bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The adsorption kinetics and thermodynamics of cationic surfactants on graphite oxide
Authors: Lin Shun-Jia , Sun Hong-Juan , Peng Tong-Jiang , Wang Pei-Cao 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The adsorption isotherms and structural evolution of alkyl quaternary ammonium bromide (C
n
TAB) on graphite oxide (GO) were measured by means of an elemental analyzer, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In order to interpret the adsorption mechanism of surfactants onto GO, the adsorption kinetics and thermodynamics were further investigated. It was found that GO is a relatively efficient adsorbent within a wide range of temperatures (297–353 K), and the C
n
TAB was intercalated and then agglomerated into the interlayer spacing of GO via ionic bonding and hydrophobic bonding. The saturation amount of alkyl ammonium adsorbed on GO was decreased with the rise in temperature, and the experimental data fitted well into the modified Langmuir (Langmuir-Freundlich) equation. In addition, the negative values of ΔG and ΔH showed that the adsorption process of C
n
TAB onto the GO was spontaneous and exothermic.
Thioredoxin‐interacting protein regulates protein disulfide isomerases and endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Lee Samuel , Min Kim Soo , Dotimas James , Li Letitia , Feener Edward P , Baldus Stephan , Myers Ronald B , Chutkow William A , Patwari Parth , Yoshioka Jun , Lee Richard T 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is responsible for protein folding, modification, and trafficking. Accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins represents the condition of ER stress and triggers the unfolded protein response (UPR), a key mechanism linking supply of excess nutrients to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes in obesity. The ER harbors proteins that participate in protein folding including protein disulfide isomerases (PDIs). Changes in PDI activity are associated with protein misfolding and ER stress. Here, we show that thioredoxin‐interacting protein (Txnip), a member of the arrestin protein superfamily and one of the most strongly induced proteins in diabetic patients, regulates PDI activity and UPR signaling. We found that Txnip binds to PDIs and increases their enzymatic activity. Genetic deletion of Txnip in cells and mice led to increased protein ubiquitination and splicing of the UPR regulated transcription factor X‐box‐binding protein 1 (Xbp1s) at baseline as well as under ER stress. Our results reveal Txnip as a novel direct regulator of PDI activity and a feedback mechanism of UPR signaling to decrease ER stress.
A 15-year-old adolescent with a rare pituitary lesion
Authors: Manousaki Despoina , Deal Cheri , De Bruycker Jean Jacques , Ovetchkine Philippe , Mercier Claude , Alos Nathalie 
Published: May 2014

Summary
Cystic sellar lesions are a rare cause of hypopituitarism and extremely rare in the pediatric age group. The differential diagnosis is large and includes both primary pituitary abscesses and cystic components on pre-existing lesions, such as adenoma, craniopharyngioma, Rathke's cleft cyst, leukemia, granulomatous disease and lymphocytic hypophysitis. In the absence of a definitive diagnosis, treatment can be challenging. We report a case of a 15-year-old female, who presented with headaches, altered consciousness and diplopia after a molar extraction, for which she had received oral antibiotics. Broad-spectrum i.v. antibiotics were given for presumed meningitis. Blood cultures failed to identify pathogens. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging showed a pituitary cystic lesion. Endocrine studies revealed abnormal pituitary function. In the absence of a therapeutic response, the patient underwent a transsphenoidal biopsy of the pituitary gland, which yielded a purulent liquid, but cultures were negative. Histopathology showed lymphocytic infiltrates but no neutrophils, compatible with an inflammation of autoimmune or infectious origin. High-dose glucocorticoid therapy was started and pursued, along with i.v. antibiotics, for 6 weeks, leading to clinical and radiological improvement but with persistence of endocrine deficits. In conclusion, this is a case of secondary panhypopituitarism due to a cystic pituitary lesion, with a differential diagnosis of lymphocytic hypophysitis vs abscess in a context of decapitated meningitis. Combination therapy with antibiotics and glucocorticoids is a legitimate approach in the face of diagnostic uncertainty, given the morbidity, and even mortality, associated with these lesions.

Learning points

It is not always easy to differentiate primary cystic sellar lesions (such as a primary infectious pituitary abscess) from cystic components on pre-existing lesions (such as adenoma, craniopharyngioma, Rathke's cleft cyst, leukemia or lymphocytic hypophysitis).

Because of the absence of specific symptoms and of immunohistochemical and serum markers, response to glucocorticoids can be the only way to differentiate lymphocytic hypophysitis from pituitary lesions of another origin. In addition, microbiological cultures are negative in 50% of cases of primary infectious sellar abscesses, thus the response to antibiotic treatment is often the key element to this diagnosis.

A short course of high-dose glucocorticoids combined with antibiotics is not harmful in cases where there is no diagnostic certainty as to the origin of a cystic sellar mass, given the morbidity and mortality associated with these lesions.

This approach may also diminish inflammation of either infectious or autoimmune origin while ensuring that the most likely pathogens are being targeted.
Fighting a Losing Battle: Vigorous Immune Response Countered by Pathogen Suppression of Host Defenses in the Chytridiomycosis-Susceptible FrogAtelopus zeteki
Authors: Ellison Amy R , Savage Anna E , DiRenzo Grace V , Langhammer Penny , Lips Karen R , Zamudio Kelly R 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe emergence of the disease chytridiomycosis caused by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has been implicated in dramatic global amphibian declines. Although many species have undergone catastrophic declines and/or extinctions, others appear to be unaffected or persist at reduced frequencies after Bd outbreaks. The reasons behind this variance in disease outcomes are poorly understood: differences in host immune responses have been proposed, yet previous studies suggest a lack of robust immune responses to Bd in susceptible species. Here, we sequenced transcriptomes from clutch-mates of a highly susceptible amphibian, Atelopus zeteki, with different infection histories. We found significant changes in expression of numerous genes involved in innate and inflammatory responses in infected frogs despite high susceptibility to chytridiomycosis. We show evidence of acquired immune responses generated against Bd, including increased expression of immunoglobulins and major histocompatibility complex genes. In addition, fungal-killing genes had significantly greater expression in frogs previously exposed to Bd compared with Bd-naïve frogs, including chitinase and serine-type proteases. However, our results appear to confirm recent in vitro evidence of immune suppression by Bd, demonstrated by decreased expression of lymphocyte genes in the spleen of infected compared with control frogs. We propose susceptibility to chytridiomycosis is not due to lack of Bd-specific immune responses but instead is caused by failure of those responses to be effective. Ineffective immune pathway activation and timing of antibody production are discussed as potential mechanisms. However, in light of our findings, suppression of key immune responses by Bd is likely an important factor in the lethality of this fungus.
The spaces for farmers in the city: A case study comparison of Direct Selling Alternative Food Networks in Toronto, Canada and Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Authors: Pratley Erin Maureen , Dodson Belinda 
Published: May 2014

The current focus of Alternative Food Network (AFN) literature in the global North overlooks the reality of Southern AFNs and the potential contributions from studying Southern case studies. In this research, we used interviews and observation to determine how the differing valuations of ‘local’ food and farmers in two case study locations, one in the global North (Toronto, Canada) and one in the global South (Belo Horizonte, Brazil), affected the physical, economic, and political spaces in the city for farmers participating in the AFNs. The geographical concepts of scale, space and place are central to understanding Alternative Food Networks (AFNs). Drawing on work by Cook and Crang (1996) on ‘geographical knowledges’, we examined how farmers and consumers reinforced and constructed different narratives of ‘local’ food, which was valued by affluent consumers in Toronto but not by affluent consumers in Belo Horizonte. In Toronto, farmers operated in physical spaces that put them in contact with affluent consumers, and they were able to take advantage of both at market and off market economic spaces. In Belo Horizonte, farmers were relegated to marginal physical spaces, and had limited economic and political power. There were broader social justice implications related to whether the AFN operated mainly within affluent or marginal spaces. These case studies demonstrate that the scale, space and place are actively constructed, and certain constructions privilege some actors over others in the AFN and within the city.
Life of Bryan: Working the magic of sustainable food's sweet spot
Authors: Roberts Wayne 
Published: May 2014

Bryan Gilvesy is one of Canada’s most-recognized farm innovators, as well as one of the country’s best-known leaders of the food movement. That combination is unusual in any region or country—one of the ways that Gilvesy exemplifies both the hallmarks of the food movement in Canada, as well as the unique components of agroecology as it emerges in a temperate-cold climate. This portrait of a food and farm leader is based on my own reporter’s notes taken over seven years of attending meetings where Gilvesy has spoken, and on files of news clippings and academic articles related to the farming methods he’s pioneered in Canada. Part 1 of this article provides an overview of Gilvesy’s background and personal evolution prior to his adoption of views and practices for which he’s presently renowned. Parts 2 and 3, which will be posted in subsequent issues, introduce his measures to promote a wrenching shift in food system redesign—specifically the provision to pay farmers for ecosystem services they produce on the working landscape of their farm. Parts 2 and 3 will also spell out specific trends within Canada’s food movement, such as its promotion of concrete, positive and practical reform measures and its service as a Big Tent coalition of various public interest groups—trends that Gilvesy personifies.
Standardizing Umbilical Catheter Usage in Preterm Infants
Authors: Shahid Shaneela , Dutta Sourabh , Symington Amanda , Shivananda Sandesh 
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
Absence of guidelines on umbilical arterial catheter (UAC) and umbilical venous catheter (UVC) use and inability to predict the hospital course may sway the frontline staff to overuse umbilical catheters in preterm infants. Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility of implementing guidelines standardizing the use of umbilical catheters and its impact on the incidence of sepsis and resource use.

METHODS:
All inborn infants delivered at &lt;33 weeks’ gestation and admitted to the NICU were included in this quality improvement study. The primary outcome was proportion of infants receiving umbilical catheters. Secondary outcomes were central venous catheter (CVC) use and central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI).

RESULTS:
The proportion of infants receiving UACs and UVCs was significantly lower in postintervention (sustainment) phase than in the preintervention phase (93 [42.3%] vs 52 [23.6%], P = .0001) and (137 [62.6%] vs 93 [42.3%], P = .0001), respectively. There was no corresponding increase in the proportion of infants receiving peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) or surgical CVCs (SCVCs) during the sustainment phase. There was a significant reduction in the proportion of infants receiving CVCs (UVC, PICC, and SCVC) in the sustainment phase. The incidence of CLABSI was similar in the preintervention and sustainment phases.

CONCLUSIONS:
Implementation of guidelines standardizing the use of umbilical catheters in the NICU is feasible. Fewer infants were exposed to the risk of UVC or UAC, and fewer resources were used.
Timely Versus Delayed Early Childhood Vaccination and Seizures
Authors: Hambidge Simon J. , Newcomer Sophia R. , Narwaney Komal J. , Glanz Jason M. , Daley Matthew F. , Xu Stan , Shoup Jo Ann , Rowhani-Rahbar Ali , P. Klein Nicola , Lee Grace M. , Nelson Jennifer C. , Lugg Marlene , Naleway Allison L. , Nordin James D. , Weintraub Eric , DeStefano Frank 
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND:
Little is known regarding the timing of childhood vaccination and postvaccination seizures.

METHODS:
In a cohort of 323 247 US children from the Vaccine Safety Datalink born from 2004 to 2008, we analyzed the association between the timing of childhood vaccination and the first occurrence of seizure with a self-controlled case series analysis of the first doses of individual vaccines received in the first 2 years of life.

RESULTS:
In infants, there was no association between the timing of infant vaccination and postvaccination seizures. In the second year of life, the incident rate ratio (IRR) for seizures after receipt of the first measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR) dose at 12 to 15 months was 2.65 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.99–3.55); the IRR after an MMR dose at 16 to 23 months was 6.53 (95% CI 3.15–13.53). The IRR for seizures after receipt of the first measles-mumps-rubella-varicella vaccine (MMRV) dose at 12 to 15 months was 4.95 (95% CI 3.68–6.66); the IRR after an MMRV dose at 16 to 23 months was 9.80 (95% CI 4.35 –22.06).

CONCLUSIONS:
There is no increased risk of postvaccination seizure in infants regardless of timing of vaccination. In year 2, delaying MMR vaccine past 15 months of age results in a higher risk of seizures. The strength of the association is doubled with MMRV vaccine. These findings suggest that on-time vaccination is as safe with regard to seizures as delayed vaccination in the first year of life, and that delayed vaccination in the second year of life is associated with more postvaccination seizures than on-time vaccination.
Safety of Rotavirus Vaccine in the NICU
Authors: Monk Heather M. , Motsney Adam J. , Wade Kelly C. 
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
Rotavirus vaccination is discouraged during hospitalization given concerns regarding live attenuated virus transmission, although recommended upon discharge. Infants should have vaccination initiated by 104 days of age or they become age-ineligible. Our institution believed the known risk of severe disease in unvaccinated infants outweighed the theoretical risk of transmission. We routinely administer RotaTeq (RV5) to age-eligible hospitalized infants on enteral feeds. The objective of this study was to determine the safety of RV5 vaccination among vaccinated (VI) and unvaccinated infants (UVI) within the NICU.

METHODS:
A retrospective review identified VI between 2008 and 2010, and UVI geographically located near VI within 15 days of vaccination. We screened for gastrointestinal symptoms among UVI by using an electronic medical record query (trigger tool) to identify infants with orders for bowel rest, abdominal imaging, and antibiotics. Trigger-positive infants had full chart review.

RESULTS:
Most VI (76%) were either asymptomatic (25% [24 of 96]) or symptomatic but unchanged from baseline (51% [49 of 96]) postvaccination. Although 24% of VI had clinical status changes postvaccination, none were directly attributed to RV5. Among 801 neighboring UVI, 10 (1.2%) had clinical status changes, none directly attributed to RV5, but mostly bacterial sepsis or preexisting gastrointestinal pathology. Two UVI underwent stool analysis; both negative for rotavirus.

CONCLUSIONS:
RV5 was well tolerated in hospitalized infants, with most postvaccination symptoms attributed to preexisting symptoms. UVI seemed to have a low risk of symptomatic transmission. Inpatient administration ensures that age-eligible infants are vaccinated regardless of hospital duration. Prospective evaluation of safety and transmissibility is needed.
Improved Thomson Coefficient Measurements Using an AC Method
Authors: Amagai Yasutaka , Yamamoto Atsushi , Akoshima Megumi , Fujiki Hiroyuki 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTWe present an improved AC (Alternating Current) method for the determination of the Thomson coefficient, which can be used for obtaining the absolute Seebeck coefficient. While previous work has focused on DC (Direct Current) methods, we analyze the influence of an AC current in order to derive the Thomson coefficient of a thin wire from measurable quantities. Our expression requires five parameters including AC current, resistance, temperature gradient, and the temperature changes due to the Thomson and Joule effects. Thus, a prior determination of thermal conductivity and sample geometry is not required, unlike DC methods. In order to validate our analysis, the Thomson coefficient of a thin Pt wire has been measured at several frequencies. The results agree with those obtained from a conventional DC method.
Thermoelectric Nanowire Junction Photoresponse
Authors: Huber Tito E. , Johnson Scott D. , Brower Tina , Barclift Quinton , Panga Benjamin , Harris Gary 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTRecently there have been reports of hot carrier thermoelectric response in nanostructured materials like graphene and MoS. We report observing that thermoelectric nanowire junctions detect light. In these experiments we employed devices composed of bismuth nanowire arrays which are capped with a transparent indium tin oxide electrode. The incident surface features very low optical reflectivity and enhanced light trapping. The unique attributes of the thermoelectric arrays are the combination of strong temporal and optical wavelength dependences of the photocurrent. Under infrared illumination, the signal can be completely described by “quasi-equilibrium” thermoelectric effects considering cooling rates given by heat diffusion through the array. The thermal diffusivity is found to be less (by a factor of 3.5) than in the bulk, a result that we discuss in terms of phonon confinement effects. In addition to a thermoelectric response, under visible illumination, we observe a photovoltaic response.
Adsorption of UF6on Graphene Derivatives: a Computational Study of Conditions for 2D Enrichment
Authors: Koh Yang Wei , Westerman Kenneth , Manzhos Sergei 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTWe present a computational density functional theory study of UF6 adsorption on ideal as well as hydrogenated and fluorinated graphene. We show that (i) the isotopic splitting in the vibrational spectrum of UF6 observed in vacuum is largely preserved in the adsorbed molecules. The existence of several adsorption configurations with competing Eads leads to overlaps in the vibrational spectra of isotopomers, but isotopomer-unique modes exist on all three surfaces. (ii) The adsorption energy of UF6 is of the order of 1.2 eV on ideal graphene, 1 eV on graphane, and 0.1 eV on fluorographene, i.e. the adsorption strength is moderate and can be controlled by surface modification. (i) and (ii) mean that it may be possible to cause desorption of a selected isotopomer by laser radiation, leading to isotopic separation between the surface and the gas.
Adapting the use of Fe3O4 nanoparticles in large-scale water treatment facilities
Authors: Simeonidis K. , Andritsos N. , Kaprara E. , Mourdikoudis S. , Mitrakas M. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTMagnetite nanoparticles were produced by the chemical co-precipitation of iron sulfates at alkaline conditions and were tested as a Cr(VI) adsorbent from water. Batch adsorption experiments showed a high removal efficiency, which is maximized at pH values below 6. This behavior was also verified in a continuous flow reactor, where nanoparticles were in contact with the polluted water. In particular, using a particle concentration of 1 g/L in water containing 100 μg Cr(VI)/L, a contact time of at least 2 h was required to achieve complete removal of Cr(VI). The recovery of nanoparticles after their use was accomplished using their magnetic nature. Application of an external magnetic field at the sides of the tube in which the suspension was flowing was sufficient to completely collect the nanoparticles in the outflow of the contact reactor, thus, providing water free of Cr(VI) and a solid phase.
Magnetic Properties of Spin Quantum Cross Devices Utilizing Stray Magnetic Fields
Authors: Kaiju Hideo , Kasa Haruya , Komine Takashi , Abe Taro , Misawa Takahiro , Nishii Junji 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTWe investigate structural and magnetic properties of Co thin-film electrodes used in a new type of spin quantum cross (SQC) devices, in which a strong stray magnetic field could be generated between the both edges of magnetic thin-film electrodes. We also calculate the stray field between the two edges of Co thin-film electrodes in SQC devices and discuss the possibility to novel spintronics devices. As a result of magnetic force microscopy (MFM) observations, the stray fields are generated from the Co edges, and they are uniformly distributed. This result indicates that magnetic single-domain structures can be formed. This is consistent with the result obtained by magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE). The theoretical calculation reveals that the stray field exhibits as high as 7000 Oe under the condition that the distance between the two Co edges is 5 nm and the Co thickness is 19 nm. These results indicate that SQC devices utilizing stray fields can be expected as novel spintronics devices, such as spin filtering devices and beyond CMOS switching devices.
Atualização do conhecimento sobre o sauim-de-cara-suja, <i>Saguinus weddelli</i> (Primates, Callitrichinae), no estado de Rondônia
Authors: Gusmão Almério Câmara , Crispin Marcella Alves , Alves Sandro Leonardo , Aguiar Kurazo Mateus Okada , Sampaio Ricardo , Silva Jr José Sousa 
Published: May 2014

O presente estudo consiste em uma atualização do conhecimento sobre a distribuição geográfica e dados populacionais do sauim-de-cara-suja (Saguinus weddelli) na área situada a leste do rio Madeira, em Rondônia. Foi realizado um levantamento bibliográfico e uma série de expedições aos municípios de Cacoal, Machadinho D'Oeste, Nova Brasilândia D'Oeste, Chupinguaia, São Francisco do Guaporé e Costa Marques. Os resultados indicaram a existência de 39 pontos de registros empíricos de S. weddelli na área de estudo, 31 dos quais foram extraídos da literatura e oito resultaram dos trabalhos de campo. Um dos novos registros situa-se além da distribuição geográfica conhecida, representando uma extensão da mesma. Apesar deste táxon não ser considerado como ameaçado de extinção, sua situação na área de estudo requer cuidados, uma vez que têm sido registrados altos índices de desmatamento nesta região nos últimos 40 anos.