bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2-Amino-6-(piperidin-1-yl)-4-p-tolylpyridine-3,5-dicarbonitrile
Authors: Inglebert S. Antony , Kamalraja Jayabal , Sethusankar K. , Vasuki Gnanasambandam
Published: November 2013

In the title compound, C19H19N5, the piperidine ring adopts a chair conformation. The pyridine ring is essentially planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.039 (2) Å for a C atom substituted with a carbonitrile group. The mean plane of the central pyridine ring makes the dihedral angles of 37.90 (14) and 56.10 (12)° with the piperidine and benzene rings, respectively. In the crystal, molecules are linkedviaN—H...N and C—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming chains along [101], and enclosingR22(17) ring motifs. The chains are linked by further C—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming two-dimensional networks lying parallel to (10-1), and enclosing inversion dimers withR22(20) ring motifs.
AP212121polymorph of (+)-clusianone
Authors: Vaneesa Nagalingam Sree , Wong Pik Ching Janet , Khaled bin Break Mohammed , Tahir M. Ibrahim M. , Khoo Teng-Jin
Published: November 2013

The title compound, C33H42O4[systematic name: (1S,5S,7R)-3-benzoyl-4-hydroxy-8,8-dimethyl-1,5,7-tris(3-methylbut-2-enyl)bicyclo[3.3.1]nona-3-ene-2,9-dione], has a central bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-2,4,9-trione surrounded by tetraprenylated and benzoyl groups. The compound was recrystallized several times in methanol using both a slow evaporation method and with a crystal-seeding technique. This subsequently produced diffraction-quality crystals which crystallize in the orthorhombic space groupP212121, in contrast to a previous report of a structure determination in thePna21space group [McCandlishet al.(1976).Acta Cryst. B32, 1793–1801]. The title compound has a melting point of 365–366 K, and a specific rotation [α]20value of +51.94°. A strong intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bond is noted. In the crystal, molecules are assembled in theabplane by weak C—H...O interactions.
3-(Adamantan-1-yl)-1-[(4-benzylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl]-4-ethyl-1H-1,2,4-triazole-5(4H)-thione
Authors: Al-Abdullah Ebtehal S. , Al-Tuwaijri Hanaa M. , El-Emam Ali A. , Chidan Kumar C. S. , Fun Hoong-Kun
Published: November 2013

In the title compound, C26H37N5S, the piperazine ring adopts a chair conformation with the exocyclic N—C bonds in pseudo-equatorial orientations. The piperazine ring (all atoms) subtends dihedral angles of 79.47 (9) and 73.07 (9)° with the triazole and benzene rings, respectively, resulting in an approximate U-shape for the molecule. No significant intermolecular interactions are observed in the crystal.
Ethyl 6-methyl-8-phenyl-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyridine-7-carboxylate
Authors: Li Yang , Sun Chen , Zhang Ran
Published: November 2013

In title compound, C16H15N3O2, the 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyridine ring system is almost planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.0068 Å) and forms a dihedral angle of 61.4 (3)° with the phenyl ring. In the structure, centrosymmetrically related molecules are linked into dimers by pairs of C—H...N hydrogen bonds.
MethylN-(3-cyanopicolinoyl)-L-tryptophanate
Authors: Ovdiichuk Olga , Hordiyenko Olga , Voitenko Zoia , Arrault Axelle , Medviediev Volodymyr
Published: November 2013

In the title compound, C19H16N4O3, the stereocenter has an L configuration; L-tryptophan methyl ester hydrochloride being used as a starting material. The indole ring system and the pyridine ring are inclined to one another by 13.55 (14)°. In the crystal, adjacent molecules are linkedviaN—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming chains propagating along thec-axis direction.
Bis(2-methoxyanilinium) hexabromidostannate(IV) dihydrate
Authors: Chouaib Hassen , Karoui Sahel , Kamoun Slaheddine , Michaud Francois
Published: November 2013

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, (C7H10NO)2[SnBr6]·2H2O, contains one cation, one half-dianion and one lattice water molecule. The [SnBr6]2−dianion, located on an inversion center, exhibits a highly distorted octahedral coordination environment, with Sn—Br bond lengths ranging from 2.2426 (9) to 3.0886 (13) Å. In the crystal, O—H...Br, N—H...Br, N—H...O and C—H...Br hydrogen bonds consolidate the packing, which can be described as consisting of alternating anionic (containing dianions and lattice water molecules) and cationic layers parallel toabplane.
‘Give Me a Laboratory and I Will Lower Your Carbon Footprint!’ — Urban Laboratories and the Governance of Low‐Carbon Futures
Authors: Evans James , Karvonen Andrew
Published: November 2013

The increasing threat of climate change has created a pressing need for cities to lower their carbon footprints. Urban laboratories are emerging in numerous cities around the world as a strategy for local governments to partner with public and private property owners to reduce carbon emissions, while simultaneously stimulating economic growth. In this article, we use insights from laboratory studies to analyse the notion of urban laboratories as they relate to experimental governance, the carbonization agenda and the transition to low‐carbon economies. We present a case study of the Oxford Road corridor in Manchester in the UK that is emerging as a low‐carbon urban laboratory, with important policy implications for the city's future. The corridor is a bounded space where a public‐private partnership comprised of the City Council, two universities and other large property owners is redeveloping the physical infrastructure and installing monitoring equipment to create a recursive feedback loop intended to facilitate adaptive learning. This low‐carbon urban laboratory represents a classic sustainable development formula for coupling environmental protection with economic growth, using innovation and partnership as principal drivers. However, it also has significant implications in reworking the interplay of knowledge production and local governance, while reinforcing spatial differentiation and uneven participation in urban development.
THE UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF BEING STOPPED OR ARRESTED: AN EXPLORATION OF THE LABELING MECHANISMS THROUGH WHICH POLICE CONTACT LEADS TO SUBSEQUENT DELINQUENCY
Authors: WILEY STEPHANIE ANN , SLOCUM LEE ANN , ESBENSEN FINN‐AAGE
Published: November 2013

Much debate has taken place regarding the merits of aggressive policing strategies such as “stop, question, and frisk.” Labeling theory suggests that police contact may actually increase delinquency because youth who are stopped or arrested are excluded from conventional opportunities, adopt a deviant identity, and spend time with delinquent peers. But, few studies have examined the mechanisms through which police contact potentially enhances offending. The current study uses four waves of longitudinal data collected from middle‐school students (N = 2,127) in seven cities to examine the deviance amplification process. Outcomes are compared for youth with no police contact, those who were stopped by police, and those who were arrested. We use propensity score matching to control for preexisting differences among the three groups. Our findings indicate that compared with those with no contact, youth who are stopped or arrested report higher levels of future delinquency and that social bonds, deviant identity formation, and delinquent peers partially mediate the relationship between police contact and later offending. These findings suggest that programs targeted at reducing the negative consequences of police contact (i.e., poor academic achievement, deviant identity formation, and delinquent peer associations) might reduce the occurrence of secondary deviance.
Do societal wealth, family affluence and gender account for trends in adolescent cannabis use? A 30 country cross‐national study
Authors: ter Bogt Tom F. M. , de Looze Margreet , Molcho Michal , Godeau Emmanuelle , Hublet Anne , Kokkevi Anna , Kuntsche Emmanuel , Nic Gabhainn Saoirse , Franelic Iva Pejnovic , Simons‐Morton Bruce , Sznitman Sharon , Vieno Alessio , Vollebergh Wilma , Pickett William
Published: November 2013

Aims

To examine cross‐national changes in frequent adolescent cannabis use (40+ times consumed over life‐time at age 15) over time and relate these trends to societal wealth, family affluence and gender.

Design

Data from three cycles (2002, 2006, 2010) of the Health Behaviour in School‐aged Children (HBSC) Study were used for cross‐sectional and trend analyses of adolescent cannabis use.

Setting

Representative surveys in 30 European and North American countries.

Participants

A total of 160 606 15‐year‐old students.

Measurements

Respondents' life‐time cannabis use, demographics, family affluence (FAS) and frequency of peer contacts were measured individually. Indicators of wealth (gross domestic product per capita, GDP) and perceived availability of cannabis were obtained from national public data bases.

Findings

The frequency of life‐time cannabis use decreased over time among adolescents in Europe and North America, particularly in western European countries and the United States (relative risk (RR) = 0.86: confidence interval (CI) 0.79–0.93). This trend was not observed consistently in rapidly developing countries in eastern, central and southern Europe. Over time (2002–10), cannabis use became: (i) less characteristic of high GDP countries in contrast to lower GDP countries (RR = 0.74: CI 0.57–0.95); (ii) less characteristic of youth from high FAS families in contrast to youth from low FAS families (RR = 0.83: CI 0.72–0.96); and (iii) characterized by an increasing gender gap, i.e. consumption was higher among males (RR 1.26: CI 1.04–1.53). Perceived availability of cannabis and peer contacts remained strong predictors of frequent cannabis use.

Conclusions

Among 30 European and North American countries, cannabis use appears to have ‘trickled down’ over time, with developing countries taking on the former (heavier) use pattern of richer countries, and less affluent youth taking on the former (heavier) use pattern of more affluent youth. Cannabis use continues to be more common among adolescent males than females.
Non‐invasive algorithm of enhanced liver fibrosis and liver stiffness measurement with transient elastography for advanced liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Wong G. L.‐H. , Chan H. L.‐Y. , Choi P. C.‐L. , Chan A. W.‐H. , Yu Z. , Lai J. W.‐Y. , Chan H.‐Y. , Wong V. W.‐S.
Published: November 2013

Background

The accuracy of Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF; ADVIA Centaur, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Tarrytown, NY, USA) in assessing liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is to be determined.

Aim

To derive and validate a combined ELF‐liver stiffness measurement (LSM) algorithm to predict advanced fibrosis in CHB patients.

Methods

Using the data of a previously reported cohort of 238 CHB patients, an ALT‐based LSM algorithm for liver fibrosis was used as a training cohort to evaluate the performance of ELF against liver histology. The best combined ELF‐LSM algorithm was then validated in new cohort of 85 CHB patients not previously reported.

Results

In the training cohort, LSM has better performance of diagnosing advanced (≥F3) fibrosis (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve [AUROC] 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI 0.76–0.91] than ELF (AUROC 0.69, 95% CI 0.63–0.75). The optimal cut‐off values of ELF were 8.4 to exclude advanced fibrosis, and 10.8 to confirm advanced fibrosis. In the training cohort, an ELF ≤ 8.4 had a sensitivity of 95% to exclude advanced fibrosis; an ELF > 10.8 had a specificity of 92% to confirm advanced fibrosis. In the combined algorithm, low ELF or low LSM could be used to exclude advanced fibrosis as both of them had high sensitivity (≥90%). To confirm advanced fibrosis, agreement between high ELF and high LSM could improve the negative predictive value specificity (from 65% and 74% to 80%).

Conclusions

An Enhanced Liver Fibrosis ‐ liver stiffness measurement algorithm could improve the accuracy of prediction of either ELF or LSM alone. Liver biopsy could be correctly avoided in approximately 60% of patients.
Gender, caponization and exogenous estrogen effects on lipids, bone and blood characteristics in Taiwan country chickens
Authors: Chen Shih Yi , Li Tsung Yu , Tsai Chih Heng , Lo Dan Yuan , Chen Kuo Lung
Published: November 2013

This study investigated gender, caponization and exogenous estrogen effects on lipids, bone and blood characteristics in Taiwan country chickens. Thirty male chickens were caponized at 8 weeks (capons); 15 capons were injected with estrogen (5 mg/bird estradiol 3‐benzoate) every 2 weeks from 8 to 28 weeks, and 15 sham‐operated male (shams) chickens and 15 females were selected for this trial. The results showed that the shams had lower relative abdominal and chest subcutaneous fat than females (P < 0.05). The estrogen‐treated capons had greater relative abdominal and chest subcutaneous fat than shams and capons (P < 0.05), which might result from higher blood very low‐density lipoproteins and triacylglycerol concentrations (P < 0.05). Caponization could dramatically increase relative abdominal fat (506%; P < 0.05). The shams had higher tibia weight and biomechanical properties, such as maximum bone strength and bending moment values than the capons (P < 0.05). Tibia biomechanical properties were reduced by estrogen treatment (P < 0.05). The females obtained the lowest biomechanical value in all treatments (P < 0.05). Histological examination revealed cavity formation in the cortical bone of estrogen‐treated capons and female chickens, which suggested that estrogen reduced bone biomechanical properties by destroying its structural integrity.
High Incidence of ActivatingTERTPromoter Mutations in Meningiomas Undergoing Malignant Progression
Authors: Goutagny Stéphane , Nault Jean C. , Mallet Maxime , Henin Dominique , Rossi Jessica Z. , Kalamarides Michel
Published: November 2013

Meningiomas are common central nervous system tumors. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines three grades, predictive of the risk of recurrence. These tumors can relapse frequently and sometimes undergo malignant transformation. Maintenance of telomere length is a key process in malignant progression, and mutations inTERTpromoter have recently been identified in various types of cancer. We sequenced theTERTpromoter in 85 meningiomas from 73 patients. We found a high incidence ofTERTpromoter mutations in patients with meningiomas undergoing malignant histological progression (28%, n = 5/18 patients). In this subset of patients with histological progression,TERTpromoter mutations were found in both the lowest and the highest grade tumors, and in bothNF2‐mutated and nonmutated samples. In contrast, one mutation was identified in 35 meningiomas without recurrence or progression, belonging to various histological grades. This sample was an aggressive meningioma in a patient who died shortly after surgery. Interestingly, tumors showing relapse without histological progression were not mutated forTERTpromoter (n = 20). Finally,TERTpromoter mutations were associated with a marked increase inTERTexpression. Thus,TERTpromoter mutations are pivotal genetic alterations involved in malignant progression of meningiomas and could be used as a biomarker to identify meningiomas at risk of malignant transformation.
Metformin and male reproduction: effects on Sertoli cell metabolism
Authors: Alves M G , Martins A D , Vaz C V , Correia S , Moreira P I , Oliveira P F , Socorro S
Published: November 2013

Background and Purpose

Metformin is commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes (T2D). While new clinical applications have been ascribed to metformin, including treatment of anovulatory infertility, its effects on male reproduction have not been investigated. The Sertoli cell (SC) is crucial for germ cell development, exerting metabolic control of spermatogenesis, therefore, we investigated the effects of metformin on SC metabolism.

Experimental Approach

Rat SCs were cultured in the absence and presence of metformin (5, 50 and 500 μM). mRNA and protein levels of glucose transporters (GLUT1 and GLUT3), phosphofructokinase 1 (PFK 1), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) were determined by quantitative PCR and Western blot respectively. LDH activity was assessed and metabolite production/consumption determined by 1H‐NMR.

Key Results

Metformin (50 μM) decreased mRNA and protein levels of GLUT1, GLUT3, MCT4 and PFK 1 but did not affect LDH mRNA or protein levels. However, although glucose consumption was maintained in metformin‐treated cells, LDH activity, lactate and alanine production were increased, indicating an enhanced glycolytic flux. No metabolic cytotoxicity was detected in SCs exposed to supra‐pharmacological concentration of metformin.

Conclusions and Implications

Our results indicate that metformin: (i) decreases mRNA and protein levels of glycolysis‐related transporters in SCs but increases their activity; and (ii) stimulates alanine production, which induces antioxidant activity and maintains the NADH/NAD+ equilibrium. The increased lactate in metformin‐treated SCs provides nutritional support and has an anti‐apoptotic effect in developing germ cells. Thus, metformin can be considered as a suitable antidiabetic drug for male patients of reproductive age with T2D.
The evolution of Bab paralog expression and abdominal pigmentation among Sophophora fruit fly species
Authors: Salomone Joseph R. , Rogers William A. , Rebeiz Mark , Williams Thomas M.
Published: November 2013

The evolution of gene networks lies at the heart of understanding trait divergence. Intrinsic to development is the dimension of time: a network must be altered during the correct phase of development to generate the appropriate phenotype. One model of developmental network evolution is the origination of dimorphic (male‐specific) abdomen pigmentation in the fruit fly subgenus Sophophora. In Drosophila (D.) melanogaster, dimorphic pigmentation is controlled by the dimorphic expression of the paralogous Bab1 and Bab2 transcription factors that repress pigmentation. These expression patterns are thought to have evolved from a monomorphic ancestral state. Here we show that the spatial domain and contrast in dimorphic Bab expression increases during the latter half of pupal development, and this late pupal expression is necessary and sufficient to suppress pigmentation. Late pupal Bab expression was monomorphic for species from basal clades exhibiting monomorphic pigmentation, though dimorphic expression was observed in D. pseudoobscura that represents an intermediate‐branching monomorphic clade. Among species from the dimorphic Sophophora clades, Bab expression was dimorphic, but a poor correlation was found between the domains of expression and male pigmentation. Lastly, while Bab paralog co‐expression was generally observed, an instance of paralog‐specific expression was found, indicating more complex regulatory mechanisms and mutational effects have shaped the evolution of the bab locus. These results highlight the importance of the time and place of Bab expression for pigmentation development and evolution, and suggest that dimorphism evolved early in Sophophora, but diversity in male pigmentation was not further shaped by alterations in Bab expression.
The evo‐devo of multinucleate cells, tissues, and organisms, and an alternative route to multicellularity
Authors: Niklas Karl J. , Cobb Edward D. , Crawford David R.
Published: November 2013

Multinucleate cells, tissues, or organisms occur in 60 families of land plants and in five otherwise diverse algal lineages (Rhodophyceae, Xanthophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Ulvophyceae, and Charophyceae). Inspection of a morphospace constructed out of eight developmental processes reveals a large number of possible variants of multinucleate cells and organisms that, with two exceptions, are represented by one or more plant species in one or more clades. Thus, most of these permutations of developmental processes exist in nature. Inspection of the morphospace also shows how the siphonous body plan (a multinucleate cell with the capacity for indeterminate growth in size) can theoretically serve as the direct progenitor of a multicellular organism by a process similar to segregative cell division observed in siphonocladean algae. Using molecular phylogenies of algal clades, different evolutionary scenarios are compared to see how the multicellular condition may have evolved from a multinucleate unicellular progenitor. We also show that the siphonous progenitor of a multicellular organism has previously passed through the alignment‐of‐fitness phase (in which genetic similarity among cells/nuclei minimizes internal genomic conflict) and the export‐of‐fitness phase (in which genetically similar cells/nuclei collaborate to achieve a reproductively integrated multicellular organism). All that is theoretically required is the evolutionary acquisition of the capacity to compartmentalize its cytoplasm.
Effect of surface treatments on fracture resistance of root filled teeth with bonded fibre posts
Authors: Feiz Atiyeh , Samimi Pooran , Karami Ali , Badrian Hamid , Goroohi Hossein , Swift Edward J.
Published: November 2013

Background/Aim

This study examined the effect of several dentin surface treatments on fracture resistance of root filled teeth containing bonded fibre posts.

Material and methods

The roots of 84 single‐canal premolars were instrumented, filled with gutta‐percha and randomly divided into seven groups. The coronal 9 mm of gutta‐percha was removed to create a post space. In the experimental groups, canals were irrigated with distilled water, 37% phosphoric acid, 5% sodium hypochlorite, 17% EDTA, 5% sodium hypochlorite followed by 17% EDTA or 5% sodium hypochlorite followed by 10% ascorbic acid. Fibre posts were cemented using Panavia F2.0 resin cement, and the specimens were mounted in acrylic resin blocks. Following 1‐week storage in an incubator, specimens were thermocycled and their fracture resistance was determined using a universal testing machine. Data were analysed using the Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results

Mean fracture resistance values ranged from 465.8 N in specimens treated with sodium hypochlorite and ascorbic acid to 739.1 N for those treated with sodium hypochlorite only. However, differences in fracture resistance were not statistically significant (P = 0.114).

Conclusions

None of the surface treatments improved vertical fracture resistance of root filled teeth containing bonded fibre posts.
Comparison of usability properties of custom‐made and standard self‐adapted mouthguards
Authors: Gawlak Dominika , Mierzwińska‐Nastalska Elżbieta , Mańka‐Malara Katarzyna , Kamiński Tomasz
Published: November 2013

Background

Sports‐related injuries, such as those typically incurred during bicycle racing, playing football, basketball, handball, hockey, and while skiing, represent a common problem in dental practice. The use of mouthguards helps prevent such injuries.

Objective

The objective of this study is to evaluate clinical usability of custom mouthguards made of various polymers with the use of various techniques versus that of the ‘boil‐and‐bite’ mouthguards available on the market.

Materials and methods

Five types of custom‐made and three types of ‘boil‐and‐bite’ mouthguards, represented by 168 devices in total, were evaluated in terms of usability with the use of a questionnaire.

Results

The usability of custom mouthguards, especially the ones molded from Corflex, was rated much higher than that of self‐adapted mouthguards. Thus, it is the custom mouthguards that should be suggested to and fitted in patients prone to orofacial injuries.
The Impact of Quantitative Methods on Hedge Fund Performance
Authors: Chincarini Ludwig
Published: November 2013

In the last 20 years, the amount of assets managed by quantitative and qualitative hedge funds have grown dramatically. We examine the difference between quantitative and qualitative hedge funds in a variety of ways, including management differences and performance differences. We find that both quantitative and qualitative hedge funds have positive risk‐adjusted returns. We also find that overall, quantitative hedge funds as a group have higher αs than qualitative hedge funds. The outperformance might be as high as 72 bps per year when considering all risk factors. We also suggest that this additional performance may be due to better timing ability.
Poetology as Symptom in Friedrich Hölderlin
Authors: Eldridge Hannah Vandegrift
Published: November 2013

I argue that Friedrich Hölderlin's theoretical texts are marked by a paradox: namely, Hölderlin attempts to achieve in them the work of unification he assigns to poetry alone. This unification is his specifically post‐Kantian response to a more general worry about the linking of mind and world. Hölderlin understands that the desire for unification within and between human subjects and the external world is a fundamental anthropological tendency even as the desire remains unfulfillable. I draw out thematic and metatextual features of Hölderlin's theoretical texts that show him making a strong distinction between poetic and theoretical language; engaging with problems of the connection between mind and world; and, finally, attempting to perform the unifications he denies discursive language in the theoretical texts themselves. I close the article with a reading of the late poem “Lebensalter” to show that, for Hölderlin, poetry can effect unifications that theory cannot.
Castleton, Derbyshire, UK
Authors: Ford Trevor D.
Published: November 2013

The area around Castleton in the English county of Derbyshire has extensive outcrops of Carboniferous Limestone, showing complex sedimentary facies changes as well as interleaved extrusive basaltic volcanic rocks. Overlying these are the lower parts of the Millstone Grit, ranging from marine shales through a variety of deltaic sandstones. The limestones are hosts to hydrothermal mineral deposits, with veins containing galena, fluorspar, baryte and calcite. A unique variety of fluorspar is Blue John, mined for ornamental purposes since the mid‐eighteenth century. Landscape features include a massive landslip, dry valleys, loess, dolines, scree slopes and various karstic landforms. A complex hydrological system encompasses numerous caves, of which four are open to visitors.
Uses of non‐invasive imaging in the diagnosis of skin cancer: an overview of the currently available modalities
Authors: Wassef Cindy , Rao Babar K.
Published: November 2013

Background

Emerging tools for the diagnosis of skin cancer are non‐invasive imaging devices that allow for skin visualization without biopsy. While the capabilities of non‐invasive imaging tools are far‐reaching, each varies in its resolution depth, image clarity, clinical applicability, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity.

Objective

The objective of this review is to evaluate non‐invasive imaging modalities, and examine their capabilities, conditions for use, clinical applications, and limitations.

Materials and methods

A literature review was conducted on Pubmed using the search term “non‐invasive diagnostic imaging tools and skin”. Relevant citations suggested by Pubmed were included. Each non‐invasive imaging tool evaluated was also used as a search term along with the word “skin”.

Results

While some tools are meant to be aids to histology like dermoscopy and optical coherence tomography, other tools, like confocal microscopy and tape stripping mRNA, show the potential to surpass histology and become the new “gold standard”. Experience with use of these instruments plays a large role in their utility value. While digital multispectral dermoscopy is able to generate a diagnosis, other tools like dermoscopy and confocal microscopy require learning and clinical experience.

Limitations

A search was conducted using only one search engine. Only English language articles were considered.

Conclusions

How useful these tools are to dermatologists is dependent on their understanding of how the tools can aid them in diagnosis and their confidence in the results. Further research in this field will solidify non‐invasive imaging tools as reliable tools in skin cancer diagnosis.
Comparison of hair shaft damage after chemical treatment in Asian, White European, and African hair
Authors: Lee Yoonhee , Kim Youn‐Duk , Pi Long‐quan , Lee Sung Yul , Hong Hannah , Lee Won‐Soo
Published: November 2013

Background

Diverse causes of extrinsic damage to the hair shaft have been documented and can be roughly divided into physical and chemical causes. Chemical causes of hair damage include bleaching, hair dyeing, and perming.

Objectives

The goal of this study was to investigate differences in patterns of serial damage in Asian, White European (WE), and African hair after chemical stress imposed by straightening and coloring treatments.

Methods

Hairs were divided into control and treatment groups (straightening, coloring, and a combination of straightening and coloring). At 24 hours after the final treatment, patterns of hair damage were evaluated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and lipid TEM. Grades of hair cuticle and cortex damage were evaluated by three dermatologists.

Results

In the TEM examination, the cuticle of Asian hair proved to be resistant to damage caused by straightening treatments, whereas the WE hair cuticle and cortex were relatively susceptible to stress imposed by coloring treatments. In the combination treatment of straightening and coloring, African hair emerged as the most resistant to stress. In the lipid TEM examination, no notable differences in cell membrane complex damage were observed among the three groups of hairs.

Conclusions

The present study suggests that WE hair is relatively susceptible and African hair is more resistant to chemical stresses, such as those imposed by straightening and coloring.
Cutaneous porphyrias part I: epidemiology, pathogenesis, presentation, diagnosis, and histopathology
Authors: Horner Mary E. , Alikhan Ali , Tintle Suzanne , Tortorelli Silvia , Davis Dawn Marie R. , Hand Jennifer L.
Published: November 2013

The porphyrias are a group of disorders characterized by defects in the heme biosynthesis pathway. Many present with skin findings including photosensitivity, bullae, hypertrichosis, and scarring. Systemic symptoms may include abdominal pain, neuropsychiatric changes, anemia, and liver disease. With advances in DNA analysis, researchers are discovering the underlying genetic causes of the porphyrias, enabling family members to be tested for genetic mutations. Here we present a comprehensive review of porphyria focusing on those with cutaneous manifestations. In Part I, we have included the epidemiology, pathogenesis, presentation, diagnosis, and histopathology. Treatment and management options will be discussed in Part II.
Morphologic detection of blast cells in the cerebrospinal fluid at diagnosis of adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia appears to be associated with adverse prognosis
Authors: Ko S.‐Y. , Chi H.‐S. , Jang S. , Park C.‐J.
Published: November 2013

Introduction

Appropriate treatment of central nervous system (CNS) involvement in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is important for patient prognosis, but the diagnostic criteria of CNS involvement has not been established.

Methods

The significance of blast cells in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) at diagnosis was evaluated in 81 adults newly diagnosed with ALL. Patients with unequivocal morphologic evidence of lymphoblasts in the cytocentrifuged CSF slide were considered to have CNS involvement regardless of the leukocyte count. The outcomes of the patients were analyzed.

Results

Four of the 81 patients (5%) had detectable blast cells, and three of these four patients had less than five leukocytes/μL of CSF. One‐year event‐free survival (EFS) was 25.0% and 53.2% (P = 0.008) and overall survival (OS) was 50.0% and 68.8% (P = 0.001) in patients with and without CNS involvement, respectively. CNS involvement had prognostic impact on EFS (P = 0.047) and OS (P = 0.009) after adjusting for sex, age, leukocyte count, Philadelphia chromosome status, and immunophenotype.

Conclusion

This study suggests that morphologic detection of blast cells in the CSF at diagnosis of adult ALL, regardless of the leukocyte count, is associated with adverse prognosis.
Aberrant expression of Wnt family contributes to the pathogenesis of diabetes‐induced erectile dysfunction
Authors: Shin S. H. , Kim W. J. , Choi M. J. , Park J.‐M. , Jin H.‐R. , Yin G. N. , Ryu J.‐K. , Suh J.‐K.
Published: November 2013

Diabetic erectile dysfunction (ED) has multiple causative factors, such as endothelial and smooth muscle dysfunction and cavernous fibrosis. Wnt signalling is essential for normal embryonic development and for tissue homeostasis in adults. Aberrant activation of Wnt family members has been implicated in tissue fibrosis and in angiogenesis. In this study, we investigated the differential expression of Wnts in the penises of mice with streptozotocin‐induced diabetic ED. We also examined the effect of transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) on the expression of Wnts in primary cultured fibroblasts isolated from human tunica albuginea. Among the mouse and human Wnts tested, 16 mouse Wnts and 14 human Wnts were detected in the corpus cavernosum tissue of normal mice and in fibroblasts derived from human tunica albuginea respectively. We observed up‐regulation of Wnt10b (known to be involved in tissue fibrosis) and down‐regulation of Wnt16 (known to be involved in vasculogenesis and hematopoiesis), both in the diabetic condition in vivo and with treatment of fibroblasts with TGF‐β1 in vitro. Wnt10b was mainly expressed in fibroblasts and Wnt16 was colocalized with smooth muscle cells in the corpus cavernosum tissue. Cavernous TGF‐β1 protein expression and the degree of cavernous fibrosis determined by the ratio of collagen to smooth muscle content were significantly higher in diabetic mice than in controls. Cavernous endothelial content was significantly decreased by the diabetic condition. Overexpression of Wnt16 with plasmid vector accelerated tube formation in primary cultured mouse cavernous endothelial cells. However, down‐regulation of Wnt10b with small interfering RNA did not decrease the production of extracellular matrix protein in human fibroblasts. This is the first report demonstrating the differential expression of Wnts in diabetic mouse penis. Aberrant Wnt expression might contribute to the pathogenesis of ED.
Testosterone of young husbands rises with children in the home
Authors: Mazur A.
Published: November 2013

Evolutionary theory suggests that a man's testosterone (T) decreases after his fathering of children, when his priority shifts from mating to cooperative parenting (Fatherhood: Evolution and Human Parental Behavior, 2010). A variation in this theory has T decreasing for highly educated fathers but increasing for less educated fathers (Evol Hum Behav, 33, 2012, 665). The Vietnam Experience Study of 4462 male army veterans is here used to explore related hypotheses: (i) that T decreases with the presence (or increasing number) of children in the man's home and (ii) that the T rises or falls depending on father's education. These related hypotheses are not supported. To the contrary, among young fathers, ages 30–35 years, T is higher with the presence and number of children in the home, independent of education.
‘It's like a bag of pick and mix – you don't know what you are going to get’: young people's experience of neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Barke Jenny , Harcourt Diana , Coad Jane
Published: November 2013

Aims

To explore the day‐to‐day experience of young people living with neurofibromatosis type 1 in the UK, focusing on the role that appearance plays in this experience.

Background

neurofibromatosis type 1 is a genetic condition, which is highly variable and unpredictable. It can result in varying degrees of visible difference (disfigurement). Both the effect of NF1 on appearance and its uncertainty can prove particularly difficult for those affected. However, very little research to date has investigated the psychosocial impact of neurofibromatosis type 1 on young people or their experiences of managing it.

Design

Exploratory qualitative interview study.

Methods

Nine young people aged 14–24, with a confirmed diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 1, took part in semi‐structured interviews between March–September 2011. Interview transcripts were thematically analysed.

Findings

Three key themes were identified from the data: (1) ‘Different things to different people’ reflecting the variability in the condition; (2) ‘Relationships and reactions’ relating to individuals’ social experience; and (3) ‘Understanding and misunderstanding’ reflecting participants’ experiences with organizations and social structures.

Conclusions

Findings suggest a need for further research to explore young people's adaptation and management of neurofibromatosis type 1. In particular, raising awareness and understanding of the condition among professionals and in the general public was an important issue for young people. In addition, access to trustworthy information about neurofibromatosis type 1 and practical advice to support adjustment to an altered appearance and managing stigma experiences are highlighted as areas to be considered further.
Substance Use Among Gang Member Adolescents and Young Adults and Associations With Friends and Family Substance Use
Authors: Hoffman Beth R. , Weathers Nnenna , Sanders Bill
Published: November 2013

Problem

Gang membership is an indicator of chronic substance use. Social network studies indicate that substance use in youth is related to substance use in friends and family; however, no such analyses among gang youth have been conducted.

Methods

Interviews were conducted with a sample of young gang members (n= 60) inLosAngeles. Univariate analyses were conducted.

Findings

Cigarette use in gang members was strongly associated with cigarette use in friendship networks. There were no associations for use of alcohol and marijuana.

Conclusions

Few associations emerged between substance use in participants and their friends/family. Possible explanations for these findings are presented.
The persistence of cognitive deficits in remitted and unremitted ADHD: a case for the state‐independence of response inhibition
Authors: McAuley Tara , Crosbie Jennifer , Charach Alice , Schachar Russell
Published: November 2013

Background

Response inhibition, working memory, and response variability are possible endophenotypes of ADHD based on their association with the disorder and evidence of heritability. One of the critical although rarely studied criteria for a valid endophenotype is that it persists despite waxing and waning of the overt manifestations of the disorder, a criterion known as state‐independence. This study examined whether these aspects of cognition exhibit state‐independence in ADHD.

Methods

One hundred and seventy‐nine children diagnosed with ADHD in a rigorous baseline assessment were contacted for follow‐up assessment in adolescence. Of this sample, 130 (73%) were reascertained. At follow‐up, children previously diagnosed with ADHD were identified as remittent (n = 24), persistent (n = 64), or in partial remission (n = 42) based on symptoms and impairment of the disorder. Response inhibition, working memory, and response variability were assessed both in childhood (baseline) and adolescence (follow‐up) and were compared with age‐matched controls (40 children and 28 adolescents) seen at either time point.

Results

Relative to controls, ADHD children showed baseline deficits in response inhibition, working memory, and response variability. Only the group difference in response inhibition remained significant in adolescence. In general, cognitive performance among ADHD participants improved with age and did so regardless of changes in ADHD symptoms and impairment. Within the ADHD group, however, cognitive performance in childhood and in adolescence did not differ amongst those with persistent, remittent, and partially remittent forms of the disorder.

Conclusions

Results demonstrate that response inhibition not only distinguishes ADHD children from their unaffected peers but is also state‐independent, such that deficits remain present irrespective of changes in the disease phenotype. In other words, inhibitory deficits measured in childhood persist into adolescence even when the ADHD phenotype remits. These findings provide further evidence that the ability to stop prepotent actions is an endophenotype of ADHD.
Fiscal Sustainability in a New Keynesian Model
Authors: LEITH CAMPBELL , WREN‐LEWIS SIMON
Published: November 2013

Recent work on optimal monetary and fiscal policy in New Keynesian models suggests that it is optimal to allow steady‐state debt to follow a random walk. In this paper we consider the nature of the time inconsistency involved in such a policy and its implication for discretionary policymaking. We show that governments are tempted, given inflationary expectations, to utilize their monetary and fiscal instruments in the initial period to change the ultimate debt burden they need to service. We demonstrate that this temptation is only eliminated if following shocks, the new steady‐state debt is equal to the original (efficient) debt level even though there is no explicit debt target in the government's objective function. Analytically and in a series of numerical simulations we show which instrument is used to stabilize the debt depends crucially on the degree of nominal inertia and the size of the debt stock. We also show that the welfare consequences of introducing debt are negligible for precommitment policies, but can be significant for discretionary policy. Finally, we assess the credibility of commitment policy by considering a quasi‐commitment policy, which allows for different probabilities of reneging on past promises.
School‐Based Pediatric Asthma Surveillance in Massachusetts From 2005 to 2009
Authors: Medaglia Frances , Knorr Robert S. , Condon Suzanne K. , Charleston Alicia C.
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND

Asthma is the most common chronic disease among children today, yet surveillance is limited to national and state estimates which can vary over time, by location and by population types. This article describes a comprehensive statewide school‐based asthma surveillance program and examine 5 years of surveillance data.

METHODS

After pilot testing, a 1‐page survey was mailed to school nurses in all public, private, and charter schools in Massachusetts. Variables measured included the number of students with a diagnosis of asthma by sex, grade (K‐8), race/ethnicity by school and by community of residence.

RESULTS

The participation rate increased each year, and by the 5th year it was nearly 100%. The reported asthma prevalence was 10.6% (averaged for the 5‐year period) and noted to be higher among males each year.

CONCLUSIONS

This work provides evidence that a school‐based pediatric asthma surveillance system can be developed and successfully implemented. The feasibility of using school health records, as an accessible data source to readily identify asthma cases can provide reliable aggregate community‐based pediatric asthma prevalence information.
Genetic and morphometric evidence on a Galápagos Island exposes founder effects and diversification in the first‐known (truly) feral western dog population
Authors: Reponen Sini E. M. , Brown Sarah K. , Barnett Bruce D. , Sacks Benjamin N.
Published: November 2013

Domesticated animals that revert to a wild state can become invasive and significantly impact native biodiversity. Although dogs can be problematic locally, only the Australasian dingo is known to occur in isolation from humans. Western dogs have experienced more intense artificial selection, which potentially limits their invasiveness. However, feral dogs eradicated from Isabela Island, Galápagos in the 1980s could be the first‐known exception. We used DNA and morphometric data from 92 of these dogs to test the hypotheses that (i) these dogs persisted independently of humans for up to a century and a half since descending from a handful of dogs introduced in the early 1800s, vs. (ii) similarly to other western feral dog populations, they reflected continuous recruitment of strays from human settlements on a portion of the Island. We detected one dominant maternal lineage and one dominant paternal lineage shared by the three subpopulations, along with low autosomal genetic diversity, consistent with the hypothesized common origins from a small founder population. Genetic diversity patterns among the three island subpopulations were consistent with stepping‐stone founder effects, while morphometric differentiation suggested rapid phenotypic divergence, possibly due to drift and reinforced by selection corresponding to distinct microclimates and habitats on Isabela. Despite the continued presence of free‐ranging dogs in the vicinity of settlements on Isabela and other Galápagos Islands, feral populations have not reestablished in remote areas since the 1980s, emphasizing the rarity of conditions necessary for feralization of modern western dogs.
Notch signaling in melanoma: interacting pathways and stromal influences that enhance Notch targeting
Authors: Bedogni Barbara
Published: November 2013

The Notch signaling pathway is an evolutionarily conserved, intercellular signaling cascade. Notch was first described in the early 1900s when a mutant Drosophila showed notches on the wing margins. Studies of the role of Notch signaling have ever since flourished, and the pleiotropic nature of the Notch gene is now evident. Indeed, the Notch signaling pathway plays key roles in cell fate decisions, tissue patterning, and morphogenesis during development. However, deregulation of this pathway can contribute to cell transformation and tumorigenesis. Several reports have now highlighted the role of Notch signaling in a variety of malignancies where Notch can either be an oncogene or a tumor suppressor depending on the cell context. Here, we summarize the major components of Notch signaling with an aim to emphasize the contribution of deregulated Notch signaling in melanomagenesis.
A novel HLA‐A allele, A*24:191, was identified by sequence‐based typing in a Chinese donor
Authors: Song Y.‐H. , Zhang Y. , Qiao W.‐B. , Liu Y. , Zhu C.‐F.
Published: November 2013

A*24:191 has one nucleotide change from the most similar allele, A*24:156.
HLA alleles and HLA‐B27 haplotypes associated with susceptibility and severity of ankylosing spondylitis in a Portuguese population
Authors: Pimentel‐Santos F. M. , Matos M. , Ligeiro D. , Mourão A. F. , Ribeiro C. , Costa J. , Santos H. , Barcelos A. , Pinto P. , Cruz M. , Sousa E. , Santos R. A. , Fonseca J. E. , Trindade H. , Guedes‐Pinto H. , Branco J. C. ,   CORPOREA Study Group
Published: November 2013

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B27 is the mostly known major histocompatibility complex (MHC) gene associated with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Nonetheless, there is substantial evidence that other MHC genes appear to be associated with the disease, although it has not yet been established whether these associations are driven by direct associations or by linkage disequilibrium (LD) mechanisms. We aimed to investigate the contributions of HLA class I and II alleles and B27‐haplotypes for AS in a case–control study. A total of 188 HLA‐B27 AS cases and 189 HLA‐B27 healthy controls were selected and typed for HLA class I and II by the Luminex polymerase chain reaction‐sequence specific oligonucleotide probe (PCR‐SSOP) method. Allelic and haplotypic distributions were estimated by maximum likelihood method using Arlequin v3.11 and statistical analysis were performed by Stata10.1. No associations were found between non‐HLA‐B27 loci and AS susceptibility, but several associations were observed for phenotypic features of the disease. DRB1*08 was identified as a risk factor for uveitis and DQB1*04 seems to provide protection for AS severity (functional, metrological and radiological indexes). A*02/B27/C*02/DRB1*01/DQB1*05 [P<0.0001; odds ratio (OR) = 39.06; 95% confidence interval (CI) (2.34–651)] is the only haplotype that seems to confer susceptibility to AS. Moreover, the haplotype A*02/B27/C*01/DRB1*08/DQB1*04 seems to provide protection for disease functional and radiological repercussions. Our findings are compatible with the hypothesis that other genes within the HLA region besides HLA‐B27 might play some role in AS susceptibility and severity.