bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective role of 1,25(OH)2vitamin D3 in the mucosal injury and epithelial barrier disruption in DSS-induced acute colitis in mice
Authors: Zhao Hongwei , Zhang Hong , Wu Hui , Li Hui , Liu Lei , Guo Jian , Li Chenyang , Shih David Q , Zhang Xiaolan
Published: September 2012

Background

Intestinal hyper-permeability plays a critical role in the etiopathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by affecting the penetration of pathogens, toxic compounds and macromolecules. 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3[1,25(OH)2D3], the active form of vitamin D, has been shown to be an important regulator of IBD and recent epidemiology suggests that patients with IBD have an impaired vitamin D status. The purpose of this study is to investigate the possible protective effects of 1,25(OH)2D3on mucosal injury and epithelial barrier disruption on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis model.

Methods

We used DSS-induced acute colitis model to investigate the protective effects of 1,25(OH)2D3on mucosal injury and epithelial barrier integrity. Severity of colitis was evaluated by disease activity index (DAI), body weight (BW) change, colon length, histology, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and proinflammatory cytokine production including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ).In vitrothe protective role of 1,25(OH)2D3was assessed by incubating Caco-2 cells with or without DSS and measuring transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-D). The intestinal permeability was analyzed by FITC-D, bacterial translocation and measurement of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Ultrastructural features of the colon tissue and Caco-2 cell monolayer were observed by electron microscopy. Expressions of tight junction (TJ) proteins in the colon mucosa and Caco-2 cells were detected by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Western blot and real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR, respectively.

Results

DSS-induced acute colitis model was characterized by a reduced BW, AUC of BW, serum calcium, higher DAI, AUC of DAI, shortened colon length, elevated MPO activity, worsened histologic inflammation, increased mononuclear cell numbers in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) and colonic lamina propria (LP), and enhanced proteins and mRNA levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ. 1,25(OH)2D3markedly increased expressions of TJ proteins and mRNA and decreased the FITC-D permeability and the level of LPS. Furthermore, 1,25(OH)2D3abrogated bacterial translocation to MLNs and ameliorated ultrastructural features of the colon epithelium by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).In vitro, 1,25(OH)2D3increased TEER, TJ proteins and mRNA expressions, decreased the FITC-D permeability, and preserved structural integrity of the TJ in Caco-2 cells.

Conclusions

1,25(OH)2D3may play a protective role in mucosal barrier homeostasis by maintaining the integrity of junction complexes and in healing capacity of the colon epithelium. 1,25(OH)2D3may represent an attractive and novel therapeutic agent for the adjuvant therapy of IBD.
The distribution of axial length, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, and vitreous chamber depth in an adult population of Shahroud, Iran
Authors: Hashemi Hassan , Khabazkhoob Mehdi , Miraftab Mohammad , Emamian Mohammad Hassan , Shariati Mohammad , Abdolahinia Tahereh , Fotouhi Akbar
Published: September 2012

Background

Ocular biometric parameters can be influenced by race, ethnicity, and genetics; their differences across different populations can probably explain differences in refractive errors in these populations. The aim of this study is to determine the normal range of axial length, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, and vitreous chamber depth in the population of Shahroud in the north of Iran.

Methods

In the first phase of Shahroud Eye Cohort Study, the 40–64 year old population were sampled cross-sectionally; 6311 were invited and 5190 (82.2%) participated in the study. Biometric examinations were done using the LENSTAR/BioGraph (WaveLight AG, Erlangen, Germany) after vision tests and before cycloplegic refraction tests. Any type of eye surgery, extensive pterygium, and lack of cooperation were used as exclusion criteria, and analyses were done with data from 4869 eyes.

Results

We found a mean axial length of 23.14 mm (95% confidence interval [CI], 23.11-23.17), mean anterior chamber depth of 2.62 mm (95% CI, 2.60-2.63), mean lens thickness of 4.28 mm (95% CI, 4.27-4.29), and the mean vitreous chamber depth was 15.72 mm (95% CI, 15.70-15.75).

Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests showed that the distribution of axial length, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, and vitreous chamber depth significantly differed from normal; axial length and vitreous chamber depth demonstrated a leptokurtic distribution as well.

Axial length, anterior chamber depth, and vitreous chamber depth significantly decreased with age, and lens thickness significantly increased with age (p < 0.001). All indices were significantly higher in men.

Conclusions

The distributions of axial length, vitreous chamber depth, and lens thickness are reported for the first time in an Iranian adult population. Compared to other studies, axial length was in the mid range, nonetheless, studying axial length components showed that the Iranian population had smaller anterior chamber depth and lens thickness. Age and gender were significantly associated with all indices assessed in this study.
Femtocell interference analysis based on the development of system-level LTE simulator
Authors: Bae Sueng Jae , Kwon Young Min , Lee Mi-Young , Koo Bon Tae , Chung Min Young
Published: September 2012

Although femtocell can confer various benefits to both operators and users, many technical issues, such as interference coordination, network synchronization, self-configuration, and self-optimization must be considered to effectively deploy femtocells in real environments. In this article, we develop a system-level simulator in order to evaluate performance of long-term evolution (LTE)-femtocell systems. The simulator consists of five functional modules which realize packet scheduling and call admission control functionalities and model various wireless channel effects, real and non-real time traffics, and user mobility. These modules are managed by operational modules that follow event-driven programming. In addition, the simulator adopts a graphical user interface (GUI) that facilitates configuration, management, and observation of simulations in real time. Based on the simulator, we analyze effects of signal interference between macro- and femtocells under four scenarios. From the results, we confirm that the developed LTE-femtocell simulator can effectively support performance evaluation and analysis on various femtocell deployment scenarios.
Stability studies of HIV-1 Pr55gagvirus-like particles made in insect cells after storage in various formulation media
Authors: Lynch Alisson , Meyers Ann E , Williamson Anna-Lise , Rybicki Edward P
Published: September 2012

Background

HIV-1 Pr55gagvirus-like particles (VLPs) expressed by baculovirus in insect cells are considered to be a very promising HIV-1 vaccine candidate, as they have been shown to elicit broad cellular immune responses when tested in animals, particularly when used as a boost to DNA or BCG vaccines. However, it is important for the VLPs to retain their structure for them to be fully functional and effective. The medium in which the VLPs are formulated and the temperature at which they are stored are two important factors affecting their stability.

Findings

We describe the screening of 3 different readily available formulation media (sorbitol, sucrose and trehalose) for their ability to stabilise HIV-1 Pr55gagVLPs during prolonged storage. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was done on VLPs stored at two different concentrations of the media at three different temperatures (4°C, –20°C and −70°C) over different time periods, and the appearance of the VLPs was compared. VLPs stored in 15% trehalose at −70°C retained their original appearance the most effectively over a period of 12 months. VLPs stored in 5% trehalose, sorbitol or sucrose were not all intact even after 1 month storage at the temperatures tested. In addition, we showed that VLPs stored under these conditions were able to be frozen and re-thawed twice before showing changes in their appearance.

Conclusions

Although the inclusion of other analytical tools are essential to validate these preliminary findings, storage in 15% trehalose at −70°C for 12 months is most effective in retaining VLP stability.
Short bowel syndrome presenting with re-feeding syndrome in a Han Chinese patient: a case report
Authors: Xie Ying , Zhu Weiming , Li Ning , Li Jieshou
Published: September 2012

Introduction

Re-feeding syndrome is common in patients with long-term starvation. To the best of our knowledge this case is the first to report a patient with short bowel syndrome developing re-feeding syndrome 12 years after the bowel resection.

Case presentation

A 33-year-old Chinese Han man underwent small bowel resection leaving only 40 cm of bowel, without an ileocecal valve, 12 years previously. At that time he was weaned from total parenteral nutrition and had a normal diet. He later developed features of severe malnutrition, and when parenteral nutrition was given, he developed re-feeding syndrome.

Conclusion

Although re-feeding syndrome is a common complication in patients with any kind of nutritional support, and known to us for many years, high risk patients still need more attention and monitoring. Re-feeding syndrome in this case was not only a macronutrients deficiency but also a micronutrient deficient, and prompt supplement therapy and organ function support proved to be successful.
Fulminant invasive aspergillosis of the mediastinum in an immunocompetent host: a case report
Authors: Shakoor Muhammad Tariq , Ayub Samia , Ayub Zunaira , Mahmood Faisal
Published: September 2012

Introduction

Invasive aspergillosis is a serious complication in immunocompromised patients. It is an opportunistic disease, which predominantly occurs in the lungs, although dissemination to virtually any organ is possible. Invasive aspergillosis in an immunocompetent patient with extension to the mediastinum has rarely been reported. Here, we present the case of a patient with no apparent immunodeficiency state, who presented with Aspergillus endocarditis and fulminant invasive aspergillosis with extensive involvement of the mediastinal structures, which ultimately was responsible for her death. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case in the literature on fulminant invasive mediastinal aspergillosis with extension to the pulmonary vasculature and concomitant Aspergillus endocarditis in an apparently immunocompetent patient without pre-existing lung disease.

Case presentation

Our patient was a previously healthy 47-year-old Asian woman, who presented to our emergency room with severe progressive shortness of breath of one month’s duration, associated with orthopnea and unstable vital signs.

Conclusion

Invasive aspergillosis has been described in the presence of pulmonary disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, and one case has been reported in a patient without preexistent disease, but none of these have been fatal. Our case is therefore the first reported case of its kind. Our case shows that fulminant aspergillosis can occur in an immunocompetent host and can be fatal. We conclude that invasive aspergillosis should not be excluded from the differential diagnosis on the basis of immunocompetency.
Rigorous bounds for seismic dispersion and attenuation due to wave-induced fluid flow in porous rocks
Authors: Gurevich Boris , Makarynska Dina
Published: September 2012

The Hashin-Shtrikman (HS) bounds define the range of bulk and shear moduli of an elastic composite, given the moduli of the constituents and their volume fractions. Recently, the HS bounds have been extended to the quasi-static moduli of composite viscoelastic media. Because viscoelastic moduli are complex, the viscoelastic bounds form a closed curve on the complex plane. We analyze these general viscoelastic bounds for a particular case of a porous solid saturated with a Newtonian fluid. In our analysis, for poroelastic media, the viscoelastic bounds for the bulk modulus are represented by a semicircle and a segment of the real axis, connecting formal HS bounds that are computed for an inviscid fluid. Importantly, viscoelastic bounds for poroelastic media turn out to be independent of frequency. However, because the bounds are quasi-static, the frequency must be much lower than Biot’s characteristic frequency. Furthermore, we find that the bounds for the bulk modulus are attainable (realizable). We also find that these viscoelastic bounds account for viscous shear relaxation and squirt-flow dispersion, but do not account for Biot’s global flow dispersion, because the latter strongly depends on inertial forces.
Delta-like 1 and lateral inhibition during hair cell formation in the chicken inner ear: evidence against cis-inhibition
Authors: Chrysostomou Elena , Gale Jonathan E. , Daudet Nicolas
Published: September 2012

The formation of the salt-and-pepper mosaic of hair cells and supporting cells in the sensory epithelia of the inner ear is regulated by Notch signalling and lateral inhibition, but the dynamics of this process and precise mode of action of delta-like 1 (Dll1) in this context are unclear. Here, we transfected the chicken inner ear with a fluorescent reporter that includes elements of the mammalian Hes5 promoter to monitor Notch activity in the developing sensory patches. The Hes5 reporter was active in proliferating cells and supporting cells, and Dll1 expression was highest in prospective hair cells with low levels of Notch activity, which occasionally contacted more differentiated hair cells. To investigate Dll1 functions we used constructs in which Dll1 expression was either constitutive, regulated by the Hes5 promoter, or induced by doxycycline. In support of the standard lateral inhibition model, both continuous and Hes5-regulated expression of Dll1 promoted hair cell differentiation cell-autonomously (in cis) and inhibited hair cell formation in trans. However, some hair cells formed despite contacting Dll1-overexpressing cells, suggesting that some progenitor cells are insensitive to lateral inhibition. This is not due to the cis-inhibition of Notch activity by Dll1 itself, as induction of Dll1 did not cell-autonomously reduce the activity of the Hes5 reporter in progenitor and supporting cells. Altogether, our results show that Dll1 functions primarily in trans to regulate hair cell production but also that additional mechanisms operate downstream of lateral inhibition to eliminate patterning errors in the sensory epithelia of the inner ear.
Essential roles of the histone methyltransferase ESET in the epigenetic control of neural progenitor cells during development
Authors: Tan Siok-Lay , Nishi Miyuki , Ohtsuka Toshiyuki , Matsui Toshiyuki , Takemoto Keiko , Kamio-Miura Asuka , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Shinkai Yoichi , Kageyama Ryoichiro
Published: September 2012

In the developing brain, neural progenitor cells switch differentiation competency by changing gene expression profiles that are governed partly by epigenetic control, such as histone modification, although the precise mechanism is unknown. Here we found that ESET (Setdb1), a histone H3 Lys9 (H3K9) methyltransferase, is highly expressed at early stages of mouse brain development but downregulated over time, and that ablation of ESET leads to decreased H3K9 trimethylation and the misregulation of genes, resulting in severe brain defects and early lethality. In the mutant brain, endogenous retrotransposons were derepressed and non-neural gene expression was activated. Furthermore, early neurogenesis was severely impaired, whereas astrocyte formation was enhanced. We conclude that there is an epigenetic role of ESET in the temporal and tissue-specific gene expression that results in proper control of brain development.
Evidence for karyoplasmic homeostasis during endoreduplication and a ploidy-dependent increase in gene transcription during tomato fruit growth
Authors: Bourdon Matthieu , Pirrello Julien , Cheniclet Catherine , Coriton Olivier , Bourge Mickaël , Brown Spencer , Moïse Adeline , Peypelut Martine , Rouyère Valérie , Renaudin Jean-Pierre , Chevalier Christian , Frangne Nathalie
Published: September 2012

Endopolyploidy is a widespread process that corresponds to the amplification of the genome in the absence of mitosis. In tomato, very high ploidy levels (up to 256C) are reached during fruit development, concomitant with very large cell sizes. Using cellular approaches (fluorescence and electron microscopy) we provide a structural analysis of endoreduplicated nuclei at the level of chromatin and nucleolar organisation, nuclear shape and relationship with other cellular organelles such as mitochondria. We demonstrate that endopolyploidy in pericarp leads to the formation of polytene chromosomes and markedly affects nuclear structure. Nuclei manifest a complex shape, with numerous deep grooves that are filled with mitochondria, affording a fairly constant ratio between nuclear surface and nuclear volume. We provide the first direct evidence that endopolyploidy plays a role in increased transcription of rRNA and mRNA on a per-nucleus basis. Overall, our results provide quantitative evidence in favour of the karyoplasmic theory and show that endoreduplication is associated with complex cellular organisation during tomato fruit development.
Differential requirements for β-catenin during mouse development
Authors: Rudloff Stefan , Kemler Rolf
Published: September 2012

Embryogenesis relies on the precise interplay of signaling cascades to activate tissue-specific differentiation programs. An important player in these morphogenetic processes is β-catenin, which is a central component of adherens junctions and canonical Wnt signaling. Lack of β-catenin is lethal before gastrulation, but mice heterozygous for β-catenin (Ctnnb1) develop as wild type. Here, we confine β-catenin amounts below the heterozygous expression level to study the functional consequences for development. We generate embryonic stem (ES) cells and embryos expressing β-catenin only from the ubiquitously active ROSA26 promoter and thereby limit β-catenin expression to ~12.5% (ROSA26β/+) or ~25% (ROSA26β/β) of wild-type levels. ROSA26β/+ is sufficient to maintain ES cell morphology and pluripotent characteristics, but is insufficient to activate canonical target genes upon Wnt stimulation. This Wnt signaling deficiency is incompletely restored in ROSA26β/β ES cells. We conclude that even very low β-catenin levels are able to sustain cell adhesion, but not Wnt signaling. During development, ROSA26β/β as well as ROSA26β/+ partially rescues the knockout phenotype, yet proper gastrulation is absent. These embryos differentiate according to the neural default hypothesis, indicating that gastrulation depends on high β-catenin levels. Strikingly, if ROSA26β/+ or ROSA26β/β is first activated after gastrulation, subsequent development correlates with the dosage of β-catenin. Moreover, molecular evidence indicates that the amount of β-catenin controls the induction of specific Wnt target genes. In conclusion, by restricting its expression we determine the level of β-catenin required for adhesion or pluripotency and during different morphogenetic events.
Developmental fate and lineage commitment of singled mouse blastomeres
Authors: Lorthongpanich Chanchao , Doris Tham Puay Yoke , Limviphuvadh Vachiranee , Knowles Barbara B. , Solter Davor
Published: September 2012

The inside-outside model has been invoked to explain cell-fate specification of the pre-implantation mammalian embryo. Here, we investigate whether cell-cell interaction can influence the fate specification of embryonic blastomeres by sequentially separating the blastomeres in two-cell stage mouse embryos and continuing separation after each cell division throughout pre-implantation development. This procedure eliminates information provided by cell-cell interaction and cell positioning. Gene expression profiles, polarity protein localization and functional tests of these separated blastomeres reveal that cell interactions, through cell position, influence the fate of the blastomere. Blastomeres, in the absence of cell contact and inner-outer positional information, have a unique pattern of gene expression that is characteristic of neither inner cell mass nor trophectoderm, but overall they have a tendency towards a ‘trophectoderm-like’ gene expression pattern and preferentially contribute to the trophectoderm lineage.
Investigation on Harmonic Generation of Submerged Elastic Plate Using Wave Flume Experiments
Authors: Thayapraba M. , Murali K. , Subramanian V. Anantha
Published: September 2012

The focus of this research work is towards the understanding of the hydraulic and hydrodynamic performance of submerged rigid and elastic plates when exposed to regular waves and quantifying the energy loss attributed to elasticity. For this purpose, four different plates with different flexural rigidities have been chosen for the wave flume experiments for studying the hydroelastic problem over a range of rigidity parameters. Furthermore, variation of pressures, reflection and transmission characteristics due to regular waves acting on flexible plate were investigated. Based on the systematic experimental study and investigation of the results it was found that the elasticity in the plate significantly improves the performance of the horizontal plate as a wave barrier in the lower B/L (Relative plate width) region where the rigid plate is not effective. The enhancement in energy loss due to higher harmonic generation is about 20–30%.
Assessment of Salinity Distributions and Residual Currents at the Northern Bay of Bengal considering Climate Change Impacts
Authors: Hussain Mohammad Asad , Islam A. K. M. Saiful , Hossain Mohammed Abed , Hoque Md. Tanimul
Published: September 2012

The overall objective of the study is to investigate the future salinity distributions and residual flow scenarios in the northern Bay of Bengal taking into consideration of the change in hydrological and meteorological parameters. Observed and projected meteorological data are employed to generate present and future scenarios in the Northern Bay of Bengal. Numerical experiments through a 3D hydrodynamic model show that both during the monsoon as well as during winter periods, residual currents in the Northern Bay of Bengal display an anti-clockwise circulation concentrating at the eastern part of the bay. The Swatch of No Ground appears to have an important influence on the circulation patterns. Future salinity distributions are calculated through employment of projected meteorological data from regional climate model (RCM) experiments. It shows considerable increase in salinity level which may hamper the freshwater availability and ecological balance in the region in future.
Developing Unique Engineering Solutions to Improve Patient Safety
Authors: Watts Bradley V. , Van Citters Douglas , Shiner Brian , Mills Peter D.
Published: September 2012

Many efforts to improve healthcare safety have focused on redesigning processes of care or retraining clinicians. Far less attention has been focused on the use of new technologies to improve safety. We present the results of a unique collaboration between the VA National Center for Patient Safety (NCPS) and the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College. Each year, the NCPS identifies safety problems across the VA that could be addressed with newly‐engineered devices. Teams of Thayer students and faculty participating in a senior design course evaluate and engineer a solution for one of the problems. Exemplar projects have targeted surgical sponge retention, nosocomial infections, surgical site localization, and remote monitoring of hospitalized patients undergoing diagnostic testing and procedures. The program has served as an avenue for engineering students and health care workers to solve problems together. The success of this academic‐clinical partnership could be replicated in other settings.
Does Stronger Concrete Make Stronger and More Resilient Elements?
Authors: Szuladzinski Gregory
Published: September 2012

Over the last few decades multistory buildings have been designed using gradually stronger and stronger concrete. The obvious advantage of increasing the material strength is the ability of the designer to reduce section area of some members without sacrificing strength. This paper takes a broader view in that it examines a number of mechanical characteristics of a structural member that had been thinned-down because of stronger concrete. Apart from nominal strength there is the elementary quantity of elongation at failure, which limits the deflection that can be attained. Other properties of concern are: Natural frequency, deflection under static and dynamic lateral loading, dynamic bending moment response under lateral loading and, above all, the amount of energy absorbed prior to the beginning of failure. The importance of the latter comes from the fact that when some elements are subjected to extreme loads, they are certain to fail, but the amount of energy absorbed by their destruction may be decisive for the survival or collapse of the entire structure. A distinction is made between prescribed lateral loading and a prescribed pressure applied. The paper uses simplified methods of comparison, which makes it possible to reach clear conclusions related to the advantages and disadvantages of employing high-strength concrete.
Pounding Response of Adjacent Concrete Rods: An Experimental Study
Authors: Leibovich E. , Rutenberg A. , Yankelevsky D.Z.
Published: September 2012

This paper presents results of the first stage of an experimental research program on the pounding response of adjacent concrete structures during earthquake. It shows experimental results for longitudinal impact of concrete rods. The impact of concrete to concrete surfaces of the rods was studied and the coefficient of restitution was experimentally determined. Acceleration time histories were recorded and characteristics of the impact pulse was determined. The study was extended to include filling materials that had been placed in the joint between the impacting concrete surfaces to study their effect on the impact.
Kevin Marsh, ex-Executive Editor, BBC College of Journalism, on Issues of Impartiality in News and Current Affairs
Authors: Marsh Kevin
Published: September 2012

BBC’s earliest interpretations of impartiality were very simple. They did not require any elaboration so long as the public discourse appeared bipolar: There was the government on the one hand and the opposition on the other; there was capital, there was labor. But by the turn
of this century, the BBC found itself in a position in which it became extremely difficult for its editors to apply and practice impartiality as before. Dramatic changes and transformations within the British society and the world at large prompted the BBC to come up with new defining values
for impartiality. This article traces how the BBC developed its own standards and practices of impartiality in news and current affairs in the decades since its establishment in 1922.
Urban playground antics and the redefining of public spaces
Authors: Mcclish Carmen
Published: September 2012

This article contributes to the ongoing discussion about the loss of public space and the means by which citizens reclaim it by examining the antics of the urban playground movement’s large-scale public pillow fight events. The phenomenon of the public pillow fight is analysed
in terms of playful movements that have preceded them, theoretical implications of play as an important human engagement, and the author’s own participation in the International Public Pillow Fight Day in Boston, 2009. This article contends that public pillow fights are a significant
event for redefining public space through play.
Participatory art at the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad
Authors: Klassen Lois
Published: September 2012

In February 2010, the public was part of the action. The Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Vancouver staged a plethora of cultural projects that called for involvement. During Vancouver 2010 forms of social practice art for both sanctioned and resistant aims co-mingled with the
deliberate choreography of crowds and the ubiquitous use of interactive digital forms.
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Baxter Jonathan , Kaye Lewis , Leger Marc James
Published: September 2012

Artocracy: Art, Informal Space, and Social Consequence: A Curatorial Handbook in Collaborative Practice, Nuno Sacramento and Claudia Zeiske (2010), Berlin: JovisVerlag

Error: Glitch, Noise, and Jam in New Media Cultures, Mark Nunes (ed.) (2011), New York: Continuum Books.

Critique
of Creativity: Precarity, Subjectivity and Resistance in the ‘Creative Industries’, Gerald Raunig, Gene Ray and Ulf Wuggenig (eds) (2011), London: MayFly Books.
Street light: Manhattanhenge and the plan of the city
Authors: Wasserman Andrew
Published: September 2012

Manhattanhenge, a twice-annual solar occurrence that witnesses an alignment of the setting sun with the grid of towers and streets in New York City, has become increasingly popular due to institutional legitimization and the proliferation of dedicated online communities. This article
not only argues for the consideration of Manhattanhenge as an informal mass street spectacle, but also identifies its very appearance as the product of an ongoing 200-year experiment in urban design. Manhattan, defined in terms of geography, city plan and vertical expansion, makes visible
the solar phenomenon, which itself makes possible a renewed engagement with the urban setting itself.
Conditional Projection: How Own Evaluations Influence Beliefs about Others Whose Choices Are Known
Authors: Orhun A. Yeşim , Urminsky Oleg
Published: September 2012

The authors study how a person's evaluation of choice options influences his or her estimates of other people's evaluations when their choices are known. The study shows that people rely on the relationship between their own evaluations and their final decision to make sense of others, projecting their evaluations of the corresponding options. A person's liking of the option he or she chose between two alternatives influences the person's estimates of others' liking of the option they chose, regardless of whether it matches his or her own choice. Likewise, a person's evaluation of the rejected option affects his or her estimate of others' evaluations of the option they rejected. Across four studies, the authors provide evidence of conditional projection in political and consumer decisions, using across-people differences in ratings of choice options, within-person changes in ratings, and manipulated differences in participants' ratings. The authors also demonstrate that existing accounts of projection do not directly predict these findings and rule out other alternative explanations.
Some Novel Studies of Thermodynamics, Kinetics and Transport Phenomena in Slags
Authors: Muhmood Luckman , Semykina Anna , Iwase Masanori , Seetharaman Seshadri
Published: September 2012

The following paper revolves around the research work conducted in collaboration during Professor Iwase's brief visits to the Materials Process Science Division at Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm. The paper focuses on the thermodynamic aspects of CaO–FeO–SiO2 and CaO–FeO–SiO2–MnO slag oxidation in air and sulfur transport through CaO–Al2O3–SiO2 slag. Thermodynamics of slag oxidation in air opens potential new areas in terms of focus on effective recovery of iron oxide from slag. The slag transport studies are of fundamental nature and focuses on a novel technique to calculate the diffusion of species through slag by analyzing its corresponding concentration in the metal phase.
Risk Factor Detection as a Metric of STARHS Performance for HIV
Incidence Surveillance Among Female Sex Workers in Kigali, Rwanda
Authors: Braunstein Sarah L , van de Wijgert Janneke H , Vyankandondera Joseph , Kestelyn Evelyne , Ntirushwa Justin , Nash Denis
Published: September 2012

Background:

The epidemiologic utility of STARHS hinges not only on producing accurate estimates of HIV incidence, but also on identifying risk factors for recent HIV infection.

Methods:

As part of an HIV seroincidence study, 800 Rwandan female sex workers (FSW) were HIV tested, with those testing positive further tested by BED-CEIA (BED) and AxSYM Avidity Index (Ax-AI) assays. A sample of HIV-negative (N=397) FSW were followed prospectively for HIV seroconversion. We compared estimates of risk factors for: 1) prevalent HIV infection; 2) recently acquired HIV infection (RI) based on three different STARHS classifications (BED alone, Ax-AI alone, BED/Ax-AI combined); and 3) prospectively observed seroconversion.

Results:

There was mixed agreement in risk factors between methods. HSV-2 coinfection and recent STI treatment were associated with both prevalent HIV infection and all three measures of recent infection. A number of risk factors were associated only with prevalent infection, including widowhood, history of forced sex, regular alcohol consumption, prior imprisonment, and current breastfeeding. Number of sex partners in the last 3 months was associated with recent infection based on BED/Ax-AI combined, but not other STARHS-based recent infection outcomes or prevalent infection. Risk factor estimates for prospectively observed seroconversion differed in magnitude and direction from those for recent infection via STARHS.

Conclusions:

Differences in risk factor estimates by each method could reflect true differences in risk factors between the prevalent, recently, or newly infected populations, the effect of study interventions (among those followed prospectively), or assay misclassification. Similar investigations in other populations/settings are needed to further establish the epidemiologic utility of STARHS for identifying risk factors, in addition to incidence rate estimation.
Use of HIV Case Surveillance System to Design and Evaluate Site-Randomized Interventions in an HIV Prevention Study: HPTN 065
Authors: Donnell Deborah J , Hall H Irene , Gamble Theresa , Beauchamp Geetha , Griffin Angelique B , Torian Lucia V , Branson Bernard , El-Sadr Wafaa M
Published: September 2012

Introduction:

Modeling studies suggest intensified HIV testing, linkage-to-care and antiretroviral treatment to achieve viral suppression may reduce HIV transmission and lead to control of the epidemic. To study implementation of strategy, population-level data are needed to monitor outcomes of these interventions. US HIV surveillance systems are a potential source of these data.

Methods:

HPTN065 (TLC-Plus) Study is evaluating the feasibility of a test, linkage-to-care, and treat strategy for HIV prevention in two intervention communities - the Bronx, NY, and Washington, DC. Routinely collected laboratory data on diagnosed HIV cases in the national HIV surveillance system were used to select and randomize sites, and will be used to assess trial outcomes.

Results:

To inform study randomization, baseline data on site-aggregated study outcomes was provided from HIV surveillance data by New York City and Washington D.C. Departments of Health. The median site rate of linkage-to-care for newly diagnosed cases was 69% (IQR 50%-86%) in the Bronx and 54% (IQR 33%-71%) in Washington, D.C. In participating HIV care sites, the median site percent of patients with viral suppression (<400 copies/mL) was 57% (IQR 53%-61%) in the Bronx and 64% (IQR 55%-72%) in Washington, D.C.

Conclusions:

In a novel use of site-aggregated surveillance data, baseline data was used to design and evaluate site randomized studies for both HIV test and HIV care sites. Surveillance data have the potential to inform and monitor sitelevel health outcomes in HIV-infected patients.
Service Quality, Customer Satisfaction, Customer Trust, and Loyalty in an E-Banking Context
Authors: Chu Po-Young , Lee Gin-Yuan , Chao Yu
Published: September 2012

In this study a research model was proposed to examine the relationships between service quality, customer satisfaction in, customer trust of, and loyalty to Taiwanese e-banks. Questionnaires were completed by 442 respondents who had experience with e-banking and data were analyzed
using partial least squares structural equation modeling. It was found that e-banks must focus on service quality to increase customer satisfaction and trust and to obtain customer loyalty. Implications are discussed in relation to e-bank management.
Intestinal Atresia Occurring in Association with Placental Fetal Thrombotic Vasculopathy: A Case Report with Literature Review
Authors: Lian Derrick W.Q. , Lam Joyce C.M. , Aung Aye Chan Lwin , Li Faye X. , Chang Kenneth T.E.
Published: September 2012

Fetal thrombotic vasculopathy (FTV) is a thrombo-occlusive disorder of the placenta that has been reported in association with perinatal conditions such as cardiac abnormalities, neurological injury, and perinatal liver disease. These complications are related to fetal circulation vascular compromise. We herein report a previously undocumented association of congenital intestinal atresia and placental FTV. Vascular occlusion of the fetal mesenteric vessels has been hypothesized to result in congenital intestinal atresia. Our report provides support for this vascular hypothesis and illustrates the value of formal pathological examination of the placenta in explaining this occurrence of congenital intestinal atresia.
Influence of Initial Porosity on Strength Properties of S235JR Steel at Low Stress Triaxiality
Authors: Kossakowski P.G.
Published: September 2012

The paper discusses the influence of the initial parameters on the strength parameters of S235JR steel at low stress triaxiality. The analysis was performed using the Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman (GTN) material model, which takes into consideration the material structure. The initial material porosity was defined as the void volume fraction f0. The fully dense material without pores was assumed and the typical and maximum values of porosity were considered for S235JR steel in order to analyse the porosity effect. The strength analysis of S235JR steel was performed basing on the force-elongation curves obtained experimentally and during numerical simulations. Taking into consideration the results obtained, the average values of the initial void volume fraction f0 = 0.001 for S235JR steel is recommended to use in a common engineering calculations for elements operating at low stress triaxiality. In order to obtain more conservative results, the maximum values of f0 = 0.0024 may be used.
Application of Adhesive Bonding in Steel and Aluminium Structures
Authors: Piekarczyk M. , Grec R.
Published: September 2012

The paper presents achievements in gluing technique in steel and aluminium structures. Adhesives currently in use and available on the market are characterized from the point of view of their mechanical properties. Design rules of adhesive connections and basic methods for their calculations are mentioned. The most significant examples of the applications of those joints in steel as well as aluminium structures are shown.
Characterization of Electrical Transport in Lsmo with Enhanced Temperature of Metal-Insulator Transition
Authors: Štrbík Vladimír , Chromik Štefan
Published: September 2012

Characterization of Electrical Transport in Lsmo with Enhanced Temperature of Metal-Insulator Transition

We have studied La0.67Sr0.33MnO3(LSMO) thin films with temperature of metal-insulator (TMI) transition enhanced to above 400 K, and we estimated characteristic electrical transport mechanisms for these films. We have fitted the measured resistivity vs. temperature ρ(T) dependence in a wide temperature range 4-500 K using different mechanisms of the electrical transport in different parts of ρ(T). In addition to the narrow temperature range aroundTMIvery well agreement was found. We found out that the Debye's temperature was also increased (ΘD≈ 840 K) probably due to the change in crystallization of LSMO films.
The impact of liquidity on the capital structure: a case study of Croatian firms
Authors: Šarlija Nataša , Harc Martina
Published: September 2012

The impact of liquidity on the capital structure: a case study of Croatian firms

Background: Previous studies have shown that in some countries, liquid assets increased leverage while in other countries liquid firms were more frequently financed by their own capital and therefore were less leveraged. Objectives: The aim of this paper is to investigate the impact of liquidity on the capital structure of Croatian firms. Methods/Approach: Pearson correlation coefficient is applied to the test on the relationship between liquidity ratios and debt ratios, the share of retained earnings to capital and liquidity ratios and the relationship between the structure of current assets and leverage. Results: A survey has been conducted on a sample of 1058 Croatian firms. There are statistically significant correlations between liquidity ratios and leverage ratios. Also, there are statistically significant correlations between leverage ratios and the structure of current assets. The relationship between liquidity ratios and the short-term leverage is stronger than between liquidity ratios and the long-term leverage. Conclusions: The more liquid assets firms have, the less they are leveraged. Long-term leveraged firms are more liquid. Increasing inventory levels leads to an increase in leverage. Furthermore, increasing the cash in current assets leads to a reduction in the short-term and the long-term leverage.
Infrared and Raman Studies of Charge Ordering in Organic Conductors, BEDT-TTF Salts with Quarter-Filled Bands
Authors: Yakushi Kyuya
Published: September 2012

This paper reviews charge ordering in the organic conductors, β″-(BEDT-TTF) (TCNQ), θ-(BEDT-TTF)2X, and α-(BEDT-TTF)2X. Here, BEDT-TTF and TCNQ represent bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene and 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane, respectively. These compounds, all of which have a quarter-filled band, were evaluated using infrared and Raman spectroscopy in addition to optical conductivity measurements. It was found that β″-(BEDT-TTF)(TCNQ) changes continuously from a uniform metal to a charge-ordered metal with increasing temperature. Although charge disproportionation was clearly observed, long-range charge order is not realized. Among six θ-type salts, four compounds with a narrow band show the metal-insulator transition. However, they maintain a large amplitude of charge order (Δρ~0.6) in both metallic and insulating phases. In the X = CsZn(SCN)4 salt with intermediate bandwidth, the amplitude of charge order is very small (Δρ < 0.07) over the whole temperature range. However, fluctuation of charge order is indicated in the Raman spectrum and optical conductivity. No indication of the fluctuation of charge order is found in the wide band X = I3 salt. In α-(BEDT-TTF)2I3 the amplitude of charge order changes discontinuously from small amplitude at high temperature to large amplitude (Δρmax~0.6) at low temperature. The long-range charge-ordered state shows ferroelectric polarization with fast optical response. The fluctuation of multiple stripes occurs in the high-temperature metallic phase. Among α-(BEDT-TTF)2MHg(SCN)4 (X = NH4, K, Rb, Tl), the fluctuation of charge order is indicated only in the X = NH4 salt. α′-(BEDT-TTF)2IBr2 shows successive phase transitions to the ferroelectric state keeping a large amplitude of charge order (Δρmax~0.8) over the whole temperature range. It was found that the amplitude and fluctuation of charge order in these compounds is enhanced as the kinetic energy (bandwidth) decreases.
New Cembrane Diterpenoids from a Hainan Soft Coral Sinularia sp.
Authors: Yang Bin , Zhou Xuefeng , Huang Hui , Yang Xian-Wen , Liu Juan , Lin Xiuping , Li Xiubao , Peng Yan , Liu Yonghong
Published: September 2012

Five new cembrane diterpenoids, named sinuflexibilins A–E (1–5), along with nine other known diterpenoids (6–14), have been isolated from the organic extract of a Hainan soft coral Sinularia sp. Their structures were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses and by comparison of their spectral data with those of related metabolites. Compound 13, flexibilide, exhibited significant inhibitory activity of NF-κB activation using the cell-based HEK293 NF-κB luciferase reporter gene assay.
Effects of Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] Crude Extracts on Starch Digestibility, Estimated Glycemic Index (EGI), and Resistant Starch (RS) Contents of Porridges
Authors: Lemlioglu-Austin Dilek , Turner Nancy D. , McDonough Cassandra M. , Rooney Lloyd W.
Published: September 2012

Bran extracts (70% aqueous acetone) of specialty sorghum varieties (tannin, black, and black with tannin) were used to investigate the effects of sorghum phenolic compounds on starch digestibility, Estimated Glycemic Index (EGI), and Resistant Starch (RS) of porridges made with normal corn starch, enzyme resistant high amylose corn starch, and ground whole sorghum flours. Porridges were cooked with bran extracts in a Rapid Visco-analyser (RVA). The cooking trials indicated that bran extracts of phenolic-rich sorghum varieties significantly reduced EGI, and increased RS contents of porridges. Thus, there could be potential health benefits associated with the incorporation of phenolic-rich sorghum bran extracts into foods to slow starch digestion and increase RS content.
Why and How the Old Neuroleptic Thioridazine Cures the XDR-TB Patient
Authors: Amaral Leonard , Molnar Joseph
Published: September 2012

This mini-review provides the entire experimental history of the development of the old neuroleptic thioridazine (TZ) for therapy of antibiotic resistant pulmonary tuberculosis infections. TZ is effective when used in combination with antibiotics to which the initial Mycobacterium tuberculosis was resistant. Under proper cardiac evaluation procedures, the use of TZ is safe and does not produce known cardiopathy such as prolongation of QT interval. Because TZ is cheap, it should be considered for therapy of XDR and TDR-Mtb patients in economically disadvantaged countries.
Arbutus menziesii (Ericaceae) facilitates regeneration dynamics in mixed evergreen forests by promoting mycorrhizal fungal diversity and host connectivity
Authors: Kennedy Peter G. , Smith Dylan P. , Horton Tom R. , Molina Randy J.
Published: September 2012

• Premise of study: In the mixed evergreen forests in the western United States, Arbutus menziesii is able to quickly resprout following disturbance and, as such, act as a nurse tree during forest regeneration. The mechanism for this nurse tree effect has frequently been ascribed to mycorrhizal fungi, but no detailed molecular‐based studies of the mycorrhizal fungal communities associated with A. menziesii roots have yet been conducted.

• Methods: We examined the structure of the mycorrhizal fungal communities associated with A. menziesii in varying forest types and seasons and assessed the potential for common mycelial networks between A. menziesii and Pinaceae hosts, particularly Pseudotsuga menziesii. Study sites were located in the Klamath‐Siskyou region in southern Oregon, United States. Molecular approaches were used to identify the mycorrhizal fungi (ITS rDNA) and plant hosts (trnL cDNA).

• Key results: Arbutus menziesii hosts a highly diverse mycorrhizal fungal community with similar composition to communities found on other angiosperm and Pinaceae hosts. Phylogenetic analyses of the mycorrhizal genus Piloderma revealed that host species and geographic location had little effect on fungal taxon relatedness. Multihost fungal taxa were significantly more frequent and abundant than single‐host fungal taxa, and there was high potential for the formation of common mycelial networks with P. menziesii.

• Conclusions: Our results suggest A. menziesii is a major hub of mycorrhizal fungal diversity and connectivity in mixed evergreen forests and plays an important role in forest regeneration by enhancing belowground resilience to disturbance.