bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
l-Menthyl α-Maltoside as a Novel Low-molecular-weight Gelator
Authors: Ide Kohei , Sato Toshiyuki , Aoi Jun , Do Hiroyuki , Kobayashi Keiichi , Honda Yuki , Kirimura Kohtaro
Published: May 2013

l-Menthyl α-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-d-glucopyranoside (l-α-MenG2), an α-maltoside of l-menthol, was synthesized through a three-step enzymatic reaction. We found that l-α-MenG2 possesses the properties of a low-molecular-weight gelator. Aqueous solutions containing l-α-MenG2 at concentrations above 30 g L−1 show a thermally reversible sol–gel transition. The sol–gel transition temperature of the aqueous l-α-MenG2 solution increases with l-α-MenG2 concentration: 12 °C at 30 g L−1 and 24 °C at 250 g L−1. d-Menthyl and d-isomenthyl α-maltosides were also synthesized enzymatically, but their aqueous solutions showed no sol–gel transition.
Synergetic Activation of Lipase by an Amino Acid with Alkyl–PEG Sulfate Ionic Liquid
Authors: Yoshiyama Kazuhide , Abe Yoshikazu , Hayase Shuichi , Nokami Toshiki , Itoh Toshiyuki
Published: May 2013

The synergetic effect of amino acids and an ionic liquid, 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium α-cetylpolyoxyethylene(10) ether sulfate (IL1), as coating materials on lipase was discovered: coating on lipase PS using a certain amino acid with IL1 was found to be very effective for accelerating the lipase-catalyzed transesterification of secondary alcohols while maintaining perfect enantioselectivity.
Processed B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Is a Biomarker of Postinterventional Restenosis in Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Fujimoto Hirotaka , Suzuki Toru , Aizawa Kenichi , Sawaki Daigo , Ishida Junichi , Ando Jiro , Fujita Hideo , Komuro Issei , Nagai Ryozo
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND

Restenosis, a condition in which the lesion vessel renarrows after a coronary intervention procedure, remains a limitation in management. A surrogate biomarker for risk stratification of restenosis would be welcome. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is secreted in response to pathologic stress from the heart. Its use as a biomarker of heart failure is well known; however, its diagnostic potential in ischemic heart disease is less explored. Recently, it has been reported that processed forms of BNP exist in the circulation. We hypothesized that circulating processed forms of BNP might be a biomarker of ischemic heart disease.

METHODS

We characterized processed forms of BNP by a newly developed mass spectrometry–based detection method combined with immunocapture using commercial anti-BNP antibodies.

RESULTS

Measurements of processed forms of BNP by this assay were found to be strongly associated with presence of restenosis. Reduced concentrations of the amino-terminal processed peptide BNP(5–32) relative to BNP(3–32) [as the index parameter BNP(5–32)/BNP(3–32) ratio] were seen in patients with restenosis [median (interquartile range) 1.19 (1.11–1.34), n = 22] vs without restenosis [1.43 (1.22–1.61), n = 83; P < 0.001] in a cross-sectional study of 105 patients undergoing follow-up coronary angiography. A sensitivity of 100% to rule out the presence of restenosis was attained at a ratio of 1.52.

CONCLUSIONS

Processed forms of BNP may serve as viable potential biomarkers to rule out restenosis.
Sequence-Based Mapping of the Polyploid Wheat Genome
Authors: Saintenac Cyrille , Jiang Dayou , Wang Shichen , Akhunov Eduard
Published: May 2013

The emergence of new sequencing technologies has provided fast and cost-efficient strategies for high-resolution mapping of complex genomes. Although these approaches hold great promise to accelerate genome analysis, their application in studying genetic variation in wheat has been hindered by the complexity of its polyploid genome. Here, we applied the next-generation sequencing of a wheat doubled-haploid mapping population for high-resolution gene mapping and tested its utility for ordering shotgun sequence contigs of a flow-sorted wheat chromosome. A bioinformatical pipeline was developed for reliable variant analysis of sequence data generated for polyploid wheat mapping populations. The results of variant mapping were consistent with the results obtained using the wheat 9000 SNP iSelect assay. A reference map of the wheat genome integrating 2740 gene-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms from the wheat iSelect assay, 1351 diversity array technology, 118 simple sequence repeat/sequence-tagged sites, and 416,856 genotyping-by-sequencing markers was developed. By analyzing the sequenced megabase-size regions of the wheat genome we showed that mapped markers are located within 40−100 kb from genes providing a possibility for high-resolution mapping at the level of a single gene. In our population, gene loci controlling a seed color phenotype cosegregated with 2459 markers including one that was located within the red seed color gene. We demonstrate that the high-density reference map presented here is a useful resource for gene mapping and linking physical and genetic maps of the wheat genome.
The Rate and Effects of Spontaneous Mutation on Fitness Traits in the Social Amoeba,Dictyostelium discoideum
Authors: Hall David W , Fox Sara , Kuzdzal-Fick Jennie J , Strassmann Joan E , Queller David C
Published: May 2013

We performed a mutation accumulation (MA) experiment in the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum to estimate the rate and distribution of effects of spontaneous mutations affecting eight putative fitness traits. We found that the per-generation mutation rate for most fitness components is 0.0019 mutations per haploid genome per generation or larger. This rate is an order of magnitude higher than estimates for fitness components in the unicellular eukaryote Saccharomyces cerevisiae, even though the base-pair substitution rate is two orders of magnitude lower. The high rate of fitness-altering mutations observed in this species may be partially explained by a large mutational target relative to S. cerevisiae. Fitness-altering mutations also may occur primarily at simple sequence repeats, which are common throughout the genome, including in coding regions, and may represent a target that is particularly likely to give fitness effects upon mutation. The majority of mutations had deleterious effects on fitness, but there was evidence for a substantial fraction, up to 40%, being beneficial for some of the putative fitness traits. Competitive ability within the multicellular slug appears to be under weak directional selection, perhaps reflecting the fact that slugs are sometimes, but not often, comprised of multiple clones in nature. Evidence for pleiotropy among fitness components across MA lines was absent, suggesting that mutations tend to act on single fitness components.
Spatial Profiling of Nuclear Receptor Transcription Patterns over the Course ofDrosophilaDevelopment
Authors: Wilk Ronit , Hu Jack , Krause Henry M
Published: May 2013

Previous work has shown that many of the 18 family members of Drosophila nuclear receptor transcription factors function in a temporal hierarchy to coordinate developmental progression and growth with the rate limiting process of metabolism. To gain further insight into these interactions and processes, we have undertaken a whole-family analysis of nuclear receptor mRNA spatial expression patterns over the entire process of embryogenesis, as well as the 3rd instar wandering larva stage, by using high-resolution fluorescence in situ hybridization. Overall, the patterns of expression are remarkably consistent with previously mapped spatial activity profiles documented during the same time points, with similar hot spots and temporal profiles in endocrine and metabolically important tissues. Among the more remarkable of the findings is that the majority of mRNA expression patterns observed show striking subcellular distributions, indicating potentially critical roles in the control of protein synthesis and subsequent subcellular distributions. These patterns will serve as a useful reference for future studies on the tissue-specific roles and interactions of nuclear receptor proteins, partners, cofactors and ligands.
How Good Are Indirect Tests at Detecting Recombination in Human mtDNA?
Authors: White Daniel James , Bryant David , Gemmell Neil John
Published: May 2013

Empirical proof of human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) recombination in somatic tissues was obtained in 2004; however, a lack of irrefutable evidence exists for recombination in human mtDNA at the population level. Our inability to demonstrate convincingly a signal of recombination in population data sets of human mtDNA sequence may be due, in part, to the ineffectiveness of current indirect tests. Previously, we tested some well-established indirect tests of recombination (linkage disequilibrium vs. distance using D′ and r2, Homoplasy Test, Pairwise Homoplasy Index, Neighborhood Similarity Score, and Max χ2) on sequence data derived from the only empirically confirmed case of human mtDNA recombination thus far and demonstrated that some methods were unable to detect recombination. Here, we assess the performance of these six well-established tests and explore what characteristics specific to human mtDNA sequence may affect their efficacy by simulating sequence under various parameters with levels of recombination (ρ) that vary around an empirically derived estimate for human mtDNA (population parameter ρ = 5.492). No test performed infallibly under any of our scenarios, and error rates varied across tests, whereas detection rates increased substantially with ρ values > 5.492. Under a model of evolution that incorporates parameters specific to human mtDNA, including rate heterogeneity, population expansion, and ρ = 5.492, successful detection rates are limited to a range of 7−70% across tests with an acceptable level of false-positive results: the neighborhood similarity score incompatibility test performed best overall under these parameters. Population growth seems to have the greatest impact on recombination detection probabilities across all models tested, likely due to its impact on sequence diversity. The implications of our findings on our current understanding of mtDNA recombination in humans are discussed.
Neonatal End-of-Life Care: A Single-Center NICU Experience in Israel Over a Decade
Authors: Eventov-Friedman Smadar , Kanevsky Hana , Bar-Oz Benjamin
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVES:

To follow changes in the causes of neonatal deaths in the NICU at Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel, over a decade; to examine trends regarding types of end-of-life-care provided (primary nonintervention, maximal intensive, and redirection of intensive care, including limitation of care and withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment); and to assess the parental role in the decision-making process given that the majority of the population is religious.

METHODS:

All neonates who died between 2000 and 2009 were identified. The causes and circumstances of death were abstracted from the medical records. Trends in end-of-life decisions were compared between 2 time periods: 2000–2004 versus 2005–2009.

RESULTS:

Overall, 239 neonates died. The leading cause of death in both study periods was prematurity and its complications (76%). Among term infants, the leading cause of death was congenital anomalies (48%). Fifty-six percent of the infants received maximal intensive care; 28% had redirection of intensive care, of whom 10% had withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment; and 16% had primary nonintervention care. Over the years, maximal intensive care decreased from 65% to 46% (P < .02), whereas redirection of care increased from 19.2% to 37.5% (P < .0005). An active parental role in the end-of-life decision process increased from 38% to 84%.

CONCLUSIONS:

Even among religious families of extremely sick neonates, redirection of care is a feasible treatment option, suggesting that apart from survival, quality-of-life considerations emerge as an important factor in the decision-making process for the infant, parents, and caregivers.
Internet-Based Therapy for Adolescents With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Long-term Follow-up
Authors: Nijhof Sanne L. , Priesterbach Loudy P. , Uiterwaal Cuno S. P. M. , Bleijenberg Gijs , Kimpen Jan L. L. , van de Putte Elise M.
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is known to be an effective treatment of adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), but its availability is limited. Fatigue in Teenagers on the Internet (FITNET), an Internet-based CBT program for adolescents with CFS, has been developed as an alternative to face-to-face CBT. Recently, its short-term effectiveness has been proven in a randomized clinical trial. Here we aimed to assess the long-term outcome of CFS in adolescents after FITNET treatment and after usual care. In addition, factors related to recovery at long-term follow-up (LTFU) for adolescents treated with the FITNET program were investigated.

METHODS:

The study was an LTFU of participants of the FITNET trial. Data were completed for 112 (88.2%) of 127 approached FITNET study participants. Primary outcomes were fatigue severity (Checklist Individual Strength–20), physical functioning (87-item Child Health Questionnaire), and school/work attendance.

RESULTS:

After a mean follow-up of 2.7 years, 66 (58.9%) adolescents had recovered from CFS. Most adolescents who recovered directly after treatment with FITNET were still recovered at LTFU. At LTFU there was no difference between the recovery rates for the different treatment strategies (original randomization: FITNET [64%] versus any form of usual care [52.8%]). Per additional month of “pretreatment disease duration,” the odds for recovery were 4% lower (odds ratio: 0.96; 95% confidence interval: 0.93–0.99; P = .016), and per added point on “focus on bodily symptoms” (Body Consciousness Scale) of the mother (0–20 points) the odds for recovery were 11% lower (odds ratio: 0.89; 95% confidence interval: 0.80–0.99; P = .029).

CONCLUSIONS:

The short-term effectiveness of Internet-based CBT on adolescent CFS is maintained at LTFU. At LTFU, usual care led to similar recovery rates, although these rates were achieved at a slower pace.
Bacteremia Risk and Outpatient Management of Febrile Patients With Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Baskin Marc N. , Goh Xin Lyn , Heeney Matthew M. , Harper Marvin B.
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Previous studies have indicated that febrile children with sickle cell disease (SCD) had a 3% to 5% risk of being bacteremic due to compromised immune function. The introduction of routine penicillin prophylaxis and conjugate vaccines may have lowered the risk of bacteremia. Our goals were to determine the rate of bacteremia among children with SCD per febrile episode and to estimate the safety of outpatient management among these febrile SCD patients.

METHODS:

This 18-year retrospective cohort study included febrile SCD patients who presented to Boston Children’s Hospital between 1993 and 2010.

RESULTS:

A total of 1118 febrile episodes were evaluated. Nine blood specimens had growth of a pathogen in culture (0.8%; 95% confidence interval: 0.3%–1.3%). Of the 466 febrile patients initially managed as outpatients, 3 were bacteremic (0.6%). All 3 received intravenous ceftriaxone at the initial outpatient visit and returned when contacted after growth of bacteria was detected in the blood culture. Upon return to the hospital, none were “ill appearing,” required supportive care, or were admitted to an ICU.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our rate of bacteremia among febrile children with SCD is much lower than previous estimates, and there was no associated morbidity or mortality among the patients managed as outpatients. A well-appearing febrile child with SCD may be managed as an outpatient after blood is obtained for bacterial culture and parenteral antibiotics are administered, provided there are no other reasons for admission and the patient is able to return promptly for worsening condition or for growth of a pathogen from their blood culture.
Elevated Blood Lead Levels and Reading Readiness at the Start of Kindergarten
Authors: McLaine Pat , Navas-Acien Ana , Lee Rebecca , Simon Peter , Diener-West Marie , Agnew Jacqueline
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the relationship between blood lead levels (BLLs) and reading readiness at kindergarten entry, an early marker of school performance, in a diverse urban school population.

METHODS:

Kindergarten reading readiness test scores for children attending public kindergarten in Providence, Rhode Island, were linked to state health department records of blood lead testing by using individual identifiers. The study population (N = 3406) was 59% Hispanic. For each child, the geometric mean BLL was estimated by using all previously reported BLLs. Analyses were adjusted for gender, age, year enrolled, race, child language, and free/reduced lunch status as a measure of socioeconomic status.

RESULTS:

The median geometric mean BLL was 4.2 µg/dL; 20% of children had at least 1 venous BLL ≥10 µg/dL. Compared with children with BLLs <5 µg/dL, the adjusted prevalence ratios (95% confidence interval [CI]) for failing to achieve the national benchmark for reading readiness were 1.21 (1.19 to 1.23) and 1.56 (1.51 to 1.60) for children with BLLs of 5 to 9 and ≥10 µg/dL, respectively. On average, reading readiness scores decreased by 4.5 (95% CI: −2.9 to −6.2) and 10.0 (95% CI: −7.0 to −13.3) points for children with BLLs of 5 to 9 and ≥10 µg/dL, respectively, compared with BLLs <5 µg/dL.

CONCLUSIONS:

BLLs well below 10 µg/dL were associated with lower reading readiness at kindergarten entry. The high prevalence of elevated BLLs warrants additional investigation in other high-risk US populations. Results suggest benefits from additional collaboration between public health, public education, and community data providers.
Current Status of Transition Preparation Among Youth With Special Needs in the United States
Authors: McManus Margaret A. , Pollack Lauren R. , Cooley W. Carl , McAllister Jeanne W. , Lotstein Debra , Strickland Bonnie , Mann Marie Y.
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE:

To examine current US performance on transition from pediatric to adult health care and discuss strategies for improvement.

METHODS:

The 2009–2010 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs is a nationally representative sample with 17 114 parent respondents who have youth with special health care needs (YSHCN) ages 12 and 18. They are asked about transition to an adult provider, changing health care needs, increasing responsibility for health care needs, and maintaining insurance coverage. We analyzed the association of selected characteristics with successful transition preparation.

RESULTS:

Overall, 40% of YSHCN meet the national transition core outcome. Several factors are associated with transition preparation, including female gender; younger age; white race; non-Hispanic ethnicity; income ≥400% of poverty; little or no impact of condition on activities; having a condition other than an emotional, behavioral, or developmental condition; having a medical home; and being privately insured.

CONCLUSIONS:

Most YSHCN are not receiving needed transition preparation. Although most providers are encouraging YSHCN to assume responsibility for their own health, far fewer are discussing transfer to an adult provider and insurance continuity. Although changes in sample design limit trend analysis, there have been no discernible improvements since this transition outcome was measured in the 2005–2006 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs. The 2011 release of the American Academy of Pediatrics/American Academy of Family Physicians/American College of Physicians clinical recommendations on transition, new transition tools, and the spread of medical home should stimulate future improvements in transition performance.
Family-Centered, Evidence-Based Phototherapy Delivery
Authors: Szucs Kinga A. , Rosenman Marc B.
Published: May 2013

Jaundice develops in most newborn infants and is one of the most common reasons infants are rehospitalized after birth. American Academy of Pediatrics clinical practice guidelines strongly support the recommendation that clinicians promote and support breastfeeding. Recognizing that the disruptions associated with phototherapy interfere with breastfeeding, the challenge often faced by clinicians is how to provide effective phototherapy while supporting evidence-based practices, such as rooming-in, skin-to-skin contact, and breastfeeding. We report here on a case that reflects a common clinical scenario in newborn medicine in order to describe a technique for providing phototherapy while maintaining evidence-based practices. This approach will assist clinicians in providing best-practices and family-centered care.
Dynamic Properties of Spectrally Selective Reactively Sputtered Metal Oxides
Authors: Adedeji A.V. , Worsley S.D. , Baker T.L. , Mundle R. , Pradhan A.K. , Ahyi A.C. , Isaacs-Smith T.
Published: May 2013

Thin films of Transition Metal Oxides (TMOs) were deposited by reactive sputtering of pure transition metal targets in Argon-Oxygen gas mixture at elevated substrate temperature for efficient energy consumption. The atomic composition and thickness of the TMO films was determined by Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy (RBS). Optical transmittance and reflectance spectrum of the films on quartz substrate was measured with thin film measuring system at room temperature and slightly elevated temperature. The surface morphology and structure of the TMO films was determined with Atomic Force Microscope (AFM).
Defect Engineered Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube arrays as Electrochemical Double Layer Capacitors
Authors: Narayanan Rajaram , Hoefer Mark , Bandaru Prabhakar R.
Published: May 2013

The efficacy of vertically aligned defect engineered multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) arrays as electrochemical double layer capacitors (EDLCs) was investigated using standard electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). We report a ∼ 200% improvement in specific double layer capacitance of MWCNT arrays by extrinsically introducing defects using argon plasma irradiation. The capacitance-voltage characteristics of argon irradiated MWCNTs provide insights into the nature of the defects and their influence on the specific capacitance (capacitance/area).
Fabrication of 0.6(Bi0.85La0.15)FeO3-0.4PbTiO3 Multiferroic Ceramics by Tape Casting Method
Authors: Jin Guoxi , Chen Jianguo , Bu Shundong , Wang Dalei , Dai Rui , Cheng Jinrong
Published: May 2013

The 0.6(Bi0.85La0.15)FeO3-0.4PbTiO3 (BLF-PT) ceramics were prepared by tape casting method. Effects of binder (polyvinylbutyl dibutyl PVB), plasticizer (phthalate-polyethylene glycol DBP-PEG) and dispersant (triethylolamine, TEA) concentration on the rheological properties of BLF-PT slurry were investigated. The optimized component ratio for ceramics powders, binder, plasticizer, dispersant and solvent (ethanol, EtOH) in the slurry was 50 wt.%, 4 wt.%, 6 wt.%, 1 wt.% and 39 wt.%. The dielectric constant εr, loss tanδ, and remnant polarization Pr of BLF-PT ceramics laminated from the tapes were 525 (1 kHz), 1.7% (1 kHz) and 30 μC/cm2 (45 kV/cm), respectively, which were comparable to those of BLF-PT ceramics prepared by traditional solid state reaction method.
Pathogenicity associated genes in Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense race 4
Authors: Sutherland René , Viljoen Altus , Myburg Alexander A. , Van den Berg Noëlani
Published: May 2013

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) is a fungus that infects banana roots and causes a destructive plant disease called Fusarium wilt. Foc consists of three pathogenic races (Foc races 1, 2 and 4), classified according to their selective impairment of banana cultivars. Foc race 4 is economically important as it comprises strains that infect Cavendish bananas, which are the most widely planted variety of bananas in the world, in both the tropics (Foc TR4) and subtropics (Foc STR4). The aim of this study was to investigate which genes are potentially involved in fungal pathogenicity by comparing transcript-derived cDNA fragments (TDFs) from Foc STR4 and TR4 to those from non-pathogenic F. oxysporum using cDNA-AFLP analysis. This comparison resulted in the identification of 229 unique gene fragments which include the putative pathogenicity-related TDFs encoding chitinase class V (chsV), GTPase activating protein, Major Facilitator Superfamily (MFS) multidrug transporter and serine/threonine protein kinase (ste12) genes. Quantitative analysis of transcript abundance showed a significant increase in expression of chsV, MFS multidrug transporter and ste12 genes in Foc STR4 and TR4 compared with the non-pathogenic F. oxysporum. These genes play a role in escaping host defence responses and in cell wall degradation. In addition, pathogenicity-related genes from other formae speciales of F. oxysporum, such as the sucrose non-fermenting, cytochrome P450 and F-box protein required for pathogenicity genes, were significantly up-regulated in Foc STR4 and TR4 but not in F. oxysporum isolates non-pathogenic to banana. This study provides the first in vitro comparative analysis of TDFs expressed in pathogenic Foc race 4 isolates and non-pathogenic F. oxysporum isolates from banana.
Is the southern Benguela a significant regional sink of CO2?
Authors: Gregor Luke , Monteiro Pedro M.S.
Published: May 2013

This study was undertaken to characterise the seasonal cycle of air–sea fluxes of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the southern Benguela upwelling system off the South African west coast. Samples were collected from six monthly cross-shelf cruises in the St. Helena Bay region during 2010. CO2 fluxes were calculated from pCO2 derived from total alkalinity and dissolved inorganic carbon and scatterometer-based winds. Notwithstanding that it is one of the most biologically productive eastern boundary upwelling systems in the global ocean, the southern Benguela was found to be a very small net annual CO2 sink of -1.4 ± 0.6 mol C/m2 per year (1.7 Mt C/year). Regional primary productivity was offset by nearly equal rates of sediment and sub-thermocline remineralisation flux of CO2, which is recirculated to surface waters by upwelling. The juxtaposition of the strong, narrow near-shore out-gassing region and the larger, weaker offshore sink resulted in the shelf area being a weak CO2 sink in all seasons but autumn (-5.8, 1.4 and -3.4 mmol C/m2 per day for summer, autumn and winter, respectively).
Residual life of historic riveted steel bridges: an analytical approach
Authors: Pipinato Alessio , Pellegrino Carlo , Modena Claudio
Published: May 2013

As a consequence of the increasing traffic demand, the life of a large stock of riveted bridges that still exist throughout the world must be extended, ensuring at the same time that safety is not compromised for economic reasons. As fatigue life estimation of metal historical bridges is a key issue for managing cost-effective decisions regarding rehabilitation or replacement of existing infrastructure, there is a need to estimate how long these structures could remain in service. In this paper, a fatigue assessment of a common short-span railway bridge is analysed and assessed. Based on analytical and parametric studies, the remaining life of the bridge is presented and discussed.
Ethereal material: colour and material surface
Authors: McLachlan Fiona
Published: May 2013

This article examines the role of colour as an integral consideration of material selection. It suggests that an understanding of colour, and its potential to alter the general perception of form, space and surface, is as essential as any other material property. Recent developments have led to a period of growth in the use of colour in architectural design, for example through highly pigmented ceramic tiles, back-painted glass facades and pigmented concrete. These offer permanent and durable surfaces. The potential of colour to alter the perception of space and form brings with it a certain anxiety in its use, particularly when embedded on the exterior surfaces of buildings. Yet decisions on colour are often arbitrary and left until late in the design process. The article will consider colour and material surface, colour as conceptual material, the elusive properties of colour, which are entirely contingent on light conditions and context, and colour specification in the design process.
Shear buckling coefficient: proposal for tapered steel plates
Authors: Bedynek Agnieszka , Real Esther , Mirambell Enrique
Published: May 2013

This paper presents a new proposal for estimation of critical load for non-prismatic, thin plates simply supported on four edges subjected to shear. The research included wide parametric studies using more than 500 samples. The parameters taken into account were the web thickness, the panel aspect ratio and the inclination angle. The influence of each was analysed separately and then some simplifications were made in order to find coherent expressions to describe the behaviour of the studied panels. The numerical results were then used to validate the solution proposed in EN 1993-1-5. As a result of this comparison, it is concluded that new design formulations are needed for tapered plates with a considerable slope. Based on previous research by the authors concerning four various geometrical typologies of tapered panels, four expressions for the shear buckling coefficient kφ are proposed.
Technology Mapping: An Approach for Developing Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge
Authors: Angeli Charoula , Valanides Nicos
Published: May 2013

Technology mapping ™ is proposed as an approach for developing technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPCK). The study discusses in detail instructional design guidelines in relation to the enactment of TM, and reports on empirical findings from a study with 72 pre-service primary teachers within the context of teaching them how to teach with Excel. Repeated Measures MANOVA findings showed that TM was effective and efficient in developing TPCK competencies; however, development of TPCK competencies was directly related to the complexity of the design task, as this was determined by the educational affordances of Excel.
Induction of Cytosolic Phospholipase A2α Is Required for Adipose Neutrophil Infiltration and Hepatic Insulin Resistance Early in the Course of High-Fat Feeding
Authors: Hadad Nurit , Burgazliev Olga , Elgazar-Carmon Vered , Solomonov Yulia , Wueest Stephan , Item Flurin , Konrad Daniel , Rudich Assaf , Levy Rachel
Published: May 2013

In established obesity, inflammation and macrophage recruitment likely contribute to the development of insulin resistance. In the current study, we set out to explore whether adipose tissue infiltration by neutrophils that occurs early (3 days) after initiating a high-fat diet (HFD) could contribute to the early occurrence of hepatic insulin resistance and to determine the role of cytosolic phospholipase A2α (cPLA2α) in this process. The 3-day HFD caused a significant upregulation of cPLA2α in periepididymal fat and in the liver. A specific antisense oligonucleotide (AS) effectively prevented cPLA2α induction, neutrophil infiltration into adipose tissue (likely involving MIP-2), and protected against 3-day HFD–induced impairment in hepatic insulin signaling and glucose over-production from pyruvate. To sort out the role of adipose neutrophil infiltration independent of cPLA2α induction in the liver, mice were injected intraperitoneally with anti–intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) antibodies. This effectively prevented neutrophil infiltration without affecting cPLA2α or MIP-2, but like AS, prevented impairment in hepatic insulin signaling, the enhanced pyruvate-to-glucose flux, and the impaired insulin-mediated suppression of hepatic glucose production (assessed by clamp), which were induced by the 3-day HFD. Adipose tissue secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was increased by the 3-day HFD, but not if mice were treated with AS or ICAM-1 antibodies. Moreover, systemic TNF-α neutralization prevented 3-day HFD–induced hepatic insulin resistance, suggesting its mediatory role. We propose that an acute, cPLA2α-dependent, neutrophil-dominated inflammatory response of adipose tissue contributes to hepatic insulin resistance and glucose overproduction in the early adaptation to high-fat feeding.
Quality-Control Culture System Restores Diabetic Endothelial Progenitor Cell Vasculogenesis and Accelerates Wound Closure
Authors: Tanaka Rica , Vaynrub Max , Masuda Haruchika , Ito Rie , Kobori Michiru , Miyasaka Muneo , Mizuno Hiroshi , Warren Stephen M. , Asahara Takayuki
Published: May 2013

Delayed diabetic wound healing is, in part, the result of inadequate endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) proliferation, mobilization, and trafficking. Recently, we developed a serum-free functional culture system called the quality and quantity culture (QQc) system that enhances the number and vasculogenic potential of EPCs. We hypothesize that QQc restoration of diabetic EPC function will improve wound closure. To test this hypothesis, we measured diabetic c-kit+Sca-1+lin− (KSL) cell activity in vitro as well as the effect of KSL cell–adoptive transfer on the rate of euglycemic wound closure before and after QQc. KSL cells were magnetically sorted from control and streptozotocin-induced type I diabetic C57BL6J bone marrow. Freshly isolated control and diabetic KSL cells were cultured in QQc for 7 days and pre-QQc and post-QQc KSL function testing. The number of KSL cells significantly increased after QQc for both diabetic subjects and controls, and diabetic KSL increased vasculogenic potential above the fresh control KSL level. Similarly, fresh diabetic cells form fewer tubules, but QQc increases diabetic tubule formation to levels greater than that of fresh control cells (P < 0.05). Adoptive transfer of post-QQc diabetic KSL cells significantly enhances wound closure compared with fresh diabetic KSL cells and equaled wound closure of post-QQc control KSL cells. Post-QQc diabetic KSL enhancement of wound closure is mediated, in part, via a vasculogenic mechanism. This study demonstrates that QQc can reverse diabetic EPC dysfunction and achieve control levels of EPC function. Finally, post-QQc diabetic EPC therapy effectively improved euglycemic wound closure and may improve diabetic wound healing.
Dynamics of a backlash chain
Authors: Machado José
Published: May 2013

This paper studies the dynamical properties of a system with distributed backlash and impact phenomena. This means that it is considered a chain of masses that interact with each other solely by means of backlash and impact phenomena. It is observed the emergence of non-linear phenomena resembling those encountered in the Fermi-Pasta-Ulam problem.
Fractional-order TV-L2 model for image denoising
Authors: Chen Dali , Sun Shenshen , Zhang Congrong , Chen YangQuan , Xue Dingyu
Published: May 2013

This paper proposes a new fractional order total variation (TV) denoising method, which provides a much more elegant and effective way of treating problems of the algorithm implementation, ill-posed inverse, regularization parameter selection and blocky effect. Two fractional order TV-L2 models are constructed for image denoising. The majorization-minimization (MM) algorithm is used to decompose these two complex fractional TV optimization problems into a set of linear optimization problems which can be solved by the conjugate gradient algorithm. The final adaptive numerical procedure is given. Finally, we report experimental results which show that the proposed methodology avoids the blocky effect and achieves state-of-the-art performance. In addition, two medical image processing experiments are presented to demonstrate the validity of the proposed methodology.
Critical cardiac tamponade in newborn, life-saving emergency interventions and possibility of parvovirus B19 congenital infection
Authors: Jaworski Radoslaw , Haponiuk Ireneusz , Irga-Jaworska Ninela , Zablocka Jolanta , Chojnicki Maciej , Steffens Mariusz , Juscinski Jacek
Published: May 2013

The presence of pericardial effusion in neonates usually indicates a poor prognosis. Here, we report a case of isolation of cardiac tamponade in a newly born. This may be related to vertical human parvovirus B19, an infection with atypical clinical manifestation. Any neonate with unexplained fetal pericardial effusion should always be tested for parvovirus B19 infection, even in the absence of known and proved fetal exposure. Despite the etiology of a tamponade the only reasonable procedure is a surgical evacuation during diagnosis.
Intergenerational Education Mobility among the Children of Canadian Immigrants
Authors: Aydemir Abdurrahman , Chen Wen-Hao , Corak Miles
Published: May 2013

Dans cet article, nous montrons que, sur le plan du degré de scolarité, la situation des enfants nés au Canada de parents immigrants n’est que faiblement reliée au degré de scolarité de leurs parents: ce lien intergénérationnel est en effet environ trois fois plus important dans la population en général. Nous montrons également que la transmission intergénérationnelle du degré de scolarité n’a pas changé parmi les cohortes de naissance de la période d’après-guerre, et que l’on est plus susceptible d’observer une mobilité croissante de la fréquentation scolaire chez les Canadiens élevés par des immigrants ayant un faible degré de scolarité que chez les Canadiens élevés par des parents nés au pays. L’aspect positif de cette vision d’ensemble de la mobilité sociale entre les générations chez les immigrants doit toutefois être tempéré par le fait que certains enfants, et en particulier les garçons de certaines communautés, font face à des obstacles importants pour réussir à améliorer leur situation.
Canada’s Immigration Selection System and Labour Market Outcomes
Authors: Sweetman Arthur , Warman Casey
Published: May 2013

Dans cet article, nous examinons les différences que l’on observe, en matière de revenus et d’emploi, parmi les immigrants des différentes catégories, et nous établissons des liens avec le système de points. De plus, nous analysons les différentes approches que l’on utilise, selon la question que l’on pose au départ, pour étudier cette situation. Il existe des écarts notables, en matière de revenus et d’emploi, parmi les immigrants des différentes catégories, mais l’interprétation de ces différences varie de façon importante selon les façons dont les échantillons sont établis et selon les méthodes d’analyse utilisées. Comme on pouvait s’y attendre, les immigrants de la catégorie économique obtiennent, sur une longue période, les revenus les plus élevés ; toutefois, en matière d’emploi, la situation des immigrants des autres catégories est parfois comparable, sinon supérieure, à celles des immigrants de la catégorie économique – c’est en particulier le cas des réfugiés parrainés par le secteur privé, du moins à court terme.
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) Status Amongst the Retired Population: An Analysis of the Incidence
Authors: Finnie Ross , Gray David , Zhang Yan
Published: May 2013

Dans cet article, nous évaluons le taux d’incidence, chez les Canadiens de 65 ans et plus, du fait d’être bénéficiaire de prestations de la Sécurité de la vieillesse. La variable dépendante que nous modélisons est le taux d’incidence du fait d’être bénéficiaire de prestations de Supplément de revenu garanti (SRG). Nous estimons des équations multivariées afin de déterminer les effets de l’âge, de la cohorte, du statut matrimonial, de la province de résidence, du fait d’habiter en milieu urbain ou rural, et du fait d’être né au Canada ou non. Nous incluons également dans notre estimation les variables retardées qui portent sur le revenu et l’épargne au cours de la période précédant la retraite. Nos résultats montrent que le taux d’incidence estimé en fonction de la plupart de ces variables exogènes est assez élevé. Nous notons tout particulièrement que, toutes choses étant égales par ailleurs, les Canadiens vivant avec un conjoint ou une conjointe sont beaucoup moins susceptibles de recevoir des prestations SRG.
The Role of University Characteristics in Determining Post-Graduation Outcomes: Panel Evidence from Three Canadian Cohorts
Authors: Betts Julian , Ferrall Christopher , Finnie Ross
Published: May 2013

À partir des cohortes de l’Enquête nationale auprès des diplômés, nous analysons les revenus des Canadiens détenteurs d’un baccalauréat cinq ans après l’obtention de leur diplôme. Nos résultats montrent qu’il y a un lien important entre les revenus et l’université qui décerne le diplôme, puisque nous observons des corrélations entre les revenus et les caractéristiques des universités fréquentées. Par exemple, le nombre plus élevé d’étudiants de premier cycle, qui entraîne possiblement un enseignement de qualité moins élevée, est lié à des revenus inférieurs. Chez les hommes, mais pas chez les femmes, un ratio professeurs-étudiants plus élevé est lié à des revenus significativement plus élevés. Quand on ne tient pas compte de la majeure des étudiants, qui peut être liée de façon endogène à l’université fréquentée, l’effet des caractéristiques des universités est encore plus marqué. Notons toutefois que les caractéristiques des universités ne sont pas fortement liées à la probabilité d’obtenir un emploi après l’obtention d’un diplôme.
Immunotherapy of B-Cell Lymphoma with an Engineered Bispecific Antibody Targeting CD19 and CD5
Authors: Lüttgau Sandra , Deppe Dorothée , Meyer Saskia , Fertig Regina , Panjideh Hossein , Lipp Martin , Schmetzer Oliver , Pezzutto Antonio , Breitling Frank , Moldenhauer Gerhard
Published: May 2013

Using genetic engineering a humanized Fab fragment with specificity for CD19 was fused to a disulfide-stabilized single-chain antibody (dsFv) recognizing CD5. This format should show reduced immunogenicity and improved tissue penetration. The specificity of bsAb FabCD19xdsFvCD5 binding to target cells was verified by flow cytometry on B and T lymphoma cell lines. Binding affinities of both arms were compared with the bivalent parental antibodies against CD19 and CD5 by binding competition assay. Redirected lysis of B lymphoma cells by preactivated PBMC from healthy donors was demonstrated in a chromium-release assay. A clear dose-response relationship could be established in the range from 1 ng/mL to 10 mg/mL bsAb. To evaluate the in vivo efficacy of bsAb FabCD19xdsFvCD5, NOD/SCID mice were intravenously injected with luciferase transfected Raji lymphoma cells together with pre-activated PBMC. Mice received five injections of therapeutic bsAb or control antibodies. While in the control groups all mice died within 40 to 50 days, 40% of bsAb treated animals survived longer than 60 days.
Sphingosine 1-Phosphate and Cancer: Lessons from Thyroid Cancer Cells
Authors: Törnquist Kid
Published: May 2013

Sphingomyelin is found in the cell membrane of all eukaryotic cells, and was for a long time considered merely as a structural component. However, during the last two decades, metabolites of sphingomyelin, especially sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), have proven to be physiologically significant regulators of cell function. Through its five different G protein-coupled receptors, S1P regulates a wide array of cellular processes, ranging from stimulating cellular proliferation and migration, to the inhibition of apoptosis and induction of angiogenesis and modulation of cellular calcium homeostasis. Many of the processes regulated by S1P are important for normal cell physiology, but may also induce severe pathological conditions, especially in malignancies like cancer. Thus, understanding S1P signaling mechanisms has been the aim of a multitude of investigations. Great interest has also been shown in understanding the action of sphingosine kinase (SphK), i.e., the kinase phosphorylating sphingosine to S1P, and the interactions between S1P and growth factor signaling. In the present review, we will discuss recent findings regarding the possible importance of S1P and SphK in the etiology of thyroid cancer. Although clinical data is still scarce, our in vitro findings suggest that S1P may function as a “double-edged sword”, as the receptor profile of thyroid cancer cells largely determines whether S1P stimulates or blocks cellular migration. We will also discuss the interactions between S1P- and VEGF-evoked signaling, and the importance of a S1P1-VEGF receptor 2 complex in thyroid cancer cells.
The Data-Constrained Generalized Maximum Entropy Estimator of the GLM: Asymptotic Theory and Inference
Authors: Mittelhammer Ron , Cardell Nicholas , Marsh Thomas
Published: May 2013

Maximum entropy methods of parameter estimation are appealing because they impose no additional structure on the data, other than that explicitly assumed by the analyst. In this paper we prove that the data constrained GME estimator of the general linear model is consistent and asymptotically normal. The approach we take in establishing the asymptotic properties concomitantly identifies a new computationally efficient method for calculating GME estimates. Formulae are developed to compute asymptotic variances and to perform Wald, likelihood ratio, and Lagrangian multiplier statistical tests on model parameters. Monte Carlo simulations are provided to assess the performance of the GME estimator in both large and small sample situations. Furthermore, we extend our results to maximum cross-entropy estimators and indicate a variant of the GME estimator that is unbiased. Finally, we discuss the relationship of GME estimators to Bayesian estimators, pointing out the conditions under which an unbiased GME estimator would be efficient.
Measuring Scale-Dependent Landscape Structure with Rao’s Quadratic Diversity
Authors: Ricotta Carlo , Carranza Maria
Published: May 2013

In this paper, we apply a special application of the Rao quadratic diversity for multiscale analysis of land use changes in a mixed agricultural-forest landscape in Central Italy. The proposed approach is similar to a block-size analysis of compositional diversity for which a given landscape is overlaid with a series of square grids composed of increasingly larger boxes. The combination of land cover classes in each box is recorded, and the Rao quadratic diversity is computed for the frequency distribution of the land cover classes at each box-size. Plotting compositional diversity versus box-size provides information on the scale-dependent pattern of the landscape. Since the proposed methodology is not severely influenced by the co-registration accuracy of the underlying data sets, it may prove to be reasonably adequate for analyzing historical data sets of varying resolution and quality, like aerial photographs or categorical maps.
Pd-Ag Membrane Coupled to a Two-Zone Fluidized Bed Reactor (TZFBR) for Propane Dehydrogenation on a Pt-Sn/MgAl2O4 Catalyst
Authors: Medrano José-Antonio , Julián Ignacio , Herguido Javier , Menéndez Miguel
Published: May 2013

Several reactor configurations have been tested for catalytic propane dehydrogenation employing Pt-Sn/MgAl2O4 as a catalyst. Pd-Ag alloy membranes coupled to the multifunctional Two-Zone Fluidized Bed Reactor (TZFBR) provide an improvement in propane conversion by hydrogen removal from the reaction bed through the inorganic membrane in addition to in situ catalyst regeneration. Twofold process intensification is thereby achieved when compared to the use of traditional fluidized bed reactors (FBR), where coke formation and thermodynamic equilibrium represent important process limitations. Experiments were carried out at 500–575 °C and with catalyst mass to molar flow of fed propane ratios between 15.1 and 35.2 g min mmol−1, employing three different reactor configurations: FBR, TZFBR and TZFBR + Membrane (TZFBR + MB). The results in the FBR showed catalyst deactivation, which was faster at high temperatures. In contrast, by employing the TZFBR with the optimum regenerative agent flow (diluted oxygen), the process activity was sustained throughout the time on stream. The TZFBR + MB showed promising results in catalytic propane dehydrogenation, displacing the reaction towards higher propylene production and giving the best results among the different reactor configurations studied. Furthermore, the results obtained in this study were better than those reported on conventional reactors.