bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BODY WEIGHT AS A DETERMINANT OF CLINICAL EVOLUTION IN HAMSTERS (Mesocricetus auratus) INFECTED WITH Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis
Authors: Gomez-Galindo Angela Maria , Delgado-Murcia Lucy Gabriela
Published: November 2013

SUMMARY The clinical outcome of infection with Leishmania species of the subgenus Viannia in hamster model (Mesocricetus auratus) has shown to be different depending on experimental protocol. Body weight has been a relevant determinant of the clinical outcome of the infection in hamsters with visceral leishmaniasis but its importance as a clinical parameter in hamsters with cutaneous leishmaniasis is not known. In this study, the clinical evolution of infection with L. (V) panamensis was evaluated in juvenile and adult male hamsters during 11 weeks by comparing clinical parameters such as attitude, temperature, respiratory rate, appearance of the stool, and body weight between infected and non-infected groups. Results showed that body weight decreased in adult hamsters after infection by L. (V) panamensis; this observation supports the use of body weight as an additional parameter to define the management or treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis in infected adult hamsters used as an animal experimental model for leishmaniasis.
Plant–animal diversity relationships in a rocky intertidal system depend on invertebrate body size and algal cover
Authors: Best Rebecca J. , Chaudoin Ambre L. , Bracken Matthew E. S. , Graham Michael H. , Stachowicz John J.
Published: November 2013

Considerable research has examined the influence of herbivores on the maintenance of plant diversity, but fewer studies have examined the reciprocal effect of plant diversity on the animals that use the plant community for food and shelter, particularly in marine systems. Several mechanisms could underlie such effects. Animal diversity and abundance could be increased by complementary use of different plants by different animals, or by an indirect effect of plant diversity on plant production that results in more total plant biomass in high plant‐diversity communities. Alternatively, plant species identity could play a dominant role leading to sampling effects or no effect of diversity at all. We conducted a six‐year field manipulation of the richness of rocky shore seaweeds in northern California and measured the effects of algal richness and identity on the invertebrate community, from meiofauna to macrofauna. We found that diverse algal communities hosted more species of both large and small invertebrates than the average algal monoculture but that the mechanisms underlying this pattern differed substantially for organisms of different size. More species of macrofauna occurred in the polycultures than in any of the monocultures, likely due to the greater total cover of algae produced in polycultures. Rare and common macrofaunal taxa responded to host plant species richness in opposite ways, with more occurrences of rare taxa and lower abundance of very common taxa in the polycultures. In contrast, meiofaunal richness in polycultures was no different than that of monocultures of finely branched species, leading to strong effects of algal identity. Our findings are similar to those from terrestrial systems in that the effects of plant diversity we observed were most related to the greater amount of habitat in polycultures as a result of overyielding in algal biomass. However, our findings differ from those in terrestrial systems in that the primary mechanisms for both richness and identity effects appear related to the value of plants as shelter from harsh abiotic conditions or predation rather than food, and in that animal body size altered the mechanisms underlying diversity effects.
Detection and Genotyping of Human Papillomavirus DNA in Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Specimens with the HPV Direct Flow CHIP System
Authors: Herraez-Hernandez Elsa , Preda Ovidiu , Alonso Sonia , Pardo Rosario Serrano , Olmo Asuncion
Published: November 2013

The novel HPV Direct Flow CHIP commercial system for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) genotyping is based on rapid PCR and automatic reverse dot blot hybridization to genotype-specific probes, allowing the detection of 36 HPV genotypes. This study examined the performance of HPV Direct Flow CHIP in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples (n= 99). Each sample was analyzed both by Direct PCR, using crude cell extracts without DNA purification, and by conventional PCR, using purified DNA. Pair-wise analysis of the results demonstrated strong concordance between the results obtained with the two protocols, although a slightly higher rate of multiple infections was detected by conventional PCR. In summary, HPV Direct Flow CHIP achieves effective HPV detection from FFPE samples with both Direct PCR and Conventional PCR protocols.
The Effect of 3D Visual Simulator on Children’s Visual Acuity - A Pilot Study Comparing Two Different Modalities
Authors: Ide Takeshi , Ishikawa Mariko , Tsubota Kazuo , Miyao Masaru
Published: November 2013

Purpose :

To evaluate the efficacy of two non-surgical interventions of vision improvement in children.

Methods :

A prospective, randomized, pilot study to compare fogging method and the use of head mounted 3D display. Subjects were children, between 5 to 15 years old, with normal best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and up to -3D myopia. Subjects played a video game as near point work, and received one of the two methods of treatments. Measurements of uncorrected far visual acuity (UCVA), refraction with autorefractometer, and subjective accommodative amplitude were taken 3 times, at the baseline, after the near work, and after the treatment.

Results :

Both methods applied after near work, improved UCVA. Head mounted 3D display group showed significant improvement in UCVA and resulted in better UCVA than baseline. Fogging group showed improvement in subjective accommodative amplitude. While 3D display group did not show change in the refraction, fogging group’s myopic refraction showed significant increase indicating the eyes showed myopic change of eyes after near work and treatment.

Discussion :

Despite our lack of clear knowledge in the mechanisms, both methods improved UCVA after the treatments. The improvement in UCVA was not correlated to measured refraction values.

Conclusion :

UCVA after near work can be improved by repeating near and distant accommodation by fogging and 3D image viewing, although at the different degrees. Further investigation on mechanisms of improvements and their clinical significance are warranted.
Interview: Achieving STEEEP healthcare: a journey supported by comparative effectiveness research
Authors: Ballard David J
Published: November 2013

David J Ballard,
MD, MSPH, PhD, FACP, is the Chief Quality Officer for Baylor Scott & White Health (TX, USA), the largest not-for-profit healthcare system in the state of Texas, founded on 1 October 2013 from the combination of Baylor Health Care System and Scott & White Healthcare. David joined Baylor Health Care System in 1999 as its first Chief Quality Officer and was responsible in that role for designing, implementing and evaluating initiatives related to clinical effectiveness, patient safety and other dimensions of healthcare quality improvement across the healthcare system. Under his leadership, the system earned several awards for healthcare quality improvement, including the 2010 Medical Group Preeminence Award of the American Medical Group Association, the 2008 National Quality Healthcare Award of the National Quality Forum, and the 2007 Leapfrog Patient-Centered Care Award. A board-certified internist, David trained at the Mayo Clinic (MN, USA) following completion of degrees in chemistry, economics, epidemiology and medicine at the University of North Carolina (NC, USA) where he was a Morehead Scholar and served as professor of medicine and epidemiology at Emory University (GA, USA). In addition to his role as Chief Quality Officer for Baylor Scott & White Health, he is President and Founder of the STEEEP
®
Global Institute (TX, USA), which is dedicated to helping other organizations deliver healthcare that is safe, timely, effective, efficient, equitable and patient-centered. Among several national and international leadership roles, he was President of the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (2001–2003), and is the 2013–2014 Chair of the Steering Committee for the Centers on Education and Research in Therapeutics for the US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. He serves on several editorial boards, including
Health Services Research
, the
Journal of Comparative Effectiveness Research
and the
Mayo Clinic Proceedings
(for which he serves as Health Policy Section Editor). David was the 1995 recipient of the AcademyHealth New Investigator Award, given annually to the outstanding health services research scholar in the USA less than 40 years of age, and the 2012 recipient of the John M Eisenberg Article-of-the-Year in
Health Services Research
. In 2008, he received the Distinguished Alumnus Award of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine.
The emerging relevance of heterogeneity of treatment effect in clinical care: a study using stage IV prostate cancer as a model
Authors: Mitikiri Nirupama D , Reese Emily S , Hussain Arif , Onukwugha Eberechukwu , Pritchard Daryl , Dubois Robert , Mullins C Daniel
Published: November 2013

Aim:
Heterogeneity of treatment effect (HTE) occurs when patient factors modify a treatment’s effect on health outcomes due to interactions between these factors and the treatment. This article reviews evidence regarding HTE in stage IV prostate cancer (S4PC).
Method:
A systematic literature review was conducted in the MEDLINE and PubMed databases. Inclusion criteria required that articles examine the treatment-related impact of HTE factors on survival, adverse events or health-related quality of life in S4PC patients. The quality of evidence was graded good, fair or poor based on Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality guidelines.
Results:
The search identified 2659 articles, of which 92 met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. HTE in S4PC was studied for biologic factors including age, race, clinical signs/symptoms, measures of S4PC disease severity, genetic factors, laboratory data, prior treatment, concurrent medications and comorbidities. Nonbiologic factors that were studied included social, geographic and dietary factors. Age and race seldom showed any correlation with S4PC outcomes.
Conclusion:
Diverse biologic and nonbiologic factors contribute to HTE in S4PC. This review in S4PC also provides an approach for examining HTE for other medical conditions. Ultimately, such knowledge can help oncologists prescribe more personalized medicine, help patients make more informed treatment choices, and inform policy-making and treatment coverage decisions.
Oncology training programs: are we doing comparative effectiveness research justice?
Authors: Zaorsky Nicholas G , Showalter Timothy N
Published: November 2013

Comparative effectiveness research (CER) is defined as an assessment of all available options for a specific medical condition, with intent to estimate effectiveness in specific subpopulations. Medical professionals must receive training in CER, including its general goals, the ‘toolbox’ necessary to perform CER and its design. Oncologic training programs are currently not doing justice to CER: a rationale for conducting CER has been proposed, funding from the US government is available, but encouragement from oncologic residencies and fellowships is minimal. Encouragement to train oncologic physicians in CER is limited by a few factors, including inadequate emphasis on evidence weighing, and no explicit mention of factors key to CER in the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education guidelines. As residency program requirements transition to milestone-based curricula and evaluations, explicit recommendations regarding CER and patient-centered outcomes research should be implemented for all programs. Upper level trainees who have reached milestones related to CER will be competitive applicants for research funding.
Bayesian data analysis in observational comparative effectiveness research: rationale and examples
Authors: Olson William H , Crivera Concetta , Ma Yi-Wen , Panish Jessica , Mao Lian , Lynch Scott M
Published: November 2013

Many comparative effectiveness research and patient-centered outcomes research studies will need to be observational for one or both of two reasons: first, randomized trials are expensive and time-consuming; and second, only observational studies can answer some research questions. It is generally recognized that there is a need to increase the scientific validity and efficiency of observational studies. Bayesian methods for the design and analysis of observational studies are scientifically valid and offer many advantages over frequentist methods, including, importantly, the ability to conduct comparative effectiveness research/patient-centered outcomes research more efficiently. Bayesian data analysis is being introduced into outcomes studies that we are conducting. Our purpose here is to describe our view of some of the advantages of Bayesian methods for observational studies and to illustrate both realized and potential advantages by describing studies we are conducting in which various Bayesian methods have been or could be implemented.
An electrochemical and radiotracer investigation on lead dioxide: Influence of deposition current and temperature
Authors: Amadelli Rossano , Samiolo Luca , Velichenko Aleksandr
Published: November 2013

The properties of electrodeposited PbO2 are sensibly influenced by deposition
current and temperature. In particular, tritium radiotracer measurements have
demonstrated that protons are incorporated in the bulk of the oxide film and
on its surface. The degree of hydration increases with increasing current and
decreases with temperature, and is related to the morphological
characteristics of the oxide such as roughness measured by changes of the
double layer capacity. Conversely, the amount of hydrogen has negligible
effects on the number of free carriers evaluated from Mott-Schottky plots.
The hydration degree of the surface seems to be an important factor
influencing electrocatalytic processes at high potentials such as O2
evolution and O3 formation. On less hydrated, more crystalline PbO2 surfaces
the first process is inhibited, and accordingly, the second is favored.
Effect of bracket type on halitosis, periodontal status, and microbial colonization
Authors: Nalçacı Ruhi , Özat Yener , Çokakoğlu Serpil , Türkkahraman Hakan , Önal Süleyman , Kaya Selçuk
Published: November 2013

Objective:

To determine the effect of bracket type on halitosis, periodontal status, and microbial colonization.

Materials and Methods:

Forty-six patients scheduled for fixed orthodontic treatment (age 11–16 years) were selected from the orthodontic department of Suleyman Demirel University. Patients were divided into two groups with random distribution of brackets; 23 patients were treated with self-ligating brackets (group SLBs), the others with conventional brackets (group CBs). Halitosis measurements and periodontal and microbial records were obtained before the placement of brackets (T0), 1 week later (T1), and 5 weeks after bonding (T2). Periodontal parameters, including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and bleeding on probing index (BOP), were obtained from all the bonded teeth. Halitosis measurements were performed at the same time. Microbial samples were obtained from the buccal surfaces of all the bonded teeth. Data were analyzed by using a repeated-measurement analysis of variance test for the comparison of parameters between groups and times.

Results:

Periodontal parameters and halitosis results were higher in the CBs group than in the SLBs group (P < .05). In the SLBs group, halitosis and BOP values revealed no pronounced changes between T1 and T2 (P > .05). Intra- and intergroup comparisons showed that there were no statistically significant differences for microbial colonization between all the time intervals (P > .05).

Conclusion:

Bracket type has an effect on halitosis and periodontal status. Therefore, self-ligating brackets may be advised in order to prevent patients from developing halitosis and to increase the likelihood of good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment.
The Impact of Global Recession on Earnings and Income Inequality in Visegrad Countries
Authors: Vašková Miriama
Published: November 2013

This paper analyses the consequences of the economic downturn for employment, earnings and income inequality in Visegrad countries. It draws on both theoretical and practical evidence of the impact of the recession on earnings and income inequality, as presented in its second part. The third part gives an overview of the development of income inequality in Visegrad countries in the period prior to the global recession. The paper proceeds in its fourth part to a comparative analysis of the empirical data on employment, unemployment, income and income inequality in the Visegrad countries. In its sixth part, the paper summarizes key findings.
The Effect of the Financial Crisis on the Taxation of Consumption, Labour, and Capital in the European Union
Authors: Krajewska Anna
Published: November 2013

The impact of the current financial crisis on changes in the taxation of consumption, labour, and capital in the European Union. The responses reflected in the tax policies pursued in the EU countries to the current crisis will be analysed in three ways: 1. Distribution of total tax burden by economic function, i.e. assessment of the share of taxes on consumption, labour, and capital in relation to GDP and total tax revenues. Therefore, the analysis will cover backward-looking ta Xburden indicators; 2. Analysis of trends in the implicit tax rate (ITR) on consumption, labour and capital. The ITR is an indicator which expresses the relation of tax burdens levied on different activities to total revenue from this activity. The ITR takes into account the legislation and the resulting tax burden(s) which may affect the behaviour of various entities and their decisions. This approach is described as forward-looking effective tax rate; 3. Trends in the EU countries are compared with the changes taking place in Poland. This includes an explanation of the specificity of the fiscal policy pursued in Poland. 4. For the purpose of this paper we used statistics prepared according to the methodology adopted by the European Commission, published in “Taxation trends in the European Union”, Eurostat 2012.
Poland’s Energy Security in Light of a Statistical Analysis
Authors: Pach-Gurgul Agnieszka
Published: November 2013

Energy security is a multi-faceted notion, being subject to evolution due to its changing character as an entity, a state, a process and a phenomenon. Discussion of the topic involves not only the question of energy security (treated both objectively and subjectively), but also the issue of its measurement, its main factors and determinants. The aim of this article is to attempt to formulate an answer to the following research questions: what is the energy security of a state and what is its nature? which indices can be used to define the energy security of a state? what is Poland’s energy security status in comparison with other European Union states in the light of statistical analysis? In the research on Poland’s energy security compared to the European Union, data clustering was carried out according to the following methods: the Ward method, the full bond (furthest neighbourhood) method, analysis using the k-means method, and multidimensional scaling. In order to define the shifts in the direction of Poland’s energy security, synthetic indices for 2000 and 2008 have been calculated. Obtaining the answers to the above questions allowed for defining the main trends in Poland’s activities aimed at increasing its energy security.
Market Analysis of Textile Products Protecting Against UV Radiation (Used for Equipping Interiors, Construction and in Protective Clothing)
Authors: Wysokińska Zofia , Czajkowski Tomasz
Published: November 2013

The aim of this article is to present the results of our analysis of the European market in the field of protective textile products, based on the EUROSTAT database and our own research. The market volumes of curtains and inner roller blinds, marquees and anti-solar curtains, male clothing accessories and female clothing accessories are presented and analyzed. Initial research of supply and demand in the Polish market of textile products protecting against UV radiation is also presented and discussed.
Olfaction and gustation abilities after a total laryngectomy
Authors: Mumovic Gordana , Hocevar-Boltezar Irena
Published: November 2013

Background. A laryngectomy affects many of a patient’s functions. Besides speech and respiratory-tract problems, olfaction and gustation problems can also have an influence on the quality of life. The aim of this study was to find out how often various nasal problems and decreased gustation appear after a laryngectomy.

Patients and methods. One hundred and five laryngectomized patients (9 women, 96 men, aged 45-88 years), treated in two tertiary centers, were included in the study. They completed a questionnaire about various nasal problems, olfactory and gustatory capabilities, possible allergies and irritants in their environment, and the impact of the nasal and gustation problems on their quality of life.

Results. Olfaction was impaired in 51.4%, and was even not possible in 30.5%, of patients. Decreased gustation abilities were reported in 26.7%, and dysgeusia in 11.4%, of patients. Almost 21% of patients were bothered by an impaired gustatory ability and 50.5% of patients were affected by their loss of olfaction. Frequent nasal discharge was reported in 20%, frequent sneezing in 58.1%, and nasal itching in 33.3% of the laryngectomized patients. There were no correlations between the age and the olfaction and gustation abilities and between the allergy and the nasal symptoms, whereas the correlation between olfaction and gustation appeared significant (p=0.025).

Conclusions. Various nasal and gustatory problems were reported in more than 80% of laryngectomized patients. The olfaction and gustation abilities are connected and have a substantial impact on the quality of life. Like in the case of speech, the rehabilitation of olfaction is also necessary in all laryngectomized patients and must take place soon after the completion of the treatment.
Enhancing the Sustainability of Quinoa Production and Soil Resilience by Using Bioproducts Made with Native Microorganisms
Authors: Ortuño Noel , Castillo José , Claros Mayra , Navia Oscar , Angulo Marlene , Barja Daniel , Gutiérrez Claudia , Angulo Violeta
Published: November 2013

Microorganisms are involved in a network of interactions with plants, promoting growth and acting as biocontrol agents against diseases. In this work, we studied native microorganisms associated with quinoa plants (Chenopodium quinoa) and the application of these organisms to the organic production of quinoa in the Andean Altiplano. Quinoa is a non-cereal grain native to the Andean highlands and is highly nutritious and gluten-free. As such, the international demand for quinoa has increased substantially in recent years. We isolated native endophytic bacteria that are able to fix nitrogen, solubilize phosphate and synthesize a phytohormone and native strains of Trichoderma, a fungus typically used for increasing plant growth and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Greenhouse assays and field trials allowed for selecting promissory bacterial isolates, mostly belonging to Bacillus and Paenibacillus genera, that increased plant length, panicle weight and grain yield. Selected microbial isolates were large-scale multiplied in simple and inexpensive culture media and then formulated to obtain bioproducts that were distributed among local farmers. Thus, we developed a technology for the exploitation of beneficial microbes, offering promising and environmentally friendly strategies for the organic production of quinoa without perturbing the native microbial diversity of Andean soils and making them more resilient to the adverse effects of climatic change and the over-production of quinoa.
Why Do So Many Calves Die on Modern Dairy Farms and What Can We Do about Calf Welfare in the Future?
Authors: Mee John
Published: November 2013

Poor bovine neonatal survival rates are an international animal welfare issue. The key modifiable risk factors associated with such loss are age at first calving in primiparae, calf breed, gender and gestation length and calving management. The primary causes of mortality in the perinatal period are calving problems, in particular dystocia, defined as both difficult and abnormal calvings. Calf loss rates are rising on modern dairy farms in many countries internationally. High calf loss rates are often not recognised at national or at farm-level; recording needs to be improved. Improving bovine neonatal survival requires re-prioritization of this issue. Stakeholders need to be made cognisant of this prioritization. Actions to effect change need to occur at both national and farm-levels. National-level actions need firstly to address raising awareness of the issue. Farm-level actions need to focus on identifiable problem farms through targeted surveillance. Application of existing knowledge to alter modifiable risk factors is the key to improving calf welfare in the future. Research also has a role to play in filling knowledge gaps in particular about the ‘unexplained stillbirth’.
Group Invariance of Information Geometry on q-Gaussian Distributions Induced by Beta-Divergence
Authors: Ohara Atsumi , Eguchi Shinto
Published: November 2013

We demonstrate that the q-exponential family particularly admits natural geometrical structures among deformed exponential families. The property is the invariance of structures with respect to a general linear group, which transitively acts on the space of positive definite matrices. We prove this property via the correspondence between information geometry induced by a deformed potential on the space and the one induced by what we call β-divergence defined on the q-exponential family with q = β + 1. The results are fundamental in robust multivariate analysis using the q-Gaussian family.
Overview of Evidence in Prevention and Aetiology of Food Allergy: A Review of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Lodge Caroline , Allen Katrina , Lowe Adrian , Dharmage Shyamali
Published: November 2013

The worldwide prevalence of food allergy appears to be increasing. Early life environmental factors are implicated in the aetiology of this global epidemic. The largest burden of disease is in early childhood, where research efforts aimed at prevention have been focused. Evidence synthesis from good quality systematic reviews is needed. We performed an overview of systematic reviews concerning the prevention and aetiology of food allergy, retrieving 14 systematic reviews, which covered three broad topics: formula (hydrolysed or soy) for the prevention of food allergy or food sensitization; maternal and infant diet and dietary supplements for the prevention of food allergy or food sensitization and hygiene hypothesis-related interventions. Using the AMSTAR criteria for assessment of methodological quality, we found five reviews to be of high quality, seven of medium quality and two of low quality. Overall we found no compelling evidence that any of the interventions that had been systematically reviewed were related to the risk of food allergy. Updating of existing reviews, and production of new systematic reviews, are needed in areas where evidence is emerging for interventions and environmental associations. Furthermore, additional primary studies, with greater numbers of participants and objective food allergy definitions are urgently required.
Use of a Time-of-Flight Camera With an Omek Beckon™ Framework to Analyze, Evaluate and Correct in Real Time the Verticality of Multiple Sclerosis Patients during Exercise
Authors: Eguíluz Gonzalo , García Zapirain Begoña
Published: November 2013

Any person with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), regardless of the severity of their disability, needs regular physical activity. Poorly performed exercises could aggravate muscle imbalances and worsen the patient’s health. In this paper, we propose a human body verticality detection system using a time-of-flight camera as a tool to detect incorrect postures and improve them in real time. The prototype uses Omek’s Beckon™ Framework to analyze and evaluate the position of patients during exercise. Preliminary results, based on objective questionnaires, indicate an improvement in patients’ evolution through better positions and performance of the exercises.
Anti-Biofilm Performance of Three Natural Products against Initial Bacterial Attachment
Authors: Salta Maria , Wharton Julian , Dennington Simon , Stoodley Paul , Stokes Keith
Published: November 2013

Marine bacteria contribute significantly towards the fouling consortium, both directly (modern foul release coatings fail to prevent “slime” attachment) and indirectly (biofilms often excrete chemical cues that attract macrofouling settlement). This study assessed the natural product anti-biofilm performance of an extract of the seaweed, Chondrus crispus, and two isolated compounds from terrestrial sources, (+)-usnic acid and juglone, against two marine biofilm forming bacteria, Cobetia marina and Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus. Bioassays were developed using quantitative imaging and fluorescent labelling to test the natural products over a range of concentrations against initial bacterial attachment. All natural products affected bacterial attachment; however, juglone demonstrated the best anti-biofilm performance against both bacterial species at a concentration range between 5–20 ppm. In addition, for the first time, a dose-dependent inhibition (hormetic) response was observed for natural products against marine biofilm forming bacteria.
Combination of Fenretinide and Selenite Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Liu Jie , Li Jia , Zhang Jian-Fang , Xin Xiao-Yan
Published: November 2013

The combination of fenretinide and selenite on ovarian cancer cells was investigated to assess its effects on proliferation and ability to induce apoptosis. Our results showed that fenretinide and selenite in combination significantly suppress the proliferation of ovarian cancer cells and induced apoptosis (including reactive oxygen species generation, and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential) compared with either drug used alone. The caspase3/9-dependent pathway was triggered significantly in combination treatment, and moreover, the AMPK pathway also mediated the apoptosis induction in fenretinide and selenite combination. Fenretinide and selenite combination treatment was demonstrated to suppress tumor growth in vivo, this drug combination has been thus found to have an enhanced anti-tumor effect on ovarian cancers cells.
New Potential Antitumor Pyrazole Derivatives: Synthesis and Cytotoxic Evaluation
Authors: Nitulescu George , Draghici Constantin , Olaru Octavian
Published: November 2013

New pyrazole derivatives were designed and synthesized as potential protein kinase inhibitors in the view to develop specific antitumor therapies. The structures of the compounds were elucidated using spectral and elemental analyses. The antitumor potential was estimated using wheat seeds and the general toxicity was evaluated by alternative methods, using invertebrate animals. One 3-aminopyrazole derivative emerged as a potential candidate for the development of future cytotoxic compounds.
Opposite Associations of Plasma Homoarginine and Ornithine with Arginine in Healthy Children and Adolescents
Authors: Jaźwińska-Kozuba Aleksandra , Martens-Lobenhoffer Jens , Kruszelnicka Olga , Rycaj Jarosław , Chyrchel Bernadeta , Surdacki Andrzej , Bode-Böger Stefanie
Published: November 2013

Homoarginine, a non-proteinogenic amino acid, is formed when lysine replaces ornithine in reactions catalyzed by hepatic urea cycle enzymes or lysine substitutes for glycine as a substrate of renal arginine:glycine amidinotransferase. Decreased circulating homoarginine and elevated ornithine, a downstream product of arginase, predict adverse cardiovascular outcome. Our aim was to investigate correlates of plasma homoarginine and ornithine and their relations with carotid vascular structure in 40 healthy children and adolescents aged 3–18 years without coexistent diseases or subclinical carotid atherosclerosis. Homoarginine, ornithine, arginine, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with stable isotope-labeled internal standards. Intima-media thickness (IMT) and extra-medial thickness (EMT) of common carotid arteries were estimated by B-mode ultrasound. Homoarginine correlated with arginine (r = 0.43, p = 0.005), age (r = 0.42, p = 0.007) and, weakly, with an increased arginine-to-ornithine ratio, a putative measure of lower arginase activity (r = 0.31, p = 0.048). Ornithine correlated inversely with arginine (r = −0.64, p < 0.001). IMT, EMT or their sum were unrelated to any of the biochemical parameters (p > 0.12). Thus, opposite associations of plasma homoarginine and ornithine with arginine may partially result from possible involvement of arginase, an enzyme controlling homoarginine degradation and ornithine synthesis from arginine. Age-dependency of homoarginine levels can reflect developmental changes in homoarginine metabolism. However, neither homoarginine nor ornithine appears to be associated with carotid vascular structure in healthy children and adolescents.
Pressure Dependent Product Formation in the Photochemically Initiated Allyl + Allyl Reaction
Authors: Seidel Lars , Hoyermann Karlheinz , Mauß Fabian , Nothdurft Jörg , Zeuch Thomas
Published: November 2013

Photochemically driven reactions involving unsaturated radicals produce a thick global layer of organic haze on Titan, Saturn’s largest moon. The allyl radical self-reaction is an example for this type of chemistry and was examined at room temperature from an experimental and kinetic modelling perspective. The experiments were performed in a static reactor with a volume of 5 L under wall free conditions. The allyl radicals were produced from laser flash photolysis of three different precursors allyl bromide (C3H5Br), allyl chloride (C3H5Cl), and 1,5-hexadiene (CH2CH(CH2)2CHCH2) at 193 nm. Stable products were identified by their characteristic vibrational modes and quantified using FTIR spectroscopy. In addition to the (re-) combination pathway C3H5+C3H5 → C6H10 we found at low pressures around 1 mbar the highest final product yields for allene and propene for the precursor C3H5Br. A kinetic analysis indicates that the end product formation is influenced by specific reaction kinetics of photochemically activated allyl radicals. Above 10 mbar the (re-) combination pathway becomes dominant. These findings exemplify the specificities of reaction kinetics involving chemically activated species, which for certain conditions cannot be simply deduced from combustion kinetics or atmospheric chemistry on Earth.
Sprouting and genetic structure vary with flood disturbance in the tropical riverine paperbark tree, Melaleuca leucadendra (Myrtaceae)
Authors: Chong Caroline , Edwards Will , Pearson Richard , Waycott Michelle
Published: November 2013

• Premise of the study: Sprouting in woody plants promotes persistence in the face of disturbance, ultimately influencing population structure. Different disturbance regimes drive variable population responses, but there have been few direct tests of the relative differences in population structure to specific drivers. We measured population structure as genotypic diversity (clonality) as a function of hydrological regime for a riverine tree, Melaleuca leucadendra, a major structural component in flood landscapes in the Australian dry tropics.

• Methods: We estimated clonality, genotypic richness, and population allelic diversity. The relationship among disturbance, genetic estimates of clonality, and population distinctiveness was compared with flood regime, characterized by return frequencies and hydrological stress at individual river reaches.

• Key results: Two contrasting patterns of genotypic structure were detected and corresponded to order‐of‐magnitude differences in flood regime between sites. At mainstem locations characterized by greatest flood intensity, sprouting generated clonal structure to 17 m (30% ramets clonal). By contrast, clonality was atypical at lower‐disturbance tributaries (0% clonal). Population allelic distributions showed extensive genetic exchange among mainstem locations, but strong genetic differentiation between mainstem and tributaries.

• Conclusions: Population structure and distinctiveness in riverine Melaleuca are determined by differences in sprouting and recruitment responses that depend on localized hydrological regime. Sprouting contributes to population persistence via localized clonal growth. Resprouting following disturbance in M. leucadendra may help explain its numerical dominance in tropical river systems. This study, although preliminary, suggests that flood ecosystems may represent excellent experimental systems to develop a better understanding of whole‐organism responses to environmental drivers.
Modulation of defect-mediated energy transfer from ZnO nanoparticles for the photocatalytic degradation of bilirubin
Authors: Bora Tanujjal , Lakshman Karthik Kunjali , Sarkar Soumik , Makhal Abhinandan , Sardar Samim , Pal Samir Kumar , Dutta Joydeep
Published: November 2013

In recent years, nanotechnology has gained significant interest for applications in the medical field. In this regard, a utilization of the ZnO nanoparticles for the efficient degradation of bilirubin (BR) through photocatalysis was explored. BR is a water insoluble byproduct of the heme catabolism that can cause jaundice when its excretion is impaired. The photocatalytic degradation of BR activated by ZnO nanoparticles through a non-radiative energy transfer pathway can be influenced by the surface defect-states (mainly the oxygen vacancies) of the catalyst nanoparticles. These were modulated by applying a simple annealing in an oxygen-rich atmosphere. The mechanism of the energy transfer process between the ZnO nanoparticles and the BR molecules adsorbed at the surface was studied by using steady-state and picosecond-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. A correlation of photocatalytic degradation and time-correlated single photon counting studies revealed that the defect-engineered ZnO nanoparticles that were obtained through post-annealing treatments led to an efficient decomposition of BR molecules that was enabled by Förster resonance energy transfer.
Comparison Between Ivabradine and Low-Dose Digoxin in the Therapy of Diastolic Heart Failure with Preserved Left Ventricular Systolic Function
Authors: Cocco Giuseppe , Jerie Paul
Published: November 2013

Multicenter trials have demonstrated that in patients with sinus rhythm ivabradine is effective in the therapy of ischemic heart disease and of impaired left ventricular systolic function. Ivabradine is ineffective in atrial fibrillation. Many patients with symptomatic heart failure have diastolic dysfunction with preserved left ventricular systolic function, and many have asymptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Ivabradine is not indicated in these conditions, but it happens that it is erroneously used. Digoxin is now considered an outdated and potentially dangerous drug and while effective in the mentioned conditions, is rarely used. The aim of the study was to compare the therapeutic effects of ivabradine in diastolic heart failure with preserved left ventricular systolic function. Patients were assigned to ivabradine or digoxin according to a randomization cross-over design. Data were single-blind analyzed. The analysis was performed using an intention-to-treat method. Forty-two coronary patients were selected. In spite of maximally tolerated therapy with renin-antagonists, diuretics and ?-blockers, they had congestive diastolic heart failure with preserved systolic function. Both ivabradine and digoxin had positive effects on dyspnea, Nterminal natriuretic peptide, heart rate, duration of 6-min. walk-test and signs of diastolic dysfunction, but digoxin was high-statistically more effective. Side-effects were irrelevant. Data were obtained in a single-center and from 42 patients with ischemic etiology of heart failure. The number of patients is small and does not allow assessing mortality. In coronary patients with symptomatic diastolic heart failure with preserved systolic function low-dose digoxin was significantly more effective than ivabradine and is much cheaper. One should be more critical about ivabradine and low-dose digoxin in diastolic heart failure. To avoid possible negative effects on the cardiac function and a severe reduction of the cardiac output the resting heart rate should not be decreased to <65 beats/min.
Seligman’s flourishing: An appraisal of what lies beyond happiness
Authors: Van Zyl Llewellyn E.
Published: November 2013

No abstract available.
A comparison of two pH‐stat carbon dioxide dosing systems for ocean acidification experiments
Authors: Wilcox‐Freeburg Eric , Rhyne Andrew , Robinson William E. , Tlusty Michael , Bourque Bradford , Hannigan Robyn E.
Published: November 2013

As the oceans acidify due to increasing atmospheric CO2, there is a growing need to understand the impact of this process on marine organisms. Field observations are difficult because of multiple covarying factors (e.g., temperature, salinity). As such, there is interest in conducting controlled, laboratory experiments to best understand how changes in acidity will affect marine organisms. We tested two intermittent CO2 dosing systems, a “home aquarium hobby” grade pH controller and an industrial process control platform. We assessed stability, accuracy, and precision over 7‐d experimental periods as well as relative cost of the two configurations. We also compared three laboratory‐grade pH electrodes to the hobbyist electrode to further evaluate electrode quality on systemcontrolled pH stability and drift. Whereas the industrial system offered some benefit with regard to autonomy, our results show that the low‐cost hobbyist system can be modified appropriately to provide comparable pH control. We provide a detailed list of procedures and software developed for the implementation of a cost‐effective, precision‐controlled CO2 dosing system to support laboratory‐based ocean acidification experiments.
Hyperspectral imaging of the microscale distribution and dynamics of microphytobenthos in intertidal sediments
Authors: Chennu Arjun , Färber Paul , Volkenborn Nils , Al‐Najjar Mohammad A. A. , Janssen Felix , de Beer Dirk , Polerecky Lubos
Published: November 2013

We describe a novel, field‐deployable hyperspectral imaging system, called Hypersub, that allows noninvasive in situ mapping of the microphytobenthos (MPB) biomass distribution with a high spatial (sub‐millimeter) and temporal (minutes) resolution over areas of 1 × 1 m. The biomass is derived from a log‐transformed and near‐infrared corrected reflectance hyperspectral index, which exhibits a linear relationship (R2 > 0.97) with the chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentration in the euphotic zone of the sediment and depends on the sediment grain size. Deployments of the system revealed that due to factors such as sediment topography, bioturbation, and grazing, the distribution of MPB in intertidal sediments is remarkably heterogeneous, with Chl a concentrations varying laterally by up to 400% of the average value over a distance of 1 cm. Furthermore, due to tidal cycling and diel light variability, MPB concentrations in the top 1 mm of sediments are very dynamic, changing by 40–80% over a few hours due to vertical migration. We argue that the high‐resolution hyperspectral imaging method overcomes the inadequate resolution of traditional methods based on sedimentary Chl a extraction, and thus helps improve our understanding of the processes that control benthic primary production in coastal sediments.
Combined SAGE II–GOMOS ozone profile data set for 1984–2011 and trend analysis of the vertical distribution of ozone
Authors: Kyrölä E. , Laine M. , Sofieva V. , Tamminen J. , Päivärinta S.-M. , Tukiainen S. , Zawodny J. , Thomason L.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. We have studied data from two satellite occultation instruments in order to generate a high vertical resolution homogeneous ozone time series of 26 yr. The Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE) II solar occultation instrument and the Global Ozone Monitoring by Occultation of Stars (GOMOS) instrument measured ozone profiles in the stratosphere and mesosphere from 1984–2005 and 2002–2012, respectively. Global coverage, good vertical resolution, and the self-calibrating measurement method make data from these instruments valuable for the detection of changes in vertical distribution of ozone over time. As both instruments share a common measurement period from 2002–2005, it is possible to inter-calibrate the data sets. We investigate how well these measurements agree with each other and combine all the data to produce a new stratospheric ozone profile data set. Above 55 km, SAGE II measurements show much less ozone than the GOMOS nighttime measurements as a consequence of the well-known diurnal variation of ozone in the mesosphere. Between 35–55 km, SAGE II sunrise and sunset measurements differ from GOMOS' measurements to different extents. Sunrise measurements show 2% less ozone than GOMOS, whereas sunset measurements show 4% more ozone than GOMOS. Differences can be explained qualitatively by the diurnal variation of ozone in the stratosphere recently observed by SMILES and modeled by chemical transport models. Between 25–35 km, SAGE II sunrise and sunset measurements and GOMOS measurements agree within 1%. The observed ozone bias between collocated measurements of SAGE II sunrise/sunset and GOMOS night measurements is used to align the two data sets. The combined data set covers the time period 1984–2011, latitudes 60° S–60° N, and the altitude range of 20–60 km. Profile data are given on a 1 km vertical grid, and with a resolution of 1 month in time and 10° in latitude. The combined ozone data set is analyzed by fitting a time series model to the data. We assume a linear trend with an inflection point (so-called "hockey stick" form). The best estimate for the point of inflection was found to be the year 1997 for ozone between altitudes 35 and 45 km. At all latitudes and altitudes from 35 to 50 km we find a clear change in ozone trend before and after the inflection time. From 38 to 45 km, a negative trend of 4% per decade (statistically significant at 95% level) at the equator has changed to a small positive trend of 0–2% per decade. At mid-latitudes, the negative trend of 4–8% per decade has changed to to a small positive trend of 0–2% per decade. At mid-latitudes near 20 km, the ozone loss has still increased whereas in the tropics a recovery is ongoing.