bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ratio of ovarian stroma and total ovarian area by ultrasound in prediction of hyperandrogenemia in reproductive‐aged Thai women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A diagnostic test
Authors: Leerasiri Pichai , Wongwananuruk Thanyarat , Rattanachaiyanont Manee , Indhavivadhana Suchada , Techatraisak Kitirat , Angsuwathana Surasak
Published: September 2014

Aim

To evaluate the performance of ovarian stromal area to total ovarian area (S/A) ratio for the prediction of biochemical hyperandrogenism in Thai women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was performed in 222 reproductive‐aged Thai women with PCOS attending the Gynecologic Endocrinology Unit (GEU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital from May 2007 to January 2009. The patients were interviewed for medical history and examined for anthropometry and clinical hyperandrogenism. Venous blood samples were obtained for androgen profiles. An ovarian ultrasonogram was obtained via transvaginal or transrectal ultrasonography.

Results

The prevalences of clinical and biochemical hyperandrogenism were 48.6% and 81.1%, respectively. The S/A ratio at a cut‐off point of 0.33 had modest predictability for hyperandrogenism, namely, 0.537 area under the receiver–operator curve, 36.6% sensitivity, 72.1% specificity, 83.8% positive predictive value (PPV) and 20.9% negative predictive value (NPV). The combination of clinical hyperandrogenism and S/A ratio improved the predictability for biochemical hyperandrogenism, with sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 72.1%, 58.1%, 87.8% and 33.3%, respectively.

Conclusion

The S/A ratio alone is not a good predictor for biochemical hyperandrogenism in Thai PCOS women attending GEU for menstrual dysfunction. The combination of S/A ratio and clinical hyperandrogenism has better performance than the S/A ratio alone to predict biochemical hyperandrogenism.
Rare fetal complications associated with placental mesenchymal dysplasia: A report of two cases
Authors: Jimbo Tomoka , Fujita Yasuyuki , Yumoto Yasuo , Fukushima Kotaro , Kato Kiyoko
Published: September 2014

Placental mesenchymal dysplasia (PMD) is a rare disease that may be difficult to distinguish from molar pregnancy. The disease is associated with major fetal complications, including Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome, fetal growth restriction and intrauterine fetal death. Rarely, fetal hematological disorders and liver tumors also may occur. Two patients were referred to our hospital during their second trimesters because of suspected molar pregnancies. Fetal karyotyping and maternal serum human chorionic gonadotropin level determinations led to the PMD diagnoses. In one case, the maternal clinical course was normal, but the neonate suffered from disseminated intravascular coagulation and needed a platelet transfusion. In the second case, the PMD decreased during pregnancy, but a gradually increasing fetal liver tumor appeared. The tumor was diagnosed as mesenchymal hamartoma, based on ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging studies. The neonate was delivered without cardiovascular compromise. Due to the difficulty of immediate surgical treatment, expectant management, with close follow‐up, was chosen.
Polymorphisms of progesterone receptor and ovarian cancer risk: A systemic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Liao Jing , Ding Dong , Sun Chaoyang , Weng Danhui , Meng Li , Chen Gang , Ma Ding
Published: September 2014

Aim

Growing bodies of studies have investigated the associations between three progesterone receptor (PGR) polymorphisms, +331G/A, Alu insertion and Val660Leu, and susceptibility to ovarian cancer, but the results remain controversial and inconclusive. Thus, we conducted a meta‐analysis to derive a more precise estimation of the associations.

Methods

A total of 21 case–control studies from 16 publications that included analyses of Alu insertion (981 cases, 2136 controls), Val660Leu (2205 cases, 3222 controls) and +331G/A (2842 cases, 4305 controls) polymorphisms were identified.

Results

Significantly increased risks of ovarian cancer were found for Alu insertion (T2 T2 + T1T2 vs T1T1; odds ratio [OR], 1.504; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.206–2.203) and Val660Leu (TT vs GT; OR, 1.524; 95% CI, 1.013–2.293). No significant association was found between +331G/A polymorphism and ovarian cancer.

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis suggests that the two polymorphisms of PGR, Alu insertion and Val660Leu, may contribute to ovarian cancer susceptibility as low‐penetrance risk factors.
Does rater personality matter? A meta‐analysis of rater Big Five–performance rating relationships
Authors: Harari Michael B. , Rudolph Cort W. , Laginess Andrew J.
Published: September 2014

We examined rater personality traits consistent with the Five‐Factor Model as sources of systematic non‐performance variance in job performance ratings using meta‐analysis (k = 28). Several personality factors, including agreeableness, extraversion, and emotional stability, were related to performance ratings (ρ = .25, .12, and .12, respectively), and features of the rating context (e.g., study setting, appraisal purpose, accountability) moderated these relationships. Cumulatively, the Big Five accounted for between 6% and 22% of the variance in performance ratings. Implications for performance appraisal research and practice are discussed.

Practitioner points

Performance ratings serve a number of important functions in organizations, and their construct validity is a central issue.

We identified rater personality traits, consistent with the Five‐Factor Model, as sources of non‐performance variance in performance ratings.

To the extent that job performance ratings are contaminated by rater personality traits, requiring raters to justify their ratings may result in criterion scores that reflect greater levels of criterion relevance.
A Comparison of Different Estimation Methods for Fungicide EC50 and EC95 Values
Authors: Li Jin‐Li , Liu Xiang‐Yang , Xie Jia‐Tao , Di Ya‐Li , Zhu Fu‐Xing
Published: September 2014

EC50 and EC95 (the effective concentrations to cause inhibitions by 50 and 95%, respectively) are commonly used to express fungicide potency. Different methods are currently employed to calculate EC50 and EC95 values. In this study, EC50 and EC95 values for fungicide epoxiconazole against 34 isolates of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum were calculated with seven different methods. Results showed that for both EC50 and EC95 calculations, there was no significant difference among three statistical programs IBM spss®, GraphPad Prism® and dps® (P ≥ 0.066). Methods linear log (linear regression of mycelial growth inhibition vs. logarithmic concentration) and interpolation log (linear interpolation from inhibition and logarithmic concentration data) were not significantly different (P ≥ 0.058) from IBM spss in EC50 calculations. These results indicate that among the seven methods, the three statistical programs IBM spss, GraphPad Prism, dps and linear log method are appropriate for EC50 calculations. But for EC95 calculations, only the three statistical programs are recommended, and GraphPad Prism is likely to give a little higher values than spss and dps.
Mitochondrial catastrophe during doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity: a review of the protective role of melatonin
Authors: Govender Jenelle , Loos Ben , Marais Erna , Engelbrecht Anna‐Mart
Published: September 2014

Anthracyclines, such as doxorubicin, are among the most valuable treatments for various cancers, but their clinical use is limited due to detrimental side effects such as cardiotoxicity. Doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity is emerging as a critical issue among cancer survivors and is an area of much significance to the field of cardio‐oncology. Abnormalities in mitochondrial functions such as defects in the respiratory chain, decreased adenosine triphosphate production, mitochondrial DNA damage, modulation of mitochondrial sirtuin activity and free radical formation have all been suggested as the primary causative factors in the pathogenesis of doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity. Melatonin is a potent antioxidant, is nontoxic, and has been shown to influence mitochondrial homeostasis and function. Although a number of studies support the mitochondrial protective role of melatonin, the exact mechanisms by which melatonin confers mitochondrial protection in the context of doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity remain to be elucidated. This review focuses on the role of melatonin on doxorubicin‐induced bioenergetic failure, free radical generation, and cell death. A further aim is to highlight other mitochondrial parameters such as mitophagy, autophagy, mitochondrial fission and fusion, and mitochondrial sirtuin activity, which lack evidence to support the role of melatonin in the context of cardiotoxicity.
Isolation and characterization of human mesenchymal stem cells from gingival connective tissue
Authors: Jin S. H. , Lee J. E. , Yun J‐H. , Kim I. , Ko Y. , Park J. B.
Published: September 2014

Background and Objective

The main purpose of this study was to isolate and characterize gingival connective tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs). The secondary purpose was to present a modified isolation method for the GMSCs.

Material and Methods

Collected healthy gingival tissue samples were de‐epithelialized and minced into small fragments. The tissues were digested by dispase and collagenase IV for 30 min. The first digested cell suspension was discarded, and then additional digestion was performed to the remaining cells in the same solution for 90 min. The isolated cells from gingiva was incubated in 37°C humidified condition and observed by inverted microscope. Cytoskeletal morphology was evaluated by phalloidin immunofluorescence. Potency of the cells was tested by colony‐forming unit fibroblast assay. GMSCs were characterized by osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation, and flow cytometric, immunofluorescence analysis.

Results

GMSCs showed spindle‐shaped, fibroblast‐like morphology, colony‐forming abilities, adherence to plastic and multilineage differentiation (osteogenic, adipogenic, chondrogenic) potency. GMSCs expressed CD44, CD73, CD90 and CD105, but did not express CD14, CD45, CD34 and CD19 in flow cytometry. Expression of stem cell markers (SSEA‐4, STRO‐1, CD146, CD166 and CD271) and a mesenchymal marker (vimentin) were observed by immunofluorescence.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we isolated and characterized stem cells from human gingival connective tissue with modified protocol. GMSCs showed multipotency with high proliferation and characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells. GMSCs are promising sources for tissue engineering and may be obtained during routine procedures under local anesthesia. Further research is needed to evaluate the potential of GSMCs' proliferation and cryopreservation.
Upregulation of the PI3K/Akt Pathway in the Tumorigenesis of Canine Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Campos M. , Kool M.M.J. , Daminet S. , Ducatelle R. , Rutteman G. , Kooistra H.S. , Galac S. , Mol J.A.
Published: September 2014

Background

Information on the genetic events leading to thyroid cancer in dogs is lacking.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Upregulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway has an important role in the tumorigenesis of thyroid carcinoma in dogs.

Animals

Fifty‐nine dogs with thyroid carcinoma and 10 healthy controls.

Methods

Quantitative RT‐PCR was performed for VEGFR‐1, VEGFR‐2, EGFR, PIK3CA, PIK3CB, PDPK1, PTEN, AKT1, AKT2, COX‐2, and CALCA. Mutation analysis was performed for known hotspots of RAS (N, K, H), PIK3CA, BRAF, RET, and for the entire coding region of PTEN.

Results

Forty‐three dogs (73%) had follicular cell thyroid carcinoma (FTC) and 16 dogs (27%) had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). The relative mRNA expressions of VEGFR‐1 (P < .001), VEGFR‐2 (P = .002), PDPK1 (P < .001), AKT1 (P = .009), and AKT2 (P < .001) were increased in FTC, and those of EGFR (P < .001), VEGFR‐1 (P = .036), and PIK3CA (P = .019) were increased in MTC when compared to normal thyroid glands. Mutation analysis of K‐RAS identified 2 activating missense mutations, which also have been described in thyroid cancer of humans. A G12R substitution was present in 1 FTC and an E63K substitution was present in 1 MTC. No functional mutations were found in the sequenced regions of H‐RAS, N‐RAS, PIK3CA, BRAF, RET, and PTEN.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The increased expression of several genes associated with PI3K/Akt signaling suggests the involvement of this pathway in the pathogenesis of thyroid carcinoma in dogs, warranting further research on pathway activation and gene amplification. The mutations most frequently associated with thyroid cancer in humans are rare in dogs.
Electrophysiologic Confirmation of Heterogenous Motor Polyneuropathy in Young Cats
Authors: Aleman M. , Dickinson P.J. , Williams D.C. , Sturges B.K. , LeCouteur R.A. , Vernau K.M. , Shelton G.D.
Published: September 2014

Background

Reports of motor polyneuropathies in young cats are scarce. Further, in‐depth electrophysiologic evaluation to confirm a motor polyneuropathy in young cats of various breeds other than 2 Bengal cats is lacking.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To confirm a motor polyneuropathy in young cats of various breeds.

Animals

Five young cats with heterogenous chronic or relapsing episodes of weakness.

Methods

Retrospective case series. Cats were presented for evaluation of generalized neuromuscular disease and underwent electrophysiologic examination including electromyography, nerve conduction, and repetitive nerve stimulation. Minimum database and muscle and nerve biopsy analyses were carried out. Descriptive statistics were performed.

Results

Disease onset was at 3 months to 1 year of age and in 5 breeds. The most common clinical sign (5 of 5 cats) was weakness. Additional neurologic deficits consisted of palmigrade and plantigrade posture (4/4), low carriage of the head and tail (4/4), and variable segmental reflex deficits (5/5). Motor nerve conduction studies were abnormal for the ulnar (4/4), peroneal (5/5), and tibial (2/2) nerves (increased latencies, reduced amplitudes, slow velocities). A marked decrement was observed on repetitive nerve stimulation of the peroneal nerve in 3 cats for which autoimmune myasthenia gravis was ruled out. All sensory nerve conduction studies were normal. Histologic evaluation of muscle and nerve biopsies supported heterogenous alterations consistent with motor polyneuropathy with distal nerve fiber loss.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Heterogenous motor polyneuropathies should be considered in young cats of any breed and sex that are presented with relapsing or progressive generalized neuromuscular disease.
Probiotic Use in Horses – What is the Evidence for Their Clinical Efficacy?
Authors: Schoster A. , Weese J.S. , Guardabassi L.
Published: September 2014

The gastrointestinal microbiota is extremely important for human and animal health. Investigations into the composition of the microbiota and its therapeutic modification have received increasing interest in human and veterinary medicine. Probiotics are a way of modifying the microbiota and have been tested to prevent and treat diseases. Probiotics are proposed to exert their beneficial effects through various pathways. Production of antimicrobial compounds targeting intestinal pathogens, general immune stimulation, and colonization resistance are among these mechanisms. Despite widespread availability and use, scientific, peer‐reviewed evidence behind commercial probiotic formulations in horses is limited. Additionally, quality control of commercial over‐the‐counter products is not tightly regulated. Although promisingin vitroresults have been achieved,in vivohealth benefits have been more difficult to prove. Whether the ambiguous results are caused by strain selection, dosage selection or true lack of efficacy remains to be answered. Although these limitations exist, probiotics are increasingly used because of their lack of severe adverse effects, ease of administration, and low cost. This review summarizes the current evidence for probiotic use in equine medicine. It aims to provide veterinarians with evidence‐based information on when and why probiotics are indicated for prevention or treatment of gastrointestinal disease in horses. The review also outlines the current state of knowledge on the equine microbiota and the potential of fecal microbial transplantation, as they relate to the topic of probiotics.
Oxidant‐Antioxidant Status in the Blood of Horses with Symptomatic Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO)
Authors: Niedzwiedz A. , Jaworski Z.
Published: September 2014

Background

Systemic oxidative stress in horses with recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) is poorly characterized.

Objectives

The goal of this study was to investigate whether equine RAO is associated with systemic disturbances in the oxidant‐antioxidant equilibrium.

Animals

Seven healthy horses and 7 horses with symptomatic RAO.

Methods

A prospective study. Healthy and RAO‐affected horses were exposed to a 48‐hour challenge with moldy hay and straw to induce clinical exacerbation of RAO. Venous blood was collected and the activities of the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) in equine erythrocyte lysates were measured. The concentration of thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARSs) was assessed both in erythrocyte lysates and in plasma.

Results

A significant increase in the activities of GPx and SOD was detected in RAO‐affected horses compared with the control animals. There was no significant difference between groups in terms of the erythrocyte lysate activities of CAT, GR, or TBARs or the plasma concentration of TBARs.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Our results support the hypothesis that RAO in horses is associated with systemic oxidative stress. Future studies are needed to assess whether horses suffering from RAO can benefit from antioxidant supplementation.
The pharmacokinetics of dexmedetomidine administered as a constant rate infusion in horses
Authors: Ranheim B. , Risberg Å. I. , Spadavecchia C. , Landsem R. , Haga H. A.
Published: September 2014

Dexmedetomidine, the most selective α2‐adrenoceptor agonist in clinical use, is increasingly being used in both conscious and anaesthetized horses; however, the pharmacokinetics and sedative effects of this drug administered alone as an infusion are not previously described in horses. Seven horses received an infusion of 8 μg dexmedetomidine/kg/h for 150 min, venous blood samples were collected, and dexmedetomidine concentrations were assayed using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and analyzed using noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis. Sedation was scored as the distance from the lower lip of the horse to the ground measured in centimetre. The harmonic mean (SD) plasma elimination half‐life (Lambda z half‐life) for dexmedetomidine was 20.9 (5.1) min, clearance (Cl) was 0.3 (0.20) L/min/kg, and volume of distribution at steady‐state (Vdss) was 13.7 (7.9) L/kg. There was a considerable individual variation in the concentration of dexmedetomidine vs. time profile. The level of sedation covaried with the plasma concentration of dexmedetomidine. This implies that for clinical use of dexmedetomidine constant rate infusion in conscious horses, infusion rates can be easily adjusted to effect, and this is preferable to an infusion at a predetermined value.
Performance of late succession species along a chronosequence: Environment does not exclude Sphagnum fuscum from the early stages of mire development
Authors: Laine Anna M. , Ehonen Sanna , Juurola Eija , Mehtätalo Lauri , Tuittila Eeva‐Stiina
Published: September 2014

Questions

Sphagnum fuscum (Schimp.) Klinggr. is a characteristic species of the later stages of mire development. It is hypothesized that competition limits its success in earlier successional stages where higher mineral nutrient availability and wetter conditions favour species with a higher production rate and, therefore, a stronger ability to compete. We aim to quantify the importance of different site factors and the effect of neighbouring plants on the performance of S. fuscum.

Location

A mire chronosequence from a land uplift coast towards inland on the Finnish side of Bothnia Bay, Baltic Sea.

Methods

We transplanted S. fuscum to seven sites along a mire chronosequence for a period of two growing seasons. Neighbouring plants were removed from half of the locations/transplants. We measured several growth‐related parameters, such as rate of photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) and abundance of mosses.

Results

Sphagnum fuscum samples did not survive in the recently exposed sandy shore stage and in fen flarks with extensive sedge cover. Photosynthesis and abundance of transplanted S. fuscum were highest in the wet meadows, the stages that immediately follow the sandy shore stage. Photosynthetic rate and Fv/Fm were low in the late succession bog site compared to the younger successional sites. The occurrence of neighbouring plants decreased the abundance of the transplanted mosses but improved the physiological state. The impact was similar throughout the successional chronosequence.

Conclusions

The site factors favourable for rapid Sphagnum growth in general also favoured S. fuscum. The low photosynthesis, respiration and Fv/Fm of intact S. fuscum growing in its natural habitat compared to the surviving transplants in the younger sites suggests that in order to occur in its natural habitat, S. fuscum needs to allocate resources for photoprotective mechanisms. Our results indicate that under better environmental conditions, these resources can be allocated to the photosynthetic apparatus to increase growth.
Artisanal and commercial fishing gear and practices in the Lake Victoria basin drainage systems of Kenya: A photodiagrammatic verification
Authors: Okeyo Daniel O.
Published: September 2014

This study focused on providing a photodiagrammatic database illustrating various types of fishing gear and practical skills currently used in artisanal and commercial fishing in the shoreline, nearshore and offshore areas drainage systems of Kenya in the Lake Victoria drainage basin. It also identified the fish species typically caught by the fishing gear, and the gear catch per unit effort and selectivity. Four artisanal fishing gears (spear, trap, basket and hook) and two commercial gears (mosquito seine and purse seine) are used to fish in shoreline areas. Five commercial fishing gears (gill net, parallel tennis net, semicircular‐tennis net, sett net, long line) are used to fish in nearshore areas, while two commercial gears (drift net and offshore seine net) are used in offshore areas. For artisanal fishing, the basket is the most efficient gear for catching six fish species. The mosquito seine is the most efficient commercial fishing gear for catching 22 fish species. There is evidence for a chronological shift to more efficient artisanal and commercial fisher handmade fishing gear, resulting in overexploitation of diverse fish species. At the same time, the licensing and management policies for the use of various fishing gear are unclear, suggesting re‐evaluation of policies to cater for the use of handmade fishing gear.
Public Sector Pay in the UK: Quantifying the Impact of the Review Bodies
Authors: Dolton Peter , Makepeace Gerald , Marcenaro‐Gutierrez Oscar
Published: September 2014

This paper examines the impact of the UK Public Sector Pay Review Bodies (PRBs) on the pay of their remit groups comparing the real weekly earnings of workers using ASHE and LFS data from 1993 to 2007 for 10 occupational subgroups. Using consecutive difference‐in‐differences we can identify whether the PRBs have had an impact by comparing the differences in pay for different occupations in successive time periods. Our examination of the annual changes in differentials suggest that the PRBs may have had relatively little systematic impact on earnings over and above that observed for comparable individuals working elsewhere in the public sector.
Human‐aided and natural dispersal drive gene flow across the range of an invasive mosquito
Authors: Medley Kim A. , Jenkins David G. , Hoffman Eric A.
Published: September 2014

Human‐aided transport is responsible for many contemporary species introductions, yet the contribution of human‐aided transport to dispersal within non‐native regions is less clear. Understanding dispersal dynamics for invasive species can streamline mitigation efforts by targeting routes that contribute disproportionally to spread. Because of its limited natural dispersal ability, rapid spread of the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) has been attributed to human‐aided transport, but until now, the relative roles of human‐aided and natural movement have not been rigorously evaluated. Here, we use landscape genetics and information‐theoretic model selection to evaluate 52 models representing 9240 pairwise dispersal paths among sites across the US range for Ae. albopictus and show that recent gene flow reflects a combination of natural and human‐aided dispersal. Highways and water availability facilitate dispersal at a broad spatial scale, but gene flow is hindered by forests at the current distributional limit (range edge) and by agriculture among sites within the mosquito's native climatic niche (range core). Our results show that highways are important to genetic structure between range‐edge and range‐core pairs, suggesting a role for human‐aided mosquito transport to the range edge. In contrast, natural dispersal is dominant at smaller spatial scales, reflecting a shifting dominance to natural movement two decades after introduction. These conclusions highlight the importance of (i) early intervention for species introductions, particularly those with readily dispersed dormant stages and short generation times, and (ii) strict monitoring of commercial shipments for transported immature stages of Ae. albopictus, particularly towards the northern edge of the US range.
Overexpression of bacterial γ‐glutamylcysteine synthetase mediates changes in cadmium influx, allocation and detoxification in poplar
Authors: He Jiali , Li Hong , Ma Chaofeng , Zhang Yanli , Polle Andrea , Rennenberg Heinz , Cheng Xingqi , Luo Zhi‐Bin
Published: September 2014

Overexpression of bacterial γ‐glutamylcysteine synthetase in the cytosol of Populus tremula × P. alba produces higher glutathione (GSH) concentrations in leaves, thereby indicating the potential for cadmium (Cd) phytoremediation. However, the net Cd2+ influx in association with H+/Ca2+, Cd tolerance, and the underlying molecular and physiological mechanisms are uncharacterized in these poplars.

We assessed net Cd2+ influx, Cd tolerance and the transcriptional regulation of several genes involved in Cd2+ transport and detoxification in wild‐type and transgenic poplars.

Poplars exhibited highest net Cd2+ influxes into roots at pH 5.5 and 0.1 mM Ca2+. Transgenics had higher Cd2+ uptake rates and elevated transcript levels of several genes involved in Cd2+ transport and detoxification compared with wild‐type poplars. Transgenics exhibited greater Cd accumulation in the aerial parts than wild‐type plants in response to Cd2+ exposure. Moreover, transgenic poplars had lower concentrations of O2˙− and H2O2; higher concentrations of total thiols, GSH and oxidized GSH in roots and/or leaves; and stimulated foliar GSH reductase activity compared with wild‐type plants.

These results indicate that transgenics are more tolerant of 100 μM Cd2+ than wild‐type plants, probably due to the GSH‐mediated induction of the transcription of genes involved in Cd2+ transport and detoxification.
Narrow‐band UVB phototherapy for management of oral chronic graft‐versus‐host disease
Authors: Treister Nathaniel , Li Shuli , Lerman Mark A , Lee Stephanie , Soiffer Robert
Published: September 2014

Objectives

Oral chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (cGVHD) is a debilitating complication following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intraoral narrow‐band ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB) phototherapy in the management of oral cGVHD.

Methods

Patients with oral cGVHD were treated using a custom NB‐UVB unit for a course of 24 phototherapy sessions. Treatments were initiated at 50 mJ/cm2 and increased by 10% at each visit unless toxicity was noted. Toxicity and response were assessed weekly.

Results

Eleven patients received a median of 22 (range 4–39) NB‐UVB treatments; 5 patients completed 24 treatments and elected to receive a median of 7 additional treatments. Median symptom scores (0–10) for sensitivity, pain, and dryness at baseline/end of therapy were 7.5, 3, 1, and 3, 1, 2, respectively. Taking into account all patient‐reported outcomes, 7/11 patients had improvement and 2/11 worsened. At least partial improvement was reported in 8/11 patients with none reporting worsening. Overtreatment occurred in 10/11 patients with all graded mild or moderate and resolving in 1–2 days.

Conclusions

Intraoral NB‐UVB may be effective for management of refractory oral cGVHD. Further optimization of treatment parameters, as well as minimal erythema dose testing, and inclusion of a control arm are necessary in the consideration of future studies.
Young Voters and War: The Iraq War as a Catalyst for Political Participation
Authors: Moffett Kenneth W. , Rice Laurie L. , Madupalli Ramana
Published: September 2014

Objective

We investigate whether the Iraq War might be a catalyzing event for this generation, like Vietnam was for baby boomers or World War II for the “greatest generation,” through testing how opinions about the war influence patterns of political participation.

Methods

Using data from an Internet‐based survey of randomly sampled college students at a midwestern state university and the 2008 National Election Studies, we investigate the relationship between disapproval of Bush's handling of the Iraq War and a variety of forms of political participation, including two that are new in this generation: “friending” or joining an online political group or expressing one's political views online.

Results

We discover that young voters who expressed opposition to Bush's handling of the war in Iraq are more likely to be civically engaged.

Conclusion

While it is too early to determine how long the effect will last or how it will change over the course of young voters’ life cycles, at least in the short term, it appears opposition to the Iraq War has catalyzed greater levels of political participation.
A Fourier‐series‐based Virtual Fields Method for the Identification of 2‐D Stiffness and Traction Distributions
Authors: Nguyen T.  T. , Huntley J.  M. , Ashcroft I.  A. , Ruiz P.  D. , Pierron F.
Published: September 2014

The virtual fields method (VFM) allows spatial distributions of material properties to be calculated from experimentally determined strain fields. A numerically efficient Fourier‐series‐based extension to the VFM (the F‐VFM) has recently been developed, in which the unknown stiffness distribution is parameterised in the spatial frequency domain rather than in the spatial domain as used in the classical VFM. However, the boundary conditions for the F‐VFM are assumed to be well‐defined, whereas in practice, the traction distributions on the perimeter of the region of interest are rarely known to any degree of accuracy. In the current paper, we therefore consider how the F‐VFM theory can be extended to deal with the case of unknown boundary conditions. Three different approaches are proposed; their ability to reconstruct normalised stiffness distributions and traction distributions around the perimeter from noisy input strain fields is assessed through simulations based on a forward finite element analysis. Finally, a practical example is given involving experimental strain fields from a diametral compression test on an aluminium disc.
Red cell alloimmunisation following intrauterine transfusion and the feasibility of providing extended phenotype‐matched red cell units
Authors: Doyle B. , Quigley J. , Lambert M. , Crumlish J. , Walsh C. , Adshead S. , Woolfson M. , McParland P. , Culliton M. , Fitzgerald J.
Published: September 2014

Objectives

To analyse the incidence of additional alloantibody formation following intrauterine red cell transfusion and to evaluate the feasibility of providing extended phenotype‐matched red cells in future intrauterine transfusion (IUT).

Background

IUT is performed in severe, life‐threatening fetal anaemia, usually in alloimmunised pregnancies. Its complications include the formation of additional alloantibodies to other red cell antigens.

Materials and methods

This was an 11‐year retrospective, observational study of additional alloantibody formation in patients receiving IUT in the National Maternity Hospital, Dublin. The study included evaluation of the donor population in the Republic of Ireland (RoI) with regards to the feasibility of providing extended phenotype‐matched units in future IUT.

Results

Following IUT, 22% of mothers formed additional red cell alloantibodies. In 67% of cases, the transfused donor red cells expressed the cognate antigen. Suitable donors are available for most combinations of Fy, Jk and Ss antigens.

Conclusions

In our population, it is feasible to provide more extensively phenotype‐matched red cells for future IUT. These can be supplied from the current donor pool with no significant extra phenotyping required. We consider their provision to be a reasonable proactive step in a known at‐risk group.
Two inositol hexakisphosphate kinases drive inositol pyrophosphate synthesis in plants
Authors: Desai Mintu , Rangarajan Padma , Donahue Janet L. , Williams Sarah P. , Land Eric S. , Mandal Mihir K. , Phillippy Brian Q. , Perera Imara Y. , Raboy Victor , Gillaspy Glenda E.
Published: September 2014

Inositol pyrophosphates are unique cellular signaling molecules with recently discovered roles in energy sensing and metabolism. Studies in eukaryotes have revealed that these compounds have a rapid turnover, and thus only small amounts accumulate. Inositol pyrophosphates have not been the subject of investigation in plants even though seeds produce large amounts of their precursor, myo‐inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6). Here, we report that Arabidopsis and maize InsP6 transporter mutants have elevated levels of inositol pyrophosphates in their seed, providing unequivocal identification of their presence in plant tissues. We also show that plant seeds store a little over 1% of their inositol phosphate pool as InsP7 and InsP8. Many tissues, including, seed, seedlings, roots and leaves accumulate InsP7 and InsP8, thus synthesis is not confined to tissues with high InsP6. We have identified two highly similar Arabidopsis genes, AtVip1 and AtVip2, which are orthologous to the yeast and mammalian VIP kinases. Both AtVip1 and AtVip2 encode proteins capable of restoring InsP7 synthesis in yeast mutants, thus AtVip1 and AtVip2 can function as bonafide InsP6 kinases. AtVip1 and AtVip2 are differentially expressed in plant tissues, suggesting non‐redundant or non‐overlapping functions in plants. These results contribute to our knowledge of inositol phosphate metabolism and will lay a foundation for understanding the role of InsP7 and InsP8 in plants.
Theoretical Study on Ru2+, Cu+, and Fe2+ Complexes Toward the Application in Dye Sensitized Solar Cell
Authors: Ngoc Ha Nguyen , Anh Tuan Mai , Xuan Thu Dang , Thu Thuy Luong T.
Published: September 2014

This paper reports the application of the Ru2+, Cu+, and Fe2+ complexes in form of RuL2(SCN)2, CuL2(SCN)2− for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) development. The calculation results, given by quantum chemistry, demonstrated that the complex containing copper is more suitable than the one containing iron. The modification of Cu(I) complex by using various numbers of ligands enhanced photon absorption capacity as well as the absorption range. The addition of an organic ligand such as an electron attraction group to the benzene ring gave a better result as compared to the inorganic ones. Based on the analysis conducted, CuM2(SCN)2− is considered as potential material for N3 replacement.
Thermodynamics Cycle Analysis, Pressure Loss, and Heat Transfer
Assessment of a Recuperative System for Aero-Engines
Authors: Goulas A. , Donnerhack S. , Flouros M. , Misirlis D. , Vlahostergios Z. , Yakinthos K.
Published: September 2014

Aiming in the direction of designing more efficient aero-engines, various concepts have been developed in recent years, among which is the concept of an intercooled and recuperative aero-engine. Particularly, in the area of recuperation, MTU Aero Engines has been driving research activities in the last decade. This concept is based on the use of a system of heat exchangers (HEXs) mounted inside the hot-gas exhaust nozzle (recuperator). Through the operation of the system of HEXs, the heat from the exhaust gas downstream the LP turbine of the jet engine is driven back to the combustion chamber. Thus, the preheated air enters the engine combustion chamber with increased enthalpy, providing improved combustion and by consequence, increased fuel economy and low-level emissions. If additionally an intercooler is placed between the compressor stages of the aero-engine, the compressed air is then cooled by the intercooler; thus, less compression work is required to reach the compressor target pressure. In this paper, an overall assessment of the system is presented with particular focus on the recuperative system and the HEXs mounted into the aero-engine's exhaust nozzle. The herein presented results were based on the combined use of CFD computations, experimental measurements, and thermodynamic cycle analysis. They focus on the effects of total pressure losses and HEX efficiency on the aero-engine performance especially the engine's overall efficiency and the specific fuel consumption (SFC). More specifically, two different hot-gas exhaust nozzle configurations incorporating modifications in the system of HEXs are examined. The results show that significant improvements can be achieved in overall efficiency and SFC, hence contributing to the reduction of CO2 and NOx emissions. The design of a more sophisticated recuperation system can lead to further improvements in the aero-engine efficiency in the reduction of fuel consumption. This work is part of the European funded research program Low Emissions Core engine Technologies (LEMCOTEC).
Increasing Part Accuracy in Additive Manufacturing Processes Using a k-d Tree Based Clustered Adaptive Layering
Authors: Panhalkar Neeraj , Paul Ratnadeep , Anand Sam
Published: September 2014

Additive manufacturing (AM) is widely used in aerospace, automobile, and medical industries for building highly accurate parts using a layer by layer approach. The stereolithography (STL) file is the standard file format used in AM machines and approximates the three-dimensional (3D) model of parts using planar triangles. However, as the STL file is an approximation of the actual computer aided design (CAD) surface, the geometric errors in the final manufactured parts are pronounced, particularly in those parts with highly curved surfaces. If the part is built with the minimum uniform layer thickness allowed by the AM machine, the manufactured part will typically have the best quality, but this will also result in a considerable increase in build time. Therefore, as a compromise, the part can be built with variable layer thicknesses, i.e., using an adaptive layering technique, which will reduce the part build time while still reducing the part errors and satisfying the geometric tolerance callouts on the part. This paper describes a new approach of determining the variable slices using a 3D k-d tree method. The paper validates the proposed k-d tree based adaptive layering approach for three test parts and documents the results by comparing the volumetric, cylindricity, sphericity, and profile errors obtained from this approach with those obtained using a uniform slicing method. Since current AM machines are incapable of handling adaptive slicing approach directly, a “pseudo” grouped adaptive layering approach is also proposed here. This “clustered slicing” technique will enable the fabrication of a part in bands of varying slice thicknesses with each band having clusters of uniform slice thicknesses. The proposed k-d tree based adaptive slicing approach along with clustered slicing has been validated with simulations of the test parts of different shapes.
Mechanics of Supercooled Liquids
Authors: Li Jianguo , Liu Qihan , Brassart Laurence , Suo Zhigang
Published: September 2014

Pure substances can often be cooled below their melting points and still remain in the liquid state. For some supercooled liquids, a further cooling slows down viscous flow greatly, but does not slow down self-diffusion as much. We formulate a continuum theory that regards viscous flow and self-diffusion as concurrent, but distinct, processes. We generalize Newton's law of viscosity to relate stress, rate of deformation, and chemical potential. The self-diffusion flux is taken to be proportional to the gradient of chemical potential. The relative rate of viscous flow and self-diffusion defines a length, which, for some supercooled liquids, is much larger than the molecular dimension. A thermodynamic consideration leads to boundary conditions for a surface of liquid under the influence of applied traction and surface energy. We apply the theory to a cavity in a supercooled liquid and identify a transition. A large cavity shrinks by viscous flow, and a small cavity shrinks by self-diffusion.
Gas source molecular beam epitaxy of scandium nitride on silicon carbide and gallium nitride surfaces
Authors: King Sean W. , Davis Robert F. , Nemanich Robert J.
Published: September 2014

Scandium nitride (ScN) is a group IIIB transition metal nitride semiconductor with numerous potential applications in electronic and optoelectronic devices due to close lattice matching with gallium nitride (GaN). However, prior investigations of ScN have focused primarily on heteroepitaxial growth on substrates with a high lattice mismatch of 7%–20%. In this study, the authors have investigated ammonia (NH3) gas source molecular beam epitaxy (NH3-GSMBE) of ScN on more closely lattice matched silicon carbide (SiC) and GaN surfaces (<3% mismatch). Based on a thermodynamic analysis of the ScN phase stability window, NH3-GSMBE conditions of 10−5–10−4 Torr NH3 and 800–1050 °C where selected for initial investigation. In-situ x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ex-situ Rutherford backscattering measurements showed all ScN films grown using these conditions were stoichiometric. For ScN growth on 3C-SiC (111)-(√3 × √3)R30° carbon rich surfaces, the observed attenuation of the XPS Si 2p and C 1s substrate core levels with increasing ScN thickness indicated growth initiated in a layer-by-layer fashion. This was consistent with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of 100–200 nm thick films that revealed featureless surfaces. In contrast, ScN films grown on 3C-SiC (111)-(3 × 3) and 3C-SiC (100)-(3 × 2) silicon rich surfaces were found to exhibit extremely rough surfaces in SEM. ScN films grown on both 3C-SiC (111)-(√3 × √3)R30° and 2H-GaN (0001)-(1 × 1) epilayer surfaces exhibited hexagonal (1 × 1) low energy electron diffraction patterns indicative of (111) oriented ScN. X-ray diffraction ω-2θ rocking curve scans for these same films showed a large full width half maximum of 0.29° (1047 arc sec) consistent with transmission electron microscopy images that revealed the films to be poly-crystalline with columnar grains oriented at ≈15° to the [0001] direction of the 6H-SiC (0001) substrate. In-situ reflection electron energy loss spectroscopy measurements determined the band-gap for the NH3-GSMBE ScN films to be 1.5 ± 0.3 eV, and thermal probe measurements indicated all ScN films to be n-type. The four point probe sheet resistance of the ScN films was observed to increase with decreasing growth temperature and decreased with unintentional oxygen incorporation. Hg probe capacitance–voltage measurements indicated ND-NA decreased with decreasing growth temperature from 1019 to 1020/cm3 for the lowest resistivity films to ≅5 × 1016/cm3 for the highest resistivity films. In-situ ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy measurements additionally showed the valence band maximum moving from 1.4 to 0.8 eV below the Fermi level with decreasing growth temperature consistent with the increased resistivity and reduction in carrier concentration. These results suggest that additional reductions in ScN carrier concentrations can be achieved via continued optimization of ScN growth conditions and selection of substrate orientation and surface termination.
Spatial location of the Ec-0.6 eV electron trap in AlGaN/GaN heterojunctions
Authors: Lee In-Hwan , Polyakov Alexander Y. , Smirnov Nikolai B. , Hahn Cheol-Koo , Pearton S. J.
Published: September 2014

Deep trap spectra in AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) structures were studied by capacitance deep level transient spectroscopy. A major trap with an ionization level near Ec-0.6 eV was detected and attributed to states in the GaN buffer close to the AlGaN interface. These states have a signature very similar to the previously reported traps in AlGaN/GaN HEMTs responsible for the device degradation under electric stress.
High‐resolution three‐dimensional visualization of the rat spinal cord microvasculature by synchrotron radiation micro‐CT
Authors: Hu Jianzhong , Cao Yong , Wu Tianding , Li Dongzhe , Lu Hongbin
Published: September 2014

Purpose:

Understanding the three‐dimensional (3D) morphology of the spinal cord microvasculature has been limited by the lack of an effective high‐resolution imaging technique. In this study, synchrotron radiation microcomputed tomography (SRµCT), a novel imaging technique based on absorption imaging, was evaluated with regard to the detection of the 3D morphology of the rat spinal cord microvasculature.

Methods:

Ten Sprague‐Dawley rats were used in this ex vivo study. After contrast agent perfusion, their spinal cords were isolated and scanned using conventional x‐rays, conventional micro‐CT (CµCT), and SRµCT.

Results:

Based on contrast agent perfusion, the microvasculature of the rat spinal cord was clearly visualized for the first time ex vivo in 3D by means of SRµCT scanning. Compared to conventional imaging techniques, SRµCT achieved higher resolution 3D vascular imaging, with the smallest vessel that could be distinguished approximately 7.4 μm in diameter. Additionally, a 3D pseudocolored image of the spinal cord microvasculature was generated in a single session of SRµCT imaging, which was conducive to detailed observation of the vessel morphology.

Conclusions:

The results of this study indicated that SRµCT scanning could provide higher resolution images of the vascular network of the spinal cord. This modality also has the potential to serve as a powerful imaging tool for the investigation of morphology changes in the 3D angioarchitecture of the neurovasculature in preclinical research.