bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A note on the unirationality of a moduli space of double covers
Authors: Jaya NN Iyer , Müller–Stach Stefan
Published: September 2011

In this note we look at the moduli space \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}${\mathcal R}_{3,2}$\end{document} of double covers of genus three curves, branched along 4 distinct points. This space was studied by Bardelli, Ciliberto and Verra in 1. It admits a dominating morphism \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}${\mathcal R}_{3,2} \rightarrow {\mathcal A}_4$\end{document} to Siegel space. We show that there is a birational model of \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}${\mathcal R}_{3,2}$\end{document} as a group quotient of a product of two Grassmannian varieties. This gives a proof of the unirationality of \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}${\mathcal R}_{3,2}$\end{document} and hence a new proof for the unirationality of \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}${\mathcal A}_4$\end{document}.
Structure elucidation of two new unusual monoterpene glycosides from Euphorbia decipiens, by 1D and 2D NMR experiments
Authors: Demirkiran Ozlem , Topcu Gulacti , Hussain Javid , Uddin Ahmad Viqar , Choudhary M. Iqbal
Published: September 2011

Two new unusual monoterpene glycosides, (Z)‐3,6‐dimethyl‐3‐(β‐D‐O‐glucosylmethylene)cyclohept‐4‐ene‐1‐one (1) and 3,6‐dimethyl‐3‐(β‐D‐O‐glucosylmethylene)cycloheptanone (2) have been isolated along with five known compounds, 3‐hydroxy‐4‐methoxybenzoic acid, 6,7‐dihydroxycoumarin, luteolin, apigenin 5‐O‐αl‐L‐rhamnoside, and pinocembrin‐7‐O‐rutinoside from ethyl acetate extract of Euphorbia decipiens. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by extensive 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR, and mass spectroscopic analyses. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Processing and thermal properties evaluation of silylated apophyllite–filled epoxy nanocomposite
Authors: Chen Chenggang , Langat J. , Raghavan D.
Published: September 2011

The primary objective of the research was to evaluate the rheology and thermal properties of silylated apophyllite–filled epoxy nanocomposite. Several n‐octyldimethylsiloxy‐apophyllite with different grafting degrees were synthesized by controlling the ratio of the apophyllite and n‐octyldimethylchlorosilane. The thermal studies of silylated apophyllite have shown that the onset decomposition temperature of silylated apophyllite far exceeds the onset temperature of conventional organoclays (~260 °C). Chemorheological measurements of 1.8 wt% silylated apophyllite–filled tetra functional epoxy (MY720) and difunctional epoxy (DER661) resin mixture showed that the addition of the silylated apophyllite does not dramatically affect the cure profile of the epoxy resin with the availability of 40 min of processing window after the addition of apophyllite. Wide angle X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy results of the shear mixed and cured nanocomposite suggest that the apophyllite was well dispersed in the epoxy matrix. The thermal studies of epoxy nanocomposite showed an increase in the char yield on the addition of silylated apophyllite to the epoxy resin. In addition, an improvement in the onset decomposition temperature of the cyanopropyldimethylsiloxy‐apophyllite epoxy nanocomposite was observed compared with that of pure epoxy resin. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potential role of reduced basolateral potassium (IKCa3.1) channel expression in the pathogenesis of diarrhoea in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Al‐Hazza Adel , Linley John E , Aziz Qadeer , MacLennan Kenneth A , Hunter Malcolm , Sandle Geoffrey I
Published: September 2011

Diarrhoea in ulcerative colitis (UC) mainly reflects impaired colonic Na+ and water absorption. Colonocyte membrane potential, an important determinant of electrogenic Na+ absorption, is reduced in UC. Colonocyte potential is principally determined by basolateral IK (KCa3.1) channel activity. To determine whether reduced Na+ absorption in UC might be associated with decreased IK channel expression and activity, we used molecular and patch clamp recording techniques to evaluate IK channels in colon from control patients and patients with active UC. In control patients, immunolabelling revealed basolateral IK channels distributed uniformly along the surface‐crypt axis, with substantially decreased immunolabelling in patients with active UC, although IK mRNA levels measured by quantitative PCR were similar in both groups. Patch clamp analysis indicated that cell conductance was dominated by basolateral IK channels in control patients, but channel abundance and overall activity were reduced by 53% (p = 0.03) and 61% (p = 0.04), respectively, in patients with active UC. These changes resulted in a 75% (p = 0.003) decrease in the estimated basolateral membrane K+ conductance in UC patients compared with controls. Levels of IK channel immunolabelling and activity in UC patients in clinical remission were similar to those in control patients. We conclude that a substantial decrease in basolateral IK channel expression and activity in active UC most likely explains the epithelial cell depolarization observed in this disease, and decreases the electrical driving force for electrogenic Na+ transport, thereby impairing Na+ absorption (and as a consequence, Cl− and water absorption) across the inflamed mucosa. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concurrent CIC mutations, IDH mutations, and 1p/19q loss distinguish oligodendrogliomas from other cancers
Authors: Yip Stephen , Butterfield Yaron S , Morozova Olena , Chittaranjan Suganthi , Blough Michael D , An Jianghong , Birol Inanc , Chesnelong Charles , Chiu Readman , Chuah Eric , Corbett Richard , Docking Rod , Firme Marlo , Hirst Martin , Jackman Shaun , Karsan Aly , Li Haiyan , Louis David N , Maslova Alexandra , Moore Richard , Moradian Annie , Mungall Karen L , Perizzolo Marco , Qian Jenny , Roldan Gloria , Smith Eric E , Tamura‐Wells Jessica , Thiessen Nina , Varhol Richard , Weiss Samuel , Wu Wei , Young Sean , Zhao Yongjun , Mungall Andrew J , Jones Steven JM , Morin Gregg B , Chan Jennifer A , Cairncross J Gregory , Marra Marco A
Published: September 2011

Oligodendroglioma is characterized by unique clinical, pathological, and genetic features. Recurrent losses of chromosomes 1p and 19q are strongly associated with this brain cancer but knowledge of the identity and function of the genes affected by these alterations is limited. We performed exome sequencing on a discovery set of 16 oligodendrogliomas with 1p/19q co‐deletion to identify new molecular features at base‐pair resolution. As anticipated, there was a high rate of IDH mutations: all cases had mutations in either IDH1 (14/16) or IDH2 (2/16). In addition, we discovered somatic mutations and insertions/deletions in the CIC gene on chromosome 19q13.2 in 13/16 tumours. These discovery set mutations were validated by deep sequencing of 13 additional tumours, which revealed seven others with CIC mutations, thus bringing the overall mutation rate in oligodendrogliomas in this study to 20/29 (69%). In contrast, deep sequencing of astrocytomas and oligoastrocytomas without 1p/19q loss revealed that CIC alterations were otherwise rare (1/60; 2%). Of the 21 non‐synonymous somatic mutations in 20 CIC‐mutant oligodendrogliomas, nine were in exon 5 within an annotated DNA‐interacting domain and three were in exon 20 within an annotated protein‐interacting domain. The remaining nine were found in other exons and frequently included truncations. CIC mutations were highly associated with oligodendroglioma histology, 1p/19q co‐deletion, and IDH1/2 mutation (p < 0.001). Although we observed no differences in the clinical outcomes of CIC mutant versus wild‐type tumours, in a background of 1p/19q co‐deletion, hemizygous CIC mutations are likely important. We hypothesize that the mutant CIC on the single retained 19q allele is linked to the pathogenesis of oligodendrogliomas with IDH mutation. Our detailed study of genetic aberrations in oligodendroglioma suggests a functional interaction between CIC mutation, IDH1/2 mutation, and 1p/19q co‐deletion. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Comparative Study of Matrix‐ and Nano‐assisted Laser Desorption/Ionisation Time‐of‐Flight Mass Spectrometry of Isolated and Synthetic Lignin
Authors: Yoshioka Koichi , Ando Daisuke , Watanabe Takashi
Published: September 2011

Introduction

Lignin is the second most abundant biopolymer next to cellulose. However, because of the complexity of the heterogeneous macromolecules, it is difficult to elucidate the polymeric structures of lignin by conventional analytical methods.

Objective

To obtain the detailed structures of lignin, we comparatively applied nano‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (NALDI‐TOF MS) and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS).

Methodology

Synthetic lignin from coniferyl alcohol and an isolated lignin from Pinus densiflora were subjected to NALDI‐ and MALDI‐TOF MS.

Results

We first obtained NALDI‐TOF MS of synthetic and isolated lignin. Mass increments of 178 and 196 Da were observed in NALDI‐ and MALDI‐TOF mass spectra of the synthetic and isolated lignin. The mass intervals indicated that radical coupling forming β‐O‐4 bonds is the major pathway. Peaks in the low molecular mass region between m/z 500 and 800 were observed more extensively using NALDI‐TOF MS than MALDI‐TOF MS, which enabled detailed analysis of the interunit linkages in lignin.

Conclusion

Owing to the ionisation profile differentiation from MALDI‐TOF MS, NALDI‐TOF MS is useful for the structural analysis of lignin. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biomaterials based on low cytotoxic vinyl esters for bone replacement application
Authors: Husár Branislav , Heller Christian , Schwentenwein Martin , Mautner Andreas , Varga Franz , Koch Thomas , Stampfl Jürgen , Liska Robert
Published: September 2011

In recent days, additive manufacturing technologies (AMT) based on photopolymerization have also found application in tissue engineering. Although acrylates and methacrylates have excellent photoreactivity and afford photopolymers with good mechanical properties, their cytotoxicity and degradation products disqualify them from medical use. Within this work, (meth)acrylate‐based monomers were replaced by vinyl esters with exceptional low cytotoxicity. The main focus of this paper lies on the determination of the photoreactivity and investigations concerning mechanical properties and degradation behavior of the new materials. Tested monomers provide sufficient photoreactivity for processing by AMT. Mechanical properties similar to natural bone could be obtained by adding suitable fillers like hydroxylapatite (HA). The right ratio of hydrophobic and hydrophilic monomers allows the tuning of the degradation behavior. Finally, with the optimum formulation, cellular 3D structures were built using digital light processing. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011.
A critical local energy release rate criterion for fatigue fracture of elastomers
Authors: Mzabi Samy , Berghezan Daniel , Roux Stéphane , Hild Francois , Creton Costantino
Published: September 2011

Using Digital Image Correlation on high‐resolution images, the full strain field near the tip of a crack propagating under cyclic loading in an elastomer was characterized. We show unambiguously, and for the first time, the existence of a strongly localized and highly oriented process zone close to the crack tip and propose a simple physical model introducing a local energy release rate glocal = WunloadingH0, where Wunloading is the unloading strain energy density in uniaxial tension at the maximum strain measured at the crack tip, and H0 is the undeformed size of the highly stretched zone in the loading direction. Remarkably, the crack growth rate under cyclic loading is found to fall on a master curve as a function of glocal for three elastomers with different filler contents and crosslinking densities, while the same crack growth rate as a function of the applied macroscopic energy release rate G, differs by two orders of magnitude for the same three elastomers. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 49: 1518–1524, 2011
Inpatient healthcare trends among adult cystic fibrosis patients in the U.S.
Authors: Kopp Benjamin T. , Wang Wei , Chisolm Deena J. , Kelleher Kelly J. , McCoy Karen S.
Published: September 2011

Background

Adult cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are an expanding cohort that is taken care of in a variety of hospital settings including adult centers located within pediatric institutions. This study compared costs and discharge rates among adult CF patient hospitalizations in terms of location of hospitalization.

Methods

The 2007 Nationwide Inpatient Sample was utilized to identify adult CF patient admission data on patients aged 18–44. Data were separated into pediatric and adult facilities based on percentage discharge rate for patients >18. Primary outcomes measures were length of stay (LOS) and total hospital charges. Secondary predictors were geographic, primary payer, and co‐morbidity effects on LOS and total hospital charges.

Results

LOS was higher for adult CF patient admissions in pediatric facilities compared to adult facilities by a mean of 2.5 days. Mean total hospital charges were not significantly different. Adult hospitals in the Western U.S. had a mean total charge more than $50,000 greater than any region in the U.S. Self‐pay patients had significantly fewer hospital days and charges across all hospital types. Adult facilities had 7% more CF patients discharged home with home healthcare use. Depressed CF patients had longer LOS by 1.5 days regardless of facility type.

Conclusions

LOS for adult CF inpatient admissions was significantly lower in adult facilities compared to pediatric facilities without a significant difference in hospital charges and is influenced by geographic hospital location. Depressed patients had longer lengths of stay regardless of facility type. Self‐insured adult CF patients have a significant reduction in LOS and hospital charges when compared to all other payers regardless of hospital type. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:245–251. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Infection with multiple viruses is not associated with increased disease severity in children with bronchiolitis
Authors: Brand H. Kim , de Groot Ronald , Galama Joep M.D. , Brouwer Marianne L. , Teuwen Karin , Hermans Peter W.M. , Melchers Willem J.G. , Warris Adilia
Published: September 2011

Background

The clinical relevance of parallel detection of multiple viruses by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) remains unclear. This study evaluated the association between the detection of multiple viruses by RT‐PCR and disease severity in children with bronchiolitis.

Methods

Children less than 2 years of age with clinical symptoms of bronchiolitis were prospectively included during three winter seasons. Patients were categorized in three groups based on disease severity; mild (no supportive treatment), moderate (supplemental oxygen and/or nasogastric feeding), and severe (mechanical ventilation). Multiplex RT‐PCR of 15 respiratory viruses was performed on nasopharyngeal aspirates.

Results

In total, 142 samples were obtained. Respiratory Syncytial virus (RSV) was the most commonly detected virus (73%) followed by rhinovirus (RV) (30%). In 58 samples (41%) more than one virus was detected, of which 41% was a dual infection with RSV and RV. In RSV infected children younger than 3 months, disease severity was not associated with the number of detected viruses. Remarkably, in children older than 3 months we found an association between more severe disease and RSV mono‐infections.

Conclusion

Disease severity in children with bronchiolitis is not associated with infection by multiple viruses. We conclude that other factors, such as age, contribute to disease severity to a larger extent. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:393–400. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A novel method for protein–protein interaction site prediction using phylogenetic substitution models
Authors: La David , Kihara Daisuke
Published: September 2011

Protein–protein binding events mediate many critical biological functions in the cell. Typically, functionally important sites in proteins can be well identified by considering sequence conservation. However, protein–protein interaction sites exhibit higher sequence variation than other functional regions, such as catalytic sites of enzymes. Consequently, the mutational behavior leading to weak sequence conservation poses significant challenges to the protein–protein interaction site prediction. Here, we present a phylogenetic framework to capture critical sequence variations that favor the selection of residues essential for protein–protein binding. Through the comprehensive analysis of diverse protein families, we show that protein binding interfaces exhibit distinct amino acid substitution as compared with other surface residues. On the basis of this analysis, we have developed a novel method, BindML, which utilizes the substitution models to predict protein–protein binding sites of protein with unknown interacting partners. BindML estimates the likelihood that a phylogenetic tree of a local surface region in a query protein structure follows the substitution patterns of protein binding interface and nonbinding surfaces. BindML is shown to perform well compared to alternative methods for protein binding interface prediction. The methodology developed in this study is very versatile in the sense that it can be generally applied for predicting other types of functional sites, such as DNA, RNA, and membrane binding sites in proteins. Proteins 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Studying molecular quantum dynamics with the multiconfiguration time‐dependent Hartree method
Authors: Meyer Hans‐Dieter
Published: September 2011

This review covers the multiconfiguration time‐dependent Hartree (MCTDH) method, which is a powerful and general algorithm for solving the time‐dependent Schrödinger equation. The formal derivation is discussed as well as applications of the method. Recent extensions of MCTDH are treated in brief, namely, MCTDHB and MCTDHF, for treating identical particles (bosons and fermions), and the very powerful multilayer (ML‐MCTDH) formalism. Compact representations of potential energy surfaces (PESs) are also discussed, as the representation of a PES becomes a major bottleneck when going to larger systems (nine or more dimensions) while employing a full‐dimensional, complicated, and nonseparable PES. As applications of MCTDH, we discuss the calculation of photoionization and photoexcitation spectra of the vibronically coupled systems butatriene and pyrazine, respectively, and the infra‐red spectrum of the Zundel cation (protonated water dimer) H5O+2. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article is categorized under:

Theoretical and Physical Chemistry > Reaction Dynamics and Kinetics
Conservative and Surgical Treatment of Acute Posttraumatic Tracheobronchial Injuries
Authors: Carretta Angelo , Melloni Giulio , Bandiera Alessandro , Negri Giampiero , Voci Carlopietro , Zannini Piero
Published: September 2011

Background

Acute posttraumatic tracheobronchial lesions are rare events associated with significant morbidity and mortality. They are caused by blunt and penetrating trauma, or they are iatrogenic, appearing after intubation or tracheotomy. Although surgery has traditionally been considered the treatment of choice for these injuries, recent reports show that conservative treatment can be effective in selected patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of surgical and conservative management of these lesions, differentiated on the basis of clinical and endoscopic criteria.

Methods

From January 1993 to October 2010, a total of 50 patients with acute posttraumatic tracheobronchial lesions were referred for treatment to our department. In all, 36 patients had iatrogenic injuries of the airway, and 14 had lesions resulting from blunt or penetrating trauma.

Results

Of the 30 patients who underwent surgery, the lesion was repaired with interrupted absorbable sutures in 29; the remaining patient, with an associated tracheoesophageal fistula, underwent single‐stage tracheal resection and reconstruction and closure of the fistula. In all, 20 patients were treated conservatively: clinical observation in 5 patients, airway decompression with a mini‐tracheotomy cannula in 4 spontaneously breathing patients, and tracheotomy with the cuff positioned distal to the lesion in 11 mechanically ventilated patients. One surgical and one conservatively‐managed patient died after treatment (4% overall mortality). Complete recovery and healing were achieved in all the remaining patients.

Conclusions

Surgery remains the treatment of choice for posttraumatic lesions of the airway. However, conservative treatment based on strict clinical and endoscopic criteria—stable vital signs; effective ventilation; no esophageal injuries, signs of sepsis, or evidence of major communication with the mediastinal space—enables favorable results to be achieved in selected patients.
Distal Pancreatectomy with Celiac Axis Resection for Carcinoma of the Body and Tail of the Pancreas
Authors: Takahashi Yu , Kaneoka Yuji , Maeda Atsuyuki , Isogai Masatoshi
Published: September 2011

Background

We retrospectively investigated our experiences with distal pancreatectomy with celiac axis resection (DP‐CAR) for locally advanced pancreatic cancer and compared the operative outcome and long‐term survival between DP‐CAR and standard distal pancreatectomy (DP). Although several authors reported that DP‐CAR increases resectability rates, the long‐term results of this operation are not clear, and there are few reports presenting a comparison of the short‐ and long‐term results between DP‐CAR and DP.

Methods

From 1993 to 2010, 43 patients with invasive ductal carcinoma of the body or tail of the pancreas underwent a macroscopically curative resection (R0/1). Sixteen patients underwent DP‐CAR and 27 patients underwent DP. No DP‐CAR patients underwent any preoperative coil embolization of the common hepatic artery (CHA) to stimulate the development of collateral pathways from the superior mesenteric artery. The perioperative and histopathologic parameters and survival data were analyzed to compare the two operations.

Results

There was no difference in mean operative time, mean blood loss, postoperative mortality, and morbidity between DP‐CAR and DP. The rates of morbidity and in‐hospital mortality of DP‐CAR were 56 and 6%, respectively. In DP‐CAR, 15 patients did not require reconstruction of the hepatic artery and no hepatic infarctions were clinically encountered after surgery. The estimated overall 1‐ and 3‐year survival rates in patients who underwent DP‐CAR were 42.6 and 25.6%, respectively, and their survival time was significantly less than that of patients who underwent DP (median survival time: 9.7 vs. 30.9 months, P = 0.033). The R1 resection rates of these groups were 44% in DP‐CAR and 22% in DP, respectively.

Conclusion

DP‐CAR is a safe and rational procedure for locally advanced pancreatic cancer without preoperative embolization of the CHA. Although the short‐term results were equivalent to that for DP, DP‐CAR did not improve the long‐term survival because of the high rate of R1 resection at present.
Sport participation of the elderly—the role of gender, age, and social class
Authors: Tischer Ulrike , Hartmann-Tews Ilse , Combrink Claudia
Published: September 2011

The article provides an overview of the results of cross-sectional and longitudinal data sets concerning sport participation of the elderly in Germany with a focus on correlations of sport participation with gender, age, and social class. A tabular overview lists the most central studies with their study design and publications from 2000 onwards. Findings regarding the motivations for sport participation of the elderly, the types of sport which are done, and the preferred settings are summarized. Eventually a conclusion is given about “what we know and what we don’t know.”
Clinical Use of Cyclosporine as an Adjunctive Therapy in the Management of Feline Idiopathic Pure Red Cell Aplasia
Authors: Viviano Katrina R , Webb Julie L
Published: September 2011

The clinical use of cyclosporine is described in a group of client-owned cats diagnosed with idiopathic pure red cell aplasia (PRCA). All 10 cats were treated with combinations of glucocorticoids and cyclosporine. Of the 10 cats, the eight for which follow-up data was available achieved and maintained remission for a median of 31 and 406 days, respectively. Therapy was reduced or discontinued in 7/8 cats; 2/7 maintained remission off therapy and 5/7 cats relapsed.

Remission was reinduced in four cats, with 3/4 cats maintained long-term on low dose therapy. Adverse effects associated with cyclosporine therapy were responsive to dose reduction or drug withdrawal. Feline idiopathic PRCA was responsive to combination immunosuppressive therapy with glucocorticoids and cyclosporine. Relapse was common, particularly after drug discontinuation; therefore, most cats required maintenance long-term low dose therapy.
Evaluation of Auditory Function in a Population of Clinically Healthy Cats Using Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions
Authors: McBrearty Alix R , Penderis Jacques
Published: September 2011

Cats may demonstrate deafness due to a variety of aetiologies and the current preferred method for assessing auditory function is the brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER). The BAER has largely been replaced by otoacoustic emission (OAE) testing in human neonatal deafness screening as the equipment is more readily available, is cheaper and the test is less invasive and simpler. This is the first study to demonstrate that transient evoked OAEs (TEOAE) and distortion product OAEs (DPOAE) can be recorded in cats using commercially available equipment. Protocols for recording the emissions and analysing the results are given. DPOAE testing is suggested to be quicker in this population of healthy cats and shows promise in rapidly providing detailed information about auditory function at a variety of different frequencies.
The role of glutathioneS-transferase M1 and T1 gene polymorphisms and fruit and vegetable consumption in antioxidant parameters in healthy subjects
Authors: Yuan Lin-Hong , Meng Li-Ping , Ma Wei-Wei , Li Sheng , Feng Jin-Fang , Yu Huan-Ling , Xiao Rong
Published: September 2011

The correlation of glutathioneS-transferase (GST) M1/T1 genetic polymorphisms with oxidative stress-related chronic diseases was proved recently. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of GSTM1/T1 genetic polymorphisms with antioxidant biomarkers and consumption of fruits and vegetables (F&V) in healthy subjects. In this study, for conducting a 3 d dietary survey, 190 healthy adults were recruited. After DNA extraction, a multiple PCR method was used for GSTM1/T1 genotyping. A spectrophotometer method was applied for the determination of plasma total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), vitamin C level and erythrocyte GST enzyme activity. A general linear model was used to compare the mean values of antioxidant parameters for different GSTM1/T1 genotypes and consumption of F&V. Polymorphisms of GSTM1/T1 had no effects on plasma T-AOC and vitamin C levels. Deletion of the GSTM1 gene decreased the erythrocyte GST activity. There was correlation between plasma T-AOC and consumption of F&V in the GSTM1−or GSTT1+subjects. A similar pattern was evident for erythrocyte GST activity in the GSTM1−subjects. No association was found among consumption of F&V and GSTM1/T1 genotypes and plasma vitamin C level. Different consumption of F&V had no impact on plasma T-AOC and vitamin C levels in the GSTM1−/GSTT1+or GSTM1−/GSTT1−subjects. The erythrocyte GST activity was more sensitive to consumption of F&V in the individuals with the GSTM1−/GSTT1+genotype. Association was found among GSTM1/T1 genotypes, antioxidant parameters and consumption of F&V. Large-scale and multiple ethnic studies are needed to further evaluate the relationship.
Plasma appearance and disappearance of an oral dose of 25-hydroxyvitamin D2in healthy adults
Authors: Jones Kerry S. , Schoenmakers Inez , Bluck Les J. C. , Ding Shujing , Prentice Ann
Published: September 2011

25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) half-life is a potential biomarker for investigating vitamin D metabolism and requirements. We performed a pilot study to assess the approach and practical feasibility of measuring 25(OH)D half-life after an oral dose. A total of twelve healthy Gambian men aged 18–23 years were divided into two groups to investigate the rate and timing of (1) absorption and (2) plasma disappearance after an 80 nmol oral dose of 25(OH)D2. Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline and, in the first group, every 2 h post-dose for 12 h, at 24 h, 48 h and on day 15. In the second group, fasting blood samples were collected on days 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 21. Urine was collected for 2 h after the first morning void at baseline and on day 15. 25(OH)D2plasma concentration was measured by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem MS/MS and corrected for baseline. Biomarkers of vitamin D, Ca and P metabolism were measured at baseline and on day 15. The peak plasma concentration of 25(OH)D2was 9·6 (sd0·9) nmol/l at 4·4 (sd1·8) h. The terminal slope of 25(OH)D2disappearance was identified to commence from day 6. The terminal half-life of plasma 25(OH)D2was 13·4 (sd2·7) d. There were no significant differences in plasma 25(OH)D3, total 1,25(OH)2D, parathyroid hormone, P, Ca and ionised Ca and urinary Ca and P between baseline and day 15 and between the two groups. The present study provides data on the plasma response to oral 25(OH)D2that will underpin and contribute to the further development of studies to investigate 25(OH)D half-life.
Don't sue the surgeon: remineralisation of the skull base or a defect that never existed?
Authors: Hopkins C , Dhillon S , Rogers G , Roberts D
Published: September 2011

Introduction:

Intracranial complications are recognised as rare, but serious, sequelae of endoscopic sinus surgery.

Case report:

A 56-year-old woman was referred after developing meningitis following elective functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Computed tomography demonstrated a significant defect of the skull base in the right posterior ethmoid, clearly visible on both coronal and sagittal sections. Operative exploration demonstrated the skull base to be intact in the posterior ethmoid area identified on the scan, and the overlying mucosa appeared undisturbed. Scans were reviewed in the light of operative findings; coronal and sagittal images were found to be reconstructions. Directly acquired coronal computed tomography, undertaken three weeks after surgery, demonstrated a complete bony plate in the right posterior ethmoid at the site previously identified as dehiscent.

Discussion and conclusion:

We speculate that the posterior ethmoid defect was actually an artefact of reconstruction. We cannot exclude the alternative possibility of remineralisation, but given the time frame this seems unlikely. This case highlights the need for caution when interpreting reconstructed images of the thin bony plates of the skull base and lamina papyracea, as regards both clinical significance and medicolegal reporting. While virtual defects have been reported in the superior semicircular canals as a result of reconstructed images, we believe this to be the first reported case demonstrating a similar problem in the anterior skull base.
Cannabis and cognitive performance in psychosis: a cross-sectional study in patients with non-affective psychotic illness and their unaffected siblings
Authors: Meijer J. H. , Dekker N. , Koeter M. W. , Quee P. J. , van Beveren N. J. M. , Meijer C. J. ,   Genetic Risk and Outcome of Psychosis (GROUP) Investigators
Published: September 2011

Background

The relationship between cannabis use and cognitive functioning in patients with psychosis has yielded contradictory findings. In individuals at genetic high risk for psychosis, information is sparse. The aim of this study was to assess the association between recency and frequency of cannabis use and cognitive functioning in patients with psychosis and their unaffected siblings.

Method

We conducted a cross-sectional study in 956 patients with non-affective psychosis, 953 unaffected siblings, and 554 control subjects. Participants completed a cognitive test battery including assessments of verbal learning, set shifting, sustained attention, processing speed, working memory, acquired knowledge, reasoning and problem solving and social cognition. Cannabis use was assessed by urinalysis and by the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Using random-effect regression models the main effects of cannabis (recency and frequency) and the interaction with status (patient, sibling, control) on cognitive functioning were assessed.

Results

Current cannabis use was associated with poorer performance on immediate verbal learning, processing speed and working memory (Cohen's d −0.20 to −0.33, p<0.005). Lifetime cannabis use was associated with better performance on acquired knowledge, facial affect recognition and face identity recognition (Cohen's d+0.17 to +0.33, p<0.005). There was no significant interaction between cannabis and status on cognitive functioning.

Conclusions

Lifetime cannabis-using individuals might constitute a subgroup with a higher cognitive potential. The residual effects of cannabis may impair short-term memory and processing speed.
Long term stability of White-necked Picathartes population in south-east Sierra Leone
Authors: MONTICELLI DAVID , SIAKA ALHAJI , BUCHANAN GRAEME M. , WOTTON SIMON , MORRIS TONY , WARDILL JIM C. , LINDSELL JEREMY A.
Published: September 2011

White-necked PicathartesPicathartes gymnocephalusis a globally ‘Vulnerable’ bird endemic to the highly threatened Upper Guinea forests in West Africa. In an environment under a high level of threat, the high breeding site fidelity (or breeding site persistence) of this species enables long term monitoring of colony site occupancy, colony size and other breeding parameters, which provide multiple indicators of population status. We surveyed known colony sites and searched for new sites in three recent breeding seasons in order to assess the current population status in the most important part of their range in Sierra Leone, the Gola Forest. We found 157 active nests at 40 colonies, equating to at least 314 adult birds. Less than half of the known colonies were protected by the Gola Forest Reserve. Colonies outside the reserve tended to be confined to larger rocks and subject to disturbance from human activities in close proximity, but did not have fewer active nests in them. Colonies outside the reserve were also more likely to be inactive in a given year whereas all colonies inside the reserve were active in every survey year. A predictive distribution model indicated that the survey region could have as many as 234 nests equating to at least 468 breeding birds. There was no evidence that mean colony size had declined since surveys undertaken in the 1980s and 1990s but it was not possible to compare colony abandonment rates inside and outside the reserve over that time period. Clutch and brood sizes were similar in each year, though brood size appeared slightly lower in the third survey year possibly because of a slightly later survey date. Mean clutch and brood sizes reported during the study period were similar to those found in the 1980s and 1990s. We conclude that the population of White-necked Picathartes in the Gola Forest area has been relatively stable over the last two decades, reflecting both the efficacy of protection afforded by the Gola Forest Reserve and presumably low pressure to farm new areas in the nearby community forest. However, regular monitoring of colonies both inside and outside the reserve is required to detect any systematic impact on the birds as pressure for land increases.
The quality of midday meals eaten at school by adolescents; school lunches compared with packed lunches and their contribution to total energy and nutrient intakes
Authors: Prynne Celia J , Handford Caroline , Dunn Valerie , Bamber Diane , Goodyer Ian M , Stephen Alison M
Published: September 2011

Objective

To compare food and nutrient intakes from midday meals provided by schools with those from packed lunches and to estimate the contribution from food eaten at midday to the total daily energy and nutrient intakes of teenagers.

Design

Dietary data were recorded in 4 d estimated diaries of which 2 d were school days. The school day data were analysed for total and midday energy and nutrient intakes. The latter were compared with the recommendations of the Caroline Walker Trust (CWT).

Setting

Cambridgeshire, UK, 2006.

Subjects

Teenagers (n 757) aged 14–15 years, from eighteen secondary schools, who reported food eaten at school.

Results

The contribution to total daily energy intake from all lunches eaten at school was 29 % (boys) and 28 % (girls). School meals provided greater quantities of protein, starch, carotene and folate but also more saturated fats and Na than packed lunches. Intakes of energy and several nutrients fell below the CWT recommendations for both types of lunch. School meals and packed lunches provided different types of foods; greater quantities of rice, pasta and vegetables in school meals; more yoghurt, cheese, fruit and juices but also more confectionery and soft drinks in packed lunches.

Conclusions

There has been concern that schoolchildren who are not opting for lunch provided by schools are compromising the overall quality of their diet, but the present study showed small differences in nutrient content between packed and school lunches. These data were collected in 2005–2007 before the government programme of improvements reached secondary schools.
A TIME TO LIE
Authors: Link Monica
Published: September 2011

In his well-known piece ‘Autonomy and Benevolent Lies’ (in Thomas Hill, Autonomy and Self-Respect [New York: Cambridge University Press, 1991]) Thomas Hill argues that out of respect for people's autonomy, we ought not to tell benevolent lies. He argues that we are obligated to tell the truth, especially when asked directly for it, even if we know it will cause a person more pain. This is because truth-telling is tied to respecting autonomy, which involves giving people a realistic picture of their situation, however rosy or bleak, and letting them decide what to do with the information given. Telling people benevolent lies, because one thinks they will be happier believing something else, is an instance of paternalism, which Hill wants to resist. In this paper I will raise a case that seems at first glance to be an objection to Hill's theory i.e. a case in which the right information to give someone is not what he has requested. In offering an explanation for how Hill can respond, I will suggest that a revision to his view would allow him to justify certain benevolent lies, while still avoiding his worry that benevolent lies are necessarily paternalistic.
Sea ice and its effect on CO2 flux between the atmosphere and the Southern Ocean interior
Authors: Loose Brice , Schlosser Peter
Published: September 2011

The advance and retreat of sea ice produces seasonal convection and stratification, dampens surface waves and creates a separation between the ocean and atmosphere. These are all phenomena that can affect the air‐sea gas transfer velocity (k660), and therefore it is not straightforward to determine how sea ice cover modulates air‐sea flux. In this study we use field estimates k660 to examine how sea ice affects the net gas flux between the ocean and atmosphere. An inventory of salinity, 3He, and CFC‐11 in the mixed layer is used to infer k660 during the drift of Ice Station Weddell in 1992. The average of k660 is 0.11 m d−1 across nearly 100% ice cover. In comparison, the only prior field estimates of k660 are disproportionately larger, with average values of 2.4 m d−1 across 90% sea ice cover, and 3.2 m d−1 across approximately 70% sea ice cover. We use these values to formulate two scenarios for the modulation of k660 by the fraction of sea ice cover in a 1‐D transport model for the Southern Ocean seasonal ice zone. Results show the net CO2 flux through sea ice cover represents 14–46% of the net annual air‐sea flux, depending on the relationship between sea ice cover and k660. The model also indicates that as much as 68% of net annual CO2 flux in the sea ice zone occurs in the springtime marginal ice zone, which demonstrates the need for accurate parameterizations of gas flux and primary productivity under partially ice‐covered conditions.
The theoretical relation between unstable solutes and groundwater age
Authors: Massoudieh Arash , Ginn Timothy R.
Published: September 2011

Recent studies of groundwater age have begun integrating both tracer‐based and explicit age modeling approaches. In particular, the measurement or simulations of multiple tracers each with distinct decay rates has shown promise in constraining the distribution of groundwater over age. Here we explore the mathematical relation between the simulated relative concentrations of ideal tracers (unstable isotopes that have no sources other than recharge water and that undergo no transformations with subsurface materials) and the distribution of groundwater over age. This relation is described for constant tracer concentration at influx boundaries as follows: the relative ideal tracer concentration is the Laplace transform of the distribution of groundwater over age evaluated at the Laplace variable value equal to the tracer decay rate. This result provides a theoretical foundation for understanding how ideal tracers give information on groundwater age distributions, and invites new methods for the interpretation of tracer data when multiple ideal (or corrected‐to‐ideal) tracer concentrations are availables to determine groundwater age distributions.
Generation of mesoscale eddies in the lee of the Hawaiian Islands
Authors: Jia Y. , Calil P. H. R. , Chassignet E. P. , Metzger E. J. , Potemra J. T. , Richards K. J. , Wallcraft A. J.
Published: September 2011

The ocean west of the main Hawaiian Islands is characterized by enhanced eddy kinetic energy arising from the abundance of locally generated mesoscale eddies, most frequently in the area west of the island of Hawaii. Two mechanisms of eddy generation in the wake of an island are examined with numerical model experiments. The first, eddy generation and shedding by an oceanic flow around an oceanic barrier, requires the existence of strong westward flows to the north and south of the island of Hawaii. Model solutions show such westward flows and generation of eddies by these flows although the intensity of the eddies and the generation frequency are much lower than that derived from altimetry. As a result, these eddies contribute an insignificant amount of eddy kinetic energy in the region. The second, eddy generation and shedding by an atmospheric flow around an atmospheric barrier, is based on oceanic upwelling and downwelling induced by surface wind shear, effectively introducing sinks and sources to the ocean interior. Previous idealized modeling studies have shown that oceanic eddies can be generated by sufficiently strong forcing (source or sink), providing an explanation why eddy occurrences in the lee of the island of Hawaii coincide with periods of strong trade winds. Eddy generation characteristics in the model experiments are consistent with this mechanism in terms of time of occurrence, strength and the resulting eddy kinetic energy. Major discrepancies are in eddy propagation and therefore eddy distribution in the regional domain due to the complex nature of eddy‐eddy interactions.
Effects of neutral point reactors and series capacitors on geomagnetically induced currents in a high‐voltage electric power transmission system
Authors: Arajärvi Esko , Pirjola Risto , Viljanen Ari
Published: September 2011

Geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) are DC‐like currents compared to power transmission frequencies. Consequently, it may be possible to reduce the magnitudes of GIC by installing resistive components or series capacitors into a power grid. We simulate the effects of neutral point reactors and series capacitors on GIC in the Finnish 400 kV network. Reactors add an additional resistance to earthing leads of transformers, and series capacitors block the flow of GIC in transmission lines. The geoelectric field impacting the system is considered to be uniform. The use of reactors does not necessarily reduce the GIC risk. Although the installation of reactors tends to decrease GIC on the average, maximum GIC may even increase. Assuming a reactor at all stations results in a 50% reduction of the maximum GIC compared to the situation with no reactors. With up to four series capacitors, the maximum GIC is reduced by 40% when they are optimally located. However, even small changes in the topology of the grid can cause large changes in GIC. A combination of reactors and series capacitors could in principle provide a way to diminish the GIC risk. This study also emphasizes the difficulty of preventing GIC problems by these means.
BioModels Database: curation and annotation
Authors: Schubert Michael , Ajmera Ishan , Chelliah Vijayalakshmi , Endler Lukas , Rodriguez Nicolas , Laibe Camille , Le Novère Nicolas
Published: September 2011

The BioModels Database is a freely accessible online resource for storing, viewing, retrieving, and analyzing published, peer-reviewed quantitative models of biological processes.In this poster we provide an overview of its capabilities, as well as the curation and annotation process with two use cases concerning blood coagulation and glucose homeostasis.
Sociability is decreased following deletion of the trpc4 gene
Authors: Rasmus Kristin , Wang Jun-Gang , Varnell Andrew , Ostertag Eric , Cooper Donald
Published: September 2011

Shyness and social anxiety are predominant features of some psychiatric disorders including autism, schizophrenia, anxiety and depression. Understanding the cellular and molecular determinants of sociability may reveal therapeutic approaches to treat individuals with these disorders and improve their quality of life. Previous experiments from our laboratory have identified selective mRNA and protein expression of a nonselective cation channel known as the canonical transient receptor potential channel 4 (TRPC4s) in brain regions implicated in emotional regulation and anxiety. TRPC4 is highly expressed in the corticolimbic regions of the mammalian brain. We hypothesized that robust corticolimbic expression of TRPC4 may regulate the brain’s response to emotion and anxiety resulting in changes in social interaction. Here we test trpc4 gene knockout rats in a model of social anxiety/interaction. We found that the Trpc4 knockout animals spent significantly less time exploring a juvenile intruder rat compared to their wild-type counterparts and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Furthermore, Trpc4 wild-type (Fisher 344) rats explored the juvenile significantly less than the SD rats. These findings indicate that the trpc4 gene plays a role in modulating cellular excitability in specific regions of the brain associated sociality and/or anxiety.