bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accurate potential energy curve of the LiH+ molecule calculated with explicitly correlated Gaussian functions
Authors: Tung Wei-Cheng , Adamowicz Ludwik
Published: April 2014

Very accurate calculations of the ground-state potential energy curve (PEC) of the LiH+ ion performed with all-electron explicitly correlated Gaussian functions with shifted centers are presented. The variational method is employed. The calculations involve optimization of nonlinear exponential parameters of the Gaussians performed with the aid of the analytical first derivatives of the energy determined with respect to the parameters. The diagonal adiabatic correction is also calculated for each PEC point. The PEC is then used to calculate the vibrational energies of the system. In that calculation, the non-adiabatic effects are accounted for by using an effective vibrational mass obtained by the minimization of the difference between the vibrational energies obtained from the calculations where the Born-Oppenheimer approximation was not assumed and the results of the present calculations.
The spontaneous synchronized dance of pairs of water molecules
Authors: Roncaratti Luiz F. , Cappelletti David , Pirani Fernando
Published: April 2014

Molecular beam scattering experiments have been performed to study the effect of long-range anisotropic forces on the collision dynamics of two small polar molecules. The main focus of this paper is on water, but also ammonia and hydrogen sulphide molecules have been investigated, and some results will be anticipated. The intermolecular distances mainly probed are of the order of 1 nm and therefore much larger than the molecular dimensions. In particular, we have found that the natural electric field gradient, generated by different spatial orientations of the permanent electric dipoles, is able to promote the transformation of free rotations into coupled pendular states, letting the molecular partners involved in the collision complex swinging to and fro around the field direction. This long-ranged concerted motion manifested itself as large increases of the magnitude of the total integral cross section. The experimental findings and the theoretical treatment developed to shed light on the details of the process suggest that the transformation from free rotations to pendular states depends on the rotational level of both molecules, on the impact parameter, on the relative collision velocity, on the dipole moment product and occurs in the time scale of picoseconds. The consequences of this intriguing phenomenon may be important for the interpretation and, in perspective, for the control of elementary chemical and biological processes, given by polar molecules, ions, and free radicals, occurring in several environments under various conditions.
Persistent conductive footprints of 109° domain walls in bismuth ferrite films
Authors: Stolichnov I. , Iwanowska M. , Colla E. , Ziegler B. , Gaponenko I. , Paruch P. , Huijben M. , Rijnders G. , Setter N.
Published: April 2014

Using conductive and piezoforce microscopy, we reveal a complex picture of electronic transport at weakly conductive 109° domain walls in bismuth ferrite films. Even once initial ferroelectric stripe domains are changed/erased, persistent conductive paths signal the original domain wall position. The conduction at such domain wall “footprints” is activated by domain movement and decays rapidly with time, but can be re-activated by opposite polarity voltage. The observed phenomena represent true leakage conduction rather than merely displacement currents. We propose a scenario of hopping transport in combination with thermionic injection over interfacial barriers controlled by the ferroelectric polarization.
Wavelength-extended photovoltaic infrared photodetectors
Authors: Lao Yan-Feng , Pitigala P. K. D. D. P. , Unil Perera A. G. , Li L. H. , Khanna S. P. , Linfield E. H.
Published: April 2014

We report the incorporation of a long-wavelength photovoltaic response (up to 8 μm) in a short-wavelength p-type GaAs heterojunction detector (with the activation energy of EA∼0.40 eV), operating at 80 K. This wavelength-extended photovoltaic response is enabled by employing a non-symmetrical band alignment. The specific detectivity at 5 μm is obtained to be 3.5 × 1012 cm Hz1∕2/W, an improvement by a factor of 105 over the detector without the wavelength extension.
Direct observations of L-I-H and H-I-L transitions with the X-point reciprocating probe in ASDEX Upgrade
Authors: Müller S. H. , Conway G. D. , Birkenmeier G. , Carralero D. , Happel T. , Herrmann A. , Manz P. , de Marné P. , Mlynek A. , Müller H. W. , Potzel S. , Rohde V. , Stroth U. , Tsalas M. , Tynan G. R. , Wolfrum E. ,   ASDEX Upgrade Team
Published: April 2014

A reciprocating Langmuir probe was used to directly measure the behavior of turbulence and flows in the X-point region during transitions between low-(L) and high-confinement (H) mode in ASDEX Upgrade. The probe traverses the divertor horizontally in 140 ms, typically 2–5 cm below the X-point. Toroidal Mach number, density, floating potential (ϕf), and electron temperature (Te) are measured. In the regime accessible to the probe (Pinj<1.5 MW, line-integrated core density <4×1019 m−2), the L-H transition features an intermediate phase (I-phase), characterized by limit-cycle oscillations at 0.5–3 kHz [Conway et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 106, 065001 (2011)]. The probe measurements reveal that this pulsing affects both the density and the toroidal Mach number. It is present in both the low-(LFS) and high-field sides (HFS) of the scrape-off layer, while high-amplitude broadband turbulence usually dominates the private-flux region. Profile comparisons between L-mode and I-phase show lower density in pulsing regions and small shifts in Te, directed oppositely on LFS and HFS, which are compensated by shifts in ϕf to yield a surprisingly unchanged plasma potential profile. Directly observed L-I-phase transitions reveal that the onset of the pulsing is preceded by a fast 50% density drop in the HFS X-point region. Back transitions to L-mode occur essentially symmetrically, with the pulsing stopping first, followed by a fast recovery to L-mode density levels in the divertor.
Spin filtering in a double quantum dot device: Numerical renormalization group study of the internal structure of the Kondo state
Authors: Vernek E. , Büsser C. A. , Anda E. V. , Feiguin A. E. , Martins G. B.
Published: April 2014

A double quantum dot device, connected to two channels that only interact through interdot Coulomb repulsion, is analyzed using the numerical renormalization group technique. Using a two-impurity Anderson model, and realistic parameter values [S. Amasha, A. J. Keller, I. G. Rau, A. Carmi, J. A. Katine, H. Shtrikman, Y. Oreg, and D. Goldhaber-Gordon, Phys. Rev. Lett. 110, 046604 (2013)], it is shown that, by applying a moderate magnetic field and independently adjusting the gate potential of each quantum dot at half-filling, a spin-orbital SU(2) Kondo state can be achieved where the Kondo resonance originates from spatially separated parts of the device. Our results clearly link this spatial separation effect to currents with opposing spin polarizations in each channel, i.e., the device acts as a spin filter. In addition, an experimental probe of this polarization effect is suggested, pointing to the exciting possibility of experimentally probing the internal structure of an SU(2) Kondo state.
Influence of magnetic domain size on dipolar interactions and hysteresis field asymmetry in layered high/low coercivity perpendicular anisotropy systems
Authors: Hauet Thomas , Hellwig Olav
Published: April 2014

Dipolar interactions in low-coercivity/Pd/high-coercivity [Co/Pd]X/Pd/[Co/Pd]10 multilayer systems are studied as a function of the domain size in the [Co/Pd]X low-coercivity layer (LCL), while maintaining the domain size in the high-coercivity layer (HCL) constant. As the number of repeats X increases from 5 to 30, the mean domain size of the [Co/Pd]X LCL decreases from hundreds of micron to hundreds of nanometers. After demagnetization, different regimes can be distinguished from partial or exact domain duplication for LCL domain size larger than HCL one to uncorrelated behavior for much smaller LCL domains. The results obtained via magnetic force microscopy allow understanding the symmetry and asymmetry versus externally applied field as observed in macroscopic magnetometry measurements.
Epidermal Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulates adipocyte differentiation via secretion of adipogenic factors
Authors: Donati Giacomo , Proserpio Valentina , Lichtenberger Beate Maria , Natsuga Ken , Sinclair Rodney , Fujiwara Hironobu , Watt Fiona M.
Published: April 2014

Significance

The synchronized patterns of hair follicle growth and expansion of the dermal adipocyte layer have long been recognized. Although factors secreted by adipocytes are known to regulate the hair growth cycle, it is unclear whether, conversely, the epidermis can regulate adipogenesis. Our study now demonstrates that activation of epidermal Wnt/β-catenin signaling stimulates adipocyte differentiation in vivo and in vitro. The effect can be mediated by secreted factors, including insulin-like growth factor 2 and bone morphogenetic proteins 2 and 6.
Crosstalk and the evolution of specificity in two-component signaling
Authors: Rowland Michael A. , Deeds Eric J.
Published: April 2014

Significance

The global architectures of signaling networks in bacteria and eukaryotes are remarkably different: crosstalk between pathways is very common in eukaryotes but is very limited in bacteria. Bacteria use two-component signaling (TCS) to transduce information, relying on a single enzyme to act as both kinase and phosphatase for targets. We used mathematical models to show that introducing crosstalk in TCS always decreases system performance. This indicates that the large-scale differences between eukaryotic and bacterial networks likely derive from differences in the dynamics of the fundamental motifs from which the networks themselves are constructed. We further demonstrated that the pressure to avoid crosstalk has influenced the evolution of new TCS pairs, driving rapid sequence divergence in protein interaction interfaces immediately postduplication.
Expression and glycoengineering of functionally active heteromultimeric IgM in plants
Authors: Loos Andreas , Gruber Clemens , Altmann Friedrich , Mehofer Ulrich , Hensel Frank , Grandits Melanie , Oostenbrink Chris , Stadlmayr Gerhard , Furtmüller Paul G. , Steinkellner Herta
Published: April 2014

Significance

IgM antibodies are increasingly gaining interest as therapeutics; however, knowledge about this antibody class is scarce. Specifically the impact of N-glycans on the functional mechanism of this heavily glycosylated molecule is entirely unknown. To address this issue we produced different IgM glycoforms in plants and characterized them. Moreover, we present a computer model that explains the characteristic N-glycosylation pattern of IgMs. With the successful
in planta
generation of recombinant IgMs largely resembling the plasma-derived orthologue, we offer an efficient alternative to mammalian cell-based expression systems. IgMs with targeted glycoengineered N-glycans now enable detailed structure–function studies and will lead to the production of IgMs with optimized in vivo activities.
Uncoupling reproduction from metabolism extends chronological lifespan in yeast
Authors: Nagarajan Saisubramanian , Kruckeberg Arthur L. , Schmidt Karen H. , Kroll Evgueny , Hamilton Morgan , McInnerney Kate , Summers Ryan , Taylor Timothy , Rosenzweig Frank
Published: April 2014

Significance

All cells age and do so in relation to how many times a cell divides (replicative aging) and how long a nondividing cell can live (chronological aging). Bakers’ yeast has been used to study both, but because yeast divides when nutrient levels permit, the genetics of its chronological lifespan has only been studied under calorie restriction, mimicked by starvation. Because many terminally differentiated animal cells are long-lived and rarely starve, we developed a model of cell lifespan under calorie-unrestricted conditions. When encapsulated and fed ad libitum, yeast goes into cell cycle arrest, continues to be metabolically active, and remains viable for weeks, offering a new experimental paradigm to study chronological lifespan in the absence of calorie restriction.
Cryptic MHC class I-binding peptides are revealed by aminoglycoside-induced stop codon read-through into the 3′ UTR
Authors: Goodenough Elliot , Robinson Tara M. , Zook Matthew B. , Flanigan Kevin M. , Atkins John F. , Howard Michael T. , Eisenlohr Laurence C.
Published: April 2014

Significance

Many genetic disorders, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis, are caused by a defective protein resulting from a premature termination codon (PTC) in the mutant gene. Aminoglycosides have been proposed as therapies for these disorders because they increase the frequency of translational read-through of PTCs, permitting expression of full-length protein. We consider the possibility that this approach may prompt an autoimmune response to HLA-presented epitopes encoded downstream of the PTC or other stop codons. We demonstrate that gentamicin induces immunologically relevant levels of an epitope derived from PTC read-through. Furthermore, we identify multiple HLA class I-binding peptides derived from read-through of conventional stop codons in gentamicin-treated cells. These results substantiate the possibility of immune autoreactivity from read-through therapies.
East–West relations in the mouse world: A historical perspective
Authors: Sato Akie , Klein Jan
Published: April 2014

Population genetics of the house mouse,Mus musculus/domesticus, has become a “hot” area of research, in which the biochemical–molecular approach has largely replaced the more traditional morphological–anatomical methods of investigation. In this essay – commemorating Professor Uzi Ritte’s recent passing – the authors, one of whom abandoned mouse genetics some 30 years ago, offer a historical perspective in which they point out the confusion that has accompanied mouse taxonomy from its modern beginnings. They then tender their view of the problems associated with the biochemical–molecular studies of mouse taxonomy and speciation. They conclude with a plea to rely less on abstract models and more on empirical data and mouse biology, and for a return to the Heraclitean–Darwinian view of nature in taxonomy.
Christianity Today, J. Howard Pew, and the Business of Conservative Evangelicalism
Authors: Grem Darren E.
Published: April 2014

Founded in 1956 by Billy Graham, L. Nelson Bell, and a cadre of evangelical theologians and business leaders,Christianity Today(CT) was—and still is—the world’s foremost Christian periodical. From the late 1950s through the early 1970s, CT’s editors also branded it as a new vehicle for conservative discourse and public assertiveness, especially regarding the relationship of the state to church, business, and society. Given CT’s theological and political stances, it garnered financial support and institutional direction from oil executive J. Howard Pew. This essay examines Pew’s contributions as a way of understanding the crucial role played by business elites in the construction of American conservative evangelicalism. Moreover, through a case study of CT, this essay re-periodizes the origins of corporate-evangelical alliances to the early twentieth century and evaluates the relative successes and failures of conservatives in postwar evangelicalism, state policy, and cultural politics.
Novel Helicobacter pylori Sequencing Test Identifies High Rate of Clarithromycin Resistance
Authors: Mitui Midori , Patel Ashish , Leos N. Kristine , Doern Christopher D. , Park Jason Y.
Published: April 2014

Objectives:

Eradication therapy selection for Helicobacter pylori gastritis requires knowledge of the local resistance rate to clarithromycin. There is minimal population‐based or regional data in the United States on pediatric clarithromycin resistance. Although commercial methods such as fluorescence in situ hybridization and DNA probe assays are available in Europe for the evaluation of H pylori 23S rRNA mutations associated with resistance, clinical testing for 23S rRNA in the United States is not widely available. This study examined a single pediatric institution's clarithromycin resistance rate by a DNA polymerase chain reaction/sequencing assay applied to archived gastric biopsy specimens.

Methods:

From the period 2010 to 2012, 38 H pylori–infected gastric biopsies were examined from archived formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) material. The 23S rRNA gene of H pylori was polymerase chain reaction amplified and sequenced for the identification of point mutations that are associated with clarithromycin therapeutic resistance.

Results:

By 23S rRNA gene sequencing, 50% (n = 19) of the specimens contained H pylori with mutations significant for clarithromycin resistance.

Conclusions:

This study is consistent with other pediatric reports suggesting significant H pylori clarithromycin resistance in the United States. Furthermore, the method used in this study can be used by hospital‐based clinical laboratories to assess local clarithromycin resistance from archived biopsy material.
Lutein and Preterm Infants With Decreased Concentrations of Brain Carotenoids
Authors: Vishwanathan Rohini , Kuchan Matthew J. , Sen Sarbattama , Johnson Elizabeth J.
Published: April 2014

Objectives:

Lutein and zeaxanthin are dietary carotenoids that may influence visual and cognitive development. The objective of this study was to provide the first data on distribution of carotenoids in the infant brain and compare concentrations in preterm and term infants.

Methods:

Voluntarily donated brain tissues from 30 infants who died during the first 1.5 years of life were obtained from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Brain and Tissue Bank. Tissues (hippocampus and prefrontal, frontal, auditory, and occipital cortices) were extracted using standard lipid extraction procedures and analyzed using reverse‐phase high‐pressure liquid chromatography.

Results:

Lutein, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin, and β‐carotene were the major carotenoids found in the infant brain tissues. Lutein was the predominant carotenoid accounting for 59% of total carotenoids. Preterm infants (n = 8) had significantly lower concentrations of lutein, zeaxanthin, and cryptoxanthin in their brain compared with term infants (n = 22) despite similarity in postmenstrual age. Among formula‐fed infants, preterm infants (n = 3) had lower concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin compared with term infants (n = 5). Brain lutein concentrations were not different between breast milk–fed (n = 3) and formula‐fed (n = 5) term decedents. In contrast, term decedents with measurable brain cryptoxanthin, a carotenoid that is inherently low in formula, had higher brain lutein, suggesting that the type of feeding is an important determinant of brain lutein concentrations.

Conclusions:

These data reveal preferential accumulation and maintenance of lutein in the infant brain despite underrepresentation in the typical infant diet. Further investigation on the impact of lutein on neural development in preterm infants is warranted.
Quantitative genetic versions of Hamilton's rule with empirical applications
Authors: McGlothlin Joel W. , Wolf Jason B. , Brodie Edmund D. , Moore Allen J.
Published: April 2014

Hamilton's theory of inclusive fitness revolutionized our understanding of the evolution of social interactions. Surprisingly, an incorporation of Hamilton's perspective into the quantitative genetic theory of phenotypic evolution has been slow, despite the popularity of quantitative genetics in evolutionary studies. Here, we discuss several versions of Hamilton's rule for social evolution from a quantitative genetic perspective, emphasizing its utility in empirical applications. Although evolutionary quantitative genetics offers methods to measure each of the critical parameters of Hamilton's rule, empirical work has lagged behind theory. In particular, we lack studies of selection on altruistic traits in the wild. Fitness costs and benefits of altruism can be estimated using a simple extension of phenotypic selection analysis that incorporates the traits of social interactants. We also discuss the importance of considering the genetic influence of the social environment, or indirect genetic effects (IGEs), in the context of Hamilton's rule. Research in social evolution has generated an extensive body of empirical work focusing—with good reason—almost solely on relatedness. We argue that quantifying the roles of social and non-social components of selection and IGEs, in addition to relatedness, is now timely and should provide unique additional insights into social evolution.
Genetic conflict, kin and the origins of novel genetic systems
Authors: Normark Benjamin B. , Ross Laura
Published: April 2014

Genetic conflict may have played an important role in the evolution of novel genetic systems. The ancestral system of eumendelian genetics is highly symmetrical. Those derived from it (e.g. thelytokous parthenogenesis, haplodiploidy and parent-specific allele expression) are more asymmetrical in the genetic role played by maternal versus paternal alleles. These asymmetries may have arisen from maternal–paternal genetic conflict, or cytonuclear conflict, or from an interaction between them. Asymmetric genetic systems are much more common in terrestrial and freshwater taxa than in marine taxa. We suggest three reasons for this, based on the relative inhospitability of terrestrial environments to three types of organism: (i) pathogens—departure from the marine realm meant escape from many pathogens and parasites, reducing the need for sexual reproduction; (ii) symbionts—symbionts are no more important in the terrestrial realm than the marine realm but are more likely to be obligately intracellular and vertically transmitted, making them more likely to disrupt their host's genetic systems; (iii) Gametes and embryos—because neither gametes nor embryos can be shed into air as easily as into seawater, the mother's body is a more important environment for both types of organisms in the terrestrial realm than in the marine realm. This environment of asymmetric kinship (with neighbours more closely related by maternal alleles than by paternal alleles) may have helped to drive asymmetries in expression and transmission.
War and peace: social interactions in infections
Authors: Leggett Helen C. , Brown Sam P. , Reece Sarah E.
Published: April 2014

One of the most striking facts about parasites and microbial pathogens that has emerged in the fields of social evolution and disease ecology in the past few decades is that these simple organisms have complex social lives, indulging in a variety of cooperative, communicative and coordinated behaviours. These organisms have provided elegant experimental tests of the importance of relatedness, kin discrimination, cooperation and competition, in driving the evolution of social strategies. Here, we briefly review the social behaviours of parasites and microbial pathogens, including their contributions to virulence, and outline how inclusive fitness theory has helped to explain their evolution. We then take a mechanistically inspired ‘bottom-up’ approach, discussing how key aspects of the ways in which parasites and pathogens exploit hosts, namely public goods, mobile elements, phenotypic plasticity, spatial structure and multi-species interactions, contribute to the emergent properties of virulence and transmission. We argue that unravelling the complexities of within-host ecology is interesting in its own right, and also needs to be better incorporated into theoretical evolution studies if social behaviours are to be understood and used to control the spread and severity of infectious diseases.
First principles of Hamiltonian medicine
Authors: Crespi Bernard , Foster Kevin , Úbeda Francisco
Published: April 2014

We introduce the field of Hamiltonian medicine, which centres on the roles of genetic relatedness in human health and disease. Hamiltonian medicine represents the application of basic social-evolution theory, for interactions involving kinship, to core issues in medicine such as pathogens, cancer, optimal growth and mental illness. It encompasses three domains, which involve conflict and cooperation between: (i) microbes or cancer cells, within humans, (ii) genes expressed in humans, (iii) human individuals. A set of six core principles, based on these domains and their interfaces, serves to conceptually organize the field, and contextualize illustrative examples. The primary usefulness of Hamiltonian medicine is that, like Darwinian medicine more generally, it provides novel insights into what data will be productive to collect, to address important clinical and public health problems. Our synthesis of this nascent field is intended predominantly for evolutionary and behavioural biologists who aspire to address questions directly relevant to human health and disease.
Joint phenotypes, evolutionary conflict and the fundamental theorem of natural selection
Authors: Queller David C.
Published: April 2014

Multiple organisms can sometimes affect a common phenotype. For example, the portion of a leaf eaten by an insect is a joint phenotype of the plant and insect and the amount of food obtained by an offspring can be a joint trait with its mother. Here, I describe the evolution of joint phenotypes in quantitative genetic terms. A joint phenotype for multiple species evolves as the sum of additive genetic variances in each species, weighted by the selection on each species. Selective conflict between the interactants occurs when selection takes opposite signs on the joint phenotype. The mean fitness of a population changes not just through its own genetic variance but also through the genetic variance for its fitness that resides in other species, an update of Fisher's fundamental theorem of natural selection. Some similar results, using inclusive fitness, apply to within-species interactions. The models provide a framework for understanding evolutionary conflicts at all levels.
Fluorescent Visualization of Germline Apoptosis in Living Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Lant Benjamin , Derry W. Brent
Published: April 2014

Visualization of apoptosis using fluorescent tools is quite straightforward in living Caenorhabditis elegans. Several transgenic lines are available that mark dying cells with fluorescent proteins, making it possible to quantify kinetics at various stages of the apoptotic process. Proteins required for the engulfment of cell corpses are particularly useful for detecting early apoptotic stages using this approach. For example, expression of the engulfment protein CED-1 fused to green fluorescent protein (CED-1::GFP) creates a halo around cells during early apoptosis, before their refractile morphology can be detected by differential interference contrast (DIC) optics. In addition, vital dyes such as acridine orange (AO) and SYTO-12 are selectively retained in apoptotic cells and can be used to visualize apoptosis in the germlines of living animals. It is also possible to use vital dyes in combination with transgenic strains expressing fluorescent markers of cell corpses to examine, in detail, multiple stages of apoptosis in vivo. Because of the high optical contrast of fluorescent reagents, apoptosis can be visualized even at low magnification, facilitating the use of screening platforms to identify apoptosis regulators. This protocol describes multiple uses of fluorescent reagents for visualization of germline apoptosis in living C. elegans, including AO staining, time-course studies using fluorescent proteins, and low-throughput screening of cell death genes using RNA interference (RNAi).
Video Microscopy, Video Cameras, and Image Enhancement
Authors: Oshiro Masafumi , Moomaw Lowell A. , Keller H. Ernst
Published: April 2014

Video microscopy is the application of video technology to microscopy, resulting in two fields of microscopy called video-enhanced contrast microscopy (VEC) and video-intensified microscopy (VIM). VEC involves the production of an image from a specimen that is invisible to the eye, either because of a lack of contrast or because of its spectral characteristics (UV or infrared). VIM involves imaging a specimen when the light levels are too low for standard cameras or, in some cases, even for the eye. Images are produced by VIM using image analysis computers.
[2-(Benzylideneamino)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl](phenyl)methanone
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Jasinski Jerry P. , Kavitha Channappa N. , Yathirajan Hemmige S. , Byrappa K.
Published: April 2014

In the title compound, C22H19NOS, the cyclohexene ring of the tetrahydrobenzothiophenyl ring system adopts a slightly distorted half-chair conformation and is twisted slightly [7.5 (8)° for the major disorder component] from the mean plane of the thiophene ring. The dihedral angles between the mean planes of the thiophene ring and the phenyl rings are 65.7 (3) and 8.3 (4)°. The phenyl rings are twisted with respect to each other by 73.8 (7)°. Disorder was modeled for four C atoms of the cyclohexene ring over two sets of sites with an occupancy ratio of 0.659 (2):0.341 (2). In the crystal, a single weak C—H...O interaction links the molecules into [001] chains.
Influence of the technological properties of vegetable rennet (Cynara cardunculus) on the physicochemical, sensory and rheological characteristics of ‘Torta del Casar’ cheese
Authors: Ordiales Elena , Martín Alberto , Benito María José , Fernández Margarita , Casquete Rocío , de Guía Córdoba María
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this work was to investigate the influence of technological properties of vegetable rennet (Cynara cardunculus) on the characteristics of ‘Torta del Casar’ cheese to establish the parameters that can be useful for quality control of this coagulant. The physicochemical, microbial, texture and sensory properties of the cheeses were evaluated and correlated to clotting and proteolytic activities of the vegetable rennets used for their manufacture. The level of in vitro degradation of α‐casein and κ‐casein/β‐casein degradation ratio was found to be good tools to predict the effect of vegetable rennet on the rheological properties of these cheeses.
Synthesis of novel bioactive lactose‐derived oligosaccharides by microbial glycoside hydrolases
Authors: Díez‐Municio Marina , Herrero Miguel , Olano Agustín , Moreno F. Javier
Published: April 2014

Prebiotic oligosaccharides are increasingly demanded within the Food Science domain because of the interesting healthy properties that these compounds may induce to the organism, thanks to their beneficial intestinal microbiota growth promotion ability. In this regard, the development of new efficient, convenient and affordable methods to obtain this class of compounds might expand even further their use as functional ingredients. This review presents an overview on the most recent interesting approaches to synthesize lactose‐derived oligosaccharides with potential prebiotic activity paying special focus on the microbial glycoside hydrolases that can be effectively employed to obtain these prebiotic compounds. The most notable advantages of using lactose‐derived carbohydrates such as lactosucrose, galactooligosaccharides from lactulose, lactulosucrose and 2‐α‐glucosyl‐lactose are also described and commented.
Using an Educational Electronic Documentation System to Help Nursing Students Accurately Identify Patient Data
Authors: Pobocik Tamara
Published: April 2014

Purpose

This quantitative research study used a pretest/posttest design and reviewed how an educational electronic documentation system helped nursing students to identify the accurate “related to” statement of the nursing diagnosis for the patient in the case study.

Methods

Students in the sample population were senior nursing students in a bachelor of science nursing program in the northeastern United States. Two distinct groups were used for a control and intervention group. The intervention group used the educational electronic documentation system for three class assignments. Both groups were given a pretest and posttest case study. The Accuracy Tool was used to score the students' responses to the related to statement of a nursing diagnosis given at the end of the case study. The scores of the Accuracy Tool were analyzed, and then the numeric scores were placed in SPSS, and the paired t test scores were analyzed for statistical significance. The intervention group's scores were statistically different from the pretest scores to posttest scores, while the control group's scores remained the same from pretest to posttest.

Implications

The recommendation to nursing education is to use the educational electronic documentation system as a teaching pedagogy to help nursing students prepare for nursing practice.
Episodic Binge Ethanol Exposure Impairs Murine Macrophage Infiltration and Delays Wound Closure by Promoting Defects in Early Innate Immune Responses
Authors: Curtis Brenda J. , Hlavin Sara , Brubaker Aleah L. , Kovacs Elizabeth J. , Radek Katherine A.
Published: April 2014

Background

Exacerbation of cutaneous wound infections and delayed wound closure are frequent complications seen in alcohol exposed subjects who sustain injuries. We previously reported that acute alcohol exposure alters the early dermal inflammatory phase of wound healing and also several parameters of the proliferative wound healing phase in wounds from ethanol (EtOH)‐treated mice for several days or weeks after EtOH exposure. Hence, it is likely that the cumulative defects arising in the early phases of the wound healing process directly contribute to the increased complications observed in intoxicated patients at the time of injury.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were given intraperitoneal EtOH (2.2 g/kg body weight) or vehicle (saline) EtOH using our episodic binge EtOH exposure protocol (3 days EtOH, 4 days off, 3 days EtOH) to yield a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 300 mg/dl at the time of wounding. Mice were subjected to six 3 mm full‐thickness dorsal wounds and immediately treated topically with 10 μl of sterile saline (control) or diluted Staphylococcus aureus corresponding to 1 × 104 CFU/wound. Wounds were harvested at 24 hours post injury to evaluate wound area, neutrophil and macrophage accumulation, and the protein levels of cytokines, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), IL‐1β, and IL‐10, and chemokines, macrophage inflammatory protein‐2 (MIP‐2) and MIP‐1α, monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1), and keratinocyte‐derived chemokine (KC). The abundance and localization of cathelicidin‐related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP) and the kallikrein epidermal proteases (KLK5 and KLK7) were also determined.

Results

Compared to control mice, EtOH‐treated mice exhibited delayed wound closure, decreased macrophage accumulation, and impaired production of MIP‐1α. Furthermore, skin from EtOH‐treated mice demonstrated a reduction in the abundance of epidermal CRAMP and KLK7.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that EtOH exposure hinders several distinct components of the innate immune response, including phagocyte recruitment and chemokine/cytokine and AMP production. Together, these effects likely contribute to delayed wound closure and enhanced infection severity observed in intoxicated patients.
Association between stricter alcohol advertising regulations and lower hazardous drinking across European countries
Authors: Bosque‐Prous Marina , Espelt Albert , Guitart Anna M. , Bartroli Montserrat , Villalbí Joan R. , Brugal M. Teresa
Published: April 2014

Aims

To analyse the association between alcohol advertising restrictions and the prevalence of hazardous drinking among people aged 50–64 years in 16 European countries, taking into account both individual and contextual‐level factors (alcohol taxation, availability, etc.).

Design

Cross‐sectional study based on SHARE project surveys.

Setting and Participants

A total of 27 773 subjects, aged 50–64 years, from 16 European countries who participated in wave 4 of the SHARE (Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe) project.

Measurements

We estimated the prevalence of hazardous drinking (through adaptation of the SHARE questions to the scheme used by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test Consumption (AUDIT‐C) for each country. To determine whether the degree of advertising restrictions was associated with prevalence of hazardous drinking, we fitted robust variance multi‐level Poisson models, adjusting for various individual and contextual variables. Prevalence ratios (PR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were obtained.

Findings

The observed prevalence of hazardous drinking was 24.1%, varying by sex and country. Countries with greater advertising restrictions had lower prevalence of hazardous drinking: 30.6% (95% CI = 29.3–31.8) in countries with no restrictions, 20.3% (95% CI = 19.3–21.2) in countries with some restrictions and 14.4% (95% CI = 11.9–16.8) in those with greatest restrictions. The PR found (with respect to countries with greatest restrictions) were 1.36 (95% CI = 0.90–2.06) for countries with some restrictions and 1.95 (95% CI = 1.31–2.91) for those with no advertising restrictions.

Conclusions

The extent of advertising restrictions in European countries is associated inversely with prevalence of hazardous drinking in people aged 50–64 years.
Optical Coherence Tomography‐Guided Retinal Prosthesis Design: Model of Degenerated Retinal Curvature and Thickness for Patient‐Specific Devices
Authors: Opie Nicholas L. , Ayton Lauren N. , Apollo Nicholas V. , Ganesan Kumaravelu , Guymer Robyn H. , Luu Chi D.
Published: April 2014

Retinitis pigmentosa affects over 1.5 million people worldwide and is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness. While retinal prostheses have shown some success in restoring basic levels of vision, only generic, “one‐size‐fits‐all” devices are currently being implanted. In this study, we used optical coherence tomography scans of the degenerated retina from 88 patients with retinitis pigmentosa to generate models of retinal thickness and curvature for the design of customized implants. We found the average retinal thickness at the fovea to be 152.9 ± 61.3 μm, increasing to a maximum retinal thickness of 250.9 ± 57.5 μm at a nasal eccentricity of 5°. These measures could be used to assist the development of custom‐made penetrating electrodes to enhance and optimize epiretinal prostheses. From the retinal thickness measurements, we determined that the optimal length of penetrating electrodes to selectively stimulate retinal ganglion cell bodies and interneuron axons in the ganglion cell layer should be 30–100 μm, and to preferentially stimulate interneurons in the inner nuclear layer, electrodes should be 100–200 μm long. Electrodes greater than 200 μm long had the potential to penetrate through the retina into the choroid, which could cause devastating complications to the eye and should be avoided. The two‐ and three‐dimensional models of retinal thickness developed in this study can be used to design patient‐specific epiretinal implants that will help with safety and to optimize the efficacy of neuronal stimulation, ensuring the best functional performance of the device for patients.
Impacts of newly liberalised policies on customary land rights of forest‐dwelling populations: A case study from East Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Urano Mariko
Published: April 2014

Based on interviews and participant observation conducted in the province of East Kalimantan, Indonesia, from 2008 to 2012, this paper examines why the agrarian reforms have failed to secure the land rights of local farmers. Since the fall of the authoritarian government in 1998, Indonesia has seen limited, but growing government recognition of customary land rights of local farmers living in forest areas. I present a case study of two villages, in which the greater discretion on the part of the local community to negotiate with large‐scale oil palm estates has led to the abuse of power by local elites, as well as territorial tensions between local communities. The finding questions the optimistic view that state recognition of customary land rights of communities would automatically lead to the security of landownership of local farmers, and its underlying image of harmonious local communities in which members share coherent interests. The agrarian reform that has centred on communities' rights of control over land and natural resources is problematic. When local communities do not possess capabilities for resolving conflicts in an equitable and transparent manner, third‐party intervention is needed to assist communities to strengthen local land rights.
Comparing incidence of enterocolitis after laparoscopic and open low anterior resection for stage II/III rectal cancer
Authors: Inomata Masafumi , Kusano Toru , Etoh Tsuyoshi , Akagi Tomonori , Shibata Tomotaka , Ueda Yoshitake , Tojigamori Manabu , Shiroshita Hidefumi , Noguchi Tsuyoshi , Shiraishi Norio , Kitano Seigo
Published: April 2014

Introduction

We recently observed an increased incidence of severe enterocolitis following laparoscopic low anterior resection (LAR) in some patients with stage II/III rectal cancer. This study aimed to examine the influence of laparoscopic LAR on postoperative enterocolitis compared with open LAR for Stage II/III rectal cancer.

Methods

From April 2002 to March 2012, we evaluated 65 patients with stage II/III cancer of the upper or lower rectum who underwent LAR. Among these, 27 patients underwent open LAR and 38 underwent laparoscopic LAR. First, we compared short‐term outcomes between the two groups. Next, we evaluated the incidence of postoperative enterocolitis in the laparoscopic LAR group. The clinicopathological factors were examined by univariate and odds ratio (OR) analysis.

Results

Univariate analysis revealed significant differences in the occupancy rate, tumor location, depth of tumor invasion, operative time, amount of intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative enterocolitis between the laparoscopic and open groups. Postoperative enterocolitis developed in 6 of 38 patients (15.8%) in the laparoscopic group and in no patient in the open group. The occurrence of postoperative enterocolitis was significantly associated with BMI (≥28 kg/m2), operative time, and wound infection in the laparoscopic LAR group (OR: 0.11, 95% confidence interval: 0.044–0.280, P < 0.05; OR: 1.40, 95% confidence interval: 1.068–1.835, P < 0.05; and OR: 15.0, 95% confidence interval, 1.752–128.310, P < 0.05, respectively).

Conclusion

Postoperative enterocolitis occurred more frequently after laparoscopic LAR than after open LAR in patients with stage II/III rectal cancer. Clinical management in the perioperative period of laparoscopic LAR is necessary to prevent postoperative enterocolitis in obese patients and those with a prolonged operative time.
Identifying Strategies to Mitigate Handling Risks in the Canadian Grain Supply Chain
Authors: Ge Houtian , Nolan James , Gray Richard
Published: April 2014

The introduction of new generation agricultural products has generated an increased need for efficient and accurate product segregation across a number of Canadian agricultural sectors. As a key component of wheat handling in the Canadian grain industry, grading of wheat for value‐added blending has historically been accomplished by visual identification. As of 2008 in Canada, visual identification was eliminated for all primary classes of wheat and replaced by an alternative system of wheat declaration. Given the high costs of testing each truck and railcar for quality assurance, the declaration system must rely on incentives and trust as there is now considerable potential for accidental or opportunistic misrepresentation throughout the grain supply chain. This research attempts to identify cost‐effective handling strategies and policies so as to maintain the integrity of the supply chain under the new declaration system. An agent‐based simulation model is developed to capture the effects of individual heterogeneity as well as behavioral adaption to the declaration system within the modern wheat supply chain. The simulated results are used to identify superior testing strategies for handlers, along with the relative risks and costs associated with each of the testing strategies.
Cardiovascular responsiveness to sympathoexcitatory stress in subjects with and without mild hypertension
Authors: Carthy Elliott R. , White Leigh , Russell Fraser D. , Holmes Mark , Leicht Anthony S. , Brooks Peter R. , Hitchen‐Holmes Deborah , Askew Christopher D.
Published: April 2014

Purpose

This study compared blood pressure, heart rate variability (HRV) and forearm blood flow, at rest and in response to sympathoexcitatory stressors between normotensive and mildly hypertensive participants.

Methods

Participants aged 30–79 years with normal blood pressure (n = 49) or mild hypertension (n = 17), with no history of taking antihypertensive medication, were recruited. Participants completed a cold pressor test (CPT) followed by an ischaemic handgrip test (IHGT). Blood pressure, HRV, forearm blood flow and vascular resistance were measured at rest and in response to each test.

Results

The CPT and IHGT evoked greater increases in mean arterial blood pressure in hypertensive participants (CPT: 10 ± 2 mmHg, IHGT: 9 ± 1 mmHg) compared with normotensive participants (CPT: 5 ± 1 mmHg, IHGT: 3 ± 1 mmHg; P<0·05). Resting high frequency power, which is a parameter of HRV associated with parasympathetic cardiac modulation, was lower in hypertensive participants (hypertensive: 31·73 ± 4·07 nu; normotensive: 42·08 ± 2·22 nu; P = 0·026) and was negatively correlated with systolic blood pressure (r = −0·272, P = 0·03) and mean arterial pressure across all participants (r = −0·258, P<0·05). There were no differences in HRV or forearm blood flow responses to the CPT or IHGT between groups.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that sympathoexcitatory stress evoked by the CPT and IHGT induces an augmented blood pressure response in individuals with mild hypertension, which supports the notion that autonomic dysfunction is likely to contribute to the pathogenesis of hypertension. It remains to be determined whether the hypertensive response is mediated through alterations in cardiac activity, peripheral vascular resistance or both.
Validity of a portable computer‐based ultrasound system for estimating adipose tissue in female gymnasts
Authors: Loenneke Jeremy P. , Barnes Jeremy T. , Wagganer Jason D. , Pujol Thomas J.
Published: April 2014

The aim of this investigation was to determine the validity of a portable ultrasound instrument for estimating adipose tissue (AT%) compared to dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) in female collegiate gymnasts. Participants had their measurements taken in the following order: urine‐specific gravity, body mass, height, ultrasound determined AT% (1‐site and 3‐site) and DXA determined AT%. The current pilot study found significant differences between estimates of AT% (P < 0·001). Pearson's correlations between DXA and 1‐site and 3‐site estimates were r = 0·786 and r = 0·753, respectively. The standard error of the estimate between DXA and 1‐site and 3‐site estimates was 3·6% and 3·9%, respectively. However, the average deviation of individual scores from the line of identity was 6·7% for the 1‐site and 4·9% for the 3‐site, when compared with the DXA estimate. The results of this preliminary study found that the portable ultrasound was not a valid estimate of AT% when compared with the DXA estimate in female collegiate gymnasts.
Providing a population‐based perspective on the perinatal factors associated with cerebral palsy
Authors: Kirby Russell S
Published: April 2014

This commentary is on the original article by Trønnes et al. on pages 779–785 of this issue.