bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between body mass index and suicide, and suicide attempt among british adults: The health improvement network database
Authors: Gao S. , Juhaeri J. , Reshef S. , Dai W.S.
Published: April 2013

Objective:

To examine the associations between body mass index (BMI) and incidence rate (IR) of suicide attempt and suicide.

Design and Methods:

849,434 British adults were identified from The Health Improvement Network (THIN) database between January 2000 and October 2007. BMI was categorized into six levels: <18.5 (underweight), 18.5‐24.9 (normal weight), 25.0‐29.9 (overweight), 30.0‐34.9, 35.0‐39.9, and ≥40 (obese levels I‐III).

Results:

We identified 3,111 suicide attempts by Read codes and 75 suicides with medical records. The overall IR of suicide attempt was 82.2 cases per 100,000 person‐years. The IR decreased with BMI in men with depression (471.3‐166.0 cases per 100,000 person‐years, P for trend = 0.02) and in men without depression (241.5‐58.0 cases per 100,000 person‐years, P for trend < 0.0001). In women with depression, an L‐shaped relationship was observed, that is, a higher rate in underweight group when compared with reference group (503.2 vs. 282.7 per 100,000 person‐years) and no significant differences in others (231.8‐195.5 cases per 100,000 person‐years). In women without depression, the IR was U‐shaped with BMI (125.2 in underweight, 68.6 in reference, and 48.5‐79.9 cases in overweight and obese I‐III groups per 100,000 person‐years, P for trend < 0.0001). The above trends remained after adjustment for the covariates. Regarding suicide, the overall IR was 2.0 cases per 100,000 person‐years, which tended to decrease with BMI (P = 0.14).

Conclusions:

We concluded an inverse linear association between BMI and suicide attempt among men, an L‐shaped association in nondepressive women, and a U‐shaped association in depressive women were observed. The study also suggested an inverse linear tendency between BMI and suicide.
Genetic and biochemical evidence for a functional role of BACE1 in the regulation of insulin mRNA expression
Authors: Hoffmeister Albrecht , Tuennemann Jan , Sommerer Ines , Mössner Joachim , Rittger Andrea , Schleinitz Dorit , Kratzsch Jürgen , Rosendahl Jonas , Klöting Nora , Stahl Tobias , Roßner Steffen , Paroni Federico , Maedler Kathrin , Kovacs Peter , Blüher Matthias
Published: April 2013

Objective

Beta‐site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme (BACE1) is highly expressed in pancreatic β‐cells. The BACE1 gene is located in a region associated with a high diabetes risk in PIMA Indians.

Design and Methods

INS‐1E cells were used to study the impact of siRNA‐mediated BACE1 knockdown and glucose metabolism was characterized in Bace1–/– mice. BACE1 gene was sequenced in DNA samples from 48 subjects and 13 representative single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were then genotyped for association studies in 1,527 Caucasians.

Results

Reduction of Bace1 expression results in a significant decrease in insulin mRNA expression in INS‐1E cells. Bace1–/– mice display significantly lower body weight, lower plasma insulin concentrations, but normal glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. In a case‐control study including 538 healthy controls and 989 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), one SNP (rs535860) was significantly associated with T2D (P < 3.5 × 10−5, adjusted for age, sex, and BMI).

Conclusions

Reduced Bace1 expression causes impaired insulin expression in pancreatic β‐cells of Bace1–/– mice, suggesting that BACE1 plays a role in the regulation of insulin biogenesis. The functionally relevant rs535860 SNP may decrease BACE1 expression by creating a new miR‐661 binding site and could therefore contribute to T2D development.
Analysis of Cleistopholis patens Leaf and Trunk Bark Oils Using Combined GC‐ Flame Ionisation Detection, GC‐Retention Index, GC–MS and 13C‐NMR
Authors: Ouattara Zana A. , Boti Jean Brice , Ahibo Antoine Coffy , Casanova Joseph , Tomi Félix , Bighelli Ange
Published: April 2013

Introduction

Germacrenes A–C are secondary metabolites produced by various plants. They are sesquiterpene hydrocarbons bearing the (E,E)‐1,5‐cyclodecadiene structure known to undergo thermal rearrangement through a [3.3]‐sigmatropic reaction. Such a rearrangement was evidenced by comparing the contents of a given germacrene and the corresponding elemene calculated by GC‐flame ionisation detection (FID) with the relative intensities of the signals of both molecules in the 13C‐NMR spectrum of the mixture, recorded at room temperature.

Objective

To develop a protocol to identify and quantify germacrenes A, B and C and in parallel the corresponding elemenes, using a combination of GC‐FID and 13C‐NMR and then provide a correct analysis of Cleistopholis patens essential oils.

Methods

The essential oil was submitted to GC‐FID, GC‐retention index, GC–MS and 13C‐NMR analyses. The relative percentages of every couple of germacrene and elemene measured by GC‐FID were summed. Then, the relative ratio of the mean intensities of the signals of the protonated carbons of a given germacrene and the corresponding elemene was calculated. The contents of both compounds were obtained by combining GC‐FID and 13C‐NMR data.

Results

The true content of germacrene A/β‐elemene, germacrene B/γ‐elemene and germacrene C/δ‐elemene in leaf and root oils from C. patens was evaluated by combination of GC‐FID and 13C‐NMR data. Correct analysis of the essential oils was provided.

Conclusion

Combined analysis of essential oil including 13C‐NMR without isolation of the components, appeared really efficient to identify and quantify germacrene isomers and in parallel elemene isomers in essential oils. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Noninvasive prenatal testing creates an opportunity for antenatal treatment of Down syndrome
Authors: Guedj Faycal , Bianchi Diana W.
Published: April 2013

Trisomy 21 (T21) is the most common autosomal aneuploidy that is associated with intellectual disability. It is the focus of many prenatal screening programs across the globe. Pregnant women who receive a prenatal diagnosis of T21 in their fetus currently have the option of continuing or terminating their pregnancy, but no fetal treatment is available. In this paper, we review compelling morphogenetic, cellular, and molecular studies that, taken together, suggest that there is an important window of opportunity during fetal life to positively impact brain development to improve postnatal neurocognition and behavior. Although substantial progress has been made in understanding the basic neurobiology of Down syndrome (DS), the majority of pre‐clinical trials is currently focused on adults. There are a number of challenges in the identification and development of novel antenatal therapies for DS, including the lack of toxicity and teratogenicity for the pregnant woman and the fetus, evidence that the compounds can cross the placenta and achieve therapeutic levels, and the demonstration of clinical improvement. Preliminary experiments in mouse models suggest that prenatal treatment of DS is an achievable goal. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and electrochromic properties of aromatic polyetherimides based on a triphenylamine‐dietheramine monomer
Authors: Hsiao Sheng‐Huei , Wang Hui‐Min , Chang Pei‐Chi , Kung Yu‐Ruei , Lee Tzong‐Ming
Published: April 2013

A series of electroactive polyetherimides (PEIs) with triphenylamine (TPA) units were prepared from the polycondensation reactions of 4,4′‐bis(p‐aminophenoxy)triphenylamine with aromatic tetracarboxylic dianhydrides via a conventional two‐step technique. The PEIs showed high thermal stability, with glass‐transition temperatures of 234–282 °C and decomposition temperatures in excess of 500 °C. They showed well‐defined and reversible redox couples during both p‐ and n‐doping processes, together with multielectrochromic behaviors. These polymers exhibited enhanced redox‐stability and electrochromic performance as compared with the corresponding analogs without the phenoxy spacer between the TPA and imide units. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 2925–2938
One‐pot synthesis of conjugated poly(3‐hexylthiophene)‐b‐poly(phenyl isocyanide) hybrid rod–rod block copolymers and its self‐assembling properties
Authors: Wu Zong‐Quan , Qi Cheng‐Gang , Liu Na , Wang Ying , Yin Jun , Zhu Yuan‐Yuan , Qiu Long‐Zhen , Lu Hong‐Bo
Published: April 2013

In this article, the synthesis of a series of conjugated rod–rod block copolymers based on poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and poly(phenyl isocyanide) (PPI) building blocks in a single pot is presented. Ni‐catalyzed Grignard metathesis polymerization of 2,5‐dibromo‐3‐hexylthiophene and subsequent addition of 4‐isocyanobenzoyl‐2‐aminoisobutyric acid decyl ester in the presence of Ni(dppp)Cl2 as a single catalyst afford P3HT‐b‐PPI with tunable molecular weights and compositions. In solid state, microphase separation occurred as differential scanning calorimetric analysis of P3HT‐b‐PPI revealed two glass transition temperatures. In solutions, the copolymers can self‐assemble into spherical aggregates with P3HT core and PPI shell in tetrahydrofuran and exhibit amorphous state in CHCl3. However, atomic force microscopy revealed that the block copolymers self‐assemble into nanofibrils on the substrate. These unique features warrant the resultant conjugated rod–rod copolymers' potential study in organic photovoltaic and other electronic devices. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 2939–2947
Enhanced many‐body effects in one‐dimensional linear atomic chains
Authors: Fei Ruixiang , Luo Guangfu , Wang Yangyang , Gao Zhengxiang , Nagase Shigeru , Yu Dapeng , Lu Jing
Published: April 2013

We present the quasiparticle energy and optical absorption spectrum results of 1D linear H, BN, C, and Au chains, which are the lower size limit of a periodic material, by using ab initio many‐body approaches. Unprecedentedly large quasiparticle corrections and excitonic effects are revealed in these extreme systems compared with quasi‐1D, 2D, and 3D periodic systems. The binding energy of the bound exciton is up to 3.55 eV in the semiconducting BN chain and 0.5 eV in the metallic C chain, the latter of which is the largest in a metallic system.
Ion‐to‐neutral ratio of 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid in matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization
Authors: Tsai Ming‐Tsang , Lee Sheng , Lu I‐Chung , Chu Kuan Yu , Liang Chi‐Wei , Lee Chih Hao , Lee Yuan T. , Ni Chi‐Kung
Published: April 2013

RATIONALE

In most previous studies, the ratios of desorbed ions and neutrals from matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) were measured outside the common MALDI conditions. In this work, we measured the ratios under common MALDI conditions.

METHODS

Ions were detected using a time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer in combination with a time‐gated ion imaging detector. Mass‐resolved desorbed neutral molecules at different angles and velocities were measured using a modified crossed molecular beam apparatus.

RESULTS

The upper limit of the ion‐to‐neutral ratio from pure 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid (25DHB) is 4 × 10−9 at laser fluence 40 J/m2, it increases to 3 × 10−7 at laser fluence 250 J/m2. The ratios of matrix from the mixture of 25DHB and analyte remain in the same order of magnitude as pure 25DHB. However, the ratio of analyte depends strongly on the analyte. Values as large as 10−3–10−4 for bradykinin and as small as <10−8 for glycine were observed at laser fluence ~100 J/m2.

CONCLUSION

The ion‐to‐neutral ratios of 25DHB matrix measured in this work are much smaller than some of the values reported in previous work using different methods and/or under different MALDI conditions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A robust high‐throughput sample preparation and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantitation of β‐lyase metabolites of sulfur mustard as 1,1′‐sulfonylbis‐[2‐(methylthio)ethane] in human urine
Authors: Reddy Muntha K. , Nixon Christopher , Wyatt Shane A. , Croley Timothy R.
Published: April 2013

RATIONALE

Sulfur mustard (HD) is a major chemical warfare agent threat to humans. Since World War I, several incidents of human exposure to sulfur mustard have been reported. In order to assist health professionals during an exposure event and support biological monitoring, a rapid analytical method is required to measure the exposure of humans to HD.

METHOD

The β‐lyase metabolites of HD, 1‐methylsulfinyl‐2‐[2‐(methylthio)ethylsulfonyl]ethane (MSMTESE) and 1,1′‐sulfonylbis[2‐(methylsulfinyl)ethane] (SBMSE) were reduced to the single biomarker, 1,1′‐sulfonylbis‐[2‐(methylthio)ethane] (SBMTE), using titanium(III) chloride. High‐throughput sample preparation was performed on a Tecan Freedom EVO liquid handler and analysis was performed by electrospray ionization liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) in the multiple‐reaction monitoring mode.

RESULTS

Each analytical run consisted of a matrix blank, calibration standards (0.1–100 ng/mL), low quality controls (QCs), 2.5 ng/mL, and high QCs, 25.0 ng/mL, of SBMTE in human urine. The method was validated with 20 analytical runs performed by four analysts. The mean calculated concentrations of the low and high QCs were 2.52 and 25.5 ng/mL with relative standard deviations of 3.6% and 2.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This semi‐automated method has few manual transfer steps, thus minimizing common manual errors and saving time. Therefore, this method would be very helpful to responding laboratories in a large‐scale exposure event related to HD. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detailed characterization of poly(2‐ethyl‐2oxazoline)s by energy variable collision‐induced dissociation study
Authors: Altuntas Esra , Weber Christine , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: April 2013

RATIONALE

Poly(2‐oxazoline)s are important polymers and can be considered as pseudo‐peptides which makes them important for biomedical and life science applications. This prompts the need for a detailed characterization of these polymers via different analytical tools such as mass spectrometry. Here, the energy‐variable collision‐induced dissociation (CID) of poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline)s was studied by electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐QTOFMS/MS) to gain further structural information about this polymer type.

METHODS

All polymers were analyzed using manual flow injection of samples into an ESI‐QTOF mass spectrometer. Mass spectra (MS and MS/MS) were obtained in the positive ion mode over a mass‐to‐charge (m/z) range from 50 to 3000.

RESULTS

The dependency of the fragmentation patterns as a function of collision energy was examined and the characteristic collision energy (CCE or CE50) values for various poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline)s with different end‐groups were calculated. The effect of molar masses on the CCE values was investigated via the survival yield (SY) method and a linear relationship between CCE values and the degree of polymerization for the PEtOx polymers was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that ESI‐MS/MS is very useful for differentiating poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline)s with different end‐groups by varying the collision energy. The SY method has the potential to determine the importance of the end‐groups on the fragmentation behavior of this polymer type. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A high‐efficiency real‐time digital signal averager for time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Yinan , Xu Hui , Li Qingjiang , Li Nan , Huang Zhengxu , Zhou Zhen , Liu Husheng , Sun Zhaolin , Xu Xin , Yu Hongqi , Liu Haijun , Li David D.‐U. , Wang Xi , Dong Xiuzhen , Gao Wei
Published: April 2013

RATIONALE

Analog‐to‐digital converter (ADC)‐based acquisition systems are widely applied in time‐of‐flight mass spectrometers (TOFMS) due to their ability to record the signal intensity of all ions within the same pulse. However, the acquisition system raises the requirement for data throughput, along with increasing the conversion rate and resolution of the ADC. It is therefore of considerable interest to develop a high‐performance real‐time acquisition system, which can relieve the limitation of data throughput.

METHODS

We present in this work a high‐efficiency real‐time digital signal averager, consisting of a signal conditioner, a data conversion module and a signal processing module. Two optimization strategies are implemented using field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) to enhance the efficiency of the real‐time processing. A pipeline procedure is used to reduce the time consumption of the accumulation strategy. To realize continuous data transfer, a high‐efficiency transmission strategy is developed, based on a ping‐pong procedure.

RESULTS

The digital signal averager features good responsiveness, analog bandwidth and dynamic performance. The optimal effective number of bits reaches 6.7 bits. For a 32 µs record length, the averager can realize 100% efficiency with an extraction frequency below 31.23 kHz by modifying the number of accumulation steps. In unit time, the averager yields superior signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) compared with data accumulation in a computer.

CONCLUSIONS

The digital signal averager is combined with a vacuum ultraviolet single‐photon ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer (VUV‐SPI‐TOFMS). The efficiency of the real‐time processing is tested by analyzing the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from ordinary printed materials. In these experiments, 22 kinds of compounds are detected, and the dynamic range exceeds 3 orders of magnitude. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tertiary evolution of the western Tarim basin, northwest China: A tectono‐sedimentary response to northward indentation of the Pamir salient
Authors: Wei Hong‐Hong , Meng Qing‐Ren , Ding Lin , Li Zhen‐Yu
Published: April 2013

This paper deals with the Tertiary tectonic and sedimentary evolution of the western Tarim basin based on an integrated stratigraphic, sedimentary, structural, and tectonic analyses. Basin evolution is divided into three stages: Paleogene, Miocene, and Pliocene. The western Tarim basin was the easternmost part of the Tethyan realm from Late Cretaceous to Paleogene, and marine sedimentation continued into the Early Miocene. Miocene development of the western Tarim basin was chiefly governed by West Kunlun right‐slip faulting and the simultaneous northward thrusting of the Pamir salient and Tianshuihai terrane. Yecheng subbasin developed as a pull‐apart basin owing to synchronous activity of the West Kunlun and the Shache‐Yangdaman right‐slip faults. Hotan foreland basin formed in response to northward displacement of the Tianshuihai terrane, and another might have developed in front of the advancing Pamir salient in the Miocene. Basinward thrusting became predominant in the orogenic belts adjacent to the western Tarim basin in the Pliocene. North‐directed displacement and uplift of the Tiklik thrust terrane fragmented the preexisting Hotan foreland basin, and collision of the Pamir with the southern Tian Shan deformational fronts caused complete destruction of the Miocene Pamir foreland basin. Eastward displacement of the Qimugen fold‐thrust system led to flexural subsidence of the Yecheng subbasin in the Pliocene. Kashi subbasin developed as part of the southern Tian Shan foreland basin, and was controlled by the eastern Pamir as well. A tectonic scenario is proposed to illustrate complicated interplay of the western Tarim basin with its peripheral orogens in the Tertiary.
Use of pan evaporation to estimate terrestrial evaporation trends: The case of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Brutsaert Wilfried
Published: April 2013

Key Points

Often decreasing pan evaporation means increasing terrestrial evaporation.

Past global dimming was likely too weak to cause wide decreased evaporation.

Often a decrease in wind speed, i.e. stilling, leads to increasing evaporation.
Determination of low Z in human serum of patients with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura by total reflection X‐ray fluorescence
Authors: Canellas C. G. L. , Carvalho S. M. F. , Bellido A. V. B. , Leitão R. G. , Anjos M. J. , Lopes R. T.
Published: April 2013

Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) is a blood disorder characterized by an abnormal decrease in the number of platelets in the blood. In this work, 40 patients suffering from ITP and 60 healthy volunteers (Control Group) were analyzed. All the serum samples were collected from people who live in the urban area of Rio de Janeiro City/Brazil. The measurements were performed at the X‐ray fluorescence Beamline at the Brazilian National Synchrotron Light Laboratory, in Campinas, São Paulo using a monochromatic beam with maximum energy of 20 keV for the excitation and an Ultra‐LEGe detector with resolution of 148 eV at 5.9 keV. Standard solutions with Vanadium as internal standard were prepared for the calibration system. It was possible to determine the elemental concentrations of the following six elements: Na, P, S, Cl, K and Ca. The Student's t‐test was used to analyze significant differences (α = 0.05) between patients with ITP and Control Group. The elements that presented significant differences for the mean of their concentrations between each one from the ITP group and Control Group in µg g−1, were phosphorous (136 ± 12 and 92 ± 12), sulfur (1077 ± 97 and 847 ± 80), chlorine (2905 ± 385 and 2266 ± 378), potassium (137 ± 118 and 82 ± 15) and calcium (64 ± 7 and 44 ± 6), respectively. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of preoperative palliation of jaundice in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Kozarek Richard
Published: April 2013

Background/purpose

Recent studies suggest that there is no significant benefit and that there may be significantly higher morbidity rates in pancreatic cancer patients who undergo preoperative plastic stent placement for obstructive jaundice. This review attempts to define the role of stenting in patients with pancreatic cancer and malignant obstructive jaundice. The latter includes patients unresectable for cure, those who are too frail to withstand an operation, the occasional patient who presents with cholangitis, and those patients who will have a significant delay in surgery because of preoperative neoadjuvant therapy.

Methods

Literature review. A therapeutic endoscopy team member of a multidisciplinary team which evaluates and treats >250 pancreatic cancer patients yearly.

Results

There are 5 historical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 1 current RCT demonstrating no significant benefit in preoperatively decompressing jaundiced patients with pancreatic malignancy with percutaneously placed tubes or endoscopically inserted plastic stents. There are 5 RCTs defining a longer patency rate with self‐expandable metal stents (SEMS) compared to plastic prostheses suggesting that in the setting of palliation as well as the use of neoadjuvant therapy for resectable or borderline resectable patients, SEMS placement is preferable.

Conclusions

Despite data demonstrating lack of efficacy and potential harm in decompressing the biliary tree as opposed to early surgery in jaundiced patients with pancreatic malignancy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with SEMS insertion remains an invaluable palliative modality in non‐resectable patients as well as those in whom contemplated resection is delayed in order to give neoadjuvant therapy.
Assessing the relationship between family mealtime communication and adolescent emotional well‐being using the experience sampling method
Authors: Offer Shira
Published: April 2013

While most prior research has focused on the frequency of family meals the issue of which elements of family mealtime are most salient for adolescents' well‐being has remained overlooked. The current study used the experience sampling method, a unique form of time diary, and survey data drawn from the 500 Family Study (N = 237 adolescents with 8122 observations) to examine the association between family mealtime communication and teens' emotional well‐being. Results showed that in approximately half of the time spent on family meals (3 h per week on average) adolescents reported talking to their parents. Hierarchical linear model analyses revealed that controlling for the quality of family relationships family mealtime communication was significantly associated with higher positive affect and engagement and with lower negative affect and stress. Findings suggest that family meals constitute an important site for communication between teens and parents that is beneficial to adolescents' emotional well‐being.
Adenocarcinoma of the colon in children
Authors: Al-Tonbary Youssef , Darwish Ahmad , El-Hussein Ahmad , Fouda Ashraf
Published: April 2013

Colon cancer is extremely rare in children. This article reports three cases of adenocarcinoma of the colon. A 12-year-old boy, a 13-year-old boy, and a 13-year-old girl presented with constipation and abdominal enlargement over a two-month duration. Abdominal ultrasound and barium enema confirmed a stenotic segment at the rectum with obvious shouldering. Adenocarcinoma was diagnosed following colonoscopic biopsy and laparotomy. We conclude that any child presenting with unexplained persistent constipation, abdominal distension or bleeding per rectum, colon cancer should be suspected and investigated with endoscopy or barium enema.
Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma in a bone marrow transplant recipient
Authors: Mittal Chetan , Hassan Syed , Mattour Ahmed , Janakiraman Nalini
Published: April 2013

We report a case of 53 year old female with history of acute myelogenous leukemia, for which she underwent allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplant; her course was complicated by chronic graft versus host disease. Seven years later she presents with squamous cell carcinoma of the skin which metastasize to her heart. Here, in this case we tend to highlight the aggressive nature of the squamous cell carcinoma in an immunocompromised individual.
First Authenticated Case of Sri Lankan Flying Snake (Chrysopelea taprobanica) Bite
Authors: Silva Anjana , Weerawansa Prasanna , Pilapitiya Senaka , Maduwage Thilina , Siribaddana Sisira
Published: April 2013

Flying snakes (Genus Chrysopelea) are a group of ophisthoglyphous colubrids in South and South East Asia known for gliding in the air. Of the five species of flying snakes, Sri Lankan flying snake, Chrysopelea taprobanica, is endemic to Sri Lanka. Authenticated bites and the venom characteristics of this uncommon snake remain unknown. We report the first authenticated case of C taprobanica bite, in which a 45-year-old woman had signs of mild local envenoming after the bite, with no evidence of systemic envenoming.
Wilderness Medical Society Practice Guidelines for Treatment of Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia
Authors: Bennett Brad L. , Hew-Butler Tamara , Hoffman Martin D. , Rogers Ian R. , Rosner Mitchell H.
Published: April 2013

Exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) typically occurs during or up to 24 hours after prolonged physical activity, and is defined by a serum or plasma sodium concentration below the normal reference range of 135 mEq/L. It is also reported to occur in individual physical activities or during organized endurance events conducted in austere environments in which medical care is limited or often not available, and patient evacuation to definitive care is often greatly delayed. Rapid recognition and appropriate treatment are essential in the severe form to ensure a positive outcome. Failure in this regard is a recognized cause of event-related fatality. In an effort to produce best practice guidelines for EAH in the austere environment, the Wilderness Medical Society convened an expert panel. The panel was charged with the development of evidence-based guidelines for management of EAH. Recommendations are made regarding the situations when sodium concentration can be assessed in the field and when these values are not known. These recommendations are graded based on the quality of supporting evidence and balance between the benefits and risks/burdens for each parameter according to the methodology stipulated by the American College of Chest Physicians.
Sexual activity diminishes male virility in twoCoccinellaspecies: consequences for female fertility and progeny development
Authors: Michaud J.P. , Bista Mahadev , Mishra Geetanjali , Singh Omkar
Published: April 2013

Male contributions, both chemical and behavioural, can influence female sperm usage and reproductive success. To determine whether such male factors are subject to depletion inCoccinella septempunctataandCoccinella transversalis, we tested the effects of male mating history on male virility, as estimated by measures of mating behaviour, female reproductive success and progeny fitness, with parental age held constant. Overt measures of male mating effort (wriggling duration, number of shaking bouts and total copula duration) all diminished from virgin to 5 × mated males and were mirrored by concurrent declines in female fecundity and fertility (measured over 20 days). Paternal effects were also observed which diminished as a function of mating history, suggesting that transgenerational signals of male origin are also subject to depletion. Progeny of virgin fathers had higher rates of survival (C. transversalis) and faster development (both species) than progeny of 5 × mated fathers. Seminal fluid proteins are known to have allohormonal properties and can stimulate female fecundity and fertility in a number of insects, making them strong candidates for depletion as a function of mating activity. However, it is also possible that sperm limitation and/or reduced tactile stimulation of females by multiple-mated males may have contributed to some of the observed effects.
Americocentrism and Art of the Caribbean: Contours of a Time–Space Logic
Authors: WAINWRIGHT LEON
Published: April 2013

Art of the transnational Caribbean has come to be positioned by an understanding of the African diaspora that is oriented to an American “centre,” a situation to be explored for what it reveals about the hegemonic status of the United States in the discipline of contemporary art history. The predominant uses of the diaspora concept both in art-historical narratives and in curatorial spaces are those that connect to United States-based realities, with little pertinence to a strictly transnational theorization. This has implications for how modern art and contemporary art are thought about in relation to the Caribbean and its diaspora, in a way that this article demonstrates with attention to a number of artists at multiple sites, in Trinidad, Guyana, Britain and America.
Foreword
Authors: Michaels Axel
Published: April 2013

The Asian perfumery legacy has had appeal in the West for many centuries, as the term ‘perfume’ itself indicates. Based on Latin roots, it means ‘through smoke’, in allusion to incense. This genre of aromatic materials, which are burned for the enjoyment of their olfactory qualities, has been important in Asian cultures for over two millennia or even longer. The term as such however, is modern European in origin and arose only at the beginning of the sixteenth century when Westerners became increasingly involved in Asia. Exotic aromatics were a contributing factor in the further exploration and colonisation of Asia in the following centuries, and make up notable trade goods to supply the globalising perfume industry to this day. Modern business could develop only thanks to the historical impetus and materials supplied from Asia. Its economic success finally led to the current interest in the sense of smell among scientists and their findings suggest the exceptional significance of this sense for the human experience. Thus, we need to assume that an important part of cultural history and understanding has been so far neglected in scholarly work, as fragrant phenomena have widely exited academic discussion. Specifically ritual activities often seem to include the use of aromatic substances.
Special Issue: Perfumery and Ritual in Asia
Authors: Ansari Sarah
Published: April 2013

As readers of this Journal will appreciate, our remit is broad; both in regard to time (from before the Common Era to the closing decades of the twentieth century) and as far as place (from Baghdad to Beijing and beyond) is concerned. This gives us the opportunity to publish research on those elements of human activity that bind or separate cultures on the macro level both historically and geographically. Languages, for example, gather or divide populations. The challenges experienced by Asian language communities, engaged on the task of adopting the Roman script, were examined by a group of linguists in Vol. 20 (January 2010). Religion and kingship are other phenomena that make or break barriers and in Vol. 22 (January 2012) we published a series of complementary articles that looked at the Paramara dynasty, their religious involvements with Jainism, the Śaiva tradition of Hindusim and Buddhism in its initial homeland, North India.
Diving under a Microscope—A New Simple and Versatile In Vitro Diving Device for Fluorescence and Confocal Microscopy Allowing the Controls of Hydrostatic Pressure, Gas Pressures, and Kinetics of Gas Saturation
Authors: Wang Qiong , Belhomme Marc , Guerrero François , Mazur Aleksandra , Lambrechts Kate , Theron Michaël
Published: April 2013

How underwater diving effects the function of the arterial wall and the activities of endothelial cells is the focus of recent studies on decompression sickness. Here we describe an in vitro diving system constructed to achieve real-time monitoring of cell activity during simulated dives under fluorescent microscopy and confocal microscopy. A 1-mL chamber with sapphire windows on both sides and located on the stage of an inverted microscope was built to allow in vitro diving simulation of isolated cells or arteries in which activities during diving are monitored in real-time via fluorescent microscopy and confocal microscopy. Speed of compression and decompression can range from 20 to 2000 kPa/min, allowing systemic pressure to range up to 6500 kPa. Diving temperature is controlled at 37°C. During air dive simulation oxygen partial pressure is optically monitored. Perfusion speed can range from 0.05 to 10 mL/min. The system can support physiological viability of in vitro samples for real-time monitoring of cellular activity during diving. It allows regulations of pressure, speeds of compression and decompression, temperature, gas saturation, and perfusion speed. It will be a valuable tool for hyperbaric research.
Production of large volume, strongly magnetized laser-produced plasmas by use of pulsed external magnetic fields
Authors: Albertazzi B. , Béard J. , Ciardi A. , Vinci T. , Albrecht J. , Billette J. , Burris-Mog T. , Chen S. N. , Da Silva D. , Dittrich S. , Herrmannsdörfer T. , Hirardin B. , Kroll F. , Nakatsutsumi M. , Nitsche S. , Riconda C. , Romagnagni L. , Schlenvoigt H.-P. , Simond S. , Veuillot E. , Cowan T. E. , Portugall O. , Pépin H. , Fuchs J.
Published: April 2013

The production of strongly magnetized laser plasmas, of interest for laboratory astrophysics and inertial confinement fusion studies, is presented. This is achieved by coupling a 16 kV pulse-power system. This is achieved by coupling a 16 kV pulse-power system, which generates a magnetic field by means of a split coil, with the ELFIE laser facility at Ecole Polytechnique. In order to influence the plasma dynamics in a significant manner, the system can generate, repetitively and without debris, high amplitude magnetic fields (40 T) in a manner compatible with a high-energy laser environment. A description of the system and preliminary results demonstrating the possibility to magnetically collimate plasma jets are given.
Annealing effect and under/capping layer study on Co/Ni multilayer thin films for domain wall motion
Authors: Yang En , Sokalski Vincent M. , Moneck Matthew T. , Bromberg David M. , Zhu Jian-Gang
Published: April 2013

Co/Ni multilayer structure with Perpendicular Magnetic Anisotropy (PMA) is considered to be one of the most promising film structures for current-driven domain wall motion. In this work, the field annealing effect on Co/Ni multilayer films with different underlayers is studied. The annealing temperature ranges from 250 °C to 375 °C. The effect of Pt capping layer is also investigated. It was found that the annealing process influences magnetic properties of Co/Ni multilayers with different underlayers differently. For Co/Ni multilayers with Ni underlayer, no PMA is observed in the as-deposited state, but they become perpendicular after annealing, and the effective perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (Keff) increases linearly with annealing temperature. The origin of the Keff increase is discussed. For Co/Ni multilayers with Pt underlayers, large PMA is observed for as-deposited films; however, Keff decreases after annealing. The effects of interfacial lattice mismatch, roughness, and impurities to surface anisotropy are discussed. It was also found that with Pt underlayer, the presence of a thin Pt capping layer is crucial for Co/Ni multilayers to cancel the in-plane Rashba field and stabilize the current-driven domain wall motion.
Lyman-α photodesorption from CO2(ice) at 75 K: Role of CO2 vibrational relaxation on desorption rate
Authors: Yuan Chunqing , Yates John T.
Published: April 2013

The photodesorption of CO2 from CO2(ice) at 75 K when irradiated by Lyman-α light is strongly mediated by vibrational relaxation of highly vibrationally excited molecules produced from the electronically excited CO2 state. A vibrationally hot molecule can either relax (major process) in the ice or desorb (minor process). We find that isotopically pure CO2 ices photodesorb least efficiently due to efficient vibrational tuning between molecules in the ice. Isotopically impure CO2 ices are more poorly vibrationally relaxed and hence photodesorb more efficiently. Mixed CO2-Xe ices are still more efficiently photodesorbed due to the dilution of CO2, which further reduces the rate of vibrational relaxation. Resonant interactions as well as phonon-assisted interactions contribute to vibrational relaxation efficiency in ices, and inversely to photodesorption efficiency. The vibrational lifetime of hot CO2 in its ice at 75 K is of order of 10−15 s. These results indicate that under astronomical conditions, the rate of photodesorption will depend inversely on the rate of vibrational quenching in the ice, which is dependent on the abundance and distance of like oscillators from each other in the ice. In rather isotopically pure ices, the minority isotopic species will photodesorb more rapidly.
Single-file diffusion in an interval: First passage properties
Authors: Ryabov Artem
Published: April 2013

We investigate the long-time behavior of the survival probability of a tagged particle in a single-file diffusion in a finite interval. The boundary conditions are of two types: (1) one boundary is absorbing the second is reflecting and (2) both boundaries are absorbing. For each type of the boundary conditions we consider two types of initial conditions: (a) initial number of particles N is given and (b) initial concentration of particles is given (N is random). In all four cases the tagged-particle survival probability exhibits different asymptotic behavior. When the both boundaries are absorbing we also consider a case of a random interval length (single-file diffusion on a line with randomly distributed traps). In the latter setting, the initial concentration of particles has the same effect on the asymptotic decay of the survival probability as the concentration of traps.
Quantum network theory of computing with respect to entangled flux qubits and external perturbation
Authors: Cain C. A. , Wu C. H.
Published: April 2013

In this work, we attempt to show the differences between traditional qubit-based spintronic methodology for quantum computation and the possible ballistic quantum network implementations. Flux qubits can be considered topologically similar to the persistent currents possessed as the angular momentum in Aharonov-Bohm loops, which can be coupled and thus entangled together. Since entanglement is guaranteed for coupled quantum networks, starting from a point-contacted situation, we first investigate how varying the degree of entanglement strength can affect the superposition of the four possible states for two isolated flux qubits being brought together. In general, the superposition is destroyed once the degree of entanglement is altered from the point-contact situation. However, we show that for a specific network with maximum entanglement, a Bell state situation can be produced. We then examine the effects of varying the external perturbation strength on the readout capability in quantum networks by changing the coupling strength through the cross-sectional area ratio. From the analysis of our results, we are persuaded to believe that two universally accepted components for quantum computing are not valid in the quantum network approach: the need of a weak perturbation for measurement of computational results and the requirement of fixed entanglement among qubits. We show there is an interplay between the strength of the entanglement and that of the external perturbation for high-fidelity classical readouts.
Antisite defects in La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 and La0.7Sr0.3FeO3
Authors: Gu Meng , Wang Zhiguo , Biegalski Michael D. , Christen Hans M. , Takamura Yayoi , Browning Nigel D.
Published: April 2013

Complex oxide thin films and superlattices with the perovskite ABO3 structure have been found to possess multifunctional properties. Here, we present our discovery of antisite defects, La ions in Fe(Mn) sites (denoted as LaB), in a La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/La0.7Sr0.3FeO3 superlattice. The antisite defect was directly characterized by atomic resolution Z-contrast imaging and the composition and electronic structure were analyzed by electron energy loss spectroscopy in an aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscope. Density functional theory was used to calculate the formation energy, showing that the formation of the detected antisite defects is a consequence of the slightly reducing conditions during sample growth.
Supramolecular Interaction of Gliclazide with Cucurbit[7]uril and its Analytical Application
Authors: Wang Guang-Quan , Qin Yan-Fang , Du Li-Ming , Fu Yun-Long
Published: April 2013

Gliclazide (GLZ) is non-fluorescent in aqueous solution. This property makes its determination through direct fluorescent methods impossible. Palmatine (PAL) exhibits very weak fluorescence emissions in aqueous solution. However, in acidic media at room temperature, PAL can react with cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) to form a stable complex and the fluorescence intensity of the complex is greatly enhanced. Dramatic quenching of the fluorescence intensity of the CB[7]–PAL complex was observed with the addition of GLZ. The competing reactions and the supramolecular interaction mechanisms between GLZ and PAL as they fight for occupancy of the CB[7] cavity were studied using spectrofluorimetry, 1H NMR spectroscopy, and molecular modelling calculations. The association constants of the complexes formed between the host and the guest were determined. Based on the significant quenching of the supramolecular complex fluorescence intensity, a fluorescent probe method of high sensitivity was developed to determine GLZ in its pharmaceutical dosage forms and in human plasma with good precision and accuracy. The linear range of the method was from 0.003 to 2.100 μg mL–1. The limit of detection was 0.001 μg mL–1. This shows that the proposed method has promising potential for therapeutic monitoring and pharmacokinetics and for clinical application.
Attention modulates saccadic inhibition magnitude
Authors: Buonocore Antimo , McIntosh Robert D.
Published: April 2013

Visual transient events during ongoing eye movement tasks inhibit saccades within a precise temporal window, spanning from around 60–120 ms after the event, having maximum effect at around 90 ms. It is not yet clear to what extent this saccadic inhibition phenomenon can be modulated by attention. We studied the saccadic inhibition induced by a bright flash above or below fixation, during the preparation of a saccade to a lateralized target, under two attentional manipulations. Experiment 1 demonstrated that exogenous precueing of a distractor's location reduced saccadic inhibition, consistent with inhibition of return. Experiment 2 manipulated the relative likelihood that a distractor would be presented above or below fixation. Saccadic inhibition magnitude was relatively reduced for distractors at the more likely location, implying that observers can endogenously suppress interference from specific locations within an oculomotor map. We discuss the implications of these results for models of saccade target selection in the superior colliculus.
Host compatibility rather than vector–host-encounter rate determines the host range of avian
Plasmodium
parasites
Authors: Medeiros Matthew C. I. , Hamer Gabriel L. , Ricklefs Robert E.
Published: April 2013

Blood-feeding arthropod vectors are responsible for transmitting many parasites between vertebrate hosts. While arthropod vectors often feed on limited subsets of potential host species, little is known about the extent to which this influences the distribution of vector-borne parasites in some systems. Here, we test the hypothesis that different vector species structure parasite–host relationships by restricting access of certain parasites to a subset of available hosts. Specifically, we investigate how the feeding patterns of
Culex
mosquito vectors relate to distributions of avian malaria parasites among hosts in suburban Chicago, IL, USA. We show that
Plasmodium
lineages, defined by cytochrome
b
haplotypes, are heterogeneously distributed across avian hosts. However, the feeding patterns of the dominant vectors (
Culex restuans
and
Culex pipiens
) are similar across these hosts, and do not explain the distributions of
Plasmodium
parasites. Phylogenetic similarity of avian hosts predicts similarity in their
Plasmodium
parasites. This effect was driven primarily by the general association of
Plasmodium
parasites with particular host superfamilies. Our results suggest that a mosquito-imposed encounter rate does not limit the distribution of avian
Plasmodium
parasites across hosts. This implies that compatibility between parasites and their avian hosts structure
Plasmodium
host range.