bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supermarket own brand foods: lower in energy cost but similar in nutritional quality to their market brand alternatives
Authors: Faulkner G. P. , Livingstone M. B. E. , McCaffrey T. A. , Kerr M. A.
Published: December 2013

Background

The present study aimed to compare the nutritional quality (NQ) and energy costs (EC) (£ MJ–1) of own brand (OB) versus market brand (MB) foods in 2010 and 2012.

Methods

A list of processed foods (n = 32) was identified based on the most frequently consumed foods in the UK. Total fat, saturated fat, sugars, salt and energy density (ED) (kJ g−1) in 2010 and 2012 were compared for six OB and one MB version of each food using a NQ scoring method based on the Food Standards Agency's Traffic Light System (TLS). Additional information (fruit, vegetable and nut content; protein; fibre and sodium) was recorded in 2012, and NQ was assessed using the Food Standards Agency's nutrient profiling model (NPM). The EC of the food baskets (FB) was compared in 2010 and 2012.

Results

There were no differences in overall NQ between OB and MB FB in 2010 (TLS, P = 0.978) or 2012 (TLS, P = 0.840; NPM, P = 0.696). However, the MB FB was highest in EC in 2010 and 2012 (both P < 0.001). There was an inverse relationship between the ED and EC of the MB foods in 2010 (r = −0.484; P = 0.005) and 2012 (r = −0.452; P = 0.009).

Conclusions

The MB FB was higher in EC than the OB FB in 2010 and 2012 but not superior in overall NQ based on both the TLS and NPM.
Metrological challenges for reconstruction of 3‐D microstructures by focused ion beam tomography methods
Authors: MINGARD K.P. , JONES H.G. , GEE M.G.
Published: December 2013

The development of combined focused ion beam and scanning electron microscopes has enabled significant advances in the characterization of the 3‐D structure of materials. The repeated removal of thin layers or slices with an ion beam and imaging or mapping the chemical or crystallographic structure of each slice enables a 3‐D reconstruction from the images or maps. The accuracy of the reconstruction thus depends on the accuracy with which the slice thickness is measured and maintained throughout the process, and the alignment accuracy of the slices achieved during acquisition or by postacquisition corrections. A survey of papers published in this field suggests that the reconstruction accuracy is not often considered or reported. Using examples from examination of the 3‐D structure of hardmetals, issues affecting the accuracy of slice thicknesses and image realignments are examined and illustrated and potential errors quantified by the use of fiducial markers and the expected isotropy of the hardmetal structure itself.
A case of maxillary sarcoma in a chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: Fujisawa M. , Udono T. , Nogami E. , Hirosawa M. , Morimura N. , Saito A. , Seres M. , Teramoto M. , Nagano K. , Mori Y. , Uesaka H. , Nasu K. , Tomonaga M. , Idani G. , Hirata S. , Tsuruyama T. , Matsubayashi K.
Published: December 2013

Oral malignancy is rare in chimpanzees. A 34‐year‐old female chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) at Kumamoto Sanctuary, Japan, had developed it. Treatment is technically difficult for chimpanzees while malignant neoplasm is seemingly rising in captive populations. Widespread expert discussion, guidelines for treatment, especially for great apes in terminal stages is urgently needed.
Improving the image of student‐recruited samples: A commentary
Authors: Demerouti Evangelia , Rispens Sonja
Published: December 2013

This commentary argues that the quality and usefulness of student‐recruited data can be evaluated by examining the external validity and generalization issues related to this sampling method. Therefore, we discuss how the sampling methods of student‐ and non‐student‐recruited samples can enhance or diminish external validity and generalization. Next, we present the advantages of the student‐recruited sampling method (heterogeneity of the sample, student learning, cost reduction, and elaborate research designs) and conclude with making additional suggestions on how to improve the quality of these data.
Default and Renegotiation in Public‐Private Partnership Auctions
Authors: MENEZES FLÁVIO , RYAN MATTHEW
Published: December 2013

The winners of auctions for pubic‐private partnership contracts, especially for major infrastructure projects such as highways, often enter financial distress, requiring the concession to be reallocated or renegotiated. We build a simple model to identify the causes and consequences of such problems. In the model, firms bid toll charges for a fixed‐term highway concession, with the lowest bid winning the auction. The winner builds and operates the highway for the fixed concession period. Each bidder has a privately known construction cost and there is common uncertainty regarding the level of demand that will result for the completed highway. Because it is costly for the government to reassign the concession, it is exposed to a holdup problem, which bidders can exploit through the strategic use of debt. Each firm chooses its financial structure to provide optimal insurance against downside demand risk: the credible threat of default is used to extort an additional transfer payment from the government. We derive the optimal financial structure and equilibrium bidding behavior and show that (i) the auction remains efficient, but (ii) bids are lower than they would be if all bidders were cash‐financed, and (iii) the more efficient the winning firm, the more likely it is to require a government bailout and the higher the expected transfer it extracts from the government. We discuss potential resolutions of this problem, including the use of least‐present‐value‐of‐revenue auctions.
A Theory of Congregational Giving
Authors: ROSBOROUGH JONATHAN
Published: December 2013

This paper proposes a model to explain a broad range of established empirical facts about giving and attendance rates in religious congregations. We treat the religious service collectively consumed by the congregation as a “participatory” public good, in the sense that while its quality increases in contributions, individual consumption varies by the amount of time devoted toward attendance. The model predicts that lower income individuals will be overrepresented in religious congregations, with giving concentrated among higher income members. Inclusive doctrine is shown to increase membership but reduce average giving and attendance, while “tithing” requirements reduce membership and increase total giving.
Why Research in Sustainable Supply Chain Management Should Have no Future
Authors: Pagell Mark , Shevchenko Anton
Published: December 2013

In the last two decades, the topic of sustainability has moved from the fringes of supply chain management research to the mainstream and is now an area of significant research activity. In this paper, we argue that while this increase in acceptance and activity is welcome and has lead to a greater understanding of sustainability, our present knowledge is not sufficient to create truly sustainable supply chains. We build on this insight to identify five main issues that future research needs to address. We argue that when it comes to the theory of sustainable supply chain management, previous research has focused on the synergistic and familiar while overlooking trade‐offs and radical innovation. These theoretical issues are compounded by measures that do not truly capture a supply chain's impacts and methods that are better at looking backwards than forwards. The paper concludes by proposing a series of recommendations that address these issues to help in the development of truly sustainable supply chains.
Characterization of a Probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum Isolated from Snakehead, Channa striatus, Stomach
Authors: Allameh Sayed K. , Yusoff Fatimah M. , Daud Hassan M. , Ringø Einar , Ideris Aini , Saad Che R.
Published: December 2013

This study sought to isolate and characterize lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from stomach of adult snakehead fish, Channa striatus, to be used as probiotics for freshwater fish. A total of 13 strains were isolated from the stomach of 10 fish, and 4 of these belonged to LAB. Strain LAB‐3 showing highest in vitro growth inhibition of Aeromonas hydrophila in a disk diffusion test was identified as Lactobacillus fermentum by conventional and molecular techniques and evaluated in vitro through various tests. The bacterium could grow at pH 3–8; but the optimum growth was observed at pH 6. Moreover, LAB‐3 grew at 0.15 and 0.3% bile salt concentrations, from 15 to 45 C, and at 4% NaCl. L. fermentum showed in vitro inhibitory activity against three fish pathogens, A. hydrophila, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Shewanella putrefaciens, tested by disk diffusion and well diffusion methods. Antibiotic sensitivity tests indicated that L. fermentum was resistant to streptomycin, gentamycin, and kanamycin, intermediate to tetracycline, but sensitive to chloramphenicol, amoxicillin, and ampicillin. Challenge test by using A. hydrophila showed that survival of snakehead was significantly (P < 0.05) improved when 2 × 106 LAB‐3/g was supplemented to the diet. Therefore, this study suggests that L. fermentum might be a promising probiotic in snakehead aquaculture.
Feasibility of Pond Production of Largemouth Bass,Micropterus salmoides, for a Filet Market
Authors: Engle Carole R. , Stone Nathan , Xie Lin
Published: December 2013

The effects of stocking density on food‐size largemouth bass (LMB),Micropterus salmoides, production (>0.5 kg) were evaluated in a 2‐yr study by stockingLMBfingerlings (mean weight = 57 g/fish) in 0.1‐ha earthen ponds at rates of 6175, 12,350, or 18,525 fish/ha. Gross yields increased from 3989 to 9096 kg/ha as stocking density increased. No significant differences were observed in survival rates (range of 65–74%) due to density. Maximum feed consumption occurred at water temperatures of 27–30 C. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) and mean harvest weight were significantly different (P < 0.05) among densities, with the lowestFCRand the lowest mean weight found at the highest density (18,525 fish/ha). At harvest,LMBwere considered to be in good condition with relative weight (Wr) values of 123–124. Dressout yield percentages were 61–62% for whole‐dressedLMBand 34–35% for shank filets.LMBgrew well and reached a size adequate for targeted shank filet sizes. However, the production costs of $7.26–$9.34/kg mean thatLMBproduction for a filet market is unlikely to be feasible. Research to lowerLMBfingerling and feed costs and improvedFCRwould contribute to improved economic feasibility.
Numerical and Experimental Study of Axial Force and Hydraulic Performance in a Deep-Well Centrifugal Pump With Different Impeller Rear Shroud Radius
Authors: Zhou Ling , Shi Weidong , Li Wei , Agarwal Ramesh
Published: December 2013

A multistage deep-well centrifugal pump (DCP) with different impeller rear shroud radius have been investigated both numerically and experimentally under multiconditons, which aims at studying the influence of impeller rear shroud radius to the axial force and pump hydraulic performance. During this study, a two-stage DCP equipped with three different impellers was simulated employing the commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software ANYSY-Fluent to solve the Navier-Stokes equations for three-dimensional steady flow. High-quality structured grids were meshed on the whole computational domain. Test results were acquired by prototype experiments, and then compared with the predicted pump performance and axial force. The static pressure distribution in the pump passage obtained by numerical simulation was analyzed. The results indicated that the appropriate impeller rear shroud radius could improve the pump performance and lower the axial force significantly.
Fabrication of monodisperse particles by nanoimprinting using anodic porous alumina molds
Authors: Yanagishita Takashi , Kawamoto Midori , Nishio Kazuyuki , Masuda Hideki
Published: December 2013

Monodisperse particles were prepared by nanoimprinting using anodic porous alumina as a mold. The size and shape of the obtained particles could be controlled by changing the geometrical structures of the mold. The process reported here enables the high-throughput preparation of monodisperse particles, which are expected to be used in various applications.
Interfollicular Epidermal Stem Cells Self-Renew via Autocrine Wnt Signaling
Authors: Lim Xinhong , Tan Si Hui , Koh Winston Lian Chye , Chau Rosanna Man Wah , Yan Kelley S. , Kuo Calvin J. , van Amerongen Renée , Klein Allon Moshe , Nusse Roel
Published: December 2013

Epithelial Stem Cells

Much remains to be known about how epithelial stem cells are generated and maintained.

Lim
et al.

(p.
1226
; see the Perspective by

Frede and Jones

) describe a mechanism of stem cell maintenance where epidermal stem cells generate their own self-renewing Wnt signals rather than being controlled by adjacent “niche” signals. These stem cells also express secreted Wnt inhibitors that become localized to more differentiated progeny cells. These autocrine Wnt signals and paracrine long-range Wnt inhibitors may balance stem cell self-renewal and differentiation.
Low Coseismic Friction on the Tohoku-Oki Fault Determined from Temperature Measurements
Authors: Fulton P. M. , Brodsky E. E. , Kano Y. , Mori J. , Chester F. , Ishikawa T. , Harris R. N. , Lin W. , Eguchi N. , Toczko S. ,   Expedition 343, 343T, and KR13-08 Scientists
Published: December 2013

Deep Drilling for Earthquake Clues

The 2011
M
w
9.0 Tohoku-Oki earthquake and tsunami were remarkable in many regards, including the rupturing of shallow trench sediments with huge associated slip (see the Perspective by

Wang and Kinoshita

). The Japan Trench Fast Drilling Project rapid response drilling expedition sought to sample and monitor the fault zone directly through a series of boreholes.

Chester
et al.

(p.
1208
) describe the structure and composition of the thin fault zone, which is predominately comprised of weak clay-rich sediments. Using these same fault-zone materials,

Ujiie
et al.

(p.
1211
) performed high-velocity frictional experiments to determine the physical controls on the large slip that occurred during the earthquake. Finally,

Fulton
et al.

(p.
1214
) measured in situ temperature anomalies across the fault zone for 9 months, establishing a baseline for frictional resistance and stress during and following the earthquake.
Up Close and Personal with Cancer
The Cancer Chronicles
Unlocking Medicine's Deepest Mystery

by George Johnson

Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 2013. 299 pp. $27.95, C$32. ISBN 9780307595140. Bodley Head, London. £18.99. ISBN 9781847921666.
Authors: Disis Mary L.
Published: December 2013

Johnson weaves together a memoir of his wife's illness and his personal investigation into what is and is not known about cancer.
Stop, Go, and Evolve
Authors: Victora Gabriel D.
Published: December 2013

Mouse genetics and intravital microscopy are combined to investigate how antibody evolution correlates with, and depends on, B lymphocytes.
What Awaits the New NSF Director
Authors: McNutt Marcia
Published: December 2013

In the coming days, the United States Senate will consider the confirmation of Dr. France Córdova as director of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). If confirmed, Dr. Córdova will be the latest in a line of distinguished scientists to lead the nearly $7 billion agency, the most important source of funding for basic research outside of the biomedical sciences. Rather than turning over with the election of a new president, the NSF director is appointed to a 6-year term. During the roughly 2000 days that Córdova will have at the helm, she will need to deal with many forces that threaten the nation's ability to innovate. One major impediment is the continuing threat of mandatory budget cuts from sequestration, whose impact this year included fewer grants awarded and delays to many research projects.
Lawsuits Seek 'Personhood' for Chimpanzees
Authors: Grimm David
Published: December 2013

Animal rights group files series of lawsuits to turn chimpanzees into legal persons.
Island of the Snakes
Authors: Stokstad Erik
Published: December 2013

The invasive brown tree snake has devastated Guam's ecosystems. Can it be eradicated?
Multilocus Sequence Typing of an Emerging Cryptosporidium hominis Subtype in the United States
Authors: Feng Yaoyu , Tiao Narry , Li Na , Hlavsa Michele , Xiao Lihua
Published: December 2013

The United States has experienced a substantial increase in the reported incidence of cryptosporidiosis since 2005. Accompanying this is the emergence of a new subtype of
Cryptosporidium hominis
based on variation at the 60-kDa glycoprotein (gp60) locus, IaA28R4, which has become a frequently identified subtype in both sporadic and outbreak-related cases. In this study, using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) at eight genetic loci, we characterized 62 specimens of IaA28R4 and 33 specimens of three other gp60 subtypes of
C. hominis
from four U.S. states with increased cryptosporidiosis incidences during the summer of 2008. Extensive genetic heterogeneity was seen within the gp60 subtype IaA28R4, but specimens from Ohio and southwestern states formed two distinct subpopulations, suggesting that there were at least two origins of IaA28R4 within the United States. Discordance in typing results was observed between gp60 and other genetic markers, especially DZ-HRGP, and this discordance was largely the result of genetic recombination within the gp60 subtype IaA28R4. The results of population genetic analyses supported the presence of two subpopulations of IaA28R4 and the occurrence of genetic recombination within this gp60 subtype. Thus, the IaA28R4 subtype at gp60 is likely a fitness marker for
C. hominis
, and genetic recombination is potentially a driving force in the emergence of the virulent IaA28R4 subtype in the United States. A rapid evolution of IaA28R4 was indicated by the observation of multiple MLST subtypes of IaA28R4 within two large outbreaks that lasted for extended periods and involved multiple swimming pools.
A Vaccine against CCR5 Protects a Subset of Macaques upon Intravaginal Challenge with Simian Immunodeficiency Virus SIVmac251
Authors: Van Rompay Koen K. A. , Hunter Zoe , Jayashankar Kartika , Peabody Julianne , Montefiori David , LaBranche Celia C. , Keele Brandon F. , Jensen Kara , Abel Kristina , Chackerian Bryce
Published: December 2013

As an alternative to targeting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), we have developed vaccines targeting CCR5, a self-protein critically involved in HIV replication and pathogenesis. By displaying peptides derived from CCR5 at high density on the surface of virus-like particles, we can efficiently induce high-titer IgG antibodies against this self-molecule. Here, we investigated whether prophylactic immunization of rhesus macaques with a particle-based vaccine targeting two regions of macaque CCR5 could prevent or suppress vaginal infection with highly virulent SIVmac251. Twelve macaques were vaccinated with a bacteriophage Qß-based vaccine targeting macaque CCR5 (Qß.CCR5). Six control animals were immunized with the Qß platform alone. All animals immunized with Qß.CCR5 developed high-titer anti-CCR5 antibody responses. Macaques were vaginally challenged with a high dose of SIVmac251. The mean peak viral RNA levels in the vaccinated groups were 30-fold lower than in the control group (10
6.8
versus 10
8.3
copies/ml plasma). Three of the 12 vaccinated macaques dramatically suppressed simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) replication: peak viral loads were low (10
3
to 10
4
RNA copies/ml), and SIV RNA became undetectable from 6 weeks onward. No viral RNA or DNA could be detected in colon and lymph node biopsy specimens collected 13 months after challenge.
In vivo
depletion of CD8
+
cells failed to induce a viral rebound. However, once anti-CCR5 antibody responses had waned, the 3 animals became infected after intravaginal and/or intravenous rechallenge. In conclusion, vaccination against CCR5 was associated with dramatic suppression of virus replication in a subset (25%) of macaques. These data support further research of vaccination against CCR5 to combat HIV infection.
Penile metastases treated with partial glansectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy 5 years after an initial diagnosis of rectal cancer
Authors: McGuinness Luke Aidan , Floyd M S , Lucky M , Parr N J
Published: December 2013

A 61-year-old man with recurrent rectal carcinoma was referred to the urology clinic with two penile lesions. These had negatively affected his quality of life and he underwent a radical circumcision and proximal glansectomy with reconstruction. This case report examines the clinical presentation and surgical treatment of rectal carcinoma metastasising to the penis.
Brachial plexitis preceding encephalomyelitis in a patient with West Nile virus infection
Authors: Scholz Sonja , Kaas Bonnie , Simpkins Alexis , Lyons Jennifer , Venkatesan Arun , Probasco John
Published: December 2013

We describe the case of a 54-year-old woman with West Nile virus infection presenting with painful brachial plexitis and radiculitis that preceded the more typically associated symptoms of meningoencephalitis. Physicians should be aware that West Nile virus infection can present with painful brachial plexitis.
An unusual association between acute ischaemic stroke and cerebral venous thrombosis with thyrotoxic state
Authors: Janovsky Carolina Castro Porto Silva , Fukuda Thiago G , Silva Gisele S , Martins João Roberto M
Published: December 2013

Arterial cerebral ischaemia has been described in different diseases of the thyroid. Likewise, cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) has been reported in association with hyperthyroidism. However, the association of arterial and venous cerebral ischaemic events in patients with hyperthyroidism has not been previously described. We report the case of a patient with thyrotoxicosis who presented initially with an arterial ischaemic stroke complicated by a concomitant CVT, ultimately treated with decompressive craniectomy. Laboratory results revealed elevated factor VIII coagulant activity and a positive lupus anticoagulant IgG. In conclusion, CVT and arterial ischaemic events can happen concomitantly in patients with hyperthyroidism. Although there is insufficient evidence to prove that a hypercoagulability state in hyperthyroidism predisposes to cerebral ischaemia, the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies and other hypercoagulability studies should be performed in patients with thyrotoxicosis and ischaemic events.
Multiple Lambl's excrescences with subvalvular extension, a rare cause of cryptogenic stroke: treated by port-access cardiac surgery
Authors: Al-Ansari S , Hindori V , Riezebos R K , Yilmaz A
Published: December 2013

A young male patient was evaluated for a cardiac cause of ischaemic stroke. In the work-up, a tumour was detected on the subvalvular apparatus of the mitral valve for which operative removal was scheduled. A port-access procedure was applied as a novel way of treatment. On thoracoscopic intracardiac inspection, however, multiple tumours were seen attached to the chordae tendineae and to the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve. It was decided to not to perform a plasty but to remove the valve in toto and insert a mechanical valve prosthesis. The tumours were diagnosed as multiple giant Lambl's excrescences.
Comparison of D-dimer point of care test (POCT) against current laboratory test in patients with suspected venous thromboembolism (VTE) presenting to the emergency department (ED)
Authors: Sen Basav , Kesteven Patrick , Avery Peter
Published: December 2013

Aims

To compare quantitative point of care (POC) with laboratory d-dimer testing in patients with suspected venous thromboembolism (VTE) presenting to the emergency department.

Methods

A prospective single centre diagnostic study in adults presenting with suspected VTE (pleuritic chest pain or leg swelling)

Results

Main outcome measures were the statistical correlation of the two methods. Secondary outcome measures were: test turnaround times, correlation between D-dimer levels, Wells score and final diagnosis. The results showed that there was strong evidence of POC D-dimer being sufficiently accurate to be used as a screening device. The correlation between the two logged assay scores was good. Both logged scores correlated similarly with the Wells score. Once an equivalent cut-off value for POC D-dimer (412 ng/mL) was established, there were only 4 of 100 cases all of which were extremely close to the cut-off. D-dimer turnaround time decreased by 83%. A further recent analysis of laboratory times done in 2013 demonstrates that POC D-dimer results remain 62% quicker. Based on the D-dimer results 27 patients were scanned. The median Wells score in this group was 3.0 (range 2–10) median POC D-dimer levels of 2590 (412–5000) and median lab D-dimer levels of 864 (230–13 000) showing good correlation between D-dimer positive patients and the Wells score. Seven patients had positive scans. There was a significant difference in both logged D-dimer scores between the negative and positive groups indicating that raised D-dimer levels correlate well with final diagnosis.

Conclusions

The POC device was comparable with the laboratory device and was sufficiently accurate to be used as a screening tool in the emergency department setting.
Burnout and engagement, and its predictors in young veterinary professionals: the influence of gender
Authors: Mastenbroek N. J. J. M. , Jaarsma A. D. C. , Demerouti E. , Muijtjens A. M. M. , Scherpbier A. J. J. A. , van Beukelen P.
Published: December 2013

With the aim to assess levels of burnout and work engagement in junior veterinarians and identify predictors of burnout and work engagement in male and female veterinarians, 1760 veterinarians who had graduated in The Netherlands between 1999 and 2009, received an electronic questionnaire. Veterinarians numbering 860 (73 per cent females) participated. Levels of exhaustion, cynicism and work engagement were significantly lower compared to the norm group (a random sample of the Dutch working population). Male veterinarians were less exhausted and more engaged than female veterinarians. Exhaustion decreased over the years. Job demands positively related to exhaustion were work‐home interference and workload. Job resources positively related to work engagement were opportunities for professional development and skills discretion (ie, the ability to use and develop skills on the job. Personal resources explained more of the variance in work engagement of female and male veterinarians (31 per cent and 42 per cent) than of the variance in exhaustion (19 per cent and 21 per cent) and cynicism (19 per cent and 10 per cent). Personal resources positively related to work engagement were self‐efficacy and proactive behaviour. Relative importance analysis revealed differences between men and women in the importance of various job demands, job resources and personal resources in explaining burnout and engagement in young veterinary professionals.
Investigation of the conserved glutamate immediately following the DEAD box in eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4AI
Authors: Patel Krishnaben , Shah Grishma K. , Kommaraju Sai Shilpa , Low Woon-Kai
Published: December 2013

The DExD-box family (DEAD-box) of proteins was surveyed for eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A-specific sequences surrounding the DEAD box. An eIF4A-unique glutamate residue (E186 in eIF4AI) was identified immediately following the D-E-A-D sequence in eIF4AI, II, and III that was found to be conserved from yeast to Man. Mutation to a selection of alternative amino acids was performed within recombinant eIF4AI expressed in Escherichia coli and mutant proteins were surveyed for RNA-dependent ATPase activity. The mutants were also investigated for changes in activity in the presence of the two eIF4AI-binding domains of eIF4GI as well as for co-purification ability to these two domains. The E186 residue was found to be of significance for RNA-dependent ATPase activity for eIF4AI alone and in the presence of eIF4AI-binding domains of eIF4GI through point-mutation analysis. Furthermore, binding interactions between eIF4AI and eIF4GI domains were also significantly influenced by mutation of E186, as observed through co-purification assays. Thus, this residue appears to be of functional significance for eIF4A.
Molecular energies of the improved Tietz potential energy model
Authors: Tang Hong-Ming , Liang Guang-Chuan , Zhang Lie-Hui , Zhao Feng , Jia Chun-Sheng
Published: December 2013

We solve the Schrödinger equation with the improved Tietz empirical potential energy model. The rotation-vibrational energy spectra and the unnormalized radial wave functions have been obtained. The vibrational energy levels predicted by using the improved Tietz potential model for the 51Δgstate and C1Πustate of the Na2molecule are in good agreement with the experimental Rydberg−Klein−Rees data.
A SELECTIVE IMAGE ENCRYPTION BASED ON COUPLE SPATIAL CHAOTIC SYSTEMS
Authors: WANG XING-YUAN , WANG TIAN , XU DA-HAI , CHEN FENG
Published: December 2013

In this paper, we present a selective image encryption system based on couple spatial chaotic systems, the cascade one-dimensional Logistic map and high-dimensional spatial chaotic system has been used to generate the adequate encryption sequence, then the selective gray-level image encryption is implemented with the sequence, which can greatly improve the encryption performance and efficiency. In addition, we also adopt an index array to control the generation of the secret key, a completely different cipher text will be obtained if a pixel's value is altered in the original image, which can resist the differential attack effectively.
SLOW LIGHT AND DISPERSION COMPENSATION BY CASCADING TWO PHOTONIC CRYSTAL WAVEGUIDES
Authors: LIU YE , FANG BO , WANG LILI , JIANG CHUN
Published: December 2013

In this paper, we propose a structure with cascaded two photonic crystal line-defect waveguides to reduce group velocity dispersion (GVD) of slow light. The width of the line-defect waveguides is tuned to obtain the two matched dispersion relations, where one of the dispersion relations has a maximum point with zero group velocity and large positive GVD; the other has a minimum point with zero group velocity and large negative GVD. The waveguides have ultra slow light with the group velocity 0.0012c. Finite-difference time-domain simulation demonstrates that the spreading of the slow light pulse in the first waveguide can be recovered by the dispersion compensation of the second waveguide with positive GVD.
Cells derived from porcine aorta tunica media show mesenchymal stromal-like cell properties in in vitro culture
Authors: Zaniboni Andrea , Bernardini Chiara , Alessandri Marco , Mangano Chiara , Zannoni Augusta , Bianchi Francesca , Sarli Giuseppe , Calzà Laura , Bacci Maria Laura , Forni Monica
Published: December 2013

Several studies have already described the presence of specialized niches of precursor cells in vasculature wall, and it has been shown that these populations share several features with mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). Considering the relevance of MSCs in the cardiovascular physiopathology and regenerative medicine, and the usefulness of the pig animal model in this field, we reported a new method for MSC-like cell isolation from pig aorta. Filling the vessel with a collagenase solution for 40 min, all endothelial cells were detached and discarded and then collagenase treatment was repeated for 4 h to digest approximately one-third of the tunica media. The ability of our method to select a population of MSC-like cells from tunica media could be ascribed in part to the elimination of contaminant cells from the intimal layer and in part to the overnight culture in the high antibiotic/antimycotic condition and to the starvation step. Aortic-derived cells show an elongated, spindle shape, fibroblast-like morphology, as reported for MSCs, stain positively for CD44, CD56, CD90, and CD105; stain negatively for CD34 and CD45; and express CD73 mRNA. Moreover, these cells show the classical mesenchymal trilineage differentiation potential. Under our in vitro culture conditions, aortic-derived cells share some phenotypical features with pericytes and are able to take part in the formation of network-like structures if cocultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In conclusion, our work reports a simple and highly suitable method for obtaining large numbers of precursor MSC-like cells derived from the porcine aortic wall.
Spatial organization of the vascular bundle and the interbundle region: three-dimensional reconstruction at the inner stripe of the outer medulla in the mouse kidney
Authors: Ren Hao , Gu Ling , Andreasen Arne , Thomsen Jesper S. , Cao Liu , Christensen Erik I. , Zhai Xiao-Yue
Published: December 2013

The vascular bundle (VB) is a complex structure that resides in the inner stripe of the outer medulla. At present, the tubulovascular spatial organization of the VB, which is crucial for the formation of the osmolarity gradient and for solute transport, is still under debate. In this study, we used computer-assisted digital tracing combined with aquaporin-1 immunohistochemistry to reconstruct all tubules and vessels in the VB of the mouse kidney. We found, first, that the descending and ascending vasa recta travelled exclusively through the VB. The ascending vasa recta received no tributaries (no branches) along their entire path in the medulla and were not connected with the capillary plexus in the interbundle region. Second, a specific group of the descending vasa recta were closely accompanied by the longest ascending vasa recta, which connected only to the capillary plexus at the tip of the papilla. Third, the descending thin limbs of all short-looped nephrons travelled exclusively through the outer part of the VB. The loops of these nephrons (both descending and ascending parts) were distributed in a regular pattern based on their length. Finally, the thick ascending limbs of all long-looped nephrons were located at the margin of the VB (except a few within the VB), which formed a layer separating the VB from the interbundle region. In conclusion, our three-dimensional analysis of the VB strongly suggest a lateral osmolarity heterogeneity across the inner stripe of the outer medulla, which might work as a driving force for water and solute transport.
Mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathophysiology of renal diseases
Authors: Che Ruochen , Yuan Yanggang , Huang Songming , Zhang Aihua
Published: December 2013

Mitochondrial dysfunction has gained recognition as a contributing factor in many diseases. The kidney is a kind of organ with high energy demand, rich in mitochondria. As such, mitochondrial dysfunction in the kidney plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of kidney diseases. Despite the recognized importance mitochondria play in the pathogenesis of the diseases, there is limited understanding of various aspects of mitochondrial biology. This review examines the physiology and pathophysiology of mitochondria. It begins by discussing mitochondrial structure, mitochondrial DNA, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial dynamics, and mitophagy, before turning to inherited mitochondrial cytopathies in kidneys (inherited or sporadic mitochondrial DNA or nuclear DNA mutations in genes that affect mitochondrial function). Glomerular diseases, tubular defects, and other renal diseases are then discussed. Next, acquired mitochondrial dysfunction in kidney diseases is discussed, emphasizing the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury, as their prevalence is increasing. Finally, it summarizes the possible beneficial effects of mitochondrial-targeted therapeutic agents for treatment of mitochondrial dysfunction-mediated kidney injury-genetic therapies, antioxidants, thiazolidinediones, sirtuins, and resveratrol-as mitochondrial-based drugs may offer potential treatments for renal diseases.
Resolvin D1 Reverts Lipopolysaccharide-Induced TJ Proteins Disruption and the Increase of Cellular Permeability by Regulating IκBαSignaling in Human Vascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Zhang Xingcai , Wang Tingting , Gui Ping , Yao Chengye , Sun Wei , Wang Linlin , Wang Huiqing , Xie Wanli , Yao Shanglong , Lin Yun , Wu Qingping
Published: December 2013

Tight Junctions (TJ) are important components of paracellular pathways, and their destruction enhances vascular permeability. Resolvin D1 (RvD1) is a novel lipid mediator that has treatment effects on inflammatory diseases, but its effect on inflammation induced increase in vascular permeability is unclear. To understand whether RvD1 counteracts the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced increase in vascular cell permeability, we investigated the effects of RvD1 on endothelial barrier permeability and tight junction reorganization and expression in the presence or absence of LPS stimulation in cultured Human Vascular Endothelial Cells (HUVECs). Our results showed that RvD1 decreased LPS-induced increased in cellular permeability and inhibited the LPS-induced redistribution of zo-1, occludin, and F-actin in HUVECs. Moreover, RvD1 attenuated the expression of IκBαin LPS-induced HUVECs. The NF-κB inhibitor PDTC enhanced the protective effects of RvD1 on restoration of occludin rather than zo-1 expression in LPS-stimulated HUVECs. By contrast, the ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 had no effect on LPS-induced alterations in zo-1 and occludin protein expressions in HUVECs. Our data indicate that RvD1 protects against impairment of endothelial barrier function induced by LPS through upregulating the expression of TJ proteins in HUVECs, which involves the IκBαpathway but not the ERK1/2 signaling.
Modulation of Bacterial Multidrug Resistance Efflux Pumps of the Major Facilitator Superfamily
Authors: Kumar Sanath , Mukherjee Mun Mun , Varela Manuel F.
Published: December 2013

Bacterial infections pose a serious public health concern, especially when an infectious disease has a multidrug resistant causative agent. Such multidrug resistant bacteria can compromise the clinical utility of major chemotherapeutic antimicrobial agents. Drug and multidrug resistant bacteria harbor several distinct molecular mechanisms for resistance. Bacterial antimicrobial agent efflux pumps represent a major mechanism of clinical resistance. The major facilitator superfamily (MFS) is one of the largest groups of solute transporters to date and includes a significant number of bacterial drug and multidrug efflux pumps. We review recent work on the modulation of multidrug efflux pumps, paying special attention to those transporters belonging primarily to the MFS.
New L-Serine Derivative Ligands as Cocatalysts for Diels-Alder Reaction
Authors: Sousa Carlos A. D. , Rodríguez-Borges José  E. , Freire Cristina
Published: December 2013

New L-serine derivative ligands were prepared and tested as cocatalyst in the Diels-Alder reactions between cyclopentadiene (CPD) and methyl acrylate, in the presence of several Lewis acids. The catalytic potential of the in situ formed complexes was evaluated based on the reaction yield. Bidentate serine ligands showed good ability to coordinate medium strength Lewis acids, thus boosting their catalytic activity. The synthesis of the L-serine ligands proved to be highly efficient and straightforward.
Impacts of Future Grassland Changes on Surface Climate in Mongolia
Authors: Zhang Fan , Li Xing , Wang Weimin , Ke Xinli , Shi Qingling
Published: December 2013

Climate change caused by land use/cover change (LUCC) is becoming a hot topic in current global change, especially the changes caused by the grassland degradation. In this paper, based on the baseline underlying surface data of 1993, the predicted underlying surface data which can be derived through overlaying the grassland degradation information to the map of baseline underlying surface, and the atmospheric forcing data of RCP 6.0 from CMIP5, climatological changes caused by future grassland changes for the years 2010–2020 and 2040–2050 with the Weather Research Forecast model (WRF) are simulated. The model-based analysis shows that future grassland degradation will significantly result in regional climate change. The grassland degradation in future could lead to an increasing trend of temperature in most areas and corresponding change range of the annual average temperature of −0.1°C–0.4°C, and it will cause a decreasing trend of precipitation and corresponding change range of the annual average precipitation of 10 mm–50 mm. This study identifies lines of evidence for effects of future grassland degradation on regional climate in Mongolia which provides meaningful decision-making information for the development and strategy plan making in Mongolia.
Use of Cox’s Cure Model to Establish Clinical Determinants of Long-Term Disease-Free Survival in Neoadjuvant-Chemotherapy-Treated Breast Cancer Patients without Pathologic Complete Response
Authors: Asano Junichi , Hirakawa Akihiro , Hamada Chikuma , Yonemori Kan , Hirata Taizo , Shimizu Chikako , Tamura Kenji , Fujiwara Yasuhiro
Published: December 2013

In prognostic studies for breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), the ordinary Cox proportional-hazards (PH) model has been often used to identify prognostic factors for disease-free survival (DFS). This model assumes that all patients eventually experience relapse or death. However, a subset of NAC-treated breast cancer patients never experience these events during long-term follow-up (>10 years) and may be considered clinically “cured.” Clinical factors associated with cure have not been studied adequately. Because the ordinary Cox PH model cannot be used to identify such clinical factors, we used the Cox PH cure model, a recently developed statistical method. This model includes both a logistic regression component for the cure rate and a Cox regression component for the hazard for uncured patients. The purpose of this study was to identify the clinical factors associated with cure and the variables associated with the time to recurrence or death in NAC-treated breast cancer patients without a pathologic complete response, by using the Cox PH cure model. We found that hormone receptor status, clinical response, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status, histological grade, and the number of lymph node metastases were associated with cure.
Comparative Effects of Phosphoenolpyruvate, a Glycolytic Intermediate, as an Organ Preservation Agent with Glucose and N-Acetylcysteine against Organ Damage during Cold Storage of Mouse Liver and Kidney
Authors: Ishitsuka Yoichi , Fukumoto Yusuke , Kondo Yuki , Irikura Mitsuru , Kadowaki Daisuke , Narita Yuki , Hirata Sumio , Moriuchi Hiroshi , Maruyama Toru , Hamasaki Naotaka , Irie Tetsumi
Published: December 2013

We evaluated the usefulness of phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), a glycolytic intermediate with antioxidative and energy supplementation potentials, as an organ preservation agent. Using ex vivo mouse liver and kidney of a static cold storage model, we compared the effects of PEP against organ damage and oxidative stress during cold preservation with those of glucose or N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, histological changes, and oxidative stress parameters (measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substance and glutathione content) were determined. PEP (100 mM) significantly prevented an increase in LDH leakage, histological changes, such as tubulonecrosis and vacuolization, and changes in oxidative stress parameters during 72 h of cold preservation in mouse liver. Although glucose (100 mM) partly prevented LDH leakage and histological changes, no effects against oxidative stress were observed. By contrast, NAC inhibited oxidative stress in the liver and did not prevent LDH leakage or histological changes. PEP also significantly prevented kidney damage during cold preservation in a dose-dependent manner, and the protective effects were superior to those of glucose and NAC. We suggest that PEP, a functional carbohydrate with organ protective and antioxidative activities, may be useful as an organ preservation agent in clinical transplantation.
Dual‐Band Operation of a Microstrip Patch Antenna on a Duroid 5870 Substrate for Ku‐ and K‐Bands
Authors: Islam M. M. , Islam M. T. , Faruque M. R. I.
Published: December 2013

The dual‐band operation of a microstrip patch antenna on a Duroid 5870 substrate for Ku‐ and K‐bands is presented. The fabrication of the proposed antenna is performed with slots and a Duroid 5870 dielectric substrate and is excited by a 50 Ω microstrip transmission line. A high‐frequency structural simulator (HFSS) is used which is based on the finite element method (FEM) in this research. The measured impedance bandwidth (2 : 1 VSWR) achieved is 1.07 GHz (15.93 GHz–14.86 GHz) on the lower band and 0.94 GHz (20.67–19.73 GHz) on the upper band. A stable omnidirectional radiation pattern is observed in the operating frequency band. The proposed prototype antenna behavior is discussed in terms of the comparisons of the measured and simulated results.
DNA Damage in Inflammation-Related Carcinogenesis and Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Ohnishi Shiho , Ma Ning , Thanan Raynoo , Pinlaor Somchai , Hammam Olfat , Murata Mariko , Kawanishi Shosuke
Published: December 2013

Infection and chronic inflammation have been recognized as important factors for carcinogenesis. Under inflammatory conditions, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are generated from inflammatory and epithelial cells and result in oxidative and nitrative DNA damage, such as 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) and 8-nitroguanine. The DNA damage can cause mutations and has been implicated in the initiation and/or promotion of inflammation-mediated carcinogenesis. It has been estimated that various infectious agents are carcinogenic to humans (IARC group 1), including parasites (Schistosoma haematobium(SH) andOpisthorchis viverrini(OV)), viruses (hepatitis C virus (HCV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)), and bacteriumHelicobacter pylori(HP). SH, OV, HCV, HPV, EBV, and HP are important risk factors for bladder cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, cervical cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and gastric cancer, respectively. We demonstrated that 8-nitroguanine was strongly formed via inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression at these cancer sites of patients. Moreover, 8-nitroguanine was formed in Oct3/4-positive stem cells in SH-associated bladder cancer tissues and in Oct3/4- and CD133-positive stem cells in OV-associated cholangiocarcinoma tissues. Therefore, it is considered that oxidative and nitrative DNA damage in stem cells may play a key role in inflammation-related carcinogenesis.
ℋ∞Filter Design with Minimum Entropy for Continuous-Time Linear Systems
Authors: Zhang Jie , Karimi Hamid Reza , Zheng Zhong , Lyu Ming , Bo Yuming
Published: December 2013

We deal with the design problem of minimum entropyℋ∞filter in terms of linear matrix inequality (LMI) approach for linear continuous-time systems with a state-space model subject to parameter uncertainty that belongs to a given convex bounded polyhedral domain. Given a stable uncertain linear system, our attention is focused on the design of full-order and reduced-order robust minimum entropyℋ∞filters, which guarantee the filtering error system to be asymptotically stable and are required to minimize the filtering error system entropy (ats0=∞) and to satisfy a prescribedℋ∞disturbance attenuation performance. Sufficient conditions for the existence of desired full-order and reduced-order filters are established in terms of LMIs, respectively, and the corresponding filter synthesis is cast into a convex optimization problem which can be efficiently handled by using standard numerical software. Finally, an illustrative example is provided to show the usefulness and effectiveness of the proposed design method.
Some Examples of Weak Uninorms
Authors: Wu Jiachao , Yuan Yayan
Published: December 2013

It is proved that, except for the uninorms and the nullnorms, there are no continuous weak uninorms who have no more than one nontrivial idempotent element. And some examples of discontinuous weak uninorms are shown. All of these examples are notn-uninorms, thus not uninorms or nullnorms.