bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and type distribution of high-risk human papillomavirus in patients with cervical cancer: a population-based study
Authors: Haghshenas Mohammadreza , Golini-moghaddam Tahereh , Rafiei Alireza , Emadeian Omid , Shykhpour Ahmad , Ashrafi G Hossein
Published: June 2013

Background

Cervical cancer is the greater cause of cancer death in women in many developing countries. Persistent infection with human papilloma virus (HPV), primarily high risk types 16 and 18, is recognized as a causal and essential factor for the development of cervical cancer. We aimed to determine the distribution of high-risk HPV genotypes in archival biopsies with cervical carcinoma in patients from Mazandaran Province, Northern Iran.

Methods

A total of 98 paraffin-embedded cervical samples consisted of 63 Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCC), 4 Adenocarcinomas, 19 Cervical Interaepithelial Neoplasia grade I (CIN-I), 4 CIN-II and 8 CIN-III diagnosed during 2009–2011, were selected to perform high risk HPV genotyping using AmpliSens(R) HPV HCR DNA genotyping kit. The prevalence of HPV infections was assessed in low and high grade cervical lesions by age.

Results

Of the 98 cervical samples analysed by DNA PCR, 78 (79.59%) were positive for HPV DNA. HPV was detected in the 52 of SCC, 4 of Adenocarcinomas, 14 of CIN-I, 4 of CIN-II, and 4 of CIN-III for HPV. From the 78 HPV positive samples, 23 (29.5%) samples were positive for HPV type 16, 32 (41%) were positive for HPV 18, 19 (24.4%) were positive for HPV 45, and 4 (5.1%) of cervical specimens were positive for HPV 39.

Conclusions

This study provides valuable baseline data for future assessment of the impact of current prophylactic vaccination programs that is protective against the two most common oncogenic types of HPV found in cervical cancer, HPV-16 and HPV-18, but not against other high-risk mucosal HPVs, 39 and 45, reported in this population.
Adult-onset leukoencephalopathy, brain calcifications and cysts: a case report
Authors: Wang Yaming , Cheng Gang , Dong Chao , Zhang Jianning , Meng Yuhong
Published: June 2013

Introduction

Leukoencephalopathy, brain calcifications and cysts, known as Labrune syndrome, is a rare syndrome. The etiology is unknown; in some cases it is difficult to differentiate from Coats plus syndrome and diagnosed as cerebroretinal microangiopathy with calcifications and cysts. We present the case of a patient with adult leukoencephalopathy, brain calcifications and cysts and discuss recently described entities in view of the relevant literature.

Case presentation

A previously healthy 19-year-old Chinese man presented with weakness of his right limbs that rapidly worsened over a short interval. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed numerous low-density cysts, calcifications, and abnormal signal change of white matter. A visual field examination showed irregular visual field defects in both eyes. A neuro-ophthalmologic examination did not find evidence of Coats retinopathy. A larger excisional biopsy was carried out and a diagnosis of leukoencephalopathy, brain calcifications and cysts was confirmed.

Conclusions

We present an example of adult-onset leukoencephalopathy, brain calcifications and cysts and have expanded the clinical spectrum of features associated with this syndrome. Previous reports have not, to the best of our knowledge, previously reported visual field defects. Based on the latest findings, we believe that leukoencephalopathy, brain calcifications and cysts and Coats plus syndrome are genetically distinct entities.
Djeen (Database for Joomla!’s Extensible Engine): a research information management system for flexible multi-technology project administration
Authors: Stahl Olivier , Duvergey Hugo , Guille Arnaud , Blondin Fanny , Vecchio Alexandre Del , Finetti Pascal , Granjeaud Samuel , Vigy Oana , Bidaut Ghislain
Published: June 2013

Background

With the advance of post-genomic technologies, the need for tools to manage large scale data in biology becomes more pressing. This involves annotating and storing data securely, as well as granting permissions flexibly with several technologies (all array types, flow cytometry, proteomics) for collaborative work and data sharing. This task is not easily achieved with most systems available today.

Findings

We developed Djeen (Database for Joomla!’s Extensible Engine), a new Research Information Management System (RIMS) for collaborative projects. Djeen is a user-friendly application, designed to streamline data storage and annotation collaboratively. Its database model, kept simple, is compliant with most technologies and allows storing and managing of heterogeneous data with the same system. Advanced permissions are managed through different roles. Templates allow Minimum Information (MI) compliance.

Conclusion

Djeen allows managing project associated with heterogeneous data types while enforcing annotation integrity and minimum information. Projects are managed within a hierarchy and user permissions are finely-grained for each project, user and group.

Djeen Component source code (version 1.5.1) and installation documentation are available under CeCILL license from http://sourceforge.net/projects/djeen/files and supplementary material.
5-methyl-cytosine and 5-hydroxy-methyl-cytosine in the genome of Biomphalaria glabrata, a snail intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Fneich Sara , Dheilly Nolwenn , Adema Coen , Rognon Anne , Reichelt Michael , Bulla Jan , Grunau Christoph , Cosseau Céline
Published: June 2013

Background

Biomphalaria glabrata is the mollusc intermediate host for Schistosoma mansoni, a digenean flatworm parasite that causes human intestinal schistosomiasis. An estimated 200 million people in 74 countries suffer from schistosomiasis, in terms of morbidity this is the most severe tropical disease after malaria. Epigenetic information informs on the status of gene activity that is heritable, for which changes are reversible and that is not based on the DNA sequence. Epigenetic mechanisms generate variability that provides a source for potentially heritable phenotypic variation and therefore could be involved in the adaptation to environmental constraint. Phenotypic variations are particularly important in host-parasite interactions in which both selective pressure and rate of evolution are high. In this context, epigenetic changes are expected to be major drivers of phenotypic plasticity and co-adaptation between host and parasite. Consequently, with characterization of the genomes of invertebrates that are parasite vectors or intermediate hosts, it is also essential to understand how the epigenetic machinery functions to better decipher the interplay between host and parasite.

Methods

The CpGo/e ratios were used as a proxy to investigate the occurrence of CpG methylation in B. glabrata coding regions. The presence of DNA methylation in B. glabrata was also confirmed by several experimental approaches: restriction enzymatic digestion with isoschizomers, bisulfite conversion based techniques and LC-MS/MS analysis.

Results

In this work, we report that DNA methylation, which is one of the carriers of epigenetic information, occurs in B. glabrata; approximately 2% of cytosine nucleotides are methylated. We describe the methylation machinery of B. glabrata. Methylation occurs predominantly at CpG sites, present at high ratios in coding regions of genes associated with housekeeping functions. We also demonstrate by bisulfite treatment that methylation occurs in multiple copies of Nimbus, a transposable element.

Conclusions

This study details DNA methylation for the first time, one of the carriers of epigenetic information in B. glabrata. The general characteristics of DNA methylation that we observed in the B. glabrata genome conform to what epigenetic studies have reported from other invertebrate species.
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in horses and donkeys in Yunnan Province, Southwestern China
Authors: Miao Qiang , Wang Xi , She Li-Na , Fan Ya-Ting , Yuan Fei-Zhou , Yang Jian-Fa , Zhu Xing-Quan , Zou Feng-Cai
Published: June 2013

Background

Toxoplasma gondiiis an intracellular protozoan parasite that infects almost all warm-blooded animals, including humans, with a worldwide distribution. There have been limited reports about the seroprevalence ofT.gondiiinfection in equids around the world and little is known about the seroprevalence ofT.gondiiin equids in southwestern China, in particular in Yunnan Province. The objective of the present investigation was to estimate the seroprevalence ofT.gondiiinfection in equids in this area.

Methods

A total of 399 serum samples (266 from horses and 133 from donkeys) were collected in 2012, and assayed forT.gondiiantibodies by Indirect Haemagglutination (IHA) test using a commercially available kit.

Results

A total of 108 (27.1%) equids, including 81 (30.5%) horses and 27 (20.3%) donkeys were positive forT.gondiiantibodies, and the seroprevalence ranged from 18.8% to 37.5% among different sampling areas. The seroprevalence was 27.4% and 26.8% for male and female equids, respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The seroprevalence ranged from 21% to 32.9% among different age groups, and the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The results of the present survey indicated the existence of highT.gondiiseroprevalence in Yunnan Province, southwestern China, which has significant public health concern. Therefore, it is imperative that improved integrated measures be carried out to prevent and controlT.gondiiinfection in equids in the studied region.
President's Page
Authors: Miller Edith
Published: June 2013

Over the past few years, there has been much anticipation and more than a little industry anxiety concerning the waves of departures of seasoned workers—the “silver tsunami.” Their incoming, less-experienced replacements were certain to arrive at their jobs without the guidance and mentoring necessary to ensure the continuity of leadership and quality work product required by a demanding and high-stakes business. In the September 2007 issue of The Leading Edge, outgoing SEG President Leon Thomsen wrote a President's Page discussing, among other things, SEG's role in facilitating the knowledge transfer from the long-term experienced Earth-science professionals to the younger geophysicists beginning to enter the workforce.
SEAM Update
Authors: Oristaglio Michael
Published: June 2013

At the end of January, SEAM Corporation issued the first request-for-bids (RFB) on numerical simulations for its Phase II consortium “Land Seismic Challenges.” This RFB was for synthetic 3D seismic acquisition using the SEAM Unconventional Model, a model designed to represent challenges of imaging and characterizing subtle features of shale-gas reservoirs set in a realistic stratigraphic section and overlain by buried topography typical of midcontinent basins. SEAM is in the process of evaluating the bids received in response to the RFB and expects to start production simulations with the Unconventional Model in July.
Field testing of fiber-optic distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) for subsurface seismic monitoring
Authors: Daley Thomas M. , Freifeld Barry M. , Ajo-Franklin Jonathan , Dou Shan , Pevzner Roman , Shulakova Valeriya , Kashikar Sudhendu , Miller Douglas E. , Goetz Julia , Henninges Jan , Lueth Stefan
Published: June 2013

Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) is a relatively recent development in the use of fiber-optic cable for measurement of ground motion. Discrete fiber-optic sensors, typically using a Bragg diffraction grating, have been in research and development and field testing for more than 15 years with geophysical applications at least 12 years old (Bostick, 2000, and summary in Keul et al., 2005). However, developments in recent years have sought to remove the need for point sensors by using the fiber cable itself as a sensor (Mestayer et al., 2011; Miller et al., 2012).
An exclusively mesodermal origin of fin mesenchyme demonstrates that zebrafish trunk neural crest does not generate ectomesenchyme
Authors: Lee Raymond Teck Ho , Knapik Ela W. , Thiery Jean Paul , Carney Thomas J.
Published: June 2013

The neural crest is a multipotent stem cell population that arises from the dorsal aspect of the neural tube and generates both non-ectomesenchymal (melanocytes, peripheral neurons and glia) and ectomesenchymal (skeletogenic, odontogenic, cartilaginous and connective tissue) derivatives. In amniotes, only cranial neural crest generates both classes, with trunk neural crest restricted to non-ectomesenchyme. By contrast, it has been suggested that anamniotes might generate derivatives of both classes at all axial levels, with trunk neural crest generating fin osteoblasts, scale mineral-forming cells and connective tissue cells; however, this has not been fully tested. The cause and evolutionary significance of this cranial/trunk dichotomy, and its absence in anamniotes, are debated. Recent experiments have disputed the contribution of fish trunk neural crest to fin osteoblasts and scale mineral-forming cells. This prompted us to test the contribution of anamniote trunk neural crest to fin connective tissue cells. Using genetics-based lineage tracing in zebrafish, we find that these fin mesenchyme cells derive entirely from the mesoderm and that neural crest makes no contribution. Furthermore, contrary to previous suggestions, larval fin mesenchyme cells do not generate the skeletogenic cells of the adult fin, but persist to form fibroblasts associated with adult fin rays. Our data demonstrate that zebrafish trunk neural crest does not generate ectomesenchymal derivatives and challenge long-held ideas about trunk neural crest fate. These findings have important implications for the ontogeny and evolution of the neural crest.
Deletion of integrin-linked kinase from neural crest cells in mice results in aortic aneurisms and embryonic lethality
Authors: Arnold Thomas D. , Zang Keling , Vallejo-Illarramendi Ainara
Published: June 2013

Neural crest cells (NCCs) participate in the remodeling of the cardiac outflow tract and pharyngeal arch arteries during cardiovascular development. Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is a serine/threonine kinase and a major regulator of integrin signaling. It links integrins to the actin cytoskeleton and recruits other adaptor molecules into a large complex to regulate actin dynamics and integrin function. Using the Cre-lox system, we deleted Ilk from NCCs of mice to investigate its role in NCC morphogenesis. The resulting mutants developed a severe aneurismal arterial trunk that resulted in embryonic lethality during late gestation. Ilk mutants showed normal cardiac NCC migration but reduced differentiation into smooth muscle within the aortic arch arteries and the outflow tract. Within the conotruncal cushions, Ilk-deficient NCCs exhibited disorganization of F-actin stress fibers and a significantly rounder morphology with shorter cellular projections. Additionally, absence of ILK resulted in reduced in vivo phosphorylation of Smad3 in NCCs, which correlated with reduced αSMA levels. Our findings resemble those seen in Pinch1 and β1 integrin conditional mutant mice, and therefore support that, in neural crest-derived cells, ILK and Pinch1 act as cytoplasmic effectors of β1 integrin in a pathway that protects against aneurysms. In addition, our conditional Ilk mutant mice might prove useful as a model to study aortic aneurysms caused by reduced Smad3 signaling, as occurs in the newly described aneurysms-osteoarthritis syndrome, for example.
Selenium Coprecipitated with Barite in Marine Sediments as a Possible Redox Indicator
Authors: Tokunaga Kohei , Yokoyama Yuka , Kawagucci Shinsuke , Sakaguchi Aya , Terada Yasuko , Takahashi Yoshio
Published: June 2013

Micro X-ray fluorescence mapping and X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectra were successfully measured for selenium (Se) in barite formed in marine sediments, which showed that Se(IV) was mainly found in the barite. The results showed that (i) Se in natural barite can be detected by µ-XRF-XAFS, (ii) the presence of Se(IV) suggested that the barite was precipitated under suboxic conditions, and (iii) the oxidation state of Se in barite can be used as a redox indicator of the depositional environment.
Discovery of Synthetic Methoxy-substituted 4-Phenylbutyric Acid Derivatives as Chemical Chaperones
Authors: Mimori Seisuke , Okuma Yasunobu , Kaneko Masayuki , Kawada Koichi , Nomura Yasuyuki , Murakami Yasuoki , Hamana Hiroshi
Published: June 2013

In this study, we evaluated the chemical chaperone activity of synthetic 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) derivatives. These derivatives have a methoxy group at the benzene ring and/or longer or shorter fatty acid portions. Several 4-PBA derivatives demonstrated higher antiaggregation activity than 4-PBA. Moreover, 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butanoic acid (7b) showed protective effects against endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced neuronal cell death.
Synthetic Utility of Propylphosphonic Anhydride–DMSO Media: An Efficient One-pot Three-component Synthesis of 2-Arylquinolines
Authors: Narasimhamurthy Kereyagalahally H , Chandrappa Siddappa , Kumar Kothanahally S Sharath , Swaroop Toreshettahally R , Rangappa Kanchugarakoppal S
Published: June 2013

Propylphosphonic anhydride (T3P®)–DMSO-mediated one-pot three-component synthesis which provides 2-arylquinolines in a single step from benzyl alcohols, anilines, and ethyl vinyl ether by the modified Povarov reaction has been demonstrated. T3P®–DMSO is a mild and low-toxic peptide coupling agent and an easy to handle reagent for bulk reactions at room temperature.
Teaching Integer Programming Starting From an Energy Supply Game
Authors: Beliën Jeroen , Colpaert Jan , De Boeck Liesje , Eyckmans Johan , Leirens Wouter
Published: June 2013

This paper presents an integer programming (IP) model for solving an online energy supply game. Instead of a traditional approach in which students are given a problem statement and asked to develop an IP model, both the problem and data are hidden in the game. The energy supply game can be used to illustrate many mathematical programming concepts including blending constraints, multiobjective programming, and the branch-and-bound method. In addition to developing IP modeling skills, students become familiar with the properties of several energy supply systems. The results of two experiments and the related evaluation questionnaires indicate that the game component motivates students more to build IP models as compared to classic approaches.
A new weevil genus Nefis gen. nov. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Lixinae): systematics and taxonomic revision
Authors: Gültekin Levent
Published: June 2013

The new genus Nefis gen. nov. is described within the tribe Lixini (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and its systematic position is discussed. The new genus is recognized by short rectangular rostrum, trapezoidal female tergite VIII with truncate apex and long setaceous posterolateral margins, visible 2-segmented labial palpi and protruding sinuate dorsal apex of protibiae. Nefis gen. nov. is close to Larinus Dejean, 1821, Rhinocyllus Germar, 1817, and Bangasternus Gozis, 1882. Three new species are described from Turkey and Afghanistan: Nefis attilai sp. nov., Nefis kabakovi sp. nov. and Nefis korotyaevi sp. nov. Lectotypes are designated for Larinus brevirostris Hochhuth, 1851, Larinus capiomonti Faust, 1885, Larinus reitteri Faust, 1889, Larinus liliputanus Faust, 1890, Larinus exclusus Faust, 1891, Larinus ochroleucus Capiomont v. pachyrrhinus Petri, 1907, and Larinus ochroleucus ssp. carthami Hoffmann, 1957. New synonyms and new combinations are proposed for Nefis brevirostris Hochhuth, 1851 comb. nov. [= Larinus reitteri Faust, 1889 syn. nov.], Nefis liliputanus Faust, 1890 comb. nov. [= Larinus exclusus Faust, 1891 syn. nov.], Nefis pachyrrhinus Petri, 1907 stat. rev. & comb. nov. [= Larinus badghysensis Ter-Minasian, 1982 syn. nov. = Larinus turcmenus Khnzorian, 1990 syn. nov.], Nefis ochroleucus Capiomont, 1874 comb. nov., Nefis capiomonti Faust 1885 comb. nov. Nefis afghanicus Ter-Minasian, 1987 comb. nov., Larinus inflatirostris Petri, 1907 is a nomen nudum. Larinus brevirostris Hochhuth is selected as the type species of the new genus. In total, nine species are included in Nefis. All species are described or redescribed, illustrated, and a key is provided. Host plant data and brief ecological observations are presented.
Definitions of terms relating to mass spectrometry (IUPAC Recommendations 2013)
Authors: Murray Kermit K. , Boyd Robert K. , Eberlin Marcos N. , Langley G. John , Li Liang , Naito Yasuhide
Published: June 2013

This document contains recommendations for terminology in mass spectrometry. Development of standard terms dates back to 1974 when the IUPAC Commission on Analytical Nomenclature issued recommendations on mass spectrometry terms and definitions. In 1978, the IUPAC Commission on Molecular Structure and Spectroscopy updated and extended the recommendations and made further recommendations regarding symbols, acronyms, and abbreviations. The IUPAC Physical Chemistry Division Commission on Molecular Structure and Spectroscopy’s Subcommittee on Mass Spectroscopy revised the recommended terms in 1991 and appended terms relating to vacuum technology. Some additional terms related to tandem mass spectrometry were added in 1993 and accelerator mass spectrometry in 1994. Owing to the rapid expansion of the field in the intervening years, particularly in mass spectrometry of biomolecules, a further revision of the recommendations has become necessary. This document contains a comprehensive revision of mass spectrometry terminology that represents the current consensus of the mass spectrometry community.
Still kicking: George Saunders and ‘shadow realism’
Authors: Holdefer Charles
Published: June 2013

Even as George Saunders jettisons the usual trappings of literary realism, he does so not in order to debunk authorship and authority (cf. Barthes) or to reduce a story to the language of its own telling. Rather, he reasserts the writer’s moral role, and thereby defines a space
for the figure of the author. With reference to Lionel Trilling’s defence of Nathaniel Hawthorne and ‘shadow realism’ this article situates Saunders in a literary tradition which challenges reductive conceptions of mimesis. It cites examples from Saunders’ short stories
and novellas (CivilWarLand in Bad Decline, 1996; Pastoralia, 2000; In Persuasion Nation, 2006), and also addresses an author-sponsored website, with attention to how Internet materials are not only a promotion of Saunders’ work, but also an extension of it. Saunders foregrounds the referential
workings of language while remaining attached to a sense that language is a tool for moral questions.
Authorial presence in J. R. R. Tolkien’s minor fiction: ‘Leaf by Niggle’ and ‘Smith of Wootton Major’ revisited
Authors: Birks Annie
Published: June 2013

J. R. R. Tolkien’s primary concern as an author was to write good stories without trying to impose any specific intention on the reader. He overtly disliked allegory, which he viewed as ‘purposed domination of the author’, preferring instead what he called ‘applicability’,
which guaranteed ‘the freedom of the reader’. Although he admitted that an author’s ‘sub-creation’ could not but be affected to some degree by his personal experience, he rejected the many-faceted theories built around his own writings, which were considered as
sources of inspiration by critics, viewing them as ‘at best guesses’ from ambiguous and inadequate evidence. If aspects of Tolkien’s unconscious or unavowed intentionality remain either well hidden under the surface or more diluted in the maze of his ‘Legendarium’,
we can nevertheless (up to a point) use the author as a guide concerning his minor fiction. This article examines the extent to which the authorial figure can be perceived in his two short stories ‘Leaf by Niggle’ and ‘Smith of Wootton Major’, and how this can fit in
with the concept of applicability. Both works are placed in the light of the author’s biographical landmarks and, most importantly, of his theory on fairy stories.
Echo writes back: The figure of the author in ‘True Short Story’ by Ali Smith
Authors: Skelton Felicity
Published: June 2013

Ali Smith’s 2008 collection The First Person And Other Stories re-examines the implied contract between reader and writer. In particular, the first piece in the collection, ‘True Short Story’, challenges our reading of the text as ‘story’. It is highly
metafictive, with little conventional structure, and apparently autobiographical, and the narrator must be the author too – mustn’t she(it)? Smith insists that we read the author into the work, in order to create a new set of questions around the debate of authorial identity. ‘True
Short Story’ considers what difference it makes to the reader when the author’s voice is apparently unmediated by any fictional narrator. Does this make the story autobiography rather than fiction? If it is not fiction, does that mean it is not a story either? If it is fiction,
why use so many apparently verifiable facts? The article also considers whether Jorge Luis Borges has anything to say about Smith’s disruption of the sujet. The figure of the author in ‘Borges and I’ is compared with that in ‘True Short Story’, together with Paul
Auster’s apparent appearance in his City of Glass.(1987)
Understanding changing news media use: Generations and their media vocabulary
Authors: Opermann Signe
Published: June 2013

The role that age and generation play in shaping patterns of (news) media consumption is a particularly significant issue in current media studies. By virtue of the interplay of the theoretical concept of generations and the critical study of language, the article, empirically rooted
in the Estonian context, seeks to outline the ways in which language reflects some media-related practices and perspectives. Analysing qualitative data from focus groups conducted in autumn/winter 2011 among Estonian media users aged 16–72, the article attempts to shed light on the complex
nature of the generational consciousness that manifests itself through interaction with people of the same age and with a socially shared framework in terms of the perception of news media’s role, as well as the adoption of novel forms of media and technologies. A specific focus is on
four generations who reached their ‘formative age’ in one of four possible periods (1) the post-war period, (2) the Soviet period, (3) the period of restoration of national independence, and (4) the period of transformation into a democratic society and highly technologized media
culture.
Generation, life course and news media use in Sweden 1986–2011
Authors: Westlund Oscar , Weibull Lennart
Published: June 2013

It has been posited that different generations are largely influenced by the characteristics of the media landscape they inherit and grow into in their formative years. However, we also know from empirical studies that individual media use changes over the life course. At present no
empirical study has analysed and compared the use of several news media among different generations in relation to both life cycle factors and media development over significant periods of time. Hence, this article explores the topic through its cross-generational comparison of transforming
news media usage. As a point of departure, the generation analyses use the widely recognized classification of the dutifuls (1926–1945), the baby boomers (1946–1964), generation X (1965–1976) and the dotnets (1977–1995). Five analytically distinct media system eras,
covering 1986 to 2011, are utilized for embedding the empiric analyses into distinct media system contexts. The findings evidence the generational hypothesis on formative socialization, especially with regards to the dutifuls and the baby boomers. Nevertheless, age and life cycle are also
identified as critically important factors. The findings show that the elderly persist with legacy news media, while younger generations predominantly orient towards news platforms that have emerged in the digital mediascape, even though this traditional classification seems to be too broad
for analysis of media development. Consequently, researchers should ideally acknowledge this double effect of age in future research on media usage, as well as work further on developing relevant classifications of generation relevant research for our understanding of transforming media use.
Nursing home residents’ media use from a life course perspective
Authors: Claessens Nathalie
Published: June 2013

In times of global ageing, it is striking that little is known about the media habits of older adults, an increasingly growing group with a lot of leisure time. This article provides insight into the day-to-day media use of 40 nursing home residents throughout their life course. The
residents under study live in two nursing homes in Flanders (Belgium), one located in a rural and the other in an urban context. In semi-structured interviews, the residents were asked about their use of and interest in a range of media. The life course perspective provides an opportunity
to track the evolution of media use from the residents’ childhood to older adulthood. Here, processes of both change and continuity were found for media use throughout the life course. The residents consistently prefer local content and news and are loyal to channels or titles throughout
their lives. In contrast, some media use and interests of the nursing home residents change over time, as contextual (society, media landscape) and personal circumstances (e.g. time, money, health) change. Finally, interesting differences were found between rural and urban residents in terms
of media use and interests, mostly based on class distinctions.
On a shape design problem for one spectral functional
Authors: Gasimov Yusif S.
Published: June 2013

In the work we deal with the eigenvalue problem for the elliptic operator with variable domain. The object under investigation is a functional involving eigenvalues of this operator. A formula for the first variation of the functional with respect to the domain is derived. A necessary condition for the optimal shape is obtained. Evident formulas are given for
the eigenvalues in the optimal domain for some particular cases.
Lostology: Transmedia storytelling and expansion/compression strategies
Authors: Scolari Carlos A.
Published: June 2013

The objective of this article is to analyze Lost from the perspective of transmedia storytelling and to propose a taxonomy of transmedia expansion/compression strategies. In the first section, the article presents the basic components of transmedia storytelling from a theoretical point of view that combines narratology and semiotics. After describing the most important components of Lost's transmedia fictional universe in the second section, the article presents a general description and taxonomy of expansion/compression narrative strategies based on traditional rhetorical categories. The article also analyzes “compressed texts” – like recapitulations – and their role inside the expansive strategies.
Using Information to Manage Uncertainty During Organ Transplantation
Authors: Stone Anne M. , Scott Allison M. , Martin Summer Carnett , Brashers Dale E.
Published: June 2013

People living with a chronic illness can experience uncertainty about their physical conditions, identities, and relationships. One way individuals cope with this uncertainty is through managing information related to their illness. We conducted in-depth interviews with 38 pretransplant and posttransplant patients and analyzed the transcripts using grounded theory techniques. Participants reported that they managed their uncertainty related to transplantation by seeking and avoiding specific information and by strategically handling personal and social information. Participants also described a number of challenges associated with their information use. We discuss the theoretical implications of these findings for literature on information management, uncertainty in illness, and organ transplantation. In addition, we highlight practical implications for medical professionals as well as transplant patients and their loved ones, and we suggest that future research might usefully address what role uncertainty appraisal plays for people coping with chronic illness.
The role of prion protein in stem cell regulation
Authors: Miranda A , Ramos-Ibeas P , Pericuesta E , Ramirez M A , Gutierrez-Adan A
Published: June 2013

Cellular prion protein (PrPC) has been well described as an essential partner of prion diseases due to the existence of a pathological conformation (PrPSc). Recently, it has also been demonstrated that PrPCis an important element of the pluripotency and self-renewal matrix, with an increasing amount of evidence pointing in this direction. Here, we review the data that demonstrate its role in the transcriptional regulation of pluripotency, in the differentiation of stem cells into different lineages (e.g. muscle and neurons), in embryonic development, and its involvement in reproductive cells. Also highlighted are recent results from our laboratory that describe an important regulation by PrPCof the major pluripotency geneNanog. Together, these data support the appearance of new strategies to control stemness, which could represent an important advance in the field of regenerative medicine.
Differential gene expression of granulosa cells after ovarian superstimulation in beef cattle
Authors: Dias F C F , Khan M I R , Sirard M A , Adams G P , Singh J
Published: June 2013

Microarray analysis was used to compare the gene expression of granulosa cells from dominant follicles with that of those after superstimulatory treatment. Cows were allocated randomly to two groups (superstimulation and control,n=6/group). A new follicular wave was induced by ablation of follicles ≥5 mm in diameter, and a progesterone-releasing device controlled internal drug release (CIDR) was placed in the vagina. The superstimulation group was given eight doses of 25 mg FSH at 12-h intervals starting from the day of wave emergence (day 0), whereas the control group was not given FSH treatment. Both groups were given prostaglandin F2αtwice, 12 h apart, on day 3 and the CIDR was removed at the second injection; 25 mg porcine luteinizing hormone (pLH) was given 24 h after CIDR removal, and cows were ovariectomized 24 h later. Granulosa cells were collected for RNA extraction, amplification, and microarray hybridization. A total of 190 genes were downregulated and 280 genes were upregulated. To validate the microarray results, five genes were selected for real-time PCR (NTS,FOS,THBS1,FN1, andIGF2). Expression of four genes increased significantly in the three different animals tested (NTS,FOS,THBS1, andFN1). The upregulated genes are related to matrix remodeling (i.e. tissue proliferation), disturbance of angiogenesis, apoptosis, and oxidative stress response. We conclude that superstimulation treatment i) results in granulosa cells that lag behind in maturation and differentiation (most of the upregulated genes are markers of the follicular growth stage), ii) activates genes involved with the NFE2L2 oxidative stress response and endoplasmic reticulum stress response, and iii) disturbs angiogenesis.
Worker Education Level is a Factor in Self‐compliance with Dust‐preventive Methods among Small‐scale Agate Industrial Workers
Authors: Aggarwal Bhagwan D.
Published: June 2013

Worker Education Level is a Factor in Self‐compliance with Dust‐preventive Methods among Small‐scale Agate Industrial Workers: Bhagwan D. AGGARWAL. Environmental Carcinogen Unit, National Institute of Occupational Health (Indian Council of Medical Research), India—

Objectives

High incidences of silicosis are continuing to be reported among the agate workers of small‐scale household agate processing units in the Khambhat region of Gujarat (India). The objective of this study was to investigate reasons behind the high prevalence of silicosis, and factors affecting the noncompliance with preventive methods among agate workers.

Methods

The study was conducted using a questionnaire‐based structured interview method among 82 agate workers in Khambhat to assess their awareness level about silicosis and preventive methods, existing morbidity, worker's attitude toward health, and the prevalence of actual use of preventive methods to avoid silica exposure.

Results

The majority of the workers (55%) were aware of silicosis and the harmful effects of silica dust exposure (72%) and knew about simple preventive methods to avoid silica dust exposure (80%), but only a minority of the workers (22%) were actually using the simple and available dust‐preventive methods. Only 9% of the uneducated workers were using the preventive methods, while usage was higher among educated workers (28%), who had five or more years of schooling, and these workers had fewer health conditions or less morbidity. Gender and job duration had no effect on the usage of dust‐preventive methods.

Conclusions

The data suggest that noncompliance with use of dust‐preventive methods could be the reason behind the higher prevalence of silicosis and health morbidity in agate workers, and that years of schooling plays a significant role in the increased usage and self‐compliance with dust‐preventive methods among agate workers.
Suppression of Ferromagnetic Ordering in thicker co-sputtered Mn doped MgO Films
Authors: Mahadeva Sreekanth K. , Quan Zhi-Yong , Fan J. C. , Sreelatha K. S. , Belova L. , Puzniak Roman , Rao K. V.
Published: June 2013

We report on preliminary studies of low (14 at.%) and high (53at.%) concentration Mn doped MgO films deposited by co-sputtering from metallic Mn and Mg targets. The structural, surface morphologies and magnetic properties of the films of different thickness were studied. All the as grown films are found to be amorphous and film surfaces are found to be flawless and homogeneous. We observe at room temperature robust ferromagnetic loops with a saturation magnetization value that is a function of film thickness reaching a maximum of ∼38.5 emu/cm3 in the Mn0.53Mg0.47O film at a thickness of ∼92 nm. In thicker films room-temperature ferromagnetic ordering is suppressed and eventually at a thickness around 120nm the expected diamagnetism of the bulk appears. The origin of ferromagnetism may be attributed to cation defects at the Mg-site.
Study of Surface Passivation of CZ c-Si by PECVD a-Si:H Films; A Comparison Between Quasi-Steady-State and Transient Photoconductance Decay Measurement
Authors: Ghahfarokhi Omid Madani , von Maydell Karsten , Agert Carsten
Published: June 2013

We have investigated the passivation of low lifetime non-polished Czochralski (CZ) mono-crystalline silicon (c-Si) wafers by hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H), deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) technique. The dependence of the effective lifetime (τeff) on the deposition parameters including hydrogen gas flow, power and temperature has been studied. Minority carrier lifetime was measured as deposited and also after an annealing step in both quasi-steady-state (QSS) and transient mode of photoconductance decay. By comparison between τeff measured in each of the aforementioned modes, two distinguishable behaviors could be observed. Moreover, to get further insight into the surface passivation mechanism, we have modeled the recombination at a-Si:H/c-Si interface based on the amphoteric nature of dangling bonds. The results of our modeling show that the discrepancy observed between QSS and transient mode is due to the high recombination rate that exists in the bulk of defective CZ wafer and also partly related to the different thicknesses monitored in each mode. So, by comparison between the injection level dependency of τeff measured in QSS and transient modes, we introduce a valuable technique for the evaluation of c-Si bulk lifetime.
Modified Carbon Papers as Electrode Materials of all-Vanadium Redox Flow Battery
Authors: Leu Chih-Hsing , Chuang Shu-Yuan , Hsueh Kan-Lin , Huang Jia-Ming , Chung Chia-Chun , Wu Chun-Hsing , Hsu Hsiao-Hsuan , Chen Yi-Ray , Chang Wen-Sheng
Published: June 2013

The electrode materials for VRFB should possess higher electric conductivity, corrosion resistance and hydrophilic properties in sulfuric acid. The characteristics of the electrode materials affect the stability and the energy efficiency of VRFB. Carbon materials are the best suited for VRFB applications. In this study, the calcined treatment, acid treatment and ozone treatment were used to modify the surface of carbon papers. The redox reaction of [VO]2+/[VO2]+ on the modified carbon papers was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The surface compositions of carbon materials were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS). The experimental results reveal that three oxidative methods enhance the redox reaction of [VO]2+/[VO2]+. The calcined treatments and acid treatments also enhanced hydrolysis reaction. The mole ratio of O/C apparently increased, but the binding energy of C1s and O1s were not chemically shifted in the acid treatment. The intensity of binding energy of O1s, between 532 eV and 534 eV, apparently increased in the ozone and calcined treatments. The Ox treated samples were more hydrophilic than the Oz treated samples. In the Ox treated samples, the decrease of Rct value indicates that was contributed from the redox reaction of [VO]2+/[VO2]+ and hydrolysis reaction. It does not completely benefit the energy efficiency of VRFB. The 5 x 5 cm2 modified carbon papers were used as electrode materials in the VRFB. The voltage efficiency, coulomb efficiency and energy efficiency reached 93 %, 90 % and 83 %, respectively, at a current density of 12 mA．cm-2 at 0.8-1.8 V.
Hexagonal Pyramids Shaped GaN Light Emitting Diodes Array by N-polar Wet Etching
Authors: Ma Jun , Wang Liancheng , Liu Zhiqiang , Yuan Guodong , Ji Xiaoli , Ma Ping , Wang Junxi , Yi Xiaoyan , Wang Guohong , Li Jinmin
Published: June 2013

In this work, we investigated the influence of N-polar wet etching on the properties of nitride-based hexagonal pyramids array (HPA) vertical-injection light emitting diodes (V-LEDs). The cathodeluminescence images showed the randomly distribution of hexagonal pyramids with isolated active regions. The transmission electron microscopy images demonstrated the reduced density of threading dislocations. The IQE was estimated by temperature dependence of photoluminescence, which showed 30% increase for HPA V-LEDs compared with broad area (BA) V-LEDs. The improved extraction efficiency was verified by finite difference time domain simulation, which was 20% higher than that of roughened BA V-LEDs. The electrical properties of HPA V-LEDs were measured by conductive atomic force microscopy (CAFM) measurements. HPA V-LEDs exhibited much lower leakage current due to the improved crystal quality.
The structure of water on rutile TiO2(110) for applications in solar hydrogen production: towards a predictive model using hybrid-exchange density functional theory
Authors: Patel M. , Mallia G. , Harrison N. M.
Published: June 2013

Periodic hybrid-exchange density functional theory (DFT) simulations are used to develop a predictive model of the structure of water on the rutile TiO2(110) surface (Θ ≤ 1 ML). A description of the adsorbed species is given: dissociated water molecules and either mixed or dissociative dimers. The behaviour of the adsorbates is rationalised by considering both direct intermolecular and surface-mediated interactions. Some of these results are then compared with those from water adsorption on the rutile SnO2(110) sur- face, isostructural to TiO2(110). Lastly, the electronic structure of the surface in contact with monolayer water (Θ = 1 ML) reveals the contributions of adsorbate states involved in the photocatalytic reaction that controls the water oxidation process.
Epidemiologia e políticas públicas
Authors: Barata Rita Barradas
Published: June 2013

Este ensaio trata das relações entre a epidemiologia e as políticas públicas, destacando inicialmente a posição da disciplina no campo da saúde coletiva, analisando os impactos de políticas públicas sobre o perfil epidemiológico e as contribuições da epidemiologia para a formulação, implementação e avaliação de políticas públicas de saúde. No primeiro tópico são discutidos os vínculos da disciplina com o campo da saúde coletiva, o modelo de determinantes sociais e de ação política formulados pela Comissão de Determinantes Sociais em Saúde da OMS, e diferentes enfoques de políticas de saúde. O segundo tópico analisa a redução da desnutrição infantil no Brasil como um exemplo de políticas públicas com impacto no perfil epidemiológico. No terceiro tópico são apresentados três temas estratégicos para a ação das políticas públicas em saúde: redução das desigualdades sociais em saúde, promoção da saúde e regulação sobre bens e serviços com impacto na saúde. O quarto tópico discute as possibilidades e dificuldades de incorporação dos conhecimentos epidemiológicos na formulação, implementação e avaliação de políticas públicas e, finalmente, são apresentados exemplos concretos dessa relação entre epidemiologia e políticas públicas.
Quedas e fraturas entre residentes de instituições de longa permanência para idosos
Authors: Del Duca Giovâni Firpo , Antes Danielle Ledur , Hallal Pedro Curi
Published: June 2013

OBJETIVO: Investigar a ocorrência de quedas e fraturas no último ano e fatores associados entre residentes de instituições de longa permanência para idosos (ILPI). MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal exploratório, a partir de um censo realizado em ILPI localizadas em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, em 2008. As quedas e fraturas decorrentes dessas foram investigadas a partir de autorrelato referente ao último ano. Sexo, idade, escolaridade, incapacidade funcional para atividades básicas da vida diária, tipo de financiamento da instituição e hospitalização no último ano foram coletados como potencias fatores associados à ocorrência de queda no último ano. Empregou-se o teste qui-quadrado para heterogeneidade e tendência linear e, na análise ajustada, a regressão de Poisson com variância robusta. RESULTADOS: Nas 24 ILPI incluídas no estudo, coletaram-se dados de 466 indivíduos. A prevalência de quedas no último ano foi de 38,9% (IC95%: 34,5 - 43,4). Dentre aqueles que caíram, as fraturas acometeram 19,2%. As fraturas mais frequentes foram: fêmur/quadril (43,3%) e punho (10%). Na análise ajustada, o avanço da idade, apresentar incapacidade funcional em uma a cinco atividades da vida diária, residir em instituições públicas/filantrópicas e ter sido hospitalizado no último ano associaram-se à queda no último ano. CONCLUSÃO: A alta ocorrência de quedas e fraturas entre residentes de instituições de longa permanência para idosos revela a fragilidade da população avaliada. Atenção específica deve ser destinada a indivíduos mais velhos e hospitalizados no último ano.