bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cocoa flavanol metabolites activate HNF‐3β, Sp1, and NFY‐mediated transcription of apolipoprotein AI in human cells
Authors: Oleaga Carlota , Ciudad Carlos J. , Izquierdo‐Pulido Maria , Noé Véronique
Published: January 2013

Scope

To identify the mechanisms by which cocoa induces HDL levels and since apolipoprotein AI (ApoAI) is the major protein in HDLs, we analyzed, upon incubation with cocoa metabolites, ApoAI mRNA levels, its transcriptional regulation, and the levels of the transcription factors involved in this process.

Methods and results

Epicatechin and cocoa metabolites caused an increase in ApoAI expression in HepG2 cells. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed the involvement of Sites A and B of the ApoAI promoter in the induction of ApoAI mRNA upon incubation with cocoa metabolites. Using supershift assays, we demonstrated the binding of HNF‐3β, HNF‐4, ER‐α, and RXR‐α to Site A and the binding of HNF‐3β, NFY, and Sp1 to Site B. Luciferase assays performed with a construct containing Site B confirmed its role in the upregulation of ApoAI by cocoa metabolites. Incubation with 3‐methyl‐epicatechin led to an increase in HNF‐3β mRNA, HNF‐3β, ER‐α, Sp1, and NFY protein levels and the activation of ApoAI transcription mediated by NFY, Sp1, and ER‐α.

Conclusion

The activation of ApoAI transcription through Site B by cocoa flavanol metabolites is mainly mediated by an increase in HNF‐3β, with a significant contribution of Sp1 and NFY, as a mechanism for the protective role of these compounds in cardiovascular diseases.
Local versus global search in channel graphs
Authors: Hunter A.H. , Pippenger Nicholas
Published: January 2013

Previous studies of search in channel graphs have assumed global search, for which the status of any link can be probed by the search algorithm at any time. We consider for the first time local search, for which only links to which an idle path from the source has already been established may be probed. We show that some well‐known channel graphs may require exponentially more probes, on average, when search must be local than when it may be global. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2013
A branch‐and‐bound algorithm for representative integer efficient solutions in multiple objective network programming problems
Authors: Sun Minghe
Published: January 2013

In many applications of multiple objective network programming (MONP) problems, only integer solutions are acceptable as the final optimal solution. Representative efficient solutions are usually obtained by sampling the efficient set through the solution of augmented weighted Tchebycheff network programs. Because such efficient solutions are usually not integer solutions, a branch‐and‐bound (BB) algorithm is developed to find integer efficient solutions. The purpose of the BB algorithm is to support interactive procedures by generating representative integer efficient solutions. To be computationally efficient, the algorithm takes advantage of the network structure as much as possible. An algorithm, used in the BB algorithm and performed on the key tree, is developed to construct feasible solutions from infeasible solutions and basic solutions from nonbasic solutions when bounds on branching variables change. The BB algorithm finds basic and nonbasic or supported and unsupported integer efficient solutions as long as they are optimal. Details of the algorithm are presented, an example is provided and computational results are reported. Computational results show that the BB algorithm performs well. Although the BB algorithm is developed for the purpose of generating integer efficient solutions for MONP problems, it can also solve more general integer network flow problems with linear side constraints. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2013
Stability criteria for continuous‐time systems with additive time‐varying delays
Authors: Zhu Xun‐Lin , Wang Youyi , Du Xin
Published: January 2013

This paper studies the problem of stability analysis for continuous‐time systems with two additive time‐varying delay components. By taking the independence and the variation of the additive delay components into consideration, more general type of Lyapunov functionals are defined. Together with a tighter estimation of the upper bound of the cross‐product terms derived from the derivatives of the Lyapunov functionals, less conservative delay‐dependent stability criteria are established in terms of LMIs. Combining with a reciprocally convex combination technique, the newly obtained stability conditions are also less complex. Two numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness and the significant improvement of the proposed method. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pesticide‐laden dust emission and drift from treated seeds during seed drilling: a review
Authors: Nuyttens David , Devarrewaere Wouter , Verboven Pieter , Foqué Dieter
Published: January 2013

Dressing seeds with pesticides to control pests is a widespread practice with important advantages. Recent incidents of bee losses, however, have directed attention to the emission of abraded pesticide‐coated seed particles to the environment during sowing. This phenomenon of drift of pesticide dust can lead to pesticide contamination of air, water and other natural resources in crop‐growing areas. This review article presents the state of the art of the phenomenon of dust emission and drift from pesticide seed dressing during sowing and its consequences. Firstly, pesticide seed treatment is defined and its pros and cons are set out, with the focus on dust, dust emission and dust drift from pesticide‐coated seed. The factors affecting emission of pesticide dust (e.g. seed treatment quality, seed drilling technology and environmental conditions) are considered, along with its possible effects. The measuring techniques and protocols and models currently in use for calculating the behaviour of dust are reviewed, together with their features and limitations. Finally, possible mitigation measures are discussed, such as improving the seed quality and the use of modified seed drilling technology, and an overview of regulations and stewardship activities is given. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Identification and mapping of a linear epitope of centromere protein F using monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Welner Simon , Trier Nicole H. , Houen Gunnar , Hansen Paul R.
Published: January 2013

Autoantibodies against centromere protein ‐F have been reported to be associated with various types of cancer with poor prognosis. The characterization of these autoantibody specificities is important in both diagnostics and basic research. In this study, we mapped the epitope (NELSRIRSEKA) of two monoclonal centromere protein F antibodies. The epitope was localized by screening of overlapping peptides followed by a fast and efficient estimation of the minimal peptide length required for antibody recognition, based on the screening of terminally truncated resin‐bound peptide analogs. The epitope was determined through competitive inhibition assays of systematically truncated free peptides. In addition, the importance of the involved amino acid side chains of the identified epitope was determined through competitive inhibition assays using alanine‐substituted analogs. Copyright © 2013 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the mechanisms of radiation damage and prospects of their suppression in complex metal oxides
Authors: Lushchik Aleksandr , Lushchik Cheslav , Nagirnyi Vitali , Pazylbek Sapargali , Sidletskiy Oleg , Schwartz Kurt , Shablonin Evgeni , Shugai Anna , Vasil'chenko Evgeni
Published: January 2013

The influence of some impurity ions on the increase/decrease in the resistance against irradiation of metal oxides with X‐rays and electrons (low‐dense excitation) or ∼2 GeV Au198 and U238 ions providing a superhigh density of electronic excitations along cylindrical tracks (LET > 30 keV nm−1) has been investigated for fcc MgO single crystals with close ion masses or Lu3Al5O12 and Gd2SiO5 with large unit cells and heavy cations. The radiation effects have been studied using the methods of low‐temperature vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy (up to 40 eV), cathodoluminescence and thermoactivation spectroscopy. The step‐by‐step annealing of the radiation‐induced absorption, scattering, and luminescence has been performed at the heating of irradiated crystals up to ∼70% of a melting point. Possible experimental manifestations of the temperature‐stable nanosize 3D defects created, according to theoretical predictions, via rearrangement of many host ions at the collapse of discrete solitons (breathers) are detected in Lu3Al5O12 and Gd2SiO5 crystals irradiated with swift heavy ions (fluence of 1012 ions cm−2).
Effects of planar geometry on the inhomogeneous broadening of zero‐phonon lines of optical centers in diamond
Authors: Deshko Yury , Gorokhovsky Anshel
Published: January 2013

Optically active defects in diamond find a wide range of applications from lasers to single photon emitters essential for quantum communications. Ion implantation followed by thermal annealing is a mature technique used to create such defects. Implanted at a fixed energy, ions form a thin layer of optically active defects. Low temperature photoluminescence spectra of Xe‐related defects in pure CVD diamond show peculiar behavior: the narrow zero‐phonon line at 811.7 nm changes its shape significantly with the increase of implantation dose from 1.1 × 1011 to 5 × 1012 ion cm−2. This work investigates the possible causes of this effect: planar geometry of the defects distribution and/or the complex defect structure.
Role of photothermal effect in photoexpansion of chalcogenide glasses
Authors: Zhao Donghui , Jain Himanshu , Malacarne Luis C. , Pedreira Paulo R. B.
Published: January 2013

magnified image

We present a photothermoelastic model for studying the photothermal effect in chalcogenide glasses. The temperature rise and thermoelastic expansion for a model material As2S3 glass are calculated. Our result indicates that significant expansion (e.g. >1 µm) on the free surface of glass can be induced with only moderate temperature rise (e.g. <30 K). This occurs because of the Poisson effect of the large compressive forces generated on the interface between the irradiated and unirradiated areas in the material. We argue that photoexpansion in chalcogenide glasses arise from the concurrent effect of photothermoelastic expansion and photofluidity. The temperature dependence of photoexpansion is also discussed. The present model provides an explanation for the generality of photoexpansion in these materials.
Evidence of two‐photon absorption in strain‐free quantum dot GaAs/AlGaAs solar cells
Authors: Scaccabarozzi Andrea , Adorno Silvia , Bietti Sergio , Acciarri Maurizio , Sanguinetti Stefano
Published: January 2013

We report the fabrication procedure and the characterization of an Al0.3Ga0.7As solar cell containing high‐density GaAs strain‐free quantum dots grown by droplet epitaxy. The production of photocurrent when two sub‐bandgap energy photons are absorbed simultaneously is demonstrated. The high quality of the quantum dot/barrier pair, allowed by the high quality of nanostructured strain‐free materials, opens new opportunities for quantum dot based solar cells.

magnified image

Left: Scheme of the fabricated quantum dot solar cell. Right: 1 × 1 µm2 image of the dot layer.

(© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Intracellular Uptake and Toxicity of Ag and CuO Nanoparticles: A Comparison Between Nanoparticles and their Corresponding Metal Ions
Authors: Cronholm Pontus , Karlsson Hanna L. , Hedberg Jonas , Lowe Troy A. , Winnberg Lina , Elihn Karine , Wallinder Inger Odnevall , Möller Lennart
Published: January 2013

An increased understanding of nanoparticle toxicity and its impact on human health is essential to enable a safe use of nanoparticles in our society. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of a Trojan horse type mechanism for the toxicity of Ag‐nano and CuO‐nano particles and their corresponding metal ionic species (using CuCl2 and AgNO3), i.e., the importance of the solid particle to mediate cellular uptake and subsequent release of toxic species inside the cell. The human lung cell lines A549 and BEAS‐2B are used and cell death/membrane integrity and DNA damage are investigated by means of trypan blue staining and the comet assay, respectively. Chemical analysis of the cellular dose of copper and silver is performed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy, laser scanning confocal microscopy, and confocal Raman microscopy are employed to study cellular uptake and particle‐cell interactions. The results confirm a high uptake of CuO‐nano and Ag‐nano compared to no, or low, uptake of the soluble salts. CuO‐nano induces both cell death and DNA damage whereas CuCl2 induces no toxicity. The opposite is observed for silver, where Ag‐nano does not cause any toxicity, whereas AgNO3 induces a high level of cell death. In conclusion: CuO‐nano toxicity is predominantly mediated by intracellular uptake and subsequent release of copper ions, whereas no toxicity is observed for Ag‐nano due to low release of silver ions within short time periods.
Full‐scale test of trailing edge flaps on a Vestas V27 wind turbine: active load reduction and system identification
Authors: Castaignet Damien , Barlas Thanasis , Buhl Thomas , Poulsen Niels K. , Wedel‐Heinen Jens Jakob , Olesen Niels A. , Bak Christian , Kim Taeseong
Published: January 2013

A full‐scale test was performed on a Vestas V27 wind turbine equipped with one active 70 cm long trailing edge flap on one of its 13 m long blades. Active load reduction could be observed in spite of the limited spanwise coverage of the single active trailing edge flap. A frequency‐weighted model predictive control was tested successfully on this demonstrator turbine. An average flapwise blade root load reduction of 14% was achieved during a 38 minute test, and a reduction of 20% of the amplitude of the 1P loads was measured. A system identification test was also performed, and an identified linear model, from trailing edge flap angle to flapwise blade root moment, was derived and compared with the linear analytical model used in the model predictive control design model. Flex5 simulations run with the same model predictive control showed a good correlation between the simulations and the measurements in terms of flapwise blade root moment spectral densities, in spite of significant differences between the identified linear model and the model predictive control design model. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lorentz violation, gravity, dissipation and holography
Authors: Kiritsis Elias
Published: January 2013

Abstract

We reconsider Lorentz Violation (LV) at the fundamental level. We argue that Lorentz Violation is intimately connected with gravity and that LV couplings in QFT must always be fields in a gravitational sector. Diffeomorphism covariance, implementing general charnges of frame, is intact and the LV couplings transform as tensors under coordinate/frame changes. Therefore searching for LV is one of the most sensitive ways of looking for new physics, either new interactions or modifications of known ones. Energy dissipation/Cerenkov radiation is shown to be a generic feature of LV in QFT. A general computation is done in strongly coupled theories with gravity duals. It is shown that in scale invariant regimes, the energy dissipation rate depends non-trivially on two characteristic exponents, the Lifshitz exponent and the hyperscaling violation exponent.
Bilinear R-parity violation with flavor symmetry
Authors: Bazzocchi F. , Morisi S. , Peinado E. , Valle J. W. F. , Vicente A.
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Bilinear R-parity violation (BRPV) provides the simplest intrinsically super-symmetric neutrino mass generation scheme. While neutrino mixing parameters can be probed in high energy accelerators, they are unfortunately not predicted by the theory. Here we propose a model based on the discrete flavor symmetry A
4 with a single R-parity violating parameter, leading to (i) correct Cabbibo mixing given by the Gatto-Sartori-Tonin formula, and a successful unification-like b-tau mass relation, and (ii) a correlation between the lepton mixing angles θ
13 and θ
23 in agreement with recent neutrino oscillation data, as well as a (nearly) massless neutrino, leading to absence of neutrinoless double beta decay.
Modelling IEEE 802.11 CSMA/CA RTS/CTS with stochastic bigraphs with sharing
Authors: Calder Muffy , Sevegnani Michele
Published: January 2013

Stochastic bigraphical reactive systems (SBRS) is a recent formalism for modelling systems that evolve in time and space. However, the underlying spatial model is based on sets of trees and thus cannot represent spatial locations that are shared among several entities in a simple or intuitive way. We adopt an extension of the formalism,
SBRS with sharing
, in which the topology is modelled by a directed acyclic graph structure. We give an overview of SBRS with sharing, we extend it with rule priorities, and then use it to develop a model of the 802.11 CSMA/CA RTS/CTS protocol with exponential backoff, for an
arbitrary
network topology with possibly overlapping signals. The model uses sharing to model overlapping connectedness areas, instantaneous prioritised rules for deterministic computations, and stochastic rules with exponential reaction rates to model constant and uniformly distributed timeouts and constant transmission times. Equivalence classes of model states modulo instantaneous reactions yield states in a CTMC that can be analysed using the model checker PRISM. We illustrate the model on a simple example wireless network with three overlapping signals and we present some example quantitative properties.
Reasoning about goal-directed real-time teleo-reactive programs
Authors: Dongol Brijesh , Hayes Ian J. , Robinson Peter J.
Published: January 2013

The teleo-reactive programming model is a high-level approach to developing real-time systems that supports hierarchical composition and durative actions. The model is different from frameworks such as action systems, timed automata and TLA
+
, and allows programs to be more compact and descriptive of their intended behaviour. Teleo-reactive programs are particularly useful for implementing controllers for autonomous agents that must react robustly to their dynamically changing environments. In this paper, we develop a real-time logic that is based on Duration Calculus and use this logic to formalise the semantics of teleo-reactive programs. We develop rely/guarantee rules that facilitate reasoning about a program and its environment in a compositional manner. We present several theorems for simplifying proofs of teleo-reactive programs and present a partially mechanised method for proving progress properties of goal-directed agents.
Performance of serum and dried blood spot acylcarnitine profiles for detection of fatty acid β‐oxidation disorders in adult patients with rhabdomyolysis
Authors: Al‐Thihli Khalid , Sinclair Graham , Sirrs Sandra , Mezei Michelle , Nelson Judie , Vallance Hilary
Published: January 2013

Background

Plasma/serum and dried blood spot (DBS) acylcarnitine profiles (ACPs) are key to the diagnosis of mitochondrial fatty acid β‐oxidation disorders (FAODs). Despite their significant clinical applications, limited published data exists to compare their sensitivities and specificities. We retrospectively evaluated these two methods in adult patients with a history of rhabdomyolysis; investigated for an underlying FAOD.

Methods

A retrospective study was completed for adult patients (investigated between 2003 and 2011) meeting the inclusion criteria of a history of recurrent rhabdomyolysis or one episode of rhabdomyolysis with a history of exercise intolerance. All subjects underwent investigations for an underlying FAOD including DBS and serum ACP analysis concurrently collected during a symptom‐free period, and skin biopsy for cultured fibroblast fatty acid oxidation studies or enzyme activity measurement, as indicated, with or without molecular confirmation. Their medical records were reviewed, and the performance of the two methods were compared.

Results

Seven out of 31 subjects (22.6 %) were diagnosed with an underlying FAOD. Long chain acylcarnitines were more markedly elevated in serum samples from confirmed CPTII cases (n = 4) as compared to matched DBS profiles. The sensitivity and specificity of DBS ACP was 71.4 % (95 % CI, 0.30–0.95) and 100 % (95 % CI, 0.79–1.00), respectively, compared to a sensitivity of 100 % (95 % CI, 0.56–1.00) and a specificity of 94.7 % (95 % CI, 0.72–1.00) for serum ACP.

Conclusion

FAODs appear to be a common cause of recurrent rhabdomyolysis or rhabdomyolysis with a history of exercise induced myalgia. At least historically, FAODs maybe underdiagnosed in adults with rhabdomyolysis. This study suggests that serum ACP might be more sensitive than DBS ACP for detection of an underlying FAOD in adults with rhabdomyolysis while asymptomatic.
Inborn errors of metabolism with 3‐methylglutaconic aciduria as discriminative feature: proper classification and nomenclature
Authors: Wortmann Saskia B. , Duran Marinus , Anikster Yair , Barth Peter G. , Sperl Wolfgang , Zschocke Johannes , Morava Eva , Wevers Ron A.
Published: January 2013

Increased urinary 3‐methylglutaconic acid excretion is a relatively common finding in metabolic disorders, especially in mitochondrial disorders. In most cases 3‐methylglutaconic acid is only slightly elevated and accompanied by other (disease specific) metabolites. There is, however, a group of disorders with significantly and consistently increased 3‐methylglutaconic acid excretion, where the 3‐methylglutaconic aciduria is a hallmark of the phenotype and the key to diagnosis. Until now these disorders were labelled by roman numbers (I–V) in the order of discovery regardless of pathomechanism. Especially, the so called “unspecified” 3‐methylglutaconic aciduria type IV has been ever growing, leading to biochemical and clinical diagnostic confusion. Therefore, we propose the following pathomechanism based classification and a simplified diagnostic flow chart for these “inborn errors of metabolism with 3‐methylglutaconic aciduria as discriminative feature”. One should distinguish between “primary 3‐methylglutaconic aciduria” formerly known as type I (3‐methylglutaconyl‐CoA hydratase deficiency, AUH defect) due to defective leucine catabolism and the—currently known—three groups of “secondary 3‐methylglutaconic aciduria”. The latter should be further classified and named by their defective protein or the historical name as follows: i) defective phospholipid remodelling (TAZ defect or Barth syndrome, SERAC1 defect or MEGDEL syndrome) and ii) mitochondrial membrane associated disorders (OPA3 defect or Costeff syndrome, DNAJC19 defect or DCMA syndrome, TMEM70 defect). The remaining patients with significant and consistent 3‐methylglutaconic aciduria in whom the above mentioned syndromes have been excluded, should be referred to as “not otherwise specified (NOS) 3‐MGA‐uria” until elucidation of the underlying pathomechanism enables proper (possibly extended) classification.
Line Transect and Triangulation Surveys Provide Reliable Estimates of the Density of Kloss’ Gibbons (Hylobates klossii) on Siberut Island, Indonesia
Authors: Höing Andrea , Quinten Marcel C. , Indrawati Yohana Maria , Cheyne Susan M. , Waltert Matthias
Published: January 2013

Estimating population densities of key species is crucial for many conservation programs. Density estimates provide baseline data and enable monitoring of population size. Several different survey methods are available, and the choice of method depends on the species and study aims. Few studies have compared the accuracy and efficiency of different survey methods for large mammals, particularly for primates. Here we compare estimates of density and abundance of Kloss’ gibbons (Hylobates klossii) using two of the most common survey methods: line transect distance sampling and triangulation. Line transect surveys (survey effort: 155.5 km) produced a total of 101 auditory and visual encounters and a density estimate of 5.5 gibbon clusters (groups or subgroups of primate social units)/km2. Triangulation conducted from 12 listening posts during the same period revealed a similar density estimate of 5.0 clusters/km2. Coefficients of variation of cluster density estimates were slightly higher from triangulation (0.24) than from line transects (0.17), resulting in a lack of precision in detecting changes in cluster densities of <66 % for triangulation and <47 % for line transect surveys at the 5 % significance level with a statistical power of 50 %. This case study shows that both methods may provide estimates with similar accuracy but that line transects can result in more precise estimates and allow assessment of other primate species. For a rapid assessment of gibbon density under time and financial constraints, the triangulation method also may be appropriate.
From neuromuscular electrical stimulation and biofeedback-assisted exercise up to triathlon competitions—regular physical activity for cancer patients in Austria
Authors: Crevenna Richard
Published: January 2013

Individual rehabilitation concepts for cancer patients include specific nutrition programs, psychotherapy and many modalities from the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation. At the Medical University of Vienna, challenging and complex cases of cancer patients are presented and discussed with the goal to plan rehabilitation, within the worldwide first official tumour board for cancer rehabilitation. Regular physical activity is an active option which has been shown to be an important part in the treatment and rehabilitation of cancer patients. Exercise—individually prescribed—has been described to improve functional health of cancer patients with benefits for physical performance, mental health, quality of life, participation and—in some types of cancer—survival. However, not all cancer patients need the same form of regular physical activity. Nevertheless, most of cancer patients should start as soon as possible to be physically active, but under the supervision of specialized physicians and within their individual “right” setting.
Physical exercise programs following cancer treatment
Authors: Baumann F. T.
Published: January 2013

Oncological patients should engage in physical activities during the entire period of medical treatment and aftercare taking into account the contraindications. Therapeutic exercises should be customized, according to the individuals’ cancer entity, medical side effects, and exercise experience—personalized exercise therapy. After medical treatment, cancer patients in Germany have a legal right to visit an oncological rehabilitation clinic. In addition, they have the opportunity to attend a rehabilitative sports group, which is funded by the health insurance companies. The aim of therapeutic exercises in the curative and palliative phase is prevention of negative physical and psychological consequences. The aim of therapeutic exercises in the rehabilitation phase is physical and mental recovery as well as psychosocial stabilization or improvement. During aftercare, cancer patients should also be encouraged to engage in home-based programs; however, these are not as effective as supervised therapy. Future studies must consider aspects of training control, specific assessments and exercise programs for palliative patients.
The role of physical activity in primary cancer prevention
Authors: Steindorf Karen
Published: January 2013

Few modifiable lifestyle factors have been shown to be associated with reduced cancer risk. For physical activity, more than 200 epidemiologic studies have provided evidence that its association with cancer risk is convincing for colon and breast cancers; probable for endometrial cancer; possible for prostate, gastric, and ovarian cancers; and insufficient for all other cancer sites. Relative risk reductions are in the range of 10–30 %. On the absolute scale, about 9–19 % of the most frequent cancers can be attributed to a lack of sufficient physical activity. As modifiable health behavior, exercise thus has a strong potential for primary cancer prevention and the evidence is sufficiently established to recommend physical activity as a means for the primary prevention of cancer. Current recommendations call for at least 30–60 min of moderate to vigorous activity daily. However, further research is needed to provide a stronger evidence base specifically for these recommendations. The exact type, dose, and timing of physical activity remain unclear but ongoing and planned research will elucidate these associations. In addition, possible biologic mechanisms whereby physical activity may influence carcinogenesis, independently and/or jointly with other factors of the energy balance equation, need further attention in future research.
Phytostanol Supplementation Through Frying Dough in Enriched Canola Oil
Authors: Aydeniz Buket , Yılmaz Emin
Published: January 2013

The objectives of this study were to determine a suitable level of phytostanols for addition to canola oil and to investigate the performance of the supplemented oil during frying. The frying oil was supplemented with 5, 10, 15, 20 % w/w phytostanols and two suitable levels (5 and 10 %) were selected. Dough frying was performed for 5 consecutive days at 180 °C for 5 h/day. The ranges of analytical measurements in the treatment groups were; free acidity (0.12–10.07 %), conjugated dienes (0.47–1.37 %), total polar material with probe (9.00–51.25 %), viscosity (46.27–195.51 cP), turbidity (0.82–1.80 NTU), and smoke point (202.75–274.25 °C). The results indicated that 5 % phytostanol enriched oil was superior in terms of oil stability and sensory quality of the fried dough among all the enriched oils. Samples with 10 % added phytostanols were high in free acidity, conjugated dienes and smoke points. Sterol composition analysis showed that the fried dough absorbed total sterols of 49.9 and 95 g/kg in 5 and 10 % supplemented oils, respectively. Hence, some health benefits could be achieved through consuming products which have been fried in phytostanol supplemented canola oil.
Waterproof cast liners in paediatric forearm fractures: A randomized trial
Authors: Stevenson Aaron W. , Gahukamble Abhay D. , Antoniou Georgia , Pool Bradley , Sutherland Leanne M. , Cundy Peter
Published: January 2013

Purpose

Waterproof casts have been shown to provide adequate support and immobilization in fractures. This study evaluated two waterproof cast liners, namely, Wet or Dry® and Delta Dry®, in terms of ease of application/removal, durability, longevity, and patient satisfaction using patient- and technician-reported outcome measures.

Methods

A total of 105 children were enrolled in a randomized trial and received a below-elbow synthetic cast with either of the two cast liners.

Results

The two groups were comparable with regards to age, gender, side of cast, and hand dominance. Assessment was carried out at application and removal. In the patient-reported outcomes, the Wet or Dry® group was rated significantly better in the odor and water resistance categories. In the technician-reported application and removal outcome measures, the Delta Dry® group was rated significantly higher.

Conclusions

The use of waterproof cast liners appears to be safe in children with forearm fractures, with some differences in outcome between the two products trialed.
The effect of temperature, water input and length of growing season on sugar beet yield in five locations in Greece
Authors: TSIALTAS J. T. , MASLARIS N.
Published: January 2013

From 1999 to 2006, 36 field experiments were conducted in five sugar beet growing areas in Greece (Larissa, Plati, Serres, Xanthi and Orestiada) to monitor yield. Locations differed significantly regarding thermal variables during the growing season with Xanthi having the most favourable thermal conditions (Tmax, average daily maximum temperature;Tmean, average daily mean temperature; GDD, growing degree days) for sugar beet growth. From early June to the end of the harvesting campaign, successive harvests were conducted. Over the years, fresh root weight and sugar yield at the last harvest of the season (FRWLH, SYLH) did not differ significantly among locations. Also, there were no significant differences among locations regarding GDD for maximum FRW and SY (GDDMFRW, GDDMSY), with the means over location estimated at 2639·9 and 2792·5 °C, respectively. Days after seeding (DAS) necessary for maximum yield (DASMFRW, DASMSY, respectively) differed among locations, with the longest period (DASMFRW206·4 days, DASMSY: 204·5 days) occurring in the northernmost location (Orestiada). Means for DASMFRWand DASMSYat the five locations were estimated at 190·4 and 188·9·days, respectively. Excluding Xanthi and combining the remaining locations, FRWLHand SYLHwere negatively correlated with the average temperatures (Tmean,TmaxandTmin, daily minimum temperature) over the growing season. The opposite was evident for Xanthi where sugar beet was grown under sub-optimal temperatures. The optimum meanTmaxof the five locations was estimated at 25·5 and 25·1 °C for FRWLHand SYLH, respectively. Elongation of the growing season, by means of early sowing, would increase yield by decreasing average temperatures (Tmean,Tmax) over the growing season in locations with the highest recorded temperatures (Larissa, Plati, Serres and Orestiada). In Xanthi, the projected temperature increase, as a result of climate change, is expected to have a positive effect on yields.
From Lutheranism to Catholicism: The Faith of Anna of Denmark (1574–1619)
Authors: MEIKLE MAUREEN M. , PAYNE HELEN M.
Published: January 2013

There has long been speculation about Anna of Denmark's faith. How and when the consort of King James VI and I came first to use the Catholic liturgy and then to convert from Lutheranism is explained here in detail. Powerful women within the queen's household were crucial to this change of faith, which gave hope to Catholics that Anna might convert her children and persuade the king to be more tolerant towards them in his multiple kingdoms. Even though these hopes were unrealised, the possibility is explored that she sought to found a monastery in France. That she had remained Catholic during such a turbulent era in British religious history is remarkable.
Who Was ‘The Deluded Follower of Joanna Southcott’? Millenarianism in Early Nineteenth-Century England
Authors: LOCKLEY PHILIP
Published: January 2013

This article re-examines a controversial group in English religious history: the millenarian followers of the prophet Joanna Southcott. The identities of many of Southcott's supporters have remained unclear, despite notable academic attention. Their relative social dislocation is most disputed; greater consensus characterises debates over women's attraction to Southcottianism. This article uses a recently-opened archive of Southcottian material, and reinterprets previously-known sources, to revise all existing pictures of who Southcottians were. Southcottian occupations in industrial regions indicate a similar social makeup to contemporary Methodism; Southcottianism had no distinct appeal to women. New evidence of the personal experiences of Southcottians further suggests that they may be best understood as a branch of the ‘heart religion’ of the period, one taking a distinctive view of the ways and means of direct communication between the divine and human worlds.
Do Portfolio Distortions Reflect Superior Information or Psychological Biases?
Authors: Korniotis George M. , Kumar Alok
Published: January 2013

Using a demographics-based proxy for smartness, we show that the portfolio distortions of “smart” investors reflect an informational advantage, while the distortions of “dumb” investors reflect psychological biases. Specifically, smart investors outperform dumb investors by about 3% annually on a risk-adjusted basis. Furthermore, among investors with high portfolio distortions, smart investors outperform passive benchmarks by 2%, and the smart-dumb performance differential is 5%. At the stock level, a portfolio of stocks with smart investor clientele outperforms the dumb clientele portfolio by 3.50% annually. These findings suggest that behavioral and information-based explanations for portfolio distortions apply to distinct subsets of investors.
Changes in the calcium metabolism of Biomphalaria glabrata experimentally infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis
Authors: Tunholi-Alves V.M. , Tunholi V.M. , Garcia J. Silva , Costa-Neto S.F. , Maldonado A. , Santos M.A.J. , Thiengo S.C. , Pinheiro J.
Published: January 2013

Levels of calcium in the haemolymph and reserves in the shell of Biomphalaria glabrata experimentally infected by Angiostrongylus cantonensis were determined for the first time. At the same time, histochemical analyses of the digestive gland of infected and uninfected snails were performed to better understand the possible changes in metabolism of calcium in these organisms. After 1, 2 and 3 weeks of infection, the snails were dissected for collection of haemolymph and separation of tissues. The highest calcium concentrations in the haemolymph were found 2 weeks after infection, with a 39.61% increase in relation to the respective control group. However, there was a significant reduction in the concentration of this ion in the haemolymph of infected snails after 1 week of infection in relation to the uninfected specimens. In parallel, intense hypocalcification was shown in the shell of infected snails 1 and 2 weeks after infection, differing significantly in relation to the respective control groups. Morphological changes in the digestive gland of infected snails were also observed, confirming the role of this ion as an important element in the parasite encapsulation process.
PCR-based molecular discrimination betweenMaritrema eroliaeandProbolocoryphe uca(Digenea: Microphallidae) in Kuwait Bay
Authors: Al-Kandari W.Y. , Al-Bustan S.A. , Alnaqeeb M. , Isaac A.M.
Published: January 2013

Microphallid trematodes are common parasites in marine snails and crustacean hosts at Kuwait Bay. The larval stages of two microphallids,Maritrema eroliaeandProbolocoryphe uca, are difficult to differentiate morphologically. In this study, two PCR-based techniques were established for quick and accurate discrimination between the larval stages of the two microphallid species, employing restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and species-specific primers. Both techniques utilized nucleotide differences in the second internal transcribed region (ITS2) of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) in the two species. For the PCR-RFLP technique, restriction enzymeAvaII was selected and it generated different restriction profiles among the two microphallids. In addition, species-specific primers were prepared for each microphallid species that amplified distinctive fragments. Both techniques showed that the larval stages of the two microphallid species can be identified accurately. However, direct PCR amplification using species-specific primers was more advantageous than the PCR-RFLP technique since it allowed rapid and specific discrimination between the two species. This technique provides a useful tool that can be used in future studies for the study of the distribution of microphallid species and their definitive hosts at different localities of Kuwait Bay.
A longer stay for the kissing disease: epidemiology of bacterial tonsillitis and infectious mononucleosis over a 20-year period
Authors: Lennon P , Saunders J , Fenton J E
Published: January 2013

Introduction:

Anecdotally, infectious mononucleosis is considered a more severe infection than bacterial tonsillitis, requiring a longer hospital stay. However, there is little in the literature comparing the epidemiology of the two conditions. This study aimed to compare the epidemiology of bacterial tonsillitis and infectious mononucleosis, in particular any differences in the length of in-patient stay.

Methodology:

The hospital in-patient enquiry system was used to analyse patients admitted with bacterial tonsillitis and infectious mononucleosis between 1990 and 2009 inclusive.

Results:

There was a total of 3435 cases over the 20 years: 3064 with bacterial tonsillitis and 371 with infectious mononucleosis. The mean length of stay was 3.22 days for bacterial tonsillitis and 4.37 days for infectious mononucleosis. The median length of stay for each condition was compared using the Mann–Whitney U non-parametric test, and a significant difference detected (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Patients with infectious mononucleosis have a significantly longer stay in hospital than those with bacterial tonsillitis.
Pigment, fatty acid and extracellular enzyme analysis of a fungal strainThelebolus microsporusfrom Larsemann Hills, Antarctica
Authors: Singh Shiv M. , Singh Paras N. , Singh Sanjay K. , Sharma Prabhat K.
Published: January 2013

A cold-tolerant fungal strainThelebolus microsporuswas investigated for the first time for its pigment and fatty acid production. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis confirmed the presence of carotenoid pigment. Gas chromatography observations showed the presence of major fatty acids: myristic acid (14:0), palmitic acid (16:0), stearic acid (18:0), heptadecanoic acid (17:0), linolenic acid (18:3) and linoleic acid (18:2). Of these, linolenic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid, was present in substantial quantity, suggesting that it may have a role in adapting the fungus to low Antarctic temperatures by modulating membrane fluidity. The commercial application of linolenic acid is as a food supplement for humans suffering from eczema, cardiovascular disease and diabetic neuropathy. Another fatty acid, linoleic acid, a precursor of 1-octen-3-ol, is the principal aromatic compound in most fungi and has also been documented in this strain. Screening of the fungal culture for extracellular enzyme activity for amylase, protease, lipase, chitinase and cellulase was carried out. The isolate showed maximum α-amylase activity at 20°C, suggesting effective applications as a detergent additive, in textile processing and in the food industry.
Multi-state modelling reveals sex-dependent transmission, progression and severity of tuberculosis in wild badgers
Authors: GRAHAM J. , SMITH G. C. , DELAHAY R. J. , BAILEY T. , McDONALD R. A. , HODGSON D.
Published: January 2013

Statistical models of epidemiology in wildlife populations usually consider diseased individuals as a single class, despite knowledge that infections progress through states of severity. Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a serious zoonotic disease threatening the UK livestock industry, but we have limited understanding of key epidemiological processes in its wildlife reservoirs. We estimated differential survival, force of infection and progression in disease states in a population of Eurasian badgers (Meles meles), naturally infected with bTB. Our state-dependent models overturn prevailing categorizations of badger disease states, and find novel evidence for early onset of disease-induced mortality in male but not female badgers. Males also have higher risk of infection and more rapid disease progression which, coupled with state-dependent increases in mortality, could promote sex biases in the risk of transmission to cattle. Our results reveal hidden complexities in wildlife disease epidemiology, with implications for the management of TB and other zoonotic diseases.
An in-situ algorithm for expanding a graph
Authors: BIRD RICHARD S.
Published: January 2013

This pearl is devoted to a problem posed by Don Knuth about how to justify a certain array-based algorithm for changing the way an undirected graph is represented. In order to set the scene, we delay describing the precise problem until Section 4. Knuth (2011) recorded three different solutions, though no proofs of correctness were provided, nor even much explanation of why they worked. Recently, he asked various computer scientists interested in formal program development whether any of the proposed solutions “could have been discovered in a disciplined manner.” In what follows we respond by developing a purely functional solution. The solution makes heavy use of the operations in the Haskell library Data.Array, and the whole exercise turns out to be a fascinating study of the arithmetic of graphs and arrays. One of the conditions of the problem is that the final algorithm has to be in situ, but we will get to that in due course.
Seed oil content and fatty acid composition in a genebank collection of Cucurbita moschata Duchesne and C. argyrosperma C. Huber
Authors: Jarret Robert L. , Levy Irvin J. , Potter Thomas L. , Cermak Steven C. , Merrick Laura C.
Published: January 2013

Data on intra-specific variability for seed oil content, physical characteristics and fatty acid composition in Cucurbita moschata and Cucurbita argyrosperma are lacking in the scientific literature. We examined 528 genebank accessions of C. moschata and 166 accessions of C. argyrosperma – which included members of both subsp. argyrosperma and subsp. sororia – for seed oil content, oil physical characteristics and fatty acid composition. The oil of both species had near-identical viscosities, viscosity indices, colour and oxidative stabilities while the oil of C. argyrosperma had a slightly higher pour point, cloud point, percentage of free fatty acids and acid value when compared with C. moschata. Mean oil content values of the two species were similar at 28.7 ± /2.7 and 29.8 ± /2.6% for C. moschata and C. argyrosperma, respectively. The mean seed oil content of C. argyrosperma subsp. argyrosperma var. palmeri (32.1%) was significantly higher than that of the other taxa examined. The average (mean) percentage of total seed weight attributable to the kernel was 77.2% in C. moschata (n= 34) and 74.5% in C. argyrosperma (n= 46). The percentage of total seed weight attributable to the hull was correlated with seed oil content, in both species. Linoleic was the predominant fatty acid in all the samples analysed. Means for individual fatty acids in C. moschata were linoleic 48.5%, oleic 22.6%, palmitic 20.7% and stearic 7.5%. Means for individual fatty acids in C. argyrosperma were linoleic 47.3%, oleic 27.5%, palmitic 16.5% and stearic 8.0%.
Allosteric inhibition of VIM metallo-β-lactamases by a camelid nanobody
Authors: Sohier Jean S. , Laurent Clémentine , Chevigné Andy , Pardon Els , Srinivasan Vasundara , Wernery Ulrich , Lassaux Patricia , Steyaert Jan , Galleni Moreno
Published: January 2013

MβL (metallo-β-lactamase) enzymes are usually produced by multi-resistant Gram-negative bacterial strains and have spread worldwide. An approach on the basis of phage display was used to select single-domain antibody fragments (VHHs, also called nanobodies) that would inhibit the clinically relevant VIM (Verona integron-encoded MβL)-4 MβL. Out of more than 50 selected nanobodies, only the NbVIM_38 nanobody inhibited VIM-4. The paratope, inhibition mechanism and epitope of the NbVIM_38 nanobody were then characterized. An alanine scan of the NbVIM_38 paratope showed that its binding was driven by hydrophobic amino acids. The inhibitory concentration was in the micromolar range for all β-lactams tested. In addition, the inhibition was found to follow a mixed hyperbolic profile with a predominantly uncompetitive component. Moreover, substrate inhibition was recorded only after nanobody binding. These kinetic data are indicative of a binding site that is distant from the active site. This finding was confirmed by epitope mapping analysis that was performed using peptides, and which identified two stretches of amino acids in the L6 loop and at the end of the α2 helix. Because this binding site is distant from the active site and alters both the substrate binding and catalytic properties of VIM-4, this nanobody can be considered as an allosteric inhibitor.