bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deformation of the ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene melt in the plane‐strain compression
Authors: Bartczak Zbigniew , Beris Petra F. M. , Wasilewski Krzysztof , Galeski Andrzej , Lemstra Piet J.
Published: March 2012

Deformability of molten ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) was studied in the plane‐strain compression at the temperature from a range of 145–165°C. Two grades of UHMWPE were tested—a commercial one synthesized in a slurry process with conventional Ziegler‐Natta catalyst and the material polymerized in solution at low temperature using a homogeneous metallocene catalyst. These grades differ markedly in the initial concentration of chain entanglements in nascent powders. Specimens used for compression were produced either by compression molding or compaction of the nascent powders (sintering) at the temperature up to 130°C in order to obtain a set of samples with a range of chain entanglement concentration. Plane‐strain compression tests demonstrated a rubber‐like behavior and a good deformability of molten samples in the temperature range of 145–155°C. The ultimate true strain up to e = 3 was observed in samples prepared by compression molding, while for sintered samples of metallocene polymer it exceeded e = 4.3 (deformation ratio, λ > 74). At higher temperature of 165°C deformation became unstable. A strong correlation between topological structure of the melt and its deformation behavior was found: highly disentangled samples (from nascent powder of metallocene polymer) tend to deform to much higher strain than samples of lightly reduced concentration of chain entanglements (from nascent powder of commercial Z‐N polymer) or samples with entanglement density close to an equilibrium (prepared by compression molding), which demonstrated the lowest ultimate strain. The obtained results point out a new route of melt‐processing of UHMWPE nascent powders for fabrication of ultra‐strength fibers, alternative to the gel‐spinning technology. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Factors affecting consumers' trust in online product reviews
Authors: Racherla Pradeep , Mandviwalla Munir , Connolly Daniel J.
Published: March 2012

In this study, we apply the uncertainty reduction theory from communication to delineate the antecedents of consumers' trust in online product reviews. We test the competing effects of information content (argument quality) and social component (perceived background similarity) on consumers' trust in reviews. We also hypothesize that the strength of the effect is moderated by consumers' involvement. To test the hypotheses, we adopted a 2 × 2 × 2 repeated measures experimental design. The results show that both argument quality and perceived similarity contribute to increased trust but in varying degrees. The results provide mixed support to the moderating role of involvement. While argument quality played an important role in the high involvement mode, perceived similarity explained more variance in the low involvement mode. We discuss the implications of these results for both research and practice.

Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The practice of using makeup: A consumption ritual of adolescent girls
Authors: Gentina Elodie , Palan Kay M. , Fosse‐Gomez Marie‐Hélène
Published: March 2012

The consumption of makeup by teenage girls may represent a ritual critical to the rite of passage to adulthood. To explore this issue, depth interviews were conducted with 25 teenage girls in France, ages 14–18 years, about their makeup use. The data in this exploratory study suggest that putting on makeup is a ritual that plays a critical role for adolescent girls separating from their childhood and transitioning toward adulthood. Evidence of ritual dimensions (repetition, symbolic, codification, and dramaturgy) was found. The data further suggest that the traditional rite of passage associated with primitive societies is useful in identifying ritual teenage girls' makeup consumption in modern society, although with some differences. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Racial, socioeconomic, and demographic disparities in access to fertility preservation in young women diagnosed with cancer
Authors: Letourneau Joseph M. , Smith James F. , Ebbel Erin E. , Craig Amaranta , Katz Patricia P. , Cedars Marcelle I. , Rosen Mitchell P.
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND:

This study seeks to examine the relation between sociodemographic characteristics and the utilization of fertility preservation services in reproductive age women diagnosed with cancer.

METHODS:

A total of 1041 women diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 18 and 40 years responded to a retrospective survey on demographic information and reproductive health history. Five cancer types were included: leukemia, Hodgkin disease, non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, breast cancer, and gastrointestinal cancer. Nine hundred eighteen women reported treatment with potential to affect fertility (chemotherapy, pelvic radiation, pelvic surgery, or bone marrow transplant). Student t test, linear regression, and multivariate logistic regression were used where appropriate to determine the relation between sociodemographic characteristics and the odds of using fertility preservation services.

RESULTS:

Sixty‐one percent of women were counseled on the risk of cancer treatment to fertility by the oncology team. Overall, 4% of women pursued fertility preservation. In multivariate analysis, women who had not attained a bachelor's degree (odds ratio [OR], 0.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.5‐0.9) were less likely to be counseled. Trends also suggested possible disparities in access to fertility preservation with age older than 35 years (OR, 0.1; 95% CI, 0.0‐1.4) or previous children (OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1‐1.1) at diagnosis. Disparities in access to fertility preservation based on ethnicity and sexual orientation were also observed.

CONCLUSIONS:

Sociodemographic health disparities likely affect access to fertility preservation services. Although awareness of fertility preservation has improved in the past decade, an unmet need remains for reproductive health counseling and fertility preservation in reproductive age women diagnosed with cancer. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Threat as a feature in visual semantic object memory
Authors: Calley Clifford S. , Motes Michael A. , Chiang H‐Sheng , Buhl Virginia , Spence Jeffrey S. , Abdi Hervé , Anand Raksha , Maguire Mandy , Estevez Leonardo , Briggs Richard , Freeman Thomas , Kraut Michael A. , Hart John
Published: March 2012

Threatening stimuli have been found to modulate visual processes related to perception and attention. The present functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study investigated whether threat modulates visual object recognition of man‐made and naturally occurring categories of stimuli. Compared with nonthreatening pictures, threatening pictures of real items elicited larger fMRI BOLD signal changes in medial visual cortices extending inferiorly into the temporo‐occipital (TO) “what” pathways. This region elicited greater signal changes for threatening items compared to nonthreatening from both the natural‐occurring and man‐made stimulus supraordinate categories, demonstrating a featural component to these visual processing areas. Two additional loci of signal changes within more lateral inferior TO areas (bilateral BA18 and 19 as well as the right ventral temporal lobe) were detected for a category–feature interaction, with stronger responses to man‐made (category) threatening (feature) stimuli than to natural threats. The findings are discussed in terms of visual recognition of processing efficiently or rapidly groups of items that confer an advantage for survival. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differences in cortico‐striatal‐cerebellar activation during working memory in syndromal and nonsyndromal children with prenatal alcohol exposure
Authors: Diwadkar Vaibhav A. , Meintjes Ernesta M. , Goradia Dhruman , Dodge Neil C. , Warton Christopher , Molteno Christopher D. , Jacobson Sandra W. , Jacobson Joseph L.
Published: March 2012

Although children with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure may exhibit the distinctive facial dysmorphology seen in full or partial fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS/PFAS), many lack that dysmorphology. This study examined the functional organization of working memory in the brain in three groups of children—those meeting diagnostic criteria for FAS or PFAS, heavily exposed (HE) nonsyndromal children, and healthy controls. A verbal n‐back task (1‐back and 0‐back) was administered to 47 children (17 with FAS/PFAS, 13 HE, and 17 controls) during fMRI. Intra‐group one‐sample t‐tests were used to identify activity regions of interest central to verbal working memory including the dorsal prefrontal cortex (dPFC), inferior frontal gyrus, caudate/putamen, parietal cortex, and cerebellar Crus I/lobule VI and lobule VIIB‐IX. Whereas groups did not differ in task sensitivity, fMRI analyses suggested different patterns of sub‐network recruitment across groups. Controls primarily recruited left inferior frontal gyrus (Broca's area). By contrast, HE primarily recruited an extensive set of fronto‐striatal regions, including left dPFC and left caudate, and the FAS/PFAS group relied primarily on two cerebellar subregions and parietal cortex. This study is, to our knowledge, the first to demonstrate differential recruitment of critical brain regions that subserve basic function in children with different fetal alcohol spectrum disorders compared to controls. The distinct activation patterns seen in the two exposed groups may be related to substantial differences in alcohol dose/occasion to which these groups were exposed in utero. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intensification of sequencing batch reactors by cometabolism and bioaugmentation with Pseudomonas putida for the biodegradation of 4‐chlorophenol
Authors: Monsalvo Victor M. , Tobajas Montserrat , Mohedano Angel F. , Rodriguez Juan J.
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND: This study is focused on the application of intensified biological systems for the degradation of halogenated organic compounds. The single and combined effects of cometabolism and bioaugmentation with Pseudomonas putida on the aerobic degradation of 4‐chlorophenol (4‐CP) in sequencing batch reactors was studied. Phenol was added as growth substrate to enhance 4‐CP biodegradation through cometabolic transformation.

RESULTS: Adaptation of activated sludge by increasing 4‐CP loads aimed at a progressive acclimation to that compound, which could be successfully degraded at loading rates below 55 mg g−1 VSS d−1. Using phenol as cosusbtrate allowed almost a threefold decrease of the time required for the exhaustion of 4‐CP. The addition of phenol also reduced the toxic effect of 4‐CP over P. putida. The bioaugmentation of the SBR with P. putida enhanced the 4‐CP removal rate, allowing the SBR to deal with 4‐CP loads up to 120 mg g−1 VSS d−1.

CONCLUSION: Bioaugmentation of SBR with P. putida improves the capacity of this system to withstand high toxic shocks. Cometabolic degradation of 4‐CP with phenol improves the removal rates achieved by the SBR at similar 4‐CP loads. Both strategies are more convenient intensification techniques than acclimation for the biological treatment of 4‐CP. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of associative effects of total mixed ration for dairy cattle using in vitro gas production and different rumen inocula
Authors: Metzler‐Zebeli Barbara U , Scherr Christina , Sallaku Enkelejda , Drochner Winfried , Zebeli Qendrim
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND: Current feed evaluation systems for dairy cattle assume that nutritive values of feed components can be added, but do not take into account possible interactions among feed components. The main objective of this study was to investigate associative effects on in vitro gas production from total mixed ration (TMR), based on grass silage and cereal concentrate, and separate TMR components. TMR was incubated with inocula of free rumen liquid (FRL) and particle‐associated rumen liquid (PAL) for 48 h and donor cows were fed TMRs with three different particle sizes to evaluate their influence on associative effects.

RESULTS: Associative effects on gas production largely occurred at 2 and 4 h of incubation and dissipated with time of incubation. Incubation of TMR with PAL increased (P < 0.01) gas production compared to FRL at all incubation times; however, associative effects were not different between rumen inocula. Dietary particle size affected associative effects on gas production when TMR was incubated with FRL (P < 0.05) compared to PAL, particularly at early hours of incubation.

CONCLUSIONS: Associative effects at early incubation hours emphasise that summing the nutritive values of feedstuffs may underestimate fermentation intensity of TMR which may have implications for prediction of ruminal fermentation yield. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Genotypic differences in zinc efficiency of Chinese maize evaluated in a pot experiment
Authors: Karim Md. Rezaul , Zhang Yue‐Qiang , Tian Di , Chen Fan‐Jun , Zhang Fu‐Suo , Zou Chun‐Qin
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND: Zinc (Zn) deficiency, a major problem limiting crop production worldwide, is common on calcareous soils of China. Using such a Zn‐deficient soil supplied adequately with plant mineral nutrients, with or without Zn, 30 Chinese maize genotypes were grown for 30 days in a greenhouse pot experiment and assessed for Zn efficiency (ZE), measured as relative biomass under Zn‐limiting compared with non‐limiting conditions.

RESULTS: Substantial variation in tolerance to low Zn nutritional status was observed within the maize genotypes. Tolerant genotypes did not show Zn deficiency symptoms at the studied early seedling growth, and there was a well‐defined relationship between shoot dry matter and the ZE trait. ZE values ranged on average from 45 to 100% for shoot dry weight. Under low available soil Zn conditions, shoot and root dry weights, shoot Zn concentration and content, leaf superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, leaf area and plant height were all correlated with ZE. Shoot Zn and phosphorus (P) concentrations were negatively correlated.

CONCLUSION: Three genotypes (L55 × 178, L114 × 178 and Zhongnong 99) were identified as highly Zn‐efficient and three (L53 × 178, L105 × 178 and L99 × 178) as very low in ZE. This selection allows further work to evaluate ZE based on grain yield and grain Zn concentration, including field experiments likely to benefit farmers producing maize on Chinese soils low in available Zn. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
The neuropathology of genetic Parkinson's disease
Authors: Poulopoulos Markos , Levy Oren A. , Alcalay Roy N.
Published: March 2012

Pathological data from autopsies genotyped for Parkinson's disease (PD)‐related mutations in alpha‐synuclein, Parkin, PINK1, DJ1, LRRK2, and glucocerebrosidase have accumulated in recent years. The aim of this review is to systematically review all pathological reports of mutation carriers and to identify pathological patterns and gaps in the currently available data. A systematic review of the English literature was done using the terms “Parkinson's disease,” “brain pathology,” “autopsy,” the specific gene nomenclature, and any combination of the above. Most studies included reports of convenience samples: either cases that were preidentified as mutation carriers before autopsy or screens of Lewy body brain banks. Nineteen autopsies of alpha‐synuclein mutation carriers, 49 of LRRK2 mutation carriers, nine of Parkin mutation carriers, one of a PINK1 mutation carrier, and 86 of glucocerebrosidase mutation carriers were identified. Most autopsies of alpha‐synuclein, LRRK2 G2019S, and glucocerebrosidase mutation carriers demonstrated Lewy body pathology, as opposed to Parkin and LRRK2 non‐G2019S mutation carriers. However, there was a marked variability in pathological findings, even among carriers of identical mutations. Pathological data from DJ1 mutation carriers, nonmanifesting mutation carriers (e.g., of LRRK2 mutations), and carriers of a single Parkin mutation were lacking. In gathering together all studies of PD autopsies with an identified genetic risk, this review highlights the wealth of information generated as well as shortcomings in the available data. In particular, there is a need for larger, unbiased pathological studies. Differential association of Lewy pathology with specific mutations may reflect heterogeneity in pathogenic mechanisms among the different PD‐related genes. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Methacrylate hydrogels reinforced with bacterial cellulose
Authors: Hobzova Radka , Duskova‐Smrckova Miroslava , Michalek Jiri , Karpushkin Evgeny , Gatenholm Paul
Published: March 2012

Composite hydrogels consisting of nanofibrous bacterial cellulose (BC) embedded in a biocompatible polymeric matrix of various methacrylates were synthesized by UV polymerization using the ‘ever‐wet’ technique. The effect of monomer(s) type and ratio, system dilution at polymerization, monomer(s) hydrophilicity, crosslink density and cellulose/hydrogel ratio was investigated. The effect of BC reinforcement on equilibrium swelling depends on whether the neat gel swells more when brought into contact with water. The major improvement achieved by introduction of 1%–2% BC concerns mechanical properties. Compared with neat gels, the storage shear modulus G′ increased by a factor 10‐20, and the loss part G″ also rose significantly. The compression modulus ranged from 2 to 5.5 MPa for composites swollen to equilibrium (20‐70 wt% water). The BC‐hydrogel composites are considered for application in the tissue engineering area. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Molecular and nanoscale factors governing pressure‐sensitive adhesion strength of viscoelastic polymers
Authors: Feldstein Mikhail M. , Siegel Ronald A.
Published: March 2012

Pressure‐sensitive adhesives (PSAs) are finding increasing applications in various areas of industry and medicine. PSAs are a special class of viscoelastic polymers that form strong adhesive joints with substrates of varying chemical nature under application of light external bonding pressures (1–10 Pa) over short periods of time (1–5 s). To be a PSA, a polymer should possess both high fluidity under applied bonding pressure, to form good adhesive contact, and high cohesive strength and elasticity, which are necessary for resistance to debonding stresses and for dissipation of mechanical energy at the stage of adhesive bond failure under detaching force. For rational design of novel PSAs, molecular insight into mechanisms of their adhesive behavior is necessary. As shown in this review, strength of PSA adhesive joints is controlled by a combination of diffusion, viscoelastic, and relaxation mechanisms. At the molecular level, strong adhesion is the result of a narrow balance between two generally conflicting properties: high cohesive strength and large free volume. These conflicting properties are difficult to combine in a single polymer material. Individually, high cohesive interaction energy and large free volume are necessary but insufficient prerequisites for PSA strength. Evident correlations are observed between the adhesive bond strengths of different PSAs, and their relaxation behaviors are described by longer relaxation times. Innovative PSAs with tailored properties can be produced by physical mixing of nonadhesive long‐ and short‐chain linear parent polymers, with groups at the two ends of the short chains complementary to the functional groups in the recurring units of the long chains. Although chemical composition and molecular structure of such innovative adhesives are unrelated to those of conventional PSAs, their mechanical properties and adhesive behaviors obey the same general laws, such as the Dahlquist's criterion of tack. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Respiratory management strategies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy: practice variation amongst canadian sub‐specialists
Authors: Katz Sherri L. , McKim Douglas , Hoey Lynda , Barrowman Nicholas , Kherani Tamizan , Kovesi Thomas , MacLusky Ian , Mah Jean K.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

Respiratory management of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is not well studied and may vary across centers and practitioners. Our objective was to describe and compare the respiratory management practices of Canadian Pediatric Respirologists and Neuromuscular specialists for children with DMD.

Methods

A web‐based survey was sent to all 56 practicing Canadian Pediatric Respirologists and to all 24 members of the Canadian Pediatric Neuromuscular Group (CPNG) who follow children with neuromuscular diseases. The survey included 28 questions about timing and indications for respiratory consultation, sleep disordered breathing (SDB) assessments, and treatments.

Results

Thirty eight (68%) pediatric respirologists and 17 (71%) CPNG members responded. Respirologists provide initial consultation after a patient's first admission to hospital with respiratory complications (14/38, 37%) and when symptoms of SDB are present (14/38, 37%). Half of the CPNG members request initial Respirology consultation at the time of DMD diagnosis. Both groups request routine pulmonary function tests. Ninety‐six percent of respirologists use maximal inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory pressures (MEP) to assess respiratory muscle strength, whereas 82% of CPNG members additionally use peak cough flow. Assessment for SDB is requested by both groups when pulmonary function is abnormal or patients are symptomatic. Respirologists favor polysomnography, whereas CPNG members use overnight pulse oximetry. Nocturnal non‐invasive ventilation and lung volume recruitment (LVR) are used in a minority of patients.

Conclusions

Respirologists and CPNG members provide similar respiratory management of DMD patients, but differ in timing of consultation and choice of tests for pulmonary function and SDB. Canadian practices differ from the American Thoracic Society and Centre for Disease Control guidelines. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:59–66. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lung abscess due to non‐tuberculous, non‐Mycobacterium fortuitum in a neonate
Authors: Glatstein Miguel , Scolnik Dennis , Bensira Liat , Domany Keren Armoni , Shah Mansi , Vala Snehal
Published: March 2012

Although Mycobacterium fortuitum (MF) is a non‐tuberculous mycobacterium that rarely causes disease, there are reported cases of pneumonia, lung abscess, and empyema in subjects with predisposing lung disease. We report a neonate, without predisposing disease or risk factors, who manifested pneumonia and lung abscess. The patient was initially treated with amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid and gentamycin, and subsequently with piperazilin, tazobactam, and vancomycin when there was no improvement. Pleural nodules were detected on computed tomography, and microbiology revealed MF in the absence of other pathogens and a week later the organism was identified in culture as MF, confirmed on four separate samples. The MF was sensitive to amikacin and clarithromycin and the patient was continued on oral clarithromycin for two more weeks until full recovery. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of MF abscess in a neonate. MF should be sought in similar patients, especially when microbiology fails to detect the usual pathogens, and when the clinical picture is unclear. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012. 47:1034–1037. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor gene polymorphisms and plasma levels in children with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Khalyfa Abdelnaby , Kheirandish‐Gozal Leila , Capdevila Oscar Sans , Bhattacharjee Rakesh , Gozal David
Published: March 2012

Introduction

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular and metabolic dysfunction in both adults and children. In adults with OSA, serum levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) are elevated. Therefore, we assessed plasma MIF levels and MIF allelic variant frequencies in children with and without OSA (NOSA).

Methods

A total of 614 consecutive children ages 5–8 years were recruited. Children were divided into those with OSA and NOSA based on the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI). In addition to lipid profile, hsCRP, and fasting insulin and glucose levels, plasma MIF levels were assayed using ELISA, and 28 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) covering the region were genotyped. Linkage disequilibrium and haplotype blocks were analyzed using Haploview version 4.2 software.

Results

Morning plasma MIF levels were increased in children with OSA. Of the 28 SNPs tested, the frequency of rs10433310 minor allele was significantly decreased in OSA. This SNP was also associated with reduced fasting insulin and hsCRP levels in OSA. The minor allele frequency of all other 27 SNPs was similar in OSA and NOSA groups.

Conclusions

Childhood OSA is associated with higher plasma MIF, hsCRP, and fasting insulin levels that promote cardiometabolic risk, and the MIF gene SNP rs10433310 may account for some of the variance in such risk. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012. 47:1001–1011. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Racemisation of N‐Fmoc phenylglycine under mild microwave‐SPPS and conventional stepwise SPPS conditions: attempts to develop strategies for overcoming this
Authors: Elsawy Mohamed A. , Hewage Chandralal , Walker Brian
Published: March 2012

We have been engaged in the microwave‐solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) synthesis of the phenylglycine (Phg)‐containing pentapeptide H‐Ala‐Val‐Pro‐Phg‐Tyr‐NH2 (1) previously demonstrated to bind to the so‐called BIR3 domain of the anti‐apoptotic protein XIAP. Analysis of the target peptide by a combination of RP‐HPLC, ESI‐MS, and NMR revealed the presence of two diastereoisomers arising out of the racemisation of the Phg residue, with the percentage of the LLLDL component assessed as 49%. We performed the synthesis of peptide (1) using different microwave and conventional stepwise SPPS conditions in attempts to reduce the level of racemisation of the Phg residue and to determine at which part of the synthetic cycle the epimerization had occurred. We determined that racemisation occurred mainly during the Fmoc‐group removal and, to a much lesser extent, during activation/coupling of the Fmoc‐Phg‐OH residue. We were able to obtain the desired peptide with a 71% diastereomeric purity (29% LLLDL as impurity) by utilizing microwave‐assisted SPPS at 50 °C and power 22 Watts, when the triazine‐derived coupling reagent DMTMM‐BF4 was used, together with NMM as an activator base, for the incorporation of this residue and 20% piperidine as an Fmoc‐deprotection base. In contrast, the phenylalanine analogue of the above peptide, H‐Ala‐Val‐Pro‐Phe‐Tyr‐NH2 (2), was always obtained as a single diastereoisomer by using a range of standard coupling and deprotection conditions. Our findings suggest that the racemisation of Fmoc‐Phg‐OH, under both microwave‐SPPS and stepwise conventional SPPS syntheses conditions, is very facile but can be limited through the use of the above stated conditions. Copyright © 2012 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects and Action Mechanisms of Korean Pear (Pyrus pyrifolia cv. Shingo) on Alcohol Detoxification
Authors: Lee Ho‐Sun , Isse Toyoshi , Kawamoto Toshihiro , Woo Hyun‐Su , Kim An Keun , Park Jong Y. , Yang Mihi
Published: March 2012

Korean pear (Pyrus pyrifolia cv. Shingo) has been used as a traditional medicine for alleviating alcohol hangover. However, scientific evidence for its effectiveness or mechanism is not clearly established. To investigate its mechanism of alcohol detoxification, both in vitro and in vivo studies were performed with an aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) alternated animal model. The pear extract (10 mL/kg bw) was administered to Aldh2 normal (C57BL/6) and deficient (Aldh2 −/−) male mice. After 30 min, ethanol (1 g or 2 g/kg bw) was administered to the mice via gavage. Levels of alcohol and acetaldehyde in blood were quantified by GC/MS. First, it was observed that the pears stimulated both alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and ALDH activities by 2∼3‐  and 1.3‐fold in in vitro studies, respectively. Second, mouse PK data (AUC∞ and Cmax) showed that the pear extract decreased the alcohol level in blood regardless of ALDH2 genotype. Third, the pear increased the acetaldehyde level in blood in Aldh2 deficient mice but not in Aldh2 normal mice. Therefore, the consistent in vitro and in vivo data suggest that Korean pears stimulate the two key alcohol‐metabolizing enzymes. These stimulations could be the main mechanism of the Korean pear for alcohol detoxification. Finally, the results suggest that polymorphisms of human ALDH2 could bring out individual variations in the effects of Korean pear on alcohol detoxification. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Bixa orellana L. Seeds on Hyperlipidemia
Authors: Ferreira Jamile M. , Sousa Daniel F. , Dantas Mariana B. , Fonseca Said G. C. , Menezes Dalgimar B. , Martins Alice M. C. , de Queiroz Maria Goretti R.
Published: March 2012

Bixa orellana L., urucum, or urucu, a native tropical tree of Central and South American rain forests is used to treat various diseases in popular medicine. In Ceará, Northeast of Brazil, the seeds of urucum have been used for the treatment of high lipid blood levels. The present study investigated the effects of the aqueous extract from Bixa orellana seeds (AEBO) in mice with hyperlipidemia induced by tyloxapol, fructose and ethanol. In hyperlipidemia induced by Triton WR1339, 400 and 800 mg/kg AEBO reduced triglycerides (TG) serum levels at 24 h and 48 h. In the study of hypertriglyceridemia induced by fructose, AEBO in doses of 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg reduced TG levels by 48.2% and 48.7%, respectively. Finally, the ethanol experimental model with 400 mg/kg AEBO promoted a reduction of 33.6% of TG levels, while the 800 mg/kg concentration reduced hypertriglyceridemia in 62.2%. In conclusion, the aqueous extract of the seeds of Bixa orellana was capable of reversing the hypertriglyceridemia induced by Triton, fructose and ethanol, demonstrating a hypolipidemic effect. However, further studies are necessary to discover the precise mechanism of action. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polarization Calibration of the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) onboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO)
Authors: Schou J. , Borrero J. M. , Norton A. A. , Tomczyk S. , Elmore D. , Card G. L.
Published: March 2012

As part of the overall ground-based calibration of the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) instrument an extensive set of polarimetric calibrations were performed. This paper describes the polarimetric design of the instrument, the test setup, the polarimetric model, the tests performed, and some results. It is demonstrated that HMI achieves an accuracy of 1% or better on the crosstalks between Q, U, and V and that our model can reproduce the intensities in our calibration sequences to about 0.4%. The amount of depolarization is negligible when the instrument is operated as intended which, combined with the flexibility of the polarimeter design, means that the polarimetric efficiency is excellent.
The Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) Education and Outreach (E/PO) Program: Changing Perceptions One Program at a Time
Authors: Drobnes E. , Littleton A. , Pesnell W. D. , Beck K. , Buhr S. , Durscher R. , Hill S. , McCaffrey M. , McKenzie D. E. , Myers D. , Scherrer D. , Wawro M. , Wolt A.
Published: March 2012

We outline the context and overall philosophy for the combined Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) Education and Public Outreach (E/PO) program, present a brief overview of all SDO E/PO programs along with more detailed highlights of a few key programs, followed by a review of our results to date, conclude a summary of the successes, failures, and lessons learned, which future missions can use as a guide, while incorporating their own content to enhance the public’s knowledge and appreciation of science and technology as well as its benefit to society.
Initial Calibration of the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) on the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO)
Authors: Boerner Paul , Edwards Christopher , Lemen James , Rausch Adam , Schrijver Carolus , Shine Richard , Shing Lawrence , Stern Robert , Tarbell Theodore , Title Alan , Wolfson C. Jacob , Soufli Regina , Spiller Eberhard , Gullikson Eric , McKenzie David , Windt David , Golub Leon , Podgorski William , Testa Paola , Weber Mark
Published: March 2012

The Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) instrument onboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) is an array of four normal-incidence reflecting telescopes that image the Sun in ten EUV and UV wavelength channels. We present the initial photometric calibration of AIA, based on preflight measurements of the response of the telescope components. The estimated accuracy is of order 25%, which is consistent with the results of comparisons with full-disk irradiance measurements and spectral models. We also describe the characterization of the instrument performance, including image resolution, alignment, camera-system gain, flat-fielding, and data compression.
Heliophysics Event Knowledgebase for the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) and Beyond
Authors: Hurlburt N. , Cheung M. , Schrijver C. , Chang L. , Freeland S. , Green S. , Heck C. , Jaffey A. , Kobashi A. , Schiff D. , Serafin J. , Seguin R. , Slater G. , Somani A. , Timmons R.
Published: March 2012

The immense volume of data generated by the suite of instruments on the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) requires new tools for efficient identifying and accessing data that is most relevant for research. We have developed the Heliophysics Events Knowledgebase (HEK) to fill this need. The HEK system combines automated data mining using feature-detection methods and high-performance visualization systems for data markup. In addition, web services and clients are provided for searching the resulting metadata, reviewing results, and efficiently accessing the data. We review these components and present examples of their use with SDO data.
Computer Vision for the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO)
Authors: Martens P. C. H. , Attrill G. D. R. , Davey A. R. , Engell A. , Farid S. , Grigis P. C. , Kasper J. , Korreck K. , Saar S. H. , Savcheva A. , Su Y. , Testa P. , Wills-Davey M. , Bernasconi P. N. , Raouafi N.-E. , Delouille V. A. , Hochedez J. F. , Cirtain J. W. , DeForest C. E. , Angryk R. A. , De Moortel I. , Wiegelmann T. , Georgoulis M. K. , McAteer R. T. J. , Timmons R. P.
Published: March 2012

In Fall 2008 NASA selected a large international consortium to produce a comprehensive automated feature-recognition system for the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). The SDO data that we consider are all of the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) images plus surface magnetic-field images from the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI). We produce robust, very efficient, professionally coded software modules that can keep up with the SDO data stream and detect, trace, and analyze numerous phenomena, including flares, sigmoids, filaments, coronal dimmings, polarity inversion lines, sunspots, X-ray bright points, active regions, coronal holes, EIT waves, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), coronal oscillations, and jets. We also track the emergence and evolution of magnetic elements down to the smallest detectable features and will provide at least four full-disk, nonlinear, force-free magnetic field extrapolations per day. The detection of CMEs and filaments is accomplished with Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO)/Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph (LASCO) and ground-based Hα data, respectively. A completely new software element is a trainable feature-detection module based on a generalized image-classification algorithm. Such a trainable module can be used to find features that have not yet been discovered (as, for example, sigmoids were in the pre-Yohkoh era). Our codes will produce entries in the Heliophysics Events Knowledgebase (HEK) as well as produce complete catalogs for results that are too numerous for inclusion in the HEK, such as the X-ray bright-point metadata. This will permit users to locate data on individual events as well as carry out statistical studies on large numbers of events, using the interface provided by the Virtual Solar Observatory. The operations concept for our computer vision system is that the data will be analyzed in near real time as soon as they arrive at the SDO Joint Science Operations Center and have undergone basic processing. This will allow the system to produce timely space-weather alerts and to guide the selection and production of quicklook images and movies, in addition to its prime mission of enabling solar science. We briefly describe the complex and unique data-processing pipeline, consisting of the hardware and control software required to handle the SDO data stream and accommodate the computer-vision modules, which has been set up at the Lockheed-Martin Space Astrophysics Laboratory (LMSAL), with an identical copy at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO).
Extreme Ultraviolet Variability Experiment (EVE) on the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO): Overview of Science Objectives, Instrument Design, Data Products, and Model Developments
Authors: Woods T. N. , Eparvier F. G. , Hock R. , Jones A. R. , Woodraska D. , Judge D. , Didkovsky L. , Lean J. , Mariska J. , Warren H. , McMullin D. , Chamberlin P. , Berthiaume G. , Bailey S. , Fuller-Rowell T. , Sojka J. , Tobiska W. K. , Viereck R.
Published: March 2012

The highly variable solar extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation is the major energy input to the Earth’s upper atmosphere, strongly impacting the geospace environment, affecting satellite operations, communications, and navigation. The Extreme ultraviolet Variability Experiment (EVE) onboard the NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) will measure the solar EUV irradiance from 0.1 to 105 nm with unprecedented spectral resolution (0.1 nm), temporal cadence (ten seconds), and accuracy (20%). EVE includes several irradiance instruments: The Multiple EUV Grating Spectrographs (MEGS)-A is a grazing-incidence spectrograph that measures the solar EUV irradiance in the 5 to 37 nm range with 0.1-nm resolution, and the MEGS-B is a normal-incidence, dual-pass spectrograph that measures the solar EUV irradiance in the 35 to 105 nm range with 0.1-nm resolution. To provide MEGS in-flight calibration, the EUV SpectroPhotometer (ESP) measures the solar EUV irradiance in broadbands between 0.1 and 39 nm, and a MEGS-Photometer measures the Sun’s bright hydrogen emission at 121.6 nm. The EVE data products include a near real-time space-weather product (Level 0C), which provides the solar EUV irradiance in specific bands and also spectra in 0.1-nm intervals with a cadence of one minute and with a time delay of less than 15 minutes. The EVE higher-level products are Level 2 with the solar EUV irradiance at higher time cadence (0.25 seconds for photometers and ten seconds for spectrographs) and Level 3 with averages of the solar irradiance over a day and over each one-hour period. The EVE team also plans to advance existing models of solar EUV irradiance and to operationally use the EVE measurements in models of Earth’s ionosphere and thermosphere. Improved understanding of the evolution of solar flares and extending the various models to incorporate solar flare events are high priorities for the EVE team.
Extreme Ultraviolet Variability Experiment (EVE) Multiple EUV Grating Spectrographs (MEGS): Radiometric Calibrations and Results
Authors: Hock R. A. , Chamberlin P. C. , Woods T. N. , Crotser D. , Eparvier F. G. , Woodraska D. L. , Woods E. C.
Published: March 2012

The NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), scheduled for launch in early 2010, incorporates a suite of instruments including the Extreme Ultraviolet Variability Experiment (EVE). EVE has multiple instruments including the Multiple Extreme ultravioletGrating Spectrographs (MEGS) A, B, and P instruments, the Solar Aspect Monitor (SAM), and the Extreme ultravioletSpectroPhotometer (ESP). The radiometric calibration of EVE, necessary to convert the instrument counts to physical units, was performed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Synchrotron Ultraviolet Radiation Facility (SURF III) located in Gaithersburg, Maryland. This paper presents the results and derived accuracy of this radiometric calibration for the MEGS A, B, P, and SAM instruments, while the calibration of the ESP instrument is addressed by Didkovsky et al. (Solar Phys., 2010, doi:10.1007/s11207-009-9485-8). In addition, solar measurements that were taken on 14 April 2008, during the NASA 36.240 sounding-rocket flight, are shown for the prototype EVE instruments.
The Clinical Value of Non‐curative Resection Followed by Chemotherapy for Incurable Gastric Cancer
Authors: Ko Kyung Jai , Shim Jung Ho , Yoo Han Mo , O Seong Il , Jeon Hae Myung , Park Cho Hyun , Jeon Dong Jin , Song Kyo Young
Published: March 2012

Background

The clinical value of a non‐curative resection for gastric cancer is still controversial. We analyzed the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent non‐curative gastric resection.

Methods

Data from a total of 178 patients who underwent non‐curative resection for advanced gastric cancer at Seoul St. Mary’s hospital were reviewed. Factors related to the incurability were classified as peritoneal metastasis (P), liver metastasis (H), extra‐abdominal metastasis (X), direct adjacent organ invasion that was unresectable (T). The clinicopathologic data, survival, and quality of life of patients were evaluated.

Results

The overall median survival time was 12.1 months, and that for the patients with gastrectomy with chemotherapy was 14.3 months. Operation‐related complications occurred in 20 patients (11.2 %). Five patients (2.8 %) died of postoperative complications within 30 days, and 43 patients (24.2 %) had symptoms and signs of gastric outlet obstruction or uncontrolled bleeding. The mean duration of postoperative hospital stay was 15.9 days for those symptomatic patients, and the symptom‐relieved period was 8.6 months.

Conclusions

There might be a role for non‐curative resection followed by chemotherapy for incurable gastric cancer, in terms of survival, and this treatment approach should be carefully considered because of the high mortality rate associated with the disease. A large, randomized, prospective study is warranted to prove the benefit of non‐curative resection in patients with incurable gastric cancer.
Preoperative Pancreas CT/MRI Characteristics Predict Fistula Rate after Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Frozanpor F. , Loizou L. , Ansorge C. , Segersvärd R. , Lundell L. , Albiin N.
Published: March 2012

Background

Pancreatic fistula (PF) is considered to be the main cause of morbidity after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). A recent study from our institution suggested the risk for pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy to be closely related to the pancreatic remnant volume (PRV). The hypothesis was formulated that after PD the PRV is an important determinant of the risk for PF formation.

Method

All patients undergoing PD between September 2007 and November 2010 at the Karolinska University Hospital Stockholm were included. Preoperative multidetector computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to calculate the PRV and the pancreatic duct width (PDW) at the alleged resection line.

Results

A total of 182 patients (median age 67 years) undergoing PD were included. The diagnosis was malignant in 144 patients (79.1 %) and benign in 38 (20.9 %). Pancreatic fistula defined according to the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula (ISGPF) criteria was diagnosed in 37 patients (20.3 %). The median PRV was 35.2 cm3 and the median PDW was 3.9 mm. In a univariate analysis a large calculated volume of the pancreatic remnant increased the subsequent risk of PF (odds ratio [OR], 3.71; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.58–8.71; P < 0.01), as did a small duct width (OR, 8.46; 95% CI, 3.11–23.04;P < 0.01). According to the multivariate analysis, the size of the pancreatic remnant and the width of the pancreatic duct maintained their impact on leakage risk.

Conclusions

A large pancreatic volume and small pancreatic duct increase the risk of PF. Preoperative CT and/or MRI therefore are useful in predicting fistula formation before pancreaticoduodenectomy.
Diversity of approaches to classic galactosemia around the world: a comparison of diagnosis, intervention, and outcomes
Authors: Jumbo‐Lucioni Patricia P. , Garber Kathryn , Kiel John , Baric Ivo , Berry Gerard T. , Bosch Annet , Burlina Alberto , Chiesa Ana , Pico Maria Luz Couce , Estrada Sylvia C. , Henderson Howard , Leslie Nancy , Longo Nicola , Morris Andrew A. M. , Ramirez‐Farias Carlett , Scheweitzer‐Krantz Susanne , Silao Catherine Lynn T. , Vela‐Amieva Marcela , Waisbren Susan , Fridovich‐Keil Judith L.
Published: March 2012

Without intervention, classic galactosemia is a potentially fatal disorder in infancy. With the benefit of early diagnosis and dietary restriction of galactose, the acute sequelae of classic galactosemia can be prevented or reversed. However, despite early and lifelong dietary treatment, many galactosemic patients go on to experience serious long‐term complications including cognitive disability, speech problems, neurological and/or movement disorders and, in girls and women, ovarian dysfunction. Further, there remains uncertainty surrounding what constitutes a ‘best practice’ for treating this disorder. To explore the extent and implications of this uncertainty, we conducted a small but global survey of healthcare providers who follow patients with classic galactosemia, seeking to compare established protocols for diagnosis, intervention, and follow‐up, as well as the outcomes and outcome frequencies seen in the patient populations cared for by these providers. We received 13 survey responses representing five continents and 11 countries. Respondents underscored disparities in approaches to diagnosis, management and follow‐up care. Notably, we saw no clear relationship between differing approaches to care and long‐term outcomes in the populations studied. Negative outcomes occurred in the majority of cases regardless of when treatment was initiated, how tightly galactose intake was restricted, or how closely patients were monitored. We document here what is, to our knowledge, the first global comparison of healthcare approaches to classic galactosemia. These data reinforce the idea that there is currently no one best practice for treating patients with classic galactosemia, and underscore the need for more extensive and statistically powerful comparative studies to reveal potential positive or negative impacts of differing approaches.