bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of defects generation in crystalline silicon ingot grown by cast technique with seed crystal for solar cells
Authors: Tachibana Tomihisa , Sameshima Takashi , Kojima Takuto , Arafune Koji , Kakimoto Koichi , Miyamura Yoshiji , Harada Hirofumi , Sekiguchi Takashi , Ohshita Yoshio , Ogura Atsushi
Published: April 2012

Although crystalline silicon is widely used as substrate material for solar cell, many defects occur during crystal growth. In this study, the generation of crystalline defects in silicon substrates was evaluated. The distributions of small-angle grain boundaries were observed in substrates sliced parallel to the growth direction. Many precipitates consisting of light elemental impurities and small-angle grain boundaries were confirmed to propagate. The precipitates mainly consisted of Si, C, and N atoms. The small-angle grain boundaries were distributed after the precipitation density increased. Then, precipitates appeared at the small-angle grain boundaries. We consider that the origin of the small-angle grain boundaries was lattice mismatch and/or strain caused by the high-density precipitation.
Theoretical investigation of organic magnetoresistance based on hyperfine interaction
Authors: Li X. X. , Dong X. F. , Lei J. , Xie S. J. , Saxena A.
Published: April 2012

We present a theoretical calculation of magnetoresistance (MR) by including the hyperfine interaction to explain the recently discovered magnetoresistance effect in non-magnetic organic semiconductor devices. A good agreement between the theoretical results and the experimental data has been obtained. It is found that the hyperfine interaction is of fundamental importance for the occurrence of magnetoresistance effect. In addition, we also discuss the effect of electron-phonon coupling on magnetoresistance.
Improving sheep production and welfare in extensive systems through precision sheep management
Authors: Morris Jessica E. , Cronin Greg M. , Bush Russell D.
Published: April 2012

This overview discusses how precision sheep management could be utilised in the Australian sheep industry to improve production efficiency and reduce animal welfare concerns due to low monitoring frequency by stockpeople. The concept of precision sheep management is described. This is a system in which sheep are managed as individuals or small groups rather than as a (whole) flock. Precision sheep management utilises the application of radio frequency identification technology, enabling producers to better monitor sheep in extensive situations, and contribute to improved efficiency of management and sheep welfare. Examples of combining radio frequency identification with other technologies such as walk-over-weighing and Pedigree Matchmaker are discussed. These technologies provide producers with tools to improve the cost effectiveness of, and labour efficiency associated with, collecting data on individual animals. The combined technologies should also improve consistency and reliability of information, enhancing decision-making by producers, for example, from regular monitoring of biometric variables such as liveweight, or calculating breeding values to enable superior genetic comparisons over time.
Impacts and outcomes of diabetes care in a high risk remote Indigenous community over time: implications for practice
Authors: Forbes Malcolm P. , Ling James , Jones Sam , McDermott Robyn
Published: April 2012

The aim of this study was to determine diabetes care processes and intermediate clinical outcomes in a remote primary care service in 2009 compared with 2004. A retrospective review of diabetes care from January 2009 to January 2010 was conducted using a chronic disease register (Project Ferret). Completeness of ascertainment was verified by a manual audit of charts. The results from this audit were compared with a similar study conducted in this community in 2004. The main outcome measure was diabetic management: in terms of (a) regular monitoring of diabetic care processes, and (b) compliance with national optimal management guidelines and comparison with diabetic outcomes data from a 2004 audit and the National data from 2009. People with diabetes on the register increased from 60 in 2004 to 77 in 2009. They were younger and heavier with a shorter duration of diagnosed diabetes. Recording of diabetic care processes in 2009 decreased between 5 and 32% compared with 2004 data. Intermediate clinical measures (e.g. glycosylated haemoglobin, blood pressure, triglycerides, albumin creatinine ratio) indicate stable or poorer diabetic control across all measures except total cholesterol. When compared with non-Indigenous diabetics, diabetes is diagnosed earlier and rates of smoking, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetic nephropathy are higher in this population. Insulin use appears to be lower in the study population than reported in the national sample. Improved diabetic care processes and outcomes reported from 1999 to 2003 have not been sustained, and intermediate clinical measures have become more adverse over a 5 year period in this high risk remote community. Chronic care systems, including quality improvement, require renewed investment.
To catch a starling: testing the effectiveness of different trap and lure types
Authors: Campbell S. , Cook S. , Mortimer L. , Palmer G. , Sinclair R. , Woolnough A. P.
Published: April 2012

Context Worldwide, invasive fauna species present one of the most intractable problems for agriculture and natural systems. Our ability to improve control techniques to combat the global invasive species predicament is constrained within the bounds of both economic and ethical considerations. In south-eastern Australia, the common starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is an established invasive avian pest that is now making incursions into areas of Western Australia (WA) that are currently free of this species. The most cost-effective and widely implemented starling control tool is trapping with live-lure birds. In recent years, the use of live-lure birds has been questioned on both economic and ethical grounds, and consequently alternative lure methods need investigating. Aims To evaluate the effectiveness of different trap and lure combinations for the capture of starlings in western South Australia (SA). Methods Modified Australian Crow (MAC) traps, used traditionally in WA to trap starlings, and Myna traps, originally designed for trapping common mynas (Sturnus tristis), were set during the peaks in starling flocking activity (Austral summer, 2007) using three different lure types: (1) live lure (live starlings); (2) moving water; and (3) acoustic lures. A trapping grid consisting of a single Myna trap with live lure and three MAC traps, each with one type of lure (live, water or acoustic) was established at five sites on the Eyre Peninsula in SA and monitored twice daily for 28 days. Key results Live lures were significantly more effective at attracting starlings into traps compared with both water and sound lures. We also trapped at an additional three sites and showed that Myna traps caught ~1.5 times more starlings than MAC traps when both traps were fitted with live-lure birds. Conclusions Neither moving water nor acoustic play-back lures proved suitable replacements for the use of live-lure birds to capture starlings. The efficacy of alternative lure types may depend on several factors and may include neophobic response(s) to novel signals and also the length of time that an invasive population has been established. Implications We recommend that use of live lures is continued in ongoing starling control programs, and that MAC traps currently in use be modified to capitalise on known starling behaviour. Further research and development of traps that do not contain live lures will improve the welfare of invasive species control programs.
Infinite-dimensional integration on weighted Hilbert spaces
Authors: Gnewuch Michael
Published: April 2012

We study the numerical integration problem for functions with infinitely many variables which stem from a weighted reproducing kernel Hilbert space. We study the worst case

ε
\varepsilon

-complexity which is defined as the minimal cost among all algorithms whose worst case error over the Hilbert space unit ball is at most

ε
\varepsilon

. Here we assume that the cost of evaluating a function depends polynomially on the number of active variables. The infinite-dimensional integration problem is tractable if the

ε
\varepsilon

-complexity is bounded by a constant times a power of

1

/

ε

1/\varepsilon

. The smallest such power is called the exponent of tractability.

We provide improved lower bounds for the exponent of tractability for general finite-order weights and, with the help of multilevel algorithms, improved upper bounds for three newly defined classes of finite-order weights. The newly defined finite-intersection weights model the situation where each group of variables interacts with at most

ρ
\rho

other groups of variables,

ρ
\rho

some fixed number. For these weights we obtain sharp upper bounds for any decay of the weights and any polynomial degree of the cost function. For the other two classes of finite-order weights our upper bounds are sharp if, e.g., the decay of the weights is fast or slow enough.

Furthermore, we deduce a lower bound for the exponent of tractability for arbitrary weights and a constructive upper bound for product weights.
FOXO3/FKHRL1 is activated by 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine and induces silenced caspase-8 in neuroblastoma
Authors: Geiger Kathrin , Hagenbuchner Judith , Rupp Martina , Fiegl Heidi , Sergi Consolato , Meister Bernhard , Kiechl-Kohlendorfer Ursula , Müller Thomas , Ausserlechner Michael J. , Obexer Petra
Published: April 2012

Forkhead box O (FOXO) transcription factors control diverse cellular functions, such as cell death, metabolism, and longevity. We analyzed FOXO3/FKHRL1 expression and subcellular localization in tumor sections of neuroblastoma patients and observed a correlation between nuclear FOXO3 and high caspase-8 expression. In neuroblastoma caspase-8 is frequently silenced by DNA methylation. Conditional FOXO3 activated caspase-8 gene expression but did not change the DNA-methylation pattern of regulatory sequences in the caspase-8 gene. Instead, FOXO3 induced phosphorylation of its binding partner ATM and of the ATM downstream target cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB), which was critical for FOXO3-mediated caspase-8 expression. Caspase-8 levels above a critical threshold sensitized neuroblastoma cells to tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand–induced cell death. The DNA-demethylating drug 5-Aza-2-deoxycytidine (5-azadC) induced rapid nuclear accumulation of FOXO3, ATM-dependent CREB phosphorylation, and caspase-8 expression in a FOXO3-dependent manner. This indicates that 5-azadC activates the FOXO3-ATM-CREB signaling pathway, which contributes to caspase-8 expression. The combined data suggest that FOXO3 is activated by 5-azadC treatment and triggers expression of caspase-8 in caspase-8–negative neuroblastoma, which may have important implication for metastasis, therapy, and death resistance of this childhood malignancy.
Novel microRNAs encoded by duck enteritis virus
Authors: Yao Yongxiu , Smith Lorraine P. , Petherbridge Lawrence , Watson Mick , Nair Venugopal
Published: April 2012

Duck enteritis virus (DEV) is an important herpesvirus pathogen associated with acute, highly contagious lethal disease in waterfowls. Using a deep sequencing approach on RNA from infected chicken embryo fibroblast cultures, we identified several novel DEV-encoded micro (mi)RNAs. Unlike most mardivirus-encoded miRNAs, DEV-encoded miRNAs mapped mostly to the unique long region of the genome. The precursors of DEV miR-D18 and miR-D19 overlapped with each other, suggesting similarities to miRNA-offset RNAs, although only the DEV-miR-D18-3p was functional in reporter assays. Identification of these novel miRNAs will add to the growing list of virus-encoded miRNAs enabling the exploration of their roles in pathogenesis.
Seamless replacement of Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus gp64 with each of five novel type II alphabaculovirus fusion sequences generates pseudotyped virus that fails to transduce mammalian cells
Authors: Westenberg Marcel , Soedling Helen M. , Hirani Nisha , Nicholson Linda J. , Mann Derek A. , Dolphin Colin T.
Published: April 2012

Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV), a member of the type I alphabaculoviruses, is able to transduce and deliver a functional gene to a range of non-host cells, including many mammalian lines and primary cells, a property mediated by the envelope fusion protein GP64. AcMNPV is non-cytopathic and inherently replication deficient in non-host cells. As such, AcMNPV represents a possible new class of gene therapy vector with potential future clinical utility. Whilst not a problem for in vitro gene delivery, the broad tropism displayed for non-host cells is less desirable in a gene therapy vector. The fusion protein F of type II alphabaculoviruses can substitute functionally for GP64, and such pseudotyped viruses display a severely impaired capacity for non-host-cell transduction. Thus, surface decoration of such an F-pseudotyped AcMNPV with cell-binding ligands may restore transduction competence and generate vectors with desirable cell-targeting characteristics. By seamlessly swapping the native gp64 coding sequence with each of five sequences encoding different F proteins, a set of F-pseudotyped AcMNPV was generated. This report details their relative abilities both to functionally replace GP64 in viral growth and to transduce human Saos-2 and HeLa cells. All five supported viable infections in insect cell cultures and one, the Mamestra configurata NPV (MacoNPV) F pseudotype, could be amplified to titres close to those of native AcMNPV. In contrast, none was able to transduce the Saos-2 and HeLa cell lines. The robust support provided by MacoNPV F in virus production makes the corresponding pseudotype a viable scaffold to display surface ligands to direct selective mammalian cell targeting.
Association between liver insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Vangipurapu J. , Stančáková A. , Kuulasmaa T. , Soininen P. , Kangas A. J. , Ala‐Korpela M. , Kuusisto J. , Laakso M.
Published: April 2012

Abstract.  Vangipurapu J, Stančáková A, Kuulasmaa T, Soininen P, Kangas AJ, Ala‐Korpela M, Kuusisto J, Laakso M (University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio; University of Oulu and Biocenter Oulu, Oulu, Finland). Association between liver insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk factors. J Intern Med 2012; 272: 402–408.

Objectives.  The objective of this study was to examine the associations between indices of liver insulin resistance (IR) and whole‐body insulin sensitivity and different cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.

Design and subjects.  A total of 8750 nondiabetic men (age 57.2 ± 7.1 years, body mass index 26.8 ± 3.8 kg m−2) were included in this study from the population‐based cross‐sectional Metabolic Syndrome In Men (METSIM) cohort. Liver IR index and Matsuda insulin sensitivity index (ISI) were used as markers of liver IR and whole‐body insulin sensitivity, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to examine the associations between these indices and various CVD risk factors.

Results.  Total cholesterol (r = −0.088 vs. r = 0.020; P < 0.0019), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (CRP) (r = 0.284 vs. r = −0.219; P < 0.0019) and total triglycerides (r = 0.507 vs. r = −0.477; P < 0.05) were more highly correlated with liver IR index than with Matsuda ISI. By contrast, Matsuda ISI was nominally more highly correlated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure (r = −0.234 and r = −0.275 vs. r = 0.202 and r = 0.239, respectively) compared to liver IR index. Furthermore, the variance explained by liver IR index was larger than that explained by Matsuda ISI for the majority of CVD risk factors measured.

Conclusions.  Liver IR index correlated more strongly than Matsuda ISI with levels of total cholesterol, CRP and triglycerides. Therefore, liver IR might be a significant indicator of CVD risk amongst men.
Environmental and ecological factors that shape the gut bacterial communities of fish: a meta‐analysis
Authors: SULLAM KAREN E. , ESSINGER STEVEN D. , LOZUPONE CATHERINE A. , O’CONNOR MICHAEL P. , ROSEN GAIL L. , KNIGHT ROB , KILHAM SUSAN S. , RUSSELL JACOB A.
Published: April 2012

Symbiotic bacteria often help their hosts acquire nutrients from their diet, showing trends of co‐evolution and independent acquisition by hosts from the same trophic levels. While these trends hint at important roles for biotic factors, the effects of the abiotic environment on symbiotic community composition remain comparably understudied. In this investigation, we examined the influence of abiotic and biotic factors on the gut bacterial communities of fish from different taxa, trophic levels and habitats. Phylogenetic and statistical analyses of 25 16S rRNA libraries revealed that salinity, trophic level and possibly host phylogeny shape the composition of fish gut bacteria. When analysed alongside bacterial communities from other environments, fish gut communities typically clustered with gut communities from mammals and insects. Similar consideration of individual phylotypes (vs. communities) revealed evolutionary ties between fish gut microbes and symbionts of animals, as many of the bacteria from the guts of herbivorous fish were closely related to those from mammals. Our results indicate that fish harbour more specialized gut communities than previously recognized. They also highlight a trend of convergent acquisition of similar bacterial communities by fish and mammals, raising the possibility that fish were the first to evolve symbioses resembling those found among extant gut fermenting mammals.
Need to reform the remuneration system to initiate a system approach to the health sector in resource‐poor countries
Authors: Hanson Stefan
Published: April 2012

Les ressources humaines sont le facteur le plus important pour le fonctionnement des systèmes de santé. Les agents de santé doivent être rémunérés de façon appropriée, mais les systèmes de rémunération actuels des pays à revenus faibles et intermédiaires en Afrique subsaharienne sont souvent injustes. Ils sont dans une large mesure basés sur les allocations et les per diems des programmes spécifiques à des maladies. Ils déforment le fonctionnement de l’ensemble du système et doivent être réformés. Cette réforme doit faire partie d’une évolution vers une approche plus large du système pour le secteur de la santé dans de nombreux pays. Toutefois, un tel changement de politique est combattu par ceux qui ont de puissants intérêts privés dans les systèmes actuels.
Impact of metabolic syndrome on the incidence of chronic kidney disease: A Chinese cohort study
Authors: YANG TSAN , CHU CHI‐HONG , HSU CHIH‐HSUNG , HSIEH PO‐CHIEN , CHUNG TIEH‐CHI , BAI CHYI‐HUEY , YOU SAN‐LIN , HWANG LEE‐CHING , LIN CHIH‐MING , SUN CHIEN‐AN
Published: April 2012

Aim:  Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a major culprit in cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Western populations. We studied the longitudinal association between MetS and incident CKD in Chinese adults.

Methods:  A cohort study was conducted in a nationally representative sample of 4248 Chinese adults in Taiwan. The MetS was defined according to a unified criteria set by several major organizations and CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) adjusted for sex, age, body mass index (BMI) and serum levels of total cholesterol.

Results:  The prevalence of MetS among participants at baseline recruitment was 15.0% (637/4248). During a median follow‐up period of 5.40 years, 208 subjects (4.9%) developed CKD. The multivariate‐adjusted HR of CKD in participants with MetS compared with those without was 1.42 (95% CI = 1.03, 1.73). Additionally, there was a significantly graded relationship between the number of the MetS components and risk of CKD. Further, the relation between MetS and incident CKD was more robust in subjects with BMI >27.5 kg/m2 than in those with lower BMI.

Conclusion:  The results suggest that the presence of MetS was significantly associated with increased risk of incident CKD in a Chinese population. These findings warrant future studies to test the impact of preventing and treating MetS on the reduction of the occurrence of CKD.
Vitamin D deficiency in Tasmania: a whole of life perspective
Authors: van der Mei I. A. F. , Dore D. , Winzenberg T. , Blizzard L. , Jones G.
Published: April 2012

Aim

This study aims to describe the lifetime picture of vitamin D deficiency, as measured by serum 25(OH)D concentration, in Tasmania (latitude 43°S).

Methods

Five cross‐sectional studies were used: a sample of primary schoolchildren (n = 201, aged 7–8 years), two samples of adolescents (sample 1: n = 374, aged 15–18 years; sample 2: n = 136, aged 16–19 years), a sample of young to middle‐aged adults (n = 262, aged 19–59 years) and a sample of older adults (n = 1092, aged 50–80 years).

Results

In winter/spring, approximately two‐thirds of the adolescents and adults (young, middle‐aged and older) had 25(OH)D levels ≤50 nmol/L, and around 10% had 25(OH)D levels ≤25 nmol/L. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was much lower for primary schoolchildren (11.5% < 50 nmol/L, 0.5% ≤ 25 nmol/L). In summer/autumn, approximately one‐third of the adolescents and adults had 25(OH)D levels ≤50 nmol/L, and very few had 25(OH)D levels ≤25 nmol/L. For the adolescents and adults, even among those who reported the highest category of sun exposure, approximately 45% had 25(OH)D levels ≤50 nmol/L in winter/spring.

Conclusions

Vitamin D deficiency was uncommon among our sample of primary school children but increased substantially during the teenage years and seemed to remain high throughout the rest of life, suggesting that mild vitamin D deficiency is endemic in Tasmania apart from in the very young.
The protective effects of Lycium barbarum and Chrysanthemum morifolum on diabetic retinopathies in rats
Authors: Hu Chun‐Kun , Lee Yih‐Jing , Colitz Carmen M. , Chang Ching‐Jin , Lin Chung‐Tien
Published: April 2012

The effects of Lycium barbarum and Chrysanthemum morifolum extracts on diabetic retinopathy were evaluated. The diabetes model was induced by streptozotocin. Animals were divided into six groups: the control group received only vehicle; diabetic animal models received no treatment, insulin treatment, Lycium extract, Chrysanthemum extract, or a combination of Lycium and Chrysanthemum extracts, respectively. Retinal function was evaluated by electroretinography, and the diabetic progression was monitored by blood test for hyperglycemia. In addition, retinal histopathology and retinal glial reactivity were also investigated. The electroretinographic amplitudes of the a‐ and b‐waves were significantly decreased in the diabetic animals, and the implicit time of the b‐wave was also delayed, compared to the control group. However, reductions in the a‐ and b‐wave amplitudes were not observed in the Lycium‐treated group. Histopathological studies showed no significant differences between the Lycium‐treated, Chrysanthemum‐treated, Lycium/Chrysanthemum‐treated groups, and the control group. The results of this study suggest that L. barbarum may have protective effects in diabetic retinopathy.
Genetic explorations of recent human metabolic adaptations: hypotheses and evidence
Authors: Brown Elizabeth A.
Published: April 2012

Since humans and chimpanzees split from a common ancestor over 6 million years ago, human metabolism has changed dramatically. This change includes adaptations to a high‐quality diet, the evolution of an energetically expensive brain, dramatic increases in endurance abilities, and capacity for energy storage in white adipose tissue. Human metabolism continues to evolve in modern human populations in response to local environmental and cultural selective forces. Understanding the nature of these selective forces and the physiological responses during human evolution is a compelling challenge for evolutionary biologists. The complex genetic architecture surrounding metabolic phenotypes indicates that selection probably altered allelic frequencies across many loci in populations experiencing adaptive metabolic change to fit their environment. A recent analysis supports this hypothesis, finding that classic selective sweeps at single loci were rare during the past 250 000 years of human evolution. Detection of selective signatures at multiple loci, as well as exploration of physiological adaptation to environment in humans, will require cross‐disciplinary collaboration, including the incorporation of biological pathway analysis. This review explores the Thrifty Genotype Hypothesis, high‐altitude adaptation, cold‐resistance adaptation, and genetic evidence surrounding these proposed metabolic adaptations in an attempt to clarify current challenges and avenues for future progress.
Progesterone prevents mitochondrial dysfunction in the spinal cord of wobbler mice
Authors: Deniselle Maria Claudia Gonzalez , Carreras Maria Cecilia , Garay Laura , Gargiulo‐Monachelli Gisella , Meyer Maria , Poderoso Juan Jose , De Nicola Alejandro F.
Published: April 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 122, 185–195.

In the Wobbler mouse, a mutation of the Vps54 protein increases oxidative stress in spinal motoneurons, associated to toxic levels of nitric oxide and hyperactivity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Progesterone neuroprotection has been reported for several CNS diseases, including the Wobbler mouse neurodegeneration. In the present study, we analyzed progesterone effects on mitochondrial‐associated parameters of symptomatic Wobbler mice. The activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I, II‐III and IV and protein levels of mitochondrial and cytosolic NOS were determined in cervical and lumbar cords from control, Wobbler and Wobbler mice receiving a progesterone implant for 18 days. We found a significant reduction of complex I and II‐III activities in mitochondria and increased protein levels of mitochondrial, but not cytosolic nNOS, in the cervical cord of Wobbler mice. Progesterone treatment prevented the reduction of complex I in the cervical region and the increased level of mitochondrial nNOS. Wobbler motoneurons also showed accumulation of amyloid precursor protein immunoreactivity and decreased activity and immunostaining of MnSOD. Progesterone treatment avoided these abnormalities. Therefore, administration of progesterone to clinically afflicted Wobblers (i) prevented the abnormal increase of mitochondrial nNOS and normalized respiratory complex I; (ii) decreased amyloid precursor protein accumulation, a sign of axonal degeneration, and (iii) increased superoxide dismutation. Thus, progesterone neuroprotection decreases mitochondriopathy of Wobbler mouse cervical spinal cord.
Inhibitory effects of sigma‐1 ligands on handling‐induced tachycardia in conscious tethered rats
Authors: Delaunois Annie , De Ron Pierrette , Detrait Eric , Guyaux Michel
Published: April 2012

We used conscious tethered Sprague‐Dawley rats to evaluate the cardiovascular effects of four sigma‐1 (σ1) agonists and five antagonists, given alone or in combination. All drugs were administered as a single intraperitoneal dose. The agonists were given at doses reported as efficacious in rodent cognition models, while the antagonists were administered at doses neutralizing agonist effects in vivo. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR) were continuously recorded for 20 min before and 60 min postadministration. Immediately after injection, a sudden, transitory increase in HR and SBP was noted in all animals, because of the stress induced by handling. For both parameters, a peak value (ΔHRmax and ΔSBPmax) and an area under the curve of changes from baseline over the period 5–20 min postinjection (ΔHR_AUC5–20 min and ΔSBP_AUC5–20 min) were calculated. Three of the four σ1 agonists (SKF‐10,047, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS), Compound 14) significantly reduced ΔHR_AUC5–20 min value without changing ΔHRmax, while the fourth one, SA‐4503, had no significant effect. None of the antagonists (haloperidol, rimcazole, NE‐100, and BD1047) reduced, and even one (progesterone) enhanced the stress‐induced effects on HR. No changes in SBP were noted with any compound. When the antagonist NE‐100 was administered just before SKF‐10,047, it completely reversed the inhibitory effects of the σ1 agonist on HR increase. In conclusion, we demonstrated for the first time the involvement of σ1 receptors in the regulation of handling‐induced tachycardia in the conscious rat. Although additional investigations are needed to fully understand this role, it might offer new therapeutic perspectives to σ1 ligands in the cardiovascular sphere.
The use of megavoltage radiation therapy in the treatment of thymomas in rabbits: 19 cases
Authors: Andres K. M. , Kent M. , Siedlecki C. T. , Mayer J. , Brandão J. , Hawkins M. G. , Morrisey J. K. , Quesenberry K. , Valli V. E. , Bennett R. A.
Published: April 2012

An overall median survival time (MST) and prognostic factors in rabbits with thymomas treated with megavoltage radiation therapy (RT) were determined in this multi‐institutional retrospective case analysis. Medical records for 19 rabbits with suspected or confirmed thymomas treated with RT were evaluated for data including signalment, haematological and serum biochemistry abnormalities, presence of pleural effusion, radiation plan, body weight, total radiation dose and institution administering RT. Statistical significance of these factors related to overall survival was assessed. An overall MST for all 19 rabbits was 313 days; exclusion of 3 rabbits that died acutely during the first 14 days of RT yielded a MST of 727 days. The only factor associated with a significantly decreased survival time was having a body weight lower than mean body weight of 1.57 kg. Radiation treatment‐associated complications were infrequent and included radiation‐induced myocardial failure, radiation pneumonitis and alopecia.
A Public Health Nursing Research Agenda
Authors: Issel L. Michele , Bekemeier Betty , Kneipp Shawn
Published: April 2012

Public health nurses (PHNs) use many interventions to prevent illness and promote the health of populations. Unfortunately, generating evidence regarding PHN practice is not explicitly identified as a research priority area of the major national funding agencies. Nor has PHN, as a profession, had a strong enough research agenda to drive practice improvement on a population‐level and to drive funding to support such areas of research. To further advance the science needed to guide PHN practice, a national conference to set the research agenda was held in October 2010 with grant support from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The conference was part of a multimethod, participatory, multistage approach taken to generate the final research priority themes and corresponding priority research questions. The process yielded four high priority PHN research themes: PHN intervention models, Quality of population‐focused PHN practice, Metrics of/for PHN, and comparative effectiveness and PHN outcomes. As the agenda is adopted by funding agencies, researchers, and practice‐based partners, a more focused program of research will produce evidence that can guide population‐focused PHN practice.
Aspirin's Effect on Platelet Inhibition in Migraineurs
Authors: Jesurum Jill T. , Fuller Cindy J. , Murinova Natalia , Truva Colleen M. , Lucas Sylvia M.
Published: April 2012

Objective.— To assess the effect of aspirin on platelet reactivity in migraineurs.

Background.— Migraineurs, particularly women with aura and high monthly migraine frequency, are at risk for ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction (MI). High on‐aspirin platelet reactivity (HAPR), or aspirin resistance, has been reported in females and patients with coronary artery disease, and is associated with adverse outcomes.

Methods.— Using a single group, pretest/posttest design, 50 migraineurs without prior history of stroke or MI were prospectively treated for 14 to 21 consecutive days with 325 mg generic enteric‐coated aspirin, after undergoing a 14‐day aspirin washout. Platelet reactivity was measured after aspirin washout and following aspirin treatment. Subjects were screened for HAPR using the VerifyNow™ Aspirin Assay (Accumetrics, San Diego, CA, USA). HAPR was defined as ≥460 Aspirin Reaction Units (ARU; primary endpoint).

Results.— Fifty subjects, 44 (88%) female, aged (mean ± standard deviation) 43 ± 12 years were enrolled. Twelve (24%; 95% CI 12‐36%) subjects, all female, had HAPR and were classified as aspirin resistant. Subjects with HAPR had lower baseline hemoglobin levels than those without HAPR (P = .03). Baseline hemoglobin was significantly correlated with final ARU (r = −0.39, P = .005).

Conclusions.— Findings of this exploratory study suggest that migraineurs have a higher prevalence of HAPR than healthy volunteers or patients with coronary artery disease taking aspirin 325 mg. The clinical implications of HAPR in migraine warrant further exploration due to the risk of stroke and MI and the potential need for antiplatelet therapy in this population.
Intercompany Energy Integration
Authors: Hiete Michael , Ludwig Jens , Schultmann Frank
Published: April 2012

Reusing heat through process integration in heat exchanger networks has long been a key measure for increasing energy efficiency in energy‐intensive industries. Thermal pinch analysis is commonly used for a systematic matching of process streams and thus planning of optimal process integration in large chemical plants. The possible savings increase with the amount of heat and the number of integrated process streams. Therefore co‐ siting of several companies in a symbiotic network opens new opportunities for process integration even in small and medium‐size enterprises (SMEs), but also introduces new challenges.

Thermal pinch analysis is extended here to account for piping distances and fluctuations and limited availability of energy flows by adding additional costs for the piping system and a backup utility system in the optimization function. Cooperative game theory is proposed to derive a sharing of savings between the partners of the industrial symbiosis that is optimal for each partner and should prevent partners from leaving the network because of higher benefits in a subgroup or alone. It is argued that knowledge about the optimality of a network for each partner creates trust between the partners that is a necessary base for the long‐term commitment needed in industrial symbioses. An exemplary symbiotic network combining the production of pulp and woody biomass energy carriers is used to illustrate the proposed approaches.
Affective and Behavioral Features of Jealousy Protest: Associations with Child Temperament, Maternal Interaction Style, and Attachment
Authors: Hart Sybil L. , Behrens Kazuko Y.
Published: April 2012

This study explored variation in affective and behavioral components of infants’ jealousy protests during an eliciting condition in which mother and an experimenter directed differential attention exclusively toward a rival. Variation was examined in relation to child temperamental emotionality, maternal interaction style, and attachment security. At 45 weeks, intensity of infants’distress and durations of mother‐ and stranger‐directed behavioral responses, including gaze, touch, and proximity‐seeking, were observed in the eliciting condition. We also assessed infants’positive emotionality (PE) and negative emotionality (NE) and maternal interaction styles of sensitivity and engagement. At 54 weeks, attachment security was measured in the Strange Situation Procedure. Findings revealed that distress differed with temperamental emotionality and maternal interaction style. Specifically, distress was greater in infants with lower PE and having mothers who displayed less sensitivity and engagement. Analyses on behavioral responses toward the experimenter revealed linkages with maternal interaction style. Specifically, experimenter‐directed gaze and touch were greater among infants of mothers who demonstrated less sensitivity and engagement. Behavioral responses toward mother were found associated with quality of attachment. Specifically, mother‐directed proximity and touch were highest among infants later judged insecure resistant and lowest among those later judged insecure/avoidant; with infants later judged secure displaying moderate durations of mother‐directed proximal contact.
Successful Slow Pathway Ablation in a Patient with a Rare Unroofed Type Coronary Sinus
Authors: KAWATA HIRO , SATOMI KAZUHIRO , YAMAGATA KENICHIRO , KAMAKURA SHIRO
Published: April 2012

We report a case of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia coexistent with a coronary sinus (CS) anomaly. During a standard electrophysiological study, the CS could not be cannulated despite several attempts. A persistent left superior vena cava angiogram through the left brachial vein confirmed an unroofed type CS. Successful slow pathway ablation from the right posterior paraseptum lesion was achieved using an anatomical approach.
Evolution in Transvenous Extraction of Pacemaker and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Leads Using a Mechanical Dilator Sheath
Authors: OTO ALI , AYTEMIR KUDRET , CANPOLAT UĞUR , YORGUN HIKMET , ŞAHINER LEVENT , KAYA ERGÜN BARIŞ , KABAKÇI GIRAY , TOKGÖZOĞLU LALE
Published: April 2012

Background:

With developing technology, transvenous lead extraction (TLE) has undergone an explosive evolution due to incremental problems related to lead infection and malfunction.

Objective:

We aimed to present our experience in TLE with the Evolution®Mechanical Dilator Sheath (Cook Medical, Grandegrift, PA, USA).

Methods:

Between June 2009 and July 2011, the Evolution®mechanical dilator sheath was used for the extraction of 140 pacemaker (PM) and implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) leads in 66 patients. Indications for extraction, procedural success, and complications were defined according to Heart Rhythm Society Guidelines.

Results:

Indications for TLE were infection in 39 patients (59.1%), lead malfunction in 26 patients (39.4%), and lead displacement in one patient (1.5%). Extracted devices were PM in 28 cases (42.3%), ICD in 26 cases (39.4%), and biventricular cardioverter defibrillator in 12 cases (18.2%). Among 140 leads, 31 (22.1%) were right ventricular, 49 (35.0%) were defibrillator coil, 47 (33.6%) were atrial, and 13 (9.3%) were coronary sinus electrodes. The median time interval from the lead implantation to lead extraction was 85 months (range 22–240 months). Complete procedural success with the Evolution®system alone was achieved in 58 (87.9%) patients and overall clinical success was 98.5%. Four leads were completely removed with the help of a femoral snare and partial success was achieved in three leads with a remaining small ventricular tip. Major complication was observed in only one (1.5%) patient without any mortality.

Conclusions:

Our experience confirms that the hand‐powered Evolution system is an effective extraction tool for chronically implanted PM/ICD leads. Randomized controlled studies are required to evaluate success and complication rates in comparison to other techniques. (PACE 2012;XX:1–7)
Differentiating Between Genuine Damage and Falsified Damage to a Garment Following an Alleged Sexual Assault*
Authors: Williams Graham , Haider Imran
Published: April 2012

Abstract:  An allegation of sexual assault was made in which a bra was torn off by the assailant causing extensive damage; however, it was observed that the hook and eye fastening was still intact. It was felt that it was not possible for a garment to receive such damage without damage to the hook and eye fastening, thus indicating that the complainant caused the damage to the bra herself to support a false allegation. Reconstruction experiments were conducted in which the conditions of the allegation were simulated utilizing a range of similar bras. Following the infliction of damage, the hook and eye fastenings were examined. In eight of nine experiments, the hook and eye fastening were intact, despite the application of enough force to cause separation of the bra cups in five of the experiments. This shows that bras may suffer extensive damage without damage to the hook and eye fastening.
Evaluation of a web‐based application versus conventional instruction in the undergraduate curriculum of fixed prosthodontics
Authors: Ramseier C. A. , Ivanovic A. , Woermann U. , Mattheos N.
Published: April 2012

Aims:  The present study aims to investigate the implications of web‐based delivery of identical learning content for time efficiency and students’ performance, as compared to conventional textbook resources.

Materials and methods:  Two cohorts of third year undergraduate dental students in 2003 (n = 35) and 2006 (n = 32) completed the study. Following a baseline pre‐test, the students were divided into two groups and given 3 weeks for studying identical content using a web‐based application (group A) or a conventional paper manuscript (group B). Post‐test, end of semester examination and a final retention test were taken. Test scores and studying time was registered for both cohorts in 2003 and 2006.

Results:  Group A and B knowledge gain was highly significant between the average per cent scores from pre‐test, post‐test and end of semester examination in both cohorts in 2003 and 2006 (P < 0.005). Group A spent 1.6× (2003) to 2.6× (2006) less time studying than group B. The average total studying time recorded for group B was 5.1 h using 6.2 learning sessions in 2003 and 3.5 h using 4.4 sessions in 2006. With group A, significantly less time was measured for studying through web‐based content using an average of 2.5 h over 4.4 learning sessions in 2003 and 1.5 h added over three sessions in 2006.

Conclusions:  Web‐based delivery of identical content results in less overall studying time as compared to textbook delivery. These results appear independent of the students’ own preference of the learning medium.
Bacteria and Candida yeasts in inflammations of the oral mucosa in children with secondary immunodeficiency
Authors: Olczak‐Kowalczyk Dorota , Daszkiewicz Marta , Krasuska‐Sławińska  , Dembowska‐Bagińska Bożena , Gozdowski Dariusz , Daszkiewicz Paweł , Fronc Beata , Semczuk Katarzyna
Published: April 2012

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 568–576

Background:  Oral microbial flora and a damaged oral mucosa may increase the risk of bacteriemia, fungemia and complications in immunocompromised patients.

Aim of the Study:  Assessment of presence: bacteria and Candida spp. in different oral lesions, and the incidence of bacteremia in the case of a damaged mucosa in transplant recipients and patients receiving anti‐tumour chemotherapy.

Material and Method:  Forty‐five patients – 18 months to 18 years of life, were included (20 – organ recipients, 14– anti‐tumour chemotherapy, 11 – control group). Clinical, oral mucosa examination focused on the type, severity and site of lesions, and microbiology assessed the presence of bacteria and fungi in the material from lesions. Blood cultures were performed in ten immunocompromised patients with manifestations of systemic infection. The control material consisted of blood cultures made prior to the onset of oral lesions and after 4–6 weeks following their remission in a diagnosed bacteremia. The statistical analysis was performed.

Results:  In the subjects with secondary immunodeficiency, among other coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus (CoNS), Candidia spp. were more frequent. In cancer patients, mucositis was associated with Candida spp., Streptococcus spp. Organ recipients with stomatitis exhibited the presence of CoNS, Streptococcus viridians and other. Oral lesions in the control group contained Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Neisseria spp. and Staphylococcus aureus. In 30% of immunocompromised patients, oral lesions were accompanied by bacteremia.

Conclusions:  A correlation has been found between oral lesions and the presence of S. aureus in patients without secondary immunodeficiency, and of CoNS, Enterococcus spp., Candida spp. in immunocompromised patients.
The Molecular Dynamics of Trypanosoma brucei UDP‐Galactose 4′‐Epimerase: A Drug Target for African Sleeping Sickness
Authors: Friedman Aaron J. , Durrant Jacob D. , Pierce Levi C. T. , McCorvie Thomas J. , Timson David J. , McCammon J. Andrew
Published: April 2012

During the past century, several epidemics of human African trypanosomiasis, a deadly disease caused by the protist Trypanosoma brucei, have afflicted sub‐Saharan Africa. Over 10 000 new victims are reported each year, with hundreds of thousands more at risk. As current drug treatments are either highly toxic or ineffective, novel trypanocides are urgently needed. The T. brucei galactose synthesis pathway is one potential therapeutic target. Although galactose is essential for T. brucei survival, the parasite lacks the transporters required to intake galactose from the environment. UDP‐galactose 4′‐epimerase (TbGalE) is responsible for the epimerization of UDP‐glucose to UDP‐galactose and is therefore of great interest to medicinal chemists. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we investigate the atomistic motions of TbGalE in both the apo and holo states. The sampled conformations and protein dynamics depend not only on the presence of a UDP‐sugar ligand, but also on the chirality of the UDP‐sugar C4 atom. This dependence provides important insights into TbGalE function and may help guide future computer‐aided drug discovery efforts targeting this protein.
Global Gene Profiling of VCP‐associated Inclusion Body Myopathy
Authors: Nalbandian Angèle , Ghimbovschi Svetlana , Radom‐Aizik Shlomit , Dec Eric , Vesa Jouni , Martin Barbara , Knoblach Susan , Smith Charles , Hoffman Eric , Kimonis Virginia E.
Published: April 2012

Inclusion body myopathy associated with Paget’s disease of bone and frontotemporal dementia (IBMPFD) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in the Valosin‐containing protein (VCP) gene on chromosome 9p12–13. Patients demonstrate limb girdle muscle weakness, which eventually progresses to involve respiratory muscles, and death from respiratory and cardiac failure. This is the first investigation to analyze key molecular mediators and signaling cascades in skeletal muscle causing myopathy by global gene microarray in hopes of understanding the dysregulated genes and molecular mechanisms underlying IBMPFD and the hope of finding novel therapeutic targets. We determined expression profiles using Human Genome Array microarray technology in Vastus lateralis muscles from patients and their first‐degree relatives. We analyzed gene annotations by Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integration Discovery and identified differentially dysregulated genes with roles in several novel biological pathways, including regulation of actin cytoskeleton, ErbB signaling, cancer, in addition to regulation of autophagy, and lysosomal signaling, known disrupted pathways in VCP disease. In this report, we present data from the first global microarray analyzing IBMPFD patient muscles and elucidating dysregulated pathways to further understand the pathogenesis of the disease and discover potential therapeutics. Clin Trans Sci 2012; Volume #: 1–9