bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corrosion fatigue behaviour of 304 stainless steel under proportional and non‐proportional multiaxial loading condition
Authors: Huang Y‐H. , Tu S‐T. , Xuan F‐Z. , Itoh T.
Published: November 2013

Corrosion fatigue and electrochemical tests under proportional loading and non‐proportional loading were conducted on 304 stainless steel in 0.63 mol L−1 NaCl solution at room temperature. Two biaxial loading paths were applied to study the effect of proportional loading and non‐proportional loading on corrosion fatigue behaviour. Surface and fractographic observations of multiaxial corrosion fatigue specimens were carried out by scanning electron microscopy. It was shown that proportional loading had a more significant effect on the occurrence of local corrosion compared with non‐proportional loading because the continuous rotation of the principal stress plane under non‐proportional loading inhibits the pit formation.
Imperfect detection impacts the performance of species distribution models
Authors: Lahoz‐Monfort José J. , Guillera‐Arroita Gurutzeta , Wintle Brendan A.
Published: November 2013

Aim

Species often remain undetected at sites where they are present. However, the impact of imperfect detection on species distribution models (SDMs) is not fully appreciated. In this paper we evaluate the influence of imperfect detection on the calibration and discrimination capacity of SDMs. We compare the performance of three types of SDMs: (1) a technique based on presence–absence data, (2) a technique based on presence–background data, and (3) a technique based on detection/non‐detection data that accounts for imperfect detection.

Innovation

We use simulations to evaluate the impacts of imperfect detection in SDMs. This allows us to assess model performance with respect to the true objective of the models: the estimation of species distributions. We study a range of scenarios of occupancy and detection based on ecologically plausible environmental relationships and identify the circumstances in which imperfect detection affects model calibration and discrimination. We show that imperfect detection can substantially reduce the inferential and predictive accuracy of presence–absence and presence–background methods that do not account for detectability. While calibration is always affected, the influence on discrimination depends on the relationship of detectability and environmental variables.

Main conclusions

The performance of a model should be assessed with respect to its objectives. Comparative studies that intend to assess the performance of an SDM by evaluating its ability to predict detections rather than presences fail to reveal the benefits of accounting for detectability. Disregarding imperfect detection can have severe consequences for SDM performance, and hence for the estimation of species distributions. To date, this issue has been largely ignored in the SDM literature. Simultaneously modelling occupancy and detection does not necessarily require a greater sampling effort, but rather that data are collected so that they are informative about detectability. We recommend that consideration of imperfect detection become standard practice for species distribution modelling.
Numerical simulation of mylonitization and structural controls on fluid flow and mineralization of the Hetai gold deposit, west Guangdong, China
Authors: Zhu J. , Li Z . , Lin G. , Zeng Q. , Zhou Y. , Yi J. , Gong G. , Chen G.
Published: November 2013

The Hetai gold deposit (HGD) is a typical altered mylonite type gold mine in a ductile shear zone in western Guangdong, China. Geomechanical simulations of the HGD were carried out in this paper to examine the importance of the dilation‐driven fluid circulation in gold mineralization. The results show that three evenly‐spaced NNE shear zones of enhanced dilation are produced in the study area. The calculated principal compressive stress in the X direction in these zones ranges between −420 and −650 MPa, in line with estimates of ore‐forming pressure (fluid pressure). Ore forming fluid is focused into these features, as observed in the field. The calculated differential stress decreases from 275~350 to 148~225 MPa during the formation of mylonite zones. These, together with geological structural analysis and fluid pressure measurements, indicate that the mylonitization zone can provide a place of fluid focusing and a favorable environment for gold mineralization.
Effect of population combinations on the reproductive success and germination of seeds of Bromus auleticus (Poaceae)
Authors: Gutiérrez H. F. , Pensiero J. F. , Zabala J. M.
Published: November 2013

Bromus auleticus is known for its qualities as forage but its domestication has limitations relating to seed production technology and farm‐scale seed propagation. The effect of different combinations of population on the reproductive success and seed germination of a relict population of Argentina was studied. The tests used a population of Santa Fe (SF) as the recipient of pollen and three populations as donors (LP: La Pampa, ER: Entre Ríos and BA: Buenos Aires). Reproductive success was determined in plants from five pollination treatments: (i) (SFxSF), (ii) LP, (iii) ER, (iv) BA and (v) mixture of donor. Three temperature conditions were evaluated for germination: (i) 15°C, (ii) 28°C and (iii) alternating 15–28°C (12 h each). There were significant differences in reproductive success depending on the source of pollen. Seeds obtained from new genotypic combinations did not increase their weight in relation to the pollen donor. Germination behaviour was more affected by extrinsic factors (temperature) than by their genetic origin. However, under non‐optimal germination conditions, seeds originating from new genotypic combinations showed a significant increase in germination percentage and germination rate. This work contributes additional knowledge to previous studies regarding the effect of pollen quality limitation on seed production and quality of B. auleticus. The results confirm the hypothesis that a mixture of genotypes from a diverse origin increases the quantity of flowers that become fruits and seed quality, which is of great importance to improved seed production and field establishment of B. auleticus.
A sterilization technique with applications to silage research and inoculant evaluation
Authors: Mogodiniyai Kasmaei K. , Spörndly R. , Udén P.
Published: November 2013

Different techniques were tested to sterilize grass samples with respect to epiphytic microflora (lactic acid bacteria, enterobacteria, yeasts and moulds) to enable study of specific microfloras. Methods tested on freshly harvested grass samples included sterilization efficacies of ethanol, combined effects of ethanol and sodium hypochlorite, neutral detergents and cold shock. The antimicrobial properties of moist and dry heat were also tested, although on freeze‐dried samples to minimize the extent of Maillard reactions. Sterilization efficacy was evaluated by culture‐dependent microbial analysis. Heat was found to be the best antimicrobial agent. Moist heat (autoclaving) produced chemical changes including a fivefold increase in concentration of acid detergent insoluble nitrogen and reduced pH value. The results suggest that dry heating of dried samples before reconstituting to original dry‐matter content could be a promising sterilization technique. Fine‐tuning the technique and testing the ensilability of reconstituted samples are the next steps to be undertaken.
Lack of seasonal variation in bleeding and patient‐assessed pain patterns in patients with haemophilia B receiving on‐demand therapy
Authors: Shafer F. , Smith L. , Vendetti N. , Rendo P. , Carr M.
Published: November 2013

Spontaneous haemorrhage in patients with haemophilia is generally considered to occur randomly and without a predictable temporal or seasonal pattern; however, there is a lack of evidence in the literature on the effects of weather, temperature and atmosphere on bleeding episodes. This post hoc analysis of a multicentre, open‐label crossover study examined the influence of seasonality on bleeding frequency and patient‐assessed pain in patients with moderately severe and severe (FIX C ≤ 2%) haemophilia B. Fifty patients were enrolled and treated on‐demand for 16 weeks; 47 were subsequently randomized to one of two prophylactic regimens (nonacog alfa 100 IU kg−1 once weekly or 50 IU kg−1 twice weekly) for 16 weeks. Patients then underwent an 8‐week washout period of on‐demand therapy before being crossed over to the other prophylactic regimen for 16 weeks. Bleeding episodes during the on‐demand treatment periods were analysed. To assess for temporal trends, data were graphed as scatter plots. The primary end point was the annualized bleeding rate (ABR). Additional measures included raw and median pain scores during every joint bleeding event (spontaneous or traumatic), with pain scored using the Brief Pain Inventory (0 = ‘no pain’ to 10 = ‘pain as bad as you can imagine’). The observed ABRs during the on‐demand periods showed no distinguishable trend over time. Analysis of pain associated with joint bleeding episodes also did not demonstrate any discernible temporal trend. No apparent seasonal variation in bleeding pattern or patient‐reported pain was observed in this analysis of patients with haemophilia B.
Cardiovascular comorbidities are increased in US patients with haemophilia A: a retrospective database analysis
Authors: Pocoski J. , Ma A. , Kessler C. M. , Boklage S. , Humphries T. J.
Published: November 2013

There is conflicting evidence in the literature on whether individuals with haemophilia in the USA have greater, reduced, or similar risks for cardiovascular disease as the general population. This study evaluated the prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities among USA males with haemophilia A, relative to an unaffected general male population with similar characteristics. Males with haemophilia A and continuous insurance coverage were identified by ICD‐9‐CM code 286.0 (1 January 2007–31 December 2009) using the MarketScan® Commercial and Medicare Research Databases. Individuals with haemophilia A were exact matched 1:3 with males without a diagnosis of haemophilia A. The prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities identified by ICD‐9‐CM code was determined for matched cohorts. Of the study population, 2506 were grouped in the haemophilia A cohort and 7518 in the general cohort. Proportions of individuals with haemorrhagic stroke (2.0% vs. 0.5%, P < 0.001), ischemic stroke (4.7% vs. 2.7%, P < 0.001), coronary artery disease (10.7% vs. 5.8%, P < 0.001), myocardial infarction (0.8% vs. 0.3%, P = 0.003), hypertension (22.6% vs. 15.5%, P < 0.001), hyperlipidaemia (15.9% vs. 11.9%, P < 0.001), arterial thrombosis (12.1% vs. 5.9%, P < 0.001), and venous thrombosis (4.4% vs. 1.1%, P < 0.001) were significantly greater for the haemophilia A cohort. Results were consistent across most age groups, and comorbidities appeared at an earlier age in those with haemophilia A than in the general population. Among the USA haemophilia A population cardiovascular comorbidities are more prevalent and they appear earlier in life in comparison to the general male population, suggesting the need for earlier, enhanced screening for age‐related comorbidities in the haemophilia community.
Contextualizing the findings of a systematic review on patient and carer experiences of dementia diagnosis and treatment: a qualitative study
Authors: Bunn Frances , Sworn Katie , Brayne Carol , Iliffe Steve , Robinson Louise , Goodman Claire
Published: November 2013

Background

Involving service users in the systematic review process is seen as increasingly important. As systematic reviews often include studies from diverse settings and covering a time span of several decades, involving service users in consideration of applicability to specific populations or settings might make reviews more useful to practitioners and policymakers.

Objectives

To test and contextualize the findings of a systematic review of qualitative studies looking at patient and carer experiences of diagnosis and treatment of dementia.

Methods

Results from the systematic review were discussed in focus groups and semi‐structured interviews with patient, public and professional participants in the South East of England. Analysis was guided by coding frameworks developed from the results of the systematic review.

Participants

We recruited 27 participants, including three people with dementia, 12 carers, six service providers and five older people without dementia.

Results

Findings from the focus groups and interviews were consistent with those from the systematic review and suggest that our review findings were applicable to the local setting. We found some evidence that access to information and diagnostic services had improved but, as in the systematic review, post‐diagnosis support was still often experienced as inadequate.

Conclusions

Focus groups and interviews with service users and their representatives can provide useful contextual information. However, such strategies can require considerable investment of the part of the researcher in terms of time and resources, and more work is needed to refine strategies and establish the benefits for patients and the organization of services.
The maintenance of pulp health 17 years after root fracture in a maxillary incisor illustrating the diagnostic benefits of cone bean computed tomography
Authors: Makowiecki P. , Witek A. , Pol J. , Buczkowska‐Radlińska J.
Published: November 2013

Aim

To demonstrate the maintenance of pulp health in a tooth with a fractured root without any complications or endodontic treatment and the advantage of cone bean computed tomography (CBCT) compared with traditional radiographs in the diagnosis of root fractures.

The horizontal fracture of a maxillary central incisor is described that was an incidental finding on a routine radiographic examination 17 years after trauma. The tooth was asymptomatic. Intra‐oral radiography revealed a complicated multiple root fracture with separation of the root fragments, which was not confirmed by CBCT. This case report illustrates spontaneous healing of root fracture and the reparative potential in the area of root fracture including preservation of pulp health and also demonstrates that CBCT is a more reliable imaging technique than conventional radiographs regarding root fracture diagnosis.

Key learning points

The dental pulp is characterized by the ability to heal spontaneously in cases of root fracture.

CBCT has advantages in diagnosing root fractures over intra‐oral radiographs.

CBCT should be employed with caution due to its increased radiation dose compared with periapical radiography.
Tubeless simultaneous bilateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy: Safety, feasibility and efficacy in an Indian setting
Authors: Pillai Sunil , Mishra Dilip , Sharma Pritam , Venkatesh Giridhar , Chawla Arun , Hegde Padmaraj , Thomas Joseph
Published: November 2013

Objectives

To study the safety, feasibility and efficacy of tubeless simultaneous bilateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 85 patients who underwent tubeless simultaneous bilateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the Department of Urology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka, India, from July 2006 to June 2013. The demographic profile and outcomes were compared with the other existing series reported in the literature.

Results

A total of 65 male and 20 female patients with a mean age of 45.7 ± 11.6 years underwent tubeless simultaneous bilateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy. The mean stone burden was 299 mm2, with 12 staghorn calculi. Mean operative time was 87.6 ± 35.5 min. A total of 95% of stones were cleared with single access tracts. The success rate of tubeless simultaneous bilateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy (stone clearance) was 95.2%. Mean hemoglobin drop was 1.1 ± 0.9 gm% per patient, with 10.5% of patients requiring blood transfusion. Mean hospital stay was 69.6 ± 28.4 h. Complications included urosepsis (Clavien grade 4), acute kidney injury requiring hemodialysis (grade 3), pneumonia (grade = 2) and hydrothorax requiring intercostal drainage tube insertion (grade 3). On follow up, 4.7% of the renal units required ancillary procedures.

Conclusions

Our findings confirm that tubeless simultaneous bilateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy is a safe and effective modality of treatment. It allows obviating a second anesthetic exposure, thus reducing analgesic requirement, hospitalization time and costs. This translates into a significant socioeconomic impact on the outlook of Indian patients presenting with bilateral renal stone disease.
Better recovery of kidney function in patients with de novo chronic kidney disease after partial nephrectomy compared with those with pre‐existing chronic kidney disease
Authors: Takagi Toshio , Kondo Tsunenori , Iizuka Junpei , Omae Kenji , Kobayashi Hirohito , Hashimoto Yasunobu , Yoshida Kazuhiko , Tanabe Kazunari
Published: November 2013

We compared kidney functional recovery between patients with pre‐existing chronic kidney disease, those with de novo chronic kidney disease and those with normal kidney function, after partial nephrectomy. A total of 311 patients who underwent partial nephrectomy at Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan, between January 2004 and July 2011 with sufficient kidney functional data participated in the study. Patients with pre‐existing chronic kidney disease (group1: 78 patients) were defined as those with estimated glomerular filtration rate under 60 mL/min/m2 before partial nephrectomy. Patients with de novo chronic kidney disease (group 2: 49) were defined as those with estimated glomerular filtration rate over 60 mL/min/m2 before surgery and who developed estimated glomerular filtration rate under 60 mL/min/m2 3 months after partial nephrectomy. Normal patients (group 3: 184) were defined as those with estimated glomerular filtration rate over 60 mL/min/m2 both before and after partial nephrectomy. Group 1 was associated with older age and higher comorbidity, including hypertension and diabetes mellitus, compared with other groups. R.E.N.A.L. score was not significantly different between the groups. Although the percent change of estimated glomerular filtration rate between the preoperative period and 3 months after partial nephrectomy in group 2 was significantly decreased compared with that in other groups (group 1: −6.8%, group 2: −18%, group 3: −7.3%), the renal functional recovery between 3 and 12 months after partial nephrectomy in group 2 was better than that in other groups (group 1: −0.5%, group 2: 5.6%, group 3: −0.4%). Patients with de novo chronic kidney disease had better kidney functional recovery than the other two groups, which might suggest that they were surgically assaulted and developed chronic kidney disease in the early postoperative period, and were essentially different from those with pre‐existing chronic kidney disease.
La recommandation sur les socles de protection sociale: un document de six pages peut‐il changer le cours de l'histoire sociale?
Authors: Cichon Michael
Published: November 2013

En juin 2012, lorsque la Conférence internationale du Travail (CIT) a adopté à l'unanimité la recommandation sur les socles de protection sociale, qui donne un contenu concret au droit humain qu'est le droit à la sécurité sociale, la communauté internationale a franchi une étape importante sur la voie de la reconnaissance de la protection sociale comme une composante à part entière des stratégies de développement nationales et internationales. Le présent article resitue la recommandation no 202 dans l'histoire des activités normatives et des politiques de développement, retrace la genèse du concept de socle de protection sociale et analyse le contenu de la nouvelle recommandation et certaines des questions politiquement sensibles qu'elle a soulevées. Il apprécie ensuite si ce nouvel instrument peut faire évoluer la réalité sociale dans les 185 Etats Membres de l’Organisation internationale du Travail (OIT). Il souligne que son adoption constitue une preuve sans précédent de la bonne volonté de la communauté internationale et un consensus international ambitieux concernant la politique sociale, mais qu'il est indispensable, pour créer la marge de manœuvre nécessaire à une évolution des politiques nationales, que la campagne visant à instaurer, au minimum, une sécurité sociale de base pour tous se poursuive et demeure une priorité internationale. En conclusion, il recense les stratégies que la coalition mondiale qui mène cette campagne doit mettre en œuvre pour que la sécurité sociale demeure ou devienne un objectif inaliénable des stratégies de développement nationales et internationales.
Financement des socles de protection sociale: réflexions sur l'espace budgétaire
Authors: Harris Elliott
Published: November 2013

L'efficacité de la protection sociale dans la lutte contre la pauvreté et la vulnérabilité, l'atténuation des chocs, la diminution des inégalités et le soutien à la croissance sur le long terme est aujourd'hui reconnue, mais de nombreux pays en développement et à bas revenu ont longtemps considéré les régimes de protection sociale efficaces comme un luxe qu'ils ne pouvaient se permettre. Le concept de socle de protection sociale vise à garantir une protection sociale minimale à un coût raisonnable, et ce même avec des ressources limitées, et à constituer une plateforme permettant la mise en œuvre progressive d'un régime de protection sociale complet. L'instauration, puis le maintien ou l'élargissement de ce socle de protection suppose de mobiliser un espace budgétaire, à court et long terme. Le présent article fait valoir que les efforts entrepris pour générer un espace budgétaire doivent veiller à prendre en compte la question de la prédictibilité, ainsi que les répercussions des choix financiers opérés présentement sur la pérennité du budget et de la dette, la stabilité macroéconomique, les inégalités, la diminution de la pauvreté et la croissance, et donc sur l'espace budgétaire futur. C'est dans cette perspective qu'il examine certaines des conséquences de la création d'un espace budgétaire par le biais de la mobilisation de ressources nationales supplémentaires, de la réaffectation des dépenses ou de la réalisation de gains d'efficience, de la diminution du service de la dette ou du recours à un financement extérieur. Enfin, il présente quelques exemples d'actions menées récemment qui ont été financées à un coût raisonnable et de manière durable dans des pays enregistrant des niveaux de revenu et de développement différents, à partir à la fois de ressources internes et externes.
Comparison of predator–prey interactions with and without intraguild predation by manipulation of the nitrogen source
Authors: Wilken Susanne , Verspagen Jolanda M. H. , Naus‐Wiezer Suzanne , Van Donk Ellen , Huisman Jef
Published: November 2013

Theory predicts that intraguild predation leads to different community dynamics than the trophic cascades of a linear food chain. However, experimental comparisons of these two food‐web modules are rare. Mixotrophic plankton species combine photoautotrophic and heterotrophic nutrition by grazing upon other phytoplankton species. We found that the mixotrophic chrysophyte Ochromonas can grow autotrophically on ammonium, but not on nitrate. This offered a unique opportunity to compare predator–prey interactions in the presence and absence of intraguild predation, without changing the species composition of the community. With ammonium as nitrogen source, Ochromonas can compete with its autotrophic prey for nitrogen and therefore acts as intraguild predator. With nitrate, Ochromonas acts solely as predator, and is not in competition with its prey for nitrogen. We parameterized a simple intraguild predation model based on chemostat experiments with monocultures of Ochromonas and the toxic cyanobacterium Microcystis. Subsequently, we tested the model predictions by inoculating Ochromonas into the Microcystis monocultures, and vice versa. The results showed that Microcystis was a better competitor for ammonium than Ochromonas. In agreement with theoretical predictions, Microcystis was much more strongly suppressed by intraguild predation on ammonium than by top–down predation on nitrate. Yet, Microcystis persisted at very low population densities, because the type III functional response of Ochromonas implied that the grazing pressure upon Microcystis became low when Microcystis was rare. Our results provide experimental support for intraguild predation theory, and indicate that intraguild predation may enable biological control of microbial pest species.
Disentangling the effect of hybrid interactions and of the constant effort hypothesis on ecological community stability
Authors: Suweis Samir , Grilli Jacopo , Maritan Amos
Published: November 2013

In the last years, a remarkable theoretical effort has been made in order to understand the relation between stability and complexity in ecological communities. Yet, what maintains species diversity in real ecological communities is still an open question. The non‐random structures of ecological interaction networks have been recognized as one key ingredient impacting the maximum number of coexisting species within the ecological community. However most of the earlier theoretical studies have considered communities with only one interaction type (either antagonistic, competitive or mutualistic). Recently, it has been proposed that multiple interaction types might stabilize ecosystems and that, in this hybrid case, increasing complexity increases stability. Here we show that these results depend on ad hoc hypothesis that the authors used in their model and we highlight the need to disentangle the role of multiple interaction types and constant interaction effort allocation on community stability. Indeed, we find that mixing of mutualistic and predator–prey interaction types does not stabilize the community dynamics and we demonstrate that a positive correlation between complexity and stability is observed only if a constant effort allocation is imposed in the ecological interactions.

Synthesis

In recent years a sparkling research has been devoted to the search of new theoretical mechanisms to explain way ecosystems may persist despite their complexity. Here we show that, contrary to what recently suggested (Mougi et al. 2012), the mismatch between theoretical results and empirical evidences on the stability of ecological community is still there also for communities with both mutualistic and antagonistic interactions, and the ‘complexity‐stability’ paradox is still alive. Indeed, we demonstrate that their results arise as an artifact of the peculiar rescaling of the interaction strengths they imposed. Our study suggests that further theoretical studies and experimental evidences are still needed to better understand the role of interaction strengths in real ecological communities.
Ecologists should not use statistical significance tests to interpret simulation model results
Authors: White J. Wilson , Rassweiler Andrew , Samhouri Jameal F. , Stier Adrian C. , White Crow
Published: November 2013

Simulation models are widely used to represent the dynamics of ecological systems. A common question with such models is how changes to a parameter value or functional form in the model alter the results. Some authors have chosen to answer that question using frequentist statistical hypothesis tests (e.g. ANOVA). This is inappropriate for two reasons. First, p‐values are determined by statistical power (i.e. replication), which can be arbitrarily high in a simulation context, producing minuscule p‐values regardless of the effect size. Second, the null hypothesis of no difference between treatments (e.g. parameter values) is known a priori to be false, invalidating the premise of the test. Use of p‐values is troublesome (rather than simply irrelevant) because small p‐values lend a false sense of importance to observed differences. We argue that modelers should abandon this practice and focus on evaluating the magnitude of differences between simulations.

Synthesis

Researchers analyzing field or lab data often test ecological hypotheses using frequentist statistics (t‐tests, ANOVA, etc.) that focus on p‐values. Field and lab data usually have limited sample sizes, and p‐values are valuable for quantifying the probability of making incorrect inferences in that situation. However, modern ecologists increasingly rely on simulation models to address complex questions, and those who were trained in frequentist statistics often apply the hypothesis‐testing approach inappropriately to their simulation results. Our paper explains why p‐values are not informative for interpreting simulation models, and suggests better ways to evaluate the ecological significance of model results.
Should repeated TESE be performed following a failed TESE in men with Klinefelter Syndrome?
Authors: Haliloglu A. H. , Tangal S. , Gulpinar O. , Onal K. , Pabuccu R.
Published: November 2013

The main goal of this study was to evaluate the success rate of repeated Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE) in Klinefelter Syndrome (KS). Eighteen patients with the diagnosis of KS who had undergone micro TESE previously were re‐evaluated between May 2007 and May 2012. Testes were measured and testicular volume was calculated by orchidometer and by scrotal ultrasonography in all patients All patients underwent repeated micro TESE. Serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone levels and testicular volume of the patients with and without successful sperm retrieval were compared statistically. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean age of the patients was 30.3 years. The mean testicular volume was 2.08 and 2.1 mL for right and left testes respectively. The comparisons of serum FSH, LH, testosterone levels and testicular volume between patients with and without successful sperm retrieval did not show any significant difference. Three of the 18 patients who underwent repeated micro TESE, had successful sperm retrieval and repeated TESE failed in 15 patients. Three patients with successful sperm retrieval underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection using retrieved testicular spermatozoa. Two embryos for each patient which were determined as healthy were transferred to the wives of the patients. Pregnancy occured in one of them and a healthy female infant was born. We conclude that consideration and hope must be given for a repeated micro TESE in patients with KS, even with a minimal chance of success.
Microscopic Removal Function and the Relationship Between Slurry Particle Size Distribution and Workpiece Roughness During Pad Polishing
Authors: Suratwala Tayyab , Feit Michael , Steele William , Wong Lana , Shen Nan , Dylla‐Spears Rebecca , Desjardin Richard , Mason Daniel , Geraghty Paul , Miller Philip , Baxamusa Salmaan
Published: November 2013

Various ceria and colloidal silica polishing slurries were used to polish fused silica glass workpieces on a polyurethane pad. Characterization of the slurries' particle size distribution (PSD) (using both ensemble light scattering and single particle counting techniques) and of the polished workpiece surface (using atomic force microscopy) was performed. The results show the final workpiece surface roughness is quantitatively correlated with the logarithmic slope of the distribution function for the largest particles at the exponential tail end of the PSD. Using the measured PSD, fraction of pad area making contact, and mechanical properties of the workpiece, slurry, and pad as input parameters, an Ensemble Hertzian Gap (EHG) polishing model was formulated to estimate each particle's penetration, load, and contact zone. The model is based on multiple Hertzian contact of slurry particles at the workpiece–pad interface in which the effective interface gap is determined through an elastic load balance. Separately, ceria particle static contact and single pass sliding experiments were performed showing ~1‐nm depth removal per pass (i.e., a plastic type removal). Also, nanoindentation measurements on fused silica were made to estimate the critical load at which plastic type removal starts to occur (Pcrit~5 × 10−5 N). Next the EHG model was extended to create simulated polished surfaces using the Monte Carlo method where each particle (with the calculated characteristics described above) slides and removes material from the silica surface in random directions. The polishing simulation utilized a constant depth removal mechanism (i.e., not scaling with particle size) of the elastic deformation zone cross section between the particle and silica surface, which was either 0.04 nm (for chemical removal) at low loads (Pcrit). The simulated surfaces quantitatively compare well with the measured rms roughness, power spectra, surface texture, absolute thickness material removal rate, and load dependence of removal rate.
Three‐dimensional Ceramic/Camphene‐based Coextrusion for Unidirectionally Macrochanneled Alumina Ceramics with Controlled Porous Walls
Authors: Moon Young‐Wook , Shin Kwan‐Ha , Koh Young‐Hag , Jung Hyun‐Do , Kim Hyoun‐Ee
Published: November 2013

We report the utility of three‐dimensional ceramic/camphene‐based coextrusion, newly developed in this study, for the production of unidirectionally macrochanneled alumina ceramics with three‐dimensionally interconnected porous alumina walls. In this technique, a continuous ceramic/camphene filament with a diameter of 1 mm, comprised of a pure camphene core and a frozen alumina/camphene shell, was produced by the coextrusion process and then deposited in a layer‐by‐layer sequence using a computer‐controlled 3‐axis moving table. Unidirectionally aligned macrochannels (~400 μm in diameter) and three‐dimensionally interconnected pores (several tens of micrometers in size) in the alumina walls were created by removing the camphene core and the camphene dendrites formed in the alumina/camphene region, respectively. The sample showed much higher compressive strength in the macrochannel direction than in the perpendicular direction. In addition, the compressive strength of the sample could increase with an increase in initial alumina content owing to a decrease in the total porosity.
Employer Attitudes Towards the Work Inclusion of People With Disability
Authors: Nota Laura , Santilli Sara , Ginevra Maria C. , Soresi Salvatore
Published: November 2013

Background

This study examines the importance of work in life of people with disability and then focuses on employer attitudes towards these people. In the light of Stone and Colella's model, the study examines the employer attitudes and the role of variables such as type of disability, employer experience in the hiring of persons with disabilities, the description of hypothetical hirees with disabilities, the ways in which employers evaluate work performance and social acceptability, and the work tasks that they consider appropriate for workers with disability.

Method

Eighty employers were randomly assigned to standard condition (candidates with disability were presented by referring to the disability they presented) or positive condition (candidates were presented with reference to their strengths).

Results

It was found that the type of disability and its presentation influence employer attitudes. In addition, realistic and conventional tasks were considered appropriate for hirees with disabilities.

Conclusions

Implications were discussed.
Induction of heparanase by HPV E6 oncogene in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Hirshoren Nir , Bulvik Raanan , Neuman Tzahi , Rubinstein Ariel M. , Meirovitz Amichay , Elkin Michael
Published: November 2013

High‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are highly invasive; however the identity of downstream effectors responsible for their aggressive phenotype remains underinvestigated. Here, we report that HPV‐mediated up‐regulation of heparanase enzyme can provide mechanistic explanation for augmented invasiveness of HPV‐positive HNSCCs. Heparanase is the sole mammalian enzyme (endo‐β‐d‐glucuronidase) degrading heparan sulphate glycosaminoglycan, key polysaccharide of the extracellular matrix. Cleavage of heparan sulphate by heparanase leads to disassembly of extracellular barriers, enabling local invasion and metastatic spread of the tumour, and releases heparan sulphate‐bound growth factors from the extracellular depots. Heparanase is tightly implicated in head and neck cancer progression; yet, molecular mechanisms underlying transcriptional activation of the heparanase gene in HNSCC are largely unknown. We found that HPV16 oncogene E6 is capable of inducing overexpression of heparanase in HNSCC. Notably, radiation treatment dose‐dependently suppresses E6‐induced heparanase expression in vitro. Our results provide the first evidence for a functional involvement of HPV in heparanase induction in head and neck tumourigenesis and, given ongoing clinical testing of several heparanase‐inhibiting compounds, offer important avenue for future therapeutic exploration in HNSCC, as well as other HPV‐associated malignancies (i.e. cervical carcinoma).
Berberine ameliorates cartilage degeneration in interleukin‐1β‐stimulated rat chondrocytes and in a rat model of osteoarthritis via Akt signalling
Authors: Zhao Honghai , Zhang Tongen , Xia Chun , Shi Lei , Wang Shaojie , Zheng Xinpeng , Hu Tianhui , Zhang Bing
Published: November 2013

Berberine, a plant alkaloid used in Chinese medicine, has broad cell‐protective functions in a variety of cell lines. Chondrocyte apoptosis contributes to the pathogenesis of cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritis (OA). However, little is known about the effect and underlying mechanism of berberine on OA chondrocytes. Here, we assessed the effects of berberine on cartilage degeneration in interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β)‐stimulated rat chondrocytes and in a rat model of OA. The results of an MTT assay and western blotting analysis showed that berberine attenuated the inhibitory effect of IL‐1β on the cell viability and proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression in rat chondrocytes. Furthermore, berberine activated Akt, which triggered p70S6K/S6 pathway and up‐regulated the levels of aggrecan and Col II expression in IL‐1β‐stimulated rat chondrocytes. In addition, berberine increased the level of proteoglycans in cartilage matrix and the thickness of articular cartilage, with the elevated levels of Col II, p‐Akt and p‐S6 expression in a rat OA model, as demonstrated by histopathological and immunohistochemistry techniques. The data thus strongly suggest that berberine may ameliorate cartilage degeneration from OA by promoting cell survival and matrix production of chondrocytes, which was partly attributed to the activation of Akt in IL‐1β‐stimulated articular chondrocytes and in a rat OA model. The resultant chondroprotective effects indicate that berberine merits consideration as a therapeutic agent in OA.
Annual Research Review: The neurobehavioral development of multiple memory systems – implications for childhood and adolescent psychiatric disorders
Authors: Goodman Jarid , Marsh Rachel , Peterson Bradley S. , Packard Mark G.
Published: November 2013

Extensive evidence indicates that mammalian memory is organized into multiple brains systems, including a ‘cognitive’ memory system that depends on the hippocampus and a stimulus‐response ‘habit’ memory system that depends on the dorsolateral striatum. Dorsal striatal‐dependent habit memory may in part influence the development and expression of some human psychopathologies, particularly those characterized by strong habit‐like behavioral features. The present review considers this hypothesis as it pertains to psychopathologies that typically emerge during childhood and adolescence. These disorders include Tourette syndrome, attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder, obsessive–compulsive disorder, eating disorders, and autism spectrum disorders. Human and nonhuman animal research shows that the typical development of memory systems comprises the early maturation of striatal‐dependent habit memory and the relatively late maturation of hippocampal‐dependent cognitive memory. We speculate that the differing rates of development of these memory systems may in part contribute to the early emergence of habit‐like symptoms in childhood and adolescence. In addition, abnormalities in hippocampal and striatal brain regions have been observed consistently in youth with these disorders, suggesting that the aberrant development of memory systems may also contribute to the emergence of habit‐like symptoms as core pathological features of these illnesses. Considering these disorders within the context of multiple memory systems may help elucidate the pathogenesis of habit‐like symptoms in childhood and adolescence, and lead to novel treatments that lessen the habit‐like behavioral features of these disorders.
Albuminuria: Prevalence, associated risk factors and relationship with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Chen Fang , Yang Wenying , Weng Jianping , Jia Weiping , Ji Linong , Xiao Jianzhong , Shan Zhongyan , Liu Jie , Tian Haoming , Ji Qiuhe , Zhu Dalong , Ge Jiapu , Lin Lixiang , Chen Li , Guo Xiaohui , Zhao Zhigang , Li Qiang , Zhou Zhiguang , Shan Guangliang , Lu Juming ,   the China National Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders Study Group
Published: November 2013

Aims/Introduction

To investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of microalbuminuria, and to explore the relationship between albuminuria and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Materials and Methods

A nationally representative sample of 38,203 Chinese participants was categorized by different levels of urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (ACR; 0 –10 mg/g, 10 –20 mg/g, 20 –30 mg/g, 30 –300 mg/g). The prevalence of albuminuria was compared by using a single urinary ACR cut‐off point and by sex‐specific ACR cut‐off points. Factors associated with the presence of albuminuria, and the relationship between albuminuria and CVD were analyzed by logistic regression.

Results

Prevalence of albuminuria as measured by a single ACR cut‐point was significantly lower for men compared with women (13.9% vs 19.1% in the normal glucose tolerance group; 20.8% vs 26.8% in the impaired glucose tolerance group, P < 0.01). The prevalence of albuminuria, as measured by sex‐specific ACR cut‐points, was higher for men than women (31.4% vs 29.6% in the normal glucose tolerance group; 42.2% vs 39.3% in the impaired glucose tolerance group, P < 0.01). The independent risk factors for the presence of albuminuria were aging, female sex, hypertension, hyperglycemia, obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. The subdivided normal ACR group did not show a linear or statistically significant relationship with CVD after adjusting for conventional CVD risk factors (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The prevalence of albuminuria was high in the general Chinese population. Aging, female sex, hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, obesity and metabolic syndrome were all independent risk factors for albuminuria. The causal relationship between ACR and CVD might require further follow‐up investigation.
Cytoprotection by endogenous zinc in the vertebrate retina
Authors: Anastassov Ivan , Ripps Harris , Chappell Richard L.
Published: November 2013

Our recent studies have shown that endogenous zinc, co‐released with glutamate from the synaptic terminals of vertebrate retinal photoreceptors, provides a feedback mechanism that reduces calcium entry and the concomitant vesicular release of glutamate. We hypothesized that zinc feedback may serve to protect the retina from glutamate excitotoxicity, and conducted in vivo experiments on the retina of the skate (Raja erinacea) to determine the effects of removing endogenous zinc by chelation. These studies showed that removal of zinc by injecting the zinc chelator histidine results in inner retinal damage similar to that induced by the glutamate receptor agonist kainic acid. In contrast, when an equimolar quantity of zinc followed the injection of histidine, the retinal cells were unaffected. Our results are a good indication that zinc, co‐released with glutamate by photoreceptors, provides an auto‐feedback system that plays an important cytoprotective role in the retina.

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Recent studies show that endogenous photoreceptor zinc, co‐released with glutamate, provides feedback that reduces calcium entry at photoreceptor terminals, thereby regulating vesicular transmitter release. The experiments reported here provide evidence that the in vivo removal of endogenous zinc by chelation results in inner retinal glutamate toxicity. Thus, zinc auto‐feedback likely plays a cytoprotective role important to retinal health and disease.
SNJ‐1945, a calpain inhibitor, protects SH‐SY5Y cells against MPP+ and rotenone
Authors: Knaryan Varduhi H. , Samantaray Supriti , Park Sookyoung , Azuma Mitsuyoshi , Inoue Jun , Banik Naren L.
Published: November 2013

Complex pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease involves multiple CNS cell types. Degeneration in spinal cord neurons alongside brain has been shown to be involved in Parkinson's disease and evidenced in experimental parkinsonism. However, the mechanisms of these degenerative pathways are not well understood. To unravel these mechanisms SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were differentiated into dopaminergic and cholinergic phenotypes, respectively, and used as cell culture model following exposure to two parkinsonian neurotoxicants MPP+ and rotenone. SNJ‐1945, a cell‐permeable calpain inhibitor was tested for its neuroprotective efficacy. MPP+ and rotenone dose‐dependently elevated the levels of intracellular free Ca2+ and induced a concomitant rise in the levels of active calpain. SNJ‐1945 pre‐treatment significantly protected cell viability and preserved cellular morphology following MPP+ and rotenone exposure. The neurotoxicants elevated the levels of reactive oxygen species more profoundly in SH‐SY5Y cells differentiated into dopaminergic phenotype, and this effect could be attenuated with SNJ‐1945 pre‐treatment. In contrast, significant levels of inflammatory mediators cyclooxygenase‐2 (Cox‐2 and cleaved p10 fragment of caspase‐1) were up‐regulated in the cholinergic phenotype, which could be dose‐dependently attenuated by the calpain inhibitor. Overall, SNJ‐1945 was efficacious against MPP+ or rotenone‐induced reactive oxygen species generation, inflammatory mediators, and proteolysis. A post‐treatment regimen of SNJ‐1945 was also examined in cells and partial protection was attained with calpain inhibitor administration 1–3 h after exposure to MPP+ or rotenone. Taken together, these results indicate that calpain inhibition is a valid target for protection against parkinsonian neurotoxicants, and SNJ‐1945 is an efficacious calpain inhibitor in this context.

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SH‐SY5Y cells, differentiated as dopaminergic (TH positive) and cholinergic (ChAT positive), were used as in vitro models for Parkinson's disease. MPP+ and rotenone induced up‐regulation of calpain, expression, and activity as a common mechanism of neurodegeneration. SNJ‐1945, a novel calpain inhibitor, protected both the cell phenotypes against MPP+ and rotenone.