bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of all RND‐type multidrug efflux transporters in Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Authors: Matsuo Taira , Nakamura Koji , Kodama Toshio , Mikami Taro , Hiyoshi Hirotaka , Tsuchiya Tomofusa , Ogawa Wakano , Kuroda Teruo
Published: July 2013

Resistance nodulation cell division (RND)‐type efflux transporters play the main role in intrinsic resistance to various antimicrobial agents in many gram‐negative bacteria. Here, we estimated 12 RND‐type efflux transporter genes in Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Because VmeAB has already been characterized, we cloned the other 11 RND‐type efflux transporter genes and characterized them in Escherichia coli KAM33 cells, a drug hypersusceptible strain. KAM33 expressing either VmeCD, VmeEF, or VmeYZ showed increased minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for several antimicrobial agents. Additional four RND‐type transporters were functional as efflux pumps only when co‐expressed with VpoC, an outer membrane component in V. parahaemolyticus. Furthermore, VmeCD, VmeEF, and VmeYZ co‐expressed with VpoC exhibited a broader substrate specificity and conferred higher resistance than that with TolC of E. coli. Deletion mutants of these transporter genes were constructed in V. parahaemolyticus. TM32 (ΔvmeAB and ΔvmeCD) had significantly decreased MICs for many antimicrobial agents and the number of viable cells after exposure to deoxycholate were markedly reduced. Strains in which 12 operons were all disrupted had very low MICs and much lower fluid accumulation in rabbit ileal loops. These results indicate that resistance nodulation cell division‐type efflux transporters contribute not only to intrinsic resistance but also to exerting the virulence of V. parahaemolyticus.
File Sharing, Network Architecture, and Copyright Enforcement: An Overview
Authors: Klumpp Tilman
Published: July 2013

This paper provides an overview of Internet file sharing networks and explores the relationship between technological, economic, and legal aspects of file sharing. I chronicle the evolution of content sharing technology since the 1990s and examine the role of network architecture in a copyright holder's choice of enforcement strategy. I also describe how users and developers of file sharing networks have responded to various enforcement tactics. The target audience of this survey consists of economists and legal scholars interested in the technology and economics of file sharing networks and the enforcement of intellectual property rights on these networks. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of Dry Adhesives Fabricated Using a Novel Mass Production Manufacturing Technique
Authors: Krahn Jeffrey , Menon Carlo
Published: July 2013

Synthetic dry adhesives, designed to mimic the fibrillar structures found on geckos, have been fabricated using many different techniques ranging from indenting wax to involving photolithography and laser writing. While these techniques have been successful in the fabrication of small dry adhesive samples, they are often costly, time consuming and require specialized equipment. In this study a novel fabrication technique is proposed which utilizes readily available commercial wire mesh screens as a straightforward method of producing synthetic dry adhesives outside of a cleanroom or highly specialized facilities. The normal adhesion pressure of the dry adhesives fabricated using the wire mesh screens is examined and compared to the normal adhesion pressure of flat PDMS.
Factors Attracting Individuals to Nonprofit Management over Public and Private Sector Management
Authors: LeRoux Kelly , Feeney Mary K.
Published: July 2013

Little research has sought to identify the distinct advantages that nonprofits offer employees, particularly managers. Drawing upon Weisbrod's theory of managerial sorting (1988), we test a series of hypotheses about the differences among nonprofit, public, and for‐profit organizations that may explain the preference of managers to work in one sector over the other. We use pooled cross‐sectional data from the General Social Survey to test managerial sorting. We find many similarities in the perceptions of managers in the nonprofit and public sectors as compared to the for‐profit sector. However, when we examine the sorting of managers into nonprofit versus public sector jobs, we find differences in work environment. Compared to those working in the public sector, managers in nonprofits report greater freedom in deciding how to carry out their job functions, more control over their work schedules, and greater opportunities for pay increases. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of these findings for the practice of nonprofit management.
Enhanced stem cell engraftment and modulation of hepatic reactive oxygen species production in diet‐induced obesity
Authors: Nyamandi Vongai Z. , Johnsen Virginia L. , Hughey Curtis C. , Hittel Dustin S. , Khan Aneal , Newell Christopher , Shearer Jane
Published: July 2013

Objective

The impact of dietary‐induced obesity (DIO) on stem cell engraftment and the respective therapeutic potential of stem cell engraftment in DIO have not been reported. The objectives of this study were to examine the impact of DIO on the survival and efficacy of intravenous bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) administration in the conscious C57BL/6 mouse.

Methods

Male mice consumed either a chow (CH) or high fat (HF, 60% kcal) diet for 18 weeks and were subsequently treated with MSC over a 6‐day period. Key measurements included tissue‐specific cell engraftment, glucose and insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

Results

MSC administration had no effect on inflammatory markers, glucose, or insulin sensitivity. DIO mice showed increases in MSC engraftment in multiple tissues compared with their CH counterparts. Engraftment was increased in the HF liver where MSC administration attenuated DIO‐induced oxidative stress. These liver‐specific alterations in HF‐MSC were associated with increases in stanniocalcin‐1 (STC1) and uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), which contribute to cell survival and modulate mitochondrial bioenergetics.

Conclusion

Results suggest that MSC administration in DIO promotes engraftment and mitigates hepatic oxidative stress. These data invite further exploration into the therapeutic potential of stem cells for the treatment of DIO oxidative stress in the liver.
Blocking alpha2A adrenoceptors, but not dopamine receptors, augments bupropion‐induced hypophagia in rats
Authors: Janhunen Sanna K. , la Fleur Susanne E. , Adan Roger A.H.
Published: July 2013

Objective

Anti‐obesity drugs have adverse effects which limit their use, creating a need for novel anti‐obesity compounds. We studied effects of dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) reuptake inhibitor bupropion (BUP), alone and after blocking α1‐ or α2‐adrenoceptors (AR), D1/5, D2/3, or D4 receptors, to determine which receptors act downstream of BUP.

Design and Methods

Effects on caloric intake, meal patterning and locomotion were assessed, using an automated weighing system and telemetry in male rats with 18‐h access to Western Human style diet.

Results

BUP (30 mg/kg) induced hypophagia by reducing meal size and postponing meal initiation. WB4101 (α1‐AR; 2 mg/kg) and imiloxan (α2B‐AR; 5 mg/kg) attenuated BUP's effect on meal size, while WB4101 and BRL 44408 (α2A/D‐AR; 2 mg/kg) counteracted effect on meal initiation. Atipamezole (α2‐AR; 1 mg/kg) and imiloxan further postponed initiation of meals. SKF 83566 (D1/5; 0.3 mg/kg), raclopride (D2/3; 0.5 mg/kg) and to a lesser extent FAUC 213 (D4; 0.5 mg/kg), attenuated BUP‐induced hypophagia. BUP stimulated locomotion, which was blocked by all antagonists, except FAUC 213 or BRL 44408.

Conclusions

Alpha1‐, α2A/D‐ and α2B‐ARs, and DA receptors underlie BUP's effects on size and initiation of meals, while blocking pre‐synaptic α2‐ARs enhanced BUP‐induced hypophagia. An inverse agonist of (pre‐synaptic) α2A‐ARs could enhance BUP‐induced anorexia and treat eating disorders and obesity.
The progression of cardiometabolic disease: Validation of a new cardiometabolic disease staging system applicable to obesity
Authors: Guo Fangjian , Moellering Douglas R. , Garvey W. Timothy
Published: July 2013

Objective

To validate a Cardiometabolic Disease Staging (CMDS) system for assigning risk level for diabetes, and all‐cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality.

Design and Methods

Two large national cohorts, CARDIA and NHANES III, were used to validate CMDS. CMDS: Stage 0: metabolically healthy; Stage 1: one or two metabolic syndrome risk factors [other than impaired fasting glucose (IFG)]; Stage 2: IFG or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or metabolic syndrome (without IFG); Stage 3: two of three (IFG, IGT, and/or metabolic syndrome); and Stage 4: type 2 diabetes mellitus/CVD.

Results

In the CARDIA study, compared with Stage 0 metabolically healthy subjects, adjusted risk for diabetes exponentially increased from Stage 1 [hazard ratio (HR) 2.83, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.76‐4.55], to Stage 2 (HR 8.06, 95% CI 4.91‐13.2), to Stage 3 (HR 23.5, 95% CI 13.7‐40.1) (P for trend <0.001). In NHANES III, both cumulative incidence and multivariable adjusted HRs markedly increased for both all‐cause and CVD mortality with advancement of the risk stage from Stages 0 to 4. Adjustment for body mass index (BMI) minimally affected the risks for diabetes and all‐cause/CVD mortality using CMDS.

Conclusion

CMDS can discriminate a wide range of risk for diabetes, CVD mortality, and all‐cause mortality independent of BMI, and should be studied as a risk assessment tool to guide interventions that prevent and treat cardiometabolic disease.
FIGHTING CORRUPTION WITH SOCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISMS' POTENTIAL TO REDUCE CORRUPTION IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Authors: Schatz Florian
Published: July 2013

Given the poor track record of traditional anti‐corruption initiatives, donors and governments are increasingly looking at how civil society can fight corruption in public administration. Social accountability mechanisms intend to perform this role by holding officials directly accountable through citizen engagement. However, this article argues that social accountability mechanisms are only capable of reducing corruption systemically if they activate horizontal accountability and sustain it through the sanctioning mechanisms of electoral accountability. A comparative case study analysis using the cases of the Ugandan Public Expenditure Tracking Survey and the Bangalore Citizen Report Card is applied to test this hypothesis. The Tanzanian Public Expenditure Tracking Survey and an example of citizen engagement in Mumbai are employed as shadow cases to provide additional evidence for the hypothesis. The results indicate that social accountability mechanisms must be inclusive, broad, with public effect and embedded in other accountability relationships to fight corruption effectively. Electoral accountability is key, and support to social accountability mechanisms should therefore always be well placed within a broader agenda aimed at strengthening democratic governance. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental Evidence on the Effect of Childhood Investments on Postsecondary Attainment and Degree Completion
Authors: Dynarski Susan , Hyman Joshua , Schanzenbach Diane Whitmore
Published: July 2013

This paper examines the effect of early childhood investments on college enrollment and degree completion. We used the random assignment in Project STAR (the Tennessee Student/Teacher Achievement Ratio experiment) to estimate the effect of smaller classes in primary school on college entry, college choice, and degree completion. We improve on existing work in this area with unusually detailed data on college enrollment spells and the previously unexplored outcome of college degree completion. We found that assignment to a small class increases students’ probability of attending college by 2.7 percentage points, with effects more than twice as large among black students. Among students enrolled in the poorest third of schools, the effect is 7.3 percentage points. Smaller classes increased the likelihood of earning a college degree by 1.6 percentage points and shifted students toward high‐earning fields such as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), business, and economics. We found that test‐score effects at the time of the experiment were an excellent predictor of long‐term improvements in postsecondary outcomes.
Molecular cloning and characterization of a ryanodine receptor gene in brown planthopper (BPH),Nilaparvata lugens(Stål)
Authors: Wang Jian , Xie Zhijuan , Gao Jingkun , Liu Yaping , Wang Wenlong , Huang Li , Wang Jianjun
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) are a distinct class of intracellular calcium (Ca2+) release channel. The recent discovery of diamide insecticides has prompted studies on insect RyRs. However, information about the structure and function of insect RyRs is still limited. In this study, we isolated and characterized a full‐length RyR cDNA (namedNlRyR) from the brown planthopper,Nilaparvata lugens(Stål) (Homoptera: Delphacidae), a serious rice pest throughout Asia.

RESULTS

The compositeNlRyRgene contains an open reading frame of 15 423 bp encoding a protein of 5140 amino acid residues, which shares high sequence identity (78–81%) with other insect homologues, except for two regions (IDR1: 4379–4732; IDR2: 1307–1529) with markedly low identity (44–48 and 38–41%, respectively). All hallmarks of the RyR proteins are conserved in the NlRyR protein, including the RyR domain as well as mannosyltransferase, IP3R and RyR (pfam02815) (MIR) and RyR and IP3R homology (pfam01365) (RIH) domains. Expression analysis ofNlRyRrevealed significant differences in mRNA expression levels amongN. lugensdevelopmental stages. Furthermore, three alternative splicing sites were identified inNlRyR, one of which forms the mutually exclusive exons A/B and is conserved in various insect species. Diagnostic PCR assays showed that the splice variant containing exon A was predominantly detected in all developmental stages.

CONCLUSION

NlRyRmay play an important role in the control of developmental processes ofN. lugens. Alternative splicing may generate the functional diversity ofNlRyR. The results provided the basis for further structural and functional characterization ofNlRyR. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Population and damage projection of Spodoptera litura (F.) on peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) under different conditions using the age‐stage, two‐sex life table
Authors: Tuan Shu‐Jen , Lee Chung‐Chieh , Chi Hsin
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

The common cutworm, Spodoptera litura (Fabricus), is the most serious pest of peanuts in Taiwan. In order to devise an ecology‐based and cost‐effective control program, we collected life table data and consumption rates from larvae reared indoors at a constant temperature of 25°C, or outdoors at ambient temperatures during the spring and fall of 2010. A computer simulation was then used to project the population growth and damage potential of S. litura on peanuts.

RESULTS

Laboratory‐reared S. litura individuals produced 3548 eggs/female, whereas those reared outdoors produced 3452 and 3072 eggs/female in the spring and fall, respectively. The intrinsic rate of increase was 0.1828, 0.1308 and 0.1545 day−1 , and the net consumption rate was 194.0, 132.2 and 166.6 cm2 larva−1 at 25°C, in spring and fall, respectively. Population projection showed a faster growth and higher damage potential of S. litura in the fall.

CONCLUSION

Population projections based on life tables and stage‐specific consumption rates can reveal the stage structure and damage potential of the pest population. Our results showed that monitoring data obtained by using pheromone traps were not in concordance with the damage potential of the pest population. This approach offers a promising tool for pest management. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Factors influencing supercooling capacity of the koinobiont endoparasitoid Venturia canescens (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)
Authors: Andreadis Stefanos S. , Spanoudis Christos G. , Athanassiou Christos G. , Savopoulou‐Soultani Matilda
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

Venturia canescens is a parthenogenetic koinobiont endoparasitoid of several pyralid moth larvae that are major pests of stored products. Low temperatures have been extensively used to control stored‐product insects as an alternative to the application of traditional pesticides. However, most studies have focused on the cold hardiness profile of the major stored‐product pests. The objective of this study was to investigate how factors such as age, food, host availability and acclimation affect the cold tolerance of V. canescens by determining its supercooling capacity.

Results

Young adults displayed significantly lower supercooling points (SCPs) than older adults, irrespective of the availability of a host. Host availability had a moderate effect on supercooling, whereas food consumption resulted in a significant enhancement of SCP. Acclimation to low temperatures increased the supercooling capacity considerably. Furthermore, an increase in the duration of exposure to acclimation temperature resulted in lower SCPs.

Conclusion

Adults of V. canescens displayed an enhanced ability to supercool, however, they appear to be less cold tolerant than their respective hosts. This information would be useful in determining the potential of using V. canescens as a biological agent in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, taking into consideration the adverse effects of low temperatures on its survival. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Processing of Agglomerated Red Filter Dust in the Converter Operation from Metallurgical Point of View
Authors: Scharf Christiane , Ditze André
Published: July 2013

Red filter dust (RFD) from steel works contains up to 50 mass% iron, which therefore can serve as raw material for steel production. It should be possible to recycle a fraction of the RFD in the converter process of a steel works wherein also scrap for recycling is used. The aim was the investigation of the reduction behavior of the iron oxide in the RFD. This was accomplished by contact of the dust with pig iron containing up to 3.9 mass% carbon and also by addition of bio‐char to the dust, creating self‐reducing briquettes. The experimental results were compared to the theoretical achievable iron oxide reduction. The reaction time of selected briquettes was calculated by a kinetic approach. Additional the behavior of lead and zinc in the dust was investigated. The mass balance of the converter process indicated the influence of the dust recycling especially regarding the zinc mass flow.
Intraoperative Placement of External Biliary Drains for Prevention and Treatment of Bile Leaks After Extended Liver Resection Without Bilioenteric Anastomosis
Authors: Strücker B. , Stockmann M. , Denecke T. , Neuhaus P. , Seehofer D.
Published: July 2013

Background

Improved surgical techniques, substantial preoperative diagnostics, and advanced perioperative management permit extensive and complex liver resection. Thus, hepatic malignancies that would have been considered inoperable some years ago may be curatively resected today. Despite all this progress, biliary leakage remains a clinically relevant issue, especially after extended liver resection. Intraoperative decompression of bile ducts by means of distinct biliary drains is controversial. Although drainage is rarely used as a routine procedure, it might be useful in selected patients at high risk for biliary leakage.

Methods

We describe surgical management of long‐segment exposed or injured bile ducts after extended parenchymal resection with concomitant lymphadenectomy. Because blood supply to the bile duct may be impaired, the risk of biliary necrosis and/or leakage is significant. Internal splinting of the bile duct to ensure optimum decompression plus guidance might be helpful. Thus, in selected cases after trisectionectomy we inserted an external–internal or internal–external drain into long‐segment exposed bile ducts. For internal–external drains the tube was diverted via the major duodenal papilla into the duodenum and then transfixed after the duodenojejunal flexure through the jejunal wall by means of a Witzel’s channel.

Results

Because the entire bile duct is splinted, this technique is superior to bile duct decompression with a T‐tube. This is supported by the course of a patient suffering biliary leakage after extended right‐sided hepatectomy for colorectal metastasis. Initially, a T‐tube was inserted for decompression, but biliary leakage persisted. After inserting transhepatic external–internal drainage, bile leakage stopped immediately. The patient’s course was then uneventful. Five other patients (mostly with locally advanced hepatocellular or cholangiocellular carcinoma) treated similarly were discharged without complications. Drain removal 6 weeks postoperatively was uncomplicated in five of the 6 patients. In the sixth patient, external–internal drainage was replaced by a Yamakawa‐type prosthesis for a biliary stricture. None of the patients suffered severe complications during long‐term follow‐up.

Conclusions

The bile duct drainage technique presented in this study was useful for preventing and treating bile leakage after long‐segment exposure of extrahepatic bile ducts during major hepatectomy. Transhepatic or internal–external drains are often used for bilioenteric anastomoses, but similar drainage techniques have not been reported for the native bile duct. T‐tubes are generally used in this situation. In particular cases, however, inner splinting of the bile duct and appropriate movement of the bile via a tube can be helpful.
An exploratory analysis of vegetation strategies to reduce shallow landslide activity on loess hillslopes, Northeast Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China
Authors: Hu Xia-song , Brierley Gary , Zhu Hai-li , Li Guo-rong , Fu Jiang-tao , Mao Xiao-qing , Yu Qin-qin , Qiao Na
Published: July 2013

Heavy summer rainfall induces significant soil erosion and shallow landslide activity on the loess hillslopes of the Xining Basin at the northeast margin of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. This study examines the mechanical effects of five native shrubs that can be used to reduce shallow landslide activity. We measured single root tensile resistance and shear resistance, root anatomical structure and direct shear and triaxial shear for soil without roots and five rootsoil composite systems. Results show that Atriplex canescens (Pursh) Nutt. possessed the strongest roots, followed by Caragana korshinskii Kom., Zygophyllum xanthoxylon (Bunge) Maxim., Nitraria tangutorum Bobr. and Lycium chinense Mill. Single root strength and shear resistance relationships with root diameter are characterized by power or exponential relations, consistent with the Mohr-Coulomb law. Root mechanical strength reflects their anatomical structure, especially the percentage of phloem and xylem cells, and the degree and speed of periderm lignifications. The cohesion force of root-soil composite systems is notably higher than that of soil without roots, with increasing amplitudes of cohesion force for A. canescens, C. korshinskii, Z. xanthoxylon, N. tangutorum and L. chinense of 75.9%, 75.1%, 36.2%, 24.6% and 17.0 % respectively. When subjected to shear forces, the soil without root samples show much greater lateral deformation than the root-soil composite systems, reflecting the restraining effects of roots. Findings from this paper indicate that efforts to reduce shallow landslides in this region by enhancing root reinforcement will be achieved most effectively using A. canescens and C. korshinskii.
Woody species diversity and forest structure from lowland to montane forest in Hyrcanian forest ecoregion
Authors: Jafari Seyed Mohammad , Zarre Shahin , Alavipanah Seyed Kazem
Published: July 2013

Alborz Mountains host Caspian Hyrcanian forest ecoregion along the northern slopes and forest steppe ecoregion in highlands. Hyrcanian forest covers the southeastern part of Caucasus biodiversity hotspot and is of great biogeographic importance. Altitudinal pattern and correlation between woody species biodiversity (DIV), forest structure ((stem density (DEN), mean basal area (MBA) and mean height class (MHC)) and disturbance (DIS) were explored along 2,400 m altitudinal gradient in Hyrcanian relict forest, Central Alborz Mountains. Vegetation changes from lowland forest (LoF) to midaltitude forest (MiF) and montane forest (MoF) in this area. The altitudinal gradient was divided into twelve 200 m elevational belts. Point centered quarter method (PCQM) with 96 sampling points and 83 vegetation samples by plot method (PM) were used to record field data. Shannon-Wiener index and Pearson coefficient were used for diversity and correlation analysis. The results showed that DEN decreased linearly, MBA and MHC showed relatively hump shaped and DIS showed a reverse hump shaped pattern of change along altitudinal gradient. Woody species diversity decreased non-steadily from LoF to MoF. Transitional vegetations of Carpinus-Fagus and Fagus-Quercus represented higher diversity of woody taxa compared to adjacent homogenous communities. Significant correlation was observed between altitude and all parameters: DEN with MBA, DIS and DIV; MBA with DIS; MHC with DIS along with DIV; and DIS with DIV at the study area scale. Surprisingly, correlation between studied parameters differed within each vegetation type. Altitude probably acts as a proxy for human and environmental driving forces in this area. Stability of warm and wet condition, season length, soil depth along with forest accessibility probably influences the altitudinal pattern of the studied parameters. Disturbance affects forest structure and consequently diversity; especially in lowlands. The obtained results recommend using both forest biodiversity and mensuration data in management process of forest ecosystems.
The Principles of Demonstration and Tekmeriodic Proofs in the Late-Antique Commentary Tradition
Authors: Harari Orna
Published: July 2013

I argue that Aristotle’s late-antique commentators read into his theory of demonstration the notion of tekmeriodic proofs in attempt to integrate into the theory of demonstration the assumption that the principles of demonstration should be evident. In so doing, I trace the late antique commentators’ view to Alexander of Aphrodisias’ discussion of the principles of demonstration, showing how his assumption that the principles of demonstration should be evident underlies their notions of tekmeriodic proofs.
A pilot study of temsirolimus and body composition
Authors: Veasey-Rodrigues Heloisa , Parsons Henrique A. , Janku Filip , Naing Aung , Wheler Jennifer J. , Tsimberidou Apostolia M. , Kurzrock Razelle
Published: July 2013

Purpose

Body weight and composition play a role in cancer etiology, prognosis, and treatment response. Therefore, we analyzed the weight, body composition changes, and outcome in patients treated with temsirolimus, an mTor inhibitor that has weight loss as one of its side effects.

Patients and methods

Sixteen patients with advanced solid tumors treated with temsirolimus were studied; body composition was evaluated utilizing computerized tomography images. Sarcopenia was defined as skeletal muscle index lower than 38.5 cm2/m2 for women and 52.4 cm2/m2 for men.

Results

Five of 16 patients (31 %) were men; median age, 60 years. Forty‐four percent (7/16) of patients were sarcopenic. Fatigue, anemia, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia were common. Baseline sarcopenia and body composition did not correlate with worse toxicity or treatment outcome. However, there was a trend for greater loss of adipose area (p = 0.07), fat mass (p = 0.09), and adipose index (p = 0.07) for patients with grade 3 or 4 toxicities versus those with grade 1 and 2 side effects.

Conclusion

Patients with higher grade toxicities tended to lose more body fat, suggesting a possible end‐organ metabolic effect of temsirolimus. These observations merit exploration in a larger cohort of patients.
The Effects of Religious Symbols in Product Packaging on Muslim Consumer Responses
Authors: Bakar Abou , Lee Richard , Rungie Cam
Published: July 2013

Past research has recognised the influence of religion on marketing, particularly the role of religious cues in marketing communications. Drawing on symbolic interactionism theory, this empirical study identifies symbols that possess symbolic value with Muslims, and how these symbols on product packaging may influence the response of Muslim consumers. Furthermore, we examine how this influence may vary between products of low versus high symbolic values, and across consumers of varying level of religiosity. An elicitation survey identified five symbols, five high symbolic-value products, and five low-symbolic value products. Afterwards, a quasi-type experiment examined the influence of a symbol on product purchase intentions. The presence of the symbol significantly increased purchase intentions, but only for low symbolic-value products. Also, the presence of symbol affected those with high religiosity more than those with low religiosity. This study is the first to investigate the role of religious symbols on product packaging. An implication is for marketers to recognise the importance of such symbols for Muslim consumers.
Lower urinary tract symptoms following female genital mutilation
Authors: Amin Magdy M. , Rasheed Salah , Salem Esam
Published: July 2013

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) following female genital mutilation (FGM).

Methods

A hospital‐based, cross‐sectional study was conducted from January 1, 2009, through January 1, 2012, at the urogynecology clinic of Sohag University Hospital. The participants were 251 women who had undergone different forms of FGM.

Results

A total of 251 women agreed to participate. All had the clitoris amputated, 7.1% had some form of mutilation to the labia majora, 33.8% had adhesions of the labia minora, 19.2% had clitoral retention cysts, and 38.8% reported at least 1 LUTS. Nocturia (38.6%) was the most prevalent LUTS, intermittency (23.5%) was the most prevalent voiding LUTS, and incomplete voiding (22.7%) was the most common post‐micturition LUTS. All 3 types of LUTS were reported by 11.6% of the women. Those with Type II and Type III FGM had a significantly higher risk of having all 3 LUTS than those with Type I.

Conclusion

Women with FGM are significantly more likely to have LUTS than women without FGM, and LUTS seem to be more burdensome in those with more extensive FGM.
Increased risk of dementia in people with previous exposure to general anesthesia: A nationwide population‐based case–control study
Authors: Chen Chia‐Wen , Lin Che‐Chen , Chen Kuen‐Bao , Kuo Yu‐Cheng , Li Chi‐Yuan , Chung Chi‐Jung
Published: July 2013

Background

Dementia, which leads to disability, is one of the important diseases occurring among older populations. However, the exact mechanism of the disease remains unknown. The potential risk factor of general anesthesia (GA) in the development of dementia is a controversial topic. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association between previous exposure to different GA types and the incidence of dementia.

Methods

Using the claims data of 1 million insured residents covered by Taiwan's universal health insurance from 2005 to 2009, 5345 newly diagnosed dementia patients older than 50 years were eligible for the study group. The control group, which consisted of 21,380 individuals without dementia, was matched for age, gender, and index date. GA was categorized into three subtypes: endotracheal tube intubation general anesthesia (ETGA), intravenous injection general anesthesia (IVGA) or intramuscular injection general anesthesia (IMGA), and heavy sedation. The multiple logistic regression model was used for analyses.

Results

Individuals exposed to surgery under ETGA (odds ratio [OR], 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25–1.44) and those exposed to surgery under IVGA or IMGA (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.14–1.43) were at significantly higher risk of dementia in a dose–response relationship (P < .0001), whereas surgery under heavy sedation was not associated with increased risk of dementia (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.68–1.59). The dementia risk for subjects with diabetes mellitus who received surgery under ETGA (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.42–1.78), hypertension (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.78–2.21), atherosclerosis (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.22–1.50), or after having experienced a stroke (OR, 3.52; 95% CI, 3.13–3.97), but no interaction was found between surgery under ETGA and depression for the risk of dementia.

Conclusions

A history of previous exposure to surgery under GA might be associated with an increased risk of dementia, particularly in subjects who have undergone repeated exposure to GA. In addition, subjects who had received surgery under ETGA with comorbidities such as stroke, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and atherosclerosis could have a potential relationship with dementia risk.
Comparative study of phenol and thiophenol adsorption on Cu(110)
Authors: Kitaguchi Y. , Habuka S. , Mitsui T. , Okuyama H. , Hatta S. , Aruga T.
Published: July 2013

Adsorption of phenol and thiophenol (benzenethiol) on Cu(110) is investigated by a scanning tunneling microscope and electron energy loss spectroscopy. Phenol adsorbs intact and forms a cyclic trimer at 78 K. It is dehydrogenated to yield a phenoxy (C6H5O) group at 300 K. On the other hand, thiophenol is dehydrogenated to a thiophenoxy (C6H5S) group even at 78 K. Both products are bonded via chalcogen atom to the short-bridge site with the phenyl ring oriented nearly parallel to the surface. The C6H5O and C6H5S groups are preferentially assembled into the chains along the [001] and [1\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\bar{1}$\end{document}1¯2] directions, respectively. Dipole-dipole interaction is responsible for the chain growth, while the chain direction is ruled by the steric repulsion between chalcogen atoms and adjacent phenyl ring. This work demonstrates a crucial role of chalcogen atom of phenol species in their overlayer growth on the surface.
A new approach of denoising the regular and chaotic signals using Empirical Mode Decomposition: Comparison and application
Authors: Siwal Davinder , Suyal Vinita , Prasad Awadhesh , Mandal S. , Singh R.
Published: July 2013

The Empirical Mode Decomposition has been used to present a new approach for denoising of regular and chaotic time series originating from the nonlinear systems. The proposed filtering approach is based on the frequency distribution of different Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMFs). It provides complete frequency and noise strength information present in the data set. The actual frequencies in an experimental data set are distributed among different IMFs which are subsequently disentangled through the algorithm resulting into filtered as well as noise components. The filtered signal is produced only after a suppression (hard threshold) of noise components. The noise strength present in the data set is produced by the identified noisy IMFs. This innovative approach has been tested for linear, nonlinear, and chaotic types of calculated data sets with various levels of simulated noise strengths and results have been compared with the existing methods. The validity of the present approach is confirmed by experimentally observed astrophysical data as well as data from a neutron detector. A sharp improvement in the signal strength has been observed with the proposed method in comparison to the existing methods.
Probing microelectromechanical systems in an environmentally controlled chamber using long working distance interferometry
Authors: Soylemez E. , Plass R. A. , Ashurst W. R. , de Boer M. P.
Published: July 2013

It is well known that the environment in which micromechanical systems operate significantly affects their performance. It is, therefore, important to characterize micromachine behavior in environments where the humidity, pressure, and chemical composition of the ambient can be precisely controlled. Achieving such a level of environmental control presents significant challenges in view of the required instrumentation. To that end, a custom micromachine characterization system is built that allows for full environmental control (pressure, humidity, and gas composition) while retaining full micromachine characterization techniques (long working distance interferometry, electrical probe connectivity, actuation scripting capability). The system also includes an effective in situ surface cleaning mechanism. As an example of the system's utility, a microcantilever crack healing experiment is conducted and surface adhesion energy measurements are tracked over time after a step change in humidity is applied.
Structures, energies, and bonding in the water heptamer
Authors: Acelas Nancy , Hincapié Gina , Guerra Doris , David Jorge , Restrepo Albeiro
Published: July 2013

In this paper we report the geometries and properties of 38 distinct geometrical motifs located on the B3LYP/6–31+G(d), MP2/6–311++G(d, p) potential energy surfaces of the water heptamer. Binding energies of up to 45 kcal/mol are calculated. All motifs fall within 10 kcal/mol of the most stable conformation, with at least 13 structural patterns located no more than 3 kcal/mol above, leading to a very complex potential energy surface, populated by a multitude of motifs each one allowing large numbers of conformations. Cluster stability does not seem to be correlated with the number of hydrogen bonds. Compact structures are energetically favored by electronic energies with zero-point energy corrections, while more open structures are preferred when temperature and entropy are accounted for. The molecular interactions holding the clusters as discrete units lead to large binding energies but are not strong enough to cause significant changes in the geometries of the interacting monomers. Our results indicate that bonding in the water heptamers can be considered as largely non-shared interactions with contributions from intermediate character of increasing covalency.
Silver silicates with three-dimensional d10-d10 interactions as visible light active photocatalysts for water oxidation
Authors: Kim Tae-Gon , Yeon Dong-Hee , Kim Taehyung , Lee Jeonghee , Im Seoung-Jae
Published: July 2013

Ag2SiO3 and Ag9(SiO4)2NO3 with the short Ag–Ag bond distances close to metallic Ag have optical band gaps of 2.6 eV and 2.0 eV, respectively. They oxidized water molecules to oxygen with the rates of 98 and 194 μmol/g · h by the 280 mW/cm2 visible-light illumination, and decolorized organic dye more than 10 times faster than the commercialized WO3 and TiO2. Based on the electronic structure calculation, their small band gaps and superior carrier transport property are correlated with the spatial proximity between Ag ions stabilized by d10-d10 interaction, which promotes the descent and dispersion of conduction bands by increasing Ag 5s/5p orbital overlaps.
Effects of pump pulse propagation and spatial distribution of bias fields on terahertz generation from photoconductive antennas
Authors: Chou Rone-Hwa , Yang Chan-Shan , Pan Ci-Ling
Published: July 2013

Through theoretical analysis and numerical simulation, we show that bipolar terahertz pulses generated from photo-excited small-gap or mid-gap photoconductive (PC) antennas actually stem from a unique combination of spatially inhomogeneous bias field and propagation effects of pump pulses through the PC if the influence of fast carrier recombination on terahertz radiation is excluded. This finding provides new insights on the formation of bipolar terahertz pulses, instead of the traditional view based on the Drude-Lorentz model and the space-charge screening effect. We find large-aperture PC antennas always emit unipolar terahertz pulses rather than bipolar ones because the bias fields in this case can be considered homogeneous. We also show that the saturation of the peak amplitude of terahertz pulses at high pump fluence can be correctly predicted using our model without invoking space-charge screening.
Structural and spectroscopic analyses of europium doped yttrium oxyfluoride powders prepared by combustion synthesis
Authors: Rakov Nikifor , Guimarães R. B. , Lozano B. W. , Maciel Glauco S.
Published: July 2013

A facile widely spread technique employed to produce low-cost high-yield oxide powders, combustion synthesis, was used to prepare yttrium oxyfluoride crystalline ceramic powders. The structure of the powders was analyzed by X-ray powder diffraction and Rietveld refinement. Samples heat treated at 700 °C had a predominance of vernier orthorhombic Y6O5F8 phase, while samples heat treated at 800 °C crystallized in stoichiometric rhombohedral YOF phase. The samples were doped with luminescent europium trivalent ions (Eu3+) in different concentrations (1–15 wt.%) and Judd-Ofelt theory was used to probe the distortion from the inversion symmetry of the local crystal field and the degree of covalency between the rare-earth ion and the surrounding ligands. The luminescence lifetime was measured and the luminescence quantum efficiency (LQE) was estimated. We observed that Eu3+:Y6O5F8 samples presented higher LQE in spite of the larger local crystal field anisotropy found for Eu3+:YOF samples.
Tailoring of the partial magnonic gap in three-dimensional magnetoferritin-based magnonic crystals
Authors: Mamica S.
Published: July 2013

We investigate theoretically the use of magnetoferritin nanoparticles, self-assembled in the protein crystallization process, as the basis for the realization of 3D magnonic crystals in which the interparticle space is filled with a ferromagnetic material. Using the plane wave method we study the dependence of the width of the partial band gap and its central frequency on the total magnetic moment of the magnetoferritin core and the lattice constant of the magnetoferritin crystal. We show that by adjusting the combination of these two parameters the partial gap can be tailored in a wide frequency range and shifted to sub-terahertz frequencies. Moreover, the difference in the width of the partial gap for spin waves propagating in planes parallel and perpendicular to the external field allows for switching on and off the partial magnonic gap by changing the direction of the applied field.
Thickness dependence of the magnetoelastic effect of CoFe2O4 films grown on piezoelectric substrates
Authors: Rus S. F. , Herklotz A. , Roth R. , Schultz L. , Dörr K.
Published: July 2013

Epitaxial CoFe2O4 (CFO) films of varying thickness were grown on piezoelectric Pb(Mg1∕3Nb2∕3)0.72Ti0.28O3 substrates. The magnetic anisotropy of the CFO films is controlled by the piezoelectric in-plane strain imposed by the substrate constraint during application of an electric field. We find that the strain-induced change of the remanent magnetization is constant at large thickness, but drops significantly below ∼100 nm. This thickness dependence of the magnetoelastic effect is shown not to be caused by a variation of the as-grown strain state.
Electrical and optical performance of PbZr0.4Ti0.6O3 optical microcavity derived from one single chemical solution
Authors: Cong R. , Hu G. J. , Yu G. L. , Chu J. H. , Dai N.
Published: July 2013

Fabry-Perot optical microcavity, comprising of two quasiperiodic PbZr0.4Ti0.6O3 multilayers and a dense PbZr0.4Ti0.6O3 space layer, has been fabricated on the F-doped transparent conductive tin oxide thin film by using one single precursor. The obtained multilayer system displays excellent dielectric, ferroelectric, and optical properties simultaneously. It has a dielectric constant of 629 and dielectric tunability of ∼60% at 1 MHz, an average remanent polarization of ∼46.9 μC/cm2, and a quality factor of ∼44, rendering its promising applications in dynamic random access memories, microwave tunable devices and integrated optoelectronics, and an alternative matter system for studying cavity quantum electrodynamics.
Microfluidic trapping of giant unilamellar vesicles to study transport through a membrane pore
Authors: Robinson T. , Kuhn P. , Eyer K. , Dittrich P. S.
Published: July 2013

We present a microfluidic platform able to trap single GUVs in parallel. GUVs are used as model membranes across many fields of biophysics including lipid rafts, membrane fusion, and nanotubes. While their creation is relatively facile, handling and addressing single vesicles remains challenging. The PDMS microchip used herein contains 60 chambers, each with posts able to passively capture single GUVs without compromising their integrity. The design allows for circular valves to be lowered from the channel ceiling to isolate the vesicles from rest of the channel network. GUVs containing calcein were trapped and by rapidly opening the valves, the membrane pore protein α-hemolysin (αHL) was introduced to the membrane. Confocal microscopy revealed the kinetics of the small molecule efflux for different protein concentrations. This microfluidic approach greatly improves the number of experiments possible and can be applied to a wide range of biophysical applications.
Graphene as anode electrode for colloidal quantum dots based light emitting diodes
Authors: Klekachev Alexander V. , Kuznetsov Sergey N. , Asselberghs Inge , Cantoro Mirco , Hun Mun Jeong , Jin Cho Byung , Stesmans André L. , Heyns Marc M. , De Gendt Stefan
Published: July 2013

Graphene films demonstrating low sheet resistance and high transparency in the visible light range are promising to be used as electrodes for light-emitting applications. In this work, we report the implementation of single layer graphene as hole injecting electrode for CdSe/ZnS quantum dot-light emitting diodes (QD-LED). We compare graphene vs. indium-tin-oxide (ITO)-based anode junctions by electroluminescence intensity performance of QD-LEDs. Our results demonstrate better hole injection efficiency for the graphene-based electrode at technologically relevant current densities J < 0.4 A/cm2, therefore, recommending single layer graphene as a valuable alternative to replace ITO in QD-LED technology.
Electrical pumping of potassium ions against an external concentration gradient in a biological ion channel
Authors: Queralt-Martín María , García-Giménez Elena , Aguilella Vicente M. , Ramirez Patricio , Mafe Salvador , Alcaraz Antonio
Published: July 2013

We show experimentally and theoretically that significant currents can be obtained with a biological ion channel, the OmpF porin of Escherichia coli, using zero-average potentials as driving forces. The channel rectifying properties can be used to pump potassium ions against an external concentration gradient under asymmetric pH conditions. The results are discussed in terms of the ionic selectivity and rectification ratio of the channel. The physical concepts involved may be applied to separation processes with synthetic nanopores and to bioelectrical phenomena.
Optimizing thermoelectric power factor by means of a potential barrier
Authors: Neophytou Neophytos , Kosina Hans
Published: July 2013

Large efforts in improving thermoelectric energy conversion are devoted to energy filtering by nanometer size potential barriers. In this work, we perform an analysis and optimization of such barriers for improved energy filtering. We merge semiclassical with quantum mechanical simulations to capture tunneling and reflections due to the barrier and analyze the influence of the width W, the height Vb, and the shape of the barrier, and the position of the Fermi level (EF) above the band edge, ηF. We show that for an optimized design, ∼40% improvement in the thermoelectric power factor can be achieved if the following conditions are met: ηF is large; Vb−EF is somewhat higher but comparable to kBT; and W is large enough to suppress tunneling. Finally, we show that a smooth energy barrier is beneficial compared to a sharp (square) barrier for increasing the thermoelectric power factor.