bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Power Performance of Manganese‐Doped BNT‐Based Pb‐Free Piezoelectric Ceramics
Authors: Hejazi Mehdi , Taghaddos Elaheh , Gurdal Erkan , Uchino Kenji , Safari Ahmad
Published: July 2014

Electromechanical properties and high power characteristics of Pb‐free hard piezoelectric ceramics in the (BiNa0.88K0.08Li0.04)0.5 (Ti1−xMnx)O3 (x = 0, 0.014, 0.015, and 0.016) system were studied. Mn doping resulted in a considerable enhancement of mechanical quality factor Qm and vibration velocity. The lowest mechanical and dielectric losses were achieved in 1.5 mol% Mn‐doped ceramics with a planar Qm of about 970 and tanδ of 0.89%. The heat dissipation and resonance frequency shift under high drive condition were remarkably suppressed upon Mn doping. The maximum vibration velocity was increased from 0.28 m/s in undoped ceramic to 0.6 m/s in 1.5 mol% Mn‐doped composition. The results of this study revealed that Mn‐doped BNT‐based piezoelectrics exhibited a superior high power performance compared to their lead‐based counterparts such as PZT4 and PZT8 ceramics.
Vapor‐Phase Transport Crystallization of Micro‐HZSM‐5 Zeolite Coatings
Authors: Liu Guozhu , Zhang Likang , You Zhiqiang , Wang Li , Zhang Xiangwen
Published: July 2014

A novel structured catalyst of binderless micro‐HZSM‐5 zeolite coating was prepared on stainless‐steeled tubes (i.d. 2 mm) through wash coating and vapor‐phase transport (VPT) crystallization method. The subsequent crystallization of amorphous SiO2 binders improved the coatings adhesion tremendously by more than 10 times with the least amount of binders (<20% by weight), attributed to the remarkably enhanced interlock by the formed Mordenite Framework Inverted structure between zeolite particles. Catalytic cracking of supercritical n‐dodecane (500°C, 4 MPa) was used to examine the catalytic performance of the coatings as prepared, indicating that MZC‐V0.2 exhibited a catalytic activity improvement by 8% and a decreased deactivation rate by 48%. The improved catalytic performance may result from its high acid sites amount by incorporating extra‐framework Al into HZSM‐5 framework, and the possible depressing of pore‐mouth deactivation through partial modification of surface acid sites during VPT treatment. This work provides a potential technique to prepare mechanically stable zeolite coatings with high catalytic activity but less binder usage.
Novel Self‐Activated Zinc Gallogermanate Phosphor: The Origin of its Photoluminescence
Authors: Ren Jing , Xu Xiaoqing , Zeng Huidan , Chen Guorong , Kong Deshuang , Gu Changjun , Chen Chunming , Liu Zhibin , Kong Linren
Published: July 2014

Since 2012, zinc gallogermanate has drawn interests as an excellent host phosphor for a variety of dopants (e.g., Cr3+, Bi3+ and Mn2+). However, the origin of its self‐activated luminescence has been largely unknown. Here, zinc gallogermanate of the composition Zn1+xGa2−2xGexO4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) is prepared by solid‐state reaction, and the evolution of the crystal structure with the composition is studied. The phosphors show a broad white‐bluish emission upon excitation by ultraviolet (UV) light, and the luminescence intensity greatly increases as Ga3+ are substituted by Ge4+. A full spectrum of the defects and trap centers responsible for the luminescence is given by a multiple characterization methods, such as low temperature electron spin resonance, positron annihilation lifetime and thermoluminescence spectra. The results show that the zinc gallogermanate is a promising self‐activated phosphor for a variety of applications.
Spectral Conversion From Ultraviolet to Near Infrared in Yb3+‐Doped Pyrovanadate Zn2V2O7 Particles
Authors: Guan Ying , Cheng Yu , Huang Yanlin , Tsuboi Taiju , Huang Wei , Cai Peiqing , Seo Hyo Jin
Published: July 2014

Yb3+‐doped Zn2V2O7 particles were synthesized via the Pechini method. The crystal structure and morphology of the polycrystalline samples were investigated by X‐ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy measurements, respectively. The reflectance spectrum, photoluminescence excitation, emission spectra, and the absolute quantum efficiency of the IR emission (900–1100) were measured. The intense near‐IR emission around 1000 nm attributed to the 2F5/2 → 2F7/2 transition of Yb3+ was observed under the excitation of ultraviolet light in the Yb3+‐doped pyrovanadate. The efficient energy transfer from VO4 groups into Yb3+ ions was confirmed by the optical spectra and fluorescent lifetime measurements. These results demonstrate that the Yb3+‐doped pyrovanadate particles are promising materials for spectral conversion from visible sunlight to near‐infrared emission and it may have potential application for spectral convertor to enhance the photoelectric conversion efficiency of c‐Si solar cells.
Synthesis and Characterization of Magnetite/Polyvinyl Alcohol Core–Shell Composite Nanoparticles
Authors: Kurchania Rajnish , Sawant Sachin S. , Ball Richard J.
Published: July 2014

Magnetite (Fe3O4)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) core–shell composite nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using a coprecipitation of ferrous and ferric chloride followed by coating with PVA. The resulting nanoparticles were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, X‐ray photo electron spectroscopy, Zeta potential measurements, UV–Vis spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis, and Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM). The average particle size was 13 nm. The presence of characteristic functional groups of PVA around the core of magnetite nanoparticles was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy while the amount of PVA (%) bound to it was estimated by TGA analysis. Zeta potential measurements made by dispersing dilute sonicated samples in a Phosphate Buffer Saline (PBS pH 7.4) confirmed that the particles were negatively charged. The stability and retention of the coating material PVA in PBS (pH7.4) over a period of time were substantiated by UV–Vis spectroscopy. Room‐temperature magnetic measurements were made with a VSM which demonstrated the superparamagnetic nature of the particles with higher saturation magnetization of 56.41 emu/g. Furthermore, in vitro cytocompatibility testing of Fe3O4/PVA core–shell composite nanoparticles was carried out on human cervix cancer cells. This confirmed a 97% cell viability with no significant cytotoxicity and thereby substantiated their biocompatibility.
Eu2+‐Doped Yellow‐Emitting CsBaB3O6 Glass‐Ceramic Prepared by Melt Quenching and Re‐Crystallization Method
Authors: Xie Hongde , Chen Luyang , Yuan Chen , Cai Peiqing , Kim Sun Il , Seo Hyo Jin
Published: July 2014

Eu3+‐doped cesium barium borate glass with the composition of Cs2O·2BaO·3B2O3 was prepared by the conventional melt quenching method. The glass‐ceramic sample was obtained from the re‐crystallization of the as‐made glass to change the amorphous glass into a crystalline host. This reduces the Eu3+ in glass to Eu2+ ions resulting in a yellow‐emitting phosphor of Eu2+‐activated CsBaB3O6. The samples were investigated by the XRD patterns and SEM micrograph, the optical absorption, the photoluminescence spectra, and decay curves. The as‐made glass has only Eu3+ centers. Under the excitation of blue or near‐UV light, Eu2+‐doped CsBaB3O6 presents yellow‐emitting color from the allowed inter‐configurational 4f–5d transition in the Eu2+ ions. The maximum absolute luminescence quantum efficiencies of Eu2+‐doped CsBaB3O6 phosphor was measured to be 47% excited at 430 nm light at 300 K. By taking into account the efficient excitation in blue wavelength region, this new phosphor could be a potential yellow‐emitting phosphor for an application in white light‐emitting diodes fabricated with blue chips.
Toward Understanding the Effect of Low‐Activity Waste Glass Composition on Sulfur Solubility
Authors: Vienna John D. , Kim Dong‐Sang , Muller Isabelle S. , Piepel Greg F. , Kruger Albert A.
Published: July 2014

The concentration of sulfur in Hanford low‐activity waste (LAW) glass melter feed will be maintained below the point where the salt accumulates on the melt surface. The allowable concentrations may range from near zero to over 2.05 wt% (of SO3 on a calcined oxide basis) depending on the composition of the melter feed and processing conditions. If the amount of sulfur exceeds the melt tolerance level, a molten salt will accumulate which may upset melter operations and potentially shorten the useful life of the melter. At the Hanford site, relatively conservative limits have traditionally been placed on sulfur loading in melter feed, which in turn significantly increases the amount of LAW glass that will be produced. Crucible‐scale sulfur solubility data and scaled melter sulfur tolerance data have been collected on simulated Hanford waste glasses over the last 15 years. These data were compiled and analyzed. An empirical model was developed to predict the solubility of SO3 in glass based on 253 simulated Hanford LAW glass compositions. This model represents the data well, accounting for over 85% of the variation in data, and was well validated. The model was also found to accurately predict the maximum amount of sulfur in melter feed that did not form a salt layer in 13 scaled melter tests of simulated LAW glasses. The model can be used to help estimate glass volumes and make informed decisions on process options (e.g., scale of supplemental LAW treatment facility, and pretreatment facility performance requirements). The model also gives quantitative estimates of component concentration effects on sulfur solubility. The components that increase sulfur solubility most are Li2O > V2O5 > CaO ≈ P2O5 > Na2O ≈ B2O3 > K2O. The components that decrease sulfur solubility most are Cl > Cr2O3 > Al2O3 > ZrO2 ≈ SnO2 > Others (i.e., the sum of minor components) ≈SiO2. The order of component effects is similar to previous literature data, in most cases.
Structural, Optical, and Magnetic Properties of Nd‐Doped GaN Powders
Authors: Zhou Chenglin , Jian Jikang , Wang Wenjun , Wang Gang , Song Bong , Wu Rong , Li Jin
Published: July 2014

Nd‐doped GaN powders are synthesized by a direct nitridation of Ga2O3, and the structural, optical, and magnetic properties of the products with different Nd concentrations are investigated. It is found that the Nd‐doped GaN powders have wurtzite structure and exhibit a broad blue emission related with defects. The stable room‐temperature ferromagnetism is observed in the products, which is dependent on the Nd concentration. The possible origin of the ferromagnetism is discussed.
Laying‐sequence variation in yolk carotenoids and egg characteristics in the red‐winged blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus
Authors: Newbrey Jennifer L. , Paszkowski Cynthia A. , McGraw Kevin J. , Ogle Susanna
Published: July 2014

In many bird species with asynchronous hatching, smaller, later‐hatched nestlings are out‐competed for food by their larger, earlier‐hatched siblings and therefore suffer increased mortality via starvation. It is thought that female birds can either maintain or reduce the survival disadvantage of later‐hatched nestlings by differentially allocating maternal resources across the eggs of a clutch. Carotenoid pigments are an example of resources that female birds allocate differentially when producing a clutch, but laying sequence patterns for these pigments remain poorly studied in North American songbirds. We examined intraclutch variation in yolk carotenoids and egg metrics in 27 full clutches of red‐winged blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus eggs collected from eight wetlands in central Alberta, Canada. We predicted that carotenoids would decrease across the laying sequence, as in this species, later‐hatched, marginal nestlings suffer greater mortality than earlier‐hatched, core nestlings. We found nine carotenoid pigments in red‐winged blackbird egg yolks, including two that have never been described from avian yolks: α‐doradexanthin and adonirubin. As predicted, concentrations and amounts of most carotenoids decreased across the laying sequence, suggesting that female red‐winged blackbirds depleted their carotenoid resources as they laid more eggs. However, egg mass and yolk mass both increased across the laying sequence, suggesting that female red‐winged blackbirds may use other maternal resources to compensate for the size and survival disadvantage experienced by later‐hatched, marginal nestlings.
Body‐mass‐dependent trade‐off between immune response and uropygial gland size in house sparrowsPasser domesticus
Authors: Moreno‐Rueda Gregorio
Published: July 2014

Parasites greatly impact host fitness. The immune system is fundamental to combat endoparasites, and survival increases with greater investment in immunity. Some ectoparasites, by contrast, are reportedly combated by the use of the uropygial gland, an organ exclusive to birds, which secretes an oily substance (preen oil) that is spread on plumage. However, both mounting an immune response against a parasite and producing uropygial gland secretion depend on the same resources, a situation which may induce trade‐offs between the two antiparasitic functions. In this study, I experimentally test whether immune response is traded off against uropygial gland size in the house sparrowPasser domesticus. In the experiment, a group of sparrows were injected with an antigen (lipopolysaccharide, LPS), which stimulates the immune system, while the other group received a sham injection. The uropygial gland of LPS‐treated birds decreased significantly more than that of the control birds after treatment. Nevertheless, the effect of the treatment was limited to house sparrows with low body mass, suggesting that heavy house sparrows were able to produce an immune response while maintaining a relatively large uropygial gland. Given that uropygial gland size is strongly related to production of preen oil, these results suggest that preen oil production declines in birds in poor body condition when resources are preferentially diverted to other demanding functions, such as the immune system. Considering that the uropygial gland is involved in several fitness‐related processes in birds, the trade‐off between immune response and uropygial gland size may have important consequences for bird life histories.
Factors Associated With Components of Arterial Pressure Among Older Individuals (the Multinational MEDIS Study): The Role of the Mediterranean Diet and Alcohol Consumption
Authors: Tyrovolas Stefanos , Haro Josep Maria , Polychronopoulos Evangelos , Mariolis Anargiros , Piscopo Suzanne , Valacchi Giuseppe , Makri Kornilia , Zeimbekis Akis , Tyrovola Dimitra , Bountziouka Vassiliki , Gotsis Efthimios , Metallinos George , Katsoulis Yannis , Tur Josep‐Antoni , Matalas Antonia , Lionis Christos , Panagiotakos Demosthenes
Published: July 2014

The aim of this work was to evaluate factors associated with arterial blood pressure in a sample of older Mediterranean people without known cardiovascular disease. During 2005 to 2011, 2813 older (aged 65–100 years) individuals from 22 Mediterranean islands and the rural Mani region (Peloponnesus) voluntarily enrolled. Standard procedures were used to determine arterial BP and pulse pressure and for the evaluation of dietary habits (including tea and alcoholic beverages consumption), lifestyle, and anthropometric and clinical characteristics of the participants. Participants who reported low alcohol consumption (ie, 0–1 glasses per day) were less likely to have hypertension (odds ratio, 0.34; 95% confidence interval, 0.14–0.84) as compared with those who reported high alcohol consumption (ie, 5+ glasses per day). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was inversely associated with mean arterial pressure (β coefficient, −0.18; 95% confidence interval, −0.33 to −0.16). Alcohol drinking remains an important modifiable risk factor for hypertension. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with decreased arterial peripheral resistance.
Male facial attractiveness and masculinity may provide sex‐ and culture‐independent cues to semen quality
Authors: Soler C. , Kekäläinen J. , Núñez M. , Sancho M. , Álvarez J. G. , Núñez J. , Yaber I. , Gutiérrez R.
Published: July 2014

Phenotype‐linked fertility hypothesis (PLFH) predicts that male secondary sexual traits reveal honest information about male fertilization ability. However, PLFH has rarely been studied in humans. The aim of the present study was to test PLFH in humans and to investigate whether potential ability to select fertile partners is independent of sex or cultural background. We found that on the contrary to the hypothesis, facial masculinity was negatively associated with semen quality. As increased levels of testosterone have been demonstrated to impair sperm production, this finding may indicate a trade‐off between investments in secondary sexual signalling (i.e. facial masculinity) and fertility or status‐dependent differences in investments in semen quality. In both sexes and nationalities (Spanish and Colombian), ranked male facial attractiveness predicted male semen quality. However, Spanish males and females estimated facial images generally more attractive (gave higher ranks) than Colombian raters, and in both nationalities, males gave higher ranks than females. This suggests that male facial cues may provide culture‐ and sex‐independent information about male fertility. However, our results also indicate that humans may be more sensitive to facial attractiveness cues within their own populations and also that males may generally overestimate the attractiveness of other men to females.
Nowcasting and the Taylor Rule
Authors: BRANCH WILLIAM A.
Published: July 2014

Actual federal funds rates in the U.S. have, at times, deviated from the recommendations of a simple Taylor rule. This paper proposes a “nowcasting” Taylor rule that preserves the form of the Taylor rule but encompasses realistic assumptions on information observable to policymakers. Because contemporaneous inflation rates and output gaps are not observable at the time policy is set, policymakers must form “nowcasts.” The optimal nowcast will depend, in part, on forecast uncertainty whenever policymakers have asymmetric costs to over‐ and underpredicting inflation and output. Empirical evidence shows that actual policy rates are consistent with those recommended by a nowcasting Taylor rule.
An Experimental Analysis of Contingent Capital with Market‐Price Triggers
Authors: DAVIS DOUGLAS , KORENOK OLEG , PRESCOTT EDWARD SIMPSON
Published: July 2014

We report an experiment that evaluates three market‐based regimes for triggering the conversion of contingent capital bonds into equity: a “fixed‐trigger” regime, where a price threshold triggers mandatory conversion; a “regulator” regime, where regulators make conversion decisions based on prices; and a “prediction market” regime, where regulators also observe a market that predicts conversion. Consistent with theory, we observe inefficiencies and conversion errors in the fixed‐trigger and regulator regimes. The prediction market somewhat improves the regulator's performance, but inefficiencies and conversion errors persist. The regulator regime has conversion errors over the widest range of shocks.
Arctic mutant Aβ40 aggregates on α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and inhibits their functions
Authors: Ju Ye , Asahi Toru , Sawamura Naoya
Published: July 2014

Amyloid β protein (Aβ) plays a central role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Point mutations within the Aβ sequence associated with familial AD (FAD) are clustered around the central hydrophobic core of Aβ. Several types of mutations within the Aβ sequence have been identified, and the ‘Arctic’ mutation (E22G) has a purely cognitive phenotype typical of AD. Previous studies have shown that the primary result of the ‘Arctic’ mutation is increased formation of Aβ protofibrils. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this effect remains unknown. Aβ42 binds to a neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit, neuronal acetylcholine receptor subunit alpha‐7 (CHRNA7), with high affinity and, thus, may be involved in the pathogenesis of AD. Therefore, to clarify the molecular mechanism of Arctic mutation‐mediated FAD, we focused on CHRNA7 as a target molecule of Arctic Aβ. We performed an in vitro binding assay using purified CHRNA7 and synthetic Arctic Aβ40, and demonstrated that Arctic Aβ40 specifically bound to CHRNA7. The aggregation of Arctic Aβ40 was enhanced with the addition of CHRNA7. Furthermore, the function of CHRNA7 was detected by measuring Ca2+ flux and phospho‐p44/42 MAPK (ERK1/2) activation. Our results indicated that Arctic Aβ40 aggregation was enhanced by the addition of CHRNA7, which destabilized the function of CHRNA7 via inhibition of Ca2+ responses and activation of ERK1/2. These findings indicate that Arctic Aβ mutation may be involved in the mechanism underlying FAD. This mechanism may involve binding and aggregation, leading to the inhibition of CHRNA7 functions.

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Amyloid β protein (Aβ) plays a central role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The ‘Arctic’ mutation within the Aβ sequence has a purely cognitive phenotype typical of AD. Here, we show that Arctic Aβ40 aggregation was enhanced by the addition of neuronal acetylcholine receptor subunit alpha‐7 (CHRNA7), which destabilized CHRNA7 functions via inhibition of the Ca2+ response and activation of ERK1/2. These findings may reflect the mechanism underlying familial AD caused by the Arctic Aβ mutation.
The effect of facilitated tucking on procedural pain control among premature babies
Authors: Lopez Olive , Subramanian Pathmawathi , Rahmat Norsiah , Theam Lim Chin , Chinna Karuthan , Rosli Roshaslina
Published: July 2014

Aims and Objectives

To determine the effectiveness of facilitated tucking in reducing pain when venepuncture is being performed on preterm infants.

Background

Preterm neonates are exposed to a myriad of invasive, often painful, procedures throughout their stay in the neonatal intensive care unit. A growing volume of evidence shows that pain in preterm infants has both short‐ and long‐term deleterious effects. It is within the power and ethical responsibility of neonatal nurses to help premature babies cope with procedural pain.

Design

A quasi‐experimental study with two groups: control and treatment group.

Methods

A study was conducted on a cohort of preterm infants (n = 42), divided into control (n = 21) and treatment (n = 21) groups, to determine the effect of facilitated tucking on pain relief during venepuncture on preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit. The severity of pain was measured using the Premature Infant Pain Profile score. The primary outcome measure was reduction in the Premature Infant Pain Profile scores.

Results

The Premature Infant Pain Profile score for the treatment group was significantly lower (M = 6·62, SD 2·598) than for the control group (6·62 ± 2·60 vs. 8·52 ± 2·99, respectively, t = −2·202, p < 0·05).

Conclusions

Facilitated tucking reduced the Premature Infant Pain Profile scores in preterm infants.

Relevance to clinical practice

The findings of this study suggest that facilitated tucking is able to alleviate pain; therefore, nurses must be able to carry out facilitated tucking when necessary.
Zoledronic acid and irradiation in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Lopez Jornet Pia , Susana Sanchez Carrillo , Rosario Tudela Mulero , Alvaro Pons‐Fuster
Published: July 2014

Objective

This in vitro study evaluated cytotoxicity and cell migration effects of zoledronic acid and irradiation upon oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Materials and Methods

Zoledronic acid was administrated at doses of 10, 25, 50, and 100 μM to PE/CA‐PJ15 oral squamous cell carcinoma cultures, irradiated with different doses (0, 5, 15, and 30 Gy), followed by evaluation of the effects on cell viability. Cell migration capacity was studied after 24‐ and 72‐h incubation.

Results

At 24 h, the 100 μM concentration of zoledronic acid combined with 15 Gy irradiation caused the greatest decrease in cell viability. At 72 h, statistically significant decreases in cell viability were found with all concentrations of zoledronic acid with or without irradiation: 0 Gy (P < 0.001), 5 Gy (P < 0.001), 15 Gy (P < 0.001), and 30 Gy (P < 0.001). 50 μM and 100 μM doses of zoledronic acid combined with 5 Gy irradiation yielded the greatest decrease in cell migration capacity.

Conclusions

Zoledronic acid increases cytotoxic activity in the PE/CA‐PJ15 cell line and reduces cell migration capacity. These findings suggest that combination therapy using biphosphates and radiation may offer a promising therapy.
Regulatory T cells in the actinic cheilitis
Authors: Gasparoto Thaís Helena , de Souza Malaspina Tatiana Salles , Damante José Humberto , de Mello Edgard Franco , Ikoma Maura Rosane Valério , Garlet Gustavo Pompermaier , Costa Maria Renata Sales Nogueira , Cavassani Karen Angélica , da Silva João Santana , Campanelli Ana Paula
Published: July 2014

Background

Actinic cheilitis (AC) is an oral potentially malignant lesion which is the counterpart of actinic keratosis of the skin and has potential to develop into squamous cell carcinoma. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have a critical role in modulating the antitumor immune responses. The presence of regulatory T cells in potentially malignant lesions has not been described. We chose investigate the involvement of regulatory T cells in potentially malignant lesions.

Methods

The frequency, phenotype, and activity of CD4+CD25+ T cells isolated from blood and lesion of AC patients were analyzed by flow cytometry. Cytokines were quantified by ELISA. Data were compared with samples from healthy subjects.

Results

The frequency and suppressor activity of circulating CD4+CD25+ T cells was similar in AC patients and control subjects. However, the frequencies of IL‐10‐positive Tregs were higher in AC patients, and these cells inhibited interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) and increased interleukin (IL)‐10 productions in co‐cultures. Furthermore, CD4+CD25+ T cells accumulate in AC lesions. Lesions‐derived regulatory T cells suppressed lymphocyte proliferation and pro‐inflammatory cytokine production. Moreover, high levels of IL‐10 and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), and low IFN‐γ were detected in the potentially malignant lesions.

Conclusion

Therefore, our data show that Tregs accumulate in AC lesions, and these cells could be suppressing immune responses in a potentially malignant microenvironment.
ANGPTL4 regulates the metastatic potential of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Tanaka Junichi , Irié Tarou , Yamamoto Gou , Yasuhara Rika , Isobe Tomohide , Hokazono Chie , Tachikawa Tetsuhiko , Kohno Yohko , Mishima Kenji
Published: July 2014

Lymph node metastasis is a major factor for poor prognosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, the molecular mechanisms of lymph node metastasis are unclear. We determined that angiopoietin‐like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) mRNA and protein expression were increased in OSCC cells established from the primary site in metastatic cases. In addition, ANGPTL4 expression in biopsy specimens was correlated with the presence of lymph node metastasis. Therefore, our initial findings suggest that OSCC cells expressing ANGPTL4 may possess metastatic ability. Furthermore, cell culture supernatants from OSCC cells that metastasized to the lymph node contain ANGPTL4 and promote invasive ability. These findings suggest that secreted ANGPTL4 may affect the invasive ability of OSCC. Moreover, the rates of positive ANGPTL4 expression at the primary site were significantly higher in the lymph node metastasis group. These results demonstrate that ANGPTL4 contributes to OSCC metastasis by stimulating cell invasion. Therefore, ANGPTL4 is a potential therapeutic target for preventing cancer metastasis.
First Report of Choanephora Rot of Okra Caused by Choanephora cucurbitarum in Korea
Authors: Park Ji‐Hyun , Cho Sung‐Eun , Choi In‐Young , Shin Hyeon‐Dong
Published: July 2014

In July and August 2013, blossom blight and soft rot of pods were observed on okra in experimental fields in Iksan and Jeju, Korea. Infection started in fading flower petals, spread to entire flowers and young pods, resulting in blighted blossoms and soft rot of pods. Severe infection caused early falling of blossoms and fruit drop, reducing plant vigour in the summer season. On the basis of the morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of two molecular markers ITS rDNA and D1/D2 region of the LSU, the fungus was identified as Choanephora cucurbitarum. A pathogenicity test was carried out to fulfil Koch's postulates. To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. cucurbitarum on okra in Korea.
Characterization and Pathogenicity of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and C. karstii Causing Preharvest Disease on Citrus sinensis in Italy
Authors: Aiello Dalia , Carrieri Raffaele , Guarnaccia Vladimiro , Vitale Alessandro , Lahoz Ernesto , Polizzi Giancarlo
Published: July 2014

During the period from 2010 to 2013 preharvest symptoms were detected on different cultivars of sweet orange in six orchards in Catania, Siracusa and Enna provinces, Southern Italy. A total of 56 monosporic fungal isolates were obtained, and among these, 44 were identified as Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and 12 as C. karstii through morphological and molecular analysis. PCR with primers ITS1 and ITS4, primers TubGF1 and TubGR specific for β‐tubulin gene, primers GDF‐GDR, specific for Glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene, were used to confirm the identification of Colletotrichum isolates from citrus. The ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2 region, a portion of approximately 500 bp of β‐tubulin gene and a fragment of 220 bp of GAPDH gene of the isolates were sequenced and analysed with the BLASTn program. Koch's postulates were fulfilled by pathogenicity tests carried out on fruit of ‘Tarocco Scirè’ and ‘Tarocco Nucellare’ with representative isolates of C. gloeosporioides and C. karstii. Field surveys and pathogenicity tests revealed significant differences in fruit susceptibility between ‘Tarocco Scirè’ and ‘Tarocco Nucellare’ and in virulence between the fungal species. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the emergence of Colletotrichum spp. causing anthracnose in preharvest conditions.
Effects of essential oils, yeast culture and malate on rumen fermentation, blood metabolites, growth performance and nutrient digestibility of Baluchi lambs fed high‐concentrate diets
Authors: Malekkhahi M. , Tahmasbi A. M. , Naserian A. A. , Danesh Mesgaran M. , Kleen J. L. , Parand A. A.
Published: July 2014

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with a mixture of essential oils (MEO), yeast culture (YC) and malate on performance, nutrient digestion, rumen fermentation and blood metabolites of lambs fed high‐concentrate growing diets. For this purpose, twenty Baluchi lambs (17.3 ± 0.5 kg body weight and 3 months old) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design with five lambs per treatment. The treatment groups were as follows: (i) control: basal diet without any additive, (ii) basal diet plus 400 mg/day MEO (thymol, carvacrol, eugenol, limonene and cinnamaldehyde), (iii) basal diet with 4 g/day YC and (iv) basal diet plus 4 g/day malate. No differences between the dietary treatments were observed in dry matter intake, average daily gain or feed conversion ratio (p > 0.05). Compared with control and malate treatment, lambs fed MEO and YC had an improved crude protein digestibility (p < 0.05). Yeast culture significantly increased (p > 0.05) cell wall digestibility compared to the other treatments. No differences were observed between treatments with respect to nitrogen balance or ruminal pH and ammonia concentrations (p > 0.05). No differences were observed between treatments with respect to ruminal total volatile fatty acid concentration and molar proportions of acetate, butyrate and valerate. Molar proportion of propionate was higher (p < 0.05) for YC and malate compared to control and MEO. Plasma glucose concentration was higher (p < 0.05) in lambs fed YC and malate than in lambs fed the control or the MEO diet. Blood concentration of triglycerides significantly decreased when feeding the MEO and YC diets (p < 0.05). It was concluded that YC may be more useful as a feed additive for manipulation of rumen fermentation in lambs fed with high‐concentrate diets than MEO and malate, because YC enhanced crude protein and cell wall digestibility, ruminal molar proportion of propionate and plasma glucose concentration.
Feasibility and Preliminary Effectiveness of a Novel Cognitive–Behavioral Couple Therapy for Provoked Vestibulodynia: A Pilot Study
Authors: Corsini-Munt Serena , Bergeron Sophie , Rosen Natalie O. , Mayrand Marie-Hélène , Delisle Isabelle
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD), a recurrent, localized vulvovaginal pain problem, carries a significant psychosexual burden for afflicted women, who report impoverished sexual function and decreased frequency of sexual activity and pleasure. Interpersonal factors such as partner responses to pain, partner distress, and attachment style are associated with pain outcomes for women and with sexuality outcomes for both women and partners. Despite these findings, no treatment for PVD has systematically included the partner.

Aims

This study pilot-tested the feasibility and potential efficacy of a novel cognitive–behavioral couple therapy (CBCT) for couples coping with PVD.

Methods

Couples (women and their partners) in which the woman was diagnosed with PVD (N = 9) took part in a 12-session manualized CBCT intervention and completed outcome measures pre- and post-treatment.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcome measure was women's pain intensity during intercourse as measured on a numerical rating scale. Secondary outcomes included sexual functioning and satisfaction for both partners. Exploratory outcomes included pain-related cognitions; psychological outcomes; and treatment satisfaction, feasibility, and reliability.

Results

One couple separated before the end of therapy. Paired t-test comparisons involving the remaining eight couples demonstrated significant improvements in women's pain and sexuality outcomes for both women and partners. Exploratory analyses indicated improvements in pain-related cognitions, as well as anxiety and depression symptoms, for both members of the couple. Therapists' reported high treatment reliability and participating couples' high participation rates and reported treatment satisfaction indicate adequate feasibility.

Conclusions

Treatment outcomes, along with treatment satisfaction ratings, confirm the preliminary success of CBCT in reducing pain and psychosexual burden for women with PVD and their partners. Further large-scale randomized controlled trials are necessary to examine the efficacy of CBCT compared with and in conjunction with first-line biomedical interventions for PVD.
Undertreatment of Erectile Dysfunction: Claims Analysis of 6.2 Million Patients
Authors: Frederick Luke R. , Cakir Omer Onur , Arora Hans , Helfand Brian T. , McVary Kevin T.
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Prior research conducted on treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) has been derived from surveys involving relatively small populations of men. There are needs for large population-based studies in this area. Our study addresses that need.

Aim

The aim of this study was to characterize ED treatment among a large population of men.

Methods

Patients ≥30 years in commercial insurance dataset with diagnosis code for ED during 12-month period ending June 2011 were identified. Men were considered “treated” if prescription was filled for phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5i), injection or urethral prostaglandins, or androgen replacement (ART) during study period. “Untreated” patients received the diagnosis but did not fill prescription. Statistical analyses were used to compare prescription frequency with clinical characteristics, including age and comorbidities.

Main Outcome Measures

ED treatment rates among large population of insured men, treatment types employed, patient demographics, associated medical comorbidities of this population, and prescriber details were the main outcome measures.

Results

Only 25.4% of 6,228,509 men with ED were treated during study period. While PDE5is were the most commonly prescribed medical therapy (75.2%), ART was utilized as monotherapy or in combination therapy in 30.6% of men. ART was significantly (P < 0.0001) more frequently used in men <40 and >65 years. Although ED frequency was associated with increased age and number of comorbidities, men >60 years were significantly (P < 0.0001) less likely to be treated compared with men aged 40–59 years. Additionally, treatment frequency did not vary as a function of number of comorbidities. However, compared with men with prostate cancer, men with comorbid hypogonadism, sleep disorders, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or components of metabolic syndrome were (P < 0.0001) more likely to be treated.

Conclusions

Despite high prevalence of ED with age and comorbidities, most men continue receiving no treatment. Although benefits of medical intervention for ED are well-recognized, many barriers to treatment continually exist including physician, patient and partner preference and knowledge.
Structural variants of yeast prions show conformer‐specific requirements for chaperone activity
Authors: Stein Kevin C. , True Heather L.
Published: July 2014

Molecular chaperones monitor protein homeostasis and defend against the misfolding and aggregation of proteins that is associated with protein conformational disorders. In these diseases, a variety of different aggregate structures can form. These are called prion strains, or variants, in prion diseases, and cause variation in disease pathogenesis. Here, we use variants of the yeast prions [RNQ+] and [PSI+] to explore the interactions of chaperones with distinct aggregate structures. We found that prion variants show striking variation in their relationship with Hsp40s. Specifically, the yeast Hsp40 Sis1 and its human orthologue Hdj1 had differential capacities to process prion variants, suggesting that Hsp40 selectivity has likely changed through evolution. We further show that such selectivity involves different domains of Sis1, with some prion conformers having a greater dependence on particular Hsp40 domains. Moreover, [PSI+] variants were more sensitive to certain alterations in Hsp70 activity as compared to [RNQ+] variants. Collectively, our data indicate that distinct chaperone machinery is required, or has differential capacity, to process different aggregate structures. Elucidating the intricacies of chaperone‐client interactions, and how these are altered by particular client structures, will be crucial to understanding how this system can go awry in disease and contribute to pathological variation.
Trends in bowhead whales in West Greenland: Aerial surveysvs. genetic capture‐recapture analyses
Authors: Rekdal Silje L. , Hansen Rikke Guldborg , Borchers David , Bachmann Lutz , Laidre Kristin L. , Wiig Øystein , Nielsen Nynne Hjort , Fossette Sabrina , Tervo Outi , Heide‐Jørgensen Mads Peter
Published: July 2014

We contrast two methods for estimating the trends of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) in West Greenland: (1) double platform visual aerial survey, corrected for missed sightings and the time the whales are available at the surface; and (2) a genetic capture‐recapture approach based on a 14‐yr‐long biopsy sampling program in Disko Bay. The aerial survey covered 39,000 km2and resulted in 58 sightings, yielding an abundance estimate of 744 whales (CV= 0.34, 95%CI: 357–1,461). The genetic method relied on determining sex, mitochondrial haplotypes and genotypes of nine microsatellite markers. Based on samples from a total of 427 individuals, with 11 recaptures from previous years in 2013, this resulted in an estimate of 1,538 whales (CV= 0.24, 95%CI: 827–2,249). While the aerial survey is considered asnapshotof the local spring aggregation in Disko Bay, the genetic approach estimates the abundance of thesourceof this aggregation. As the whales in Disko Bay primarily are adult females that do not visit the bay annually, the genetic method would presumably yield higher estimates. The studies indicate that an increase in abundance observed between 1998 and 2006 has leveled off.
Nationalism and the Contingency of the Religious Return among Second‐Generation Palestinian Immigrants in the United States: A Chicago Case Study
Authors: Lybarger Loren D.
Published: July 2014

Drawing on dozens of in‐depth life‐history interviews and extensive participant observation in mosques and community centers, this article probes the interaction of religion and nationalism in the formation of individual identities within the Palestinian immigrant community in Chicago, Illinois since the late 1980s. The analysis focuses on three individuals who represent distinct approaches to negotiating the relationship of religion and nation. The first approach is context‐adaptive, responding and accommodating to the diverging moral assumptions that underlie the ethos of religious and secular spaces. The second approach entails a transition from secular‐nationalism to a type of Islamic nationalism or even Islamic secularism. The third approach resists both forms of nationalism, seeking a transcendent Islam in which ethnicity and nation recede within a new religious humanism. The core argument throughout is that processes of religious return, often analyzed in relation to transnational trends, take diverse and indeterminate forms. This fact results from the shaping effects of a range of “secular” factors — gender, generation, class, family dynamics, intercommunal interactions, traumatic events — which register within the specific local settings of ordinary life.
“A Blessing on Our People”: Bibi Pak Daman, Sacred Geography, and the Construction of the Nationalized Sacred
Authors: Zaidi Noor
Published: July 2014

This article focuses on the hagiographies and debates related to Bibi Pak Daman, a small shrine in Lahore's Old City. Said to house the graves of six women from the Prophet Muhammad's household and subject to a range of theories regarding its origins, Bibi Pak Daman is critical space in validating Pakistan's religious character and centrality in broader map of Islam. The most widely disseminated claim maintains that the main mausoleum in Bibi Pak Daman is that of Bibi Ruqayyah bint Ali, daughter of ῾Ali ibn Abu Talib, the fourth of the “Rightly Guided” Caliphs and the first Shiite Imam. The implications of this presence allow devotees to link Bibi Pak Daman to seminal events in the formation of Islamic and Shiite history in particular, affirming that the lands that would become Pakistan were vital at Islam's inception, rather than a much later, peripheral recipient of Muhammad's message.

Yet like no other site in Pakistan, Bibi Pak Daman exemplifies the tensions that exist between state sanctioned religious rhetoric and local and folk traditions, with the unease with the government's role as religious arbitrator, between nationalism and communal rivalry, and within a minority Shiite community often struggling to legitimate its beliefs in a nation with a rapidly‐narrowing space for public religious plurality.
“Formalism, Puritanicalism, Traditionalism: Approaches to Islamic Legal Reasoning in the 19th‐Century Russian Empire”
Authors: Spannaus Nathan
Published: July 2014

As early as the 1730s, the Russian imperial state sought to incorporate its Muslim subjects into the tsarist bureauacracy, first by co‐opting Muslim legal scholars, and later, beginning in 1788, by placing the whole of the ulama under government control. This led to a marginalization of Islamic legal institutions and a transformation of Islamic legal practice under Russian rule.

In the early 19th century, ulama sought ways to adapt Islamic law to these institutional changes, and vibrant debates about the purpose and function of legal theory represented an important part of the religious discourse among these Muslim communities. This paper addresses the approaches of three scholars, Abu Nasr Qursawi (1776–1812), ῾Abd al‐Rahim Utiz‐Imani (1754–1834) and Fath Allah Uriwi (1767–1843), who strongly disagreed regarding issues such as the use of usul and furu῾, the permissibility of ijtihad, and the relationship between the ulama and the community.

I argue that while each scholar puts forward a different approach to the law — which I term, respectively, formalism, puritanicalism and traditionalism — each of these positions represents a response to their communities' shifting circumstances under Russian rule and a way for the discursive tradition of Islamic law to continue despite the marginalization of legal institutions.
The chloroplast view of the evolution of polyploid wheat
Authors: Gornicki Piotr , Zhu Huilan , Wang Junwei , Challa Ghana S. , Zhang Zhengzhi , Gill Bikram S. , Li Wanlong
Published: July 2014

Polyploid wheats comprise four species: Triticum turgidum (AABB genomes) and T. aestivum (AABBDD) in the Emmer lineage, and T. timopheevii (AAGG) and T. zhukovskyi (AAGGAmAm) in the Timopheevi lineage. Genetic relationships between chloroplast genomes were studied to trace the evolutionary history of the species.

Twenty‐five chloroplast genomes were sequenced, and 1127 plant accessions were genotyped, representing 13 Triticum and Aegilops species.

The A. speltoides (SS genome) diverged before the divergence of T. urartu (AA), A. tauschii (DD) and the Aegilops species of the Sitopsis section. Aegilops speltoides forms a monophyletic clade with the polyploid Emmer and Timopheevi wheats, which originated within the last 0.7 and 0.4 Myr, respectively. The geographic distribution of chloroplast haplotypes of the wild tetraploid wheats and A. speltoides illustrates the possible geographic origin of the Emmer lineage in the southern Levant and the Timopheevi lineage in northern Iraq.

Aegilops speltoides is the closest relative of the diploid donor of the chloroplast (cytoplasm), as well as the B and G genomes to Timopheevi and Emmer lineages. Chloroplast haplotypes were often shared by species or subspecies within major lineages and between the lineages, indicating the contribution of introgression to the evolution and domestication of polyploid wheats.
Experiencing death: an insider's perspective
Authors: Paulson Steve , Fenwick Peter , Neal Mary , Nelson Kevin , Parnia Sam
Published: July 2014

For millennia, human beings have wondered what happens after death. What is the first‐person experience of dying and being brought back to life? Technological advances in resuscitation science have now added an intriguing new chapter to the literature of out‐of‐body or near‐death experiences by eliciting detailed and vivid accounts of those who have approached the threshold of death. Steve Paulson, executive producer and host of To the Best of Our Knowledge, moderated a discussion that included neurologist Kevin Nelson, neuropsychiatrist Peter Fenwick, emergency medicine expert Sam Parnia, and orthopedic surgeon and drowning survivor Mary Neal; they share some remarkable stories and discuss how they analyze such experiences in light of their own backgrounds and training. The following is an edited transcript of the discussion from December 11, 2013, 7:00–8:30 PM, at the New York Academy of Sciences in New York City.