bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between the variety of food consumed and sufficient nutrition in middle‐aged Japanese
Authors: Kobayashi Minatsu , Iwasaki Motoki , Tsugane Shoichiro
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Developed countries have devised guidelines for various eating habits, many of which simply recommend “eating various foods” without specifying how much food the individual should consume each day. The authors aimed to examine the relationship between the variety of food consumed and the probability of nutritional adequacy in middle‐aged Japanese.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 215 subjects (102 men and 113 women) provided complete dietary records for seven days in each of the winter, spring, summer and autumn. Subjects were categorized into groups of five according to the amount of each food eaten per day, calculated energy, and nutrients in the food. Results were compared with respective indicators of nutrition defined by the Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese (2010).

Findings

The percentage of overweight subjects was higher in the group that did not consume a wide variety of foods. Intake of energy, calcium, zinc, magnesium, vitamins B1, B2 and C were insufficient in the subjects who did not consume a wide variety of foods. Although a trend toward sufficient nutrient intake was observed in the group that consumed a variety of foods, the estimated average requirement for several nutrients such as calcium and zinc was below accepted standards for good nutrition.

Originality/value

The variety of foods eaten is related to the adequacy of intake levels of certain nutrients and to body mass index in middle‐aged Japanese subjects. Eating a wide variety of foods is important to ensuring adequate nutrient intake.
The power of one: an autoethnographic journey of a rugby union referee
Authors: Baldwin Christopher Francis
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reveal the experiences the author encountered during one of his rugby union refereeing seasons.

Design/methodology/approach

When the author assumed the role of a senior referee in a local community rugby union competition in Sydney, Australia, he started collating his matches in the form of a diary. His lived experiences, as recorded in the diary, were the sole source of data for this inquiry. The data collected were over a 12‐month period (2010).

Findings

This study provides a descriptive analysis of the author's weekend and, on occasion, week day/night match experiences in rugby union as a referee and the challenges of fairness and subjectivity encountered.

Originality/value

The paper identifies challenges of maintaining a viable and competitive local rugby union competition free from violence amidst a growing trend in declining player numbers and skill levels at the local community rugby union level. It is envisaged that the findings may benefit competition administrators in designing and facilitating better ways to cater for the diverse playing abilities of local rugby union players in an increasingly competitive sport market who are looking for ways to participate in team‐based sports.
“New basics” and literacies: deepening reflexivity in qualitative research
Authors: Cumming‐Potvin Wendy
Published: June 2013

Purpose

With particular reference to insider/outsider qualitative research, the purpose of this paper is to present new understandings about the concepts of literacy and reflexivity, which go against the grain of technical approaches currently privileged under neo‐liberal education systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on theoretical considerations and empirical data from a qualitative study in literacy education to examine the concept of researcher reflexivity. With multiple methods such as focus groups, on‐line discussions, shared literacy experiences, and researcher's reflections, the qualitative approach was appropriate to unveil thick descriptions of phenomena.

Findings

Information from the literature, theoretical framework and transcript analysis is synthesized to present an innovative way of approaching reflexivity in qualitative research, to acknowledge: theory, power, discomfort; and personal, historical, political and sociocultural influences.

Research limitations/implications

Given the small number of participants involved in the case study, results are not representative of the general population.

Practical Implications

Deepening researchers’ approaches to reflexivity can lead to cross‐disciplinary collaboration in professional fields such as teaching, engineering and nursing.

Originality/value

An innovative approach to reflexivity, particularly after the completion of a study, can rupture the comfortableness of qualitative researchers’ reflexive processes. A rigorous concept of reflexivity can be useful to scaffold pre‐service teachers during professional internships in schools.
Arab reference sources: a comparative review
Authors: Miller Lisa K.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This comparative review of contemporary reference sources and websites aims to help information professionals identify the most reliable sources on this topic.

Design/methodology/approach

The titles were selected by an academic Reference Librarian and ESL teacher with experience teaching Arab students in an academic setting.

Findings

Six sources are reviewed, with information professionals in mind, for relevance, currency, and balance.

Originality/value

A comparative review of several sources makes the review search process simpler for busy professionals.
Targeted silencing of DNA-specific B cells combined with partial plasma cell depletion displays additive effects on delaying disease onset in lupus-prone mice
Authors: Nikolova-Ganeva K A , Gesheva V V , Todorov T A , Voll R E , Vassilev T L
Published: June 2013

Targeting autoreactive B lymphocytes at any stage of their differentiation could yield viable therapeutic strategies for treating autoimmunity. All currently used drugs, including the most recently introduced biological agents, lack target specificity. Selective silencing of double-stranded DNA-specific B cells in animals with spontaneous lupus has been achieved previously by the administration of a chimeric antibody molecule that cross-links their DNA-reactive B cell immunoglobulin receptors with inhibitory FcγIIb (CD32) receptors. However, long-lived plasmacytes are resistant to this chimeric antibody as well as to all conventional treatments. Bortezomib (a proteasome inhibitor) depletes most plasma cells and has been shown recently to suppress disease activity in lupus mice. We hypothesized that the co-administration of non-toxic doses of bortezomib, that partially purge long-lived plasma cells, together with an agent that selectively silences DNA-specific B cells, should have additive effects in an autoantibody-mediated disease. Indeed, our data show that the simultaneous treatment of lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice with suboptimal doses of bortezomib plus the chimeric antibody resulted in the prevention or the delayed appearance of the disease manifestations as well as in a prolonged survival. The effect of the combination therapy was significantly stronger than that of the respective monotherapies and was comparable to that observed after cyclophosphamide administration.
Influence of immediate and early loading on bone metabolic activity around dental implants in rat tibiae
Authors: Yamamoto Miou , Ogawa Toru , Yokoyama Masayoshi , Koyama Shigeto , Sasaki Keiichi
Published: June 2013

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of immediate and early loading on dynamic changes in bone metabolism around dental implants using bone scintigraphy.

Material and methods

Two titanium implants were inserted in the right tibiae of 21 rats. Closed coil springs with 4.0‐N loads were applied parallel to the upper portion of the implants for 35 days. According to the load application timing, rats were divided into three groups: immediate loading (IL) group, early loading 1 day after implant insertion (1‐D early loading [EL]) group, and loading 3 days after implant insertion (3‐D EL) group. Rats were intravenously injected with technetium‐99 m‐methylene diphosphonate (Tc99 m‐MDP) (74 MBq/rat) and scanned by bone scintigraphy at 1, 4, 7, 11, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days after load application. The ratio of accumulation of Tc99 m‐MDP around the implants to that of a reference site (uptake ratio) was calculated to evaluate bone metabolism.

Results

In every group, the uptake ratio increased until 7 days after load application and then gradually decreased. It was significantly higher than baseline at 4, 7, 11, and 14 days (P < 0.001). The uptake ratio in the 1‐D EL and 3‐D EL groups were significantly higher than that in the control group and also that in the IL group (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Bone metabolism initially increased and then gradually decreased to baseline despite differences in load timing. Increases in bone metabolic activity differed according to load application timing; the later the load application, the more enhanced the bone metabolism.
THE INSTABILITY IN THE MONETARY POLICY REACTION FUNCTION AND THE ESTIMATION OF MONETARY POLICY SHOCKS
Authors: KISHOR NARAYAN KUNDAN , NEWIAK MONIQUE
Published: June 2013

We extend Romer and Romer's (2004) analysis of the estimation and the effects of monetary policy shocks by controlling for (1) changes in the monetary policy reaction function and (2) changes in the response of output and prices over time with an extended data set. The results suggest that the post 1979 responses of output and prices to a monetary policy shock are significantly different from what has been reported for the whole sample: While output and prices respond significantly and negatively if their response is estimated for the whole sample period (1969–2005), the response of output is insignificant for the period of 1979–2005, and the response of prices is much weaker. The analysis of the changes in the monetary policy conducted over time allows us to partly attribute the diminished price and output responses to a successful monetary policy which led to a less volatile economy during the great moderation. (JEL E52, E32, C50)
Mia40 and MINOS act in parallel with Ccs1 in the biogenesis of mitochondrial Sod1
Authors: Varabyova Aksana , Topf Ulrike , Kwiatkowska Paulina , Wrobel Lidia , Kaus‐Drobek Magdalena , Chacinska Agnieszka
Published: June 2013

Superoxide dismutase 1 (Sod1) is a major superoxide‐scavenging enzyme in the eukaryotic cell, and is localized in the cytosol and intermembrane space of mitochondria. Sod1 requires its specific chaperone Ccs1 and disulfide bond formation in order to be retained in the intermembrane space. Our study identified a pool of Sod1 that is present in the reduced state in mitochondria that lack Ccs1. We created yeast mutants with mutations in highly conserved amino acid residues corresponding to human mutations that cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and found that some of the mutant proteins were present in the reduced state. These mutant variants of Sod1 were efficiently localized in mitochondria. Localization of the reduced, Ccs1‐independent forms of Sod1 relied on Mia40, an essential component of the mitochondrial intermembrane space import and assembly pathway that is responsible for the biogenesis of intermembrane space proteins. Furthermore, the mitochondrial inner membrane organizing system (MINOS), which is responsible for mitochondrial membrane architecture, differentially modulated the presence of reduced Sod1 in mitochondria. Thus, we identified novel mitochondrial players that are possibly involved in pathological conditions caused by changes in the biogenesis of Sod1.
Strategies to Improve Recovery in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients: Iberoamerican Stroke Group Consensus
Authors: de Leciñana M Alonso , Gutiéérrez-Fernández M , Romano M , Cantú-Brito C , Arauz A , Olmos LE , Ameriso SF , Díez-Tejedor E ,   (Coordinator) on behalf of Iberoamerican Stroke Group. With the support of Iberoamerican Cerebrovascular Diseases Society
Published: June 2013

Stroke is not only a leading cause of death worldwide but also a main cause of disability. In developing countries, its burden is increasing as a consequence of a higher life expectancy. Whereas stroke mortality has decreased in developed countries, in Latin America, stroke mortality rates continue to rise as well as its socioeconomic dramatic consequences. Therefore, it is necessary to implement stroke care and surveillance programs to better describe the epidemiology of stroke in these countries in order to improve therapeutic strategies. Advances in the understanding of the pathogenic processes of brain ischemia have resulted in development of effective therapies during the acute phase. These include reperfusion therapies (both intravenous thrombolysis and interventional endovascular approaches) and treatment in stroke units that, through application of management protocols directed to maintain homeostasis and avoid complications, helps to exert effective brain protection that decreases further cerebral damage. Some drugs may enhance protection, and besides, there is increasing knowledge about brain plasticity and repair mechanisms that take place for longer periods beyond the acute phase. These mechanisms are responsible for recovery in certain patients and are the focus of basic and clinical research at present. This paper discusses recovery strategies that have demonstrated clinical effect, or that are promising and need further study. This rapidly evolving field needs to be carefully and critically evaluated so that investment in patient care is grounded on well-proven strategies.
Catalytic function of an Epsilon‐class glutathione S‐transferase of the silkworm
Authors: Yamamoto K. , Aso Y. , Yamada N.
Published: June 2013

The glutathione S‐transferase (GST) superfamily is involved in the detoxification of various xenobiotics. A silkworm GST, belonging to a previously reported Epsilon‐class GST family, was identified, named bmGSTE, cloned, and produced in Escherichia coli. Investigation of this enzyme's properties showed that it was able to catalyse glutathione (GSH) with 1‐chloro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene and ethacrynic acid, and also that it possessed GSH‐dependent peroxidase activity. The enzyme's highly conserved amino acid residues, including Ser11, His53, Val55, Ser68 and Arg112, were of interest regarding their possible involvement in its catalytic activity. These residues were replaced with alanine by site‐directed mutagenesis and subsequent kinetic analysis of bmGSTE mutants indicated that His53, Val55, and Ser68 were important for enzyme function.
Predictors of treated and untreated water consumption in rural Bolivia
Authors: Tamas Andrea , Meyer Jasmin , Mosler Hans‐Joachim
Published: June 2013

Household water treatment (HWT) has the potential to reduce waterborne diseases in developing countries. In this article, factors from social–psychological theories are analyzed in order to design effective interventions that promote HWT. Two treatment behaviors—solar disinfection (SODIS) and boiling—are compared with untreated‐water consumption using data from a SODIS campaign in Bolivia. The main drivers of intention are affective beliefs, health beliefs related to untreated water, and descriptive norms. Behavior is primarily influenced by the habit related to each water type. Strong interrelations between beliefs and the habit related to one water type and the intention or consumption related to the others exist. Future campaigns should not only promote the target health behavior, but also investigate predictors of the health‐risk behavior in order to prevent it.
Establishment of a new diagnostic method for hydropic villi by using TSSC3 antibody
Authors: Wake Norio , Takao Tomoka , Asanoma Kazuo , Kato Hidenori
Published: June 2013

A total of 297 samples of hydropic villi were classified according to DNA polymorphisms as androgenetic moles, dispermic triploids, or biparental diploids. A subset of 267 appropriate samples was included in the study. Most of the macroscopically diagnosed complete mole cases were genetically androgenetic in origin. The partial mole cases consisted of 30 androgenetic moles and 12 dispermic triploids. For the 59 cases macroscopically categorized as hydropic abortion, the genetic analysis revealed 38 androgenetic moles, seven dispermic triploids and 14 biparental diploids. These results showed that a new diagnostic method was required for the management of patients with hydropic villi. We identified the TSSC imprint gene of which expression was shown in normal and partial mole villi but was silenced in complete mole villi. Immunohistochemistry using the TSSC3 antibody demonstrated its efficacy as the differential diagnostic method. TSSC3 play an important role in the differentiation from trophoblast stem cells to progenitors and/or labyrinth trophoblast through the TSSC3/PI3K/Akt/Mash2 signaling pathway.
Molecular Detection and Identification of a 16SrVI Group Phytoplasma Associated with Tomato Big Bud Disease in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Du Yejuan , Mou Haiqing , Shi Baoping , Xu Xia , Xiang Benchun
Published: June 2013

In 2010, tomato plants with big bud symptoms were observed in Xinjiang, China. PCR products of approximately 1.2 and 2.8 kb were amplified from infected tomato tissues but not from asymptomatic plants. A comparison of 16S rDNA sequences showed that the casual tomato big bud (TBB) phytoplasma was closely (99%) related to the ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma trifolii’ (16SrVI group). The TBB phytoplasma clustered into one branch with the Loofah witches'‐broom phytoplasma according to the 23S rDNA analysis but with no other member of the 16SrVI group. The cause of TBB symptoms was identified as ‘Ca. Phytoplasma trifolii' (16SrVI group) by PCR, virtual RFLP and sequencing analyses. This is the first report of a phytoplasma related to ‘Ca. Phytoplasma trifolii' causing TBB disease in China.
Nitazoxanide plus pegylated interferon and ribavirin in the treatment of genotype 4 chronic hepatitis C, a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Shehab Hany M. , Elbaz Tamer M. , Deraz Dalia M.
Published: June 2013

Background & Aims

Nitazoxanide has been proposed as a novel therapeutic agent for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) potentiating the effect of interferon and improving sustained virological response rates to up to 80% in genotype 4. This is an independent randomized trial to confirm the efficacy of nitazoxanide in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C genotype 4.

Methods

This was an open‐label trial. Treatment‐naive genotype 4 HCV patients were recruited: Group 1 received weekly subcutaneous pegylated interferon 160 μg in addition to weight‐based ribavirin (1200 mg if ≥75 kg and 1000 mg if <75 kg) for 48 weeks, Group 2 received 4 weeks lead‐in therapy by nitazoxanide alone (500 mg bid) followed by triple therapy including nitazoxanide, pegylated interferon and ribavirin for a further 48 weeks.

Results

Fifty patients were recruited in each group. Baseline characteristics were similar except for a higher BMI in group 1 (28.5 vs. 26.5, P = 0.01). SVR rates were similar (24/50 (48%) vs. 25/50 (50%) in groups 1 and 2 respectively, P: 0.84). RVR, cEVR and ETR rates were also similar (61% vs. 53% – P:0.4, 70% vs. 72% – P:0.8 and 62% vs. 58% – P:0.6 in groups 1 and 2 respectively). Biochemical response at week 12 was also similar (57% vs. 46% in groups 1 and 2 respectively, P:0.26). Complications were similar except for a higher rate of dyspepsia in the group receiving nitazoxanide (32% vs. 14%, P:0.03).

Conclusion

The addition of nitazoxanide to pegylated interferon and ribavirin does not improve the virological or biochemical response rates in chronic HCV genotype 4. (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01276756).
A Theory of the Temporal Asymmetry of Deliberation
Authors: Navabi Ali Akbar
Published: June 2013

Contemporary theories of the temporal asymmetry of deliberation seek the origins of the asymmetry either in the physics of the early universe or in the epistemic orientation of agents. An attempt is made in the following lines to consolidate the rival thesis that the temporal asymmetry of deliberation is rooted in an ontological divide between the past and the future. I argue that agents can deliberate about the future but not the past because while the past is in a sense real, the future is nothing at all. The argument for the thesis includes striking a connection between deliberation and truth on the one hand and truth and being on the other. The argument thus proceeds, via a modal principle, from the asymmetry of deliberation into the semantics of propositions about the past, the present, and the future and from there to the ontology of the past, the present, and the future. The ‘ticket’ for transition in the argument from semantics to ontology is a truth‐making principle, according to which propositions are true or false in virtue of an existing reality.
An Exploration of Context and the Use of Evidence‐Based Nonpharmacological Practices in Emergency Departments
Authors: Wente Sarah J. K. , Kleiber Charmaine
Published: June 2013

Background

The uptake of evidence in practice remains a challenge for healthcare professionals including nurses and providers. Increased use of evidence‐based practices (EBPs) in healthcare settings may improve patient conditions such as pain and decrease the cost of health care. The relationship between context in the practice environment and uptake of EBP remains an understudied area.

Aims

This study explored the relationships of context including the elements of individual, unit, and hospital and the use of evidence‐based nonpharmacological pediatric pain management practices (EBNPPs) using an existing data set of RNs and providers, defined as doctors of medicine and osteopathy, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants caring for children in the emergency department.

Methods

A secondary data analysis was conducted using correlation and regression.

Results

Initial analysis identified several significant positive correlations with individual, unit, and hospital context elements and EBNPP. A significant correlation was not found between evaluation and EBNPP and magnet status and EBNPP for RNs or providers. RN regression analyses found that knowledge and continuing education were significant predictors of EBNPP. Overall context was a significant predictor of EBNPP for both the RN and provider models. A pooled regression analysis with RNs and providers found that RNs had a significant increased use of EBNPP when compared to providers.

Conclusions

Regression analyses found that overall context significantly predicted the use of EBPPM for RNs and providers although no one element—individual, unit, or hospital—was identified as more important. The effect of context on EBNPP did not differ by profession in this sample. Future research should focus on the overall influence of context on EBP and consider other factors that may play a role in the uptake of EBP.
Conduction in Jammed Systems of Tetrahedra
Authors: Smith Kyle C. , Fisher Timothy S.
Published: June 2013

Control of transport processes in composite microstructures is critical to the development of high-performance functional materials for a variety of energy storage applications. The fundamental process of conduction and its control through the manipulation of granular composite attributes (e.g., grain shape) are the subject of this work. We show that athermally jammed packings of tetrahedra with ultrashort range order exhibit fundamentally different pathways for conduction than those in dense sphere packings. Highly resistive granular constrictions and few face–face contacts between grains result in short-range distortions from the mean temperature field. As a consequence, ‘granular’ or differential effective medium theory predicts the conductivity of this media within 10% at the jamming point; in contrast, strong enhancement of transport near interparticle contacts in packed-sphere composites results in conductivity divergence at the jamming onset. The results are expected to be particularly relevant to the development of nanomaterials, where nanoparticle building blocks can exhibit a variety of faceted shapes.
Multi-Integral Method for Solving the Forward Dynamics of Stiff Multibody Systems
Authors: Milenkovic Paul
Published: June 2013

The Hermite–Obreshkov–Padé (HOP) procedure is an implicit method for the numerical solution of a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) applicable to stiff dynamical systems. This procedure applies an Obreshkov condition to multiple derivatives of the system state vector, both at the start and end of a time step in the numerical solution. That condition is shown to be satisfied by the Hermite interpolating polynomial that matches the state vector and its derivatives, also at the start and end of a time step. The Hermite polynomial, in turn, can be specified in terms of the system state and its derivatives at the start of a step together with a collection of free parameters. Adjusting these free parameters to minimize magnitudes of the ODE residual and its derivatives at the end of a step serves as a proxy for matching the system state and its derivatives. A high-order Taylor expansion at the start of a time step interval models the residual and its derivatives over the entire interval. A variant of this procedure adjusts those parameters to match integrals of the system state over the duration of that interval. This is done by minimizing magnitudes of integrals of the ODE residual calculated from the extrapolating Taylor-series expansion, a process that avoids the need to determine integration constants for multiple integrals of the state. This alternative method eliminates the calculation of high-order derivatives of the system state and hence avoids loss in accuracy from floating-point round off. Numerical performance is evaluated on a dynamically unbalanced constant-velocity (CV) coupling having a high spring rate constraining shaft deflection.
Tribochemistry on Clutch Friction Material Lubricated by Automatic Transmission Fluids and the Link to Frictional Performance
Authors: Zhao Hongyuan , Morina Ardian , Neville Anne , Vickerman Richard
Published: June 2013

Automatic transmissions (AT) for passenger cars are becoming more popular globally, including some countries that traditionally prefer manual transmissions. Some new friction modifiers for transmission fluid technologies have also emerged due to the downsizing trend of transmissions. In order to study the tribology and tribochemistry effects of some new automatic transmission fluid (ATF) additive formulations, both steel and wet-clutch friction materials were assessed by using surface analysis techniques. A variable speed friction test (VSFT) rig was used to study the antishudder properties in lock-up clutch tests and friction modifying mechanisms of ATFs. A test oil matrix containing basic ATF components was tested. The friction results were analyzed using both the linear-defined multiple parameter spider chart ATF evaluation (LSAE) method (Zhao et al., 2008, “A New Method to Evaluate the Overall Anti-Shudder Property of Automatic Transmission Fluids—Multiple Parameters Spider Chart Evaluation,” Proc. Inst. Mech. Eng., Part J: J. Eng. Tribol., 222(J3), pp. 459–470) and the friction coefficient ratio index method (Zhao et al., 2011, “Understanding Friction Behavior in Automatic Transmission Fluid LVFA Test: A New Positive Curve Parameter to Friction Coefficient Ratio Index Evaluation,” ASME J. Tribol., 133(2), p. 021802) (e.g., μ1/μ50 on the low-velocity friction apparatus (LVFA) μ-v curve results to compare the overall tribosystem and the snapshot friction performance during the test). Surface analysis results were obtained by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS), and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (ATR FT-IR), and they are presented in this study to investigate the tribofilm compositions formed by different additive formulations. Some organic functional groups were found at the sample surfaces, such as –OH and O–C–O, and their presence is proposed to have a beneficial influence on the ATF friction performance. This paper discusses the surface analysis results of the test sample pieces, the possible links between specific functional groups and friction performance, and the proposed pathways of additive decompositions by using chemical bond dissociation energy comparisons.
Intrinsically Disordered Protein Threads Through the Bacterial Outer-Membrane Porin OmpF
Authors: Housden Nicholas G. , Hopper Jonathan T. S. , Lukoyanova Natalya , Rodriguez-Larrea David , Wojdyla Justyna A. , Klein Alexander , Kaminska Renata , Bayley Hagan , Saibil Helen R. , Robinson Carol V. , Kleanthous Colin
Published: June 2013

Threading Through

Protein antibiotics (bacteriocins) are frequently deployed by Gram-negative bacteria to combat competitors, a trait common in pathogens such as
Escherichia coli, Yersinia pestis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Xanthomonas campestris
, and
Klebsiella pneumonia
. As a result, bacteriocins are being developed as species-specific antibacterials. Bacteriocins must establish a translocon at the bacterial outer membrane in order to translocate into cells. Working in
E. coli
,

Housden
et al.

(p.
1570
) describe how the deoxyribonuclease, colicin E9, crosses the bacterial cell membrane by threading through a porin.
Dueling Reviews for Controversial Flu Drug
Authors: Enserink Martin
Published: June 2013

A debate is raging over how well the blockbuster drug Tamiflu would work in an influenza pandemic, and another team is gearing up for yet another analysis.
Minorities Run Up Significant Debt in Earning STEM Ph.D.s
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: June 2013

A new study points to a previously unrecognized barrier to minorities seeking careers in science—significantly more debt than white and Asian students in obtaining their Ph.D.
Light Beams With a Twist Could Give a Turbo Boost to Fiber-Optic Cables
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: June 2013

Giving photons a twist may sharply boost the amount of data that can be sent through optical fibers.
The Dizzying Journey to a New Cancer Arsenal
Authors: Couzin-Frankel Jennifer
Published: June 2013

Carl June and others are on a quest to make T cell therapy a cancer treatment success. Getting there is filled with highs and lows and lots of uncertainty.
Recombinant Human Coxsackievirus B3 from Children with Acute Myocarditis in China
Authors: Wu Zhiqiang , Du Jiang , Zhang Ting , Xue Ying , Yang Fan , Jin Qi
Published: June 2013

Recombination events were found in two human coxsackievirus B3 strains, Beijing0811 and SD2012CHN. The strains were isolated separately from five newborns diagnosed with severe hospital-acquired acute myocarditis in Beijing in 2008 and from two children diagnosed with hand, foot, and mouth disease with concurrent acute myocarditis in Shandong in 2012.
Ultrasensitive Amplification Refractory Mutation System Real-Time PCR (ARMS RT-PCR) Assay for Detection of Minority Hepatitis B Virus-Resistant Strains in the Era of Personalized Medicine
Authors: Ntziora Fotinie , Paraskevis Dimitrios , Haida Catherine , Manesis Emanuel , Papatheodoridis George , Manolakopoulos Spilios , Elefsiniotis Ioannis , Karamitros Timokratis , Vassilakis Alexis , Hatzakis Angelos
Published: June 2013

Resistance to antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been associated with mutations in the HBV polymerase region. This study aimed at developing an ultrasensitive method for quantifying viral populations with all major HBV resistance-associated mutations, combining the amplification refractory mutation system real-time PCR (ARMS RT-PCR) with a molecular beacon using a LightCycler. The discriminatory ability of this method, the ARMS RT-PCR with molecular beacon assay, was 0.01 to 0.25% for the different HBV resistance-associated mutations, as determined by laboratory-synthesized wild-type (WT) and mutant (Mut) target sequences. The assay showed 100% sensitivity for the detection of mutant variants A181V, T184A, and N236T in samples from 41 chronically HBV-infected patients under antiviral therapy who had developed resistance-associated mutations detected by direct PCR Sanger sequencing. The ratio of mutant to wild-type viral populations (the Mut/WT ratio) was >1% in 38 (63.3%) of 60 samples from chronically HBV-infected nucleos(t)ide analogue-naive patients; combinations of mutations were also detected in half of these samples. The ARMS RT-PCR with molecular beacon assay achieved high sensitivity and discriminatory ability compared to the gold standard of direct PCR Sanger sequencing in identifying resistant viral populations in chronically HBV-infected patients receiving antiviral therapy. Apart from the dominant clones, other quasispecies were also quantified. In samples from chronically HBV-infected nucleos(t)ide analogue-naive patients, the assay proved to be a useful tool in detecting minor variant populations before the initiation of the treatment. These observations need further evaluation with prospective studies before they can be implemented in daily practice.
Isavuconazole Activity against Aspergillus lentulus, Neosartorya udagawae, and Cryptococcus gattii, Emerging Fungal Pathogens with Reduced Azole Susceptibility
Authors: Datta K. , Rhee P. , Byrnes E. , Garcia-Effron G. , Perlin D. S. , Staab J. F. , Marr K. A.
Published: June 2013

Isavuconazole is an extended-spectrum triazole with
in vitro
activity against a wide variety of fungal pathogens. Clinical isolates of molds
Aspergillus lentulus
and
Neosartorya udagawae
and yeast
Cryptococcus gattii
VGII (implicated in the outbreak in the Pacific Northwest, North America) exhibit reduced susceptibilities to several azoles but higher susceptibilities to isavuconazole.
Femoral and tibial stress fractures associated with vitamin D insufficiency
Authors: Inklebarger James , Griffin M , Taylor M J D , Dembry R B
Published: June 2013

We describe a case highlighting the need to consider hypovitaminosis-D when investigating background causation and treatment of femoral and tibial stress fractures. The case also suggests that prescribing calcium and vitamin D supplementation may help with fracture healing in soldiers presenting with stress fractures who may have unrecognised hypovitaminosis-D which if left untreated may delay fracture healing.
Schmallenberg virus: a seroprevalence survey in cattle and sheep, France, winter 2011–2012
Authors: Gache K. , Dominguez M. , Pelletier C. , Petit E. , Calavas D. , Hendrikx P. , Touratier A.
Published: June 2013

In France, a national surveillance plan to monitor congenital Schmallenberg virus (SBV) outbreaks was set up in January 2012, and has shown that SBV had become widespread throughout the country since mid‐2011. However, the number of SBV‐infected farms cannot accurately be estimated through congenital SBV reporting alone. Therefore, GDS France (National Animal Health Farmers' Organization) conducted serological investigations in cattle and sheep holdings in several departments in spring 2012 to assess SBV exposure in 2011. A serological study was also conducted in the department of Saône‐et‐Loire (southern Burgundy) to establish an accurate local overview of circulation of virus in 2011 among cattle. The study was conducted following guidelines elaborated by the French Platform for animal health surveillance. Results indicated differences in within‐herd seroprevalence between cattle herds and sheep herds in departments where outbreaks of congenital SBV were reported in early 2012 and a great heterogeneity in seroprevalence between areas (even between areas geographically close to each other). In departments which had been severely affected in early 2012, the overall impact of SBV infection in cattle herds during the 2012–2013 calving season will probably be low. On the other hand, given the low proportion of immunised ewes in sheep SBV outbreaks, sheep flocks which were already affected in early 2012 may once again face congenital cases of SBV.
SEMI-SUPERVISED LEARNING OF K-NEAREST NEIGHBORS USING A NEAREST-NEIGHBOR SELF-CONTAINED CRITERION IN FOR MOBILE-AWARE SERVICE
Authors: AN JIAN , GUI XIAOLIN , YANG JIANWEI , JIANG JINHUA , QI LING
Published: June 2013

We propose a new K-nearest neighbor (KNN) algorithm based on a nearest-neighbor self-contained criterion (NNscKNN) by utilizing the unlabeled data information. Our algorithm incorporates other discriminant information to train KNN classifier. This new KNN scheme is also applied in a community detection algorithm for mobile-aware service: First, as the edges of networks, the social relation between mobile nodes is quantified with social network theory; second, we would construct the mobile nodes optimal path tree and calculate the similarity index of adjacent nodes; finally, the community dispersion is defined to evaluate the clustering results and measure the quality of community structure. Promising experiments on benchmarks demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach for recognition and detection tasks.
KAONIC NUCLEI IN THE SKYRME–HARTREE–FOCK APPROACH
Authors: ZHOU X.-R. , SCHULZE H.-J.
Published: June 2013

We determine the properties of kaonic (K-) nuclei in the Skyrme–Hartree–Fock nuclear structure approach. We use a standard chiral model with adjustable interaction strength for the kaon–nucleon interaction. The sensitivity to details of the nuclear Skyrme force, in particular, the nuclear compressibility, is studied. We find instabilities for a too strong kaon–nucleon interaction, which effectively limits the maximum binding of the kaon in this approach.
DEPENDENCE OF ASYMMETRIES FOR CHARGE DISTRIBUTION WITH RESPECT TO THE REACTION PLANE ON INITIAL ENERGY IN HEAVY-ION COLLISIONS
Authors: OKOROKOV V. A.
Published: June 2013

In this paper, two combinations of correlators are defined in order to investigate the evolution of possible [Formula: see text] invariance violation in strong interactions with initial energy for heavy-ion collisions. These combinations correspond to absolute and relative asymmetry of distribution of electrically charge particles with respect to the reaction plane in heavy-ion collisions. Energy dependence of parameters under study was derived from data of STAR and ALICE experiments. Significant decreasing both absolute and relative asymmetry is observed at energies [Formula: see text]. This feature agrees qualitatively with other results of stage-I beam energy scan program in STAR experiment. General behavior of dependence of absolute asymmetry on initial energy agrees reasonably with behavior of similar dependence of Chern–Simons diffusion rate calculated at different values of external Abelian magnetic field. The observed behavior of parameters under study versus energy can be considered as indication on possible transition to predominance of hadronic states over quark–gluon degrees of freedom in the mixed phase created in heavy-ion collisions at intermediate energies.
HADRONIC REACTION ZONES IN RELATIVISTIC NUCLEUS–NUCLEUS COLLISIONS
Authors: ANCHISHKIN D. , VOVCHENKO V. , YEZHOV S.
Published: June 2013

On the basis of the proposed algorithm for calculation of the hadron reaction rates, the space-time structure of the relativistic nucleus–nucleus collisions is studied. The reaction zones and the reaction frequencies for various types of reactions are calculated for Alternating Gradient Synchrotron (AGS) and Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS) energies within the microscopic transport model. The relation of the reaction zones to the kinetic and chemical freeze-out processes is discussed. It is shown that the space-time freeze-out layer is most extended in time in the central region, while, especially for higher collision energies, the layer becomes very narrow at the sides. The parametrization of freeze-out hypersurface in the form of specific hyperbola of constant proper time was confirmed. The specific characteristic time moments of the fireball evolution are introduced. It is found that the time of the division of a reaction zone into two separate parts does not depend on the collision energy. Calculations of the hadronic reaction frequency show that the evolution of nucleus–nucleus collision can be divided into two hadronic stages.
THE DYNAMICS OF STRATEGIC ENTRY AND MOTIVATIONS OF YORUBA FEMALE TEXTILE TRADERS IN THE BALOGUN MARKET, LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: YUSUFF OLABISI SHERIFAT
Published: June 2013

Despite the significant contributions of women in economic development nationally, the unrecognized attitude of the government, lack of existing legal framework and policies, vagaries of informal economy and changes in the social–economic landscape have accounted largely for the closure of female enterprises in the informal economy. Using Yoruba female textile traders as a case study because these women have broken the "glass ceiling" and made a success of their textile trading, this paper examined the dynamics of entry and motivations of Yoruba women in textile trading. The paper synthesized Social Capital Theory by Coleman and Social Action Theory by Max Weber to explain the issue. It utilized a qualitative method of data collection. Eight focus group discussions and forty in-depth interviews were used to collect information from the women participants who were purposively chosen. The data reveal that parents, family/kinship members and friends had great influence in the strategic entry of women into textile trading in the Balogun market and the subsequent development of women's entrepreneurial activities. Yoruba female textile traders were motivated into textile trading because of economic and cultural values attached to the trade. This data is essential toward policy formulation for women's entrepreneurial development in the informal economy. This paper argues that any policies implemented for women entrepreneurs in the informal economy must be conceived, formulated and implemented with an in-depth understanding of the nuanced elements in the cultural domain within the social system, which the existing literature has yet to capture.
Comparison of different theory models and basis sets for the calculation of FbC-M10Iso-Bn geometry and geometries of chlorin-imide and chlorin-isoimide isomeric pairs
Authors: Park Jong-Kil , Choe Sang Joon
Published: June 2013

Various density functional theory (DFT) methods with different basis sets to predict the molecular geometry of FbC-M10Iso-Bn macrocycle, a chlorin-isoimide, are compared in this study. DFT methods, including M06-2X, B3LYP, LSDA, B3PW91, PBEPBE, and BPV86, are examined. Different basis sets, such as 6-31G*, 6-31+G (d, p), 6-311+G (d, p), 6-311++G (d, p), cc-PVDZ, cc-PVTZ, and cc-PVQZ are also considered. The examined hybrid DFT methods are in agreement with the geometry of X-ray crystallography available for comparison. B3LYP/cc-PVDZ level is particularly consistent with available X-ray crystallography in terms of predicting the geometries of FbC-M10Iso-Bn. Geometries of chlorin-imide and chlorin-isoimide isomeric pairs are described through B3LYP/cc-PVDZ method. The bond lengths of chlorin-isoimide, specifically C13–C14, C14–C15, and C2–C3, increase as bond overlap index decreases because of charge transfer. β-β bond lengths (C2–C3 bond lengths) with a three-substituent benzylcarbamoyl group also increase as bond overlap index decreases compared with other molecules. The bond lengths of chlorin-imide are smaller than those of chlorin-isoimide. Angles with β-β bond lengths, specifically C2–C3–C4 in ring A, also decrease with a three-substituent benzylcarbamoyl group; however, the angles in C1–C2–C3 increase. Potential energy on the surfaces of the chlorin-imide and chlorin-isoimide isomeric pairs is optimized by calculating the total and relative energies at B3LYP/cc-PVDZ level. Results indicate that chlorin-imides are more stable than chlorin-isoimides. Normal-coordinate structural decomposition shows that chlorin-imides exhibit greater deformation than chlorin-isoimides except for FbC-M10Iso-Ph.
Elevated nuclear Foxo1 suppresses excitability of skeletal muscle fibers
Authors: Hernández-Ochoa Erick O. , Schachter Tova Neustadt , Schneider Martin F.
Published: June 2013

Forkhead box O 1 (Foxo1) controls the expression of proteins that carry out processes leading to skeletal muscle atrophy, making Foxo1 of therapeutic interest in conditions of muscle wasting. The transcription of Foxo1-regulated proteins is dependent on the translocation of Foxo1 to the nucleus, which can be repressed by insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) treatment. The role of Foxo1 in muscle atrophy has been explored at length, but whether Foxo1 nuclear activity affects skeletal muscle excitation-contraction (EC) coupling has not yet been examined. Here, we use cultured adult mouse skeletal muscle fibers to investigate the effects of Foxo1 overexpression on EC coupling. Fibers expressing Foxo1-green fluorescent protein (GFP) exhibit an inability to contract, impaired propagation of action potentials, and ablation of calcium transients in response to electrical stimulation compared with fibers expressing GFP alone. Evaluation of the transverse (T)-tubule system morphology, the membranous system involved in the radial propagation of the action potential, revealed an intact T-tubule network in fibers overexpressing Foxo1-GFP. Interestingly, long-term IGF-1 treatment of Foxo1-GFP fibers, which maintains Foxo1-GFP outside the nucleus, prevented the loss of normal calcium transients, indicating that Foxo1 translocation and the atrogenes it regulates affect the expression of proteins involved in the generation and/or propagation of action potentials. A reduction in the sodium channel Nav1.4 expression in fibers overexpressing Foxo1-GFP was also observed in the absence of IGF-1. We conclude that increased nuclear activity of Foxo1 prevents the normal muscle responses to electrical stimulation and that this indicates a novel capability of Foxo1 to disable the functional activity of skeletal muscle.
Oral clopidogrel improves cutaneous microvascular function through EDHF-dependent mechanisms in middle-aged humans
Authors: Dahmus Jessica D. , Bruning Rebecca S. , Larry Kenney W. , Alexander Lacy M.
Published: June 2013

Platelet P2Y12-ADP and COX-1 receptor inhibition with oral clopidogrel (CLO) and low-dose aspirin (ASA), respectively, attenuates reflex-mediated cutaneous vasodilation, but little is known about how these medications affect local vasodilatory signaling. Reactive hyperemia (RH) results in vasodilation that is mediated by sensory nerves and endothelium-derived hyperpolarization factors (EDHF) through large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels, whereas slow local heating (LH) elicits vasodilation largely through the production of nitric oxide (NO). We hypothesized that CLO and ASA would attenuate locally mediated cutaneous vasodilation assessed by RH and LH (0.5°C/min). In a randomized, cross-over, double-blind placebo-controlled study, nine healthy men and women (56 ± 1 yr) took CLO (75 mg), ASA (81 mg), and placebo for 7 days. Skin blood flow was measured (laser-Doppler flowmetry, LDF) and cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) was calculated (LDF/mean arterial pressure) and normalized to maximal CVC (%CVCmax: 43°C and 28 mM sodium nitroprusside). RH response parameters, including area under the curve (AUC), total hyperemic response (THR), and the decay constant tau (λ) were calculated. NO-dependent vasodilation during LH was assessed by calculating the difference in %CVCmaxbetween a control site and an NO synthase-inhibited site (10 mM l-NAME: intradermal microdialysis). CLO augmented the AUC and THR (AUCclo= 3,783 ± 342; THRclo= 2,306 ± 266% CVCmax/s) of the RH response compared with ASA (AUCASA= 3,101 ± 325; THRASA= 1,695 ± 197% CVCmax/s) and placebo (AUCPlacebo= 3,000 ± 283; THRPlacebo= 1,675 ± 170% CVCmax/s; all P < 0.0001 vs. CLO). There was no difference in the LH response or calculated NO-dependent vasodilation among treatments (all P > 0.05). Oral CLO treatment augments vasodilation during RH but not LH, suggesting that CLO may improve cutaneous microvascular function.