bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self‐assembly and applications of nucleic acid solid‐state films
Authors: Gajria Surekha , Neumann Thorsten , Tirrell Matthew 
Published: June 2011

AbstractWhile most nucleic acid (NA)–lipid or NA–polymer complexes are studied in solution, there is growing interest in understanding their properties as naturally derived, biodegradable, biocompatible, solid‐state materials with tailorable properties influenced by environmental parameters. Therapeutic and cell programming applications comprise an important new research field, particularly in gene transfection and silencing using plasmid DNA and siRNA with targeted local delivery for use in cell culture. Dried solid films have lower nuclease degradation, fewer barriers to long term storage, and allow localized delivery by direct implantation in combination with controlled release and dosage adjustment. In contrast to particulate complexes or other methods of drug delivery which are prepared and must remain in solution, films can regain their biological activity once wetted. However our understanding of the types of cationic agents that predictably form self‐standing films with NA is still limited. The self‐assembly and structural, physical, and chemical properties of these materials are of key importance to maintaining their activity. We therefore discuss the material properties of NA–lipid and NA–polymer films as the focus of this article. Recent studies have indicated that there is also growing interest in NA films beyond bioengineering and medical applications in the fields of nano‐ and optoelectronics. We survey the self‐assembly of solid‐state materials composed of NA complexed with lipids, surfactants, or polymers, and summarize investigations of nanoscopic assembly, structure, optical, and macroscopic material properties. We further evaluate the current and future applications of NA–lipid and NA–polymer films and the benefits and drawbacks of each type. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2011 3 479–500 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.148This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants
Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Media Coverage of Direct‐to‐Consumer Genetic Testing
Authors: Lynch John , Parrott Ashley , Hopkin Robert J. , Myers Melanie 
Published: June 2011

AbstractMedia coverage of Direct‐to‐Consumer (DTC) genetic testing shapes public perception of such testing. The purpose of this study was to determine and assess the themes presented by U.S. news media regarding DTC genetic testing. We performed a Lexis‐Nexis search with the keywords “Direct‐to‐Consumer” and “genetic test” for news stories published from 2006–2009. The sample was coded on themes of genetic determinism, privacy, discrimination, validity, regulation, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), utility, and cost. Ninety‐two news stories were included. Stories displayed moderate genetic determinism and were neutral about validity and utility. Stories indicated that insurance and employers were the most likely sources of discrimination, yet identified the physicians and DTC companies as groups most likely to violate privacy. Stories claimed lack of regulation would harm consumers, but most post‐GINA stories did not discuss the law. The costs of tests were frequently included. The results of this study show a broad range of views toward DTC genetic testing and its potential impacts. The genetics community should be aware that the public has been exposed to multiple views of DTC genetic testing when discussing these tests.
Trade‐off between immune response and body mass in wintering house sparrows (Passer domesticus)
Authors: Moreno‐Rueda Gregorio 
Published: June 2011

AbstractImmunity is necessary in order to fight parasites and pathogens, but immune protection also incurs a cost for the hosts. Therefore, immunity should be traded against other fitness‐related traits. Body mass, as a function of body reserves, is important in birds of temperate zones during winter. Sedentary temperate birds usually increase body mass just before winter to survive a period with low food availability and thermoregulatory requirements. Given that immunity is costly and affects body mass, a trade‐off is predicted between body mass and immunity in wintering birds. Such a trade‐off was tested experimentally by stimulating the immune system of a group of wintering house sparrows (Passer domesticus) from a Spanish population in an outdoor aviary with a lipopolysaccharide while another group served as control. The activation of the immune system negatively affected body mass, despite the relatively mild temperatures of the study zone. Such a trade‐off between body mass and immunity was found in other similar studies during breeding, but not during moult, suggesting that the trade‐off between immunity and body mass may vary seasonally.
Effect of Inorganic Additives on a Conventional Anionic–Nonionic Mixed Surfactants System in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Khimani Mehul , Vora Sambhav 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe interaction between an anionic surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate) and a nonionic surfactant [polyoxyethylene (9.5) octyl phenyl ether] in aqueous salt solution was investigated using the surface tension method. The critical micelle concentration values were determined for the individual surfactants and their corresponding mixtures. The interaction parameter between the surfactants in the mixed micelles, the activity and activity coefficients in the mixed micelles, and the thermodynamic parameters were calculated using various approaches, viz., Clint, Rubingh, and Maeda models. It was observed that the critical micelle concentration of the mixed surfactants system reveals little deviation from ideality.
Effects of Degumming and Bleaching on 3‐MCPD Esters Formation During Physical Refining
Authors: Ramli Muhamad Roddy , Siew Wai Lin , Ibrahim Nuzul Amri , Hussein Rabeaah , Kuntom Ainie , Abd. Razak Raznim Arni , Nesaretnam Kalanithi 
Published: June 2011

AbstractCrude palm oil (CPO) was physically refined in a 200‐kg batch pilot refining plant. A study of the possible role of degumming and bleaching steps in the refining process for a possible critical role in the formation of 3‐chloropropane‐1,2‐diol (3‐MCPD) esters was evaluated. For the degumming step, different percentages of phosphoric acid (0.02–0.1%) as well as water degumming (2.0%) were carried out. Six different types of bleaching clays, mainly natural and acid activated clays were used for bleaching process at a fixed dose of 1.0%. Deodorization of the bleached oils was performed at 260 °C for 90 min. Analyses showed that 3‐MCPD esters were not detected in the CPO. Phosphoric acid degumming (0.1%) in combination with acid activated clays produced the highest levels (3.89 ppm) of 3‐MCPD esters in the refined (RBD) oil. The esters were at the lowest levels (0.25 ppm) when the oil was water degummed and bleached with natural bleaching clays. However, the refined oil qualities were slightly compromised. Good correlation of 0.9759 and 0.9351 was obtained when concentration of the esters was plotted against acidity of the bleaching earths for the respective acid and water degumming processes. The findings revealed the contribution of acidic conditions on the higher formation of 3‐MCPD esters. In order to lower the esters formation, it is important to reduce acid dosage based on the crude oil qualities or to find alternatives to acid degumming process. Neutralization of the acidity prior to deodorization was effective in reducing the formation of 3‐MCPD esters.
The relationship between self‐reported severe pain and measures of socio‐economic disadvantage
Authors: Morgan Christopher Ll. , Conway Pete , Currie Craig J. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractAims: To determine the association of severe pain with socioeconomic characteristics.Methods: Data was extracted from the Health Survey for England (HSE), 2005. The HSE is a series of annual cross‐sectional surveys designed to describe the health of people living in private homes in England, from a random sample of 720 postcode sectors. Interviewees were ≥16 years. Pain severity was characterised by the EQ‐5D. Socioeconomic status was classified by ability to work, social security benefits, the National Statistics Socio‐economic Classification (NS‐SEC) and the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD).Results: Pain status was recorded for 9419 subjects of whom 431 (4.6%) reported severe pain. 156 of those reporting severe pain were of working age. Of these 68 (43.6%) stated they were unable to work due to sickness or disability and 64 (41.0%) claimed a state benefit. After adjusting for disease and demographic variables, severe pain was associated with the IMD with an odds ratio of 1.65 (95% CI 1.16–2.34, p = 0.005), NS‐SEC (OR = 2.94; 95% CI 1.76–4.91) and equivalised household income (lowest versus highest quintile; OR = 2.58 (95% CI 1.46–4.57, p = 0.001).Conclusions: This study demonstrated significant associations between pain and socio‐economic disadvantage. Apart from the direct impact upon the individual, this clearly has wider societal implications in terms of additional health and social care costs for affected people.
Premorbid child and family functioning as predictors of post‐concussive symptoms in children with mild traumatic brain injuries
Authors: Yeates Keith Owen , Taylor H. Gerry , Rusin Jerome , Bangert Barbara , Dietrich Ann , Nuss Kathryn , Wright Martha 
Published: June 2011

AbstractStudy aimThis study sought to determine whether premorbid child and family functioning accounts for or moderates group differences in post‐concussive symptoms following mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) in childhood.MethodsThis prospective, longitudinal cohort study recruited 8‐ to 15‐year‐old children, 186 with mild TBI and 99 with orthopedic injuries (OI), from consecutive emergency department admissions. Parents and children rated post‐concussive symptoms within 3 weeks of injury and at 1, 3, and 12 months post injury. Parents also provided retrospective ratings of pre‐injury symptoms, as well as of premorbid child behavioral adjustment, overall family functioning, and other stressors and resources in the family environment.ResultsChildren with mild TBI reported more post‐concussive symptoms than those with OI, as did their parents, although premorbid child behavioral adjustment and symptoms also were significant predictors of post‐concussive symptoms. Group differences in somatic symptoms as reported by parents were more pronounced among children from families that were higher functioning and had more environmental resources.DiscussionMild TBI during childhood results in more post‐concussive symptoms than OI, even after children's premorbid adjustment is taken into account. Counter to expectations, post‐concussive symptoms following mild TBI may actually be more apparent among children from higher‐functioning families with greater resources.
Sensitivity analysis of an early egg production predictive model in broiler breeders based on dietary nutrient intake
Authors: FARIDI A. , MOTTAGHITALAB M. , AHMADI H. 
Published: June 2011

SUMMARYNeural networks (NNs), especially the group method of data handling-type NN (GMDH-type NN), are new tools in modelling growth and production in poultry systems. In the present study, the GMDH-type NN was used to model early egg production (EEP, eggs/bird) in Ross 308 broiler breeders (BBs) from 24 to 29 weeks of age based on their dietary energy and nutrient intake. The selected input variables were intake levels of metabolizable energy (ME; MJ/bird/day), crude protein (CP; g/bird/day), methionine (Met; g/bird/day), and lysine (Lys; g/bird/day). A sensitivity analysis (SA) technique was utilized to evaluate the relative importance of input variables on model output. The GMDH-type NN revealed a high ability in the modelling of EEP based on the input variables investigated. The SA results indicated that the models developed showed most sensitivity to dietary intake of Met, followed by dietary intake of Lys, ME and CP, respectively. The maximum sensitivity of each input variable was considered as the optimum value for maximizing EEP in BB. The suggested optimum values for dietary nutrient intake were as follows: 1·9–2·1 MJ/bird/day for ME, 23 g/bird/day for CP, 0·65–0·8 g/bird/day for Met and 1·4–1·5 g/bird/day for Lys.
Control of barley yellow dwarf virus in minimum-till and conventional-till autumn-sown cereals by insecticide seed and foliar spray treatments
Authors: KENNEDY T. F. , CONNERY J. 
Published: June 2011

SUMMARYThe control of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) and its aphid vectors in minimum tillage (MT) and conventionally tilled (CT) winter barley by insecticide seed and foliar spray treatments was investigated in 2001, 2002 and 2003. Similar investigations were undertaken on winter wheat in 2004, 2005 and 2006. Aphids numbers in autumn and BYDV in spring on barley and wheat were significantly lower on MT relative to CT crops, in two of the six seasons. An insecticide spray at Zadoks growth stage (GS) 25 significantly reduced aphids and virus in both MT and CT crops in three of the six seasons of the study. An additional spray at GS 22 provided no benefit. Aphids were significantly fewer in three of the six seasons on crops grown from insecticide treated seeds, relative to untreated seeds. Both MT and CT barley sprayed at GS 25 had significantly fewer aphids than the seed treatment in one of the three seasons. Seed-treated MT and CT barley had significantly less BYDV than controls but significantly more than crops sprayed at GS 25. CT wheat grown from insecticide-treated seed had significantly less BYDV than controls. Overall, CT barley grown from insecticide-treated seed had 6-fold more BYDV than the sprayed crop, while untreated barley had 22-fold more than the spray treatment. In MT barley, the comparable values were 3- and 10-fold respectively. BYDV was almost exclusively the MAV strain. The grain yield for insecticide-sprayed CT barley was significantly greater in two of three seasons than that for untreated plots. In general, MT and CT barley receiving an insecticide spray had greater grain yield than barley grown from insecticide-treated seed, with differences being significant in one of three seasons. It is concluded that BYDV in MT and CT cereals is better controlled by applying a pyrethroid insecticide spray between GS 23 and 25, in autumn, than by treating the seed with a nitroguanidine-type insecticide. In MT crops, a single spray between GS 23 and 25 will give effective control of MAV-type BYDV.
Is it oncologically safe to leave the ipsilateral submandibular gland during neck dissection for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma?
Authors: Ebrahim A K , Loock J W , Afrogheh A , Hille J 
Published: June 2011

AbstractAim:To investigate the incidence of metastasis to the submandibular gland in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.Methods:We retrospectively evaluated histological reports of neck dissections for upper respiratory tract carcinoma (performed 2002–2009), recording: primary tumour site, tumour–node–metastasis stage, level Ib involvement, previous radiotherapy, perineural invasion, lymphovascular invasion, extracapsular spread, and the presence of malignant disease in the submandibular gland.Results:We evaluated 107 cases. The most common primary site was the oral cavity (49 per cent) followed by the supraglottis (21 per cent), glottis (14 per cent), oropharynx (9 per cent) and hypopharynx (6 per cent). Forty-eight per cent of patients had advanced local disease, with 21 per cent at tumour stage 3 and 27 per cent at tumour stage 4. Fifty-six per cent had cervical lymph node metastasis, and 8 per cent received pre-operative radiotherapy. Forty-eight per cent had perineural invasion, 46 per cent lymphovascular spread, 27 per cent extracapsular spread and 8 per cent level Ib metastasis. Only one patient had submandibular gland involvement, due to direct spread (a case with prior radiotherapy and macroscopic submandibular gland involvement evident peri-operatively).Conclusion:Submandibular gland metastasis from head and neck primary squamous cell carcinoma is extremely rare. Preservation of the ipsilateral submandibular gland during neck dissection is oncologically safe, except in patients with prior surgery or radiotherapy, or a primary tumour in close relation to the gland.
Do adults adjust their socio-economic status identity in later life
Authors: CORNMAN JENNIFER C. , GOLDMAN NOREEN , COLLINS AMY LOVE , GLEI DANA A. , HURNG BAAI-SHYUN , WEINSTEIN MAXINE 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTPrevious research shows that socio-economic status (SES) identity, also referred to as perceived or subjective social status, is shaped by objective measures of status, socio-cultural influences and psychological attributes and predicts current and future wellbeing. Prior studies, however, have not examined whether older adults reassess their SES identity over time. In this study, we use two assessments of subjective social status measured six years apart in a sample of older Taiwanese adults to: (a) determine the degree to which respondents adjust their perceptions of social rank; and (b) identify the characteristics of individuals who are most likely to revise their assessments. We find that many older Taiwanese adults reassess their SES identity, but most respondents show small to moderate levels of change. Females, more highly educated respondents, and those who have a positive economic outlook tend to revise their subjective social status upward relative to their respective counterparts; those who become widowed during the period adjust their rankings downward compared with those who do not become widowed. These findings suggest that SES identity may be dynamic, highlighting the importance of collecting information on SES identity at multiple points in the lifecourse.
Stepping into my shoes: generativity as a mediator of the relationship between business owners' age and family succession
Authors: ZACHER HANNES , SCHMITT ANTJE , GIELNIK MICHAEL M. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTThe authors investigated generativity – the concern in establishing and guiding the next generation – as a mediator of the relationship between family business owners' age and succession in family businesses. Data came from 155 family business owners in Germany from different industries between the ages of 26 and 83 years. Results showed that age was positively related to generativity, and that generativity, in turn, positively influenced an objective measure of family succession. Generativity fully mediated the positive relationship between age and family succession. The findings suggest that generativity is an important psycho-social construct for understanding ageing, careers and succession in family business settings.
Remarks on the existence, uniqueness and semi-explicit solvability of systems of autonomous partial differential equations in divergence form with constant boundary conditions
Authors: Cimatti Giovanni 
Published: June 2011

A method is proposed for reducing autonomous nonlinear boundary-value problems of partial differential equations with a particular structure and constant boundary conditions to the simple problemThis requires the solution of a non-standard two-point system of ordinary differential equations. Some applications are also presented for classical problems of mathematical physics.
Single-point blow-up for a doubly degenerate parabolic equation with nonlinear source
Authors: Mu Chunlai , Zeng Rong 
Published: June 2011

This paper deals with the positive solution to the doubly degenerate equationwhere σ > 0, m > 1, β > m(1 + σ). We prove single-point blow-up for a large class of radial decreasing solutions. Furthermore, the upper and lower estimates of the blow-up solution near the single blow-up point are obtained.
The Social Science of Democracy?
Authors: Munger Michael 
Published: June 2011

Alexis de Tocqueville, the First Social Scientist. By Jon Elster. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2009. 212p. $80.00 cloth, $22.99 paper.Alexis de Tocqueville is surely one of the most widely cited, discussed, and celebrated political theorists in the world. Jon Elster's book,Alexis de Tocqueville: the First Social Scientistproceeds from a provocative premise: that Tocqueville's major works were lacking in “system” and were “hugely incoherent,” and that Tocqeuville himself “was not a major political thinker” (xi). Elster argues that instead Tocqueville ought to be viewed as a penetrating historical sociologist and an exemplary social scientist who might well be considered the first true social scientist. Elster's argument is important for at least two reasons: first, because it offers a striking and challenging reading of Tocqueville; and second, because it expands on Elster's own contributions in the philosophy of social science, and develops interesting understandings of “causal mechanisms,” methodological individualism, and social explanation more generally. As Elster writes in his Introduction, “the main task of this book is to argue for the relevance of Tocqueville for social science in the twenty-first century (p. 5).” The purpose of this Perspectives symposium is to assess Elster's argument in broad terms. What are the strengths and limits of Elster's reading of Tocqueville? How ought we to assess Elster's understanding of Tocqueville's deficiencies as a “political theorist?” What is the relevance of Tocqueville for contemporary social science? And, most importantly, what are the challenges and possible trajectories facing social science in the twenty-first century, and to what extent does Elster's essay point us in the right direction?—Jeffrey C. Isaac, Editor
The diversity of cyanomyovirus populations along a North–South Atlantic Ocean transect
Authors: Jameson Eleanor , Mann Nicholas H , Joint Ian , Sambles Christine , Mühling Martin 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Viruses that infect the marine cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus have the potential to impact the growth, productivity, diversity and abundance of their hosts. In this study, changes in the microdiversity of cyanomyoviruses were investigated in 10 environmental samples taken along a North–South Atlantic Ocean transect using a myoviral-specific PCR-sequencing approach. Phylogenetic analyses of 630 viral g20 clones from this study, with 786 published g20 sequences, revealed that myoviral populations in the Atlantic Ocean had higher diversity than previously reported, with several novel putative g20 clades. Some of these clades were detected throughout the Atlantic Ocean. Multivariate statistical analyses did not reveal any significant correlations between myoviral diversity and environmental parameters, although myoviral diversity appeared to be lowest in samples collected from the north and south of the transect where Prochlorococcus diversity was also lowest. The results were correlated to the abundance and diversity of the co-occurring Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus populations, but revealed no significant correlations to either of the two potential host genera. This study provides evidence that cyanophages have extremely high and variable diversity and are distributed over large areas of the Atlantic Ocean.