bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of biofilm in bronchoalveolar lavage from children with non‐cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis
Authors: Marsh Robyn L. , Thornton Ruth B. , Smith‐Vaughan Heidi C. , Richmond Peter , Pizzutto Susan J. , Chang Anne B.
Published: March 2014

Background

The presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms in lower airway specimens from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is well established. To date, biofilm has not been demonstrated in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) from people with non‐CF bronchiectasis. The aim of this study was to determine (i) if biofilm was present in BAL from children with and without bronchiectasis, and (ii) if biofilm detection differed between sequentially collected BAL.

Methods

Testing for biofilm in two sequentially collected BAL from children with and without bronchiectasis was done using BacLight™ live–dead staining and lectin staining for extracellular polymeric biofilm matrices. Bacterial culture and cytological measures were performed on the first and second lavages, respectively. Clinically important BAL infection was defined as >104 cfu of respiratory pathogens/ml BAL.

Results

Biofilm was detected in BAL from seven of eight (87.5%) children with bronchiectasis (aged 0.8–6.9 years), but was not detected in any of three controls (aged 1.3–8.6 years). The biofilms contained both live and dead bacteria irrespective of antibiotic use prior to bronchoscopy. Biofilm was detected more frequently in the second lavage than the first. Three of the seven biofilm‐positive BAL were culture‐positive for respiratory pathogens at clinically important levels.

Conclusions

Biofilm is present in BAL from children with non‐CF bronchiectasis even when BAL‐defined clinically important infection was absent. Studies to characterize lower airway biofilms and determine how biofilm contributes to bronchiectasis disease progression and treatment outcomes are necessary. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:284–292. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Correlation of pulmonary function abnormalities with dose volume histograms in children treated with lung irradiation
Authors: De Aliva , Kamath Sunil , Wong Kenneth , Olch Arthur J. , Malvar Jemily , Sposto Richard , Mascarenhas Leo , Keens Thomas G. , Venkatramani Rajkumar
Published: March 2014

Background

There is limited data on pulmonary function test (PFT) abnormalities in children treated with modern irradiation techniques. PFT abnormalities have not been correlated with the dose and volume of irradiation.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of PFTs and clinical outcomes in children who received radiation therapy (RT) at Children's Hospital Los Angeles between 1999 and 2009 was performed. Radiation dose distribution to normal lung tissue was calculated.

Results

Forty‐nine patients had PFTs available post‐RT at a median time of 2.91 years (range, 0.01–8.28) from irradiation. Sixty‐seven percent of patients had at least one PFT abnormality on their last available study. The most common abnormality was obstructive lung disease (24%) followed by hyperinflation (20%). Thoracic surgery prior to RT increased the odds of an abnormal FEV1, RV/TLC, and obstructive disease. The sex of the patient, age at the time of irradiation, and time of the PFT after irradiation did not have a significant association with abnormalities. The mean lung dose, maximum lung dose, and prescribed dose of radiation were significantly associated with the development of PFT abnormalities. The odds of developing an abnormal PFT increased with increase in the minimum threshold dose (Vdose) of radiation, mostly above V20.

Conclusion

PFT abnormalities are common even when modern radiation techniques are used. A significant correlation between radiation parameters and PFT abnormalities was noted. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:596–603. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Effect of Silicon Powder Characteristics on the Combustion of Silicon/Teflon/Viton Nanoenergetics
Authors: Terry Brandon C. , Lin Ya‐Cheng , Manukyan Khachatur V. , Mukasyan Alexander S. , Son Steven F. , Groven Lori J.
Published: March 2014

Due to its thin passivation layer, potentially good aging characteristics, and ease of surface functionalization nanoscale silicon (Si) may offer some advantages over nanoaluminum as a reactive fuel in nanoenergetic compositions, particularly with fluorine‐based oxidizers. Currently, Si nanopowder can be quite expensive and the quality of commercial powders has been found to vary drastically. As a result limited efforts have focused on the role of specific surface area, active content, morphology, and dominant particle size of the powder have on the combustion performance. In this work we report the effect of such characteristics on the combustion of silicon (Si)/polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon)/FC‐2175 (Viton) (SiTV) nanoenergetics. A cost effective combustion synthesis route, salt assisted combustion synthesis, was used to produce several Si powders and these were directly compared to commercial nanoscale Si powders. Reactive mixtures of SiTV were burned at atmospheric conditions and burning rates, combustion temperatures, spectral intensities, and effective plume emissivities were measured. Measured combustion temperatures ranged from 1664 to 2380 K and were limited by Si powder active content. This was found to drive plume emissivity and maximum spectral intensity, which had values ranging from 0.10 to 0.55 for effective plume emissivity and 17.6 to 48.1 kW m−2 sr−1 μm−1 for maximum spectral intensity. Burning rates ranged from 0.7 to 3.4 mm s−1 and were found to be dependent on the dominant particle size of the powder. Powders synthesized with salt assisted combustion resulted in comparable burning rate, plume emissivity and maximum spectral intensity to porous Si powder (Vesta Ceramics).
Synthesis of 5‐(1H‐Tetrazolyl)‐1‐hydroxy‐tetrazole and Energetically Relevant Nitrogen‐Rich Ionic Derivatives
Authors: Fischer Dennis , Klapötke Thomas M. , Reymann Marius , Schmid Philipp C. , Stierstorfer Jörg , Sućeska Muhamed
Published: March 2014

Sodium 5‐cyanotetrazolate sesquihydrate (1) was prepared from sodium azide and two equivalents of sodium cyanide under acidic conditions. Sodium 5‐cyanotetrazolate sesquihydrate (1) reacts with hydroxylammonium chloride to form 5‐aminohydroximoyl tetrazole (2). 5‐Aminohydroximoyl tetrazole (2) is treated with sodium nitrite and hydrochloric acid to form 5‐chlorohydroximoyl‐tetrazole (3). The chloride azide exchange yields 5‐azidohydroximoyl‐tetrazole monohydrate (4). When compound 4 is treated with hydrochloric acid, 5‐(1H‐tetrazolyl)‐1‐hydroxytetrazole (5) is obtained in good yield. Compound 5 can be deprotonated twice by various bases. Different ionic derivatives such as bis(hydroxylammonium) (6), bis(hydrazinium) (7), bis(guanidinium) (8), bis(aminoguanidinium) (9), bis(ammonium) (10), and diaminouronium (11) 5‐(1‐oxidotetrazolyl)‐tetrazolate were synthesized and characterized. With respect to energetic use salts 6 and 7 are most relevant. Compounds 3–9 and 11 were characterized using low temperature single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. All compounds were investigated by NMR and vibrational (IR, Raman) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. The thermal properties were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The sensitivities towards impact (4: 4 J, 5: 40 J, 6: 12 J, 7: 40 J), friction: (4: 60 N, 5: 240 N, 6: 216 N, 7: 240 N), and electrical discharge (5: 0.40 J, 6: 0.75 J, 7: 0.75 J), were investigated using BAM standards and a small scale electrostatic discharge tester. The detonation parameters of 5–7 were calculated using the EXPLO5.06 code and calculated (CBS‐4 M) enthalpy of formation values.
Crystal structure of Bombyx mori arylphorins reveals a 3:3 heterohexamer with multiple papain cleavage sites
Authors: Hou Yong , Li Jianwei , Li Yi , Dong Zhaoming , Xia Qingyou , Yuan Y. Adam
Published: March 2014

In holometabolous insects, the accumulation and utilization of storage proteins (SPs), including arylphorins and methionine‐rich proteins, are critical for the insect metamorphosis. SPs function as amino acids reserves, which are synthesized in fat body, secreted into the larval hemolymph and taken up by fat body shortly before pupation. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms of digestion and utilization of SPs during development are largely unknown. Here, we report the crystal structure of Bombyx mori arylphorins at 2.8 Å, which displays a heterohexameric structural arrangement formed by trimerization of dimers comprising two structural similar arylphorins. Our limited proteolysis assay and microarray data strongly suggest that papain‐like proteases are the major players for B. mori arylphorins digestion in vitro and in vivo. Consistent with the biochemical data, dozens of papain cleavage sites are mapped on the surface of the heterohexameric structure of B. mori arylphorins. Hence, our results provide the insightful information to understand the metamorphosis of holometabolous insects at molecular level.
Anti‐Metastatic Effect of Supercritical Extracts from the Citrus hassaku Pericarp via Inhibition of C‐X‐C Chemokine Receptor Type 4 (CXCR4) and Matrix Metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9)
Authors: Kim Chulwon , Kim Dongmin , Nam Dongwoo , Chung Won‐Seok , Ahn Kyoo Seok , Kim Sung‐Hoon , Choi Seung‐Hoon , Shim Bum Sang , Cho Somi K. , Ahn Kwang Seok
Published: March 2014

The fruit of hassaku (Citrus hassaku Hort. ex Tanaka) is locally known as phalsak in Korea. Recently, the fruit extract has been known to exhibit in vivo preventive effects against UVB‐induced pigmentation, antiallergic activity, and enhancement of blood fluidity. However, the exact mechanisms of how supercritical extracts of phalsak peel (SEPS) inhibits tumor metastasis and invasion are still not fully understood. We found that SEPS could downregulate the constitutive expression of both CXCR4 and HER2 in human breast cancer MDA‐MB‐231 cells as compared with other cells. SEPS also suppressed matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) expression and its enzymatic activity under non‐cytotoxic concentrations. Neither proteasome inhibition nor lysosomal stabilization had any effect on the SEPS‐induced decrease in CXCR4 expression. A detailed study of the underlying molecular mechanisms revealed that the regulation of the downregulation of CXCR4 was at the transcriptional level, as indicated by downregulation of mRNA expression, suppression of NF‐κB activity, and inhibition of chromatin immunoprecipitation activity. Suppression of CXCR4 expression by SEPS correlated with the inhibition of CXCL12‐stimulated invasion of MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Overall, our results indicate, for the first time, that SEPS can suppress CXCR4 and MMP‐9 expressions through blockade of NF‐κB activation and thus has the potential to suppress metastasis of breast cancer. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Different Effects of Resveratrol and Naringenin on Isolated Human Umbilical Vein: The Role of ATP‐Sensitive K+ Channels
Authors: Protić Dragana , Beleslin‐Čokić Bojana , Spremović‐Rađenović Svetlana , Radunović Nebojša , Heinle Helmut , Šćepanović Radisav , Gojković Bukarica Ljiljana
Published: March 2014

The blood flow from the placenta to the fetus depends on human umbilical vein (HUV) vascular tone. ATP‐sensitive K+ (KATP) channels link the metabolic state of the cell to membrane potential, and their activation in the HUV represents protection against hypoxia. The aims of our study were to assess the effects of resveratrol and naringenin on the HUV and to define the roles of KATP channels in their effects. Serotonin or 100 mM K+ were used for precontraction of the HUV without endothelium. The cumulative concentration–response curves were obtained by adding increasing concentrations of resveratrol or naringenin. Glibenclamide was used, in order to test the role of KATP channels in its effect. Resveratrol induced more potent vasodilatation of serotonin‐ and 100 mM K+‐precontracted HUV than naringenin. Glibenclamide induced significant shift to the right of the concentration–response curves of resveratrol and P1075 (a specific opener of KATP channels). Western blotting showed that HUV expressed protein Kir6.1. Thus, resveratrol and naringenin produce dilatation of HUV. It seems that KATP channels are involved in the relaxation of HUV induced by resveratrol, while naringenin seems to interact with other ion channels. The K+ channel‐independent mechanism(s) of these polyphenols could not be excluded. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HEC‐RPT — Software for Facilitating Development of River Management Alternatives
Authors: Hickey J. T. , Newbold S. J. , Warner A. T.
Published: March 2014

The Regime Prescription Tool (RPT) is a software program designed to help groups of scientists, engineers, and water managers access hydrologic data and draft flow recommendations while formulating different ways to manage rivers. It is a communications tool and contributes in the early stages of planning by formalizing ideas and expert knowledge into a structure easily visualized and considered in more detailed analytical tools. Applying RPT helps organize and focus group conversations that seek to create consensus‐based alternatives for water management. This paper introduces the software and its role in water resources planning. An RPT application used in the definition of environmental flows for the McKenzie River, Oregon, USA, is presented. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trust path: a distributed model of search paths of trust in a peer‐to‐peer system
Authors: Moalla Samir , Rahmouni Maher
Published: March 2014

Trust management is not an easy task in a peer‐to‐peer system because a peer is not able to know all the other peers in the system, and therefore, it is not obvious to exchange documents safely. Accordingly, an efficient model of trust management is necessary to manage the trust between peers in order to, quickly and efficiently, make the difference between potentially malicious and benevolent peers before downloading a document. Several approaches have been developed to calculate the indirect trust value. These approaches are based on sequential search of trust paths. In this paper and in order to optimize the research response time of trust paths, we propose a new distributed model called Trust_Path to search all trust paths between two peers that have no direct knowledge. This search is performed by propagation, in a distributed manner, to all known peers. The experiments realized on a network of 16 servers, on which we have set up virtual machines, show that the response time of search of trust paths with the parallel execution using Trust_Path model is much faster than sequential execution and that its acceleration increases according to the number of nodes. The simulation results show that our model can be applied to a large‐scale environment.Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetic Metal–Organic Frameworks: γ‐Fe2O3@MOFs via Confined In Situ Pyrolysis Method for Drug Delivery
Authors: Wu Yi‐nan , Zhou Meimei , Li Shu , Li Zehua , Li Jie , Wu Baozhen , Li Guangtao , Li Fengting , Guan Xiaohong
Published: March 2014

A general one‐step in situ pyrolysis route for the construction of metal–organic frameworks encapsulating superparamagnetic γ‐Fe2O3 NPs dispersed in the confined cavities of MOFs homogeneously is described. The integration of γ‐Fe2O3 NPs or clusters into MOFs can endow these porous materials with superparamagnetic element. By the combination of the thermal stability of MOFs and pyrolysis of metal triacetylacetonate complex at matched conditions, the porous structure of MOFs are well maintained while the size‐induced superparamagnetic property of nano γ‐Fe2O3 is obtained. As a proof of concept, both the γ‐ Fe2O3@ZIF‐8 and γ‐Fe2O3@MIL‐53(Al) were successfully prepared, and the latter was chosen to demonstrate its potential drug delivery as a magnetic MOF.
Fundamental periods of steel eccentrically braced frames
Authors: Kuşy𝚤lmaz Ahmet , Topkaya Cem
Published: March 2014

This paper describes formulation of a hand method that can be used to estimate the computed fundamental periods of vibration of building structures in general and steel eccentrically braced frames (EBFs) in particular. The developed method uses the Rayleigh's method as a basis and utilizes the roof drift ratio (RDR) under seismic forces as a parameter. To obtain RDR, more than 4000 EBFs were designed by considering the seismic hazard, number of stories, braced bay width and link length to bay width ratio as prime variables. A model was developed to estimate RDR, which depends on the rigid plastic deformation mechanism for a typical EBF. The method was verified using design data produced as a part of this work as well as data published in literature. The verifications indicate that the proposed formulation is capable of providing acceptable estimates of the computed period. When compared with existing empirical period–height relationships, the proposed formulation offers closer estimates with reduced scatter. The method was further refined to derive new period–height relationships for two different seismicity regions. The accuracy of the relationship for high seismic regions was verified using measured periods of EBF buildings. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using transfer path analysis to assess the influence of bearings on structural vibrations of a wind turbine gearbox
Authors: Vanhollebeke F. , Peeters J. , Vandepitte D. , Desmet W.
Published: March 2014

Noise and vibration issues can be dealt with using several approaches. Using the source–transfer path–receiver approach, a vibration issue could be solved by attenuating the source, modifying the transfer path or by influencing the receiver. Applying this approach on a wind turbine gearbox would respectively correspond with lowering the gear excitation levels, modifying the gearbox housing or by trying to isolate the gearbox from the rest of the wind turbine.

This paper uses a combination of multi‐body modelling and typical transfer path analysis (TPA) to investigate the impact of bearings on the total transfer path and the resulting vibration levels. Structural vibrations are calculated using a flexible multi‐body model of a three‐stage wind turbine gearbox. Because the high‐speed mesh is often the main source of vibrations, focus is put on the four bearings of this gear stage. The TPA method using structural vibration simulation results shows which bearing position is responsible for transmitting the highest excitation levels from the gears to the gearbox housing structure.

Influences of bearing stiffness values and bearing damping values on the resulting vibration levels are investigated by means of a parameter sensitivity study and are confirmed with the results from the TPA. Because both the TPA and the parameter sensitivity analysis revealed a big influence on radial stiffness for a certain bearing, this was investigated in more detail and showed the big importance of correct axial bearing position.

The main conclusions of this paper are that the total vibration behaviour of a wind turbine gearbox can be altered significantly by changing both bearing properties such as stiffness, damping and position, and bearing support stiffness. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Signaling networks in palate development
Authors: Lane Jamie , Kaartinen Vesa
Published: March 2014

Palatogenesis, the formation of the palate, is a dynamic process regulated by a complex series of context‐dependent morphogenetic signaling events. Many genes involved in palatogenesis have been discovered through the use of genetically manipulated mouse models as well as from human genetic studies, but the roles of these genes and their products in signaling networks regulating palatogenesis are still poorly known. In this review, we give a brief overview on palatogenesis and introduce key signaling cascades leading to formation of the intact palate. Moreover, we review conceptual differences between pathway biology and network biology and discuss how some of the recent technological advances in conjunction with mouse genetic models have contributed to our understanding of signaling networks regulating palate growth and fusion.

This article is categorized under:

Biological Mechanisms > Cell Signaling

Developmental Biology > Developmental Processes in Health and Disease

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Organ, Tissue, and Physiological Models
Determinants of prevalence and intensity of infection with malaria parasites in the Blue Tit
Authors: Podmokła Edyta , Dubiec Anna , Drobniak Szymon M. , Arct Aneta , Gustafsson Lars , Cichoń Mariusz
Published: March 2014

Parasite species are usually specialists utilising specific host species, but parasite assemblages may differ substantially even between populations of the same species and show seasonal and annual fluctuations. Host characteristics such as individual age and sex may also affect parasite species composition and abundance. Here, we report the occurrence of malaria parasites in the Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) inhabiting Gotland (Sweden) across 5 years. Using PCR-based techniques, we found eight cytochrome b lineages belonging to genus Plasmodium (pTURUD1, pBT7, pSGS1, pSW2, pGRW11) and Haemoproteus (hPARUS1, hPHSIB1, hWW2) with the overall prevalence of 65 %. The Plasmodium infections predominated (prevalence of 49.5 %), whereas Haemoproteus infection rate was much lower (prevalence of 16.5 %). We showed significant differences in infection status between study years and age classes when all parasite lineages were analysed together or the two most common lineages were analysed separately. Overall, older birds showed higher prevalence. A significant interaction between year and genus effect significantly explained variation in infection intensity. This interaction stems from a significant yearly variation of the infection intensity with Plasmodium, while such an effect is not present for Haemoproteus infections. More importantly, the intensity of infection with Haemoproteus was significantly higher than with Plasmodium in 3 out of the 4 study years with data.
Purification and Biochemical Characterization of Lipase from Tunisian Euphorbia peplus Latex
Authors: Lazreg Aref Houda , Mosbah Habib , Fekih Abdelwaheb , Kenani Abdelraouf
Published: March 2014

Lipases from vegetable sources have been the focus of intense and growing research. The use of enzymes from plants has the advantage of employing industrial waste products. The lipase activity of Euphorbia peplus L. (Euphorbiaceae) was investigated for the first time. The Euphorbia peplus latex lipase (EpLL) was purified after ammonium sulfate fractionation and anion exchange chromatography on a DEAE‐Cellulose column leading to 12.57‐fold purification. The EpLL displayed a probable molecular weight of about 40 kDa. The lipase activity was optimum at a temperature of 40 °C and pH 8, the specific activities of EpLL were found to be 249 ± 12.45 and 161.4 ± 8.07 U/mg when tributyrin (TC4) and olive oil were used as substrate respectively. The enzyme retained 80 % of its activity when incubated for 1 h at 50 °C. The EpLL was strongly destabilised by divalent metal ions (Fe2+, Mg2+, Zn2+ and Cu2+). Lipase was slightly stimulated by Triton X‐100 and Tween‐80, while strongly inhibited by sodium dodecyl sulfate. A good stability of the enzyme in the presence of organic solvents was reveled suggesting its industrial utility.
Cigarette smoking in obsessive-compulsive disorder and unaffected parents of OCD patients
Authors: Abramovitch Amitai , Pizzagalli Diego A. , Geller Daniel A. , Reuman Lillian , Wilhelm Sabine
Published: March 2014

Background:

Cigarette smoking is more prevalent among individuals with psychiatric disorders than the general population. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may be an intriguing exception, although no recent study has investigated this hypothesis in OCD patients. Moreover, it is unknown whether reduced smoking rates are present in unaffected first-degree relatives of OCD patients.

Methods:

We assessed smoking prevalence in adults with OCD and unaffected parents of youth with OCD (PYOCD). To this end, 113 adults with OCD completed online questionnaires assessing symptom severity and smoking status. Smoking status was obtained from an independent sample of 210 PYOCD assessed for psychiatric diagnoses.

Results:

Smoking prevalence rates in adults with OCD (13.3%;n= 15) and PYOCD (9.5%;n= 20) samples were significantly lower than those found in representative samples of the general population (19–24%, allP< .001) and Axis I disorders (36–64%; allP< .001). There were no smokers in the adult OCD subset without clinically significant depressive symptoms (n= 54).

Conclusion:

Low prevalence of smoking in OCD may be familial and unique among psychiatric disorders, and might represent a possible state-independent OCD marker. Hypotheses concerning the uncharacteristically low prevalence rates are discussed with relation to OCD phenomenology and pathophysiology.
Impact of primary negative symptoms on functional outcomes in schizophrenia
Authors: Fervaha G. , Foussias G. , Agid O. , Remington G.
Published: March 2014

Objective

Negative symptoms are known to undermine functional outcomes in people with schizophrenia; however, most studies have not accounted for whether these symptoms were primary or secondary to other psychopathological factors. The present study examined the impact of primary negative symptoms on functional outcomes in patients with schizophrenia.

Method

The sample included 1427 patients with schizophrenia who completed the baseline visit in the CATIE study. Symptoms were assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and Calgary Depression Scale, extrapyramidal side effects with the Simpson-Angus scale, and functional status with the Heinrichs-Carpenter Quality of Life Scale.

Results

Negative symptoms were significantly and inversely related to each domain of functioning examined. These relationships remained after statistically controlling for the influence of potential sources of secondary negative symptoms. In addition, the relationships between negative symptoms and specific domains of functioning remained in patients who had mild/absent positive, depressive, anxiety and extrapyramidal symptoms. Negative symptoms were associated with functional outcomes even in antipsychotic-free patients.

Conclusions

Primary negative symptoms significantly contribute to the functional impairment seen in people with schizophrenia. A better understanding of the etiology and pathobiology of these symptoms is required to guide the search for effective therapeutics that promote functional recovery.
Keep‐ING balance: Tumor suppression by epigenetic regulation
Authors: Tallen Gesche , Riabowol Karl
Published: March 2014

The ING (inhibitor of growth) proteins (ING1–ING5) have emerged as a versatile family of growth regulators, phospholipid effectors, histone mark sensors and core components of HDAC1/2 – and several HAT chromatin‐modifying complexes. This review will describe the characteristic pathways by which ING family proteins differentially affect the Hallmarks of Cancer and highlight the various epigenetic mechanisms by which they regulate gene expression. Finally, we will discuss their potentials as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in epigenetic treatment strategies.
Public beliefs and knowledge about risk and protective factors for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Roberts J. Scott , McLaughlin Sara J. , Connell Cathleen M
Published: March 2014

Background

The purpose of this study was to assess public beliefs and knowledge about risk and protective factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

A brief survey module was added to the Health and Retirement Study, a longstanding national panel study of the U.S. population over the age of 50.

Results

Respondents were 1641 adults (mean age = 64.4 years, 53.6% female, 81.7% White). Most (60.1%) indicated interest in learning their AD risk, with 29.4% expressing active worry. Many failed to recognize that medications to prevent AD are not available (39.1%) or that having an affected first‐degree relative is associated with increased disease risk (32%). Many respondents believed that various actions (e.g., mental activity, eating a healthy diet) would be effective in reducing AD risk.

Conclusion

Older and middle‐aged adults are interested in their AD risk status and believe that steps can be taken to reduce disease risk. Tailored education efforts are needed to address potential misconceptions about risk and protective factors.
Formal Rules in Institutional Transitions: An Examination Based on the Meiji Restoration and the Xinhai Revolution
Authors: AOKI Masahiko
Published: March 2014

This paper focuses on the roles of formal rules (laws) in institutional emergence, sustenance, crisis, and transition based on an examination of the Meiji Restoration and the Xinhai Revolution. It describes how formal rules in the polities of Qing China and Tokugawa Japan were enforced, supplemented, or modified by the strategic interactions among the ruler, the intermediate organizations, and the peasantry. It then discusses how the strategic complementarities between the ruler and the intermediate organizations were transformed into strategic rivalries in response to changes in the economic and foreign environments, resulting in the demise of dynastic rule in each country. The post-transition constitutional design was affected by the ways in which the strategic reconfigurations had led to the demise of the dynastic rulers. This historical narrative suggests that formal rules per se do not necessarily create institutions in the sense of an integral pattern and process of social behaviour and ideas. A formal rule can function as a substantive form of an institutional process if, and only if, it mediates between a recursive state of strategic interactions among agents and individual belief formation in order to sustain the social order.
TIME CONSTRAINTS AND PRAGMATIC ENCROACHMENT ON KNOWLEDGE
Authors: Shin Joseph
Published: March 2014

Citing some recent experimental findings, I argue for the surprising claim that in some cases the less time you have the more you know. More specifically, I present some evidence to suggest that our ordinary knowledge ascriptions are sometimes sensitive to facts about an epistemic subject's truth-irrelevant time constraints such that less (time) is more (knowledge). If knowledge ascriptions are sensitive in this manner, then this is some evidence of pragmatic encroachment. Along the way, I consider comments made by Jonathan Schaffer (2006) and Jennifer Nagel (2008, 2010) to construe a purist contextualist and a strict invariantist explanation of the data respectively, before giving reasons to resist them in favor of an account that indicates pragmatic encroachment. If successful, this may suggest a new way to argue for the controversial thesis that there is pragmatic encroachment on knowledge.
Nutrigenetics of carotenoid metabolism in the chicken: a polymorphism at the β,β-carotene 15,15'-mono-oxygenase 1 (BCMO1) locus affects the response to dietary β-carotene
Authors: Jlali Maamer , Graulet Benoit , Chauveau-Duriot Béatrice , Godet Estelle , Praud Christophe , Nunes Carlos Simões , Le Bihan-Duval Elisabeth , Berri Cécile , Duclos Michel J.
Published: March 2014

The enzyme β,β-carotene-15,15′-mono-oxygenase 1 (BCMO1) is responsible for the symmetrical cleavage of β-carotene into retinal. We identified a polymorphism in the promoter of theBCMO1gene, inducing differences inBCMO1mRNA levels (high in adenines (AA) and low in guanines (GG)) and colour in chicken breast muscle. The present study was designed to test whether this polymorphism could affect the response to dietary β-carotene. Dietary β-carotene supplementation did not change the effects of the genotypes on breast muscle properties:BCMO1mRNA levels were lower and xanthophyll contents higher in GG than in AA chickens. Lower vitamin E levels in the plasma and duodenum, plasma cholesterol levels and body weight were also observed in GG than in AA chickens. In both genotypes, dietary β-carotene increased vitamin A storage in the liver; however, it reduced numerous parameters such asSCARB1(scavenger receptor class B type I) in the duodenum,BCMO1in the liver, vitamin E levels in the plasma and tissues, xanthophyll contents in the pectoralis major muscle and carcass adiposity. However, several diet × genotype interactions were observed. In the GG genotype, dietary β-carotene increasedISX(intestine-specific homeobox) and decreasedBCMO1mRNA levels in the duodenum, decreased xanthophyll concentrations in the duodenum, liver and plasma, and decreased colour index and HDL-cholesterol concentration in the plasma. Retinol accumulation following dietary β-carotene supplementation was observed in the duodenum of AA chickens only. Therefore, the negative feedback control on β-carotene conversion throughISXappears as functional in the duodenum of GG but not of AA chickens. This could result in a higher availability of β-carotene in the duodenum of GG chickens, reducing the uptake of xanthophylls, liposoluble vitamins and cholesterol.
Effects of almond and pistachio consumption on gut microbiota composition in a randomised cross-over human feeding study
Authors: Ukhanova Maria , Wang Xiaoyu , Baer David J. , Novotny Janet A. , Fredborg Marlene , Mai Volker
Published: March 2014

The modification of microbiota composition to a ‘beneficial’ one is a promising approach for improving intestinal as well as overall health. Natural fibres and phytochemicals that reach the proximal colon, such as those present in various nuts, provide substrates for the maintenance of healthy and diverse microbiota. The effects of increased consumption of specific nuts, which are rich in fibre as well as various phytonutrients, on human gut microbiota composition have not been investigated to date. The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of almond and pistachio consumption on human gut microbiota composition. We characterised microbiota in faecal samples collected from volunteers in two separate randomised, controlled, cross-over feeding studies (n18 for the almond feeding study andn16 for the pistachio feeding study) with 0, 1·5 or 3 servings/d of the respective nuts for 18 d. Gut microbiota composition was analysed using a 16S rRNA-based approach for bacteria and an internal transcribed spacer region sequencing approach for fungi. The 16S rRNA sequence analysis of 528 028 sequence reads, retained after removing low-quality and short-length reads, revealed various operational taxonomic units that appeared to be affected by nut consumption. The effect of pistachio consumption on gut microbiota composition was much stronger than that of almond consumption and included an increase in the number of potentially beneficial butyrate-producing bacteria. Although the numbers of bifidobacteria were not affected by the consumption of either nut, pistachio consumption appeared to decrease the number of lactic acid bacteria (P< 0·05). Increasing the consumption of almonds or pistachios appears to be an effective means of modifying gut microbiota composition.
Tomographic Heating Holder forIn SituTEM: Study of Pt/C and PtPd/Al2O3Catalysts as a Function of Temperature
Authors: Gontard Lionel C. , Dunin-Borkowski Rafal E. , Fernández Asunción , Ozkaya Dogan , Kasama Takeshi
Published: March 2014

A tomographic heating holder for transmission electron microscopy that can be used to study supported catalysts at temperatures of up to ~1,500°C is described. The specimen is placed in direct thermal contact with a tungsten filament that is oriented perpendicular to the axis of the holder without using a support film, allowing tomographic image acquisition at high specimen tilt angles with minimum optical shadowing. We use the holder to illustrate the evolution of the active phases of Pt nanoparticles on carbon black and PtPd nanoparticles onγ-alumina with temperature. Particle size distributions and changes in active surface area are quantified from tilt series of images acquired after subjecting the specimens to increasing temperatures. The porosity of the alumina support and the sintering mechanisms of the catalysts are shown to depend on distance from the heating filament.
BIASED RANDOM WALKS, PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS AND UPDATE SCHEMES
Authors: HYWOOD JACK D. , LANDMAN KERRY A.
Published: March 2014

There is much interest within the mathematical biology and statistical physics community in converting stochastic agent-based models for random walkers into a partial differential equation description for the average agent density. Here a collection of noninteracting biased random walkers on a one-dimensional lattice is considered. The usual master equation approach requires that two continuum limits, involving three parameters, namely step length, time step and the random walk bias, approach zero in a specific way. We are interested in the case where the two limits are not consistent. New results are obtained using a Fokker–Planck equation and the results are highly dependent on the simulation update schemes. The theoretical results are confirmed with examples. These findings provide insight into the importance of updating schemes to an accurate macroscopic description of stochastic local movement rules in agent-based models when the lattice spacing represents a physical object such as cell diameter.
Laser induced microwave oscillator under the influence of interference
Authors: Mukherjee Arindum , Chatterjee Somnath , Das Nikhil Ranjan , Biswas Baidyanath
Published: March 2014

An optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) under the influence of a weak interference has been investigated. The system equation of the OEO under the influence of interference has been derived. A novel technique for calculating the lock range of the oscillator using the harmonic balance method in presence of interference has been demonstrated. Theoretical analysis coupled with experimental results has been presented.
Does psychostimulant treatment in children with ADHD increase later risk of substance use disorder?
Authors: Purgato M. , Cortese S.
Published: March 2014

Psychostimulants are the first choice medication in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Despite the proven high efficacy of psychostimulants, at least in the short term, for ADHD core symptoms, concerns continue to be raised on their adverse effects, including putative increased risk of substance use disorders (SUDs). A recent multicentre, case–control, longitudinal, prospective, European study by Groenman and colleagues found that treatment with psychostimulants in children with ADHD lowered the risk of SUDs in adolescence. However, this finding is at odds with other recent evidence concluding that ADHD children with and without medication treatment history did not significantly differ on any subsequent SUDs rates. In the present paper, we discuss the study by Groenman and colleagues in view of its methodological strengths and limitations, and we suggest possible implications for day-to-day clinical practice.
Konflikte zwischen Privat- und Berufsleben bei Führungskräften
Authors: Peters Anna , Michel Alexandra , Sonntag Karlheinz
Published: March 2014

In Anlehnung an Belastungs- und Ressourcen-Modelle sowie die Person-Environment-Fit-Theorie untersucht die vorliegende Studie die Dreifach-Interaktion von Privatleben-Arbeits-Konflikten (sog. Family-to-Work Conflict; FWC), individueller Präferenz zur Abgrenzung des Privatlebens von der Arbeit (sog. Segmentierung) sowie organisationalen Möglichkeiten zur Segmentierung in ihrer Wirkung auf die Zufriedenheit mit der Vereinbarkeit von Arbeit und Privatleben sowie die emotionale Erschöpfung als abhängige Variablen. Anhand einer Stichprobe von 250 Führungskräften eines internationalen Unternehmens der Automobilindustrie konnte gezeigt werden, dass Führungskräfte bei einem hohen FWC zufriedener mit der Vereinbarkeit von Arbeit und Privatleben und weniger erschöpft sind, wenn ihre hohe Segmentierungspräferenz auf hohe Segmentierungsmöglichkeiten trifft. Ein Mangel an Segmentierungsmöglichkeiten wirkt sich dann positiv auf den Zusammenhang zwischen FWC und emotionaler Erschöpfung aus, wenn dieser mit hohen Segmentierungspräferenzen einhergeht. Basierend auf diesen Ergebnissen wird Organisationen nahegelegt, eine Segmentierung zwischen Privatleben und Arbeit auf organisationaler Ebene unter Berücksichtigung individueller Präferenzen zu stärken.
Sinnstiftung als persönliche Ressource bei Altenpflegekräften
Authors: Wassermann Maria , Hoppe Annekatrin , Reis Dorota , Uthmann Leonie von
Published: March 2014

Bei der Bewertung und Bewältigung von Stressoren im Arbeitskontext spielen persönliche Ressourcen eine zentrale Rolle. Die vorliegende Studie untersucht den direkten und moderierenden Effekt der persönlichen Ressource Sinnstiftung auf emotionale Erschöpfung und Vitalität, eine zentrale Komponente von Arbeitsengagement. Es wurden 208 Altenpflegekräfte in zwölf Pflegeeinrichtungen zu ihren Arbeitsbedingungen (Zeitdruck, emotionale Dissonanz und soziale Unterstützung), Sinnstiftung, emotionaler Erschöpfung und Vitalität befragt. Pfadmodelle zeigen, dass ein Großteil der Varianz in emotionaler Erschöpfung und Vitalität durch die Arbeitsbedingungen aufgeklärt wird. Sinnstiftung weist konsistent einen positiven Zusammenhang mit Vitalität auf und moderiert den Zusammenhang von Zeitdruck und Vitalität. Die Ergebnisse machen deutlich, dass Maßnahmen zur Gesundheitsförderung bei Altenpflegekräften in erster Linie an der Verbesserung der Arbeitsbedingungen ansetzen müssen und die Stärkung von Sinnstiftung als ergänzende Maßnahme zur Steigerung von Vitalität Erfolg verspricht.
Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS)
Authors: Iliceto Paolo , Fino Emanuele
Published: March 2014

The Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) is an instrument for assessing cognitive thoughts among suicidal persons. Previous studies have identified different factor structures of the BHS. However, results were not conclusive. The aim of this study was to test the factor structure of the BHS in a sample of Italian individuals (N = 509) from the community, and secondarily to investigate correlations between the BHS, depression (Beck Depression Inventory Second Edition), and personality traits (Zuckerman-Kuhlman-Aluja Personality Questionnaire). Following recommendations of previous investigations, we utilized a 5-point response format. We applied a second-order Confirmatory Factor Analyses and tested for the model invariance. The results suggest that besides a single second-order factor, a second-order three-factor solution is also reasonable, in line with Beck’s theorization.
Escaping Threat
Authors: Kambouropoulos Nicolas , Egan Sarah , O’Connor Elodie J. , Staiger Petra K.
Published: March 2014

Individuals with a hypersensitivity to threatening stimuli in the environment may be more likely to experience a higher level of social anxiety. According to Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST), there are two important aspects of threat stimuli that influence subsequent emotional and behavioral responses. Specifically, perceptions pertaining to defensive direction and distance are considered critical factors in understanding threat responses. This paper aimed to determine whether threat perceptions mediate the relationship between threat sensitivity and social anxiety. Self-report measures of sensitivity to threat, social anxiety, and a vignette designed to assess threat perceptions were administered to a sample of 218 participants (73% female; M age = 33.75, SD age = 11.52). Data indicated a mediational influence of perceived escapability on the relationship between sensitivity to threat and social anxiety. Overall, these findings highlight the role of perceived escapability of threat in understanding the relationship between threat sensitivity and social anxiety.
Ceiling Effect in Cultivation
Authors: Hetsroni Amir
Published: March 2014

This study addressed two fundamental questions in cultivation: Is the total amount of time devoted to TV viewing a stronger predictor of cultivation than genre-specific exposure, and is the cultivation phenomenon in some domains capped by a ceiling effect? Data obtained from a content analysis of complete seasons of three successful medical programs – ER, House, and Grey’s Anatomy (66 episodes altogether) – were used to compose a survey which asked a representative sample of US adults (N = 281) to estimate the frequency of health concerns that were identified in the content analysis. The results partly support the cultivation hypothesis in its Gerbnerian version because the total amount of time devoted to TV viewing was found to be related to overestimating the proportion of dramatic diagnoses (poisoning and injuries) and exaggerating the mortality rate of inpatients; however, no effect was noted for items concerning elderly inpatients, and no effect was found for viewing of medical dramas. Since the distribution of the items concerning elderly inpatients was prone to a ceiling effect, the results lent support to the idea that the cultivation effect is sometimes capped by a ceiling effect.
Erratum: Evidence for successional development in Antarctic hypolithic bacterial communities
Authors: Makhalanyane Thulani P , Valverde Angel , Birkeland Nils-Kåre , Cary Stephen C , Tuffin I Marla , Cowan Don A
Published: March 2014

Correction to: The ISME Journal (2013) 7, 2080–2090; doi:10.1038/ismej.2013.94; published online 13 June 2013 Since the publication of this article, the authors have noticed that one of the co-authors’ (Prof M Tuffin) is incorrectly affiliated to the following address: Department of Genetics, Centrefor Microbial Ecology and Genomics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
Extracellular Matrix-like Hydrogels for Applications in Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Skardal Aleksander
Published: March 2014

Hydrogel biomaterials generated from sources such as extracellular matrix (ECM) and other natural materials are being used extensively in regenerative medicine. Within many of these applications, the chosen biomaterials have gravitated towards soft hydrogels because they resemble the endogenous ECM and its innate properties. Such materials have several important advantages over other materials, such as (1) the capability of mimicking the mechanical properties of soft tissues in the body, and (2) possessing biological properties beneficial for interactions with cells that are lacking in synthetic materials. Examples of naturally derived hydrogel materials include, but are not limited to, collagens, hyaluronic acid, alginate, fibrin, and their derivatives. Through chemical modification, thereby tailoring specific properties of these materials, scientists can create a variety of polymerization techniques to generate a vast quantity of distinct hydrogel types. Their range of attainable mechanical properties, their bioactivity, and the many options for crosslinking approaches facilitate their use in a wide range of applications, as varied as two- and three-dimensional tissue culture, propagation and differentiation of stem cells, maintenance of primary cells, wound healing, cell therapy, generation of tissue models for in vitro testing, and biofabrication technologies such as bioprinting. This chapter explores the uses of various natural hydrogel types and technologies within the context of some of the aforementioned applications that have potential to make substantial impacts in the field of regenerative medicine.
The Chemistry of Nanodiamond
Authors: Krueger Anke
Published: March 2014

Nanodiamond is a versatile nanomaterial with a broad range of applications. Its structure and surface termination is not only related to bulk diamond but also to the so-called diamondoids. The surface chemistry of nanodiamond is very rich, including the formation of C–C and carbon–heteroatom bonds. This enables the fine-tuning of the surface properties, the colloidal stability and the biocompatibility, as well as control of the electronic and optic characteristics. This chapter discusses the structural and chemical properties that make nanodiamond a unique material. An overview of the different techniques for the initial surface termination, the deagglomeration and the binding of more complex organic moieties is given.