bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diet‐induced obesity alters immune cell infiltration and expression of inflammatory cytokine genes in mouse ovarian and peri‐ovarian adipose depot tissues
Authors: Nteeba J. , Ortinau L.C. , Perfield J.W. , Keating A.F.
Published: August 2013

Dysregulation of immune cells and/or altered inflammatory signaling have been implicated with reproductive dysfunction. Physiological changes leading to perturbations in the profile of immune cells and/or pro‐inflammatory cytokines in or around female reproductive tissue could potentially have profound effects on ovarian function. Obesity is associated with chronic low‐grade inflammation due, in part, to increased immune cell infiltration and inflammation in visceral adipose depots. This study investigated the impact of diet‐induced obesity on immune cell infiltration and inflammation in peri‐ovarian adipose tissue and mRNA expression of key inflammatory markers and microRNAs (miRs) in ovarian tissue. Six‐week‐old female C57Bl/6J mice were fed a standard chow or high‐fat diet (HFD; 60% kcal fat) for approximately 7 months, at which time peri‐ovarian adipose tissue and ovarian tissues were collected. Histological analysis of peri‐ovarian adipose tissue from obese mice revealed increased (P < 0.05) adipocyte size and the presence of crown‐like structures, the morphological presentation of infiltrating immune cells in adipose tissue, along with increases (P < 0.05) in the mRNA levels of markers of T‐cells, activated macrophages, inflammatory cytokines, and chemokines. Ovarian mRNA levels of Il1b, Il6, Tnfa, p55, p75, Ccl2, Ikbkb, and Rela were higher in obese tissue (P < 0.05), with a strong trend (P = 0.06) for an increase in Nos2 and RELA protein. Additionally, ovarian miR125b and miR143 levels were decreased (P = 0.1). These data demonstrate that diet‐induced obesity elevates expression of inflammatory‐mediator genes in both the ovary and surrounding adipose depot, potentially negatively affecting ovarian function. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 80: 948–958, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simulation of damage–permeability coupling for mortar under dynamic loads
Authors: Chen Wen , La Borderie Christian , Maurel Olivier , Pijaudier‐Cabot Gilles , Rey‐Bethbeder Franck
Published: August 2013

The results reported in this paper deal with the simulation of damage in cohesive geomaterials such as rocks or concrete subjected to dynamic loads. The practical objective is to stimulate the production of tight gas reservoirs with a technique that is an alternative to hydraulic fracturing. The principle is that when subjected to dynamic loads, cohesive materials such as concrete, rocks or ceramics exhibit distributed micro‐cracking as opposed to localised cracking observed under static loads. Hence, a low permeability rock containing gas trapped into occluded pores can be fragmented with the help of dynamic loads, and gas can be extracted in a much more efficient way compared with hydraulic fracturing, where only large macro cracks are formed with very few connections between occluded pores. At the stage of laboratory development of this technique, compressive underwater shock waves have been used to increase the intrinsic permeability of concrete specimens. In a previous study, pressure waves generated by pulsed arc electrohydraulic discharges in water were used in order to induce micro‐cracking and an increase of average permeability of concrete hollow cylinders subjected to confinement stresses (equivalent to geostatic stresses). We discuss here a 3‐D anisotropic constitutive model aimed at describing the dynamic response of these specimens. It is based on rate‐dependent continuum damage constitutive relations. Crack closure effects and damage‐induced anisotropy are included in the model. The directional growth of damage is related to the directional growth of material intrinsic permeability. Numerical simulations of damage induced by shock waves show good agreement with the experiments for various confinement levels of the specimens. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural, thermal, and antibacterial properties of chitosan/ZnO composites
Authors: Shafiq Muhammad , Yasin Tariq , Aftab Rafiq Muhammad , Shaista
Published: August 2013

This study presents the influence of zinc oxide (ZnO) on the structural, thermal, and antibacterial characteristics of chitosan. The chitosan composites containing different concentrations of ZnO (0.5–2 mass ratio with respect to chitosan) were prepared using sol‐cast transformation method. Fourier‐transform infrared spectra and X‐ray diffraction patterns revealed chemical interactions between the chitosan and ZnO in the composites that became more evident at higher concentrations of filler. The composites exhibited significantly lower degradation rate and higher thermal stability than that of chitosan. When 50% mass loss is set as a point of comparison, the chitosan/ZnO (1:2) composite exhibited 143°C higher thermal stability compared with chitosan. Similarly, the composites exhibited biocidal activity to gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Furthermore, higher biocidal activity was possessed by chitosan/ZnO (1:1) composites. The current–voltage characteristics curves also depicted a significant increase in the value of current versus voltage at equimolar concentration of chitosan and ZnO. It can be concluded that the biocompatible, eco‐friendly and low cost chitosan/ZnO composite hydrogels can be used for food packaging and biomedical applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:79–85, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
A tradeoff analysis of risk cutoffs for the quadruple serum screen for Down syndrome
Authors: Walker Brandon , Ashwood Edward R. , Jackson Brian R. , Lagrave Danielle
Published: August 2013

Objectives

In maternal serum screening for Down syndrome, a cutoff of 1 : 270 is often used as a decision point to recommend invasive confirmatory testing. However, it has not been established how well this or any other cutoff relates to patient preferences, that is, the values that pregnant women attach to various screening outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical and economic tradeoffs of a wide range of risk cutoffs for the quadruple screen.

Methods

Screening costs and outcomes for multiple risk cutoffs were modeled using a Monte Carlo simulation.

Results

The optimal cutoff for maternal serum screening depends on the relative values placed by the patient on different outcomes. Total societal costs were similar across the range of cutoffs.

Conclusions

Given that different screening outcomes are optimized by different cutoff values, a one‐size‐fits‐all approach may not be appropriate. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Are low maternal estriol levels a predictor for pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) deficiency caused by POMC mutation during pregnancy?
Authors: Aldemir Ozgur , Ozen Samim , Sanlialp Cigdem , Ceylaner Serdar
Published: August 2013

Isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency is a rare cause of adrenocortical insufficiency, especially in children, and may be an underestimated cause of neonatal death. Low estriol levels are usually correlated with compromised uteroplacental perfusion and associated with fetal death.

A 30‐years old woman applied for pregnancy follow‐up. Ultrasonographic evaluation and karyotype of the fetus are normal. Low estriol level 0.34 MoM (% 0.24) was detected in maternal triple screening test. Amniocentesis was performed, and chromosomal disorders, steroid sulfatase deficiency, and Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome (SLOS) were excluded with karyotype, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and molecular analysis of SLOS, respectively. As their first child had pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) deficiency, POMC gene analysis was performed from both amniotic fluid and ethylene diamine tetra aceticacid (EDTA) blood sample of affected previous child, and homozygote mutation was detected. Fetus is diagnosed as POMC deficiency.

We are presenting this case to discuss possible relationship of low maternal E3 levels and fetal POMC deficiency. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Visualization and quantification of cerebral metabolic fluxes of glucose in awake mice
Authors: Sugiura Yuki , Honda Kurara , Kajimura Mayumi , Suematsu Makoto
Published: August 2013

Biotransformation of glucose in organs includes multiple pathways, while quantitative evaluation of percentages of its utilization for individual pathways and their spatial heterogeneity in vivo remain unknown. Imaging MS (IMS) and metabolomics combined with a focused microwave irradiation for rapidly fixing tissue metabolism allowed us to quantify and visualize metabolic fluxes of glucose‐derived metabolites in the mouse brain in vivo. At 15 min after the intraperitoneal injection of 13C6‐labeled glucose, the mouse brain was exposed to focused microwave irradiation, which can stop brain metabolism within 1 s. Quantification of metabolic intermediates containing 13C atoms revealed that a majority of the 13C6‐glucose was diverted into syntheses of glutamate, lactate, and uridine diphosphate (UDP)‐glucose. IMS showed that regions rich in glutaminergic neurons exhibited a large signal of 13C2‐labeled glutamate. On the other hand, the midbrain region was enriched with an intensive 13C6‐labeled UDP‐glucose signal, suggesting an active glycogen synthesis. Collectively, application of the current method makes it possible to examine the fluxes of glucose metabolism in a region‐specific manner.
Phosphonated Polyethylenimine‐Coated Nanoparticles: Size‐ and Zeta‐Potential‐Adjustable Nanomaterials
Authors: Monteil Clément , Bar Nathalie , Moreau Bernard , Retoux Richard , Bee Agnès , Talbot Delphine , Villemin Didier
Published: August 2013

Novel partially phosphonated polyethylenimine polymers are developed in order to control the modification of nanoparticle (NP) surfaces. This polymer is built by an accessible one‐step process. The numerous phosphonate functions assume both a strong covalent anchoring on metal oxide NPs and a modulation of electric charges, while amino groups are associated with dispersion preservation and subsequent biofunctionalization. The zwitterionic nanomaterials obtained display a good stability toward pH and ionic strength. According to the selected percentage of phosphonation and the polymer size, zeta potential, and diameter of the particles are controlled.
Syntheses and anti‐tubercular activity of β‐substituted and α,β‐disubstituted peptidyl β‐aminoboronates and boronic acids
Authors: Gorovoy Alexey S. , Gozhina Olga , Svendsen John‐Sigurd , Tetz George V. , Domorad Anna , Tetz Victor V. , Lejon Tore
Published: August 2013

Tuberculosis is still affecting millions of people worldwide, and new resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis are being found. It is therefore necessary to find new compounds for treatment. In this paper, we report the synthesis and in vitro testing of peptidyl β‐aminoboronic acids and β‐aminoboronates with anti‐tubercular activity. Copyright © 2013 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐frequency EPR, ESE, and ENDOR spectroscopy of Co‐ and Mn‐doped ZnO quantum dots
Authors: Baranov Pavel G. , Orlinskii Sergei B. , de Mello Donegá Celso , Schmidt Jan
Published: August 2013

Co‐ and Mn‐doped ZnO quantum dots (QDs) with ZnO/Zn(OH)2 core–shell structure were studied using high‐frequency electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), electron spin echo, and electron‐nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) at low temperature. The shape of the EPR spectrum of cobalt ions was observed to change as a result of Co2+ coupling with optically created shallow donors (SDs). This, along with a shift of SDs line, is a direct demonstration of interaction between the magnetic ion and donor electron in confined system of ZnO QD. ENDOR resonance of the 1H hydrogen nuclei detected by the EPR signal of Co2+ and Mn2+ evidence the hyperfine coupling between these ions, located in the ZnO core, and the protons outside the quantum dot core in the shell.
Brief Report: Rx1 Defines Retinal Precursor Identity by Repressing Alternative Fates Through the Activation of TLE2 and Hes4
Authors: Giannaccini Martina , Giudetti Guido , Biasci Daniele , Mariotti Sara , Martini Davide , Barsacchi Giuseppina , Andreazzoli Massimiliano
Published: August 2013

The molecular mechanisms underlying the acquisition of retinal precursor identity are scarcely defined. Although the homeobox gene Rx1 (also known as Rax) plays a major role in specifying retinal precursors and maintaining their multipotent state, the involved mechanisms remain to be largely deciphered. Here, following a highthroughput screen for genes regulated by Rx1, we found that this transcription factor specifies the fate of retinal progenitors by repressing genes normally activated in adjacent ectodermal territories. Unexpectedly, we also observed that Rx1, mainly through the activation of the transcriptional repressors TLE2 and Hes4, is necessary and sufficient to inhibit endomesodermal gene expression in retinal precursors of the eye field. In particular, Rx1 knockdown leads retinogenic blastomeres to adopt an endomesodermal fate, indicating a previously undescribed function for Rx1 in preventing the expression of endomesoderm determinants known to inhibit retinal fate. Altogether these data suggest that an essential requirement to establish a retinal precursor identity is the active inhibition of pathways leading to alternative fates. Stem Cells  2013;31:2842–2847
Genome-Wide Analysis of miRNA-mRNA Interactions in Marrow Stromal Cells
Authors: Balakrishnan Ilango , Yang Xiaodong , Brown Joseph , Ramakrishnan Aravind , Torok-Storb Beverly , Kabos Peter , Hesselberth Jay R. , Pillai Manoj M.
Published: August 2013

Regulation of hematopoietic stem cell proliferation, lineage commitment, and differentiation in adult vertebrates requires extrinsic signals provided by cells in the marrow microenvironment (ME) located within the bone marrow. Both secreted and cell-surface bound factors critical to this regulation have been identified, yet control of their expression by cells within the ME has not been addressed. Herein we hypothesize that microRNAs (miRNAs) contribute to their controlled expression. MiRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that bind to target mRNAs and downregulate gene expression by either initiating mRNA degradation or preventing peptide translation. Testing the role of miRNAs in downregulating gene expression has been difficult since conventional techniques used to define miRNA-mRNA interactions are indirect and have high false-positive and negative rates. In this report, a genome-wide biochemical technique (high-throughput sequencing of RNA isolated by cross-linking immunoprecipitation or HITS-CLIP) was used to generate unbiased genome-wide maps of miRNA-mRNA interactions in two critical cellular components of the marrow ME: marrow stromal cells and bone marrow endothelial cells. Analysis of these datasets identified miRNAs as direct regulators of JAG1, WNT5A, MMP2, and VEGFA; four factors that are important to ME function. Our results show the feasibility and utility of unbiased genome-wide biochemical techniques in dissecting the role of miRNAs in regulation of complex tissues such as the marrow ME. Stem Cells  2014;32:662–673
Mobile application for wildlife capture–mark–recapture data collection and query
Authors: Bateman Heather L. , Lindquist Timothy E. , Whitehouse Richard , Gonzalez Maria M.
Published: August 2013

Capture–mark–recapture (CMR) approaches are often used in the management and conservation of wildlife species and effective approaches to estimate populations rely on accurate data‐collection techniques. Unfortunately, sampling errors can arise at several steps in the CMR process. We designed and applied a mobile application (app) for field‐collected data from a CMR study on herpetofauna. Entering data into a digital format in the field using the mobile application eliminated timely steps to process handwritten data sheets and double‐checking data entries. Applications were developed for mobile devices on the iOS and Android operating systems. Both platforms have similar user interactions via data entry on a touch screen using pre‐programmed fields, checkboxes, drop‐down menus, and keypad entry. Our mobile application includes features to insure collection of all measurements in the field through pop‐up messages and can proof entries for valid formats. The application can assign unique numbers to newly captured individuals by querying the database for unused codes and eliminates the potential to assign 2 individuals with the same unique code. Technicians can query a database to view histories of previously captured animals from the field. During a 2‐month project, we estimated that using the mobile application instead of manual data entry and proofing via data sheets reduced our total project time by 10%. To our knowledge, this is the first application developed for mobile devices for biologists using CMR techniques and could be developed for use in other areas of field data collection. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Tuning Structural Topologies of Two Cadmium(II) Coordination Polymers via Isomeric Dipyridyl Ligands: Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and Luminescent Properties
Authors: Zhao Lu , Guo Feng
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Two new coordination polymers {[Cd2(BDC)2(3‐bpmp)(H2O)2]·2H2O}n (1) and [Cd2(BDC)2(4‐bpmp)]n (2) [H2BDC = 5‐hydroxy‐isophthalic acid, 3‐bpmp = 1,4‐bis(3‐pyridylmethy)piperazine, and 4‐bpmp = 1,4‐bis(4‐pyridylmethy) piperazine] were synthesized via hydrothermal synthesis, and further characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, XRD, and X‐ray crystallography. Complex 1 shows a two‐dimensional (4,4) sql topology and complex 2 features an 8‐connected hex topology. Moreover, the luminescent properties of complexes 1 and 2 were investigated in the solid state at room temperature.
Imaging Metal-on-Metal Hip Replacements: The Norwich Experience
Authors: Thomas Marianna S. , Wimhurst James A. , Nolan John F. , Toms Andoni P.
Published: August 2013

Background

Adverse reaction to metal debris is a relatively recently described and often a silent complication of metal-on-metal (MOM) total hip replacements (THR). The Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital has been performing metal artefact reduction (MARS) MRI for 8 years in a variety of different types of MOM THR.

Questions/purposes

The aims of this review are to describe the experience of using MARS MRI in Norwich and to compare our experience with that published by other groups.

Methods

A MEDLINE keyword search was performed for studies including MRI in MOM THR. Relevant publications were reviewed and compared with published data from the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital. The similarities and differences between these data were compared and possible explanations for these discussed.

Results

MARS MRI appears to be the most useful tool for diagnosing, staging and monitoring adverse reactions to metal debris (ARMD). There appears to be no clinically useful association between clinical and serological markers of disease and the severity of MR findings. Although severe early ARMD is associated with significant morbidity, mild disease is often stable for years. If patients with normal initial MR examinations develop ARMD, this usually occurs 7 years. A 1-year interval between MRI examinations is reasonable in asymptomatic patients.

Conclusions

There is a general international consensus that ARMD is prevalent in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with MOM THR and that while appearances vary with the type of prosthesis, there are characteristic features that make MARS MRI essential for diagnosis, staging and surveillance of the disease.
Dietary Fat in Relation to Erythrocyte Fatty Acid Composition in Men
Authors: Takkunen Markus , Ågren Jyrki , Kuusisto Johanna , Laakso Markku , Uusitupa Matti , Schwab Ursula
Published: August 2013

Erythrocyte membrane fatty acid (EMFA) composition is used in the validation of food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) and the evaluation of dietary fat quality. In this cross‐sectional study we aimed to investigate associations of diet with EMFA. Altogether, 1,033 randomly selected Finnish men, aged from 47 to 75 years filled in a FFQ and their EMFA composition was analyzed. Marine polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake correlated positively with erythrocyte eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids (rs = 0.415 and rs = 0.340, respectively, P < 0.001) and inversely with all n‐6 PUFA analyzed (P < 0.001). PUFA intake from spreads and cooking fats correlated positively with alpha‐linolenic (ALA), linoleic (LNA) and nervonic acids (rs = 0.229, rs = 0.160 and rs = 0.143, respectively, P < 0.001). Milk fat intake was associated with myristic and behenic acids (rs = 0.186 and rs = 0.132, respectively P < 0.001). Butter users had lower ALA and LNA proportions (mol%) than non‐users (0.16 ± 0.04 vs. 0.19 ± 0.05, P < 0.001 and 7.77 ± 1.02 vs. 8.12 ± 1.11, P = 0.001). Higher PUFA intake from meat was related to decreased long‐chain n‐3 (P < 0.001) and increased n‐6 PUFA (P < 0.001) proportions. In conclusion, EMFA composition reflects particularly well the intakes of n‐3 PUFA, whereas other associations remained lower. Yet, all main sources of dietary fat were related with EMFA. The dietary effect on the nervonic acid proportion was confirmed.
The Source of Fluid Deep to the Iliotibial Band: Documentation of a Potential Intra‐Articular Source
Authors: Jelsing Elena J. , Maida Eugene , Finnoff Jonathan T. , Smith Jay
Published: August 2013

Objective

To determine whether there is a consistent extension of the lateral synovial recess under the iliotibial band (ITB) in an unembalmed cadaveric model.

Design

A prospective laboratory investigation.

Setting

A procedural skills laboratory of a tertiary medical center.

Subjects

Twelve unembalmed cadaveric knee specimens.

Methods

The suprapatellar recess, ITB, and region deep to the ITB were examined sonographically to document the absence of fluid in each knee. Thereafter, 60 mL of normal saline solution was injected into each knee to distend the joint recesses. Postinjection sonographic examination of the ITB at the level of the lateral femoral epicondyle was repeated at 0°, 25°, and 45° of knee flexion to detect and characterize any fluid visualized in the region of the ITB. The location of fluid in relation to the ITB was recorded as anterior, deep, posterior, or a combination of these positions.

Results

Fluid was observed anterior and deep to the ITB in 100% of 12 specimens. In 2 specimens, fluid also was noted posterior to the ITB. The presence and location of the fluid did not appear to change as a function of knee position. Using dynamic sonographic evaluation, we could track the fluid deep to the ITB back to the knee joint.

Conclusions

The lateral synovial recess appears to regularly extend beneath the anterior ITB. Fluid deep to the ITB should precipitate further evaluation of the knee joint when clinically indicated. Although distention of the lateral synovial recess is not always symptomatic, synovial irritation may be a pathoetiologic factor in the production of lateral knee pain syndromes, including ITB syndrome.
Significance tests in clinical research—Challenges and pitfalls
Authors: Skovlund Eva
Published: August 2013

Background

Statistical analyses are used to help understand the practical significance of the findings in a clinical study. Many clinical researchers appear to have limited knowledge onhowto perform appropriate statistical analysis as well as understanding what the results in fact mean.

Methods

This focal review is based on long experience in supervising clinicians on statistical analysis and advising editors of scientific journals on the quality of statistical analysis applied in scientific reports evaluated for publication.

Results

Basic facts on elementary statistical analyses are presented, and common misunderstandings are elucidated. Efficacy estimates, the effect of sample size, and confidence intervals for effect estimates are reviewed, and the difference between statistical significance and clinical relevance is highlighted. The weaknesses of p-values and misunderstandings in how to interpret them are illustrated with practical examples.

Conclusions and recommendations

Some very important questions need to be answered before initiating a clinical trial. What is the research question? To which patients should the result be generalised? Is the number of patients sufficient to draw a valid conclusion? When data are analysed the number of (preplanned) significance tests should be kept small and post hoc analyses should be avoided. It should also be remembered that the clinical relevance of a finding cannot be assessed by the p-value. Thus effect estimates and corresponding 95% confidence intervals should always be reported.
Artisans, Artists and Hegel's History of Art
Authors: Speight Allen
Published: August 2013

This article examines Hegel's use of the distinction between ‘artist’ (Künstler) and ‘artisan’ (Werkmeister) in light of recent discussion about the ‘end’ of art and the distinction betweeen art and craft that, as some have argued, has been central to the concept of the fine arts since the eighteenth century. Hegel does employ an important distinction between artist and artisan, but he does so within a larger account of the continuum of forms of human making that can take into consideration the importance of the artisan's work as well as the artist's. Hegel's account involves two distinctive features not always at issue in the artist/artisan distinction: the stress on the social changes required for new forms of art to emerge and an embrace of the human being as the essentially retrospective and interpretive animal in whom the decisive intersection of content and form finally makes art what it is.
The ‘Social’ is Prior to the ‘Political’: Bosanquet Revisited (Again)
Authors: Simhony Avital
Published: August 2013

The essay aims to reveal the priority of the ‘social’ over the ‘political’ in Bosanquet's thought by making more prominent what Bosanquet calls ‘social’. It is the domain of human connectedness and cooperation that occupies the space between the ‘political’, state action, and the personal, narrowly conceived individual. The centrality of the ‘social’ emerges against the backdrop of two rival interpretations of Bosanquet's relationship with British Idealism over state action. The one claims that Green's split into ‘right’ (Bosanquet) and ‘left’ (Ritchie). The other interpretation restores unity, denying that the right-left divide introduces fundamental differences into the Idealist camp. Though not a laissez-faire individualist, Bosanquet's restrictive stance on state action with regard to the poor reveals, I argue, ‘social individualism’. Best expressed in his prioritizing of ‘social cooperative action’ over state action, at the heart of social individualism lies a conceptual-normative nexus between self-maintaining, self-managing, self-governing individuals and social cooperation.
Intense bed-load due to a sudden dam-break
Authors: Spinewine Benoit , Capart Hervé
Published: August 2013

Intense bed-load, or sheet flow, occurs when a free-surface flow of water drives a thick, rapidly sheared layer of water and grains over an erodible granular bed. We examine here the transient case where flow is induced by a sudden dam-break. Aiming for greater detail than achieved previously, we investigate this case using experiment and theory. The experiments combine particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) with a novel method of concentration measurement based on recording the penetration depth of a laser light sheet. The theory incorporates more vertical detail into the shallow water equations by using piecewise linear profiles of velocity and granular concentration, constrained by constitutive relations proposed recently for intense bed-load. These relations account for Coulomb yield at the bed, immersed granular collisions at the base, and equilibration of shear rate and density stratification across the bed-load layer. Using these approaches, both experiment and theory yield time- and depth-resolved profiles of velocity and granular concentration in addition to longitudinal wave profiles. Without any parameter adjustment, the theoretical predictions are in good agreement with the experimental measurements.
Capsaicin-induced metabolic and cardiovascular autonomic improvement in an animal model of the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Tremarin Camila da Silva , Casali Karina Rabello , Meurer Luise , Schaan Beatriz D'Agord
Published: August 2013

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with an increased risk of cardiac mortality, as it is characterised by the clustering of multiple cardiovascular risk factors. Studies have shown that capsaicin (red pepper) may be useful as a nutraceutical, ameliorating metabolic profile and cardiovascular function. The aim of the present study was to investigate the cardiovascular and metabolic effects of orally administered capsaicin in rats with the MetS. Neonate spontaneously hypertensive rats were injected with monosodium glutamate and subjected to one of the following three treatments by oral administration for 14 d, between 27 and 30 weeks: low-dose capsaicin (CAP05,n18, synthetic capsaicin powder diluted in a vehicle (10 % ethyl alcohol) plus 0·5 mg/kg body weight (BW) of capsaicin); high-dose capsaicin (CAP1,n19, synthetic capsaicin powder diluted in a vehicle (10 % ethyl alcohol) plus 1 mg/kg BW of capsaicin); control (C,n18, vehicle). Lee's index, lipid/metabolic profile, and cardiovascular parameters with the rats being conscious, including arterial pressure (AP) and heart rate (HR) variability, as well as aortic wall thickness (haematoxylin and eosin staining) and CD68 (cluster of differentiation 68) antibody levels (monocyte/macrophage immunostaining) were evaluated. Weight, Lee's index, and lipid and metabolic parameters, as well as AP and HR and aortic wall thickness, were similar between the groups. Capsaicin determined HR variability improvement (16·0 (sem9·0), 31·0 (sem28·2) and 31·3 (sem19·0) ms2for the C, CAP05 and CAP1 groups, respectively,P= 0·003), increased vascular sympathetic drive (low-frequency component of systolic AP variability: 3·3 (sem2·8), 8·2 (sem7·7) and 12·1 (sem8·8) mmHg2for the C, CAP05 and CAP1 groups, respectively,P< 0·001) and increased α-index (spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity). The present data show that capsaicin did not improve lipid and glucose abnormalities in rats with the MetS. However, beneficial cardiovascular effects were observed with this nutraceutical.
Diet quality from pre-school to school age in Brazilian children: a 4-year follow-up in a randomised control study
Authors: Rauber Fernanda , Hoffman Daniel J. , Vitolo Márcia Regina
Published: August 2013

A previous study demonstrated that dietary counselling for mothers during the first year of life improved overall diet quality of children at pre-school age in a low-income population. Thus, the objective of the present study was to assess the long-term effect of this intervention on diet quality of children at school age and examine the tracking of dietary intake throughout childhood. The present study was a follow-up of a randomised controlled trial with children who were assessed at 3–4 years (n 345) and 7–8 years (n 307) of age. We collected two 24 h dietary recalls and assessed diet quality using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI). Analyses were performed by group using a paired t test and a Student's t test for independent samples. Diet quality did not differ between the intervention and control groups at 7–8 years of age (HEI score 65·2 (sd 9·5) v. 64·9 (sd 8·5)). Regarding changes in diet quality from pre-school to school age, we observed the tracking of diet quality in the control group and the loss of the intervention effect in the intervention group. In both groups, the score for fruit and milk intake decreased, while that for saturated fat and dietary variety intake increased. The score for the intakes of grains, meat and legumes, and total fat remained constant for all children. The present data provide evidence that diet quality tracks during childhood since the total HEI score did not differ over time in the control group. The decrease in score for some HEI components did not affect the overall diet quality due to the increase in score for other HEI components.
Graphis koreana (Graphidaceae, Ostropales), a new species from South Korea
Authors: JOSHI Santosh , KOH Young Jin , LÖKÖS László , JAYALAL Udeni , HUR Jae-Seoun
Published: August 2013

A saxicolous Graphis discovered in the southern part of South Korea is described as new to science. The new species, Graphis koreana sp. nov., is characterized by a green to brownish green, thick, rimose thallus, completely carbonized proper exciple, trans-septate to submuriform ascospores and the presence of norstictic acid.
Genetic diversity and species delimitation of the zeorin-containing red-fruitedCladoniaspecies (lichenized Ascomycota) assessed with ITS rDNA and β-tubulin data
Authors: STEINOVÁ Jana , STENROOS Soili , GRUBE Martin , ŠKALOUD Pavel
Published: August 2013

Zeorin-containing red-fruitedCladoniaspecies, the so-calledC. cocciferagroup, are widespread terrestrial lichens which share most of their secondary substances but differ morphologically. The main objective of this study was to explore whether the current delimitation of these species is supported by molecular data. A total of 52 European and North American specimens ofC. coccifera,C. deformis,C. diversa, andC. pleurotawere examined. The internal transcribed spacer regions of the nuclear ribosomal DNA and the β-tubulin gene loci were sequenced for phylogenetic analyses. Traditional morphological species circumscriptions in zeorin-containing members of theC. cocciferagroup are not supported by molecular data.Cladonia coccifera,C. deformis, andC. pleurotawere recovered as polyphyletic in both gene topologies;C. diversaformed a lineage in the ITS phylogeny but this was not statistically supported. We detected chemical patterns of the presence/absence of porphyrilic and/or isousnic acid which may help to characterize two lineages. Our results also show incongruence between the two molecular markers studied. Therefore, we focused on possible explanations of this phenomenon. Five major evolutionary mechanisms can potentially result in phylogenetic discordance between genes: presence of pseudogenes, horizontal gene transfer, gene paralogy, incomplete lineage sorting, and hybridization. These mechanisms are briefly discussed. We consider incomplete lineage sorting and/or hybridization to best explain the incongruence.
Two new Crypthonia species and a new Syncesia from Chapada do Araripe, Ceará, NE Brazil (Ascomycota: Arthoniales), with a key to Crypthonia
Authors: MENEZES Aline Anjos , XAVIER-LEITE Amanda Barreto , de JESUS Katia Almeida , APTROOT André , CÁCERES Marcela Eugenia da Silva
Published: August 2013

Two new species of the small genus Crypthonia are described from the Chapada do Araripe, an isolated table mountain in the state of Ceará, in NE Brazil. Both share the thallus and ascoma organization with the other known species of the genus, and are mainly characterized by differences in ascospores and chemistry. Crypthonia lichexanthonica A. A. Menezes, M. Cáceres & Aptroot has 7-septate ascospores and contains lichexanthone in the thallus, and C. submuriformis A. A. Menezes, M. Cáceres & Aptroot has (sub)muriform ascospores and also contains lichexanthone, but only in the ascigerous areas. A key to all known species of the genus Crypthonia is provided, in which Crypthonia olivacea Frisch & G. Thor is newly reported from Argentina. The new species Syncesia byssolomoides A. A. Menezes, M. Cáceres & Aptroot is described from the same area. It also has a thin byssoid thallus, but differs by the narrowly fusiform ascospores and by containing psoromic acid. It differs from all Syncesia species by the absence of carbonization and the presence of psoromic acid. The epiphytic lichen flora in this Caatinga forest area is dominated by crustose lichens, with Graphis and Polymeridium as the most speciose genera.
Effect of amplified spontaneous emission and parasitic oscillations on the performance of cryogenically-cooled slab amplifiers
Authors: Sawicka Magdalena , Divoky Martin , Lucianetti Antonio , Mocek Tomas
Published: August 2013

We present a three-dimensional code for the optimization of energy storage, heat deposition, and amplification in square-shaped laser slabs and multi-slab laser amplifiers. The influence of the slab dimensions, slab face and edge reflectivities, pump parameters, and operating temperature on amplified spontaneous emission and stored energy has been investigated. The multi-slab and single-slab configurations are compared, analyzing in detail the influence of the absorption cladding for the suppression of amplified spontaneous emission radiation.
THE IMPACT OF COGNITIVE COMPLEXITY ON FEEDBACK EFFICACY DURING ONLINE VERSUS FACE-TO-FACE INTERACTIVE TASKS
Authors: Baralt Melissa
Published: August 2013

Informed by the cognition hypothesis (Robinson, 2011), recent studies indicate that more cognitively complex tasks can result in better incorporation of feedback during interaction and, as a consequence, more learning. It is not known, however, how task complexity and feedback work together in computerized environments. The present study addressed this gap by investigating how cognitive complexity in face-to-face (FTF) versus computer-mediated communication (CMC) environments mediates the efficacy of recasts in promoting second language development. Eighty-four adult learners of Spanish as a foreign language at a mid-Atlantic university were randomly assigned to a control group or one of four experimental groups. The experimental groups engaged in one-on-one interaction and received recasts on the Spanish past subjunctive but differed according to (a) whether or not they had to reflect on another person’s intentional reasons during the task and (b) whether they interacted in FTF or CMC environments. Learning was measured with two production tasks and a multiple-choice receptive test in a Pretest-Posttest 1-Posttest 2 design. Results revealed that in the FTF mode, performing the cognitively complex task while receiving recasts led to the most learning. In the CMC mode, the cognitively complex task + recasts was not effective. Instead, the cognitively simple task led to the most development in CMC. The study also found that judgments of time on task were the only independent measure of cognitive complexity that held across mode.
Retinocollicular mapping explained?
Authors: STERRATT DAVID C. , HJORTH J.J. JOHANNES
Published: August 2013

We review and comment on the recent model of Grimbert and Cang of the development of topographically ordered maps from the retina to the superior colliculus. This model posits a phase in which arbors are created in zones permitted by Eph and ephrin signaling, followed by a phase in which activity-dependent synaptic plasticity refines the map. We show that it is not possible to generate the arborization probability functions used in the simulations of Grimbert and Cang using gradients of Ephs and ephrins and the interaction mechanism that Grimbert and Cang propose in their results. Furthermore, the arborization probabilities we do generate are far less sharp than we imagine truly “permissive” ones would be. It remains to be seen if maps can be generated from the nonpermissive arborization probabilities generated from gradients.
Pringle and Use of EU Institutions outside the EU Legal Framework: Foundations, Procedure and Substance
Authors: Craig Paul
Published: August 2013

Pringle judgment of the Court – Constitutional implications of using EU institutions outside the EU legal framework – Contestable foundations of the principle affirmed in Pringle – Procedural problems concerning use of EU institutions in this manner – Substantive problems with EU institutions acting in this manner – Relationship between compatibility and choice – Limits of analogical reasoning and dangers of false positives
Mammalian iRhoms have distinct physiological functions including an essential role in TACE regulation
Authors: Christova Yonka , Adrain Colin , Bambrough Paul , Ibrahim Ashraf , Freeman Matthew
Published: August 2013

Loss of iRhom2, a catalytically inactive rhomboid‐like protein, blocks maturation of TACE/ADAM17 in macrophages, resulting in defective shedding of the cytokine tumor necrosis factor. Apart from the resulting inflammatory defects, iRhom2‐null mice appear normal: they do not show the several defects seen in TACE knockouts, suggesting that TACE maturation is independent of iRhom2 in cells other than macrophages. Here we show that the physiological role of iRhoms is much broader. iRhom1 knockout mice die within 6 weeks of birth. They show a severe phenotype, with defects in several tissues including highly penetrant brain haemorrhages. The non‐overlapping phenotypes imply that iRhom 1 and 2 have distinct physiological roles, although at a cellular level both promote the maturation of TACE (but not other ADAM proteases). Both iRhoms are co‐expressed in many contexts where TACE acts. We conclude that all TACE activity, constitutive and regulated, requires iRhom function. iRhoms are therefore essential and specific regulators of TACE activity, but our evidence also implies that they must have additional physiologically important clients.
Mechanistic control over morphology: self-assembly of a discotic amphiphile in water
Authors: de Feijter Isja , Besenius Pol , Albertazzi Lorenzo , Meijer E. W. , Palmans Anja R. A. , Voets Ilja K.
Published: August 2013

Increasing the ionic strength of solutions of self-assembling discotic amphiphiles results in the coexistence of small and large supramolecular aggregates.
Enzyme activity effects of N-terminal His-tag attached to catalytic sub-unit of phosphoinositide-3-kinase
Authors: Dickson James M. J. , Lee Woo-Jeong , Shepherd Peter R. , Buchanan Christina M.
Published: August 2013

NTT (N-terminal tags) on the catalytic (p110) sub-unit of PI 3-K (phosphoinositol 3-kinase) have previously been shown to increase cell signalling and oncogenic transformation. Here we test the impact of an NT (N-terminal) His-tag on in vitro lipid and protein kinase activity of all class-1 PI 3-K isoforms and two representative oncogenic mutant forms (E545K and H1047R), in order to elucidate the mechanisms behind this elevated signalling and transformation observed in vivo. Our results show that an NT His-tag has no impact on lipid kinase activity as measured by enzyme titration, kinetics and inhibitor susceptibility. Conversely, the NT His-tag did result in a differential effect on protein kinase activity, further potentiating the elevated protein kinase activity of both the helical domain and catalytic domain oncogenic mutants with relation to p110 phosphorylation. All other isoforms also showed elevated p110 phosphorylation (although not statistically significant). We conclude that the previously reported increase in cell signalling and oncogenic-like transformation in response to p110 NTT is not mediated via an increase in the lipid kinase activity of PI 3-K, but may be mediated by increased p110 autophosphorylation and/or other, as yet unidentified, intracellular protein/protein interactions. We further observe that tagged recombinant protein is suitable for use in in vitro lipid kinase screens to identify PI 3-K inhibitors; however, we recommend that in vivo (including intracellular) experiments and investigations into the protein kinase activity of PI 3-K should be conducted with untagged constructs.
Resemblance between gap waveguides and hollow waveguides
Authors: Raza Hasan , Yang Jian , Kildal Per‐Simon , Alfonso Esperanza
Published: August 2013

There is a lack of suitable numerical ports for the gap waveguides. This study studies the resemblance between the ridge/groove gap waveguide and the conventional hollow ridge/rectangular waveguide, respectively, by using numerical analysis. The dispersion diagrams and characteristic impedances are compared and found to be similar within the stopband of the parallel‐plate modes. Therefore conventional hollow waveguides can be used as ports in numerical analysis of gap waveguides. In addition, this means that the geometry of circuit components in hollow ridge/rectangular waveguides can be used as a good starting point when designing ridge/groove gap waveguide components.
Passive bistatic synthetic aperture radar imaging with Galileo transmitters and a moving receiver: experimental demonstration
Authors: Antoniou Michail , Hong Zhou , Zhangfan Zeng , Zuo Rui , Zhang Qilei , Cherniakov Mikhail
Published: August 2013

This study discusses experimental methods and results on passive bistatic synthetic aperture radar using navigation satellites as transmitters of opportunity and a moving receiver. The article highlights practical issues in imaging. Experimental imagery obtained using Galileo satellite emissions and a receiver onboard a ground moving vehicle confirm the system technical feasibility as well as some of its major theoretically predicted parameters.
Modelling of inhomogeneity in radar clutter using Weibull mixture densities
Authors: Van Cao Tri‐Tan
Published: August 2013

In this study, it is demonstrated that inhomogeneity observed in a variety of radar experimental data can be modelled as a finite mixture of Weibull densities. An algorithm for identifying the parameters of each Weibull component in the mixture is developed. The proposed mixture identification algorithm is then applied to three representative sets of radar experimental data, and the quality of the statistical fit is assessed using the p‐value, which is estimated based on the Kolmogorov–Smirnoff distance. An application of the Weibull mixture identification algorithm to detect an extended ground target is demonstrated. It is shown that based on the proposed Weibull mixture model, an optimal constant false‐alarm rate detector can be implemented even in the presence of inhomogeneity.
Study of ultra‐wideband fuze signal processing method based on wavelet transform
Authors: Chen Si , Zhao Huichang , Zhang Shuning , Yang Yunxing
Published: August 2013

In order to reduce data volume of carrier‐free ultra‐wideband (UWB) fuze's signal processing and improve fuze's instantaneity, a signal processing method for carrier‐free UWB fuze based on wavelet transform is proposed in this study. Under least mean square error criterion, decompose the transmitted pulse and echo signal by wavelet transform firstly, then estimate the target's distance and velocity information on high level of wavelet decomposition, finally, generate detonator signal to drive the executive level. The simulation results show that this method can effectively estimate the distance and velocity of target, also it can reduce data volume of signal processing greatly without impacting the measurement which is good to the real‐time processing and engineering applications.