bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macular Disease Affects the Outcome of ZyWave™ Aberrometry
Authors: Zarei-Ghanavati Siamak , Banaee Touka , Abrishami Mojtaba , Dehghani Ali
Published: November 2010

Background and Objective:

Wavefront analysis aims to measure aberrations in the eye, often before and after surgeries. The Hartmann–Shack instrument is an outgoing reflective aberrometer that uses a laser light source. The authors aimed to evaluate changes in aberrations of the eyes with macular irregularity by comparing with the fellow normal eyes.

Patients and Methods:

In a prospective study, the authors evaluated both eyes of patients with unilateral acquired foveal lesion by ZyWave (ZyWave; Milwaukee, WI) aberrometer. Eighteen eyes of 9 patients with a mean age of 32 years were examined.

Results:

After exclusion of two cases with central serous chorioretinopathy (due to smooth macular surface), a statistically significant increase in higher-order aberration in the involved eyes compared with the normal fellow eyes (
P
= .043) was found. There was also a statistically significant increase in horizontal trefoil in the involved eyes compared with normal eyes (
P
= .04).

Conclusion:

This fellow eye study shows that macular irregularity might increase high-order aberrations measured by the Hartmann–Shack aberrometer.
LSFG Findings of Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy After Intravitreal Injection of Bevacizumab
Authors: Enaida Hiroshi , Okamoto Kenji , Fujii Hitoshi , Ishibashi Tatsuro
Published: November 2010

The authors investigate the changes of chorioretinal blood flow using laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) in efficacy of treatment. Intravitreal bevacizumab was injected in a patient with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. LSFG measures the relative velocity index of erythrocytes (mean blur rate) in a previously confirmed area, with neovascularization elsewhere (NVE), neovascularization of the disc (NVD), and without neovascularization. The authors compared mean blur rate before and after bevacizumab injection in each area. In LSFG images, regression of blood flow was observed at the area of neovascularization sequentially as the change of color pattern. Finally, decrease of the mean blur rate of an average 32.7% was observed in the NVE area. Similarly, a reduction of 31.9% of mean blur rate was observed in the NVD area. However, in the area of without neovascularization, reduction of mean blur rate was not observed. This suggested the useful possibility of measuring chorioretinal blood flow changes by drug intervention using LSFG analysis.
Scattered Lamellar Microholes as a Complication of Epiretinal Membranes
Authors: Errera Marie-Hélène , Cohen Salomon-Yves , Chahed Sadri , Gaudric Alain
Published: November 2010

The authors present two cases of an unusual pattern of the fundus corresponding to multiple “scattered lamellar microholes” located at the periphery of thick and contractile idiopathic epiretinal membranes. The retinal defects were documented with blue reflectance fundus photographs and three-dimensional spectral domain optical coherence tomography. They seem to correspond to multiple small areas of partial-thickness or lamellar disruptions of the retina. The authors suggest that the contraction of the epiretinal membrane may have caused tangential traction on the adjacent inner retina, creating disruptions in the internal limiting membrane and inner retina.
Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion After Septoplasty
Authors: Leng Theodore , Moshfeghi Darius M.
Published: November 2010

Loss of vision after uncomplicated rhinosurgery is a rare and uncommon complication. The authors describe a case of branch retinal artery occlusion after septoplasty in a 40-year-old otherwise healthy man. The likely etiology was injection of local anesthetics into the nasal mucosa during surgery. Vision loss could potentially have been prevented through the application of topical vasoconstrictive agents prior to anesthetic injection. Furthermore, slow injection and aspiration prior to injection could also help prevent inadvertent intraarterial injection.
Facilitated Sensemaking: A Strategy and New Middle-Range Theory to Support Families of Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Davidson Judy E.
Published: December 2010

The goal of this new theory is to prevent adverse psychological outcomes of ICU patients’ family members.
Noncultured Autologous Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Therapy for Chronic Radiation Injury
Authors: Akita Sadanori , Akino Kozo , Hirano Akiyoshi , Ohtsuru Akira , Yamashita Shunichi
Published: December 2010

Increasing concern on chronic radiation injuries should be treated properly for life-saving improvement of wound management and quality of life. Recently, regenerative surgical modalities should be attempted with the use of noncultured autologous adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) with temporal artificial dermis impregnated and sprayed with local angiogenic factor such as basic fibroblast growth factor, and secondary reconstruction can be a candidate for demarcation and saving the donor morbidity. Autologous adipose-derived stem cells, together with angiogenic and mitogenic factor of basic fibroblast growth factor and an artificial dermis, were applied over the excised irradiated skin defect and tested for Patients who were uneventfully healed with minimal donor-site morbidity, which lasts more than 1.5 years.
Birth Outcomes of Newborns after Folic Acid Supplementation in Pregnant Women with Early and Late Pre-Eclampsia: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Bánhidy Ferenc , Dakhlaoui Abdallah , Dudás István , Czeizel Andrew E.
Published: November 2010

Objective. To evaluate the rate of preterm birth and low birth weight in the newborns of pregnant women with early and late onset pre-eclampsia according to folic acid supplementation.Study design. Birth outcomes of newborns were evaluated in 1,017 (2.7%) pregnant women with medically recorded pre-eclampsia and 37,134 pregnant women without pre-eclampsia as reference in the Hungarian Case-Control Surveillance System of Congenital Abnormalities, 1980–1996, in addition these study groups were differentiated according to the supplementation of high dose of folic acid alone from early pregnancy.Results. Pregnant women with pre-eclampsia associated with a higher rate of preterm birth (10.2% versus 9.1%) and low birthweight (7.9% versus 5.6%). There was a lower risk of preterm birth (6.8%) of newborn infants born to pregnant women with early onset pre-eclampsia after folic acid supplementation from early pregnancy though the rate of low birthweight was not reduced significantly. There was no significant reduction in the rate of preterm birth and low birthweight in pregnant women with late onset pre-eclampsia after folic acid supplementation.Conclusion. The rate of preterm birth in pregnant women with early onset pre-eclampsia was reduced moderately by high doses of folic acid supplementation from early pregnancy.
Catastrophic Cardiac Amyloidosis
Authors: Panduranga Prashanth , Mukhaini Mohammed
Published: December 2010

We report a case of a 61-year-old patient presenting with cardiogenic shock. His echocardiogram suggested typical features of cardiac amyloidosis. This case demonstrates that cardiac amyloidosis can present acutely and may be catastrophic.
Cardiorenal Syndromes: Pathophysiology to Prevention
Authors: McCullough Peter A.
Published: December 2010

There is a strong association between both acute and chronic dysfunction of the heart and kidneys with respect to morbidity and mortality. The complex interrelationships of longitudinal changes in both organ systems have been difficult to describe and fully understand due to a lack of categorization of the common clinical scenarios where these phenomena are encountered. Thus, cardiorenal syndromes (CRSs) have been subdivided into five syndromes which represent clinical vignettes in which both the heart and the kidney are involved in bidirectional injury and dysfunction via a final common pathway of cell-to-cell death and accelerated apoptosis mediated by oxidative stress. Types 1 and 2 involve acute and chronic cardiovascular disease (CVD) scenarios leading to acute kidney injury (AKI) or accelerated chronic kidney disease (CKD). Types 3 and 4 describe AKI and CKD, respectively, leading primarily to heart failure, although it is possible that acute coronary syndromes, stroke, and arrhythmias could be CVD outcomes in these forms of CRS. Finally, CRSs type 5 describe a systemic insult to both heart and the kidneys, such as sepsis, where both organs are injured simultaneously in persons with previously normal heart and kidney function at baseline. Both blood and urine biomarkers, including the assessment of catalytic iron, a critical element to the generation of oxygen-free radicals and oxidative stress, are reviewed in this paper.
Airborne time-domain electromagnetic data for mapping and characterization of the Spiritwood Valley aquifer, Manitoba, Canada
Authors: Oldenborger G A , Pugin A J -M , Hinton M J , Pullen S E , Russell H A J , Sharpe D
R
Published: November 2010

A helicopter-borne, time-domain electromagnetic survey was flown over a 1062 km2 area of the Spiritwood Valley in southern Manitoba. The objective was to test the effectiveness of commer-cial, airborne, time-domain electromagnetics for mapping and characterizing
buried valley aquifers in the Canadian Prairies. The preliminary data exhibit rich information content, but show some levelling bias and potential limitations of dynamic range or bandwidth. Time slices of the magnetic field decay clearly map the broader Spiritwood Valley in addition to a continuous,
incised valley along the broader valley bottom. The data indicate a complex valley morphology with nested scales of valleys, including at least three dis-tinct valley features and multiple possible tributaries. Time-domain electromagnetic response magnitude and decay rates indicate that the fill
material within the incised valleys is more resistive than the broader valley fill, consistent with an interpretation of sand and gravel. The electromagnetic data are in excellent agreement with seismic reflection data collected inside the survey block. Further ground-based investiga-tion and data
integration is planned. These preliminary results suggest that time-domain electromagnetic surveys have the potential for mapping buried valley aquifers in the Canadian Prairies in far greater detail that any previous techniques.
Comparison of N-Terminal Pro B-Natriuretic Peptide and Echocardiographic Indices in Patients with Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Hajsadeghi Shokoufeh , Samiei Niloufar , Moradi Masoud , Majid Maleki , Kashani Ladan , Amani Afsaneh , Salami Arezoo , Asefi Melika , Farsi Negin
Published: December 2010

Introduction

Echocardiographic indices can form the basis of the diagnosis of systolic and diastolic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in patients with Mitral regurgitation (MR). However, using echocardiography alone may bring us to a diagnostic dead-end. The aim of this study was to compare N-Terminal pro B-natriuretic peptide (BNP) and echocardiographic indices in patients with mitral regurgitation.

Methods

2D and Doppler echocardiography and BNP serum level were obtained from 54 patients with organic mild, moderate and severe MR.

Results

BNP levels were increased with symptoms in patients with mitral regurgitation (NYHAI: 5.7 ± 1.1, NYHAII: 6.9 ± 1.5, NYHAIII: 8.3 ± 2 pg/ml, P < 0.001). BNP plasma level were significantly correlated with MPI (myocardial performance index) (r = 0.399, P = 0.004), and following echocardiographic indices: LVEDV (r = 0.45, P < 0.001), LVESV (r = 0.54, P < 0.001), LVEDD (r = 0.48, P < 0.001), LVESD (r = 0.54, P < 0.001), dp/dt (r = −0.32, P = 0.019) and SPAP (r = 0.4, P = 0.006).

Conclusion

The present study showed that BNP may be useful in patients with MR and may confirm echocardiographic indices.
Genetic Relatedness of Trichomonas vaginalis Reference and Clinical Isolates
Authors: Cornelius Denise C. , Mena Leandro , Lushbaugh William B. , Meade John C.
Published: November 2010

We have determined the metronidazole susceptibility status of 20 Trichomonas vaginalis isolates from American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) and assessed the level of genetic relatedness in these isolates using 32 additional T. vaginalis clinical isolates for comparison. These ATCC isolates are commonly used as reference strains in T. vaginalis research and this information provides a rational basis for selection of reference strains for use in comparative studies of T. vaginalis phenotypic and clinical characteristics.
Optimized In Vitro Production of Plasmodium vivax Ookinetes
Authors: McClean Colleen M. , Alvarado Haydee Guerra , Neyra Victor , Llanos-Cuentas Alejandro , Vinetz Joseph M.
Published: November 2010

Previous reports have described obtaining mature Plasmodium vivax ookinetes in vitro using blood from infected patients using a simplified, field-based protocol. Here, we report protocols that produce improved P. vivax ookinete yields and morphological development. Optimal conditions included induction of gametogenesis using 10 mM Tris, 170 mM NaCl, 10 mM glucose, 25 mM NaHCO3, and 100 μM xanthurenic acid for 90 minutes at pH 8.0–8.2, followed by culture in RPMI-1640, 50 mg/mL hypoxanthine, 25 mM HEPES, 29 mM NaHCO3, 2 mM L-glutamine, and 20% fetal bovine serum at pH 8.4 for 36 hours. Ookinetes were produced in 86% (18/21) of optimized in vitro cultures; yields ranged from 6.5 × 104 to 2.8 × 106; percent gametocyte conversion ranged from 1.4% to 4.7%. This improved method is suitable for preparation of P. vivax ookinetes in quantities sufficient for biochemical, molecular, and cell biological analysis where basic laboratory facilities are in proximity to patients with vivax malaria.
Identification of Factors Associated with Clinically Severe Angiostrongyliasis
Authors: Diao Zongli , Xiao Hongli , Wang Jing , Qi Haiyu , Li Xiaoli , Yin Chenghong
Published: November 2010

Angiostrongyliasis is a globally distributed parasitic disease. Early and accurate identification of patients with severe infection is required. In this retrospective study, 81 patients with angiostrongyliasis were divided into two groups: 24 patients with severe disease and 57 with mild disease. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with severe disease. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, κ tests, and χ2 tests were performed. The factors analyzed included: headache (P = 0.013), abnormal cerebrospinal fluid pressure (P = 0.013), and abnormal peripheral blood eosinophil count (P = 0.007). The area under the ROC curve for the activation criteria for angiostrongyliasis (ACA) was 0.914, with a score of ≥ 7 points predicting a severe state; the κ value was 0.744. The incidence of severe angiostrongyliasis increased with increasing score. ACA is a useful tool with high accuracy and reliability for predicting the severity of angiostrongyliasis.
Limited Polymorphism of the Plasmodium vivax Merozoite Surface Protein 1 Gene in Isolates from Turkey
Authors: Zeyrek Fadile Yildiz , Tachibana Shin-Ichiro , Yuksel Fehmi , Doni Nebiye , Palacpac Nirianne , Arisue Nobuko , Horii Toshihiro , Coban Cevayir , Tanabe Kazuyuki
Published: November 2010

The 200-kD merozoite surface protein of Plasmodium vivax (PvMSP-1) is one of the leading vaccine candidates against P. vivax malaria. However, the gene encoding PvMSP-1 (pvmsp1) is highly polymorphic and is a major obstacle to effective vaccine development. To further understand polymorphism in pvmsp1, we obtained 30 full-length pvmsp1 sequences from southeastern Turkey. Comparative analysis of sequences from Turkey and other areas showed substantially limited polymorphism. Substitutions were found at 280 and 162 amino acid sites in samples from other regions and those from Turkey, respectively. Eight substitutions were unique to Turkey. In one of them, D/E at position 1706 in the C-terminal 19-kD region, the K/E change at 1709 was the only polymorphism previously known. Limited diversity was also observed in microsatellites. Data suggest a recent population bottleneck in Turkey that may have obscured a signature for balancing selection in the C-terminal 42-kD region, which was otherwise detectable in other areas.
Emergence of Onchocerca volvulus from Skin Mimicking Dracunculiasis medinensis
Authors: Eberhard Mark L. , Ruiz-Tiben Ernesto , Korkor Andrew S. , Roy Sharon L. , Downs Philip
Published: November 2010

We describe 11 cases of suspected Dracunculus medinensis infection in which the worm recovered was identified as Onchocerca volvulus. Identification was based on morphology of the examined specimen.
The Newcastle NHS Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Service: not all fatigue is the same
Authors: Newton JL , Mabillard H , Scott A , Hoad A , Spickett G
Published: December 2010

In England the Department of Health has funded specialist clinical services aimed at diagnosing and managing the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). These services are not available to those who do not fulfil the diagnostic criteria for CFS. This service evaluation examined the proportion of those referred to a specialist CFS service fulfilling the Fukuda diagnostic criteria for CFS and the alternative fatigue-associated diagnoses. The CFS database was interrogated to include every patient referred to the Newcastle service from November 2008 to December 2009. All medical notes were reviewed and the diagnosis, sex and age recorded. Data were compared to a previous service evaluation (2005–07). In 2008–09, 260 subjects were referred: 19 referrals per month (260/14), compared with 17 referrals per month in 2005–07 (375/24). The proportion of patients diagnosed with CFS increased significantly compared with 2007 (36% [20/56] vs 60% [157/260]; p<0.0001). Of the 40% of patients subsequently found not to have CFS the most common diagnosis was fatigue associated with a chronic disease (47% of all alternative diagnoses); 20% had primary sleep disorders, 15% psychological/psychiatric illnesses and 4% a cardiovascular disorder. Thirteen per cent remained unexplained (5.2% of the total referrals). This study found a significant increase in the proportion of patients referred to National Health Service (NHS) CFS services diagnosed with CFS. A large proportion of patients presenting with fatigue are not eligible for referral to the Department of Health specialist fatigue services, which represents an unmet need in terms of symptom management in current NHS services.
Lemierre’s syndrome complicated by an infected branchial cyst
Authors: Lwin AA , Lohani S
Published: December 2010

We present a case of a young man with Lemierre’s syndrome characterised by suppurative thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and multiple septic embolic lesions with cavitations in both lungs resulting from an infected branchial cyst which was previously undiagnosed. Lemierre’s syndrome is a rare presentation, especially with pulmonary cavitations, but remains a serious illness with a high mortality rate. Early recognition and prompt treatment have significant impact on prognosis. We believe this to be the first case of Lemierre’s syndrome complicated by a previously undiagnosed, infected branchial cyst.
Survival of the fittest: a comparison of medicine and health on Lord Howe Island and St Kilda
Authors: Stride P
Published: December 2010

Lord Howe Island and the St Kilda archipelago have many similarities, yet their communities had totally disparate outcomes. The characteristics of the two islands are compared and contrasted, and it is hypothesised that the differences in health and diseases largely explain the success of one society and the failure of the other.
Cannabis and the lung
Authors: Reid PT , Macleod J , Robertson JR
Published: December 2010

The use of cannabis is embedded within many societies, mostly used by the young and widely perceived to be safe. Increasing concern regarding the potential for cannabis to cause mental health effects has dominated cannabis research and the potential adverse respiratory effects have received relatively little attention. Studies on cannabis are challenging and subject to confounding by concomitant use of tobacco and other social factors, and while many of the studies referred to in this review are beset by the difficulties inherent in undertaking epidemiological research of the effects of cannabis, there is an emerging concern among many chest physicians who would suggest that habitual smoking of cannabis may contribute to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumothorax and respiratory infections, including tuberculosis. Special attention should be given to the risk of lung cancer, particularly as biological plausibility may precede epidemiology.
Impact of biomass burning on ocean water quality in Southeast Asia through atmospheric deposition: field observations
Authors: Sundarambal P. , Balasubramanian R. , Tkalich P. , He J.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. Atmospheric nutrients have recently gained considerable attention as a significant additional source of new nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) loading to the ocean. The effect of atmospheric macro nutrients on marine productivity depends on the biological availability of both inorganic and organic N and P forms. During October 2006, the regional smoke haze episodes in Southeast Asia (SEA) that resulted from uncontrolled forest and peat fires in Sumatra and Borneo blanketed large parts of the region. In this work, we determined the chemical composition of nutrients in aerosols and rainwater during hazy and non-hazy days to assess their impacts on aquatic ecosystem in SEA for the first time. We compared atmospheric dry and wet deposition of N and P species in aerosol and rainwater in Singapore between hazy and non-hazy days. Air mass back trajectories showed that large-scale forest and peat fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan were a significant source of atmospheric nutrients to aquatic environments in Singapore and SEA region on hazy days. It was observed that the average concentrations of nutrients increased approximately by a factor of 3 to 8 on hazy days when compared with non-hazy days. The estimated mean dry and wet atmospheric fluxes (mg/m2/day) of total nitrogen (TN) were 12.72 ± 2.12 and 2.49 ± 1.29 during non-hazy days and 132.86 ± 38.39 and 29.43 ± 10.75 during hazy days; the uncertainty estimates are represented as 1 standard deviation (1σ) here and throughout the text. The estimated mean dry and wet deposition fluxes (mg/m2/day) of total phosphorous (TP) were 0.82 ± 0.23 and 0.13 ± 0.03 for non-hazy days and 7.89 ± 0.80 and 1.56 ± 0.65 for hazy days. The occurrences of higher concentrations of nutrients from atmospheric deposition during smoke haze episodes may have adverse consequences on receiving aquatic ecosystems with cascading impacts on water quality.
Ship-based detection of glyoxal over the remote tropical Pacific Ocean
Authors: Sinreich R. , Coburn S. , Dix B. , Volkamer R.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. We present the first detection of glyoxal (CHOCHO) over the remote tropical Pacific Ocean in the Marine Boundary Layer (MBL). The measurements were conducted by means of the University of Colorado Ship Multi-Axis Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (CU SMAX-DOAS) instrument aboard the research vessel Ronald H. Brown. The research vessel was on a cruise in the framework of the VAMOS Ocean-Cloud-Atmosphere-Land Study – Regional Experiment (VOCALS-REx) and the Tropical Atmosphere Ocean (TAO) projects lasting from October 2008 through January 2009 (74 days at sea). The CU SMAX-DOAS instrument features a motion compensation system to characterize the pitch and roll of the ship and to compensate for ship movements in real time. We found elevated mixing ratios of up to 140 ppt CHOCHO located inside the MBL up to 3000 km from the continental coast over biologically active upwelling regions of the tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean. This is surprising since CHOCHO is very short lived (atmospheric life time ~2 h) and highly water soluble (Henry's Law constant H = 4.2 × 105 M/atm). This CHOCHO cannot be explained by transport of it or its precursors from continental sources. Rather, the open ocean must be a source for CHOCHO to the atmosphere. Dissolved Organic Matter (DOM) photochemistry in surface waters is a source for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) to the atmosphere, e.g. acetaldehyde. The extension of this mechanism to very soluble gases, like CHOCHO, is not straightforward since the air-sea flux is directed from the atmosphere into the ocean. For CHOCHO, the dissolved concentrations would need to be extremely high in order to explain our gas-phase observations by this mechanism (40–70 μM CHOCHO, compared to ~0.01 μM acetaldehyde and 60–70 μM DOM). Further, while there is as yet no direct measurement of VOCs in our study area, measurements of the CHOCHO precursors isoprene, and/or acetylene over phytoplankton bloom areas in other parts of the oceans are too low (by a factor of 10–100) to explain the observed CHOCHO amounts. We conclude that our CHOCHO data cannot be explained by currently understood processes. Yet, it supports first global source estimates of 20 Tg/year CHOCHO from the oceans, which likely is a significant source of secondary organic aerosol (SOA). This chemistry is currently not considered by atmospheric models.
Biogeochemical response of alpine lakes to recent changes in dust deposition
Authors: Ballantyne A. P. , Brahney J. , Fernandez D. , Lawrence C. L. , Saros J. , Neff J. C.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. The deposition of dust has recently increased significantly over some regions of the western US. Here we explore how changes in dust deposition have affected the biogeochemistry of two alpine watersheds in Colorado, US. We first reconstruct recent changes in the mass accumulation rate of sediments and then we use isotopic measurements in conjunction with a Bayesian mixing model to infer that approximately 95% of the inorganic fraction of lake sediments is derived from dust. Elemental analyses of modern dust indicate that dust is enriched in Ca, Cr, Cu, Mg, Ni, and in one watershed, Fe and P relative to bedrock. The increase in dust deposition combined with its enrichment in certain elements has altered the biogeochemisty of these systems. Both lakes showed an increase in primary productivity as evidenced by a decrease in carbon isotopic discrimination; however, the cause of increased primary productivity varies due to differences in watershed characteristic. The lake in the larger watershed experienced greater atmospheric N loading and less P loading from the bedrock leading to a greater N:P flux ratio. In contrast, the lake in the smaller watershed experienced less atmospheric N loading and greater P loading from the bedrock, leading to a reduced N:P flux ratio. As a result, primary productivity was more constrained by N availability in the smaller watershed. N-limited primary productivity in the smaller watershed was partly ameliorated by an increase in nitrogen fixation as indicated by reduced nitrogen isotopic values in more contemporary sediments. This study illustrates that alpine watersheds are excellent integrators of changes in atmospheric deposition, but that the biogeochemical response of these watersheds may be mediated by their physical (i.e. watershed area) and chemical (i.e. underlying geology) properties.
Perturbing phytoplankton: response and isotopic fractionation with changing carbonate chemistry in two coccolithophore species
Authors: Rickaby R. E. M. , Henderiks J. , Young J. N.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. All species of coccolithophore appear to respond to perturbations of carbonate chemistry in a different way. Here, we show that the degree of malformation, growth rate and stable isotopic composition of organic matter and carbonate produced by two contrasting species of coccolithophore (Gephyrocapsa oceanica and Coccolithus pelagicus ssp. braarudii) are indicative of differences between their photosynthetic and calcification response to changing DIC levels (ranging from ~1100 to ~7800 μmol kg−1) at constant pH (8.13 ± 0.02). Gephyrocapsa oceanica thrived under all conditions of DIC, showing evidence of increased growth rates at higher DIC, but C. braarudii was detrimentally affected at high DIC showing signs of malformation, and decreased growth rates. The carbon isotopic fractionation into organic matter and the coccoliths suggests that C. braarudii utilises a common internal pool of carbon for calcification and photosynthesis but G. oceanica relies on independent supplies for each process. All coccolithophores appear to utilize bicarbonate as their ultimate source of carbon for calcification resulting in the release of a proton. But, we suggest that this proton can be harnessed to enhance the supply of CO2(aq) for photosynthesis either from a large internal HCO3- pool which acts as a pH buffer (C. braarudii), or pumped externally to aid the diffusive supply of CO2 across the membrane from the abundant HCO3- (G. oceanica), likely mediated by an internal and external carbonic anhydrase respectively. Our simplified hypothetical spectrum of physiologies may provide a context to understand different species response to changing pH and DIC, the species-specific εp and calcite "vital effects", as well as accounting for geological trends in coccolithophore cell size.
Polyphenols in chosen species of legume - a review
Authors: Timoracká Mária , Vollmannová Alena , Bystrická Judita
Published: December 2010

Legumes belongs to the most important grain for human consumption. They have been cultivated for thousands of years, and have played an important role in the traditional diets of many regions throughout the world. The most legumes are widely consumed in fresh and processed forms. The traditional way of legume preparation includes soaking in water following by cooking and are usually consumed boiled as soup, occasionally as roasted grains too. Legume are widely known for their nutraceutical value, but there is relatively little information about their polyphenols content (with the exception of soya). Inspite of the fact that phenolics in general are not the substances with nutritious value, the interest in them is still persisting for their positive effects on human health. For these reasons this short review is focused on summary of legume polyphenols – identification and quantification of phenolic acids, flavonoids and tannins in raw or processed legumes and their role in these crops. Monitoring and surveying of the changes of polyphenolic compounds contents thus complete knowledge about bioactive substances content in legumes species. And seeing that legumes are considered an ideal complement to cereals in diets, they gain increasing attention as functional food items.
Structural and Functional Characterization of a New Double Variant Haemoglobin (HbG-Philadelphia/Duarteα268Asn→Lysβ262Ala→Pro)
Authors: Fais Antonella , Casu Mariano , Ruggerone Paolo , Ceccarelli Matteo , Porcu Simona , Era Benedetta , Anedda Roberto , Sollaino Maria Carla , Galanello Renzo , Corda Marcella
Published: November 2010

We report the first case of cosegregation of two haemoglobins (Hbs): HbG-Philadelphia [α68(E17)Asn→Lys] and HbDuarte [β62(E6)Ala→Pro]. The proband is a young patient heterozygous also forβ∘-thalassaemia. We detected exclusively two haemoglobin variants: HbDuarte and HbG-Philadelphia/Duarte. Functional study of the new double variant HbG-Philadelphia/Duarte exhibited an increase in oxygen affinity, with a slight decrease of cooperativity and Bohr effect. This functional behaviour is attributed toβ62Ala→Proinstead ofα68Asn→Lyssubstitution. Indeed, HbG-Philadelphia isolated in our laboratory from blood cells donor carrier for this variant is not affected by any functional modification, whereas purified Hb Duarte showed functional properties very similar to the double variant. NMR and MD simulation studies confirmed that the presence of Pro instead of Ala at theβ62position produces displacement of the E helix and modifications of the tertiary structure. The substitutionα68(E17)Asn→Lysdoes not cause significant structural and dynamical modifications of the protein. A possible structure-based rational of substitution effects is suggested.
Psychopathic personality traits in relational aggression among young adults
Authors: Czar Katherine A. , Dahlen Eric R. , Bullock Emily E. , Nicholson Bonnie C.
Published: November 2010

Psychopathy is a robust predictor of overt physical aggression that may also be relevant to relational aggression (RA). This study was conducted to investigate the utility of psychopathic personality traits in the prediction of RA in a sample of 291 college students. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that both primary and secondary psychopathic traits explained additional variance in general/peer and romantic RA beyond physical aggressiveness. Consistent with previous research, no gender differences were found on either form of RA, challenging the popular stereotype of RA as a female behavior. Moreover, psychopathic traits were not differentially predictive of RA by gender or level of physical aggressiveness. Implications of these findings for research and clinical practice are discussed. Aggr. Behav. 37:207–214, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cost‐of‐illness studies in systemic lupus erythematosus: A systematic review
Authors: Zhu Tracy Y. , Tam Lai Shan , Li Edmund K.
Published: November 2010

Objective

To summarize the state of knowledge regarding the economic burden of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to evaluate the quality of cost‐of‐illness (COI) studies conducted to date.

Methods

Relevant literature was retrieved from the PubMed database in April 2010. The evaluation of identified articles was based on 7 key elements of COI studies derived from previous literature on health economics. Costs derived from each study were converted into 2008 US dollars using the Consumer Price Index and the purchasing power parity conversion rate.

Results

A total of 11 articles were included in the evaluation. The average direct costs per patient‐year ranged from $3,735–$14,410. Costs of inpatient care were found to be the largest component of direct costs in most of the studies. The employment rate varied from 35.8–55%. The average duration of annual short‐term sick leave ranged from 7.0–64.8 days. The mean annual indirect costs per patient ranged from $1,093–$14,614, depending on the valuation method.

Conclusion

There is a substantial economic burden, in terms of health care resource utilization, associated with SLE, as well as losses of productivity due to work capacity impairment. The cost estimates in this review should be used with caution due to significant discrepancies in methodologies across studies. Future studies should address several methodologic considerations in order to measure the true costs related to SLE. Incidence‐based COI studies are needed to evaluate the lifetime costs of SLE.
Switching of Electrically Responsive, Light‐Sensitive Colloidal Suspensions of Anisotropic Pigment Particles
Authors: Eremin Alexey , Stannarius Ralf , Klein Susanne , Heuer Jana , Richardson Robert M.
Published: November 2010

An unusual electro‐optical behavior of colloidal suspensions of dichroic, elongated (rod‐shaped) pigment particles is reported. These suspensions exhibit nematic liquid crystal order at low volume fraction of the suspended particles (<15 wt%) and show a strong electric and optical response to an external electric field. Additionally, the characteristics of the optical response can be reversibly manipulated by illuminating the sample with light in its absorption band. The suspensions show a number of interesting phenomena like homeotropic‐planar orientational transitions and light‐induced pattern formation.
All‐Solid‐State Lithium‐Ion Microbatteries: A Review of Various Three‐Dimensional Concepts
Authors: Oudenhoven Jos F. M. , Baggetto Loïc. , Notten Peter H. L.
Published: November 2010

With the increasing importance of wireless microelectronic devices the need for on‐board power supplies is evidently also increasing. Possible candidates for microenergy storage devices are planar all‐solid‐state Li‐ion microbatteries, which are currently under development by several start‐up companies. However, to increase the energy density of these microbatteries further and to ensure a high power delivery, three‐dimensional (3D) designs are essential. Therefore, several concepts have been proposed for the design of 3D microbatteries and these are reviewed. In addition, an overview is given of the various electrode and electrolyte materials that are suitable for 3D all‐solid‐state microbatteries. Furthermore, methods are presented to produce films of these materials on a nano‐ and microscale.
Controlling the Morphology and Efficiency of Hybrid ZnO:Polythiophene Solar Cells Via Side Chain Functionalization
Authors: Oosterhout Stefan D. , Koster L. Jan Anton , van Bavel Svetlana S. , Loos Joachim , Stenzel Ole , Thiedmann Ralf , Schmidt Volker , Campo Bert , Cleij Thomas J. , Lutzen Laurence , Vanderzande Dirk , Wienk Martijn M. , Janssen René A. J.
Published: November 2010

The efficiency of polymer – metal oxide hybrid solar cells depends critically on the intimacy of mixing of the two semiconductors. The effect of side chain functionalization on the morphology and performance of conjugated polymer:ZnO solar cells is investigated. Using an ester‐functionalized side chain poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) derivative (P3HT‐E), the nanoscale morphology of ZnO:polymer solar cells is significantly more intimately mixed compared to ZnO:poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) (ZnO:P3HT), as evidenced experimentally from a 3D reconstruction of the phase separation using electron tomography. Photoinduced absorption reveals nearly quantitative charge generation for the ZnO:P3HT‐E blend but not for ZnO:P3HT, consistent with the results obtained from solving the 3D diffusion equation for excitons formed in the polymer within the two experimental ZnO morphologies. For thin ZnO:P3HT‐E active layers (∼50 nm) this yields a significant improvement of the solar cell performance. For thicker cells, however, the reduced hole mobility and a reduced percolation of ZnO pathways hinders charge carrier collection, limiting the power conversion efficiency.
Interdiffusion of PCBM and P3HT Reveals Miscibility in a Photovoltaically Active Blend
Authors: Treat Neil D. , Brady Michael A. , Smith Gordon , Toney Michael F. , Kramer Edward J. , Hawker Craig J. , Chabinyc Michael L.
Published: November 2010

Developing a better understanding of the evolution of morphology in plastic solar cells is the key to designing new materials and structures that achieve photoconversion efficiencies greater than 10%. In the most extensively characterized system, the poly(3‐hexyl thiophene) (P3HT):[6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric‐acid‐methyl‐ester (PCBM) bulk heterojunction, the origins and evolution of the blend morphology during processes such as thermal annealing are not well understood. In this work, we use a model system, a bilayer of P3HT and PCBM, to develop a more complete understanding of the miscibility and diffusion of PCBM within P3HT during thermal annealing. We find that PCBM aggregates and/or molecular species are miscible and mobile in disordered P3HT, without disrupting the ordered lamellar stacking of P3HT chains. The fast diffusion of PCBM into the amorphous regions of P3HT suggests the favorability of mixing in this system, opposing the belief that phase‐pure domains form in BHJs due to immiscibility of these two components.
Gene–environment interactions in panic disorder and CO2 sensitivity: Effects of events occurring early in life
Authors: Spatola Chiara A. M. , Scaini Simona , Pesenti‐Gritti Paola , Medland Sarah E. , Moruzzi Sara , Ogliari Anna , Tambs Kristian , Battaglia Marco
Published: November 2010

Heterogeneous life events (LE) precede the onset of—and potentially increase the susceptibility to—panic disorder (PD). It remains unknown whether LE can act as moderators in the context of gene‐by‐environment interactions (G×E) that alter the susceptibility to PD and the related trait of CO2 sensitivity, nor it is known whether such moderation may depend on occurrence of events at different epochs in life. In 712 general population twins we analyzed by Maximum Likelihood analyses of ordinal data whether life (major‐ and stressful) events moderate the genetic risk for PD and CO2 sensitivity, as indexed by the 35% CO2/65% O2 challenge. For CO2 sensitivity, best‐fitting models encompassed both additive and interactional effects that increased linearly with the cumulative number and severity (SEV) of events in lifetime. By analyzing the moderation effect of cumulative SEV separately for events that had occurred in adulthood (between age 18 and 37) or during childhood–adolescence (before the 18th birthday), we found evidence of G×E only within the childhood–adolescence window of risk, although twins had rated the childhood–adolescence events as significantly (P = 0.001) less severe than those having occurred during adulthood. For PD, all interactional terms could be dropped without significant worsening of the models' fit. Consistently with a diathesis‐stress model, LE appear to act as moderators of the genetic variance for CO2 sensitivity. Childhood–adolescence appears to constitute a sensitive period to the action of events that concur to alter the susceptibility to this panic‐related trait. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Resource partitioning in sympatric langurs and macaques in tropical rainforests of the central Western Ghats, south India
Authors: Singh Mewa , Roy Kuladeep , Singh Mridula
Published: November 2010

In a competitive sympatric association, coexisting species may try to reduce interspecific interactions as well as competition for similar resources by several ecological and behavioral practices. We studied resource utilization of three sympatric primate species namely, lion‐tailed macaques (Macaca silenus), bonnet macaques (M. radiata) and Hanuman langurs (Semnopithecus entellus) in a tropical rainforest of the central Western Ghats, south India. We studied resource use, tree‐height use, foraging height, substrate use when consuming animal prey and interspecific interactions. The results revealed that across the year, there was very limited niche overlap in diet between each species‐pair. Each primate species largely depended on different plant species or different plant parts and phenophases from shared plant species. Primate species used different heights for foraging, and the two macaque species searched different substrates when foraging on animal prey. We also recorded season‐wise resource abundance for the resources shared by these three primate species. While there was low dietary overlap during the dry season (a period of relatively low resource abundance), there was high dietary overlap between the two macaque species during the wet season (a period of high resource abundance for the shared resources). We observed only a few interspecific interactions. None of these were agonistic, even during the period of high niche overlap. This suggests that the sympatric primate species in this region are characterized by little or no contest competition. Unlike in some other regions of the Western Ghats, the lack of interspecific feeding competition appears to allow these primates, especially the macaques, to remain sympatric year‐round. Am. J. Primatol. 73:335–346, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Space to choose: network analysis of social preferences in a captive chimpanzee community, and implications for management
Authors: Clark Fay E.
Published: November 2010

Social network analysis (SNA) is rapidly gaining popularity in primatology, but its application to the management of zoo‐housed primates has been largely overlooked. Here I use SNA techniques to explore the social structure of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) housed in the new “Budongo Trail” exhibit at Edinburgh Zoo, UK. Given that individuals have extensive space (2332 m2), and access to several interconnected exhibit sections, I test the hypothesis that individuals are able to choose to interact with specific social partners. Spatial association and social interaction data were recorded from 400 focal watches on 11 individuals, and association, affiliative, and agonistic networks were constructed. Matrix correlations showed that individuals who spent time in close proximity were likely to affiliate with one another, but spatial association did not predict the frequency of agonistic encounters. Cluster analysis revealed significantly distinct sub‐groups in the affiliative network (but not association or agonistic networks) in line with maternal kinship. Overall my findings support the hypothesis that the Budongo Trail exhibit facilitates the expression of social preferences, and suggests that SNA can be a useful tool to study zoo primates when proximity between individuals is not forced (i.e. in large, modern exhibits). Now that I have validated a set of SNA methods for this community, they can be used to trace changes in social dynamics over a longer time period, and ultimately assist zoo staff in their management decisions. Am. J. Primatol. 73:748–757, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of natal male alliances on aggression and power dynamics in rhesus macaques
Authors: Beisner B.A. , Jackson M.E. , Cameron A. , McCowan B.
Published: November 2010

In the wild, male rhesus macaques disperse at sexual maturity. In captivity, however, males cannot disperse from their natal groups. Thus, the presence of natal males in captive rhesus social groups is unnatural and has the potential to negatively influence group dynamics and stability. A primary difference between natal males and non‐natal (immigrant) males is that natal males have the opportunity to form long‐term alliances with their maternal kin as well as nonkin. We investigated the factors associated with natal males' kin alliances and the impact of these alliances on measures of natal male behavior, group dynamics, and group stability. We found that natal males more frequently formed alliances with maternal kin when they were from high‐ranking matrilines, had more siblings, and were younger. More frequent kin alliances were associated with more frequent use of intense aggression, higher individual rank, and higher degree of integration within the male displacement network. Thus, it seems that natal males use their alliances to be more active and influential in the social group, which may affect group stability. It appears that juvenile natal males from high‐ranking matrilines, in particular, have the largest impact on group stability. Younger natal males from high‐ranking matrilines formed alliances with kin more frequently and used intense aggression more frequently than older or lower ranking males. Furthermore, groups with a higher proportion of juvenile males from high‐ranking matrilines also had higher rates of wounding. We suggest that the presence of natal males in rhesus groups may act in opposition to group stability. Am. J. Primatol. 73:790–801, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
γ‐radiation‐induced preparation of polyamidoxime resins and their adsorption of methyl violet
Authors: Abdel‐Aziz H. M.
Published: November 2010

Poly(acrylic acid–amidoxime) [P(AA–AO)] and poly(maleic acid–amidoxime) [P(MA–AO)] resins were prepared by the γ‐radiation‐induced copolymerization of acrylonitrile with acrylic acid and maleic acid, respectively. The obtained resins were amidoximated by reaction with hydroxylamine. The prepared resins were used for the removal of methyl violet (MV) dye from aqueous solutions. Batch adsorption studies were made by the measurement of the effects of pH, the amount of adsorbent, the contact time, and the adsorbate concentration. The adsorption isotherm of MV onto P(AA–AO) and P(MA–AO) was determined at 25°C with initial MV dye concentrations of 10–70 mg/L. The equilibrium data were analyzed with the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The equilibrium process was described well by the Langmuir isotherm model with maximum adsorption capacities of 398.4 and 396.8 mg/L for P(AA–AO) and P(MA–AO), respectively. The kinetics of adsorption of MV onto P(AA–AO) and P(MA–AO) are discussed. The pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model described the adsorption of MV onto P(AA–AO) and P(MA–AO) very well. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011