bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Efficient Bioorthogonal Strategy Using CuAAC Click Chemistry for Radiofluorinations of SNEW Peptides and the Role of Copper Depletion
Authors: Pretze Marc , Kuchar Manuela , Bergmann Ralf , Steinbach Jörg , Pietzsch Jens , Mamat Constantin
Published: April 2013

The EphB2 receptor is known to be overexpressed in various types of cancer and is therefore a promising target for tumor cell imaging by positron emission tomography (PET). In this regard, imaging could facilitate the early detection of EphB2‐overexpressing tumors, monitoring responses to therapy directed toward EphB2, and thus improvement in patient outcomes. We report the synthesis and evaluation of several fluorine‐18‐labeled peptides containing the SNEW amino acid motif, with high affinity for the EphB2 receptor, for their potential as radiotracers in the non‐invasive imaging of cancer using PET. For the purposes of radiofluorination, EphB2‐antagonistic SNEW peptides were varied at the C terminus by the introduction of L‐cysteine, and further by alkyne‐ or azide‐modified amino acids. In addition, two novel bifunctional and bioorthogonal labeling building blocks [18F]AFP and [18F]BFP were applied, and their capacity to introduce fluorine‐18 was compared with that of the established building block [18F]FBAM. Copper‐assisted Huisgen 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition, which belongs to the set of bioorthogonal click chemistry reactions, was used to introduce both novel building blocks into azide‐ or alkyne‐modified SNEW peptides under mild conditions. Finally, the depletion of copper immediately after radiolabeling is a highly important step of this novel methodology.
State‐level cancer treatment costs
Authors: Tangka Florence K. , Trogdon Justin G. , Ekwueme Donatus U. , Guy Gery P. , Nwaise Isaac , Orenstein Diane
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND

Cancer treatment accounts for approximately 5% of national health expenditures. However, no state‐level estimates of cancer treatment costs have been published.

METHODS

In analyses of data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, the National Nursing Home Survey, the US Census Bureau, the Current Population Survey, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, this study used regression modeling to estimate annual state‐level cancer care costs during 2004 to 2008 for 4 categories of payers: all payers, Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance.

RESULTS

State‐level cancer care costs ranged from $227 million to $13.6 billion (median = $2.0 billion) in 2010 dollars. Medicare paid between 25.1% and 36.1% of these costs (median = 32.5%); private insurance paid between 36.0% and 49.6% (median = 43.3%); and Medicaid paid between 2.0% and 8.8% (median = 4.8%). Cancer treatment accounted for 3.8% to 8.7% of all state‐level medical expenditures (median = 7.0%), 8.5% to 15.0% of state‐level Medicare expenditures (median = 10.6%), 1.0% to 4.9% of state‐level Medicaid expenditures (median = 2.2%), and 5.5% to 10.9% of state‐level private insurance expenditures (median = 8.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

The costs of cancer treatment were substantial in all states and accounted for a sizable fraction of medical expenditures for all payers. The high cost of cancer treatment underscores the importance of preventing and controlling cancer as one approach to manage state‐level medical costs. Cancer 2013;119:2309–2316. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Phase 2 study of S‐1 and carboplatin plus bevacizumab followed by maintenance S‐1 and bevacizumab for chemotherapy‐naive patients with advanced nonsquamous non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Urata Yoshiko , Okamoto Isamu , Takeda Masayuki , Hattori Yoshihiro , Okuno Keiko , Shimada Temiko , Kurata Takayasu , Kaneda Hiroyasu , Miyazaki Masaki , Terashima Masaaki , Tanaka Kaoru , Morita Satoshi , Nakagawa Kazuhiko , Negoro Shunichi , Satouchi Miyako
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND

A previous phase 3 trial demonstrated noninferiority in terms of overall survival for combined S‐1 (an oral fluoropyrimidine) and carboplatin compared with combined paclitaxel and carboplatin as first‐line treatment for advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In the current study, the authors evaluated the efficacy and safety of combined S‐1, carboplatin, and bevacizumab followed by maintenance with S‐1 and bevacizumab in chemotherapy‐naive patients with advanced nonsquamous NSCLC.

METHODS

Patients received carboplatin (area under the concentration‐time curve, 5 mg mL−1 per minute) and bevacizumab (15 mg/kg) on day 1 plus oral S‐1 (80 mg/m2 per day) on days 1 through 14 every 21 days for up to 6 cycles. For patients without disease progression, S‐1 and bevacizumab were continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity developed.

RESULTS

Forty‐eight patients were enrolled in the phase 2 study; of these, 35 patients (72.9%) completed at least 4 cycles. Most toxicities of grade ≥3 were hematologic, and no increase in relative incidence associated with maintenance with S‐1 and bevacizumab was observed. The objective response rate was 54.2% (95% confidence interval, 39.2%‐68.6%), and the median progression‐free survival was 6.8 months (95% confidence interval, 4.3‐8.2 months).

CONCLUSIONS

The regimen of combined S‐1, carboplatin, and bevacizumab followed by maintenance with S‐1 and bevacizumab was active and feasible as first‐line treatment for advanced nonsquamous NSCLC. Cancer 2013;119:2275–2281. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Dual‐micropillar‐based microfluidic platform for single embryonic stem cell‐derived neuronal differentiation
Authors: Lee Jong Min , Kim Ji‐eun , Borana Jayant , Chung Bong Hyun , Chung Bong Geun
Published: April 2013

We developed the dual‐micropillar‐based microfluidic platform to direct embryonic stem (ES) cell fate. 4 × 4 dual‐micropillar‐based microfluidic platform consisted of 16 circular‐shaped outer micropillars and 8 saddle‐shaped inner micropillars in which single ES cells were cultured. We hypothesized that dual‐micropillar arrays would play an important role in controlling the shear stress and cell docking. Circular‐shaped outer micropillars minimized the shear stress, whereas saddle‐shaped inner micropillars allowed for docking of individual ES cells. We observed the effect of saddle‐shaped inner micropillars on cell docking in response to hydrodynamic resistance. We also demonstrated that ES cells cultured for 6 days within the dual‐micropillar‐based microfluidic platform differentiated into neural‐like cells. Therefore, this dual‐micropillar‐based microfluidic platform could be a potentially powerful method for screening of lineage commitments of single ES cells.
Improved sulfoalkylbetaine‐based organic‐silica hybrid monolith for high efficient hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography of polar compounds
Authors: Chen Yingzhuang , Wang Keyi , Liu Yixuan , Yang Huihui , Yao Shouzhuo , Chen Bo , Nie Lihua , Xu Guangming
Published: April 2013

A novel sulfoalkylbetaine‐based zwitterionic organic‐silica hybrid monolith was synthesized by using 3‐dimethyl‐(3‐(N‐methacrylamido) propyl) ammonium propane sulfonate (DMMPPS, neutral sulfoalkyl‐betaine monomer). The added amount of zwitterionic monomer was significantly increased when DMMPPS was used instead of the conventionally used acidic sulfoalkyl‐betaine monomer, that is, the N,N‐dimethyl‐N‐ methacryloxyethyl‐N‐(3‐sulfopropyl) ammonium betaine, and this led to a significantly improved hydrophilicity of the monolith. The DMMPPS‐based organic‐silica hybrid monolith exhibited good mechanical stability and excellent separation performance. About ∼20 μm plate height (corresponding to column efficiency of ∼50 000 plates/m) was obtained for nucleoside at the linear velocity of 1 mm/s. The proposed monolithic column was successfully applied to separate purines/pyrimidines, nucleotides, and tryptic digest of bovine hemoglobin in a nano‐HILIC mode, and the results demonstrated that such monolith has the potential for separation of a variety of hydrophilic substances.
Targeted analysis of omega‐6‐derived eicosanoids in human serum by SPE‐LC‐MS/MS for evaluation of coronary artery disease
Authors: Fernández Peralbo María Auxiliadora , Priego‐Capote Feliciano , Galache‐Osuna José Gabriel , Luque de Castro María Dolores
Published: April 2013

A targeted approach has been applied to quantitative analysis of eicosanoids derived from omega‐6 fatty acids in serum from individuals diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD). The target metabolites were series‐2 prostaglandins, thromboxane B2, hydroxy‐eicosatetraenoic acids, and hydroxyoctadecadienoic acids. The method was based on SPE‐LC‐MS/MS in selected reaction monitoring mode for highly selective and sensitive determination of the target eicosanoids. The combination of SPE and LC‐MS/MS involved the benefits from both direct analysis of serum without a step for protein precipitation and fully automation of the analysis. The method allowed comparison of omega‐6‐derived eicosanoids in serum from patients diagnosed with CAD and from control individuals. The effect of treatment with aspirin on the profile of the target compounds was evaluated through its incidence on the different pathways. Finally, the serum levels of the target metabolites in patients diagnosed with CAD were also statistically examined according to the severity of the coronary lesion stratified as stable angina, non‐ST‐elevation acute coronary syndrome, and acute myocardial infarction.
Microchannel plate as a novel bipolar electrode for high‐performance enrichment of anions
Authors: Cao Zhen , Yobas Levent
Published: April 2013

Microchannel plate (MCP), a high‐porosity glass membrane used as an electron multiplier in analytical/scientific instruments for the detection of energetic photons and charged particles is demonstrated here as a highly effective bipolar electrode (BPE) for electrokinetic focusing of anions. Assembled between a pair of microfluidic channels filled with an electrolyte buffer and subjected to a sufficient bias potential, MCP supports faradaic reactions, owing to its semiconducting characteristics. Thousands of microcapillary tubes fused together define MCP and act in unison such that each microcapillary serves as a tiny BPE surrounding an infinitesimal element of bulk electrolyte with a large surface‐area‐to‐volume ratio and hence performs highly effective as compared to a planar electrode inlaid into a microchannel. This performance has been validated here where concentration enrichment of a fluorescent tracer has been demonstrated at a remarkable rate of up to 175‐fold/s exceeding those reported for planar BPEs. We attribute such high performance to the rapid onset of ion‐depletion zone and subsequent steep field gradient, signifying the high‐porosity structure of MCP as an effective BPE.
Graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide as novel stationary phases via electrostatic assembly for open‐tubular capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Liu Xiaoling , Liu Xi , Liu Xin , Guo Liping , Yang Li , Wang Shengtian
Published: April 2013

We present here the application of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (GOOH) sheet as novel stationary phases for open‐tubular CEC (OTCEC) separation based on electrostatic assembly. The inner walls of a bare capillary column was first modified by ionic assembly of poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA), and then negatively charged GO or GOOH was easily assembled on a positively charged interior walls of the capillary by electrostatic force. Scanning Electron Microscope images showed that GO and GOOH can still maintain sheet‐layer‐like structure when coated onto the capillary via electrostatic assembly. The chromatographic properties of the GO and GOOH coated columns were evaluated via OTCEC separations of various kinds of analytes, including three acid nitrophenol isomers, three basic nitroaniline isomers, and four neutral PAHs. Efficient separations of all the analytes were achieved with optimized buffer pH and organic additive. The reproducibility and stability of the GO or GOOH coated columns were investigated. Our results indicate the capability of application GO or GOOH sheet in OTCEC separation, which can be coated on the inner wall of fused‐silica capillary via electrostatic assembly.
Auf alles gefasst sein
Authors: Wolf Meike
Published: April 2013

Von der Prävention zur Preparedness: Kulturanthropologen werfen einen neuen Blick auf Pandemien als globalisierte und globalisierende Erkrankungen. Virusinfektionen wie SARS sollen über die medizinische Dimension hinaus umfassend verstanden und bekämpft werden.
Die Macht der Alpha‐Mütter
Authors: Höner Oliver
Published: April 2013

Ein evolutionäres Verhaltensmuster verhindert Inzucht in sozialen Tiergemeinschaften: Weil weibliche Tüpfelhyänen so wählerisch sind, wandern die fortpflanzungsreifen Männchen aus. Ergebnisse wegweisender Studien im Ngorongoro‐Krater in Tansania.
Offenes Geheimnis
Authors: Beutelspacher Albrecht
Published: April 2013

Verschlüsselung geht neue Wege: Die Initialzündung auf dem Weg zur „Public‐Key‐Kryptografie”︁ war der RSA‐Algorithmus. Noch aber sind grundlegende mathematische Fragen zu lösen, bevor damit zum Beispiel das „elektronische Bezahlen”︁ möglich wird.
On the size distribution of cloud holes in stratocumulus and their relationship to cloud‐top entrainment
Authors: Yamaguchi Takanobu , Feingold Graham
Published: April 2013

The relationship between cloud‐top entrainment and cloud hole size at the top of stratocumulus clouds is explored with large‐eddy simulations and a Lagrangian parcel tracking model. The cloud‐hole size distribution follows a negative power law, in excellent agreement with satellite observation at 15 m resolution. As a result of the steep decrease in the number of holes with increasing size, the number of entrained Lagrangian parcels also decreases with increasing hole size (negative power law), even though the number of entrainment events per hole increases with increasing hole size (positive power law). Thus, entrainment preferentially occurs in small holes. Further analysis shows that the domain averaged entrainment velocity is a reasonable approximation to the domain averaged cloud‐hole vertical velocity, and dominated by contributions from the small holes.
Relationship between postoperative complications and survival after free flap reconstruction for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ch'ng Sydney , Choi Vincent , Elliott Michael , Clark Jonathan R.
Published: April 2013

Background

Current literature on the effect of postoperative complications on survival outcomes in head and neck cancers remains contradictory. This study assesses whether postoperative complications adversely affect survival in cases of complex surgical ablation and reconstruction of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods

In all, 255 consecutive patients with complete clinicopathologic data were included. Survival was determined using the log‐rank test and Kaplan–Meier survival curves were generated. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to adjust for the effect of other significant covariates to determine the independent effect of complication variables for overall survival (OS). A competing risk model was used for disease‐specific survival (DSS).

Results

On multivariable analysis, major complications independently prognosticated for reduced OS [hazard ratio (HR) 2.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–3.2, p = .02]. There was no evidence for an association between any complication‐variable and DSS or recurrence.

Conclusions

Major postoperative complications are independently associated with decreased OS. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 55–59, 2014
Describing the primary care system capacity for the prevention and management of non‐communicable diseases in rural Vietnam
Authors: Van Minh Hoang , Do Young Kyung , Bautista Mary Ann Cruz , Tuan Anh Tran
Published: April 2013

Background

The primary care system in Vietnam has been shown to play a crucial role in disease prevention and health promotion. This study described the primary care system in a selected rural area in Vietnam in terms of its capacity for prevention and control of non‐communicable diseases (NCDs).

Methods

The study was conducted in 2011 in Dong Hy district, Thai Nguyen province—a rural community located in northern Vietnam. Mixed methods were used, including quantitative and qualitative and literature review approaches, to collect data on the current status of the six building blocks of the primary care system in Dong Hy district. Selected health workers and stakeholders in the selected healthcare facilities were surveyed.

Results

A description of Dong Hy district's primary care capacity for NCD prevention and control is reported. (i) Service delivery: The current practice in NCD prevention and treatment is mainly based on a single risk factor rather than a combination of cardiovascular disease risks. (ii) Governance: At the primary care level, multi‐sectoral collaborations are limited, and there is insufficient integration of NCD preventive activities. (iii) Financing: A national budget for NCD prevention and control is lacking. The cost of treatment and medicines is high, whereas the health insurance scheme limits the list of available medicines and the reimbursement ceiling level. Health workers have low remuneration despite their important roles in NCD prevention. (iv) Human resources: The quantity and quality of health staff working at the primary care level, especially those in preventive medicine, are insufficient. (v) Information and research: The health information system in the district is weak, and there is no specific information system for collecting population‐based NCD data. (vi) Medical products and technology: Not all essential equipment and medicines recommended by the WHO are always available at the commune health centre.

Conclusion

The capacity of the primary care system in Vietnam is still inadequate to serve the NCD‐related health needs of the population. There is an urgent need to improve the primary care capacity for NCD prevention and management in Vietnam. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Use of Touch in Counseling: An Ethical Decision‐Making Model
Authors: Calmes Stephanie A. , Piazza Nick J. , Laux John M.
Published: April 2013

Although some counselors have advocated for the limited use of touch in counseling, others have argued that touch has no place within the counseling relationship. Despite the controversy, the use of touch has been shown to have a number of therapeutic benefits; however, there are few ethical decision‐making models that are appropriate for considering the use of touch in counseling. The authors discuss the controversy surrounding the use of touch and the benefits/contraindications of touch. The 5 ethical principles of counseling are also examined; a new ordering of the principles is presented as a useful ethical decision‐making model when considering the use of touch in counseling.
Porous poly(ε‐caprolactone) scaffolds for load‐bearing tissue regeneration: Solventless fabrication and characterization
Authors: Allaf Rula M. , Rivero Iris V. , Abidi Noureddine , Ivanov Ilia N.
Published: April 2013

Three‐dimensional interconnected porous poly(ε‐caprolactone) scaffolds have been prepared by a novel solventless scaffold fabrication approach combining cryomilling and compression molding/porogen leaching techniques. This study investigated the effects of processing parameters on scaffold morphology and properties for tissue regeneration. Specifically, the effects of molding temperature, cryomilling time, and porogen mix were examined. Fifty percentage of porous scaffolds were fabricated with a range of properties: mean pore size from ∼40 to 125 μm, water uptake from ∼50 to 86%, compressive modulus from ∼45 to 84 MPa, and compressive strength at 10% strain from ∼3 to 4 MPa. Addition of 60 wt % NaCl salt resulted in a ∼50% increase in porosity in multimodal pore‐size structures that depended on the method of NaCl addition. Water uptake ranged from ∼61 to 197%, compressive modulus from ∼4 to 8.6 MPa, and compressive strength at 10% strain from ∼0.36 to 0.40 MPa. Results suggest that this approach provides a controllable strategy for the design and fabrication of 3D interconnected porous biodegradable scaffolds for load‐bearing tissue regeneration. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
Characterization of a novel active release coating to prevent biofilm implant‐related infections
Authors: Williams Dustin L. , Sinclair Kristofer D. , Jeyapalina Sujee , Bloebaum Roy D.
Published: April 2013

Biofilm implant‐related infections cost the US healthcare system billions of dollars each year. For several decades, device coatings have been developed that actively release antimicrobial compounds in an attempt to prevent these infections from developing. To date, few coatings have been put into clinical use. These have shown limited to no efficacy in clinical trials. Recent data have shown the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of a novel active release coating that may address the limitations of coatings that are used clinically. In this study, the novel active release coating was characterized to gain an understanding of the effects of combining an antimicrobial additive, cationic steroid antimicrobial‐13 (CSA‐13), to a medical grade polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) material. Results indicated that the addition of CSA‐13 did influence the physical properties of the PDMS, but not with adverse effects to the desired material properties. Furthermore, there was no indication of chemical reactivity. It was shown that CSA‐13 was uniformly dispersed as small particles throughout the PDMS matrix. These particles were able to dissolve and elute out of the PDMS within a 30‐day period. The results of this work suggested that the PDMS with CSA‐13 was thermally, chemically and physically stable when used as a device coating to treat local infection and/or prevent biofilm implant‐related infections from developing. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
MicroRNA‐126 regulates EPCs function: Implications for a role of miR‐126 in preeclampsia
Authors: Yan Ting , Liu Yan , Cui Kai , Hu Bin , Wang Fang , Zou Li
Published: April 2013

Preeclampsia is a specific vascular complication in pregnancy, which has a pathophysiology of altered endothelial homeostasis. There is extensive evidence that endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) dysfunction underlies the endothelial cells loss that occurs during preeclampsia. MicroRNA‐126 (miR‐126), an angiogenesis‐related miRNA, has been shown to have potential angiogenic effects both in cultured endothelial cells in vitro and ischemia‐induced angiogenesis in vivo. However, whether miR‐126 has therapeutic potential in placental vasculogenesis of preeclampsia remains unclear. In this report, we analyzed the EPCs number and expression of miR‐126 in patients with preeclampsia, then investigated the effects of miR‐126 on EPCs function and rat placenta by employing up‐regulation and down‐regulation strategies. We confirmed that miR‐126 enhanced EPCs proliferation, differentiation and migration. However, a strong reduction in EPCs function was observed in vitro after miR‐126 inhibitor transfection. MiR‐126 exerts pro‐angiogenic functions by suppressing the synthetize of antiangiogenic factors PIK3R2. Similar to miR‐126 overexpression, PIK3R2 downregulation promoted EPCs function. In pregnant rats, we also found that miR‐126 increased vascular sprouting, placenta and fetus weights. These findings suggest that miR‐126 is essential for angiogenic properties of EPCs in vitro and placental vasculogenesis in vivo, providing basis for an alternative therapeutic approach in patients with preeclampsia. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 2148–2159, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Three‐dimensional dixon fat–water separated rapid breathheld imaging of myocardial infarction
Authors: Saranathan Manojkumar , Glockner James
Published: April 2013

Purpose

To develop a breathhold three‐dimensional (3D) Dixon technique for fat suppressed imaging of myocardial infarction.

Materials and Methods

A pulse sequence was developed that uses a radial fan‐beam k‐space segmentation scheme for efficient coverage of k‐space, enabling 3D scans in a single breathhold. The sequence uses a dual‐echo bipolar readout to enable Dixon fat–water separation for improved visualization of epicardial and pericardial delayed enhancement. The 3D Dixon method was compared with a conventional 2D fast gradient recalled echo (FGRE) ‐based technique in 25 patients.

Results

Pericardial visualization scores and confidence were higher while overall image quality and artifacts were slightly worse for 3D Dixon compared with 2D FGRE. Robust fat suppression was achieved in 21 of 25 cases using the 3D Dixon method.

Conclusion

A 3D breathhold method for fat–water separated imaging of myocardial delayed enhancement was developed and validated. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:1362–1368. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Population Affinities of the Jebel Sahaba Skeletal Sample: Limb Proportion Evidence
Authors: Holliday T. W.
Published: April 2013

The Lower Nubian Epipaleolithic site of Jebel Sahaba (Sudan) was discovered in 1962. From 1962 to 1966, a total of 58 intentionally buried skeletons were uncovered at the site. Diagnostic microliths indicative of the Qadan industry as well as the site's geology suggest an age of 14–12 ka for these burials. In this study, the body proportions of the Jebel Sahaba sample are compared with those of a large (max N = 731) sample of recent human skeletons from Europe, Africa and circumpolar North America, as well as to terminal Pleistocene ‘Iberomaurusian’ skeletons from the Algerian sites of Afalou‐Bou‐Rhummel and the later Capsian‐associated Ain Dokhara specimen, as well as Natufian skeletons from the southern Levantine site of El Wad.

Bivariate analyses distinguish Jebel Sahaba from European and circumpolar samples, but do not tend to segregate them from recent North or sub‐Saharan African samples. Multivariate analyses (principal components analysis, principal coordinates analysis with minimum spanning tree and neighbour‐joining cluster analyses) indicate that the body shape of the Jebel Sahaba humans is most similar to that of recent sub‐Saharan Africans and different from that of either the Levantine Natufians or the northwest African ‘Iberomaurusian’ samples. Importantly, these results corroborate those of both Irish and Franciscus, who, using dental, oral and nasal morphology, found that Jebel Sahaba was most similar to recent sub‐Saharan Africans and morphologically distinct from their penecontemporaries in other parts of North Africa or the groups that succeed them in Nubia. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
International Student Support Services at Ontario Universities
Authors: Smith Clayton , Whiteside Brenda , Blanchard Suzanne , Martin Chris
Published: April 2013

In this article, the Ontario Committee on Student Affairs and the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance partnered to examine the availability and use of international student support services at Ontario universities. Results of the recently administered Ontario Committee on Student Affairs, Canadian Bureau of International Education, and i‐Graduate surveys are presented. The article concludes with recommendations to enhance the delivery of international student support services at Ontario universities.
Arrayed lentiviral barcoding for quantification analysis of hematopoietic dynamics
Authors: Grosselin Jeanne , Sii-Felice Karine , Payen Emmanuel , Chretien Stany , Roux Diana Tronik-Le , Leboulch Philippe
Published: April 2013

Our understanding of system dynamics of mixed cell populations in whole organisms has benefited from the advent of individual cell marking by nonarrayed DNA barcodes subsequently analyzed by high-throughput DNA sequencing. However, key limitations include statistical biases compromising quantification and the lack of applicability to deconvolute individual cell fate in vivo after pooling single cells differentially exposed to different conditions ex vivo. Here, we have derived an arrayed lentiviral library of DNA barcodes and obtained a proof-of-concept of its resolving capacity by quantifying hematopoietic regeneration after engraftment of mice with genetically modified autologous cells. This method has helped clarify and bridge the seemingly opposed clonal-succession and continuous-recruitment models of hematopoietic stem cell behavior and revealed that myeloid-lymphoid biases are common occurrences in steady-state hematopoiesis. Arrayed lentiviral barcoding should prove a versatile and powerful approach to deconvolute cell dynamics in vivo with applications in hematology, embryology, and cancer biology.
Neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer's disease: Past progress and anticipation of the future
Authors: Geda Yonas E. , Schneider Lon S. , Gitlin Laura N. , Miller David S. , Smith Gwenn S. , Bell Joanne , Evans Jovier , Lee Michael , Porsteinsson Anton , Lanctôt Krista L. , Rosenberg Paul B. , Sultzer David L. , Francis Paul T. , Brodaty Henry , Padala Prasad P. , Onyike Chiadikaobi U. , Ortiz Luis Agüera , Ancoli‐Israel Sonia , Bliwise Donald L. , Martin Jennifer L. , Vitiello Michael V. , Yaffe Kristine , Zee Phyllis C. , Herrmann Nathan , Sweet Robert A. , Ballard Clive , Khin Ni A. , Alfaro Cara , Murray Patrick S. , Schultz Susan , Lyketsos Constantine G. ,   Neuropsychiatric Syndromes Professional Interest Area of ISTAART
Published: April 2013

Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) are widespread and disabling. This has been known since Dr. Alois Alzheimer's first case, Frau Auguste D., presented with emotional distress and delusions of infidelity/excessive jealousy, followed by cognitive symptoms. Being cognizant of this, in 2010 the Alzheimer's Association convened a research roundtable on the topic of NPS in AD. A major outcome of the roundtable was the founding of a Professional Interest Area (PIA) within the International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment (ISTAART). The NPS‐PIA has prepared a series of documents that are intended to summarize the literature and provide more detailed specific recommendations for NPS research. This overview paper is the first of these living documents that will be updated periodically as the science advances. The overview is followed by syndrome‐specific synthetic reviews and recommendations prepared by NPS‐PIA workgroups on depression, apathy, sleep, agitation, and psychosis.
Topological Wiener–Wintner theorems for amenable operator semigroups
Authors: SCHREIBER MARCO
Published: April 2013

Inspired by topological Wiener–Wintner theorems we study the mean ergodicity of amenable semigroups of Markov operators on $C(K)$ and show the connection to the convergence of strong and weak ergodic nets. The results are then used to characterize mean ergodicity of Koopman semigroups corresponding to skew product actions on compact group extensions.
Godeaux–Serre varieties and the étale index
Authors: Antieau Benjamin , Williams Ben
Published: April 2013

We use Godeaux–Serre varieties of finite groups, projective representation theory, the twisted Atiyah–Segal completion theorem, and our previous work on the topological period-index problem to compute the étale index of Brauer classes α ∈ Brét(X) in some specific examples. In particular, these computations show that the étale index of α differs from the period of α in general. As an application, we compute the index of unramified classes in the function fields of high-dimensional Godeaux–Serre varieties in terms of projective representation theory.
Nondaily Smoking Cessation Motivation for Young Adults: Scale Development and Validation
Authors: Berg Carla J.
Published: April 2013

Introduction: Nondaily smoking is a growing public health concern, particularly among young adults. Given the lack of existing measures for assessing factors associated with this smoking pattern, the present study aims to develop a measure of motivation to quit among young adult nondaily smokers. Specifically, we developed a scale assessing motivation for nondaily smoking cessation, and examined its reliability, factor structure, and concurrent validity.

Methods: We administered an online survey to 2,000 students at six colleges in the Southeastern US, and 718 (35.9%) returned a completed survey. The current analyses focused on the 95 participants who reported nondaily smoking (i.e., smoking between 1 and 29 days of the past 30 days). In addition to the items created for scale development, measures included sociodemographics, other measures of motivation and confidence/self-efficacy, past smoking/quitting history, readiness to quit, and perceived harm.

Results: The 13-item Nondaily Smoking Cessation Motivation Questionnaire (NSCM) had an average score of 56.95 (SD = 24.33) and high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha of 0.94). Factor analysis using principal components extraction with varimax rotation extracted three factors accounting for 76.8% of the variance: Controlled motivation, Autonomous motivation, and Amotivation. Concurrent and discriminant validity were documented.

Conclusions: This study provided information about the development and validation of the Nondaily Smoking Cessation Motivation Questionnaire for young adult nondaily smokers. Given the lack of validated measures to assess factors associated with nondaily smoking, this assessment may be critical in informing our intervention strategies and potentially for predicting cessation among nondaily smokers in the young adult population.
Reasons for Nondaily Smoking among Young Adults: Scale Development and Validation
Authors: Berg Carla J.
Published: April 2013

Introduction: Given the increased rates of nondaily smoking and the lack of validated measures to assess factors related to nondaily smoking, we aimed to develop a measure of reasons for nondaily smoking among young adults. Specifically, we developed a scale assessing reasons or triggers for nondaily smoking and examined its reliability, factor structure, and concurrent validity. Methods: We administered an online survey to 2,000 students at six colleges in the Southeastern US, and 718 (35.9%) returned a completed survey. The current analyses focused on the 95 participants who reported nondaily smoking (i.e., smoking between 1 and 29 days of the past 30 days). In addition to the items created for scale development, measures included socio-demographics, other measures of motivation and confidence/self-efficacy, past smoking/quitting history, readiness to quit, and other psychosocial factors related to smoking. Results: The 19-item Reasons for Nondaily Smoking Scale (RNS) demonstrated an average score of 45.36 (SD = 15.55) and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha of 0.79). Factor analysis of the items extracted four factors which accounted for 57.4% of score variance: Social influences; Enhancing buzzes and positive affect; Negative affect regulation; and Lack of concern of addiction. Concurrent and discriminant validity were documented. Conclusions: Developing validated measures designed to assess factors associated with nondaily smoking will enhance our ability to address this growing public health concern. The development and validation of the RNS for young adults may be critical in informing our intervention strategies and potentially for effecting or predicting cessation among young adult nondaily smokers.
Resveratrol and fish oil reduce catecholamine-induced mortality in obese rats: role of oxidative stress in the myocardium and aorta
Authors: Ávila Pricila R. M. , Marques Scherolin O. , Luciano Thais F. , Vitto Marcelo F. , Engelmann Julia , Souza Daniela R. , Pereira Sane V. , Pinho Ricardo A. , Lira Fabio S. , De Souza Claudio T.
Published: April 2013

The exact mechanisms of the relationship between obesity and cardiovascular events are not yet fully understood; however, oxidative stress may be involved. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of resveratrol and fish oil on catecholamine-induced mortality in obese rats. To begin with, rats were divided into five groups: (1) lean, (2) obese, (3) obese supplemented with resveratrol, (4) obese supplemented with fish oil and (5) obese supplemented with resveratrol and fish oil (n18 rats per group), for 2 months. After supplementation, the groups were subdivided as with (n10) and without (n8) cardiovascular catecholaminergic stress after isoproterenol (60 mg/kg) injection. At 24 h later, the survival rate was analysed. The obese group showed lower survival rates (10 %) when compared with the lean group (70 %). On the other hand, resveratrol (50 %) and fish oil (40 %) increased the survival rate of obese rats (χ2test,P= 0·019). Biochemical analyses of the myocardium and aorta revealed that obese rats had higher levels of superoxide and oxidative damage to lipids and protein. This was associated with reduced superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity in both the myocardium and aorta. The supplementation increased antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced oxidative damage. We also evaluated the nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 antioxidant pathway. Nrf2 protein levels that were reduced in obese rats were increased by the antioxidant treatment. Taken together, these results showed that resveratrol and fish oil reduce catecholamine-induced mortality in obese rats, partly through the reduction of oxidative stress.
Falsetto voice and observational logic: Motivated meanings
Authors: Stross Brian
Published: April 2013

Examples of falsetto and higher pitched modal voice are presented in which the meanings are linked iconically and/or indexically to the signs, and therefore nonarbitrarily. Nine such meaning types are identified and discussed as inferences about falsetto derivable from observations that are minimally informed by cultural traditions. Observational knowledge and the logic by which it is utilized are seen as central concepts mediating universals and relativist approaches to the social meanings of voice qualities, including falsetto, and it is proposed that most falsetto use can be placed within the nine functional meaning categories identified. (Voice quality, falsetto, iconicity, indexicality, observational logic, universals, relativity)*
Consumer Co-operation and Economic Crisis: The 1936 Roosevelt Inquiry on Co-operative Enterprise and the Emergence of the Nordic ‘Middle Way’
Authors: HILSON MARY
Published: April 2013

In the wake of the Great Depression, Sweden and the other Nordic countries were widely perceived as a model region, a successful example of the ‘middle way’ between socialism and capitalism. Central to this idea were the Nordic co-operative movements, which became the focus of President Roosevelt's Inquiry on Co-operative Enterprise in Europe, conducted in 1936–7. Drawing mainly on the records of the Inquiry, the article explores the construction of the ‘middle way’ idea and examines the role of the Nordic co-operators in shaping international perceptions of the region, while also shedding new light on differences within the international co-operative movement during the same period.
Histories of ‘Sex’, Histories of ‘Sexuality’
Authors: HARRIS VICTORIA
Published: April 2013

For Dagmar Herzog, writing the history of sexuality is an act of rebalancing. Sexuality becomes neither positive nor negative, but ambivalent. Herzog destabilises a dominant ‘narrative of gradual progress’, which misunderstands ‘how profoundly complicated the sexual politics of the twentieth century in Europe actually were’ (p. 2). Instead of a linear chronology, Herzog reveals a twentieth century of cyclical change – revolutionary liberalisations and conservative backlashes occur in quick succession, or even concomitantly. Repression appears even within developments considered liberalising by contemporaries. The ambivalences within ‘progress’ and ‘change’ shape sexuality and its history. A third ambivalence is no less important – happiness. Despite being an act inextricably connected with pleasure, sex does not consistently give rise to happiness.
Diatom assemblages promote ice formation in large lakes
Authors: D’souza N A , Kawarasaki Y , Gantz J D , Lee R E , Beall B F N , Shtarkman Y M , Koçer Z A , Rogers S O , Wildschutte H , Bullerjahn G S , McKay R M L
Published: April 2013

We present evidence for the directed formation of ice by planktonic communities dominated by filamentous diatoms sampled from the ice-covered Laurentian Great Lakes. We hypothesize that ice formation promotes attachment of these non-motile phytoplankton to overlying ice, thereby maintaining a favorable position for the diatoms in the photic zone. However, it is unclear whether the diatoms themselves are responsible for ice nucleation. Scanning electron microscopy revealed associations of bacterial epiphytes with the dominant diatoms of the phytoplankton assemblage, and bacteria isolated from the phytoplankton showed elevated temperatures of crystallization (Tc) as high as −3 °C. Ice nucleation-active bacteria were identified as belonging to the genus Pseudomonas, but we could not demonstrate that they were sufficiently abundant to incite the observed freezing. Regardless of the source of ice nucleation activity, the resulting production of frazil ice may provide a means for the diatoms to be recruited to the overlying lake ice, thereby increasing their fitness. Bacterial epiphytes are likewise expected to benefit from their association with the diatoms as recipients of organic carbon excreted by their hosts. This novel mechanism illuminates a previously undescribed stage of the life cycle of the meroplanktonic diatoms that bloom in Lake Erie and other Great Lakes during winter and offers a model relevant to aquatic ecosystems having seasonal ice cover around the world.
Formation of a tyrosine adduct involved in lignin degradation by Trametopsis cervina lignin peroxidase: a novel peroxidase activation mechanism
Authors: Miki Yuta , Pogni Rebecca , Acebes Sandra , Lucas Fátima , Fernández-Fueyo Elena , Baratto Maria Camilla , Fernández María I. , de los Ríos Vivian , Ruiz-Dueñas Francisco J. , Sinicropi Adalgisa , Basosi Riccardo , Hammel Kenneth E. , Guallar Victor , Martínez Angel T.
Published: April 2013

LiP (lignin peroxidase) from Trametopsis cervina has an exposed catalytic tyrosine residue (Tyr181) instead of the tryptophan conserved in other lignin-degrading peroxidases. Pristine LiP showed a lag period in VA (veratryl alcohol) oxidation. However, VA-LiP (LiP after treatment with H2O2 and VA) lacked this lag, and H2O2-LiP (H2O2-treated LiP) was inactive. MS analyses revealed that VA-LiP includes one VA molecule covalently bound to the side chain of Tyr181, whereas H2O2-LiP contains a hydroxylated Tyr181. No adduct is formed in the Y171N variant. Molecular docking showed that VA binding is favoured by sandwich π stacking with Tyr181 and Phe89. EPR spectroscopy after peroxide activation of the pre-treated LiPs showed protein radicals other than the tyrosine radical found in pristine LiP, which were assigned to a tyrosine–VA adduct radical in VA-LiP and a dihydroxyphenyalanine radical in H2O2-LiP. Both radicals are able to oxidize large low-redox-potential substrates, but H2O2-LiP is unable to oxidize high-redox-potential substrates. Transient-state kinetics showed that the tyrosine–VA adduct strongly promotes (>100-fold) substrate oxidation by compound II, the rate-limiting step in catalysis. The novel activation mechanism is involved in ligninolysis, as demonstrated using lignin model substrates. The present paper is the first report on autocatalytic modification, resulting in functional alteration, among class II peroxidases.
Integrated multichannel photon timing instrument with very short dead time and high throughput
Authors: Wahl Michael , Röhlicke Tino , Rahn Hans-Jürgen , Erdmann Rainer , Kell Gerald , Ahlrichs Andreas , Kernbach Martin , Schell Andreas W. , Benson Oliver
Published: April 2013

Precisely timed detection of single photons plays an important role in the field of quantum information processing and fluorescence sensing. The method of time-correlated single photon counting is therefore constantly evolving and the associated instrumentation is being improved with new ideas and technologies. Simultaneous, time tagged readout of multiple detector channels is invaluable in many applications, spanning from fluorescence lifetime imaging in biology to the measurement of quantum optical correlations in basic research. Here we present a new integrated design, providing up to three independent input channels, a very short dead time, very high throughput, and a timing resolution of 25 ps at reasonable cost and small size. Apart from design features and test results of the instrument, we show an application in quantum optics, namely, the measurement of the photon statistics of a heralded single photon source based on cavity-enhanced spontaneous parametric down-conversion.
Influence of excess Fe accumulation over the surface of FePt nanoparticles: Structural and magnetic properties
Authors: Kumar Sahu Niroj , Bahadur D.
Published: April 2013

Herein, we report magnetic properties of as-synthesized face centered cubic (fcc)-FePt nanoparticles (∼5 nm) and its transformed face centered tetragonal (fct) phase when annealed at 600 °C. We observe weak ferromagnetic nature in fcc phase with non-saturating M-H loop indicating the presence of a large fraction of superparamagnetic particles. Excess of Fe-precursor with respect to Pt used in the reaction accumulates on the surface of the FePt nanoparticles and forms a thin layer of Fe-byproduct (Fe3O4) which leads to the formation of FePt/Fe3O4 core/shell structure. This was confirmed by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and microstructural studies. Interestingly due to core/shell formation, the coercivity (Hc) is higher at 300 K than at 50 and 100 K, but there is a steep increase at 5 K. Moreover, hysteresis loop is regular at 300 K whereas it is distorted at 5 K. The reason for temperature dependent Hc anomaly and distortion in M-H loop was examined systematically. The competing exchange interaction seems to be responsible for changes in the magnetic behavior. Besides this, it shows spin glass like behavior much below the blocking temperature which is supposed to be due to existence of two magnetic phases and the exchange coupling between core and shell. This has been confirmed from temperature dependent dc magnetization and ac susceptibility studies. We establish a clear correlation between the magnetization dynamics and the core/shell structure of the nanoparticles. On the other hand, the fct phase shows a very large coercivity with some irregularity in the M-H loop. This irregularity may be ascribed due to segregation of fcc-Fe3Pt (soft) phase on the grain boundaries of fct-FePt (hard). Such inhomogeneity in bimagnetic systems (soft–soft or soft–hard) has strong influence on the nanomagnetism.