bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant and trypsin inhibition activity of dioscorin influenced by yam cultivars and eluent pH
Authors: Kao Wen‐Tzu , Chang Chen‐Tien , Lin Kuo‐Wei
Published: April 2012

The total antioxidant activity (TAA) and trypsin inhibition activity (TIA) of storage protein dioscorin from six yam cultivars (Dashan, Hualien No. 3, Keelung, Mingchien, Tainong No. 2, and Japanese yam) were demonstrated. Japanese yam had the highest TAA and the lowest calculated EC50 at any purification stage. Following gel permeation, dioscorins purified from Hualien No. 3 and Japanese yam showed the highest TIA and lowest calculated IC50. Dioscorin with higher TIA apparently possesses better TAA. The pIs of dioscorin from all yam species were in the range of 5.94–4.33 indicating acidic protein in nature. Results from isoelectric focusing chromatography showed regardless of species higher TIA for dioscorin eluted at lower pH.
Cellular aspects of the distinct M protein and SfbI anchoring pathways in Streptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Raz Assaf , Talay Susanne R. , Fischetti Vincent A.
Published: April 2012

Wall‐anchored surface proteins are critical for the in vivo survival of Streptococcus pyogenes. Cues in the signal sequence direct the membrane translocation of surface proteins: M protein to the septum, and SfbI to the poles. Both proteins are subsequently anchored to the wall by the membrane bound enzyme sortase A. However, the cellular features of these pathways are not fully understood. Here we show that M protein and SfbI are anchored simultaneously throughout the cell cycle. M protein is rapidly anchored at the septum, and in part of the cell cycle, is anchored simultaneously at the mother and daughter septa. Conversely, SfbI accumulates gradually on peripheral peptidoglycan, resulting in a polar distribution. Sortase is not required for translocation of M protein or SfbI at their respective locations. Methicillin‐induced unbalanced peptidoglycan synthesis diminishes surface M protein but not SfbI. Furthermore, overexpression of the division regulator DivIVA also diminishes surface M protein but increases SfbI. These results demonstrate a close connection between the regulation of cell division and protein anchoring. Better understanding of the spatial regulation of surface anchoring may lead to the identification of novel targets for the development of anti‐infective agents, given the importance of surface molecules for pathogenesis.
Hydroxyurea‐induced dermatomyositis: true amyopathic dermatomyositis or dermatomyositis‐like eruption?
Authors: Nofal Ahmad , El‐Din Eman Salah
Published: April 2012

Background  Hydroxyurea‐induced dermatomyositis is a rare adverse reaction of long‐term hydroxyurea therapy. It has been reported under different names; however, the exact classification and nomenclature of this eruption have been the subject of much debate, and a more precise term is still awaiting. Herein, we review the different aspects of this reaction and suggest a new term that might help to minimize the confusion about its nomenclature.

Materials and methods  We describe a 68‐year‐old woman who had been on long‐term hydroxyurea therapy for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia for nine years. She presented with typical dermatomyositis‐like lesions and many of the other mucocutaneous adverse effects of hydroxyurea.

Results  Skin examination revealed typical Gottron’s papules on the dorsa of the hands, atrophy, xerosis, acquired ichthyosis, photosensitivity, cutaneous, oral and nail hyperpigmentation, acral erythema, palmoplantar keratoderma, actinic keratoses, and leg ulcers. There was no clinical or laboratory evidence of proximal muscle weakness. Cessation of hydroxyurea was associated with remarkable improvement of the skin lesions.

Conclusion  Hydroxyurea‐induced dermatomyositis is a rare drug‐induced dermatomyositis characterized by skin lesions identical to classic dermatomyositis without clinical or laboratory evidence of myositis. We propose that the term hydroxyurea‐induced amyopathic dermatomyositis that adequately describes the findings reported in this subset of patients would be more precise and specific.
Association of µ‐opioid receptor (OPRM1) gene polymorphism with response to naltrexone in alcohol dependence: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chamorro Antonio‐Javier , Marcos Miguel , Mirón‐Canelo José‐Antonio , Pastor Isabel , González‐Sarmiento Rogelio , Laso Francisco‐Javier
Published: April 2012

Previous studies have suggested that the effect of naltrexone in patients with alcohol dependence may be moderated by genetic factors. In particular, the possession of the G allele of the A118G polymorphism of the µ‐opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) has been associated with a better response to naltrexone, although controversial results have been reported. The aim of this paper is to combine previous findings by means of a systematic review and a meta‐analysis. We retrieved studies on the relationship between A118G polymorphism in OPRM1 gene and response to treatment with naltrexone in patients with alcohol dependence by means of electronic database search. A meta‐analysis was conducted using a random‐effects model. Calculations of odds ratio (OR) and their confidence intervals (CI) and tests for heterogeneity of the results have been performed. Six previous studies have analyzed the role of A118G polymorphism in response to naltrexone for alcohol dependence. After meta‐analysis, we found that naltrexone‐treated patients carrying the G allele had lower relapse rates than those who were homozygous for the A allele (OR: 2.02, 95% CI 1.26–3.22; P = 0.003). There were no differences in abstinence rates. Our results support the fact that the G allele of A118G polymorphism of OPRM1 moderates the effect of naltrexone in patients with alcohol dependence. This genetic marker may therefore identify a subgroup of individuals more likely to respond to this treatment.
Monozygotic twins discordant for intermittent allergic rhinitis differ in mRNA and protein levels
Authors: Sjogren A.‐K. M. , Barrenas F. , Muraro A. , Gustafsson M. , Sætrom P. , Wang H. , Benson M.
Published: April 2012

Monozygotic (MZ) twins discordant for complex diseases may help to find disease mechanisms that are not due to genetic variants. Intermittent allergic rhinitis (IAR) is an optimal disease model because it occurs at defined time points each year, owing to known external antigens. We hypothesized that MZ twins discordant for IAR could help to find gene expression differences that are not dependent on genetic variants. We collected blood outside of the season from MZ twins discordant for IAR, challenged their peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with pollen allergen in vitro, collected supernatants and isolated CD4+ T cells. We identified disease‐relevant mRNAs and proteins that differed between the discordant MZ twins. By contrast, no differences in microRNA expression were found. Our results indicate that MZ twins discordant for IAR is an optimal model to identify disease mechanisms that are not due to genetic variants.
Synthesis of multiple Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm matrix exopolysaccharides is post‐transcriptionally regulated
Authors: Ma Luyan , Wang Juan , Wang Shiwei , Anderson Erin M. , Lam Joseph S. , Parsek Matthew R. , Wozniak Daniel J.
Published: April 2012

Exopolysaccharide is a critical biofilm matrix component, yet little is known about how the synthesis of multiple exopolysaccharides is regulated. Pseudomonas aeruginosa can produce several biofilm matrix exopolysaccharides that include alginate, Psl and Pel. Here we demonstrated that AlgC, a key enzyme that provides sugar precursors for the synthesis of alginate and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) is also required for both Psl and Pel production. We showed that forced‐synthesis of Psl in alginate‐producing mucoid bacteria reduced alginate production but this was not due to transcription of the alginate biosynthesis‐operon. Likewise, when either alginate or Psl were overproduced, levels of B‐band LPS decreased. Induction of Pel resulted in a reduction of Psl levels. Because the effects of reduced exopolysaccharide synthesis when another is overproduced didn't appear to be regulated at the transcriptional level, this suggests that the biosynthesis pathways of Psl, Pel, alginate, and LPS compete for common sugar precursors. As AlgC is the only enzyme that provides precursors for each of these exopolysaccharides, we propose that AlgC is a key checkpoint enzyme that coordinates the total amount of exopolysaccharide biosynthesis by controlling sugar precursor pool. Our data also provide a plausible strategy that P. aeruginosa utilizes to modulate its biofilm matrix exopolysaccharides.
Does Ownership Structure Matter for Firm Technological Innovation Performance? The Case of Korean Firms
Authors: Choi Suk Bong , Park Byung Il , Hong Paul
Published: April 2012

Manuscript Type:Empirical

Research Question/Issue:This study examines the influence of firms' ownership structure on their technological innovation performance. First, we have examined whether ownership concentration positively influences technological innovation performance. Then we have investigated the primary reasons for the results derived from the first stage of our analysis by circumstantially exploring the impacts of four different ownership types.

Research Findings/Insights:Using five sets of cross‐sectional data, consisting of 301 Korean firms, we found that ownership concentration does not have a significant effect on firm technological innovation performance. However, some ownership types (e.g., institutional and foreign) do have a positive effect.

Theoretical/Academic Implications:Drawing on agency theory and the resource dependence perspective, our paper is the first to consider a comprehensive treatment of the effect of ownership types on innovation in an emerging country, in particular in contrast to previous studies that have focused on advanced economies. Since only partial predictions suggested by agency and resource dependence perspectives were supported, it appears that neither theory adequately captures the ownership‐technological innovation performance relationship. Thus, we suggest that future research should explore the question through a different theoretical lens to better understand the impact of ownership types. We suggest that transaction cost economics can be another path to approach the phenomenon.

Practitioner/Policy Implications:This study suggests that managers should recognize how each characteristic of ownership structure (types) influences the building of firm‐specific capabilities for innovation. Policy makers and managers should be aware of the impact of the complete range of ownership types on technological innovation performance when they implement corporate governance reform with greater effectiveness. It also suggests that successful technological catch‐up and innovation not only require policies for upgrading technology capabilities, but also the setting up of a suitable supporting ownership structure that favors innovation of firms in emerging countries. We suggest that successful technological catch‐up and innovation require a supporting ownership structure.
In vivo Stratum Corneum Over‐hydration and Water Diffusion Coefficient Measurements Using Opto‐Thermal Radiometry and TEWL Instruments
Authors: Xiao P. , Wong W. , Cottenden A. M. , Imhof R. E.
Published: April 2012

Synopsis

Skin over‐hydration is a common problem that affects many people who wear incontinence pads or diapers. The aim of this study is to develop a new method for stratum corneum (SC) over‐hydration and SC water diffusion coefficient measurements using opto‐thermal transient emission radiometry (OTTER) and evaporimetry. With OTTER, we can measure the SC surface hydration and hydration gradient. With evaporimetry, we can measure the time‐dependent evaporative drying curves of water vapour flux density (WVFD). The combination of hydration results and WVFD results can yield information on the SC water diffusion coefficient and how it depends on the SC surface hydration level. The results show that SC water diffusion coefficient is non‐linearly proportional to the SC surface hydration level. The results also show strong correlations between evaporative drying flux measured using the Evaporimeter and surface hydration estimated from OTTER measurements.
The factor structure of ADHD in a general population of primary school children
Authors: Ullebø Anne Karin , Breivik Kyrre , Gillberg Christopher , Lundervold Astri J. , Posserud Maj‐Britt
Published: April 2012

Objective:  To examine whether a bifactor model with a general ADHD factor and domain specific factors of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity was supported in a large general population sample of children. We also explored the utility of forming subscales based on the domain‐specific factors.

Methods:  Child mental health questionnaires were completed by both teachers and parents of all children in grades 2–4 in Bergen, Norway. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed on the ADHD items of a modified version of the Swanson, Nolan and Pelham Questionnaire–IV (SNAP‐IV) for 6,237 children.

Results:  The bifactor model showed very good model fit with a strong general ADHD factor and specific factors for impulsivity and inattention. The subfactors, especially hyperactivity, generated from the SNAP‐IV ADHD items conveyed little unique variance in the model.

Conclusions:  The findings in this general population sample with a strong general ADHD factor in the bifactor model supports the view on ADHD as a unitary concept with specific domain factors for inattention and impulsivity, but not for hyperactivity. The bifactor model questions the utility of constructing ADHD subscales by the use of a simple sum score when using the SNAP‐IV.
Safety and tolerability of theta‐burst transcranial magnetic stimulation in children
Authors: WU STEVE W , SHAHANA NASRIN , HUDDLESTON DAVID A , LEWIS AMANDA N , GILBERT DONALD L
Published: April 2012

Aim  Theta‐burst stimulation (TBS) is a lower intensity, high‐frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation technique developed recently for quantifying and modulating cerebral cortical function. Nearly all published studies have involved adults. The aim of this study was to obtain safety data as a basis for evaluating potential risks versus benefits of TBS research in children.

Method  Forty participants under 18 years: 16 with Tourette syndrome (five females, 11 males; mean age 12y, SD 2y 10mo) and 24 typically developing children (12 females, 12 males; mean age 12y 11mo, SD 2y 10mo) underwent intermittent or continuous TBS over the left motor cortex. Open questions, a structured 16‐question review of systems, and visual analog mood scale (VAMS) were administered before and after TBS. A Wilcoxon signed‐rank sum test was used to analyze differences in VAMS scores before and after TBS.

Results  There were no serious adverse events. Five of the 40 children reported mild, self‐limited adverse events: a subjective sensation of finger twitching (n=1), neck stiffness (n=1), and mild headache (n=3). The total adverse event rate was 11.6%. There was no significant change in VAMS score in either group after one session of TBS.

Interpretation  A single session of TBS in children appears to be safe and well tolerated.
Altered Handwriting Suggests Cognitive Impairment and May Be Relevant to Posthumous Evaluation
Authors: Balestrino Maurizio , Fontana Paola , Terzuoli Serena , Volpe Silvia , Inglese Maria Laura , Cocito Leonardo
Published: April 2012

Abstract:  Judging the validity of a disputed will is complex; however, one of the main issues is what the mental status of the testator was at the time of the will. If the will is handwritten, a handwriting analysis can provide information on the mental status of the testator. We tested how two writing parameters (the “writing score,” a novel evaluation scale that we previously described, and the percentage of spelling mistakes) are capable to identify cognitively impaired persons. These parameters are especially helpful because they can be used to evaluate the mental status of a deceased person. We found a significant correlation between either parameter and established scales of neuropsychological evaluation (Mini Mental State Examination and Milan Overall Dementia Assessment scale). Specifically, a poor score on either parameter reliably identified a compromised cognitive status. These may represent helpful additions to existing techniques in posthumously identifying persons with severe cognitive impairment.
Clinico‐pathological impact of fibroplasia in melanocytic nevi: a critical revision of 209 cases
Authors: Cesinaro Anna Maria
Published: April 2012

Fibroplasia is a peculiar stromal reaction at the base of melanocytic lesions, particularly observed in so‐called dysplastic nevi. This study evaluates a series of clinico‐pathological features in nevi with fibroplasia, their frequence in comparison to usual nevi, and the association of fibroplasia with the risk for the development of melanoma. A total of 209 consecutive nevi showing fibroplasia, belonging to 203 patients, was reviewed. Nevi with fibroplasia were more frequent in men, about half of the lesions belonged to patients aged 11–40 years, and the highest number (52%) were located on the posterior trunk. Lesions 6 mm or greater were 152 (72.73%). Junctional and compound nevi were 52 (24.8%), and 157 (75.2%), respectively. Inflammatory infiltrate was present in 67.8% of cases, melanophages in 56.4%, a lentiginous pattern in 31.1%, focal pagetoid infiltration in three lesions. Nevi with fibroplasia constituted 4.27% of all junctional and compound nevi diagnosed in the same period. A total of 23 patients (11.3%) had a personal history of melanoma. The total number of nevi excised from the 203 patients ranged between 1 and 21, and significantly correlated with the patient's personal history of melanoma (p < 0.001). Fibroplasia is relatively infrequent in melanocytic nevi, it does not appear related to a process of senescence of the lesion, and does not represent a particularly strong predictor of risk of melanoma.
Effects of Residence Time and Reaction Conditions on the Deposition of SiC from Methyltrichlorosilane and Hydrogen
Authors: Lu Cuiying , Cheng Laifei , Zhao Chunnian , Zhang Litong , Ye Fang
Published: April 2012

The overall growth kinetics of silicon carbide films deposited from the mixture of methyltrichlorosilane (MTS) and hydrogen were determined by a magnetic suspension microbalance. The results show that three regions are distinguishable in the studied temperature range. In low temperatures (<1000°C), the deposition process is controlled by surface chemical reaction mechanism. The deposition rate has a weak dependence on temperature, and the activation energy is 188 kJ/mol. In mediate temperatures (1100°–1300°C), the deposition rate rapidly increases with increasing temperature, and the activation energy is 100 kJ/mol. The transition temperature of the above two deposition mechanisms lies in 1000°–1100°C. The complex relation between the deposition rate and total pressure can be explained by these two reaction mechanisms, depending on the competition between the residence time and concentrations of precursors. Both the flow rate and the distance into the chemical vapor deposition reactor strongly influence the reactivity. Longer residence time and larger distance of the substrate in reactor lead to decreasing deposition rate, mainly due to the reactant depletion on the wall, decomposition of MTS as well as the concentration of HCl.
Starch Characteristics of Transgenic Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Overexpressing the Dx5 High Molecular Weight Glutenin Subunit are Substantially Equivalent to Those in Nonmodified Wheat
Authors: Beckles Diane M. , Tananuwong Kanitha , Shoemaker Charles F.
Published: April 2012

Abstract:  The effects of engineering higher levels of the High Molecular Weight Glutenin Dx5 subunit on starch characteristics in transgenic wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain were evaluated. This is important because of the interrelationship between starch and protein accumulation in grain, the strong biotechnological interest in modulating Dx5 levels and the increasing likelihood that transgenic wheat will be commercialized in the U.S. Unintended effects of Dx5 overexpression on starch could affect wheat marketability and therefore should be examined. Two controls with native levels of Dx5 were used: (i) the nontransformed Bobwhite cultivar, and (ii) a transgenic line (Bar‐D) expressing a herbicide resistant (bar) gene, and they were compared with 2 transgenic lines (Dx5G and Dx5J) containing bar and additional copies of Dx5. There were few changes between Bar‐D and Dx5G compared to Bobwhite. However, Dx5J, the line with the highest Dx5 protein (×3.5) accumulated 140% more hexose, 25% less starch and the starch had a higher frequency of longer amylopectin chains. These differences were not of sufficient magnitude to influence starch functionality, because granule morphology, crystallinity, amylose‐to‐amylopectin ratio, and the enthalpy of starch gelatinization and the amylose–lipid complex melting were similar to the control (P > 0.05). This overall similarity was borne out by Partial Least Squares‐Discriminant Function Analysis, which could not distinguish among genotypes. Collectively our data imply that higher Dx5 can affect starch accumulation and some aspects of starch molecular structure but that the starches of the Dx5 transgenic wheat lines are substantially equivalent to the controls.

Practical Application:  Transgenic manipulation of biochemical pathways is an effective way to enhance food sensory quality, but it can also lead to unintended effects. These spurious changes are a concern to Government Regulatory Agencies and to those Industries that market the product. In this study we examined if making “specific” changes to the composition of gluten proteins in wheat seeds would simultaneously alter starch, as their synthesis is interrelated and the molecular structure of both determine f lour functionality. This information may be used to address issues of “substantial equivalence” and to inform Industrial End‐Users of possible changes in product performance.
Potential Role of Native Pickling Cucumber Polygalacturonase in Softening of Fresh Pack Pickles
Authors: Cho Mi Jin , Buescher Ron W.
Published: April 2012

Abstract:  This study examined the potential involvement of polygalacturonase (PG) in commercial pickling cucumbers on gradual softening of refrigerated and pasteurized fresh pack pickle products that adversely affects their market‐life. PG activity was detected in all sources of commercial pickling cucumbers and refrigerated pickle spears, and activity was detected in some sources of pasteurized spears. Polygalacturonic acid hydrolysis determined from changes in fluidity, reducing groups and oligogalacturonides indicated involvement of both exo‐ and endo‐PG. Treatment of pasteurized pickle mesocarp tissues with concentrated extracts from pickling cucumbers resulted in rapid softening and alteration of pectic substances. D‐values for thermal inactivation of pickling cucumber PG at 75, 80, 85, and 90 °C were 22.0, 19.5, 14.5, and 4.2 min, respectively, indicating that residual activity would be expected in commercially pasteurized pickle products. It is concluded that residual cucumber PG could be responsible for softening of processed pickle products, and it is suspected that variations in textural quality of given products are caused by differences in residual types and levels of native PG.

Practical Application:  Since enzyme extracts from commercial pickling cucumbers were demonstrated to be capable of softening pickle tissues and that PG activity was present in some processed fresh pack products, methods that inactivate or eliminate the enzyme(s) should reduce softening of products during storage and marketing.
Necrotising ventriculitis due to combined infection with Rhizopus microsporus var. chinensis and Candida krusei in an eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus)
Authors: Muir M , Raidal SR
Published: April 2012

Acute necrosis of the ventriculus is a very uncommon lesion in birds. We describe a fatal case of acute necrotising ventriculitis caused by Rhizopus microsporus var. chinensis in a mature female eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus). The bird presented acutely dull and lethargic, was vomiting and had bright green droppings, suggestive of acute heavy metal poisoning. It was treated with fluids and chelation therapy, but died within 12 h. Necropsy, cytology, histopathology and culture results demonstrated fungal invasion of the ventriculus associated with transmural necrosis, haemorrhage, acute inflammation and abundant R. microsporus var. chinensis and lesser numbers of Candida krusei.
Factors influencing the production of hydrogen by the purple non‐sulphur phototrophic bacterium Rhodopseudomonas acidophila KU001
Authors: Merugu Ramchander , Rudra M. P. Pratap , Badgu Nageshwari , Girisham S. , Reddy S. M.
Published: April 2012

Rhodopseudomonas acidophila KU001 was isolated from leather industry effluents and the effect of different cultural conditions on hydrogen production was studied. Anaerobic light induced more hydrogen production than anaerobic dark conditions. Growing cells produced more amounts of hydrogen between 96 and 144 h of incubation. Resting and growing cells preferred a pH of 6.0 ± 0.24 for hydrogen production. Succinate was the most preferred carbon source for the production of hydrogen while citrate was a poor source of carbon. Acetate and malate were also good carbon sources for hydrogen production under anaerobic light. Among the nitrogen sources, R. acidophila preferred ammonium chloride followed by urea for production of hydrogen. L‐tyrosine was the least preferred nitrogen source by both growing and resting cells.
Short Interest and Frictions in the Flow of Information
Authors: Blau Benjamin
Published: April 2012

This paper examines the correlation between short interest and price delay that parsimoniously measures the delay with which stock prices incorporate information. I find that price delay relates inversely to short interest indicating that short sellers reduce friction in the flow of information into stock prices. While price delay is shown to predict positive returns, this is mostly true in stocks with the least amount of short interest. Multivariate tests determine that the positive relationship between delay and future returns is decreasing in short interest. Results suggest that short sellers reduce delay and arbitrage the return premium commanded by delay.
The Effects of the Reporting of Off‐Balance‐Sheet Investments on EPS Uncertainty, Leverage and Shareholders’ Wealth
Authors: Mantecon Tomas , Conover James , Altintig Acya , Song Kyojik
Published: April 2012

The degree of control over operations affects the quality of information provided to investors. Uncertainty about operating performance increases following the first equity method (EM) reporting of off‐balance‐sheet investments, but only when the investments are joint ventures (JVs). Partners in JVs report lower levels of debt. These results are not due to informational deficiencies of the EM, but to the riskier nature of JVs. Long‐run stock performance analysis indicates that investors experience normal risk‐adjusted returns when investing in firms with economically significant off‐balance sheet investments.
Percutaneous drainage of gastric remnant dilatation after laparoscopic Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass
Authors: Bibyan M , Khandelwal RG , Parmar AK , Reddy PK
Published: April 2012

Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass is a commonly performed bariatric procedure worldwide. Gastric remnant dilatation is an uncommon early complication of this procedure that can be fatal if treatment is delayed, as it can cause peritonitis and death. Herein we report a gastric bypass patient who presented with profound shock 3 months after the surgery. After resuscitation and evaluation, she was diagnosed as having a massive dilatation of gastric remnant, which we managed with percutaneous drainage.
Long‐term outcomes of add‐on adefovir dipivoxil therapy to ongoing lamivudine in patients with lamivudine‐resistant chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Toyama Takashi , Ishida Hisashi , Ishibashi Hiromi , Yatsuhashi Hiroshi , Nakamuta Makoto , Shimada Masaaki , Ohta Hajime , Satoh Takeaki , Kato Michio , Hijioka Taizo , Takano Hirotsugu , Komeda Toshiki , Yagura Michiyasu , Mano Hiroshi , Watanabe Yukio , Kobayashi Masakazu , Mita Eiji
Published: April 2012

Aim:  Add‐on adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) therapy has been a standard rescue treatment for patients with lamivudine (LAM)‐resistant chronic hepatitis B, but the overall benefits of long‐term add‐on ADV therapy are still limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long‐term efficiency of add‐on ADV treatment and to explore predictive factors associated with it.

Methods:  A total of 158 patients with LAM‐resistant chronic hepatitis B were included in this retrospective, multicenter, nationwide study in Japan. After confirming LAM resistance, ADV was added to LAM treatment. Three types of events were considered as outcomes: virological response, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) clearance and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization. Virological response was defined as serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels of less than 3 log copies/mL. Baseline factors contributing to these outcomes were examined by univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results:  The median total duration of ADV treatment was 41 months (range, 6–84). The rate of virological response was 90.8% at 4 years of treatment; HBeAg clearance and ALT normalization were achieved by 34.0% and 82.7%, respectively, at the end of follow up. Each outcome had different predictive factors: baseline HBV DNA and albumin level were predictive factors for virological response, history of interferon therapy and ALT level for HBeAg clearance, and sex and baseline albumin level for ALT normalization.

Conclusion:  Long‐term add‐on ADV treatment was highly effective in LAM‐resistant chronic hepatitis B patients in terms of virological and biochemical responses. Lower HBV replication and lower albumin level at baseline led to better outcomes.
End‐of‐Life Inventory Decisions for Consumer Electronics Service Parts
Authors: Pourakbar M. , Frenk J. B. G. , Dekker R.
Published: April 2012

We consider a consumer electronics manufacturer's problem of controlling the inventory of spare parts in the final phase of the service life cycle. The final phase starts when the part production is terminated and continues until the last service contract or warranty period expires. Placing final orders for service parts is considered to be a popular tactic to satisfy demand during this period and to mitigate the effect of part obsolescence at the end of the service life cycle. Previous research focuses on repairing defective products by replacing the defective parts with properly functioning spare ones. However, for consumer electronic products there typically is considerable price erosion while repair costs stay steady over time. As a consequence, there might be a point in time at which the unit price of the product drops below the repair costs. If so, it is more cost effective to adopt an alternative policy to meet service demands toward the end of the final phase, such as offering customers a new product of the similar type or a discount on a next generation product. This study examines the cost trade‐offs of implementing alternative policies for the repair policy and develops an exact expression for the expected total cost function. Using this expression, the optimal final order quantity and switching time from repair to an alternative policy can be determined simultaneously. Numerical analysis of a real world case sheds light on the cost benefits of these policies and also yields insights into the quantitative importance of the various cost parameters.
Lameness associated with tarsocrural joint pathology in 17 mature horses (1997–2010)
Authors: Fleck S. K. V. , Dyson S. J.
Published: April 2012

Pain originating from the tarsus is a common cause of lameness; however, there are limited descriptions of tarsocrural joint (TCrJ) pathology in mature horses. The objectives were to describe the clinical features and diagnostic imaging findings of skeletally mature horses with TCrJ pathology, and to determine the clinical outcome. Case records and images of 17 horses examined at the Animal Health Trust, between 1997 and 2010, with pathology associated with the TCrJ were evaluated and follow‐up information obtained. TCrJ pathology was associated with a range of conditions and resulted in mild to severe lameness. Perineural analgesia of the tibial and fibular nerves improved lameness in all limbs, whereas intra‐articular analgesia of the TCrJ improved lameness >50% in 12/17 limbs (70.6%), <50% in 3/17 limbs (17.6%) and in 2 limbs produced no change. Radiological abnormalities of the TCrJ were identified in 8/19 (42.1%) limbs. Nuclear scintigraphy detected abnormalities of the TCrJ in 4/11 (36.4%) limbs. Ultrasonographic abnormalities of the TCrJ were identified in 4/10 (40%) limbs; all horses had chronic synovitis. In addition, one horse also had a large amount of fluid, of heterogeneous echogenicity, consistent with haemarthrosis, confirmed by arthrocentesis. Abnormalities on magnetic resonance images were identified in one limb. Abnormalities of the TCrJ were identified arthroscopically in 4/5 (80%) lame limbs; however, one horse that responded positively to intra‐articular analgesia had no detectable abnormality. Two horses returned to full athletic function following rest: one with TCrJ haemarthrosis, and one with an incomplete parasagittal fracture of the talus. Intra‐articular medication resulted in improvement in lameness and return to work in one horse with osteoarthritis (OA) of the TCrJ, but had no effect in any other horse. We conclude that the prognosis for return to work is poor for horses with both OA of the TCrJ, and osteochondritis dissecans and secondary OA.
Dislocation Damping and Anisotropic Seismic Wave Attenuation in Earth's Upper Mantle
Authors: Farla Robert J. M. , Jackson Ian , Fitz Gerald John D. , Faul Ulrich H. , Zimmerman Mark E.
Published: April 2012

Upper Mantle Dislocations

The driving forces behind plate tectonics act on a relatively weak upper mantle, such that the stress accumulated from colliding plates in the crust dissipates with depth. The physical properties of common mantle minerals, such as olivine, may be important in controlling mantle rheology, but they are difficult to measure directly.

Farla
et al.

(p.
332
) monitored the deformation of randomly oriented olivine crystals at the pressures and temperatures of the upper mantle. Linear defects, known as dislocations, dissipated energy in samples that should normally be stable in several regions of the mantle, including below oceanic crust and around actively subducting slabs. Contrary to previous models, dislocations may dampen low-frequency seismic waves traveling through Earth's interior.
Recent Plant Diversity Changes on Europe’s Mountain Summits
Authors: Pauli Harald , Gottfried Michael , Dullinger Stefan , Abdaladze Otari , Akhalkatsi Maia , Alonso José Luis Benito , Coldea Gheorghe , Dick Jan , Erschbamer Brigitta , Calzado Rosa Fernández , Ghosn Dany , Holten Jarle I. , Kanka Robert , Kazakis George , Kollár Jozef , Larsson Per , Moiseev Pavel , Moiseev Dmitry , Molau Ulf , Mesa Joaquín Molero , Nagy Laszlo , Pelino Giovanni , Puşcaş Mihai , Rossi Graziano , Stanisci Angela , Syverhuset Anne O. , Theurillat Jean-Paul , Tomaselli Marcello , Unterluggauer Peter , Villar Luis , Vittoz Pascal , Grabherr Georg
Published: April 2012

Climb Every Mountain

Mountaintop floras across Europe appear to be responding to climatic change in terms of upslope species range shifts.

Pauli
et al.

(p.
353
) systematically analyzed data gathered from standardized permanent plots on 66 high-mountain environments across Europe. On average, mountaintop species numbers have increased significantly during the last decade. However, this increase is a net effect of gains and losses, with losses particularly affecting mountains of Mediterranean regions and their endemic species. This turnover is largely consistent with model predictions and indicates that high-altitude species, and in particular the rich endemic alpine flora of many Mediterranean mountain ranges, will come under increasing pressure in the predicted warmer and drier climates in this region.
Tapping into the Wisdom of the Crowd—with Confidence
Authors: Hertwig Ralph
Published: April 2012

The subjective confidence of individuals in groups can be a valid predictor of accuracy in decision-making tasks.
Standards for Postdoc Training
Authors: Leshner Alan I.
Published: April 2012

Postdoctoral (Postdoc) training has become virtually institutionalized in many parts of the world as a discrete stage in the career progression in most science and engineering fields. However, there is far too much variability in what such training involves, across institutions and among the laboratories within them. Given its importance and pervasiveness—there are over 50,000 postdocs in the United States alone—we need to establish and enforce standards, norms, and expectations for mentors, mentees, and their institutions that are analogous to those for undergraduate and graduate education.
Dread Citrus Disease Turns Up in California, Texas
Authors: Stokstad Erik
Published: April 2012

Researchers are hoping that rapid action can contain citrus greening, buying enough time to develop treatments or even resistant trees.
IMPACT OF THE CRYOGEN FREE REVOLUTION ON NEUTRON SCATTERING LABORATORIES
Authors: KIRICHEK OLEG
Published: April 2012

A global shortage of helium gas can seriously jeopardise the scientific programmes of neutron scattering laboratories due to the use of cryogenic sample environment in the majority of the neutron scattering experiments. Recently developed cryogen-free technology allows a significant reduction or even a complete elimination of liquid helium consumption. Here we review the impact of the cryogen-free revolution on cryogenic equipment used at large neutron facilities, such as cryostats, dilution refrigerators, superconducting magnets and other cryogenic systems. Particular attention is given to the newly developed superconducting magnets for neutron diffraction and spectroscopy experiments. Use of the cryogen-free approach, as well as cutting-edge superconducting magnet technology and advanced neutron optics allows researcher to achieve extraordinary performance in their experiments, opening up new opportunities in neutron scattering research.
ALEMBIK — A FRAMEWORK FOR THE ADAPTIVE TRANSCODING OF MULTIMEDIA CONTENT IN MOBILE ENVIRONMENTS: FROM REQUIREMENTS TO ARCHITECTURE AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Authors: BELLINZONA DAVIDE , RAIBULET CLAUDIA
Published: April 2012

Nowadays, mobile devices have an increasing role in the generation and visualization of multimedia content. The issues raised by the management of multimedia content in mobile environments are mostly due to the variety of available devices, their limitations in front of the traditional ones, the network characteristics, the variety of the multimedia content types and formats, as well as to the lack of common standards related to the provisioning of services. In this context, Alembik aims to address these limitations and to provide a framework to transcode and adapt the multimedia content at runtime to the properties of the requiring mobile device. The main keywords which characterize Alembik are: dynamicity, flexibility, extensibility, standardization, user transparency, platform independence, high performance, and open source.
SYNTHESIS OF HIGHLY ACTIVE Mg-BASED HYDRIDES USING HYDRIDING COMBUSTION SYNTHESIS AND NbF5 ADDITIVES
Authors: CHOURASHIYA M. G. , PARK C. N. , PARK C. J.
Published: April 2012

Superiority of the hydriding combustion (HC) technique over conventional metallurgical approach to the synthesis of cost-effective Mg based hydrides, which show promise as hydrogen storage materials, is well known. In the present research, we report further improvements in HC prepared Mg -based materials, achieved by optimizing the preparative parameters of HC and by catalytic addition. Mg90-Ni60-C40 composites prepared using optimized processing parameters were ball-milled with NbF5 (10 h) and characterized for their micro-structural and hydriding properties. The ball-milled/catalyzed powder showed decreased crystallinity with CNTs on its surfaces. Surface area of the ball-milled powder decreased to almost half of the as-HC powder, while TG analysis revealed a four-fold decrease in the desorption temperature of the milled powder compared to that of the as-HC prepared powder. Activated samples achieved the maximum absorption/desorption limits (5.3 wt.%) at as low as 100°C, underlining the possibility of the use of these materials in portable hydrogen storage devices.
Protein phosphatase 1 modulates the inhibitory effect of With-no-Lysine kinase 4 on ROMK channels
Authors: Lin Dao-Hong , Yue Peng , Rinehart Jesse , Sun Peng , Wang Zhijian , Lifton Richard , Wang Wen-Hui
Published: April 2012

With-no-Lysine kinase 4 (WNK4) inhibited ROMK (Kir1.1) channels and the inhibitory effect of WNK4 was abolished by serum-glucocorticoid-induced kinase 1 (SGK1) but restored by c-Src. The aim of the present study is to explore the mechanism by which Src-family tyrosine kinase (SFK) modulates the effect of SGK1 on WNK4 and to test the role of SFK-WNK4-SGK1 interaction in regulating ROMK channels in the kidney. Immunoprecipitation demonstrated that protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) binds to WNK4 at amino acid (aa) residues 695–699 (PP1#1) and at aa 1211–1215 (PP1#2). WNK4−PP1#1 and WNK4−PP1#2, in which the PP1#1 or PP1#2 binding site was deleted or mutated, inhibited ROMK channels as potently as WNK4. However, c-Src restored the inhibitory effect of WNK4 but not WNK4−PP1#1 on ROMK channels in the presence of SGK1. Moreover, expression of c-Src inhibited SGK1-induced phosphorylation of WNK4 but not WNK4−PP1#1 at serine residue 1196 (Ser1196). In contrast, coexpression of c-Src restored the inhibitory effect of WNK4−PP1#2 on ROMK in the presence of SGK1 and diminished SGK1-induced WNK4 phosphorylation at Ser1196 in cells transfected with WNK4−PP1#2. This suggests the possibility that c-Src regulates the interaction between WNK4 and SGK1 through activating PP1 binding to aa 695–9 thereby decreasing WNK4 phosphorylation and restoring the inhibitory effect of WNK4. This mechanism plays a role in suppressing ROMK channel activity during the volume depletion because inhibition of SFK or serine/threonine phosphatases increases ROMK channel activity in the cortical collecting duct of rats on a low-Na diet. We conclude that regulation of phosphatase activity by SFK plays a role in determining the effect of aldosterone on ROMK channels and on renal K secretion.
Detection of tactile inputs in the rat vibrissa pathway
Authors: Ollerenshaw Douglas R. , Bari Bilal A. , Millard Daniel C. , Orr Lauren E. , Wang Qi , Stanley Garrett B.
Published: April 2012

The rapid detection of sensory inputs is crucial for survival. Sensory detection explicitly requires the integration of incoming sensory information and the ability to distinguish between relevant information and ongoing neural activity. In this study, head-fixed rats were trained to detect the presence of a brief deflection of their whiskers resulting from a focused puff of air. The animals showed a monotonic increase in response probability and a decrease in reaction time with increased stimulus strength. High-speed video analysis of whisker motion revealed that animals were more likely to detect the stimulus during periods of reduced self-induced motion of the whiskers, thereby allowing the stimulus-induced whisker motion to exceed the ongoing noise. In parallel, we used voltage-sensitive dye (VSD) imaging of barrel cortex in anesthetized rats receiving the same stimulus set as those in the behavioral portion of this study to assess candidate codes that make use of the full spatiotemporal representation and to compare variability in the trial-by-trial nature of the cortical response and the corresponding variability in the behavioral response. By application of an accumulating evidence framework to the population cortical activity measured in separate animals, a strong correspondence was made between the behavioral output and the neural signaling, in terms of both the response probabilities and the reaction times. Taken together, the results here provide evidence for detection performance that is strongly reliant on the relative strength of signal versus noise, with strong correspondence between behavior and parallel electrophysiological findings.
A distributed, dynamic, parallel computational model: the role of noise in velocity storage
Authors: Karmali Faisal , Merfeld Daniel M.
Published: April 2012

Networks of neurons perform complex calculations using distributed, parallel computation, including dynamic “real-time” calculations required for motion control. The brain must combine sensory signals to estimate the motion of body parts using imperfect information from noisy neurons. Models and experiments suggest that the brain sometimes optimally minimizes the influence of noise, although it remains unclear when and precisely how neurons perform such optimal computations. To investigate, we created a model of velocity storage based on a relatively new technique–“particle filtering”–that is both distributed and parallel. It extends existing observer and Kalman filter models of vestibular processing by simulating the observer model many times in parallel with noise added. During simulation, the variance of the particles defining the estimator state is used to compute the particle filter gain. We applied our model to estimate one-dimensional angular velocity during yaw rotation, which yielded estimates for the velocity storage time constant, afferent noise, and perceptual noise that matched experimental data. We also found that the velocity storage time constant was Bayesian optimal by comparing the estimate of our particle filter with the estimate of the Kalman filter, which is optimal. The particle filter demonstrated a reduced velocity storage time constant when afferent noise increased, which mimics what is known about aminoglycoside ablation of semicircular canal hair cells. This model helps bridge the gap between parallel distributed neural computation and systems-level behavioral responses like the vestibuloocular response and perception.
Screen Play: Chronoscope, 1951, 11pm
Authors: Yazbeck Alessandro Balteo , Farzin Media
Published: April 2012

“Screen Play” is a collaged conversation that entangles complementary views on international politics during the Cold War, particularly in relation to Iran. The text is a direct transcription from the Longines Chronoscope television news program (1951–55), but the speakers' words have been edited to bring them in dialogue with each other, emphasizing the program's role in the manufacture of consent, as a sounding board for Cold War discourse, and as a precursor of today's infotainment.