bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corrigendum: Fluorescence and microwave-absorption properties of multi-functional ZnO-coated α-Fe solid-solution nanocapsules
Authors: Liu X G , Geng D Y , Meng H , Li B , Zhang Q , Kang D J , Zhang Z D
Published: May 2012

The full text of this article is available in the PDF provided.
Fourier duality for fractal measures with affine scales
Authors: Dutkay Dorin , Jorgensen Palle
Published: May 2012

For a family of fractal measures, we find an explicit Fourier duality. The measures in the pair have compact support in

R

d

\mathbb {R}^d

, and they both have the same matrix scaling; but the two use different translation vectors, one by a subset

B
B

in

R

d

\mathbb {R}^d

, and the other by a related subset

L
L

. Among other things, we show that there is then a pair of infinite discrete sets

Γ
(
L
)

\Gamma (L)

and

Γ
(
B
)

\Gamma (B)

in

R

d

\mathbb {R}^d

such that the

Γ
(
L
)

\Gamma (L)

-Fourier exponentials are orthogonal in

L
2

(

μ
B

)

L^2(\mu _B)

, and the

Γ
(
B
)

\Gamma (B)

-Fourier exponentials are orthogonal in

L
2

(

μ
L

)

L^2(\mu _L)

. These sets of orthogonal “frequencies” are typically lacunary, and they will be obtained by scaling in the large. The nature of our duality is explored below both in higher dimensions and for examples on the real line.

Our duality pairs do not always yield orthonormal Fourier bases in the respective

L
2

(
μ
)

L^2(\mu )

-Hilbert spaces, but depending on the geometry of certain finite orbits, we show that they do in some cases. We further show that there are new and surprising scaling symmetries of relevance for the ergodic theory of these affine fractal measures.
Executive Summary: 2012 Infectious Diseases Society of America Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Diabetic Foot Infectionsa
Authors: Lipsky Benjamin A. , Berendt Anthony R. , Cornia Paul B. , Pile James C. , Peters Edgar J. G. , Armstrong David G. , Deery H. Gunner , Embil John M. , Joseph Warren S. , Karchmer Adolf W. , Pinzur Michael S. , Senneville Eric
Published: May 2012

Foot infections are a common and serious problem in persons with diabetes. Diabetic foot infections (DFIs) typically begin in a wound, most often a neuropathic ulceration. While all wounds are colonized with microorganisms, the presence of infection is defined by ≥2 classic findings of inflammation or purulence. Infections are then classified into mild (superficial and limited in size and depth), moderate (deeper or more extensive), or severe (accompanied by systemic signs or metabolic perturbations). This classification system, along with a vascular assessment, helps determine which patients should be hospitalized, which may require special imaging procedures or surgical interventions, and which will require amputation. Most DFIs are polymicrobial, with aerobic gram-positive cocci (GPC), and especially staphylococci, the most common causative organisms. Aerobic gram-negative bacilli are frequently copathogens in infections that are chronic or follow antibiotic treatment, and obligate anaerobes may be copathogens in ischemic or necrotic wounds.

Wounds without evidence of soft tissue or bone infection do not require antibiotic therapy. For infected wounds, obtain a post-debridement specimen (preferably of tissue) for aerobic and anaerobic culture. Empiric antibiotic therapy can be narrowly targeted at GPC in many acutely infected patients, but those at risk for infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms or with chronic, previously treated, or severe infections usually require broader spectrum regimens. Imaging is helpful in most DFIs; plain radiographs may be sufficient, but magnetic resonance imaging is far more sensitive and specific. Osteomyelitis occurs in many diabetic patients with a foot wound and can be difficult to diagnose (optimally defined by bone culture and histology) and treat (often requiring surgical debridement or resection, and/or prolonged antibiotic therapy). Most DFIs require some surgical intervention, ranging from minor (debridement) to major (resection, amputation). Wounds must also be properly dressed and off-loaded of pressure, and patients need regular follow-up. An ischemic foot may require revascularization, and some nonresponding patients may benefit from selected adjunctive measures. Employing multidisciplinary foot teams improves outcomes. Clinicians and healthcare organizations should attempt to monitor, and thereby improve, their outcomes and processes in caring for DFIs.
Treatment of functional mitral regurgitation by percutaneous annuloplasty: results of the TITAN Trial
Authors: Siminiak Tomasz , Wu Justina C. , Haude Michael , Hoppe Uta C. , Sadowski Jerzy , Lipiecki Janusz , Fajadet Jean , Shah Amil M. , Feldman Ted , Kaye David M. , Goldberg Steven L. , Levy Wayne C. , Solomon Scott D. , Reuter David G.
Published: May 2012

Aims

Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) contributes to morbidity and mortality in heart failure (HF) patients. The aim of this study was to determine whether percutaneous mitral annuloplasty could safely and effectively reduce FMR and yield durable long‐term clinical benefit.

Methods and results

The impact of mitral annuloplasty (Carillon Mitral Contour System) was evaluated in HF patients with at least moderate FMR. Patients in whom the device was placed then acutely recaptured for clinical reasons served as a comparator group. Quantitative measures of FMR, left ventricular (LV) dimensions, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, 6 min walk distance (6MWD), and quality of life were assessed in both groups up to 12 months. Safety and key functional data were assessed in the implanted cohort up to 24 months. Thirty‐six patients received a permanent implant; 17 had the device recaptured. The 30‐day major adverse event rate was 1.9%. In contrast to the comparison group, the implanted cohort demonstrated significant reductions in FMR as represented by regurgitant volume [baseline 34.5 ±11.5 mL to 17.4 ±12.4 mL at 12 months (P < 0.001)]. There was a corresponding reduction in LV diastolic volume [baseline 208.5 ±62.0 mL to 178.9 ±48.0 mL at 12 months (P =0.015)] and systolic volume [baseline 151.8 ±57.1 mL to 120.7 ±43.2 mL at 12 months (P =0.015)], compared with progressive LV dilation in the comparator. The 6MWD markedly improved for the implanted patients by 102.5 ±164 m at 12 months (P =0.014) and 131.9 ±80 m at 24 months (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Percutaneous reduction of FMR using a coronary sinus approach is associated with reverse LV remodelling. Significant clinical improvements persisted up to 24 months.
Post-training unilateral amygdala lesions selectively impair contextual fear memories
Authors: Flavell Charlotte R. , Lee Jonathan L.C.
Published: May 2012

The basolateral amygdala (BLA) and the dorsal hippocampus (dHPC) are both structures with key roles in contextual fear conditioning. During fear conditioning, it is postulated that contextual representations of the environment are formed in the hippocampus, which are then associated with foot shock in the amygdala. However, it is not known to what extent a functional connection between these two structures is required. This study investigated the effect on contextual and cued fear conditioning of disconnecting the BLA and dHPC, using asymmetrically placed, excitotoxic unilateral lesions. Post-training lesions selectively impaired contextual, but not cued, fear, while pretraining lesions resulted in a similar but nonsignificant pattern of results. This effect was unexpectedly observed in both the contralateral disconnection group and the anticipated ipsilateral control, which prompted further examination of individual unilateral lesions of BLA and dHPC. Post-training unilateral dHPC lesions had no effect on contextual fear memories while bilateral dHPC lesions and unilateral BLA lesions resulted in a near total abolition of contextual fear but not cued conditioned fear. Again, pretraining unilateral BLA lesions resulted in a strong but nonsignificant trend to the impairment of contextual fear. Furthermore, an analysis of context test-induced Fos protein expression in the BLA contralateral to the lesion site revealed no differences between post-training SHAM and unilateral BLA lesioned animals. Therefore, post-training unilateral lesions of the BLA are sufficient to severely impair contextual, but not cued, fear memories.
The effect of interference on temporal order memory for random and fixed sequences in nondemented older adults
Authors: Tolentino Jerlyn C. , Pirogovsky Eva , Luu Trinh , Toner Chelsea K. , Gilbert Paul E.
Published: May 2012

Two experiments tested the effect of temporal interference on order memory for fixed and random sequences in young adults and nondemented older adults. The results demonstrate that temporal order memory for fixed and random sequences is impaired in nondemented older adults, particularly when temporal interference is high. However, temporal order memory for fixed sequences is comparable between older adults and young adults when temporal interference is minimized. The results suggest that temporal order memory is less efficient and more susceptible to interference in older adults, possibly due to impaired temporal pattern separation.
2-Amino-4-(2-chlorophenyl)-6-(naphthalen-1-yl)pyridine-3-carbonitrile
Authors: Wei Hong-Xia , Zhu Jing , Li Ming , Wang Jian-qiang , Guo Cheng
Published: May 2012

In the title compound, C22H14ClN3, prepared by a one-pot reaction under microwave irradiation, the dihedral angles between the central pyridine ring and the pendant naphthyl and chlorobenzene ring systems are 49.2 (2) and 58.2 (3)°, respectively. In the crystal, inversion dimers linked by pairs of N—H...N hydrogen bonds generate R
2
2(8) loops. The pyridine N atom is the acceptor.
1-{[(2,3-Dihydro-1H-inden-2-yl)oxy]methyl}quinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-dione
Authors: El-Brollosy Nasser R. , Dege Necmi , Demirtaş Güneş , Attia Mohamed I. , El-Emam Ali A. , Büyükgüngör Orhan
Published: May 2012

In the title molecule, C18H16N2O3, the five-membered ring has an envelope conformation, with the substituted C atom deviating by 0.342 (4) Å from the mean plane P calculated for the remainder of the non-H atoms of the 2,3-dihydro-1H-indene fragment. The mean planes of quinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-dione fragment and P form a dihedral angle of 59.08 (4)°. In the crystal, pairs of N—H...O hydrogen bonds link molecules into inversion dimers, and weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds and π–π interactions between the benzene rings of the quinazoline ring systems [centroid–centroid distance = 3.538 (3) Å] further consolidate the packing.
9-(4-Bromobutyl)-9H-carbazole
Authors: Moreno-Fuquen Rodolfo , Grande Carlos , Advincula Rigoberto C. , Tenorio Juan C. , Ellena Javier
Published: May 2012

In the title compound, C16H16BrN, the tricyclic carbazole system is essentially planar (r.m.s. deviation of all non-H atoms = 0.010 Å). The dihedral angle between the two outer carbazole rings is 1.1 (3)°. There are no directional intermolecular contacts in the crystal packing.
5-Methyl-3,3-bis(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-1-[2-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl]indolin-2-one
Authors: Lin Hui-Hui , Zheng Xiao-Lin , Cao Sheng-Li
Published: May 2012

In the title compound, C26H43N7O, each piperazine ring adopts a chair conformation. Two 1-methylpiperazine rings bond to one Csp
3 of the pyrrole ring via the piperazine N atoms, while the third one links to the N atom of the indolin-2-one unit through a flexible ethyl group with an almost syn conformation. In the crystal, molecules are connected through methylene–carbonyl C—H...O interactions into an infinite chain along the c axis. The almost parallel arrays are stacked, forming a three-dimensional framework.
(2E)-2-(5-Bromo-2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-N-phenylhydrazinecarbothioamide
Authors: Jacob Jinsa Mary , Sithambaresan M. , Kurup M. R. Prathapachandra
Published: May 2012

The title compound, C15H14BrN3O2S, adopts an E,E conformation with respect to the azomethine and hydrazinic bonds and exists in the thioamide form. The two rings in the molecule are twisted away from each other, making a dihedral angle of 69.13 (13)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked through pairs of N—H...O and O—H...S hydrogen bonds, leading to the formation of inversion dimers which are stacked along the a axis. Intramolecular N—H...N, O—H...O and C—H...π interactions are also present.
Temporal dynamics in growth and white skeletal muscle composition of the mummichog Fundulus heteroclitus during chronic hypoxia and hyperoxia
Authors: Rees B. B. , Targett T. E. , Ciotti B. J. , Tolman C. A. , Akkina S. S. , Gallaty A. M.
Published: May 2012

Specific growth rate (GS) and white skeletal muscle composition were measured in the mummichog Fundulus heteroclitus over a period of 28 days at four levels of dissolved oxygen (DO): severe hypoxia (c. 1·2 mg O2 l−1), moderate hypoxia (3·0 mg O2 l−1), normoxia (7·1 mg O2 l−1) and hyperoxia (10·6 mg O2 l−1). The GS was calculated over 0–8, 0–14, 0–28 and 14–28 days, and muscle protein, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), DNA, RNA and water were measured at 0, 8, 14 and 28 days. Exposure of fish to severe hypoxia was associated with significantly reduced GS, lower muscle protein content and lower RNA:DNA compared with other DO treatments. When calculated over the first and second half of the 28 day exposure, however, GS of fish in severe hypoxia increased significantly during the second two‐week interval, to the same rate as that of normoxic fish. Muscle LDH activity and water content were not significantly affected by DO level. Neither moderate hypoxia nor hyperoxia significantly affected GS or any biochemical variable. The results demonstrate that F. heteroclitus can tolerate wide variation in ambient oxygen concentration and, during prolonged exposure to severe hypoxia, shows significant compensation for the initial negative effects on growth. The capacity of F. heteroclitus to grow over a wide range of DO probably contributes to its ability to exploit habitats characterized by marked variation in oxygen availability.
A method for measuring support for synapomorphy using character state distributions on phylogenetic trees
Authors: Turjak Martin , Trontelj Peter
Published: May 2012

Synapomorphies are fundamental to phylogenetic systematics as they offer empirical evidence of monophyletic groups. However, no method exists to directly measure synapomorphy. Here, we propose a method that quantifies synapomorphy using the pattern of character state distribution over a cladogram separately for each character and for each clade. We define a fully synapomorphic character state as one shared by all of a clade’s terminal taxa and at the same time completely absent from all terminal taxa outside that clade. The extent to which this condition is met corresponds to the support for the character state being synapomorphic or, in short, support for synapomorphy. It is calculated as the probability of randomly selecting, by multi‐stage sampling following the topology of the tree, two terminals from inside a clade sharing the same character state and one terminal from outside the clade bearing a different character state. The method is independent of tree inference and free of transformational assumptions, and so can be applied to any tree and used for any type of discrete character. By measuring synapomorphy, the method offers a potential tool for determining diagnostic character states for taxa on different hierarchical levels, for evaluating alternative systems of character coding, and for evaluating clade support. We show how the method differs from ancestral character state reconstruction methods and goodness‐of‐fit indices. We demonstrate the behaviour of our method with several hypothetical scenarios and its potential use with two real‐life examples.
Rituximab before splenectomy in adults with primary idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Auger Sophie , Duny Yohan , Rossi Jean François , Quittet Philippe
Published: May 2012

Primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an acquired immune‐mediated disorder with absence of any underlying cause. Corticosteroids are the standard initial treatment. Splenectomy is the main second‐line treatment. A trend to delay or avoid splenectomy has developed thanks to new agents like rituximab. Few studies have assessed the response rate to rituximab in chronic ITP. We performed the first meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials and observational studies on rituximab as an effective splenectomy‐avoiding option in adult chronic ITP. Overall methods were adapted from published guidelines for meta‐analysis (meta‐analysis of observational studies in epidemiology and preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses). Two haematologist investigators carried out study selection and data extraction independently, recording overall response rate (ORR) and complete response (CR) as primary assessment criteria. Of 364 records were identified through electronic databases. Of 19 retrospective or prospective observational studies were retained after removing duplicate studies and full‐text analyses. The ORR was 57% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 48–65), for 368 non‐splenectomized patients after rituximab; CR was 41% (95% CI: 0·33–0·51) for 346 patients. Results were stable for ORR and CR in all sub‐analyses. In univariate or multivariate mixed‐effect meta‐regression, age was the most relevant effect. According to our results, rituximab should be used in earlier in non‐splenectomized patients.
Anti-interleukin-12/23p40 antibody attenuates chronic rejection of cardiac allografts partly via inhibition γδT cells
Authors: Wang S , Xu X , Xie A , Li J , Ye P , Liu Z , Wu J , Rui L , Xia J
Published: May 2012

In our previous study, we showed that treatment with an anti-interleukin (IL)-12/23p40 antibody inhibits acute cardiac allograft rejection via inhibiting production of interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-17a. However, the impact of this antagonistic anti-p40 antibody on chronic cardiac rejection was unclear. Hearts of B6.C-H2bm12/KhEg mice were transplanted into major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II-mismatched C57Bl/6J mice (wild-type, γδTCR –/– and IL-17–/–), which is an established murine model of chronic allograft rejection without immunosuppression. The mice were treated with control immunoglobulin (Ig)G or 200 µg anti-p40 monoclonal antibody on post-operative days, respectively. Abdominal palpation and echocardiography were used to monitor graft survival. The mice administered with anti-p40 antibody showed a significant promotion in graft survival (median survival time >100 days), and histological analyses revealed that cardiac allograft rejection was attenuated. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT–PCR) and immunofluorescence analyses demonstrated that anti-p40 antibody down-regulated the level of ingraft cytokine and chemokine expression (IL-6, IFN-γ, IL-17a, CCL2 and CCL20). Flow cytometry analyses showed that γδ T cells are an important ingraft source of IFN-γ and IL-17a and inhibit the production of inflammation cytokine by anti-p40 antibody. Compared with the wild-type group, the graft survival time in the γδ T cell receptor–/– and IL-17–/– mice was prolonged significantly. Therefore we propose that, in the chronic allograft rejection model, treatment with anti-p40 antibody prolongs graft survival possibly by reducing the amount of reactive inflammatory cells, especially γδ T cells.
Image analysis of peripheral compression artefacts of ThinPrep® liquid‐based cytology preparations
Authors: Choi J. , Shim H. S. , Song J.‐W. , Chae S. W. , Lee Y.‐N. , Kim J. E. , Kim S. H.
Published: May 2012

J. Choi, H. S. Shim, J.‐W. Song, S. W. Chae, Y.‐N. Lee, J. E. Kim and S. H. Kim  Image analysis of peripheral compression artefacts of ThinPrep® liquid‐based cytology preparations

Objective:  ThinPrep (TP), one of the Food and Drug Administration‐approved liquid‐based cytology (LBC) preparations, is widely used for gynaecological and non‐gynaecological cytology samples. A unique physical artefact caused by the compression at the periphery in TP slides has not been adequately evaluated to date.

Methods:  We processed four established tumour cell lines (MKN28, MKN45, KG‐1 and NB4) and mononuclear cells isolated from whole blood over Ficoll‐Plaque for TP preparations. For this part of the study, we included five normal cervical LBC preparations. We then auto‐counted and auto‐measured the area, mean grey value and Feret’s diameter in both the inner disc and peripheral rim of the preparations by image morphometry. In addition, we compared the distribution of atypical cell groups in the peripheral rim and inner disc of 132 lung aspirates, 80 thyroid aspirates, 212 cerebrospinal fluids (CSFs) and 50 gynaecological samples.

Results:  The areas and Feret’s diameters of the cytoplasm in the peripheral compressed rim area were statistically larger than those of cells in the inner disc. The mean grey values of cells (cytoplasm and nucleus) in the peripheral compression rim were also smaller than those in the inner disc cells, leading to decreases in nuclear and cytoplasmic chromatism. Except for the mean grey values, the differences were not significant in the cervical samples.

Conclusions:  Cellular morphology may be markedly distorted in the peripheral rim, regardless of cell malignancy, which may lead to the misinterpretation of cells during the screening. Accordingly, cytological diagnosis based on the findings within the peripheral rim should take this phenomenon into account. Compressed cells found in the peripheral rim should be interpreted with caution when TP slides are used for cytopathological diagnosis.
Reservoir permeability prediction by neural networks combined with hybrid genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization
Authors: Ali Ahmadi Mohammad , Zendehboudi Sohrab , Lohi Ali , Elkamel Ali , Chatzis Ioannis
Published: May 2012

Reservoir characterization involves describing different reservoir properties quantitatively using various techniques in spatial variability. Nevertheless, the entire reservoir cannot be examined directly and there still exist uncertainties associated with the nature of geological data. Such uncertainties can lead to errors in the estimation of the ultimate recoverable oil. To cope with uncertainties, intelligent mathematical techniques to predict the spatial distribution of reservoir properties appear as strong tools. The goal here is to construct a reservoir model with lower uncertainties and realistic assumptions. Permeability is a petrophysical property that relates the amount of fluids in place and their potential for displacement. This fundamental property is a key factor in selecting proper enhanced oil recovery schemes and reservoir management. In this paper, a soft sensor on the basis of a feed‐forward artificial neural network was implemented to forecast permeability of a reservoir. Then, optimization of the neural network‐based soft sensor was performed using a hybrid genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization method. The proposed genetic method was used for initial weighting of the parameters in the neural network. The developed methodology was examined using real field data. Results from the hybrid method‐based soft sensor were compared with the results obtained from the conventional artificial neural network. A good agreement between the results was observed, which demonstrates the usefulness of the developed hybrid genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization in prediction of reservoir permeability.
Computational elastic up‐scaling of sandstone on the basis of X‐ray micro‐tomographic images
Authors: Shulakova Valeriya , Pervukhina Marina , Müller Tobias M. , Lebedev Maxim , Mayo Sherry , Schmid Susanne , Golodoniuc Pavel , De Paula Osni Bastos , Clennell Michael B. , Gurevich Boris
Published: May 2012

Up‐scaling the elastic properties of digitized rock volumes as obtained from X‐ray computer tomography (CT) imaging via computer simulations has the potential to assist and complement laboratory measurements. This computational up‐scaling approach remains a challenging task as the overall elastic properties are not only dependent on the elastic properties of individual grains but also on the hardly resolvable pore spaces between adjacent grains such as micro‐cracks. We develop a digitized rock image and elastic up‐scaling workflow based on general‐purpose and widely available software packages. Particular attention is paid to CT image processing including filtering, smoothing and segmentation. A strategy for optimal meshing for subsequent finite‐element modelling is also proposed. We apply this workflow to the micro‐tomographic image of a well‐consolidated, feldspatic sandstone sample and determine the up‐scaled bulk and shear moduli. These effective elastic moduli are compared to the moduli inferred from laboratory ultrasound measurements at variable effective stresses (0–70 MPa). We observe that the numerically up‐scaled elastic moduli correspond to the moduli at a certain effective stress level (50 MPa), beyond which the effective‐stress dependency follows a linear trend. This indicates that the computational up‐scaling approach yields moduli as if all compliant (soft) porosity was absent, i.e., microcracks are closed. To confirm this hypothesis, we estimate the amount of soft porosity on the basis of the double‐porosity theory (Shapiro, 2003) and find that at 50 MPa the soft porosity is indeed practically zero. We conclude that our computational elastic up‐scaling approach yields physically consistent effective moduli even if some geometrical features are below CT resolution. To account for these sub‐resolution features either theoretical or additional computational approaches can be used.
Multisource least‐squares migration of marine streamer and land data with frequency‐division encoding
Authors: Huang Yunsong , Schuster Gerard T.
Published: May 2012

Multisource migration of phase‐encoded supergathers has shown great promise in reducing the computational cost of conventional migration. The accompanying crosstalk noise, in addition to the migration footprint, can be reduced by least‐squares inversion. But the application of this approach to marine streamer data is hampered by the mismatch between the limited number of live traces/shot recorded in the field and the pervasive number of traces generated by the finite‐difference modelling method. This leads to a strong mismatch in the misfit function and results in strong artefacts (crosstalk) in the multisource least‐squares migration image. To eliminate this noise, we present a frequency‐division multiplexing (FDM) strategy with iterative least‐squares migration (ILSM) of supergathers. The key idea is, at each ILSM iteration, to assign a unique frequency band to each shot gather. In this case there is no overlap in the crosstalk spectrum of each migrated shot gather m(x, ωi), so the spectral crosstalk product m(x, ωi)m(x, ωj) =δi, j is zero, unless i=j. Our results in applying this method to 2D marine data for a SEG/EAGE salt model show better resolved images than standard migration computed at about 1/10th of the cost. Similar results are achieved after applying this method to synthetic data for a 3D SEG/EAGE salt model, except the acquisition geometry is similar to that of a marine OBS survey. Here, the speedup of this method over conventional migration is more than 10. We conclude that multisource migration for a marine geometry can be successfully achieved by a frequency‐division encoding strategy, as long as crosstalk‐prone sources are segregated in their spectral content. This is both the strength and the potential limitation of this method.
Electrical properties and geochemistry of carbonate rocks from the Qasr El‐Sagha Formation, El‐Faiyum, Egypt
Authors: Abou El‐Anwar Esmat A. , Gomaa Mohamed M.
Published: May 2012

Understanding petrographical, geochemical and electrical properties of rocks is essential for investigating minerals. This paper presents a study of the petrographical, geochemical and A.C. electrical properties of carbonate rock samples. The samples collected show six lithostratigraphic rock units.

Electrical properties were measured using a non‐polarizing electrode at room temperature (∼20°C) and a relative atmospheric humidity of ∼50% by weight in the frequency range from 42 Hz to 5 MHz. The difference in electrical properties between the samples was attributed to the change in composition and texture between the samples. Electrical properties generally change with many factors (grain size, chemical composition, grain shape and facies). The dielectric constant decreases with frequency and increases with conductor composition. The conductivity increases with the increase of conductor paths between electrodes. Many parameters can contribute to the same result of the electrical properties.

The main objective of the present study is to shed more light on the relation between the texture and geochemical composition of measured samples (carbonates that contain clays and quartz grains) through electrical laboratory measurements (conductivity and dielectric constant as a function of frequency).
Presence and extent of histological tumour necrosis is an adverse prognostic factor in papillary type 1 but not in papillary type 2 renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Pichler Martin , Hutterer Georg C , Chromecki Thomas F , Pummer Karl , Mannweiler Sebastian , Zigeuner Richard
Published: May 2012

Aims:  To date, only limited information is available on the prognostic significance of the presence and extent of histological tumour necrosis with regard to papillary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) types 1 and 2 subclassification. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of these pathological features on the clinical outcome in papillary subtypes.

Methods and results:  The influence of histological tumour necrosis on the clinical outcome in 177 patients with papillary RCC was evaluated. For papillary subtype 1, the presence of histological tumour necrosis was an independent negative prognostic factor for disease‐free survival (P = 0.039), and a greater extent of necrosis (>20%) was significantly associated with both poor disease‐free and overall survival (P = 0.033 and P = 0.041, respectively). Regarding papillary subtype 2, neither the presence nor extent of histological tumour necrosis was a statistically significant negative prognostic factor.

Conclusion:  Our findings suggest that the presence and extent of histological tumour necrosis are independent prognosticators in papillary RCC subtype 1, but not in papillary subtype 2. Thus, previously reported conflicting data regarding the prognostic impact of tumour necrosis in papillary RCC might be explained, in part, by heterogeneous subtypes.
Frequency and genetic characterization of V(DD)J recombinants in the human peripheral blood antibody repertoire
Authors: Briney Bryan S. , Willis Jordan R. , Hicar Mark D. , Thomas James W. , Crowe James E.
Published: May 2012

Antibody heavy‐chain recombination that results in the incorporation of multiple diversity (D) genes, although uncommon, contributes substantially to the diversity of the human antibody repertoire. Such recombination allows the generation of heavy chain complementarity determining region 3 (HCDR3) regions of extreme length and enables junctional regions that, because of the nucleotide bias of N‐addition regions, are difficult to produce through normal V(D)J recombination. Although this non‐classical recombination process has been observed infrequently, comprehensive analysis of the frequency and genetic characteristics of such events in the human peripheral blood antibody repertoire has not been possible because of the rarity of such recombinants and the limitations of traditional sequencing technologies. Here, through the use of high‐throughput sequencing of the normal human peripheral blood antibody repertoire, we analysed the frequency and genetic characteristics of V(DD)J recombinants. We found that these recombinations were present in approximately 1 in 800 circulating B cells, and that the frequency was severely reduced in memory cell subsets. We also found that V(DD)J recombination can occur across the spectrum of diversity genes, indicating that virtually all recombination signal sequences that flank diversity genes are amenable to V(DD)J recombination. Finally, we observed a repertoire bias in the diversity gene repertoire at the upstream (5′) position, and discovered that this bias was primarily attributable to the order of diversity genes in the genomic locus.
Lung natural killer cells in mice: phenotype and response to respiratory infection
Authors: Wang Jian , Li Fengqi , Zheng Meijuan , Sun Rui , Wei Haiming , Tian Zhigang
Published: May 2012

Natural killer (NK) cells have a specialized function in peripheral organs, which is determined by the organ‐specific niches. We have attempted to explore whether lung NK cells display a particular phenotype according to their function in the unique pulmonary environment in health or during respiratory infection in mice. In healthy mice, higher frequencies of NK cells among lymphocytes were detected in the lung than in other tissues (lymph node, bone marrow, spleen, blood and liver), and lung NK cells maintained a more mature phenotype, implying that lung NK cells were critical for the pulmonary immune response. However, lung NK cells expressed higher levels of inhibitory receptors and lower levels of activating receptors, migration/adhesion‐associated molecules and co‐stimulatory molecules than splenic NK cells, implying that lung NK cells were quiescent, and the activation of lung NK cells was tightly regulated by the pulmonary environment in health. During respiratory infection, lung NK cells could be activated and express functional molecules (CD107a and interferon‐γ) to take part in the response to infection quickly. These results suggested that the unique pulmonary environment promotes the development of NK cells with a lung‐specific phenotype.
Urinary phthalate excretion in 555 healthy Danish boys with and without pubertal gynaecomastia
Authors: Mieritz Mikkel G. , Frederiksen Hanne , Sørensen Kaspar , Aksglaede Lise , Mouritsen Annette , Hagen Casper P. , Skakkebaek Niels E. , Andersson Anna‐Maria , Juul Anders
Published: May 2012

Pubertal gynaecomastia is a clinical sign of an oestrogen‐androgen imbalance, which occurs in 40–60% of adolescent Caucasian boys. In most cases no underlying endocrinopathy can be identified. A recent study reports higher plasma phthalate levels in Turkish boys with pubertal gynaecomastia. Therefore, we asked whether there was an association between concurrent measures of urinary phthalate metabolites and pubertal timing as well as the presence of gynaecomastia in otherwise healthy boys. We studied a total of 555 healthy boys (age 6.07–19.83 years) as part of the COPENHAGEN Puberty Study. Anthropometry and pubertal stages (PH1‐6 and G1‐5) were evaluated, and the presence of gynaecomastia was assessed. Non‐fasting blood samples were analysed for serum testosterone and morning urine samples were analysed for the total content of 12 phthalate metabolites (MEP, MnBP, MiBP, MBzP, MEHP, MEHHP, MEOHP, MECPP, MiNP, MHiNP, MiONP and MCiOP) by LC‐MS/MS. A statistically significant negative correlation was observed between chronological age and the urinary concentration of the sum of measured metabolites DEHP (∑DEHPm) (r = −0.164) and DiNP (∑DiNPm) (r = −0.224), respectively, and the sum of monobutyl phthalate (MBP) isomers (∑MBP(i+n)) (r = −0.139) (all with p < 0.01). In contrast urinary monoethyl phthalate concentration was positively correlated to age (r = 0.187, p < 0.01). The urinary levels of phthalate metabolites were not associated with age at pubertal onset, serum testosterone levels or presence of gynaecomastia. In conclusion, we did not find evidence of anti‐androgenic effects of phthalates in our healthy boys. Thus, current phthalate exposure was not associated with pubertal timing, testosterone levels or with the presence of pubertal gynaecomastia in this cross‐sectional study. However, longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate possible perinatal or long‐term postnatal effects of phthalates on healthy boys.
Paracetamol (acetaminophen), aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) and indomethacin are anti‐androgenic in the rat foetal testis
Authors: Kristensen D. M. , Lesné L. , Le Fol V. , Desdoits‐Lethimonier C. , Dejucq‐Rainsford N. , Leffers H. , Jégou B.
Published: May 2012

More than half the pregnant women in the Western world report taking mild analgesics. These pharmaceutical compounds have been associated with congenital cryptorchidism in humans, the best‐known risk factor for low semen quality and testicular germ cell cancer. Furthermore, some of these mild analgesics exert potent anti‐androgenic effects in the male rat and several endocrine‐disrupting compounds, known to alter masculinization, have also been shown to be potent inhibitors of prostaglandin (PG) synthesis similar to mild analgesics. Using a 3‐day ex vivo organotypic model system based on gestational day 14.5 rat testes, we herein show that testosterone production was inhibited by paracetamol, at doses of 0.1 μm to 100 μm. Similar results were obtained for aspirin (1–100 μm) and indomethacin (10 μm). The production of the other Leydig cell hormone, Insl3, was not disrupted by exposure to paracetamol. Investigations of the gross anatomy of the testis as well as Leydig cells number and rate of gonocyte apoptosis after the 3 days of ex vivo differentiation showed no significant effect of the analgesics tested compared with controls. These data indicate therefore that mild analgesics specifically inhibit testosterone production in rat foetal testes in vitro and that these compounds had no effect on gonocyte survival. Parallel determinations of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) production indicated that the effects of paracetamol and aspirin on PGD2 and testosterone were not connected, whereas the effects of indomethacin were correlated. We conclude that mild analgesics exert direct and specific anti‐androgenic effects in rat foetal testis in our experimental setup and that the mechanism of action is probably uncoupled from the inhibition of PG synthesis.
Quick and dirty but still pretty good: a review of new descriptive methods in food science
Authors: Valentin Dominique , Chollet Sylvie , Lelièvre Maud , Abdi Hervé
Published: May 2012

For food scientists and industrials, descriptive profiling is an essential tool that involves the evaluation of both the qualitative and quantitative sensory characteristics of a product by a panel. Recently, in response to industrial demands to develop faster and more cost‐effective methods of descriptive analysis, several methods have been offered as alternatives to conventional profiling. These methods can be classified in three families: (i) verbal‐based methods (flash profile and check‐all‐that‐apply), (ii) similarity‐based methods (free sorting task and projective mapping aka Napping®) and (iii) reference‐based methods (polarised sensory positioning and pivot profile). We successively present these three classes of methods in terms of origin, principles, statistical analysis, applications to food products, variations of the methods and the Pros and Cons.
Changes in pigment profile and surface colour of fig (Ficus carica L.) during drying
Authors: Yemiş Oktay , Bakkalbaşı Emre , Artık Nevzat
Published: May 2012

In this study, anthocyanins in three fresh fig varieties (Ficus carica L.) cultivated in Turkey were characterised and quantified by HPLC/DAD and HPLC/MS. In addition, the carotenoid composition of Sarılop and Sarızeybek, yellow fig varieties, was determined, and then the ripening‐ and drying‐related changes in carotenoids and surface colour of figs were monitored during conventional sun‐drying. Four different anthocyanins, cyanidin‐3‐glucoside, cyanidin‐3,5‐diglucoside, cyanidin‐3‐rutinoside (major anthocyanin) and pelargonidin‐3‐glucoside, were identified in samples. Lutein, zeaxanthin, β‐cryptoxanthin and β‐carotene were carotenoids in yellow fig varieties. Approximately 80% of carotenoid compounds in yellow fig varieties degraded at the end of drying (i.e. seventh day). L (lightness), a (redness and greenness) and b (yellowness and blueness) colour parameters were measured by Hunter Lab system. Great changes in carotenoid composition and surface colour were observed at ripening stage on tree. A significant reduction in L and b values that refers to browning in figs was made in the first 3 days of drying process.
Relationships between colour parameters, phenolic content and sensory changes of processed blueberry, elderberry and blackcurrant commercial juices
Authors: Casati Carolina B. , Sánchez Virginia , Baeza Rosa , Magnani Natalia , Evelson Pablo , Zamora María C.
Published: May 2012

There is an increased interest in the consumption of fruits containing high phenolic concentrations such as berry fruits. Attractive colour of berries plays a vital role for consumer acceptance. The aim of this work was to evaluate colour parameters (a*, b*, L*), phenolic content and sensory changes of blueberry, elderberry and blackcurrant (BC) pasteurised commercial juices during accelerate storage. Initial phenolic concentration was 3.21, 10.06, 10.72 g GAE L−1 for blueberry, elderberry and BC, respectively. Moreover, phenolic concentration of all juices decreased by approximately 40% throughout the first 30 days. Blueberry exhibited a substantial decrease in a* (40%) in the first 30 days, while elderberry presented a gradual decrease and BC only presented a slight decrease (7%) at the end of storage. Colour preferences decreased when storage time increased. However, when consumers were informed that ‘the juices are a rich source of phenolics, which contribute to reducing risk of suffering chronic diseases’, a high level of purchase intention was obtained.
Leucine Improves Glucose and Lipid Status in Offspring from Obese Dams, Dependent on Diet Type, but not Caloric Intake
Authors: Chen H. , Simar D. , Ting J. H. Y. , Erkelens J. R. S. , Morris M. J.
Published: May 2012

Previously, we showed that offspring from obese rat dams were hyperphagic, with increased adiposity, hyperlipidaemia and glucose intolerance associated with increased orexigenic neuropeptide expression after fasting. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) can inhibit food intake through a hypothalamic action. As we previously showed that maternal obesity down‐regulated hypothalamic mTOR, in the present study, we hypothesised that dietary leucine supplementation would activate hypothalamic mTOR to reduce food intake, thus limiting metabolic disorders in offspring from obese dams, regardless of postweaning diet. Obesity was induced in Sprague–Dawley females by high‐fat diet (HFD) for 5 weeks before mating, throughout gestation and lactation. Male pups from HFD‐fed mothers were weaned onto chow or HFD; within each dietary group, half were supplied with leucine via drinking water (1.5%) versus water control for 10 weeks. Those from chow‐fed mothers were fed chow and water. Maternal obesity led to increased adiposity in chow‐fed offspring. Postweaning HFD consumption exaggerated adiposity, hyperglycaemia, hyperinsulinaemia and hyperlipidaemia. Supplementation with leucine doubled leucine intake and increased hypothalamic mTOR activation; however, appetite regulation was not affected. A reduction in blood lipid levels was observed in offspring regardless of diet, as well as improved glucose tolerance in HFD‐fed rats. In HFD‐fed rats, up‐regulated carnitine palmitoyl‐transferase‐1 and peroxisome‐proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ coactivator‐1α in muscle and glucose transporter 4 in fat suggested that leucine improved peripheral fat oxidation and glucose transport. Leucine is able to improve peripheral glucose and lipid metabolism independent of appetite and weight regulation, suggesting its potential application in the management of metabolic disorders.
Brain Aromatase and Circulating Corticosterone are Rapidly Regulated by Combined Acute Stress and Sexual Interaction in a Sex‐Specific Manner
Authors: Dickens M. J. , Balthazart J. , Cornil C. A.
Published: May 2012

Neural production of 17β‐oestradiol via aromatisation of testosterone may play a critical role in rapid, nongenomic regulation of physiological and behavioural processes. In brain nuclei implicated in the control of sexual behaviour, sexual or stressfull stimuli induce, respectively, a rapid inhibition or increase in preoptic aromatase activity (AA). In the present study, we tested quail that were either nonstressed or acutely stressed (15 min of restraint) immediately before sexual interaction (5 min) with stressed or nonstressed partners. We measured nuclei‐specific AA changes, corresponding behavioural output, fertilisation rates and corticosterone (CORT) concentrations. In males, sexual interaction rapidly reversed stress‐induced increases of AA in the medial preoptic nucleus (POM). This time scale (< 5 min) highlights the dynamic potential of the aromatase system to integrate input from stimuli that drive AA in opposing directions. Moreover, acute stress had minimal effects on male behaviour, suggesting that the input from the sexual stimuli on POM AA may actively preserve sexual behaviour despite stress exposure. We also found distinct sex differences in contextual physiological responses: males did not show any effect of partner status, whereas females responded to both their stress exposure and the male partner’s stress exposure at the level of circulating CORT and AA. In addition, fertilisation rates and female CORT correlated with the male partner’s exhibition of sexually aggressive behaviour, suggesting that female perception of the male can affect their physiology as much as direct stress. Overall, male reproduction appears relatively simple: sexual stimuli, irrespective of stress, drives major neural changes including rapid reversal of stress‐induced changes of AA. By contrast, female reproduction appears more nuanced and context specific, with subjects responding physiologically and behaviourally to stress, the male partner’s stress exposure, and female‐directed male behaviour.
Activity‐Dependent Modulation of Gonadotrophin‐Releasing Hormone Neurone Activity by Acute Oestradiol
Authors: Romanò Nicola , Herbison Allan E.
Published: May 2012

Oestradiol (E2) exerts potent feedback actions upon gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neurones and part of this feedback action may occur through the rapid action of E2. Using a transgenic GnRH‐Pericam mouse line that allows real‐time intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i) to be monitored in adult GnRH neurones in a brain slice preparation, we examined the acute effects of 100 pm–100 nm E2 on [Ca2+]i transients in spontaneously active GnRH neurones. Approximately 30% of GnRH neurones exhibit spontaneous [Ca2+]i transients at a frequency greater than two transients/15 min in adult female mice. In these cells, treatment with an incremental 1, 10, 100 nm E2 protocol or 100 pm E2 alone resulted in the suppression or complete cessation of [Ca2+]i transients in 15 of 18 (83%) GnRH neurones. This effect was mimicked by E2 bound to albumin, suggesting a membrane site of action, and was maintained in oestrogen receptor β knockout mice, indicating that this receptor is not essential for the rapid suppression of [Ca2+]i transients. These findings contrast with those GnRH neurones exhibiting very few or no [Ca2+]i transients (< 2 transients/15 min) that exhibit the opposite response of being activated by acute E2. A series of dual calcium‐cell‐attached electrical recordings showed that [Ca2+]i transients were associated with GnRH neurone burst firing and that E2 suppression or activation of [Ca2+]i transients was mirrored by a depression or initiation of burst firing. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that the acute actions of E2 on GnRH neurones are critically dependent upon their pattern of burst firing.