bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential reactivity of serum immunoglobulins from Brazilian wild mammals to staphylococcal A and streptococcal G proteins
Authors: Pelli Afonso , Castellano Lucio R. , Cardoso Marcos R. S. , Vasconcelos Luís A. S. , Domingues Marcos A. , Ferreira Maria B. , Rodrigues Virmondes
Published: February 2012

Human pathogens have evolved to infect vertebrate hosts other than human beings without causing symptoms of the disease, thus permitting them to complete their life cycle and to develop into infectious forms. The identification and management of infected animals are alternatives to control dissemination of the disease and to prevent human illness. In the current study, the potential use of staphylococcal A or streptococcal G proteins was evaluated with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for seroepidemiological studies. Sera were collected from animals that were representative of 23 different Brazilian wild mammals. A high protein A binding rate was observed in all animals, except for the orders Didelphimorphia, Artiodactyla, and Rodentia, in which affinity was medium or low. Affinity for streptococcal G protein was higher in animals of the order Artiodactyla, whereas no streptococcal G protein binding was observed in samples obtained from felines (order Carnivora). Bacterial protein binding to mammalian immunoglobulins was confirmed by immunoblotting. The results suggest that secondary detection systems should be better investigated in ELISA protocols before their implementation in seroepidemiological studies involving wild mammals.
The Change Game
Authors: Lewis Amy C. , Grosser Mark
Published: February 2012

Leading change is an essential skill for managers. Instructors in management education must not only teach theories on effectively leading change but also convince students of the necessity of developing their change leadership skills. Students may underestimate the difficulty of convincing others to work toward change; the authors developed the Change Game as a tool to help students experience the difficulties of leading change and identify opportunities for skill development in the area of change leadership. This 45-minute exercise can be used with a range of courses in management curricula, and it scales well for small to large seated classes. Students are divided into two groups (managers and workers) that must cooperate to complete a task and earn a reward. The exercise simulates resistance to change by giving the workers an incentive to stay with the status quo. Classes typically fail to complete the task, which allows for a lively follow-up discussion on successfully leading change, as well as on topics such as communication, intergroup dynamics, trust, power, and motivation.
An Exceptional Power
Authors: Abosch Yishaiya
Published: February 2012

In a late dialogue on English common law, Hobbes addressed a perennial problem: how to allow exceptions to general rules without amplifying divisive claims of sovereign arbitrariness. His solution extended Leviathan’s arguments against lawyers but also relied heavily on a conception of equity that the earlier treatise tended to obscure. For Hobbes, equity was not only a mode of sovereign adjudication, but also an instrument for molding dispositions conducive to “Civill Amity.” Long-term stability therefore demanded that the sovereign power to make exceptions be limited by a general human capacity to treat others fairly.
Assessment of HIT Antibody Complex in Hip Fracture Patients Receiving Enoxaparin or Unfractionated Heparin
Authors: Griffin Justin W. , Hopkinson William J. , Lassen Michael R. , Thethi Indermohan , Litinas Evangelos , Fareed Jawed
Published: February 2012

Thromboembolic disease is a common complication of hip fracture in the elderly. Anticoagulants represent a standard of care in preventing postoperative thrombotic complications following surgical fixation. We asked whether levels of antibody to heparin–platelet factor 4 (PF4) complex were differentially present in unfractionated heparin (UFH) versus Enoxaparin, following hip fracture and whether one particular subtype of antibodies was more prevalent. Plasma samples from elderly patients sustaining a hip fracture treated with either enoxaparin or UFH were collected pre- and postoperatively and analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) sandwich method for the prevalence of antiheparin-PF4 antibodies and later subtyped. The prevalence of antiheparin-PF4 antibodies was higher in the UFH group especially on postoperative day 7. Patients treated with UFH showed a greater prevalence of antiheparin-PF4 antibodies and a greater prevalence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) subtype. Heparin and enoxaparin are capable of generating heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) antibodies in elderly patients undergoing orthopedic surgery but perhaps not to the same extent. When comparing low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) with UFH, the incidence of new antiheparin-PF4 antibody production is higher in patients treated with UFH.
Issue and Stakeholder Intercandidate Agenda Setting among Corporate Information Subsidies
Authors: Ragas Matthew W.
Published: February 2012

This study examined the intercandidate agenda-setting hypothesis in the setting of proxy contests that featured dueling public relations efforts between corporate actors to garner stakeholder support. Through a series of content analyses, this study analyzed news releases and shareholder letters issued by competing candidates in the twenty-five largest contests held in US markets from 2005 to 2009. After controlling for the influence of media coverage, significant support was found for issue and stakeholder intercandidate agenda-setting linkages, thereby extending this research from political elections into corporate elections.
Experimental Methodology in Journalism and Mass Communication Research
Authors: Thorson Esther , Wicks Rob , Leshner Glenn
Published: February 2012

Experiments are a powerful method for understanding causal relationships in journalism and mass communication research. In this essay, the authors examine seven aspects of experimental quality that reviewers should include as criteria in their evaluations. They note that there are complex interrelationships among these indicators. In cases where aspects of the standards are controversial, the authors attempt to summarize the conflicting arguments. Where different methodological conclusions can be rationalized as appropriate, the authors’ suggestion is that the researcher make clear what decisions were made in the experimental design and why, so that readers can evaluate those decisions.
A new robust design optimization approach for unmanned underwater vehicle design
Authors: Alam Khairul , Ray Tapabrata , Anavatti Sreenatha G
Published: February 2012

Design of unmanned underwater vehicles is a complex and challenging task. While optimization methods can be applied to identify designs which are faster, more manoeuvrable and flexible to deal with various mission profiles, a practical realization requires the design to be robust, i.e. one with the best average performance under expected parametric variations. In this paper, an optimization framework for the design of underwater vehicles is presented. The framework is subsequently used to identify optimal and robust optimal designs of a small-scale (length nominally less than 500 mm) and light-weight (less than 0.5 kg) toy submarine. The submarine design described in the paper relies heavily on the use of off-the-shelf components in an attempt to contain cost. The differences between the optimal design and the robust optimal design are discussed in detail. The designs identified through the process of optimization are compared with an existing toy submarine to highlight the benefits offered by the present approach. The framework has been used to design two underwater vehicles which are currently being built by the research group.
Cardiovascular effects of the DPP-4 inhibitors
Authors: Jose Tessey , Inzucchi Silvio E
Published: February 2012

Type 2 Diabetes continues to rise in prevalence throughout the globe, and cardiovascular diseases remain the most common cause of morbidity and mortality among patients. Dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are a newer class of oral anti-hyperglycemic agents whose effect is mediated through the incretin hormones, GLP-1 and GIP. In this review, we discuss the incretin system, DPP-4 inhibitors and their mechanism of action and, principally, the potential impact of DPP-4 inhibition on the cardiovascular system. Some pre-clinical data, small mechanistic studies and post-hoc analyses of randomized clinical trials suggest a possible beneficial effect on cardiovascular risk. However, the relationship between DPP-4 inhibition and actual cardiovascular outcomes remains unknown. We therefore also review ongoing large, randomized clinical trials examining this very question.
An Empirical Analysis of California Budget Gridlock
Authors: Cummins Jeff
Published: February 2012

California is notorious for its budget gridlock. From 1950 to 2008, the budget was adopted late 44% of the time. Although short delays have few consequences, delays in passage have become longer in the last two decades, leading to more severe consequences, such as a lower credit rating and higher borrowing costs. The purpose of this article is to systematically analyze late adoptions of the state budget. I examine annual data from 1901 to 2008 and conduct regression analysis of the length of budget delays, controlling for economic conditions. This study reveals that political and economic conditions, tax policy, and voter-passed initiatives all prolong delays. Interestingly, election years do not reduce budget gridlock despite the potential electoral pressure on the governor and legislature to reach a compromise. I conclude by discussing the study's implications for investigations of budget gridlock in other states and at the national level.
Secondary Victimization of Abused Mothers by Family Court Mediators
Authors: Rivera Echo A. , Sullivan Cris M. , Zeoli April M.
Published: February 2012

Family court often assists divorcing parties in establishing custody arrangements. Mediation is commonly used for custody negotiation; however, its applicability for cases involving intimate partner abuse (IPA) is debated. This study was designed to gain an in-depth understanding of abused mothers’ court mediation experiences and how those experiences impact future court help-seeking when the fathers of their children have been abusive to them. Most women experienced secondary victimization during mediation, which had a negative impact on their willingness to use the court in the future. Policy recommendations include screening for IPA, providing separate mediation sessions, and improving court mediators’ training.
Preventive aspects in peripheral artery disease
Authors: Aggarwal Saurabh , Loomba Rohit Seth , Arora Rohit
Published: February 2012

The prevalence of peripheral artery disease is steadily increasing and is associated with significant morbidity, including a significant percentage of amputations. Peripheral artery disease often goes undiagnosed, making its prevention increasingly important. Patients with peripheral arterial disease are at increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes which makes prevention even more important. Several risk factors have been identified in the pathophysiology of peripheral artery disease which should be modified to decrease risk. Smoking, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes are among proven risk factors for the development of peripheral artery disease, thus smoking cessation, lipid control, blood pressure control, and glucose control have been tried and shown to be effective in preventing the morbidity associated with this disease. Pharmacologic agents such as aspirin and clopidogrel alone or in combination have been shown to be effective, though risk of bleeding might be increased with the combination. Anticoagulation use is recommended only for acute embolic cases. Other treatment modalities that have been tried or are under investigation are estrogen replacement, naftidrofuryl, pentoxifylline, hyperbaric oxygen, therapeutic angiogenesis, and advanced glycation inhibitors. The treatment for concomitant vascular diseases does not change in the presence of peripheral artery disease, but aggressive management of risk factors should be undertaken in such cases.
Accuracy and safety of second-generation PillCam COLON capsule for colorectal polyp detection
Authors: Spada Cristiano , De Vincentis Fabio , Cesaro Paola , Hassan Cesare , Riccioni Maria Elena , Minelli Grazioli Leonardo , Bolivar Santiago , Zurita Andrade , Costamagna Guido
Published: February 2012

PillCam COLON capsule endoscopy (CCE) (Given Imaging Ltd, Yoqneam, Israel) is one of the most recent diagnostic, endoscopic technologies designed to explore the colon. CCE is a noninvasive, patient-friendly technique that is able to explore the colon without requiring sedation and air insufflation. The first generation of CCE was released onto the market in 2006 and although it generated great enthusiasm, it showed suboptimal accuracy. Recently, a second-generation system (PillCam COLON 2) (CCE-2) has been developed to increase sensitivity for colorectal polyp detection. In this review, accuracy and safety data for CCE-2 are analyzed.
Plantar Pressure Distribution Among Asymptomatic Individuals
Authors: Syed Nafeez , Karvannan H. , Maiya Arun G. , Binukumar B. , Prem V. , Chakravarty Raj Devashish
Published: February 2012

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to establish normative data on pressure distribution under the feet (plantar pressure) in standing using a free-mapping device and to find out the association of arch type to that of the plantar pressures. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 628 participants aged between 6 and 81 years with no known foot problems or other ailments such as type 2 diabetes or neuropathy, which are known to have an impact on plantar pressures. Plantar pressure measurements were quantitatively recorded using a baropodometric platform (i-Step). Results: In both males and females of the specified age-group, metatarsal heads were overloaded in terms of magnitude. Increased overload noted in the static plantar pressure measurement is associated with type of the foot arch and gender. A statistically significant relationship between the pressures of left and right feet, pressures under 2 different areas of foot (forefoot and heel), and the average pressures of both feet was also observed. Conclusion: These data could be used to establish age-based normative plantar pressures in the Indian population and provide a basis to assess feet with planus and cavus deformities.

Level of Evidence: Diagnostic, Level IV
The Use of MRI Modeling to Enhance Osteochondral Transfer in Segmental Kienböck’s Disease
Authors: Barber Lauren , Koff Matthew F. , Virtue Patrick , Lipman Joseph P. , Hotchkiss Robert J. , Potter Hollis G.
Published: February 2012

Kienböck’s disease, defined as avascular necrosis of the lunate, is a relatively rare condition with a poorly understood etiology. Conservative and invasive treatments for Kienböck’s disease exist, including wrist immobilization, surgical joint-leveling procedures, vascularized bone grafting, proximal row carpectomy, and total wrist arthrodesis. Staging Kienböck’s disease using radiography assumes near complete avascularity of the lunate. The staging distinguishes only the “state of collapse” in an ordinal classification scheme and does not allow localization or indicate partial involvement of the lunate, which the image contrast from MRI may provide. In this short communication, we report the treatment of a patient’s Kienböck’s disease by combining MRI with mathematical modeling to optimize the congruency between the curvature of donor and recipient sites of an autologous osteoarticular plug transfer. Follow-up MRI and radiographs at 1 year postoperatively demonstrated gradual graft incorporation and bone healing. The purpose of this study was to describe the feasibility of a novel surgical technique. The results indicate that donor site selection for autologous osteoarticular transfer using a quantitative evaluation of articular surface curvature may be beneficial for optimizing the likelihood for restoring the radius of curvature and thus joint articulation following cartilage repair.
Steroids and Platelet-Rich Plasma as Coadjuvants to Microfracture for the Treatment of Chondral Lesions in an Animal Model
Authors: Vaisman Alex , Figueroa David , Calvo Rafael , Espinosa Maximiliano , Melean Patricio , Gallegos Marcela , Conget Paulette
Published: February 2012

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution to hyaline cartilage regeneration of the microfracture (MFx) technique plus intraarticular betamethasone (BMS) or platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

Design:

Full-thickness chondral defects of 3 × 6 mm2 were surgically performed in both femoral condyles of each knee in 13 New Zealand rabbits and then treated with MFx associated with intraarticular BMS or PRP. At 12 weeks postimplantation, the animals were killed and the condyles were characterized macroscopically, molecularly according to collagen type II and I gene expression (quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction), and histologically (hematoxylin–eosin staining). For the latter, samples were scored using the International Cartilage Repair Society visual histological scale. Data of MFx/BMS-treated and MFx/PRP-treated condyles were compared against untreated, MFx-treated, or normal condyles without lesions.

Results:

Our macroscopic findings showed that in MFx/BMS-treated and MFx/PRP-treated groups, the defects were filled with an irregular, partially rough tissue similar to the MFx-treated group. No differences in the ratio between collagen type II versus collagen type I expression were observed among groups. Histological changes were observed between MFx/BMS-treated and MFx/PRP-treated groups versus untreated defects mainly in surface regularity and cell distribution. However, International Cartilage Repair Society score analysis did not support statistical differences between MFx/BMS-treated and MFx/PRP-treated groups versus MFx-treated group.

Conclusions:

These results provide evidence that the use of intraarticular BMS or PRP as coadjuvants to the microfracture technique in the treatment of acute chondral lesions is not associated with a significant improvement of hyaline cartilage regeneration.
Are People More Aggressive When They Are Worse Off or Better Off Than Others?
Authors: Muller Dominique , Bushman Brad J. , Subra Baptiste , Ceaux Emmanuelle
Published: February 2012

Who is more likely to behave aggressively? Is it someone outperformed by others or is it someone who outperformed others? For safety reasons, it is important to know the answer to this question. In Studies 1 and 2, participants were told that they did worse or better than an ostensible partner on a first task. Then they aggressed against this partner on a second task using loud, painful noise blasts. Results showed that participants aggressed more against someone they outperformed (the loser) than against someone who outperformed them (the winner). However, these results do not indicate whether participants were especially aggressive against someone they outperformed, or whether they were especially nonaggressive against someone who outperformed them. Study 3 included a control group and showed it was the former. These studies suggest that one should pay particular attention to winners rather than losers, because winners tend to aggress against losers.
An Age Penalty in Racial Preferences
Authors: Small Deborah A. , Pope Devin G. , Norton Michael I.
Published: February 2012

The authors document an age penalty in racial discrimination: Charitable behavior toward African American children decreases—and negative stereotypical inferences increase—with the age of those children. Using data from an online charity that solicits donations for school projects, the authors found that proposals accompanied by images of older African American students (Grades 6–12) led to fewer donations than proposals with images of younger African Americans (pre-K-Grade 5), with the opposite pattern for proposals with images of  multiples races or of all White students. A laboratory experiment demonstrated that negative stereotypical beliefs about African Americans (e.g., that they are lazy) increased with age more for African American children than for White children, a pattern that predicted decreases in giving.
Efficacy and safety of ultra-long-acting insulin degludec
Authors: Wakil Ammar , Atkin Stephen L.
Published: February 2012

All patients with type 1 diabetes and significant numbers of those with type 2 diabetes are treated with insulin. Nonadherence to insulin regimen can impact glycaemic control. Insulin degludec is a new generation, ultra-long-acting basal insulin that forms soluble multihexamers at the injection site that slowly release insulin degludec monomers into the circulation giving a prolonged duration of action. Insulin degludec may provide a safe and convenient dosing option for patients who require some flexibility in adhering to an insulin regimen according to their lifestyle or circumstances. In this review we focus on the early phases of insulin degludec development.
Part 1
Authors: Russell Anne F. , Gosbee Laura Lin , Huber Mary M.
Published: February 2012

Management of food allergy on a daily basis is multifaceted, time consuming, costly, and becomes compounded when multiple food allergies are involved. Families must devise risk reduction techniques as they run repeated surveillance to minimize potential food allergen triggers. Monitoring of signs/symptoms of allergic reactions, handling serious medication needs, and planning ahead for a potential emergency due to an accidental exposure can be arduous responsibilities. This diagnosis has psychological, social, practical, and logistical implications to a family and subsequently the community surrounding the patient. Often, patients with multiple food allergies and/or coexisting atopic conditions must interact with several medical specialists to obtain comprehensive diagnosis and management plans. Patient education, case management, and mentoring are essential in promoting compliance and supporting family efforts. It is also critical that the dignity and autonomy of the family be respected during the diagnostic phase and subsequent educational guidance process. Given the complex nature of this diagnosis and its ramifications on patients/families, it was necessary to divide this article into a 2-part series. This is the first article of the series. Part 1 of the series focuses on patient education associated with common food allergens, potential pitfalls of food allergy avoidance, the food allergy action plan and the role of a food allergy educator. Part 2 covers food-induced anaphylaxis and suggested educational interventions. Both parts consider developmental concerns of the young child and adolescent as they relate to this diagnosis. Parts 1 and 2 should be read collectively to acquire a complete view of suggested patient education for the newly diagnosed patient and family.
Phenomenology
Authors: Randles Clint
Published: February 2012

This article is a review of relevant literature on the use of phenomenology as a research methodology in education research, with a focus on music education research. The review is organized as follows: (a) general education, (b) music research, (c) music education research, (d) dissertations, (e) important figures, (f) themes, and (g) the future. The article concludes with a synthesis of the existing research that attempts to provide suggestions for applying the results to current research practice. The purpose of this literature review is to examine recent scholarship that uses phenomenology and to make recommendations for which areas of the teaching and learning of music might benefit most from this methodology in the future.
Band Teacher Turnover and Its Relationship to Arizona Marching Band Participation
Authors: Kloss Thomas E.
Published: February 2012

Teacher turnover is an important issue in education. Studies have reported that almost half of new teachers leave by their fifth year. The problem is being examined in a number of ways, including the preparation of new teachers, costs to school districts, the impact on student achievement, and models of supply and demand. In the current study, Arizona high school band teacher turnovers were tracked during a 4-year period to compare with national trends. Also during this period, the participation of marching bands was compared with the amount of band teacher turnover at each school to see if any relationships exist. Overall, results indicate that as the amount of band teacher turnover increases, marching band participation decreases. Schools with no band teacher turnover have the most consistent levels of student participation.
Childhood tuberculosis: progress requires an advocacy strategy now
Authors: Sandgren Andreas , Cuevas Luis E. , Dara Masoud , Gie Robert P. , Grzemska Malgorzata , Hawkridge Anthony , Hesseling Anneke C. , Kampmann Beate , Lienhardt Christian , Manissero Davide , Wingfield Claire , Graham Stephen M.
Published: February 2012

Childhood tuberculosis (TB) is a preventable and curable infectious disease that remains overlooked by public health authorities, health policy makers and TB control programmes. Childhood TB contributes significantly to the burden of disease and represents the failure to control transmission in the community. Furthermore, the pool of infected children constitutes a reservoir of infection for the future burden of TB. It is time to prioritise childhood TB, advocate for addressing the challenges and grasp the opportunities in its prevention and control. Herein, we propose a scientifically informed advocacy agenda developed at the International Childhood TB meeting held in Stockholm, Sweden, from March 17 to 18, 2011, which calls for a renewed effort to improve the situation for children affected byMycobacterium tuberculosisexposure, infection or disease. The challenges and needs in childhood TB are universal and apply to all settings and must be addressed more effectively by all stakeholders.
Comprehensive evaluation of SNP identification with the Restriction Enzyme-based Reduced Representation Library (RRL) method
Authors: Du Ye , Jiang Hui , Chen Ying , Li Cong , Zhao Meiru , Wu Jinghua , Qiu Yong , Li Qibin , Zhang Xiuqing
Published: February 2012

Background

Restriction Enzyme-based Reduced Representation Library (RRL) method represents a relatively feasible and flexible strategy used for Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) identification in different species. It has remarkable advantage of reducing the complexity of the genome by orders of magnitude. However, comprehensive evaluation for actual efficacy of SNP identification by this method is still unavailable.

Results

In order to evaluate the efficacy of Restriction Enzyme-based RRL method, we selected Tsp 45I enzyme which covers 266 Mb flanking region of the enzyme recognition site according to in silico simulation on human reference genome, then we sequenced YH RRL after Tsp 45I treatment and obtained reads of which 80.8% were mapped to target region with an 20-fold average coverage, about 96.8% of target region was covered by at least one read and 257 K SNPs were identified in the region using SOAPsnp software.

Compared with whole genome resequencing data, we observed false discovery rate (FDR) of 13.95% and false negative rate (FNR) of 25.90%. The concordance rate of homozygote loci was over 99.8%, but that of heterozygote were only 92.56%. Repeat sequences and bases quality were proved to have a great effect on the accuracy of SNP calling, SNPs in recognition sites contributed evidently to the high FNR and the low concordance rate of heterozygote. Our results indicated that repeat masking and high stringent filter criteria could significantly decrease both FDR and FNR.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that Restriction Enzyme-based RRL method was effective for SNP identification. The results highlight the important role of bias and the method-derived defects represented in this method and emphasize the special attentions noteworthy.
Population prevalence of asthma and its determinants based on European Community Respiratory Health Survey in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Mahboub Bassam H , Al-Hammadi Suleiman , Rafique Mohamed , Sulaiman Nabil , Pawankar Ruby , Al Redha Abdulla I , Mehta Atul C
Published: February 2012

Background

No population study has explored the population distribution of adult asthma in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The objective is to estimate asthma prevalence in general population in UAE.

Methods

Using standard European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) questionnaires and tools, this is a cross-sectional assessment of a random sample of the population in established quotas of the seven Emirates in the UAE. We surveyed 1,220 participants, of which 63.2% were male, and 20.1% were UAE Nationals, with a mean (SD) age of 32.9 (14.1) years.

Results

Prevalence of individual respiratory symptoms from the ECRHS screening questionnaire in all participants were generally ranging 8 - 10%, while participants 20-44 years presented lower prevalence in all symptoms (p < 0.05). The expected male:female ratio of reported wheezing and asthma attacks and its treatment by age was not observed. Participating women reported more individual symptoms than men. Overall, there were 15.4% (95% C.I. 13.5 - 17.5) participants who fulfilled our screening criteria for asthma, while for consistency with ECRHS, there were 12.1% (95% C.I. 10.4 - 14.1) participants who fulfilled the ECRHS asthma definition, being 9.8% (95% C.I. 7.8 - 12.2) of those 20-44 years, that is 8.6% of male and 11.8% of female young adults participating.

Conclusion

We conclude that asthma is common in the UAE, and gender differences are not observed in reported asthma symptoms in young adults. This being the first population based study exploring the prevalence of asthma and its determinants in the United Arab Emirates based on the ECRHS.
Fabrication of transparent lead-free KNN glass ceramics by incorporation method
Authors: Yongsiri Ploypailin , Eitssayeam Sukum , Rujijanagul Gobwut , Sirisoonthorn Somnuk , Tunkasiri Tawee , Pengpat Kamonpan
Published: February 2012

The incorporation method was employed to produce potassium sodium niobate [KNN] (K0.5Na0.5NbO3) glass ceramics from the KNN-SiO2 system. This incorporation method combines a simple mixed-oxide technique for producing KNN powder and a conventional melt-quenching technique to form the resulting glass. KNN was calcined at 800° C and subsequently mixed with SiO2 in the KNN:SiO2 ratio of 75:25 (mol%). The successfully produced optically transparent glass was then subjected to a heat treatment schedule at temperatures ranging from 525° C -575° C for crystallization. All glass ceramics of more than 40% transmittance crystallized into KNN nanocrystals that were rectangular in shape and dispersed well throughout the glass matrix. The crystal size and crystallinity were found to increase with increasing heat treatment temperature, which in turn plays an important role in controlling the properties of the glass ceramics, including physical, optical, and dielectric properties. The transparency of the glass samples decreased with increasing crystal size. The maximum room temperature dielectric constant (ε

r
) was as high as 474 at 10 kHz with an acceptable low loss (tanδ) around 0.02 at 10 kHz.
CCL2 upregulation triggers hypoxic preconditioning-induced protection from stroke
Authors: Stowe Ann M , Wacker Bradley K , Cravens Petra D , Perfater Jennifer L , Li Min K , Hu Ruilong , Freie Angela B , Stüve Olaf , Gidday Jeffrey M
Published: February 2012

Background

A brief exposure to systemic hypoxia (i.e., hypoxic preconditioning; HPC) prior to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAo) reduces infarct volume, blood-brain barrier disruption, and leukocyte migration. CCL2 (MCP-1), typically regarded as a leukocyte-derived pro-inflammatory chemokine, can also be directly upregulated by hypoxia-induced transcription. We hypothesized that such a hypoxia-induced upregulation of CCL2 is required for HPC-induced ischemic tolerance.

Methods

Adult male SW/ND4, CCL2-null, and wild-type mice were used in these studies. Cortical CCL2/CCR2 message, protein, and cell-type specific immunoreactivity were determined following HPC (4 h, 8% O2) or room air control (21% O2) from 6 h through 2 weeks following HPC. Circulating leukocyte subsets were determined by multi-parameter flow cytometry in naïve mice and 12 h after HPC. CCL2-null and wild-type mice were exposed to HPC 2 days prior to tMCAo, with immunoneutralization of CCL2 during HPC achieved by a monoclonal CCL2 antibody.

Results

Cortical CCL2 mRNA and protein expression peaked at 12 h after HPC (both p < 0.01), predominantly in cortical neurons, and returned to baseline by 2 days. A delayed cerebral endothelial CCL2 message expression (p < 0.05) occurred 2 days after HPC. The levels of circulating monocytes (p < 0.0001), T lymphocytes (p < 0.0001), and granulocytes were decreased 12 h after HPC, and those of B lymphocytes were increased (p < 0.0001), but the magnitude of these respective changes did not differ between wild-type and CCL2-null mice. HPC did decrease the number of circulating CCR2+ monocytes (p < 0.0001) in a CCL2-dependent manner, but immunohistochemical analyses at this 12 h timepoint indicated that this leukocyte subpopulation did not move into the CNS. While HPC reduced infarct volumes by 27% (p < 0.01) in wild-type mice, CCL2-null mice subjected to tMCAo were not protected by HPC. Moreover, administration of a CCL2 immunoneutralizing antibody prior to HPC completely blocked (p < 0.0001 vs. HPC-treated mice) the development of ischemic tolerance.

Conclusions

The early expression of CCL2 in neurons, the delayed expression of CCL2 in cerebral endothelial cells, and CCL2-mediated actions on circulating CCR2+ monocytes, appear to be required to establish ischemic tolerance to focal stroke in response to HPC, and thus represent a novel role for this chemokine in endogenous neurovascular protection.
Involvement of sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol in DNA synthesis in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Aoki Motohide , Tsuzuki Mikio , Sato Norihiro
Published: February 2012

Background

Sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol (SQDG) is present in the membranes of cyanobacteria and their postulated progeny, plastids, in plants. A cyanobacterium, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, requires SQDG for growth: its mutant (SD1) with the sqdB gene for SQDG synthesis disrupted can grow with external supplementation of SQDG. However, upon removal of SQDG from the medium, its growth is retarded, with a decrease in the cellular content of SQDG throughout cell division, and finally ceases. Concomitantly with the decrease in SQDG, the maximal activity of photosynthesis at high-light intensity is repressed by 40%.

Findings

We investigated effects of SQDG-defect on physiological aspects in Synechocystis with the use of SD1. SD1 cells defective in SQDG exhibited normal photosynthesis at low-light intensity as on culturing. Meanwhile, SD1 cells defective in SQDG were impaired in light-activated heterotrophic growth as well as in photoautotrophic growth. Flow cytometric analysis of the photoautotrophically growing cells gave similar cell size histograms for the wild type and SD1 supplemented with SQDG. However, the profile of SD1 defective in SQDG changed such that large part of the cell population was increased in size. Of particular interest was the microscopic observation that the mitotic index, i.e., population of dumbbell-like cells with a septum, increased from 14 to 29% in the SD1 culture without SQDG. Flow cytometric analysis also showed that the enlarged cells of SD1 defective in SQDG contained high levels of Chl, however, the DNA content was low.

Conclusions

Our experiments strongly support the idea that photosynthesis is not the limiting factor for the growth of SD1 defective in SQDG, and that SQDG is responsible for some physiologically fundamental process common to both photoautotrophic and light-activated heterotrophic growth. Our findings suggest that the SQDG-defect allows construction of the photosynthetic machinery at an elevated level for an increase in cell mass, but represses DNA synthesis. SQDG may be essential for normal replication of chromosomal DNA for completion of the cell cycle.
Mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) assemblages associated with Nidularium and Vriesea bromeliads in Serra do Mar, Atlantic Forest, Brazil
Authors: Marques Tatiani C , Bourke Brian P , Laporta Gabriel Z , Sallum Maria Anice Mureb
Published: February 2012

Background

The most substantial and best preserved area of Atlantic Forest is within the biogeographical sub-region of Serra do Mar. The topographic complexity of the region creates a diverse array of microclimates, which can affect species distribution and diversity inside the forest. Given that Atlantic Forest includes highly heterogeneous environments, a diverse and medically important Culicidae assemblage, and possible species co-occurrence, we evaluated mosquito assemblages from bromeliad phytotelmata in Serra do Mar (southeastern Brazil).

Methods

Larvae and pupae were collected monthly fromNidulariumandVrieseabromeliads between July 2008 and June 2009. Collection sites were divided into landscape categories (lowland, hillslope and hilltop) based on elevation and slope. Correlations between bromeliad mosquito assemblage and environmental variables were assessed using multivariate redundancy analysis. Differences in species diversity between bromeliads within each category of elevation were explored using the Renyi diversity index. Univariate binary logistic regression analyses were used to assess species co-occurrence.

Results

A total of 2,024 mosquitoes belonging to 22 species were collected. Landscape categories (pseudo-F value = 1.89, p = 0.04), bromeliad water volume (pseudo-F = 2.99, p = 0.03) and bromeliad fullness (Pseudo-F = 4.47, p < 0.01) influenced mosquito assemblage structure. Renyi diversity index show that lowland possesses the highest diversity indices. The presence ofAn. homunculuswas associated withCx. ocellatusand the presence ofAn. cruziiwas associated withCx. neglectus, Cx. inimitabilis fuscatusandCx. worontzowi. Anopheles cruziiandAn. homunculuswere taken from the same bromeliad, however, the co-occurrence between those two species was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

One of the main findings of our study was that differences in species among mosquito assemblages were influenced by landscape characteristics. The bromeliad factor that influenced mosquito abundance and assemblage structure was fullness. The findings of the current study raise important questions about the role ofAn. homunculusin the transmission ofPlasmodiumin Serra do Mar, southeastern Atlantic Forest.
The ARV roll out and the disability grant: a South African dilemma?
Authors: de Paoli Marina Manuela , Mills Elizabeth Anne , Grønningsæter Arne Backer
Published: February 2012

Background

Prior to the antiretroviral (ARV) drug roll out in 2004, people living with HIV (PLHIV) in South Africa received disability grants when they were defined as “AIDS‐sick”. In the absence of available and effective medication, a diagnosis of AIDS portended disability. The disability grant is a critical component of South Africa's social security system, and plays an important role in addressing poverty among PLHIV. Given the prevalence of unemployment and poverty, disability grants ensure access to essential resources, like food, for PLHIV. Following the ARV roll out in South Africa, PLHIV experienced improved health that, in turn, affected their grant eligibility. Our aim is to explore whether PLHIV reduced or stopped treatment to remain eligible for the disability grant from the perspectives of both PLHIV and their doctors.

Methods

A mixed‐methods design with concurrent triangulation was applied. We conducted: (1) in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with 29 PLHIV; (2) in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with eight medical doctors working in the public sector throughout the Cape Peninsula; (3) three focus group discussions with programme managers, stakeholders and community workers; and (4) a panel survey of 216 PLHIV receiving ARVs.

Results

Unemployment and poverty were the primary concerns for PLHIV and the disability grant was viewed as a temporary way out of this vicious cycle. Although loss of the disability grant significantly affected the well‐being of PLHIV, they did not discontinue ARVs. However, in a number of subtle ways, PLHIV “tipped the scales” to lower the CD4 count without stopping ARVs completely. Grant criteria were deemed ad hoc, and doctors struggled to balance economic and physical welfare when assessing eligibility.

Conclusions

It is crucial to provide sustainable economic support in conjunction with ARVs in order to make “positive living” a reality for PLHIV. A chronic illness grant, a basic income grant or an unemployment grant could provide viable alternatives when the PLHIV are no longer eligible for a disability grant.
A feasibility study of CO2 sequestration monitoring using the mCSEM method at a deep brine aquifer in a shallow sea
Authors: Kang Seogi , Seol Soon Jee , Byun Joongmoo
Published: February 2012

Reservoir production monitoring using marine controlled-source electromagnetic (mCSEM) has been studied recently because it is sensitive to resistivity changes resulting from variations in hydrocarbon saturation. However, mCSEM for [Formula: see text] sequestration monitoring has scarcely been investigated, although the mCSEM method is advantageous for monitoring [Formula: see text] injection and migration. To investigate the feasibility of mCSEM monitoring for [Formula: see text] sequestration, we conducted numerical experiments of representative [Formula: see text] injection models at a deep brine aquifer in a shallow sea. By using a modified secondary field method, we effectively address the airwave problem occurring when mCSEM is applied to a target beneath a shallow sea. We demonstrate the modified secondary field method can restore high frequency band data, which is beneficial for the detection of the movement of injected [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, using a modified scattered field approach for 2.5D forward modeling, we achieve very high accuracy, which is essential for the simulation of electromagnetic fields generated by [Formula: see text] injection in a deep brine aquifer. The mCSEM response, which is enhanced by the modified secondary field method, shows small but measurable changes in a given pseudorealistic [Formula: see text] sequestration scenario. The mCSEM responses differ for horizontal and vertical injections. These results include the feasibility of applying mCSEM to [Formula: see text] sequestration monitoring. Optimum operating frequency bands and source-receiver geometries for a brine aquifer model beneath a shallow sea are proposed based on the results of the numerical experiments. Moreover, we suggest the necessity of various types of data acquisition for the monitoring of a [Formula: see text] plume based on analyses of multiple components of electric and magnetic fields.
Microseismic data denoising using a 3C group sparsity constrained time-frequency transform
Authors: Vera Rodriguez Ismael , Bonar David , Sacchi Mauricio
Published: February 2012

Noise contamination is an important problem in microseismic data processing, due to the low magnitude of the seismic events induced during fluid injection. In this study, a noncoherent noise attenuation technique based on a constrained time-frequency transform is presented. When applied to 1C data, the transform corresponds to a sparse representation of the microseismic signal in terms of a dictionary of complex Ricker wavelets. The use of complex wavelets possesses the advantage that signals with arbitrary phase can be represented with enhanced sparsity. A synthetic example illustrates the superior performance of the sparse constraint for denoising objectives when compared to the standard least-squares regularization. As the arrival time and frequency content of any wavefront are equivalent in the three components of a single receiver, the extension of the sparse transform to 3C data is accomplished when the three components are considered to share the same sparsity pattern in the time-frequency plane. Application of the 3C sparse transform to synthetic and real microseismic data sets demonstrate the advantages of this technique when the denoised results are compared against the original and low-pass filtered version of the noisy data. Furthermore, a comparison of hodograms between original, low-pass, and denoised traces shows that the denoising process preserves the phase and relative amplitude information present in the input data. The benefits of the 3C transform are highlighted particularly in cases where the wave arrivals are measured in the three components of a receiver but are only visible in two components due to the prevailing signal-to-noise ratio.
Low Iodine Content in the Diets of Hospitalized Preterm Infants
Authors: Belfort Mandy B. , Pearce Elizabeth N. , Braverman Lewis E. , He Xuemei , Brown Rosalind S.
Published: February 2012

Context:

Iodine is critical for normal thyroid hormone synthesis and brain development during infancy, and preterm infants are particularly vulnerable to the effects of both iodine deficiency and excess. Use of iodine-containing skin antiseptics in intensive care nurseries has declined substantially in recent years, but whether the current dietary iodine intake meets the requirement for hospitalized preterm infants is unknown.

Objective:

The aim of the study was to measure the iodine content of enteral and parenteral nutrition products commonly used for hospitalized preterm infants and estimate the daily iodine intake for a hypothetical 1-kg infant.

Methods:

We used mass spectrometry to measure the iodine concentration of seven preterm infant formulas, 10 samples of pooled donor human milk, two human milk fortifiers (HMF) and other enteral supplements, and a parenteral amino acid solution and soy-based lipid emulsion. We calculated the iodine provided by typical diets based on 150 ml/kg · d of formula, donor human milk with or without HMF, and parenteral nutrition.

Results:

Preterm formula provided 16.4–28.5 μg/d of iodine, whereas unfortified donor human milk provided only 5.0–17.6 μg/d. Adding two servings (six packets) of Similac HMF to human milk increased iodine intake by 11.7 μg/d, whereas adding two servings of Enfamil HMF increased iodine intake by only 0.9 μg/d. The other enteral supplements contained almost no iodine, nor did a parenteral nutrition-based diet.

Conclusions:

Typical enteral diets for hospitalized preterm infants, particularly those based on donor human milk, provide less than the recommended 30 μg/d of iodine, and parenteral nutrition provides almost no iodine. Additional iodine fortification should be considered.