bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Faintest Speck of Dirt
Authors: Sherman Gary D. , Haidt Jonathan , Clore Gerald L.
Published: November 2012

Purity is commonly regarded as being physically embodied in the color white, with even trivial deviations from whiteness indicating a loss of purity. In three studies, we explored the implications of this “white = pure” association for disgust, an emotion that motivates the detection and avoidance of impurities that threaten purity and cleanliness. We hypothesized that disgust tunes perception to prioritize the light end of the light-dark spectrum, which results in a relative hypersensitivity to changes in lightness in this range. In Studies 1 and 2, greater sensitivity to disgusting stimuli was associated with greater ability to make subtle gray-scale discriminations (e.g., detecting a faint gray stimulus against a white background) at the light end of the spectrum relative to ability to make subtle gray-scale discriminations at the dark end of the spectrum. In Study 3, after viewing disgusting images, disgust-sensitive individuals demonstrated a heightened ability to detect deviations from white. These findings suggest that disgust not only motivates people to avoid impurities, but actually makes them better able to see them.
Design and test of an adaptive vibration absorber based on magnetorheological elastomers and a hybrid electromagnet
Authors: Sinko Robert , Karnes Michael , Koo Jeong-Hoi , Kim Young-Keun , Kim Kyung-Soo
Published: November 2012

The focuses of this study are to design an adaptive-tuned vibration absorber based on a smart materials known as magnetorheological elastomers and to test its dynamic performance. A primary system replicating a miniature cryogenic cooler (i.e. mass and shape) was designed and fabricated in order to test the effectiveness of the vibration absorber. A hybrid magnetic system (electromagnet and permanent magnets) was also designed and fabricated in order to actuate the magnetorheological elastomers as an adaptive stiffness element in the vibration absorber. The vibration testing was conducted on both the primary system and vibration absorber individually in order to characterize the behavior and verify the design constraints. Further testing was performed on a 2-degrees-of-freedom system to measure and assess the feasibility of the magnetorheological elastomer material for use in an application requiring an adaptive vibration absorber. The results show that by using a hybrid design for the electromagnet within the vibration absorber, the stiffness of the magnetorheological elastomer material can be increased and decreased above its nominal value, therefore demonstrating the feasibility of this design as an alternative adaptive vibration absorber.
Identification of a force-sensing resistor for tactile applications
Authors: Saadeh Mohammad Y , Trabia Mohamed B
Published: November 2012

A force-sensing resistor is a conductive polymer that exhibits a decrease in resistance as the force applied at its surface increases. The aim of this study is to identify the characteristics of the force-sensing resistor for use in a refreshable and portable E-Braille device that can assist the blind and visually impaired persons. The force-sensing resistor is placed within a component dynamic testing device that is composed of a linear actuator that can generate different displacement loading profiles and a load cell that measures the applied forces. The system records the voltage, force, and the displacement profiles. Several strategies are used in the identification process. First, the mechanical properties of the force-sensing resistor are experimentally characterized. A second-order mechanical system whose parameters are function of the exciting frequency is created based on the results of this experiment. The performance of this model is evaluated using several test inputs. In an attempt to better identify the force-sensing resistor, alternative higher order linear and nonlinear models, including Hammerstein, Wiener, and Hammerstein–Wiener, are proposed using system identification techniques. The accuracy and robustness of these models are assessed using various loading profiles. The outputs of these models are compared with the experimental results.
Integrated optimization of structural topology and control for piezoelectric smart trusses with interval variables
Authors: Xu Bin
Published: November 2012

Based on interval analysis and the interval extension method, the upper and lower bounds of feedback performance for optimal control in physical space and in modal space, and static and dynamic characteristics for the smart truss with interval parameters, are analyzed. The first-order and second-order topology optimization models are built, where the cross-section areas, topology variables, control design parameters and the number and placements of actuators are taken as design variables. The objective function to minimize is the total mass, and the constraints are also imposed on the allowable voltages of actuators, static displacements, static stresses, first natural frequency of open-loop system and damping ratio of closed-loop system. Genetic algorithm is used as the optimization method. The solutions of numerical examples show that the optimization model and the proposed method are effective.
Workspace distributed real-time control of rigid manipulators
Authors: Fareh Raouf , Saad Mohamad , Saad Maarouf
Published: November 2012

This paper proposes a novel distributed nonlinear controller for a hyper redundant articulated nimble adaptable trunk robot to track a desired trajectory in the robot’s workspace. The distributed control strategy consists of controlling the last joint by assuming that the remaining joints are stable and follow their desired trajectories. Then, going backward to the ( n − 1)th joint, the same strategy is applied, and so on, until the first joint. The proposed control law guarantees the global asymptotical stability of the tracking errors. This global stability is proved using Lyapunov theory. The proposed approach is implemented in real time on a seven degree-of-freedom articulated nimble adaptable trunk robot. Experimental results and a comparison with the computed torque approach show the effectiveness of the approach and good tracking performance in the workspace.
Modification of Smoke Toxicant Yields Alters the Effects of Cigarette Smoke Extracts on Endothelial Migration
Authors: Fearon Ian M. , Acheampong Daniel O. , Bishop Emma
Published: November 2012

Endothelial damage plays a key role in atherosclerosis and this is impacted upon by numerous risk factors including cigarette smoking. A potential measure to reduce the cardiovascular burden associated with smoking is to reduce smoke toxicant exposure. In an in vitro endothelial damage repair assay, endothelial cell migration was inhibited by cigarette smoke particulate matter (PM) generated from several cigarette types. This inhibition was reduced when cells were exposed to PM from an experimental cigarette with reduced smoke toxicant levels. As a number of toxicants induce oxidative stress and since oxidative stress may link cigarette smoke and endothelial damage, we hypothesized that PM effects were dependent on elevated cellular oxidants. However, although PM-induced cellular oxidant production could be inhibited by ascorbic acid or n-acetylcysteine, both these antioxidants were without effect on migration responses to PM. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species production, as indicated by dihydroethidium fluorescence, was not different in cells exposed to smoke from cigarettes with different toxicant levels. In summary, our data demonstrate that a cardiovascular disease–related biological response may be modified when cells are exposed to smoke containing different levels of toxicants. This appeared independent of the induction of oxidative stress.
Life satisfaction and feeling in control: Indicators of successful aging predict mortality in old age
Authors: Wiest Maja , Schüz Benjamin , Wurm Susanne
Published: November 2012

Life satisfaction and control beliefs are established indicators of successful aging and predict mortality. However, it has not yet been examined whether they independently predict mortality or interact. We examined main and interaction effects using Cox proportional hazards models in a sample of older adults ( N = 1402; age range: 65–91). Only the interaction of life satisfaction and control beliefs significantly predicted mortality when controlling for socio-demographic variables and health. These findings suggest that detrimental effects of low control beliefs can be buffered by life satisfaction, and unexpectedly, that high levels of both factors are not most protective against mortality.
‘In two minds’ – socially motivated self-harm is perceived as less serious than internally motivated: A qualitative study of youth justice staff
Authors: Knowles Sarah E , Townsend Ellen , Anderson Martin P
Published: November 2012

Community-based young offenders are at high risk of self-harm and unlikely to be in contact with mental health services. Semi-structured interviews with community youth justice staff and a content analysis of 50 records of self-harm not only revealed staff concerns about the impact of stigma on disclosure and service use, but also found dismissive attitudes towards socially motivated self-harm, which was equated with lower suicide risk and less emotional distress. Efforts to improve identification of self-harm will need to address the perceived – and false – distinction between ‘genuine’ and socially motivated self-harm.
The association between stress and physical health in parents caring for children with intellectual disabilities is moderated by children’s challenging behaviours
Authors: Gallagher Stephen , Whiteley Jennifer
Published: November 2012

The present study examined the moderating role of social support and challenging behaviour on the stress–physical health relationship in parents caring for children with intellectual disabilities. Parents of children with intellectual disabilities ( n = 70) reported more physical health problems compared to control parents ( n = 45) and were more likely to visit their general practitioner. Furthermore, challenging behaviours, but not social support, moderated this association: parents of children with intellectual disabilities reported poorer physical health when both challenging behaviours and stress were perceived to be high. These findings suggest that interventions need to be directed towards ameliorating the impact of challenging behaviours.
From mechanical to organic solidarity, and back
Authors: Thijssen Peter
Published: November 2012

This article focuses on the theory of solidarity presented by Émile Durkheim in The Division of Labour in Society ([1893] 1969). Despite its popularity, the distinction between mechanical and organic solidarity has received a lot of criticism. Durkheim allegedly was unable to demonstrate the superior integrating force of modern organic solidarity, while this was his central thesis at the time. A second critique challenges his macrostructural point of view. However, by confronting Durkheim’s classical theory with contemporary work, notably Honneth’s theory of recognition, we can deduce a reformulated framework that is less vulnerable to the afore-mentioned critiques. On the one hand, we specify mechanical and organic solidarity as a dialectical synthesis of both internalized universalistic principles and particularistic emotional orientations. On the other, we incorporate the foregoing typology in a cyclical model that implies interacting processes of inclusion and individualization.
Sustainable technological citizenship
Authors: Valkenburg Govert
Published: November 2012

As technology has the ability to displace power and politics, it needs to be at the centre of political concern. This article develops the idea that technological citizenship is an important concept in cultivating political sensitivity to technology. Rather than straightforwardly correcting for the displacement of power, technological citizenship must cultivate this displacement and engage with it through contestation. Drawing on insights from the critical theory of technology, this article reconceptualizes the political effects of technology as internal to both politics and technology design, rather than externalities. By recontextualizing, the critical theory aims to reshape the input space of technology design, and include a broader range of values. This conflation of the political and the technical shows remarkable parallels with the generic concept of sustainability. It is thus concluded that technological citizenship is essentially sustainable citizenship.
Piezo-impedance transducers for residual fatigue life assessment of bolted steel joints
Authors: Bhalla Suresh , Vittal Panduranga A , Veljkovic Milan
Published: November 2012

This article presents a new approach for fatigue life assessment of bolted steel joints using the equivalent stiffness determined by surface-bonded piezo-impedance transducers. The piezo transducers acquire electromechanical admittance signatures comprising the conductance (real part) and the susceptance (imaginary part), from which the equivalent system parameters of the joint are identified. The equivalent stiffness, one of the identified parameters, is experimentally found to be related to the residual stiffness of the joint and is correlated with the remaining life of the component in terms of the cycles of loading that can be further sustained by the joint. Through tests on three prototype steel joints, empirical equations are derived to relate the residual fatigue life to the loss of equivalent identified stiffness. The most promising feature of the proposed approach is that it employs the admittance signature of the surface-bonded piezo transducers directly, thereby circumventing the determination of the in situ stiffness of the joint.
Translating new knowledge into practices: reconceptualising stroke as an emergency condition
Authors: Snow Stephanie J
Published: November 2012

Objectives

To examine how the new concept of stroke as an emergency condition led to the development of new clinical pathways for stroke patients in Newcastle Upon Tyne, implemented through protocols which were then rapidly adopted across the UK and further afield.

Methods

Historical analysis using health policy documents, published papers and correspondence on stroke alongside 17 interviews with stroke clinicians and managers in the UK and the US.

Results

The challenges of implementation stemmed from organisational and professional barriers rather than scientific or technological difficulties. Stroke’s historical status as a non-treatable illness was a barrier to the adoption of acute treatments. Building new pathways for stroke patients by developing protocols for paramedics and emergency room staff originated as a local solution to a local problem but were taken up widely.

Discussion

Understanding the clinical response to the reconceptualisation of stroke as a treatable disease contributes to our understandings of the relations between clinical research and practice. These findings have implications for how we understand the translation of new knowledge into practice and its transfer across different clinical communities and settings. Protocols are shown to be a particularly valuable tool, bridging knowledge between communities and manifesting a new identity for stroke.
Conceptualizing confinement: Prisons and poverty in Sierra Leone
Authors: Jefferson Andrew M
Published: November 2012

This article develops an expansive notion of confinement as a lens through which to think about the lives of former prisoners, former fighters and slum dwellers in a post-conflict setting characterized by political volatility, exorbitant poverty and limited opportunities. The theoretical purpose of the article is to explore whether an expansive notion of confinement might help us make sense of the lives of people whose possibilities are limited materially, spatially and discursively. The intention – inspired by Loïc Wacquant, Zygmunt Bauman and archaeologist Eleanor Casella – is ‘to move beyond the prison as the dominant optic for thinking about confinement’. The concept of confinement under development is illustrated with empirical examples culled from fieldwork in prisons and a poor urban neighbourhood in Freetown, Sierra Leone, West Africa. The orientation is towards confinement as site, practice and state of mind. The argument is that an expansive notion of confinement that attends to space, time, practices, meanings and states of mind is a useful way of thinking about the situated struggles of people living in prison and relative poverty.
Targeting prolific and other priority offenders and promoting pathways to desistance: Some reflections on the PPO programme using a theory of change framework
Authors: Hopkins Matt , Wickson Julia
Published: November 2012

The Prolific and Other Priority Offender (PPO) programme was introduced in 2004 to target the most prolific and persistent offenders within Community Safety Partnership areas. Based on identifying offenders through local crime analysis, intensive supervision and targeted intervention, evaluations have shown promising results. By using a ‘theory of change’ approach as an analytical framework and a local PPO project as a case study, this article begins to question whether the rationale behind the PPO programme can be viewed as ‘plausible’, if key strands of implementation are ‘doable’ and if the desired outcomes are ‘testable’. The article argues that although the rationale for the PPO programme might be plausible, doubts are raised over its likely impact on local crime rates and the extent PPO projects might be able to target prolific offenders effectively. Finally, it suggests that although testable outcomes can be established, the extent to which the programme has enhanced our understanding of desistance is questionable.
Comparison of the relative comparator and k0neutron activation analysis techniques for the determination of trace-element concentrations in pyrite
Authors: Osborne O. D. , Pring A. , Popelka-Filcoff R. S. , Bennett J. W. , Stopic A. , Glascock M. D. , Lenehan C. E.
Published: November 2012

Thirty pyrite samples from a wide range of localities were analysed using relative comparator and k0neutron activation analysis (NAA) techniques at the University of Missouri Research Reactor, Columbia, Missouri, USA (MURR) and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, Australia (ANSTO), respectively. Statistical analyses of the trace-element data produced by the two methods showed a generally good correlation, with the majority of elemental concentrations of paired data reported by MURR and ANSTO being indistinguishable at a 0.05 significance level. Trace-element analyses of pyrite from Navajún in Spain by both techniques compare well with published data. There is evidence for contamination by Al, Na and Ti in one set of samples, this is likely to have been introduced by contact with a plastic used in sample preparation.
Ianbruceite, ideally [Zn2(OH)(H2O)(AsO4)](H2O)2, a new arsenate mineral from the Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto (Oshikoto) region, Namibia: description and crystal structure
Authors: Cooper M. A. , Abdu Y. A. , Ball N. A. , Hawthorne F. C. , Back M. E. , Tait K. T. , Schlüter J. , Malcherek T. , Pohl D. , Gebhard G.
Published: November 2012

Ianbruceite, ideally [Zn2(OH)(H2O)(AsO4)](H2O)2, is a new supergene mineral from the Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto (Oshikoto) region, Namibia. It occurs as thin platy crystals up to 80 μm long and a few μm thick, which form flattened aggregates up to 0.10 mm across, and ellipsoidal aggregates up to 0.5 mm across. It is associated with coarse white leiteite, dark blue köttigite, minor legrandite and adamite. Ianbruceite is sky blue to very pale blue with a white streak and a vitreous lustre; it does not fluoresce under ultraviolet light. It has perfect cleavage parallel to (100), is flexible, and deforms plastically. The Mohs hardness is 1 and the calculated density is 3.197 g cm-3. The refractive indices are α = 1.601, β = 1.660, γ = 1.662, all ±0.002; 2Vobs= 18(2)°, 2Vcalc= 20°, and the dispersion isr<v, weak. Ianbruceite is monoclinic, space groupP21/c, a= 11.793(2),b= 9.1138(14),c= 6.8265(10) Å, β = 103.859(9)°,V= 712.3(3) Å3,Z= 4,a:b:c= 1.2940:1:0.7490. The seven strongest lines in the X-ray powder diffraction pattern [d(Å),I, (hkl)] are as follows: 11.29, 100, (100); 2.922, 17, (130); 3.143, 15, (202); 3.744, 11, (300); 2.655, 9, (230); 1.598, 8, (152); 2.252, 7, (222). Chemical analysis by electron microprobe gave As2O536.27, As2O31.26, Al2O30.37, ZnO 49.72, MnO 0.32, FeO 0.71, K2O 0.25, H2Ocalc19.89, sum 108.79 wt.%; the very high oxide sum is due to the fact that the calculated H2O content is determined from crystal-structure analysis, but H2O is lost under vacuum in the electron microprobe.

The crystal structure of ianbruceite was solved by direct methods and refined to anR1index of 8.6%. The As is tetrahedrally coordinated by four O anions with a mean As O distance of 1.687 Å. Zigzag [[5]Zn[6]Znϕ7] chains extend in thecdirection and are linked in thebdirection by sharing corners with (AsO4) tetrahedra to form slabs with a composition [Zn2(OH)(H2O)(AsO4)]. The space between these slabs is filled with disordered (H2O) groups and minor lone-pair stereoactive As3+. The ideal formula derived from chemical analysis and crystal-structure solution and refinement is [Zn2(OH)(H2O)(AsO4)](H2O)2.
Cycling of As, P, Pb and Sb during weathering of mine tailings: implications for fluvial environments
Authors: Kossoff D. , Hudson-Edwards K. A. , Dubbin W. E. , Alfredsson M. , Geraki T.
Published: November 2012

The weathering and oxidation of mine tailings has the potential to contaminate water and soil with toxic elements. To understand the mechanisms, extent and products of the long-term weathering of complex Bolivian tailings from the Cerro Rico de Potosí, and their effects on As, Pb, P and Sb cycling, three-year long laboratory column experiments were carried out to model 20 years of dry- and wet-season conditions in the Pilcomayo basin. Chemical analysis of the leachate and column solids, optical mineralogy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis, microscale X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy, Bureau Commun de Référence sequential extraction and water-soluble chemical extractions, and speciation modelling have shown that the weathering of As-bearing pyrite and arsenopyrite, resulted in a loss of 13–29% of the original mass of As. By contrast, Pb and Sb showed much lower mass losses (0.1–1.1% and 0.6–1.9%, respectively) due to the formation of insoluble Pb- and Sb(V)-rich phases, which were stable at the low pH (~2) conditions that prevailed by the end of the experiment. The experiment also demonstrated a link between the cycling of As, Sb, and the oxidation of Fe(II)-bearing sphalerite, which acted as a nucleation point for an Fe-As-Sb-O phase. Phosphorus was relatively immobile in the tailings columns (up to 0.3% mass loss) but was more mobile in the soil-bearing columns (up to 10% mass loss), due to the formation of soluble P-bearing minerals or mobilization by organic matter. These results demonstrate the influence of mine tailings on the mobility of P from soils and on the potential contamination of ecosystems with As, and strongly suggest that these materials should be isolated from fluvial environments.
Omsite, (Ni, Cu)2Fe3+(OH)6[Sb(OH)6], a new member of the cualstibite group from Oms, France
Authors: Mills S. J. , Kampf A. R. , Housley R. M. , Favreau G. , Pasero M. , Biagioni C. , Merlino S. , Berbain C. , Orlandi P.
Published: November 2012

Omsite (IMA 2012-025) is a new mineral from the Correc d'en Llinassos, Oms, Pyrénées-Orientales Department, France. It occurs as bright yellow to amber yellow discoidal tablets, flattened on {001}, which form rosettes typically 50–100 μm in diameter. Omsite generally crystallizes on siderite without associated supergene minerals; it occurs less commonly with glaukosphaerite. Crystals have a vitreous to resinous lustre, and are transparent to translucent. Omsite is not fluorescent in either short-wave or long-wave ultraviolet light. It has an estimated hardness of 3 on the Mohs' scale, is brittle with an irregular fracture, and has one poor cleavage on {001}. The calculated density is 3.378 g cm–3. Crystals are uniaxial (–), with indices of refraction of ω = 1.728(3) and ε = 1.66(1), measured in white light. Pleochroism is ω = orange-yellow, ε = pale orange-yellow; ω > ε. The empirical formula [based on 12 (OH + Cl) p.f.u.] is (Ni1.0992+Cu0.6652+Mg0.107Fe0.0453+)Σ 1.916Fe1.0003+(Sb0.9475+As0.072Na0.029)Σ1.048OH11.967Cl0.033. Omsite crystallizes in space group P, with unit-cell parameters a = 5.3506(8), c = 19.5802(15) Å, V = 485.46(10) Å3 and Z = 2 determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The five strongest lines in the X-ray powder diffraction pattern [d in Å, (Irel), (hkl)] are as follows: 4.901, (100), (004); 4.575, (83), (011); 2.3539, (81), (11); 1.8079, (48), (11); 3.781, (34), (103). The crystal structure was solved to R1 = 0.0896 for 356 observed reflections [Fo>4σFo] and 0.1018 for all the 469 unique reflections. Omsite is a layered double hydroxide (LDH) mineral, with a topology consistent with members of the hydrotalcite supergroup and cualstibite group.
Global gene expression of the inner cell mass and trophectoderm of the bovine blastocyst
Authors: Ozawa Manabu , Sakatani Miki , Yao JiQiang , Shanker Savita , Yu Fahong , Yamashita Rui , Wakabayashi Shunichi , Nakai Kenta , Dobbs Kyle B , Sudano Mateus José , Farmerie William G , Hansen Peter J
Published: November 2012

Background

The first distinct differentiation event in mammals occurs at the blastocyst stage when totipotent blastomeres differentiate into either pluripotent inner cell mass (ICM) or multipotent trophectoderm (TE). Here we determined, for the first time, global gene expression patterns in the ICM and TE isolated from bovine blastocysts. The ICM and TE were isolated from blastocysts harvested at day 8 after insemination by magnetic activated cell sorting, and cDNA sequenced using the SOLiD 4.0 system.

Results

A total of 870 genes were differentially expressed between ICM and TE. Several genes characteristic of ICM (for example, NANOG, SOX2, and STAT3) and TE (ELF5, GATA3, and KRT18) in mouse and human showed similar patterns in bovine. Other genes, however, showed differences in expression between ICM and TE that deviates from the expected based on mouse and human.

Conclusion

Analysis of gene expression indicated that differentiation of blastomeres of the morula-stage embryo into the ICM and TE of the blastocyst is accompanied by differences between the two cell lineages in expression of genes controlling metabolic processes, endocytosis, hatching from the zona pellucida, paracrine and endocrine signaling with the mother, and genes supporting the changes in cellular architecture, stemness, and hematopoiesis necessary for development of the trophoblast.
Diversity and extracellular enzymatic activities of yeasts isolated from King George Island, the sub-Antarctic region
Authors: Carrasco Mario , Rozas Juan Manuel , Barahona Salvador , Alcaíno Jennifer , Cifuentes Víctor , Baeza Marcelo
Published: November 2012

Background

Antarctica has been successfully colonized by microorganisms despite presenting adverse conditions for life such as low temperatures, high solar radiation, low nutrient availability and dryness. Although these “cold-loving” microorganisms are recognized as primarily responsible for nutrient and organic matter recycling/mineralization, the yeasts, in particular, remain poorly characterized and understood. The aim of this work was to study the yeast microbiota in soil and water samples collected on King George Island.

Results

A high number of yeast isolates was obtained from 34 soil and 14 water samples. Molecular analyses based on rDNA sequences revealed 22 yeast species belonging to 12 genera, with Mrakia and Cryptococcus genera containing the highest species diversity. The species Sporidiobolus salmonicolor was by far the most ubiquitous, being identified in 24 isolates from 13 different samples. Most of the yeasts were psychrotolerant and ranged widely in their ability to assimilate carbon sources (consuming from 1 to 27 of the 29 carbon sources tested). All species displayed at least 1 of the 8 extracellular enzyme activities tested. Lipase, amylase and esterase activity dominated, while chitinase and xylanase were less common. Two yeasts identified as Leuconeurospora sp. and Dioszegia fristingensis displayed 6 enzyme activities.

Conclusions

A high diversity of yeasts was isolated in this work including undescribed species and species not previously isolated from the Antarctic region, including Wickerhamomyces anomalus, which has not been isolated from cold regions in general. The diversity of extracellular enzyme activities, and hence the variety of compounds that the yeasts may degrade or transform, suggests an important nutrient recycling role of microorganisms in this region. These yeasts are of potential use in industrial applications requiring high enzyme activities at low temperatures.
PCA3 noncoding RNA is involved in the control of prostate-cancer cell survival and modulates androgen receptor signaling
Authors: Ferreira Luciana Bueno , Palumbo Antonio , de Mello Kivvi Duarte , Sternberg Cinthya , Caetano Mauricio S , de Oliveira Felipe Leite , Neves Adriana Freitas , Nasciutti Luiz Eurico , Goulart Luiz Ricardo , Gimba Etel Rodrigues Pereira
Published: November 2012

Background

PCA3 is a non-coding RNA (ncRNA) that is highly expressed in prostate cancer (PCa) cells, but its functional role is unknown. To investigate its putative function in PCa biology, we used gene expression knockdown by small interference RNA, and also analyzed its involvement in androgen receptor (AR) signaling.

Methods

LNCaP and PC3 cells were used as in vitro models for these functional assays, and three different siRNA sequences were specifically designed to target PCA3 exon 4. Transfected cells were analyzed by real-time qRT-PCR and cell growth, viability, and apoptosis assays. Associations between PCA3 and the androgen-receptor (AR) signaling pathway were investigated by treating LNCaP cells with 100 nM dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and with its antagonist (flutamide), and analyzing the expression of some AR-modulated genes (TMPRSS2, NDRG1, GREB1, PSA, AR, FGF8, CdK1, CdK2 and PMEPA1). PCA3 expression levels were investigated in different cell compartments by using differential centrifugation and qRT-PCR.

Results

LNCaP siPCA3-transfected cells significantly inhibited cell growth and viability, and increased the proportion of cells in the sub G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle and the percentage of pyknotic nuclei, compared to those transfected with scramble siRNA (siSCr)-transfected cells. DHT-treated LNCaP cells induced a significant upregulation of PCA3 expression, which was reversed by flutamide. In siPCA3/LNCaP-transfected cells, the expression of AR target genes was downregulated compared to siSCr-transfected cells. The siPCA3 transfection also counteracted DHT stimulatory effects on the AR signaling cascade, significantly downregulating expression of the AR target gene. Analysis of PCA3 expression in different cell compartments provided evidence that the main functional roles of PCA3 occur in the nuclei and microsomal cell fractions.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the ncRNA PCA3 is involved in the control of PCa cell survival, in part through modulating AR signaling, which may raise new possibilities of using PCA3 knockdown as an additional therapeutic strategy for PCa control.
Unusual presentation of angiomyomatous hamartoma in an eight-month-old infant: case report and literature review
Authors: Catania Vincenzo Davide , Manzoni Carlo , Novello Mariangela , Lauriola Libero , Coli Antonella
Published: November 2012

Background

Evaluation of palpable neck masses may be a diagnostic problem in pediatric patients, with differential diagnosis including congenital, inflammatory, tumoral and traumatic lesions. Ultrasonography is usually a satisfactory method to make a correct pre-operative evaluation of neck masses, although diagnosis is often challenging for the surgeon and the radiologist and sometimes only possible after a histopathological examination of the resected lesion.

Case presentation

We report an 8-month-old patient with a cervical, anterior midline mass. Ultrasonographic images showed features suggesting a partly cystic lesion, with a preoperative suspect of thyroglossal duct cyst. Histological examination, performed after surgical removal of the mass, led to a diagnosis of lymph node angiomyomatous hamartoma (AH).

Conclusions

AH, a rarely occurring benign lymph node lesion, has been reported in the neck lateral region only twice. This case, presenting as a palpable neck midline mass, is the first reported case occurring in infancy. Although rare, AH should be included in the differential diagnosis of head and neck masses.
The Diabetes Pearl: Diabetes biobanking in The Netherlands
Authors: van’t Riet Esther , Schram Miranda T , Abbink Evertine J , Admiraal Wanda M , Dijk-Schaap Marja W , Holleman Frits , Nijpels Giel , Özcan Behiye , Pijl Hanno , Schaper Nicolaas C , Sijbrands Eric JG , Silvius Bianca , Tack Cees J , de Valk Harold W , Wolffenbuttel Bruce HR , Stehouwer Coen DA , Dekker Jacqueline M
Published: November 2012

Background

Type 2 diabetes is associated with considerable comorbidity and severe complications, which reduce quality of life of the patients and require high levels of healthcare. The Diabetes Pearl is a large cohort of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, covering different geographical areas in the Netherlands. The aim of the study is to create a research infrastructure that will allow the study of risk factors, including biomarkers and genetic determinants for severe diabetes complications.

Methods/design

Baseline examinations began November 2009 and will continue through 2012. By the end of 2012, it is expected that 7000 patients with type 2 diabetes will be included in the Diabetes Pearl cohort. To ensure quality of the data collected, standard operation procedures were developed and used in all 8 recruitment centers. From all patients who provide informed consent, the following information is collected: personal information, medication use, physical examination (antropometry, blood pressure, electrocardiography (ECG), retina photographs, ankle-brachial index, peripheral vibration perception), self-report questionnaire (socio-economic status, lifestyle, (family) history of disease, and psychosocial well-being), laboratory measurements (glucose, A1c, lipid profile, kidney function), biobank material (storage of urine and blood samples and isolated DNA). All gathered clinical data and biobank information is uploaded to a database for storage on a national level. Biobanks are maintained locally at all recruitment centers.

Discussion

The Diabetes Pearl is large-scale cohort of type 2 diabetes patients in the Netherlands aiming to study risk factors, including biomarkers and genetic markers, for disease deterioration and the development of severe diabetes complications. As a result of the well-designed research design and the national coverage, the Diabetes Pearl data can be of great value to national and international researchers with an interest in diabetes related research.
The use of complementary and alternative medicine for patients with traumatic brain injury in Taiwan
Authors: Gau Bih-Shya , Yang Hsiao-Ling , Huang Sheng-Jean , Lou Meei-Fang
Published: November 2012

Background

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) continues to increase in Taiwan. This study examined the use of CAM and beliefs about CAM as expressed by patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Taiwan.

Methods

TBI patients and their accompanying relatives were interviewed by using a structured questionnaire at an outpatient clinic in a medical center in northern Taiwan.

Results

A total of 101 patients with TBI participated in the study. Sixty-four (63%) patients had used at least one form of CAM after sustaining TBI. CAM users had used an average of 2.72 forms of CAM after sustaining TBI. The most frequently used CAM category was traditional Chinese medicine (37; 57.8%), followed by folk and religious therapies (30; 46.9%), and dietary supplements (30; 46.9%). The majority of the patients (45; 70.3%) did not report CAM use because they felt it was unnecessary to do so. Patients who used CAM had a significantly stronger positive belief in CAM than those who did not (t = −2.72; P = .008). After using CAM, most of the patients (54; 85%) perceived moderate satisfaction (2.89 ± 0.44), according to a 4-point Likert scale.

Conclusion

Although the use of CAM is common for TBI patients receiving conventional medical health care in Taiwan, most patients did not inform health care personnel about their CAM use. TBI patients perceive combined use of CAM and conventional medicine as beneficial for their overall health.
High hydrostatic pressure extract of garlic increases the HDL cholesterol level via up-regulation of apolipoprotein A-I gene expression in rats fed a high-fat diet
Authors: Lee Seohyun , Joo Hyunjin , Kim Chong-Tai , Kim In-Hwan , Kim Yangha
Published: November 2012

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of mortality worldwide and a low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level is an important marker of CVD risk. Garlic (Allium sativum) has been widely used in the clinic for treatment of CVD and regulation of lipid metabolism. This study investigated the effects of a high hydrostatic pressure extract of garlic (HEG) on HDL-C level and regulation of hepatic apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) gene expression.

Methods

Male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into two groups and maintained on a high-fat control diet (CON) or high-fat control diet supplemented with high hydrostatic pressure extract of garlic (HEG) for 5 weeks. Changes in the expression of genes related to HDL-C metabolism were analyzed in liver, together with biometric and blood parameters.

Results

In the HEG group, the plasma triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were significantly decreased in comparison with the CON group (P < 0.05). Dietary HEG also lowered the hepatic TG and total cholesterol (TC) levels compared to the CON group. While the plasma HDL-C level and mRNA level of hepatic apoA-I, which is one of primarily proteins of HDL-C particle, were significantly increased in the HEG group compared to the CON group (P < 0.05). The gene expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), importantly involved in the biogenesis in HDL, were also up-regulated by dietary HEG.

Conclusions

These results suggest that HEG ameliorates plasma lipid profiles and attenuates hepatic lipid accumulation in the high-fat fed rats. Our findings provides that the effects of HEG on the increase of the plasma HDL-C level was at least partially mediated by up-regulation of hepatic genes expression such as apoA-I, ABCA1, and LCAT in rats fed a high-fat diet.
Magnetic bead-based salivary peptidome profiling for periodontal-orthodontic treatment
Authors: Zhang Jieni , Zhou Shaonan , Li Ruoxuan , Cao Tian , Zheng Hui , Wang Xuedong , Zhou Yanheng , Du Ning , Chen Feng , Lin Jiuxiang
Published: November 2012

Background

Patients with periodontitis seek periodontal-orthodontic treatment to address certain functional and aesthetic problems. However, little is known of the effect of periodontitis on orthodontic treatment. Thus, we compared the differences in peptide mass fingerprints of orthodontic patients with and without periodontitis by MALDI-TOF MS using a magnetic bead-based peptidome analysis of saliva samples. In this way, we aimed to identify and explore a panel of differentially-expressed specific peptides.

Results

Saliva samples from 24 patients (eight orthodontic patients without periodontitis, eight with periodontitis and another eight with periodontitis but no orthodontic treatment) were analyzed, and peptide mass fingerprints were created by scanning MS signals using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) combined with magnetic beads. Nine mass peaks showed significant differences. Orthodontic patients in the group without periodontal disease showed higher mass peaks for seven peptides of the nine, whereas the mass peaks for the other two peptides were higher in the periodontal-orthodontic patients. Besides, these differentially-expressed peptides were sequenced.

Conclusions

The elucidated candidate biomarkers indicated interactions between periodontal condition and orthodontic treatment and their contributions to the changes of saliva protein profiles. Our results provide novel insight into the altered salivary protein profile during periodontal-orthodontic treatment, and may lead to the development of a therapeutic monitoring strategy for periodontics and orthodontics.
Large-scale synthesis and self-organization of silver nanoparticles with Tween 80 as a reductant and stabilizer
Authors: Li Hui-Jun , Zhang An-Qi , Hu Yang , Sui Li , Qian Dong-Jin , Chen Meng
Published: November 2012

Tween 80 (polysorbate 80) has been used as a reducing agent and protecting agent to prepare stable water-soluble silver nanoparticles on a large scale through a one-pot process, which is simple and environmentally friendly. Silver ions can accelerate the oxidation of Tween 80 and then get reduced in the reaction process. The well-ordered arrays such as ribbon-like silver nanostructures could be obtained by adjusting the reaction conditions. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy confirms that ribbon-like silver nanostructures (approximately 50 nm in length and approximately 2 μm in width) are composed of a large number of silver nanocrystals with a size range of 2 to 3 nm. In addition, negative absorbance around 320 nm in the UV-visible spectra of silver nanoparticles has been observed, probably owing to the instability of nanosized silver colloids.
Near-infrared emitting CdTe0.5Se0.5/Cd0.5Zn0.5S quantum dots: synthesis and bright luminescence
Authors: Yang Ping , Wang Shiquan , Murase Norio
Published: November 2012

We present how CdTe0.5Se0.5 cores can be coated with Cd0.5Zn0.5S shells at relatively low temperature (around 200°C) via facile synthesis using organic ammine ligands. The cores were firstly fabricated via a less toxic procedure using CdO, trioctylphosphine (TOP), Se, Te, and trioctylamine. The cores with small sizes (3.2-3.5 nm) revealed green and yellow photoluminescence (PL) and spherical morphologies. Hydrophobic core/shell CdTe0.5Se0.5/Cd0.5Zn0.5S quantum dots (QDs) with tunable PL between green and near-infrared (a maximum PL peak wavelength of 735 nm) were then created through a facile shell coating procedure using trioctylphosphine selenium with cadmium and zinc acetate. The QDs exhibited high PL efficiencies up to 50% because of the formation of a protective Cd0.5Zn0.5S shell on the CdTe0.5Se0.5 core, even though the PL efficiency of the cores is low (≤1%). Namely, the slow growth process of the shell plays an important role for getting high PL efficiencies. The properties of the QDs are largely determined by the properties of CdTe0.5Se0.5 cores and shells preparation conditions such as reaction temperature and time. The core/shell QDs exhibited a small size diameter. For example, the average diameter of the QDs with a PL peak wavelength of 735 nm is 6.1 nm. Small size and tunable bright PL makes the QDs utilizable as bioprobes because the size of QD-based bioprobes is considered as the major limitation for their broad applications in biological imaging.
Partial neutral functional integro-differential equations of fractional order with delay
Authors: Abbas Saïd , Benchohra Mouffak , Cabada Alberto
Published: November 2012

In this paper we obtain sufficient conditions for the existence of solutions of some classes of partial neutral integro-differential equations of fractional order by using suitable fixed point theorems.

MSC:26A33.
Assessing the effect of introducing a new method into family planning programs in India, Peru, and Rwanda
Authors: Lundgren Rebecka , Sinai Irit , Jha Priya , Mukabatsinda Marie , Sacieta Luisa , León Federico R
Published: November 2012

Background

Introducing a new method into family planning programs requires careful attention to ensure it meets an actual need and has a positive effect on program goals. The Standard Days Method® is a fertility awareness-based method of family planning that is being introduced into family planning programs in countries around the world. It is different from other methods offered by programs, and may bring new couples into family planning, and increase contraceptive prevalence. The study assesses the effect on contraceptive use and prevalence of Introducing Standard Days Method into existing family planning services in whole regions of India, Peru, and Rwanda.

Methods

In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, health providers were given a contraceptive update on all methods, then trained in counseling on Standard Days Method. Efforts were made to promote demand in the context of informed choice. Routine monthly service statistics in control and intervention areas were used to assess the effect of Standard Days Method introduction at the clinic level; baseline and endline household-based surveys were undertaken to obtain results at the community level (n > 3400 women at endline).

Results

Demand for the method is evident in countries with different levels of contraceptive prevalence. The method attracts couples new to family planning, and introducing it into services may increase overall contraceptive prevalence.

Conclusions

Introducing Standard Days Method into existing family planning has the potential of benefiting men and women in diverse settings and populations. This study illustrates the critical role of evidence in scaling up a health innovation.
Characterization of blood biochemical markers during aging in the Grey Mouse Lemur (Microcebus murinus): impact of gender and season
Authors: Marchal Julia , Dorieux Olène , Haro Laurine , Aujard Fabienne , Perret Martine
Published: November 2012

Background

Hematologic and biochemical data are needed to characterize the health status of animal populations over time to determine the habitat quality and captivity conditions. Blood components and the chemical entities that they transport change predominantly with sex and age. The aim of this study was to utilize blood chemistry monitoring to establish the reference levels in a small prosimian primate, the Grey Mouse Lemur (Microcebus murinus).

Method

In the captive colony, mouse lemurs may live 10–12 years, and three age groups for both males and females were studied: young (1–3 years), middle-aged (4–5 years) and old (6–10 years). Blood biochemical markers were measured using the VetScan Comprehensive Diagnostic Profile. Because many life history traits of this primate are highly dependent on the photoperiod (body mass and reproduction), the effect of season was also assessed.

Results

The main effect of age was observed in blood markers of renal functions such as creatinine, which was higher among females. Additionally, blood urea nitrogen significantly increased with age and is potentially linked to chronic renal insufficiency, which has been described in captive mouse lemurs. The results demonstrated significant effects related to season, especially in blood protein levels and glucose rates; these effects were observed regardless of gender or age and were likely due to seasonal variations in food intake, which is very marked in this species.

Conclusion

These results were highly similar with those obtained in other primate species and can serve as references for future research of the Grey Mouse Lemur.