bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety and Immunogenicity of DNA Prime and Modified Vaccinia Ankara Virus-HIV Subtype C Vaccine Boost in Healthy Adults
Authors: Hayes Peter , Gilmour Jill , von Lieven Andrea , Gill Dilbinder , Clark Lorna , Kopycinski Jakub , Cheeseman Hannah , Chung Amy , Alter Galit , Dally Len , Zachariah Devika , Lombardo Angela , Ackland James , Sayeed Eddy , Jackson Akil , Boffito Marta , Gazzard Brian , Fast Patricia E. , Cox Josephine H. , Laufer Dagna
Published: January 2013

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase I trial was conducted in 32 HIV-uninfected healthy volunteers to assess the safety and immunogenicity of 3 doses of DNA vaccine (Advax) plus 1 dose of recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) (TBC-M4) or 3 doses of TBC-M4 alone (groups A and B, respectively). Both vaccine regimens were found to be safe and well tolerated. Gamma interferon (IFN-γ) enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISPOT) assay responses were detected in 1/10 (10%) individuals in group A after three Advax primes and in 9/9 individuals (100%) after the MVA boost. In group B, IFN-γ ELISPOT responses were detected in 6/12 (50%) and 7/11 (64%) individuals after the second and third MVA vaccinations, respectively. Responses to all vaccine components, but predominantly to Env, were seen. The breadth and magnitude of the T cell response and viral inhibition were greater in group A than in group B, indicating that the quality of the T-cell response was enhanced by the DNA prime. Intracellular cytokine staining indicated that the T-cell responses were polyfunctional but were skewed toward Env with a CD4+phenotype. At 2 weeks after the last vaccination, HIV-specific antibody responses were detected in all (100%) group B and 1/11 (9.1%) group A vaccinees. Vaccinia virus-specific responses were detected in all (100%) group B and 2/11 (18.2%) group A vaccinees. In conclusion, HIV-specific T-cell responses were seen in the majority of volunteers in groups A and B but with a trend toward greater quality of the T-cell response in group A. Antibody responses were better in group B than in group A.
Microplate alamarBlue Assay for Paracoccidioides Susceptibility Testing
Authors: de Paula e Silva A. C. A. , Oliveira H. C. , Silva J. F. , Sangalli-Leite F. , Scorzoni L. , Fusco-Almeida A. M. , Mendes-Giannini M. J. S.
Published: January 2013

CLSI method M27-A3 is not available for use with dimorphic fungi, such as those of the
Paracoccidioides
genus. In this study, we developed a microdilution method and added the alamarBlue reagent to test the responses of
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis
and
Paracoccidioides lutzii
against amphotericin B and itraconazole antifungals. The test proved to be sensitive, practical, and inexpensive and can be used to monitor the activity of low-growth microorganisms and their response to various drugs.
Activity and Mechanism of Action of HDVD, a Novel Pyrimidine Nucleoside Derivative with High Levels of Selectivity and Potency against Gammaherpesviruses
Authors: Coen N. , Singh U. , Vuyyuru V. , Van den Oord J. J. , Balzarini J. , Duraffour S. , Snoeck R. , Cheng Y. C. , Chu C. K. , Andrei G.
Published: January 2013

A novel nucleoside analogue, 1-[(2
S
,4
S
-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl]5-vinylpyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione, or HDVD, was evaluated against a wide variety of herpesviruses and was found to be a highly selective inhibitor of replication of the gammaherpesviruses Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). HDVD had also a pronounced inhibitory activity against murine herpesvirus 68 (MHV-68) and herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). In contrast, replication of herpesvirus saimiri (HVS), HSV-2, and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) was weakly inhibited by the compound, and no antiviral activity was determined against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and rhesus rhadinovirus (RRV). The HDVD-resistant virus phenotype contained point mutations in the viral thymidine kinase (TK) of HSV-1, MHV-68, and HVS isolates. These mutations conferred cross-resistance to other TK-dependent drugs, with the exception of an MHV-68 mutant (E358D) that exhibited resistance only to HDVD. HSV-1 and HVS TK-mutants isolated under selective pressure with bromovinyldeoxyuridine (BVDU) also showed reduced sensitivity to HDVD. Oral treatment with HDVD and BVDU was assessed in an intranasal model of MHV-68 infection in BALB/c mice. In contrast to BVDU treatment, HDVD-treated animals showed a reduction in viral DNA loads and diminished viral gene expression during acute viral replication in the lungs in comparison to levels in untreated controls. The valyl ester prodrug of HDVD (USS-02-71-44) suppressed the latent infection in the spleen to a greater extent than HDVD. In the present study, HDVD emerged as a highly potent antiviral with a unique spectrum of activity against herpesviruses, in particular, gammaherpesviruses, and may be of interest in the treatment of virus-associated diseases.
Manchester triage system version II and resource utilisation in the emergency department
Authors: Santos André Peralta , Freitas Paulo , Martins Henrique Manuel Gil
Published: January 2013

Emergency department (ED) triage systems aim to direct the best clinical assistance to those who are in the greatest urgency and guarantee that resources are efficiently applied.

The study's purpose was to determine whether the Manchester Triage System (MTS) second version is a useful instrument for determining the risk of hospital admission, intrahospital death and resource utilisation in ED and to compare it with the MTS first version.

This was a prospective study of patients that attended the ED at a large hospital. It comprised a total of 25 218 cases that were triaged between 11 July and 13 October 2011. The MTS codes were grouped into two clusters: red and orange into a ‘high acuity/priority’ (HP) cluster, and yellow, green and blue into a ‘low acuity/priority’ cluster.

The risk of hospital admission in the HP cluster was 4.86 times that of the LP cluster for both admission route and ages. The percentage of patient hospital admission between medical and surgical specialties, in high and low priority clusters, was similar. We found the risk of death in the HP cluster to be 5.58 times that of the risk of the low acuity/priority cluster. The MTS had an inconsistent association relative to the utilisation of x-ray, while it seemed to portray a consistent association between ECG and laboratory utilisation and MTS cluster.

There were no differences between medical and surgical specialities risk of admission. This suggests that improvements were made in the second version of MTS, particularly in the discriminators of patients triaged to surgical specialties, because this was not true for the first version of MTS.
Evolved design makes ThoraQuik safe and user friendly in the management of pneumothorax and pleural effusion
Authors: Rathinam Sridhar , Grobler Sophia , Bleetman Antony , Kink Thomas , Steyn Richard
Published: January 2013

Background

We have previously described the utility of ThoraQuik, a device designed to be fit for purpose for aspirations of pneumothorax and pleural effusions. We evaluated the safety, efficacy and operator handling of the evolved prototype, ThoraQuik II, which has a lesser profile and a spring loaded Veres needle for added safety.

Methods

A prospective, observational clinical trial with ethics and MHRA approval was conducted in a single centre. Patients with diagnosed pneumothorax (including tension pneumothorax) and pleural effusion were consented and recruited. The ease of device introduction, penetration and ease of use were evaluated. Clinical and radiological improvements were the clinical endpoints and operator feedback was analysed.

Results

20 procedures were performed on patients (mean age: 63.4 years (range: 30–90 years) with 75% male subjects) recruited between September 2008 and August 2009. Nine patients had pneumothorax (tension pneumothorax n=4) and 11 had pleural effusions. 19 patients completed the study with symptomatic and radiological resolution. One patient was withdrawn due to poor pain threshold disproportionate to the procedure. No complications were encountered. 68% had complete clinical and radiological resolution and 32% had partial resolution (these patients needed a definitive drain and hence were not aspirated to completion). The operator feedback in the study rated the device as very good or excellent in 90% patients.

Conclusions

Our study found the use of ThoraQuik II to be safe and easy in draining pneumothorax and pleural effusions. The changes to ThoraQuik II made it more user friendly.
Use of prothrombin complex concentrates: 4-year experience of a national aeromedical retrieval service servicing remote and rural areas
Authors: Robertson Laura Catriona , McKinlay Jayne A C , Munro Philip T , Hearns Stephen
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) are recommended as first-line treatment for acquired or congenital factor II, VII, IX and X deficiencies in situations of major haemorrhage. The Emergency Medical Retrieval Service (EMRS) provides critical care and aeromedical retrieval to patients in remote and rural Scotland. It has an important role in the care of these patients.

Method

We sought to determine the incidence of haemorrhage requiring PCC administration in our cohort of patients, and to assess compliance with current national guidelines regarding their storage and use. We searched our database for all patients that received PCCs, or met current guidelines for their administration, and followed them through to hospital discharge. We also conducted a telephone survey of all hospitals served by the EMRS to determine compliance with national standards.

Results

During the 42-month study period, 1170 retrieval missions were conducted. Twenty-six retrieved patients had a congenital or acquired clotting factor deficiency and seven met criteria for PCC administration. Of these, only three received PCCs prior to transfer to definitive care. Telephone survey revealed that all the rural general hospitals were served by the EMRS stock PCCs, but only one out of 15 GP-led community hospitals had access to PCCs.

Conclusions

In the remote and rural setting where access to definitive care may be limited or delayed, timely administration of PCCs in appropriate patients may improve outcomes. As many rural hospitals do not have access to PCCs, the ability of the EMRS to provide this treatment may improve patient care.
Management of oxidative stress by microalgae
Authors: Cirulis Judith T. , Scott J. Ashley , Ross Gregory M.
Published: January 2013

The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current research on oxidative stress in eukaryotic microalgae and the antioxidant compounds microalgae utilize to control oxidative stress. With the potential to exploit microalgae for the large-scale production of antioxidants, interest in how microalgae manage oxidative stress is growing. Microalgae can experience increased levels of oxidative stress and toxicity as a result of environmental conditions, metals, and chemicals. The defence mechanisms for microalgae include antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidases, and glutathione reductase, as well as non-enzymatic antioxidant molecules such as phytochelatins, pigments, polysaccharides, and polyphenols. Discussed herein are the 3 areas the literature has focused on, including how conditions stress microalgae and how microalgae respond to oxidative stress by managing reactive oxygen species. The third area is how beneficial microalgae antioxidants are when administered to cancerous mammalian cells or to rodents experiencing oxidative stress.
Retention of fetuin-A in renal tubular lumen protects the kidney from nephrocalcinosis in rats
Authors: Matsui Isao , Hamano Takayuki , Mikami Satoshi , Inoue Kazunori , Shimomura Akihiro , Nagasawa Yasuyuki , Michigami Toshimi , Ohnishi Tomokazu , Fujii Naohiko , Nakano Chikako , Kusunoki Yasuo , Kitamura Harumi , Iwatani Hirotsugu , Takabatake Yoshitsugu , Kaimori Jun-ya , Matsuba Go , Okoshi Kento , Kimura-Suda Hiromi , Tsubakihara Yoshiharu , Rakugi Hiromi , Isaka Yoshitaka
Published: January 2013

The serum glycoprotein fetuin-A is an important inhibitor of extraosseous calcification. The importance of fetuin-A has been confirmed in fetuin-A null mice, which develop widespread extraosseous calcification including the kidney. However, the mechanism how fetuin-A protects kidneys from nephrocalcinosis remains uncertain. Here, we demonstrate that intratubular fetuin-A plays a role in the prevention of nephrocalcinosis in the proximal tubules. Although normal rat kidney did not express mRNA for fetuin-A, we found punctate immunohistochemical staining of fetuin-A mainly in the S1 segment of the proximal tubules. The staining pattern suggested that fetuin-A passed through the slit diaphragm, traveled in the proximal tubular lumen, and was introduced into proximal tubular cells by megalin-mediated endocytosis. To test this hypothesis, we inhibited the function of megalin by intravenous injection of histidine-tagged soluble receptor-associated protein (His-sRAP), a megalin inhibitor. His-sRAP injection diminished fetuin-A staining in the proximal tubules and led to urinary excretion of fetuin-A. We further analyzed the role of fetuin-A in nephrocalcinosis. Continuous injection of parathyroid hormone (PTH) 1–34 induced nephrocalcinosis mainly in the proximal tubules in rats. His-sRAP retained fetuin-A in renal tubular lumen and thereby protected the kidneys of PTH-treated rats from calcification. Our findings suggest that tubular luminal fetuin-A works as a natural inhibitor against calcification in the proximal tubules under PTH-loaded condition.
Prognostic significance of serum microRNA-221 expression in human epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Hong Fanzhen , Li Yuyang , Xu Yongping , Zhu Lin
Published: January 2013

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of using serum microRNA (miR)-221 as a noninvasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

Methods

In this retrospective study, real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction was used to measure miR-221 expression in serum samples from patients with EOC and healthy age-matched controls. Correlations between serum miR-221 levels and clinicopathological factors and prognosis were explored.

Results

Serum miR-221 was upregulated in patients with EOC ( n = 96) compared with healthy controls ( n = 35). The level of serum miR-221 expression was significantly associated with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, and tumour grade. Furthermore, multivariate analysis of overall survival showed that high serum miR-221 expression was an independent unfavourable prognostic factor in EOC.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that serum miR-221 may have a role as a novel diagnostic and prognostic marker, and may have potential as a therapeutic target in EOC.
Adiponectin/leptin ratio and insulin resistance in pregnancy
Authors: Skvarca A , Tomazic M , Blagus R , Krhin B , Janez A
Published: January 2013

Objective

Pregnancy is characterized by progressive insulin resistance. The present study evaluated whether the adiponectin/leptin ratio is associated with insulin resistance in pregnancy, since this ratio has been shown to be associated with insulin resistance in obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, adiponectin and leptin concentrations were measured in pregnant women using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Insulin resistance was assessed using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA–IR).

Results

Mean ± SD age of the participants ( n = 74) was 30.76 ± 4.27 years, mean ± SD gestational age was 26.81 ± 3.52 weeks and median body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy was 22.68 kg/m2 (interquartile range 20.75–26.79 kg/m2). There was a significant correlation between the HOMA–IR and leptin concentration, but not between the HOMA–IR and adiponectin concentration. There was a significant inverse correlation between the HOMA–IR and adiponectin/leptin ratio. The adiponectin/leptin ratio was inversely correlated with BMI before pregnancy.

Conclusion

The adiponection/leptin ratio inversely correlates with HOMA–IR in pregnancy.
The Childhood Sexual Abuse Among Youth in Three Asian Cities
Authors: Li Nan , Zabin Laurie S. , Ahmed Saifuddin
Published: January 2013

The article describes the prevalence and risk factors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) among youth in Hanoi, Shanghai, and Taipei. Data used in this study are from the Three-City Asian Study of Adolescents and Youth, 2006-2007. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression models were used. The self-reported lifetime prevalence of CSA was 5.2% in Taipei, 1.3% in Shanghai, and 0.5% in Hanoi. The overall prevalence was 2.2% for females and 1.7% for males. The average age of first CSA was 10.5 years. Household instability, migration before age 14, and low maternal warmth were found to be positively associated with CSA, whereas discussing problems with father and being close to mother were negatively associated with CSA, after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. Our findings suggested the importance of prevention programs for preteen aged children, public education to raise awareness, and further prospective studies to identify various risk markers for CSA in Asia.
Development of a checklist of quality indicators for clinical trials in resource-limited countries: The French National Agency for Research on AIDS and Viral Hepatitis (ANRS) experience
Authors: Hanna Mina , Minga Albert , Fao Paulin , Borand Laurence , Diouf Assane , Mben Jean-Marc , Gad Rita R , Anglaret Xavier , Bazin Brigitte , Chene Geneviève ,   and the [Quali-PED] ANRS 12175 Study Group
Published: January 2013

Background

Since 1994, the French National Agency for Research on AIDS and Viral Hepatitis (ANRS) has funded research sites in resource-limited countries (RLCs). These sites implement research on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and Hepatitis C. In parallel, international regulations and recommendations for clinical trials have evolved and proliferated. However, little guidance exists on how these should be interpreted and applied within academic trials and in the context of RLCs. After developing a specific Ethical Charter for research in developing countries in 2002, ANRS developed a set of quality indicators (QIs) as a monitoring tool for assessing compliance to international guidelines.

Purpose

We describe here the development process, QIs adopted, and areas for improvement.

Methods

In 2008, a group of experts was convened that included a researcher representing each ANRS site (Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, Cameroun, Burkina Faso, Egypt, and Cambodia). Our structuring interaction development process combined evidence and expert opinion in two nominal group meetings to identify (1) clinical trial processes involved, (2) issues specific to RLCs in terms of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and the application of ethical recommendations, and (3) checklists of QIs adapted to clinical trials conducted in RLCs.

Results

The trial process reviewed and proposed for RLCs was mostly similar to the one produced in wealthier countries. The scheme generated by our work group added two further processes: ‘drug management’ and ‘biological investigations’. Specific issues regarding trial management in RLCs were therefore described for eight trial steps (1) protocol conception and seeking authorizations, (2) participant enrollment and follow-up, (3) site monitoring, (4) drug management, (5) biological investigations, (6) record management, (7) data management, and (8) site closeout. A total of 58 indicators were identified with at least one indicator for each trial process.

Limitations

Some trial activities require further consideration, that is, in the case of vulnerable participants (children, pregnant women). Proposed indicators are the result of expert consensus and reflect their experience in the HIV field. Relevance to existing trials and extrapolation to other fields must be assessed.

Conclusions

This innovative program allowed ANRS sites located in RLCs to share their GCP implementation experiences in order to build a list of relevant indicators for clinical trials. The next step is to collect data from ongoing HIV and hepatitis C trials in these settings and will assess the relevance of these indicators to document current quality of performance among trials in resource-limited settings.
Wisdom, Torah, Nomos: The Discursive Contours of Biblical Law
Authors: Halberstam Chaya
Published: January 2013

“Law” and “faith” appear to us as separate entities, but have they always been? This article argues that the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible and early Judaism display a kind of legal discourse that reveals a law so interfused with a relational stance to the divine that “law” and “faith” appear to be melded into one inclusive, hybrid category.
Optimizing patient derived mesenchymal stem cells as virus carriers for a Phase I clinical trial in ovarian cancer
Authors: Mader Emily K , Butler Greg , Dowdy Sean C , Mariani Andrea , Knutson Keith L , Federspiel Mark J , Russell Stephen J , Galanis Evanthia , Dietz Allan B , Peng Kah-Whye
Published: January 2013

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) can serve as carriers to deliver oncolytic measles virus (MV) to ovarian tumors. In preparation for a clinical trial to use MSC as MV carriers, we obtained cells from ovarian cancer patients and evaluated feasibility and safety of this approach.

Methods

MSC from adipose tissues of healthy donors (hMSC) and nine ovarian cancer patients (ovMSC) were characterized for susceptibility to virus infection and tumor homing abilities.

Results

Adipose tissue (range 0.16-3.96 grams) from newly diagnosed and recurrent ovarian cancer patients yielded about 7.41×106 cells at passage 1 (range 4–9 days). Phenotype and doubling times of MSC were similar between ovarian patients and healthy controls. The time to harvest of 3.0×108 cells (clinical dose) could be achieved by day 14 (range, 9–17 days). Two of nine samples tested had an abnormal karyotype represented by trisomy 20. Despite receiving up to 1.6×109 MSC/kg, no tumors were seen in SCID beige mice and MSC did not promote the growth of SKOV3 human ovarian cancer cells in mice. The ovMSC migrated towards primary ovarian cancer samples in chemotaxis assays and to ovarian tumors in athymic mice. Using non-invasive SPECT-CT imaging, we saw rapid co-localization, within 5–8 minutes of intraperitoneal administration of MV infected MSC to the ovarian tumors. Importantly, MSC can be pre-infected with MV, stored in liquid nitrogen and thawed on the day of infusion into mice without loss of activity. MV infected MSC, but not virus alone, significantly prolonged the survival of measles immune ovarian cancer bearing animals.

Conclusions

These studies confirmed the feasibility of using patient derived MSC as carriers for oncolytic MV therapy. We propose an approach where MSC from ovarian cancer patients will be expanded, frozen and validated to ensure compliance with the release criteria. On the treatment day, the cells will be thawed, washed, mixed with virus, briefly centrifuged and incubated for 2 hours with virus prior to infusion of the virus/MSC cocktail into patients.
Interaction of members of the heat shock protein-70 family with the macrophage mannose receptor
Authors: Yang Seungchan , Vigerust David J , Shepherd Virginia L
Published: January 2013

Members of the heat shock protein 70 family bind to the macrophage mannose receptor, potentially contributing to appropriate localization and trafficking.

The macrophage MR has been the subject of investigation for over 20 years, and several important physiological functions have been described. However, the molecular mechanisms that regulate MR signaling and trafficking during these processes still remain elusive. The focus of the current paper was to identify potential cellular MR-interacting proteins. An initial screen of binding proteins in MR-expressing cells was performed using coimmunoprecipitation, followed by identification of matching peptide sequences using proteomics and MS. The major class of binding proteins identified belonged to the heat shock family of proteins. The specific interaction of the MR with HSP70 family members was validated by Western blot analysis, ligand binding assays, and intracellular colocalization using confocal microscopy. Additional studies indicated that inhibition of the HSP BiP by treatment of cells with EGCG reduced BiP interaction with and surface expression of the MR. Studies of possible motifs within the cytoplasmic tail of the receptor suggested that a juxtamembrane dibasic sequence may contribute to the interaction with BiP. These findings suggest that the molecular association of the MR with HSP70 family members via the receptor cytoplasmic tail may contribute to MR trafficking in macrophages.
Crystal structure of N-succinimidyl-4-fluorobenzoate, C11H8FNO4
Authors: Liu Ya-Ling , Zou Pei , Wu Jun , Wang Hong-Yong , Luo Shi-Neng
Published: January 2013

C11H8FNO4, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 9.177(3) Å, b = 5.472(2) Å, c = 22.414(7) Å, β = 95.264(4)°, V = 1120.7 Å3, Z = 4, Rgt(F) = 0.0493, wRref(F2) = 0.1195, T = 203 K.
A Patient-Centered Approach to Counseling Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Undergoing Human Papillomavirus Testing: A Clinician's Guide
Authors: Chu Amy , Genden Eric , Posner Marshall , Sikora Andrew
Published: January 2013

The International Agency for Research on Cancer and the National Cancer Institute have acknowledged human papillomavirus (HPV)-16 as an independent risk factor for oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer (HPVOPC) is a sexually transmitted entity that is on the rise; within the next 10 years, the annual number of HPV-associated OPC cases is projected to exceed the annual number of cervical cancer cases in the United States. Recognition of HPV status in OPC has broad implications beyond the traditional oncological concerns of timely diagnosis, accurate staging, and appropriate treatment of cancer patients. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends testing the tumor site for HPV-status during OPC management; it is likely this will become a standard component of care for patients with high-probability tumors of the oropharynx. As the practice of HPV testing becomes more common, it behooves providers to be able to adequately address the concerns of patients with HPVOPC. Although there are currently few relevant studies focusing on this population, existing literature on HPV-infected women and patients with cervical cancer strongly supports the concept that patients with HPVOPC need education to optimally address concerns such as self-blame, guilt, intimacy, and interpersonal relationships. When HPV testing is done, it should be accompanied by evidence-driven and patient-centered counseling to best minimize negative psychosocial outcomes and ensure optimum health promotion. Based on the current state of the literature, this article is intended to be a reference for physicians to effectively manage psychosocial outcomes when diagnosing patients with HPV-associated OPC.
Introduction: "Objectification, Measurement and Standardization"
Authors: Larsen Tord
Published: January 2013

The articles in this issue of Culture Unbound were presented at a multidisciplinary conference entitled “Objectification, Measurement and Standardization” held at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, Norway, in January, 2012. It was organized by the Department of Social Anthropology, NTNU Social Research and the university’s Globalization Program.
Funny Numbers
Authors: Porter Theodore M.
Published: January 2013

The struggle over cure rate measures in nineteenth-century asylums provides an exemplary instance of how, when used for official assessments of institutions, these numbers become sites of contestation. The evasion of goals and corruption of measures tends to make these numbers “funny” in the sense of becoming dishonest, while the mismatch between boring, technical appearances and cunning backstage manipulations supplies dark humor. The dangers are evident in recent efforts to decentralize the functions of governments and corporations using incen-tives based on quantified targets.
Responsabilité industrielle et éco-innovation
Authors: Pluchart Jean-Jacques
Published: January 2013

Résumé L’étude des filières de gestion des déchets industriels soulève les problématiques-encore peu explorées en économie industrielle et en sciences de gestion - de la responsabilité élargie des producteurs industriels, ainsi que des enjeux et des pratiques de l’éco-innovation des produits et des procédés. Elles illustrent la multiplicité des stratégies et la diversité des solutions - plus ou moins éthiques - apportées par les entreprises industrielles au problème du retraitement de leurs déchets et, plus largement, à la mise en pratique du développement durable.
Comment plaire à un capital-risqueur en quelques secondes ? Une reconstruction économétrique des critères de sélection de deux capital-risqueurs
Authors: Zajac Michal
Published: January 2013

Résumé L’objectif de cet article est de reconstituer les critères de sélection employés par deux capital-risqueurs français à une phase très préliminaire du processus de sélection. Au stade considéré, l’investisseur doit décider en quelques secondes sur la base de très peu d’informations, s’il souhaite lire le profil détaillé de la société candidate. Seul un petit nombre de sociétés verront leur profil visité par l’investisseur et auront donc une chance de franchir les étapes ultérieures menant au financement. Les critères de décision sont reconstitués par l’analyse économétrique (modèle Logit) d’un échantillon de 700 sociétés inscrites sur la plateforme internet de recherches de fonds Oseo Capital Pme. Nos résultats invalident la théorie dominante du processus de sélection des investisseurs en capital, selon laquelle l’investisseur appliquerait mécaniquement des critères simplistes au stade préliminaire de sélection. Nous montrons que loin de constituer une liste fixe, les critères sont un corps vivant en permanente mutation.
Proteasomal Degradation of Herpes Simplex Virus Capsids in Macrophages Releases DNA to the Cytosol for Recognition by DNA Sensors
Authors: Horan Kristy A. , Hansen Kathrine , Jakobsen Martin R. , Holm Christian K. , Søby Stine , Unterholzner Leonie , Thompson Mikayla , West John A. , Iversen Marie B. , Rasmussen Simon B. , Ellermann-Eriksen Svend , Kurt-Jones Evelyn , Landolfo Santo , Damania Blossom , Melchjorsen Jesper , Bowie Andrew G. , Fitzgerald Katherine A. , Paludan Søren R.
Published: January 2013

The innate immune system is important for control of infections, including herpesvirus infections. Intracellular DNA potently stimulates antiviral IFN responses. It is known that plasmacytoid dendritic cells sense herpesvirus DNA in endosomes via TLR9 and that nonimmune tissue cells can sense herpesvirus DNA in the nucleus. However, it remains unknown how and where myeloid cells, such as macrophages and conventional dendritic cells, detect infections with herpesviruses. In this study, we demonstrate that the HSV-1 capsid was ubiquitinated in the cytosol and degraded by the proteasome, hence releasing genomic DNA into the cytoplasm for detection by DNA sensors. In this context, the DNA sensor IFN-γ–inducible 16 is important for induction of IFN-β in human macrophages postinfection with HSV-1 and CMV. Viral DNA localized to the same cytoplasmic regions as did IFN-γ–inducible 16, with DNA sensing being independent of viral nuclear entry. Thus, proteasomal degradation of herpesvirus capsids releases DNA to the cytoplasm for recognition by DNA sensors.
Superficialization of the Radial Artery – An Alternative Secondary Vascular Access
Authors: Weyde Wacław , Kusztal Mariusz , Gołębiowski Tomasz , Letachowicz Krzysztof , Letachowicz Waldemar , Wątorek Ewa , Madziarska Katarzyna , Krajewska Magdalena , Szyber Przemysław , Janczak Dariusz , Klinger Marian
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The standard approach in patients with a clotted arteriovenous fistula (AVF) on the forearm is the creation of another vascular access on the arm using the patient's own vessels or a prosthetic graft. Here we propose another option as secondary angioaccess for chronic hemodialysis (HD): superficialization of the radial artery.

Methods

Indications for the procedure were 1) long-standing forearm AVF that has irreversibly clotted and/or central vein stenosis resistant to angioplasty; 2) patients who have no other prospect for forearm or even brachial AVF. The procedure was undertaken in 7 chronic HD patients dialyzed by forearm AVF for 27±26 months.

Results

In one case the superficialization was abandoned intra-operatively due to small diameter of the artery (<4 mm). Five of 6 elevated arteries were patent and the follow-up period ranges from 11 to 15 (median 12) months. In 1 male patient with prothrombin G20210a mutation the artery clotted after 13 months of usage.

Conclusions

Superficialized radial artery was successfully used for hemodialysis over one year. The only prerequisite for safe repeated puncture is a patent and enlarged radial artery. Due to avoidance of arteriovenous shunt this access type may be particularly suitable for patients with cardiac failure.
Hidrografia e Hidrogeologia: Qualidade e Disponibilidade de Água para Abastecimento Humano na Sub-bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Cotinguiba-SE
Authors: Santos Wesley Alves , Araújo Hélio Mário de
Published: January 2013

A chuva exerce papel fundamental na manutenção do ciclo hidrológico. É através da infiltração que se realiza o recarregamento das reservas freáticas e a reidratação dos solos, ou seja, dos depósitos de água disponíveis para a vegetação terrestre e para as atividades biológicas. Dentre os elementos do sistema ambiental físico, a geologia é um dos componentes mais importantes para caracterizar a disponibilidade hídrica superficial e subterrânea, pois, busca apresentar os elementos fundamentais para as relações litoestruturas com o relevo e os solos. Em função de suas características mineralógicas, textuais e estruturais, os corpos rochosos respondem diferentemente à ação dos processos exógenos, influenciando nas formas de relevo e tipos de solo. Nesse contexto, o referido artigo teve como objetivo analisar o quadro geológico e os recursos hídricos superficiais e subterrâneos da Sub-bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Cotinguiba. Para atingir os objetivos propostos, utilizou-se distintos procedimentos metodológicos, tais como: revisão da literatura, levantamento de dados secundários e cartográficos. As questões aqui abordadas denunciam que as mudanças que ocorrem na sub-bacia hidrográfica do Rio Cotinguiba, tem pressionado a bacia hidrográfica como um todo, comprometendo a sua dinâmica e conseqüentemente a disponibilidade hídrica e a qualidade da água.
Teoria Microeconômica de Becker e Fecundidade no Brasil
Authors: Nascimento Danielle
Published: January 2013

No estudo da dinâmica demográfica, os indicadores de natalidade são fundamentais para o entendimento do crescimento natural de uma população. Assim como a mortalidade, a natalidade é influenciada por fatores biológicos e socioeconômicos. No Brasil, segundo os dados do Censo Demográfico de 2010, a natalidade destacou-se pelo seu comportamento e demonstrou que esse evento é cada vez mais influenciado pelos aspectos socioeconômicos do país. Segundo Becker, esse processo é resultado de uma combinação ótima que os pais fazem entre filhos e outros bens de forma que a sua satisfação seja maximizada, dada a sua restrição orçamentária.PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Becker, natalidade, fatores socioeconômicos.
Área de Influência de um Bairro sob a Ótica de Conceitos de Espaço de Atividades
Authors: Faé Maria Inês , Simonelli Cristiano Hemerly
Published: January 2013

Este artigo aborda conceitos de espaço de atividades e de área de influência direta de empreendimentos para subsidiar uma análise da atração de indivíduos para um dado bairro. Por definição esse espaço de atividades coincide com a área de Influência Direta, porém não a de um Empreendimento, mas sim a de um bairro a partir das características de infraestrutura urbana ofertadas como serviços, comércio, lazer, educação, saúde, etc. Um estudo de  caso permite o traçado de linhas de desejo de viagens entre localidades o que complementa a análise conceitual realizada.
Novel Crystallization Process for Germanium Thin Films: Surfactant-Crystallization Method
Authors: Miura Hiroyuki , Kamiko Masao , Kyuno Kentaro
Published: January 2013

A new process called the surfactant-crystallization method is used to fabricate crystalline Ge thin films. By depositing Ge on a heated substrate, on which a Au film is predeposited, the formation of crystal Ge is confirmed at a substrate temperature as low as 200 °C and at a heating duration of only 60 s.
Enhancement of Optical Anisotropy by Interconnection Effect along Growth Direction in Multistacked Quantum Dots
Authors: Tanaka Hideharu , Kojima Osamu , Kita Takashi , Akahane Kouichi
Published: January 2013

We report the enhancement of in-plane optical anisotropy in stacked InAs quantum dots (QDs) with a decrease in spacer layer thickness. The in-plane polarization anisotropy of photoluminescence intensity is basically due to the ellipsoidal QD shape caused by lattice mismatch strain. The polarization degree increases to approximately 40% with decreasing the spacer layer thickness. When the spacer layer thickness decreases, the electron envelope function becomes longer along the growth direction, which is the interconnection effect. This interconnection results in the enhancement of the in-plane anisotropy. These results exhibit that the vertical interaction by the interconnection effect is an important factor for the QD optical anisotropy.
Focused Magneto-Optic Kerr Effect Spectroscopy in Ni75Fe25 and Fe Ferromagnetic Thin Films on Organic Substrates
Authors: Kondo Kenji , Kaiju Hideo , Ishibashi Akira
Published: January 2013

We apply the theory of the magneto-optic Kerr effect (MOKE) for multilayer thin films to analyze the surface magnetic properties, which have been observed using focused MOKE, for Ni75Fe25 and Fe thin films evaporated on poly(ethylene naphthalate) (PEN) organic substrates. The calculation is performed for the thickness dependence and incident angle dependence of Kerr rotation and ellipticity. We have measured the thickness dependence of Kerr rotation at a wavelength of 405 nm for both Ni75Fe25 and Fe thin films on PEN organic substrates. These results are fitted using the theory by adjusting the values of magneto-optic constants Q's. These Q's are 0.01exp
(-i48π/180) and 0.025exp
(-i47π/180) for Ni75Fe25 and Fe thin films, respectively. These results lead to the quantitative estimation of the surface magnetic properties of thin films on organic substrates. Also, the magneto-optic constants are estimated for ferromagnetic thin films on organic substrates for the first time.
Read-head Conditions for Obtaining Areal Recording Density of 5.8 Tbit/in.2 on a Bit-Patterned Medium
Authors: Akagi Fumiko , Ushiyama Junko , Miyamoto Harukazu , Mita Seiichi
Published: January 2013

The optimum magneto-resistive read-head (MR head) conditions, namely, read track width (TWR) and shield gap (G
s), with a bit-patterned medium (BPM) for areal recording density of 5.8 Tbit/in.2 were determined by analytical calculation. Signal-to-noise ratio at a linear recording density of 1124 kfci (SNR1124kfci) and crosstalk were calculated in consideration of head noise, and optimum TWR and G
s were obtained from the calculation results. The effect of intertrack interference cancellation (ITIC) was investigated by using a signal-processing simulator. The investigation shows that intertrack interference cancellation decreases bit error rate. Moreover, to obtain bit error rate of 10-3 and SNR1124kfci of 14 dB, TWR can be increased to about two times track pitch for G
s of 15 nm. For obtaining SNR1124kfci of 14 dB, TWR should be 15 nm at σ/D
ave of 5% or TWR should be 11 nm at σ/D
ave of 10%. These results demonstrate that ITIC effectively decreases bit error rate and thus contributes to attaining areal recording density of 5.8 Tbit/in.2.
Design of Spin Polarization Analyzer using Transverse-Longitudinal Correlation in Resistivities Induced by Spin–Orbit Interaction
Authors: Sakai Masamichi , Kakizaki Koichi , Hasegawa Shigehiko , Kitajima Akira , Oshima Akihiro , Awano Hiroyuki
Published: January 2013

We have theoretically studied a methodology for the measurement of the degree of spin polarization (P) in metals as well as semiconductors. Our principle is based on the correlation existing between transverse resistivity (ρ
y
x
) and longitudinal resistivity (ρ
x
x
), both influenced by transverse scattering due to a spin–orbit interaction (SOI) as well as longitudinal scattering due to usual mechanisms. Our spin polarization analyzer employs an unknown polarization conductor as a source electrode from which spin-polarized electrons are injected into a nonmagnetic (NM) channel region. The channel length is set to be much smaller than its spin diffusion length so that ρ
y
x
and ρ
x
x
in the NM region, both complementarily influenced by carrier spin polarization, would be measured to obtain the P value. Also, application to OR and XOR logic gates are discussed on the basis of our spin polarization analyzer.
Current Rectification and Seebeck Coefficient of Serially Coupled Double Quantum Dots
Authors: Tseng Yen-Chun , Kuo David M.-T.
Published: January 2013

The transport properties of serially coupled quantum dots (SCQDs) embedded in a matrix connected to metallic electrodes are theoretically studied in the linear and nonlinear regimes. The current rectification and negative differential conductance of SCQDs under the Pauli spin blockade condition are attributed to the combination of bias-direction dependent probability weight and off-resonant energy levels yielded by the applied bias across the junctions. We observe the spin-polarization current rectification under the Zeeman effect. The maximum spin-polarization current occurs in the forward bias regime. Such behavior is different from the charge current rectification. Finally, the Seebeck coefficient (S) of SCQDs is calculated and analyzed in the cases without and with electron phonon interactions. The application of SCQDs as a temperature detector is discussed on the basis of the nonlinear behavior of S with respect to temperature difference across the junction.
Optimization of Anomalous Cells with High SET Resistance in Phase Change Memory Arrays
Authors: Xu Linhai , Chen Xiaogang , Song Zhitang , Chen Yifeng , Liu Bo , Chen Houpeng , Yang Zuoya , Wu Guanping , Cai Daolin , Feng Gaoming , Li Ying
Published: January 2013

The resistance distribution in the crystalline (SET) state of phase change memory (PCM) is experimentally investigated at the array level using an 8 Mbit test chip. The SET distribution shows a high resistance tail, which potentially affects the reading margin of the chip. To further understand the anomalous behaviors of these tail cells, the SET resistances are characterized in terms of the programming pulse current magnitude and duration. These tail cells are probably caused by incomplete crystallization of the inactive region of phase change material. Finally, an optimization approach of applying a direct current of 0.6 mA to these tail cells is proposed and experimentally verified.
Structural Properties of Manganese Hexacyanoferrates against Li Concentration
Authors: Kurihara Yutaro , Matsuda Tomoyuki , Moritomo Yutaka
Published: January 2013

Manganese hexacyanoferrate, La
x
Mn[Fe(CN)6]
y

zH2O, is a promising candidate for cathode materials for lithium ion secondary batteries, because the compound exhibits an ideal two-electron reaction without structural phase transition at y =0.83. We found that its capacity (Q) increases with Fe concentration (y) from Q = 115 mAh/g at y = 0.83 to 130 mAh/g at 0.87, and 143 mAh/g at 0.93. We further investigated the structural properties of La
x
Mn[Fe(CN)6]
y

zH2O against the Li concentration (x). In the low-x region, the y = 0.87 compound exhibits a phase separation into the two cubic phases, whereas the y = 0.93 compound separates into the cubic and tetragonal phases. We ascribed these phase separations to the Jahn–Teller (JT) instability as well as the smaller ionic radius of Mn3+.
Green Fluorescence of Mn-Doped Zn2SiO4 Thin Film Enhanced by Surface Plasmon of Nano-Silver Coating
Authors: Peng Kun-Cheng , Lin Yi-Chung , Liu Shiu-Jen , Hsieh Keng-Lin , Tseng Chiun-An , Lin Jing-Chie
Published: January 2013

One thin film of Mn-doped ZnO was deposited on a quartz glass in a sputtering system where RF magnetron and DC were employed as power sources. The specimen was removed and annealed in an atmospheric furnace at 1200 °C for 2 h. This annealed specimen was identified as Mn-doped Zn2SiO4 (MZS) crystal. The sample was sputtered to coat it with one Ag film varying in thickness (i.e., 3, 5, and 10 nm), and subjected to rapid thermal annealing (RTA) at 500 °C for 15 min. The post-RTA-treated specimens were denoted as 3 Ag(MZS)R, 5 Ag(MZS)R, and 10 Ag(MZS)R, and their surfaces revealed a homogenous distribution of silver nanoparticles. Photoluminescence (PL) measurement showed a fluorescence of 530 nm (green light) emitted from MZS. A coating of Ag particles on MZS tended to increase the PL intensity in the following order: 10 Ag(MZS)R (29%) < 5 Ag(MZS)R (72%) < 3 Ag(MZS)R (100%).
Orientation Control of ZnO Films Deposited Using Nonequilibrium Atmospheric Pressure N2/O2Plasma
Authors: Nose Yukinori , Nakamura Tatsuru , Yoshimura Takeshi , Ashida Atsushi , Uehara Tsuyoshi , Fujimura Norifumi
Published: January 2013

Nonequilibrium atmospheric pressure N2/O2plasma was applied to the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of zinc oxide (ZnO) films on glass substrates at the substrate temperature of 200 °C. Although the deposition temperature is very low, the ZnO films showed (0001) preferred orientation including a small amount of diffraction from the (1011) plane. We attempted to improve the (0001) preferred orientation for ZnO films without increasing the substrate temperature. After systematic experiments, we found that adjusting the ratio of the oxygen flow rate in the total gas flow rate [O2/(O2+ N2) ratio] was effective for orientation control of the ZnO films. This result indicates the potential of nonequilibrium atmospheric pressure N2/O2plasma for the low-temperature CVD process of ZnO films used in piezoelectric devices and transparent thin-film transistors on a flexible substrate.
Room Temperature Growth of Al-Doped ZnO Thin Films by Reactive DC Sputtering Technique with Metallic Target
Authors: Hasuike Noriyuki , Nishio Koji , Kisoda Kenji , Harima Hiroshi
Published: January 2013

We prepared Al-deopd ZnO (AZO) films by reactive DC sputtering method using metallic target at room temperature. All the tested AZO films (0<[Al]<8.9%) with the transmittance above 85% in visible region were successfully grown on quartz substrate. All the AZO films have wurtzite structure with no impurity phase. The AZO films with [Al]<2.9% have the preferential orientation in c-axis direction, and the orientation became indistinct as increasing in Al content. In the optical measurement, the absorption edge was shifted from 3.30 to 3.66 eV due to Burstein–Moss effect, and the electron densities were roughly estimated at 2.5×1019 to 1.5×1021 cm-3, respectively. On the other hand, the high transmittance in infrared region suggested low electron mobility. Since this gives rise to the high electric resistivity, the further improvements and optimization of the growth conditions are required for the realization of AZO based transparent conductive.