bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asymptotic analysis of double-carrier, space-charge-limited transport in organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Feicht Sarah E. , Schnitzer Ory , Khair Aditya S.
Published: July 2013

We analyse electron and hole transport in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) via the drift–diffusion equations. We focus on space-charge-limited transport, in which rapid variations in charge carrier density occur near the injecting electrodes, and in which the electric field is highly non-uniform. This motivates our application of singular asymptotic analysis to the drift–diffusion equations. In the absence of electron–hole recombination, our analysis reveals three regions within the OLED: (i) ‘space-charge layers’ near each electrode whose width

is much smaller than the device width

, wherein carrier densities decay rapidly and the electric field is intense; (ii) a ‘bulk’ region whose width is on the scale of

, where carrier densities are small; and (iii) intermediate regions bridging (i) and (ii). Our analysis shows that the current

scales as

, where

is the applied voltage,

is the permittivity and

is the electric mobility, in contrast to the familiar diffusion-free scaling

. Thus, diffusion is seen to lead to a large

increase in current. Finally, we derive an asymptotic recombination–voltage relation for a kinetically limited OLED, in which charge recombination occurs on a much longer time scale than diffusion and drift.
Facilitation and inhibition: changes in plant nitrogen and secondary metabolites mediate interactions between above-ground and below-ground herbivores
Authors: Huang Wei , Siemann Evan , Yang Xuefang , Wheeler Gregory S. , Ding Jianqing
Published: July 2013

To date, it remains unclear how herbivore-induced changes in plant primary and secondary metabolites impact above-ground and below-ground herbivore interactions. Here, we report effects of above-ground (adult) and below-ground (larval) feeding by
Bikasha collaris
on nitrogen and secondary chemicals in shoots and roots of
Triadica sebifera
to explain reciprocal above-ground and below-ground insect interactions. Plants increased root tannins with below-ground herbivory, but above-ground herbivory prevented this increase and larval survival doubled. Above-ground herbivory elevated root nitrogen, probably contributing to increased larval survival. However, plants increased foliar tannins with above-ground herbivory and below-ground herbivory amplified this increase, and adult survival decreased. As either foliar or root tannins increased, foliar flavonoids decreased, suggesting a trade-off between these chemicals. Together, these results show that plant chemicals mediate contrasting effects of conspecific larval and adult insects, whereas insects may take advantage of plant responses to facilitate their offspring performance, which may influence population dynamics.
Elevated oxidative damage is correlated with reduced fitness in interpopulation hybrids of a marine copepod
Authors: Barreto Felipe S. , Burton Ronald S.
Published: July 2013

Aerobic energy production occurs via the oxidative phosphorylation pathway (OXPHOS), which is critically dependent on interactions between the 13 mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-encoded and approximately 70 nuclear-encoded protein subunits. Disruptive mutations in any component of OXPHOS can result in impaired ATP production and exacerbated oxidative stress; in mammalian systems, such mutations are associated with ageing as well as numerous diseases. Recent studies have suggested that oxidative stress plays a role in fitness trade-offs in life-history evolution and functional ecology. Here, we show that outcrossing between populations with divergent mtDNA can exacerbate cellular oxidative stress in hybrid offspring. In the copepodTigriopus californicus, we found that hybrids that showed evidence of fitness breakdown (low fecundity) also exhibited elevated levels of oxidative damage to DNA, whereas those with no clear breakdown did not show significantly elevated damage. The extent of oxidative stress in hybrids appears to be dependent on the degree of genetic divergence between their respective parental populations, but this pattern requires further testing using multiple crosses at different levels of divergence. Given previous evidence inT. californicusthat hybridization disrupts nuclear/mitochondrial interactions and reduces hybrid fitness, our results suggest that such negative intergenomic epistasis may also increase the production of damaging cellular oxidants; consequently, mtDNA evolution may play a significant role in generating postzygotic isolating barriers among diverging populations.
FLOWERING LOCUS C EXPRESSOR Family Proteins Regulate FLOWERING LOCUS C Expression in Both Winter-Annual and Rapid-Cycling Arabidopsis
Authors: Ding Lei , Kim Sang Yeol , Michaels Scott D.
Published: July 2013

Many naturally occurring Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) are very late flowering, unless flowering is promoted by a prolonged period of cold (e.g. winter) known as vernalization. In these winter-annual strains, flowering prior to winter is blocked by the synergistic interaction of FRIGIDA (FRI) and FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC). FLC acts as a strong floral inhibitor, and FRI is required for high levels of FLC expression. Vernalization, in turn, leads to an epigenetic down-regulation of FLC expression. Most rapid-cycling Arabidopsis carry loss-of-function mutations in FRI, leading to low levels of FLC and rapid flowering in the absence of vernalization. Recent work has shown that FRI acts as a scaffolding protein for the assembly of a FRI complex (FRI-C) that includes both general transcription and chromatin-modifying factors, as well as FRI-specific components such as FRI-LIKE1, FRI ESSENTIAL1 (FES1), SUPPRESSOR OF FRI4 (SUF4), and FLC EXPRESSOR (FLX). Here, we show that FLX-LIKE4 (FLX4) is a novel component of the FRI-C and is essential for the activation of FLC by FRI. Both FLX and FLX4 contain leucine zipper domains that facilitate interaction with FRI. In addition, FLX and FLX4 interact with each other and show synergistic transcription activation activity. Interestingly, we show that FLX, FLX4, FES1, and SUF4 are required for basal levels of FLC expression in the absence of FRI. Thus, components of the FRI-C play a role in the regulation of FLC expression in both FRI-containing winter annuals, as well as fri-null rapid-cycling strains.
Transitional care to adult ADHD services in a North West England district
Authors: Ogundele Michael O.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

ADHD is the commonest neurodevelopmental disorder of children and adolescents. ADHD is no longer conceptualized as a predominantly childhood disorder but is a chronic disorder that persists into adolescence and adulthood. The paper aims to analyse the transitional care of adolescents diagnosed with ADHD in childhood into adult specialist ADHD services in a local district. The paper also seeks to review current practice and to design a multi‐disciplinary transitional care pathway to adult services for adolescents with complex health needs based on best practice and available clinical guidelines.

Design/methodology/approach

Adolescents diagnosed with ADHD from childhood who were eligible for transition to adult ADHD services and who reached the age of 16 years over a period of two years consecutively (July 2009 to June 2011) were studied by a retrospective analysis of their clinical records. The current transitional care pathway was reviewed and revised.

Findings

Out of 504 patients on the specialist ADHD database, 104 adolescents were eligible for transition to adult services. A total of 19 patients (18 per cent) were referred to CAMHS. A total of 68 adolescents (65 per cent) were discharged from the paediatric services following voluntary discontinuation of medications and non‐attendance at follow‐up clinics. Only 16 patients (15 per cent) were successfully referred to the specialist adult ADHD services (three of them already discharged). A multi‐disciplinary transitional care pathway to adult services for young people with complex health needs and learning difficulties and information for the carers and young people have been designed and adopted in the local city borough, agreed by all the stakeholders.

Practical implications

A total of 73 per cent of eligible patients were either discharged or lost to follow‐up. There must be some flexibility in the referral pathway to the adult ADHD services to allow some of the adolescents who were previously lost to follow‐up to be re‐referred by other primary or secondary care healthcare professionals if the need arises in the future.

Originality/value

The paper shows that there is a high rate of discontinuation of medications, loss to follow‐up and a remarkably low rate of successful transition to locally commissioned adult ADHD services among adolescents diagnosed with ADHD in childhood.
Country image as a nation‐branding tool
Authors: Hakala Ulla , Lemmetyinen Arja , Kantola Satu‐Päivi
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the country image of Finland among potential travellers and potential consumers of Finnish products. Three research questions are addressed, each of which contributes to the overall aim: What is the level of awareness about Finland among the respondents? How is the awareness constructed in terms of dimensions? Where does the image stem from (the source)?

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted among US, French and Swiss university students. Given the high number of respondents who had not visited Finland, the analysis focused on non‐visitors. Six hypotheses were formulated based on existing theory.

Findings

Awareness is a key indicator of people's knowledge about the existence of a country. Branding may be an elementary tool in enhancing awareness as well as altering or reinforcing stereotypical views. The results of this study bring out the cross‐cultural aspects.

Research limitations/implications

Including the respondents’ sources of information enhances the results of previous studies on country image. The findings contribute to the theoretical discussion on the source of the image and the factors that affect it.

Practical implications

Knowledge of the information sources and their role in image building will help destination marketers to influence potential travellers, including non‐visitors, and thereby increase the likelihood of a first or repeat visit.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to focus on awareness of a country among non‐visitors.
Improving operating room first start efficiency – value of both checklist and a pre‐operative facilitator
Authors: PANNI M. K. , SHAH S. J. , CHAVARRO C. , RAWL M. , WOJNARWSKY P. K. , PANNI J. K.
Published: July 2013

Background

There are multiple components leading to improved operating room efficiency. We undertook a project focusing on first case starts; accounting for each delay component on a global basis. Our hypothesis was there would be a reduction in first start delays after we implemented strategies to address the issues identified through this accounting process.

Methods

An orange sheet checklist was implemented, with specific items that needed to be clear prior to roll back to the operating room (OR), and an OR facilitator was employed to intervene whenever there were any missing items needed for a specific patient. We present the data from this quality improvement project over an 18‐month period.

Results

Initially, 10.07 (± 0.73) delayed first starts occurred per day but declined steadily over time to a low of 4.95 (± 0.38) per day after 6 months (−49.2 %, P < 0.001). By the end of the project, the most common reasons for delay still included late surgical attending (19%), schedule changes (14%) as well as ‘other reasons’ (13%), but with an overall reduction per day of each. Total anaesthesia delay initially totalled 11% of the first start delays, but was negligible (< 1%) at the project's completion.

Conclusions

While we have a challenging operating room environment based on our patient population, multiple trainees in both the surgery and anaesthesiology teams: an orange sheet – pre‐operative checklist in addition to a dedicated pre‐operative facilitator; allowed us to make a substantial improvement in our first start on time starts.
A Study of Forty‐seven Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms among Recurrent Miscarriage Using Classification and Regression Tree Analysis
Authors: Parveen Farah , Agrawal Suraksha
Published: July 2013

Problem

Successful pregnancy is the result of multiple genetic and non‐genetic factors. Associations of various SNPs described in this study have not revealed any conclusive results. We have analyzed 47 SNPs using statistical tools like multidimensional regression, classification regression tree, and logistic regression.

Method of study

Two hundred women with at least three consecutive unexplained spontaneous abortions before 20th week of gestation and 300 control women without any history of recurrent miscarriages (RM) were genotyped using PCR, RFLP and sequencing.

Results

Our results revealed that Leptin 2549 C/A (rs7799039) and TNF‐α 238 (rs361525) may play an important role in the maintenance of pregnancy. TNF‐α 238 may act as a protective SNP and Leptin 2549 C/A as a susceptible marker among women with RM cases.

Conclusions

Present study demonstrated an association with Leptin 2549C/A (rs7799039) and TNF‐α (rs361525) gene polymorphism among RM cases.
Sex differences in risk factors for retinopathy in non‐diabetic men and women: The Tromsø Eye Study
Authors: Bertelsen Geir , Peto Tunde , Lindekleiv Haakon , Schirmer Henrik , Solbu Marit D. , Toft Ingrid , Sjølie Anne Katrin , Njølstad Inger
Published: July 2013

Purpose:  To determine the prevalence and risk factors for retinopathy in a nondiabetic population.

Methods:  The study population included 5869 participants without diabetes aged 38–87 years from the Tromsø Eye Study, a substudy of the population‐based Tromsø Study in Norway. Retinal images from both eyes were graded for retinopathy. We collected data on risk factors from self‐report questionnaires, clinical examinations, laboratory measurements and case note reviews. The cross‐sectional relationship between potential risk factors and retinopathy was assessed using logistic regression analysis.

Results:  The overall prevalence of retinopathy was 14.8%. Men had a higher prevalence of retinopathy compared with women (15.9% versus 14.0%, p = 0.04). In men, retinopathy was associated with hypertension (odds ratio [OR], 1.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24–2.04) and HbA1c (OR per %, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.01–1.96). In women, retinopathy was associated with age (OR per 10 years, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.14–1.52), log‐transformed urinary albumin excretion (OR per log unit, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.14–1.87) and hypertension (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.08–1.71). In women, retinopathy was associated with very low levels of urinary albumin excretion (urinary albumin/creatinine ratio >0.43 mg/mmol).

Conclusion:  This study confirms results from previous studies on the strong association between blood pressure and retinopathy. A novel finding is the sex differences in risk factors for retinopathy, suggesting a sex difference in the pathogenesis leading to retinopathy.
Intraocular pressure changes over 21 years – a longitudinal age‐cohort study in northern Sweden
Authors: Åström Siv , Stenlund Hans , Lindén Christina
Published: July 2013

Purpose:  To follow intraocular pressure (IOP) and the influence of pseudoexfoliation (PEX) and cataract extraction in an age‐cohort in northern Sweden; patients were followed prospectively for 21 years from age 66 to 87 years.

Methods:  Three Hundred and thirty‐nine individuals, randomly selected from an age‐cohort born in 1915 underwent ophthalmological examination including measurement of IOP with Goldmann applanation tonometry, screening for PEX and glaucoma. Follow‐up examinations were performed three times with 7‐year intervals. Medical records were reviewed for dates of cataract surgery and glaucoma treatment. A linear mixed model was used to analyse the impact of sex, eye (right/left), PEX, cataract extraction and time on IOP.

Results:  Without cataract surgery, the IOP from age of 66 to 87 years, increased by 0.05 mmHg/year (p < 0.001). If cataract surgery was included in the model, no significant change in IOP over time was found. The estimated contribution of PEX to IOP was +2.05 mmHg (p < 0.001), and the contribution of cataract surgery was −2.13 mmHg (p < 0.001). The mean IOP in women was 1.22 mmHg higher than in men (p = 0.001).

Conclusion:  A small but statistically significant increase in IOP with age was detected when excluding eyes that had undergone cataract surgery. PEX was associated with a higher IOP and cataract extraction with a lower.
Tuberous sclerosis complex without tubers and subependymal nodules: a phenotype–genotype study
Authors: Boronat S. , Shaaya E.A. , Doherty C.M. , Caruso P. , Thiele E.A.
Published: July 2013

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is caused by a mutation in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes. However, 15% of patients have no mutation identified. Tubers and subependymal nodules (SENs) are the typical brain lesions in TSC and are present in 90–95% of patients. The objective of this study is to characterize the specific genotype–phenotype of patients without these lesions. We analyzed the features of 11 patients without typical TSC neuroanatomic features. Ten had TSC1/TSC2 mutational analysis, which was negative. Clinically they had lesions thought to be of neural crest (NC) origin, such as hypomelanotic macules, facial angiofibromas, cardiac rhabdomyomas, angiomyolipomas, and lymphangioleiomyomatosis. We hypothesize that patients without tubers and SENs reflect mosaicism caused by a mutation in TSC1 or TSC2 in a NC cell during embryonic development. This may explain the negative results in TSC1 and TSC2 testing in DNA from peripheral leukocytes.
Parameters associated with short‐ and midterm survival in bridging to lung transplantation with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Weig Thomas , Irlbeck Michael , Frey Lorenz , Zwißler Bernhard , Winter Hauke , Preissler Gerhard , Schramm Rene , Neurohr Claus , Dolch Michael E.
Published: July 2013

Patients with terminal lung failure may be bridged to lung transplantation (LTX) by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). With the present shortage of donor organs and the high level of invasiveness of ECMO treatment, appropriate selection criteria for bridge to transplant need to be defined.

We report retrospective data from 26 patients on ECMO listed for LTX. Seven patients were successfully transplanted (LTX‐s). Six patients survived until transplantation, but died intra‐ or post‐operatively (LTX‐ns). Thirteen patients died before transplantation (Fail).

There was no difference between LTX‐s and the 19 overall non‐survivors (NS) prior to ECMO initiation with regard to demographic data or ventilator parameters except for higher PaO2/FiO2 in the LTX‐s. Time on ECMO pre‐LTX did not differ in the LTX‐s and LTX‐ns groups. SOFA score was lower in LTX‐s when compared to LTX‐ns before ECMO (p = 0.0155), during bridging (p = 0.028), and right before transplantation (p = 0.0038). Maximal bilirubin during bridging and bilirubin prior to transplantation was markedly elevated in the LTX‐ns group [4.2 (2.4–4.7) vs. 1.1 (0.8–2.0) mg/dL; p = 0.0266 and 1.6 (1.2–3.0) vs. 0.5 (0.5–0.5) mg/dL; p = 0.0047).

Bridging to LTX is a challenging but viable option for selected patients. Special consideration should be given to hepatic function.
Mangrove expansion and salt marsh decline at mangrove poleward limits
Authors: Saintilan Neil , Wilson Nicholas C. , Rogers Kerrylee , Rajkaran Anusha , Krauss Ken W.
Published: July 2013

Mangroves are species of halophytic intertidal trees and shrubs derived from tropical genera and are likely delimited in latitudinal range by varying sensitivity to cold. There is now sufficient evidence that mangrove species have proliferated at or near their poleward limits on at least five continents over the past half century, at the expense of salt marsh. Avicennia is the most cold‐tolerant genus worldwide, and is the subject of most of the observed changes. Avicennia germinans has extended in range along the USA Atlantic coast and expanded into salt marsh as a consequence of lower frost frequency and intensity in the southern USA. The genus has also expanded into salt marsh at its southern limit in Peru, and on the Pacific coast of Mexico. Mangroves of several species have expanded in extent and replaced salt marsh where protected within mangrove reserves in Guangdong Province, China. In south‐eastern Australia, the expansion of Avicennia marina into salt marshes is now well documented, and Rhizophora stylosa has extended its range southward, while showing strong population growth within estuaries along its southern limits in northern New South Wales. Avicennia marina has extended its range southwards in South Africa. The changes are consistent with the poleward extension of temperature thresholds coincident with sea‐level rise, although the specific mechanism of range extension might be complicated by limitations on dispersal or other factors. The shift from salt marsh to mangrove dominance on subtropical and temperate shorelines has important implications for ecological structure, function, and global change adaptation.
Development of a complex intervention to improve health literacy skills
Authors: Austvoll‐Dahlgren Astrid , Danielsen Stein , Opheim Elin , Bjørndal Arild , Reinar Liv Merete , Flottorp Signe , Oxman Andrew David , Helseth Sølvi
Published: July 2013

Background

Providing insight into the developmental processes involved in building interventions is an important way to ensure methodological transparency and inform future research efforts. The objective of this study was to describe the development of a web portal designed to improve health literacy skills among the public.

Methods

The web portal was tailored to address three key barriers to obtaining information, using the conceptual frameworks of shared decision‐making and evidence‐based practice and based on explicit criteria for selecting the content and form of the intervention.

Results

The web portal targeted the general public and took the form of structured sets of tools. Content included: an introduction to research methods, help on how to find evidence‐based health information efficiently based on the steps of evidence‐based practice, an introduction to critical appraisal, information about patient participation rights in decision‐making, and a decision aid for consultations.

Conclusions

The web portal was designed in a systematic and transparent way and address key barriers to obtaining and acting upon reliable health information. The web portal provides open access to the tools and can be used independently by health care users, or during consultations with health professionals.
Effect of emulsifier type and concentration, aqueous phase volume and wax ratio on physical, material and mechanical properties of water in oil lipsticks
Authors: Beri A. , Norton J. E. , Norton I. T.
Published: July 2013

Synopsis

Objectives

Water‐in‐oil emulsions in lipsticks could have the potential to improve moisturizing properties and deliver hydrophilic molecules to the lips. The aims of this work were (i) to investigate the effect of emulsifier type (polymer vs. monomer, and saturated vs. unsaturated chain) and concentration on droplet size and (ii) to investigate the effect of wax ratio (carnauba wax, microcrystalline wax, paraffin wax and performalene) and aqueous phase volume on material properties (Young's modulus, point of fracture, elastic modulus and viscous modulus).

Methods

Emulsion formation was achieved using a high shear mixer.

Results

Results showed that the saturated nature of the emulsifier had very little effect on droplet size, neither did the use of an emulsifier with a larger head group (droplet size ~18–25 μm). Polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) resulted in emulsions with the smallest droplets (~3–5 μm), as expected from previous studies that show that it produces a thick elastic interface. The results also showed that both Young's modulus and point of fracture increase with increasing percentage of carnauba wax (following a power law dependency of 3), but decrease with increasing percentage of microcrystalline wax, suggesting that the carnauba wax is included in the overall wax network formed by the saturated components, whereas the microcrystalline wax forms irregular crystals that disrupt the overall wax crystal network. Young's modulus, elastic modulus and viscous modulus all decrease with increasing aqueous phase volume in the emulsions, although the slope of the decrease in elastic and viscous moduli is dependent on the addition of solid wax, as a result of strengthening the network.

Conclusions

This work suggests the potential use for emulsions in lipstick applications, particularly when PGPR is used as an emulsifier, and with the addition of solid wax, as it increases network strength.
Effect of dietary olive leaves (Olea europaea L.) on lipid and protein oxidation of refrigerated stored n‐3‐enriched pork
Authors: Botsoglou Evropi , Govaris Alexander , Pexara Andreana , Ambrosiadis Ioannis , Fletouris Dimitrios
Published: July 2013

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary olive leaves versus α‐tocopheryl acetate on lipid and protein oxidation of raw and cooked longissimus dorsi muscle from pigs fed diets supplemented with fish oil. Enrichment of pork with the very long chain n‐3 fatty acids increased (P ≤ 0.05) lipid oxidation in both raw and cooked chops during refrigerated storage, and decreased (P ≤ 0.05) the sensory attributes of the cooked chops, but had no effect (P > 0.05) on protein oxidation of both raw and cooked chops. Dietary olive leaves or α‐tocopheryl acetate had no effect (P > 0.05) on the fatty acid composition but decreased (P ≤ 0.05) lipid oxidation while exerting no effect (P > 0.05) on protein oxidation in both raw and cooked chops during refrigerated storage. In addition, dietary olive leaves at 10 g kg−1 feed and α‐tocopheryl acetate at 200 mg kg−1 feed exerted (P ≤ 0.05) a beneficial effect on the sensory attributes of cooked n‐3‐enriched chops.
Increased abundance of Frost mRNA during recovery from cold stress is not essential for cold tolerance in adult Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Udaka H. , Percival‐Smith A. , Sinclair B. J.
Published: July 2013

Frost (Fst) is a candidate gene associated with the response to cold in Drosophila melanogaster because Fst mRNA accumulation increases during recovery from low temperature exposure. We investigated the contribution of Fst expression to chill‐coma recovery time, acute cold tolerance and rapid cold hardening (RCH) in adult D. melanogaster by knocking down Fst mRNA expression using GAL4/UAS‐mediated RNA interference. In this experiment, four UAS‐Fst and one tubulin‐GAL4 lines were used. We predicted that if Fst is essential for cold tolerance phenotypes, flies with low Fst mRNA levels should be less cold tolerant than flies with normal levels of cold‐induced Fst mRNA. Cold‐induced Fst abundance and recovery time from chill‐coma were not negatively correlated in male or female flies. Survival of 2 h exposures to sub‐zero temperatures in Fst knockdown lines was not lower than that in a control line. Moreover, a low temperature pretreatment increased survival of severe cold exposure in flies regardless of Fst abundance level during recovery from cold stress, suggesting that Fst expression is not essential for RCH. Thus, cold‐induced Fst accumulation is not essential for cold tolerance measured as chill‐coma recovery time, survival to acute cold stress and RCH response in adult D. melanogaster.
Improved efficacy of dentin‐bonding agents
Authors: Hansen Erik Keith , Asmussen Erik
Published: July 2013

Dentin cavities, prepared in extracted human teeth, were treated with various proprietary dentin‐bonding agents and then filled with a light‐cured restorative resin for posterior use. All bonding agents were either treated in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions or combined with Gluma, which is an aqueous solution of glutaraldehyde and HEMA, a hydrophilic monomer. 10 min after polymerization, the width and the extent of the marginal contraction gap was measured approximately 0.1 mm below the free surface of the filling, using a light microscope. With nearly all dentin‐bonding agents, the marginal contraction gap could be significantly reduced if Gluma was used after conditioning of the dentin. The reason for this improvement may be that glutaraldehyde cross‐links the collagen fibers and thereby strengthens the organic part of the hybrid layer, however, other mechanisms might also play a role in the improvement found.
The Direct Energy Demand of Internet Data Flows
Authors: Coroama Vlad C. , Hilty Lorenz M. , Heiri Ernst , Horn Frank M.
Published: July 2013

The direct energy demand of Internet data flows can be assessed using a variety of methodological approaches (top‐down, bottom‐up, or hybrid/model based) and different definitions of system boundaries. Because of this diversity, results reported in the literature differ by up to two orders of magnitude and are difficult to compare. We present a first assessment that uses a pure bottom‐up approach and a system boundary that includes only transmission equipment. The assessment is based on the case study of a 40 megabit per second videoconferencing transmission between Switzerland and Japan, yielding a consumption of 0.2 kilowatt‐hours per transmitted gigabyte for 2009, a result that supports the lowest of the existing estimates. We discuss the practical implications of our findings.
δ‐opioid receptor activation leads to neurite outgrowth and neuronal differentiation via a STAT5B‐Gαi/o pathway
Authors: Georganta Eirini‐Maria , Tsoutsi Lambrini , Gaitanou Maria , Georgoussi Zafiroula
Published: July 2013

It remains unclear how opioid receptors (δ, μ, κ) are implicated in mechanisms controlling differentiation, cell proliferation, and survival. Opioid receptors are coupled to Gi/Go proteins and recent findings have shown that opioid receptors can form a multicomponent signaling complex, consisting of members of G protein and the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)5B. We thus wondered whether activation of the opioid receptors could direct differentiation and neurite outgrowth through a molecular pathway involving STAT5B and other signaling intermediates. We demonstrate that prolonged δ‐opioid receptor (δ‐OR) activation with opioid agonists induces STAT5B phosphorylation in Neuro‐2A cells. Moreover, [D‐Ser2, Leu5, Thr6]‐enkephalin‐activation of δ‐OR triggers neurite outgrowth and neuronal survival; these effects are blocked by the selective antagonist naltrindole, by treatment with pertussis toxin, and after expression of a dominant negative mutant of STAT5B (DN‐STAT5B), suggesting that the signaling pathway participating in this mechanism involves Gi/o proteins and p‐STAT5B. Additional studies have shown that while [D‐Ser2, Leu5, Thr6]‐enkephalin exposure of neuroblastoma cells induces a marked increase in the differentiation marker proteins, βIII‐tubulin (Tuj‐1), synaptophysin, and neural cell adhesion molecule, over‐expression of the DN‐STAT5B attenuated significantly their expression levels. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that δ‐OR activation leads to a number of neurotropic events via a Gαi/o‐linked and STAT5B‐dependent manner.

image

We propose a novel signalling pathway for δ‐opioid receptor (δ‐ΟR)‐mediated neurotropic events. STAT5B interacts with the δ‐ΟR and upon prolonged receptor activation phosphorylates STAT5B in a Gi/Go dependent manner leading to increased neuronal survival, neurite outgrowth and differentiation. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the molecular and cellular events following δ‐OR activation and suggest a possible neuroprotective role opioids could exert.
Cross-talk with β2-adrenoceptors enhances ligand affinity properties from endothelial alpha1D-adrenoceptors that mediates carotid relaxation
Authors: Pernomian Larissa , Gomes Mayara Santos , Restini Carolina Baraldi Araujo , Pupo André Sampaio , de Oliveira Ana Maria
Published: July 2013

Objectives

Our main objectives were to investigate the affinity properties of endothelial and muscular α1D-adrenoceptors and to characterize the cross-talk between endothelial α1D-adrenoceptors and β2-adrenoceptors in rat carotid.

Methods

Relaxation and contraction concentration-response curves for phenylephrine (α1-adrenergic agonist) were obtained in carotid rings in absence or presence of increasing concentrations of BMY7378 (α1D-adrenergic antagonist), combined or not with increasing concentration of ICI-118,551 (β2-adrenergic antagonist). Schild analysis was used to estimate the affinity constant from pA2 values of BMY7378.

Key Findings

BMY7378 produced an unsurmountable antagonism on phenylephrine-induced relaxation but a surmountable antagonism on phenylephrine-induced contraction. BMY7378 potency was higher in inhibiting the relaxation than the contraction induced by phenylephrine because the rightward shifts induced by BMY7378 were greater in the relaxation. The apparent pA2 value for BMY7378 in phenylephrine-induced relaxation was greater than in contraction. When combined with ICI-118,551, BMY7378 yielded a surmountable antagonism on phenylephrine-induced relaxation and presented a pA2 value similar to that obtained in phenylephrine-induced contraction.

Conclusions

Endothelial α1D-adrenoceptors, which mediates rat carotid relaxation, present high ligand affinity because of the cross-talk with β2-adrenoceptors, which explains the higher potency of phenylephrine in inducing relaxation than contraction and the atypical unsurmountable antagonism produced by BMY7378 on phenylephrine-induced relaxation.
Hyperthyroidism in four guinea pigs: clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment
Authors: Künzel F. , Hierlmeier B. , Christian M. , Reifinger M.
Published: July 2013

Hyperthyroidism was diagnosed in four guinea pigs by demonstration of an increased serum total thyroxine concentration. The main clinical signs were comparable with those observed in feline hyperthyroidism and included weight loss despite maintenance of appetite and a palpable mass in the ventral cervical region. Three animals were treated successfully with methimazole for between 13 and 28 months. Clinical signs and regular measurement of circulating total thyroxine concentrations appear to be convenient parameters for monitoring response to medical therapy.
Genetic drift outweighs natural selection at toll‐like receptor (TLR) immunity loci in a re‐introduced population of a threatened species
Authors: Grueber Catherine E. , Wallis Graham P. , Jamieson Ian G.
Published: July 2013

During population establishment, genetic drift can be the key driver of changes in genetic diversity, particularly while the population is small. However, natural selection can also play a role in shaping diversity at functionally important loci. We used a well‐studied, re‐introduced population of the threatenedStewartIsland robin (N = 722 pedigreed individuals) to determine whether selection shaped genetic diversity at innate immunity toll‐like receptor (TLR) genes, over a 9‐year period of population growth following establishment with 12 genetic founders. We found no evidence for selection operating with respect toTLRdiversity on first‐year overwinter survival for the majority of loci, genotypes and alleles studied. However, survival of individuals withTLR4BEgenotype was significantly improved: these birds were less than half as likely to die prior to maturity compared with all otherTLR4genotypes. Furthermore, the population frequency of this genotype, at a two‐fold excess overHardy–Weinberg expectation, was increased by nonrandom mating. Near‐complete sampling and full pedigree and reproductive data enabled us to eliminate other potential causes of these patterns including inbreeding, year effects, density dependence, selection on animals at earlier life history stages or genome‐level association of theTLR4Eallele with ‘good genes’. However, comparison of observed levels of gene diversity to predictions under simulated genetic drift revealed results consistent with neutral expectations for all loci, includingTLR4. Although selection favouredTLR4BEheterozygotes in this population, these effects were insufficient to outweigh genetic drift. This is the first empirical study to show that genetic drift can overwhelm natural selection in a wild population immediately following establishment.
Disaster research: a nursing opportunity
Authors: Giarratano Gloria , Savage Jane , Barcelona‐deMendoza Veronica , Harville Emily W.
Published: July 2013

Nurses working or living near a community disaster have the opportunity to study health‐related consequences to disaster or disaster recovery. In such a situation, the researchers need to deal with the conceptual and methodological issues unique to postdisaster research and know what resources are available to guide them, even if they have no specialized training or previous experience in disaster research. The purpose of this article is to review issues and challenges associated with conducting postdisaster research and encourage nurses to seek resources and seize opportunities to conduct research should the situation arise. Current disaster studies and the authors' personal experiences conducting maternal‐child research in post‐Katrina New Orleans (2005–2013) provide real‐life examples of how health professionals and nurses faced the challenges of doing postdisaster research. After catastrophic events, nurses need to step forward to conduct disaster research that informs and improves future disaster planning and healthcare responses.
A comprehensive genetic study reveals a crucial role of CYP90D2/D2 in regulating plant architecture in rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Li Hui , Jiang Ling , Youn Ji‐Hyun , Sun Wei , Cheng Zhijun , Jin Tianyun , Ma Xiaoding , Guo Xiuping , Wang Jiulin , Zhang Xin , Wu Fuqing , Wu Chuanyin , Kim Seong‐Ki , Wan Jianmin
Published: July 2013

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are essential regulators of plant architecture. Understanding how BRs control plant height and leaf angle would facilitate development of new plant type varieties by biotechnology. A number of mutants involved in BR biosynthesis have been isolated but many of them lack detailed genetic analysis. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of a severe dwarf mutant, chromosome segment deleted dwarf 1 (csdd1), which was deficient in BR biosynthesis in rice.

We isolated the mutant by screening a tissue culture‐derived population, cloned the gene by mapping, and confirmed its function by complementary and RNAi experiments, combined with physiological and chemical analysis.

We showed that the severe dwarf phenotype was caused by a complete deletion of a cytochrome P450 gene, CYP90D2/D2, which was further confirmed in two independent T‐DNA insertion lines in different genetic backgrounds and by RNA interference. Our chemical analysis suggested that CYP90D2/D2 might catalyze C‐3 dehydrogenation step in BR biosynthesis.

We have demonstrated that the CYP90D2/D2 gene plays a more important role than previously reported. Allelic mutations of CYP90D2/D2 confer varying degrees of dwarfism and leaf angle, thus providing useful information for molecular breeding in grain crop plants.
Access to Information as Ruled by the Indian Environmental Tribunal: Save Mon Region Federation v. Union of India
Authors: Ghosh Shibani
Published: July 2013

On 14 March 2013, the National Green Tribunal of India passed an order in an ongoing statutory appeal against the environmental approval granted to a hydropower project. The order related to the preliminary issue of condoning a delay in the filing of the appeal. The Tribunal attributed a significant part of the delay to the nondisclosure of complete information regarding the approval. The delay in filing was condoned as concerned authorities had not complied with the relevant environmental regulations. Although the order did not address the merits of the case, it is of great significance for the Indian environmental justice system since it grapples with one of the key hurdles in the regime – poor access to information – and thus has the potential to transform the environmental regulatory space by making it more transparent. Environmental decision‐making processes, particularly in the developing countries, are often opaque and inaccessible. India's experience in striving to improve its processes may thus provide useful lessons for other jurisdictions.
The Regulatory Framework for Nanomaterials at a Global Level: SAICM and WTO Insights
Authors: Karlaganis Georg , Liechti Rachel
Published: July 2013

The regulation of nanomaterials is being discussed at various levels. This article offers a historical description of governmental activities concerning the safety of nanomaterials at the United Nations (UN) level since 2006, with a focus on the UN Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM). The outcomes of the SAICM process were a nanospecific resolution and the addition of new activities on nanotechnologies and manufactured nanomaterials to the SAICM's Global Plan of Action. The article discusses the implications of these decisions for multilateral environmental agreements. In addition, it studies the consequences of the regulation of nanotechnologies activities on trade governance, in particular the relationship between the SAICM to the legally binding World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements (notably the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade). The article concludes that the SAICM decisions on manufactured nanomaterials are compatible with WTO law.
Evaluation of Performance of Predictive Models for Deoxynivalenol in Wheat
Authors: van der Fels‐Klerx H. J.
Published: July 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of two predictive models for deoxynivalenol contamination of wheat at harvest in the Netherlands, including the use of weather forecast data and external model validation. Data were collected in a different year and from different wheat fields than data used for model development. The two models were run for six preset scenarios, varying in the period for which weather forecast data were used, from zero‐day (historical data only) to a 13‐day period around wheat flowering. Model predictions using forecast weather data were compared to those using historical data. Furthermore, model predictions using historical weather data were evaluated against observed deoxynivalenol contamination of the wheat fields.

Results showed that the use of weather forecast data rather than observed data only slightly influenced model predictions. The percent of correct model predictions, given a threshold of 1,250 μg/kg (legal limit in European Union), was about 95% for the two models. However, only three samples had a deoxynivalenol concentration above this threshold, and the models were not able to predict these samples correctly.

It was concluded that two‐ week weather forecast data can reliable be used in descriptive models for deoxynivalenol contamination of wheat, resulting in more timely model predictions. The two models are able to predict lower deoxynivalenol contamination correctly, but model performance in situations with high deoxynivalenol contamination needs to be further validated. This will need years with conducive environmental conditions for deoxynivalenol contamination of wheat.
A patchy model for Chikungunya-like diseases
Authors: Bowong Samuel , Dumont Yves , Tewa Jean Jules
Published: July 2013

We consider a n-patches model, to study the impact of human population movements between cities (patches) in the spread of Chikungunya or even Dengue diseases. In previous works, it was showed that the basic reproduction number can vary from place to place, but this result was obtained without taking into account human movements. We provide a theoretical study of the patchy model, and derive the basic reproduction number, which may depend on Human movement rates between the patches and on local population sizes. We show that the basic reproduction number is bounded by the maximum of local basic reproduction number. We also show that there exists a disease-free equilibrium (DFE) that is locally asymptotically stable whenever the basic reproduction number is less than 1. Under suitable assumptions, DFE is even globally asymptotically stable. We emphasize that Human movements are of particular importance to evaluate the spreading or not of Chikungunya or Dengue diseases, and thus movement rates have to be estimated very accurately. We confirm also the importance of the local basic reproduction numbers and show that even local field interventions can be of benefit to control/reduce the spread of a disease. A complete analytical study for a 2-patches model and several examples are provided to illustrate our conclusion.
Dynamics of a Linear Oscillator Coupled to a Bistable Light Attachment: Analytical Study
Authors: Manevitch L. I. , Sigalov G. , Romeo F. , Bergman L. A. , Vakakis A.
Published: July 2013

We present an analytical study of the conservative and dissipative dynamics of a two-degree-of-freedom (DOF) system consisting of a linear oscillator coupled to a bistable light attachment. The main objective of the paper is to study the beneficial effect of the bistability on passive nonlinear targeted energy transfer from the impulsively excited linear oscillator to an appropriately designed attachment. As a numerical study of the problem has shown in a companion paper (Romeo, F., Sigalov, G., Bergman, L. A., and Vakakis, A. F., 2013, “Dynamics of a Linear Oscillator Coupled to a Bistable Light Attachment: Numerical Study,” J. Comput. Nonlinear Dyn. (submitted)) there is an essential difference in the system's behavior when compared to the conventional case of a monostable attachment. On the other hand, some similarity to the behavior of an oscillator with rotator attachment has been revealed. It relates, in particular, to the generation of nonconventional nonlinear normal modes and to the existence of two qualitatively different types of dynamics. We find that all numerical results can be explained in the framework of fundamental (1:1) and superharmonic (1:3) resonances (for large energies), as well as a subharmonic resonance (for small energies). This allows us to use the concept of limiting phase trajectories (LPTs) introduced earlier by one of the authors, and to derive accurate analytical approximations to the dynamics of the problem in terms of nonsmooth generating functions.