bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Luminescent Hybrid Ionogels Functionalized with rare Earth fluoride Up‐conversion Nanocrystals Dispersing in Ionic Liquid
Authors: Yan Zhi‐Yuan , Yan Bing 
Published: July 2013

AbstractRare earth doped fluorides (BaMgF4, aYF4 and BaYF5/BaLuF5) have been synthesized and dispersed in an ionic liquid compound, (3‐triethoxysilyl) propyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride (denoted as IM+Cl−). Through the cohydrolysis and copolycondensatoin reaction between the alkoxy group (3‐triethoxysilyl) of IM+ and tetraethoxysilane in the presence of carboxylic acids (formic acid) as catalyst and water source, luminescent hybrid ionogels form subsequently. 1H NMR spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and especially up‐conversion (UC) luminescence spectroscopy are used to characterize the precursors and the resulted hybrid ionogels. These hybrid ionogels exhibit the UC luminescence properties of immobilized rare earth fluoride nanocrystals (BaMgF4, NaYF4 and BaYF5/BaLuF5) doped Er3+/Tm3+, Yb3+.
A sun holiday is a sunburn holiday
Authors: Petersen Bibi , Thieden Elisabeth , Philipsen Peter Alshede , Heydenreich Jakob , Young Antony Richard , Wulf Hans Christian 
Published: July 2013

SummaryMany people take holidays in sunny locations with the express aim of sunbathing. This may result in sunburn, which is a risk factor for skin cancer. We investigated 25 Danish sun seekers during a week's holiday in the Canary Islands. The percentage of body surface area with sunburn was determined by daily skin examinations by the same observer. Erythemally effective ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure was assessed with time‐stamped personal dosimeters worn on the wrist. Volunteers reported their clothing cover and sunscreen use in diaries, and this information was used to determine body site‐specific UVR doses after adjustment for sun protection factor. Remarkably, we found that all volunteers sunburned at some point. The risk of sunburn correlated significantly with the adjusted body site‐specific UVR dose. Furthermore, there was also a significant relationship between the daily UVR dose and percentage of body surface area with sunburn. Our study shows that holiday UVR exposure results in a high risk of sunburn, which potentially increases the risk of skin cancer. Possible protection by melanogenesis is insufficient to protect against sunburn during a 1‐week sun holiday. Finally, our data clearly support a substantial skin cancer risk from sun holidays.
Smoking‐related emphysema is associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and rheumatoid lung
Authors: Antoniou Katerina M. , Walsh Simon L. , Hansell David M. , Rubens Michael R. , Marten Katharina , Tennant Rachel , Hansel Trevor , Desai Sujal R. , Siafakas Nikolaos M. , du Bois Roland M , Wells Athol U. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackground and objectiveA combined pulmonary fibrosis/emphysema syndrome has been proposed, but the basis for this syndrome is currently uncertain. The aim was to evaluate the prevalence of emphysema in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and rheumatoid lung (rheumatoid arthritis‐interstitial lung disease (RA‐ILD)), and to compare the morphological features of lung fibrosis between smokers and non‐smokers.MethodsUsing high‐resolution computed tomography, the prevalence of emphysema and the pack‐year smoking histories associated with emphysema were compared between current/ex‐smokers with IPF (n = 186) or RA‐ILD (n = 46), and non‐chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) controls (n = 103) and COPD controls (n = 34). The coarseness of fibrosis was compared between smokers and non‐smokers.ResultsEmphysema, present in 66/186 (35%) patients with IPF and 22/46 (48%) smokers with RA‐ILD, was associated with lower pack‐year smoking histories than in control groups (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). The presence of emphysema in IPF was positively linked to the pack‐year smoking history (odds ratio 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–1.06, P < 0.0005). In IPF, fibrosis was coarser in smokers than in non‐smokers on univariate and multivariate analysis (P < 0.01 for all comparisons). In RA‐ILD, fibrosis was coarser in patients with emphysema but did not differ significantly between smokers and non‐smokers.ConclusionsIn IPF and RA‐ILD, a high prevalence of concurrent emphysema, in association with low pack‐year smoking histories, and an association between coarser pulmonary fibrosis and a history of smoking in IPF together provide support for possible pathogenetic linkage to smoking in both diseases.
The Differential Effects of Noneconomic Damage Cap Levels on Medical Malpractice Insurers
Authors: Born Patricia , Neale Faith Roberts 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis study examines the effect of tort reform on medical malpractice insurers with an emphasis on the effect of cap levels on noneconomic damages. While previous research finds that caps on noneconomic damages have a beneficial effect on insurer performance, these studies do not evaluate the effects of caps of varying size. Examining insurer data from 1997 to 2007, we test whether cap levels matter. We find that insurer performance generally improves when the cap is set at $250,000, but caps exceeding $250,000 are not associated with improved performance, as they are possibly not binding on award amounts.
Market Implications of Public Policy Interventions: The Case of Florida's Property Insurance Market
Authors: Medders Lorilee A. , Nyce Charles M. , Bradley Karl J. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis article asserts that the market for property insurance, particularly homeowners insurance, in the State of Florida is experiencing failures, and that a combination of market problems, externalities, and interventions unique to Florida led to these failures. The authors provide evidence of market failures in the form of undesirable market outcomes, both over time and in comparison to other coastal states. Also, they provide a narrative description of the market events, problems, and policies preceding these adverse market developments and link the narrative to the evidence. Recommendations for a return to risk‐based pricing and incentives for appropriate property mitigation are made.
The Right to Know? State Politics of Fracking Disclosure
Authors: Fisk Jonathan M. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractU.S. energy firms are increasingly expanding their production of natural gas oftentimes by relying on a controversial extraction technique known as hydraulic fracturing. While proponents cite a litany of benefits including economic development and reduced carbon emissions, opponents articulate concerns typically centering on environmental quality. Caught between these opposing points of view, states are turning to disclosure requirements. Yet all disclosure statutes are not created equally. In order to better understand this variation, I utilize Abel, Stephan, and Kraft's (ASK) 2007 performance model, which evaluates the effectiveness of information‐based disclosure rules for industry. The model here, however, is applied in an attempt to understand why disclosure regulations emerge and vary across states. Results generally validate the ASK approach but with one caveat. I find that in the context of differing disclosure regulations, the ASK model's pollution severity/risk measure may be refined by including risk perception.
The third paradigm in labour pain preparation and management: the childbearing woman's paradigm
Authors: Karlsdottir Sigfridur Inga , Halldorsdottir Sigridur , Lundgren Ingela 
Published: July 2013

The study's rationaleWomen's experiences regarding labour pain preparation and management have been largely neglected.Aims and objectivesExplore women's experiences regarding labour pain preparation and management in normal childbirth.Methodological design and justificationThe Vancouver School of doing phenomenology was the methodological approach of the study since it provides inside information about the lived experience.Research methodsData were collected through in‐depth interviews with 14 participants; seven primiparous and seven multiparous women.ResultsThe women described a challenging journey of no return through labour pain, with different landmarks on the journey. They described how they prepared for the pain; the context of the pain experience; how they experienced and managed the pain with different strategies and how they saw the pain at the journey's end. The quality of the midwife's presence and professionalism was of great importance to them. The ‘good midwives’ they described created a special atmosphere which was warm and secure and was conducive to their managing the pain. The women also described how important it was for them to have a supportive partner, with whom they had a mutual understanding, in order to manage the pain.ConclusionsIn this paper, we are presenting a study within the third paradigm in labour pain preparation and management: the childbearing woman's paradigm – the first and second being the midwifery and the medical paradigm, respectively. Midwives can play a major role in working with women in their preparation and management of labour pain. In the future, more research has to be done to illuminate this essential part of the childbearing woman's paradigm.
Isolating the Network Effect of Immigrants on Trade
Authors: Aleksynska Mariya , Peri Giovanni 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWithin the migration–trade nexus literature, this paper proposes a more carefully defined measure of migration business networks and quantifies its impact on bilateral trade. Using cross‐sectional data and controlling for the overall bilateral stock of migrants, the share of migrants employed in managerial/business‐related occupations has a strong additional effect on trade. Those immigrants should be the ones directly involved in the diffusion and transmission of information relevant for companies trading with other countries. Their presence is found to increase the volume of trade, especially of imports, beyond the already known effect of immigrants or highly educated immigrants. When we control for the presence of highly educated immigrants, the share of immigrants in business network occupations shows a particularly large effect on trade in differentiated goods. We also find that highly educated individuals in business‐related occupations are those contributing to stimulate import and export by the largest margin. Business network effects seem particularly important in stimulating exports to culturally different countries, such as those with different language and legal origin.
Assessment of predictive molecular variables in feline oral squamous cell carcinoma treated with stereotactic radiation therapy
Authors: Yoshikawa H. , Ehrhart E. J. , Charles J. B. , Custis J. T. , LaRue S. M. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis study evaluated molecular characteristics that are potentially prognostic in cats with oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) that underwent stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT). Survival time (ST) and progression‐free interval (PFI) were correlated with mitotic index, histopathological grades, Ki67 and epidermal growth factor receptor expressions, tumour microvascular density (MVD), and tumour oxygen tension (pO2). MedianSTandPFIwere 106 and 87 days, respectively (n = 20). Overall response rate was 38.5% with rapid improvement of clinical symptoms in many cases. Patients with higherMVDor more keratinizedSCChad significantly shorterSTorPFIthan patients with lowerMVDor less keratinizedSCC(P= 0.041 and 0.049, respectively). Females had significantly longerPFIandSTthan males (P≤ 0.016). Acute toxicities were minimal. However, treatment‐related complications such as fractured mandible impacted quality of life. In conclusion,SRTalone should be considered as a palliative treatment.MVDand degree of keratinization may be useful prognostic markers.
Bacterial culture of apheresis platelets: a mathematical model of the residual rate of contamination based on unconfirmed positive results
Authors: Benjamin R. J. , Dy B. , Perez J. , Eder A. F. , Wagner S. J. 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundPlatelet septic reactions result from low concentrations of bacteria that escape detection by quality‐control BacT/ALERT™ culture testing. We estimate the contamination rate with these bacteria at the time of testing using a mathematical model.MethodsCulture results and reported septic reactions are described for platelets collected between January 2007 and December 2011. Initial positive results with negative confirmatory cultures were reclassified assuming some of the ‘unconfirmed positive results’ represent collections contaminated with low‐concentration, dormant bacteria. A mathematical model based on the probability of the detection of bacteria describes the upper limit of the residual rate of contamination.ResultsThe rate of confirmed or unconfirmed positive apheresis platelet donations was 188 per million (1:5317) and 110 per million (1:9124), respectively. The rate of post‐transfusion sepsis and reported fatalities per distributed component was 1:106 931 and 1:1 015 843, respectively. A linear decrease in unconfirmed positive Bacillus spp. cultures most likely reflected diminishing environmental contamination over time. The remaining unconfirmed positive results identified similar bacteria species as those associated with septic reactions. Assuming that these represent contamination of the collection with low‐concentration, dormant bacteria, the model identified a residual contamination of 3524–204 per million (1:284–1:4902) for collections contaminated with 1–20 bacteria, respectively.DiscussionGreater than 99·5% of collections contain no viable, aerobic bacteria in solution at the time of early culture testing. For every confirmed positive contaminated collection detected, there are at most 19 collections with low concentrations of dormant bacteria that are not readily detected by early BacT/ALERT™ culture.
Skeletal muscle carnitine loading increases energy expenditure, modulates fuel metabolism gene networks and prevents body fat accumulation in humans
Authors: Stephens Francis B. , Wall Benjamin T. , Marimuthu Kanagaraj , Shannon Chris E. , Constantin‐Teodosiu Dumitru , Macdonald Ian A. , Greenhaff Paul L. 
Published: July 2013

Key points
Carnitine is a substrate for the carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 enzyme, a rate‐limiting step in fatty acid oxidation within skeletal muscle.
Insulin stimulates carnitine transport into skeletal muscle.
A 20% increase in muscle carnitine content, achieved via 12 weeks of twice daily supplementation of a beverage containing 1.36 g of l‐carnitine and 80 g of carbohydrate (in order to stimulate insulin‐mediated muscle carnitine transport), prevented an 18% increase in body fat mass associated with carbohydrate supplementation alone in healthy young men.
A novel finding of the present study was that this prevention of fat gain was associated with a greater energy expenditure and fat oxidation during low‐intensity physical activity, and an adaptive increase in expression of gene networks involved in muscle insulin signalling and fatty acid metabolism.
Implications to health warrant further investigation, particularly in obese individuals who have a reduced reliance on muscle fat oxidation during exercise.
Abstract  Twelve weeks of daily l‐carnitine and carbohydrate feeding in humans increases skeletal muscle total carnitine content, and prevents body mass accrual associated with carbohydrate feeding alone. Here we determined the influence of l‐carnitine and carbohydrate feeding on energy metabolism, body fat mass and muscle expression of fuel metabolism genes. Twelve males exercised at 50% maximal oxygen consumption for 30 min once before and once after 12 weeks of twice daily feeding of 80 g carbohydrate (Control, n= 6) or 1.36 g l‐carnitine + 80 g carbohydrate (Carnitine, n= 6). Maximal carnitine palmitolytransferase 1 (CPT1) activity remained similar in both groups over 12 weeks. However, whereas muscle total carnitine, long‐chain acyl‐CoA and whole‐body energy expenditure did not change over 12 weeks in Control, they increased in Carnitine by 20%, 200% and 6%, respectively (P < 0.05). Moreover, body mass and whole‐body fat mass (dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry) increased over 12 weeks in Control by 1.9 and 1.8 kg, respectively (P < 0.05), but did not change in Carnitine. Seventy‐three of 187 genes relating to fuel metabolism were upregulated in Carnitine vs. Control after 12 weeks, with ‘insulin signalling’, ‘peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor signalling’ and ‘fatty acid metabolism’ as the three most enriched pathways in gene functional analysis. In conclusion, increasing muscle total carnitine in healthy humans can modulate muscle metabolism, energy expenditure and body composition over a prolonged period, which is entirely consistent with a carnitine‐mediated increase in muscle long‐chain acyl‐group translocation via CPT1. Implications to health warrant further investigation, particularly in obese individuals who have a reduced reliance on muscle fat oxidation during low‐intensity exercise.
Uncertainty Analysis and Characterization of the SOFAST Mirror Facet
Characterization System
Authors: Finch Nolan S. , Andraka Charles E. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Sandia Optical Fringe Analysis Slope Tool (SOFAST) is a mirror facet characterization system based on fringe reflection technology that has been applied to dish and heliostat mirror facet development at Sandia National Laboratories and development partner sites. The tool provides a detailed map of mirror facet surface normals as compared to design and fitted surfaces. In addition, the surface fitting process provides insights into systematic facet slope characterization, such as focal lengths, tilts, and twist of the facet. In this paper, an analysis of the sensitivities of the facet characterization outputs to variations of SOFAST input parameters is presented. The results of the sensitivity analysis provided the basis for a linear uncertainty analysis, which is also included here. Input parameters included hardware parameters and SOFAST setup variables. Output parameters included the fitted shape parameters (focal lengths and twist) and the residuals (typically called slope error). The study utilized empirical propagation of input parameter errors through facet characterization calculations to the output parameters, based on the measurement of an Advanced Dish Development System (ADDS) structural gore point-focus facet. Thus, this study is limited to the characterization of sensitivities of the SOFAST embodiment intended for dish facet characterization, using an LCD screen as a target panel. With reasonably careful setup, SOFAST is demonstrated to provide facet focal length characterization within 0.5% of actual. Facet twist is accurate within ±0.03 mrad/m. The local slope deviation measurement is accurate within ±0.05 mrad, while the global slope residual is accurate within ±0.005 mrad. All uncertainties are quoted with 95% confidence.
Resistance of Human Cytomegalovirus to Cyclopropavir Maps to a Base Pair Deletion in the Open Reading Frame of
UL97
Authors: Gentry Brian G. , Vollmer Laura E. , Hall Ellie D. , Borysko Katherine Z. , Zemlicka Jiri , Kamil Jeremy P. , Drach John C. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a widespread pathogen in the human population, affecting many immunologically immature and immunocompromised patients, and can result in severe complications, such as interstitial pneumonia and mental retardation. Current chemotherapies for the treatment of HCMV infections include ganciclovir (GCV), foscarnet, and cidofovir. However, the high incidences of adverse effects (neutropenia and nephrotoxicity) limit the use of these drugs. Cyclopropavir (CPV), a guanosine nucleoside analog, is 10-fold more active against HCMV than GCV (50% effective concentrations [EC
50
s] = 0.46 and 4.1 μM, respectively). We hypothesize that the mechanism of action of CPV is similar to that of GCV: phosphorylation to a monophosphate by viral pUL97 protein kinase with further phosphorylation to a triphosphate by endogenous kinases, resulting in inhibition of viral DNA synthesis. To test this hypothesis, we isolated a CPV-resistant virus, sequenced its genome, and discovered that bp 498 of
UL97
was deleted. This mutation caused a frameshift in
UL97
resulting in a truncated protein that lacks a kinase domain. To determine if this base pair deletion was responsible for drug resistance, the mutation was engineered into the wild-type viral genome, which was then exposed to increasing concentrations of CPV. The results demonstrate that the engineered virus was approximately 72-fold more resistant to CPV (EC
50
= 25.8 ± 3.1 μM) than the wild-type virus (EC
50
= 0.36 ± 0.11 μM). We conclude, therefore, that this mutation is sufficient for drug resistance and that pUL97 is involved in the mechanism of action of CPV.
Identification of an Aminothiazole with Antifungal Activity against Intracellular Histoplasma capsulatum
Authors: Edwards Jessica A. , Kemski Megan M. , Rappleye Chad A. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

As eukaryotes, fungi possess relatively few molecules sufficiently unique from mammalian cell components to be used as drug targets. Consequently, most current antifungals have significant host cell toxicity. Primary fungal pathogens (e.g.,
Histoplasma
) are of particular concern, as few antifungals are effective in treating them. To identify additional antifungal candidates for the treatment of histoplasmosis, we developed a high-throughput platform for monitoring
Histoplasma
growth and employed it in a phenotypic screen of 3,600 commercially available compounds. Seven hit compounds that inhibited
Histoplasma
yeast growth were identified. Compound 41F5 has fungistatic activity against
Histoplasma
yeast at micromolar concentrations, with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC
50
) of 0.87 μM, and has the greatest selectivity for yeast (at least 62-fold) relative to host cells. Structurally, 41F5 consists of an aminothiazole core with an alicyclic substituent at the 2-position and an aromatic substituent at the 5-position. 41F5 inhibits
Histoplasma
growth in liquid culture and similarly inhibits yeast cells within macrophages, the actual host environment of this fungal pathogen during infection. Importantly, 41F5 protects infected host cells from
Histoplasma
-induced macrophage death, making this aminothiazole hit compound an excellent candidate for development as an antifungal for
Histoplasma
infections.
The BpeEF-OprC Efflux Pump Is Responsible for Widespread Trimethoprim Resistance in Clinical and Environmental Burkholderia pseudomallei Isolates
Authors: Podnecky Nicole L. , Wuthiekanun Vanaporn , Peacock Sharon J. , Schweizer Herbert P. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (co-trimoxazole) is the primary drug used for oral eradication therapy of
Burkholderia pseudomallei
infections (melioidosis). Here, we demonstrate that trimethoprim resistance is widespread in clinical and environmental isolates from northeast Thailand and northern Australia. This resistance was shown to be due to BpeEF-OprC efflux pump expression. No dihydrofolate reductase target mutations were involved, although frequent insertion of IS
Bma
2 was noted within the putative
folA
transcriptional terminator. All isolates tested remained susceptible to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, suggesting that resistance to trimethoprim alone in these strains probably does not affect the efficacy of co-trimoxazole therapy.