and chemical composition of the exported DOC. Waterborne C export was greater during the wetter years, equivalent to an average change in export of ~2 g m–2 year–1 per 100 mm of precipitation. Wetter years led to a greater relative increase in DIC export than DOC export due to an inferred relative shift in dominance from shallow organic flow pathways to groundwater sources. Indices of DOC composition (SUVA254 and a250/a365) indicated that DOC aromaticity and average molecular weight increased with catchment peatland cover and decreased with increased groundwater influence. Our results provide examples on how waterborne C export and DOC composition might be affected by climate change. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does phacoemulsification under topical anesthesia affect retrobulbar blood flow?
Authors: Saygili Oguzhan , Mete Ahmet , Mete Alper , Gungor Kivanc , Bekir Necdet , Bayram Metin
Published: April 2012

Purpose:

To investigate with color Doppler imaging the effects of phacoemulsification surgery under topical anesthesia on retrobulbar vessels hemodynamics.

Methods:

In this prospective study, color Doppler imaging was used to measure the maximum (Vmax) and minimum flow velocity (Vmin) of the central retinal vein, and the Vmax and Vmin, pulsatility index and resistance index of the central retinal artery, nasal, and temporal posterior ciliary arteries, and ophthalmic artery blood flow before and 1 day after phacoemulsification surgery under topical anesthesia.

Results:

After phacoemulsification surgery under topical anesthesia, Vmin of the central retinal artery increased (p ≤ 0.05), whereas the other variables showed no significant change.

Conclusions:

Phacoemulsification surgery under topical anesthesia has a minor effect on retrobulbar blood flow. Therefore topical anesthesia should be suitable for patients with ocular perfusion disorders (eg, glaucoma). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2012
Radiological diagnosis of vesicouterine fistula: Role of magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Abou‐El‐Ghar Mohamed E. , El‐Assmy Ahmed M. , Refaie Huda F. , El‐Diasty Tarek A.
Published: April 2012

Purpose:

To retrospectively assess the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of vesicouterine fistula (VUF).

Materials and Methods:

Between January 2003 and January 2011, 12 patients with a diagnosis of VUF were surgically managed at our center; among them, eight patients had MRI among their preoperative radiological investigations and those were included in our study. The clinical presentation, radiological investigations, and surgical findings of the patients were reviewed.

Results:

The mean age of the patients was 31 years. Seven of the eight patients had complaints of cyclic hematuria and the remaining patient complained of urinary leakage through the vagina. The etiology of VUF was cesarean section in all patients. The preoperative radiological investigations included conventional cystography in five patients, intravenous urography in two, computed tomography (CT) urography in two, and MRI in eight. The sensitivities of diagnosis for these investigations were 40%, 0%, 50%, and 100%, respectively.

Conclusion:

In our small retrospective series, pelvic MRI was reliable and sensitive for diagnosis of VUF. It should be considered in the work‐up of patients with suspected VUF. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:438–442. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Metastases to retroperitoneal or lateral pelvic lymph nodes indicated unfavorable survival and high pelvic recurrence rates in a cohort of 102 patients with low rectal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Quadros Claudio Almeida , Falcão Mário Feitosa , Carvalho Marcela Embiruçu , Ladeia Paolo Andrade , Lopes Ademar
Published: April 2012

Background and Objectives

The Japanese protocol considers metastases to retroperitoneal or lateral pelvic lymph nodes (RLPNs) as regional lymphatic dissemination in rectal adenocarcinoma patients and recommends total mesorectal excision (TME) plus retroperitoneal and lateral pelvic lymphadenectomy (RLPL). Western protocols consider RLPN metastases to indicate advanced disease.

Methods

All outcomes were evaluated among a cohort of 102 rectal adenocarcinoma patients subjected to TME plus RLPL with a nerve‐preserving technique. Chemoradiotherapy was delivered in patients with T3/T4 tumors or metastases to mesorectal nodes or RLPNs.

Results

Surgical mortality was 3.9%; surgical morbidity was 33.3%. Incidence of RLPN metastases was 17%. Pelvic recurrence was 14.5% in pT3/pT4 patients and 29.4% in patients with metastases to RLPNs. Survival at 50 months was 28.6% in patients with RLPN metastases versus 84.5% in patients without RLPN metastases (P < 0.0001). Survival at 50 months was 33.3% in TME stage II patients with RLPN metastases versus 97.1% in TME stage II patients without RLPN metastases (P < 0.0001), and 21.9% in TME stage III patients with RLPN metastases versus 68.9% in TME stage III patients without RLPN metastases (P = 0.0237).

Conclusions

Patients who underwent RLPL had acceptable morbidity and mortality rates. Metastases to RLPNs indicated unfavorable survival and considerable pelvic recurrence rates. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:653–658. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
General acid catalysis in benzoic acid–Crystal Violet carbinol base reactions in toluene
Authors: Gupta Susanta K. Sen , Mishra Sangeeta , Rani V. Radha , Arvind Udai
Published: April 2012

Kinetics of benzoic acid–dye carbinol base reactions in an apolar aprotic solvent exhibit a complex dependence on the concentration of the acid, indicating the occurrence of general acid catalysis, the acid playing the dual role of the substrate and the catalyst. The complex kinetic behavior observed for 23 ortho‐ and meta‐substituted benzoic acids has been traced to overlapping participations of the monomer acid, hyperacidic open chain homoconjugated complex (dimeric and trimeric) acids, and nonreactive cyclic dimer and trimer acids. It has been found that although the degree of proton transfer in the transition state is 50–60% when the acid acts exclusively in the monomeric form, it gets enhanced to as high as more than 90% when the role of homoconjugated complex acids is taken into consideration. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 44: 570–576, 2012
International children's continence society's recommendations for therapeutic intervention in congenital neuropathic bladder and bowel dysfunction in children
Authors: Rawashdeh Y.F. , Austin P. , Siggaard C. , Bauer S.B. , Franco I. , de Jong T.P. , Jorgensen T.M. ,   International Children's Continence Society
Published: April 2012

Purpose

We present a consensus view of members of the International Children's Continence Society on the therapeutic intervention in congenital neuropatic bladder and bowel dysfunction in children.

Material and Methods

Discussions were held by a group of pediatric urologists and gastroenterologists appointed by the board. The following draft review document was open to all the ICCS members via the ICCS web site. Feedback was considered by the core authors and by agreement, amendments were made as necessary. The final document is not a systematic literature review. It includes relevant research when available as well as expert opinion on the current understanding of therapeutic intervention in congenital neuropatic bladder and bowel dysfunction in children.

Results

Guidelines on pharmalogical and surgical intervention are presented. First the multiple modalities for intervention that do not involve surgical reconstruction are summarized concerning pharmacological agents, medical devices, and neuromodulation. The non‐surgical intervention is promoted before undertaking major surgery.

Indicators for non‐surgical treatments depend on issues related to intravesical pressure, upper urinary tract status, prevalence of urinary tract infections, and the degree of incontinence. The optimal age for treatment of incontinence is also addressed.

This is followed by a survey of specific treatments such as anticholinergics, botulinum‐A toxin, antibiotics, and catheters. Neuromodulation of the bladder via intravesical electrical stimulation, sacral nerve stimulation, transcutaneous stimulation, and biofeedback is scrutinized.

Then follows surgical intervention, which should be tailored to each individual, based on careful consideration of urodynamic findings, medical history, age, and presence of other disability. Treatments mentioned are: urethral dilation, vesicostomy, bladder, augmentation, fascial sling, artificial urinary sphincters, and bladder neck reconstruction and are summarized with regards to success rates and complications. Finally, the treatment on neuropathic bowel dysfunction with rectal suppositories irrigation and transrectal stimulation are scrutinized. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:615–620, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
B‐type natriuretic peptide as an independent correlate of nocturnal voiding in Japanese women
Authors: Yoshimura Koji , Nakayama Takeo , Sekine Akihiro , Matsuda Fumihiko , Kosugi Shinji , Yamada Ryo , Shimizu Yosuke , Kanematsu Akihiro , Yoshimura Kenichi , Ogawa Osamu ,   the Nagahama Cohort Research Group
Published: April 2012

Aims

To investigate whether objective cardiovascular parameters have an independent association with nocturnal voiding in women.

Methods

Thirty‐two parameters derived from questionnaires, and anthropometric, physiological and biochemical measures of 5,980 women were applied for analysis. Nocturnal voiding was assessed by the International Prostate Symptom Score and the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score. We measured variables including previously reported correlates of nocturnal voiding, such as age, a history of hypertension, and a history of diabetes, as well as those focusing on cardiovascular function, such as the cardio‐ankle vascular index, the augmentation index, the ankle‐brachial index, plasma B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and C‐reactive protein (CRP).

Results

Age [odds ratio (OR): 1.058, P < 0.001], length of sleep (OR: 1.194, P < 0.001), sleeplessness (OR: 2.841, P < 0.001), urgency (OR: 1.528, P < 0.001), log(BNP) (OR: 2.031, P < 0.001), waist circumference (OR: 1.037, P = 0.002), body mass index (OR: 0.935, P = 0.007), menopause (OR: 1.503, P = 0.043), and history of hypertension (OR: 1.225, P = 0.029) were independently associated with nocturnal voiding ≥2 times. Age (β = 0.256, P < 0.001), urgency (β = 0.195, P < 0.001), sleeplessness (β = 0.181, P < 0.001), length of sleep (β = 0.088, P < 0.001), log(BNP) (β = 0.072, P < 0.001), waist circumference (β = 0.086, P < 0.001), and low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (β = −0.038, P = 0.003) were significantly correlated with the severity of nocturnal voiding.

Conclusions

Plasma BNP, which represents cardiac load, is strongly associated with the prevalence and severity of nocturnal voiding in Japanese women, as well as previously known correlates including age, urgency, quality and quantity of sleep, and obesity. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:1266–1271, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
S100A9, GIF and AAT as potential combinatorial biomarkers in gastric cancer diagnosis and prognosis
Authors: Wu Wei , Juan Wen Chun , Liang Cynthia R. M. Y. , Yeoh Khay Guan , So Jimmy , Chung Maxey C. M.
Published: April 2012

Purpose

We have mined the gastric fluid proteome for potential gastric cancer (GC) biomarkers that may enhance disease detection and facilitate prognostic monitoring.

Experimental design

In biomarker discovery, a total of 12 patient gastric fluid samples (stages I, III, IV and gastritis) were analysed by 2DE for expression changes that correlated with GC status or disease progression. Gastric fluid proteins showing differential expression with GC were identified by MALDI‐TOF/TOF MS as putative biomarkers. Levels of these potential biomarker candidates were independently validated by Western blotting in further 60 gastritis and GC patients. A targeted approach that recruits biomarker candidates for panel consideration was adopted to test if two or more biomarkers in combination improved diagnostic power.

Results

From the 15 differentially regulated proteins identified, expression levels of S100A9, GIF and AAT in the gastric fluid clearly correlated with GC status. S100A9/AAT (AUC = 0.81) and S100A9/GIF (AUC = 0.92) were revealed as promising biomarker pairs for early GC diagnosis and disease monitoring, respectively.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

Early diagnosis, accurate staging and constant disease monitoring remain the prerequisites for effective treatment against GC. As current biomarkers like CA19–9 and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) lack sensitivity and specificity, there is a pressing need for novel GC detection and monitoring methods. To this end, S100A9, GIF and AAT from the gastric fluid may significantly augment existing methods of GC detection and monitoring, and eliminate the need for invasive tissue biopsies.
Differential proteomics of human seminal plasma: A potential target for searching male infertility marker proteins
Authors: Tomar Anil Kumar , Sooch Balwinder Singh , Singh Sarman , Yadav Savita
Published: April 2012

The clinical fertility tests, available in the market, fail to define the exact cause of male infertility in almost half of the cases and point toward a crucial need of developing better ways of infertility investigations. The protein biomarkers may help us toward better understanding of unknown cases of male infertility that, in turn, can guide us to find better therapeutic solutions. Many clinical attempts have been made to identify biomarkers of male infertility in sperm proteome but only few studies have targeted seminal plasma. Human seminal plasma is a rich source of proteins that are essentially required for development of sperm and successful fertilization. This viewpoint article highlights the importance of human seminal plasma proteome in reproductive physiology and suggests that differential proteomics integrated with functional analysis may help us in searching potential biomarkers of male infertility.
Controlling morphology of peptide‐based soft structures by covalent modifications
Authors: Gour Nidhi , Barman Apurba K. , Verma Sandeep
Published: April 2012

Control of gross morphology of soft matter remains an area of continued interest. Towards this goal, this paper describes conjugation of mannose residues and introduction of thiol functionalities to diphenylalanine (FF) dipeptide, a fibrillating motif from amyloid‐β peptide, as covalent modifiers of its solution‐phase self‐assembly process. It was found that covalent attachment of a single mannose residue to FF leads to the retention of tubular structures, whereas the conjugation of two mannose units, linked through a Lys residue, resulted in a dramatic change from tubular morphology to spherical structures. However, a similar switch to spherical objects could be achieved by introducing a thiol residue in the mono‐mannosylated FF dipeptide. Interestingly, these glycopeptides also exhibited interaction with concanavalin A, thereby providing an indirect evidence for the availability of mannose units for the process of lectin‐carbohydrate interaction in the self‐organized state. Copyright © 2012 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Suitability of Ivy Extract for the Treatment of Paediatric Cough
Authors: Schmidt M. , Thomsen M. , Schmidt U.
Published: April 2012

Two galenical formulations of an ivy herbal extract, syrup and cough drops, were tested for their efficacy and safety in the paediatric treatment of cough and bronchitis in two independent open, non‐interventional studies with identical design. Two‐hundred and sixty‐eight children aged 0–12 yr were treated with one of the two preparations for up to 14 days. The effects on cough‐related symptoms were addressed on a verbal rating scale. At the end of the study the major symptoms rhinitis, cough and viscous mucus, were found to be only mildly expressed or absent in 93, 94.2 and 97.7% of cases. The global effect was rated as ‘good’ or ‘very good’ in 96.5% of cases. Tolerability and compliance were found ‘good’ to ‘very good’ in 99% (syrup) and 100% (drops) of patients on completion of the study. A subgroup analysis according to four different age and dosing groups did not reveal differences in treatment response. Safety was confirmed and corresponded to literature findings. Five adverse events classified as mild and non‐serious were reported (1.9%). In conclusion, ivy leaf extract in the form of syrup and of cough drops was confirmed as an effective and safe treatment of cough in children. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface spectrometry using large argon clusters
Authors: Kayser S. , Rading D. , Moellers R. , Kollmer F. , Niehuis E.
Published: April 2012

Large argon cluster ions can very successfully be applied as primary ion projectiles in SIMS, but until recently, these sources could not be used in combination with conventional TOF‐SIMS systems. The large cluster size distribution limited the possibility to pulse the primary ion beam, which is a prerequisite for high mass resolution surface spectrometry. We developed a unique 90° pulsing system which enables the generation of short primary ion pulses for high mass resolution surface spectrometry. The pulsing system allows the variation of the applied cluster size from 250 to 10000 atoms/cluster. In this contribution, we present and compare data about the influence of the cluster size on the spectra appearance, the fragmentation and the secondary ion yield on different organic sample systems. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Feasibility Study on Manufacturing of Functionally Graded Structures Using SiC Ceramic Powder in a Steel‐Based Matrix by Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
Authors: Herbst Stephan , Williams Stewart , Ganguly Supriyo
Published: April 2012

The paper presents a feasibility study on application of the gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process to obtain metal composite functional coating for advanced tribological application. Silicon carbide (SiC) particles in the form of powder was added to a weld pool in autogenous mode as well as with an additional filler wire. Powder feeding was carried out at different angles and with varying separation distance from the welding torch. The metallurgical characterization of the cladded structure was carried out using optical as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) was performed to analyze the composition of the deposited weld metal. It has been observed that due to low SiC density it was difficult for particles to penetrate the weld pool. Also the added SiC was found to be dissociated into Si and carbon (C) and the large amount of dissolved C in the weld pool resulted in formation of graphite phases.
Weather and public health in Nottingham 1905–19261
Authors: Wilson John
Published: April 2012

This study describes the effect of a significant improvement in public health '96 the change from pail closets to flushable water closets '96 in a large city in relation to warm or hot weather. Prior to 1916, most houses in Nottingham had pail closets for the removal of human waste. The paper shows that, during the period 1905 to 1916, there was a significant correlation between high summer temperatures and infant deaths from diarrhoea. After 1919, when flush water closets were installed in almost all homes, there was no such correlation. The paper also discusses the use of a modified form of degree‐days as a tool in investigations of this kind.
Prevalence and Some Psychosocial Characteristics of Social Anxiety Disorder in an Urban Population of Turkish Children and Adolescents
Authors: Demir T. , Karacetin G. , Eralp Demir D. , Uysal O.
Published: April 2012

Purpose

To define the prevalence and some of the psychosocial characteristics of social anxiety disorder (SAD) in an urban population of Turkish children and adolescents.

Subjects and methods

This was a two-stage cross-sectional urban-based study conducted in Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey. The initial sample included 1,482 students between the 4th and 8th grades. The first stage involved screening using the Social Anxiety Scale for Children-Revised (SASC-R) and the Capa Social Phobia Scale for Children and Adolescents (CSPSCA). According to the test results, 324 children were interviewed using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL) in the second stage.

Results

The SAD prevalence rate was 3.9%. According to the multiple regression analysis, low paternal education and trait anxiety were associated with SASC-R scores, whereas female gender and trait anxiety were associated with CSPSCA scores. According to logistic regression analysis, the anxiety subscale of the self-concept scale and trait anxiety were associated with SAD.

Conclusion

SAD is a relatively common disorder that is associated with lower self-concept in children and adolescents. Low paternal education, trait anxiety, and low self-concept may be the intervention targets for SAD prevention and treatment.
Catalytic promiscuity in Pseudomonas aeruginosa arylsulfatase as an example of chemistry‐driven protein evolution
Authors: Luo Jinghui , van Loo Bert , Kamerlin Shina C.L.
Published: April 2012

In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that many enzymes are catalytically “promiscuous”. This can provide a springboard for protein evolution, allowing enzymes to acquire novel functionality without compromising their native activities. We present here a detailed study of Pseudomonas aeruginosa arylsulfatase (PAS), which catalyzes the hydrolysis of a number of chemically distinct substrates, with proficiencies comparable to that towards its native reaction. We demonstrate that the main driving force for the promiscuity is the ability to exploit the electrostatic preorganization of the active site for the native substrate, providing an example of chemistry‐driven protein evolution.
Synthetic peptide arrays for investigating protein interaction domains
Authors: Volkmer Rudolf , Tapia Victor , Landgraf Christiane
Published: April 2012

Synthetic peptide array technology was first developed in the early 1990s by Ronald Frank. Since then the technique has become a powerful tool for high throughput approaches in biology and biochemistry. Here, we focus on peptide arrays applied to investigate the binding specificity of protein interaction domains such as WW, SH3, and PDZ domains. We describe array‐based methods used to reveal domain networks in yeast, and briefly review rules as well as ideas about the synthesis and application of peptide arrays. We also provide initial results of a study designed to investigate the nature and evolution of SH3 domain interaction networks in eukaryotes.
The helminth community ofGeophagus proximus(Perciformes: Cichlidae) from a tributary of the Paraná River, Ilha Solteira Reservoir, São Paulo State, Brazil
Authors: Zago A.C. , Franceschini L. , Zocoller-Seno M.C. , Veríssimo-Silveira R. , Maia A.A.D. , Ikefuti C.V. , da Silva R.J.
Published: April 2012

This study aimed to evaluate the helminth parasites ofGeophagus proximusfrom the São José dos Dourados River, a tributary of Paraná River, Ilha Solteira Reservoir, São Paulo State, Brazil. From May 2006 to May 2007, 116G. proximusspecimens were examined and seven different taxa of helminth were collected and identified: proteocephalidean plerocercoids (Cestoda); metacercariae ofAustrodiplostomumcompactum, Clinostomum heluansandClinostomumsp. (Trematoda); andRaphidascaris(Sprentascaris)hypostomi, and larvae ofRaphidascarissp. andContracaecumsp. (Nematoda). All parasites presented the typical aggregated pattern of distribution, as well as the presence of a high number of larval stages, an absence of influence of the host sex and seasonality upon community parameters, as well as a correlation between species richness and host body weight. Moreover, with the exception ofA. compactummetacercariae, all helminths found in this study are reported for the first time inG. proximus.
Identifying priority areas for the conservation of antelopes in the Republic of Guinea, West Africa, using the complementarity approach
Authors: Brugière David
Published: April 2012

The Republic of Guinea has one of the highest diversities of mammal species in West Africa. However, its protected area network is poorly developed and little quantitative information has been available to help guide national conservation strategies. I therefore examined the distribution of antelopes and related species (families Bovidae and Tragulidae) across 17 sites, including four protected areas, to determine how the existing protected area network contributes to the conservation of antelope species and where action should best be focused for the conservation of this group. A total of 21 species of antelope have been recorded in the 17 sites; four of these species are absent from the four protected areas. An iterative heuristic complementarity approach was used to determine an irreplaceability index, which accounts for both species richness and species rarity, for each of the sites. The Kankan Faunal Reserve and Nimba Strict Nature Reserve have the second and fourth highest irreplaceability indices, respectively. The two other protected areas have moderate to very low irreplaceability indices, showing that they protect species widespread throughout the 17 sites. The Ziama Forest has the highest index (because it contains a high number of species and of globally threatened species), highlighting the significance of this site. I discuss the importance of the other sites and the threats affecting antelopes in Guinea, and make recommendations to improve the study and conservation of antelope species in the country.
Evaluating the effectiveness of a public awareness campaign as a conservation intervention: the saiga antelope Saiga tatarica in Kalmykia, Russia
Authors: Howe Caroline , Obgenova Olga , Milner-Gulland E. J.
Published: April 2012

We carried out an in-depth analysis of a media campaign designed to raise awareness of the ecology and conservation of the Critically Endangered saiga antelope Saiga tatarica in the Pre-Caspian region of Russia. We carried out 250 semi-structured interviews in eight villages. The effectiveness of the campaign was assessed using change in opinion over the previous 3 years as an attitudinal indicator and amount pledged for saiga conservation as a measure of behavioural intention. The campaign induced positive changes in attitudes and behavioural intention. Reinforcement was important, with people's retention of information about saiga conservation from the campaign being positively correlated with their level of ecological knowledge about the species. Similarly, behavioural intention towards the saiga was more likely to be positive in individuals who had a high level of exposure to the species and/or had been subject to two or more different conservation interventions. Level of attitudinal change was dependent on an interaction between the date when the media campaign was carried out and the age of the respondent. We conclude that public awareness campaigns, if designed to take into account the socio-demographics and cultural background of the target audience, can be an effective method of improving attitudes towards conservation.
Offending prior to first psychiatric contact: a population-based register study
Authors: Stevens H. , Agerbo E. , Dean K. , Nordentoft M. , Nielsen P. R. , Mortensen P. B.
Published: April 2012

Background

There is a well-established association between psychotic disorders and subsequent offending but the extent to which those who develop psychosis might have a prior history of offending is less clear. Little is known about whether the association between illness and offending exists in non-psychotic disorders. The aim of this study was to determine whether the association between mental disorder and offending is present prior to illness onset in psychotic and non-psychotic disorders.

Method

In a nested case-control study, cases (n=101 890) with a first psychiatric contact during the period 1995 to 2006 were identified and matched by age and gender to population-based controls (n=2 236 195). Exposure was defined as prior criminal and violent offending.

Results

Males with one offence had an incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 2.32 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.26–2.40] for psychiatric admission whereas two or more convictions yielded an IRR of 4.97 (95% CI 4.83–5.11). For violent offending the associations were stronger and IRRs of 3.97 (95% CI 3.81–4.12) and 6.18 (95% CI 5.85–6.52) were found for one and several offences respectively. Estimates for females were of a similar magnitude. The pattern was consistent across most diagnostic subgroups, although some variability in effect sizes was seen, and persisted after adjustment for substance misuse and socio-economic status (SES).

Conclusions

A prior history of offending is present in almost one in five patients presenting to mental health services, which makes it an important issue for clinicians to consider when assessing current and future risks and vulnerabilities.
Persistence, Perseveration and Perfectionism in the Eating Disorders
Authors: Waller Glenn , Shaw Tonya , Meyer Caroline , Haslam Michelle , Lawson Rachel , Serpell Lucy
Published: April 2012

Background:Perseveration, persistence and perfectionism are traits that have been suggested to be relevant to the eating disorders. This study explored the levels and correlates of these three traits in the eating disorders and control groups.Method:A measure of these three elements (the Persistence, Perseveration and Perfectionism Questionnaire - PPPQ-22) was administered to 99 women with eating disorders, 25 women with other psychiatric disorders, and 91 non-clinical women. Differences in PPPQ-22 scores across groups were measured, as were the associations between PPPQ-22 scores and eating attitudes.Results:The eating disordered groups showed lower levels of persistence (the drive towards goal achievement) than the non-clinical group, but did not show higher levels of perseveration (the following of rules, without considering whether goals are achieved). Both women with eating disorders and non-clinical controls showed correlations between eating disorder symptoms and perseveration.Conclusions:The current study, using a relatively new measure, suggests that low levels of persistence, rather than high levels of perseveration, may be implicated in the eating disorders. It was less clear that perfectionism per se was a useful construct in understanding eating pathology. If confirmed by future research, persistence should be considered in treatment of these complex and challenging conditions.
Role of ice dynamics in anomalous ice conditions in the Beaufort Sea during 2006 and 2007
Authors: Hutchings J. K. , Rigor I. G.
Published: April 2012

A new record minimum in summer sea ice extent was set in 2007 and an unusual polynya formed in the Beaufort Sea ice cover during the summer of 2006. Using a combination of visual observations from cruises, ice drift, and satellite passive microwave sea ice concentration, we show that ice dynamics during preceding years included events that preconditioned the Beaufort ice pack for the unusual patterns of opening observed in both summers. Intrusions of first year ice from the Chukchi Sea to the Northern Beaufort, and increased pole‐ward ice transport from the western Arctic during summer has led to reduced replenishment of multiyear ice, older than five years, in the western Beaufort, resulting in a younger, thinner ice pack in most of the Beaufort. We find ice younger than five years melts out completely by the end of summer, south of 76N. The 2006 unusual polynya was bounded to the south by an ice tongue composed of sea ice older than 5 years, and formed when first year and second year ice melted between 76N and the older ice to the south. In this paper we demonstrate that a recent shift in ice circulation patterns in the western Arctic preconditions the Beaufort ice pack for increased seasonal ice zone extent.
Predicting euphotic‐depth‐integrated chlorophyll‐afrom discrete‐depth and satellite‐observable chlorophyll‐a off central California
Authors: Frolov Sergey , Ryan J. P. , Chavez F. P.
Published: April 2012

Predicting water column integrated phytoplankton biomass from near‐surface measurements has been an important effort in marine ecological research, particularly since the advent of satellite remote sensing of ocean color. Quantitative relationships between chlorophyll‐aconcentrations (Chl‐a) at the surface and its depth‐integrated magnitude have thus far only been developed for open‐ocean waters. Here we develop and test for the first time an extension of open‐ocean relationships into ocean‐margin waters, specifically the highly productive and variable eastern boundary upwelling ecosystem off the central California coast. This region was chosen because of the unique availability of a 30‐year record of ship‐based Chl‐aprofiles measured using consistent methods. The extended relationship allows accurate prediction of integrated biomass from surface measurements. Further, we develop a new set of relationships for predicting the depth‐integrated Chl‐afrom Chl‐ameasured over a range of discrete depths (i.e., as measured by fluorometers on moorings). The newly developed relationships are tested against 15,000 fluorometric Chl‐aprofiles obtained from an autonomous underwater vehicle. Surprisingly, the relationship between surface Chl‐aand depth‐integrated Chl‐aholds for profiles with high concentrations of Chl‐a in persistent subsurface thin phytoplankton layers (layers <3 m thick and located below the first optical depth). The results have implications for monitoring of algal blooms and for quantifying ocean primary productivity from satellite observations of ocean color.
Luminous pulses during triggered lightning
Authors: Winn W. P. , Eastvedt E. M. , Trueblood J. J. , Eack K. B. , Edens H. E. , Aulich G. D. , Hunyady S. J. , Murray W. C.
Published: April 2012

A triggered lightning flash that transferred negative charge to ground in central New Mexico produced more than three levels of branching above the main channel to ground in a 1 km vertical field of view. A high‐speed video recording shows that the main channel had about 50 brief luminous pulses, many of which were superimposed on a slowly changing persistent luminosity. In contrast, superposition was rare in the uppermost visible branches because luminous pulses first appeared on preexisting dark channels before merging into a luminous channel. This observation suggests that luminous pulses in triggered and natural lightning originate only on dark branches and that the complexity of the main channel to ground is the result of multiple mergers of dark branches with pulses into luminous branches without pulses. This suggestion is contrary to an earlier conclusion that there are two kinds of luminous pulses. We also observe behavior characteristic of electromagnetic waves on transmission lines: when a downward propagating luminous pulse reaches a junction with another initially dark branch, it travels both upward and downward along that branch. Upon reaching the ground the downward propagating wave produces a bright reflection which also splits at the junctions, producing luminosity for a short distance upward in one direction while propagating much farther upward along the path charged by the downward propagating wave. However, when a downward moving luminous pulse reaches a junction with an initially luminous branch, splitting is not evident, probably due to the greater conductivity of the luminous channel.
Electrical activation and electron spin resonance measurements of implanted bismuth in isotopically enriched silicon-28
Authors: Weis C. D. , Lo C. C. , Lang V. , Tyryshkin A. M. , George R. E. , Yu K. M. , Bokor J. , Lyon S. A. , Morton J. J. L. , Schenkel T.
Published: April 2012

We have performed continuous wave and pulsed electron spin resonance measurements of implanted bismuth donors in isotopically enriched silicon-28. Donors are electrically activated via thermal annealing with minimal diffusion. Damage from bismuth ion implantation is repaired during thermal annealing as evidenced by narrow spin resonance linewidths (Bpp=12μT) and long spin coherence times (T2=0.7 ms, at temperature T=8 K). The results qualify ion implanted bismuth as a promising candidate for spin qubit integration in silicon.
Ultrasonic evaluation of interlayer interfacial stiffness of multilayered structures
Authors: Ishii Yosuke , Biwa Shiro
Published: April 2012

A procedure for the ultrasonic evaluation of the interlayer interfacial stiffness of multilayered structures is proposed. As a theoretical background to this proposal, the elastic wave propagation in a multilayered structure, in which the layers are bonded with spring-type interfaces, is analyzed theoretically based on the transfer-matrix method. Using the notion of the Bloch phase which characterizes wave transmission in the corresponding infinite periodic structure, some explicit relations are derived for the reflection coefficient of the multilayered structure. Based on the features clarified theoretically, the interlayer interfacial stiffness of the multilayered structure can be evaluated from the locations of local minima and maxima of the amplitude reflection spectrum. By numerical analysis, the proposed procedure is shown to apply even when the viscous property of the layers is not known precisely, and when a transient waveform of a limited length is used. Using the proposed procedure, the stiffness of interlayer resin-rich regions in a carbon-epoxy cross-ply composite laminate is identified from the experimental reflection spectrum. The identified stiffness is shown to lie within the range as expected from the micrographic observation and a simple estimate for a thin resin layer.
Vibrational relaxation pathways of amide I and amide II modes in N-methylacetamide
Authors: Piatkowski L. , Bakker H. J.
Published: April 2012

We studied the vibrational energy relaxation mechanisms of the amide I and amide II modes of N-methylacetamide (NMA) monomers dissolved in bromoform using polarization-resolved femtosecond two-color vibrational spectroscopy. The results show that the excited amide I vibration transfers its excitation energy to the amide II vibration with a time constant of 8.3 ± 1 ps. In addition to this energy exchange process, we observe that the excited amide I and amide II vibrations both relax to a final thermal state. For the amide I mode this latter process dominates the vibrational relaxation of this mode. We find that the vibrational relaxation of the amide I mode depends on frequency which can be well explained from the presence of two subbands with different vibrational lifetimes (∼1.1 ps on the low frequency side and ∼2.7 ps on the high frequency side) in the amide I absorption spectrum.