bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A tailed PCR procedure for cost‐effective, two‐order multiplex sequencing of candidate genes in polyploid plants
Authors: Gholami Mahmood , Bekele Wubishet A. , Schondelmaier Joerg , Snowdon Rod J.
Published: April 2012

Complex polyploid crop genomes can be recalcitrant towards conventional DNA sequencing approaches for allele mining in candidate genes for valuable traits. In the past, this has greatly complicated the transfer of knowledge on promising candidate genes from model plants to even closely related polyploid crops. Next‐generation sequencing offers diverse solutions to overcome such difficulties. Here, we present a method for multiplexed 454 sequencing in gene‐specific PCR amplicons that can simultaneously address multiple homologues of given target genes. We devised a simple two‐step PCR procedure employing a set of barcoded M13/T7 universal fusion primers that enable a cost‐effective and efficient amplification of large numbers of target gene amplicons. Sequencing‐ready amplicons are generated that can be simultaneously sequenced in pools comprising multiple amplicons from multiple genotypes. High‐depth sequencing allows resolution of the resulting sequence reads into contigs representing multiple homologous loci, with only insignificant off‐target capture of paralogues or PCR artefacts. In a case study, the procedure was tested in the complex polyploid genome of Brassica napus for a set of nine genes identified in Arabidopsis as candidates for regulation of seed development and oil content. Up to six copies of these genes were expected in B. napus. SNP discovery was performed by pooled multiplex sequencing of 30 amplicons in 20 diverse B. napus accessions with interesting trait variation for oil content, providing a basis for comparative mapping to relevant quantitative trait loci and for subsequent marker‐assisted breeding.
Amygdala response to mother
Authors: Tottenham Nim , Shapiro Mor , Telzer Eva H. , Humphreys Kathryn L.
Published: April 2012

In altricial species, like the human, the caregiver, very often the mother, is one of the most potent stimuli during development. The distinction between mothers and other adults is learned early in life and results in numerous behaviors in the child, most notably mother‐approach and stranger wariness. The current study examined the influence of the maternal stimulus on amygdala activity and related circuitry in 25 developing children (n = 13) and adolescents (n = 12), and how this circuitry was associated with attachment‐related behaviors. Results indicated that maternal stimuli were especially effective in recruiting activity in the left dorsal amygdala, and activity in this amygdala region showed increased functional connectivity with evaluative and motor regions during viewing of maternal stimuli. Increases in this left dorsal amygdala activity and related amygdala‐cortical functional connectivity were associated with increased mother‐approach behaviors as measured by in‐scanner behavioral responding and out‐of‐scanner child‐report. Moreover, age‐related changes in amygdala activity to strangers statistically mediated the developmentally typical decline in stranger wariness seen across this period. These results suggest that mother‐induced behaviors are enacted by maternal influence on amygdala‐cortical circuitry during childhood and adolescence.
Disentangling the Importance of Psychological Predispositions and Social Constructions in the Organization of American Political Ideology
Authors: Verhulst Brad , Hatemi Peter K. , Eaves Lindon J.
Published: April 2012

Ideological preferences within the American electorate are contingent on both the environmental conditions that provide the content of the contemporary political debate and internal predispositions that motivate people to hold liberal or conservative policy preferences. In this article we apply Jost, Federico, and Napier's top‐down/bottom‐up theory of political attitude formation to a genetically informative population sample. In doing so, we further develop the theory by operationalizing the top‐down pathway to be a function of the social environment and the bottom‐up pathway as a latent set of genetic factors. By merging insights from psychology, behavioral genetics, and political science, we find strong support for the top‐down/bottom‐up framework that segregates the two independent pathways in the formation of political attitudes and identifies a different pattern of relationships between political attitudes at each level of analysis.
Simultaneous Confidence Bands for Linear Regression with Covariates Constrained in Intervals
Authors: LIU WEI , AH‐KINE PASCAL , ZHOU SANYU
Published: April 2012

Abstract. The focus of this article is on simultaneous confidence bands over a rectangular covariate region for a linear regression model withk>1 covariates, for which only conservative or approximate confidence bands are available in the statistical literature stretching back to Working & Hotelling (J. Amer. Statist. Assoc.24, 1929; 73–85). Formulas of simultaneous confidence levels of the hyperbolic and constant width bands are provided. These involve only ak‐dimensional integral; it is unlikely that the simultaneous confidence levels can be expressed as an integral of less thank‐dimension. These formulas allow the construction for the first time of exact hyperbolic and constant width confidence bands for at least a smallk(>1) by using numerical quadrature. Comparison between the hyperbolic and constant width bands is then addressed under both the average width and minimum volume confidence set criteria. It is observed that the constant width band can be drastically less efficient than the hyperbolic band whenk>1. Finally it is pointed out how the methods given in this article can be applied to more general regression models such as fixed‐effect or random‐effect generalized linear regression models.
Statistical Analysis of the Hirsch Index
Authors: PRATELLI LUCA , BACCINI ALBERTO , BARABESI LUCIO , MARCHESELLI MARZIA
Published: April 2012

Abstract.  The Hirsch index (commonly referred to as h‐index) is a bibliometric indicator which is widely recognized as effective for measuring the scientific production of a scholar since it summarizes size and impact of the research output. In a formal setting, the h‐index is actually an empirical functional of the distribution of the citation counts received by the scholar. Under this approach, the asymptotic theory for the empirical h‐index has been recently exploited when the citation counts follow a continuous distribution and, in particular, variance estimation has been considered for the Pareto‐type and the Weibull‐type distribution families. However, in bibliometric applications, citation counts display a distribution supported by the integers. Thus, we provide general properties for the empirical h‐index under the small‐ and large‐sample settings. In addition, we also introduce consistent non‐parametric variance estimation, which allows for the implementation of large‐sample set estimation for the theoretical h‐index.
An Oblique Epistemic Defence of Conceptual Analysis
Authors: Harper Alexander S.
Published: April 2012

This article argues, against contemporary experimentalist criticism, that conceptual analysis has epistemic value, with a structure that encourages the development of interesting hypotheses which are of the right form to be valuable in diverse areas of philosophy. The article shows, by analysis of the Gettier programme, that conceptual analysis shares the proofs and refutations form Lakatos identified in mathematics. Upon discovery of a counterexample, this structure aids the search for a replacement hypothesis. The search is guided by heuristics. The heuristics of conceptual analysis are similar to those in other interesting areas of scholarship, and so hypotheses generated by it are of the right form to be applicable to diverse areas. The article shows that the explanationist criterion in epistemology was developed and applied in this way. The epistemic value of conceptual analysis is oblique because it contributes not towards the main purpose of conceptual analysis but towards the reliable development of epistemically valuable hypotheses in philosophy and scholarship.
Burge on Perceptual Entitlement
Authors: Vahid Hamid
Published: April 2012

This article is concerned with the question of the nature of the epistemic liaison between experience and belief. The problem, often known as the problem of nondoxastic justification, is to see how a causal transition between experience and belief could assume a normative dimension, that is, how perceptual experience serves to justify beliefs about the world. Currently a number of theories have been proposed to resolve this problem. The article considers a particular solution offered by Tyler Burge which, among other things, introduces a new type of positive epistemic status or warrant, namely, entitlement. It contends that Burge's notion of entitlement cannot be of any help in resolving the problem of nondoxastic justification. Burge's account is compared and contrasted with other, similar, approaches to the problem of nondoxastic justification.
Modeling, Truth, and Philosophy
Authors: Teller Paul
Published: April 2012

Knowledge requires truth, and truth, we suppose, involves unflawed representation. Science does not provide knowledge in this sense but rather provides models, representations that are limited in their accuracy, precision, or, most often, both. Truth as we usually think of it is an idealization, one that serves wonderfully in most ordinary applications, but one that can terribly mislead for certain issues in philosophy. This article sketches how this happens for five important issues, thereby showing how philosophical method must take into account the idealized nature of our familiar conception of truth.
Art, Ethics, and Critical Pluralism
Authors: Thomson‐Jones Katherine
Published: April 2012

Those who have views about the relation between aesthetic and ethical value often also have views about the nature of art criticism. Yet no one has paid much attention to the compatibility of views in one debate with views in the other. This is worrying in light of a tension between two popular kinds of view: namely, between critical pluralism and any view in the art and ethics debate that presupposes an invariant relation between aesthetic value and ethical value. Specifically, the tension with invariance arises insofar as critical pluralism accommodates the aesthetic value of interpretive richness, including the aesthetic value of ethically conflicted interpretive richness. Given this tension, a shift of focus is needed in the art and ethics debate; from specifying the criteria for the aesthetic relevance of a work's ethical qualities to defending the fundamental nature of the aesthetic‐ethical value relation.
Semantic and Moral Luck
Authors: Barceló Aspeitia Axel Arturo
Published: April 2012

The similarities between the philosophical debates surrounding assessment sensitivity and moral luck run so deep that one can easily adapt almost any argument from one debate, change some terms, adapt the examples, and end up with an argument relevant to the other. This article takesBrianRosebury's strategy for resisting moral luck in “MoralResponsibility and ‘MoralLuck' ” (1995) and turns it into a strategy for resisting assessment sensitivity. The article shows that one ofBernardWilliams's examples motivating moral luck is very similar to one of the examplesJohnMacFarlane uses to motivate the assessment sensitivity of epistemic modals, and in particular the assessment sensitivity of the auxiliary verb “might.” This means that, ifRosebury is right and we do not actually need moral luck to explainWilliams's example, we may not need assessment sensitivity to account for the semantic behaviour of the epistemic modal verb “might” either.
Metaphilosophy in the Systems of Metatheories
Authors: Brutian Georg
Published: April 2012

This article discusses the essence and form of various types of metatheory, paying special attention to metaphilosophy. It suggests the idea of the metatheoretical model—a completely new approach in philosophical discussion—and considers this concept with regard to the Platonic model and the Rhodian model. These models permit two different systems of metatheoretical construction. The paradigms of modern science allow the formation of metatheories that help further the development of logical, mathematical, and similar sciences. The Rhodian model allows the discovery of methods that are helpful in building certain types of theory, as well as suggesting and examining theories that have special metatheoretical features and revealing their common features and differences with regard to other theories. The article discusses the complicated problem of the interrelation between philosophy and metaphilosophy and shows that metaphilosophy is also philosophy, not in the sense that metaphilosophy is a special part of philosophy but rather in the sense that metaphilosophy is a special kind of functioning of philosophy itself.
Fixed and Random Effects in Classical and Bayesian Regression*
Authors: Rendon Silvio R.
Published: April 2012

This paper proposes a common and tractable framework for analyzing fixed and random effects models, in particular constant‐slope variable‐intercept designs. It is shown that, regardless of whether effects (i) are treated as parameters or as an error term, (ii) are estimated in different stages of a hierarchical model, or whether (iii) correlation between effects and regressors is allowed, when the same prior information on idiosyncratic parameters is introduced into all estimation methods, the resulting common slope estimator is also the same across methods. These results are illustrated using the Grünfeld investment data with different prior distributions. Random effects estimates are shown to be more efficient than fixed effects estimates. This efficiency gain, however, comes at the cost of neglecting information obtained in the computation of the prior unknown variance of idiosyncratic parameters.
Retirement Choices in Italy: What an Option Value Model Tells Us*
Authors: Belloni Michele , Alessie Rob
Published: April 2012

Using Italian data, we estimate an option value model to quantify the effect of financial incentives on retirement choices. As far as we know, this is the first empirical study to estimate the conditional multiple‐years model put forward byStock and Wise (1990). This implies that we account for dynamic self‐selection bias. We also present an extended version of this model in which the marginal value of leisure is random. For the female sample, the model is able to predict almost perfectly the age‐specific hazard rates. For the male sample, we obtain a good fit. Dynamic self‐selection results in a downward bias in the estimate of the marginal utility of leisure. We perform a simulation study to gauge the effects of a dramatic pension reform. Underestimation of the value of leisure translates into sizeable over‐prediction of the impact of reform. Due to lack of data, results for males should be interpreted with caution since we are not able to fully correct for dynamic self‐selection bias.
Knowledge, perceptions and behaviours about skin cancer and sun protection among secondary school students from Central Italy
Authors: Suppa M. , Cazzaniga S. , Fargnoli M.C. , Naldi L. , Peris K.
Published: April 2012

Background  Although sun exposure is a strong risk factor for skin cancer, tanning is very popular among adolescents. Awareness of skin cancer and sun exposure might influence sun protective behaviours in this population.

Objectives  To investigate the awareness of skin cancer and sun‐safe practices among Italian adolescents.

Methods  A questionnaire about knowledge of skin cancer, perceived severity of sun rays/skin cancer and behaviour toward sun protection was administered to 1204 secondary school students. Predictors of these three components were assessed by case‐control analyses considering different combinations of answers. Multiple logistic regression models were used to this scope.

Results  The majority of participants had heard of skin cancer in the past (97.0%), correctly identified possible causes (58.6%) and names (64.2%) of skin cancers and judged appropriately the perceived danger of sunrays (70.2%) and skin cancer (80.6%). Nonetheless, students’ behaviour was poor: only 13.5% stated to always use sun‐safe practices and 39.1% never used any. Independent predictors of proper knowledge were: Lyceum school, and family or TV/media as information source; of appropriate perceived severity: Lyceum school, a darker skin type, and dermatologists as information source; of acceptable behaviour: female sex, a darker skin type, and dermatologists or general practitioners (GPs) as information source.

Conclusions  Despite a fairly good knowledge about skin cancer and sun exposure, students’ behaviour was unsatisfactory. Knowledge is not sufficient to produce a positive behaviour, as determinants of these two aspects are different. Dermatologists and GPs should be considered as key‐figures for future multicomponent intervention strategies in this field.
Current Features of the European Union Regime for Export Control of Dual‐Use Goods*
Authors: MICARA ANNA GIULIA
Published: April 2012

Export control of dual‐use goods and technologies is a crucial element of the security policies of countries that are exporters of technology, aimed at avoiding the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. One of the main features of the EU regime of export control is that it poses challenges in terms of the EU competence that refers to the common commercial policy and to the security policy. Indeed, this article analyzes the developments concerning the EU competence in this field and how the different nature of the competences has influenced the EU export control regime. Moving from the origins of the Community regime for export control, mainly in the context of the completion of the internal market in the early 1990s, particular attention will be devoted to the limits of Regulation 1334/2000 setting up a Community regime for the export control, and of subsequent Regulation 428/2009.
Two strawberry miR159 family members display developmental‐specific expression patterns in the fruit receptacle and cooperatively regulate Fa‐GAMYB
Authors: Csukasi Fabiana , Donaire Livia , Casañal Ana , Martínez‐Priego Llúcia , Botella Miguel A. , Medina‐Escobar Nieves , Llave César , Valpuesta Victoriano
Published: April 2012

We have reported previously that the gibberellin (GA) content in strawberry receptacle is high, peaking at specific stages, pointing to a role of this hormone in fruit development. In Arabidopsis, miR159 levels are dependent on GA concentration. This prompted us to investigate the role of two members of the miR159 family and their putative strawberry target gene, GAMYB, in relation to changes in GA content during the course of fruit development.

The highest expression level of the two Fa‐MIR159 genes was in the fruit’s receptacle tissue, with dramatic changes observed throughout development. The lowest levels of total mature miR159 (a and b) were observed during the white stage of receptacle development, which was concurrent with the highest expression of Fa‐GAMYB. A functional interaction between miR159 and Fa‐GAMYB has been demonstrated in receptacle tissue.

The application of bioactive GA (i.e. GA3) to strawberry plants caused the down‐regulated expression of Fa‐MIR159a, but the expression of Fa‐MIR159b was not affected significantly. Clear discrepancies between Fa‐MIR159b and mature Fa‐miR159b levels were indicative of post‐transcriptional regulation of Fa‐MIR159b gene expression.

We propose that Fa‐miR159a and Fa‐miR159b interact with Fa‐GAMYB during the course of strawberry receptacle development, and that they act in a cooperative fashion to respond, in part, to changes in GA endogenous levels.
Chemical, textural and sensorial changes during the ripening of Majorero goat cheese
Authors: FRESNO MARÍA , ÁLVAREZ SERGIO
Published: April 2012

Majorero cheeses from six producers were analysed for basic physicochemical, textural, colour and sensorial characteristics. These analyses took place at different stages of the ripening process, from 15 to 90 days. The basic composition and the texture attributes of Majorero cheese changed significantly during the storage period (P < 0.001). Fracturability, hardness, adhesiveness and gumminess increased from 15 to 90 days of ripening while elasticity decreased. Furthermore, ripening time affected most of the sensory parameters analysed (P < 0.05): as the cheeses matured and became drier, there was an increase in roughness and elasticity in addition to odour and aroma intensity.
The effects of carbon dioxide addition to cheese milk on the microbiological properties of Turkish White brined cheese
Authors: DERTLI ENES , SERT DURMUS , AKIN NIHAT
Published: April 2012

This study invest0igated the effect of CO2 added to achieve three pH levels: pH 6.1, pH 6.2 and pH 6.3 for treatments X, Y, Z, respectively, on some microbiological properties of Turkish White (TW) brined cheese. For each pH, four batches of cheese were produced from: raw milk with no added carbon dioxide (UR), raw milk with carbon dioxide (TR), pasteurised milk with no carbon dioxide addition (UP) and pasteurised milk with carbon dioxide addition (TP). The microbiological analysis of TW brined cheeses was carried out for 90 days of maturation period. Total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, mesophilic lactic acid bacteria, yeasts and moulds and coliform group were determined in control and CO2 treatment groups. Mesophilic bacteria count was determined as 5.14, 5.29, 5.67 log cfu/g for pH 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3, respectively, in CO2‐treated raw milk cheeses. Yeasts and moulds reduction increased significantly by applying CO2 (P < 0.01). For TW cheese samples, the most significant microbial inactivation was detected at sample groups of pH 6.1.
Increased intrathoracic pressure affects cerebral oxygenation following cardiac surgery
Authors: Pedersen Lars M. , Nielsen Jonas , Østergaard Morten , Nygård Eigil , Nielsen Henning B.
Published: April 2012

Background

Cerebral oximetry reflects circulatory stability during surgery. We evaluated whether frontal lobe oxygenation is influenced by a transient increase in intrathoracic pressure as induced by a lung recruitment manoeuvre.

Methods

Intrathoracic pressure was increased to 40 cm H2O for 20 s immediately after cardiac surgery in ten patients (age 64 ± 10 year, mean ± SD) with frontal lobe oxygenation assessed by near‐infrared spectroscopy and cardiac output by thermodilution.

Results

The lung recruitment manoeuvre increased arterial O2 pressure (from 29 ± 15 to 40 ± 12 kPa) with a decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP) (from 69 ± 7 to 55 ± 11 mmHg), cardiac output (from 5·4 ± 0·6 to 5·0 ± 0·7 l min−1) and frontal lobe oxygenation (from 68 ± 9 to 60 ± 13%; all P<0·05). A reduction in MAP by more than 15 mmHg caused cerebral desaturation by 10%, the lowest cerebral oxygenation (44%) was with a reduction in MAP by 24 mmHg, and according to multiple linear regression, only MAP predicted cerebral deoxygenation (P = 0·03). Following the lung recruitment manoeuvre, hemodynamic variables and frontal lobe oxygenation were restored.

Conclusions

A lung recruitment manoeuvre decreases frontal lobe oxygenation when MAP is low suggesting that with increased intrathoracic pressure, arterial pressure should be kept within the limits of cerebral autoregulation.
TRUTH IN THE BONES: RESOLVING THE IDENTITY OF THE FOUNDING ELITE THOROUGHBRED RACEHORSES
Authors: BOWER M. A. , CAMPANA M. G. , NISBET R. E. R. , WELLER R. , WHITTEN M. , EDWARDS C. J. , STOCK F. , BARRETT E. , O'CONNELL T. C. , HILL E. W. , WILSON A. M. , HOWE C. J. , BARKER G. , BINNS M.
Published: April 2012

Our multidisciplinary study of historic Thoroughbred horses solves two long‐running mysteries in racing history. Eclipse, the greatest racehorse ever known, never lost a race. His skeleton is housed in the Royal Veterinary College, London; however, there is controversy over its authenticity. The 1880 Epsom Derby was won by Bend Or. In one of the great controversies of Thoroughbred racing, the owners of Bend Or were accused of swapping him with another horse, Tadcaster, whose maternal pedigree was more prestigious. Bend Or's skeleton resides at the Natural History Museum, in London. Eclipse and Tadcaster were both extremely popular at stud, and the vast majority of racehorses today are descendents. We compared mitochondrial DNA haplotypes of living and historic Thoroughbred skeletons, including those of Eclipse and Bend Or. Additionally, we compared skeletal morphometrics of Eclipse's skeleton with measurements taken at autopsy. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes of a range of skeletal elements were compared in order to establish that the Eclipse skeleton was that of a single horse. Our multidisciplinary data suggest that the putative skeleton is consistent with that of Eclipse. In contrast, mitochondrial DNA haplotype sharing indicated that the skeleton known as Bend Or is most probably that of Tadcaster.
VEGF and MMP‐9: biomarkers for canine lymphoma
Authors: Aresu L. , Aricò A. , Comazzi S. , Gelain M. E. , Riondato F. , Mortarino M. , Morello E. , Stefanello D. , Castagnaro M.
Published: April 2012

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and 9 are useful biomarkers in human lymphoma. During cancerogenesis, transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) stimulates VEGF and MMPs production. VEGF and TGF‐β plasma levels were tested by ELISA, MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 by gelatine zymography in 37 dogs with lymphoma, 13 of which were also monitored during chemotherapy. Ten healthy dogs served as control. Lymphoma dogs showed higher act‐MMP‐9 (P < 0.01) and VEGF (P < 0.05), and lower TGF‐β than controls, and a positive correlation between act‐MMP‐9 and VEGF (P < 0.001). Act‐MMP‐9 and VEGF were significantly higher in T‐cell lymphomas, and in stage V compared with stages III–IV disease, regardless of immunophenotype. VEGF was higher in high‐grade compared with low‐grade T‐cell lymphomas. No correlation was found between cytokines levels at presentation and outcome. During chemotherapy, act‐MMP‐9 and VEGF decreased in B‐cell lymphomas (P < 0.01), suggesting a possible predictive role in this group of dogs.
Translating Cicero in Renaissance Catalunya
Authors: COROLEU ALEJANDRO
Published: April 2012

This article draws attention to the prominent role accorded to the translation of classical authors in sixteenth‐century Catalunya, focusing on Cicero and, in particular, on the transmission in both Catalan and Spanish of his letters Ad familiares and his speech Pro lege Manilia. In the appendix, there is a preliminary survey of classical authors published in the original or in translation in Catalunya in the years 1473 to 1600. The list also includes details of manuscript copies of vernacular versions produced in Catalunya during this period.
Synthesis of a novel fluorescent coloured copolymer based on 4‐butylthio‐1,8‐naphthalimide
Authors: Safabakhsh Bahareh , Khosravi Alireza , Gharanjig Kamaladin , Kowsari Elaheh , Khorassani Manouchehr , Tafaghodi Sina
Published: April 2012

A novel fluorescent coloured copolymer based on naphthalimide was prepared. Acenaphthene was brominated and oxidised to prepare 4‐bromo‐1,8‐naphthalic anhydride and further reacted with butanethiol, 2‐aminoethanol and acryloyl chloride, in order to obtain a new polymerisable fluorescent dye. The synthesised dyes were characterised by differential scanning calorimetry, absorption spectroscopy (Fourier Transform–infrared, proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy) and fluorimetry. Molar extinction coefficients and wavelength maxima were obtained by examining the dye solution in ethanol. The solvatochromic effects of the prepared dyes have also been investigated. Finally, the dye was copolymerised with methyl methacrylate and an intrinsically coloured copolymer was obtained. The photophysical characteristics of the obtained copolymer have also been considered. It is assumed that 99% of the copolymerised dye is chemically bonded to polymer chains. The fluorescent characteristics of the copolymer in the solid state were determined by fluorometer and it was found that it has relatively high fluorescent intensity. The physical properties of the synthesised copolymer have been evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry and gel permeation chromatography.
Dye aggregation and interaction of dyes with a water‐soluble polymer in ink‐jet ink for textiles
Authors: Park Ju‐Young , Hirata Yuichi , Hamada Kunihiro
Published: April 2012

Detailed understanding of the interaction between dyes and additives and the aggregation behaviour of the dye molecules in aqueous solutions is required to develop ink‐jet ink for textiles. In the present study, the aggregation behaviour of three acid dyes (CI Acid Red 88, CI Acid Red 13 and CI Acid Red 27) containing different number of sulphonate groups in aqueous solutions was investigated by means of visible absorption spectroscopy. As a result, the higher the solubility of the dyes in water (the larger the number of sulphonate groups in the dyes), the lower are the aggregation constants of the dyes. For all the dyes, the aggregation constants decreased with increasing temperature, indicating the exothermic process of the dye aggregation. The thermodynamic process for CI Acid Red 88 with one sulphonate group is less enthalpic and more entropic than that for CI Acid Red 13, which contains two sulphonate groups. CI Acid Red 27, which includes three sulphonate groups, hardly forms any aggregates. To elucidate the effects of the polymer additive, the binding constants of the dyes with the water‐soluble polymer, poly(vinylpyrrolidone) and the aggregation constants of the dyes in aqueous polymer solutions were also estimated. In addition, the binding constants were influenced by the number of sulphonate groups in the acid dyes: the larger number of sulphonate groups diminished the binding constants. The aggregation constants in the presence of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) were smaller than those in its absence at every temperature for all dyes. This suggests that poly(vinylpyrrolidone) has disaggregation effects. Furthermore, poly(vinylpyrrolidone) makes the aggregation process less enthalpic with a greater entropic change. Thus, the aggregation process of the dyes in the polymer solutions is thermodynamically different from that in water, reflecting the interactions between the dyes and the polymer.
Vitamin D levels in pregnant women booking for antenatal care in Far North Queensland
Authors: Bendall Alexa , de Costa Caroline , Woods Cindy , Howat Paul
Published: April 2012

Serum concentrations of vitamin D were measured in pregnant women booking for antenatal care in Cairns Base Hospital, Queensland. Of 116 women, none was found to be vitamin D deficient. With a threshold of 50 nmol/L, no woman demonstrated vitamin D insufficiency; with a threshold of 75 nmol/L, 6.9% would have mild insufficiency. Further investigation into vitamin D concentrations of women living in northern Australia is required before recommendations are made for universal vitamin D screening of all pregnant women in Australia.
Aeromedical transfer of women at risk of preterm delivery in remote and rural Western Australia: Why are there no births in flight?
Authors: AKL Natalie , Coghlan Edwina A. , Nathan Elizabeth A. , Langford Stephen A. , Newnham John P.
Published: April 2012

Objective

For more than three decades, women at imminent risk of preterm birth (PTB) in Western Australia have been transferred by small aircraft over long distances to the single tertiary level perinatal centre in Perth, with no known case of birth during the flight. We aimed to review recent experience to understand how aircraft travel may delay PTB.

Design and setting

Retrospective observational study of 500 consecutive Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) transfers of women at risk of preterm labour to the tertiary referral centre, from September 2007 to December 31, 2009.

Main outcome measures

In‐flight delivery, complications associated with transfer and factors associated with delay in preterm delivery.

Results

There were no in‐flight deliveries or serious complications associated with the aeromedical transfer of these patients. In a multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, clinical factors in the presentation that were associated with a shorter time from landing to subsequent delivery included cervical dilatation ≥4 cm, ruptured membranes, gestational age > 32 weeks and nulliparity. The aircraft reaching an ambient altitude > 14,000 feet, or cabin altitude above zero (sea level), was associated with a delay in time from landing to delivery for women who were not in spontaneous preterm labour.

Conclusions

Our findings add to a 30‐year experience that women at risk of preterm labour do not deliver during aeromedical transfer. Ambient and cabin altitude of the aircraft were associated with an extension in the time to delivery after arrival. The mechanisms underpinning this effect warrant further investigation.
Poor compliance with Standard Precautions against infections during minor gynaecological procedures
Authors: Maharaj Dushyant , Lawton Beverley , Garrett Sue
Published: April 2012

Background

Splash injuries occurring during minor surgical procedures are associated with a significant infective risk to the operator. It is a common misconception that minor operations carry low risks.

Aim

To determine the prevalence of the practice of Standard Precautions by medical staff in the obstetric and gynaecology (O & G) units of two hospitals in New Zealand, and to assess self‐observed splash injury rates.

Method

A cross‐sectional survey of all doctors working in the O & G units of two public hospitals servicing a population of 435 000. A self‐administered questionnaire was provided to 43 doctors with questions related to the use of Standard Precautions, perceived likelihood of infection from a splash and splash injuries sustained during procedures.

Results

The response rate was 76.6% (n = 33/43). Of the respondents, only 30.3% (n = 10) used Standard Precautions during minor procedures. Sixty‐four per cent (n = 21) routinely used goggles/visor for eye protection. Forty‐five per cent (n = 15) thought they were likely to get an infection from a splash, and 55% (n = 18) of clinicians had experienced a splash injury. Of the minor procedures during which splash injuries had occurred, repair of episiotomy 45.8% (n = 11) was the commonest.

Conclusions

This survey shows poor compliance with guidelines for Standard Precautions to protect from infection despite self‐reported rates of splash injury being high at 55%. Effective interventions are needed to increase compliance and prevent infection.
Metamorphism and deformation of mafic and felsic rocks in a magma transfer zone, Stewart Island, New Zealand
Authors: VERNON R. H. , COLLINS W. J. , COOK N. D. J.
Published: April 2012

In the mingled mafic/felsic Halfmoon Pluton at The Neck, Stewart Island (part of the Median Batholith of New Zealand) some hornblende gabbros and diorites retain magmatic structures, whereas others show evidence of major changes in grain and inclusion shapes, and still others are amphibolite‐facies granofelses with few or no igneous relicts. These mafic to intermediate magmas crystallized in felsic magma relatively quickly, with the result that most deformation occurred at subsolidus conditions. It is suggested that mafic‐intermediate rocks with predominantly igneous microstructures spent less time in the magmatic system. The metamorphism of the mafic rocks appears to be ‘autometamorphic’, in the sense that elevated temperatures were maintained by magmatic heat during subsolidus cooling. Elevated temperatures were maintained because of repeated sheet injection and subconcordant dyke injection of hot basaltic and composite mafic‐felsic magmas, into a dominantly transtensional, km‐scale, outboard‐migrating, magmatic shear zone that operated semi‐continuously for between c. 140 and c. 130 Ma. Complete cooling occurred only when the system evolved to transpressional and the locus of magmatism migrated inboard (southward) between c. 130 and c. 120 Ma, associated with solid‐state mylonitic deformation. Intermingled granitic rocks escaped metamorphism, because they remained magmatic to lower temperatures, and experienced shorter and lower‐temperature subsolidus cooling intervals. However, the felsic rocks underwent relatively high‐temperature solid‐state deformation, as indicated by myrmekite replacing K‐feldspar and chess‐board subgrain patterns in quartz; locally they developed felsic mylonites. The felsic rocks were deformed in the solid state because of their high proportion of relatively weak minerals (quartz and biotite), whereas the mafic rocks mostly escaped subsolidus deformation, except in local high‐strain zones of hornblende‐plagioclase schist, because of their high proportion of relatively strong minerals (hornblende and plagioclase). We suggest that such contrasting microstructural features are diagnostic of long‐lived syntectonic magma transfer zones, and contrast with the more typical complex, batholith‐scale magma chambers of magmatic arcs.
Accident in Implant Dentistry: Involuntary Screwdriver Ingestion during Surgical Procedure. A Clinical Report
Authors: de Souza João Gustavo Oliveira , Filho Guenther Schuldt , Neto Armando Rodrigues Lopes Pereira , Lyra Humberto Fenner , Bianchini Marco Aurélio , Cardoso Antônio Carlos
Published: April 2012

Although unusual, foreign body ingestion occurs in dentistry and may result in serious complications, such as intestinal perforation. The presence of the foreign body should be confirmed with the use of radiographs. The exam will allow the correct diagnosis and the treatment to be conducted according to the specific situation of the object in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The orientation of the patient as well as the awareness of the patient's medical history are key factors in preventing serious complications. Generally, instruments that enter the GI tract pass asymptomatically and atraumatically within 4 days to 2 weeks. Sometimes, a surgical approach is necessary to remove the instrument when there is bleeding, obstruction, or impaction in the GI tract. Thus, a correct diagnosis is vital to avoid unnecessary surgical interventions. The aim of this article is to report an accidental ingestion of a screwdriver by a patient who had previously undergone a hemi‐mandibulectomy and its medical resolution.
Ultrasound Appearance of Forearm Muscles in 18 Patients With Complex Regional Pain Syndrome 1 of the Upper Extremity
Authors: Vas Lakshmi Champak , Pai Renuka , Radhakrishnan Mahesh
Published: April 2012

Objective:  To explore the potential diagnostic utility of musculoskeletal ultrasonography (USG) changes in complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS‐1) of the upper extremity.

Methods:  With informed consent, 18 consecutive patients referred to our institution with CRPS‐1 of the upper limb were examined with ultrasound scanning of both upper limbs. Qualitative comparison of the scan of the forearm muscles of the affected side with the unaffected side was made.

Results:  The muscles affected by CRPS‐1 demonstrated increased echogenecity. The outlines of the muscles were either indistinct or completely obliterated. A group of several muscles appeared like one homogenous, hyperechoic mass, with loss of normal architecture. Compared with the unaffected side, the muscle thickness on the CRPS‐1 side measured by calipers on ultrasound was reduced irrespective of the duration of disability or disuse of the hand. The flexors and extensor muscles of the forearm were maximally affected.

Conclusion:  Ultrasonography provides useful anatomical information, regarding structure, kinesiology, and gross pathological changes of muscle, that may prove useful in understanding the motor impairment associated with CRPS‐1. USG shows promise as a cost‐effective bedside tool for the diagnosis of CRPS‐1 and in guiding physical therapy.
Restoring Sinus Rhythm Results in Blood Pressure Reduction in Patients with Persistent Atrial Fibrillation and a History of Hypertension
Authors: SANDERS NATALIE A. , BERTOLONE CRISTINA , JETTER TAWNI L. , WASMUND STEPHEN L. , CROCI FRANCESCO , SOLANO ALBERTO , BRIGNOLE MICHELE , HAMDAN MOHAMED H.
Published: April 2012

Effects of Rhythm Control on Blood Pressure.

Introduction: The long‐term effects of atrial fibrillation (AF) on blood pressure (BP) in patients with hypertension (HTN) remain unclear. We hypothesized that restoration of normal sinus rhythm (NSR) results in a decrease in BP despite the expected increase in cardiac output.

Methods and Results: Twenty‐four‐hour BP measurements were obtained during AF, and on Day 1 and Day 30 post‐successful cardioversion in 18 patients with AF and HTN (cardioversion group), and another 22 patients with AF and HTN with no immediate plans for cardioversion (control group). Except for the duration of AF, the clinical characteristics and use of medications were similar between the groups. In the cardioversion group, a significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean blood pressure (MBP) were noted on Day 1 post‐cardioversion with no significant change in systolic blood pressure (SBP): 117/74/88 ± 13/9/9 mmHg during AF and 116/70/85 ± 13/9/10 mmHg during Day 1 post‐cardioversion (P = 0.68; <0.01 and 0.04 for SBP, DBP, and MBP, respectively). In the 13 subjects who remained in NSR at Day 30, DBP and MBP decreased further on Day 30 when compared to Day 1 with no significant change in SBP: 118/76/90 ± 13/7/8 mmHg during AF; 119/72/88 ± 12/8/9 mmHg during Day 1; and 118/69/86 ± 10/8/7 mmHg during Day 30 post‐cardioversion (P = 0.97; <0.001 and 0.03 for SBP, DBP, and MBP, respectively). In the control group, no significant changes in BP were noted.

Conclusion: Restoring NSR in patients with AF and HTN resulted in a sustained decrease in DBP and MBP. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show that maintenance of NSR improves BP control in patients with AF and HTN. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 722‐726, July 2012)
False Positives Observed on the Seratec® PSA SemiQuant Cassette Test with Condom Lubricants
Authors: Bitner Sara E.
Published: April 2012

Abstract:  In the course of the validation of a new component of the prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) SemiQuant Cassette Test marketed by Seratec®, a false‐positive reaction was observed when testing samples collected from the surface of unused, lubricated condoms. A variety of personal lubricants and condoms were tested to determine the frequency of the false positive, as well as its potential source. Samples were extracted in both water and the manufacturer‐provided buffer, and the test was performed according to the manufacturer’s suggested protocol. The false positive was observed intermittently, but occurred consistently with samples containing nonoxynol‐9, a strong detergent utilized as a spermicide. The reaction may be attributable to the combination of latex and nonoxynol‐9. Because of the unreliability of the test to confirm the presence of PSA in samples collected from condoms, the PSA cassette is an unsuitable method for confirming the presence of seminal fluid in condoms.
Physical Components of Soft‐Tissue Ballistic Wounding and Their Involvement in the Generation of Blood Backspatter*
Authors: Davidson Peter L. , Taylor Michael C. , Wilson Suzanne J. , Walsh Kevan A. J. , Kieser Jules A.
Published: April 2012

Abstract: Gunshot backspatter comprises biological material expelled backward through bullet entry holes. Crime scene investigators analyze backspatter patterns to infer wounding circumstances. An understanding of the mechanism of backspatter generation, and the relationship between spatter patterns and bullet and tissue characteristics, would enhance the predictive value of such analysis. We examined soft‐tissue ballistic wounding responses to determine the underlying components and how these might be relevant to the generation of backspatter. We identified five mechanistic components to ballistic wounding (elastic, viscous, crushing, cutting, and thermal), each related to mechanical disciplines (respectively, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, fracture mechanics, rheology, and thermodynamics). We identified potential roles for these five components in backspatter formation and provide a scenario whereby a sequence of events incorporating these components could lead to backspatter generation and expulsion. This research provides a framework for the mathematical representation, and subsequent computational predictive modeling, of backspatter generation and pattern formation.
Stress‐Related Temporary Hearing Loss—Evaluation of Bio‐Humoral Parameters: Forensic and Criminological Applications
Authors: Borraccia Vito , Sblano Sara , Carabellese Felice , De Sario Rosalisa , Zefferino Roberto , Vinci Francesco
Published: April 2012

Abstract:  The body‐alarm reaction results from the activation of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, which can lead to physio‐psychological phenomena such as an exclusion/occlusion of the sense of hearing. One hypothesis to explain this alteration consists in a hydromechanical dysfunction of the internal ear attributable to antidiuretic hormone. In this study, we evaluated the perception of acoustic stimuli administered in stressful conditions in 14 phobic patients and in 20 healthy subjects, in order to assess the influence of stress on perceiving capabilities. We also measured the concentration of salivary cortisol and IL‐1β and neurovegetative parameters to objectivise and quantify the physiological reactions. Our results show a worse perception of the frequencies of the human voice under stress; these findings could have a dual value: in the legal field, concerning criminal liability, and on the operative context, regarding the efficiency of verbal communication among law enforcement officers in situations inducing intense emotional stress.
Overcompensating plants: their expression of resistance traits and effects on herbivore preference and performance
Authors: Poveda Katja , Gómez Jiménez Maria Isabel , Halitschke Rayko , Kessler André
Published: April 2012

Overcompensation is a plant tolerance response in which plants have higher fitness after herbivory than without damage. Although it has been demonstrated that plants are able to simultaneously express resistance and tolerance traits, it remains unclear whether overcompensating plants are also inducing resistance‐mediating secondary metabolite production and how herbivores perform on plants that overcompensate. Our previous work has shown that a potato variety [Solanum tuberosumL. cv. Pastusa Suprema (Solanaceae)] from Colombia can express overcompensatory responses to damage by larvae of the Guatemalan potato moth,Tecia solanivoraPovolny (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). Here we investigated (1) whether potatoes that express overcompensatory responses also induce resistance traits and (2) how the previous damage affects Guatemalan potato moth preference and performance. Our results show that larval feeding not only systemically induces higher tuber biomass but also an increased production of resistance‐related compounds, such as phenolics and proteinase inhibitors. Pupal mass increased with increasing tuber size, whereas changes in tuber secondary metabolism did not correlate with any metric of larval performance. Oviposition preference did not change between induced and undamaged plants. Our data show that potato plants expressing overcompensatory responses also induce secondary compounds known to increase resistance against herbivores. However, the induced response was relatively small, reducing the opportunities for a negative effect on the herbivore. Hypotheses for why larvae perform better in larger tubers and are not affected by the secondary metabolism are discussed. From an ecological and agricultural point of view, our results suggest that the expression of overcompensatory traits could have positive effects on herbivore performance.