bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A block Krylov subspace time‐exact solution method for linear ordinary differential equation systems
Authors: Botchev M.A.
Published: January 2013

We propose a time‐exact Krylov‐subspace‐based method for solving linear ordinary differential equation systems of the form y ′ = − Ay + g(t) and y ′ ′ = − Ay + g(t), where y(t) is the unknown function. The method consists of two stages. The first stage is an accurate piecewise polynomial approximation of the source term g(t), constructed with the help of the truncated singular value decomposition. The second stage is a special residual‐based block Krylov subspace method. The accuracy of the method is only restricted by the accuracy of the piecewise polynomial approximation and by the error of the block Krylov process. Because both errors can, in principle, be made arbitrarily small, this yields, at some costs, a time‐exact method. Numerical experiments are presented to demonstrate efficiency of the proposed method. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of placenta‐specific microRNAs in fetal growth restriction pregnancy
Authors: Higashijima Ai , Miura Kiyonori , Mishima Hiroyuki , Kinoshita Akira , Jo Ozora , Abe Shuhei , Hasegawa Yuri , Miura Shoko , Yamasaki Kentaro , Yoshida Atsushi , Yoshiura Koh‐ichiro , Masuzaki Hideaki
Published: January 2013

Objective

The aim of this study was to characterize placenta‐specific microRNAs in fetal growth restriction (FGR) pregnancy.

Method

Placenta‐specific miRNAs were identified by next‐generation sequencing analysis. Subsequently, quantitative real‐time reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to identify FGR placenta‐specific miRNAs whose level of expression was significantly decreased in FGR placenta (n = 45) compared with uncomplicated placenta (n = 50). FGR pregnancy‐associated, placenta‐specific microRNAs were identified in maternal plasma after delivery at significantly decreased concentrations, and their circulating levels in maternal plasma was compared between FGR pregnancies (n = 10) and uncomplicated pregnancies (n = 10).

Results

Out of the ten placenta‐specific microRNAs that we identified, seven placenta‐specific microRNAs (hsa‐miR‐518b, hsa‐miR‐1323, hsa‐miR‐516b, hsa‐miR‐515‐5p, hsa‐miR‐520h, hsa‐miR‐519d, and hsa‐miR‐526b) from the chromosome 19 microRNA cluster were identified as FGR placenta‐specific microRNAs. Four FGR placenta‐specific microRNAs (hsa‐miR‐518b, hsa‐miR‐1323, hsa‐miR‐520h, and hsa‐miR‐519d) were confirmed as FGR pregnancy‐associated, placenta‐specific miRNAs, but their circulating levels in maternal plasma showed no significant differences between FGR pregnancy and uncomplicated pregnancy.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that reduced expression in placenta of certain FGR placenta‐specific miRNAs is associated with FGR and that the discrepancy between expression in FGR placenta and their circulating levels in maternal plasma will be crucial to understanding how placenta‐specific microRNAs are released into the maternal circulation. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Safety information in drug labeling: a comparison of the USA, the UK, and Japan
Authors: Shimazawa Rumiko , Ikeda Masayuki
Published: January 2013

Purpose

Despite globalization of drug approvals, there is a disparity in drug safety regulations among the USA, Europe, and Japan. We sought to determine differences in safety information on drug labels among the three regions.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study with quantitative survey of safety information on labels of 189 new molecular entities approved in the USA, the UK, and Japan. Outcome measures were the proportions of total safety information (PSI), of contraindications (PCI), and of boxed warnings (PBW) to all information on the label. We identified a boxed warning (BW) on US and Japanese labels through a manual search. These measures were analyzed according to therapeutic indications.

Results

On the Japanese labels, PSI was smaller than that on the US and UK labels for cardiovascular diseases. For neoplastic and immunologic diseases, PSI on the Japanese labels was larger than that on the UK labels. For nervous system diseases, PSI on the US labels was larger than that on the UK and the Japanese labels. PCI showed contrasting results with PSI except for neoplastic and immunologic diseases. BWs showed a poorer concordance between the USA and Japan in hematologic and genitourinary diseases than in other therapeutic areas.

Conclusions

Substantial differences in safety information exist depending upon outcome measures and therapeutic areas among the US, the UK, and the Japanese labels. This underscores the need for further analyses to determine causes of these differences to optimize drug safety regulations. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prediction, refinement, and persistency of transmembrane helix dimers in lipid bilayers using implicit and explicit solvent/lipid representations: Microsecond molecular dynamics simulations of ErbB1/B2 and EphA1
Authors: Zhang Liqun , Sodt Alexander J. , Venable Richard M. , Pastor Richard W. , Buck Matthias
Published: January 2013

All‐atom simulations are carried out on ErbB1/B2 and EphA1 transmembrane helix dimers in lipid bilayers starting from their solution/DMPC bicelle NMR structures. Over the course of microsecond trajectories, the structures remain in close proximity to the initial configuration and satisfy the majority of experimental tertiary contact restraints. These results further validate CHARMM protein/lipid force fields and simulation protocols on Anton. Separately, dimer conformations are generated using replica exchange in conjunction with an implicit solvent and lipid representation. The implicit model requires further improvement, and this study investigates whether lengthy all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations can alleviate the shortcomings of the initial conditions. The simulations correct many of the deficiencies. For example, excessive helix twisting is eliminated over a period of hundreds of nanoseconds. The helix tilt, crossing angles, and dimer contacts approximate those of the NMR‐derived structure, although the detailed contact surface remains off‐set for one of two helices in both systems. Hence, even microsecond simulations are not long enough for extensive helix rotations. The alternate structures can be rationalized with reference to interaction motifs and may represent still sought after receptor states that are important in ErbB1/B2 and EphA1 signaling. Proteins 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The structure of a shellfish specific GST class glutathioneS‐transferase from antarctic bivalveLaternula ellipticareveals novel active site architecture
Authors: Park Ae Kyung , Moon Jin Ho , Jang Eun Hyuk , Park Hyun , Ahn In Young , Lee Ki Seog , Chi Young Min
Published: January 2013

Glutathione‐S‐transferases have been identified in all the living species examined so far, yet little is known about their function in marine organisms. In a previous report, the recently identified GST from Antarctic bivalveLaternula elliptica(LeGST) was classified into the rho class GST, but there are several unique features of LeGST that may justify reclassification, which could represent specific shellfish GSTs. Here, we determined the crystal structure of LeGST, which is a shellfish specific class of GST. The structural analysis showed that the relatively open and wide hydrophobic H‐site of the LeGST allows this GST to accommodate various substrates. These results suggest that the H‐site of LeGST may be the result of adaptation to their environments as sedentary organisms. Proteins 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tissue engineering for urologists
Authors: Chopra Nikhil , Kayes Oliver
Published: January 2013

Tissue engineering and stem‐cell technologies are now at the forefront of scientific advances and offer novel methods for regenerating and recreating tissue. There is cautious optimism that tissue engineering will play an increasing role in the management of a spectrum of urological disease in the future. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons
Examination of the Modified Villavecchia Test for Detecting Sesame Oil
Authors: Lee Wei‐Ju , Su Nan‐Wei , Lee Min‐Hsiung , Lin Jui‐Tsung
Published: January 2013

The official methods of the American Oil Chemists’ Society recommend the modified Villavecchia test Cb 2‐40 for detecting sesame oil in animal and vegetable fats and oils. The test is based on the reactivity of sesamol and sesamolin to furfural under acidic conditions. Although the contribution of sesamol and sesamolin to the reaction has been reported, little information is available on how the test performed with oils prepared from different sesame varieties or for effects of roasting conditions of seeds. The objective of this study was to clarify the contribution of various lignans to the Villavecchia test results. Chromogenic products of the Villavecchia test with sesame oil prepared from different varieties of sesame seeds gave different absorbance intensities at 520 nm, and the absorbance intensities were positively correlated with the content of sesamolin in sesame oil. Roasting conditions affected the content and concentration of lignans in sesame oil, and consequently the corresponding chromogenicity of the Villavecchia test. Roasting seeds at 230 °C for 5 min caused a significant loss of sesamolin in oil, the level of sesamol increased, and the absorbance intensity at 520 nm of the corresponding Villavecchia testing product also increased. Roasting seeds at 280 °C for 5 min caused loss of sesamin and the disappearance of sesamolin from the resultant oil, whereas the level of sesamol increased. These results provide guidance for determining the utility of the Villavecchia test for detecting sesame oil in mixtures of other foods.
Carbon Mitigation Policies, Distributional Dilemmas and Social Policies
Authors: GOUGH IAN
Published: January 2013

Contemporary policies to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) will have distributive consequences and thus implications for the scope and remit of social policy. This paper studies current carbon mitigation policies and their distributive impacts. It considers a range of current and proposed social programmes to ameliorate these impacts, before proposing alternatives. This argument is pursued in two parts according to whether emissions are conceived and accounted within a production or a consumption framework. The first part works within the Kyoto policy framework, critiques the present suite of policies and suggests alternative policy scenarios that may better marry together the goals of carbon reduction and social equity. The second half justifies and operationalises a broader focus on all GHGs emitted by British consumers, whether directly or embodied in goods and services. It argues that to target these will require going beyond the current policy paradigm to develop more radical policies to modify preferences and behaviour, and to constrain total consumption demand. It then speculates on ways that new social policy programmes might combine the pursuit of these goals together with social equity.
Reading Fluency Estimates of Current Intellectual Function: Demographic Factors and Effects of Type of Stimuli
Authors: Simos Panagiotis G. , Sideridis Georgios D. , Kasselimis Dimitrios , Mouzaki Angeliki
Published: January 2013

The study explores the potential clinical value of reading fluency measures in complementing demographic variables as indices of current intellectual capacity. IQ estimates (based on the PPVT-R, WASI Vocabulary and Block Design subtests) were obtained from a representative, non-clinical sample of 386 Greek adults aged 48–87 years along with two measures of reading efficiency (one involving relatively high-frequency words—WRE—and the second comprised of phonotactically matched pseudowords—PsWRE). Both reading measures (number of items read correctly in 45 s) accounted for significant portions of variability in demographically adjusted verbal and performance IQ indices. Reading measures provided IQ estimates which were significantly closer to those predicted by demographic variables alone in up to 22% of individuals with fewer than 7 (across all ages) or 13 years of formal education (in the 70–87 year age range). PsWRE scores slightly outperformed WRE scores in predicting a person's estimated verbal or performance IQ. Results are discussed in the context of previous findings using reading accuracy measures for low-frequency words with exceptional spellings in less transparent orthographic systems such as English. (JINS, 2013, 19, 1–7)
Disparities in Completion of Substance Abuse Treatment between and within Racial and Ethnic Groups
Authors: Guerrero Erick G. , Marsh Jeanne C. , Duan Lei , Oh Christine , Perron Brian , Lee Benedict
Published: January 2013

Objective

To evaluate disparities in substance abuse treatment completion between and within racial and ethnic groups in publicly funded treatment in Los Angeles County, California.

Data Source

The Los Angeles County Participant Reporting System with multicross‐sectional annual data (2006–2009) for adult participants (n = 16,637) who received treatment from publicly funded programs (n = 276) for the first time.

Study Design

Retrospective analyses of county discharge and admission data. Hierarchical linear regressions models were used to test the hypotheses.

Data Collection

Client data were collected during personal interviews at admission and discharge for most participants.

Principal Findings

African Americans and Latinos reported lower odds of completing treatment compared with Whites. Within‐group analysis revealed significant heterogeneity within racial and ethnic groups, highlighting primary drug problem, days of drug use before admission, and homelessness as significant factors affecting treatment completion. Service factors, such as referral by the criminal justice system, enabled completion among Latinos and Whites only.

Conclusions

These findings have implications for reducing health disparities among members of racial and ethnic minorities by identifying individual and service factors associated with treatment adherence, particularly for first‐time clients.
Incidental sonographic diagnosis of neonatal carotid occlusion
Authors: Raets Marlou MA , Lequin Maarten H , Plaisier Annemarie , Dudink Jeroen , Govaert Paul
Published: January 2013

Cranial ultrasonography including colour Doppler can detect neonatal carotid flow problems at an early stage, even before symptoms occur. Different pathogeneses can be identified. The condition is more frequent than previously reported. If the circle of Willis is fully developed, this can prevent brain injury even in case of total carotid flow obstruction

Conclusion

Screening of the carotid artery in critically ill neonates may detect complications of treatment at an early stage.
The developmental transition of ovine adipose tissue through early life
Authors: Pope M. , Budge H. , Symonds M. E.
Published: January 2013

Aim

Hypothermia induced by cold exposure at birth is prevented in sheep by the rapid onset of non‐shivering thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT). Changes in adipose tissue composition in early life are therefore essential for survival but also influence adiposity in later life and were thus examined in detail during early development.

Methods

Changes in adipose composition were investigated by immunohistochemistry and qRT‐PCR between the period from the first appearance of adipose in the mid gestation foetus, through birth and up to 1 month of age.

Results

We identified four distinct phases of development, each associated with pronounced changes in tissue histology and in distribution of the BAT specific uncoupling protein (UCP)1. At mid gestation, perirenal adipose tissue exhibited a dense proliferative, structure marked by high expression of KI‐67 but with no UCP1 or visible lipid droplets. By late gestation large quantities of UCP1 were present, lipid storage was evident and expression of BAT‐related genes were abundant (e.g. prolactin and β3 receptors). Subsequently, within 12 h of birth, the depot was largely depleted of lipid and expression of genes such as UCP1, PGC1α, CIDEA peaked. By 30 days UCP1 was undetectable and the depot contained large lipid droplets; however, genes characteristic of BAT (e.g. PRDM16 and BMP7) and most characteristic of white adipose tissue (e.g. leptin and RIP140) were still abundant.

Conclusion

Adipose tissue undergoes profound compositional changes in early life, of which an increased understanding could offer potential interventions to retain BAT in later life.
L‐DOPA attenuates prolactin secretion in response to isolation stress in Holstein steers
Authors: Kasuya Etsuko , Yayou Ken‐ichi , Sutoh Madoka
Published: January 2013

To clarify endocrine responses to psychological stressors in cattle, the effects of isolation from familiar peers on plasma prolactin (PRL) and cortisol (CORT) concentrations, and the effect of 3,4‐dihydroxy‐L‐phenylalanine (L‐DOPA), a precursor of dopamine (DA), on stress‐induced PRL secretion were determined in Holstein steers. First, the potency of peripheral L‐DOPA administration on attenuation of central DA levels was confirmed. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collected from a chronic cannula in the third ventricle and plasma were sampled 1 h before and 3 h after intravenous injection of L‐DOPA (100 mg/head). DA concentrations in CSF increased just after L‐DOPA injection with subsequent decrease in PRL secretion. Injection of L‐DOPA increased CORT secretion. Second, one experimental steer was isolated in its stall by removing its peers for 2 h with or without‐ pre‐injection of L‐DOPA. The concentration of PRL was elevated by isolation treatment, whereas the effect of isolation on CORT concentration could not be detected. The increase in PRL concentration after isolation was abolished by pre‐injection of L‐DOPA. These results suggest that PRL responds to isolation and that DA neurons in the central nervous system may regulate stress‐induced PRL secretion in steers.
Low Risk and High Return – Affective Attitudes and Stock Market Expectations
Authors: Kempf Alexander , Merkle Christoph , Niessen‐Ruenzi Alexandra
Published: January 2013

This experimental study investigates the impact of affective attitudes on risk and return estimates of stocks. Participants rate well‐known blue‐chip firms on an affective scale and forecast risk and return of the firms’ stock. We find that positive affective attitudes lead to a prediction of high return and low risk, while negative attitudes lead to a prediction of low return and high risk. This bias increases with participants’ confidence in their ratings and decreases with financial literacy. Firm characteristics such as a firm's marketing expenditures and the strength of its brand have a positive impact on its affective rating.
Medieval Consideration and Moral Pace
Authors: Clairmont David A.
Published: January 2013

This essay examines the relationship between virtue and understandings of time through a comparative examination of two medieval Christian writers, Bernard of Clairvaux and Thomas Aquinas. By locating temporal dimensions of virtue primarily in discussions of prudence, this essay compares Thomas's account of the virtue of counsel as preparatory to prudent judgment with Bernard's earlier account of consideration as an integrating virtue that coordinates an examination of physical surroundings and social responsibilities with an examination of one's own inner life and history of moral decisions. The essay argues that accounts of virtue ethics focusing on tradition‐specific views of the human good and practical reasoning are insufficient if they do not also examine how practical reasoning interprets and responds to religious interpretations of time that disclose the distinctive kinds of moral problems arising in each historical period.
Authentication of official Da-huang by sequencing and multiplex allele-specific PCR of a short maturase K gene
Authors: Xu Guojie , Wang Xueyong , Liu Chunsheng , Li Weidong , Wei Shengli , Liu Ying , Cheng Xiaoli , Liu Juan
Published: January 2013

Rhubarb (official Da-huang) is an important medicinal herb in Asia. Many adulterants of official Da-huang have been discovered in Chinese markets in recent years, which has resulted in adverse effects in medicinal treatment. Here, novel molecular markers based on a short maturase K (matK) gene were developed for authenticating official Da-huang. This study showed that all the species from official Da-huang were clustered together in one clade in the polygenetic trees based on short matK. Two highly conserved single nucleotide polymorphisms of short matK were mined in the species from official Da-huang. Based on these polymophisms, four improved specific primers of official Da-huang were successfully developed that generated reproducible specific bands. These results suggest that the short matK sequence can be considered as a favorable candidate for distinguishing official Da-huang from its adulterants. The established multiplex allele-specific PCR was determined to be simple and accurate and may serve as a preferable tool for authentication of official Da-huang. In addition, we suggest that short-sized specific bands be developed to authenticate materials used in traditional Chinese medicine.
ELECTROMAGNETIC COUNTERPARTS OF GRAVITATIONAL WAVE SOURCES: MERGERS OF COMPACT OBJECTS
Authors: KAMBLE ATISH , KAPLAN DAVID L. A.
Published: January 2013

Mergers of compact objects are considered prime sources of gravitational waves (GW) and will soon be targets of GW observatories such as the Advanced-LIGO and VIRGO. Finding electromagnetic counterparts of these GW sources will be important to understand their nature. We discuss possible electromagnetic signatures of the mergers. We show that the BH–BH mergers could have luminosities which exceed Eddington luminosity from unity to several orders of magnitude depending on the masses of the merging BHs. As a result these mergers could be explosive, release up to 1051erg of energy and shine as radio transients. At any given time we expect about a few such transients in the sky at GHz frequencies, which could be detected to be about 300 Mpc. It has also been argued that these radio transients would look alike radio supernovae with comparable detection rates. Multi-band follow-up could, however, distinguish between the mergers and supernovae.
Characterization of Oily and Non‐Oily Natural Sediments in Palm Oil Mill Effluent
Authors: Alrawi Reem A. , Ab Rahman Nik Norulaini Nik , Ahmad Anees , Ismail Norli , Mohd Omar A. K.
Published: January 2013

Palm oil is one of the many vegetable oils widely consumed around the world. The production of palm oil requires voluminous amount of water with the concurrent generation of large amount of wastewater known as palm oil mill effluent (POME). POME is a mixture of water, oil, and natural sediments (solid particles and fibres).There is a dearth of information on the physical properties of these POME sediments. This study intends to distinguish the physical properties of oily and non‐oily POME sediments which include sediment size, particle size distribution (PSD), sediment shape, sediment surface morphology, and sediment density. These characterizations are important for future researches because these properties have significant effects on the settling process that occurs either under natural gravity or by coagulations. It was found that the oily and non‐oily POME sediments have different sizes with nonspherical irregular shapes, and because of that, the aspect ratio (AR) and circularity shape factors were adopted to describe the shapes of these sediments. The results also indicate that the density of oily POME sediment decreases as the sediment size increases.
The Effects of Integrative In-Patient Treatment on Patients’ Quality of Life: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ostermann Thomas , Langhorst Jost , Beer Andre-Michael
Published: January 2013

Background. In the last decades, several hospitals have adopted this concept of integrative medicine for the treatment of chronic and acute states of illnesses in in-patient treatment. The aim of this paper was to summarize the current evidence for a possible effectiveness of integrative on-patient treatment in patients’ quality of life by means of a meta-analysis.Material and Methods. The databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, PsycInfo, PsycLit CCMED, and CAMbase were screened to find articles. We also screened publisher databases to find relevant information. Articles were included if patients were treated in a hospital. To guarantee comparability SF-36 was the predefined outcome measure for patients’ quality of life. Data of pre/posteffects on the mental and physical scores of the SF-36 were extracted and effect sizes were calculated and entered into a random effect meta-analysis.Results. Eight articles published between 2003 and 2010 were included in the final meta-analysis. Random effect meta-analysis of the eight studies revealed an overall effect size of 0.37 (95% CI: [0.28; 0.45]) in the physical score and 0.38 (95% CI: [0.30; 0.45]) in the mental score of the SF-36.I2statistics indicate a high heterogeneity in the effects in both the physical and mental scores of the SF-36 (I2= 91.8%,P<0.001, resp.;I2= 86.7%,P<0.001).Discussion. This meta-analysis might help to rediscover the importance of integrative in-patient treatment for patients, physicians, and stakeholders.
Management of Class I and Class II Amalgam Restorations with Localized Defects: Five-Year Results
Authors: Martin Javier , Fernandez Eduardo , Estay Juan , Gordan Valeria V. , Mjör Ivar Andreas , Moncada Gustavo
Published: January 2013

Replacement of dental restorations has been the traditional treatment for defective restorations. This five-year prospective clinical trial evaluated amalgam restorations with localized defects that were treated by means of repair or refurbishing. Fifty-two patients (50% female and 50% male, mean age28.3±18.1years, range 18–80) with 160 class I and class II defective restorations were included. The study focused on the application of two minimally invasive treatments for localized restoration defects and compared these with no treatment and total replacement as negative and positive controls, respectively. Restorations were assessed by two calibrated examiners according to modified U.S. Public Health Service criteria, including marginal adaptation, anatomic form, secondary caries, and roughness. At five years, recall was examined in 45 patients with 108 restorations (67.5%). The results suggest that repair treatment is as effective as total replacement of restorations with localized defects, reducing biological costs to the patient and providing new tools to the clinician. Refinishing restoration is a useful treatment for localized anatomic form defects.
Mental Disorders among Children and Adolescents Admitted to a French Psychiatric Emergency Service
Authors: Boyer Laurent , Henry Jean-Marc , Samuelian Jean-Claude , Belzeaux Raoul , Auquier Pascal , Lancon Christophe , Da Fonseca David
Published: January 2013

The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of children and adolescents admitted to the psychiatric emergency department (ED) of a French public teaching hospital over a six-year study period (2001–2006). Data for all episodes of care in the psychiatric ED from January 1, 2001, to December 31, 2006, delivered to adolescents aged less than 18 years were retrospectively analyzed. During the six-year study period, 335 episodes of care in the psychiatric ED were experienced by 264 different adolescents. They accounted for 2.0% of the 16,754 care episodes of the ED; 164 patients (62.1) were female and the average age was 16.5 (SD = 1.6). The neurotic, stress-related, and somatoform disorders were the most frequent (25.4%) and concerned mainly anxiety disorders (15.2%). The frequency of the absence of psychiatric diagnosis (22.7%) was high. A total of 48 children and adolescents (18.2%) benefited from more than one episode of care. Several factors were associated to a higher number of visits to the ED: substance use, schizophrenia, disorders of adult personality and behaviour, disorders occurring in childhood and adolescence, and dual diagnosis. In conclusion, mental health disorders in children and adolescents are a serious problem associated with several potentially modifiable factors.
Immunomodulation of Homeopathic Thymulin 5CH in a BCG-Induced Granuloma Model
Authors: Bonamin Leoni Villano , Sato Cesar , Zalla Neto Ruggero , Morante Graziela , Cardoso Thayná Neves , de Santana Fabiana Rodrigues , Coelho Cideli de Paula , Osugui Lika , Popi Ana Flavia , Hurtado Elizabeth Cristina Perez , Mariano Mario
Published: January 2013

The present study analyzed the immune modulation mechanisms of thymulin 5CH in a granuloma experimental model. Male adult Balb/c mice were inoculated with BCG into the footpad to induce granuloma, which was quantitatively evaluated. The phenotypic characterization of phagocyte, T- and B-lymphocyte populations in the peritoneum, and local lymph node was done by flow cytometry. During all experimental periods, thymulin 5CH and vehicle (control) were givenad libitumto mice, diluted into the drinking water (1.6×10−17 M). After 7 days from inoculation, thymulin-treated mice presented reduction in the number of epithelioid cytokeratine-positive cells (P=0.0001) in the lesion, in relation to young phagocytes. After 21 days, the differentiation of B1 peritoneal stem cells into phagocytes reached the peak, being higher in thymulin-treated mice (P=0.0001). Simultaneously, the score of infected phagocytes in the lesion decreased (P=0.001), and the number of B1-derived phagocytes, CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in the local lymph node increased in relation to control (P=0.0001). No difference was seen on the CD25+ Treg cells. The results show that thymulin 5CH treatment is able to improve the granuloma inflammatory process and the infection remission, by modulating local and systemic phagocyte differentiation.
Statistical Analysis of Terminal Extensions of Protein β-Strand Pairs
Authors: Zhang Ning , Gao Shan , Zhang Lei , Ruan Jishou , Zhang Tao
Published: January 2013

The long-range interactions, required to the accurate predictions of tertiary structures of β-sheet-containing proteins, are still difficult to simulate. To remedy this problem and to facilitate β-sheet structure predictions, many efforts have been made by computational methods. However, known efforts on β-sheets mainly focus on interresidue contacts or amino acid partners. In this study, to go one step further, we studied β-sheets on the strand level, in which a statistical analysis was made on the terminal extensions of paired β-strands. In most cases, the two paired β-strands have different lengths, and terminal extensions exist. The terminal extensions are the extended part of the paired strands besides the common paired part. However, we found that the best pairing required a terminal alignment, and β-strands tend to pair to make bigger common parts. As a result, 96.97%  of β-strand pairs have a ratio of 25% of the paired common part to the whole length. Also 94.26% and 95.98%  of β-strand pairs have a ratio of 40% of the paired common part to the length of the two β-strands, respectively. Interstrand register predictions by searching interacting β-strands from several alternative offsets should comply with this rule to reduce the computational searching space to improve the performances of algorithms.
Table of Contents
Authors: GEIGER DANIEL L. , RUTHENSTEINER BERNHARD
Published: January 2013

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Communicating persuasive messages through slow food festivals
Authors: Frost Warwick , Laing Jennifer
Published: January 2013

As an active social and political philosophy, slow food aims to change the world, encouraging the public to opt for healthier food and reinvigorate traditional recipes and practices. Persuading people of this message is achieved through a range of methods, including media (particularly television, magazines and the Internet), restaurants, food retailers and food-themed festivals. In this article, we are examining how the latter are used to promote the persuasive messages of slow food. We use a comparative case study approach based on five international examples of festivals branded as ‘slow’ or that incorporate slow food elements into their theme or event concept. Two of the festivals are in Italy, where the slow food movement began and remains popular. The other three are from Australia and New Zealand, the countries which have embraced slow food, although lacking the entrenched cultural heritage of distinct regional cuisines. The event web sites present detailed and persuasive messages about what slow food is, how it is aiming to change patterns of behaviour and the rejection of modern fast-food cultures. Communication via these web sites is both multi-storeyed and multi-storied. There are complex uses of imagery and metaphor, the usage of well-known media food personalities as champions, and the strong marketing of slow food as authentic, artisanal and high-status.
Assessing the molecular structure basis for biomass recalcitrance during dilute acid and hydrothermal pretreatments
Authors: Pu Yunqiao , Hu Fan , Huang Fang , Davison Brian H , Ragauskas Arthur J
Published: January 2013

The production of cellulosic ethanol from biomass is considered a promising alternative to reliance on diminishing supplies of fossil fuels, providing a sustainable option for fuels production in an environmentally compatible manner. The conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to biofuels through a biological route usually suffers from the intrinsic recalcitrance of biomass owing to the complicated structure of plant cell walls. Currently, a pretreatment step that can effectively reduce biomass recalcitrance is generally required to make the polysaccharide fractions locked in the intricacy of plant cell walls to become more accessible and amenable to enzymatic hydrolysis. Dilute acid and hydrothermal pretreatments are attractive and among the most promising pretreatment technologies that enhance sugar release performance. This review highlights our recent understanding on molecular structure basis for recalcitrance, with emphasis on structural transformation of major biomass biopolymers (i.e., cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) related to the reduction of recalcitrance during dilute acid and hydrothermal pretreatments. The effects of these two pretreatments on biomass porosity as well as its contribution on reduced recalcitrance are also discussed.
Lignosulfonate and elevated pH can enhance enzymatic saccharification of lignocelluloses
Authors: Wang ZJ , Lan TQ , Zhu JY
Published: January 2013

Background

Nonspecific (nonproductive) binding (adsorption) of cellulase by lignin has been identified as a key barrier to reduce cellulase loading for economical sugar and biofuel production from lignocellulosic biomass. Sulfite Pretreatment to Overcome Recalcitrance of Lignocelluloses (SPORL) is a relatively new process, but demonstrated robust performance for sugar and biofuel production from woody biomass especially softwoods in terms of yields and energy efficiencies. This study demonstrated the role of lignin sulfonation in enhancing enzymatic saccharification of lignocelluloses – lignosulfonate from SPORL can improve enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocelluloses, contrary to the conventional belief that lignin inhibits enzymatic hydrolysis due to nonspecific binding of cellulase.

Results

The study found that lignosulfonate from SPORL pretreatment and from a commercial source inhibits enzymatic hydrolysis of pure cellulosic substrates at low concentrations due to nonspecific binding of cellulase. Surprisingly, the reduction in enzymatic saccharification efficiency of a lignocellulosic substrate was fully recovered as the concentrations of these two lignosulfonates increased. We hypothesize that lignosulfonate serves as a surfactant to enhance enzymatic hydrolysis at higher concentrations and that this enhancement offsets its inhibitive effect from nonspecific binding of cellulase, when lignosulfonate is applied to lignocellulosic solid substrates. Lignosulfonate can block nonspecific binding of cellulase by bound lignin on the solid substrates, in the same manner as a nonionic surfactant, to significantly enhance enzymatic saccharification. This enhancement is linearly proportional to the amount of lignosulfonate applied which is very important to practical applications. For a SPORL-pretreated lodgepole pine solid, 90% cellulose saccharification was achieved at cellulase loading of 13 FPU/g glucan with the application of its corresponding pretreatment hydrolysate coupled with increasing hydrolysis pH to above 5.5 compared with only 51% for the control run without lignosulfonate at pH 5.0. The pH-induced lignin surface modification at pH 5.5 further reduced nonspecific binding of cellulase by lignosulfonate.

Conclusions

The results reported in this study suggest significant advantages for SPORL-pretreatment in terms of reducing water usage and enzyme dosage, and simplifying process integration, i.e., it should eliminate washing of SPORL solid fraction for direct simultaneous enzymatic saccharification and combined fermentation of enzymatic and pretreatment hydrolysates (SSCombF). Elevated pH 5.5 or higher, rather than the commonly believed optimal and widely practiced pH 4.8-5.0, should be used in conducting enzymatic saccharification of lignocelluloses.
Effects of intravenous administration of allogenic bone marrow- and adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells on functional recovery and brain repair markers in experimental ischemic stroke
Authors: Gutiérrez-Fernández María , Rodríguez-Frutos Berta , Ramos-Cejudo Jaime , Teresa Vallejo-Cremades M , Fuentes Blanca , Cerdán Sebastián , Díez-Tejedor Exuperio
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Stem cell therapy can promote good recovery from stroke. Several studies have demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are safe and effective. However, more information regarding appropriate cell type is needed from animal model. This study was targeted at analyzing the effects in ischemic stroke of acute intravenous (i.v.) administration of allogenic bone marrow- (BM-MSC) and adipose-derived-stem cells (AD-MSC) on functional evaluation results and brain repair markers.

Methods

Allogenic MSC (2 × 106 cells) were administered intravenously 30 minutes after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) to rats. Infarct volume and cell migration and implantation were analyzed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and immunohistochemistry. Function was evaluated by the Rogers and rotarod tests, and cell proliferation and cell-death were also determined. Brain repair markers were analyzed by confocal microscopy and confirmed by western blot.

Results

Compared to infarct group, function had significantly improved at 24 h and continued at 14 d after i.v. administration of either BM-MSC or AD-MSC. No reduction in infarct volume or any migration/implantation of cells into the damaged brain were observed. Nevertheless, cell death was reduced and cellular proliferation significantly increased in both treatment groups with respect to the infarct group. At 14 d after MSC administration vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), synaptophysin (SYP), oligodendrocyte (Olig-2) and neurofilament (NF) levels were significantly increased while those of glial fiibrillary acid protein (GFAP) were decreased.

Conclusions

i.v. administration of allogenic MSC - whether BM-MSC or AD-MSC, in pMCAO infarct was associated with good functional recovery, and reductions in cell death as well as increases in cellular proliferation, neurogenesis, oligodendrogenesis, synaptogenesis and angiogenesis markers at 14 days post-infarct.
Dopant and Self-Diffusion in Extrinsic n-Type Silicon Isotopically Controlled Heterostructures
Authors: Silvestri Hughes H. , Sharp Ian D. , Bracht Hartmut A. , Nicols Sam P. , Beeman Jeff W. , Hansen John , Nylandsted-Larsen Arne , Haller Eugene E.
Published: January 2013

We present experimental results of dopant- and self-diffusion in extrinsic silicon doped with As. Multilayers of isotopically controlled 28Si and natural silicon enable simultaneous analysis of 30Si diffusion into the 28Si enriched layers and dopant diffusion throughout the multilayer structure. In order to suppress transient enhanced self- and dopant diffusion caused by ion implantation, we adopted a special approach to dopant introduction. First, an amorphous 250-nm thick Si layer was deposited on top of the Si isotope heterostructure. Then the dopant ions were implanted to a depth such that all the radiation damage resided inside this amorphous cap layer. These samples were annealed for various times and temperatures to study the impact of As diffusion and doping on Si self-diffusion. The Si self-diffusion coefficient and the dopant diffusivity for various extrinsic n-type conditions were determined over a wide temperature range. We observed increased diffusivities that we attribute to the increase in the concentration of the native defect promoting the diffusion.
Panorama da compra de alimentos da agricultura familiar para o Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar
Authors: Saraiva Elisa Braga , Silva Ana Paula Ferreira da , Sousa Anete Araújo de , Cerqueira Gabrielle Fernandes , Chagas Carolina Martins dos Santos , Toral Natacha
Published: January 2013

O artigo tem por objetivo apresentar um panorama da compra de alimentos provenientes da agricultura familiar, analisando o seu cumprimento frente às novas diretrizes de execução do Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar (PNAE). Trata-se de ensaio crítico realizado com base em revisão da literatura e em dados oficiais fornecidos pelo Fundo Nacional de Desenvolvimento da Educação/Ministério da Educação/PNAE, referentes às prestações de contas dos órgãos gestores municipais relativas ao exercício 2010. O orçamento do PNAE em 2010 foi de aproximadamente R$ 2,5 bilhões e beneficiou 45,6 milhões de estudantes da educação básica e de jovens e adultos. Deste montante, R$ 150.397.052,68 foram destinados para a compra da agricultura familiar. No Brasil, 47,4% dos municípios adquiriram alimentos da agricultura familiar para o PNAE e o percentual médio de compra nestes municípios foi de 22,7%. Em função do caráter recente da legislação, destaca-se a necessidade de organização de gestores e agricultores para a efetivação desta normativa nos diferentes contextos brasileiros e assim contribuir tanto para o desenvolvimento econômico local, como para o fornecimento de refeições aos escolares que atendam aos princípios de uma alimentação saudável e adequada.
Prevalência de morbidades e sintomas em idosos: um estudo comparativo entre zonas rural e urbana
Authors: Silva Eveline Fronza da , Paniz Vera Maria Vieira , Laste Gabriela , Torres Iraci Lucena da Silva
Published: January 2013

Realizou-se um estudo transversal, com a população idosa moradora nas zonas rural e urbana caracterizando a prevalência de morbidades e sintomas. Entrevistou-se 229 idosos, com média de idade de 72,3 anos, 57,2% residem na zona urbana, 56,3% são do sexo feminino. As morbidades mais relatadas por residentes da zona urbana foram: insônia (37,7%), ansiedade (32,1%), depressão (26,7%); e na rural, diabetes (13,3%). Nesta, a Doença de Alzheimer foi mais prevalente em idosos que utilizam agrotóxicos (21,7%). Os sintomas mais prevalentes por moradores da zona urbana foram: tosse/coriza e visão alterada (41,2%), alergia/coceira (11,4%). Na rural, boca seca (25,4%), visão alterada (35,6%) e dor nas pernas (66,1%) que também foram mais prevalentes em quem utilizava agrotóxicos. O uso de Equipamentos de Proteção Individual de forma incompleta foi de 85,4% e 45,1% descartam as embalagens de forma inadequada. Há a necessidade de desenvolvimento de programas de saúde pública que auxiliem na promoção de saúde do idoso, e que considere a possível exposição dessa população a agrotóxicos com um determinante em saúde.
O papel das obstetrizes e enfermeiras obstetras na promoção da maternidade segura no Brasil
Authors: Narchi Nádia Zanon , Cruz Elizabete Franco , Gonçalves Roselane
Published: January 2013

O Brasil necessita melhorar a assistência à saúde materna e perinatal, haja vista os índices elevados de morbimortalidade e de cesáreas, o processo de medicalização do corpo feminino e a violação dos direitos sexuais e reprodutivos das mulheres durante o ciclo gravídico-puerperal. A partir da contribuição de pesquisadores e organismos internacionais dedicados ao estudo destas questões, este texto tem como finalidade oferecer subsídios teóricos que sustentem a proposta de que a promoção da maternidade segura requer a efetiva participação de obstetrizes e enfermeiras obstetras, profissionais que, a partir da perspectiva da promoção da saúde, podem colaborar na constituição de uma rede efetiva de cuidados, cuja premissa básica seja a atenção humanizada e baseada em evidências científicas a fim de melhorar a experiência da mulher e da família no processo de gestação, parto e pós-parto.
Practical Directional Drilling Techniques and MWD Technology in Bakken and Upper Three Forks Formation in Williston Basin North Dakota to Improve Efficiency of Drilling and Well Productivity
Authors: Han Guangzhi , Davila Wilfredo A. , Magnuson Eric C. , Azizov Azar A.
Published: January 2013

The Upper Devonian-Lower Mississippian Bakken petroleum system, including the Bakken, Lower Lodgepole, and Upper Three Forks formations, is a widespread unit within the central and deeper portions of the Williston Basin in Montana, North Dakota, and the Canadian provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The USGS estimated that the U.S. portion of the Bakken Formation contains between 3 and 4.3 billion barrels of undiscovered, recoverable oil, 1.85 Tcf of associated/dissolved natural gas and 148 million barrels of natural gas liquid; the Upper Three Forks Formation is estimated to contain 20 billion barrels of oil, with approximately 2 billion barrels of recoverable oil.

There are extensive horizontal drilling and multi-stage hydraulic fracturing activities targeting these two formations. Those horizontal wells typically have 10,000 ft lateral sections in pay zones and multi-stage hydraulic fracturing with 24 to 36 stages. The extensive well paths bring numerous challenges, including precisely landing the curve, enhancing drilling rig operating conditions to obtain measuring while drilling (MWD) system optimal performance, and avoiding drilling into undesirable formations. Overlooking some or all of these conditions could lead to unnecessary high dogleg severity (DLS), poor rate of penetration (ROP), unnecessary trips and sidetracks to name a few. All these conditions could ultimately add additional time and cost to the drilling and completion program of the well and in the worst-case lower future production rates to the operator.

Several practical field techniques and technology applications are presented as solutions to help optimize ROP, reduce non-productive rig time and chances of sidetracks. Several field examples were analyzed. The techniques gained are valuable for developing optimal drilling practice procedures, and improving drilling operations and future well production.
Different Techniques for Characterizing the Filter Cake
Authors: Ba geri B. S. , Al-Mutairi S. H. , Mahmoud M. A.
Published: January 2013

Filter cake occurs intentionally during the drilling operations to prevent fluid losses to the formation and allow good circulation for drilling fluids from the bottom hole to the surface. The filter cake composition depends on a well-designed drilling fluids and additives. The filter cake should allow for minimum filtration, prevent solid invasions to the formation, and withstand high differential overbalance pressures.

This work involves a detailed discussion for the most important filter cake properties such as filter cake thickness, porosity, permeability, and filter cake mineralogy for both oil-based and water-based drilling muds. Moreover, it provides measuring methods for these filter cake properties and the range of accuracy in each method. The effect of each filter cake property on drilling operation and health of the drilled wellcan be investigated.

The survey was found to provide a comprehensive study for filter cake properties and methods. The reader can easily use this paper to benchmark the produced data or select the right method.