bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Japan's 2011 tsunami created gravity waves in the ionosphere
Authors: Bhattacharya Atreyee
Published: September 2012

On 11 March 2011, when a 9.0 magnitude earthquake triggered a catastrophic tsunami off the northern coast of Japan, a network of GPS receivers present near the epicenter of the earthquake detected perturbations in the total electron content (TEC) in the ionosphere, traveling as gravity waves. For several years, scientists have observed that because of coupling between Earth's atmosphere and the ionosphere, large seismic events produce disturbances in the ionosphere. However, GPS receivers are not always present near earthquake epicenters, some large earthquakes are not associated with tsunamis, and most earthquakes (and tsunamis) are not large enough to create a detectable signal in the ionosphere. However, the earthquake in Japan occurred close to one of the densest networks of GPS receivers in the world: Japan's GEONET network, which made ionospheric TEC measurements in the vicinity of the epicenter before, during, and after the tsunami moved through the region. Galvan et al. compared GPS‐based TEC measurements with models of sea surface height of the tsunami wave and Earthionosphere coupled models to assess for the first time what really drives the gravity waves in the ionosphere: the earthquake or the tsunami?
Singing‐sand avalanches without dunes
Authors: Dagois‐Bohy S. , Courrech du Pont S. , Douady S.
Published: September 2012

Singing‐sand dunes have attracted curiosity for centuries and are now the subject of controversy. We address here two aspects of this controversy: first the possible link between the frequency heard and the shear rate (for a gravity avalanche on a dune slip‐face, scaling as
, with d the ‘mean’ grain diameter), and second, the assumed necessity of a layered dune structure under the avalanche that acts as a resonator. Field recordings of singing dunes over the world reveal that they can present very different spectral characteristics: a dune with polydisperse grains produces a very broad and noisy spectrum, while a dune with sorted grains produces a well‐defined frequency. Performing laboratory avalanches on a hard plate with singing‐dune sand shows that there is no need for a dune below the sand avalanche to produce the singing sound, anda fortiorineither for the dune's layered structure nor for its particular sound transmission. By sieving the polydisperse grains, the same well‐defined frequency is obtained to that of the dune with sorted grains, with the same diameter‐frequency relation. The various frequencies heard in the field avalanches match the shear rates not calculated from the average size, but from the various peaks of the grain size distributions.
The reduction of storm surge by vegetation canopies: Three‐dimensional simulations
Authors: Sheng Y. Peter , Lapetina Andrew , Ma Gangfeng
Published: September 2012

Significant buffering of storm surges by vegetation canopies has been suggested by limited observations and simple numerical studies, particularly following recent Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma. Here we simulate storm surge and inundation over idealized topographies using a three‐dimensional vegetation‐resolving storm surge model coupled to a shallow water wave model and show that a sufficiently wide and tall vegetation canopy reduces inundation on land by 5 to 40 percent, depending upon various storm and canopy parameters. Effectiveness of the vegetation in dissipating storm surge and inundation depends on the intensity and forward speed of the hurricane, as well as the density, height, and width of the vegetation canopy. Reducing the threat to coastal vegetation from development, sea level rise, and other anthropogenic factors would help to protect many coastal regions against storm surges.
Acceleration of radiation belts electrons by oblique chorus waves
Authors: Mourenas D. , Artemyev A. , Agapitov O. , Krasnoselskikh V.
Published: September 2012

The redistribution of energy during the recovery phase of geomagnetic storms related to the acceleration of electrons in the Earth's outer radiation belt by cyclotron‐resonant chorus waves is an important and challenging topic of magnetospheric plasma physics. An approximate analytical formulation of energy diffusion coefficients is derived in this paper, on the basis of a quasi‐linear formalism valid for large enough bandwidths or for successive random scatter by uncorrelated waves of different frequencies and moderate average amplitudes. We make use of chorus wave parameterizations derived from CLUSTER measurements to show that oblique whistler waves can significantly increase the energy diffusion rate of small pitch angle electrons on the dayside. On the other hand, the energization rate of the more numerous high pitch angle electrons is typically reduced by a factor of 2 on the dayside, while it remains nearly unchanged on the nightside where high‐intensity waves are less oblique. Besides, lifetimes are strongly reduced on the dayside, which could also impact the long‐term time‐integrated acceleration rates of injected electrons. Comparison between the analytical formulas and full numerical results demonstrates a good agreement and provides new scaling laws as a function of whistler mean frequency, plasma density and particle energy. It is also suggested that the enhancement of energy diffusion of low energy electrons (<100 keV) at small pitch angles with oblique waves could result in an intensification of wave growth at latitudes higher than 15°. This might contribute to explain high chorus intensities measured by CLUSTER on the dayside at high latitudes.
Jahn-Teller, pseudo-Jahn-Teller, and spin-orbit coupling Hamiltonian of a d electron in an octahedral environment
Authors: Poluyanov Leonid V. , Domcke Wolfgang
Published: September 2012

Starting from the model of a single d-electron in an octahedral crystal environment, the Hamiltonian for linear and quadratic Jahn-Teller (JT) coupling and zeroth order as well as linear spin-orbit (SO) coupling in the 2T2g + 2Eg electronic multiplet is derived. The SO coupling is described by the microscopic Breit-Pauli operator. The 10 × 10 Hamiltonian matrices are explicitly given for all linear and quadratic electrostatic couplings and all linear SO-induced couplings. It is shown that the 2T2g manifold exhibits, in addition to the well-known electrostatic JT effects, linear JT couplings which are of relativistic origin, that is, they arise from the SO operator. While only the eg mode is JT-active in the 2Eg state in the nonrelativistic approximation, the t2g mode becomes JT-active through the SO operator. Both electrostatic as well as relativistic forces contribute to the 2T2g − 2Eg pseudo-JT coupling via the t2g mode. The relevance of these analytic results for the static and dynamic JT effects in octahedral complexes containing heavy elements is discussed.
Structural, magnetic and magnetostrictive behavior in Nd(Fe1−xCox)1.9 compounds
Authors: Hu C. C. , Shi Y. G. , Zheng T. F. , Fan J. Y. , Shi D. N. , Lv L. Y. , Tang S. L.
Published: September 2012

The crystal structure, magnetic properties and magnetostriction of polycrystalline magnetostrictive alloys Nd(Fe1−xCox)1.9 were investigated. It was found that the single cubic Laves phase can only be obtained in the samples with x>0.4 by a traditional annealing method. In contrast, the cubic Laves phase exists over the entire composition range studied in the samples annealed under high pressure. Both the Curie temperature and saturation magnetization increase with increasing Co concentration to a maximum at x = 0.2 and then decrease with further increasing x, which could be understood in the frame of rigid band model. The spin phase diagram for Nd(Fe1−xCox)1.9 is constructed to illustrate the arrangement for the easy magnetization direction and crystal structure. The magnetostriction of Nd(Fe1−xCox)1.9 increases with increasing Co concentration and peaks at x = 0.1 and then presents an anomalous behavior when 0.2≤x≤0.6. It is suggested that the external-field-induced lattice strain should be responsible for the anomalous magnetostrictive behavior.
Investigation of a high impedance magnetically insulated transmission line oscillator with hollow load
Authors: Zhou Heng , Shu Ting , Li Zhi-qiang
Published: September 2012

A novel high-impedance magnetically insulated transmission line oscillator (MILO) with greatly restrained power deposition on the anode has been investigated. Methods to increase the MILO impedance and decrease the anode current are discussed. A MILO with impedance of 30 Ω and power conversion efficiency of 25% is presented by particle-in-cell simulations. Compared with the previous MILO in our lab, the anode current of the proposed MILO is reduced about 50%, the power conversion efficiency doubles, and the power deposition on anode is reduced nearly one half. Furthermore, considerations for reducing the power deposition on load have also been carried out in MILO design, and the load current is reduced to 4.6 kA, only 17% of the total anode current. Finally, a hollow load was introduced to reduce the power deposition density on the load, without decreasing the power conversion efficiency.
Electronic and vibrational properties of vanadium-carbide nanowires
Authors: Singh Poorva , Nautiyal Tashi , Auluck Sushil
Published: September 2012

We have made an effort to understand the properties of transition metal carbide nanowires (NWs) and studied vanadium-carbide (VC) nanowires as a specific case. Different structures have been considered and their electronic and vibrational properties studied employing density functional theory. The effect of dimensionality is very well brought forth by these NWs, narrow/thinner structures have clear preference for magnetic state with sizeable magnetic moment at the V sites. As the thickness/width increases, the margin decreases and the magnetic moment disappears altogether for structures like square and rectangular NWs. The cohesive energy per atom increases with the increase in lateral dimensions of the NW, and it is about 88% of the bulk value for the rectangular NW, while it is only 50% for the linear chain. All the wires are conducting in nature, with the linear and zigzag wires having half-metallic character. Our calculations show that the V atoms decide the electronic and magnetic properties in these while compressibility, a mechanical property, is governed by the C atoms. The electron localization function beautifully illustrates the closeness of thicker/wider NWs to the bulk. It also reveals that electrons are highly localized around C atoms; however, the amount of charge transferred depends strongly on the structure of wire. The optical properties unfurl the impact of different spatial expanse in the cross section of NW in a nice way, e.g., ε2xx > ε2yy (ε2 is imaginary part of dielectric function) for all those with a larger expanse along X compared to Y and vice-versa. Thicker nanowires seem to be more suitable for optical applications. Site-resolved phonon density of states shows that presence of C atoms is responsible for high frequency branches. The heat capacity variation for various structures closely follows the magnitude of respective phonon density of states.
Investigating thermal donors in n-type Cz silicon with carrier density imaging
Authors: Hu Yu , Schøn Hendrik , Øvrelid Eivind Johannes , Nielsen Øyvind , Arnberg Lars
Published: September 2012

A new method to map the thermal donor concentration in silicon wafers using carrier density imaging is presented. A map of the thermal donor concentration is extracted with high resolution from free carrier density images of a silicon wafer before and after growth of thermal donors. For comparison, free carrier density mapping is also performed using the resistivity method together with linear interpolation. Both methods reveal the same distribution of thermal donors indicating that the carrier density imaging technique can be used to map thermal donor concentration. The interstitial oxygen concentration can also be extracted using the new method in combination with Wijaranakula's model. As part of this work, the lifetime at medium injection level is correlated to the concentration of thermal donors in the as-grown silicon wafer. The recombination rate is found to depend strongly on the thermal donor concentration except in the P-band region.
A revised method for estimating population densities of common wombats (Vombatus ursinus)
Authors: McIlroy John , Collins John , Borchard Philip
Published: September 2012

Estimation of the population density of the common wombat (Vombatus ursinus) has used regression equations based on the mean number of burrows used per 24 h over five successive 24-h periods. While adequate, the method has several deficiencies and required 6 successive days of fieldwork to carry out. We describe a revised method based on considerably more data. It provides more precise estimates, can be used for greater numbers of used burrows and can be carried out over a much shorter period.
The bats (Mammalia:Chiroptera) of the lower Waria Valley, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea: a survey and comparison across habitat types using mist nets
Authors: Dawson Jeff , Turner Craig , Pileng Oscar , Farmer Andrew , McGary Cara , Walsh Chris , Tamblyn Alexia , Yosi Cossey
Published: September 2012

From June 2007 to February 2009 the Waria Valley Community Conservation and Sustainable Livelihoods Project completed a mist net survey of bats in the lower Waria Valley, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea. The Waria Valley is located on the north coast of the Morobe Province ~190 km south-east of Lae, and still has large tracts of intact lowland hill and plain rainforest. Four broad habitats (agricultural, secondary forest edge, primary forest edge and primary forest) were surveyed using mist nets. A total of 596 individuals representing 11 species were caught, measured and identified over 8824 net-m h–1 across 99 nights. Within the limitations of this method, primary forest edge sites in general showed the highest degree of species richness and diversity and along with secondary forest edge sites were more even in species composition. Primary forest and agricultural sites were each dominated by a single species, Syconycteris australis and Macroglossus minimus respectively. Most captures were megachiropterans and microchiropterans were underrepresented, presumably in part because of the survey method employed.
Capture and care of northern long-eared bats (Nyctophilus bifax) and seasonal changes in insect abundance
Authors: Stawski Clare
Published: September 2012

Seasonal capture rates of insectivorous subtropical and tropical Australian northern long-eared bats (Nyctophilus bifax) (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in relation to ambient temperature and insect abundance were examined. Insect abundance varied seasonally in a subtropical region and also between subtropical and tropical habitats during winter, and decreased as nightly ambient temperature decreased. While capture rates of N. bifax were not affected by ambient temperatures and insect abundance, most captures occurred within one hour after sunset, which is generally the time of highest activity levels in microbats. Methods of care of N. bifax in captivity are also reported. N. bifax adapted well to short-term captivity (up to 14 days) and readily accepted mealworms as a food source.
Wendell Lim: Exploring the path not chosen
Authors: Sedwick Caitlin
Published: September 2012

Lim is creating new biological systems from the parts evolution provided.
Temporal sampling, resetting, and adaptation orchestrate gradient sensing in sperm
Authors: Kashikar Nachiket D. , Alvarez Luis , Seifert Reinhard , Gregor Ingo , Jäckle Oliver , Beyermann Michael , Krause Eberhard , Kaupp U. Benjamin
Published: September 2012

Sperm, navigating in a chemical gradient, are exposed to a periodic stream of chemoattractant molecules. The periodic stimulation entrains Ca2+ oscillations that control looping steering responses. It is not known how sperm sample chemoattractant molecules during periodic stimulation and adjust their sensitivity. We report that sea urchin sperm sampled molecules for 0.2–0.6 s before a Ca2+ response was produced. Additional molecules delivered during a Ca2+ response reset the cell by causing a pronounced Ca2+ drop that terminated the response; this reset was followed by a new Ca2+ rise. After stimulation, sperm adapted their sensitivity following the Weber–Fechner law. Taking into account the single-molecule sensitivity, we estimate that sperm can register a minimal gradient of 0.8 fM/µm and be attracted from as far away as 4.7 mm. Many microorganisms sense stimulus gradients along periodic paths to translate a spatial distribution of the stimulus into a temporal pattern of the cell response. Orchestration of temporal sampling, resetting, and adaptation might control gradient sensing in such organisms as well.
In the Search for the Treatment of Compensatory Sweating
Authors: Stefaniak Tomasz , Cwigon Marta , Łaski Dariusz
Published: September 2012

Background. Despite success of thoracic sympathectomy (ETS), there are patients that develop postoperatively intensive sweating of the trunk. The aim of the study was to present outcomes of three of those methods: removal of the clips, clipping of T6-9, and regional abdomino-lumbar iontophoresis (RALI).Methods. Out of the group of 229 patients treated with ETS, there were 9 that requested removal of the clips, 3 were treated with T6-9 video thoracoscopic block, and 5 were treated with RALI. The intensity of the side effect has been evaluated subjectively (with overall and localized perception of intensity of sweating) and objectively (with gravimetry).Results. The removal of the clips resulted in slow (about 12 months) diminishing of the intensity of sweating of the trunk; but the symptom did not disappear to the degree satisfactory for the patients. The T6-9 block resulted in partial and transient diminishing of the symptom. The iontophoresis resulted in very promising short-term results.Conclusion. Removal of the clips from the sympathetic trunk does not provide resolution of compensatory sweating in 1 year of observation. T6-9 block does not provide remedy for compensatory hyperhidrosis. Regional abdomino-lumbar iontophoresis seems to be very promising, but further research and followup are mandatory.
Peroxiredoxins, gerontogenes linking aging to genome instability and cancer
Authors: Nyström Thomas , Yang Junsheng , Molin Mikael
Published: September 2012

Age is the highest risk factor known for a large number of maladies, including cancers. However, it is unclear how aging mechanistically predisposes the organism to such diseases and which gene products are the primary targets of the aging process. Recent studies suggest that peroxiredoxins, antioxidant enzymes preventing tumor development, are targets of age-related deterioration and that bolstering their activity (e.g., by caloric restriction) extends cellular life span. This review focuses on how the peroxiredoxin functions (i.e., as peroxidases, signal transducers, and molecular chaperones) fit with contemporary theories of aging and whether peroxiredoxins could be targeted therapeutically in the treatment of age-associated cancers.
Monosodium glutamate stimulates secretion of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 and reduces postprandial glucose after a lipid‐containing meal
Authors: Hosaka H. , Kusano M. , Zai H. , Kawada A. , Kuribayashi S. , Shimoyama Y. , Nagoshi A. , Maeda M. , Kawamura O. , Mori M.
Published: September 2012

Background

Monosodium l‐glutamate (MSG) is known to influence the endocrine system and gastrointestinal (GI) motility. The mechanism of postprandial glycemic control by food in the GI tract is mostly unknown and of great interest.

Aim

To investigate the effect of MSG on glucose homeostasis, incretin secretion and gastric emptying in humans after a lipid‐containing meal.

Methods

Thirteen healthy male volunteers (mean age, 25.5 years) and with no Helicobcter pylori infection were enrolled. A 400 mL (520 kcal) liquid meal with MSG (2 g, 0.5% wt:vol) or NaCl (control) was ingested in a single‐blind placebo‐controlled cross‐over study. Blood glucose, serum insulin, plasma glucagon, plasma glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) and glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide were measured. Gastric emptying was monitored by a 13C acetate breath test. Postprandial symptoms were assessed on a visual analogue scale.

Results

The 30‐min postprandial glucose concentration was significantly reduced by adding MSG to the test meal. The area under the glucose concentration vs. time curve (0–60 min) was also significantly reduced by adding MSG (40.6 ± 3.51 mg·1 hr/dL with MSG vs. 49.2 ± 3.86 mg·1 hr/dL with NaCl, P = 0.047), whereas, the 30‐min postprandial plasma GLP‐1 level was significantly increased (58.1 ± 15.8 pmol/L with MSG vs. 13.4 ± 15.8 pmol/L with NaCl, P = 0.035). MSG did not affect the half gastric emptying time or postprandial symptoms.

Conclusions

Monosodium l‐glutamate improved early postprandial glycaemia after a lipid‐containing liquid meal. This effect was not associated with a change in gastric emptying, but was possibly related to stimulation of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 secretion.
Long‐term efficacy and safety comparison of liraglutide, glimepiride and placebo, all in combination with metformin in type 2 diabetes: 2‐year results from the LEAD‐2 study
Authors: Nauck M. , Frid A. , Hermansen K. , Thomsen A. B. , During M. , Shah N. , Tankova T. , Mitha I. , Matthews D. R.
Published: September 2012

Aims

To investigate efficacy and safety of dual therapy with liraglutide and metformin in comparison to glimepiride and metformin, and metformin monotherapy over 2 years in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

In the 26‐week the Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes (LEAD)‐2 core trial, patients (n = 1091) were randomized (2 : 2 : 2 : 1: 2) to liraglutide (0.6, 1.2 or 1.8 mg once‐daily), placebo or glimepiride; all with metformin. Patients were enrolled if they were 18–80 years old with HbA1c 7.0–11.0% (previous monotherapy ≥3 months), or 7.0–10.0% (previous combination therapy ≥3 months), and body mass index ≤40 kg/m2. Patients completing the 26‐week double‐blinded phase could enter an 18‐month open‐label extension.

Results

HbA1c decreased significantly with liraglutide (0.4% with 0.6 mg, 0.6% with 1.2 and 1.8 mg) versus 0.3% increase with metformin monotherapy (p < 0.0001). HbA1c decrease with liraglutide was non‐inferior versus 0.5% decrease with glimepiride. Liraglutide groups experienced significant weight loss (2.1, 3.0 and 2.9 kg with 0.6, 1.2 and 1.8 mg, respectively) compared to weight gain (0.7 kg) with glimepiride (p < 0.0001). Weight loss with liraglutide 1.2 and 1.8 mg was significantly greater than with metformin monotherapy (1.8 kg; p = 0.0185 and p = 0.0378 for 1.2 and 1.8 mg, respectively). The occurrence of minor hypoglycaemia was <5.0% in all liraglutide groups, significantly less than with glimepiride (24.0%; p < 0.0001). Liraglutide was well tolerated overall: gastrointestinal events were more common than with glimepiride or metformin monotherapy, but occurrence decreased with time.

Conclusions

Liraglutide provided sustained glycaemic control over 2 years comparable to that provided by glimepiride. Liraglutide was well tolerated, and was associated with weight loss and a low rate of hypoglycaemia.
Prevalence of infection as a predictor of multiple genotype infection frequency in parasites with multiple‐host life cycle
Authors: Louhi Katja‐Riikka , Karvonen Anssi , Rellstab Christian , Louhi Risto , Jokela Jukka
Published: September 2012

In nature, parasites commonly share hosts with other conspecific parasite genotypes. While adult parasites typically show aggregated distribution in their final hosts, aggregation of clonal parasite genotypes in intermediate hosts, such as those of trematodes in molluscs, is not generally known. However, infection of a host by multiple parasite genotypes has significant implications for evolution of virulence and host–parasite coevolution. Aggregated distribution of the clonal stages can increase host mortality and reduce larval output of each infecting genotype through interclonal competition, and therefore have significant implications for parasite epidemiology.

The aim of this study was (i) to find out how common multiple genotype infections (MGIs) are in aquatic snails serving as intermediate hosts for different trematode species; (ii) to find out whether the prevalence of infection could be used to predictMGIfrequencies and (iii) to use the relationship to infer whetherMGIs aggregate in molluscan hosts.

We determined the prevalence of trematode (Diplostomum pseudospathaceum) infections and the frequency ofMGIs in snail (Lymnaea stagnalis) host populations as well as compiled corresponding literature data from a range of snail‐trematode systems. We used Bayesian simulations to explore the relationship between prevalence of infection andMGIfrequency in these data, and tested whether genotypes aggregate in snails by comparing the simulated relations with null model (Poisson and demographic Poisson) expectations.

Our results show thatMGIs are common in aquatic snails with up to 90% of the infected snails carryingMGIs. Parasite prevalence is a good predictor ofMGIfrequencies at a range of prevailing natural prevalences of infection (0–50%). The frequency ofMGIs was higher than expected by both null models, indicating parasite aggregation at genotype level.

These findings are in sharp contrast with the absence of multiple infections in snails at level of trematode species, suggesting that co‐infections by multiple species and multiple genotypes of one species are controlled by different biological processes. Aggregation ofMGIs in snail hosts appears to be widespread across different snail‐trematode systems.
Pain status and sedation level in Chinese children after cardiac surgery: an observational study
Authors: Bai Jinbing , Hsu Lily
Published: September 2012

Aims and objectives.  This study explored current pain status, sedation level and their trajectories in Chinese children after cardiac surgery.

Background.  Pain and sedation management are fundamental care practices in the critical care setting, yet they both are frequently under‐implemented for children after major surgery.

Design.  Repeated observational design.

Methods.  This study was conducted in a paediatric medical centre in Shanghai, China where 170 children who underwent cardiac surgery were recruited. Pain was measured with the face, legs, activity, cry, consolability scale and sedation levels with the COMFORT Behaviour Scale at 18 fixed time‐points for three consecutive postoperative days.

Results.  The study indicated that 95 children (55·9%) received continuous opioids for pain relief, and 61 children (35·9%) received no analgesics. Multiple sedatives were used for these children, including bolus phenobarbital for 117 children (68·8%), phenergan for 81 children (47·6%) and midazolam for three children (1·8%). The mean pain scores significantly decreased throughout the operation day (POD‐0) to the 2nd postoperative day (POD‐2) with the lowest score on POD‐2. Less than 5% of pain assessments were identified as moderate to severe across all 2815 observations. The sedation scores significantly increased through POD‐0 to POD‐2 with the highest score on POD‐2. The rate of over‐sedation was 50·3% with <1% under‐sedation occurring among all the observations. Results also suggested that the length of stay in the cardiac intensive care unit was a predictor of increased analgesic usage in the critical care setting (odds ratio: 1·72).

Conclusions.  Usage of analgesic and sedative agents in cardiac intensive care unit was variable and children experienced low pain scores but a high rate of over‐sedation, indicating that healthcare providers should address ways to improve postoperative pain and sedation management in this population.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The pain and sedation status for children after cardiac surgery changed across the postoperative days. Healthcare providers should be trained in the use of reliable tools to accurately monitor children’s pain and sedation levels.
Identification of a novel HLA‐B allele HLA‐B*13:20 in a Chinese individual
Authors: Wang L. , Zhang Z. X. , Shan X. Y. , Wei L. , Wang L. J.
Published: September 2012

The HLA‐B*13:20 allele differs from the closest matching allele B*13:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in exon 3 at nt 527 (T→A).
Transplantation material bovine pericardium: biomechanical and immunogenic characteristics after decellularization vs. glutaraldehyde‐fixing
Authors: Hülsmann Jörn , Grün Katja , El Amouri Sonya , Barth Mareike , Hornung Katrin , Holzfuß Carlheinz , Lichtenberg Artur , Akhyari Payam
Published: September 2012

Hülsmann J, Grün K, El Amouri S, Barth M, Hornung K, Holzfuß C, Lichtenberg A, Akhyari P. Transplantation material bovine pericardium: biomechanical and immunogenic characteristics after decellularization vs. glutaraldehyde‐fixing. Xenotransplantation 2012; 19: 286–297. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Background:  Today, bovine pericardium (BP) is extensively investigated as a biomaterial for the generation of various bioimplants. But despite the commercial distribution, and the development of methods either to remove (decellularization) or to mask (chemical cross‐linking, for example by glutaraldehyde [GA] treatment) the xenogeneic antigen epitopes, yet questions around the immunogenic reactivity of BP remain. The aim of this study is the comparison of crucial tissue characteristics, that is, biomechanical properties, the presence of αGal epitopes, and residual DNA in acellular vs. GA‐fixed BP.

Methods:  Bovine pericardium was either cross‐linked with 0.6% GA or decellularized according to two common protocols using either sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and desoxycholic acid (DCA) or trypsin and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The resulting extracellular matrix was prone to one‐dimensional tensile testing. The tissue content for αGal was evaluated by immunoblotting, and residual DNA was determined by a commercial assay. Untreated BP served as control.

Results:  In contrast to previous reports, we found a pronounced decrease in the elastic modulus (E‐Modulus) for common GA treatment and overall smaller values for the elastic moduli after decellularization (P < 0.05). In parallel, we observed an overall increased ultimate elongation of acellular and cross‐linked BP, although ultimate stress values did not significantly differ. SDS/DCA decellularized BP revealed a dramatic reduction in the DNA content and an almost complete removal of αGal epitopes, whereas the trypsin/EDTA protocol retained a residual DNA content of almost 50% and with a great trail of αGal signal. GA‐treated tissue had a remarkable content of DNA and αGal.

Conclusions:  Although chemically fixated BP is clinically still in wide use, for example, for biological heart valve engineering, our results suggest that an improved biomaterial preparation may be provided by appropriate decellularization. SDS/DCA decellularized BP shows similar biomechanical characteristics as GA treatment, paired with reduced potential immunogenic reactivity. Furthermore, decellularized BP holds the potential of cellular repopulation in vivo or in vitro, to enable an endogenous regenerative capacity in contrast to the toxic effects of GA fixing.
Sociodemographic and meteorological correlates of sudden infant death in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Hua‐Pin , Li Chung‐Yi , Chang Ya‐Hui , Hwang Shiow‐Li , Su Ying‐Hwa , Chen Chi‐Wen
Published: September 2012

Background

This study was designed, using three national datasets including the Taiwan Death Registry, Taiwan Birth Registry, and National Meteorological Dataset, to examine the sociodemographic, geographic and meteorological correlates of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Methods

One thousand, six hundred and seventy‐one cases of SIDS occurring between 1994 and 2003, and 8355 matched controls were included in this nested case–control study.

Results

Over the study period, the annual rate of SIDS declined only slightly, with an average annual rate of 57.9/105. Male infants (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.19; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06–1.33), preterm births (AOR, 1.69; 95%CI: 1.33–2.13), low birthweight (AOR, 2.87; 95%CI: 2.30–3.59), and birth order ≥3 (AOR, 1.62; 95%CI: 1.37–1.92) were the demographic risk factors for SIDS. Additionally, paternal age <25 years (AOR, 1.37; 95%CI: 1.09–1.71), urbanization (AOR, 1.46; 95%CI: 1.20–1.78), lower paternal education (elementary and less; AOR, 1.28; 95%CI: 1.01–1.64), and parental age difference >10 years (AOR, 1.72; 95%CI: 1.24–2.39) were also associated with increased risk of SIDS. It was also noted that daily average temperature ranging from 9.2°C to 14.2°C (AOR, 2.10; 95%CI: 1.67–2.64) was associated with the most increased risk, while temperature ≥26.4°C (AOR 0.60, 0.61) was significantly associated with the most reduced risk.

Conclusion

Sociodemographic, geographic and meteorological data can be used to identify families in greater need of early guidance and to promote various prevention measures to avoid the occurrence of SIDS.
Novel treatment strategy for Japanese newborns with high serum unbound bilirubin
Authors: Yokota Tomoyuki , Morioka Ichiro , Kodera Takayuki , Morisawa Takeshi , Sato Itsuko , Kawano Seiji , Koda Tsubasa , Matsuo Kiyomi , Fujioka Kazumichi , Morikawa Satoru , Miwa Akihiro , Shibata Akio , Yokoyama Naoki , Yonetani Masahiko , Yamada Hideto , Nakamura Hajime , Iijima Kazumoto
Published: September 2012

Background

Serum unbound bilirubin (UB) is a measure of bilirubin not bound to albumin, and has been reported to be better than total bilirubin level at identifying infants at risk of developing bilirubin‐induced neurotoxicity, including auditory abnormalities. A detailed treatment strategy for newborns with high serum UB has not been established. The aim of this study was to assess auditory outcomes in newborns with serum UB ≥1.00 μg/dL who were treated according to a novel treatment protocol.

Methods

A prospective clinical study was conducted in newborns weighing >1500 g with serum UB ≥1.00 μg/dL who were admitted to Kobe University Hospital and Kakogawa Municipal Hospital, Japan from 2006 to 2011. Enrolled newborns were treated as follows: (i) if serum UB was 1.00–1.50 μg/dL, phototherapy and infusion were given with or without albumin or immunoglobulin therapy; and (ii) if serum UB was >1.50 μg/dL, exchange transfusion was performed immediately. Auditory brainstem responses were evaluated at the time of discharge.

Results

A total of 89 Japanese newborns with UB ≥1.00 μg/dL were enrolled at a median age of 4 days. Of these, 85 had UB 1.00–1.50 μg/dL and four had UB >1.50 μg/dL. After being treated according to the protocol, no newborns were diagnosed with auditory brainstem response abnormalities.

Conclusions

The present treatment protocol for Japanese newborns with serum UB ≥1.00 μg/dL may be useful for the prevention of bilirubin‐induced auditory abnormalities.
Unravelling the Relationships between Used‐Clothing Imports and the Decline of African Clothing Industries
Authors: Brooks Andrew , Simon David
Published: September 2012

African clothing industries have declined since the implementation of economic liberalization policies in the early 1980s whilst used‐clothing imports to Africa have increased. The general effects of economic liberalization on African clothing industries are well documented, although little research has been conducted on the particular impact of increased imports of second‐hand clothes on the local manufacturing sectors. Whether these two processes are causally related is difficult to determine due to limitations in official data sets. In this article, the used‐clothing trade is explored in detail and a broad range of cultural and local economic processes are investigated. Trends such as declining local purchasing power and the opening of African markets to cheap new clothing imports, as well as imports of used‐clothing, are examined, along with the converse boost to African clothing export production resulting from preferential trade agreements in the 2000s. With respect to the differential legal and illegal imports of second‐hand clothing to selected African countries, it is demonstrated that official trade data sets often fail to capture the nuances of contemporary social and economic processes.
Decomposing the Sources of Earnings Inequality: Assessing the Role of Reallocation
Authors: Andersson Fredrik , Davis Elizabeth E. , Freedman Matthew L. , Lane Julia I. , Mccall Brian P. , sandusky Kristin
Published: September 2012

This study exploits longitudinal employer–employee matched data from the U.S. Census Bureau to investigate the contribution of worker and firm reallocation to changes in earnings inequality within and across industries between 1992 and 2003. We find that factors that cannot be measured using standard cross‐sectional data, including the entry and exit of firms and the sorting of workers across firms, are important sources of changes in earnings distributions over time. Our results also suggest that the dynamics driving changes in earnings inequality are heterogeneous across industries.
What Makes Workers Happy? Anticipated Rewards and Job Satisfaction
Authors: Linz Susan J. , Semykina Anastasia
Published: September 2012

Using data collected from over 9400 employees in Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Serbia, across a wide variety of workplaces and sectors, we identify the extrinsic and intrinsic rewards that workers desire and expectations of receiving these rewards. We use ordered probit regression analysis to evaluate the association between anticipated rewards and job satisfaction, hypothesizing that reward desirability matters most for extrinsic rewards linked to numeric values. Data strongly support our hypothesis in the case of expected job security; limited support is found in the case of expected promotion. For non‐numeric extrinsic and intrinsic rewards, a strong positive link between job satisfaction and the reward variables often is observed, even if the expected reward is not highly desired. While own earnings typically are positively linked to job satisfaction, peers' earnings may be positively (Kazakhstan, Armenia, Russia) or negatively (Krygyzstan, Serbia) linked to job satisfaction, but not always statistically significant.
Access to and Utilization of Flexible Work Options
Authors: McNamara Tay K. , Pitt‐Catsouphes Marcie , Brown Melissa , Matz‐Costa Christina
Published: September 2012

Many workers do not utilize the flexible work options to which they have access nor do they necessarily have access to all options officially provided by their organizations. This study sheds light on these gaps using probit models with sample selection to predict access to and utilization of fourteen flexible options. The findings highlight the roles of supervisor support, occupation, and work‐life culture. The influence of each of these factors on access and utilization differs.
A Reconsideration of the Construction Period of the Cruciform Terraces and the Elevated Causeways in the Angkor Monuments, Based on the Magnetic Susceptibility of the Sandstone Blocks*
Authors: Uchida E. , Sato K. , Cunin O. , Toyouchi K.
Published: September 2012

In this paper, the construction period of the cruciform terraces with columns and the elevated causeways in the Angkor monuments of Cambodia is reconsidered, based on the results of our investigation of magnetic susceptibility and other characteristics of sandstone blocks. From an art‐historical point of view, they are generally considered as modifications in the post‐Bayon style period—the period during the reign of Jayavarman VIII (1243–95 ce) or later. However, from a lithological point of view, the average magnetic susceptibilities of the sandstone blocks in the cruciform terraces with columns and the elevated causeways are consistent with the rest of the monument. In addition, the characteristics of the sandstone blocks in the cruciform terraces, such as their shape, the orientation of the bedding plane and the stacking method, suggest that they were constructed in the same period as the rest of the monument.
Licensing Under Network Externalities*
Authors: WANG KUANG‐CHENG ANDY , LIANG WEN‐JUNG , LIN CHUN‐HUNG A.
Published: September 2012

This paper develops a duopoly model to explore licensing behaviour in the presence of network externalities. Under the assumption that the licensor and the licensee compete in a duopolistic market, we obtain the following results. First, the larger the network‐externality effect, the more likely it is that the licensor will prefer fixed‐fee licensing to royalty licensing. Second, the larger the network‐externality effect, the more likely it is that the optimal royalty rate will be smaller than the reduction in marginal costs from innovation under a royalty licensing arrangement.
Oleoyl‐l‐carnitine inhibits glycine transport by GlyT2
Authors: Carland JE , Mansfield RE , Ryan RM , Vandenberg RJ
Published: September 2012

Background and Purpose

Concentrations of extracellular glycine in the CNS are regulated by two Na+/Cl–‐dependent glycine transporters, GlyT1 and GlyT2. Selective inhibitors of GlyT1 have been developed for the treatment of schizophrenia, whilst selective inhibitors of GlyT2 are analgesic in animal models of pain. We have assessed a series of endogenous lipids as inhibitors of GlyT1 and GlyT2.

Experimental Approach

Human GlyT1 and GlyT2 were expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, and the inhibitory actions of a series of acylcarnitines on glycine transport were measured using electrophysiological techniques.

Key Results

Oleoyl‐l‐carnitine inhibited glycine transport by GlyT2, with an IC50 of 340 nM, which is 15‐fold more potent than the previously identified lipid inhibitor N‐arachidonyl‐glycine. Oleoyl‐l‐carnitine had a slow onset of inhibition and a slow washout. Using a series of chimeric GlyT1/2 transporters and point mutant transporters, we have identified an isoleucine residue in extracellular loop 4 of GlyT2 that conferred differences in sensitivity to oleoyl‐l‐carnitine between GlyT2 and GlyT1.

Conclusions and Implications

Oleoyl‐l‐carnitine is a potent non‐competitive inhibitor of GlyT2. Previously identified GlyT2 inhibitors show potential as analgesics and the identification of oleoyl‐l‐carnitine as a novel GlyT2 inhibitor may lead to new ways of treating pain.
Sources of Firm Performance Differences in the US Food Economy
Authors: Chaddad Fabio R. , Mondelli Mario P.
Published: September 2012

Researchers in economics and strategy have long been interested in understanding the determinants of firm performance. We apply the relatively novel approach of hierarchical linear modelling (HLM) to a large panel of food economy firms to shed new light on the long‐standing debate about the relative importance of industry, corporate parent and business unit effects on firm profits. Our results suggest that business unit and corporate effects are more relevant than industry effects in explaining firm performance differences in the food economy. In addition, we also explore the effect of specific strategic factors on performance within each level of analysis. In particular, we find that business‐segment size, industry barriers to entry, corporate diversification, R&D intensity, capital intensity and resource availability are significant predictor variables that explain firm performance differences. Given the relatively important role of corporate effects and the positive influence of corporate strategic variables on business unit performance, our findings suggest that the environment provided by corporate parents significantly affects business unit profitability. In other words, corporate strategy does matter and thus should continue to draw attention from scholars interested in explaining profitability in the food economy.
One‐Piece Implants: Placement Timing, Surgical Technique, Loading Protocol, and Marginal Bone Loss
Authors: Prithviraj D.R , Gupta Vikas , Muley Ninad , Sandhu Pushpinder
Published: September 2012

Purpose: Osseointegration being an accepted and well‐documented concept, attention is now directed towards simplification of the mechanical design of implants and towards achieving biomechanical success. The aim of this literature review is to provide an overview of the one‐piece implant, with its advantages and disadvantages over a conventional two‐piece implant.

Methods: The PubMed database was searched in the English language using the keywords one‐piece implant, single‐piece implant, single‐stage implant surgery, and two‐piece implant. Articles were selected on the basis of whether they had sufficient information related to placement timing, surgical procedure used, loading protocol, follow‐up periods, marginal bone loss, and implant success rates of one‐piece implants. For inclusion, a study group must have had a minimum of 30 one‐piece implants followed for at least 1 year.

Discussion: Nineteen articles were subjected to the selection criteria. Out of 19 clinical trials only 11 met the selection criteria. Five parameters were taken into consideration for studying one‐piece implants: placement timing, surgical technique, loading protocol, marginal bone loss, and implant survival rate. The data from the identified studies were tabulated according to these parameters and discussed.

Conclusion: Delayed placement of one‐piece implants is more commonly practiced than extraction and immediate placement. Most surgeons prefer surgeries using flaps as compared to flapless surgeries, and in most cases, one‐piece implants were loaded immediately. Limited literature reveals both positive and negative results regarding the effect of a one‐piece implant system on surrounding hard and soft tissues.
Prevalence of Chronic Pain Among Libyan Adults in Derna City: A Pilot Study to Assess the Reliability, Linguistic Validity, and Feasibility of Using an Arabic Version of the Structured Telephone Interviews Questionnaire on Chronic Pain
Authors: Elzahaf Raga A. , Tashani Osama A. , Johnson Mark I.
Published: September 2012

There are few studies estimating the prevalence of chronic pain in countries from the Middle East. We translated the Structured Telephone Interviews Questionnaire on Chronic Pain from English into Arabic and assessed its reliability and linguistic validity before using it in a telephone survey in Libya to gather preliminary prevalence data for chronic pain. Intraclass correlations for scaled items were high, and there were no differences in answers to nominal items between the first and second completions of the questionnaire. One hundred and 4 individuals participated in a telephone survey. The prevalence of chronic pain was 25.0% (95% CI, 16.7% to 33.3%) and 50.0% (95% CI: 30.8% to 69.2) of the participants with chronic pain scored ≥ 12 on the Arabic S‐LANSS. Mean ± SD duration of pain was 2.8 ± 1.2 years, and pain was more frequent in women (P = 0.02). 53.8% of participants had taken prescription medication for their pain, and 76.9% had used nondrug methods of treatment including traditional Libyan methods such as Kamara, a local herbal concoction. Eighty percent believed that their doctor would rather treat their illness than their pain, and 35% reported that their doctor did not think that their pain was a problem. Some participants complained that the questionnaire was too long with a mean ± SD call duration of 20 ± 5.4 minutes. We conclude that the Arabic Structured Telephone Interviews Questionnaire on Chronic Pain was reliable and linguistically valid and could be used in a large‐scale telephone survey on the Libyan population. Our preliminary estimate of prevalence should be considered with caution because of the small sample size.