bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micelle structure and molecular self‐diffusion in isononylphenol ethoxylate–water systems
Authors: Arkhipov Victor P. , Potapova Elisaveta F. , Antzutkin Oleg N. , Filippov Andrei V.
Published: May 2013

The structure and dynamic properties of micellar solutions of nonionic surfactants of a series of isononylphenol ethoxylates, C9H19C6H4O(C2H4O)nH (where n = 6,8,9,10, and 12), were studied by NMR diffusometry, dynamic light scattering, and viscosimetry. The sizes of the micelles were determined for different surfactants and at different surfactant concentrations. The numbers of water molecules bound by a micelle and by one oxyethylene group of the surfactant were estimated. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The egg. The inside story of a cell
Authors: Monti Manuela , Redi Carloalberto
Published: May 2013

The egg, a fantastic little laboratory of molecular biology, has played a crucial role in redefining modern biology by moving it from the description of living things to the synthesis of living things (synthetic biology). Over the centuries, many hypotheses have been advanced concerning the egg's role in reproduction—from the preformation theory until von Baer's discovery to the present, with the 2012 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine celebrating the egg as a totipotent stem cell able to reprogram fully differentiated somatic nuclei. The molecular dissection of its cytoplasmic components makes the egg an ideal bioreactor for several biotechnological applications, including pharmacological and food production sciences. In addition to its ubiquitous contribution to the worldwide diet, the egg, a powerful symbol, pervades philosophy, art, religion, and idiomatic expressions. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 80:691–697, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Compatibilization of Poly(styrene‐acrylonitrile) (SAN)/Poly(ethylene) Blends via Amine Functionalization of SAN Chain Ends
Authors: Oxby K. J. , Marić Milan
Published: May 2013

Styrene/acrylonitrile (SAN) copolymers with low polydispersity (1.10–1.30) are synthesized by nitroxide mediated polymerization (NMP) in dimethylformamide (DMF) solution with a succinimidyl ester (NHS) terminal group from the N‐tert‐butyl‐N‐[1‐diethylphosphono‐(2,2‐dimethylpropyl) nitroxide] (SG1) residue. These copolymers are thermally stabilized by removing the SG1, and then modified to form primary amine end‐functional SAN (SAN‐NH2). Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR) and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) indicated that the amine group is effectively placed at the chain end at a level of 90%. SAN‐NH2 is reactively blended with maleic anhydride grafted poly(ethylene) (PE) at 20 wt.% loading at 180 °C and the resulting morphology is compared against the non‐reactive blend. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicates finer SAN domains ∼ 1 µm which are thermally stable upon annealing in the reactive case. The dispersed SAN domains are reoriented using a channel die to impart elongated domains with aspect ratios ∼ 14, which would be desirable for barrier materials.
The Development and Evaluation of a Vocational Rehabilitation Training Programme for Rheumatology Occupational Therapists
Authors: O'Brien Rachel , Woodbridge Sarah , Hammond Alison , Adkin Julie , Culley June
Published: May 2013

People with inflammatory arthritis rapidly develop work disability, yet there is limited provision of vocational rehabilitation (VR) in rheumatology departments. As part of a randomized, controlled trial, ten occupational therapists (OTs) were surveyed to identify their current VR provision and training needs. As a result, a VR training course for OTs was developed which included both taught and self‐directed learning. The course included: employment and health and safety legislation, work assessment and practical application of ergonomic principles at work.

Pre‐, immediately post‐ and two months post‐training, the ten OTs completed a questionnaire about their VR knowledge and confidence On completion, they reported a significant increase (p < 0.01)in their knowledge and confidence when delivering vocational rehabilitation. They rated the course as very or extremely relevant, although seven recommended more practical sessions. The preference for practical sessions was highlighted, in that the aspects they felt most beneficial were role‐playing assessments and sharing ideas through discussion and presentations.

In conclusion, the course was considered effective in increasing both knowledge and confidence in using VR as an intervention, but, due to time constraints within the working day, some of the self‐directed learning should be incorporated into the training days. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sleep apnea modifies the long‐term impact of surgically induced weight loss on cardiac function and inflammation
Authors: Kardassis Dimitris , Grote Ludger , Sjöström Lars , Hedner Jan , Karason Kristjan
Published: May 2013

Objective:

Obesity is frequently associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Both conditions are proinflammatory and proposed to deteriorate cardiac function. We used a nested cohort study design to evaluate the long‐term impact of bariatric surgery on OSA and how weight loss and OSA relate to inflammation and cardiac performance.

Design and Methods:

At 10‐year follow‐up in the Swedish Obese Subjects (SOS) study, we identified 19 obese subjects (BMI 31.2 ± 5.3 kg m−2), who following bariatric surgery at SOS‐baseline had displayed sustained weight losses (surgery group), and 20 obese controls (BMI 42.0 ± 6.2 kg m−2), who during the same time‐period had maintained stable weight (control group). All study participants underwent overnight polysomnography examination, echocardiography and analysis of inflammatory markers.

Results:

The surgery group displayed a lower apnea hypopnea index (AHI) (19.9 ± 21.5 vs. 37.8 ± 27.7 n/h, P = 0.013), lower inflammatory activity (hsCRP 2.3 ± 3.0 vs. 7.2 ± 5.0 mg L−1, P < 0.001), reduced left ventricular mass (165 ± 22 vs. 207 ± 22 g, P < 0.001) and superior left ventricular diastolic function (E/A ratio 1.24 ± 1.10 vs. 1.05 ± 0.20, P = 0.006) as compared with weight stable obese controls. In multiple regression analyses including all subjects (n = 39) and controlling for BMI, the AHI remained independently associated with hsCRP (β = 0.09, P < 0.001), TNF‐α (β = 0.03, P = 0.031), IL‐6 (β = 0.01, P = 0.007), IL 10 (β = −0.06; P = 0.018), left ventricular mass (β = 0.64, P < 0.001), left atrial area (β = 0.08, P = 0.002), pulmonary artery pressure (β = 0.08, P = 0.011) and E/Ea ratio (β = 0.04, P = 0.021).

Conclusions:

Patients with sustained weight loss after bariatric surgery display less severe sleep apnea, reduced inflammatory activity, and enhanced cardiac function. Persisting sleep apnea appears to limit the beneficial effect of weight loss on inflammation and cardiac performance.
A heparin modified polypropylene non‐woven fabric membrane adsorbent for selective removal of low density lipoprotein from plasma
Authors: Hou Xiaodong , Zhang Tao , Cao Amin
Published: May 2013

In the present work, a new porous low density lipoprotein (LDL) adsorbent membrane is prepared by 60Co γ‐ray irradiation‐induced grafting copolymerization of polypropylene (PP) non‐woven fabric with acrylic acid, followed by immobilizing heparin covalently. The amount of carboxyl group and heparin on the resultant PP non‐woven fabric is determined by titration and colorimetry, respectively. The new adsorbent membrane is characterized by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, and contact angle microscopy. Static adsorption and hemoperfusion tests indicate this new adsorbent can efficiently and selectively remove LDL from human plasma. Meanwhile, good adsorption of triglyceride (TG) is also obtained. The best result is achieved by the adsorbent membrane P0.45‐A15‐H, where 33.3 ± 2.9 µg of LDL‐C, 14.7 ± 1.9 µg of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), 64.9 ± 4.3 µg of total cholesterol (TC), and 202.4 ± 5.7 µg of TG are removed from human plasma per square centimeter. Hemocompability and toxicity tests show this new adsorbent membrane has good blood compatibility and low toxicity. Considering the adsorbent performance, safety, low cost, and simple preparation, this new adsorbent membrane has potential clinical application for removal of LDL. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bio‐based hyperbranched polyurethane/Fe3O4 nanocomposites as shape memory materials
Authors: Kalita Hemjyoti , Karak Niranjan
Published: May 2013

The bio‐based shape memory polymers have generated immense interest as advanced smart materials. Mesua ferrea L. seed oil‐based hyperbranched polyurethane (HBPU)/Fe3O4 nanocomposites were prepared by the in‐situ polymerization technique. The transmission electron microscopy confirmed the homogeneous distribution of the Fe3O4 nanoparticles in polymer matrix, whereas Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic study revealed the presence of strong interfacial interactions between them. The incorporation of Fe3O4 (0 to 10 wt%) into the HBPU resulted in an increase in tensile strength (5.5–15 MPa) and scratch resistance (3–6 kg). The thermo‐gravimetric analysis indicated the improvement of thermal stability (240–270°C) of the nanocomposites. The nanocomposites exhibited full shape fixity, as well as almost full shape recovery under the microwave stimulus. The shape recovery speed increased with the increase of Fe3O4 nanoparticles content in the nanocomposites. Thus, the studied nanocomposites might be used as advanced shape memory materials in different potential fields. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SNP‐based non‐invasive prenatal testing detects sex chromosome aneuploidies with high accuracy
Authors: Samango‐Sprouse Carole , Banjevic Milena , Ryan Allison , Sigurjonsson Styrmir , Zimmermann Bernhard , Hill Matthew , Hall Megan P. , Westemeyer Margaret , Saucier Jennifer , Demko Zachary , Rabinowitz Matthew
Published: May 2013

Objective

This study aimed to develop a single‐nucleotide polymorphism‐based and informatics‐based non‐invasive prenatal test that detects sex chromosome aneuploidies early in pregnancy.

Methods

Sixteen aneuploid samples, including thirteen 45,X, two 47,XXY, and one 47,XYY, along with 185 euploid controls, were analyzed. Cell‐free DNA was isolated from maternal plasma, amplified in a single multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay that targeted 19 488 polymorphic loci covering chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, and Y, and sequenced. Sequencing results were analyzed using a Bayesian‐based maximum likelihood statistical method to determine copy number of interrogated chromosomes, calculating sample‐specific accuracies.

Results

Of the samples that passed a stringent quality control metric (93%), the algorithm correctly identified copy number at all five chromosomes in all but one of the 187 samples, for 934/935 correct calls as early as 9.4 weeks of gestation. We detected 45,X with 91.7% sensitivity (CI: 61.5–99.8%) and 100% specificity (CI: 97.9–100%), and 47,XXY and 47,XYY. The average calculated accuracy was 99.78%.

Conclusion

This method non‐invasively detected 45,X, 47,XXY, and 47,XYY fetuses from cell‐free DNA isolated from maternal plasma with high calculated accuracies and thus offers a non‐invasive method with the potential to function as a routine screen allowing for early prenatal detection of rarely diagnosed yet commonly occurring sex aneuploidies. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pragmatic estimates of the proportion of pediatric inpatients exposed to specific medications in the USA
Authors: Feudtner Chris , Dai Dingwei , Faerber Jennifer , Metjian Talene A. , Luan Xianqun
Published: May 2013

Purpose

To provide pragmatic national estimates of the proportion of hospitalized pediatric patients exposed to specific drugs in the USA.

Methods

We used Premier Perspective Database and the Pediatric Health Information System data including specific drug exposures of 1.15 million inpatients <18 years old in 411 general and 52 children's hospitals throughout the USA in 2006, extrapolating this information into the probability‐based Kids' Inpatient Database, which has demographic and clinical characteristics but no drug exposure data. We used a multivariable stratified resampling (MSR) technique to estimate the proportion of drug exposure for the 700 most commonly used drugs and performed additional stability and sensitivity analyses for 19 drugs.

Results

The estimated proportion of pediatric inpatients exposed to specific drugs in 2006 ranged from high levels such as that of acetaminophen (17.36; 95%CI: 17.32, 17.41) to rare exposures such as bosentan (0.0018; 95%CI: 0.0013, 0.0023). Additional analyses for 19 drugs revealed that the MSR estimates were close to estimates generated by multivariable multiple imputation, with a maximum absolute difference of 0.03 for acetaminophen (17.36 vs. 17.33) and famotidine (1.90 vs. 1.93), and that even with 50% of the hospitals removed at random, the proportion estimates did not vary by more than 2.5‐fold at the upper 97.5 percentile.

Conclusions

These pragmatic national estimates of the proportion of pediatric inpatient drug exposures, generated using an MSR technique, provide a context for interpretation of drug‐related adverse event reports and prioritization of pediatric pharmacology research. © 2013 The Authors. Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Nordic prescription databases as a resource for pharmacoepidemiological research—a literature review
Authors: Wettermark B , Zoëga H , Furu K , Korhonen M , Hallas J , Nørgaard M , Almarsdottir AB , Andersen M , Andersson Sundell K , Bergman U , Helin‐Salmivaara A , Hoffmann M , Kieler H , Martikainen JE , Mortensen M , Petzold M , Wallach‐Kildemoes H , Wallin C , Sørensen HT
Published: May 2013

Purpose

All five Nordic countries have nationwide prescription databases covering all dispensed drugs, with potential for linkage to outcomes. The aim of this review is to present an overview of therapeutic areas studied and methods applied in pharmacoepidemiologic studies using data from these databases.

Methods

The study consists of a Medline‐based structured literature review of scientific papers published during 2005–2010 using data from the prescription databases in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, covering 25 million inhabitants. Relevant studies were analyzed in terms of pharmacological group, study population, outcomes examined, type of study (drug utilization vs. effect of drug therapy), country of origin, and extent of cross‐national collaboration.

Results

A total of 515 studies were identified. Of these, 262 were conducted in Denmark, 97 in Finland, 4 in Iceland, 87 in Norway, and 61 in Sweden. Four studies used data from more than one Nordic country. The most commonly studied drugs were those acting on the nervous system, followed by cardiovascular drugs and gastrointestinal/endocrine drugs. A total of 228 studies examined drug utilization and 263 focused on the effects and safety of drug therapy. Pregnant women were the most commonly studied population in safety studies, whereas prescribers' adherence to guidelines was the most frequent topic of drug utilization studies.

Conclusions

The Nordic prescription databases, with their possibility of record‐linkage, represent an outstanding resource for assessing the beneficial and adverse effects of drug use in large populations, under routine care conditions, and with the potential for long‐term follow‐up. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
BoS costs: status and optimization to reach industrial grid parity
Authors: Ringbeck Stefan , Sutterlueti Juergen
Published: May 2013

It is essential to have a complete system overview to optimize photovoltaic (PV) power plants and minimize balance of system (BoS) costs. The described approach leads to a competitive system solution with lower levelized cost of energy (LCoE). Recently, BoS costs have become more important due to rapidly decreasing PV module prices. Improvements for mechanical and electrical BoS costs are validated and benchmarked for PV technologies on a (sub) system level. An example of 30% BoS cost reduction for TF‐Si based on a low voltage design, TL inverter, and a new module mounting interface is investigated among others. The BoS cost fractions are expected to fall to 55% (TF‐Si) and 60% (c‐Si) for ground mounted systems between 2010 and 2016 (including efficiency increase). The annual reduction of BoS costs is expected to be in the range of 8–9.5%. System costs for ground mounted system and commercial roof top plants in Europe and Asia are discussed. In Europe, the system costs dropped from 2.35€/Wp in 2010 to 1.00€/Wp in 2016. LCoE reductions based on sub‐BoS optimizations are investigated. Industrial grid parity is expected in 2012 in Italy (with system costs of 1.34€/Wp) and 2016 for Germany (system cost 1.07€/Wp). BoS costs reductions needed for an LCoE of 0.084€/kWh (25% below industrial electricity cost, 2016) and the gas parity level (0.064 €/kWh in 2016) are explored. Evolutionary and revolutionary BoS approaches and cost reductions are discussed to meet these targets. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐efficiency microcrystalline silicon single‐junction solar cells
Authors: Hänni Simon , Bugnon Grégory , Parascandolo Gaetano , Boccard Mathieu , Escarré Jordi , Despeisse Matthieu , Meillaud Fanny , Ballif Christophe
Published: May 2013

This short communication highlights our latest results towards high‐efficiency microcrystalline silicon single‐junction solar cells. By combining adequate cell design with high‐quality material, a new world record efficiency was achieved for single‐junction microcrystalline silicon solar cell, with a conversion efficiency of 10.69%, independently confirmed at ISE CalLab PV Cells. Such significant conversion efficiency could be achieved with only 1.8 µm of Si. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
δ13C analysis of amino acids in human hair using trimethylsilyl derivatives and gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry
Authors: An Yan , Schwartz Zeland , Jackson Glen P.
Published: May 2013

RATIONALE

To provide a simple one‐step derivatization procedure for the analysis of a wide variety of amino acids in human hair by gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS). N,O‐Bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA) derivatization is already widely used outside the IRMS community, is applicable to a variety of functional groups, and provides products that are common entries in mass spectral databases, thus simplifying compound identification.

METHODS

Method optimization and validation were performed on a mixture of ten standard amino acids found abundantly in human hair. The method was then applied to the analysis of scalp hair from six human subjects. The hair was washed, hydrolyzed with 6 M HCl, derivatized using BSTFA in acetonitrile and analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) with concurrent quadrupole and isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) detectors.

RESULTS

The reproducibility for the δ13C measurements, including the derivatization procedure and GC/C/IRMS analysis, on a day‐to‐day comparison was between 0.19‰ and 0.35‰ (SD, N = 12), with an average standard deviation of 0.26‰. Because trimethylsilylation adds 3N carbon atoms (where N = # reactive protons) to each amino acid, the δ13C values for amino acid derivatives were corrected using a mass balance correction and the measured kinetic isotope effect (KIE). The KIE values ranged from 0.984 to 1.020.

CONCLUSIONS

The procedure gave consistent δ13C values with precision similar to other derivatization methods for the range of sample sizes studied: 50–1000 µg of each amino acid. The method gave δ13C values consistent with the known literature values when applied to the analysis of amino acids in human hair. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A model of analyzing cyber threats trend and tracing potential attackers based on darknet traffic
Authors: Choi Sang‐soo , Song Jungsuk , Kim Seokhun , Kim Sookyun
Published: May 2013

In general, attackers carry out scanning or probing against a certain network when they start to attack their victims. Because of this, darknet is very useful to observe the scanning activities of attackers who want to find their victims that have security vulnerabilities in operating systems, applications, services, and so on. Thus, by observing and analyzing darknet traffic, it is able to obtain an insight into malicious activities that are happening on the Internet and to identify potential attackers who sent attack packets to the darknet. However, darknet has a fatal limitation that most of the darknet traffic has no payload data. This means that we cannot collect the real attack codes from the original darknet traffic. To cope with this problem, we propose a security monitoring and response model to analyze cyber threats trend and to trace potential attackers based on darknet traffic. We have evaluated the proposed model using one /24 darknet IP addresses and TMS alerts that were obtained from TMS. The experimental results provided the statistical information of all the incoming darknet traffic so that we could obtain the global cyber threats trend. Furthermore, the experimental results demonstrated that we could obtain malicious attack patterns and attack codes that were not detected by TMS. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Calorimetric Study of Recovery and Recrystallization in Fe–14.4 Cr–15.4 Ni–2.4 Mo–2.36 Mn–0.25 Ti–0.04 C–0.05 P (mass %) Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Tripathy Haraprasanna , Raju Subramaniam , Rai Arun Kumar , Jayakumar Tamanna
Published: May 2013

The stored energy release and the kinetics of recovery and recrystallization processes in 70 and 85% coldworked nuclear grade austenitic stainless steel have been investigated by dynamic calorimetry, the results of which are supplemented by optical microscopy and microhardness measurements. Distinct thermal arrests arising from recovery and recrystallization events that occur upon slow heating are around 815 and 1070 K, respectively. The peak recovery and recrystallization temperatures are found to be sensitive to prior coldwork and heating rate. Faster rates of heating pushed the recovery stage to higher temperatures overlapping with the domain of recrystallization, which resulted in a decreased dissipation of stored energy due to recovery. As a result, faster heating rates, served to accelerate the kinetics of recrystallization owing to higher driving force. It is also found that the dissolution of fine TiC particles lead to secondary recrystallization at higher temperatures. Modeling of lattice softening kinetics yielded values of effective activation energies for recovery and recrystallization processes in the range, 198 and 336 kJ mol−1, respectively.
Simultaneous model selection and estimation for mean and association structures with clustered binary data
Authors: Gao Xin , Yi Grace Y.
Published: May 2013

This paper investigates the property of the penalized estimating equations when both the mean and association structures are modelled. To select variables for the mean and association structures sequentially, we propose a hierarchical penalized generalized estimating equations (HPGEE2) approach. The first set of penalized estimating equations is solved for the selection of significant mean parameters. Conditional on the selected mean model, the second set of penalized estimating equations is solved for the selection of significant association parameters. The hierarchical approach is designed to accommodate possible model constraints relating the inclusion of covariates into the mean and the association models. This two‐step penalization strategy enjoys a compelling advantage of easing computational burdens compared to solving the two sets of penalized equations simultaneously. HPGEE2 with a smoothly clipped absolute deviation (SCAD) penalty is shown to have the oracle property for the mean and association models. The asymptotic behavior of the penalized estimator under this hierarchical approach is established. An efficient two‐stage penalized weighted least square algorithm is developed to implement the proposed method. The empirical performance of the proposed HPGEE2 is demonstrated through Monte‐Carlo studies and the analysis of a clinical data set. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Proton NMR Investigations of Intermediate Spin Iron(III) Complexes with Macrocyclic N42– Chelate Ligands
Authors: Weber Birgit , Walker F. Ann , Karaghiosoff Konstantin
Published: May 2013

Proton NMR spectra of five macrocyclic iron(III) intermediate‐spin complexes are investigated. The signal assignment was accomplished for all five complexes. The temperature dependence of the NMR spectra reveals that for complexes of the type Fe1 an ideal Curie behaviour is observed indicating the absence of excited states. This is not the case for complexes of the type Fe2 and Fe3. A significant deviation from the Curie straight line is observed for Fe3‐Cl indicating low‐lying excited states. Single crystals suitable for X‐ray structure analysis were obtained for the complexes Fe2‐Cl and Fe3‐I and the X‐ray structure of those two complexes is presented.
Evidence for plasticity in the frequency of skipped breeding opportunities in common toads
Authors: Muths Erin , Scherer Rick D. , Bosch Jaime
Published: May 2013

Breeding is limited by energetic or environmental constraints and long‐lived species sometimes skip breeding opportunities. Environmental conditions may vary considerably across the geographic and elevational range of a species and species that can respond through variation in life history strategies are likely to maintain populations at the extremes of their ranges. The decision to skip breeding enables animals to adjust life history to circumstances, and plasticity in behavior allows implementation of adjustments. Elevational patterns suggest that breeding may be limited physiologically at high elevations (e.g., greater probability of skipped breeding; resources and environmental conditions more variable) in contrast to low elevations (probability of skipping breeding lower; resources and environmental conditions more predictable). We estimated the probabilities of survival and skipped breeding in a high‐elevation population of common toads and compared estimates to existing data for common toads at low elevations, and to another toad species inhabiting a similar high elevation environment. Female common toads at high elevations tend to have high probabilities of skipping breeding and survival relative to data for common toads at low elevations, and appear to use a similar strategy of skipping breeding in response to similar environmental constraints as other toads at high elevations. We provide evidence of variability in this aspect of life history for common toads. Understanding variation in life history within widely distributed species is critical. Knowing that certain life history strategies are employed on a continuum informs conservation efforts, especially as impacts of climate change are likely to be different depending on elevation.
Disaster Impact Across Cultural Groups: Comparison of Whites, African Americans, and Latinos
Authors: Davidson Tatiana M. , Price Matthew , McCauley Jenna L. , Ruggiero Kenneth J.
Published: May 2013

The current study extends knowledge regarding the differential impact of natural disasters among White, African American, and Latino survivors of Hurricane Ike through its use of a large, regional sample recruited via representative sampling procedures to examine the associations between cultural identification and disaster impact, including loss, damage, and negative mental health outcomes. Consistent with previous research, results indicated disparities between cultural groups with regard to disaster exposure. Additionally, type of disaster impact was differentially associated with PTSD and depression status dependent on cultural group. Specifically, the extent of personal disaster exposure, property damage, and loss of services made significant contributions to PTSD status among White survivors. African‐Americans were more likely than White and Latino Ike survivors to endorse post‐disaster PTSD and depression and endorsement of depression was predicted by severity of property damage. With respect to Latino respondents, only the extent of personal disaster exposure significantly contributed to both PTSD and depression status. Implications of the current findings are discussed with regard to future disaster preparedness and response efforts and the implementation and evaluation of community‐based disaster resources.
Stress and Well‐Being Among Parents of Children with Potocki‐Lupski Syndrome
Authors: Carter Rebecca D. , Raia Marianna , Ewing‐Cobbs Linda , Gambello Michael , Hashmi S. Shahrukh , Peterson Susan K. , Robbins‐Furman Patricia , Potocki Lorraine
Published: May 2013

Potocki‐Lupski syndrome (PTLS) or duplication 17p11.2 syndrome is a newly characterized condition causing a variety of health problems with variable severity, including failure to thrive in infancy and childhood, hypotonia, structural heart anomalies, cognitive impairments, speech and learning difficulties, and autism. Due to its recent clinical characterization little is known about the psychosocial impact of this condition on patients and their families. This study evaluated whether parental psychosocial outcomes were associated with children's PTLS disease severity. Parents of 58 children with PTLS completed a cross‐sectional survey that assessed parental stress, quality of life, and coping skills. Parental functioning was associated with greater severity of feeding difficulty and with lower severity of a cardiovascular defect. Findings from this study highlight potential support needs of parents of children affected by PTLS and suggest ways in which these needs may be addressed.
The nucleoprotein of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus processes a stable hexameric ring to facilitate RNA encapsidation
Authors: Zhou Honggang , Sun Yuna , Wang Ying , Liu Min , Liu Chao , Wang Wenming , Liu Xiang , Li Le , Deng Fei , Wang Hualin , Guo Yu , Lou Zhiyong
Published: May 2013

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV), a member of the Phlebovirus genus from the Bunyaviridae family endemic to China, is the causative agent of life-threatening severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), which features high fever and hemorrhage. Similar to other negative-sense RNA viruses, SFTSV encodes a nucleocapsid protein (NP) that is essential for viral replication. NP facilitates viral RNA encapsidation and is responsible for the formation of ribonucleoprotein complex. However, recent studies have indicated that NP from Phlebovirus members behaves in inhomogeneous oligomerization states. In the present study, we report the crystal structure of SFTSV NP at 2.8 Å resolution and demonstrate the mechanism by which it processes a ringshaped hexameric form to accomplish RNA encapsidation. Key residues essential for oligomerization are identified through mutational analysis and identified to have a significant impact on RNA binding, which suggests that correct formation of highly ordered oligomers is a critical step in RNA encapsidation. The findings of this work provide new insights into the discovery of new antiviral reagents for Phlebovirus infection.
FOXO6 promotes gastric cancer cell tumorigenicity via upregulation of C‐myc
Authors: Qinyu Li , Long Cui , Zhen-dong Du , Min-min Shi , Wei-ze Wu , Wei-ping Yang , Cheng-hong Peng
Published: May 2013

FOXO6
physically interacts with
HNF4
by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View Interaction: 1, 2)
Atypical features of a Ure2p glutathione transferase from Phanerochaete chrysosporium
Authors: Thuillier Anne , Roret Thomas , Favier Frédérique , Gelhaye Eric , Jacquot Jean-Pierre , Didierjean Claude , Morel-Rouhier Mélanie
Published: May 2013

Glutathione transferases (GSTs) are known to transfer glutathione onto small hydrophobic molecules in detoxification reactions. The GST Ure2pB1 from Phanerochaete chrysosporium exhibits atypical features, i.e. the presence of two glutathione binding sites and a high affinity towards oxidized glutathione. Moreover, PcUre2pB1 is able to efficiently deglutathionylate GS‐phenacylacetophenone. Catalysis is not mediated by the cysteines of the protein but rather by the one of glutathione and an asparagine residue plays a key role in glutathione stabilization. Interestingly PcUre2pB1 interacts in vitro with a GST of the omega class. These properties are discussed in the physiological context of wood degrading fungi.
First generation inhibitors of the adenovirus proteinase
Authors: McGrath William J. , Graziano Vito , Zabrocka Katarzyna , Mangel Walter F.
Published: May 2013

As there are more than 50 adenovirus serotypes, the likelihood of developing an effective vaccine is low. Here we describe inhibitors of the adenovirus proteinase (AVP) with the ultimate objective of developing anti‐adenovirus agents. Inhibitors were identified via structure‐based drug design using as druggable sites the active site and a conserved cofactor pocket in the crystal structures of AVP. A lead compound was identified that had an IC50 of 18 μM. One of eight structural derivatives of the lead compound had an IC50 of 140 nM against AVP and an IC50 of 490 nM against the AVP with its cofactor bound.
LARP1 specifically recognizes the 3′ terminus of poly(A) mRNA
Authors: Aoki Kazuma , Adachi Shungo , Homoto Masae , Kusano Hideo , Koike Katsuyuki , Natsume Tohru
Published: May 2013

A poly(A) tail functions in mRNA turnover and in facilitating translation as a ribonucleoprotein complex with poly(A) binding proteins (PABPs). However, factors that associate with the poly(A) tail other than PABPs have not been described. Using proteomics, we identified candidate proteins that interact to the 3′ terminus of the poly(A) tail. Among these proteins, we focused on La motif‐related protein 1 (LARP1) and found that LARP1 specifically recognizes the 3′ termini of normal poly(A) tails. We also reveal that LARP1 stabilizes multiple mRNAs carrying 5′ terminal oligopyrimidine tract (5′TOP). Our findings suggest that LARP1 may be involved in the post‐transcriptional regulation of gene expression, at least in several 5′TOP mRNAs, through the binding to 3′ terminus of the poly(A) tail.
A role for the Ankyrin repeat containing protein Ankrd17 in Nod1‐ and Nod2‐mediated inflammatory responses
Authors: Menning Maureen , Kufer Thomas A.
Published: May 2013

Innate immune responses induced by the pattern‐recognition receptors Nod1 and Nod2 play pivotal roles to combat infection and to instruct adaptive immunity. Here we identify Ankrd17 as a novel binding partner of Nod2 and show that its N‐terminal domain mediates Nod2 binding. Knock‐down and overexpression analysis revealed that Ankrd17 is functionally involved in Nod2‐ and Nod1‐mediated responses in human myeloid and epithelial cells. In HeLa cells Ankrd17 contributed to pro‐inflammatory responses induced by Shigella flexneri, however not to type I interferon responses induced by Sendai virus. In conclusion, this reveals a novel function for Ankrd17 in anti‐bacterial innate immune pathways.
Identification of functionally relevant phoshorylatable serine clusters in the cytoplasmic region of the human CD6 lymphocyte surface receptor
Authors: Bonet Lizette , Farnós Montserrat , Martínez-Florensa Mario , Martínez Vanesa G. , Lozano Francisco
Published: May 2013

CD6 is a transmembrane receptor expressed by all T and a subset of B lymphocytes, where it physically associates with the antigen‐specific receptor to modulate activation and differentiation processes through still poorly understood mechanisms. Its cytoplasmic tail lacks intrinsic catalytic activity but presents several consensus motifs for phosphorylation. The present work reports on the identification of two constitutively phosphorylated serine clusters (S480/482/484 and S560/562/565/567/568), which are embedded into Casein Kinase 2 consensus motifs, and are indispensable for proper mitogen‐activated protein kinase activation following CD6 ligation. The data point to a novel level of regulation of CD6 function by intracytoplasmic serine phosphorylation.
Characteristics of sea-cliff erosion induced by a strong winter storm in the eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Katz Oded , Mushkin Amit
Published: May 2013

Changes in sea-cliff morphologies along the 30-km-long Sharon Escarpment segment of Israel's weakly cemented Mediterranean eolianite cliff line were analyzed to gain quantitative insights into erosion characteristics associated with a high-energy winter storm (10–20 year return interval). Ground-based repeat LiDAR measurements at five sites along the cliff line captured perturbations of cliff stability by basal wave scouring during the storm, subsequent post-storm gravity-driven slope failures in the cliff face above, and return of the system to transient stability within several months. Post-storm erosion, which amounted to 70% of the total volume of cliff erosion documented, resulted in dramatic local effects of up to 8 m of cliff-top retreat. And yet, at the larger scale of the 30-km cliff line examined, erosion during the storm and the year that followed affected less than 4% of the cliff length and does not appear to be above the average cliff-length annual erosion implied by previously published decadal-scale retreat rates along this sea cliff. Our results do not support a direct association between strong storm events and elevated erosion and retreat at the cliff-line scale.
JUSTIFIED BELIEF IN A DIGITAL AGE: ON THE EPISTEMIC IMPLICATIONS OF SECRET INTERNET TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: Miller Boaz , Record Isaac
Published: May 2013

People increasingly form beliefs based on information gained from automatically filtered internet sources such as search engines. However, the workings of such sources are often opaque, preventing subjects from knowing whether the information provided is biased or incomplete. Users' reliance on internet technologies whose modes of operation are concealed from them raises serious concerns about the justificatory status of the beliefs they end up forming. Yet it is unclear how to address these concerns within standard theories of knowledge and justification. To shed light on the problem, we introduce a novel conceptual framework that clarifies the relations between justified belief, epistemic responsibility, action and the technological resources available to a subject. We argue that justified belief is subject to certain epistemic responsibilities that accompany the subject's particular decision-taking circumstances, and that one typical responsibility is to ascertain, so far as one can, whether the information upon which the judgment will rest is biased or incomplete. What this responsibility comprises is partly determined by the inquiry-enabling technologies available to the subject. We argue that a subject's beliefs that are formed based on internet-filtered information are less justified than they would be if she either knew how filtering worked or relied on additional sources, and that the subject may have the epistemic responsibility to take measures to enhance the justificatory status of such beliefs.
A DUTY OF IGNORANCE
Authors: Matheson David
Published: May 2013

Conjoined with the claim that there is a moral right to privacy, each of the major contemporary accounts of privacy implies a duty of ignorance for those against whom the right is held. In this paper I consider and respond to a compelling argument that challenges these accounts (or the claim about a right to privacy) in the light of this implication. A crucial premise of the argument is that we cannot ever be morally obligated tobecomeignorant of information we currently know. The plausibility of this premise, I suggest, derives from the thought that there are no epistemically ‘non-drastic’ ways in which we can cause ourselves to become ignorant of what we already know. Drawing on some recent work in the epistemology and psychology of self-deception and forgetting, I seek to undermine this thought, and thus provide a defense against the challenging argument, by arguing that there are indeed such ways.
Ideas and the Limits on Program Expansion: The Failure of Nationwide Pharmacare in Canada Since 1944
Authors: Boothe Katherine
Published: May 2013

Abstract.This article investigates the limits that ideas place on the scope of policy expansion though an empirical puzzle. Canada lacks a nationwide, universal pharmaceutical insurance program, which contrasts with the experience of most mature welfare states and Canada's own broad public hospital and medical insurance. The article find that ideas matter in policy development because of the mechanisms put in place by the pace of change. A slower, incremental process of policy development leads to restricted policy ideas that limit opportunities for program expansion. The article finds evidence of a reciprocal relationship between policy ideas and public expectations in four proposals for nationwide pharmaceutical insurance in Canada between 1944 and 2002.

Résumé.Cet article examine les limites qu'imposent les idées à la portée du déploiement des politiques publiques, et ce à partir d'un paradoxe empirique : le Canada n'a aucun programme national et universel d'assurance-médicaments, ce qui tranche avec la situation de la plupart des États-providence établis ainsi qu'avec son propre système public d'assurance maladie et hospitalisation. L'article montre que les idées influencent le développement des politiques publiques en raison des mécanismes qu'induit le rythme des réformes. Un processus de développement lent et graduel entraîne la formation d'idées restrictives, qui limitent les opportunités d'expansion des programmes. La constatation y est également faite d'une relation de réciprocité entre les idées et les attentes du public dans le cadre de quatre propositions d'établissement d'une assurance-médicaments nationale au Canada, entre 1944 et 2002.
Cannabis use and first-episode psychosis: relationship with manic and psychotic symptoms, and with age at presentation
Authors: Stone J. M. , Fisher H. L. , Major B. , Chisholm B. , Woolley J. , Lawrence J. , Rahaman N. , Joyce J. , Hinton M. , Johnson S. , Young A. H.
Published: May 2013

Background

Cannabis use has been reported to be associated with an earlier onset of symptoms in patients with first-episode psychosis, and a worse outcome in those who continue to take cannabis. In general, studies have concentrated on symptoms of psychosis rather than mania. In this study, using a longitudinal design in a large naturalistic cohort of patients with first-episode psychosis, we investigated the relationship between cannabis use, age of presentation to services, daily functioning, and positive, negative and manic symptoms.

Method

Clinical data on 502 patients with first-episode psychosis were collected using the MiData audit database from seven London-based Early Intervention in psychosis teams. Individuals were assessed at two time points – at entry to the service and after 1 year. On each occasion, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Young Mania Rating Scale and Global Assessment of Functioning Scale disability subscale were rated. At both time points, the use of cannabis and other drugs of abuse in the 6 months preceding each assessment was recorded.

Results

Level of cannabis use was associated with a younger age at presentation, and manic symptoms and conceptual disorganization, but not with delusions, hallucinations, negative symptoms or daily functioning. Cannabis users who reduced or stopped their use following contact with services had the greatest improvement in symptoms at 1 year compared with continued users and non-users. Continued users remained more symptomatic than non-users at follow-up.

Conclusions

Effective interventions for reducing cannabis use may yield significant health benefits for patients with first-episode psychosis.
Paying for Children: The State's Changing Role and Income Adequacy
Authors: HIRSCH DONALD
Published: May 2013

In a number of countries, the state has become more closely involved in helping low-income families with children to make ends meet – including those with low earnings as well as out-of-work families. The adequacy of such support can be assessed against benchmarks measuring the additional cost of a child in households that maintain spending at a level sufficient to participate adequately in society. A socially defined minimum income standard provides an empirically based benchmark, which allows more meaningful measurement of adequacy than measures based on relative income or actual spending patterns.

Using evidence from the Minimum Income Standard for the United Kingdom, this paper considers the extent to which the UK state covers the additional cost of having children for non-working and low-earning families respectively. It finds that the present system has come close to covering this cost for some low-income families, but has started to withdraw from this position. The paper concludes by considering advantages and pitfalls for countries of adopting targeted forms of support for children focused on income adequacy. Such support can help working as well as non-working families escape poverty, but also makes them heavily dependent on state transfers to make ends meet.
The impact of a school-based water supply and treatment, hygiene, and sanitation programme on pupil diarrhoea: a cluster-randomized trial
Authors: FREEMAN M. C. , CLASEN T. , DREIBELBIS R. , SABOORI S. , GREENE L. E. , BRUMBACK B. , MUGA R. , RHEINGANS R.
Published: May 2013

The impact of improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) access on mitigating illness is well documented, although impact of school-based WASH on school-aged children has not been rigorously explored. We conducted a cluster-randomized trial in Nyanza Province, Kenya to assess the impact of a school-based WASH intervention on diarrhoeal disease in primary-school pupils. Two study populations were used: schools with a nearby dry season water source and those without. Pupils attending ‘water-available’ schools that received hygiene promotion and water treatment (HP&WT) and sanitation improvements showed no difference in period prevalence or duration of illness compared to pupils attending control schools. Those pupils in schools that received only the HP&WT showed similar results. Pupils in ‘water-scarce’ schools that received a water-supply improvement, HP&WT and sanitation showed a reduction in diarrhoea incidence and days of illness. Our study revealed mixed results on the impact of improvements to school WASH improvements on pupil diarrhoea.
Anomalous origin of the left subclavian artery from the pulmonary artery
Authors: Ugurlucan Murat , Arslan Ahmet Hulisi , Besikci Resmiye Tore , Karadeniz Oktay , Ay Sibel , Yildiz Yahya , Cicek Sertac
Published: May 2013

Isolated left subclavian artery from the pulmonary trunk is a rare congenital cardiovascular malformation. In this report, we present the images of ascending aortic aneurysm and left subclavian artery originating from the pulmonary artery in a 4-year-old girl in addition to her congenital cardiac pathology.