bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structuring a College Alcohol Prevention Program on the Low Level of Response to Alcohol Model: A Pilot Study
Authors: Schuckit Marc A. , Kalmijn Jelger A. , Smith Tom L. , Saunders Gretchen , Fromme Kim 
Published: February 2012

BackgroundNew approaches are needed to bolster the modest effects of campus drinking prevention programs. However, more definitive research on new paradigms is very expensive, and in the current economic climate, progress can be made by evaluating smaller pilot studies. This study describes one such approach.MethodsA sample of 18‐year‐old or older, healthy, drinking freshmen at our university was assigned to 2 groups stratified to be similar on demography, drinking histories, and their level of response (LR) to alcohol. In the spring quarter of the school year, the 32 subjects in each of 2 groups viewed four 45‐minute Internet‐based videotapes as part of 4 prevention sessions. All 8 modules were based on the same techniques and general content, but the 4 videos for the first group were structured around the validated model of how a low LR affects heavy drinking (the low level of response‐based [LRB] Group), with partial mediation by heavier drinking peers, positive alcohol expectancies, and drinking to cope with stress. Videos for the state‐of‐the‐art (SOTA) comparison group did not place the similar prevention messages into the low LR framework. Changes in drinking were evaluated at 3 times: before Module 1, before Module 4, and 1 month after Module 4.ResultsUsual and maximum drinks per occasion decreased over time for both high and low LR subjects in both LRB and SOTA groups. As predicted, the low LR students showed greater decreases in the LRB Group, while high LR students showed greater decreases in the more generic SOTA Group.ConclusionsThe results support the hypothesis that tailoring prevention efforts to address specific predisposing factors, such as a low LR, may be associated with beneficial effects on drinking quantity. We hope that these data will encourage additional efforts to validate the low LR‐based prevention paradigm and test other interventions that are targeted toward predisposing phenotypes such as impulsivity and negative affect.
Arrhythmogenic Difference between the Left and Right Atria in a Canine Ventricular Pacing‐Induced Heart Failure Model of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: TAI CHING‐TAI , LO LI‐WEI , LIN YENN‐JIANG , CHEN SHIH‐ANN 
Published: February 2012

Background:

The detail of biatrial activation during sustained atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been investigated until now.
Methods:

Five dogs with right ventricular pacing‐induced congestive heart failure (CHF)
and five normal dogs were included. Biatrial endocardiac mapping was performed using noncontact mapping system.
Results:

Noncontact mapping of the right atrium (RA) showed CHF dogs had a higher frequency of focal discharge from Bachmann's bundle, sinoatrial region, and crista terminalis. CHF dogs also had a higher frequency of wave break, wave fusion, and reentry. CHF dogs had greater effective refractory period (ERP) dispersion. Noncontact mapping of the left atrium (LA) showed CHF dogs had more frequent focal discharge from left superior pulmonary vein (PV), right superior PV, and left atrial appendage. CHF dogs had a higher frequency of wave break, wave fusion, and reentry. CHF dogs had greater ERP dispersion. Comparison between RA and LA showed LA had a higher frequency of focal discharge, wave break, wave fusion, and leading circle reentry than the RA. LA also had greater ERP dispersion than RA.
Conclusion:

CHF dogs had a higher frequency of focal discharge and reentry, suggesting that CHF provided an arrhythmogenic substrate. LA had a higher frequency of focal discharge and reentry, suggesting that LA is more important to maintain AF. (PACE 2012; 35:188–195)
Effects of Transition Metal Ion Doping on Structure and Electrical Properties of Bi0.9Eu0.1FeO3 Thin Films
Authors: Raghavan Chinnambedu Murugesan , Do Dalhyun , Kim Jin Won , Kim Won‐Jeong , Kim Sang Su 
Published: February 2012

Pure BiFeO3 (BFO) and europium‐transition metal co‐doped Bi0.9Eu0.1Fe0.975TM0.025O3−δ (TM = Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Cr, and Ti) (BEFTM) thin films were deposited on Pt(111)/Ti/SiO2/Si(100) substrates using a chemical solution deposition method. The effects of co‐doping on the crystal structure and the surface morphology of the thin films were examined using X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy analysis. Systematic investigations on the electrical properties, such as leakage current density and ferroelectric hysteresis loops, have been carried out on the thin films. Reduced leakage current and enhanced remnant polarization (Pr) were observed in the BEFTM thin films. Among the thin films, the BEFCr thin film showed the largest 2Pr value of 89.5 μC/cm2. The smallest leakage current density (8.3 × 10−5 A/cm2 at 400 kV/cm) was measured from the BEFMn thin film and this value was found to be two orders lower than that of the pure BFO.
Improved High‐Q Microwave Dielectric Ceramics in CuO‐Doped BaTi4O9–BaZn2Ti4O11 System
Authors: Yu Sheng Quan , Tang Bin , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Shu Ren , Zhou Xiao Hua 
Published: February 2012

To improve the microwave dielectric properties, CuO was doped into composite ceramics BaTi4O9–BaZn2Ti4O11 by the solid‐state reaction. CuO worked as flux former and caused the liquid‐phase sintering mechanism, which effectively improved the densification process and lowered the sintering temperature by nearly 100°C. Moreover, Cu2+ substituted for Zn2+ sites in BaZn2Ti4O11 phase, which led to the increase of BaZn2Ti4O11 phase and the reduction of lattice parameters of BaZn2Ti4O11 phase, and both these two results had the positive effect on the dielectric properties, especially the Q × f value. As increasing CuO content from 0.0 to 3.0 wt%, the dielectric constant (εr) increased from 35.5 to 36.5, the Q × f value increased first from 49 100 GHz to the peak value 62 600 GHz (1.0 wt% CuO) and thereafter decreased to 31 900 GHz, and the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) kept in a low value as <2.0 wt% CuO was added. At last, 0.85BaTi4O9–0.15BaZn2Ti4O11 ceramics with 1.0 wt% CuO sintered at 1150°C for 3 h showed excellent microwave dielectric properties: the high εr = 36.4, the high Q × f= 62 600 GHz and the near‐zero τf = +0.2 ppm/°C.
How successful are small‐diameter implants? A literature review
Authors: Sohrabi Keyvan , Mushantat Ammar , Esfandiari Shahrokh , Feine Jocelyne 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundEdentulism is an important issue and will remain so due to high numbers of edentate individuals worldwide. For many years, complete dentures have been the only treatment option for this population. Implant overdentures have been shown to have many advantages over conventional complete dentures. However, although dissatisfied with their mandibular dentures, some edentate elders are reluctant to undergo even simple implant treatment due to factors such as cost and fear of surgery. To address these obstacles, this paper reports on a review of small‐diameter implant (SDI) studies that were performed in the last two decades. The aim of this study is to (i) determine the survival of narrow diameter implants, (ii) determine whether survival is dependent on whether these implants are placed using a flap or flapless approach, and (ii) determine whether there is a relationship between length and implant survival in SDIs.MethodsIn this review, studies were included that (i) involve implants with 3.5 mm diameter or less, (ii) have a randomized clinical trial, retrospective or prospective cohort design with human subjects, (iii) provide a follow up duration of at least 5 months following implant placement, (iv) include data on the survival rate of the implants.ResultsForty one studies meeting the above criteria were published between 1993 and 2011 using SDIs from a variety of companies and surface characteristics with diameters of 1.8 mm to 3.5 mm and lengths of 8 mm to 18 mm. A total of 10,093 SDIs were inserted in approximately 2762 patients. Twenty‐six studies involved flap reflection techniques for implant placement, six studies used a flapless technique and two studies used both techniques; in the remaining studies, the technique was not specified. Follow up duration varied from 5 months to over 9 years. The survival rate reported in all screened studies was over 90%, including eight studies in which a 100% survival rate was reported. In 22 studies, the reported survival rate ranged from 95% to 99.9%. Failure was reported most often in short SDIs (less than or equal 13 mm) (n = 88) compared to longer ones (more than 13 mm).ConclusionSurvival rates reported for SDI are similar to those reported for standard width implants. These survival rates did not appear to differ between studies that used flapless and flap reflection techniques. The failure rate appeared to be higher in shorter SDIs than in longer ones in the studies in which the length of the failed implants was reported. SDIs could be considered for use with fixed restorations and mandibular overdentures, since their success rate appears to be comparable to that of regular diameter implants. They might also be an efficient, low‐cost solution for elders who wish to reduce problems with denture instability.
Interactions in tropical reforestation – how plant defence and polycultures can reduce growth‐limiting herbivory
Authors: Massad Tara J. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractQuestionsCan the growth of saplings be improved by limiting herbivory during reforestation? Can chemical ecology and diverse planting designs be applied to decrease herbivory in tropical reforestation?LocationReforestation plantings inHeredia,CostaRica.MethodsThis study directly evaluates the effects of herbivory on seedling growth and the role of two putative plant defences, saponins and leaf toughness, in limiting herbivory in reforestation. Four planting treatments were studied in a replicated block design in cattle pastures inCostaRica: (1) a monoculture of a fast‐growing species low in saponins (Dipteryx panamensis); (2) a monoculture of a slower‐growing, saponin‐rich species (Cojoba arborea); (3) a polyculture consisting of halfD. panamensisand half three other defended species; and (4) a polyculture of halfC. arboreaand half the same other defended species. Growth and herbivory were measured every 6 mo during the first 2 yr of plot development and again after 5 yr of growth.ResultsDipteryx panamensiswas the fastest‐growing species, and individuals planted in polycultures grew faster in terms of height than individuals in monoculture. Herbivory was negatively related to sapling growth, and damage during the first 6 mo of plot establishment decreased growth even after 5 yr. Patterns of herbivory varied through time, resulting in changes in the importance of plant defences. For example, leaf toughness, which is an effective defence against many herbivores, was negatively related to herbivory at multiple time periods. In contrast, saponins were not a deterrent to all herbivores, so they were not consistently effective as a defence; however saponins were negatively related toAtta cephalotes(leaf‐cutter ant) damage. Saponins are therefore a promising defence against leaf‐cutter ants but not against all herbivores.ConclusionsPlant–insect interactions influence reforestation through growth‐limiting herbivore pressure on seedlings, and this herbivory is likely facilitated by reforestation methods that favour monocultures of fast‐growing species that lack strong antiherbivore defences. This study demonstrates the potential for reducing herbivory and improving sapling growth by reforesting with polycultures of fast‐growing and well‐defended species.
Akt augments the oncogenic potential of the HBx protein of hepatitis B virus by phosphorylation
Authors: Khattar Ekta , Mukherji Atish , Kumar Vijay 
Published: February 2012

Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) is a putative viral oncoprotein that plays an important role in various cellular processes, including modulation of the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/Akt signalling pathway. However, the molecular mechanism of Akt activation remains elusive. Here we show that HBx interacts with Akt1 kinase and is phosphorylated at serine 31 as indicated by mutational analysis of the Akt recognition motif (creating the HBxS31A mutant) or immunoblotting of HBx immunoprecipitates using Akt motif‐specific antibody. The Akt‐dependent phosphorylation of HBx was abrogated in the presence of the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase inhibitor LY294002 or Akt1 gene silencing by specific siRNA. Co‐immunoprecipitation studies provided evidence for HBx–Akt interaction in a cellular environment. This interaction was also confirmed in hepatoma HepG2.2.15 cells in which HBx was expressed at physiological levels from the integrated hepatitis B viral genome. The HBx–Akt interaction was essential for Akt signalling, and involved displacement of the Akt‐bound negative regulator ‘C‐terminal modulator protein’ by HBx. HBx‐activated Akt phosphorylated its downstream target glycogen synthase kinase 3β, leading to stabilization of β‐catenin, while p65 phosphorylation resulted in enhanced promoter recruitment and expression of target genes encoding cyclin D1 and Bcl‐XL. Further, the oncogenic potential of HBx was significantly augmented in the presence of Akt in a soft agar colony formation assay. Together, these results suggest that oncogenic co‐operation between HBx and Akt may be important for cell proliferation, abrogation of apoptosis and tumorigenic transformation of cells.Structured digital abstract
HBx physically interacts with 14‐3‐3 theta by anti‐bait co‐immunoprecipitation (View interaction)
AKT1physically interacts with HBx by anti‐bait co‐immunoprecipitation (View interaction: 1, 2, 3)
Akt1phosphorylates HBx by protein kinase assay (View interaction: 1, 2)
AKT1physically interacts with CTMP by anti‐bait co‐immunoprecipitation (View interaction)
HBx physically interacts with CREB by anti‐bait co‐immunoprecipitation (View interaction)
Loading Dose Required to Achieve Rapid Therapeutic Teicoplanin Trough Plasma Concentration in Patients with Multidrug‐Resistant Gram‐Positive Infections
Authors: Wang Jann‐Tay , Liao Hsin‐I , Wu Lin Fe‐Lin , Chang Shan‐Chwen 
Published: February 2012

AbstractTeicoplanin is an antibiotic drug prescribed for the treatment of multidrug‐resistant Gram‐positive infections. However, there is currently no consensus as to the optimal teicoplanin loading dose. The objective of this study was to compare plasma concentrations of teicoplanin in patients with multidrug‐resistant Gram‐positive infections after the administration of two different loading doses. Two groups of patients were infused intravenously with four loading doses of 6 mg/kg body‐weight (group A, n = 12) or 12 mg/kg body‐weight (group B, n = 11). The first three loading doses were administered at 12‐hr intervals, and the fourth was given 24 hr after the third dose. Maintenance doses of 6 mg/kg were administered every day, every other day or every third day depending on the individual's creatinine clearance, and teicoplanin trough plasma concentrations were monitored. Only samples obtained on the same day for both groups were compared statistically. A higher percentage of group B patients achieved the desired therapeutic concentration of teicoplanin (Cmin. ≥ 10 mg/L) on days 2 and 3 (90.0% and 100%, respectively) compared with patients in group A (18.2% and 16.7%, respectively) (p < 0.001). In addition, more patients in group B achieved therapeutic concentrations from days 2 through 12. In conclusion, despite limitations in drawing definitive conclusions because of a relatively small sample size and variability in renal impairment among patients, our findings suggest that a teicoplanin loading dose of 12 mg/kg body‐weight results in a safe and rapid attainment of therapeutic trough plasma concentrations. This regimen may enhance treatment efficacy.
Molecular detection of Colletotrichum falcatum causing red rot disease of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) using a SCAR marker
Authors: Nithya K. , Bukhari Khalid A.I.M. , Valluvaparidasan V. , Paranidharan V. , Velazhahan R. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractRed rot disease of sugarcane caused by Colletotrichum falcatum is one of the most destructive diseases of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) worldwide. The pathogen spreads primarily through infected sugarcane setts and hence the use of disease‐free planting materials is essential for preventing disease development in the field. In the present study a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed for accurate and sensitive detection of C. falcatum in planting materials. Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis identified a 566 bp PCR fragment that was specific to C. falcatum. The DNA sequence of this fragment was determined and used to design oligonucleotides amplifying a 442 bp sequence characterised amplified region (SCAR). The specificity of the SCAR primers was evaluated using purified DNA from C. falcatum and other Colletotrichum spp. as templates in PCR. The results indicated that the SCAR primers were highly specific to C. falcatum since the 442 bp fragment was amplified only from DNA of isolates and races of C. falcatum but not from any other Colletotrichum spp. tested. The detection sensitivity of C. falcatum was 0.1 ng for genomic DNA of C. falcatum and 5 ng for DNA extracted from infected sugarcane tissue. This new PCR‐based assay is a convenient tool for detection of this important pathogen in seed canes to ensure production of sugarcane.
Phenological growth stages of edible asparagus (Asparagus officinalis): codification and description according to the BBCH scale
Authors: Feller C. , Richter E. , Smolders T. , Wichura A. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBBCH [Biologische Bundesanstalt (Julius Kühn‐Institut), Bundessortenamt, CHemische Industrie] scales are used in applied natural sciences for the description of phenological growth stages of plants and are available for many crops today. Currently, a specific BBCH scale for Asparagus officinalis, a perennial vegetable plant of worldwide interest, does not exist. In this study, an extended BBCH scale was developed, describing precisely the growth stages of A. officinalis. Nine principal growth stages were defined and subdivided into several secondary growth stages resulting in a two‐digit decimal code. Detailed descriptions of the particular stages and illustrations were included to clarify the application of the code system. The scale is proposed to specify and harmonise research activities as well as to enhance comparability of crop management practices for growers of asparagus.
The ORF5 of Grapevine virus A is involved in symptoms expression in Nicotiana benthamiana plants
Authors: Haviv S. , Iddan Y. , Goszczynski D.E. , Mawassi M. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractGrapevine virus A (GVA), a member of the genus Vitivirus which belongs to the family Flexiviridae, has a single‐stranded RNA genome of about 7.4 kb that comprises five open reading frames (ORFs). ORF5 encodes a small 10‐kDa protein (p10), which is believed to interact with nucleic acids and to suppress the plant's RNA‐silencing response. We obtained molecular and biological data indicating that ORF5‐encoded product, specifically its N‐terminus, affects the appearance of symptoms in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. The ORF5‐encoded products of the severe GR5 and the mild GTR1‐1 isolates were found to affect RNA silencing similarly in mesophyll cells of N. benthamiana, despite being involved in different expressions of symptoms on this host.
Extragalactic gamma-ray signal from dark matter annihilation: a power spectrum based computation
Authors: Serpico P. D. , Sefusatti E. , Gustafsson M. , Zaharijas G. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT
We revisit the computation of the extragalactic gamma-ray signal from cosmological dark matter annihilations. The prediction of this signal is notoriously model-dependent, due to different descriptions of the clumpiness of the dark matter distribution at small scales, responsible for an enhancement with respect to the smoothly distributed case. We show how a direct computation of this ‘flux multiplier’ in terms of the non-linear power spectrum offers a conceptually simpler approach and may ease some problems, such as the extrapolation issue. In fact, very simple analytical recipes to construct the power spectrum yield results similar to the popular Halo Model expectations, with a straightforward alternative estimate of errors. For this specific application, one also obviates the need of identifying (often literature-dependent) concepts entering the Halo Model, to compare different simulations.
Positron annihilation as a cosmic ray probe
Authors: Ohira Yutaka , Kohri Kazunori , Kawanaka Norita 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT
Recently, the gamma-ray telescopes AGILE and Fermi observed several middle-aged supernova remnants (SNRs) interacting with molecular clouds. A plausible emission mechanism of the gamma-rays is the decay of neutral pions produced by cosmic ray (CR) nuclei (hadronic processes). However, observations do not rule out contributions from bremsstrahlung emission due to CR electrons. TeV gamma-ray telescopes also observed many SNRs and discovered many unidentified sources. It is still unclear whether the TeV gamma-ray emission is produced via leptonic processes or hadronic processes. In this Letter, we propose that annihilation emission of secondary positrons produced by CR nuclei is a diagnostic tool of the hadronic processes. We investigate MeV emissions from secondary positrons and electrons produced by CR protons in molecular clouds. The annihilation emission of the secondary positrons from SNRs can be robustly estimated from the observed gamma-ray flux. The expected flux of the annihilation line from SNRs observed by AGILE and Fermi is sufficient for the future Advanced Compton Telescope to detect. Moreover, synchrotron emission from secondary positrons and electrons and bremsstrahlung emission from CR protons can be also observed by the future X-ray telescope NuSTAR and Astro-H.