bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental heterogeneity, dispersal mode, and co‐occurrence in stream macroinvertebrates
Authors: Heino Jani
Published: January 2013

Both environmental heterogeneity and mode of dispersal may affect species co‐occurrence in metacommunities. Aquatic invertebrates were sampled in 20–30 streams in each of three drainage basins, differing considerably in environmental heterogeneity. Each drainage basin was further divided into two equally sized sets of sites, again differing profoundly in environmental heterogeneity. Benthic invertebrate data were divided into three groups of taxa based on overland dispersal modes: passive dispersers with aquatic adults, passive dispersers with terrestrial winged adults, and active dispersers with terrestrial winged adults. The co‐occurrence of taxa in each dispersal mode group, drainage basin, and heterogeneity site subset was measured using the C‐score and its standardized effect size. The probability of finding high levels of species segregation tended to increase with environmental heterogeneity across the drainage basins. These patterns were, however, contingent on both dispersal mode and drainage basin. It thus appears that environmental heterogeneity and dispersal mode interact in affecting co‐occurrence in metacommunities, with passive dispersers with aquatic adults showing random patterns irrespective of environmental heterogeneity, and active dispersers with terrestrial winged adults showing increasing segregation with increasing environmental heterogeneity.
Divergence of premating behaviors in the closely related species Drosophila subquinaria and D. recens
Authors: Giglio Erin M. , Dyer Kelly A.
Published: January 2013

Most animal species use distinctive courship patterns to choose among potential mates. Over time, the sensory signaling and preferences used during courtship can diverge among groups that are reproductively isolated. This divergence of signal traits and preferences is thought to be an important cause of behavioral isolation during the speciation process. Here, we examine the sensory modalities used in courtship by two closely related species, Drosophila subquinaria and Drosophila recens, which overlap in geographic range and are incompletely reproductively isolated. We use observational studies of courtship patterns and manipulation of male and female sensory modalities to determine the relative roles of visual, olfactory, gustatory, and auditory signals during conspecific mate choice. We find that sex‐specific, species‐specific, and population‐specific cues are used during mate acquisition within populations of D. subquinaria and D. recens. We identify shifts in both male and female sensory modalities between species, and also between populations of D. subquinaria. Our results indicate that divergence in mating signals and preferences have occurred on a relatively short timescale within and between these species. Finally, we suggest that because olfactory cues are essential for D. subquinaria females to mate within species, they may also underlie variation in behavioral discrimination across populations and species.
Ikaros to the rescue of TCR‐α chain gene rearrangement
Authors: Winandy Susan
Published: January 2013

Ikaros is a transcriptional regulator critical for B‐ and T‐cell development. Recently, it has been shown to play a central role in facilitating rearrangement of antigen‐receptor genes in B cells. Whether or not it had a similar function in this process in T cells, however, was a mystery. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, a role for Ikaros in T‐cell receptor (TCR) rearrangement and expression of TCR‐α chain genes is revealed in the study by Collins et al. [Eur. J. Immunol. 2013. 43: 521‐532]. Ikaros functions in this capacity as an “accessibility factor,” facilitating increased TCR‐α chain gene transcription and accessibility of the locus to promote rearrangement. Interestingly, this study has also revealed differences in the mechanisms by which Ikaros promotes antigen‐receptor rearrangement in B versus T cells, thereby suggesting that Ikaros may have lineage‐specific functions in coordinating antigen‐receptor rearrangement.
Lipase‐catalyzed interesterification reactions for human milk fat substitutes production: A review
Authors: Soumanou Mohamed M. , Pérignon Marlène , Villeneuve Pierre
Published: January 2013

The synthesis of human milk fat substitutes (HMFS) which show a high degree of similarity to human milk fat (HFM) is of great interest to ensure a supply in infant nutrition with a triacylglyceride composition as close as possible to mothers milk. Biocatalyzed modifications of natural oils using microbial or plant‐derived enzymes enable the production of high‐value HMFS. Due to the mild reaction conditions and the exceptionally high sn‐1,3‐regioselectivity of these enzymes, they are preferred over chemical catalysis in the development of these lipids with desired nutritional and functional properties. In this article, research spanning over 20 years of lipase‐catalysis for the production HMFS is reviewed. Specific attention is paid to the evaluation of the regiospecificity of the biocatalysts, choice of natural oils and acyl donors, production processes, purification of the HMFS, and analytical procedures for their characterization.
The Huntington disease protein accelerates breast tumour development and metastasis through ErbB2/HER2 signalling
Authors: Moreira Sousa Cristovão , McGuire John Russel , Thion Morgane Sonia , Gentien David , de la Grange Pierre , Tezenas du Montcel Sophie , Vincent‐Salomon Anne , Durr Alexandra , Humbert Sandrine
Published: January 2013

In Huntington disease (HD), polyglutamine expansion in the huntingtin protein causes specific neuronal death. The consequences of the presence of mutant huntingtin in other tissues are less well understood. Here we propose that mutant huntingtin influences breast cancer progression. Indeed, we show that mammary tumours appear earlier in mouse breast cancer models expressing mutant huntingtin as compared to control mice expressing wild‐type huntingtin. Tumours bearing mutant huntingtin have a modified gene expression pattern that reflects enhanced aggressiveness with the overexpression of genes favouring invasion and metastasis. In agreement, mutant huntingtin accelerates epithelial to mesenchymal transition and enhances cell motility and invasion. Also, lung metastasis is higher in HD conditions than in control mice. Finally, we report that in HD, the dynamin dependent endocytosis of the ErbB2/HER2 receptor tyrosine kinase is reduced. This leads to its accumulation and to subsequent increases in cell motility and proliferation. Our study may thus have important implications for both cancer and HD.
Two new species of Thalictrum L. in Iran
Authors: Pakravan Maneezheh , Assadi Mostafa
Published: January 2013

Two new species of the genus Thalictrum named Th. mazandaranicum Pakravan & Assadiand Th. tacabicum Pakravan & Assadi from Iran are described and illustrated, their differences to related species are discussed. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Hepatic-specific activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1β protects against steatohepatitis
Authors: Bellafante Elena , Murzilli Stefania , Salvatore Lorena , Latorre Dominga , Villani Gaetano , Moschetta Antonio
Published: January 2013

Development of hepatic steatosis and its progression to steatohepatitis may be the consequence of dysfunction of several metabolic pathways, such as triglyceride synthesis, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) secretion, and fatty acid β-oxidation. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1β (PGC-1β) is a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolism, lipogenesis, and triglyceride (TG) secretion. Here we generated a novel mouse model with constitutive hepatic activation of PGC-1β and studied the role of this transcriptional coactivator in dietary-induced steatosis and steatohepatitis. Selective activation of PGC-1β within hepatocytes is able to protect the liver from lipid overload and from progression to fibrosis. The protective function exerted by PGC-1β is due to its ability to induce mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, fatty acid β-oxidation, and citrate cycle, as well as to decrease oxidative stress and promote TG secretion in the blood stream. These findings bolster the concept that a combined hepatic specific action of PGC-1β on lipid synthesis and secretion, as well as on mitochondrial biogenesis and function, could protect against steatohepatitis.
Hedgehog pathway and pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Swiderska-Syn Marzena , Suzuki Ayako , Guy Cynthia D. , Schwimmer Jeffrey B. , Abdelmalek Manal F. , Lavine Joel E. , Diehl Anna Mae
Published: January 2013

It is unclear why the histology of pediatric and adult nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) sometimes differs. In adults, severity of portal inflammation and fibrosis correlate with Hedgehog pathway activity. Hedgehog (Hh) signaling regulates organogenesis, but is silent in adult livers until injury reinduces Hh ligand production. During adolescence, liver development is completed and children's livers normally lose cells that produce and/or respond to Hh ligands. We postulated that fatty liver injury interferes with this process by increasing Hh ligand production, and theorized that hepatic responses to Hh ligands might differ among children according to age, gender, and/or puberty status. Using unstained liver biopsy slides from 56 children with NAFLD, we performed immunohistochemistry to assess Hh pathway activation and correlated the results with clinical information obtained at biopsy. Fibrosis stage generally correlated with Hh pathway activity, as demonstrated by the numbers of Hh-ligand-producing cells (

P

< 0.0001) and Hh-responsive (glioma-associated oncogene 2-positive [Gli2]) cells (

P

= 0.0013). The numbers of Gli2(+) cells also correlated with portal inflammation grade (

P

= 0.0012). Two distinct zonal patterns of Hh-ligand production, portal/periportal versus lobular, were observed. Higher portal/periportal Hh-ligand production was associated with male gender. Male gender and prepuberty were also associated with ductular proliferation (

P

< 0.05), increased numbers of portal Gli2(+) cells (

P

< 0.017) and portal fibrosis.

Conclusion :

The portal/periportal (progenitor) compartment of prepubescent male livers exhibits high Hh pathway activity. This may explain the unique histologic features of pediatric NAFLD because Hh signaling promotes the fibroductular response.
Interruption or deferral of antiretroviral therapy reduces markers of bone turnover compared with continuous therapy: The SMART body composition substudy
Authors: Hoy Jennifer , Grund Birgit , Roediger Mollie , Ensrud Kristine E , Brar Indira , Colebunders Robert , Castro Nathalie De , Johnson Margaret , Sharma Anjali , Carr Andrew ,   for the INSIGHT SMART Body Composition Substudy Group
Published: January 2013

Bone mineral density (BMD) declines significantly in HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART). We compared the effects of intermittent versus continuous ART on markers of bone turnover in the Body Composition substudy of the Strategies for Management of AntiRetroviral Therapy (SMART) trial and determined whether early changes in markers predicted subsequent change in BMD. For 202 participants (median age 44 years, 17% female, 74% on ART) randomized to continuous or intermittent ART, plasma markers of inflammation and bone turnover were evaluated at baseline and months 4 and 12; BMD at the spine (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry [DXA] and computed tomography) and hip (DXA) was evaluated annually. Compared with the continuous ART group, mean bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (bALP), osteocalcin, procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), N-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type 1 collagen (NTX), and C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type 1 collagen (βCTX) decreased significantly in the intermittent ART group, whereas RANKL and the RANKL:osteoprotegerin (OPG) ratio increased (all p ≤ 0.002 at month 4 and month 12). Increases in bALP, osteocalcin, P1NP, NTX, and βCTX at month 4 predicted decrease in hip BMD at month 12, whereas increases in RANKL and the RANKL:OPG ratio at month 4 predicted increase in hip and spine BMD at month 12. This study has shown that compared with continuous ART, interruption of ART results in a reduction in markers of bone turnover and increase in BMD at hip and spine, and that early changes in markers of bone turnover predict BMD changes at 12 months.
Gender influence on left ventricular structure and function in metabolic syndrome. Are women at greater risk?
Authors: Tadic Marijana V. , Ivanovic Branislava A. , Petrovic Milan , Celic Vera , Neskovic Aleksandar
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of metabolic syndrome (MS) on left ventricular (LV) structure and function depending on gender.

Methods

The study included 235 never‐treated MS subjects and 138 controls. MS was defined as the presence of three or more National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. All the subjects underwent laboratory blood tests and complete two‐dimensional, pulsed, and tissue Doppler echocardiography.

Results

LV structure, diastolic function, and global function were significantly impaired in all MS subjects. Multivariate analysis of individual MS factors showed that increased blood pressure (BP) and impaired fasting glucose were independently associated with LV hypertrophy in women, whereas the only independent predictor in men was increased BP. The same analysis revealed that the combination of impaired glucose level, abdominal obesity, and dyslipidemia was associated with LV hypertrophy only in women. Higher BP, impaired fasting glucose, and triglycerides level were independently associated with LV diastolic dysfunction in women, whereas higher BP was the only independent predictor in men. The combination of increased BP, fasting glucose, and dyslipidemia was independently associated with LV diastolic dysfunction only in women.

Conclusions

Different MS factors are responsible for LV remodeling in women and men. The metabolic sequence of MS is more important for LV remodeling in women. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 41:538–545, 2013.
Analysis of mainstream tobacco smoke particulate phase using comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Brokl Michał , Bishop Louise , Wright Christopher G. , Liu Chuan , McAdam Kevin , Focant Jean‐François
Published: January 2013

Comprehensive 2D GC coupled to time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was applied for the characterization of the particulate phase of mainstream tobacco smoke particulate. Five 3R4F research cigarettes were smoked on a rotary smoking machine under standardized conditions, total particular matter was collected on Cambridge filter pads and extracted using methanol‐based liquid extraction and dynamic headspace (DHS) approaches. Automated peak finding and mass spectral deconvolution combined with scripting and manual revision of library hits were used to evaluate the library search results. The revised peak table contained nearly 1800 individual compounds for the DHS sample and over 900 for the solvent extracted sample. These methods of extraction were shown to be complementary, leading to only 11% of repeated analytes, and their combination gave rise to a list of almost 2500 individual compounds.
Expression levels of endogenous hydrogen sulfide are altered in patients with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Park Se Jin , Kim Tae Hoon , Lee Seung Hoon , Ryu Hyei Yul , Hong Ki Hong , Jung Jong Yoon , Hwang Gyu Ho , Lee Sang Hag
Published: January 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), the third endogenous gaseous transmitter, may be a crucial mediator in airway hyper‐responsiveness and airway inflammation, including asthma. To elucidate the role of H2S in allergic rhinitis, the present study was undertaken to determine the level of expression of H2S in healthy nasal mucosa and mild and moderate/severe persistent allergic nasal mucosa as well as peripheral blood obtained from each patient. The expression and distribution pattern of the H2S‐synthesizing enzymes cystathione γ‐lyase (CSE) and cystathione β‐synthase (CBS) were investigated in healthy and allergic nasal mucosa.

Study Design:

Controlled, prospective study.

Methods:

The concentration of H2S in nasal mucosa and plasma was determined by zinc trap spectrophotometry. The expression levels and patterns of distribution of CSE and CBS mRNA and proteins were evaluated using real time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry.

Results:

The levels of expression of H2S in nasal mucosa and plasma were increased in patients with mild and moderate/severe persistent allergic rhinitis compared with healthy controls. CSE was localized in vascular endothelium and surrounding muscles, and submucosal glands, whereas CBS was exclusively distributed in the superficial epithelium and submucosal glands. Their expression levels were increased in mild and moderate/severe persistent allergic rhinitis.

Conclusions:

The current findings indicate that, in parallel with increased expression levels of CSE and CBS, H2S is upregulated in nasal mucosa and plasma of allergic patients. Based on localization of CSE and CBS, H2S may play multiple functions in human nasal mucosa, contributing to the development of allergic symptoms such as rhinorrhea, sneezing, and nasal stuffiness. Laryngoscope, 2013
Voice conversion in cochlear implantation
Authors: Wilkinson Eric P. , Abdel‐Hamid Ossama , Galvin John J. , Jiang Hui , Fu Qian‐Jie
Published: January 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Voice conversion algorithms may benefit cochlear implant (CI) users who better understand speech produced by one talker than by another. It is unclear how the source or target talker's fundamental frequency (F0) information may contribute to perception of converted speech. This study evaluated voice conversion algorithms for CI users in which the source or target talker's F0 was included in the converted speech.

Study Design:

Development and evaluation of computerized voice conversion algorithms in CI patients.

Methods:

A series of cepstral analysis‐based algorithms were developed and evaluated in six CI users. The algorithms converted talker voice gender (male‐to‐female, or female‐to‐male); either the source or target talker F0 was included in the converted speech. The voice conversion algorithms were evaluated in terms of recognition of IEEE sentences, speech quality, and voice gender discrimination.

Results:

Voice gender recognition performance showed that listeners strongly cued to the F0 that was included within the converted speech. For both IEEE sentence recognition and voice quality ratings, performance was poorer with the voice conversion algorithms than with original speech. Performance on female‐to‐male conversion was superior to male‐to‐female conversion.

Conclusion:

The strong cueing to F0 within the voice conversion algorithms suggests that CI users are able to utilize temporal periodicity information for some pitch‐related tasks. Limitations on spectral channel information experienced by CI users may result in poorer performance with voice conversion algorithms due to distortion of speech formant information and degradation of the spectral envelope. Laryngoscope, 2013
Precision Control of Temperature Response by Copolymerization of Di(Ethylene Glycol) Acrylate and an Acrylamide Comonomer
Authors: De Priyadarsi , Sumerlin Brent S.
Published: January 2013

The readily tuned thermoresponsive behavior of well‐defined statistical and block copolymers of di(ethylene glycol)ethyl ether acrylate (DEGA) and N,N‐dimethylacrylamide (DMA) was investigated. DEGA and DMA were copolymerized with various comonomer feed ratios by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Reactivity ratios were determined, which allowed copolymers with precisely tuned compositions to be prepared. The cloud point of the resulting copolymers was observed to vary linearly with the mole fraction of hydrophilic DMA over the range of 10–90 °C. Block copolymers of DEGA were also prepared by chain extension of poly(DEGA) homopolymers with DMA. The resulting block copolymers formed well‐defined polymeric micelles when heated above the cloud point of the poly(DEGA) block. Thus, copolymerization of DEGA was shown to be a convenient route to thermoresponsive polymers with specific and predictable transition temperatures.
From CO2‐Based Multifunctional Polycarbonates With a Controlled Number of Functional Groups to Graft Polymers
Authors: Geschwind Jeannette , Wurm Frederik , Frey Holger
Published: January 2013

Copolymerization of CO2 and epoxides is employed to generate functional polycarbonates. The introduction of reactive double bonds at a poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) backbone is realized by the copolymerization of aliphatic alkene epoxides with propylene oxide (PO) and carbon dioxide (CO2). A series of copolymers with random structure and varying comonomer content (3–22%) with molecular weights in the range of 22 000–34 000 g mol−1 is synthesized and characterized with respect to their microstructure and thermal properties. The facile transformation of the double bonds is verified by a thiol‐ene reaction, resulting in quantitative conversion of the double bonds. Polycarbonate derivatives with multiple functionalities are prepared, providing suitable moieties for further grafting.

magnified image
Silver‐Polydopamine Hybrid Coatings of Electrospun Poly(vinyl alcohol) Nanofibers
Authors: Son Ho Yeon , Ryu Ji Hyun , Lee Haeshin , Nam Yoon Sung
Published: January 2013

Catechol, a unique adhesive molecule found in mussel proteins, can reduce metal ions while it is oxidized and polymerized with amines to polydopamine (pD). Here, pD coatings are employed with simultaneous reduction of metal ions to prepare electrospun polymer nanofibers functionalized with metal nanoparticles. The oxidative polymerization of dopamines mediates the reduction of silver ions to metallic silver nanoparticles and their deposition on polymer nanofibers. The formation of silver‐pD‐coated polymer nanofibers stabilizes the porous structure of nanofibers in aqueous solution. It is expected that the pD‐mediated metal coatings on polymer nanofibers can be used to prepare highly porous, inorganic/organic hybrid nanomaterials for a broad range of practical applications.

magnified image
On Riesz systems of harmonic conjugates in
Authors: Morais J. , Avetisyan K. , Gürlebeck K.
Published: January 2013

In continuation of recent studies, we discuss two constructive approaches for the generation of harmonic conjugates to find null solutions to the Riesz system in . This class of solutions coincides with the subclass of monogenic functions with values in the reduced quaternions. Our first algorithm for harmonic conjugates is based on special systems of homogeneous harmonic and monogenic polynomials, whereas the second one is presented by means of an integral representation. Some examples of function spaces illustrating the techniques involved are given. More specifically, we discuss the (monogenic) Hardy and weighted Bergman spaces on the unit ball in consisting of functions with values in the reduced quaternions. We end up proving the boundedness of the underlying harmonic conjugation operators in certain weighted spaces. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring Care Transition Quality for Older Patients with Musculoskeletal Disorders
Authors: McLeod Jordache , Stolee Paul , Walker Jennifer , Heckman George
Published: January 2013

Objective

The aim of the current study was to examine the ability of a performance measurement scale, the Care Transitions Measure (CTM) adequately to assess the quality of care transitions among a complex population of older musculoskeletal (MSK) rehabilitation patients.

Methods

Fifteen older (aged 60+) patients with MSK disorders were recruited from two inpatient rehabilitation units. A telephone interview was conducted three to four weeks post‐discharge; this included the CTM and global questions used for construct validation. To assess inter‐rater reliability, the CTM was re‐administered to ten subjects in a second interview six to ten days later. Participant comments were recorded in an effort to gauge how respondents understood and interpreted items.

Results

The CTM demonstrated acceptable inter‐rater reliability for the overall score (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.77; p = 0.03), in spite of only fair agreement for specific items. The internal consistency was high (Cronbach's alpha = 0.94). The construct validity was supported; however, qualitative data suggest that additional items should be considered for inclusion, and the need for revisions to the wording of the response options and some items.

Conclusions

Although the CTM proved to be reliable for an MSK population, there is a need for modifications to improve the construct validity and utility of the CTM. Recommendations for scale improvement are made. The results of the present study support efforts to improve the outcomes of care transitions, care planning and the overall quality of life for older rehabilitation patients. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ELSiTO. A Collaborative European Initiative to Foster Social Inclusion with Persons Experiencing Mental Illness
Authors: Ammeraal M. , Kantartzis S. , Burger M. , Bogeas T. , van der Molen C. , Vercruysse L.
Published: January 2013

ELSiTO (Empowering Learning for Social Inclusion Through Occupation), an international collaborative partnership, with over 30 members from Belgium, Greece and the Netherlands, aimed to explore the nature and processes of social inclusion for persons experiencing mental illness. Members included persons experiencing mental illness and health professionals. Four international visits and local activities enabled a knowledge creation process that combined the experience of social inclusion as we lived and worked together with exploration of the processes of community projects, narratives of experiences and reflective workshops. Outcomes included identification and description of the following: the nature of social inclusion as lived by the participants; the critical elements that support inclusion; and the competences that are developed by all stakeholders during this process. The complex process of social inclusion is facilitated by doing together in environments that enable equality, trust, risk taking and realignment of power. These conceptual understandings of inclusion are discussed in relation to the ongoing activities of the partners, to their potential contribution to the education of occupational therapists (and other professionals) and to the development of socially inclusive occupation‐based projects in the community. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐invasive prenatal testing of fetal whole chromosome aneuploidy by massively parallel sequencing
Authors: Liang Desheng , Lv Weigang , Wang Hua , Xu Liangpu , Liu Jing , Li Haoxian , Hu Liang , Peng Ying , Wu Lingqian
Published: January 2013

Objective

To determine whether non‐invasive prenatal testing by maternal plasma DNA sequencing can uncover all fetal chromosome aneuploidies in one simple sequencing event.

Methods

Plasma samples from 435 pregnant women at high risk for Down syndrome were collected prior to amniocentesis in three hospitals in China between March 2009 and June 2011. We sequenced the plasma DNA extracted from these samples at low coverage. We discovered that the genome representation of each of the 24 chromosomes obeyed a linear relationship to its GC content. Applying this relationship, we analysed the copy number of each of the 24 chromosomes. Full fetal karyotyping was compared with maternal plasma DNA sequencing results.

Results

Among the 435 samples, 412 samples (94.7%) have full karyotyping and sequencing results. Sixty‐seven samples containing a fetal chromosome aneuploidy, including trisomy 21, trisomy 18, trisomy 13, trisomy 9, monosomy X or others, can be accurately identified with a detection sensitivity of 100% and a detection specificity of 99.71%. Normalization of the chromosome representation values against chromosomal guanine/cytosine base content is the key issue to ensure the accuracy.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that non‐invasive detection of fetal chromosome aneuploidies for all 24 chromosomes in one single sequencing event is feasible. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct conflict of Marcus theory with the law of conservation of energy
Authors: Zhu Xiao‐Qing , Yang Jin‐Dong
Published: January 2013

Marcus theory is a well‐known kinetic theory developed by Rudolph A. Marcus in 1956 for outer sphere electron transfer reactions according to the solvent polarization, which has been extensively used to describe the kinetics of various chemical reactions. However, when Marcus theory was examined with scientific principles, it is found that Marcus theory directly conflicts with the law of conservation of energy. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Charge transport study of semiconducting polymers and their bulk heterojunction blends by capacitance measurements
Authors: Chan Kevin K. H. , Tsang S. W. , Lee Harrison K. H. , So F. , So S. K.
Published: January 2013

We use frequency dependent capacitance measurements to probe carrier mobilities and transport parameters of six representative semiconducting polymers and some of their bulk heterojunction (BHJ) blends. With a suitable choice of a hole injection layer, well‐defined signals for hole transport characterization can be obtained for the pristine polymers [J. Appl. Phys. 99, 013706 (2006)]. However, ill‐defined signals with negative capacitances, arising from undesirable electron leakages, are obtained for the BHJ blends. The problem of electron leakage can be circumvented by inserting an electron blocking and trapping layer under the cathode. As a result, hole transport properties of BHJ blends can be obtained. For the BHJ of poly(3‐hexylthiophene) blended with [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PC61BM), the hole mobilities seem to be insensitive to the composition of the BHJ, indicating the P3HT component in the BHJ is well connected. On the other hand, for poly[N‐9“‐hepta‐decanyl‐2,7‐carbazole‐alt‐5,5‐(4′,7′‐di‐2‐thienyl‐2′,1′,3′‐benzothiadia zole)] doped with [6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCDTBT:PC71BM), a clear reduction of the hole mobility is observed as the polymer composition is reduced. Temperature dependent experiments were performed. The data are analyzed by the Gaussian Disorder Model. We found that the energetic disorder is independent of the composition of the BHJ. Organic photovoltaic performances of BHJ blends are also measured in this contribution. The correlation between device performance and energetic disorder of the BHJ will be discussed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2013
Raman and photoluminescence studies of transitions of quantum‐confined acceptors
Authors: Huang Hai‐Bei , Zheng Wei‐Min , Cong Wei‐Yan , Meng Xiang‐Yan , Zhai Jian‐Bo
Published: January 2013

The internal transitions of Be acceptors confined in the center of GaAs/AlAs multiple quantum wells are investigated by Raman and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. A series of Be δ‐doped GaAs/AlAs multiple quantum wells with doping at the well center and well widths ranging from 30 to 200 Å were grown on (100) GaAs substrates by molecular beam epitaxy. Both the Raman and PL spectra were measured at 4 and 20 K, respectively. The confined longitudinal optical (LO) modes, and transitions of Be acceptors from the 1S3/2(Γ6) ground state to 2S3/2(Γ6) first excited state were clearly observed in Raman spectra. Two‐hole transitions of the acceptor‐bound excitons from the 1S3/2(Γ6) ground state to the 2S3/2(Γ6) first excited state were also observed. It is found that the experimental results in the Raman spectra are close to those measured in the PL experiments.
A mathematical model for maximizing the value of phase 3 drug development portfolios incorporating budget constraints and risk
Authors: Patel Nitin R. , Ankolekar Suresh , Antonijevic Zoran , Rajicic Natasa
Published: January 2013

We describe a value‐driven approach to optimizing pharmaceutical portfolios. Our approach incorporates inputs from research and development and commercial functions by simultaneously addressing internal and external factors. This approach differentiates itself from current practices in that it recognizes the impact of study design parameters, sample size in particular, on the portfolio value. We develop an integer programming (IP) model as the basis for Bayesian decision analysis to optimize phase 3 development portfolios using expected net present value as the criterion. We show how this framework can be used to determine optimal sample sizes and trial schedules to maximize the value of a portfolio under budget constraints. We then illustrate the remarkable flexibility of the IP model to answer a variety of ‘what‐if’ questions that reflect situations that arise in practice. We extend the IP model to a stochastic IP model to incorporate uncertainty in the availability of drugs from earlier development phases for phase 3 development in the future. We show how to use stochastic IP to re‐optimize the portfolio development strategy over time as new information accumulates and budget changes occur. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From configuration interaction to coupled cluster theory: The quadratic configuration interaction approach
Authors: Cremer Dieter
Published: January 2013

Configuration interaction (CI) theory has dominated the first 50 years of quantum chemistry before it was replaced by many‐body perturbation theory and coupled cluster theory. However, even today it plays an important role in the education of everybody who wants to enter the realm of quantum chemistry. Apart from this, full CI is the method of choice for getting exact energies for a given basis set. The development of CI theory from the early days of quantum chemistry up to our time is described with special emphasis on the size‐extensivity problem, which after its discovery has reduced the use of CI methods considerably. It led to the development of the quadratic CI (QCI) approach as a special form of size‐extensive CI. Intimately linked with QCI is the scientific dispute between QCI developers and their opponents, who argued that the QCI approach in its original form does not lead to a set of size‐extensive CI methods. This dispute was settled when it was shown that QCI in its original form can be converted into a generally defined series of size‐extensive methods, which however have to be viewed as a series of simplified coupled cluster methods rather than a series of size‐extensive CI methods. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article is categorized under:

Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods
MSSM: cornered and correlated
Authors: Haisch Ulrich , Mahmoudi Farvah
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Inspired by the latest results of ATLAS and CMS on the search for the standard model (SM) Higgs scalar, we discuss in this article the correlations between Higgs-boson properties, low-energy observables, such as B → X
sγ, B
s → μ
+
μ
−, and (g − 2)μ, and the dark matter (DM) relic density. We focus on the corners of the MSSM parameter space where the pp → h → γγ signal is enhanced due to the presence of a light stau state. In this region tan β, M

A
, A
t, and μ take large values, and we find striking correlations between many of the considered observables. In particular, the B → X
sγ branching fraction is enhanced, while the B
s → μ
+
μ
− rate tends to be below the SM expectation. In contrast, the Higgs-boson couplings show good overall agreement with the preliminary experimental determinations, the DM abundance is consistent with observation, and the discrepancy in (g − 2)
μ
is reduced. The predicted deviations and found correlations could be tested in the near future and hence may become very valuable as guidelines and consistency checks.
A Mobile Colonoscopic Unit for Lynch Syndrome: Trends in Surveillance Uptake and Patient Experiences of Screening in a Developing Country
Authors: Bruwer Zandrè , Futter Merle , Ramesar Raj
Published: January 2013

The Genetic and Endoscopic Surveillance Clinic is an annual outreach service offering accessible colonoscopic surveillance to known families with Lynch syndrome living in remote areas of the Western and Northern Cape Province of South Africa. Unfortunately attendance at this outreach clinic has been declining over several years and fewer than a quarter of participants, attending for surveillance, have been adherent with all their recommended screening appointments. Concerns exist for non‐adherent individuals as screening can prevent colorectal cancer by removing the precancerous lesion or enabling the treatment of a malignancy at an early stage. This study explored the experience of surveillance from both the non‐adherers’ and adherers’ perspectives and identified unique factors affecting attendance at the outreach clinic. Rates of compliance are calculated for 191 mutation‐positive cases of Lynch syndrome, using strict attendance criteria, and compared to figures obtained from self‐reported attendance. Non‐compliance was under‐reported and compliance was exaggerated when basing data on self‐reported adherence to recommendations. Specific characteristics of the outreach clinic affecting compliance are identified and recommendations are made to facilitate improvements to the service. These improvements can result in increased compliance with screening regimens and ultimately reduce cancer‐related mortality.
Ectomycorrhizal fungal communities of Quercus liaotungensis along local slopes in the temperate oak forests on the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Zhang Jian , Taniguchi Takeshi , Tateno Ryunosuke , Xu Ming , Du Sheng , Liu Guo‐Bin , Yamanaka Norikazu
Published: January 2013

Topographic factors strongly affect the diversity of plants and local environmental conditions, yet little is known about their effects on the distribution of ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF). By combining morphological and molecular identification methods, we investigated the relationship between EMF communities of Quercus liaotungensis and topographic factors along local slopes in the temperate oak forest on the Loess Plateau of northwest China. ITS‐RFLP analysis revealed a high diversity of EMF taxa (135 taxa) associated with Q. liaotungensis along three local slopes. EMF communities among slope sites or slope positions, tended to share major common EMF species, which accounted for more than 80 % of the total EMF abundance, and showed a diverse distribution, which mainly related to rare species. Ordination analyses showed that EMF taxa distribution was significantly correlated with several environmental variables (slope site, slope position, slope gradient, and soil C:N). Topography‐mediated changes of environmental conditions may be important determinants of the distribution of EMF taxa along local slopes (slope position and slope site) in the central Loess Plateau.
Speciality interests and career calling to medicine among first-year medical
students
Authors: Borges Nicole J. , Manuel R. Stephen , Duffy Ryan D.
Published: January 2013

The construct of calling has recently been applied to the vocation of medicine. We
explored whether medical students endorse the presence of a calling or a search for a
calling and how calling related to initial speciality interest. 574 first-year medical
students (84 % response rate) were administered the Brief Calling Survey and indicated
their speciality interest. For presence of a calling, the median response was mostly
true for: ‘I have a calling to a particular kind of work’ and moderately true for: ‘I
have a good understanding of my calling as it applies to my career’. For search for a
calling, median response was mildly true: ‘I am trying to figure out my calling in my
career’ and ‘I am searching for my calling as it applies to my career’. Mann–Whitney U
(p < 0.05) results indicate that students interested in primary care (n = 185) versus
non-primary care (n = 389) are more likely to endorse the presence of a calling.
Students were more likely to endorse the presence of a calling rather than a search for
a calling, with those interested in primary care expressing stronger presence of a
calling to medicine.
Conformal metrics on $\mathbb R^{2 m}$ with constant $Q$-curvature and large volume
Authors: Martinazzi Luca
Published: January 2013

We study conformal metrics

g_{u} = e^{2u}|dx|^{2}

on

\mathbb{R}^{2m}

with constant

Q

-curvature

Q_{g_{u}} \equiv (2m−1)!

(notice that

(2m−1)!

is the

Q

-curvature of

S^{2m}

) and finite volume. When

m = 3

we show that there exists

V^{⁎}

such that for any

V \in [V^{⁎},\infty)

there is a conformal metric

g_{u} = e^{2u}|dx|^{2}

on

\mathbb{R}^{6}

with

Q_{g_{u}} \equiv 5!

and

\mathrm{vol}(g_{u}) = V

. This is in sharp contrast with the four-dimensional case, treated by C.-S. Lin. We also prove that when

m

is odd and greater than

1

, there is a constant

V_{m} > \mathrm{vol}(S^{2m})

such that for every

V \in (0,V_{m}]

there is a conformal metric

g_{u} = e^{2u}|dx|^{2}

on

\mathbb{R}^{2m}

with

Q_{g_{u}} \equiv (2m−1)!

,

\mathrm{vol}(g) = V

. This extends a result of A. Chang and W.-X. Chen. When

m

is even we prove a similar result for conformal metrics of

negative

Q

-curvature.
Acceptability and use of emergency contraception among married women in Bangalore, India
Authors: Rocca Corinne H. , Shankar Mridula , Sreevathsa Anuradha , Krishnan Suneeta
Published: January 2013

Objective

To assess knowledge, acceptability, and use of emergency contraceptive pills (ECs) among lower‐income married women in Bangalore, India.

Methods

EC counseling and supplies were offered to 322 women aged 18–25 years participating in a longitudinal reproductive health study. Participants completed interviews at enrollment and were followed for 1 year. EC acceptability and use were assessed, and factors associated with use were identified.

Results

206/320 (64.4%) participants did not desire pregnancy but only 46/321 (14.3%) used an intrauterine device or contraceptive pills. Only 25 (7.8%) had heard of ECs. Overall, 123 (38.2%) participants requested advance provisions of ECs after counseling. Over a year, 37/263 (14.1%) women used ECs, usually within 3 days of unprotected sex (33 [89.2%]), and 32 (86.5%) took both pills together or 1 day apart. Thirty‐six (97.3%) felt glad and 31 (83.8%) were relieved after taking ECs. Twenty‐five (67.6%) women who used ECs sought permission from their husbands. The only factor associated with EC use was couples' pregnancy intentions (odds ratio 4.71; 95% confidence interval, 1.43–15.58; P ≤ 0.01).

Conclusion

Indian women with access to ECs generally used them correctly and found them acceptable. Efforts to expand EC knowledge and access should be coupled with efforts to promote gender equality in the reproductive sphere.
Description of fracture zones based on the structural inhomogeneity of the reflector deformation field
Authors: Glukhmanchuk E.D. , Vasilevskiy A.N.
Published: January 2013

The role of fracture and faulting zones in the filtration inhomogeneity of productive formations in oil and gas fields has been considered. The absence of fracture or faulting zones from geological and, consequently, hydrodynamical models reduces the flooding efficiency and the oil recovery factor in general.

The current situation results from the underdevelopment of methods for the mapping and classification of fracture zones based on seismic-prospecting data. For example, the use of the seismic-horizon gradient method makes it possible to describe only complete rock fracturing at tectonic-block boundaries.

We propose to use the structural inhomogeneity of the deformation field of seismic horizons for a more complete description and classification of fracture zones by the faulting regime. This parameter is suitable not only for late but also for early stages of faulting and describes block-boundary deformations more accurately than gradients. The example of a West Siberian oil and gas field showed that the production wells from the J1 productive formation in the faulting zones with the calculated post-Cenomanian structural inhomogeneity of the deformation field have considerably higher discharges owing to fracture permeability.
Composition of drainage mine waters interacting with sulfide-containing rock: a predictive estimation
Authors: Edelev A.V.
Published: January 2013

The development of the predictive estimation of drainage waters of sulfide-containing wastes from mining industry attracts much attention. Investigation of the particular objects permits the development of empirical dependences for analysis of various situations in similar technogenic systems. In this contribution, the acid and neutralization potentials of the waste rocks from the Veduginskoe and Taseevskoe gold deposits were calculated from the measured contents of sulfide sulfur and CO32–. Accelerated-leaching experiments (peroxide and dynamic) were carried out, and pH values, acidity and alkalinity (titrated and calculated), and metal (Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb, Ni, Co) concentrations were determined. The values of net acid generation potential were compared with the chemical composition of model drainage waters. The data were correlated with the physicochemical processes in the water-rock system. The value of net acid generation potential was proposed to use for estimating the chemical composition of mine waters.
Scorpion Stings Presenting to an Emergency Department in Singapore With Special Reference to Isometrus Maculatus
Authors: Tan Hock Heng , Mong Rupeng
Published: January 2013

Objective

We describe the epidemiology and clinical features of scorpion stings presenting to an emergency department in Singapore, including that of the venomous species Isometrus maculatus. A management approach to scorpion stings is proposed.

Methods

A retrospective study was done for patients from 2004 to 2009. Cases were identified by searching through emergency department records with ICD code E905, inpatient records, and the hospital toxicology service records. Identification of species was assisted by the Venom and Toxin research program at the National University of Singapore.

Results

A total of 13 cases of scorpion stings were identified. Eleven stings occurred locally, and the remaining 2 stings occurred in neighboring countries. The most common presenting symptoms were pain (92%), numbness (31%), and weakness (23%) confined to the region of the sting. The most common clinical signs recorded were redness (77%), tenderness (77%), and swelling (46%). Only 2 patients had significant alterations of vital signs: 1 had hypertension and the other had hypotension from anaphylaxis. Three patients experienced complications (abscess formation, anaphylaxis, cellulitis) requiring inpatient management. There were no fatalities, and all patients made a good recovery. Three cases were identified to be stings from I maculatus. These cases occurred locally, and mainly had clinical features of pain, redness, and mild regional numbness.

Conclusions

Scorpion stings are uncommon presentations to the emergency department. Most stings cause local reactions that can be managed with supportive treatment. Stings by I maculatus were observed to cause mild, self-limiting effects.