bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of Light‐emitting Diode Uses for Annular Reactor Inner‐coated with TiO2 or Nitrogen‐doped TiO2 for Control of Dimethyl Sulfide
Authors: Jo Wan‐Kuen , Eun Sung‐Soo , Shin Seung‐Ho
Published: June 2011

Limited environmental pollutants have only been investigated for the feasibility of light‐emitting diodes (LED) uses in photocatalytic decomposition (PD). The present study investigated the applicability of LEDs for annular photocatalytic reactors by comparing PD efficiencies of dimethyl sulfide (DMS), which has not been investigated with any LED‐PD system, between photocatalytic systems utilizing conventional and various LED lamps with different wavelengths. A conventional 8 W UV/TiO2 system exhibited a higher DMS PD efficiency as compared with UV‐LED/TiO2 system. Similarly, a conventional 8 W visible‐lamp/N‐enhanced TiO2 (NET) system exhibited a higher PD efficiency as compared with six visible‐LED/NET systems. However, the ratios of PD efficiency to the electric power consumption were rather high for the photocatalytic systems using UV‐ or visible‐LED lamps, except for two LED lamps (yellow‐ and red‐LED lamps), compared to the photocatalytic systems using conventional lamps. For the photocatalytic systems using LEDs, lower flow rates and input concentrations and shorter hydraulic diameters exhibited higher DMS PD efficiencies. An Fourier‐transformation infrared analysis suggested no significant absorption of byproducts on the catalyst surface. Consequently, it was suggested that LEDs can still be energy‐efficiently utilized as alternative light sources for the PD of DMS, under the operational conditions used in this study.
Improving Adherence With Amlodipine/Atorvastatin Therapy: IMPACT Study
Authors: Oliver Saran , Jones Jennifer , Leonard David , Crabbe Andrew , Delkhah Yana
Published: June 2011

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2011;13:598–604.©2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Hypertension is prevalent in the United States and remains uncontrolled. The primary objective of the study was to determine the effect of once‐daily dosing of a combination therapy for blood pressure (BP) and dyslipidemia using home BP monitoring on reaching clinical BP and the effect of daily dosing of combination therapy on reaching lipid goals. The study was conducted in middle‐aged, indigent, African Americans who had high‐risk, resistant hypertension and dyslipidemia. Patients were randomly assigned to either the home and clinic BP group or usual care group and were followed for 6 months. The average BPs for each group were compared and used to titrate the study drug appropriately. Both groups achieved significant declines in BP, total cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) (P<.0001). These findings demonstrate that BP control could be achieved at a rate of 43.5% compared with the 2004 national control rate of 35%. The LDL control rate was also improved. Cardiovascular risk reduction has been proven to be achieved through managing lipids and BP. This trial demonstrates that these goals can be achieved similar to other groups in indigent African Americans with high‐risk hypertension and dyslipidemia.
Strategies for effective recruitment of individuals at risk for developing psychosis
Authors: Domingues Isabel , Alderman Tracy , Cadenhead Kristin S.
Published: June 2011

Aim: Early identification of individuals in the prodrome and first episode of psychosis can lead to pre‐emptive intervention and perhaps prevention of the significant functional decline that often accompanies a first psychotic episode. The development of an extensive community outreach and education campaign is essential for programmes that aim to identify and treat individuals in the early stages of psychotic illness.

Methods: Over the last decade, the Cognitive Assessment and Risk Evaluation (CARE) programme at the University of California San Diego has implemented a recruitment strategy to increase public awareness about early psychosis and establish community collaboration in San Diego county. Educational materials were distributed to community partners, local media and via the Internet. The number and pattern of referrals were then analysed to inform ongoing recruitment efforts.

Results: Overall, 799 referrals were telephone screened. Of the 313 who completed diagnostic interviews, 223 were enrolled including 122 in an ‘At Risk’ state and 101 in an early psychotic episode. The majority who met inclusion criteria were referred by outpatient mental health practitioners (46.6%), whereas 16.1% came from inpatient facilities and 16.1% were from Internet sites. Other important referral sources were the public schools, community colleges and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Conclusions: The successful recruitment efforts of the CARE programme reflect not only the extensive educational outreach but also the emphasis on enhancing professional relationships with community partners. The Internet became an important source of information and referrals and will likely be an essential component of any public education campaign.
How does social functioning in the early stages of psychosis relate to depression and social anxiety?
Authors: Chudleigh Catherine , Naismith Sharon L. , Blaszczynski Alex , Hermens Daniel F. , Hodge M. Antoinette Redoblado , Hickie Ian B.
Published: June 2011

Aims: The study aims to compare social functioning in young people considered to be at risk of psychosis with those meeting criteria for first episode psychosis (FEP) and controls, and to determine the association between social functioning and positive and negative symptoms, depressive symptoms, and social anxiety.

Methods: This study examined social functioning in 20 individuals at risk of psychosis, 20 FEP patients and 20 healthy controls. Social functioning was measured using the Social Functioning Scale and World Health Organization Disability Assessment Scale. Psychiatric variables were also measured using the Comprehensive Assessment of At‐Risk Mental States, the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, the Brief Social Phobia Scale, and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale.

Results: At‐risk individuals had comparable social deficits to the FEP group, and both patient groups had significantly poorer social functioning than controls. Importantly, social functioning was most strongly associated with depressive and social anxiety symptoms and to a lesser extent with positive symptoms. However, negative symptoms did not appear to relate to social functioning.

Conclusion: Social functioning impairments precede the onset of full‐threshold psychosis and may therefore be a significant marker for the illness. Additionally, associated psychiatric symptoms such as depression and social anxiety may provide an avenue for early interventions of social functioning deficits in psychosis.
Comparing the genetic architecture and potential response to selection of invasive and native populations of reed canary grass
Authors: Calsbeek Brittny , Lavergne Sebastien , Patel Manisha , Molofsky Jane
Published: June 2011

Evolutionary processes such as migration, genetic drift, and natural selection are thought to play a prominent role in species invasions into novel environments. However, few empirical studies have explored the mechanistic basis of invasion in an evolutionary framework. One promising tool for inferring evolutionarily important changes in introduced populations is the genetic variance–covariance matrix (G matrix). G matrix comparisons allow for the inference of changes in the genetic architecture of introduced populations relative to their native counterparts that may facilitate invasion. Here, we compare the G matrices of reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) populations across native and invasive ranges, and between populations along a latitudinal gradient within each range. We find that the major differences in genetic architecture occur between populations at the Northern and Southern margins within each range, not between native and invasive populations. Previous studies have found that multiple introductions in introduced populations caused an increase in genetic variance on which selection could act. In addition, we find that differences in the evolutionary potential of Phalaris populations are driven by differences in latitude, suggesting that selection also shapes the evolutionary trajectory of invasive populations.
Incretin‐based therapies
Authors: STONEHOUSE Anthony H. , DARSOW Tamara , MAGGS David G.
Published: June 2011

Incretin‐based therapies have established a foothold in the diabetes armamentarium through the introduction of oral dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors and the injectable class, the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists. In 2009, the American Diabetes Association and European Association for the Study of Diabetes authored a revised consensus algorithm for the initiation and adjustment of therapy in Type 2 diabetes (T2D). The revised algorithm accounts for the entry of incretin‐based therapies into common clinical practice, especially where control of body weight and hypoglycemia are concerns. The gut‐borne incretin hormones have powerful effects on glucose homeostasis, particularly in the postprandial period, when approximately two‐thirds of the β‐cell response to a given meal is due to the incretin effect. There is also evidence that the incretin effect is attenuated in patients with T2D, whereby the β‐cell becomes less responsive to incretin signals. The foundation of incretin‐based therapies is to target this previously unrecognized feature of diabetes pathophysiology, resulting in sustained improvements in glycemic control and improved body weight control. In addition, emerging evidence suggests that incretin‐based therapies may have a positive impact on inflammation, cardiovascular and hepatic health, sleep, and the central nervous system. In the present article, we discuss the attributes of current and near‐future incretin‐based therapies.
The melanomas: a synthesis of epidemiological, clinical, histopathological, genetic, and biological aspects, supporting distinct subtypes, causal pathways, and cells of origin
Authors: Whiteman David C. , Pavan William J. , Bastian Boris C.
Published: June 2011

Converging lines of evidence from varied scientific disciplines suggest that cutaneous melanomas comprise biologically distinct subtypes that arise through multiple causal pathways. Understanding the respective relationships of each subtype with etiologic factors such as UV radiation and constitutional factors is the first necessary step toward developing refined prevention strategies for the specific forms of melanoma. Furthermore, classifying this disease precisely into biologically distinct subtypes is the key to developing mechanism‐based treatments, as highlighted by recent discoveries. In this review, we outline the historical developments that underpin our understanding of melanoma heterogeneity, and we do this from the perspectives of clinical presentation, histopathology, epidemiology, molecular genetics, and developmental biology. We integrate the evidence from these separate trajectories to catalog the emerging major categories of melanomas and conclude with important unanswered questions relating to the development of melanoma and its cells of origin.
National mental health registry for schizophrenia in Malaysia: A preliminary assessment on service utilization
Authors: ZamZam Ruzanna , Chuan Cheah Yee , Aziz Salina Abdul , Yahya Badiah , Syed Mokhtar Sharifah Suziah , Yong Chee Kok , Muhammad Dain Norsiatul Azma binti
Published: June 2011

The National Mental Health Registry for Schizophrenia (NMHRS) was established in Malaysia in 2003. Data includes patients who are now receiving treatment in all different facilities in the country and at all levels, including primary care. A subset of data from the registry was analyzed to assess how people with schizophrenia in Malaysia utilize the service. A total of 276 patients with schizophrenia from the NMHRS who were still being followed up after 1 year of treatment at the same facility were included in the assessment. About 13% (n=36) of the patients were seen at an emergency department, 17% (n=46) had psychiatric rehospitalization, 2% (n=6) were transferred to a mental institution, 89.1% (n=246) were on regular follow‐up, 3% (n=9) abused a substance, 22% (n=6) attempted self harm, 4% (n=10) had been in contact with or arrested by police, 10% (n=27) utilized community mental health services and 14% (n=38) continued to seek alternative treatment. Apart from being useful in assisting policy planners, administrators, and clinicians to further improve the mental health services, the present study can also suggest areas of future service research for people with schizophrenia in Malaysia.
DNA barcoding of Pedicularis L. (Orobanchaceae): Evaluating four universal barcode loci in a large and hemiparasitic genus
Authors: YU Wen‐Bin , HUANG Pan‐Hui , REE Richard H. , LIU Min‐Lu , LI De‐Zhu , WANG Hong
Published: June 2011

Abstract  One application of DNA barcoding is species identification based on sequences of a short and standardized DNA region. In plants, various DNA regions, alone or in combination, have been proposed and investigated, but consensus on a universal plant barcode remains elusive. In this study, we tested the utility of four candidate barcoding regions (rbcL, matK, trnH‐psbA, and internal transcribed spacer (ITS)) as DNA barcodes for discriminating species in a large and hemiparasitic genus Pedicularis (Orobanchaceae). Amplification and sequencing was successful using single primer pairs for rbcL, trnH‐psbA, and ITS, whereas two primer pairs were required for matK. Patterns of sequence divergence commonly showed a “barcoding gap”, that is, a bimodal frequency distribution of pairwise distances representing genetic diversity within and between species, respectively. Considering primer universality, ease of amplification and sequencing, and performance in discriminating species, we found the most effective single‐region barcode for Pedicularis to be ITS, and the most effective two‐region barcode to be rbcL + ITS. Both discriminated at least 78% of the 88 species and correctly identified at least 89% of the sequences in our sample, and were effective in placing unidentified samples in known species groups. Our results suggest that DNA barcoding has the potential to aid taxonomic research in Pedicularis, a species‐rich cosmopolitan clade much in need of revision, as well as ecological studies in its center of diversity, the Hengduan Mountains region of China.
Public health and prevention in Europe: is it cost-effective?
Authors: Simoens Steven
Published: June 2011

Objectives

In the public debate surrounding public health and prevention, it is sometimes assumed that preventive interventions are by definition cost-effective. This paper aims to explore whether preventive pharmaceutical interventions are more cost-effective than a curative approach to diseases.

Methods

A descriptive study identified European economic evaluations in the Tufts Medical Center Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Registry between 2000 and 2007. Data were extracted on publication year, target population, intervention, patient sample, disease, prevention stage and incremental cost-utility ratio of each economic evaluation. Preventive interventions were defined as measures preventing disease onset. Curative interventions related to measures identifying patients with risk factors or preclinical disease or interventions limiting disability after harm has occurred. Results were expressed in terms of costs (valued in Euros at 2008 prices) per quality-adjusted life year. The association between incremental cost-utility ratios and prevention stage was examined by means of the Mann–Whitney U test.

Key findings

The analysis included 231 studies that reported information about 608 incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. Preventive interventions included interventions that were more effective and less expensive than comparators (41% of incremental cost-effectiveness ratios), and interventions that improved outcomes and increased costs (59%). Both preventive and curative interventions covered the full range of cost-effectiveness results. However, preventive interventions had a significantly lower median ratio of €6255 per quality-adjusted life year and were thus more cost-effective than curative interventions (€12 917 per quality-adjusted life year) (P=0.002).

Conclusions

Although the cost-effectiveness of preventive interventions varies substantially, preventive interventions tended to be more cost-effective than curative interventions.
Potential of the international scoring system for the diagnosis of Wilson disease to differentiate Japanese patients who need anti‐copper treatment
Authors: Tatsumi Yasuaki , Shinohara Tsutomu , Imoto Masami , Wakusawa Shinya , Yano Motoyoshi , Hayashi Kazuhiko , Hattori Ai , Hayashi Hisao , Shimizu Atsumi , Ichiki Takashi , Nakashima Sayori , Katano Yoshiaki , Goto Hidemi
Published: June 2011

Aim:  Patients with Wilson disease show complex clinical features. Accurate diagnosis at the initial clinical manifestation is important for patients to receive effective treatment with anti‐copper agents. In this study, we assessed whether the international scoring system for the diagnosis of Wilson disease is a reliable tool for screening Japanese patients with primary copper toxicosis requiring anti‐copper treatment.

Methods:  Twenty‐three Japanese patients suspected of Wilson disease were enrolled in this study. We performed long‐range polymerase chain reaction to detect ATP7B mutations in this series. Finally, we retrospectively assessed the reliability of using a diagnostic score of 4 or more points as the cut‐off for this scoring system.

Results:  Ten patients were homozygous or compound heterozygous for ATP7B mutations including a novel mutation of 3837 bp deletion including 3 exons. The mutation would have been missed by the traditional analysis. Six patients were heterozygous for ATP7B mutations. Three of these six patients had additional diagnostic points. The other three patients were diagnosed as carriers of a mutant gene based on their low scores. One of the seven patients free from ATP7B mutation was affected by copper toxicosis. Though the score was 3 points based on increased urinary copper and copper‐positive cirrhosis, anti‐copper treatment promptly improved liver failure, which was likely due to idiopathic copper toxicosis.

Conclusion:  The international scoring system for diagnosis of Wilson disease is a fairly reliable tool for screening Japanese patients who need anti‐copper treatment. Caution is needed for patients with possible idiopathic copper toxicosis because the maximal score is 4 points.
Measuring Seat Value in Stadiums and Theaters
Authors: Veeraraghavan Senthil , Vaidyanathan Ramnath
Published: June 2011

We study how the seat value perceived by consumers attending an event in a theater/stadium depends on the location of their seat relative to the stage/field. We develop a measure of seat value, called the Seat Value Index, and relate it to seat location and consumer characteristics. We implement our analysis on a proprietary data set that a professional baseball franchise in Japan collected from its customers, and provide recommendations. For instance, we find that customers seated in symmetric seats on left and right fields might derive very different valuations from the seats. We also find that the more frequent visitors to the stadium report extreme seat value less often when compared with first‐time visitors. Our findings and insights remain robust to the effects of price and game‐related factors. Thus, our research quantifies the significant influence of seat location on the ex‐post seat value perceived by customers. Utilizing the heterogeneity in seat values at different seat locations, we provide segment‐specific pricing recommendations based on a service‐level objective that would limit the fraction of customers experiencing low seat value to a desired threshold.
Contingency Strategies in Managing Supply Systems with Uncertain Lead‐Times
Authors: Kouvelis Panos , Li Jian
Published: June 2011

The globalization of markets and geographic dispersion of production facilities, combined with a heavy outsourcing of supply chain processes, have substantially increased the exposure of supply chains to supply lead‐times of long and uncertain nature. In this paper, we study the potential use of two contingency strategies on top of the conventionally used time buffer—statically planned safety lead‐time (SL)—approach to deal with the lead‐time uncertainty. These are (1) the ex‐ante planning for disruption safety stock (DSS) to be released when a “disruption” (in this case, late delivery of the order) occurs; and (2) the ex‐post dynamic emergency response (DER), which dynamically decides on the timing and size of an emergency order to be placed. Our work elaborates on the optimal parameter setting for these strategies, compares their added values when used to complement the traditional SL approach, and examines how the use of the contingency strategies affects the SL and corresponding cycle length of a periodic review system. Our research finds that: (1) the above contingency strategies reduce the reliance on the SL and are cost effective when the coefficient of variation (CV) of the uncertain lead‐time is high; (2) it is important to re‐optimize the SL to account for the contingency plans; and (3) re‐optimization of the cycle length to account for the presence of the contingency responses, as opposed to using an EOQ‐determined cycle length, does not significantly improve the cost performance. However, such re‐optimization does well in the SL approach when the CV of the uncertain lead‐time is high.
An Ecological Study of Community‐Level Correlates of Suicide Mortality Rates in the Flemish Region of Belgium, 1996–2005
Authors: Hooghe Marc , Vanhoutte Bram
Published: June 2011

An ecological study of age‐standardized suicide rates in Belgian communities (1996–2005) was conducted using spatial regression techniques. Community characteristics were significantly related to suicide rates. There was mixed support for the social integration perspective: single person households were associated with higher suicide rates, while religious participation was unrelated and both immigration and the presence of non‐European inhabitants had a negative impact. Deprivation had a positive relation with suicide. Population density had a negative influence on suicide rates. Areas with older populations had higher suicide risks than expected. A spatial contagion effect of neighboring communities was present for men. In the conclusion, hypotheses are presented on why an aging population could be associated with higher suicide rates in the community.
The L3–6 chondritic regolith breccia Northwest Africa (NWA) 869: (II) Noble gases and cosmogenic radionuclides
Authors: WELTEN Kees , CAFFEE Marc W. , FRANKE Luitgard , Timothy JULL A. J. , LeCLERC Marlene D. , METZLER Knut , OTT Ulrich
Published: June 2011

Abstract– We measured cosmogenic radionuclides and noble gases in the L3–6 chondrite breccia Northwest Africa (NWA) 869, one of the largest meteorite finds from the Sahara. Concentrations of 10Be, 26Al, and 36Cl in stone and metal fractions of six fragments of NWA 869 indicate a preatmospheric radius of 2.0–2.5 m. The 14C and 10Be concentrations in three fragments yield a terrestrial age of 4.4 ± 0.7 kyr, whereas two fragments show evidence for a recent change in shielding, most likely due to a recent impact on the NWA meteoroid, approximately 105 yr ago, that excavated material up to approximately 80 cm deep and exposed previously shielded material to higher cosmic‐ray fluxes. This scenario is supported by the low cosmogenic 3He/21Ne ratios in these two samples, indicating recent loss of cosmogenic 3He. Most NWA samples, except for clasts of petrologic type 4–6, contain significant amounts of solar Ne and Ar, but are virtually free of solar helium, judging from the trapped 4He/20Ne ratio of approximately 7. Trapped planetary‐type Kr and Xe are most clearly present in the bulk and matrix samples, where abundances of 129Xe from decay of now extinct 129I are highest. Cosmogenic 21Ne varies between 0.55 and 1.92 × 10−8 cm3 STP g−1, with no apparent relationship between cosmogenic and solar Ne contents. Low cosmogenic (22Ne/21Ne)c ratios in solar gas free specimens are consistent with irradiation in a large body. Combined 10Be and 21Ne concentrations indicate that NWA 869 had a 4π cosmic‐ray exposure (CRE) age of 5 ± 1 Myr, whereas elevated 21Ne concentrations in several clasts and bulk samples indicate a previous CRE of 10–30 Myr on the parent body, most probably as individual components in a regolith. Unlike many other large chondrites, NWA 869 does not show clear evidence of CRE as a large boulder near the surface of its parent body. Radiogenic 4He concentrations in most NWA 869 samples indicate a major outgassing event approximately 2.8 Gyr ago that may have also resulted in loss of solar helium.
Class II HLA genotype in fulminant type 1 diabetes: A nationwide survey with reference to glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies
Authors: Tsutsumi Chiharu , Imagawa Akihisa , Ikegami Hiroshi , Makino Hideichi , Kobayashi Tetsuro , Hanafusa Toshiaki ,   on behalf of the Japan Diabetes Society Committee on Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Research
Published: June 2011

Aims/Introduction:  Fulminant type 1 diabetes is a subtype of type 1 diabetes characterized by a remarkably abrupt onset of insulin‐deficient hyperglycemia within a few days. The aim of the present study was to clarify characteristic class II HLA genotypes in a large number of patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes to date.

Materials and Methods:  We analyzed the HLA‐DRB1 and DQB1 genotypes, and their haplotypes in 207 patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes and 325 control subjects in the Japanese population.

Results:  The frequencies of the DRB1*04:05‐DQB1*04:01 and DRB1*09:01‐DQB1*03:03 haplotypes were significantly higher, and those of the DRB1*01:01‐DQB1*05:01, DRB1*15:02‐DQB1*06:01 and DRB1*08:03‐DQB1*06:01 haplotypes were significantly lower in patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes than in the control subjects. Combination analysis showed that the frequencies of homozygotes with DRB1*04:05‐DQB1*04:01 [odds ratio (OR) 7.0] and DRB1*09:01‐DQB1*03:03 (OR 9.5) were significantly higher in patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes. Within a limited portion of patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes with antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GADab; n = 25), the frequency of DRB1*09:01‐DQB1*03:03, but not DRB1*04:05‐DQB1*04:01, was significantly higher than in control subjects (44.0% vs 13.7%; Pc < 0.05, OR 5.0).

[Correction to last line of Results, added after online publication 29 July 2011: “OR 5.1” is changed to “OR 5.0”.]

Conclusions:  Our large‐scale study showed the characteristic class II HLA genotypes in fulminant type 1 diabetes, and implicated that genetic contribution to disease susceptibility is distinct between GADab‐positive and GADab‐negative fulminant type 1 diabetes. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2011.00139.x, 2012)
Bilateral maxillary and mandibular fourth molars: a case report and literature review
Authors: Cavalcanti Alessandro Leite , de Alencar Catarina Ribeiro Barros , de Carvalho Neto Luiz Guedes
Published: June 2011

Supernumerary teeth are those present in addition to the normal set of teeth. These teeth are found in both the primary and the permanent dentitions, and are most frequently seen in the maxillary anterior and molar regions. Supernumerary molars are divided into two types, depending on their location: distomolars and paramolars. Distomolars usually occur in the form of a fourth molar distal to the third molar, while paramolars are rudimentary supernumerary teeth that might develop buccally or lingually to the molar series. The management of a supernumerary tooth should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan. This paper reports a rare case of a male patient with bilateral maxillary and mandibular fourth molars, and reviews the literature on supernumerary teeth.
Is the consumption of fruit cariogenic?
Authors: Arora Amit , Evans Robin Wendell
Published: June 2011

Aim:  The aim of this study was to investigate possible risk factors for dental caries in primary school children.

Methods:  Children aged 10–12 years (n = 257) residing in Lithgow, a non‐fluoridated community in New South Wales, Australia, were examined for caries experience in the permanent dentition. Information on dental practices, diet, residential movements, and socioeconomic status were obtained from self‐completed questionnaires.

Results:  Caries risk in the permanent teeth was associated with social disadvantage and diet. Among the dietary factors, the frequency of fruit consumption was associated with higher odds of caries experience (odds ratio: 1.52, 95% confidence intervals: 1.05, 2.21).

Conclusions:  Exposure to a high level of fruit consumption was suggestive of increased caries risk. Longitudinal studies are required to investigate the relationship between fruit consumption and dental caries.
TrapCam: an inexpensive camera system for studying deep‐water animals
Authors: Favaro Brett , Lichota Corinna , Côté Isabelle M. , Duff Stefanie D.
Published: June 2011

1. Behavioural research in deep water (>40 m depth) has traditionally been expensive and logistically challenging, particularly because the light and sound produced by underwater vehicles make them unsuitably disruptive. Yet, understanding the behaviour of deep‐water animals, especially those targeted by exploitation, is important for conservation. For example, understanding interactions between animals and deep‐water fishing gear could inform the design of devices that minimize bycatch.

2. We describe the ‘TrapCam’, a self‐contained, high‐definition video system that requires neither the support of a vessel once deployed nor special equipment to deploy or retrieve. This system can record 13‐h videos at 1080p resolution and is deployable on any substrata at depths of up to 100 m. The system is inexpensive (<$3000 USD), versatile and suited to the study of animal behaviour at depths inaccessible to scuba divers.

3. We evaluate the performance and cost effectiveness of TrapCam and analyse videos retrieved from pilot deployments to observe spot prawn (Pandalus platyceros) traps at 100 m depth. Preliminary analyses of animal–prawn trap interactions yield novel insights. We provide future directions for researchers to use this type of camera system to study deep water‐dwelling species around the world.
Boldo prevents UV light and nitric oxide-mediated plasmid DNA damage and reduces the expression of Hsp70 protein in melanoma cancer cells
Authors: Russo Alessandra , Cardile Venera , Caggia Silvia , Gunther Germán , Troncoso Nicolas , Garbarino Juan
Published: June 2011

Objectives

This study was designed to investigate the potential protective effect of a methanolic extract of Peumus boldus leaves on UV light and nitric oxide (NO)-mediated DNA damage. In addition, we investigated the growth inhibitory activity of this natural product against human melanoma cells (M14).

Methods

Boldine, catechin, quercetin and rutin were identified using a HPLC method. The extract was incubated with plasmid DNA and, before irradiating the samples with UV-R, H2O2 was added. For analysis of DNA single-strand breaks induced by NO, the experiments were performed by incubating the extract with Angeli's salt. In the study on M14 cell line, cell viability was measured using MTT assay. Release of lactate dehydrogenase, a marker of membrane breakdown, was also measured. For the detection of apoptosis, the evaluation of DNA fragmentation (COMET assay) and caspase-3 activity assay were employed. The expression of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) was detected by Western blot analysis. Generation of reactive oxygen species was measured by using a fluorescent probe.

Key findings

The extract (demonstrating the synergistic effect of the constituents boldine and flavonoids), showed a protective effect on plasmid DNA and selectively inhibited the growth of melanoma cells. But a novel finding was that apoptosis evoked by this natural product in M14 cells, appears to be mediated, at least in part, via the inhibition of Hsp70 expression, which may be correlated with a modulation of redox-sensitive mechanisms.

Conclusions

These results confirm the promising biological properties of Peumus boldus and encourage in-vivo investigations into its potential anti-cancer activity.
The role of self‐efficacy, recovery self‐efficacy, and preparatory planning in predicting short‐term smoking relapse
Authors: Elfeddali I. , Bolman C. , Candel M. J. J. M , Wiers R. W. , De Vries H.
Published: June 2011

Objectives. This study aims to identify the role of self‐efficacy, recovery self‐efficacy, and preparatory planning with regard to short‐term smoking relapse. We also assessed whether the importance of these variables differed for smokers quitting individually and without help (self‐quitters) and smokers quitting with the help of a smoking cessation course (group quitters).

Design. A longitudinal quasi‐experimental study with follow‐ups at 1 and 3 months after the quit attempt was conducted in order to assess the role of baseline self‐efficacy, recovery self‐efficacy, and preparatory planning on short‐term relapse.

Methods. The recruitment included adult daily smokers (N= 121), quitting in a smoking cessation course (N= 57) and self‐quitters (N= 64). Respondents received internet‐based questionnaires 2 weeks before quitting (baseline) and 1 and 3 months after the quit attempt. Predictors of relapse were analysed using logistic regression analyses.

Results. Relapse at 1 and 3 months after the quit attempt was predicted by low levels of baseline self‐efficacy. Simple slope analyses revealed that less preparatory planning significantly predicted relapse at 1 month after the quit attempt among group quitters, but not among self‐quitters. Recovery self‐efficacy was only predictive of relapse after 1 month when self‐efficacy was excluded from the analyses. Moreover, among group quitters, the results indicated a borderline significant curved relation between recovery self‐efficacy and relapse after 1 month.

Conclusions. Our results suggest that more research is needed on the role of preparatory planning and recovery self‐efficacy. Moreover, we recommend incorporating self‐efficacy increasing techniques in relapse‐prevention interventions.
Test–retest reliability and discriminant validity of the SWAP‐200 in a psychoanalytic treatment sample
Authors: Cogan Rosemary , Porcerelli John H.
Published: June 2011

To assess the test–retest reliability of the Shedler–Westen Assessment Procedure‐200 (SWAP‐200) personality disorder, high functioning, and Q‐factor (trait/symptom) scales, we correlated the reports of 47 psychoanalysts describing a patient at the beginning of analysis and at 6 months of analysis. Since the length of psychoanalysis averages almost 6 years, and since personality disorders change slowly, we hypothesized that the test–retest reliabilities of the personality disorder scale scores would be higher than those of the Q‐factor scales, which should change more quickly. The average personality disorder scale test–retest reliability was r= .82 and the average Q‐factor scale test–retest reliability was r= .64. The values for mismatched cases were .02 and −.05, respectively. Analysts also provided a clinical Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM‐IV) diagnosis for each of 77 patients. The SWAP‐200 scores for patients with an Axis I diagnosis of depression and for four of the five Axis II diagnoses with four or more cases provide support for the validity of the SWAP‐200.
Unsteady Performance of a Double Entry Turbocharger Turbine With a Comparison to Steady Flow Conditions
Authors: Copeland Colin D. , Martinez-Botas Ricardo , Seiler Martin
Published: June 2011

Circumferentially divided, double entry turbocharger turbines are designed with a dividing wall parallel to the machine axis such that each entry feeds a separate 180 deg section of the nozzle circumference prior to entry into the rotor. This allows the exhaust pulses originating from the internal combustion exhaust to be preserved. Since the turbine is fed by two separate unsteady flows, the phase difference between the exhaust pulses entering the turbine rotor will produce a momentary imbalance in the flow conditions around the periphery of the turbine rotor. This research seeks to provide new insight into the impact of unsteadiness on turbine performance. The discrepancy between the pulsed flow behavior and that predicted by a typical steady flow performance map is a central issue considered in this work. In order to assess the performance deficit attributable to unequal admission, the steady flow conditions introduced in one inlet were varied with respect to the other. The results from these tests were then compared with unsteady, in-phase and out-of-phase pulsed flows most representative of the actual engine operating condition.
In Silico Prediction of the Mechanobiological Response of Arterial Tissue: Application to Angioplasty and Stenting
Authors: Boyle Colin J. , Lennon Alexander B. , Prendergast Patrick J.
Published: June 2011

One way to restore physiological blood flow to occluded arteries involves the deformation of plaque using an intravascular balloon and preventing elastic recoil using a stent. Angioplasty and stent implantation cause unphysiological loading of the arterial tissue, which may lead to tissue in-growth and reblockage; termed “restenosis.” In this paper, a computational methodology for predicting the time-course of restenosis is presented. Stress-induced damage, computed using a remaining life approach, stimulates inflammation (production of matrix degrading factors and growth stimuli). This, in turn, induces a change in smooth muscle cell phenotype from contractile (as exists in the quiescent tissue) to synthetic (as exists in the growing tissue). In this paper, smooth muscle cell activity (migration, proliferation, and differentiation) is simulated in a lattice using a stochastic approach to model individual cell activity. The inflammation equations are examined under simplified loading cases. The mechanobiological parameters of the model were estimated by calibrating the model response to the results of a balloon angioplasty study in humans. The simulation method was then used to simulate restenosis in a two dimensional model of a stented artery. Cell activity predictions were similar to those observed during neointimal hyperplasia, culminating in the growth of restenosis. Similar to experiment, the amount of neointima produced increased with the degree of expansion of the stent, and this relationship was found to be highly dependant on the prescribed inflammatory response. It was found that the duration of inflammation affected the amount of restenosis produced, and that this effect was most pronounced with large stent expansions. In conclusion, the paper shows that the arterial tissue response to mechanical stimulation can be predicted using a stochastic cell modeling approach, and that the simulation captures features of restenosis development observed with real stents. The modeling approach is proposed for application in three dimensional models of cardiovascular stenting procedures.
Dynamic, Regional Mechanical Properties of the Porcine Brain: Indentation in the Coronal Plane
Authors: Elkin Benjamin S. , Ilankova Ashok , Morrison Barclay
Published: June 2011

Stress relaxation tests using a custom designed microindentation device were performed on ten anatomic regions of fresh porcine brain (postmortem time <3 h). Using linear viscoelastic theory, a Prony series representation was used to describe the shear relaxation modulus for each anatomic region tested. Prony series parameters fit to load data from indentations performed to ∼10% strain differed significantly by anatomic region. The gray and white matter of the cerebellum along with corpus callosum and brainstem were the softest regions measured. The cortex and hippocampal CA1/CA3 were found to be the stiffest. To examine the large strain behavior of the tissue, multistep indentations were performed in the corona radiata to strains of 10%, 20%, and 30%. Reduced relaxation functions were not significantly different for each step, suggesting that quasi-linear viscoelastic theory may be appropriate for representing the nonlinear behavior of this anatomic region of porcine brain tissue. These data, for the first time, describe the dynamic and short time scale behavior of multiple anatomic regions of the porcine brain which will be useful for understanding porcine brain injury biomechanics at a finer spatial resolution than previously possible.
Adaptation of a Planar Microbiaxial Optomechanical Device for the Tubular Biaxial Microstructural and Macroscopic Characterization of Small Vascular Tissues
Authors: Keyes Joseph T. , Haskett Darren G. , Utzinger Urs , Azhar Mohamad , Vande Geest Jonathan P.
Published: June 2011

Murine models of disease are a powerful tool for researchers to gain insight into disease formation, progression, and therapies. The biomechanical indicators of diseased tissue provide a unique insight into some of these murine models, since the biomechanical properties in scenarios such as aneurysm and Marfan syndrome can dictate tissue failure and mortality. Understanding the properties of the tissue on the macroscopic scale has been shown to be important, as one can then understand the tissue’s ability to withstand the high stresses seen in the cardiac pulsatile cycle. Alterations in the biomechanical response can foreshadow prospective mechanical failure of the tissue. These alterations are often seen on the microstructural level, and obtaining detailed information on such changes can offer a better understanding of the phenomena seen on the macroscopic level. Unfortunately, mouse models present problems due to the size and delicate features in the mechanical testing of such tissues. In addition, some smaller arteries in large-animal studies (e.g., coronary and cerebral arteries) can present the same issues, and are sometimes unsuitable for planar biaxial testing. The purpose of this paper is to present a robust method for the investigation of the mechanical properties of small arteries and the classification of the microstructural orientation and degree of fiber alignment. This occurs through the cost-efficient modification of a planar biaxial tester that works in conjunction with a two-photon nonlinear microscope. This system provides a means to further investigate how microstructure and mechanical properties are modified in diseased transgenic animals where the tissue is in small tube form. Several other hard-to-test tubular specimens such as cerebral aneurysm arteries and atherosclerotic coronary arteries can also be tested using the described modular device.
Monte Carlo simulation of electron scattering and secondary electron emission in individual multiwalled carbon nanotubes: A discrete-energy-loss approach
Authors: Alam M. K. , Nojeh A.
Published: June 2011

Electron scattering in and secondary electron emission from multiwalled carbon nanotubes are investigated using Monte Carlo simulation. The method treats energy loss in a discrete manner, resulting from individual scattering events, rather than within a continuous-slowing-down approximation. Simulation results agree fairly well with the reported experimental data. The effect of number of nanotube walls is investigated and the energy distribution of the transmitted electrons is calculated. It is found that secondary electron yield in the low-primary-energy range is more sensitive to the number of walls and is maximized for a particular number of walls. The effect is not significant in the higher-primary-energy range. The effect of core electron ionization on secondary electron emission from nanotubes is found to be negligible because of the low scattering cross-section involved. The presented framework can also be applied to other small structures such as nanowires.
Surface plasmon polaritons assisted transmission in periodic superconducting grating
Authors: Lee Huang-Ming , Shyu Jia-Hong , Horng Lance , Wu Jong-Ching
Published: June 2011

Transmission properties in periodic superconducting grating, with a dispersive dielectric function governed by system temperature and frequency of incident light, have been numerically studied. Sharp transmittance peaks are observed with a transmission intensity of 100%, which are identified as associated with the formation of symmetric surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) on the interface between the superconducting grating and the vacuum areas. More than six resonances originating from the SPP assisted transmissions can be sustained by increasing the diameter of the circular superconducting strip to approach the period of the superconducting grating. In addition, there exists a cut-off frequency that is almost independent of the diameter of the superconducting strip. The transmission peaks, as well as the cut-off frequency, are found to be very sensitive to the system temperature, giving rise to wide-ranging tunability of the transmission properties of the superconducting grating.
Model‐based optoacoustic inversion with arbitrary‐shape detectors
Authors: Rosenthal Amir , Ntziachristos Vasilis , Razansky Daniel
Published: June 2011

Purpose:

Optoacoustic imaging enables mapping the optical absorption of biological tissue using optical excitation and acoustic detection. Although most image‐reconstruction algorithms are based on the assumption of a detector with an isotropic sensitivity, the geometry of the detector often leads to a response with spatially dependent magnitude and bandwidth. This effect may lead to attenuation or distortion in the recorded signal and, consequently, in the reconstructed image.

Methods:

Herein, an accurate numerical method for simulating the spatially dependent response of an arbitrary‐shape acoustic transducer is presented. The method is based on an analytical solution obtained for a two‐dimensional line detector. The calculated response is incorporated in the forward model matrix of an optoacoustic imaging setup using temporal convolution, and image reconstruction is performed by inverting the matrix relation.

Results:

The method was numerically and experimentally demonstrated in two dimensions for both flat and focused transducers and compared to the spatial‐convolution method. In forward simulations, the developed method did not suffer from the numerical errors exhibited by the spatial‐convolution method. In reconstruction simulations and experiments, the use of both temporal‐convolution and spatial‐convolution methods lead to an enhancement in resolution compared to a reconstruction with a point detector model. However, because of its higher modeling accuracy, the temporal‐convolution method achieved a noise figure approximated three times lower than the spatial‐convolution method.

Conclusions:

The demonstrated performance of the spatial‐convolution method shows it is a powerful tool for reducing reconstruction artifacts originating from the detector finite size and improving the quality of optoacoustic reconstructions. Furthermore, the method may be used for assessing new system designs. Specifically, detectors with nonstandard shapes may be investigated.