bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ezetimibe Impairs Uptake of Dietary Cholesterol Oxidation Products and Reduces Alterations in Hepatic Cholesterol Metabolism and Antioxidant Function in Rats
Authors: Terunuma Shoichiro , Kumata Noriko , Osada Kyoichi
Published: April 2013

Dietary cholesterol oxidation products (COP) induce various adverse effects, including development of atherosclerosis, modulation of lipid metabolism, and unfavorable changes in the antioxidant system. Therefore, we examined the effects of ezetimibe, a cholesterol absorption inhibitor on hepatic cholesterol metabolism and down‐regulation of the antioxidant system in rats fed COP. Rats were fed a purified diet containing 0.3 % COP with or without ezetimibe (0.07 mg/100 g body weight) for 27 days. Levels of COP in both the plasma and liver were lowered by ezetimibe through promotion of COP excretion into the feces. Reflecting this effect, an increase in the arteriosclerotic index and a reduction in the mRNA expression of hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis transcripts by dietary COP were observed. Moreover, the ferric reducing ability of the plasma also was significantly higher in rats fed COP plus ezetimibe than in those fed COP alone. Finally, we also observed that ezetimibe enhanced the down‐regulation of hepatic fatty acid synthesis in rats fed COP. Thus, ezetimibe, which inhibits the absorption of dietary COP from the small intestine, may exert preventive effects on dietary COP‐induced disruption of cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism in the liver and down‐regulation of the antioxidant system.
Effect of Accelerated Storage on Microencapsulated Kenaf Seed Oil
Authors: Ng Shy‐Kai , Jessie Li‐Ying Lau , Tan Chin‐Ping , Long Kamariah , Nyam Kar‐Lin
Published: April 2013

In order to improve the quality and protect against degradation, kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) seed oil was microencapsulated by using spray drying. The microencapsulated kenaf seed oil (MKSO) was then stored at 65 °C for 24 days, the changes of fatty acids and bioactive compounds were examined every six days. Bulk (unencapsulated) kenaf seed oil was used as a control and was compared to the MKSO. The fatty acids and phytosterols compositions were determined by using gas chromatography, while tocopherols and phenolic acids of microencapsulated kenaf seed oil were determined by using high performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that there was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in bioactive compounds in kenaf seed oil while the bioactive compounds in MKSO were maintained in a stable condition upon accelerated storage. Microencapsulation was shown to protect kenaf seed oil against oxidation, as well as preventing the degradation and/or loss of bioactive compounds in kenaf seed oil.
Interventions for Substance Misuse following TBI: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bogner Jennifer , Corrigan John D.
Published: April 2013

Objective: Review the literature to evaluate the evidence for effective treatment to mitigate substance misuse and substance use disorders (SUD) following traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Design: Systematic review.

Data source: Scopus.

Study eligibility criteria: A study was considered eligible for review if (a) the intended population specifically included persons with TBI; (b) the experimental intervention targeted misuse of alcohol, illegal drugs or prescription drugs; (c) the intervention was compared to the standard of care, control or another intervention; (d) the outcomes under study included substance use or misuse; and (e) the study design was a controlled trial.

Results: Six studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria. Three studies were conducted during the acute phase of recovery using brief interventions, while the remaining three were conducted with individuals in the post-acute phase (usually several years post-injury) using more intensive treatment. All studies were found to be vulnerable to bias due to methodological weaknesses.

Conclusions: While firm conclusions could not be drawn from the results of the studies, each study provided important information about the challenges to conducting SUD intervention trials with persons with TBI. The choices researchers will have to make to address these challenges are delineated.
Portrait of Political Party Polarization
Authors: MOODY JAMES , MUCHA PETER J.
Published: April 2013

To find out, we measure co-voting similarity networks in the US Senate and trace individual careers over time. Standard network visualization tools fail on dense highly clustered networks, so we used two aggregation strategies to clarify positional mobility over time. First, clusters of Senators who often vote the same way capture coalitions, and allow us to measure polarization quantitatively through modularity (Newman, 2006; Waugh et al., 2009; Poole, 2012). Second, we use role-based blockmodels (White et al., 1976) to identify role positions, identifying sets of Senators with highly similar tie patterns. Our partitioning threshold for roles is stringent, generating many roles occupied by single Senators. This combination allows us to identify movement between positions over time (specifically, we used the Kernighan–Lin improvement of a Louvain method greedy partitioning algorithm for modularity [Blondel et al., 2008], and CONCOR with an internal similarity threshold for roles; see Supplementary materials for details).
Chondroperichondrial clip myringoplasty: a new technique for closure of tympanic membrane perforations
Authors: Ahmed S , Raza N , Ullah S , Shabbir A
Published: April 2013

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of the recently described chondroperichondrial clip myringoplasty technique, and make comparisons with conventional myringoplasty techniques.

Methods:

The study comprised a select group of patients with chronic otitis media (mucosal disease only), with central tympanic membrane perforations affecting less than 50 per cent of the pars tensa, and an air–bone gap below 35 dB. A modified custom-made cartilage perichondrial graft was placed using the recently described ‘clip’ technique.

Results:

The graft success rate was 91.3 per cent. Post-operatively, the air–bone gap was within 10 dB in 52 per cent of cases and within 10–20 dB in 48 per cent of cases. There were few minor complications.

Conclusion:

Chondroperichondrial clip myringoplasty can be considered as an alternative minimally invasive technique for the repair of select cases of tympanic membrane perforations. This technique, which showed impressive results, was associated with minimum morbidity and reduced operative time.
Proximity to animal or crop operations may be associated with de novo daptomycin-non-susceptible Enterococcus infection
Authors: KELESIDIS T. , CHOW A. L.
Published: April 2013

Daptomycin-non-susceptible enterococci (DNSE) are emerging pathogens. We have previously reported de novo DNSE isolates in patients with agricultural activities and exposure to livestock. We studied the geographical distribution of the residencies of 34 patients with DNSE infections described in a tertiary centre over a 5-year period in an effort to explore the association between patients’ residential locations and agricultural and farm lands. Nine patients had no prior exposure to daptomycin (de novo) and seven of these lived in areas with animal or crop operations. Of those living near an animal or crop operation, the mean number of operations in the proximity of the residence of patients with daptomycin-exposed DNSE was 13·8 (range 1–67) compared to 98·6 (3–529) for those patients with de novo DNSE (P = 0·0486). These data are consistent with previous reports that the transport of daptomycin resistance genes between animals and humans may be a possible mechanism for development of de novo daptomycin resistance in enterococci.
Expansion in High Dimension for the Growth Constants of Lattice Trees and Lattice Animals
Authors: MEJÍA MIRANDA YURI , SLADE GORDON
Published: April 2013

We compute the first three terms of the 1/dexpansions for the growth constants and one-point functions of nearest-neighbour lattice trees and lattice (bond) animals on the integer lattice$\mathbb{Z}^d$, with rigorous error estimates. The proof uses the lace expansion, together with a new expansion for the one-point functions based on inclusion–exclusion.
Nanotechnology and challenges to international humanitarian law: a preliminary legal assessment
Authors: Nasu Hitoshi
Published: April 2013

The introduction of nanotechnology into our civil life and warfare is expected to influence the application and interpretation of the existing rules of international humanitarian law. This article examines the challenges posed to international humanitarian law by the widespread use of nanotechnology in light of four basic rules of international humanitarian law: (1) the obligation to ensure the legality of weapons; (2) distinction; (3) proportionality; and (4) precaution. It concludes by identifying three areas of concern, which arise from widespread use of nanotechnology, for the application of international humanitarian law.
A covalent protein–DNA 5′-product adduct is generated following AP lyase activity of human ALKBH1 (AlkB homologue 1)
Authors: Müller Tina A. , Andrzejak Megan M. , Hausinger Robert P.
Published: April 2013

ALKBH1 (AlkB homologue 1) is a mammalian AlkB (2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase) homologue that possesses AP (abasic or apurinic/apyrimidinic) lyase activity. The AP lyase reaction is catalysed by imine formation with an active site lysine residue, and a covalent intermediate can be trapped in the presence of NaBH4. Surprisingly, ALKBH1 also forms a stable protein–DNA adduct in the absence of a reducing agent. Experiments with different substrates demonstrated that the protein covalently binds to the 5′ DNA product, i.e. the fragment containing an α,β-unsaturated aldehyde. The N-terminal domain of ALKBH1 was identified as the main site of linkage with DNA. By contrast, mutagenesis studies suggest that the primary catalytic residue forming the imine linkage is Lys133, with Lys154 and other lysine residues in this region serving in opportunistic roles. These findings confirm the classification of ALKBH1 as an AP lyase, identify the primary and a secondary lysine residues involved in the lyase reaction, and demonstrate that the protein forms a covalent adduct with the 5′ DNA product. We propose two plausible chemical mechanisms to account for the covalent attachment.
Postoperative Deep Surgical-Site Infection after Instrumented Spinal Surgery: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Ishii Masayoshi , Iwasaki Motoki , Ohwada Tetsuo , Oda Takenori , Matsuoka Takashi , Tamura Yuichi , Izawa Kazutaka
Published: April 2013

A retrospective survey revealed 37 cases (1.1%) of deep surgical-site infection (SSI) among 3,462 instrumented spinal surgeries between 2004 and 2008. Excluding 8 patients who were unclassifiable, we categorized 29 patients into 3 groups of similar backgrounds—thoracolumbar degenerative disease (the DEG group; n = 15), osteoporotic vertebral collapse (the OVC group; n = 10), and cervical disorders (the cervical group; n = 4)—and investigated the key to implant salvage. Final respective implant retention rates for the groups were 40, 0, and 100%, with the OVC group having the worst rate (p < 0.01). In the DEG group with early infection, those whose implants were retained had lower body temperatures, lower white blood cell counts, and a lower rate of discharge at the time of SSI diagnosis (p < 0.05). Implant retention may be affected by initial spinal pathology. In the DEG group, debridement before drainage may be advantageous to implant salvage.
Failure of a Carbon Fiber–Reinforced Polymer Implant Used for Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Authors: Sardar Zeeshan , Jarzem Peter
Published: April 2013

Lumbar interbody fusion is a common procedure owing to the high prevalence of degenerative spinal disorders. During such procedures, carbon fiber–reinforced polymer (CFRP) cages are frequently utilized to fill the void created between adjacent vertebral bodies, to provide mechanical stability, and to carry graft material. Failure of such implants can lead to significant morbidity. We discuss the possible causes leading to the failure of a CFRP cage in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. Review of a 49-year-old woman who underwent revision anterior lumbar interbody fusion 2 years after posterior instrumentation and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion at L4–L5 and L5–S1. The patient developed pseudarthrosis at the two previously fused levels with failure of the posterior instrumentation. Revision surgery reveled failure with fragmentation of the CFRP cage at the L5–S1 level. CFRP implants can break if mechanical instability or nonunion occurs in the spinal segments, thus emphasizing the need for optimizing medical management and meticulous surgical technique in achieving stability.
Effect of Dy+3 on the structure and static magnetic properties of spin-glass MnZn ferrite nanoparticles
Authors: Ibrahim E. M. M.
Published: April 2013

Structural and static magnetic properties of a series of ferrites nanoparticles (the size ranges from 7.6 to 13.5 nm) having nominal chemical composition DyxMn0.5Zn0.5Fe2−xO4 (x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06) have been investigated. The x-ray diffraction analysis clarifies that the samples crystallize in typical cubic spinel structure. Incorporation of Dy ions in the Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 lattice structure has been proved by Raman spectroscopy measurements. Correspondingly, a significant increase in the grain size and a dramatic change in the magnetic properties are observed. The magnetization versus magnetic field M(H) plots are nonhysteretic where the coercivity remains zero and display Langevin-like behavior. The temperature dependence of magnetization M(T) plots in field cooling regime shows spin-glass behavior indicating a strong interaction between the magnetic moments. The blocking temperature determined from M(T) plots in zero field cooling regime increases as the Dy content increases.
Spin rectification enabled by anomalous Hall effect
Authors: Chen Hang , Fan Xiaolong , Zhou Hengan , Wang Wenxi , Gui Y. S. , Hu C.-M. , Xue Desheng
Published: April 2013

We report the observation of a transverse dc voltage which appears when a radio frequency (rf) current flows along the longitudinal direction of a ferromagnetic Hall device. This effect is fully explained through the spin rectification enabled by the anomalous Hall effect, which is nonlinear coupling between the dynamic magnetization and the rf current. The observed resonant feature and angular dependent line shape are related to the magnetization precession driven by a rf magnetic field. This suggests a method for detection of spin dynamic and rf magnetic field vector.
The vapor-liquid interface potential of (multi)polar fluids and its influence on ion solvation
Authors: Horváth Lorand , Beu Titus , Manghi Manoel , Palmeri John
Published: April 2013

The interface between the vapor and liquid phase of quadrupolar-dipolar fluids is the seat of an electric interfacial potential whose influence on ion solvation and distribution is not yet fully understood. To obtain further microscopic insight into water specificity we first present extensive classical molecular dynamics simulations of a series of model liquids with variable molecular quadrupole moments that interpolates between SPC/E water and a purely dipolar liquid. We then pinpoint the essential role played by the competing multipolar contributions to the vapor-liquid and the solute-liquid interface potentials in determining an important ion-specific direct electrostatic contribution to the ionic solvation free energy for SPC/E water—dominated by the quadrupolar and dipolar parts—beyond the dominant polarization one. Our results show that the influence of the vapor-liquid interfacial potential on ion solvation is strongly reduced due to the strong partial cancellation brought about by the competing solute-liquid interface potential.
Experimental study of broadband unidirectional splitting in photonic crystal gratings with broken structural symmetry
Authors: Colak Evrim , Serebryannikov Andriy E. , Ozgur Cakmak A. , Ozbay Ekmel
Published: April 2013

It is experimentally demonstrated that the combination of diode and splitter functions can be realized in one broadband reciprocal device. The suggested performance is based on the dielectric photonic crystal grating whose structural symmetry is broken owing to non-deep corrugations placed at one of the two interfaces. The study has been performed at a normally incident beam-type illumination obtained from a microwave horn antenna. The two unidirectionally transmitted, deflected beams can show large magnitude and high contrast, while the angular distance between their maxima is 90° and larger. The dual-band unidirectional splitting is possible when using TM and TE polarizations.
Concurrent operational modes and enhanced current sensitivity in heterostructure of magnetoelectric ring and piezoelectric transformer
Authors: Zhang Shengyao , Ming Leung Chung , Kuang Wei , Wing Or Siu , Ho S. L.
Published: April 2013

A heterostructure possessing two concurrent operational modes: current sensing (CS) mode and current transduction (CT) mode and an enhanced current sensitivity associated with the CT mode is proposed by combining a magnetoelectric ring (MER) with a piezoelectric transformer (PET). The MER is a ring-shaped magnetoelectric laminate having an axially polarized Pb(Zr, Ti)O3 (PZT) piezoelectric ceramic ring sandwiched between two circumferentially magnetized, inter-magnetically biased Tb0.3Dy0.7Fe1.92 (Terfenol-D) short-fiber/NdFeB magnet/epoxy three-phase magnetostrictive composite rings, while the PET is a Rosen-type PZT piezoelectric ceramic transformer. The current sensitivity (SI) and magnetoelectric voltage coefficient (αV) of the heterostructure in the two operational modes are evaluated theoretically and experimentally. The CS mode provides a large SI of ∼10 mV/A over a flat frequency range of 10 Hz−40 kHz with a high resonance SI of 157 mV/A at 62 kHz. The CT mode gives a 6.4-times enhancement in resonance SI, reaching 1000 mV/A at 62 kHz, as a result of the amplified vortex magnetoelectric effect caused by the vortex magnetoelectric effect in the MER, the matching of the resonance frequencies between the MER and the PET, and the resonance voltage step-up effect in the PET.
The maximal cooling power of magnetic and thermoelectric refrigerators with La(FeCoSi)13 alloys
Authors: Skokov K. P. , Karpenkov A. Yu. , Karpenkov D. Yu. , Gutfleisch O.
Published: April 2013

Using our data on magnetic entropy change ΔSm, adiabatic temperature change ΔTad and heat capacity CH for La(FeCoSi)13 alloys, the upper limit of heat Qc transferred per cycle, and the lowest limit of consumed work Wc were established for magnetic refrigerators operating in Δμ0H=1.9 T. In order to estimate the cooling power, attributable to thermoelectric refrigerators with La(FeCoSi)13, thermal conductivity λ, resistivity ρ, and Seebeck coefficient α were measured and the maximal cooling power QL, the input power Pi, and coefficient of performance have been calculated.
Lyman-α radiation of a probing metastable hydrogen beam to measure electric fields in diluted fluids and plasmas
Authors: Doveil F. , Lejeune A. , Chérigier-Kovacic L.
Published: April 2013

The interaction between a metastable H(2s) atomic hydrogen beam and an external electric field leads to the emission of the Lyman-α line. It originates in the Stark mixing of the near-degenerate 2s1/2 and 2p1/2 levels separated by the Lamb shift. The quenched radiation proportional to the square of the electric field amplitude is recovered in vacuum by using such an atomic probe beam. For larger electric field, saturation is observed and related to the beam finite transit time. We also observe the strong enhancement of the signal when the field is oscillating at the Lamb shift frequency. This technique is applied in a plasma, offering an alternative way to measure weak electric fields by direct and non-intrusive means.
Tunable terahertz fishnet metamaterial
Authors: Chang Cheng-Ling , Wang Wei-Chih , Lin Hong-Ren , Ju Hsieh Feng , Pun Yue-Bun , Chan Chi-Hou
Published: April 2013

This paper describes and demonstrates a terahertz (THz) frequency tunable fishnet metamaterial (TFMM) using an electrically controlled polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) matrix. In contrast to other PDLC-based devices, the TFMM employs a novel method for encapsulating PDLC using a thin (1.5 μm) polyimide “skin layer” to form a uniform surface for metal electrodes while minimizing the Fabry-Perot effect of the skin layer on the TFMM measurements. The tunability was verified by measuring the frequency shift in the reflection coefficient (0.01 THz), with an observed minimum negative refractive index of −15 at 0.55 THz.
Towards understanding edge localised mode mitigation by resonant magnetic perturbations in MAST
Authors: Chapman I. T. , Kirk A. , Ham C. J. , Harrison J. R. , Liu Y. Q. , Saarelma S. , Scannell R. , Thornton A. J. , Becoulet M. , Orain F. , Cooper W. A. , Pamela S. , Team MAST
Published: April 2013

Type-I Edge Localised Modes (ELMs) have been mitigated in MAST through the application of n=3,4, and 6 resonant magnetic perturbations. For each toroidal mode number of the non-axisymmetric applied fields, the frequency of the ELMs has been increased significantly, and the peak heat flux on the divertor plates reduced commensurately. This increase in ELM frequency occurs despite a significant drop in the edge pressure gradient, which would be expected to stabilise the peeling-ballooning modes thought to be responsible for type-I ELMs. Various mechanisms which could cause a destabilisation of the peeling-ballooning modes are presented, including pedestal widening, plasma rotation braking, three dimensional corrugation of the plasma boundary, and the existence of radially extended lobe structures near to the X-point. This leads to a model aimed at resolving the apparent dichotomy of ELM control, which is to say ELM suppression occurring due to the pedestal pressure reduction below the peeling-ballooning stability boundary, whilst the reduction in pressure can also lead to ELM mitigation, which is ostensibly a destabilisation of peeling-ballooning modes. In the case of ELM mitigation, the pedestal broadening, 3d corrugation, or lobes near the X-point degrade ballooning stability so much that the pedestal recovers rapidly to cross the new stability boundary at lower pressure more frequently, whilst in the case of suppression, the plasma parameters are such that the particle transport reduces the edge pressure below the stability boundary, which is only mildly affected by negligible rotation braking, small edge corrugation or short, broad lobe structures.
Analysis of microstructural induced enhancement of electromechanical coupling in soft dielectrics
Authors: Rudykh Stephan , Lewinstein Arnon , Uner Gil , deBotton Gal
Published: April 2013

Electroactive soft elastomers require huge electric field for a meaningful actuation. We demonstrate, by means of numerical simulation, that this can be dramatically reduced and large deformations can be achieved with suitably designed heterogeneous actuators. The mechanism by which the enhancement is attained is illustrated with the aid of both idealized and periodic models.
Atomistic simulations of shock-induced microjet from a grooved aluminium surface
Authors: Shao Jian-Li , Wang Pei , He An-Min , Duan Su-Qing , Qin Cheng-Sen
Published: April 2013

Molecular dynamics simulations have been used to study the microjet from a grooved aluminium surface under shock loading. Plastic deformation and release melting during microjetting are both presented by the centrosymmetry parameter, where the effect of release melting is discussed in detail. Consequently, we obtain the change law of microjet morphology and mass with the shock strength. The microjet mass is found to keep a linear increase with the post-shock particle velocity prior to release melting, and the release melting can evidently enhance the microjet. However, while the release melting speed is fast, the microjet mass shows a linear increase again, because the material strength can already be neglected. Also, our simulations suggest that the head speed of microjet always keeps a linear increase with the post-shock particle velocity, nearly independent of melting. Finally, the mechanical evolution of microjet matter with time is also discussed.
Generation/recovery mechanism of defects responsible for the permanent component in negative bias temperature instability
Authors: Yonamoto Yoshiki
Published: April 2013

The defects responsible for the permanent component observed in negative bias temperature (NBT) stressed metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors with an oxynitride gate insulator were investigated by using isochronal annealing experiments, spin dependent recombination (SDR), and spin dependent tunneling (SDT) technique. Two defects were found in the permanent component after light NBT stresses; interface states (Dit) and fixed positive charges (Dpc), which are closely related. The data support a model where hydrogen emitted from interfacial Si-H bonds by NBT stresses reacts with Si-X-Si structures (X = oxygen or nitrogen) in the gate insulator, which leaves silicon dangling bonds (Dit) and leads to the generation of Si-X+H-Si (overcoordinated oxygen or nitrogen, Dpc). Heavy NBT stresses simultaneously accelerate the formation and generation of new defects, which act as additional Dit and Dpc. Moreover, these defects cause stress-induced leakage current. Concerning their origin, defects similar to K- and E′γ-centers were detected by using SDR and SDT. They are unrelated to hydrogen and can be formed through the breaking of Si-X bonds. On the basis of these results, we propose a model for the generation and recovery behavior of defects and present a comparison with the previous studies.
Aging and reduced bulk conductance in thin films of the topological insulator Bi2Se3
Authors: Valdés Aguilar R. , Wu L. , Stier A. V. , Bilbro L. S. , Brahlek M. , Bansal N. , Oh S. , Armitage N. P.
Published: April 2013

We report on the effect of exposure to atmospheric conditions on the THz conductivity of thin films of the topological insulator Bi2Se3. We find (1) two contributions of mobile charge carriers to the THz conductivity immediately after growth and (2) the spectral weight of the smaller of these decays significantly over a period of several days as the film is exposed to ambient conditions, while the other remains relatively constant. We associate the former with a bulk response and the latter with the surface. The surface response exhibits the expected robustness of the carriers from 2D topological surface states. We find no evidence for a third spectral feature derived from topologically trivial surface states.
InGaN laser diodes with reduced AlGaN cladding thickness fabricated on GaN plasmonic substrate
Authors: Stańczyk S. , Czyszanowski T. , Kafar A. , Czernecki R. , Targowski G. , Leszczyński M. , Suski T. , Kucharski R. , Perlin P.
Published: April 2013

We demonstrate InGaN laser diodes with substantially reduced thickness of their bottom AlGaN cladding grown on plasmonic GaN substrate. The electron concentration in plasmonic substrate grown by ammonothermal method was of the order of 1020 cm−3, which corresponds to the refractive index reduction by 0.7% when comparing to undoped GaN. We were able to reduce the thickness of AlGaN bottom claddings from the initial 800 nm down to 400 nm without any worsening of laser threshold current or near-field patterns. The results are in agreement with the optical modeling of the InGaN laser diode structure fabricated on plasmonic GaN substrate.
Charging-induced defect formation in LixCoO2 battery cathodes studied by positron annihilation spectroscopy
Authors: Parz P. , Fuchsbichler B. , Koller S. , Bitschnau B. , Mautner F.-A. , Puff W. , Würschum R.
Published: April 2013

Charging-induced formation of vacancy-type defects in LixCoO2 battery cathodes was studied by the defect-specific techniques of positron lifetime spectroscopy and Doppler broadening of positron–electron annihilation radiation. The regime of reversible charging is dominated by vacancy-type defects on the Li+-sublattice the size of which increases with increasing Li+-extraction. Indication is found that Li+-reordering which occurs at the limit of reversible Li+-extraction (x = 0.55) causes a transition from two-dimensional agglomerates into one-dimensional vacancy chains. Degradation upon further Li+-extraction is accompanied by the formation of vacancy complexes on the Co- and anion sublattice.
Transgenic technologies for enhanced molecular breeding of white clover (Trifolium repens L.)
Authors: Forster J. W. , Panter S. , Mouradov A. , Mason J. , Spangenberg G. C.
Published: April 2013

White clover is an important pasture legume of temperate regions, generally through co-cultivation with a pasture grass in a mixed-sward setting. White clover provides herbage with high nutritional quality to grazing animals, along with the environmental benefit of biological nitrogen fixation. Several key agronomic traits are amenable to modification in white clover through use of transgenic technology. Efficient methods for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of white clover have been developed. The current status of transgenic research is reviewed for the following traits: resistance to viruses and insect pests; aluminium tolerance and phosphorus acquisition efficiency; control of leaf senescence and seed yield; biosynthesis of flavonoids and rumen bypass proteins for bloat safety and enhanced ruminant nutrition; cyanogenesis; and drought tolerance. Future prospects for transgenic technology in molecular breeding in white clover are also discussed.
An Investigation of the Therapeutic Potential of Stories in Dramatherapy with Young People with Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Lewis Jeannie , Banerjee Sube
Published: April 2013

Stories are vehicles for understanding, expressing and communicating concepts important to individual and cultural identity. In autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) pretence and the ability to act ‘as if’ is impaired. Might Dramatherapy, through stories, have potential, not only to teach, practise and improve social skills and functioning but also offer an imaginative frame to enable processing of personal psychological material? A 10 session Dramatherapy group was evaluated in a special school. ‘Theory of Mind’ tests were completed. Qualitative methodology was used to structure the investigation. Three students with ASD were recruited. In the group, all engaged in imaginative play and used imaginative structures in stories. All completed the group and completed the Theory of Mind tests correctly. All in the group were able to use stories in the Dramatherapy group. These data refute the hypotheses of an absolute inability to pretend and ability to use story, inherent in some constructions of autism. All clients were able to use their imagination through story and all underwent a journey. This study suggests that Dramatherapy using stories presents a real and exciting set of possibilities for engaging young people with ASD in a positive therapy, likely to benefit their emotional, psychological and social development.
Supporting Undergraduate Education with Realistic Laboratory Exercises and Research Experience
Authors: Myrick Christopher A , Underwood Zachary E , Kinzli Kristoph D
Published: April 2013

Higher education programs can offer hands-on experiences in the form of laboratory or field exercises, experiential learning, and undergraduate research opportunities to students, though at an increased cost in terms of financial, material, and personnel requirements. In a climate where institutions seek to streamline their dwindling budgets, it could be tempting to eliminate some of these programs to focus on more traditional classroom-based education. This outcome, if combined with the traits of the typical “millennial generation” student, raises the possibility that current and future student cohorts will lack practical experience in core areas. We argue that despite the challenges of garnering funding and institutional support, it is both possible and beneficial to provide undergraduates with the hands-on experiences, experiential learning, and exposure to research and management topics that enrich their education and better prepare them for entry-level positions or graduate school. We describe a multitiered approach for doing so and include examples from successful programs at Colorado State University and Florida Gulf Coast University.

RESUMEN

los programas de educación a nivel superior pueden ofrecer contacto directo con la práctica en forma de ejercicios de campo o laboratorio, aprendizaje por experiencia, y oportunidades de investigación para estudiantes no graduados, sin embargo esto se ha logrado a un costo creciente en términos de recursos humanos, materiales y financieros. En un clima en el que las instituciones buscan optimizar sus magros presupuestos, pudiera resultar atractivo la eliminación de algunos de estos programas y enfocarse en una educación más tradicional en las aulas. Este resultado, si se combinase con los atributos del típico estudiante de la “generación del milenio”, aumentaría la posibilidad de que las cohortes de estudiantes del presente y del futuro adolezcan de una experiencia práctica en áreas críticas. Se argumenta que a pesar de los retos de encontrar fondos y apoyo institucional, es posible y también benéfico darles a los estudiantes de nivel superior experiencias directas, aprendizaje por experiencia y contacto con investigación sobre tópicos de manejo, enriqueciendo su educación y preparándolos mejor para que opten por un puesto básico o por un posgrado. Para lograr esto, aquí se describe un enfoque multi-niveles y se incluyen ejemplos de programas exitosos en la Universidad del Estado de Colorado y en la Universidad de la Costa Oeste de Florida.
Effects of hydroxy‐delta‐5‐steroid dehydrogenase, 3 beta‐ and steroid delta‐isomerase 1 polymorphisms on fat androstenone level and gene expression in Duroc pigs
Authors: Kim J. M. , Ahn J. H. , Lim K. S. , Lee E. A. , Chun T. , Hong K. C.
Published: April 2013

A high level of androstenone in porcine adipose tissue is a major factor contributing to boar taint. Porcine hydroxy‐delta‐5‐steroid dehydrogenase, 3 beta‐ and steroid delta‐isomerase 1 (3β‐HSD, also known as HSD3B1) plays a key role in the hepatic metabolism that catalyzes androstenone to β‐androstenol. Therefore, 3β‐HSD is a candidate gene for boar taint. This study aimed to investigate functional 3β‐HSD polymorphisms in Duroc pigs. We found eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the full‐length porcine 3β‐HSD. Four of the SNPs had restriction enzyme sites, and we genotyped them in 147 uncastrated male Duroc pigs using a polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Pigs with the GG genotype at the g.165262G>A locus (SNP5) had significantly lower androstenone levels than did those with other genotypes (P = 0.030). SNP5 also was associated with differences in 3β‐HSD mRNA levels: pigs with the GG genotype had higher levels than those with other genotypes (P = 0.019). The SNP5 polymorphism could affect the hepatic catabolism of androstenone and consequently impact androstenone accumulation in the adipose tissue. Therefore, SNP5 in the 3β‐HSD of Duroc pigs could be a useful selective marker for decreasing boar taint.
Early recognition of growth abnormalities permitting early intervention
Authors: Haymond Morey , Kappelgaard Anne-Marie , Czernichow Paul , Biller Beverly MK , Takano Koji , Kiess Wieland ,   The participants in the global advisory panel meeting on the effects of growth hormone
Published: April 2013

Normal growth is a sign of good health. Monitoring for growth disturbances is fundamental to children's health care. Early detection and diagnosis of the causes of short stature allows management of underlying medical conditions, optimizing attainment of good health and normal adult height.

Conclusion

This review summarizes currently available information on monitoring for short stature in children and conditions usually associated with short stature and summarizes the authors’ conclusions on the early recognition of growth disorders.
Meta‐analysis: peri‐operative anti‐TNFα treatment and post‐operative complications in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Narula N. , Charleton D. , Marshall J. K.
Published: April 2013

Background

The impact of peri‐operative use of TNFα antagonists on post‐operative complications such as infection and wound healing is controversial.

Aim

To conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the impact of peri‐operative use of TNFα antagonists on post‐operative complications such as infection and wound healing in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods

A literature search identified studies that investigated post‐operative outcomes in patients with IBD using TNFα antagonists. The primary outcome was the rate of post‐operative infectious complications. Secondary outcomes included the rates of non‐infectious complications and total complications. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) are reported.

Results

Overall, 18 studies with 4659 participants were eligible for inclusion. Patients with IBD using preoperative anti‐TNFα therapies had significant increases in post‐operative infectious [OR 1.56 (95% CI, 1.09–2.24)], non‐infectious [OR 1.57 (95% CI, 1.14–2.17)] and total complications [OR 1.73 (95% CI, 1.23–2.43)]. Studies limited to patients with Crohn's disease demonstrated a statistically significant increase in infectious (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.28–2.89) and total (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.69–2.84) complications, and a trend towards increase in non‐infectious complications (OR 1.73, 95% CI 0.94–3.17). Studies of patients with ulcerative colitis did not demonstrate significant increases in infectious (OR 1.39, 95% CI 0.56–3.45), non‐infectious (OR 1.40, 95% CI 0.68–2.85), or total complications (OR 1.10, 95% CI 0.81–1.47).

Conclusion

Anti‐TNFα therapies appear to increase the risk of post‐operative complications. The increase in risk is small, and may well reflect residual confounding rather than a true biological effect. Nevertheless, physicians should exercise caution when continuing biological therapies during the peri‐operative period.
Visual analogue scale in patients treated for allergic rhinitis: an observational prospective study in primary care
Authors: Demoly P. , Bousquet P. J. , Mesbah K. , Bousquet J. , Devillier P.
Published: April 2013

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) severity is evaluated using scores such as Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality‐of‐Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) and total symptom score (TSS). However, a simple assessment is needed to enable physicians to evaluate the severity of the AR and the efficacy of the treatment.

Objective

The main objective was to validate visual analogue scale (VAS) as a simple quantitative tool to assess the burden of AR in primary care.

Methods

The study was multi‐centre prospective observational conducted in patients consulting general practitioners for symptomatic rhinitis. VAS, RQLQ and TSS6 were assessed at the consultation day and 14 days later, and changes were analysed using paired test. Correlations between VAS, RQLQ and TSS6 were assessed. Cut‐off levels for VAS, which discriminate significant from insignificant changes, were established using Receiver Operating Characteristic curves.

Results

A total of 990 patients were included in the study. According to allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma classification, mild intermittent rhinitis was diagnosed in 20% patients, mild persistent in 17%, moderate/severe intermittent in 15% and moderate/severe persistent in 48%, at the consultation day. At day‐14, rhinitis symptoms and QoL improved significantly in almost all patients. Impairment incurred by AR and assessed with VAS improved also. The established cut‐off variation of 23 mm for VAS was associated with a cut‐off variation of 0.5 for RQLQ. Sensitivity analysis with RQLQ and TSS6 scales confirmed the aptitude of the cut‐off value (23 mm) to discriminate changes in symptoms and QoL.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

The VAS can detect with high sensitivity the variations of symptoms and QoL in patients with AR.
In vitro induction of functional allergen‐specific CD4+ CD25high Treg cells in horses affected with insect bite hypersensitivity
Authors: Hamza E. , Akdis C. A. , Wagner B. , Steinbach F. , Marti E.
Published: April 2013

Background

Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is a recurrent allergic dermatitis of horses with similarities to human atopic eczema, caused by bites of insects of the genus Culicoides. Previous studies suggested a dysregulated T cell tolerance to Culicoides allergen in IBH‐affected horses.

Objective

We have investigated whether the suppressive function of CD4+ CD25high cells is impaired in IBH‐affected horses and possible ways to restore it.

Methods

CD4+ CD25− cells sorted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were stimulated with irradiated autologous PBMC pulsed with Culicoides or tetanus toxoid as control antigen, in the presence of CD4+ CD25high cells. Furthermore, Culicoides‐specific CD4+ CD25high regulatory cells were expanded or induced from CD4+ CD25− cells in vitro in the presence of a combination of rIL‐2 and rTGF‐β1 (rIL‐2/rTGF‐β1) or of retinoic acid and rapamycin (RetA/Rapa). Proliferation was determined by [3H] thymidine incorporation and cytokine production measured by flow cytometry.

Results

The ability of Culicoides‐ but not tetanus‐stimulated CD4+ CD25high cells to suppress proliferation of CD4+ CD25− cells was significantly lower in IBH‐affected horses (28%) than in healthy controls (86%). The decreased suppression in IBH‐affected horses was associated with a significantly higher proportion of IL‐4+ cells and a lower percentage of FoxP3+ IL‐10+ compared to controls. Addition of rIL‐2/rTGF‐β1 or of RetA/Rapa to Culicoides‐stimulated CD4+ CD25high cells from IBH‐affected horses significantly increased the proportion of FoxP3+ IL‐10+ cells. We also found that RetA/Rapa induced a more significant decrease in the frequency of IL‐4+ cells than rIL‐2/rTGF‐β1. Moreover, the suppressive activity of Culicoides‐stimulated CD4+ CD25high cells was significantly restored by both rIL‐2/rTGF‐β1and RetA/Rapa, albeit in an antigen‐unspecific manner. In contrast, in vitro induced Culicoides‐specific CD4+ CD25high cells suppressed proliferation of CD4+ CD25− cells in an antigen‐specific manner.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

The in vitro induction of functional allergen‐specific Treg cells in IBH‐affected horses suggests a potential therapeutic use of these cells in allergy.
Vascularized composite tissue allotransplantation – state of the art
Authors: Diaz‐Siso J. Rodrigo , Bueno Ericka M. , Sisk Geoffroy C. , Marty Francisco M. , Pomahac Bohdan , Tullius Stefan G.
Published: April 2013

Vascularized composite tissue allotransplantation is a viable treatment option for injuries and defects that involve multiple layers of functional tissue. In the past 15 yr, more than 150 vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) surgeries have been reported for various anatomic locations including – but not limited to – trachea, larynx, abdominal wall, face, and upper and lower extremities. VCA can achieve a level of esthetic and functional restoration that is currently unattainable using conventional reconstructive techniques.

Although the risks of lifelong immunosuppression continue to be an important factor when evaluating the benefits of VCA, reported short‐ and long‐term outcomes have been excellent, thus far. Acute rejections are common in the early post‐operative period, and immunosuppression‐related side effects have been manageable. A multidisciplinary approach to the management of VCA has proven successful. Reports of long‐term graft losses have been rare, while several factors may play a role in the pathophysiology of chronic graft deterioration in VCA.

Alternative approaches to immunosuppression such as cellular therapies and immunomodulation hold promise, although their role is so far not defined. Experimental protocols for VCA are currently being explored. Moving forward, it will be exciting to see whether VCA‐specific aspects of allorecognition and immune responses will be able to help facilitate tolerance induction.
Dermal pleomorphic liposarcoma resembling pleomorphic fibroma: report of a case and review of the literature
Authors: Al‐Zaid Tariq , Frieling Gretchen , Rosenthal Seth
Published: April 2013

Pleomorphic liposarcoma (PLPS) is a rare, high‐grade sarcoma defined by the presence of pleomorphic lipoblasts. Constituting 5% of all liposarcomas, PLPS usually arises in deep soft tissues of the extremities, with rare occurrences in the dermis and subcutis. We describe a unique case of an 85‐year‐old Caucasian gentleman with a 1 year history of a pedunculated, pink, non‐tender papule on the dorsum of his left arm, measuring 1.0 cm in maximum dimension. Biopsy revealed a dermal collection of atypical epithelioid and spindle cells superimposed on a sclerotic background, resembling a pleomorphic fibroma on low power. On high power, a central focus of discrete adipocytic differentiation with pleomorphic lipoblasts was present. Tumor cells were positive for S‐100 and negative for desmin, actin, CD68, keratin, MART‐1 and CD34. Clinicopathologic findings were consistent with PLPS and the diagnosis was made. PLPS is rarely localized to the dermis and one with low power features resembling a pleomorphic fibroma has not been previously described in the literature.
Do endoscopic features suggesting eosinophilic esophagitis represent histological eosinophilia?
Authors: Hori Kazutoshi , Watari Jiro , Fukui Hirokazu , Tanaka Junji , Tomita Toshihiko , Sakurai Jun , Kondo Takashi , Oshima Tadayuki , Toyoshima Fumihiko , Yamasaki Takahisa , Okugawa Takuya , Miwa Hiroto
Published: April 2013

Background

Esophageal linear furrows, corrugated rings, and/or white exudates are often seen in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE); however, whether these are specific to EoE remains unclear. Endoscopic surveillance of these features was conducted to determine whether these represent esophageal eosinophilia, which is essential for the diagnosis of EoE.

Patients and Methods

Two thousand seven hundred and sixty‐three patients were enrolled consecutively. Target biopsy was carried out when the above features were seen. Histological eosinophilia was defined as 24 or more eosinophils per high‐power field (HPF). Associations between features and eosinophilia were analyzed statistically.

Results

Two thousand five hundred and forty‐five patients completed the study. Linear furrows, corrugated rings and white exudates were seen in 24, 15 and 45 patients, respectively. These findings somewhat overlapped. Among 58 biopsied patients withany of the above features, these features represented eosinophilia in 14% (3/21), 23% (3/13), and 5% (2/43), respectively. None of the 199 patients who received biopsy for other features had eosinophilia. Two of five eosinophilia patients were diagnosed with EoE. Multiple comparisons revealed that eosinophil counts in linear furrows and corrugated rings but not white exudates were significantly greater than those in other features (12, 9, 1, and <1 eosinophils/HPF on average, respectively).

Conclusions

An endoscopic feature suggesting EoE does not always represent esophageal eosinophilia and is non‐specific for EoE, although it reminds endoscopists of the presence of EoE. The diagnostic utility of linear furrows or corrugated rings for esophageal eosinophilia is superior to that of white exudates.