bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal trend of cadmium exposure in the United States population suggests gender specificities
Authors: Ferraro P. M. , Sturniolo A. , Naticchia A. , D'Alonzo S. , Gambaro G.
Published: October 2011

Background:  Over the years, environmental cadmium exposure has been linked to increased mortality. Over the years, the use of cadmium has generally decreased.

Aims:  Although even relatively low levels of cadmium have been associated with increased mortality in the general population, whether this applies to blood cadmium is not well understood.

Methods:  The authors analysed data of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to study the temporal trend of cadmium exposure in the period 1988–2006 and the risk of all‐cause, cancer and cardiovascular mortality associated with blood cadmium levels.

Results:  Urinary cadmium decreased significantly over time in males (0.58 (0.01) mcg/g to 0.41 (0.01) mcg/g; P < 0.001) but not in females (0.71 (0.09) mcg/g to 0.63 (0.08) mcg/g; P= 0.66). All‐cause mortality was significantly higher in the highest quartiles compared with the lowest quartile of blood cadmium in both males (hazard ratio 1.89, 95% confidence interval 1.22, 2.89; P= 0.005) and females (hazard ratio 2.03, 95% confidence interval 1.06, 3.89; P= 0.035) after adjustment for age, race/ethnicity, smoke status, alcohol intake, annual household income and body mass index. There was also a significant association with cardiovascular mortality in females (P= 0.025).

Conclusions:  Our data show that elevated blood cadmium levels are associated with elevated mortality, that there seem to be gender differences in temporal trends of cadmium exposure and that blood cadmium is a proxy of chronic cadmium exposure.
AnalysingEmotions inSchubert'sErlkönig:aComputationalApproach
Authors: EEROLA TUOMAS
Published: October 2011

The present article provides an outline of the computational prediction of emotions expressed by music. A recent model based on the extraction of acoustic features derived from film music is used to demonstrate each phase of the model's construction, and the musical relevance and predictive accuracy of such models are discussed. This model, as well as a stylistically more appropriate model based on piano performances, is applied to a segmented analysis of Schubert's LiedDer Erlkönig. The predictions are compared to analytical insights provided by Spitzer in this issue. The two approaches, music analytical interpretation and computational analysis of expressed emotions, yield often coinciding emotional nuances, particularly when the stylistically appropriate computational model based on piano performances is used. The potential synergies, especially those related to a more comprehensive analysis of timbral characters via computer tools as well as the more refined interpretations that only a music analyst is able to draw, are discussed.
Mapping theHumanHeart:aHolisticAnalysis ofFear inSchubert
Authors: SPITZER MICHAEL
Published: October 2011

This article analyses two works by Schubert, the first movement of hisUnfinishedSymphony andDer Erlkönig, in terms of the basic emotional category of Fear. Proceeding from the set of acoustic cues associated with the expression of Fear in musical materials, the article explores this emotional category both as an affective state and as a system of action tendencies enacted by the musical persona through a work's formal behaviours. Schubert's emotional processes are analysed from two standpoints: (1) as pathways through the affect space of Russell's circumplex model and (2) as ecological affordances of Öhman's fear‐imminence trajectory. The article aims at a holistic approach insofar as it explores the continuum between empirical and aesthetic approaches to musical emotion: between psychological and physiological measurements of Fear evinced by sonic features, and philosophical concepts of Fear inherent in the musical sublime, as unfolded by substantial works of art music.
Translation of Evidence‐Based Clinical Standards into a New Prehospital Resuscitation Policy in Los Angeles County
Authors: Grudzen Corita R. , Richardson Lynne D. , Koenig William J. , Hoffman Jerome R. , Lorenz Karl A. , Asch Steven M.
Published: October 2011

Objective

To translate a set of evidence‐based clinical standards designed to allow paramedics to forgo unnecessary and potentially harmful resuscitation attempts into a feasible new policy.

Data Sources/Setting

Policy documents, meeting minutes, and personal communications between a large urban Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agency serving all of Los Angeles County (LAC) and a research group were reviewed over 12 months.

Study Design

LAC EMS and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) formed a partnership (the EMS‐UCLA Collaborative) to develop and translate the standards into new EMS protocols. Clinical indicators considered appropriate and feasible by an expert panel were submitted to the agency for inclusion in the new policy.

Findings

The Collaborative submitted the results to the LAC EMS Commission and a physician advisory group for review. Of the 41 indicators approved by the expert panel, 22 would have resulted in changes to the current policy. All six involved asking family members about or honoring written and verbal Do Not Attempt Resuscitate requests, but only 4 of the 16 indicators based on clinical characteristics were included in the new policy. Ultimately, 10 of the 22 indicators that would have changed policy were approved and implemented.

Conclusions

By collaboration, a large EMS agency and a research team were able to develop and implement a revised resuscitation policy within 1 year.
Differentiation between amnestic‐mild cognitive impairment and early‐stage Alzheimer's disease using the Frontal Assessment Battery test
Authors: YAMAO Ayumi , NAGATA Tomoyuki , SHINAGAWA Shunichiro , NUKARIYA Kazutaka , OCHIAI Yusuke , KASAHARA Hiroo , NAKAYAMA Kazuhiko
Published: October 2011

Background:  Previous research has described the executive dysfunction that occurs in patients with amnestic‐mild cognitive impairments (A‐MCI) and early‐stage Alzheimer's disease (EAD), which are comparatively similar stages of dementia. The aim of the present cross‐sectional study is to evaluate executive dysfunction using the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) screening test in two groups and to investigate the interaction with other cognitive impairments.

Methods:  Among 170 consecutive patients with Alzheimer's disease or A‐MCI, we recruited 48 subjects who were under 75 years of age and had been diagnosed as having either A‐MCI or EAD. We then compared the total and the subtest scores of the mini‐mental state examination (MMSE) and the FAB between the two groups. Moreover, we investigated the statistical interactive associations of the FAB subtest scores with the influential MMSE subtest scores or the diagnosis (A‐MCI or EAD).

Results:  No significant differences in the age, sex ratio, duration of illness, and education years were observed between the two groups. However, significant differences in the FAB total and subtest scores (conflicting instructions and go/no‐go) were found between the two groups. Furthermore, significant differences in the MMSE total and subtest scores (orientation, memory delayed recall, and attention and calculation) were also noted between the two groups. In a generalized linear model analysis, only two FAB subtest scores (conflicting instructions and go/no‐go) were significantly influenced by the diagnosis (A‐MCI or EAD) in a manner that was independent of the interaction with the orientation or memory delayed recall.

Conclusion:  The present findings suggest that the FAB total score and subtest scores reflecting interference performances (conflicting instructions and go/no‐go) significantly declined in patients with EAD, independent of the disorientation and memory disorder. Such characteristics of neuropsychological screening test scores may be useful to clinicians for differentiating EAD and A‐MCI at bedside.
Comparing dementia patients’ nighttime objective movement indicators with staff observations
Authors: YAMAKAWA Miyae , SUTO Shunji , SHIGENOBU Kazue , KUNIMOTO Kyomi , MAKIMOTO Kiyoko
Published: October 2011

Background:  Pharmacological and non‐pharmacological approaches are commonly used to treat patients’ institutionalised for nighttime wandering. Actigraphy and other scales have been used to evaluate the efficacy of these treatments. However, in clinical settings, nursing records are often the sole source of daily observation of nighttime wandering. Thus, physicians rely on nursing records to evaluate pharmacological and non‐pharmacological treatments. This study examined nighttime movements of patients with dementia, comparing the results of integrated circuit tag monitoring with hourly nighttime nursing records. We tested which factors were associated with agreement rates between the two data sources.

Methods:  The study hospital was a general hospital in Osaka, Japan. Monitoring was conducted in a closed 60‐bed dementia care unit. An integrated circuit tag monitoring system was used to monitor the movement of institutionalised dementia patients for over half a year. The distance moved per hour by subjects was measured using the monitoring system, and the data were compared with hourly nighttime nursing records. Agreement rates were calculated between the two data sources.

Results:  Thirty‐five patients were monitored. Between 10–30% of subjects moved at any given hour during the night. The overall agreement rate between sources of movement data was 39%. Agreement rates were significantly correlated with the interquartile of the distance moved, changes in medication, physical conditions, and behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia measured during the day.

Conclusions:  Although the agreement rate was low, staff appeared to pay more attention to patients associated with notable events during the day and patients exhibiting variability in distance moved.
High‐Temperature Tribological and Self‐Lubricating Behavior of Copper Oxide‐Doped Y‐TZP Composite Sliding Against Alumina
Authors: Valefi Mahdiar , de Rooij Matthijn , Schipper Dirk J. , Winnubst Louis
Published: October 2011

The tribological behavior of 5 wt% copper oxide‐doped tetragonal zirconia polycrystal composite has been investigated while it slides against an alumina counterface under high temperature conditions. The effects of load (1, 2.5, and 5 N) and velocity (0.05 and 0.1 m/s) on the wear mechanism have been investigated. The results were compared with undoped zirconia at 595°C. A coefficient of friction (COF) of 0.35 and a specific wear rate less than 10−6 mm3/Nm were obtained at 595°C when copper oxide was added to zirconia. Further, it has been observed that a self‐lubricating layer is formed at the interface. Scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy have been used to investigate the formation of the self‐lubricating copper‐rich layer at the interface between the disk and counterface materials. The formation of a self‐lubricating layer, as well as the wear mechanisms at different operational conditions (load and velocity) are discussed. It appears that plastic deformation of copper‐rich phase at higher temperature is responsible for the decrease in friction and wear.
Genome‐wide association for methamphetamine sensitivity in an advanced intercross mouse line
Authors: Parker C. C. , Cheng R. , Sokoloff G. , Palmer A. A.
Published: October 2011

Sensitivity to the locomotor stimulant effects of methamphetamine (MA) is a heritable trait that utilizes neurocircuitry also associated with the rewarding effects of drugs. We used the power of a C57BL/6J × DBA/2J F2 intercross (n = 676) and the precision of a C57BL/6J × DBA/2J F8 advanced intercross line (Aap: B6, D2–G8; or F8 AIL; n = 552) to identify and narrow quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with sensitivity to the locomotor stimulant effects of MA. We used the program QTLRel to simultaneously map QTL in the F2 and F8 AIL mice. We identified six genome‐wide significant QTLs associated with locomotor activity at baseline and seven genome‐wide significant QTLs associated with MA‐induced locomotor activation. The average per cent decrease in QTL width between the F2 and the integrated analysis was 65%. Additionally, these QTLs showed a distinct temporal specificity within each session that allowed us to further refine their locations, and identify one QTL with a 1.8‐LOD support interval of 1.47 Mb. Next, we utilized publicly available bioinformatics resources to exploit strain‐specific sequence data and strain‐ and region‐specific expression data to identify candidate genes. These results illustrate the power of AILs in conjunction with sequence and gene expression data to investigate the genetic underpinnings of behavioral and other traits.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)—A Precursor Steroid or an Active Hormone in Human Physiology (CME)
Authors: Traish Abdulmaged M. , Kang H. Paco , Saad Farid , Guay Andre T.
Published: October 2011

Introduction

The circulation of large amounts of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfated derivative (DHEA-S) suggests a physiological role in human physiology. In the central nervous system, DHEA is considered a neurosteroid with a wide range of functions.

Aim

The goal of this review is to discuss metabolism, biochemical, and physiological mechanism of DHEA action and the potential role of DHEA in aging and in ameliorating a host of pathological conditions, associated with aging.

Methods

We examined preclinical and clinical data reported in various studies from the available literature concerning the effects of DHEA in normal and pathological conditions.

Main Outcome Measures

Data reported in the literature were analyzed, reviewed, and discussed.

Results

DHEA mediates its action via multiple signaling pathways involving specific membrane receptors and via transformation into androgen and estrogen derivatives (e.g., androgens, estrogens, 7α and 7β DHEA, and 7α and 7β epiandrosterone derivatives) acting through their specific receptors. These pathways include: nitric oxide synthase activation, modulation of γ-amino butyric acid receptors, N-methyl D-aspartate, receptors sigma receptors (Sigma-1), differential expression of inflammatory factors, adhesion molecules and reactive oxygen species, among others. Clinical and epidemiological studies suggested that low DHEA levels might be associated with ischemic heart disease, endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, bone loss, inflammatory diseases, and sexual dysfunction. Most importantly, no significant adverse or negative side effects of DHEA were reported in clinical studies of men and women.

Conclusion

DHEA modulates endothelial function, reduces inflammation, improves insulin sensitivity, blood flow, cellular immunity, body composition, bone metabolism, sexual function, and physical strength in frailty and provides neuroprotection, improves cognitive function, and memory enhancement. DHEA possesses pleiotropic effects and reduced levels of DHEA and DHEA-S may be associated with a host of pathologies; however, the clinical efficacy of DHEA supplementation in ameliorating patho-physiological symptoms remains to be evaluated.
Aptness of Beauveria bassiana and enhanced diatomaceous earth (DEBBM) for control of Rhyzopertha dominica F.
Authors: WAKIL Waqas , RIASAT Tahira , GHAZANFAR M. Usman , KWON Yong Jung , SHAHEEN Farid Asif
Published: October 2011

A diatomaceous earth formulation enhanced with bitterbarkomycin (DEBBM) combined with Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin was evaluated against lesser grain borer Rhyzopertha dominica F. (Coleoptera: Bostrychidae) under laboratory conditions. DEBBM was applied at the rates of 15 and 30 ppm alone as well as in combination with 6.69 × 106, 6.69 × 108 and 6.69 × 1010 conidia/kg of wheat. Mortality of treated adults was recorded after 5, 10 and 15 days of exposure. Bioassays were carried out at 20, 25 and 30°C with 55 and 75% relative humidity. The emergence of progeny was also assessed 60 days post exposure. The combined use of DEBBM and B. bassiana considerably increased adult mortality especially at increasing temperatures and longer exposure intervals compared with DEBBM and B. bassiana alone. Progeny production was less in wheat treated with high dose rates of DEBBM +B. bassiana. The per cent mycosis in the cadavers was maximum where B. bassiana was applied at low dose rates. The results of the present study indicated that a combination of DEBBM and B. bassiana may provide effective control of R. dominica.
Paleoecology of Early Ordovician Reefs in the Yichang Area, Hubei: a Correlation of Organic Reefs Between Early Ordovician and Jurassic
Authors: XIAO Chuantao , LI Meng , YANG Wei , HU Mingyi , LI Chao
Published: October 2011

The Early Ordovician System is composed mainly of a series of carbonate platform deposits interbedded with shale and is especially characterized by a large number of organic reefs or buildups that occur widely in the research area. The reefs have different thicknesses ranging from 0.5 m to 11.5 m and lengths varying from 1 m to 130 m. The reef‐building organisms include Archaeoscyphia, Recepthaculitids, Batostoma, Cyanobacteria and Pulchrilamina. Through the research of characteristics of the reef‐bearing strata of the Early Ordovician in the Yichang area, four sorts of biofacies are recognized, which are (1) shelly biofacies: containing Tritoechia‐Pelmatozans community and Tritoechia‐Pomatotrema community; (2) reef biofacies: including the Batostoma, Calathium‐Archaeoscyphia, Pelmatozoa‐Batostoma, Archeoscyphia and Calathium‐Cyanobacteria communities; (3) standing‐water biofacies: including the Acanthograptus‐Dendrogptus and Yichangopora communities; and (4) allochthonous biofacies: containing Nanorthis‐Psilocephlina taphocoense community. The analysis of sea‐level changes indicates that there are four cycles of sea‐level changes during the period when reef‐bearing strata were formed in this area, and the development of reefs is obviously controlled by the velocity of sea‐level changes and the growth of accommodation space. The authors hold that reefs were mostly formed in the high sea level periods. Because of the development of several subordinate cycles during the sea‐level rising, the reefs are characterized by great quantity, wide distribution, thin thickness and small scale, which are similar to that of Juassic reefs in northern Tibet. The research on the evolution of communities shows that succession and replacement are the main forms. The former is favorable to the development of reefs and the latter indicates the disappearance of reefs.
Amplitude Variation with Offset Responses Modeling Study of Walkaway Vertical Seismic Profile Data at CO2Geological Storage Site, Ketzin, Germany
Authors: YANG Can , KAZEMEINI Sayed Hesammoddin , FAN Wenfang , JUHLIN Christopher , LIU Dameng
Published: October 2011

An important component of any CO2sequestration project is seismic monitoring for tracking changes in subsurface physical properties, such as velocity and density. Different reservoirs have different amplitude variation with offset (AVO) responses, which can define underground conditions. In the present paper we investigate walkaway vertical seismic profile (VSP) AVO response to CO2injection at the Ketzin site, the first European onshore CO2sequestration pilot study dealing with research on geological storage of CO2. First, we performed rock physics analysis to evaluate the effect of injected CO2on seismic velocity using the Biot‐Gassmann equation. On the basis of this model, the seismic response for different CO2injection saturation was studied using ray tracing modeling. We then created synthetic walkaway VSP data, which we then processed. In contrast, synthetic seismic traces were created from borehole data. Finally, we found that the amplitude of CO2injected sand layer with different gas saturations were increased with the offset when compared with the original brine target layer. This is the typical class III AVO anomaly for gas sand layer. The AVO responses matched the synthetic seismic traces very well. Therefore, walkaway VSP AVO response can monitor CO2distribution in the Ketzin area.
Soil‐derived trace gas fluxes from different energy crops – results from a field experiment in Southwest Germany
Authors: Gauder Martin , Butterbach‐Bahl Klaus , Graeff‐Hönninger Simone , Claupein Wilhelm , Wiegel Regina
Published: October 2011

Willow coppice, energy maize and Miscanthus were evaluated regarding their soil‐derived trace gas emission potential involving a nonfertilized and a crop‐adapted slow‐release nitrogen (N) fertilizer scheme. The N application rate was 80 kg N ha−1 yr−1 for the perennial crops and 240 kg N ha−1 yr−1 for the annual maize. A replicated field experiment was conducted with 1‐year measurements of soil fluxes of CH4, CO2 and N2O in weekly intervals using static chambers. The measurements revealed a clear seasonal trend in soil CO2 emissions, with highest emissions being found for the N‐fertilized Miscanthus plots (annual mean: 50 mg C m−² h−1). Significant differences between the cropping systems were found in soil N2O emissions due to their dependency on amount and timing of N fertilization. N‐fertilized maize plots had highest N2O emissions by far, which accumulated to 3.6 kg N2O ha−1 yr−1. The contribution of CH4 fluxes to the total soil greenhouse gas subsumption was very small compared with N2O and CO2. CH4 fluxes were mostly negative indicating that the investigated soils mainly acted as weak sinks for atmospheric CH4. To identify the system providing the best ratio of yield to soil N2O emissions, a subsumption relative to biomass yields was calculated. N‐fertilized maize caused the highest soil N2O emissions relative to dry matter yields. Moreover, unfertilized maize had higher relative soil N2O emissions than unfertilized Miscanthus and willow. These results favour perennial crops for bioenergy production, as they are able to provide high yields with low N2O emissions in the field.
Education and Empowerment: Lessons and History of the Christian Education Network in Israel and Palestine
Authors: Frantzman Seth
Published: October 2011

Beginning in the 1850s, Christian missionary organizations established schools in Ottoman Palestine. A variety of networks developed over the years, principally those of the Anglicans and Catholics. Initially, these schools provided an education emphasizing European Christian values and subjects. Over time, however, a slow process of indigenization occurred. The first fruits of this process are illustrated by young leaders like Emil Tume and Tewfik Tubi who were prominent in the political opposition in Israel's first years of statehood. Another generation produced such notables as author Raja Shehadeh and Hanan Ashwari. In today's Israel and the Palestinian territories, the best schools, from a standpoint of matriculation, are Christian private schools that are open to all communities. Through this history, the article examines the development of a Christian school network and the political activism, involvement, and empowerment they engendered. It also provides a case study of the Rosary Sisters' school system.
Co-deposition of a triple therapy drug formulation for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease using solution-based pressurised metered dose inhalers
Authors: Adi Handoko , Young Paul M , Traini Daniela
Published: October 2011

Objectives

The formulation of multi-drug pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) opens up exciting therapeutic opportunities for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We have investigated the formulation of a solution-based triple therapy pMDI containing ipratropium, formoterol, budesonide and ethanol as co-solvent.

Methods

This system was characterised for in-vitro performance and compared with marketed pMDIs (Atrovent and Symbicort).

Key findings

No significant difference was found in the stage deposition of each drug from the triple therapy formulation, suggesting that the droplets contained a fixed ratio of the three components used. Stage deposition of formoterol and budesonide from the suspension-based marketed Symbicort were significantly different, suggesting that the two drugs were deposited as separate entities. Calculation of the mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of each formulation suggested Atrovent (ipratropium, MMAD = 0.9 ± 0.0 µm) to have a small particle size, similar to the triple therapy formulation. Atrovent, like the triple therapy formulation was solution based and it contained ethanol as a co-solvent (triple therapy formulation, MMAD = 1.3 ± 0.0 µm).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the feasibility of formulating a solution-based pMDI containing a triple therapy with identical deposition pattern for the treatment of several respiratory diseases where multi-drug cell targeting is required.
Direct Numerical Simulation of Naturally Evolving Free Circular Jet
Authors: Gohil Trushar B. , Saha Arun K. , Muralidhar K.
Published: October 2011

Direct numerical simulation (DNS) of incompressible, spatially developing circular jets at a moderate Reynolds number of 1030 is performed to understand the details of the evolution of the flow field. The axisymmetric shear layer rolls up in the near field of the jet forming vortex rings. The rings tilt as they convect downstream before becoming turbulent in the far field. The evolution of vortical structures reveals the presence of a helical structure in the flow field along with the occurrence of vortex pairing. The time-averaged streamwise velocity distribution shows self-similarity in the far field. The cross-streamwise distribution of the Reynolds stresses also shows weak self-similarity downstream as the flow is not fully developed within the streamwise length of the computational domain. A detailed comparison with experiments is carried out and the computed time-averaged as well as statistical data shows excellent match with the experimental results. Numerical simulation also reveals various transitions during flow evolution in the streamwise direction.
Comparison of passivation layers for AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors
Authors: Fitch R. C. , Walker D. E. , Chabak K. D. , Gillespie J. K. , Kossler M. , Trejo M. , Crespo A. , Liu L. , Kang T. S. , Lo C.-F. , Ren F. , Cheney D. J. , Pearton S. J.
Published: October 2011

AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors require surface passivation layers to reduce the effects of surface traps between the gate and drain contacts. These traps lead to the creation of a virtual gate and the associated collapse of drain current under rf conditions. The authors have investigated three different materials for passivation layers, namely thin (7.5 nm) Al2O3 and HfO2 deposited with an atomic layer deposition system and conventional, thick (200 nm) plasma enhanced chemically vapor deposited SiNX. The latter is found to be the most effective in reducing drain current loss during gate lag measurements in both single and double pulse mode, but also reduces fT and fMAX through additional parasitic capacitance.
Direct dose to water dosimetry for pretreatment IMRT verification using a modified EPID
Authors: Gustafsson Helen , Vial Philip , Kuncic Zdenka , Baldock Clive , Denham James W. , Greer Peter B.
Published: October 2011

Purpose:

Electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs) are high resolution systems that produce electronic dose maps with minimal time required for equipment setup, and therefore potentially present a time‐saving alternative for intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) pretreatment verification. A modified commercial EPID was investigated operated with an opaque sheet blocking the optical signal produced in the phosphor layer as a precursor to a switched mode dual dosimetry‐imaging EPID system. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using this system for direct dose to water dosimetry for pretreatment IMRT verification.

Methods:

A Varian amorphous silicon EPID was modified by placing an opaque sheet between the Gd2S2O:Tb phosphor layer and the photodiode array to block the optical photons. The EPID was thus converted to a direct‐detecting system (dEPID), in which the high energy radiation deposits energy directly in the photodiode array. The copper build‐up was replaced with dmax solid water. Sixty‐one IMRT beams of varying complexity were delivered to the EPID, to EDR2 dosimetric film and to a 2D ion chamber array (MapCheck). EPID data was compared to film and MapCheck data using gamma analysis with 3%, 3mm pass criteria.

Results:

The fraction of points that passed the gamma test was on average 98.1% and 98.6%, for the EPID versus film and EPID versus MapCheck comparisons, respectively. In the case of comparison with film, the majority of observed discrepancies were associated with problems related to film sensitivity or processing.

Conclusions:

The very close agreement between EPID and both film and MapCheck data demonstrates that the modified EPID is suitable for direct dose to water measurement for pretreatment IMRT verification. These results suggest a reconfigured EPID could be an efficient and accurate dosimeter. Alternatively, optical switching methods could be developed to produce a dual‐mode EPID with both dosimetry and imaging capabilities.
An Online Community for Students Who Love STEM
Authors: Birch Kristi , Blackburn Carol , Brody Linda , Wallace Patricia
Published: October 2011

The next generation of STEM innovators interacts with practicing scientists, mathematicians, and each other.
Comment on “Retrieval Practice Produces More Learning than Elaborative Studying with Concept Mapping”
Authors: Mintzes Joel J. , Canas Alberto , Coffey John , Gorman James , Gurley Laine , Hoffman Robert , McGuire Saundra Y. , Miller Norma , Moon Brian , Trifone James , Wandersee James H.
Published: October 2011

Karpicke and Blunt (Reports, 11 February 2011, p. 772) reported that retrieval practice produces greater gains in learning than elaborative studying with concept mapping and concluded that this strategy is a powerful way to promote meaningful learning of complex concepts commonly found in science education. We question their findings on methodological and epistemological grounds.
Plasmonics Goes Quantum
Authors: Jacob Zubin , Shalaev Vladimir M.
Published: October 2011

A combined plasmonics and metamaterials approach may allow light-matter interaction to be controlled at the single-photon level.
Virus-Like Particle Vaccine Containing Hemagglutinin Confers Protection against 2009 H1N1 Pandemic Influenza
Authors: Hossain M. Jaber , Bourgeois Melissa , Quan Fu-Shi , Lipatov Aleksandr S. , Song Jae-Min , Chen Li-Mei , Compans Richard W. , York Ian , Kang Sang-Moo , Donis Ruben O.
Published: October 2011

Immunization of the world population before an influenza pandemic such as the 2009 H1N1 virus spreads globally is not possible with current vaccine production platforms. New influenza vaccine technologies, such as virus-like-particles (VLPs), offer a promising alternative. Here, we tested the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a VLP vaccine containing hemagglutinin (HA) and M1 from the 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus (H1N1pdm) in ferrets and compared intramuscular (i.m.) and intranasal (i.n.) routes of immunization. Vaccination of ferrets with VLPs containing the M1 and HA proteins from A/California/04/2009 (H1N1pdm) induced high antibody titers and conferred significant protection against virus challenge. VLP-vaccinated animals lost less weight, shed less virus in nasal washes, and had markedly lower virus titers in all organs tested than naïve controls. A single dose of VLPs, either i.m. or i.n., induced higher levels of antibody than did two doses of commercial split vaccine. Ferrets vaccinated with split vaccine were incompletely protected against challenge; these animals had lower virus titers in olfactory bulbs, tonsils, and intestines, but lost weight and shed virus in nasal washes to a similar extent as naïve controls. Challenge with heterologous A/Brisbane/59/07 (H1N1) virus revealed that the VLPs conferred minimal cross-protection to heterologous infection, as revealed by the lack of reduction in nasal wash and lung virus titers and slightly higher weight loss relative to controls. In summary, these experiments demonstrate the strong immunogenicity and protective efficacy of VLPs compared to the split vaccine and show that i.n. vaccination with VLPs has the potential for highly efficacious vaccination against influenza.
Performance of Nucleic Acid Amplification following Extraction of 5 Milliliters of Whole Blood for Diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Bacteremia
Authors: Crump John A. , Tuohy Marion J. , Morrissey Anne B. , Ramadhani Habib O. , Njau Boniface N. , Maro Venance P. , Reller L. Barth , Procop Gary W.
Published: October 2011

To investigate the performance of a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) for the diagnosis of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
bacteremia, 5-ml aliquots of blood were inoculated into bioMérieux mycobacterial (MB) bottles and incubated, and 5-ml aliquots of blood were extracted and tested by real-time PCR. Of 25 samples from patients with
M. tuberculosis
bacteremia, 9 (36.0%) were positive and 1 (1.5%) of 66 control samples was positive by NAAT. The NAAT shows promise, but modifications should focus on improving sensitivity.
Modification of the Untranslated Regions of Human Enterovirus 71 Impairs Growth in a Cell-Specific Manner
Authors: Kok Chee Choy , Phuektes Patchara , Bek Emily , McMinn Peter C.
Published: October 2011

Human enterovirus 71 (HEV71) is the causative agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease and associated acute neurological disease. At present, little is known about the genetic determinants of HEV71 neurovirulence. Studies of related enteroviruses have indicated that the untranslated regions (UTRs), which control virus-directed translation and replication, also exert significant influence on neurovirulence. We used an infectious cDNA clone of a subgenogroup B3 strain to construct and characterize chimeras with 5′- and 3′-UTR modifications. Replacement of the entire HEV71 5′ UTR with that of human rhinovirus 2 (HRV2) resulted in a small reduction in growth efficiency in cells of both nonneuronal (rhabdomyosarcoma) and neuronal (SH-SY5Y) origin due to reduced translational efficiency. However, the introduction of a 17-nucleotide deletion into the proximal region of the 3′ UTR significantly decreased the growth of HEV71-HRV2 in SH-SY5Y cells. This observation is similar to that made with stem-loop domain Z (SLD Z)-deleted coxsackievirus B3-HRV2 5′-UTR chimeras reported previously and provides the first evidence of a potentially functional SLD Z in the 3′ UTR in human enterovirus A species viruses. We further showed that the cell-specific growth impairment was caused by the synergistic effects of
cis
-acting UTR control elements on different stages of the virus life cycle. These chimeras will further improve our understanding of the control of HEV71 replication and its relationship to neurovirulence.
HIV-Specific CD4 T Cell Responses to Different Viral Proteins Have Discordant Associations with Viral Load and Clinical Outcome
Authors: Ranasinghe Srinika , Flanders Michael , Cutler Sam , Soghoian Damien Z. , Ghebremichael Musie , Davis Isaiah , Lindqvist Madelene , Pereyra Florencia , Walker Bruce D. , Heckerman David , Streeck Hendrik
Published: October 2011

A successful prophylactic vaccine is characterized by long-lived immunity, which is critically dependent on CD4 T cell-mediated helper signals. Indeed, most licensed vaccines induce antigen-specific CD4 T cell responses, in addition to high-affinity antibodies. However, despite the important role of CD4 T cells in vaccine design and natural infection, few studies have characterized HIV-specific CD4 T cells due to their preferential susceptibility to HIV infection. To establish at the population level the impact of HIV-specific CD4 T cells on viral control and define the specificity of HIV-specific CD4 T cell peptide targeting, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of these responses to the entire HIV proteome in 93 subjects at different stages of HIV infection. We show that HIV-specific CD4 T cell responses were detectable in 92% of individuals and that the breadth of these responses showed a significant inverse correlation with the viral load (P= 0.009,R= −0.31). In particular, CD4 T cell responses targeting Gag were robustly associated with lower levels of viremia (P= 0.0002,R= −0.45). Importantly, differences in the immunodominance profile of HIV-specific CD4 T cell responses distinguished HIV controllers from progressors. Furthermore, Gag/Env ratios were a potent marker of viral control, with a high frequency and magnitude of Gag responses and low proportion of Env responses associated with effective immune control. At the epitope level, targeting of three distinct Gag peptides was linked to spontaneous HIV control (P= 0.60 to 0.85). Inclusion of these immunogenic proteins and peptides in future HIV vaccines may act as a critical cornerstone for enhancing protective T cell responses.
The Effects of Host Age on the Transport of Complement-Bound Complexes to the Spleen and the Pathogenesis of Intravenous Scrapie Infection
Authors: Brown Karen L. , Gossner Anton , Mok Simon , Mabbott Neil A.
Published: October 2011

Infections with variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) have almost exclusively occurred in young patients, but the reasons for this age distribution are uncertain. Our data suggest that the pathogenesis of many peripherally acquired transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) agents is less efficient in aged individuals. Four vCJD cases linked to transfusion of vCJD-contaminated blood or blood products have been described. Three cases occurred in elderly patients, implying that intravenous exposure is more efficient in aged individuals than other peripheral routes. To test this hypothesis, young (6 to 8 weeks old) and aged (600 days old) mice were injected intravenously with a TSE agent. In aged and young mice, the intravenous route was more efficient than other peripheral routes of TSE agent exposure. However, in aged mice, disease pathogenesis was significantly reduced. Although most aged mice failed to develop clinical disease during their life spans, many showed histopathological signs of TSE disease in their brains. Thus, the effects of age on intravenous TSE pathogenesis may lead to significant levels of subclinical disease in the population. After peripheral exposure, many TSE agents accumulate upon follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) in lymphoid tissues before they infect the brain. In aged spleens, PrPCexpression and TSE agent accumulation upon FDCs were reduced. Furthermore, the splenic marginal zone microarchitecture was substantially disturbed, adversely affecting the delivery of immune complexes to FDCs. This study is the first to suggest that the effects of aging on the microarchitecture and the function of the splenic marginal zone significantly influence the pathogenesis of an important pathogen.
Characterization, Mapping, and Distribution of the Two XMRV Parental Proviruses
Authors: Cingöz Oya , Paprotka Tobias , Delviks-Frankenberry Krista A. , Wildt Sheryl , Hu Wei-Shau , Pathak Vinay K. , Coffin John M.
Published: October 2011

Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) was previously reported to be associated with human prostate cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome. Our groups recently showed that XMRV was created through recombination between two endogenous murine retroviruses, PreXMRV-1 and PreXMRV-2, during the passaging of a prostate tumor xenograft in nude mice. Here, multiple approaches that led to the identification of PreXMRV-2, as well as the distribution of both parental proviruses among different mouse species, are described. The chromosomal loci of both proviruses were determined in the mouse genome, and integration site information was used to analyze the distribution of both proviruses in 48 laboratory mouse strains and 46 wild-derived strains. The strain distributions of PreXMRV-1 and PreXMRV-2 are quite different, the former being found predominantly in Asian mice and the latter in European mice, making it unlikely that the two XMRV ancestors could have recombined independently in the wild to generate an infectious virus. XMRV was not present in any of the mouse strains tested, and among the wild-derived mouse strains analyzed, not a single mouse carried both parental proviruses. Interestingly, PreXMRV-1 and PreXMRV-2 were found together in three laboratory strains, Hsd nude, NU/NU, and C57BR/cd, consistent with previous data that the recombination event that led to the generation of XMRV could have occurred only in the laboratory. The three laboratory strains carried the Xpr1
n
receptor variant nonpermissive to XMRV and xenotropic murine leukemia virus (X-MLV) infection, suggesting that the xenografted human tumor cells were required for the resulting XMRV recombinant to infect and propagate.
Identification of a Novel Feline Picornavirus from the Domestic Cat
Authors: Lau Susanna K. P. , Woo Patrick C. Y. , Yip Cyril C. Y. , Choi Garnet K. Y. , Wu Ying , Bai Ru , Fan Rachel Y. Y. , Lai Kenneth K. Y. , Chan Kwok-Hung , Yuen Kwok-Yung
Published: October 2011

While picornaviruses are known to infect different animals, their existence in the domestic cat was unknown. We describe the discovery of a novel feline picornavirus (FePV) from stray cats in Hong Kong. From samples from 662 cats, FePV was detected in fecal samples from 14 cats and urine samples from 2 cats by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). Analysis of five FePV genomes revealed a distinct phylogenetic position and genomic features, with low sequence homologies to known picornaviruses especially in leader and 2A proteins. Among the viruses that belong to the closely related bat picornavirus groups 1 to 3 and the genus
Sapelovirus
, G+C content and sequence analysis of P1, P2, and P3 regions showed that FePV is most closely related to bat picornavirus group 3. However, FePV possessed other distinct features, including a putative type IV internal ribosome entry site/segment (IRES) instead of type I IRES in bat picornavirus group 3, protein cleavage sites, and H-D-C catalytic triad in 3C
pro
different from those in sapeloviruses and bat picornaviruses, and the shortest leader protein among known picornaviruses. These results suggest that FePV may belong to a new genus in the family
Picornaviridae
. Western blot analysis using recombinant FePV VP1 polypeptide showed a high seroprevalence of 33.6% for IgG among the plasma samples from 232 cats tested. IgM was also detected in three cats positive for FePV in fecal samples, supporting recent infection in these cats. Further studies are important to understand the pathogenicity, epidemiology, and genetic evolution of FePV in these common pet animals.
Westphalen rearrangement. Mechanism of formation of 5α-acetoxy derivatives
Authors: Kočovský Pavel , Černý Václav , Tureček František
Published: October 2011

5α-Acetoxy derivatives formed as by-products in the course of Westphalen rearrangement of [5-18O]-5-hydroxy-5α-cholestanes Ia and Ib are shown to preserve their 18O content. This fact rules out previously proposed neighboring group participation of the 6β-substituent involving a 5β,6β-„onium" intermediate (F).
Mass spectra of some 5-methyl-19-nor-5β-cholest-9-enes
Authors: Tureček František , Kočovský Pavel
Published: October 2011

The mass spectrometric behavior of isomeric ketones I-V and alcohols VI-X of Westphalen type is described. The differences in fragmentation patterns of these compounds are discussed in dependence on the position and the configuration of the substituent.
Establishment of the chemical equilibrium
Authors: Šolc Milan
Published: October 2011

A chemical equilibrium in a closed system can be considered in a set of states lying inside the band of equilibrium fluctuations of the system composition. This concept enables to define a further characteristic reaction time - the time necessary for reaching the band of equilibrium fluctuations (the time necessary for establishing the equilibrium). It is shown that this time is a linear function of the logarithm of the number of reactant particles in the system. Several ways can be used to define the width of the band of equilibrium fluctuations, but all of them yield approximately identical times necessary for establishing the equilibrium.
Temperature dependence of heats of vaporization of saturated hydrocarbons C5-C8; Experimental data and an estimation method
Authors: Majer Vladimír , Svoboda Václav , Hála Slavoj , Pick Jiří
Published: October 2011

Heats of vaporization of a group of 10 alkanes C6-C8 and 2 cycloalkanes were measured in a temperature range of 25-80 °C. By combining the obtained results with selected literature data, a set of very accurate values of heats of vaporization as functions of temperature was made up for 22 saturated C5-C8 hydrocarbons. This set was employed for the verification of the proposed estimation method for the determination of heat of vaporization which is based on the principle of combination of a contribution method with constant entropy-of-vaporization rules. In this way it is then possible to estimate heats of vaporization of C4-C9 alkanes with an error lower than 0.5%.
Spectral manifestations of strong hydrogen bonds in seven-membered rings of pyrazolecarboxylic acid derivatives
Authors: Svátek Emil , Zikán Viktor , Semonský Miroslav
Published: October 2011

Strong downward frequency shifts of ν(C=O) of benzoyl or carboxyl group have been found in IR spectra of some pyrazolecarboxylic acid derivatives, and bathochromic shifts of maximum of the first band of π-π* transition have been found in their UV spectra, which can be explained by the presence of strong hydrogen bonds in seven-membered rings. Considerable frequency shift of ν(C=O) indicates lowering of order of this bond which is comparable with the bond order lowering of C=O group in six-membered conjugated chelates of the type of enolized β-diketones. In our opinion, formation of strong hydrogen bonds in seven-membered rings in pyrazolecarboxylic acids is due to the presence of the adjoining five-membered aromatic ring, which enables resonance stabilization of the whole π-electronic system in a pseudo-azulene structure.
The synthesis of 6-amino-8-hydroxy-4-oxo-2-(4-pentyloxybenzoyl)-5,7-diazaspiro[2.5]octa-5,7-diene-1-carbox-N-cyclopentylamide
Authors: Zikán Viktor , Semonský Miroslav , Kakáč Bohumil
Published: October 2011

Condensation of diethyl 2-methoxycarbonyl-3-(4-pentyloxybenzoyl)-cyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxylate with guanidine gave methyl 6-imino-4,8-dioxo-2-(4-pentyloxybenzoyl)-5,7-diazaspiro[2.5]octane-1-carboxylate (I) which was saponified to corresponding carboxylic acid II. The imidazolide of acid II reacted with cyclopentylamine to afford 6-amino-8-hydroxy-4-oxo-2-(4-pentyloxybenzoyl)-5,7-diazaspiro[2.5]octa-5,7-diene-1-carbox-N-cyclopentylamide (III). Compound III when applied per os prolonged the life of animals with some transplanted tumours.
Effect of metal ions on pea alcohol dehydrogenase
Authors: Leblová Sylva , Nováková Noemi , Stiborová Marie
Published: October 2011

The effect of Cu2+, Ag+, Zn2+, Cd2+ and Co2+ on alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) isolated from germinating pea seeds was examined. The enzyme is inhibited approximately to the same degree if incubated 5 to 30 min with Ag+, Cu2+, and Cd2+; the same degree of inhibition can be brought about by zinc ions only if concentration by one order higher (10-4M) is used. Co2+-ions do not inhibit pea alcohol dehydrogenase even at 10-3M concentration. NAD and Zn2+ decrease the inhibitory effect of Cd2+ yet not the effect of Cu2+ or Ag+. The differences in the mechanism of action of individual heavy metal ions on plant ADH are discussed.