bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multigene differences betweenMicrodochium nivaleandMicrodochium majus
Authors: Jewell Linda Elizabeth , Hsiang Tom
Published: February 2013

Microdochium nivale (Fr.) Samuels & Hallett and Microdochium majus (Wollenw.) Glynn & S.G. Edwards are sister species that cause diseases on grasses and cereals at low temperatures. The DNA sequences of RPB2 (RNA polymerase II), β-tubulin, EF-1α (elongation factor), and ITS (rDNA internal transcribed spacer) from these groups were analysed to compare the extent of differences between these species, among isolates from Europe compared with those from North America, and among isolates of M. nivale originally collected from Agrostis spp. compared with isolates from wheat (Triticum aestivum). All of the regions studied except for ITS resolved M. nivale and M. majus isolates into separate clades. The RPB2 sequences also resolved both the North American and European M. majus isolates and M. nivale isolates from either turfgrasses or wheat into separate clades. These results support the recent elevation of M. nivale and M.majus to sister species and also provide some support for the assertion that there may be host-specific differences among M. nivale, which has a wider host range than M. majus.
Quantification of contributions of different molecular fragments for antioxidant activity of coumarin derivatives based on QSAR analyses
Authors: Mitra Indrani , Saha Achintya , Roy Kunal
Published: February 2013

Attempts have been made in the present work using in silico techniques for identification of essential structural features imparting antioxidant potential to naturally available coumarin molecules and their synthetic derivatives. Four different types of modeling tools have been employed for the qualitative and quantitative assessment of the molecular fragments constituting the biological pharmacophore. The descriptor-based quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) and group-based QSAR (G-QSAR) models provide a quantitative estimation of the substituent requirements and the chemical nature of the parent moiety. Subsequently, 3D pharmacophore and hologram QSAR (HQSAR) models enable identification of the key molecular components necessary for the antioxidant potency to the molecules. All of the different models infer the importance of the hydrogen bond acceptor ketonic fragment for interaction of the antioxidant molecules with the neighbouring toxic radicals. Additionally, the phenyl substituent attached to the side chain and the benzene nucleus of the benzopyran moiety also constitute the response pharmacophore for the molecules under study. The models thus developed may serve as an essential query tool for screening of databases for selection of molecules bearing the essential fragments and subsequent prediction of their free radical scavenging potency.
Electronic propensity of Cu(II) versus Cu(I) sites in zeolites to activate NO — Spin- and orbital-resolved Cu–NO electron transfer
Authors: Radoń Mariusz , Kozyra Paweł , Stępniewski Adam , Datka Jerzy , Broclawik Ewa
Published: February 2013

Electronic factors responsible for the notable decline of NO activation by Cu(II) with respect to Cu(I) sites in zeolites are investigated within spin-resolved analysis of electron transfer channels between the copper center and the substrate. The results of natural orbitals for chemical valence (NOCV) charge transfer analysis for a minimal model of Cu(II) sites in zeolite ZSM-5 ({T1Cu}+ NO) are compared with those for Cu(I)–NO and referenced to an interaction of NO with bare Cu+ cations. The bonding of NO, which is an open-shell and non-innocent ligand, gives rise to a noticeable nondynamical correlation in the adduct with Cu(II) (reflected in a broken-symmetry solution obtained at the density functional theory (DFT) level). Four distinct components of electron transfer between the copper and NO are identified: (i) donation of an unpaired electron from the NO π∥* antibonding orbital to the Cu species, (ii) backdonation from copper d⊥ to the NO antibonding orbital, (iii) “covalent” donation from NO π∥ and Cu d∥ orbitals to the bonding region, and (iv) donation from the nitrogen lone pair to Cus,d. Large variations in channel identity and significance may be noted among studied systems and between spin manifolds: channel i is effective only in the bonding of NO with either a naked Cu+ cation or Cu(II) site. Channel ii comes into prominence only for the model of the Cu(I) site: it strongly activates the NO bond by populating antibonding π*, which weakens the N–O bond, in contrast to channel i depopulating the antibonding orbital and strengthening the N–O bond. Channels iii and iv, however, may contribute to the strength of the bonding between NO and copper, and are of minor importance for the activation of the NO bond. This picture perfectly matches the IR experiment: interaction with either Cu(II) sites or a naked Cu+ cation imposes a comparable blue-shift of NO stretching frequency, while the frequency becomes strongly red-shifted for a Cu(I) site in ZSM-5 due to enhanced π* backdonation.
High-resolution electron spectroscopy and molecular structures of Cu–(2,2′-bipyridine) and Cu-(4,4′-bipyridine)
Authors: Wang Xu , Lee Jung Sup , Yang Dong-Sheng
Published: February 2013

Copper complexes of 2,2′-bipyridine (22BIPY) and 4,4′-bipyridine (44BIPY) were prepared in a laser-vaporization supersonic molecular beam source and identified by laser photoionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Electronic spectra and molecular structures were studied with pulsed-field ionization zero electron kinetic energy (ZEKE) electron spectroscopy, density functional theory (DFT) and second-order Møller–Plesset perturbation (MP2) calculations, and spectral simulations. Adiabatic ionization energies and metal–ligand and ligand-based vibrational frequencies of Cu–22BIPY and Cu–44BIPY were measured from the ZEKE spectra. Ground electronic states and molecular structures of the two complexes were determined by comparing the spectroscopic measurements with the theoretical calculations. The ground state of Cu–22BIPY ( 2 B1, C2v) has a planar bidentate structure with Cu binding to two nitrogen atoms and two pyridine molecules in the cis configuration. The ground state of Cu–44BIPY ( 2 A, C2) has a monodentate structure with Cu binding to one nitrogen and two pyridines in a twisted configuration. The ionization energy of Cu–22BIPY is considerably lower and its bond energy is much higher than that of Cu–44BIPY. The different ionization and dissociation energies are attributed to the distinct metal binding modes of the two complexes. It has been found that the DFT calculations yield the correct structures for the Cu–22BIPY complex, whereas the MP2 calculations produce the best structures for the Cu–44BIPY complex.
Identification of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus carrying an exfoliative toxin A gene encoding phage isolated from a hospitalized patient in Turkey
Authors: Sahin Fikret , Karasartova Djursun , Özsan T. Murat , Kiyan Mehmet , Karahan Ceren Z. , Tekeli Alper
Published: February 2013

From the four known isoforms of the staphylococcal exfoliative toxins (ETs), only ETA and ETB are the major causative agents. General knowledge is that the gene for ETA is located on the chromosome, whereas that for ETB is located on a large plasmid. Yoshizawa and co-workers (2000, Microbiol. Immunol. 44(3): 189–191) isolated, for the first time, a temperate phage (φETA) that carried the structural gene for ETA from an ETA-producing strain of Staphylococcus aureus. In this study, we presented eta gene encoding temperate phages isolated from methicillin-resistant S.aureus (MRSA) isolates obtained from patients in a Turkish hospital. Molecular analysis of the phage genome revealed that the eta gene is located upstream to amidase and holin genes, the same as in the φETA genome. However, partial sequence analysis of amidase and holin genes revealed polymorphic variation. In addition to polymorphic variation, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of all of the phage genomes showed that the ETA-containing phage is different from the rest of the phage genomes. The phylogenetic dendrogram of pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis showed that the ETA-carrying MRSA is quite different from the rest of the MRSA strains. This is the first report showing that a MRSA strain carries an ETA-encoding phage.
Finite-time future singularity models in f(T) gravity and the effects of viscosity
Authors: Setare M.R. , Houndjo M.J.S.
Published: February 2013

We investigate models of future finite-time singularities in f(T) theory, where T is the torsion scalar. The algebraic function f(T) is the teleparallel term, T, plus an arbitrary function, g(T). A suitable expression for the Hubble parameter is assumed and constraints are imposed to provide an expanding universe. Two parameters, β and Hs, that appear in the Hubble parameter are relevant in specifying the types of singularities. Differential equations of g(T) are established and solved, leading to algebraic f(T) models for each type of future finite-time singularity. Moreover, we take into account the viscosity in the fluid and discuss three interesting cases: constant viscosity, viscosity proportional to [Formula: see text], and the general one where the viscosity is proportional to (−T)n/2, where n is a natural number. We see that for the first and second cases, in general, the singularities are robust against the viscous fluid, while for the general case, the Big Rip and the Big Freeze can be avoided from the effects of the viscosity for some values of n.
Pharmacomechanical Thrombolysis in the Management of Paget-Schroetter Syndrome
Authors: Papantoniou Elli , Morgan-Rowe Luke , Johnston Edward , Brennand Duncan , Raja Jowad , Hague Julian
Published: February 2013

Paget-Schroetter syndrome (PSS) is a rare form of thoracic outlet syndrome caused by axillosubclavian vein thrombosis which typically presents in healthy young adults. Prompt therapy, traditionally by means of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) prior to definitive surgery, can prevent the subsequent onset of postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) and considerable disability. As CDT is associated with major haemorrhage and high overall treatment cost, pharmacomechanical thrombectomy (PMT) seems to be an attractive alternative which combines pharmacological thrombolysis with mechanical clot disruption. The Trellis-8 peripheral infusion catheter is an example of such a treatment which provides topical thrombolysis in an isolated zone. We describe the use of the Trellis-8 PMT system in the successful management of three patients with PSS.
Corrosion Behaviour of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy with Nitride Coatings in Simulated Body Fluids at 36∘C and 40∘C
Authors: Pohrelyuk I. M. , Tkachuk O. V. , Proskurnyak R. V.
Published: February 2013

Nitride coatings were formed on Ti-6Al-4V alloy by thermodiffusion treatment. The corrosion-electrochemical behaviour of Ti-6Al-4V alloy with nitride coatings I and II was investigated in physiological solutions (0.9% NaCl and Tyrode's) at temperatures of 36∘C and 40∘C. It is determined that nitride coating I provides Ti-6Al-4V alloy the higher corrosion resistance in Tyrode's solution at both temperatures of solution while nitride coating II in isotonic 0.9% NaCl.
The Evolutionary Relationship between Microbial Rhodopsins and Metazoan Rhodopsins
Authors: Shen Libing , Chen Chao , Zheng Hongxiang , Jin Li
Published: February 2013

Rhodopsins are photoreceptive proteins with seven‐transmembrane alpha‐helices and a covalently bound retinal. Based on their protein sequences, rhodopsins can be classified into microbial rhodopsins and metazoan rhodopsins. Because there is no clearly detectable sequence identity between these two groups, their evolutionary relationship was difficult to decide. Through ancestral state inference, we found that microbial rhodopsins and metazoan rhodopsins are divergently related in their seven‐transmembrane domains. Our result proposes that they are homologous proteins and metazoan rhodopsins originated from microbial rhodopsins. Structure alignment shows that microbial rhodopsins and metazoan rhodopsins share a remarkable structural homology while the position of retinal‐binding lysine is different between them. It suggests that the function of photoreception was once lost during the evolution of rhodopsin genes. This result explains why there is no clearly detectable sequence similarity between the two rhodopsin groups: after losing the photoreception function, rhodopsin gene was freed from the functional constraint and the process of divergence could quickly change its original sequence beyond recognition.
Influence of Hydrothermal Temperature on Phosphorus Recovery Efficiency of Porous Calcium Silicate Hydrate
Authors: Guan Wei , Ji Fangying , Chen Qingkong , Yan Peng , Zhou Weiwei
Published: February 2013

Porous calcium silicate hydrate (PCSH) was synthesized by carbide residue and white carbon black. The influence of hydrothermal temperature on phosphorus recovery efficiency was investigated by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET), and X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD). Hydrothermal temperature exerted significant influence on phosphorus recovery performance of PCSH. Hydrothermal temperature 170°C for PCSH was more proper to recover phosphorus. PCSH could recover phosphorus with content of 18.51%. The law of Ca2+ and OH− release was the key of phosphorus recovery efficiency, and this law depended upon the microstructure of PCSH. When the temperature of synthesis reached to 170°C, the reactions between CaO and amorphous SiO2 were more efficient. Solubility of SiO2 was a limiting factor.
Retrospective Reports of Weight Change and Inflammation in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Vasunilashorn Sarinnapha
Published: February 2013

Purpose. This study investigated the association between weight change and inflammation in a nationally representative population of US adults aged 40 and older.Methods. Using the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005–2008), logistic regression models were used to determine the relationship between high levels of inflammation (C-reactive protein [CRP]) and infection (white blood cell count [WBC]) with 1- and 10-year change in self-reported weight status.Results. Change in 1- and 10-year weight was associated with high CRP but not high WBC. Individuals who gained or lost ≥10 kg had an odds of having high CRP that was 1.96 (95% CI 1.11–3.50) and 1.61 (95% CI 1.02–2.46) as high, respectively, as those who maintained a stable weight (<4 kg change) in the past year. The increased risk of elevated CRP among individuals who experienced at least 10 kg of weight loss or weight gain was also observed for weight change that occurred over the past 10 years; however, weight loss over the 10-year period was no longer associated with high inflammation.Conclusions. These results suggest that adult respondents who retrospectively self-reported weight loss or gain had higher levels of inflammation relative to their weight stable counterparts.
Existence Theorems for Quasivariational Inequality Problem on Proximally Smooth Sets
Authors: Suwannawit Jittiporn , Petrot Narin
Published: February 2013

The concept of quasivariational inequality problem on proximally smooth sets is studied. Some sufficient conditions for solving the existence of solutions of such a problem are provided; also some interesting cases are discussed. Of course, due to the significance of proximally smooth sets, the results which are presented in this paper improve and extend many important results in the literature.
Grade Point Average Differences between Dual and Nondual Credit College Students
Authors: Young Robert D. , Joyner Sheila A. , Slate John R.
Published: February 2013

We examined the first and final term grade point averages (GPA) for a class of students at a Texas community college to determine how dual enrollment credit influenced GPA. Five statistically significant differences, albeit small effect sizes, were present by gender and by ethnic membership. Dual credit students had higher GPAs than did nondual credit students. Interestingly, dual enrollment did not have a statistically significant influence on GPAs for Asian students or for students after two years at this community college. As such, this study is the first research investigation of which we are aware in which student GPA in the first college semester and at the end of the second year was compared between dual credit and nondual credit students. Implications of our findings and suggestions for future research are provided.
Multiple Positive Solutions of a Singular Semipositone Integral Boundary Value Problem for Fractionalq-Derivatives Equation
Authors: Zhao Yulin , Ye Guobing , Chen Haibo
Published: February 2013

By using the fixed point index theorem, this paper investigates a class of singular semipositone integral boundary value problem for fractionalq-derivatives equations and obtains sufficient conditions for the existence of at least two and at least three positive solutions. Further, an example is given to illustrate the applications of our main results.
Oscillation in Pest Population and Its Management: A Mathematical Study
Authors: Bhattacharyya Samit , Ghosh Suma
Published: February 2013

We study the role of predation dynamics in oscillation of pest population in insect ecology. A two-dimensional pest control model (under the use of insecticides) with time delay in predation is considered in this paper. By the Hopf bifurcation theory, we prove the existence of the stable oscillation of the system. We also consider the economic viability of the control process. First we improve the Pontryagin maximum principle (PMP) where the delay in the system is sufficiently small and control function is linear, and then we apply the improved version of PMP to perform the optimal analysis of the pest control model as a special case.
Psychometric Assessment of a Physician-Patient Communication Behaviors Scale: The Perspective of Adult HIV Patients in Kenya
Authors: Wachira Juddy , Middlestadt Susan , Reece Michael , Peng Chao-Ying Joanne , Braitstein Paula
Published: February 2013

Introduction. There have been no scales specifically developed to assess physician-patient communication behaviors (PPCB) in the sub-Saharan population.Aim. We revised an existing PPCB scale and tested its psychometric properties for HIV patients in Kenya.Methods. 17 items (five-point scale) measuring PPCB were initially adopted from the Matched Pair Instrument (MPI). Between July and August 2011, we surveyed a convenient sample of 400 HIV adult patients, attending three Academic Model Providing Healthcare program (AMPATH) clinics in Eldoret, Kenya. Of these 400, eight also participated in cognitive interviews, and 200 were invited to return after one week for follow-up interviews; 134 (67%) returned and were interviewed. Construct and content validity were established using an exploratory factor analysis, bivariate analyses, internal consistency, test-retest reliability and cognitive interviews.Results. Construct and content validity supported a one-dimensional measure of 13 PPCB items. Items assessed physicians’ effort to promote a favorable atmosphere for interaction with HIV patients. Biases associated with encoding and comprehension of specific terms, such as “discussion, involvement or concerns,” were noted. Internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha= .81) and one-week retest reliability scores (.82) supported the reliability of the 13-item scale.Discussion. The revised PPCB scale showed acceptable validity and reliability in Kenya.
Systemic Steroid Application Caused Sudden Death of a Patient with Sudden Deafness
Authors: Ogino-Nishimura Eriko , Nakagawa Takayuki , Tateya Ichiro , Hiraumi Harukazu , Ito Juichi
Published: February 2013

A 63-year-old man, who was diagnosed with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), showed severe hypertension 10 hours after prednisolone administration. Subsequently, the patient suddenly died due to pulmonary edema. The autopsy indicated a pheochromocytoma in the right adrenal gland, and the cause of death was determined to be a pheochromocytoma crisis induced by systemic administration of prednisolone. Pheochromocytoma crisis is a life-threatening condition and can result from the use of corticosteroids. Physicians should consider the risk of a pheochromocytoma crisis due to systemic corticosteroids in the treatment of patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
Just Sinus Bradycardia or Something More Serious?
Authors: Egan Kelly R. , Ralphe J. Carter , Weinhaus Larry , Maginot Kathleen R.
Published: February 2013

An asymptomatic 5-year-old girl presented with bradycardia during a routine well-child visit. Further evaluation revealed profound sinus bradycardia, exercise-induced bidirectional ventricular tachycardia, and supraventricular tachycardia. An echocardiogram showed heavy trabeculations in the left ventricular myocardium. This patient’s presentation suggested catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and left ventricular noncompaction. Genetic testing revealed mutations in the cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2), calsequestron (CASQ2), and titin (TTN). She was effectively treated with beta-blockade to suppress tachyarrhythmias and pacemaker implantation to treat her bradycardia.
Maltoma of Thyroid: A Rare Thyroid Tumour
Authors: Latheef Navisha , Shenoy Vijendra , Kamath M. Panduranga , Hegde Mahesh Chandra , Rao A. Raghavendra
Published: February 2013

Introduction. Primary thyroid lymphomas constitute up to 5% of all thyroid malignancies and can be divided into non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHLs) of B- and T-cell types, as well as Hodgkin’s lymphomas. Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas are a relatively recently recognized subset of B-cell NHLs, and they are listed as extranodal marginal zone lymphomas according to the revised European-American lymphoma classification.Case Report. We report an uncommon case of a 44-year-old man, who noted a painless, growing mass on right side of his neck of the three-month duration. Thyroid profile was within normal limits. FNAC showed lymphocytic thyroiditis. The patient underwent a right hemithyroidectomy. The histologic examination and the immunohistochemistry showed an extra nodal marginal B-cell type maltoma (malt lymphoma). CHOP chemotherapy with rituximab was given. The clinical course has been favourable in the first year of followup, with no evidence of local or systemic recurrence of the disease.Discussion. Marginal zone lymphoma encompasses a heterogeneous group of B-cell tumours that variously arise within the lymph nodes, spleen, or extranodal tissues. A case of maltoma of thyroid is presented for its rarity and diagnostic dilemmas.Conclusion. Maltomas are slow-growing lymphomas. The optimal treatment and followup of patients with thyroid maltomas remain controversial at present.
Achyrocline satureioides(Lam.) D.C. Hydroalcoholic Extract Inhibits Neutrophil Functions Related to Innate Host Defense
Authors: Barioni Eric Diego , Santin José Roberto , Machado Isabel Daufenback , Rodrigues Stephen Fernandes de Paula , Ferraz-de-Paula Viviane , Wagner Theodoro Marcel , Cogliati Bruno , Corrêa dos Santos Matheus , Machado Marina da Silva , Andrade Sérgio Faloni de , Niero Rivaldo , Farsky Sandra Helena Poliselli
Published: February 2013

Achyrocline satureioides(Lam.) D.C. is a herb native to South America, and its inflorescences are popularly employed to treat inflammatory diseases. Here, the effects of thein vivoactions of the hydroalcoholic extract obtained from inflorescences ofA. satureioideson neutrophil trafficking into inflamed tissue were investigated. Male Wistar rats were orally treated withA. satureioidesextract, and inflammation was induced one hour later by lipopolysaccharide injection into the subcutaneous tissue. The number of leukocytes and the amount of chemotactic mediators were quantified in the inflammatory exudate, and adhesion molecule and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) expressions and phorbol-myristate-acetate- (PMA-) stimulated oxidative burst were quantified in circulating neutrophils. Leukocyte-endothelial interactions were quantified in the mesentery tissue. Enzymes and tissue morphology of the liver and kidney were evaluated. Treatment withA. satureioidesextract reduced neutrophil influx and secretion of leukotriene B4 and CINC-1 in the exudates, the number of rolling and adhered leukocytes in the mesentery postcapillary venules, neutrophil L-selectin,β2-integrin and TLR-4 expression, and oxidative burst, but did not cause an alteration in the morphology and activities of liver and kidney. Together, the data show thatA. satureioidesextract inhibits neutrophil functions related to the innate response and does not cause systemic toxicity.
General Split Feasibility Problems in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Eslamian Mohammad , Latif Abdul
Published: February 2013

Introducing a general split feasibility problem in the setting of infinite-dimensional Hilbert spaces, we prove that the sequence generated by the purposed new algorithm converges strongly to a solution of the general split feasibility problem. Our results extend and improve some recent known results.
Plant Polyphenols and Oxidative Metabolites of the Herbal Alkenylbenzene Methyleugenol Suppress Histone Deacetylase Activity in Human Colon Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Groh Isabel Anna Maria , Chen Chen , Lüske Claudia , Cartus Alexander Thomas , Esselen Melanie
Published: February 2013

Evidence has been provided that diet and environmental factors directly influence epigenetic mechanisms associated with cancer development in humans. The inhibition of histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity and the disruption of the HDAC complex have been recognized as a potent strategy for cancer therapy and chemoprevention. In the present study, we investigated whether selected plant constituents affect HDAC activity or HDAC1 protein status in the human colon carcinoma cell line HT29. The polyphenols (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and genistein (GEN) as well as two oxidative methyleugenol (ME) metabolites were shown to inhibit HDAC activity in intact HT29 cells. Concomitantly, a significant decrease of the HDAC1 protein level was observed after incubation with EGCG and GEN, whereas the investigated ME metabolites did not affect HDAC1 protein status. In conclusion, dietary compounds were found to possess promising HDAC-inhibitory properties, contributing to epigenetic alterations in colon tumor cells, which should be taken into account in further risk/benefit assessments of polyphenols and alkenylbenzenes.
A Brief Educational Intervention to Improve Healthcare Providers' Awareness of Child Passenger Safety
Authors: Ekundayo O. James , Jones Gennifer , Brown Angela , Aliyu Muktar , Levine Robert , Goldzweig Irwin
Published: February 2013

Introduction. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among US children aged 4–14 years. In theory, health provider counseling about Child Passenger Safety (CPS) could be a useful deterrent. The data about the effectiveness of CPS dissemination is sparse, but existing results suggest that providers are not well informed. Moreover, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether provider counseling about CPS is effective.Methods. We therefore assessed CPS best practice knowledge among 217 healthcare workers at hospitals in seven cities throughout the USA and evaluated the impact of a brief, lunch and learn educational intervention with a five-item questionnaire. Attendees were comprised of physicians, nurses, social workers, pediatric residents, and pediatric trauma response teams.Results. Pre-post survey completion was nearly 100% (216 of 217 attendees). Participation was fairly evenly distributed according to age (18–29, 30–44, and 45+ years). More than 80% of attendees were women. Before intervention, only 4% of respondents (9/216) answered all five questions correctly; this rose to 77% (167/216) (P<0.001, using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test) after intervention.Conclusion. Future research should consider implementation and controlled testing of comparable educational programs to determine if they improve dissemination of CPS best practice recommendations in the long term.
New Voltage Mode Universal Filters Using Only Two CDBAs
Authors: Pathak J. K. , Singh A. K. , Senani Raj
Published: February 2013

Two new configurations for voltage mode universal filters (VMUFs) using only two current differencing buffered amplifiers (CDBAs) are proposed. Both of the new configurations can realize all the five standard types of the filters, namely, low pass (LP), high pass (HP), band pass (BP), band stop (BS), and all pass (AP), from the same topology. In contrast to previously known CDBA-based VMUFs, the new configurations do not need an additional active device for voltage inversion to realize all pass functions. The proposed configurations offer the tunability of the natural angular frequency(ωo), quality factor(Q), or the bandwidth (BW) through separate virtually grounded resistors. Moreover, both circuits have resistive input impedance (which can be made high) and a low output impedance to facilitate easy cascading without additional buffers. PSPICE simulation results, based upon commercially available AD844 ICs to implement the CDBA, are included which confirm the practical workability of the new VMUF configurations.
Maximizing the Benefits of Off-Target Kinase Inhibitor Activity
Authors: Brewer Monica Red , Pao William
Published: February 2013

Summary: Investigators report the identification of novel mutant-specific inhibition of EGF receptor (EGFR) T790M by bis-indole–based inhibitors of protein kinase C using a small-molecule cancer cell line–based screening platform. This study shows the power of high-throughput drug screening in cancer cell lines and provides new lead scaffolds for optimization against resistant EGFR mutants in lung cancer. Cancer Discov; 3(2); 138–40. ©2012 AACR.

See related article by Lee et al., p. 168
Surface and Atmospheric Controls on the Onset of Moist Convection over Land
Authors: Gentine Pierre , Holtslag Albert A. M. , D'Andrea Fabio , Ek Michael
Published: February 2013

The onset of moist convection over land is investigated using a conceptual approach with a slab boundary layer model. The authors determine the essential factors for the onset of boundary layer clouds over land and study their relative importance. They are 1) the ratio of the temperature to the moisture lapse rates of the free troposphere, that is, the inversion Bowen ratio; 2) the mean daily surface temperature; 3) the relative humidity of the free troposphere; and 4) the surface evaporative fraction. A clear transition is observed between two regimes of moistening of the boundary layer as assessed by the relative humidity at the boundary layer top. In the first so-called wet soil advantage regime, the moistening results from the increase of the mixed-layer specific humidity, which linearly depends on the surface evaporative fraction and inversion Bowen ratio through a dynamic boundary layer factor. In the second so-called dry soil advantage regime, the relative humidity tendency at the boundary layer top is controlled by the thermodynamics and changes in the moist adiabatic induced by the decreased temperature at the boundary layer top and consequent reduction in saturation water vapor pressure. This regime pertains to very deep boundary layers under weakly stratified free troposphere over hot surface conditions. In the context of the conceptual model, a rise in free-tropospheric temperature (global warming) increases the occurrence of deep convection and reduces the cloud cover over moist surfaces. This study provides new intuition and predictive capacity on the mechanism controlling the occurrence of moist convection over land.
Improvement of AERI T/q Retrievals and Their Validation at Anmyeon-Do, South Korea
Authors: Kang Shin-Hoo , Goo Tae-Young , Ou Mi-Lim
Published: February 2013

An Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer (AERI), which measures downwelling radiances, has been in operation at Anmyeon-do, South Korea, since June 2010. Temperature and moisture (T/q) profiles with high temporal and vertical resolution can be retrieved from the measured AERI spectrum through the retrieval algorithm AERIPROF. In this work, AERIPROF has been optimized to improve the retrieval performance: 1) a bias spectrum was computed from the coincident radiosondes during the field experiments at Anmyeon-do and 2) regression coefficients were obtained from local radiosondes and associated simulated spectral radiances. An evaluation was performed in the lower troposphere (<700 hPa) with the radiosondes on clear-sky days during the field experiments at Anmyeon-do. The optimized statistical regression results in an improvement of ~0.6 K for temperature and ~0.6 g kg−1 for the mixing ratio on average, in comparison to the original statistical regression. In addition, the optimized AERI T/q retrievals are compared with the satellite [Aqua/Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS), Meteorological Operation (MetOp)/Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI)] T/q retrievals as well as with T/q profiles analyzed from the regional NWP model, the Korea Local Analysis and Prediction System (KLAPS) analysis. The RMS errors of the AERI retrievals are smaller than those of the satellite retrievals (the KLAPS analysis) by ~1.3 K (~0.2 K) for temperature and ~0.3 g kg−1 (~0.2 g kg−1) for the mixing ratio on average. Significant differences could be found between the AERI retrievals with the KLAPS and the satellite retrievals. The local climatic condition seems to be an important factor to bring about this improvement. Considering the training dataset made with spatially distant radiosondes, this is a significant finding. The AERI could bring new information about the lower troposphere.
Design and Application of an Unattended Multifunctional H-TDMA System
Authors: Tan Haobo , Xu Hanbing , Wan Qilin , Li Fei , Deng Xuejiao , Chan P. W. , Xia Dong , Yin Yan
Published: February 2013

The hygroscopic properties of aerosols have a significant impact on aerosol particle number size distributions (PNSD), formation of cloud condensation nuclei, climate forcing, and atmospheric visibility, as well as human health. To allow for the observation of the hygroscopic growth of aerosols with long-term accuracy, an unattended multifunctional hygroscopicity-tandem differential mobility analyzer (H-TDMA) system was designed and built by the Institute of Tropical and Marine Meteorology (ITMM), China Meteorological Administration (CMA), in Guangzhou, China. The system is capable of measuring dry and wet PNSD, hygroscopic growth factor by particle size, and mixing states. This article describes in detail the working principles, components, and calibration methods of the system. Standard polystyrene latex (PSL) spheres with five different diameters were chosen to test the system’s precision and accuracy of particle size measurement. Ammonium sulfate was used to test the hygroscopic response of the system for accurate growth factor measurement. The test results show that the deviation of the growth factor measured by the system is within a scope of −0.01 to −0.03 compared to Köhler theoretical curves. Results of temperature and humidity control performance tests indicate that the system is robust. An internal temperature gradient of less than 0.2 K for a second differential mobility analyzer (DMA2) makes it possible to reach a set-point relative humidity (RH) value of 90% and with a standard deviation of ±0.44%, sufficient for unattended field observation.
Observations of Air–Sea Interaction and Intensity Change in Hurricanes
Authors: Cione Joseph J. , Kalina Evan A. , Zhang Jun A. , Uhlhorn Eric W.
Published: February 2013

Recent enhancements to the tropical cyclone-buoy database (TCBD) have incorporated data from the Extended Best Track (EBT) and the Statistical Hurricane Intensity Prediction Scheme (SHIPS) archive for tropical cyclones between 1975 and 2007. This information is used to analyze the relationships between large-scale atmospheric parameters, radial and shear-relative air–sea structure, and intensity change in strengthening and weakening hurricanes. Observations from this research illustrate that the direction of the large-scale vertical wind shear at mid- to low levels can impact atmospheric moisture conditions found near the surface. Drier low-level environments were associated with northerly shear conditions. In a separate analysis comparing strengthening and weakening hurricanes, drier surface conditions were also found for the intensifying sample. Since SST conditions were similar for both groups of storms, it is likely that the atmosphere was primarily responsible for modifying the near-surface thermodynamic environment (and ultimately surface moisture flux conditions) for this particular analysis.
Understanding Police and Expert Performance
Authors: Sim Jessica J. , Correll Joshua , Sadler Melody S.
Published: February 2013

In three studies, we examined how training may attenuate (or exacerbate) racial bias in the decision to shoot. In Experiment 1, when novices read a newspaper article about Black criminals, they showed pronounced racial bias in a first-person-shooter task (FPST); when they read about White criminals, bias was eliminated. Experts (who practiced the FPST) and police officers were unaffected by the same stereotype-accessibility manipulation. However, when training itself (base rates of armed vs. unarmed targets in the FPST, Experiment 2a; or special unit officers who routinely deal with minority gang members, Experiment 2b) reinforced the association between Blacks and danger, training did not attenuate bias. When race is unrelated to the presence/absence of a weapon, training may eliminate bias as participants learn to focus on diagnostic object information (gun vs. no gun). But when training actually promotes the utility of racial cues, it may sustain the heuristic use of stereotypes.
Intention Invention and the Affect Misattribution Procedure
Authors: Payne B. Keith , Brown-Iannuzzi Jazmin , Burkley Melissa , Arbuckle Nathan L. , Cooley Erin , Cameron C. Daryl , Lundberg Kristjen B.
Published: February 2013

A recent study of the affect misattribution procedure (AMP) found that participants who retrospectively reported that they intentionally rated the primes showed larger effect sizes and higher reliability. The study concluded that the AMP’s validity depends on intentionally rating the primes. We evaluated this conclusion in three experiments. First, larger effect sizes and higher reliability were associated with (incoherent) retrospective reports of both (a) intentionally rating the primes and (b) being unintentionally influenced by the primes. A second experiment manipulated intentions to rate the primes versus targets and found that this manipulation produced systematically different effects. Experiment 3 found that giving participants an option to “pass” when they felt they were influenced by primes did not reduce priming. Experimental manipulations, rather than retrospective self-reports, suggested that participants make post hoc confabulations to explain their responses. There was no evidence that validity in the AMP depends on intentionally rating primes.
On the Experience of Feeling Powerful
Authors: Van Loo Katie J. , Rydell Robert J.
Published: February 2013

This research examined whether feeling powerful can eliminate the deleterious effect of stereotype threat (i.e., concerns about confirming a negative self-relevant stereotype) on women’s math performance. In Experiments 1 and 2, priming women with high power buffered them from reduced math performance in response to stereotype threat instructions, whereas women in the low and control power conditions showed poorer math performance in response to threat. Experiment 3 found that working memory capacity is one mechanism through which power moderates the effect of threat on women’s math performance. In the low and control power conditions, women showed reduced working memory capacity in response to stereotype threat, accounting for threat’s effect on performance. In contrast, women in the high power condition did not show reductions in working memory capacity or math performance in response to threat. This work demonstrates that perceived power moderates stereotype threat–based performance effects and explains why this occurs.
Grammatical gender in adult L2 acquisition: Relations between lexical and syntactic variability
Authors: Hopp Holger
Published: February 2013

In order to identify the causes of inflectional variability in adult second-language (L2) acquisition, this study investigates lexical and syntactic aspects of gender processing in real-time L2 production and comprehension. Twenty advanced to near-native adult first language (L1) English speakers of L2 German and 20 native controls were tested in a study comprising two experiments. In elicited production, we probe accuracy in lexical gender assignment. In a visual-world eye tracking task, we test the predictive processing of syntactic gender agreement between determiners and nouns. The findings show clear contingencies (1) between overall accuracy in lexical gender assignment in production and target predictive processing of syntactic gender agreement in comprehension and (2) between the speed of lexical access and predictive syntactic gender agreement. These findings support lexical and computational accounts of L2 inflectional variability and argue against models positing representational deficits in morphosyntax in late L2 acquisition and processing.
Chiasmatic crossings: A reflexive revisit of a research encounter in European security
Authors: Kurowska Xymena , Tallis Benjamin C.
Published: February 2013

This article makes an argument about chiasmatic knowledge production that seeks to cut across the entrenched division between the subject and object of inquiry, on the one hand, and the narrative and normative authority of the scholar, on the other, that is inherent in most writing in international relations. We revisit our own research encounter in the field of European security to explore the premises and implications of fieldwork relationships between researchers and practitioners and show their potentially transformative effects. Classifying such engagements as acts of professional transgression by both sets of parties overlooks their promise to facilitate the understanding of security practice ‘from within’ and to provide for tangible scholarly and political criticality. It is argued that, in the restricted realm of security, extensive interaction with practitioners could be a proxy for participant observation. Yet, we look further than that. We develop a concept of ‘chiasmatic crossings’ that reflects and helps theorize the ideational give-and-take and conceptual ruptures in the process of co-authorship that are indicative of distinct trajectories in European security research. This challenges the knowledge claims and static positions of both ‘problem-solving’ and ‘critical’ scholars in the field.
Engaging Adorno: Critical security studies after emancipation
Authors: Kaltofen Carolin
Published: February 2013

Even though its focus on emancipation purposefully intends to build upon the intellectual legacy of the Frankfurt School, critical security studies has thus far only interpreted the Frankfurt tradition in a circumscribed manner. That is to say, it selectively drew on some concepts from critical theory that are most associated with Jürgen Habermas and Axel Honneth. However, as a result of this emphasis, Booth and Wyn Jones – the original proponents of critical security studies – give too little attention to thinkers such as Theodor W. Adorno. This article demonstrates that a re-engagement with Adorno’s work not only provides a more complete appraisal of the Frankfurt School’s thought, but also might reinvigorate critical security studies as a ‘critical’ approach to security. It proposes that such a result can be achieved by employing Adorno’s ethics of resistance and through the development of the philosophical construct of a constellation of security.
Midfoot Fusion
Authors: Pope Ernest J. , Takemoto Richelle C. , Kummer Frederick J. , Mroczek Kenneth J.
Published: February 2013

Background:

Numerous reconstructive techniques for midfoot collapse secondary to Charcot neuroarthropathy have been described, but few have been studied biomechanically. The purpose of this study was to biomechanically compare 2 of the most common techniques.

Methods:

Seven paired below-knee specimens were amputated through the talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints. The nonligamentous soft tissue was stripped proximal to the metatarsal heads and disarticulated through the tarsometatarsal (TMT) joints. For each paired specimen, the TMT joints were fused by plantar plating or intramedullary screw fixation for the contralateral side. The specimens were mounted, loaded, and cycled, and fixation stiffness was determined. Load versus displacement graphs were used to calculate overall construct stiffness, and data were analyzed by Student t tests.

Results:

There was no failure of hardware. All failures were at the bone-implant interface. Failure was either by screw pull-out, bone fracture, or a combination of the two. There were no notable differences between the 2 fixation techniques with respect to stiffness or loads to failure. There was a trend toward a stiffer first TMT construct using the plantar plating method. Five of the 7 screw fixations failed by pullout of the base of the first metatarsal and the other 2 by pullout of screws from all MT bases. Seven of the 7 plantar plate fixations failed by separation of the fifth to third MT bases originating at the fifth, and 3 showed fracture of the fifth metatarsal base.

Conclusions:

There was no notable biomechanical difference between the 2 techniques. There was a trend toward a stiffer construct at the first TMT with plantar plating.

Clinical Relevance:

This study biomechanically analyzes two common Charcot midfoot reconstruction techniques and highlights the need for further study of both techniques and combinations of these techniques.
Misdiagnosis of Treatable Stroke Mimic
Authors: Finelli Pasquale F.
Published: February 2013

Notably absent from current practice guidelines for common neurologic diseases as stroke and seizure is the revised Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendation for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing of all clinical encounters. During a 9-month period 2 patients with treatable stroke mimics related to HIV type 1 infection were misdiagnosed resulting in delay in beginning antiretroviral therapy and increased cost and morbidity. This study was conducted to determine the frequency of HIV-1 screening in our stroke center population and consider the implications of such testing on neurologic disease. We surveyed our stroke center database to determine the frequency of HIV screening in ischemic strokes from January 2005 through May 2011. Of 2806 ischemic strokes, 27 (0.96%) patients were HIV-tested during the 6.5-year study period. We suggest that incorporating the CDC recommendations for HIV screening into neurology practice guidelines can impact diagnosis and treatment of unsuspected HIV-related neurologic disease with reduction in cost of care and morbidity.