bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design and Characterization of Nanostructured Biomaterials via the Self-assembly of Lipids
Authors: Ludford Paul , Aydin Fikret , Dutt Meenakshi 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTWe are interested in designing nanostructured biomaterials using nanoscopic building blocks such as functionalized nanotubes and lipid molecules. In our earlier work, we summarized the multiple control parameters which direct the equilibrium morphology of a specific class of nanostructured biomaterials. Individual lipid molecules were composed of a hydrophilic head group and two hydrophobic tails. A bare nanotube encompassed an ABA architecture, with a hydrophobic shaft (B) and two hydrophilic ends (A). We introduced hydrophilic hairs at one end of the tube to enable selective transport through the channel. The dimensions of the nanotube were set to minimize its hydrophobic mismatch with the lipid bilayer. We used a Molecular Dynamics-based mesoscopic simulation technique called Dissipative Particle Dynamics which simultaneously resolves the structure and dynamics of the nanoscopic building blocks and the hybrid aggregate. The amphiphilic lipids and functionalized nanotubes self-assembled into a stable hybrid vesicle or a bicelle in the presence of a hydrophilic solvent. We showed that the morphology of the hybrid structures was directed by factors such as the temperature, the rigidity of the lipid molecules, and the concentration of the nanotubes. Another type of hybrid nanostructured biomaterial could be multi-component lipid bilayers. In this paper, we present approaches to design hybrid nanostructured materials using multiple lipid species with different chemistries and molecular chain stiffness.
Comparison of Eggs, Larvae, and Pupae ofPlutella xylostella(Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) as Prey forPodisus nigrispinus(Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Vacari Alessandra M , Bortoli Sergio A De , Goulart Roberto M , Volpe Haroldo X L , Otuka Alessandra K , Veiga Ana C P 
Published: March 2013

AbstractUnderstanding the predation on pest insects through controlled feeding on their prey can provide insight into natural methods of pest control. The growth, survival, and development of the predatory stink bug (Podisus nigrispinus Dallas) fed on the eggs, larvae, and pupae of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L, was examined in the laboratory. Second instar P.nigrispinus (12–24 h old) were fed various prey and monitored daily as they molted through nymphal stages and adulthood until death. The growth, survival, and egg production of stink bugs fed P.xylostella larvae and pupae were compared. P.xylostella eggs and first instars are inadequate food sources, whereas fourth instars and pupae can sustain the development of P.nigrispinus. Egg output of females was greater with pupae than with larvae. Male longevity was greater with larvae than with pupae. More P.xylostella larvae than pupae were consumed by P.nigrispinus. The high consumption rates of P.xylostella by P.nigrispinus in the laboratory indicate that this predatory stink bug may be a potential biological control agent for this pest.
Cloning and Characterization of the Caspase Family Member BmDronc from Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) Embryo Cells
Authors: Zhang Jin-Ye , Xu Wei , Pan Chun , Yi Hua-Shan , Hu Yan-Fen , Song Juan , Pan Min-Hui , Lu Cheng 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Caspases are a family of cysteinyl aspartate proteinases known for their essential roles in the regulation of apoptosis. To date, ≈20 caspases have been identified, although few have been cloned and characterized in Bombyx mori (L.). Two caspase-9 variants from the B. mori embryo cell line (BmE), designated BmDroncL and BmDroncS, were cloned. BmDroncL has three classic domains: a caspase recruitment domain and large and small subunits, and is a homologue of Drosophila Dronc, human caspase-9, Aedes Dronc, and fish caspase-9, whereas BmDroncS lacks the large subunit. Instantaneous expression of BmDroncL caused typical apoptosis in Sf-9 cells. Moreover, BmDronc gene expression increased markedly during the silkworm metamorphosis at the larva-pupa and pupa-moth stages, which suggested that BmDronc plays a crucial role during B. mori metamorphosis.
A Phase II Study of Capecitabine, Oxaliplatin, and Bevacizumab in the Treatment of Metastatic Esophagogastric Adenocarcinomas
Authors: Uronis Hope E. , Bendell Johanna C. , Altomare Ivy , Blobe Gerard C. , Hsu S. David , Morse Michael A. , Pang Herbert , Zafar S. Yousuf , Conkling Paul , Favaro Justin , Arrowood Christy C. , Cushman Stephanie M. , Meadows Kellen L. , Brady John C. , Nixon Andrew B. , Hurwitz Herbert I. 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background.
Esophageal and gastric cancers often present at an advanced stage. Systemic chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment, but survival with current regimens remains poor. We evaluated the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of the combination capecitabine, oxaliplatin, and bevacizumab in the treatment of metastatic esophagogastric adenocarcinomas.

Methods.
Thirty-seven patients with metastatic or unresectable gastric/gastroesophageal junction tumors were enrolled and treated with capecitabine 850 mg/m2 BID on days 1–14, and oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 with bevacizumab 15 mg/kg on day 1 of a 21-day cycle. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints included response rate (RR) and overall survival (OS). Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) and -2 (NRP2) mRNA expression was evaluated in archived tumor.

Results.
Thirty-five patients were evaluable for efficacy. Median PFS was 7.2 months; median OS was 10.8 months. RR was estimated at 51.4%. The regimen was tolerable with expected drug class-related toxicities. NRP2 mRNA levels significantly correlated with PFS (p = 0.042) and showed a trend toward significance with OS (p = 0.051). Nonsignificant trends for NRP1 were noted for higher expression levels and worse outcome.

Conclusions.
Bevacizumab can be given safely with chemotherapy in patients with metastatic esophagogastric adenocarcinomas. The combination of capecitabine, oxaliplatin, plus bevacizumab has activity comparable to other bevacizumab-containing regimens in metastatic gastroesophageal cancer.
Subgingival Bacterial Burden in Relation to Clinical and Radiographic Periodontal Parameters
Authors: Pradhan‐Palikhe Pratikshya , Mäntylä Päivi , Paju Susanna , Buhlin Kåre , Persson G. Rutger , Nieminen Markku S. , Sinisalo Juha , Pussinen Pirkko J. 
Published: March 2013

Background: This cross‐sectional study characterizes the association between subgingival bacterial profile and periodontal parameters in patients assigned to coronary angiography because of cardiologic problems, which may affect the oral microbiota.Methods: Pooled subgingival bacterial samples were collected from 477 dentate individuals during the oral examinations, along with periodontal probing depth (PD) and assessments of bleeding on probing (BOP) and radiographic alveolar bone loss (ABL). The checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization assay was used to determine the levels of 29 oral bacteria, which were divided into three bacterial complexes.Results: All bacterial combinations from the etiologic bacterial group and each species from the red complex were significantly associated (P <0.001) with grade of ABL. The prevalence of the etiologic bacterial group and the level of each species were also associated strongly with the proportion of sites with PD 4 to 5 mm and ≥6 mm, BOP, and ABL, except Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. Levels of Gram‐negative oral bacteria correlated significantly with those of Gram‐positive species (r = 0.840, P <0.001). In multiple logistic regression analysis, the prevalence of the etiologic bacterial group, levels of Gram‐negative bacteria and Treponema denticola, and the prevalence of Porphyromonas gingivalis and T. denticola associated significantly with ABL, whereas other bacterial complexes and levels of Gram‐positive species did not.Conclusions: Although levels of Gram‐negative and ‐positive species paralleled periodontal parameters, only the species considered etiologic were associated with ABL.
An HIV Prevention Intervention for Ethnically Diverse Men in Substance Abuse Treatment: Pilot Study Findings
Authors: Calsyn Donald A. , Burlew A. Kathleen , Hatch-Maillette Mary A. , Beadnell Blair , Wright Lynette , Wilson Jerika 
Published: March 2013

Objectives. We determined the acceptability, participants' receptivity, and effectiveness of a culturally adapted version of Real Men Are Safe (REMAS-CA), an HIV prevention intervention for men in substance abuse treatment. Methods. In 2010 and 2011, we compared participants who attended at least 1 (of 5) REMAS-CA session (n = 66) with participants in the original REMAS study (n = 136). Participants completed an assessment battery at baseline and at 3-month follow-up with measures of substance abuse, HIV risk behaviors, perceived condom barriers, and demographics. We conducted postintervention focus groups at each clinic. Results. Minority REMAS-CA participants were more likely to have attended 3 or more sessions (87.0%), meeting our definition of intervention completion, than were minority participants in the REMAS study (75.1%; odds ratio = 2.1). For REMAS-CA participants with casual partners (n = 25), the number of unprotected sexual occasions in the past 90 days declined (6.2 vs 1.6). Among minority men in the REMAS study (n = 36), the number of unprotected sexual occasions with casual partners changed little (9.4 vs 8.4; relative risk = 4.56). Conclusions. REMAS-CA was effective across ethnic groups, a benefit for HIV risk reduction programs that serve a diverse clientele.
Reducing Self-Stigma by Coming Out Proud
Authors: Corrigan Patrick W. , Kosyluk Kristin A , Rüsch Nicolas 
Published: March 2013

Self-stigma has a pernicious effect on the lives of people with mental illness. Although a medical perspective might discourage patients from identifying with their illness, public disclosure may promote empowerment and reduce self-stigma. We reviewed the extensive research that supports this assertion and assessed a program that might diminish stigma’s effect by helping some people to disclose to colleagues, neighbors, and others their experiences with mental illness, treatment, and recovery. The program encompasses weighing the costs and benefits of disclosure in deciding whether to come out, considering different strategies for coming out, and obtaining peer support through the disclosure process. This type of program may also pose challenges for public health research.
Addressing Public Stigma and Disparities Among Persons With Mental Illness: The Role of Federal Policy
Authors: Cummings Janet R. , Lucas Stephen M. , Druss Benjamin G. 
Published: March 2013

Stigma against mental illness is a complex construct with affective, cognitive, and behavioral components. Beyond its symbolic value, federal law can only directly address one component of stigma: discrimination. This article reviews three landmark antidiscrimination laws that expanded protections over time for individuals with mental illness. Despite these legislative advances, protections are still not uniform for all subpopulations with mental illness. Furthermore, multiple components of stigma (e.g., prejudice) are beyond the reach of legislation, as demonstrated by the phenomenon of label avoidance; individuals may not seek protection from discrimination because of fear of the stigma that may ensue after disclosing their mental illness. To yield the greatest improvements, antidiscrimination laws must be coupled with antistigma programs that directly address other components of stigma.
Making Difficult Decisions: The Role of Quality of Care in Choosing a Nursing Home
Authors: Pesis-Katz Irena , Phelps Charles E. , Temkin-Greener Helena , Spector William D. , Veazie Peter , Mukamel Dana B. 
Published: March 2013

Objectives. We investigated how quality of care affects choosing a nursing home. Methods. We examined nursing home choice in California, Ohio, New York, and Texas in 2001, a period before the federal Nursing Home Compare report card was published. Thus, consumers were less able to observe clinical quality or clinical quality was masked. We modeled nursing home choice by estimating a conditional multinomial logit model. Results. In all states, consumers were more likely to choose nursing homes of high hotel services quality but not clinical care quality. Nursing home choice was also significantly associated with shorter distance from prior residence, not-for-profit status, and larger facility size. Conclusions. In the absence of quality report cards, consumers choose a nursing home on the basis of the quality dimensions that are easy for them to observe, evaluate, and apply to their situation. Future research should focus on identifying the quality information that offers the most value added to consumers.
Find It, Fix It, and Thrive: The Impact of Insisting on Proficiency in Prerequisite Knowledge in Intermediate Accounting
Authors: Sargent Carol Springer 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT:
Success in upper-level accounting courses depends on adequate prerequisite knowledge because the learning process is sequential and hierarchical (Bentz 1975) and because prior learning provides cues for encoding and combining (Sternberg 1984). Building expertise requires a strengthening and organization of links between knowledge and not just a high volume of known facts (Dreyfus and Dreyfus 2005). Since incoming knowledge matters to later learning, this study investigated how enforcing the prerequisites impacted course outcomes in intermediate accounting. The prerequisites were enforced using a proficiency test administered online in a system that also offered tutoring to remedy any learning shortfalls. Students received all-or-nothing credit (100 percent or 0) for mastering adjusting entries and the financial statements. Students proficient in prerequisite skills earned better project and cumulative final exam scores in non-prerequisite areas. Grades in Intermediate II were also better after adding the proficiency test, compared to the two prior terms. The intrigue of these results goes beyond improved student outcomes in Intermediate I and II, because the testing and remedial instruction used an existing tutoring product, requiring no institutional resources or changes to course preparation, instruction, classwork, exams, or the project.
The Impact of Accounting Methods, the Doctrine of Election, and Income Distortion on a Start-Up Election
Authors: Walberg Glenn 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT
A taxpayer with an existing business generally can establish return-signing positions to characterize the growth of its business as occurring either through an expansion of the existing business or the start of a new business. The selected character then determines the manner by which the taxpayer recovers costs associated with the growth. This article explores how the taxpayer's initial choice to characterize business growth as an expansion or start-up could become binding on the taxpayer and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) under accounting method rules and/or the doctrine of election, which would permit a recharacterization only to avoid income distortion. The article concludes that those tax accounting concepts could unjustifiably make the initial characterization binding, irrespective of its accuracy, due to the difficulty of showing that a particular characterization causes income distortion.
The Equation Describing the Filtration Process with Compressible Sediment Accumulation on a Filter Mesh
Authors: Piecuch Tadeusz , Piekarski Jacek , Malatyńska Grażyna 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Filtration process is one of the basic and essential processes in technological systems for treatment of municipal, community and industrial wastewater treatment. Filtration process is a subject of numerous published research and theoretical elaborations. This publication concerns theoretical analysis with basic character, and is a verification of theoretical analysis and physical equations describing process of filtration aided with empirical formulas.
Physico-Chemical Parameters Determining the Variability of Actually and Potentially Available Fractions of Heavy Metals in Fluvial Sediments of the Middle Odra River
Authors: Ibragimow Aleksandra , Walna Barbara , Siepak Marcin 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The occurrence of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) has been determined in the fluvial sediment samples collected along three transects in the Middle Odra River (western Poland) with a width of 360 m. The total concentrations of the metals were obtained after HNO3 microwave digestion and the available fractions of heavy metals were determined by single extraction procedures using two extractants: 0.01M CaCl2 and 0.05M EDTA. The measurement of physico-chemical parameters was also performed. The determination of total and available fractions of heavy metals, except potential available fractions of Cr, revealed high concentrations of studied elements detected in the sediment samples characterized by high content of coarse and very coarse-grained sand fraction and high content of organic matter. It was found that the concentrations of total and available fractions of metals could increase along with the content of organic matter, Eh values and concentrations of H+. Apart from the above, those concentrations become the lowest, the higher the content of medium grain size fractions is. Furthermore, the amounts of CaCl2 and EDTA extractable metals increase in the sediments samples characterized by the lowest total and available concentrations of heavy metals.
Development and characterization of nine microsatellites for an endangered tree, Pinus wangii (Pinaceae)
Authors: Dou Jing‐Jing , Zhou Ren‐Chao , Tang An‐Jun , Ge Xue‐Jun , Wu Wei 
Published: March 2013

• Premise of the study: Pinus wangii is an endemic and endangered species in southwestern China, and microsatellite primers were developed to characterize its genetic diversity and population structure.• Methods and Results: Using the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences COntaining repeats (FIASCO) protocol, nine sets of microsatellite primers were developed in P. wangii. One population with 26 individuals of P. wangii, as well as 11 individuals each for two congeneric species, P. taiwanensis and P. squamata, were used to test their polymorphism and transferability. The number of alleles per locus ranged from one to seven with an average of 3.7, and the observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0 to 0.91 and 0 to 0.75, respectively.• Conclusions: We developed nine sets of polymorphic microsatellite loci that are suitable for investigating genetic diversity and population structure of P. wangii, and these markers may be useful for other Pinus species.
Development and characterization of 37 novel EST‐SSR markers in Pisum sativum (Fabaceae)
Authors: Zhuang Xiaofeng , McPhee Kevin E. , Coram Tristan E. , Peever Tobin L. , Chilvers Martin I. 
Published: March 2013

• Premise of the study: Simple sequence repeat markers were developed based on expressed sequence tags (EST‐SSR) and screened for polymorphism among 23 Pisum sativum individuals to assist development and refinement of pea linkage maps. In particular, the SSR markers were developed to assist in mapping of white mold disease resistance quantitative trait loci.• Methods and Results: Primer pairs were designed for 46 SSRs identified in EST contiguous sequences assembled from a 454 pyrosequenced transcriptome of the pea cultivar, ‘LIFTER’. Thirty‐seven SSR markers amplified PCR products, of which 11 (30%) SSR markers produced polymorphism in 23 individuals, including parents of recombinant inbred lines, with two to four alleles. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0 to 0.43 and from 0.31 to 0.83, respectively.• Conclusions: These EST‐SSR markers for pea will be useful for refinement of pea linkage maps, and will likely be useful for comparative mapping of pea and as tools for marker‐based pea breeding.
Phylogenetic and microsatellite markers for Tulasnella (Tulasnellaceae) mycorrhizal fungi associated with Australian orchids
Authors: Ruibal Monica P. , Peakall Rod , Smith Leon M. , Linde Celeste C. 
Published: March 2013

• Premise of the study: Phylogenetic and microsatellite markers were developed for Tulasnella mycorrhizal fungi to investigate fungal species identity and diversity. These markers will be useful in future studies investigating the phylogenetic relationship of the fungal symbionts, specificity of orchid–mycorrhizal associations, and the role of mycorrhizae in orchid speciation within several orchid genera.• Methods and Results: We generated partial genome sequences of two Tulasnella symbionts originating from Chiloglottis and Drakaea orchid species with 454 genome sequencing. Cross‐genus transferability across mycorrhizal symbionts associated with multiple genera of Australian orchids (Arthrochilus, Chiloglottis, Drakaea, and Paracaleana) was found for seven phylogenetic loci. Five loci showed cross‐transferability to Tulasnella from other orchid genera, and two to Sebacina. Furthermore, 11 polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed for Tulasnella from Chiloglottis.• Conclusions: Highly informative markers were obtained, allowing investigation of mycorrhizal diversity of Tulasnellaceae associated with a wide variety of terrestrial orchids in Australia and potentially worldwide.
Perception parentale du soutien social postnatal
Authors: Capponi Irène 
Published: March 2013

Afin d’examiner la perception que les mères et pères ont de leur soutien social respectif, un questionnaire a été soumis à 72 couples un mois et trois mois après la naissance. Cet article reprend une partie des données de l’étude. Une similitude du réseau social, tant en termes quantitatifs que qualitatifs, est observé chez les pères et mères. En outre, 27 % des couples sont très isolés dans la mesure où les deux partenaires ont un réseau réduit (moins de trois personnes, conjoint compris). Enfin, une faiblesse du soutien d’ordre émotionnel s’est révélée de façon manifeste aussi bien pour les mères que pour les pères. Ces résultats attirent l’attention sur la solitude paternelle lors de l’accès à la parentalité, à laquelle nous ne serions pas encore suffisamment sensibilisés.
ARTICLE RETIRÉ : Occident, fiche clinique
Authors: Debray Régis 
Published: March 2013

Confronté, en France comme en Chine, à des interlocuteurs convaincus du « déclin de l’Occident », l’auteur a tenté d’évaluer l’actuel rapports de forces. Une mise au point en forme de mise en garde (Pékin, septembre 2012).
Révolution médicale
Authors: Gérardin Lucien 
Published: March 2013

Dans quelle mesure l’essor sans précédent des technologies numériques affecte-t-il l’exercice de la médecine, et à quelles mutations conduit-il ? Quelles en sont les promesses ou les possibles périls ? Des approches les plus enthousiastes aux plus sceptiques, les réponses apportées divergent. D’où l’urgence d’une mise au point synthétique.
La littérature fait de la résistance
Authors: Maurel-Indart Hélène 
Published: March 2013

Les grands bouleversements en littérature ne sont pas redevables à ses moyens de production ou à ses canaux de transmission. Ils accompagnent en les exprimant les ruptures de nature idéologique, sociale et politique. L’usage esthétique du langage ne survit-il pas aux révolutions techniques ?