bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Big Bang Nucleosynthesis in Visible and Hidden-Mirror Sectors
Authors: Ciarcelluti Paolo
Published: March 2014

One of the still viable candidates for the dark matter is the so-called mirror matter. Its cosmological and astrophysical implications were widely studied, pointing out the importance to go further with research. In particular, the Big Bang nucleosynthesis provides a strong test for every dark matter candidate, since it is well studied and involves relatively few free parameters. The necessity of accurate studies of primordial nucleosynthesis with mirror matter has then emerged. I present here the results of accurate numerical simulations of the primordial production of both ordinary nuclides and nuclides made of mirror baryons, in presence of a hidden mirror sector with unbroken parity symmetry and with gravitational interactions only. These elements are the building blocks of all the structures forming in the Universe; therefore, their chemical composition is a key ingredient for astrophysics with mirror dark matter. The production of ordinary nuclides shows differences from the standard model for a ratio of the temperatures between mirror and ordinary sectorsx=T′/T≳0.3, and they present an interesting decrease of the abundance ofLi7. For the mirror nuclides, instead, one observes an enhanced production ofHe4, which becomes the dominant element forx≲0.5, and much larger abundances of heavier elements.
Synergistic Effect of Zuo Jin Wan on DDP‐Induced Apoptosis in Human Gastric Cancer SGC‐7901/DDP Cells
Authors: Tang Qing-Feng , Ji Qing , Qiu Yan-Yan , Cao Ai-Li , Chi Yang-Feng , Liang Bo , Peng Wen , Yin Pei-Hao
Published: March 2014

A traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, Zuo Jin Wan (ZJW), has been found as an anticancer drug in human cancer. In this study, we investigated the synergistic effect of ZJW extracts on DDP‐induced apoptosis in human gastric cancer SGC‐7901/DDP cells. Our results demonstrated that ZJW extracts could increase the sensitivity of SGC‐7901/DDP cells to DDP by increasing the concentration of DDP in cytoplasm and enhance the proapoptosis of DDP by upregulating the JNK and Bax expression, downregulating the Bcl‐2 expression, increasing the accumulation of Cytochrome C in cytoplasm, and promoting the activities of caspase‐3 and caspase‐9. In vivo, ZJW extracts enhanced the inhibiting effect of DDP on tumor growth in SGC‐7901/DDP xenograft model and upregulated the expression of p‐JNK and Bax but downregulated the Bcl‐2 expression in xenograft tumors. In conclusion, in vitro and in vivo, ZJW extracts could enhance the proapoptotic effect of DDP by promoting the activation of JNK and the expression of Bcl‐2, inhibiting the Bax expression, followed by increasing the release of Cytochrome C from mitochondria to cytoplasm, and finally activating the caspase cade reaction. Our results implied that ZJW might serve as a synergistic drug with chemotherapeutic drugs DDP in the treatment of gastric cancer.
Halogenated Anesthetics Determination in Urine by SPME/GC/MS and Urine Levels Relationship Evaluation with Surgical Theatres Contamination
Authors: Indelicato Serena , Bongiorno David , Indelicato Sergio , Ceraulo Leopoldo , Tranchina Ernesto , Avellone Giuseppe , Arcadipane Concetta , Giambartino Filippo
Published: March 2014

In this work, a new sensitive analytical method has been developed and evaluated for the determination of the most commonly used gaseous anesthetics, desflurane, sevoflurane, and this latter’s hepatic metabolite hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) in the urine. In addition, an evaluation of anesthetics exposition on the urine levels of a small population of surgical operators has been performed and results are briefly discussed.
An Analytical Method for the Response of Coated Plates Subjected to One-Dimensional Underwater Weak Shock Wave
Authors: Jin Zeyu , Yin Caiyu , Chen Yong , Huang Xiuchang , Hua Hongxing
Published: March 2014

An analytical method based on the wave theory is proposed to calculate the pressure at the interfaces of coated plate subjected to underwater weak shock wave. The method is carried out to give analytical results by summing up the pressure increment, which can be calculated analytically, in time sequence. The results are in very good agreement with the finite element (FE) predictions for the coating case and Taylor’s results for the noncoating case, which validate the method that is suitable for underwater weak shock problem. On the other hand, Taylor’s results for the coating case are invalid, which indicates a potential application field for the method. The extension of the analytical method to q-layer systems and dissipation case is also outlined.
Dissolution of Arsenic Minerals Mediated by Dissimilatory Arsenate Reducing Bacteria: Estimation of the Physiological Potential for Arsenic Mobilization
Authors: Lukasz Drewniak , Liwia Rajpert , Aleksandra Mantur , Aleksandra Sklodowska
Published: March 2014

The aim of this study was characterization of the isolated dissimilatory arsenate reducing bacteria in the context of their potential for arsenic removal from primary arsenic minerals through reductive dissolution. Four strains,Shewanellasp. OM1,Pseudomonassp. OM2,Aeromonassp. OM4, andSerratiasp. OM17, capable of anaerobic growth with As (V) reduction, were isolated from microbial mats from an ancient gold mine. All of the isolated strains: (i) produced siderophores that promote dissolution of minerals, (ii) were resistant to dissolved arsenic compounds, (iii) were able to use the dissolved arsenates as the terminal electron acceptor, and (iii) were able to use copper minerals containing arsenic minerals (e.g., enargite) as a respiratory substrate. Based on the results obtained in this study, we postulate that arsenic can be released from some As-bearing polymetallic minerals (such as copper ore concentrates or middlings) under reductive conditions by dissimilatory arsenate reducers in indirect processes.
The Influence of Attention and Target Identification on Saccadic Eye Movements Depends on Prior Target Location
Authors: Hardwick David R. , Cutmore Timothy R. H. , Hine Trevor J.
Published: March 2014

Saccadic latency is reduced by a temporal gap between fixation point and target, by identification of a target feature, and by movement in a new direction (inhibition of saccadic return, ISR). A simple additive model was compared with a shared resources model that predicts a three-way interaction. Twenty naïve participants made horizontal saccades to targets left and right of fixation in a randomised block design. There was a significant three-way interaction among the factors on saccade latency. This was revealed in a two-way interaction between feature identification and the gap versus no gap factor which was only apparent when the saccade was in the same direction as the previous saccade. No interaction was apparent when the saccade was in the opposite direction. This result supports an attentional inhibitory effect that is present during ISR to a previous location which is only partly released by the facilitative effect of feature identification and gap. Together, anticipatory error data and saccade latency interactions suggest a source of ISR at a higher level of attention, possibly localised in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and involving tonic activation.
Bandwidth Enhancement of a Dual Band Planar Monopole Antenna Using Meandered Microstrip Feeding
Authors: Ahsan M. R. , Islam M. T. , Habib Ullah M. , Misran N.
Published: March 2014

A meandered-microstrip fed circular shaped monopole antenna loaded with vertical slots on a high dielectric material substrate(εr=15)is proposed in this paper. The performance criteria of the proposed antenna have been experimentally verified by fabricating a printed prototype. The experimental results show that the proposed antenna has achieved wider bandwidth with satisfactory gain by introducing meandered-microstrip feeding in assistant of partial ground plane. It is observed that, the −10 dB impedance bandwidth of the proposed antenna at lower band is 44.4% (600 MHz–1 GHz) and at upper band is 28% (2.25 GHz–2.95 GHz). The measured maximum gains of −1.18 dBi and 4.87 dBi with maximum radiation efficiencies have been observed at lower band and upper band, respectively. The antenna configuration and parametric study have been carried out with the help of commercially available computer-aided EM simulator, and a good accordance is perceived in between the simulated and measured results. The analysis of performance criteria and almost consistent radiation pattern make the proposed antenna a suitable candidate for UHF RFID, WiMAX, and WLAN applications.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging Studies on Chinese Patients with Social Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Qiu Changjian , Zhu Chunyan , Zhang Jingna , Nie Xiaojing , Feng Yuan , Meng Yajing , Wu Ruizhi , Huang Xiaoqi , Zhang Wei , Gong Qiyong
Published: March 2014

The aim of this study was to explore white-matter disruption in social anxiety disorder (SAD) patients by using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and to investigate the relationship between cerebral abnormalities and the severity of the symptoms. Eighteen SAD patients and age- and gender-matched healthy controls were recruited. DTI scans were performed to measure fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) for each subject. We used voxel-based analysis to determine the differences of FA and ADC values between the two groups with two-samplet-tests. The SAD patient showed significantly decreased FA values in the white matter of the left insula, left inferior frontal gyrus, left middle temporal gyrus, and left inferior parietal gyrus and increased ADC values in the left insula, bilateral inferior frontal gyrus, bilateral middle temporal gyrus, and left inferior parietal gyrus. In SAD patients, we observed a significant negative correlation between FA values in the left insula and the total LSAS scores and a positive correlation between the ADC values in the left inferior frontal gyrus and the total LSAS scores. Above results suggested that white-matter microstructural changes might contribute to the neuropathology of SAD.
Efficient Constraint Handling in Electromagnetism-Like Algorithm for Traveling Salesman Problem with Time Windows
Authors: Yurtkuran Alkın , Emel Erdal
Published: March 2014

The traveling salesman problem with time windows (TSPTW) is a variant of the traveling salesman problem in which each customer should be visited within a given time window. In this paper, we propose an electromagnetism-like algorithm (EMA) that uses a new constraint handling technique to minimize the travel cost in TSPTW problems. The EMA utilizes the attraction-repulsion mechanism between charged particles in a multidimensional space for global optimization. This paper investigates the problem-specific constraint handling capability of the EMA framework using a new variable bounding strategy, in which real-coded particle’s boundary constraints associated with the corresponding time windows of customers, is introduced and combined with the penalty approach to eliminate infeasibilities regarding time window violations. The performance of the proposed algorithm and the effectiveness of the constraint handling technique have been studied extensively, comparing it to that of state-of-the-art metaheuristics using several sets of benchmark problems reported in the literature. The results of the numerical experiments show that the EMA generates feasible and near-optimal results within shorter computational times compared to the test algorithms.
Telomere Length Reprogramming in Embryos and Stem Cells
Authors: Kalmbach Keri , Robinson LeRoy G. , Wang Fang , Liu Lin , Keefe David
Published: March 2014

Telomeres protect and cap linear chromosome ends, yet these genomic buffers erode over an organism’s lifespan. Short telomeres have been associated with many age-related conditions in humans, and genetic mutations resulting in short telomeres in humans manifest as syndromes of precocious aging. In women, telomere length limits a fertilized egg’s capacity to develop into a healthy embryo. Thus, telomere length must be reset with each subsequent generation. Although telomerase is purportedly responsible for restoring telomere DNA, recent studies have elucidated the role of alternative telomeres lengthening mechanisms in the reprogramming of early embryos and stem cells, which we review here.
Neonatal Hepatitis as First Manifestation of Hyperimmunoglobulinemia D Syndrome
Authors: von Linstow Marie-Louise , Rosenfeldt Vibeke
Published: March 2014

Hyper IgD syndrome (HIDS) is a rare metabolic autoinflammatory syndrome characterised by recurrent febrile episodes, accompanied by various inflammatory symptoms. We present a case of severe HIDS in a young girl, whose symptoms started in the neonatal period with hepatomegaly, hepatitis, thrombocytopenia, and conjugated hyperbilirubinemia. From the age of five months, the child had recurrent febrile episodes, stomatitis, adenitis, and persistent hepatomegaly. The diagnosis of HIDS was established when she was three years and eight months old. This case report suggests that HIDS should be included in the differential diagnosis of neonatal hepatitis and conjugated hyperbilirubinemia.
Cone Beam Computed Tomographic Analyses of the Position and Course of the Mandibular Canal: Relevance to the Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy
Authors: Sekerci Ahmet Ercan , Sahman Halil
Published: March 2014

Purpose. The aim of this study was to document the position and course of the mandibular canal through the region of the mandibular angle and body in dental patients, using cone beam computed tomographic imaging.Methods. The position and course of the mandibular canal from the region of the third molar to the first molar were measured at five specific locations in the same plane: at three different positions just between the first and second molars; between the second and third molars; and just distal to the third molar.Results. The study sample was composed of 500 hemimandibles from 250 dental patients with a mean age of 26.32. Significant differences were found between genders, distances, and positions. B decreased significantly from the anterior positions to the posterior positions in both females and males. The mean values of S and CB increased significantly from the posterior positions to the anterior positions in both females and males.Conclusion. Because the sagittal split ramus osteotomy is a technically difficult procedure, we hope that the findings of the present study will help the surgeon in choosing the safest surgical technique for the treatment of mandibular deformities.
A Modified Gradient Based Algorithm for Solving Matrix EquationsAXB+CXTD=F
Authors: Wang Kanmin , Liu Zhibing , Xu Chengfeng
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we develop a modified gradient based algorithm for solving matrix equationsAXB+CXTD=F. Different from the gradient based method introduced by Xie et al., 2010, the information generated in the first half-iterative step is fully exploited and used to construct the approximate solution. Theoretical analysis shows that the new method converges under certain assumptions. Numerical results are given to verify the efficiency of the new method.
The Effect of Prophylactic Polishing Pastes on Surface Roughness of Indirect Restorative Materials
Authors: Can Say Esra , Yurdagüven Haktan , Malkondu Özlem , Ünlü Nimet , Soyman Mübin , Kazazoğlu Ender
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of prophylactic polishing pastes (PPP; Detartrine (DT), Topex (TP)) on surface roughness (Ra) of indirect composites (IRC; Tescera (TES), Gradia (GRD), and Estenia C&B (EST)), a glass ceramic (Empress 2 layering (E2)), and a leucite reinforced glass ceramic (Empress Esthetic (EE)) with two different (glazed (G); polished (P)) surface preparations. A total of 90 IRC and 120 ceramic discs, 8 mm in diameter and 2 mm thick, were prepared. E2 and EE specimens were randomly divided into two groups(n=30). One group was glazed (GE2; GEE), while the other group was polished (PE2; PEE) the same as the IRCs. The specimens in each group were subsequently divided into three subgroups: control (C), DT, and TP.Ra (μm) was evaluated with a profilometer. Data were analyzed by Kruskal Wallis, followed by the Dunn's multiple comparison testsP<0.05. DT and TP resulted in significant surface roughening for TES, GRD, and EST, while no significant differences were detected between DT and TPP>0.05. PE2 and PEE were not affected by DT or TPP>0.05, while GE2 and GEE exhibited significant roughening after TPP<0.05. Surface roughness of IRCs and glazed ceramics can be affected by PPP applications.
Sustained Liver Glucose Release in Response to Adrenaline Can Improve Hypoglycaemic Episodes in Rats under Food Restriction Subjected to Acute Exercise
Authors: Babata Lucas K. R. , Pedrosa Maria M. D. , Garcia Rosângela F. , Peicher Márcia V. , de Godoi Vilma Aparecida Ferreira
Published: March 2014

Background. As the liver is important for blood glucose regulation, this study aimed at relating liver glucose release stimulated by glucagon and adrenaline toin vivoepisodes of hypoglycaemia.Methods. The blood glucose profile during an episode of insulin-induced hypoglycaemia in exercised and nonexercised male Wistar control (GC) and food-restricted (GR, 50%) rats and liver glucose release stimulated by glucagon and adrenaline were investigated.Results. In the GR, the hypoglycaemic episodes showed severe decreases in blood glucose, persistent hypoglycaemia, and less complete glycaemic recovery. An exercise session prior to the episode of hypoglycaemia raised the basal blood glucose, reduced the magnitude of the hypoglycaemia, and improved the recovery of blood glucose. In fed animals of both groups, liver glucose release was activated by glucagon and adrenaline. In fasted GR rats, liver glycogenolysis activated by glucagon was impaired, despite a significant basal glycogenolysis, while an adrenaline-stimulated liver glucose release was recorded.Conclusions. The lack of liver response to glucagon in the GR rats could be partially responsible for the more severe episodes of hypoglycaemia observedin vivoin nonexercised animals. The preserved liver response to adrenaline can partially account for the less severe hypoglycaemia in the food-restricted animals after acute exercise.
Application of DEO Method to Solving Fuzzy Multiobjective Optimal Control Problem
Authors: Gardashova Latafat A.
Published: March 2014

In the present paper a problem of optimal control for a single-product dynamical macroeconomic model is considered. In this model gross domestic product is divided into productive consumption, gross investment, and nonproductive consumption. The model is described by a fuzzy differential equation (FDE) to take into account imprecision inherent in the dynamics that may be naturally conditioned by influence of various external factors, unforeseen contingencies of future, and so forth. The considered problems are characterized by four criteria and by several important aspects. On one hand, the problem is complicated by the presence of fuzzy uncertainty as a result of a natural imprecision inherent in information about dynamics of real-world systems. On the other hand, the number of the criteria is not small and most of them are integral criteria. Due to the above mentioned aspects, solving the considered problem by using convolution of criteria into one criterion would lead to loss of information and also would be counterintuitive and complex. We applied DEO (differential evolution optimization) method to solve the considered problem.
The Seismic Response of High-Speed Railway Bridges Subjected to Near-Fault Forward Directivity Ground Motions Using a Vehicle-Track-Bridge Element
Authors: Ling-kun Chen , Li-zhong Jiang , Wei Guo , Wen-shuo Liu , Zhi-ping Zeng , Ge-wei Chen
Published: March 2014

Based on the Next Generation Attenuation (NGA) project ground motion library, the finite element model of the high-speed railway vehicle-bridge system is established. The model was specifically developed for such system that is subjected to near-fault ground motions. In addition, it accounted for the influence of the rail irregularities. The vehicle-track-bridge (VTB) element is presented to simulate the interaction between train and bridge, in which a train can be modeled as a series of sprung masses concentrated at the axle positions. For the short period railway bridge, the results from the case study demonstrate that directivity pulse effect tends to increase the seismic responses of the bridge compared with far-fault ground motions or nonpulse-like motions and the directivity pulse effect and high values of the vertical acceleration component can notably influence the hysteretic behaviour of piers.
Boundedness for a Class of Singular Integral Operators on Both Classical and Product Hardy Spaces
Authors: Tan Chaoqiang
Published: March 2014

We found that the classical Calderón-Zygmund singular integral operators are bounded on both the classical Hardy spaces and the product Hardy spaces. The purpose of this paper is to extend this result to a more general class. More precisely, we introduce a class of singular integral operators including the classical Calderón-Zygmund singular integral operators and show that they are bounded on both the classical Hardy spaces and the product Hardy spaces.
A Novel Radiotracer to Image Glycogen Metabolism in Tumors by Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Witney Timothy H. , Carroll Laurence , Alam Israt S. , Chandrashekran Anil , Nguyen Quang-Dé , Sala Roberta , Harris Robert , DeBerardinis Ralph J. , Agarwal Roshan , Aboagye Eric O.
Published: March 2014

The high rate of glucose uptake to fuel the bioenergetic and anabolic demands of proliferating cancer cells is well recognized and is exploited with 18F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG–PET) to image tumors clinically. In contrast, enhanced glucose storage as glycogen (glycogenesis) in cancer is less well understood and the availability of a noninvasive method to image glycogen in vivo could provide important biologic insights. Here, we demonstrate that 18F-N-(methyl-(2-fluoroethyl)-1H-[1,2,3]triazole-4-yl)glucosamine (18F-NFTG) annotates glycogenesis in cancer cells and tumors in vivo, measured by PET. Specificity of glycogen labeling was demonstrated by isolating 18F-NFTG–associated glycogen and with stable knockdown of glycogen synthase 1, which inhibited 18F-NFTG uptake, whereas oncogene (Rab25) activation–associated glycogen synthesis led to increased uptake. We further show that the rate of glycogenesis is cell-cycle regulated, enhanced during the nonproliferative state of cancer cells. We demonstrate that glycogen levels, 18F-NFTG, but not 18F-FDG uptake, increase proportionally with cell density and G1–G0 arrest, with potential application in the assessment of activation of oncogenic pathways related to glycogenesis and the detection of posttreatment tumor quiescence. Cancer Res; 74(5); 1319–28. ©2014 AACR.
Mind the Graph: From Visualization to Collaborative Network Constructions
Authors: Ciuccarelli Paolo
Published: March 2014

Social and Human Sciences have recently discovered the potential of a hybrid research process, where the specificity of design knowledge and the peculiarity of design thinking can be exploited. Two ongoing experiences demonstrate how - after a first stage where Communication Design has been placed at the end of a linear sequence from data to prototypes - a more integrated and collaborative research process can be established, building on the proclivity of humanities scholars to mingle thinking and making.
Collectivizing the Barr Model
Authors: Goldfarb Doron , Arends Max , Froschauer Josef , Weingartner Martin , Merkl Dieter
Published: March 2014

The authors use data from Wikipedia to build a graph visualization of the evolution of artistic styles inspired by Alfred H. Barr's poster for the 1936 Cubism & Abstract Art exhibition. Drawing from Wikipedia articles about persons and art styles, the authors construct a bi-partite network based on their mutual hyperlinks and assume relationships between styles if their respective articles are bridged by hyperlinks to and from person articles. The resulting visualization extends its model with respect to the number of covered styles, thus embedding it within a larger art-historical perspective as seen through the lens of Wikipedia.
A Cookbook of Cinematic Delicacies That Do Not Expire
Authors: Spitz Andreas , Horvát Emőke-Ágnes
Published: March 2014

Despite the increasing number of film rankings that are created on the basis of economic considerations, critical acclaim, or personal taste, cinema lacks the means to quantify the long-term success of films. The authors therefore propose a novel approach to the analysis of cinematic influences which is based on a film citation network that is extracted from a large data base. The resulting top list of films is more diverse in terms of the main creators, genre, actors, and technical specifications than a representative selection of personal favorite lists, voting lists, lists of individual experts, or lists deduced from expert polls.
A Community Under Attack: Protestant Letter Networks in the Reign of Mary I
Authors: Ahnert Ruth , Ahnert S. E.
Published: March 2014

This article uses mathematical and computational techniques to reconstruct and analyze the social and textual organization of the underground community of Protestants living in England during the reign of Mary I from 289 surviving letters.
A Study of Sustainable Techniques in Chinese Traditional Microenvironment Design—Taking Natural Ventilation as an Example
Authors: Haoming Zhou , Chen Wang
Published: March 2014

This paper analyzes the physical, spiritual and cultural mechanisms of the national ventilation techniques in Chinese traditional microenvironment design and points out that traditional ventilation techniques not only include the physical technical means, but also are adept in comprehensively mobilizing other human sensory factors in addition to the sense of touch to create a place that is wholesome, comfortable and spiritually pleasing, thereby reaching a very high spiritual state in the end. This construction outlook uses “heaven and earth as buildings” and “houses as clothes” and the result derived from an environment outlook that features equality between man and nature.
Symbolic Practice of Rural Sanitation Science Popularization in the Period of Collectivization
Authors: Hongqi Zhu , Bing Liu
Published: March 2014

In the period of collectivization, the New China government carried out extensive sanitation science popularization in rural areas. The rural sanitation science popularization in the period highlighted the practical functions of sanitation in health improvement and, at the same time, vested sanitation with rich meanings and make it a symbol of rich meanings. The operation of such symbolized rural science popularization was the core strategy for the rural sanitation science popularization in the period.
Aspidistra tenuifolia (Asparagaceae), a new species from China
Authors: MENG TAO , YANG JIN-CAI , TANG WEN-XUI , PAN BO , LIN CHUN-RUI
Published: March 2014

In the course of investigating limestone plants in south-western Guangxi, China in 2011, we discovered an unusual Aspidistra Ker Gawler (1822: without pagination) in Jinxi Xian, Guangxi, the leaf blade usually narrowly long to ribbon-shaped, its flower was dark purple, emitting unique flavor, the stamens were inserted on the bottom of perigone tube, closely attached to the pistil base. The plant was brought to the Guangxi Institute of Botany, Guilin. In the following year it flowered regularly, making possible a detailed description based on living plant material. Consultation of herbarium material and careful comparison with all Aspidistra species hitherto known from Guangxi Prov. and adjacent North Vietnam (Wan & Huang 1987, Liang & Tamura 2000, Li 2004, Tillich 2005, 2008, Tillich et al. 2007, Liu et al. 2011, He et al. 2011, Lin et al. 2010, 2012, Lin & Liu 2011, Averyanov & Tillich 2012, Tillich & Averyanov 2012), made clear that the plant is an new species, which we describe below.
Enhancing activity by means of tactile symbols
Authors: Aasen Gro , Nærland Terje
Published: March 2014

This study investigates responses to verbal versus tactile requests in children with congenital blindness, intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Observation was conducted on two occasions. At T1, requests were given verbally, and at T2, tactile requests were given. All pupils perceived tactile symbols to be explicit requests to perform the act referred to by the symbols. The children seldom or never followed verbal requests. All children followed more tactile than verbal requests. Individual differences in verbal skills, motivations and the complexity of the activity are discussed. The availability of tactile symbols for individuals with congenital blindness, intellectual disability and ASD seems to increase their level of activity and their participation in school.
Sero-positivity rate of rubella and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Mwanza, Tanzania
Authors: Mwambe Berno , Mirambo Mariam M , Mshana Stephen E , Massinde Anthony N , Kidenya Benson R , Michael Denna , Morona Domenica , Majinge Charles , Groß Uwe
Published: March 2014

Background

Sero-positivity rates of the rubella virus among pregnant women vary widely throughout the world. In Tanzania, rubella vaccination is not included in the national immunization schedule and there is therefore no antenatal screening for this viral disease. So far, there are no reports on the sero-prevalence of rubella among pregnant women in Tanzania. As a result, this study was undertaken to establish the sero-positivity rate of rubella and rubella risk factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics in Mwanza, Tanzania.

Methods

From November 2012 to May 2013 a total of 350 pregnant women were enrolled and their serum samples collected and analyzed using the AXSYM anti-rubella virus IgG/IgM-MEIA test. Demographic and clinical data were collected using a standardized data collection tool. Data analysis was done using STATA version 12.

Results

Of 342 pregnant women tested for rubella antibodies, 317 (92.6%) were positive for anti-rubella IgG while only 1 (0.3%) was positive for IgM. Higher sero-positivity rates were found in the age group of 25–44 years. Furthermore, it was observed that with each year increase in age, the risk of contracting rubella increases by 12% (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.02-1.22, P = 0.019). Women involved in farming and business women were at a higher risk of contracting rubella infection compared to formally employed women (OR: 4.9, P = 0.011; OR 7.1, p = 0.003 respectively). In univariate analysis, the risk of contracting rubella virus infection was found to increase with gestational age with a statistical significance.

Conclusions

Sero-positivity rates of rubella are high in Mwanza and are significantly associated with an increase in age and being a farmer or a business woman. Screening of rubella and immunization of women at risk are highly recommended in this area with a high non-immune rate against rubella virus.
Effective policy initiatives to constrain lipid-lowering drug expenditure growth in South Korea
Authors: Bae Green , Park Chanmi , Lee Hyejin , Han Euna , Kim Dong-Sook , Jang Sunmee
Published: March 2014

Background

The rapid growth of prescription drug expenditures is a major problem in South Korea. Accordingly, the South Korean government introduced a positive listing system in 2006. They also adopted various price reduction policies. Nevertheless, the total expenditure for lipid-lowering drugs have steadily increased throughout South Korea. The present study explores the factors that have influenced the increased expenditures of lipid-lowering drugs with a particular focus on the effects of statins in this process.

Methods

This paper investigates the National Health Insurance claims data for prescribed lipid-lowering drugs collected between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2009. We specifically focused on statins and assessed the yearly variation of statin expenditure by calculating the increased rate of paired pharmaceutical expenditures over a 2 year period. Our study classified statins into three categories: new entrants, core medicines and exiting medicines. For core medicines, we further examined influencing factors such as price, amount of drugs consumed by volume, and prescription changes (substitutes for other drug).

Results

Statin expenditure showed an average annual increase of 25.7% between 2005 and 2009. Among the different statins, the expenditure of atorvastatin showed a 36.6% annual increase rate, which was the most dramatic among all statins. Also we divided expenditure for core medicines by the price factor, volume factor, and prescription change. The result showed that annual weighted average prices of individual drug decreased each year, which clearly showed that price influenced statin expenditure in a negative direction. The use of generic drugs containing the same active ingredient as name-brand drugs increased and negatively affected statin expenditure (Generic Mix effect). However, the use of relatively expensive ingredients within statin increase, Ingredient Mix effect contributed to increased statin expenditure (Ingredient Mix effect). In particular, the volume effect was found to be critical for increasing statin expenditure as the amount of statin consumed increased steadily throughout the study period.

Conclusions

The recent rapid increase in statin expenditure can largely be attributed to an increase in consumption volume. In order to check drug expenditures effectively in our current situation, in which chronic diseases remain steadily on the rise, it is necessary to not only have supply-side initiatives such as price reduction, but also demand-side initiatives that could control drug consumption volume, for example: educational programs for rational prescription, generic drug promotional policies, and policies providing prescription targets.
The antibacterial activity, antioxidant activity and selectivity index of leaf extracts of thirteen South African tree species used in ethnoveterinary medicine to treat helminth infections
Authors: Adamu Mathew , Naidoo Vinny , Eloff Jacobus N
Published: March 2014

Background

Diseases caused by bacteria remain a major challenge globally and particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The plants used in this study have been used in South Africa to treat helminth infections in livestock and humans. In a previous study we found a correlation between antifungal and anthelmintic activity in some cases. In this study we examined other potential uses of these thirteen plant species by determining the antibacterial and antioxidant activity of the leaf acetone extracts.

The antibacterial activity was determined by using a serial microdilution method against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis. Bioautography was used to determine the number of antibacterial compounds. The antioxidant activity was determined using the ABTS and DPPH methods.

Results

Maesa lanceolata and Leucosidea sericea with an MIC of 0.02 mg/ml had excellent antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. There was a poor correlation between antioxidant activity and antibacterial activity with R2 = 0.143. This is because antibacterial activity is mainly related to non-polar compounds and antioxidant activity to polar compounds. Maesa lanceolata extracts had a low cytotoxicity with a selectivity index of 5.2, 2.6, 2.6 and 1.3 for P. aeruginosa, E. faecalis, E. coli and S. aureus respectively. Strychnos mitis extracts had a therapeutic index of 1.1 for E. coli.

Conclusions

This study shows that plant extracts of some species used in ethnoveterinary medicine as anthelmintic may also have excellent antibacterial activity.
Autocatalytic sets in a partitioned biochemical network
Authors: Smith Joshua I , Steel Mike , Hordijk Wim
Published: March 2014

Background

In previous work, RAF theory has been developed as a tool for making theoretical progress on the origin of life question, providing insight into the structure and occurrence of self-sustaining and collectively autocatalytic sets within catalytic polymer networks. We present here an extension in which there are two “independent” polymer sets, where catalysis occurs within and between the sets, but there are no reactions combining polymers from both sets. Such an extension reflects the interaction between nucleic acids and peptides observed in modern cells and proposed forms of early life.

Results

We present theoretical work and simulations which suggest that the occurrence of autocatalytic sets is robust to the partitioned structure of the network. We also show that autocatalytic sets remain likely even when the molecules in the system are not polymers, and a low level of inhibition is present. Finally, we present a kinetic extension which assigns a rate to each reaction in the system, and show that identifying autocatalytic sets within such a system is an NP-complete problem.

Conclusions

Recent experimental work has challenged the necessity of an RNA world by suggesting that peptide-nucleic acid interactions occurred early in chemical evolution. The present work indicates that such a peptide-RNA world could support the spontaneous development of autocatalytic sets and is thus a feasible alternative worthy of investigation.
Spatial variation of net radiation and its contribution to energy balance closures in grassland ecosystems
Authors: Shao Changliang , Li Linghao , Dong Gang , Chen Jiquan
Published: March 2014

Introduction

Low energy balance closure (EBC) at a particular eddy-covariance flux site has increased the uncertainties of carbon, water, and energy measurements and has thus hampered the urgent research of scaling up and modeling analyses through site combinations in regional or global flux networks.

Methods

A series of manipulative experiments were conducted in this study to explore the role of net radiation (R
n) in the EBC in relation to spatial variability of vegetation characteristics, source area, and sensor type in three sites of the Inner Mongolian grassland of northern China.

Results

At all three sites, the residual fluxes of EBC peaked consistently at 110 W m−2. The spatial variability in net radiation was 19 W m−2 (5% of R
n) during the day and 7 W m−2 (16%) at night, with an average of 13 W m−2 (11%) from eight plot measurements across the three sites. Large area measurements of R
n significantly increased by 9 W m−2 during the day and decreased by 4 W m−2 at night in the unclipped treatments. Net radiation decreased by 25 W m−2 (6% of R
n) at midday and 81 MJ m−2 (6%) during a growing season with heavier regular clipping than that in unclipped treatments. The R
n was lower by 11–21 W m−2 (~20–40% of R
n) measured by CNR1 than by Q7.1 at night, while there was only 6 W m−2 (~1–2% of R
n) difference during the daytime between these two types of commonly used net radiometers.

Conclusions

Overall, the inclusion of the uncertainty in available energy accounted for 65% of the ~110 W m−2 shortfalls in the lack of closure. Clearly, the unclosed energy balance at these three grassland sites remains significant, with unexplored mechanisms for future research.
Clinical drug response can be predicted using baseline gene expression levels and in vitro drug sensitivity in cell lines
Authors: Geeleher Paul , Cox Nancy J , Huang R Stephanie
Published: March 2014

We demonstrate a method for the prediction of chemotherapeutic response in patients using only before-treatment baseline tumor gene expression data. First, we fitted models for whole-genome gene expression against drug sensitivity in a large panel of cell lines, using a method that allows every gene to influence the prediction. Following data homogenization and filtering, these models were applied to baseline expression levels from primary tumor biopsies, yielding an in vivo drug sensitivity prediction. We validated this approach in three independent clinical trial datasets, and obtained predictions equally good, or better than, gene signatures derived directly from clinical data.
Effect of Time on Perceived Gains from an Undergraduate Research Program
Authors: Adedokun Omolola A. , Parker Loran C. , Childress Amy , Burgess Wilella , Adams Robin , Agnew Christopher R. , Leary James , Knapp Deborah , Shields Cleveland , Lelievre Sophie , Teegarden Dorothy
Published: March 2014

The current study examines the trajectories of student perceived gains as a result of time spent in an undergraduate research experience (URE). Data for the study come from a survey administered at three points over a 1-yr period: before participation in the program, at the end of a Summer segment of research, and at the end of the year. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to examine the effect of time on perceived gains in student research skills, research confidence, and understanding of research processes. The results suggest that the students experienced different gains/benefits at developmentally different stages of their UREs. Participants reported gains in fewer areas at the end of the Summer segment compared with the end of the yearlong experience, thus supporting the notion that longer UREs offer students more benefit.
Online Plagiarism Training Falls Short in Biology Classrooms
Authors: Holt Emily A. , Fagerheim Britt , Durham Susan
Published: March 2014

Online plagiarism tutorials are increasingly popular in higher education, as faculty and staff try to curb the plagiarism epidemic. Yet no research has validated the efficacy of such tools in minimizing plagiarism in the sciences. Our study compared three plagiarism-avoidance training regimens (i.e., no training, online tutorial, or homework assignment) and their impacts on students’ ability to accurately discriminate plagiarism from text that is properly quoted, paraphrased, and attributed. Using pre- and postsurveys of 173 undergraduate students in three general ecology courses, we found that students given the homework assignment had far greater success in identifying plagiarism or the lack thereof compared with students given no training. In general, students trained with the homework assignment more successfully identified plagiarism than did students trained with the online tutorial. We also found that the summative assessment associated with the plagiarism-avoidance training formats (i.e., homework grade and online tutorial assessment score) did not correlate with student improvement on surveys through time.
Redefining Authentic Research Experiences in Introductory Biology Laboratories and Barriers to Their Implementation
Authors: Spell Rachelle M. , Guinan Judith A. , Miller Kristen R. , Beck Christopher W.
Published: March 2014

Incorporating authentic research experiences in introductory biology laboratory classes would greatly expand the number of students exposed to the excitement of discovery and the rigor of the scientific process. However, the essential components of an authentic research experience and the barriers to their implementation in laboratory classes are poorly defined. To guide future reform efforts in this area, we conducted a national survey of biology faculty members to determine 1) their definitions of authentic research experiences in laboratory classes, 2) the extent of authentic research experiences currently experienced in their laboratory classes, and 3) the barriers that prevent incorporation of authentic research experiences into these classes. Strikingly, the definitions of authentic research experiences differ among faculty members and tend to emphasize either the scientific process or the discovery of previously unknown data. The low level of authentic research experiences in introductory biology labs suggests that more development and support is needed to increase undergraduate exposure to research experiences. Faculty members did not cite several barriers commonly assumed to impair pedagogical reform; however, their responses suggest that expanded support for development of research experiences in laboratory classes could address the most common barrier.
3D inversion and resolution analysis of land-based CSEM data from the Ketzin CO2 storage formation
Authors: Grayver Alexander V. , Streich Rita , Ritter Oliver
Published: March 2014

We evaluated 3D inversion of land controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) data collected across the Ketzin [Formula: see text] storage formation. A newly developed, parallel and distributed 3D inversion code, which is based on a direct forward solver, has been used. This inversion scheme allowed us to calculate the Jacobian matrix explicitly within a reasonable time and use it to calculate regularization parameters, inspect survey coverage, and carry out resolution analysis. After demonstrating that the magnetic field components are sensitive to conductors only, whereas the electric field components are sensitive to all features of interest, we continued to work with electric field data only. Estimates of data uncertainty obtained from robust processing were used for automated data preselection and weighting during inversion. We tested different regularization techniques and a range of starting models to explore the model space and assess the influence of regularization on the inversion images. We further demonstrated an approach for handling numerical singularities due to sources located inside the inversion domain. We estimated survey coverage, horizontal and vertical resolution, and depth penetration using cumulative sensitivity, point spread functions, and depth-resolution plots. Based on data fit analysis, we determined a preferred subsurface conductivity model, which we compared to an independent regional structural geologic model, and we provided an interpretation for the structures resolved. The inversion approach we used provides robust results in good agreement with known geology, offers new possibilities for model assessment, and should be transferable to other CSEM data sets.
Autoimmune encephalitis: a potentially treatable cause of mental disorder
Authors: Rickards Hugh , Jacob Saiju , Lennox Belinda , Nicholson Tim
Published: March 2014

Autoimmune encephalitides can present with altered mental states, particularly psychosis and delirium. Psychiatrists need to be particularly vigilant in cases of first-episode psychosis and to look out for other, sometimes subtle, features of encephalitis. Encephalitis related toN-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor autoantibodies is the most common autoimmune cause of isolated psychosis, the second being related to voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC)-complex antibodies. Psychiatrists should note ‘red flag’ signs of seizures, autonomic instability, movement disorders and sensitivity to antipsychotic medication (including neuroleptic malignant syndrome). They should also be aware that, in some cases, encephalitis is a non-metastatic manifestation of malignancy. Treatment primarily involves suppression of immunity and is often successful if delivered early. There is accumulating evidence that isolated psychiatric syndromes can be caused by autoimmunity and this could potentially signal a significant change in the approach to disorders such as schizophrenia. Psychiatrists and neurologists need to work together to diagnose, manage and understand this group of conditions.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

•

Consider ‘red flags' for the diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis presenting to general psychiatric practice.

•

Understand the investigations required to diagnose autoimmune encephalitis.

•

Become familiar with the basics of treatment of autoimmune encephalitis.
An end to psychiatric detention? Implications of the United
Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities
Authors: Kelly Brendan D.
Published: March 2014

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is
a welcome articulation of the rights of the disabled. However, as its
definition of disability appears to include mental illness, the UK appears
to violate it by linking mental illness with detention. Clarity and,
possibly, change are needed.