bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of glutathione peroxidase activity in chicken meat under different experimental conditions
Authors: Cichoski Alexandre José , Rotta Renata Bezerra , Scheuermann Gerson , Cunha Junior Anildo , Barin Juliano Smanioto
Published: January 2013

Due to the fact that previous studies on the enzymatic activity of Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) diverge widely in their methodology and results, this study aimed to investigate the influence of different analytical conditions on GSH-Px activity in chicken thighs from broilers that were fed different diets with different sources and concentrations of selenium. GSH-Px activity was evaluated six hours after slaughter and 120 days after frozen storage at -18 ºC. The different analytical conditions included time of pre-incubation (0, 10 and 30 minutes), reaction medium, types of substrate (H2O2 (0.72 mM, 7.2 mM, and 72 mM) and Terc-butil hydroperoxide 15 mM), and different buffer concentrations (buffer 1, potassium phosphate 50 mM pH 7.0 + EDTA 1 mM + mercaptoethanol 1 mM, and buffer 2, tris-HCl 50 mM pH 7.6 + EDTA 1 mM + mercapthanol 5 mM). The results show that the highest GSH-Px activity was observed when enzyme and substrate were in contact at 22 ºC without any pre-incubation, and that, when used at concentrations above 0.72 mM, hydrogen peroxide saturated the GSH-Px enzyme and inhibited its activity. The enzyme presented higher affinity to hydrogen peroxide when compared to terc-butil peroxide, and the addition of a buffer containing mercaptoethanol did not increase GSH-Px enzymatic activity. The activity of GSH-Px was not influenced by the source and concentration of selenium in the diet either. The obtained results allowed the determination of the best temperature of contact between the enzyme and substrate (22 ºC), the optimum concentration, and the type of substrate and buffer to be used. This information is extremely useful for future studies on GSH-Px activity in meat due to the divergence and little information found in the literature.
Cine-weapon: The poiesis of filming and fishing
Authors: Sautchuk Carlos Emanuel
Published: January 2013

This paper discusses the use of moving images in the anthropology of technique, specifically, the ethnographic recording of the capture with harpoon of arapaima fish in the coastal lakes of Amapá, in the Brazilian Amazon. Inspired in Rouch's notion of cine-trance, I ponder on the possibility of doing ethnography by intertwining the technical processes of capturing that fish and capturing images. I also describe the way in which I take the relationship between the movie camera and the harpoon - their rhythms and properties - as a helpful tool to describe the major features of the dialogical interaction between harpooner and fish, namely, the harpooner-harpoon link, the perception of signals emitted by the fish, and the meaning of the capturing gesture.
Diabetes Research: A Perspective From the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Authors: Fradkin Judith E. , Rodgers Griffin P.
Published: January 2013

This is the third in a series of articles, invited by the editors of Diabetes, that describes the research programs and aims of organizations committed to funding and fostering diabetes-related research. The first piece, contributed by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, appeared in the January 2012 issue of Diabetes. The second piece that describes the American Diabetes Association’s research program appeared in the June 2012 issues of Diabetes and Diabetes Care.
The simple man: The consumption behavior of the principled life
Authors: McGinnis Lee Phillip , Frendle Angela M. , Gentry James W.
Published: January 2013

In this study, we analyze the Simple Man, a label for those men who have above‐average means in education, household income, or net worth but who consume inconspicuously and modestly below their means. We interviewed 27 men in the Northwest, Midwest, Southeast and Northeast regions of the United States and found that these men have highly individualistic identities and backgrounds yet appear to stray from products that separate them from others. These men also seem to have reached a level of contentment, not needing products or material possessions to achieve fulfillment, status, or a particular masculine identity. These men have practical and durable tastes that reflect low cultural capital (LCC) consumption but have the means and education in many instances to engage in high cultural capital (HCC) consumption. The men in this study adamantly proclaim that they do not define themselves by what they own nor do they appear to define themselves primarily by what they do, at least in terms of occupation. In short, these men appear complex in many ways yet live simple lives, or what might be termed complex simplicity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design and evaluation of a system to support collaborative search
Authors: Capra Robert , Chen Annie T. , Hawthorne Katie , Arguello Jaime , Shaw Lee , Marchionini Gary
Published: January 2013

We describe a collaborative search system called Results Space to support small groups of users in conducting asynchronous collaborative searches. We discuss the design of the system and present results from a laboratory evaluation. We also describe the development of an asynchronous collaborative task scenario (based on a task from the TREC Robust test collection) designed to elicit naturalistic behaviors with the system. Our results show that participants used the collaborative features not just to avoid duplication of effort, but also to check and refine collaborators' work, to gain a general understanding of collaborator's actions, and to get ideas for new queries. Although we expected participants to use the collaborative awareness mechanisms to find and rate new items, we found that participants were more likely to make ratings for result items that had been previously rated by their collaborators. Considered together, these results suggest a range of tactics and behaviors that collaborative search tools should support.
Books with potential for character education and a literacy-rich social studies classroom: A research study
Authors: Barry Arlene L. , Rice Suzanne , McDuffie-Dipman Molly
Published: January 2013

This study was conducted to determine the appropriateness and potential of a set of books as a resource for infusing character education in a social studies classroom. Based on a research review, the literature chosen was the past decade (2001–2011) of Newbery-Award winning books. As recipients of perhaps the most prestigious award for children's literature, Newbery books were of exceptional quality and widely available. Narrative analysis ( Neuendorf, 2002 ) allowed us to explore their suitability for character education. The Josepheson Institute's character pillars, the Katz and Braly List of Verbal Stereotypes, identification of moral dilemmas in these stories, and factors of race, gender, and disability provided tools for coding elements as part of the narrative-analysis methodology. Additional literacy and social studies activities were developed to enhance peer interaction, a component determined essential to future programs ( Berkowitz & Bier, 2005 ). Ultimately these 10 books were deemed viable tools for addressing character education. The authors found a key benefit of our process to be the messy self-examination, the inward look at one's own values, beliefs, and behaviors, and the subsequent interaction and collaboration that either validated or challenged those beliefs.
How can tutors engage property students in controlled teaching environments?
Authors: Carter Amanda J. , Yam Sharon
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role and contribution of tutors to property education. Using the theory of tutor performance which outlines six behaviours which may positively influence student outcomes, this paper considers how tutors can maximise student learning and engagement in tutorials.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used a mixed methods approach including student evaluations of teaching (SETs), a survey of students and reflexive journals of a tutor in property education.

Findings

This research found that conscious adoption of the behaviours recommended under the theory of tutor performance and informed by further education in the form of a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education resulted in significant improvement of SET results. Student survey responses showed the influence of “real life” experience, amongst other things, in underpinning their learning.

Research limitations/implications

While this research has limitations, in terms of number of responses and restriction to a single tutor, the findings indicate that tutors may have a significant influence on the engagement of students in property education. The use of the tutor's own professional experience and the use of real life scenarios within the delivery of course content may serve to ensure graduates have a greater capacity to meet employers’ expectations.

Originality/value

This research brings originality to the subject of property education by exploring issues in property education from the most fundamental level, that of the tutor. This level of analysis is enhanced by the newness of the tutor in question to academia which highlights property education with new eyes, unencumbered with years of routine teaching experience. The incorporation of reflexive methods with a survey and SETs provides rich experience‐filled data that considers the process of property education and the ways in which purposeful skills enrichment of the tutor and the student may achieve greater outcomes for the property profession and industry.
Birth order progressively affects childhood height
Authors: Savage Tim , Derraik José G. B. , Miles Harriet L. , Mouat Fran , Cutfield Wayne S. , Hofman Paul L.
Published: January 2013

Background

There is evidence suggesting that first‐born children and adults are anthropometrically different to later‐borns. Thus, we aimed to assess whether birth order was associated with changes in growth and metabolism in childhood.

Methods

We studied 312 healthy prepubertal children: 157 first‐borns and 155 later‐borns. Children were aged 3–10 years, born 37–41 weeks gestation, and of birth weight appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age. Clinical assessments included measurement of children's height, weight, fasting lipid and hormonal profiles and DEXA‐derived body composition.

Results

First‐borns were taller than later‐borns (P < 0·0001), even when adjusted for parents’ heights (0·31 vs 0·03 SDS; P = 0·001). There was an incremental height decrease with increasing birth order, so that first‐borns were taller than second‐borns (P < 0·001), who were in turn taller than third‐borns (P = 0·007). Further, among sibling pairs both height SDS (P = 0·009) and adjusted height SDS (P < 0·0001) were lower in second‐ vs first‐born children. Consistent with differences in stature, first‐ (P = 0·043) and second‐borns (P = 0·003) had higher IGF‐I concentrations than third‐borns. Both first‐ (P < 0·001) and second‐borns (P = 0·004) also had reduced abdominal adiposity (lower android fat to gynoid fat ratio) when compared with third‐borns. Other parameters of adiposity and blood lipids were unaffected by birth order.

Conclusions

First‐borns were taller than later‐born children, with an incremental height reduction from first to third birth order. These differences were present after correction for genetic height, and associated to some extent with alterations in plasma IGF‐I. Our findings strengthen the evidence that birth order is associated with phenotypic changes in childhood.
Implementation of Multi‐Family Psychoeducational Psychotherapy for Childhood Mood Disorders in an Outpatient Community Setting
Authors: MacPherson Heather A. , Leffler Jarrod M. , Fristad Mary A.
Published: January 2013

Despite advances in evidence‐based treatments (EBTs), research suggests these interventions are not utilized in practice settings. This study examined implementation of multi‐family psychoeducational psychotherapy (MF‐PEP), an EBT for childhood mood disorders, in two outpatient community clinics. Fifteen community therapists facilitated MF‐PEP. Twenty community clinicians referred 40 children ages 8–12 with mood disorders and their parents who participated in MF‐PEP. Preliminary descriptive findings based on observations and self‐report questionnaires demonstrated implementation outcomes of acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, feasibility, implementation cost, penetration, and sustainability of MF‐PEP at these clinics. Parents also demonstrated significant improvement in knowledge of mood disorders posttreatment. Preliminary results support implementation of MF‐PEP in practice settings and suggest community‐based MF‐PEP may be associated with improvement in clinical outcomes.
Controversy Over Elastic Constants Based on Interatomic Potentials
Authors: Zhou L. G. , Huang Hanchen
Published: January 2013

A controversy exists among literature reports of constraints on elastic constants. In particular, it has been reported that embedded atom method (EAM) potentials generally impose three constraints on elastic constants of crystals that are inconsistent with experiments. However, it can be shown that some EAM potentials do not impose such constraints at all. This paper first resolves this controversy by identifying the necessary condition when the constraints exist and demonstrating the condition is physically necessary. Furthermore, this paper reports that these three constraints are eliminated under all conditions, by using response EAM (R-EAM) potentials.
Genomic valorization of the fine scale classification of small millet landraces in southern India
Authors: Newmaster Steven G. , Ragupathy Subramanyam , Dhivya Shanmughanandhan , Jijo Chitilappilly Joseph , Sathishkumar Ramalingam , Patel Kirit
Published: January 2013

Our research seeks to investigate genomic diversity of landraces of millet, addressing a key uncertainty that will provide a framework for (i) a DNA barcode method that could be used for fast, sensitive, and accurate identification of millet landraces, and (ii) millet landrace conservation including biocultural diversity. We found considerable intraspecific variation among 15 landraces representing six species of small millets using nuclear regions (ITS, ITS1, and ITS2); there was no variation in plastid regions (rbcL, matK, and trnH-psbA). An efficacious ITS2 DNA barcode was used to make 100% accurate landrace assignments for 150 blind samples representing 15 landraces. Our research revealed that genomic variation is aligned with a fine-scale classification of landraces using traditional knowledge (TK) of local farmers. The landrace classification was highly correlated with traits (morphological, agricultural, and cultural utility) associated with considerable factors such as yield, drought tolerance, growing season, medicinal properties, and nutrition. This could provide a DNA-based model for conservation of genetic diversity and the associated bicultural diversity (TK) of millet landraces, which has sustained marginal farming communities in harsh environments for many generations.
A NOVEL LINEAR ALGORITHM FOR SHORTEST PATHS IN NETWORKS
Authors: VASILJEVIC DRAGAN , DANILOVIC MILOS
Published: January 2013

We present two new linear algorithms for the single source shortest paths problem. The worst case running time of the first algorithm is O(m + C log C), where m is the number of edges of the input network and C is the ratio of the largest and the smallest edge weight. The pseudo-polynomial character of the time dependence can be overcome by the fact that Dijkstra's kind of shortest paths algorithms can be implemented "from the middle", when the shortest paths to the source are known in advance for a subset of the network vertices. This allows the processing of a subset of the edges with the proposed algorithm and processing of the rest of the edges with any Dijkstra's kind algorithm afterwards. Partial implementation of the algorithm enabled the construction of a second, highly efficient and simple linear algorithm. The proposed algorithm is efficient for all classes of networks and extremely efficient for networks with small C. The decision which classes of networks are most suitable for the proposed approach can be made based on simple parameters. Experimental efficiency analysis shows that this approach significantly reduces total computing time.
Determining the success of varying short-term confinement time during simulated translocations of the endangered pygmy bluetongue lizard (Tiliqua adelaidensis)
Authors: Ebrahimi Mehregan , Bull C. Michael
Published: January 2013

Translocation is a powerful tool in conservation management, but one of the major problems of this tool is dispersal after release. Translocated animals might disperse from prime habitat and face unsuitable habitat and possible increased exposure to predators. This might lead to decline of a translocated population and could compromise the success of translocation. We assessed whether short-term confinement within enclosures at the translocation site can significantly decrease post release movement, if confinement allowed animals to become familiar with the new habitat, and to overcome handling related stress. We simulated the translocation of an Australian lizard, the endangered pygmy bluetongue lizard Tiliqua adelaidensis, into the centre of a large enclosure and compared the behaviour between individuals confined to the central region for one or five days before release. We found that lizards confined for five days spent less time basking, and were more likely to disperse than lizards confined for just one day. We suggest that short-term confinement of lizards induces additional stress and that extra days of short-term confinement will not necessarily improve the success of a translocation. Future research could determine the effectiveness of different durations of confinement for releasing animals at translocation sites.
Genome-wide mapping of FOXM1 binding reveals co-binding with estrogen receptor alpha in breast cancer cells
Authors: Sanders Deborah A , Ross-Innes Caryn S , Beraldi Dario , Carroll Jason S , Balasubramanian Shankar
Published: January 2013

Background

The forkhead transcription factor FOXM1 is a key regulator of the cell cycle. It is frequently over-expressed in cancer and is emerging as an important therapeutic target. In breast cancer FOXM1 expression is linked with estrogen receptor (ERα) activity and resistance to endocrine therapies, with high levels correlated with poor prognosis. However, the precise role of FOXM1 in ER positive breast cancer is not yet fully understood.

Results

The study utilizes chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput sequencing to map FOXM1 binding in both ERα-positive and -negative breast cancer cell lines. The comparison between binding site distributions in the two cell lines uncovered a previously undescribed relationship between binding of FOXM1 and ERα. Further molecular analyses demonstrated that these two factors can bind simultaneously at genomic sites and furthermore that FOXM1 regulates the transcriptional activity of ERα via interaction with the coactivator CARM1. Inhibition of FOXM1 activity using the natural product thiostrepton revealed down-regulation of a set of FOXM1-regulated genes that are correlated with patient outcome in clinical breast cancer samples.

Conclusions

These findings reveal a novel role for FOXM1 in ERα transcriptional activity in breast cancer and uncover a FOXM1-regulated gene signature associated with ER-positive breast cancer patient prognosis.
Amyloid-β signals through tau to drive ectopic neuronal cell cycle re-entry in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Seward Matthew E. , Swanson Eric , Norambuena Andrés , Reimann Anja , Cochran J. Nicholas , Li Rong , Roberson Erik D. , Bloom George S.
Published: January 2013

Normally post-mitotic neurons that aberrantly re-enter the cell cycle without dividing account for a substantial fraction of the neurons that die in Alzheimer's disease (AD). We now report that this ectopic cell cycle re-entry (CCR) requires soluble amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau, the respective building blocks of the insoluble plaques and tangles that accumulate in AD brain. Exposure of cultured wild type (WT) neurons to Aβ oligomers caused CCR and activation of the non-receptor tyrosine kinase, fyn, the cAMP-regulated protein kinase A and calcium-calmodulin kinase II, which respectively phosphorylated tau on Y18, S409 and S416. In tau knockout (KO) neurons, Aβ oligomers activated all three kinases, but failed to induce CCR. Expression of WT, but not Y18F, S409A or S416A tau restored CCR in tau KO neurons. Tau-dependent CCR was also observed in vivo in an AD mouse model. CCR, a seminal step in AD pathogenesis, therefore requires signaling from Aβ through tau independently of their incorporation into plaques and tangles.
Crystal structure of catena-poly[[diaqua(benzoate-κO1)cobalt(II)]-μ-4,4'- bis-(1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)biphenyl-κ2-N:N'], [Co(C18H16N6)(C7H5O2)2(H2O)2]n, C32H30CoN6O6
Authors: Song Lianqing , Lin Lin , Zhao Meihong , Cui Guoshi , Gao Jianghua
Published: January 2013

C32H30CoN6O6, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 16.452(3) Å, b = 5.495(1) Å, c = 17.295(4) Å, β = 113.39(3)°, V = 1435.0 Å3, Z = 2, Rgt(F) = 0.0482, wRref(F2) = 0.1203, T = 293 K.
Crystal structure of 1-benzyl-3-cyclododecyloxymethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, [C23H35N2O][BF4], C23H35BF4N2O
Authors: Chmielewska Sylwia , Skrzypczak A. , Królikowska M.
Published: January 2013

C23H35BF4N2O, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 2), a = 7.8372(6) Å, b = 9.5216(6) Å, c = 16.0650(9) Å, α = 96.431(5)°, β = 90.017(5)°, γ = 100.086(6)°, V = 1172.6 Å3, Z = 2, Rgt(F) = 0.0411, wRref(F2) = 0.0979, T = 100 K.
Variation in Protein and Calorie Consumption Following Protein Malnutrition in Rattus norvegicus
Authors: Jones Donna , German Rebecca
Published: January 2013

Catch-up growth rates, following protein malnutrition, vary with timing and duration of insult, despite unlimited access to calories. Understanding changing patterns of post-insult consumption, relative rehabilitation timing, can provide insight into the mechanisms driving those differences. We hypothesize that higher catch-up growth rates will be correlated with increased protein consumption, while calorie consumption could remain stable. As catch-up growth rates decrease with age/malnutrition duration, we predict a dose effect in protein consumption with rehabilitation timing. We measured total and protein consumption, body mass, and long bone length, following an increase of dietary protein at 40, 60 and 90 days, with two control groups (chronic reduced protein or standard protein) for 150+ days. Immediately following rehabilitation, rats’ food consumption decreased significantly, implying that elevated protein intake is sufficient to fuel catch-up growth rates that eventually result in body weights and long bone lengths greater or equal to final measures of chronically fed standard (CT) animals. The duration of protein restriction affected consumption: rats rehabilitated at younger ages had more drastic alterations in consumption of both calories and protein. While rehabilitated animals did compensate with greater protein consumption, variable responses in different ages and sex highlight the plasticity of growth and how nutrition affects body form.
Human cortical sensorimotor network underlying feedback control of vocal pitch
Authors: Chang Edward F. , Niziolek Caroline A. , Knight Robert T. , Nagarajan Srikantan S. , Houde John F.
Published: January 2013

The control of vocalization is critically dependent on auditory feedback. Here, we determined the human peri-Sylvian speech network that mediates feedback control of pitch using direct cortical recordings. Subjects phonated while a real-time signal processor briefly perturbed their output pitch (speak condition). Subjects later heard the same recordings of their auditory feedback (listen condition). In posterior superior temporal gyrus, a proportion of sites had suppressed responses to normal feedback, whereas other spatially independent sites had enhanced responses to altered feedback. Behaviorally, speakers compensated for perturbations by changing their pitch. Single-trial analyses revealed that compensatory vocal changes were predicted by the magnitude of both auditory and subsequent ventral premotor responses to perturbations. Furthermore, sites whose responses to perturbation were enhanced in the speaking condition exhibited stronger correlations with behavior. This sensorimotor cortical network appears to underlie auditory feedback-based control of vocal pitch in humans.
Decline in incidence of HIV and hepatitis C virus infection among injecting drug users in Amsterdam; evidence for harm reduction?
Authors: de Vos Anneke S. , van der Helm Jannie J. , Matser Amy , Prins Maria , Kretzschmar Mirjam E. E.
Published: January 2013

Aims

In Amsterdam, HIV prevalence has nearly halved among injecting drug users (IDU) since 1990. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence also declined; HIV and HCV incidence dropped to nearly zero. We examined possible explanations for these time trends, among which the implementation of harm reduction measures aimed at reducing the risk behaviour of IDU.

Design

We used individual‐based modelling of the spread of HIV and HCV. Information about demographic parameters was obtained from the Amsterdam Cohort Study (ACS) among drug users. The model included changes in inflow of new IDU and death rates over time, the latter dependent on age and time since HIV seroconversion. We considered different scenarios of risk behaviour.

Setting

IDU in Amsterdam.

Measurements

Simulated HIV and HCV incidence and prevalence were compared with ACS data.

Findings

Assuming that harm reduction measures had led to a strong decrease in risk behaviour over time improved the model fit (squared residuals decreased by 30%). However, substantial incidence and HIV prevalence decline were already reproduced by incorporating demographic changes into the model. In particular, lowered disease spread might be a result of depletion of high‐risk IDU among those at risk for disease, and a decrease in the number of high‐risk individuals in the population due to HIV‐related mortality.

Conclusions

Marked decreases in HIV and HCV in Amsterdam since 1990 could be due partly to harm reduction measures; however, they may also be attributable largely to changes in the IDU population. Future research aimed at quantifying the benefits of interventions should not neglect the impact of natural epidemic progression and demographic changes.
Subtyping first‐episode non‐affective psychosis using four early‐course features: potentially useful prognostic information at initial presentation
Authors: Compton Michael T. , Kelley Mary E. , Ionescu Dawn F.
Published: January 2013

Aim

Heterogeneity of symptoms, course and outcomes in primary psychotic disorders complicates prognosis, treatment and diverse aspects of research. This study aimed to identify interpretable subtypes of first‐episode non‐affective psychosis based on four early‐course features (premorbid academic functioning, premorbid social functioning, duration of the prodrome and age at onset of psychosis).

Methods

Data from 200 well‐characterized patients hospitalized in public‐sector inpatient units for first‐episode non‐affective psychosis were used in latent profile analyses. Derived subtypes were then compared along a number of clinical dimensions using analyses of variance.

Results

Using four early‐course features, three classes were derived. A good premorbid/short prodrome subtype was characterized by a lower severity of positive symptoms, better social/occupational/global functioning, and a shorter duration of untreated psychosis; a poor premorbid/early onset subtype demonstrated greater negative and preoccupation symptoms, as well as greater psychosocial problems; and a long prodrome/late onset subtype was characterized by greater dysphoric symptoms.

Conclusions

Findings indicate a need for further research with first‐episode samples on the utility of subtyping based on early‐course (premorbid, prodromal and onset‐related) characteristics. Such efforts could enhance the parsing of heterogeneity, thereby advancing clinical practice and research.
Establishment of an unrelated umbilical cord blood bank qualification program: ensuring quality while meeting Food and Drug Administration vendor qualification requirements
Authors: Rabe Fran , Kadidlo Diane , Van Orsow Lisa , McKenna David
Published: January 2013

Background

Qualification of a cord blood bank (CBB) is a complex process that includes evaluation of multiple aspects of donor screening and testing, processing, accreditation and approval by professional cell therapy groups, and results of received cord blood units. The University of Minnesota Medical Center Cell Therapy Laboratory has established a CBB vendor qualification process to ensure the CBB meets established regulatory and quality requirements.

Study Design and Methods

The deployed qualification of CBBs is based on retrospective and prospective review of the CBB.

Results

Forty‐one CBBs were evaluated retrospectively: seven CBBs were disqualified based on failed quality control (QC) results. Eight CBBs did not meet the criteria for retrospective qualification because fewer than 3 cord blood units were received and the CBB was not accredited. As of March 2012, three US and one non‐US CBBs have been qualified prospectively. One CBB withdrew from the qualification process after successful completion of the comprehensive survey and subsequent failure of the provided QC unit to pass the minimum criteria. One CBB failed the prospective qualification process based on processing methods that were revealed during the paper portion of the evaluation.

Conclusions

A CBB qualification process is necessary for a transplant center to manage the qualification of the large number of CBBs needed to support a umbilical cord blood transplantation program. A transplant center that has utilized cord blood for a number of years before implementation of a qualification process should use a retrospective qualification process along with a prospective process.
Export‐Platform Foreign Direct Investment: Theory and Evidence
Authors: Ito Tadashi
Published: January 2013

This paper proposes a model that accounts for ‘export‐platform’ FDI – a form of FDI that is common in the data but rarely discussed in the theoretical literature. Unlike the previous literature, this paper’s theory nests all the typical modes of supply, including exports, horizontal and vertical FDI, horizontal and vertical export‐platform FDI. The theory yields the testable hypothesis that a decrease in either inter‐regional or intra‐regional trade costs induces firms to choose export‐platform FDI. The empirical analysis provides descriptive statistics that point to large proportions of third country exports of US FDI, and an econometric analysis, whose results are in line with the model’s predictions. The paper suggests policy implications for nations seeking to attract FDI.
A BIOCHAR MANUFACTURING FURNACE BASED ON LABORATORY STUDIES
Authors: ZHANG ZHI-XIA , WENG YAN , MENG JUN , CHEN WEN-FU , GAO JI-PING
Published: January 2013

Biochar is a type of porous carbon by obtained processing organic waste. In recent years, many scholars have dedicated themselves to the study of biochar. The research and development of a biochar manufacturing device has become the focus of numerous studies. This paper mainly describes the structure and principles of a device to obtain biochar in the laboratory. The experimental results indicate that this device can fully meet the needs of biochar manufacturing and has a bright prospect for wide promotion.
Multiple serotonergic paths to antidepressant efficacy
Authors: Lutz Pierre-Eric
Published: January 2013

Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Brain mechanisms underlying the clinical antidepressant efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), currently the first-line treatment, remain poorly understood. Recent animal studies have implicated multiple serotonin receptor subtypes in SSRI response, opening new therapeutic perspectives.
Inhibition of neutrophil elastase attenuates airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in a mouse model of secondary allergen challenge: neutrophil elastase inhibition attenuates allergic airway responses
Authors: Koga Hikari , Miyahara Nobuaki , Fuchimoto Yasuko , Ikeda Genyo , Waseda Koichi , Ono Katsuichiro , Tanimoto Yasushi , Kataoka Mikio , Gelfand Erwin W , Tanimoto Mitsune , Kanehiro Arihiko
Published: January 2013

Background

Chronic asthma is often associated with neutrophilic infiltration in the airways. Neutrophils contain elastase, a potent secretagogue in the airways, nonetheless the role for neutrophil elastase as well as neutrophilic inflammation in allergen-induced airway responses is not well defined. In this study, we have investigated the impact of neutrophil elastase inhibition on the development of allergic airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in previously sensitized and challenged mice.

Methods

BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged (primary) with ovalbumin (OVA). Six weeks later, a single OVA aerosol (secondary challenge) was delivered and airway inflammation and airway responses were monitored 6 and 48 hrs later. An inhibitor of neutrophil elastase was administered prior to secondary challenge.

Results

Mice developed a two-phase airway inflammatory response after secondary allergen challenge, one neutrophilic at 6 hr and the other eosinophilic, at 48 hr. PAR-2 expression in the lung tissues was enhanced following secondary challenge, and that PAR-2 intracellular expression on peribronchial lymph node (PBLN) T cells was also increased following allergen challenge of sensitized mice. Inhibition of neutrophil elastase significantly attenuated AHR, goblet cell metaplasia, and inflammatory cell accumulation in the airways following secondary OVA challenge. Levels of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13, and eotaxin in BAL fluid 6 hr after secondary allergen challenge were significantly suppressed by the treatment. At 48 hr, treatment with the neutrophil elastase inhibitor significantly reduced the levels of IL-13 and TGF-β1 in the BAL fluid. In parallel, in vitro IL-13 production was significantly inhibited in spleen cells from sensitized mice.

Conclusion

These data indicate that neutrophil elastase plays an important role in the development of allergic airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness, and would suggest that the neutrophil elastase inhibitor reduced AHR to inhaled methacholine indicating the potential for its use as a modulator of the immune/inflammatory response in both the neutrophil- and eosinophil-dominant phases of the response to secondary allergen challenge.
Towards remote monitoring of sub-seasonal glacier mass balance
Authors: Huss Matthias , Sold Leo , Hoelzle Martin , Stokvis Mazzal , Salzmann Nadine , Farinotti Daniel , Zemp Michael
Published: January 2013

This study presents a method that allows continuous monitoring of mass balance for remote or inaccessible glaciers, based on repeated oblique photography. Hourly to daily pictures from two automatic cameras overlooking two large valley glaciers in the Swiss Alps are available for eight ablation seasons (2004–11) in total. We determine the fraction of snow-covered glacier surface from orthorectified and georeferenced images and combine this information with simple accumulation and melt modelling using meteorological data. By applying this approach, the evolution of glacier-wide mass balance throughout the ablation period can be directly calculated, based on terrestrial remote-sensing data. Validation against independent in situ mass-balance observations indicates good agreement. Our methodology has considerable potential for the remote determination of mountain glacier mass balance at high temporal resolution and could be applied using both repeated terrestrial and air-/spaceborne observations.
Avaliação de Características Físicas e Ambientais Viárias Associadas ao Transporte de Cargas O Caso do Corredor Rodoviário Centro-Oeste Brasileiro
Authors: Sinay Laura , Fogliatti Maria Cristina , Tamayo Amilcar Sampedro
Published: January 2013

As condições da extensa rede rodoviária brasileira são complexas. Mais da metade do total de vias e corredores encontra-se em condições, físicas e ambientais, regular ou ruim, situação por demais preocupante quando mais de 60% das cargas são transportadas no país pelo modal rodoviário. A deterioroação da infraestrutura viária provoca o aumento significativo dos custos logísticos dos principais produtos, sendo também responsável pelos altos custos econômicos e sociais associados aos acidentes no tráfego que representam mais de 1,5% do PIB nacional anual contabilizando no período mais de 40.000 óbitos. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar procedimentos para avaliação das condições físicas e ambientais que influenciam a segurança rodoviária e que são potencializadas pelo transporte, aplicando-os em um corredor de transporte de grãos de Brasil, o Corredor Centro-Oeste. Os processos se baseiam na identificação das características físicas que mais afetam a segurança do transporte e das ambientais, derivadas desse transporte. As avaliações, tanto quantitativas quanto qualitativas, e a forma de apresentar os resultados facilitam a identificação rápida e objetiva dos elementos da infraestrutura que se encontram em piores condições e representam riscos à segurança da circulação, assim como os componentes ambientais da área de influência da via que podem constituir o passivo ambiental associado, sendo estas, vantagens importantes num cenário onde recursos financeiros e materiais para a manutenção viária e para a fiscalização são escassos.
Availability of MOUD lacking in most community MH locations
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: June 2024

Community mental health facilities see a significant presence of patients with opioid use disorder (OUD), but the availability of evidence‐based medication treatment for individuals in these settings remains disappointingly low, newly published results of a RAND survey suggest.
Hierarchically Piezoelectric Aerogels for Efficient Sound Absorption and Machine‐Learning‐Assisted Sensing
Authors: Shen Shuyi , Zhang Yan , Guo Wei , Gong Hanyu , Xu Qianqian , Yan Mingyang , Li Huimin , Zhang Dou
Published: June 2024

Ubiquitous noise pollution has been associated with significant negative impacts on human health. However, current porous sound‐absorbing materials encounter considerable obstacles such as thick density, narrow absorbing band, and limited function. Here, a facile‐producing method for lightweight and efficiently sound‐absorbing aerogels made from bacterial cellulose (BC) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is presented. The fabricated anisotropic aerogels with directional pores exhibit a minimum density as low as 11.3 mg cm−3. Meanwhile, the lamellar aerogels with low areal density (20.89 mg cm−2) exhibit remarkable noise attenuation performance with the noise reduction coefficient of 0.51.Furthermore, the BC‐PVA‐Ba0.85Ca0.15Zr0.9Ti0.1O3 (BCZT) aerogels show enhanced sound absorption performance, and these aerogels are self‐powered sensors to monitor vehicle collisions and human gestures. The algorithm yields high accuracy in human gesture recognition (100%) based on the deep‐learning model. These aerogels offer an encouraging application prospect in the automobile field to realize car weight reduction and vehicle's intelligent control system.
Robust Epoxy Resins with Autonomous Visualization of Damaging‐Healing and Green Closed‐Loop Recycling
Authors: Jiao Xuewei , Ma Yaning , Zhao Zihan , Gao Liang , Zhang Baoyan , Yang Jigang , Li Min‐Hui , Hu Jun
Published: June 2024

Epoxy resins‐based engineering plastics are indispensable in the global economy, but they have created a serious waste crisis caused by their chemical cross‐linked networks. To solve this problem, current strategies often require the assistance of catalysts or solvents at the expense of thermal and mechanical performance. In this work, a high‐performance epoxy resin featuring dynamic ester and disulfide bonds (TDS) is reported, which exhibits higher thermal and mechanical properties than common engineering plastics, i.e., tensile strength and modulus of 66.6 MPa and 2.63 GPa, flexural strength and modulus of 103.2 MPa and 3.52 GPa, and glass transition temperature (Tg) of 133 °C. Moreover, the reversible transformation between aromatic disulfide bonds and thiyl radicals endows TDS epoxy resin with autonomous visualization of damage and healing. In addition, the harmonious interplay between disulfide and ester bonds‐promoted by tertiary amine accelerated the topological network rearrangements, enabling TDS to easily reshape and weld. Specifically, TDS can be completely degraded in pure water at 200 °C without any catalyst, and the degraded products can be directly re‐polymerized to achieve green closed‐loop recycling. This work proposes a simple and economical strategy for the development of epoxy resin‐based cutting‐edge engineering plastics that are both functional and sustainable.
Lead‐Free Halide Perovskite Nanoparticles for Up‐Conversion Lasing and Efficient Second Harmonic Generation
Authors: Ilin Stepan , Khmelevskaia Daria , Nikolaeva Anna , Maragkakis George M. , Psilodimitrakopoulos Sotiris , Mouchliadis Leonidas , Talianov Pavel M. , Khubezhov Soslan A. , Stratakis Emmanuel , Zelenkov Lev E. , Makarov Sergey V.
Published: June 2024

Lead‐free halide perovskites is a novel class of environment‐friendly nonlinear optical materials, that already demonstrate high potential for second harmonics generation (SHG). Here a synthesis protocol is optimized to create single‐crystal CsGeI3 nanoparticles (NPs) supporting optical Mie resonances that efficiently convert infrared light to visible both via lasing and SHG mechanisms. Such high‐quality resonant NPs allow us to achieve up‐conversion lasing in the broadband excitation wavelength (1200–1520 nm), which is accompanied by efficient spectrally tunable SHG with intensity comparable with that for lasing depending on temperature. Experimental and theoretical study of linear and nonlinear optical properties of CsGeI3 material in the form of high‐quality thin film and NPs of different sizes reveal that coupling incident light with a magnetic dipole resonance leads to a strong enhancement of SHG by one order of magnitude. As a result, the study provides a novel strategy where individual NPs can support both up‐conversion lasing and SHG in a broad range of excitation wavelengths.
Multifunctional “Solvent‐in‐Diluent” High Voltage Electrolyte for Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Lv Jian , Wang Zhuyu , Wang Yiwen , Wu Tong , Shen Danni , Jia Qinggong
Published: June 2024

Sulfone liquids can be used as solvents for high‐voltage electrolytes and have been extensively studied for their strong oxidation resistance. However, the problem of high viscosity and susceptibility to side reactions with metallic lithium has been the subject of criticism. To solve the issue of incompatibility with lithium, researchers adopted a high‐concentration electrolyte, namely solvent‐in‐salt, which allows the anions in the lithium salt to preferentially contact the surface of the lithium metal and react to form an SEI film to block the reaction between sulfone solvents and lithium. However, the issue of high viscosity is particularly severe. This work proposes a new solvent model called “solvent‐in‐diluent” electrolyte to address both of these issues simultaneously, different from previous models of salt‐in‐solvent, the model not only effectively prevents sulfone contact with lithium metal surfaces, but also maintains a capacity retention rate of 82% after 500 cycles in the voltage range of 2.8–4.6 V, additionally, the temperature range in which the battery can operate using this electrolyte model has been extended (−20–60°C). This work proposes a new solvent model and challenges the minimum concentration of high‐voltage electrolytes (0.04 m), providing a new approach and possibility for studying high‐voltage electrolytes.
Phase Transformation Driven by Oxygen Vacancy Redistribution as the Mechanism of Ferroelectric Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 Fatigue
Authors: Zhang Zimeng , Craig Isaac , Zhou Tao , Holt Martin , Flores Raul , Sheridan Evan , Inzani Katherine , Huang Xiaoxi , Nag Joyeeta , Prasad Bhagwati , Griffin Sinéad M. , Ramesh Ramamoorthy
Published: June 2024

As a promising candidate for nonvolatile memory devices, the hafnia‐based ferroelectric system has recently been a hot research topic. Although significant progress has been made over the past decade, the endurance problem is still an obstacle to its final application. In perovskite‐based ferroelectrics, such as the well‐studied Pb[ZrxTi1−x]O3 (PZT) family, polarization fatigue has been discussed within the framework of the interaction of charged defects (such as oxygen vacancies) with the moving domains during the switching process, particularly at the electrode‐ferroelectric interface. Armed with this background, a hypothesis is set out to test that a similar mechanism can be in play with the hafnia‐based ferroelectrics. The conducting perovskite La‐Sr‐Mn‐O is used as the contact electrode to create La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 / Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 (HZO)/ La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 capacitor structures deposited on SrTiO3‐Si substrates. Nanoscale X‐ray diffraction is performed on single capacitors, and a structural phase transition from polar o‐phase toward non‐polar m‐phase is demonstrated during the bipolar switching process. The energy landscape of multiphase HZO has been calculated at varying oxygen vacancy concentrations. Based on both theoretical and experimental results, it is found that a polar to non‐polar phase transformation caused by oxygen vacancy redistribution during electric cycling is a likely explanation for fatigue in HZO.
Investigation of Gallium Nitride Based HEMTs with Thermal Dissipation
Authors: Zheng Hao‐Xuan , Lee Sanchez William Anderson , Lin Kun‐Lin , Horng Ray‐Hua
Published: June 2024

The heat dissipation optimization process is a crucial element in high power high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) components fabricated using the Gallium Nitride grown on silicon (Si) substrate. In this study, the Si substrate is thinned from 1000 to 600 µm, and then the partial device area (under the HEMT two dimension (2D electron concentration gas channel) is etched to 20 µm by a deep etching system. After, three different materials are utilized to fill the gap. There are electroplate copper sheets, silver paste, and copper paste. Afterward, the electrical properties and thermal management of the device are compared before and after the implementation of the heat dissipation process. The horizontal breakdown voltage of the gate and drain at 10 µm distance of copper paste is increased to 430 V compared to 405 V before the heat dissipation process. More importantly, the surface temperature of the device dropped approximately from 58 to 38 °C and the percentage drop in output current is reduced from 10.18% to 5.23%.
Intramolecular [2+2] Cycloadditions of α‐Heteroatom Substituted γ,δ‐Unsaturated Ketenes
Authors: Liu Tzi‐Chi , Lin Zih‐Hao , Yoo Woo‐Jin
Published: June 2024

An improved synthetic procedure for the intramolecular ketene [2+2] cycloaddition was developed for the preparation of 1‐heteroatom‐substituted bicyclo[2.1.1]hexan‐5‐ones. It was found that the use of the Mukaiyama reagent (2‐chloro‐N‐methyl‐pyridinium iodide) was key to efficiently generate the α‐heteroatom substituted homoallyl ketene intermediate for the cycloaddition reaction. The synthetic utility of the resulting bicyclic ketone was demonstrated through the preparation of a saturated variant of vortioxetine.