bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Prevalence and Nature of Unrequited Love
Authors: Bringle Robert G. , Winnick Terri , Rydell Robert J.
Published: June 2013

Unrequited love (UL) is unreciprocated love that causes yearning for more complete love. Five types of UL are delineated and conceptualized on a continuum from lower to greater levels of interdependence: crush on someone unavailable, crush on someone nearby, pursuing a love object, longing for a past lover, and an unequal love relationship. Study 1a found all types of UL relationships to be less emotionally intense than equal love and 4 times more frequent than equal love during a 2-year period. Study 1b found little evidence for limerent qualities of UL. Study 2 found all types of UL to be less intense than equal love on passion, sacrifice, dependency, commitment, and practical love, but more intense than equal love on turmoil. These results suggest that UL is not a good simulation of true romantic love, but an inferior approximation of that ideal.
Correlates of Hypertension in Patients with AIDS in the Era of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Krauskopf Katherine , Natta Mark L. Van , Danis Ronald P. , Gangaputra Sapna , Ackatz Lori , Addessi Adrienne , Federman Alex D. , Branch Andrea D. , Meinert Curtis L. , Jabs Douglas A.
Published: June 2013

Background:

It is unclear whether HIV-related factors modify risk of hypertension (HTN). In a cohort of patients with AIDS, the authors determined HTN incidence and prevalence and assessed associated traditional, HIV-specific, and retinal vasculature factors.

Methods:

Prospective observational cohort included 2390 patients with AIDS (1998-2011). Univariate analysis was used to assess the impact of traditional- and AIDS-related risk factors for HTN prevalence and incidence. Multivariate regression analyses were used to evaluate the adjusted impact of these factors.

Results:

Hypertension prevalence was 22% (95% confidence interval [CI] 21%-24%) and was associated with traditional HTN risk factors (age, black race, and higher weight) as well as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, time since AIDS diagnosis, and higher CD4 counts. Hypertension incidence was 64.1 per 1000 person-years (95% CI 58.7/1000-69.9/1000). Age, race, weight, and diabetes were associated with incident HTN but HIV-specific factors were not.

Conclusions:

Hypertension, a prevalent cardiovascular risk factor in patients with AIDS, is associated with traditional and metabolic risk factors.
Comparing cost-effectiveness of standardised tuberculosis treatments given varying drug resistance
Authors: Law Stephanie , Benedetti Andrea , Oxlade Olivia , Schwartzman Kevin , Menzies Dick
Published: June 2013

There is a growing need to identify appropriate standardised treatment strategies that will adequately treat various forms of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) and prevent multidrug-resistant (MDR)-TB.

A Markov model estimated treatment-related acquired MDR-TB, mortality, disability-adjusted life years and costs in settings with different prevalence of isoniazid monoresistant TB and MDR-TB. We compared four treatment strategies: 1) the standard World Health Organization recommended treatment strategy; 2) adding ethambutol throughout the 6-month treatment of new cases; 3) using a strengthened standardised retreatment regimen; and 4) using standardised MDR treatment for failures of initial treatment. Treatment-related outcomes were derived from the published literature, and costs from direct surveys.

A strengthened retreatment regimen, which could achieve lower failure, relapse and acquired MDR rates in isoniazid monoresistant cases, was predicted to be the most cost-effective strategy in all modelled settings. Empirical MDR treatment of failures of initial treatment was the most costly strategy but resulted in the fewest deaths. Adding ethambutol throughout initial treatment would be most effective in preventing acquired MDR, but would lead to excess cases of blindness.

A high priority should be given to improving the standardised retreatment regimen, as this is predicted to produce greater benefits than other recently recommended strategies.
Short- and long-term mortality and causes of death in HIV/tuberculosis patients in Europe
Authors: Podlekareva Daria N. , Panteleev Alexander M. , Grint Daniel , Post Frank A. , Miro Jose M. , Bruyand Mathias , Furrer Hansjakob , Obel Niels , Girardi Enrico , Vasilenko Anna , Losso Marcelo H. , Arenas-Pinto Alejandro , Caylá Joan , Rakhmanova Aza , Zeltina Indra , Werlinrud Anne Marie , Lundgren Jens D. , Mocroft Amanda , Kirk Ole ,   the HIV/TB study group
Published: June 2013

Mortality of HIV/tuberculosis (TB) patients in Eastern Europe is high. Little is known about their causes of death.

This study aimed to assess and compare mortality rates and cause of death in HIV/TB patients across Eastern Europe and Western Europe and Argentina (WEA) in an international cohort study. Mortality rates and causes of death were analysed by time from TB diagnosis (<3 months, 3–12 months or >12 months) in 1078 consecutive HIV/TB patients. Factors associated with TB-related death were examined in multivariate Poisson regression analysis.

347 patients died during 2625 person-years of follow-up. Mortality in Eastern Europe was three- to ninefold higher than in WEA. TB was the main cause of death in Eastern Europe in 80%, 66% and 61% of patients who died <3 months, 3–12 months or >12 months after TB diagnosis, compared to 50%, 0% and 15% in the same time periods in WEA (p<0.0001). In multivariate analysis, follow-up in WEA (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.12, 95% CI 0.04–0.35), standard TB-treatment (IRR 0.45, 95% CI 0.20–0.99) and antiretroviral therapy (IRR 0.32, 95% CI 0.14–0.77) were associated with reduced risk of TB-related death.

Persistently higher mortality rates were observed in HIV/TB patients in Eastern Europe, and TB was the dominant cause of death at any time during follow-up. This has important implications for HIV/TB programmes aiming to optimise the management of HIV/TB patients and limit TB-associated mortality in this region.
The acute transcriptional response of the coral Acropora millepora to immune challenge: expression of GiMAP/IAN genes links the innate immune responses of corals with those of mammals and plants
Authors: Weiss Yvonne , Forêt Sylvain , Hayward David C , Ainsworth Tracy , King Rob , Ball Eldon E , Miller David J
Published: June 2013

Background

As a step towards understanding coral immunity we present the first whole transcriptome analysis of the acute responses ofAcropora milleporato challenge with the bacterial cell wall derivative MDP and the viral mimic poly I:C, defined immunogens provoking distinct but well characterised responses in higher animals.

Results

These experiments reveal similarities with the responses both of arthropods and mammals, as well as coral-specific effects. The most surprising finding was that MDP specifically induced three members of the GiMAP gene family, which has been implicated in immunity in mammals but is absent fromDrosophilaandCaenorhabditis. Like their mammalian homologs, GiMAP genes are arranged in a tandem cluster in the coral genome.

Conclusions

A phylogenomic survey of this gene family implies ancient origins, multiple independent losses and lineage-specific expansions during animal evolution. Whilst functional convergence cannot be ruled out, GiMAP expression in corals may reflect an ancestral role in immunity, perhaps in phagolysosomal processing.
Vitamin D supplementation for patients with multiple sclerosis treated with interferon-beta: a randomized controlled trial assessing the effect on flu-like symptoms and immunomodulatory properties
Authors: Golan Daniel , Halhal Basheer , Glass-Marmor Lea , Staun-Ram Elsebeth , Rozenberg Orit , Lavi Idit , Dishon Sara , Barak Mira , Ish-Shalom Sophia , Miller Ariel
Published: June 2013

Background

Flu-like symptoms (FLS) are common side effects of interferon beta (IFN-β) treatment in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) and are associated with post-injection cytokine surge. We hypothesized that vitamin D3 supplementation would ameliorate FLS by decreasing related serum cytokines’ levels.

Methods

In a randomized, double blind study of 45 IFNβ-treated PwMS, 21 patients were assigned to 800 IU of vitamin D3 per day (low dose), while 24 patients received 4,370 IU per day (high dose) for one year. FLS were assessed monthly by telephonic interviews. Serum levels of 25-hydroxy-D (25-OH-D), calcium, PTH, IL-17, IL-10 and IFN-γ were measured periodically. EDSS, relapses, adverse events and quality of life (QoL) were documented.

Results

25-OH-D levels increased to a significantly higher levels and PTH levels decreased in the high dose group. There was no significant change in FLS. IL-17 levels were significantly increased in the low dose group, while patients receiving high dose vitamin D had a heterogeneous IL-17 response. No significant differences in relapse rate, EDSS, QoL, serum IL-10 and IFNγ were found. Hypercalcemia or other potential major adverse events were not observed.

Conclusion

Vitamin D supplementation to IFN−β treated PwMS, at the doses used, seems safe and associated with dose-dependent changes in IL-17 serum levels, while not affecting IFN−β related FLS.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT01005095
Profiling of normal and malignant breast tissue show CD44high/CD24lowphenotype as a predominant stem/progenitor marker when used in combination with Ep-CAM/CD49f markers
Authors: Ghebeh Hazem , Sleiman Ghida Majed , Manogaran Pulicat S , Al-Mazrou Amer , Barhoush Eman , Al-Mohanna Falah H , Tulbah Asma , Al-Faqeeh Khalid , Adra Chaker N
Published: June 2013

Background

Accumulating evidence supports cancer to initiate and develop from a small population of stem-like cells termed as cancer stem cells (CSC). The exact phenotype of CSC and their counterparts in normal mammary gland is not well characterized. In this study our aim was to evaluate the phenotype and function of stem/progenitor cells in normal mammary epithelial cell populations and their malignant counterparts.

Methods

Freshly isolated cells from both normal and malignant human breasts were sorted using 13 widely used stem/progenitor cell markers individually or in combination by multi-parametric (up to 9 colors) cell sorting. The sorted populations were functionally evaluated by their ability to form colonies and mammospheres,in vitro.

Results

We have compared, for the first time, the stem/progenitor markers of normal and malignant breasts side-by-side. Amongst all markers tested, we found CD44high/CD24lowcell surface marker combination to be the most efficient at selecting normal epithelial progenitors. Further fractionation of CD44high/CD24lowpositive cells showed that this phenotype selects for luminal progenitors within Ep-CAMhigh/CD49f + cells, and enriches for basal progenitors within Ep-CAM-/low/CD49f + cells. On the other hand, primary breast cancer samples, which were mainly luminal Ep-CAMhigh, had CD44high/CD24lowcells among both CD49fnegand CD49f + cancer cell fractions. However, functionally, CSC were predominantly CD49f + proposing the use of CD44high/CD24lowin combination with Ep-CAM/CD49f cell surface markers to further enrich for CSC.

Conclusion

Our study clearly demonstrates that both normal and malignant breast cells with the CD44high/CD24lowphenotype have the highest stem/progenitor cell ability when used in combination with Ep-CAM/CD49f reference markers. We believe that this extensive characterization study will help in understanding breast cancer carcinogenesis, heterogeneity and drug resistance.
Dynamic variations in the ultrasound greyscale median of carotid artery plaques
Authors: Kanber Baris , Hartshorne Timothy C , Horsfield Mark A , Naylor Andrew R , Robinson Thompson G , Ramnarine Kumar V
Published: June 2013

Background

Several studies have found that the ultrasound greyscale median (GSM) of carotid artery plaques may be useful for predicting the risk of cerebrovascular events. However, measurements of GSM are typically performed on still ultrasound images ignoring any variations that may be observed on a frame-by-frame basis. The aim of this study was to establish the existence and investigate the nature and extent of these variations.

Methods

Employing a novel method that enabled plaque boundaries to be tracked semi-automatically, variations in the plaque GSM and observed cross-sectional area were measured for 27 carotid artery plaques (19 consecutive patients, stenosis range 10%-80%) over image sequences of up to 10 seconds in length acquired with a mean frame rate of 32 frames per second.

Results

Our results showed a mean inter-frame coefficient of variation (CV) of 5.2% (s.d. 2.5%) for GSM and 4.2% (s.d. 2.9%) for the plaque area. Thirteen of the 27 plaques (48%) exhibited CV in GSM greater than 5% whereas only six plaques (22%) had CV in plaque area of greater than 5%. There was no significant correlation between the CV of GSM and plaque area.

Conclusions

Inter-frame variations in the plaque GSM such as those found in this study have implications on the reproducibility of GSM measurements and their clinical utility. Studies assessing the GSM of carotid artery plaques should consider these variations.
Topical administration of orbital fat-derived stem cells promotes corneal tissue regeneration
Authors: Lin Ko-Jo , Loi Mei-Xue , Lien Gi-Shih , Cheng Chieh-Feng , Pao Hsiang-Yin , Chang Yun-Chuang , Ji Andrea Tung-Qian , Ho Jennifer Hui-Chun
Published: June 2013

Introduction

Topical administration of eye drops is the major route for drug delivery to the cornea. Orbital fat-derived stem cells (OFSCs) possess an in vitro corneal epithelial differentiation capacity. Both the safety and immunomodulatory ability of systemic OFSC transplantation were demonstrated in our previous work. In this study, we investigated the safety, therapeutic effect, and mechanism(s) of topical OFSC administration in an extensive alkali-induced corneal wound.

Methods

Corneal injury was created by contact of a piece of 0.5 N NaOH-containing filter paper on the corneal surface of a male Balb/c mouse for 30 s. The area of the filter paper covered the central 70% or 100% of the corneal surface. OFSCs (2 × 105) in 5 μl phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) were given by topical administration (T) twice a day or by two intralimbal (IL) injections in the right cornea, while 5 μl of PBS in the left cornea served as the control.

Results

Topical OFSCs promoted corneal re-epithelialization of both the limbal-sparing and limbal-involved corneal wounds. In the first three days, topical OFSCs significantly reduced alkali-induced corneal edema and stromal infiltration according to a histopathological examination. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining revealed that transplanted cells were easily detectable in the corneal epithelium, limbal epithelium and stroma, but only some of transplanted cells at the limbal epithelium had differentiated into cytokeratin 3-expressing cells. OFSCs did not alter neutrophil (Ly6G) levels in the cornea, but significantly reduced macrophage (CD68) infiltration and inducible nitrous oxide synthetase (iNOS) production during acute corneal injury as quantified by a Western blot analysis. Continuous topical administration of OFSCs for seven days improved corneal transparency, and this was accompanied by diffuse stromal engraftment of transplanted cells and differentiation into p63-expressing cells at the limbal area. The therapeutic effect of the topical administration of OFSCs was superior to that of the IL injection. OFSCs from the IL injection clustered in the limbal area and central corneal epithelium, which was associated with a persistent corneal haze.

Conclusions

Topical OFSC administration is a simple, non-surgical route for stem cell delivery to promote corneal tissue regeneration through ameliorating acute inflammation and corneal epithelial differentiation. The limbal area serves as a niche for OFSCs differentiating into corneal epithelial cells in the first week, while the stroma is a potential site for anti-inflammation of OFSCs. Inhibition of corneal inflammation is related to corneal transparency.
Exogenous Glucocorticoids and a High-Fat Diet Cause Severe Hyperglycemia and Hyperinsulinemia and Limit Islet Glucose Responsiveness in Young Male Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Beaudry Jacqueline L. , D'souza Anna M. , Teich Trevor , Tsushima Robert , Riddell Michael C.
Published: June 2013

Corticosterone (CORT) and other glucocorticoids cause peripheral insulin resistance and compensatory increases in β-cell mass. A prolonged high-fat diet (HFD) induces insulin resistance and impairs β-cell insulin secretion. This study examined islet adaptive capacity in rats treated with CORT and a HFD. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (age ∼6 weeks) were given exogenous CORT (400 mg/rat) or wax (placebo) implants and placed on a HFD (60% calories from fat) or standard diet (SD) for 2 weeks (N = 10 per group). CORT-HFD rats developed fasting hyperglycemia (>11 mM) and hyperinsulinemia (∼5-fold higher than controls) and were 15-fold more insulin resistant than placebo-SD rats by the end of ∼2 weeks (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance [HOMA-IR] levels, 15.08 ± 1.64 vs 1.0 ± 0.12, P < .05). Pancreatic β-cell function, as measured by HOMA-β, was lower in the CORT-HFD group as compared to the CORT-SD group (1.64 ± 0.22 vs 3.72 ± 0.64, P < .001) as well as acute insulin response (0.25 ± 0.22 vs 1.68 ± 0.41, P < .05). Moreover, β- and α-cell mass were 2.6- and 1.6-fold higher, respectively, in CORT-HFD animals compared to controls (both P < .05). CORT treatment increased p-protein kinase C-α content in SD but not HFD-fed rats, suggesting that a HFD may lower insulin secretory capacity via impaired glucose sensing. Isolated islets from CORT-HFD animals secreted more insulin in both low and high glucose conditions; however, total insulin content was relatively depleted after glucose challenge. Thus, CORT and HFD, synergistically not independently, act to promote severe insulin resistance, which overwhelms islet adaptive capacity, thereby resulting in overt hyperglycemia.
A Role for Phosphodiesterase 3B in Acquisition of Brown Fat Characteristics by White Adipose Tissue in Male Mice
Authors: Guirguis Emilia , Hockman Steven , Chung Youn Wook , Ahmad Faiyaz , Gavrilova Oksana , Raghavachari Nalini , Yang Yanqin , Niu Gang , Chen Xiaoyuan , Yu Zu Xi , Liu Shiwei , Degerman Eva , Manganiello Vincent
Published: June 2013

Obesity is linked to various diseases, including insulin resistance, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders. The idea of inducing white adipose tissue (WAT) to assume characteristics of brown adipose tissue (BAT), and thus gearing it to fat burning instead of storage, is receiving serious consideration as potential treatment for obesity and related disorders. Phosphodiesterase 3B (PDE3B) links insulin- and cAMP-signaling networks in tissues associated with energy metabolism, including WAT. We used C57BL/6 PDE3B knockout (KO) mice to elucidate mechanisms involved in the formation of BAT in epididymal WAT (EWAT) depots. Examination of gene expression profiles in PDE3B KO EWAT revealed increased expression of several genes that block white and promote brown adipogenesis, such as C-terminal binding protein, bone morphogenetic protein 7, and PR domain containing 16, but a clear BAT-like phenotype was not completely induced. However, acute treatment of PDE3B KO mice with the β3-adrenergic agonist, CL316243, markedly increased the expression of cyclooxygenase-2, which catalyzes prostaglandin synthesis and is thought to be important in the formation of BAT in WAT and the elongation of very long-chain fatty acids 3, which is linked to BAT recruitment upon cold exposure, causing a clear shift toward fat burning and the induction of BAT in KO EWAT. These data provide insight into the mechanisms of BAT formation in mouse EWAT, suggesting that, in a C57BL/6 background, an increase in cAMP, caused by ablation of PDE3B and administration of CL316243, may promote differentiation of prostaglandin-responsive progenitor cells in the EWAT stromal vascular fraction into functional brown adipocytes.
Incorporation of Fluorescent Nonnatural Amino Acid into Sialic Acid-Binding Lectin for Fluorescence Detection of Ligand-Binding
Authors: Ito Yasutaka , Hohsaka Takahiro
Published: June 2013

Lectins are important not only as biological functional molecules but as useful probes for glycan analysis. Here, we developed fluorescent-labeled lectins showing fluorescence changes upon ligand-binding. BODIPYFL-aminophenylalanine was incorporated at eight respective positions near the ligand-binding site of a sialic acid-binding lectin in response to UAG codon in a cell-free translation system. Fluorescence imaging of SDS-PAGE gel indicated the successful expression of the fluorescent-labeled lectins containing BODIPYFL-linked amino acid. Fluorescence spectral measurements revealed that the fluorescent-labeled lectins showed significant increases in the fluorescence intensity upon the binding of sialyllactose for all the incorporation positions. Particularly, the fluorescence intensity increased 3.7-fold for the labeled lectin at Thr38 position. The increase in the fluorescence intensity could occur because the fluorescence of BODIPYFL is quenched by amino acid residues located near the ligand-binding site in the absence of ligand, but the ligand-binding reduces the fluorescence quenching by removing the BODIPYFL moiety from the ligand-binding site. The W31F substitution decreased the fluorescence change of the labeled lectin, suggesting that the Trp31 residue may partially contribute to the ligand-dependent quenching. The present strategy will be utilized for producing various fluorescent-labeled lectin probes showing ligand-dependent fluorescence change.
Facile Low-Temperature Synthesis and Photocatalytic Activity of Graphene Oxide/TiO2 Composite
Authors: Soejima Tetsuro , Maru Yosuke , Ito Seishiro
Published: June 2013

Graphene (oxide)/TiO2 composite materials have attracted widespread attention because of their scientific and technological importance as, for example, photocatalysts or electronic materials. These composites are usually prepared using high-temperature and/or slow synthetic procedures such as the hydrothermal method. Here, we demonstrate a low-temperature and relatively rapid synthesis of a graphene oxide/TiO2 composite. Graphene oxide sheets decorated with anatase TiO2 nanoparticles are successfully obtained by refluxing graphene oxide sheets dispersed in an aqueous TiOSO4 ethanol solution at 80 °C for 2 h. The graphene oxide is reduced during photocatalytic reduction of the TiO2 deposited on the surface of the graphene oxide. The reduced graphene oxide/TiO2 composite shows very high photocatalytic activity as compared with pure TiO2 and nonreduced graphene oxide/TiO2.
Kinetics Study on 3-Hexylthiophene Polymerization with Iron(III) Chloride
Authors: Liu Yi , Nishiwaki Nagatoshi , Saigo Kazuhiko , Sugimoto Ryuichi
Published: June 2013

The kinetics of 3-hexylthiophene polymerization by FeCl3 was investigated. There was observed a simple and rapid rise to a maximum polymerization rate (Rp) followed by a moderate decay to a stationary Rp. The polymerization activity increased monotonically with increasing reaction temperature to correspond to an overall activation energy of 15.4 kJ mol−1.
Synthesis and Properties of Conjugates between Silver Nanoparticles and DNA-PNA Hybrids
Authors: Eidelshtein Gennady , Halamish Shay , Lubitz Irit , Kotlyar Alexander , Anzola Marcello , Giannini Clelia
Published: June 2013

We describe the preparation and properties of a stable conjugate between two15 nm silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and a DNA-PNA hybrid composed of 10guanine-cytosine base pairs. We show that the conjugate is spontaneouslyformed during incubation of a DNA-PNA hybrid, containing phosphoro-thioate residues at both ends of the DNA strand with AgNPs. The conjugatemolecules were separated from individual AgNPs and multiparticle structuresby gel electrophoresis. We demonstrate that the absorption spectrum of theconjugate is broader than that of AgNPs, due to the interparticle plasmoncoupling.
Toric geometry of the 3-Kimura model for any tree
Authors: Michałek Mateusz
Published: June 2013

In this paper we present geometric features of group-based phylogenetic models. We address a long standing problem of determining the ideal of the claw tree [23], [12]. We focus on the 3-Kimura model. In particular we present a precise geometric description of the variety associated to any tree on a Zariski open set. This set contains all biologically meaningful points. The result confirms the conjecture of Sturmfels and Sullivant [23] on the degree in which the ideal associated to the 3-Kimura model is generated on that set.
Raub- und Beutegut in den Beständen des Bibliothekssystems der Freien Universität Berlin
Authors: Narewski Ringo
Published: June 2013

Der Aufsatz skizziert die derzeitigen Vorstellungen und Bemühungen der Bibliotheken der Freien Universität Berlin, die Suche nach Raub- und Beutegut in den eigenen Beständen aktiv auf wissenschaftlichem Niveau zu betreiben. Zugleich ist es der Versuch, die Komplexität dieses Unterfangens zu umreißen.
F.A.Z.-Rezensionen als Kataloganreicherung im Katalog des GBV
Authors: Diedrichs Reiner , Cramer Corinna
Published: June 2013

Der Beitrag beschreibt das automatisierte Verfahren zum Einsatz von Buchrezensionen der Frankfurter Allgemeinen Zeitung (FAZ) zur Kataloganreichung im GVK. Mit diesem Verfahren werden regelmäßig Buchrezensionen aus dem Datenbanksystem des FAZ-Archivs gezogen und den entsprechenden Einträgen im GVK zugeordnet. In dem Projekt ist es erstmals gelungen, bibliographische Angaben aus retrodigitalisierten Zeitungsinhalten zu extrahieren. Bisher wurden so die Jahrgänge 1949 bis 1974 mit ca. 20 000 Rezensionen bearbeitet.
Current methods for the isolation of extracellular vesicles
Authors: Momen-Heravi Fatemeh , Balaj Leonora , Alian Sara , Mantel Pierre-Yves , Halleck Allison E. , Trachtenberg Alexander J. , Soria Cesar E. , Oquin Shanice , Bonebreak Christina M. , Saracoglu Elif , Skog Johan , Kuo Winston Patrick
Published: June 2013

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including microvesicles and exosomes, are nano- to micron-sized vesicles, which may deliver bioactive cargos that include lipids, growth factors and their receptors, proteases, signaling molecules, as well as mRNA and non-coding RNA, released from the cell of origin, to target cells. EVs are released by all cell types and likely induced by mechanisms involved in oncogenic transformation, environmental stimulation, cellular activation, oxidative stress, or death. Ongoing studies investigate the molecular mechanisms and mediators of EVs-based intercellular communication at physiological and oncogenic conditions with the hope of using this information as a possible source for explaining physiological processes in addition to using them as therapeutic targets and disease biomarkers in a variety of diseases. A major limitation in this evolving discipline is the hardship and the lack of standardization for already challenging techniques to isolate EVs. Technical advances have been accomplished in the field of isolation with improving knowledge and emerging novel technologies, including ultracentrifugation, microfluidics, magnetic beads and filtration-based isolation methods. In this review, we will discuss the latest advances in methods of isolation methods and production of clinical grade EVs as well as their advantages and disadvantages, and the justification for their support and the challenges that they encounter.
Liquidus Temperature of Mould Fluxes in Casting of Ti-stablized Stainless Steel
Authors: Shu Qifeng , Wang Zhen , Chou Kuochih
Published: June 2013

Liquidus temperatures of mould fluxes for casting of Ti-stabilized stainless steel were determined by differential thermal analysis (DTA) techniques in the present work. Multiple DTA curves were employed to guarantee better accuracy for liquidus temperature determination. To investigate effect of compositions change on solidification of mould fluxes during casting of Ti-stabilized stainless steel, changes of liquidus and solidus temperatures with TiO2 substitution for SiO22 in mould fluxes were studied. It was found that TiO2 substitution for SiO22 in mould fluxes would lead to decrease of liquidus temperature. Thermodynamic package FactSage was also employed to calculate the liquidus temperature of mould fluxes. The calculated results were compared with experimental data, and discrepancy between calculated and experimental liquidus temperatures was discussed.
Mechanical Properties of the Directionally Solidified Ceramic Eutectic of Al2O3/Al16Ti5O34 Phase Structure
Authors: Abali Serkan , Ekerim Ahmet
Published: June 2013

Al2O3/TiO2 eutectics containing 62–64 wt% Al2O3 were fabricated by a laser floating zone method. Raman spectrometry was used to determine the phase composition. The compressive creep strength of AT36 (Al16Ti5O34/Al2O3) crystal at 1500°C under the strain rate of 1.0 × 10−4 s−1 has 372 MPa, which is about higher than β-Al2TiO5 and β-Al2TiO5/Al2O3 crystals. High-temperature flexural strength, elastic modulus, hardness and fracture toughness of the AT36 crystals were analyzed. The highest flexure strength at ambient temperature was found in the material with 36 wt% TiO2. In addition, we briefly discussed the relationships between microstructure and mechanical properties in AT36 crystal.
Crystal structure of tetra(3-carboxyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethylpyrrolidin-1-oxyl) bis(dimethyl fumarate) bicopper(II) complex, C21H37CuN3O7
Authors: Niu De-Zhong , Zheng Li-Hua , Gao Fan , Fu Rong , Wang Min
Published: June 2013

C21H37CuN3O7, triclinic, P1̅ (no. 2), a = 10.9210(9) Å, b = 11.626(1) Å, c = 12.038(1) Å, α = 85.588(2)°, β = 72.209(2)°, γ = 64.942(2)°, V = 1315.9 Å3, Z = 2, Rgt(F) = 0.0468, wRref(F2) = 0.1340, T = 296 K.
Crystal structure of 2-acetyl-5-methoxyphenyl 2-(6-methoxynaphthalen-2-yl) propanoate, C23H22O5
Authors: Lei Dong , Xiaohong Yang , Di Liang , Wei Sun
Published: June 2013

C23H22O5, monoclinic, P21 (no. 4), a = 8.225(2) Å, b = 8.276(2) Å, c = 14.640(3) Å, β = 95.66(3)°, V = 991.7(3) Å3, Z = 2, Rgt(F) = 0.0417, wRref(F2) = 0.1035, T = 290 K.
Simulation of Transient Enhanced Diffusion in Silicon Taking into Account Ostwald Ripening of Defects
Authors: Uematsu Masashi
Published: June 2013

The transient enhanced diffusion (TED) of high-dose implanted P is simulated taking into account Ostwald ripening of end-of-range (EOR) defects. First, we integrated a basic diffusion model based on the simulation of in-diffusion, where no implanted damages are involved. Second, from low-dose implantation, we developed a model for TED due to {311} self-interstitial (I) clusters involving Ostwald ripening and the dissolution of {311} clusters. Third, from medium-dose implantation, we showed that P-I clusters should be taken into account, and during the diffusion, the clusters are dissolved to emit self-interstitials that also contribute to TED. Finally, from high-dose implantation, EOR defects are modeled and we derived a formula to describe the time-dependence for Ostwald ripening of EOR defects, which is more significant at higher temperatures and longer annealing times. The simulation satisfactorily predicts the TED for annealing conditions, where the calculations overestimate the diffusion without taking Ostwald ripening into account.
Soil Attributes, Soybean Mineral Nutrition, and Yield in Diverse Crop Rotations under No‐Till Conditions
Authors: Riedell Walter E. , Osborne Shannon Lynn , Pikul Joseph L.
Published: June 2013

Development of sustainable crop rotations depends on understanding complex relationships among soils, crops, and yield. Our objectives were to measure how soil chemical and physical attributes as well as soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] stover dry weight and mineral concentrations, seed yield, and seed composition (protein, oil, and minerals) responded to a soybean–maize (Zea mays L.) 2‐yr rotation (S‐C), soybean–spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–maize 3‐yr rotation (S‐W‐C), soybean–oat/pea (Hordeum vulgare L./Pisum sativum L.) hay–maize 3‐yr rotation (S‐H‐C), and soybean–oat/pea hay underseeded with alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)–alfalfa–alfalfa–maize 5‐yr rotation (S‐H/A‐A‐A‐C). Rotation treatments under no‐till soil management were established in 1997 and soybean measurements were made during the 2009 and 2010 growing seasons. Soils under the 5‐yr rotation had 129 kg ha–1 preseason residual NO3–N concentration, while the other rotations averaged about 65 kg ha–1. The 5‐yr rotation also had lower bulk density (1.35 g cm–3) than S‐H‐C (1.46 g cm–3), with S‐W‐C (1.38 g cm–3) and S‐C (1.38 g cm–3) intermediate. Soybean seed yield was about 10% greater in the 5‐yr rotation than in the other treatments. Kernel protein was 3% greater and kernel Zn was 11% greater under the 5‐yr rotation than under the S‐C rotation, while the others were intermediate. Changes in soil physical and chemical properties under extended rotations that include perennial forages may play an important role in increasing soybean seed yield and enhancing seed protein but may, because of high preseason soil NO3–N levels, also be susceptible to potential NO3–N leaching beyond the root zone.
Corn Nutrient Uptake as Affected by In‐Furrow Starter Fertilizer for Three Soils
Authors: Kaiser Daniel E. , Rubin John C.
Published: June 2013

Placing fertilizer with the corn (Zea mays L.) seed is a common practice in northern climates to increase early season growth and nutrient uptake. While there are many options for commercially available fertilizers, there are no clear guidelines as to which products are best suited for different soil types. The objective of this study was to evaluate fertilizer source effects on plant mass and N, P, K, and S concentrations and uptake on clay loam (CL), fine sand (FS), and silt loam (SiL) soil in the greenhouse. Eleven commercially available liquid and dry fertilizer sources were applied in direct contact with the seed at six rates. The aboveground portions of plants were harvested 14 d after emergence to determine average plant mass and nutrient concentration and uptake. Fertilizer sources containing P increased or maintained plant mass and nutrient uptake in all soils compared with the control. Fertilizer sources containing N, K, and S generally reduced plant mass, with the exception of some sources containing K and S, which resulted in a greater uptake of K and S on FS when applied at low rates. The concentrations of N, P, K, and S in plant tissue increased even when plant mass and nutrient uptake decreased. Choosing a fertilizer source for seed placement can be important relative to the nutrient supply of the soil to maximize the potential positive benefits of increased plant mass and nutrient uptake at early growth stages.
Soil Maps of the United States of America
Authors: Brevik Eric C. , Hartemink Alfred E.
Published: June 2013

National soil maps provide an important archive depicting soil science theory and ideas behind the application of soils information at the time the maps were created. A look at soil maps of the USA produced since the beginning of the twentieth century shows a move from a geologic‐based concept of soils to a pedologic concept of soils. These maps also show changes from property‐based systems to process‐based, and then back to property‐based, and ideas on diagnostic mapping of soil properties changed over time. The national soil mapping program in the USA was established in 1899. The earliest nation‐wide soil map was published by M. Whitney in 1909 consisting of soil provinces that were largely based on geology. In 1912 G.N. Coffey published the first country‐wide map based on soil properties; the map showed 22 soil units belonging to 5 divisions based on parent material, color, and drainage. The next national map was produced by C.F. Marbut, H.H. Bennett, J.E. Lapham, and M.H. Lapham in 1913 and showed 13 broad physiographic units that were further subdivided into soil series, soil classes and soil types. In 1935 Marbut drafted a series of maps based on soil properties, but these maps were replaced as official U.S. soil maps in 1938 with the work of M. Baldwin, C.E. Kellogg, and J. Thorp. Modern soil maps appeared in the 1960s with the seventh Approximation and followed with the 1975 and 1999 editions of Agriculture Handbook number 436, Soil Taxonomy.
How Many Measurements of Soil Moisture within the Footprint of a Ground‐Based Microwave Radiometer Are Required to Account for Meter‐Scale Spatial Variability?
Authors: Bramer Lisa M. , Hornbuckle Brian K. , Caragea Petruţa C.
Published: June 2013

Validation of ground‐based microwave remote sensing measurements with point measurements of soil moisture remains an important task. The number of point measurements needed to characterize the mean soil moisture of an area on the order of tens of square meters, and the manner in which these observations should be made remain unknown. We conducted a field experiment in central Iowa to characterize the spatial process of soil moisture and sampling strategies for estimating the mean soil moisture of an area that represents the footprint of a ground‐based microwave radiometer. We determined the spatial dependence of the moisture content of bare soil at this scale, which allows the determination of the mean soil moisture from point measurements. This spatial dependence can be described by an exponential variogram model. The parameters of this model vary according to mean moisture conditions. The accuracy of the estimate of mean soil moisture depends on the number of point measurements, what sampling technique is used, and mean moisture conditions. When we use spatial dependence, we increase the accuracy and precision of our estimates of the mean. Lattice and stratified sampling schemes require fewer measurements than random sampling when a higher level of accuracy in the estimate of mean soil moisture is desired. Practically, if measurements of soil moisture are made in random locations and spatial dependence is not used, we found that approximately 20 measurements within a 7 by 9 m footprint would estimate the mean to within close to 0.01 m3 m−3 of the true value for the entire range of soil moisture conditions that we observed.
Equity Method Investments and Sell-Side Analysts' Information Environment
Authors: Lee Sam (Sunghan) , Pandit Shailendra , Willis Richard H.
Published: June 2013

We study the joint effects of intercompany investing and reporting of equity method investments on the accuracy and dispersion of analysts' annual earnings-per-share (EPS) forecasts. We compare firm-year observations with and without equity method investments. We posit two non-mutually exclusive explanations for how equity method investments may affect analyst forecast properties. The Opacity Effect posits that the condensed equity method disclosures increase information asymmetry, increasing analysts' forecast errors and forecast dispersion. The Diversification Effect suggests that the diversification of the investor and its investee earnings streams enhances earnings predictability, decreasing analysts' forecast errors and forecast dispersion. Our findings are consistent with both effects operating in the analyst forecasting task. Additional analyses are consistent with the Opacity Effect dominating. This occurrence results, on net, in less accurate and more dispersed forecasts for firm-years with equity method investments.

JEL Classifications: G14, M41
Comparison of numerically determined noise of a 290 kW induction motor using FEM and measured acoustic radiation
Authors: Al Nahlaoui Masen , Steins Hendrik , Kulig Stefan , Exnowski Sven
Published: June 2013

In this paper a comparison of numerically determined and measured electromagnetically exited noise of an induction motor is presented. The calculations are accomplished using FEM for an example motor, which is a 290 kW inverter-fed asynchronous machine. The approach starts with the electromagnetic and mechanical consideration. The focus is set on acoustic considerations, which contain the 3D-FE-model and measurement setup in the sound chamber.
Open architecture digital servodrive for PMSM/PMLM-based machine-tool table feed-drives
Authors: Pietrusewicz Krzysztof , Bonisławski Michał , Pajdzik Rafał
Published: June 2013

The paper presents the results of research work on the development of a rapidprototyping test stand for testing: servo control algorithms, trajectory generation, algorithms for increasing overall quality of the feed-drive modules within two axis (X-Y) table of the milling machine. Open architecture interface of the prepared control system lets the potential user test functionality of integration of diagnostic tools within the motion controller - directly, without taking into account communication with top-level CNC system.
A PC-based operator and diagnostic panel for Simatic S7-200 programmable controllers
Authors: Mazek Kacper , Chmiel Mirosław , Kulisz Józef
Published: June 2013

The paper describes a prototype operator panel, which was designed to operate with the S7-200 family of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC-s) from Siemens. Most of the functionality of the operator panel was implemented in a computer program, which runs on a PC-class computer. The program communicates with a PLC through its communication port configured in the Freeport mode. Two kinds of interface between the PC, and the PLC are supported: wired, and wireless. For wired connection a standard PC/PPI cable supplied by Siemens is used. For wireless connection two communication modules were designed, which operate in the free 433 MHz band. The operator panel program is intuitive, and easy to use. States of PLC inputs and outputs are presented using graphical objects. It is possible to modify states of the outputs, and monitor and edit any variable in the M and V memory in the PLC. The application supports also alarming. The program can be run on any computer with the MS Windows operating system installed. This makes the solution very cost-effective. Providing both wired and wireless communication radically increases flexibility of the proposed solution. The panel can be quickly mounted in areas, where pulling new cables is inconvenient, difficult or expensive.
Comparison of approximation methods of positive stable continuous-time linear systems by positive stable discrete-time systems
Authors: Kaczorek Tadeusz
Published: June 2013

The positive asymptotically stable continuous-time linear systems are approximated by corresponding asymptotically stable discrete-time linear systems. Two methods of the approximation are presented and the comparison of the methods is addressed. The considerations are illustrated by three numerical examples and an example of positive electrical circuit.
PREDICTION OF CARDIOVASCULAR MORTALITY IN FUNCTIONALLY DISABLED ELDERLY – A POSSIBLE NEW SCORE / KARDIOVASKULARNI MORTALITET KOD FUNKCIONALNO ZAVISNIH STARIH OSOBA - MOGUĆI PREDIKTIVNI SKOR
Authors: Vasović Olga , Lalić Katarina , Trifunović Danijela , Milić Nataša , Jevremović Ivan , Popović Ljiljana , Paspalj Dalibor , Milićević-Kalasić Aleksandra , Ševo Goran , Despotović Nebojša , Erceg Predrag , Milosevic Dragoslav P.
Published: June 2013

Background: We investigated the traditional and new bio- markers as predictors of cardiovascular mortality in the func- tionally disabled elderly who are living in a community.

Methods: This prospective study included 253 participants (78.3% women) aged 65 and over who were monitored for 32 months. Receiver operating curve analysis and the Cox proportional hazard model were used to identify univariate and multivariate predictors of cardiovascular mortality. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve and Log rank test were used for survival analysis.

Results: During the study, 43.1% participants died from car- diovascular diseases. Cutoff points of multivariate predictors were used to build a score system. The risk score was positive in patients with three or more of the following predictors: albumin <40 g/L, body mass index <25 kg/m2, total serum bilirubin <10.5 (imol/L, blood urea nitrogen >6.5 mmol/L and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein >2.25 mg/L. The rel- ative risk for cardiovascular mortality for someone with a positive vs. negative score was 3.91 (95% Cl: 2.55-5.98; P< 0.001). There was no change in risk after adjustment for age; sex, traditional cardiovascular risk factors, comorbidities and a number of disabilities.

Conclusions: Presence of lo* grade inflammation, malnulri tion and early signs of renal dy sfunction are essential for car- diovascular risk among the functional disabled elderly and may be assessed using the proposed new inflammatory m3lnuhffion-renal involved score (1MRIS).
Venous thromboembolism in pregnant woman — a challenge for the clinician
Authors: Diaconu Camelia , Bălăceanu Alice , Bartoş Daniela
Published: June 2013

Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are two clinical entities of a single disease called venous thromboembolism. Venous thromboembolism is an important cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis and treatment of venous thromboembolism in pregnant women are much more difficult than in non-pregnant women. Pregnant patients were excluded from all major clinical trials investigating therapeutic combinations for acute thromboembolism. Although, for many years, the standard anticoagulant during pregnancy and postpartum was unfractionated heparin, current guidelines recommend low molecular weight heparin. The advantages of low molecular weight heparin are lower risk of bleeding, predictable pharmacokinetics, lower risk of fracture because of thrombocytopenia and heparin-induced osteoporosis.
Biotransformation of iminodiacetonitrile to iminodiacetic acid by Alcaligenes faecalis cells immobilized in ACA-membrane liquid-core capsules
Authors: Zhang Jin-Feng , Liu Zhi-Qiang , Zhang Xin-Hong , Zheng Yu-Guo
Published: June 2013

Biotransformation of iminodiacetonitrile (IDAN) to iminodiacetic acid (IDA) was investigated with a newly isolated Alcaligenes faecalis ZJUTBX11 strain showing nitrilase activity in the immobilized form. To reduce the mass transfer resistance and to increase the toleration ability of the microorganisms to the toxic substrate as well as to enhance their ability to be reused, encapsulation of the whole cells in alginate-chitosan-alginate (ACA) membrane liquid-core capsules was attempted in the present study. The optimal pH and temperature for nitrilase activity of encapsulated A. faecalis ZJUTBX11 cells were 7.5°C and 35°C, respectively, which is consistent with free cells. Based on the Michaelis-Menten model, kinetic parameters of the conversion reaction with IDAN as the substrate were: K m = (17.6 ± 0.3) mmol L−1 and V max = (97.6 ± 1.2) μmol min−1 g−1 of dry cell mass for encapsulated cells and (16.8 ± 0.4) mmol L−1 and (108.0 ± 2.7) μmol min−1 g−1 of dry cell mass for free cells, respectively. After being recycled ten times, the whole cells encapsulated in ACA capsules still retained 90 % of the initial nitrilase activity while only 35 % were retained by free cells. Lab scale production of IDA using encapsulated cells in a bubble column reactor and a packed bed reactor were performed respectively.