bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transplantation of embryonic stem cells improves the regeneration of periodontal furcation defects in a porcine model
Authors: Yang Jenn‐Rong , Hsu Chia‐Wen , Liao Shih‐Chung , Lin Yu‐Ting , Chen Lih‐Ren , Yuan Kuo
Published: January 2013

Objectives

Stem cell‐based therapy promises to regenerate lost tissue. Embryonic stem (ES) cells are pluripotent and may provide a virtually unlimited source for transplantation. We investigated whether ES cell transplantation improved the regeneration of furcation defects in a porcine model.

Material and Methods

Experimental periodontitis was induced in the buccal furcations of the bilateral mandibular 2nd premolars of six minipigs. After 4 weeks, the lesions were surgically debrided and implanted with collagen matrix alone (control site) or collagen matrix overlaid with porcine ES cells expressing green fluorescent protein (pES/GFP+) (test site). After 3 months of healing, the clinical parameters were measured again. The treated teeth with adjacent tissue, and part of the major organs, were processed for GFP immunohistochemistry.

Results

We found no obvious teratoma or rejection. The test group had significantly better clinical parameters. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) showed that transplanted pES/GFP+ cells had differentiated to new periodontal ligament and cementum in the test sites. Surprisingly, GFP+ cells were also detectable in the repaired control cementum and remote organs.

Conclusions

We conclude that using ES cells to improve the regeneration of periodontal furcation defects is feasible. More studies are required to assess this potential treatment's efficacy and safety.
Filtration of sea louse, Lepeophtheirus salmonis, copepodids by the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, and the Atlantic sea scallop, Placopecten magellanicus, under different flow, light and copepodid‐density regimes
Authors: Bartsch A , Robinson S M C , Liutkus M , Ang K P , Webb J , Pearce C M
Published: January 2013

Population management of Lepeophtheirus salmonis in Canada currently relies on chemotherapeutants to remove attached stages of the ectoparasite. However, some populations of L. salmonis are developing resistance to chemotherapeutants making alternate management measures necessary. This article explores the ability of filter‐feeding shellfish [i.e. blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) and Atlantic sea scallops (Placopecten magellanicus)] to consume the copepodid stages of L. salmonis in the laboratory under static and flowing water conditions, with variable copepodid densities, and with the aid of a light attractant. Mytilus edulis consumed copepodids under both static and flowing water conditions, and the proportion of individuals ingested was similar at low and high copepodid densities, suggesting that M. edulis was not saturated at the concentrations tested. Also, M. edulis consumed more copepodids when a light attractant was present, suggesting that lights may be useful to concentrate widely dispersed copepodids around cultured shellfish in the field. Finally, P. magellanicus consumed the same number of copepodids as an equivalent total wet weight of M. edulis. During each of the four separate experiments, shellfish consumed between 18 and 38% of the copepodids presented per hour, suggesting that both species are well suited for low level removal of copepodids over time.
Automated classification and visualization of fluorescent live cell microscopy images
Authors: URISH K. L. , DEASY B. M. , HUARD J.
Published: January 2013

Robotic, high‐throughput microscopy is a powerful tool for small molecule screening and classifying cell phenotype, proteomic and genomic data. An important hurdle in the field is the automated classification and visualization of results collected from a data set of tens of thousands of images. We present a method that approaches these problems from the perspective of flow cytometry with supporting open‐source code. Image analysis software was created that allowed high‐throughput microscopy data to be analysed in a similar manner as flow cytometry. Each cell on an image is considered an object and a series of gates similar to flow cytometry is used to classify and quantify the properties of cells including size and level of fluorescent intensity. This method is released with open‐source software and code that demonstrates the method's implementation. Accuracy of the software was determined by measuring the levels of apoptosis in a primary murine myoblast cell line after exposure to staurosporine and comparing these results to flow cytometry.
First comparative study of primate morphological and molecular evolutionary rates including muscle data: implications for the tempo and mode of primate and human evolution
Authors: Diogo Rui , Peng Zuogang , Wood Bernard
Published: January 2013

Here we provide the first report about the rates of muscle evolution derived from Bayesian and parsimony cladistic analyses of primate higher‐level phylogeny, and compare these rates with published rates of molecular evolution. It is commonly accepted that there is a ‘general molecular slow‐down of hominoids’, but interestingly the rates of muscle evolution in the nodes leading and within the hominoid clade are higher than those in the vast majority of other primate clades. The rate of muscle evolution at the node leading to Homo (1.77) is higher than that at the nodes leading to Pan (0.89) and particularly to Gorilla (0.28). Notably, the rates of muscle evolution at the major euarchontan and primate nodes are different, but within each major primate clade (Strepsirrhini, Platyrrhini, Cercopithecidae and Hominoidea) the rates at the various nodes, and particularly at the nodes leading to the higher groups (i.e. including more than one genera), are strikingly similar. We explore the implications of these new data for the tempo and mode of primate and human evolution.
Presumptive Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy in Multiple Sclerosis after Natalizumab Therapy
Authors: Eisele Philipp , Szabo Kristina , Hornberger Eva , Griebe Martin , Hennerici Michael G. , Kieseier Bernd C. , Gass Achim
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To describe a patient with relapsing remitting MS who was treated with natalizumab for 36 months. First symptoms of presumptive progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) appeared 14 weeks after her last natalizumab infusion.

METHODS

Neurological examination, MRI and CSF analysis were performed.

RESULTS

The lack of anti‐inflammatory treatment response, clinical course, and serial MRI examinations showed lesion development typical for PML on diffusion‐weighted and FLAIR MRI. CSF analysis for JC virus was tested negative twice.

CONCLUSIONS

This case represents a presumptive PML after discontinuation of natalizumab treatment—similar to the definition established for PML in HIV patients.
MetaTaylor Rules for theUKandAustralia; Accommodating Regime Uncertainty in Monetary Policy Analysis Using Model Averaging Methods
Authors: Lee Kevin , Olekalns Nilss , Shields Kalvinder
Published: January 2013

This paper provides a characterization ofUKandAustralian monetary policy within aTaylor rule framework, accommodating uncertainties about the nature and duration of policy regimes in a flexible but easy‐to‐implement analysis. Our approach involves estimation and inference based on a set ofTaylor rules obtained through linear regression methods, but combined into a ‘meta’ rule using model averaging techniques. Using data that were available in real time, the estimated version of the metaTaylor rule provides a useful and detailed characterization of monetary policies in theUKandAustralia over the last 30 years.
Food choices made by low‐income households when feeding their pre‐school children: a qualitative study
Authors: Lovelace Sally , Rabiee‐Khan Fatemeh
Published: January 2013

The growing concern about poor dietary practices among low‐income families has led to a ‘victim blaming’ culture that excludes wider social and environmental factors, which influence household food choices. This small‐scale qualitative study investigated influences on the diets of young children in families on a low income in the West Midlands, UK. Using semi‐structured interview schedule, rich data was gathered through individual interviews with 11 mothers of pre‐school children. Information was collected about the type and range of food given following the introduction of solid foods including factors influencing parent's knowledge and diet, sources of nutrition advice and financial constraints. Food accessibility and storage issues were also explored. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed and analysed using a modified grounded theory approach. Findings highlighted that parents and professionals may have different interpretations about ‘cooking from scratch’. The results indicated that some parents have poor understanding of what constitutes a healthy diet. However, most parents included fruit and vegetables to varying degrees and were motivated to give their children healthy foods, suggesting that, with adequate support and information, the diets of these children could be improved. There was evidence that when striving to improve the diet of their children, many parents' diets also improved. The findings from this small‐scale in‐depth study highlighted a number of issues for local and national policy and practice in the area of nutrition and child health in the early years.
In vivo [Fe‐S] cluster acquisition by IscR and NsrR, two stress regulators in Escherichia coli
Authors: Vinella Daniel , Loiseau Laurent , de Choudens Sandrine Ollagnier , Fontecave Marc , Barras Frédéric
Published: January 2013

The multi‐proteins Isc and Suf systems catalyse the biogenesis of [Fe‐S] proteins. Here we investigate how NsrR and IscR, transcriptional regulators that sense NO and [Fe‐S] homeostasis, acquire their [Fe‐S] clusters under both normal and iron limitation conditions. Clusters directed at the apo‐NsrR and apo‐IscR proteins are built on either of the two scaffolds, IscU or SufB. However, differences arise in [Fe‐S] delivery steps. In the case of NsrR, scaffolds deliver clusters to either one of the two ATCs, IscA and SufA, and, subsequently, to the ‘non‐Isc non‐Suf’ ATC, ErpA. Nevertheless, a high level of SufA can bypass the requirement for ErpA. In the case of IscR, several routes occur. One does not include assistance of any ATC. Others implicate ATCs IscA or ErpA, but, surprisingly, SufA was totally absent from any IscR maturation pathways. Both IscR and NsrR have the intrinsic capacity to sense iron limitation. However, NsrR appeared to be efficiently matured by Isc and Suf, thereby preventing NsrR to act as a physiologically relevant iron sensor. This work emphasizes that different maturation pathways arise as a function of the apo‐target considered, possibly in relation with the type of cluster, [2Fe‐2S] versus [4Fe‐4S], it binds.
Effects of airgun sounds on bowhead whale calling rates in the Alaskan Beaufort Sea
Authors: Blackwell Susanna B. , Nations Christopher S. , McDonald Trent L. , Greene Charles R. , Thode Aaron M. , Guerra Melania , Michael Macrander A.
Published: January 2013

This study assesses effects of airgun sounds on bowhead calling behavior during the autumn migration. In August–October 2007, 35 directional acoustic recorders (DASARs) were deployed at five sites in the Alaskan Beaufort Sea. Location estimates were obtained for >137,500 individual calls; a subsample of locations with high detection probability was used in the analyses. Call localization rates (CLRs) were compared before, during, and after periods of airgun use between sites near seismic activities (median distance 41–45 km) and sites relatively distant from seismic activities (median distance >104 km). At the onset of airgun use, CLRs dropped significantly at sites near the airguns, where median received levels from airgun pulses (SPL) were 116–129 dB re 1 μPa (10–450 Hz). CLRs remained unchanged at sites distant from the airguns, where median received levels were 99–108 dB re 1 μPa. This drop could result from a cessation of calling, deflection of whales around seismic activities, or both combined, but call locations alone were insufficient to differentiate between these possibilities. Reverberation from airgun pulses could have masked a small number of calls near the airguns, but even if masking did take place, the analysis results remain unchanged.
Reduced expression of BTBD10 in anterior horn cells with Golgi fragmentation and pTDP‐43‐positive inclusions in patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Furuta Natsumi , Makioka Kouki , Fujita Yukio , Ikeda Masaki , Takatama Masamitsu , Matsuoka Masaaki , Okamoto Koichi
Published: January 2013

Overexpression of BTBD10 (BTB/POZ domain‐containing protein 10) suppresses G93A‐superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1)‐induced motor neuron death in a cell‐based amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) model. In the present study, paraffin sections of spinal cords from 13 patients with sporadic ALS and 10 with non‐ALS disorders were immunostained using a polyclonal anti‐BTBD10 antibody. Reduced BTBD10 expression in the anterior horn cells was more frequent in spinal cords from ALS patients than in cords from patients with non‐ALS disorders. We further investigated the relationship between the level of BTBD10 immunoreactivity and the morphology of the Golgi apparatus (GA) and the presence of phosphorylated TAR‐DNA‐binding protein 43 (pTDP‐43). Mirror sections of spinal cords from five sporadic ALS cases were immunostained with antibodies against BTBD10 and trans‐Golgi‐network (TGN)‐46 or pTDP‐43. Whereas 89.7–96.5% of the neurons with normal BTBD10 immunoreactivity showed normal GA morphology and no pTDP‐43 cytoplasmic aggregates, 86.2–94.3% of the neurons with reduced BTBD10 expression showed GA fragmentation and abnormal pTDP‐43 aggregates. These findings suggest that reduced BTBD10 expression is closely linked to the pathogenesis of sporadic ALS.
Effect of TGF‐β1 Superfamily Members on Survival of Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Embryonic Stem‐like Cells
Authors: Sharma R , Kamble NM , George A , Chauhan MS , Singla S , Manik RS , Palta P
Published: January 2013

Contents

This study examined the effects of supplementation of ES‐like cell culture medium with bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)‐4 (0, 10, 20 or 100 ng/ml) or Noggin (250, 500 or 750 ng/ml) or TGF‐β1 (0, 0.1, 1 or 10 ng/ml) or SB431542 (0, 10, 25 or 50 μm), an inhibitor of TGF‐β1 signalling, on survival, colony area and expression level of pluripotency genes in buffalo ES‐like cells at passage 40–80, under different culture conditions. BMP‐4 supplementation significantly reduced (p < 0.05) colony survival rate, percentage increase in colony area and relative mRNA abundance of OCT4, whereas that of NANOG and SOX‐2 was increased significantly (p < 0.05). Noggin supplementation did not affect the colony survival rate and percentage increase in colony area in the presence of FGF‐2 and LIF. In the presence of FGF‐2 alone, it significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the relative mRNA abundance of OCT4 and SOX‐2 and increased (p < 0.05) that of NANOG. Supplementation with TGF‐β1 at 1.0 ng/ml but not at other concentrations increased colony survival rate but had no effect on percentage increase in colony area at any concentration. Supplementation with SB‐431542 decreased (p < 0.05) colony survival rate at 50 μm but not at other concentrations. The percentage increase in colony area was lower (p < 0.05) with 10 μm SB‐431542 than that in the controls, whereas at higher concentrations of 25 or 50 μm, SB‐431542 decreased (p < 0.05) the colony size instead of increasing it. In conclusion, these results suggest that BMP‐4 induces differentiation in buffalo ES‐like cells, whereas TGF‐β/activin/nodal pathway may not be playing a crucial role in maintaining pluripotency in these cells.
Nuclear Donor Cell Lines Considerably Influence Cloning Efficiency and the Incidence of Large Offspring Syndrome in Bovine Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer
Authors: Liu J , Wang Y , Su J , Luo Y , Quan F , Zhang Y
Published: January 2013

Contents

Total five ear skin fibroblast lines (named F1, F2, F3, F4 and F5) from different newborn Holstein cows have been used as nuclear donor cells for producing cloned cows by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). The effects of these cell lines on both in vitro and in vivo developmental rates of cloned embryos, post‐natal survivability and incidence of large offspring syndrome (LOS) were examined in this study. We found that the different cell lines possessed the same capacity to support pre‐implantation development of cloned embryos, the cleavage and blastocyst formation rates ranged from 80.2 ± 0.9 to 84.5 ± 2.5% and 28.5 ± 0.9 to 33.3 ± 1.4%, respectively. However, their capacities to support the in vivo development of SCNT embryos showed significant differences (p < 0.05). The pregnancy rates at 90 and 240 day were significantly lower in groups F2 (4.9% and 3.3%) and F3 (5.4% and 5.4%) compared to groups F1 (23.3% and 16.3%), F4 (25.7% and 18.6%) and F5 (25.9% and 19.8%) (p < 0.05). The cloning efficiency was significantly higher in group F5 than those in group F1, F2, F3 and F4 (9.3% vs 4.1%, 1.2%, 2.0% and 5.0%, respectively, p < 0.05). Moreover, large offspring syndrome (LOS) incidence in group F5 was significantly lower than those in other groups (p < 0.05). All cloned offspring from cell line F1, F2, F3 and F4 showed LOS and gestation length delay, while all cloned offspring from F5 showed normal birthweight and gestation length. We concluded that the nuclear donor cell lines have significant impact on the in vivo development of cloned embryos and the incidence of LOS in cloned calves.
“And what of my Onegin?” Displacement and Reinvention of the Hero in Eugene Onegin
Authors: DVIGUBSKI ANNA
Published: January 2013

In discussions of Eugene Onegin, the role of the author‐narrator often presents particular difficulty. Critics have tried to explain the contradictions underlying Pushkin's construction of this character, which appears to occupy simultaneously a fictional and a biographical plane in the work. In this paper, I propose an interpretation of this figure as a competitor to Onegin for the status of the hero. I argue that by including the author‐narrator in the work, Pushkin challenges the genre conventions of the romantic poem, first distancing and parodying the Romantic hero Eugene and then replacing him with the author‐narrator who represents a new kind of hero. Parallel to this experimentation with genre conventions is Pushkin's interest in reshaping the Russian literary language. As Onegin is succeeded by the author‐narrator as the hero, the Russian poetic conventions of Pushkin's time are similarly distanced and replaced by Pushkin's (and the author‐narrator's) verbal inventions. Finally, I suggest that the author‐narrator is an example of a new complex consciousness, specifically in his ability to recreate the voices of other poets in contrast to his own poetic discourse, which shows a movement in the direction of the Russian realist novel, specifically Dostoevsky's polyphonic model of consciousness.
Window period donations during primary cytomegalovirus infection and risk of transfusion‐transmitted infections
Authors: Ziemann Malte , Heuft Hans‐Gert , Frank Kerstin , Kraas Sabine , Görg Siegfried , Hennig Holger
Published: January 2013

Background

Donors with short interdonation intervals (e.g., apheresis donors) have an increased risk of window period donations. The frequency of cytomegalovirus (CMV) window period donations is important information to decide whether selection of seronegative donors might be advantageous for patients at risk for transfusion‐transmitted CMV infections (TT‐CMV).

Study Design and Methods

CMV seroconversion in 93 donors with positive results in routine CMV antibody testing within at most 35 days after the last seronegative sample was evaluated by Western blot and/or a second antibody test. In donors with unconfirmed seroconversion, an additional later sample was tested. Concentration of CMV DNA was determined in pre‐ and postseroconversion samples.

Results

CMV seroconversion was confirmed in 12 donors (13%). Among these, the last seronegative sample was CMV DNA positive in three donors (25%, below 30 IU/mL). The first seropositive sample was CMV DNA positive in 10 donors (83%, maximum 1600 IU/mL). Both prevalence and median concentration of CMV DNA were higher in the first seropositive sample (p = 0.004 and p = 0.02), with maximum concentrations being reached about 2 weeks after seroconversion. No CMV DNA was detected in samples from donors with unconfirmed seroconversion.

Conclusion

At least in donors with short interdonation intervals, most suspected CMV seroconversions are due to false‐positive results of the screening test. As window period donations are rare and contain less CMV DNA than the first seropositive donation, avoidance of blood products from primarily seropositive donors is especially helpful to avoid TT‐CMV if donors with short interdonation intervals are concerned.
Migrants’ Remittances and Financial Development: Macro‐ and Micro‐Level Evidence of a Perverse Relationship
Authors: Brown Richard P. C. , Carmignani Fabrizio , Fayad Ghada
Published: January 2013

Financial development is commonly identified as an important condition for fostering investment and economic growth. It is also believed that migrants’ remittances stimulate financial development in the receiving economy, contributing indirectly to economic growth. We explore the relationship between remittances and financial development using macro‐ and micro‐level data. From cross‐country panel data, we find evidence of a negative relationship between remittances and financial deepening in developing countries. Using household survey data from a study of migrants’ remittances in two CIS countries, Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan, we also investigate the relationship between remittances, financial intermediation and ‘financial literacy’ among remittance‐receiving households. While we find some evidence of a positive, albeit weak, relationship for Kyrgyzstan, in Azerbaijan, the relatively more financially developed economy, we uncover a strong perverse relationship. Remittances appear to deter bank intermediation and use of formal banking services. Possible reasons are explored and areas for further investigation identified.
Teaching the Physics of Energy While Traveling by Train
Authors: Hay Katrina
Published: January 2013

Pacific Lutheran University (Tacoma, WA) is renowned for the number of its courses that offer international and study-away opportunities. Inspired by the theme of sustainability, and my growing concern about the environmental impact of conventional fuels, I offered a course, Physics of Energy, for the first time during PLU's January 2011 term (a one-month semester). The two-week travel portion of the course took students on the Amtrak Coast Starlight train route from Tacoma, WA, to Los Angeles to study various forms of energy production. Students studied physics topics in the classroom, through hands-on activities, by traveling to energy research and production facilities, and while working on their interdisciplinary term projects. The course, which utilized local talent and focused on sustainability, provided a positive physics learning experience for majors and non-majors alike.
Enhancing the Introductory Astronomical Experience with the Use of a Tablet and Telescope
Authors: Gill Robert M. , Burin Michael J.
Published: January 2013

College and university general education (GE) classes are designed to broaden the understanding of all college and university students in areas outside their major interest. However, most GE classes are lecture type and do not facilitate hands-on experimental or observational activities related to the specific subject matter. Utilizing astronomy application programs (apps), currently available for the iPad and iPhone, in conjunction with a small inexpensive telescope, allows students unique hands-on experiences to explore and observe astronomical objects and concepts independently outside of class. These activities enhance the students' overall GE experience in a unique way not possible prior to the development of these technologies.
Poetry Writing in General Physics Courses
Authors: Schmidt William L.
Published: January 2013

Poetry writing in the context of physics is a student-centered activity that enables students to view the world through the window of physics and make connections to everyday life scenarios. Poetry assignments provide a creative and atypical challenge to students, creating more student-centered class discussions and a fun, light-hearted approach to learning what is often perceived as a purely logical subject. In order to write poetry in the context of a physics concept, students actively unify their worldview with an expression of physical concepts, personalizing their connection to the topic. Physics and poetry are two of the great human intellectual endeavors, each producing deep insights on self-created models of the universe. Each attempts to get beneath the surface of events and actions through different domains. Just as poets create a perspective of the world, scientists and researchers use their creativity to come up with new ideas, tests, and explanations. Creative thinking is one of the most important skills scientists have, whether that creativity is used to develop an alternative hypothesis, to devise a new way of testing an idea, or to look at old data in a new light. Scientific analysis often involves alternating among different modes of reasoning and creative brainstorming. Creative thinking is becoming an increasingly valuable skill for students. A 2006 comprehensive study done by job placement professionals concluded that creative thinking has become one of the most important skill sets for recent college graduates.1
Accurate Determination of the Volume of an Irregular Helium Balloon
Authors: Blumenthal Jack , Bradvica Rafaela , Karl Katherine
Published: January 2013

In a recent paper, Zable1 described an experiment with a near-spherical balloon filled with impure helium. Measuring the temperature and the pressure inside and outside the balloon, the lift of the balloon, and the mass of the balloon materials, he described how to use the ideal gas laws and Archimedes' principal to compute the average molecular mass and density of the impure helium. This experiment required that the volume of the near-spherical balloon be determined by some approach, such as measuring the girth. The accuracy of the experiment was largely determined by the balloon volume, which had a reported uncertainty of about 4%.
Two Experimental Approaches of Looking at Buoyancy
Authors: Moreira J. Agostinho , Almeida A. , Carvalho P. Simeão
Published: January 2013

In our teaching practice, we find that a large number of first-year university physics and chemistry students exhibit some difficulties with applying Newton's third law to fluids because they think fluids do not react to forces.
Conceptualization of Light Refraction
Authors: Sokolowski Andrzej
Published: January 2013

There have been a number of papers dealing quantitatively with light refraction.1,2 Yet the conceptualization of the phenomenon that sets the foundation for a more rigorous math analysis is minimized. The purpose of this paper is to fill that gap.
Slower Postnatal Growth Is Associated with Delayed Cerebral Cortical Maturation in Preterm Newborns
Authors: Vinall Jillian , Grunau Ruth E. , Brant Rollin , Chau Vann , Poskitt Kenneth J. , Synnes Anne R. , Miller Steven P.
Published: January 2013

Impaired growth during neonatal intensive care is associated with delayed microstructural development of the cortical gray matter after accounting for prenatal growth, neonatal illness, and brain injury in infants born very preterm.
Human CD8
+
Regulatory T Cells Inhibit GVHD and Preserve General Immunity in Humanized Mice
Authors: Zheng Jian , Liu Yinping , Liu Yuan , Liu Ming , Xiang Zheng , Lam Kwok-Tai , Lewis David B. , Lau Yu-Lung , Tu Wenwei
Published: January 2013

CD8
hi
regulatory T cells control graft-versus-host disease without inhibiting graft versus tumor or general immunity in humanized mice.
Microbes and Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Nakamura Takahisa
Published: January 2013

Gut microbiota composition differs between normal children and children at risk for T1D.
Sports physicians, ethics and antidoping governance: between assistance and negligence
Authors: Dikic Nenad , McNamee Michael , Günter Heinz , Markovic Snezana Samardzic , Vajgic Bojan
Published: January 2013

Recent positive doping cases and a series of mistakes of medical doctors of the International Federation of Basketball have reopened the debate about the role of medical doctor in elite sport. This study shows that some sports physicians involved in recent positive doping cases are insufficiently aware of the nuances of doping regulations and, most importantly, of the list of prohibited substances. Moreover, several team doctors are shown to have exercised poor judgement in relation to these matters with the consequence that athletes are punished for doping offences on the basis of doctors’ negligence. In such circumstances, athletes’ rights are jeopardised by a failure of the duty of care that (sports) physicians owe their athlete patients. We argue that, with respect to the World Anti Doping Code, antidoping governance fails to define, with sufficient clarity, the role of medical doctors. There is a need for a new approach emphasising urgent educational and training of medical doctors in this domain, which should be considered prior to the revision of the next World Anti Doping Code in 2013 in order to better regulate doctor's conduct especially in relation to professional errors, whether negligent or intentional.
Sociocultural factors that reduce risks of homicide in Dar es Salaam: a case control study
Authors: Kibusi Stephen Matthew , Ohnishi Mayumi , Outwater Anne , Seino Kaoruko , Kizuki Masashi , Takano Takehito
Published: January 2013

Objectives

This study was performed to examine the potential contributions of sociocultural activities to reduce risks of death by homicide.

Methods

This study was designed as a case control study. Relatives of 90 adult homicide victims in Dar es Salaam Region, Tanzania, in 2005 were interviewed. As controls, 211 participants matched for sex and 5-year age group were randomly selected from the same region and interviewed regarding the same contents.

Results

Bivariate analysis revealed significant differences between victims and controls regarding educational status, occupation, family structure, frequent heavy drinking, hard drug use and religious attendance. Conditional logistic regression analysis indicated that the following factors were significantly related to not becoming victims of homicide: being in employment (unskilled labour: OR=0.04, skilled labour: OR=0.07, others: OR=0.04), higher educational status (OR=0.02), residence in Dar es Salaam after becoming an adult (compared with those who have resided in Dar es Salaam since birth: OR=3.95), living with another person (OR=0.07), not drinking alcohol frequently (OR=0.15) and frequent religious service attendance (OR=0.12).

Conclusions

Frequent religious service attendance, living in the same place for a long time and living with another person were shown to be factors that contribute to preventing death by homicide, regardless of place of residence and neighbourhood environment. Existing non-structural community resources and social cohesive networks strengthen individual and community resilience against violence.
Improving balance and mobility in people over 50 years of age with vision impairments: can the Alexander Technique help? A study protocol for the VISIBILITY randomised controlled trial
Authors: Gleeson Michael , Sherrington Catherine , Borkowski Ewa , Keay Lisa
Published: January 2013

Background

Falls are an increasingly important and costly public health problem. Vision is key to postural stability as we age and this puts adults with visual impairments at greater risk of falls. Physical interventions improve balance in the general population and in older adults with visual impairments in residential care. They also prevent falls in the general community but to date have not been shown effective in community-dwelling adults with visual impairments.

Objective

To investigate, with a randomised controlled trial, whether the Alexander Technique (AT) can improve balance and mobility in the community-dwelling population with visual impairments and thus reduce the risk of falls. The AT is a form of physical re-education that has recently received attention for its possible value in rehabilitation.

Method and design

One hundred and twenty people with visual impairments over 50 years of age will be recruited from Guide Dogs New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory (NSW/ACT). Participants will be independently mobile and cognitively able to take part in the programme. After baseline assessment participants will be randomly assigned to two groups. The control group will receive usual care from Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, and the intervention group will receive 12 weekly home-based lessons in the AT in addition to usual care. The primary outcome measures will be physical measures from the short physical performance battery at 3 months. Secondary outcome measures will be balance, mobility, social participation and emotional well-being at 3 and 12 months.

Trial registration number: The protocol is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12610000634077).
Comparison of individual-level versus area-level socioeconomic measures in assessing health outcomes of children in Olmsted County, Minnesota
Authors: Pardo-Crespo Maria R , Narla Nirmala Priya , Williams Arthur R , Beebe Timothy J , Sloan Jeff , Yawn Barbara P , Wheeler Philip H , Juhn Young J
Published: January 2013

Background

Socioeconomic status (SES) is an important determinant of health, but SES measures are frequently unavailable in commonly used datasets. Area-level SES measures are used as proxy measures of individual SES when the individual measures are lacking. Little is known about the agreement between individual-level versus area-level SES measures in mixed urban–rural settings.

Methods

We identified SES agreement by comparing information from telephone self-reported SES levels and SES calculated from area-level SES measures. We assessed the impact of this agreement on reported associations between SES and rates of childhood obesity, low birth weight <2500 g and smoking within the household in a mixed urban–rural setting.

Results

750 households were surveyed with a response rate of 62%: 51% male, 89% Caucasian; mean child age 9.5 years. Individual-level self-reported income was more strongly associated with all three childhood health outcomes compared to area-level SES. We found significant disagreement rates of 22–31%. The weighted Cohen's κ indices ranged from 0.15 to 0.22, suggesting poor agreement between individual-level and area-level measures.

Conclusion

In a mixed urban–rural setting comprised of both rural and urbanised areas, area-level SES proxy measures significantly disagree with individual SES measures, and have different patterns of association with health outcomes from individual-level SES measures. Area-level SES may be an unsuitable proxy for SES when individual rather than community characteristics are of primary concern.
Lack of emergence of associations between selected maternal exposures and offspring blood pressure at age 15 years
Authors: Leary Sam D , Brion Marie-Jo , Lawlor Debbie A , Smith George Davey , Ness Andy R
Published: January 2013

Background

A recent review found little evidence for substantial effects of modifiable maternal exposures on offspring blood pressure (BP), but this may have been because almost all the studies reported on BP in early and mid-childhood.

Methods

This study uses data on 4723 mother–child pairs, collected as part of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, Bristol, England between 1991 and 1997; associations between three maternal variables (smoking during pregnancy, age at childbirth and prenatal diet) and offspring BP at approximately 15 years were assessed. Comparisons of maternal and paternal associations with offspring BP were carried out as a way of evaluating whether prenatal exposures exerted an influence through intrauterine effects.

Results

The selected maternal exposures were not associated with offspring BP, after minimal or full adjustment for potential confounders. Maternal and paternal associations with offspring BP for each exposure were found to be similar.

Conclusions

The findings of this study suggest that associations between the selected maternal exposures and offspring BP do not emerge with age up to adolescence.
Detection of pathogens in Boidae and Pythonidae with and without respiratory disease
Authors: Schmidt V. , Marschang R. E. , Abbas M. D. , Ball I. , Szabo I. , Helmuth R. , Plenz B. , Spergser J. , Pees M.
Published: January 2013

Respiratory diseases in boid snakes are common in captivity, but little information is available on their aetiology. This study was carried out to determine the occurrence of lung associated pathogens in boid snakes with and without respiratory signs and/or pneumonia. In total, 80 boid snakes of the families Boidae (n = 30) and Pythonidae (n = 50) from 48 private and zoo collections were included in this survey. Husbandry conditions were evaluated using a detailed questionnaire. All snakes were examined clinically and grouped into snakes with or without respiratory signs. Tracheal wash samples from all snakes were examined bacteriologically as well as virologically. All snakes were euthanased, and a complete pathological examination was performed. Respiratory signs and pneumonia were detected more often in pythons than in boas. An acute catarrhal pneumonia was diagnosed more often in snakes without respiratory signs than in snakes with respiratory signs, which revealed fibrinous and fibrous pneumonia. Poor husbandry conditions are an important trigger for the development of respiratory signs and pneumonia. Different bacterial pathogens were isolated in almost all snakes with pneumonia, withSalmonellaspecies being the most common. Ferlavirus (formerly known as ophidian paramyxovirus)‐RNA was detected only in pythons. Inclusion body disease was rarely seen in pythons but often in boas. Adenovirus andMycoplasmawere other pathogens that were diagnosed in single snakes with pneumonia. In living boid snakes with respiratory signs, tracheal wash samples were found to be a useful diagnostic tool for the detection of viral and bacterial pathogens.
Beneficial effect of flax seeds in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic mice: isolation of active fraction having islet regenerative and glucosidase inhibitory properties
Authors: Dusane Menakshi Bhat , Joshi Bimba N.
Published: January 2013

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Present study highlights the antidiabetogenic property of Linum usitassimum active fraction (LU6) in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic Swiss mice. Treatment with LU6 fraction showed improved glucose utilization with increase in liver glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme activity and normal glycogenesis in hepatic and muscle tissues. Reduction in pancreatic and intestinal glucosidase inhibitory activity was observed with LU6 treatment, indicating beneficial effects in reducing postprandial hyperglycemia (PPHG). Normalization of plasma insulin and C-peptide levels were observed in diabetic mice, indicating endogenous insulin secretion after the treatment with LU6. The histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis on pancreatic islets suggests the role of LU6 fraction in islet regeneration and insulin secretion as evident in increase functional pancreatic islets producing insulin. Furthermore, significant insulin producing islet formation was also observed in in vitro PANC-1 cells after LU6 treatment, indicating the cellular aggregates to be newly formed islets. This suggests the potential of LU6 fraction in the formation of new islets in vitro, as well as in vivo. Thus, LU6 can be used as a neutraceutical-based first-line treatment for diabetes.
ANALYTICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE CAUDREY–DODD–GIBBON–KOTERA–SAWADA EQUATION USING SYMBOLIC COMPUTATION
Authors: XU XIAO-GE , MENG XIANG-HUA , ZHANG CHUN-YI , GAO YI-TIAN
Published: January 2013

In this paper, the Caudrey–Dodd–Gibbon–Kotera–Sawada (CDGKS) equation is analytically investigated using the Hirota bilinear method. Based on the bilinear form of the CDGKS equation, its N-soliton solution in explicit form is derived with the aid of symbolic computation. Besides the soliton solutions, several integrable properties such as the Bäcklund transformation, the Lax pair and the nonlinear superposition formula are also derived for the CDGKS equation.
A WIDE SUPPLY RANGE BANDGAP VOLTAGE REFERENCE WITH CURVATURE COMPENSATION
Authors: SHI L. F. , MA X. , QIN G. H. , CHENG L. Y. , LAI X. Q.
Published: January 2013

For the requirement of power management controller chips, a wide supply range bandgap voltage reference circuit is presented. The preregulated circuit based on the regulation characteristic of zener diode extends the supply range and increases power supply rejection ratio (PSRR). Compensated by the base-emitter voltage (V BE ) linearization technique, the temperature stability of the bandgap circuit is improved further. The proposed circuit is implemented in a 0.4 μm bipolar CMOS DMOS (BCD) process and Spice simulation has been done for validation. The results of simulation and test show that the supply range of this circuit can reach 7.2 V to 40 V and 159 μV/V of supply voltage dependence; the temperature coefficient is just 3.5 ppm/°C over a wide temperature of -40°C to 125°C and PSRR is up to -94 dB at 1 kHz. For the perfective performance, this circuit can be used in wide temperature and wide supply range integrated circuit design.
A CURRENT SOURCE WITH IMMUNITY FROM IR-DROP FOR HIGH-RESOLUTION CMOS IMAGE SENSORS
Authors: NIE KAIMING , YAO SUYING , XU JIANGTAO , GAO JING
Published: January 2013

A current source circuit for high-resolution CMOS image sensors is introduced in this paper, which can provide a stable current with immunity from IR-drop along the power and ground wires. In the circuit, two pre-charged floating capacitors controlled by two-phase non-overlap clock are connected between the gate and source of a MOS transistor alternately to maintain a constant V GS of the MOS transistor. In this way, the current flowing through the MOS transistor will be stable and has nothing to do with power level. The post simulation results show that the current supplied by the proposed circuit decreases only by 1.6% when the voltage of the power supply decreases by 30%. The simulations have proved that the proposed circuit can improve the performance of high-resolution CMOS image sensors.
EFFECTS OF CLASSICAL ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE ON ENTANGLEMENT AND QUANTUM DISCORD DYNAMICS
Authors: BENEDETTI CLAUDIA , BUSCEMI FABRIZIO , BORDONE PAOLO , PARIS MATTEO G.A.
Published: January 2013

We address the effect of classical noise on the dynamics of quantum correlations, entanglement and quantum discord (QD), of two non-interacting qubits initially prepared in a Bell state. The effect of noise is modeled by randomizing the single-qubit transition amplitudes. We address both static and dynamic environmental noise corresponding to interaction with separate and common baths in either Markovian and non-Markovian regimes. In the Markov regime, a monotone decay of the quantum correlations is found, whereas for non-Markovian noise sudden death and revival phenomena may occur, depending on the characteristics of the noise. Entanglement and QD show the same qualitative behavior for all kind of noises considered. On the other hand, we find that separate and common environments may play opposite roles in preserving quantum correlations, depending on the noise regime considered.
QUANTUM INTERFEROMETRY AT ZERO AND FINITE TEMPERATURE WITH TWO-MODE BOSONIC JOSEPHSON JUNCTIONS
Authors: MAZZARELLA G.
Published: January 2013

We analyze phase interferometry realized with a bosonic Josephson junction (BJJ) made of trapped dilute and ultracold atoms. By using a suitable phase sensitivity indicator we study the zero temperature junction-states useful to achieve sub shot-noise precisions. Sub shot-noise phase shift sensitivities can be reached even at finite temperature under a suitable choice of the junction state. We infer a scaling law in terms of the size system (that is, the number of particles) for the temperature at which the shot-noise limit is not overcome anymore.
POLARIZATION ENTANGLEMENT CONCENTRATIONS WITH LESS-HYPERENTANGLED PHOTON PAIRS IN MULTIPLE DEGREES OF FREEDOM
Authors: GUO YING , KUANG HONGYAN , HUANG DAZU , ZHAO ZHISHENG
Published: January 2013

We demonstrate two entanglement concentration protocols (ECPs) for photon pairs in less-hyperentanglement, the simultaneous entanglement in multiple degrees of freedom. Using these ECPs, some maximally entangled states in polarization can be reconstructed deterministically from less-hyperentangled ones shared between remote participants. Both of the success probabilities are 100% in principle, and they do not require additional single photons. The former is implemented with the passive linear optics, which is achievable with current technology. The later adopts the cross-Kerr nonlinearity media to complete this task, which can increase the efficiency of the entanglement concentration process since it does not require the sophisticated single-photon detectors for measurements. The two ECPs are useful for practical long-distance quantum communication due to the fact that the entangled state in either the spatial degree of freedom or the frequency degree of freedom suffers little from channel noise in optical fiber.
Bankruptcy Section 363 Sales: Choices and Consequences
Authors: Parnes Dror
Published: January 2013

We contrast bankruptcy Section 363 Sales with the traditional path of Chapter 11 reorganization and find that among financial institutions, higher measures of creditors' coordination problems favor the Chapter 11 path, while greater profitability, available cash, asymmetric information between shareholders and creditors, and potential growth rate support the choice of 363 Sales. Among the non-financial firms, higher measures of creditors' coordination problem and available cash favor the course of Chapter 11, while greater profitability, liquidity, and asymmetric information support the path of 363 Sales. We further detect that bankruptcy Section 363 Sales exhibits lower direct fees, and it lasts significantly less time than formal Chapter 11 before the final emergence.
Differential responses of pancreatic β-cells to ROS and RNS
Authors: Meares Gordon P. , Fontanilla Dominique , Broniowska Katarzyna A. , Andreone Teresa , Lancaster Jack R. , Corbett John A.
Published: January 2013

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) direct the activation of distinct signaling pathways that determine cell fate. In this study, the pathways activated and the mechanisms by which ROS and RNS control the viability of pancreatic β-cells were examined. Although both nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induce DNA damage, reduce cell viability, and activate AMPK, the mechanisms of AMPK activation and cell death induction differ between each reactive species. Nitric oxide activates the unfolded protein and heat shock responses and MAPK kinase signaling, whereas H2O2 stimulates p53 stabilization and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) activation but fails to induce the unfolded protein or heat shock responses or MAPK activation. The control of cell fate decisions is selective for the form of stress. H2O2-mediated reduction in β-cell viability is controlled by PARP, whereas cell death in response to nitric oxide is PARP independent but associated with the nuclear localization of GAPDH. These findings show that both ROS and RNS activate AMPK, induce DNA damage, and reduce cell viability; however, the pathways controlling the responses of β-cells are selective for the type of reactive species.