bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The male reproductive system in classic galactosemia: cryptorchidism and low semen volume
Authors: Gubbels Cynthia S. , Welt Corrine K. , Dumoulin John C. M. , Robben Simon G. F. , Gordon Catherine M. , Dunselman Gerard A. J. , Rubio‐Gozalbo M. Estela , Berry Gerard T.
Published: October 2012

Previous studies examining reproductive parameters in men with galactosemia have inconsistently demonstrated abnormalities. We hypothesized that men with galactosemia may demonstrate evidence of reproductive dysfunction. Pubertal history, physical examination, hormone levels and semen analyses were examined in 26 males with galactosemia and compared to those in 46 controls. The prevalence of cryptorchidism was higher in men with galactosemia than in the general population [11.6 % vs. 1.0 % (95%CI: 0.75–1.26; p < 0.001)]. Testosterone (461 ± 125 vs. 532 ± 133 ng%; p = 0.04), inhibin B (144 ± 66 vs. 183 ± 52 pg/mL; p = 0.002) and sperm concentration (46 ± 36 vs. 112 ± 75 × 106 spermatozoa/mL; p = 0.01) were lower and SHBG was higher (40.7 ± 21.5 vs 26.7 ± 14.6; p = 0.002) in men with galactosemia compared to controls. Semen volume was below normal in seven out of 12 men with galactosemia. Men with galactosemia have a higher than expected prevalence of cryptorchidism and low semen volumes. The subtle decrease in testosterone and inhibin B levels and sperm count may indicate mild defects in Sertoli and Leydig cell function, but does not point towards severe infertility causing reproductive impairment. Follow‐up studies are needed to further determine the clinical consequences of these abnormalities.
Cross‐sectional baseline analysis of electrocardiography in a large cohort of patients with untreated Fabry disease
Authors: Niemann Markus , Hartmann Tanja , Namdar Mehdi , Breunig Frank , Beer Meinrad , Machann Wolfram , Herrmann Sebastian , Ertl Georg , Wanner Christoph , Weidemann Frank
Published: October 2012

Background

Morphology and function of Fabry cardiomyopathy has been previously studied by echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). However, the value of electrocardiography (ECG) in relation to these two techniques remains largely unknown.

Methods

One hundred fifty genetically confirmed Fabry patients were investigated using a comprehensive clinical workup comprising 12‐lead ECG, echocardiography, and CMR.

Results

ECG parameters at rest [PR, P wave, QT, QTc, QT dispersion and time interval from the peak to the end of the T wave (Tpeak to Tend)] were normal in the entire cohort and did not distinguish between males and females or stages of cardiomyopathy. A significant positive correlation was found between left ventricular (LV) mass on CMR and both the QRS duration and the LV Sokolow index, with the highest values in male patients with an advanced cardiomyopathy stage. No prediction of late enhancement on CMR (a sign for replacement fibrosis) was possible by a single ECG parameter. However, the absence of ST or T alterations (in 37 of 38 patients) specifically excluded late enhancement on CMR.

Conclusion

Our data in a large cohort of Fabry patients, including all cardiomyopathy stages, show, in contrast to former assumptions, that ECG parameters are not suitable to stage Fabry cardiomoypathy. Most ECG parameters were normal in the complete cohort. However, the absence of ST or T alterations seems to almost exclude late enhancement on CMR in these patients.
CD4+ Regulatory and Effector/Memory T Cell Subsets Profile Motor Dysfunction in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Saunders Jessica A. Hutter , Estes Katherine A. , Kosloski Lisa M. , Allen Heather E. , Dempsey Kathryn M. , Torres-Russotto Diego R. , Meza Jane L. , Santamaria Pamela M. , Bertoni John M. , Murman Daniel L. , Ali Hesham H. , Standaert David G. , Mosley R. Lee , Gendelman Howard E.
Published: October 2012

Animal models and clinical studies have linked the innate and adaptive immune system to the pathology of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Despite such progress, the specific immune responses that influence disease progression have eluded investigators. Herein, we assessed relationships between T cell phenotype and function with PD progression. Peripheral blood lymphocytes from two separate cohorts, a discovery cohort and a validation cohort, totaling 113 PD patients and 96 age- and environment-matched caregivers were examined by flow cytometric analysis and T cell proliferation assays. Increased effector/memory T cells (Tem), defined as CD45RO+ and FAS+ CD4+ T cells and decreased CD31+ and α4β7+ CD4+ T cells were associated with progressive Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale III scores. However, no associations were seen between immune biomarkers and increased age or disease duration. Impaired abilities of regulatory T cells (Treg) from PD patients to suppress effector T cell function was observed. These data support the concept that chronic immune stimulation, notably Tem activation and Treg dysfunction is linked to PD pathobiology and disease severity, but not disease duration. The association of T cell phenotypes with motor symptoms provides fresh avenues for novel biomarkers and therapeutic designs.
Preparation of Comb‐Like Amphiphilic Styrene Maleic Anhydride Copolymer Derivatives and Their Modification to Surface of Chrome‐Tanned Collagen Fiber
Authors: Qiang Xi‐huai , Ma Lin‐lin , Yan Zhe , Zhang Hui
Published: October 2012

A series of comb‐like amphiphilic surfactants of sodium salts of fatty alcohol polyoxyvinethene monoester, i.e., SMA‐g‐O‐3, SMA‐g‐O‐6, SMA‐g‐O‐10, SMA‐g‐O‐15 and SMA‐g‐O‐20, were prepared through the esterification modification to styrene‐maleic anhydride copolymer (SMA) using fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether in dimethylformamide(DMF). The products of esterification modification were characterized by FTIR and GPC analysis, and the esterification reaction rate was calculated by measuring the acid values of SMA and its esterification product. Then, sodium salts of those esterification substances were applied to the leather retaining and fatliquoring process to study their effects on hydrophobicity of the treated leather fiber, such as static Water Contact Angle (WCA) on the leather surface and water absorption of the treated leather. Results showed that all the esterification rates were more than 90 %; moreover, both the WCA and water absorption of the processed chrome‐tanned collagen fibers were related to the number of oxyethyl groups in the fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether. WCA decreases and water absorption increases instead with augmentation of the oxyethyl group number.
Single‐Cell Oils as a Source of Omega‐3 Fatty Acids: An Overview of Recent Advances
Authors: Armenta Roberto E. , Valentine Mercia C.
Published: October 2012

Omega‐3 fatty acids, namely docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, have been linked to several beneficial health effects (i.e. mitigation effects of hypertension, stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis, depression, schizophrenia, asthma, macular degeneration, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.). The main source of omega‐3 fatty acids is fish oil; lately however, fish oil market prices have increased significantly. This has prompted a significant amount of research on the use of single‐cell oils as a source of omega‐3 fatty acids. Some of the microbes reported to produce edible oil that contains omega‐3 fatty acids are from the genus Schizochytrium, Thraustochytrium and Ulkenia. An advantage of a single cell oil is that it usually contains a significant amount of natural antioxidants (i.e. carotenoids and tocopherols), which can protect omega‐3 fatty acids from oxidation, hence making this oil less prone to oxidation than oils derived from plants and marine animals. Production yields of single cell oils and of omega‐3 fatty acids vary with the microbe used, with the fermentative growing conditions, and extractive procedures employed to recover the oil. This paper presents an overview of recent advances, reported within the last 10 years, in the production of single cell oils rich in omega‐3 fatty acids.
Investigations on the Secondary Structure of Polypeptide Chains in Polyelectrolyte Multilayers and their Effect on the Adhesion and Spreading of Osteoblasts
Authors: Grohmann Steffi , Rothe Holger , Liefeith Klaus
Published: October 2012

Inspired by the composition of the native extracellular matrix, biomimetic polyelectrolyte multilayers were assembled from polypeptides and the glycosaminoglycan chondroitin sulfate (CS). To investigate whether peptide conformation imposes an effect on the cell biological functions of osteoblasts, the secondary structure was analyzed by in situ infra-red and circular dichroism spectroscopy. Multilayers composed of polypeptides and CS reveal a predominantly random coiled conformation and impede osteoblast spreading. On the contrary, polypeptide chains in assemblies of poly-l-lysine and poly-l-glutamic acid (PGA) primarily adopt an intermolecular β sheet structure and reveal an increased area of spread, which consequently supports the proliferation of osteoblasts. When CS is replaced by PGA in mixed multilayers, we observe a structural rearrangement from random coils to β sheets with a concomitant improved cell response. We conclude that polypeptide conformation in biomimetic multilayer assemblies affects osteoblast response by altering the stiffness of the multilayer.
The contribution of personal and exposure characteristics to the adjustment of adolescents following war
Authors: Lavi T. , Green O. , Dekel R.
Published: October 2012

The study examined the unique contribution of both personal characteristics and several types of exposure variables to the adjustment of Israeli adolescents following the Second Lebanon War. Two thousand three hundred and fourteen adolescents, who lived in areas that were the target of multiple missile attacks, completed self‐report questionnaires assessing personal characteristics of gender and early traumatic events, subjective exposure (i.e., measures of fear and shortage of basic necessities during the war), objective exposure (i.e., exposure to missile attacks, knowing someone who was wounded or killed) and media exposure. Fifteen percent of the adolescents reported moderate or severe post‐traumatic symptoms. Girls and adolescents who experienced earlier traumatic events were at higher risk for distress. While the level of direct exposure contributed to greater distress, the contribution of subjective exposure was significantly stronger. The discussion deals with the unique contribution of both subjective and objective characteristics to post‐war adjustment.
The Financial Services Cultural Orientation Matrix
Authors: Stephenson Deborah , Worthington Steve , Russell-Bennett Rebekah
Published: October 2012

With saturation within domestic marketplaces and increased growth opportunities overseas, many financial service providers are investing in foreign markets. However, cultural attitudes towards money can present market entry challenges to financial service providers. The industry would therefore benefit from a strategic model that helps to align financial marketing mixes with the cultural dimensions of a foreign market. The Financial Services Cultural Orientation (FSCO) Matrix has therefore been designed, with three cultural dimensions identified which influence preference for financial products; preference for cash, aversion to debt and savings orientation. Based on a combination of these dimensions and their relative strength within a culture, eight different consumer segments for financial products are identified, and marketing strategies for each consumer segment are then proposed. Three cultural clusters from the GLOBE Project House et al. (2002) are used to highlight possible geographic markets for each of these consumer segments. In particular, this paper focuses on GLOBE's Confucian Asia, Southern Asia and Anglo cultural clusters, as these clusters represent the most well established financial markets in the world and the fastest growing financial markets for the future. The FSCO Matrix provides the financial services industry with an innovative and practical tool for addressing cross-cultural challenges and developing successful marketing strategies for entry into foreign markets.
Sub-optimal parenting is associated with schizotypic and anxiety personality traits in adulthood
Authors: Giakoumaki S.G. , Roussos P. , Zouraraki C. , Spanoudakis E. , Mavrikaki M. , Tsapakis E.M. , Bitsios P.
Published: October 2012

Part of the variation in personality characteristics has been attributed to the child–parent interaction and sub-optimal parenting has been associated with psychiatric morbidity. In the present study, an extensive battery of personality scales (Trait Anxiety Inventory, Behavioural Inhibition/Activation System questionnaire, Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Revised, Temperament and Character Inventory, Schizotypal Traits Questionnaire, Toronto Alexithymia Scale) and the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) were administered in 324 adult healthy males to elucidate the effects of parenting on personality configuration. Personality variables were analysed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and the factors “Schizotypy”, “Anxiety”, “Behavioural activation”, “Novelty seeking” and “Reward dependence” were extracted. Associations between personality factors with PBI “care” and “overprotection” scores were examined with regression analyses. Subjects were divided into “parental style” groups and personality factors were subjected to categorical analyses. “Schizotypy” and “Anxiety” were significantly predicted by high maternal overprotection and low paternal care. In addition, the Affectionless control group (low care/high overprotection) had higher “Schizotypy” and “Anxiety” compared with the Optimal Parenting group (high care/low overprotection). These results further validate sub-optimal parenting as an important environmental exposure and extend our understanding on the mechanisms by which it increases risk for psychiatric morbidity.
Driving performance in adults with ADHD: Results from a randomized, waiting list controlled trial with atomoxetine
Authors: Sobanski E. , Sabljic D. , Alm B. , Dittmann R.W. , Wehmeier P.M. , Skopp G. , Strohbeck-Kühner P.
Published: October 2012

Purpose:

To investigate effects of a 12-week treatment with atomoxetine (ATX) on driving performance in real traffic, driving-related neuropsychological performance tests and self-evaluation of driving in adult patients with ADHD compared to an untreated control group with ADHD.

Methods:

Parallel group design with an ATX and a waiting list group. At baseline and endpoint patients were evaluated with a standardized on-road driving test (SDBO), a driving-related neuropsychological test battery (Act and React Test System [ART2020]), and subjective measures of driving performance (one-week driving diary, Driver Coping Questionnaire).

Results:

Forty-three of the 64 included patients completed the study (n= 22 ATX,n= 21 controls). Mean intervention period was 11.9 ± 3.0 weeks, mean daily ATX dosage was 71.6 ± 14.9 mg. At endpoint, 60.1% of patients treated with ATX and 0% of waiting list group had reduced ADHD symptoms by greater or equal to 30%. In SDBO, ATX group reduced driving errors in three of four driving performance categories (attention,P< 0.05; risk-related self-control,P< 0.005; driver skills,P< 0.001), number of driving errors remained stable in control group. At endpoint, 47.6% of control group and 18.2% of ATX group (P< 0.05) did not fulfil the driving fitness criteria according to German Guidelines (percentile rank less or equal to 16 in one or more subtests in ART2020). Total number of self-reported critical traffic situations decreased from 12.0 to 6.8 per week in ATX group (P< 0.05) and remained stable in controls by 9.3 and 9.9 at baseline and endpoint (ns). Coping strategies with stressful traffic situations did not change within both groups.

Conclusion:

Our study provides first evidence that treatment with ATX improves driving performance in real traffic in adults with ADHD.
Dietary arginine and linear growth: the Copenhagen School Child Intervention Study
Authors: van Vught Anneke J. A. H. , Dagnelie Pieter C. , Arts Ilja C. W. , Froberg Karsten , Andersen Lars B. , El-Naaman Bianca , Bugge Anna , Nielsen Birgit M. , Heitman Berit L.
Published: October 2012

The amino acid arginine is a well-known growth hormone (GH) stimulator and GH is an important modulator of linear growth. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of dietary arginine on growth velocity in children between 7 and 13 years of age. Data from the Copenhagen School Child Intervention Study during 2001–2 (baseline), and at 3-year and 7-year follow-up, were used. Arginine intake was estimated via a 7 d precoded food diary at baseline and 3-year follow-up. Data were analysed in a multilevel structure in which children were embedded within schools. Random intercept and slopes were defined to estimate the association between arginine intake and growth velocity, including the following covariates: sex; age; baseline height; energy intake; puberty stage at 7-year follow-up and intervention/control group. The association between arginine intake and growth velocity was significant for the third and fourth quintile of arginine intake (2·5–2·8 and 2·8–3·2 g/d, respectively) compared with the first quintile ( < 2·2 g/d) (P for trend = 0·04). Protein intake (excluding arginine) was significantly associated with growth velocity; however, the association was weaker than the association between arginine intake and growth velocity (P for trend = 0·14). The results of the present study suggest a dose-dependent physiological role of habitual protein intake, and specifically arginine intake, on linear growth in normally growing children. However, since the study was designed in healthy children, we cannot firmly conclude whether arginine supplementation represents a relevant clinical strategy. Further research is needed to investigate whether dietary arginine may represent a nutritional strategy potentially advantageous for the prevention and treatment of short stature.
Effects of dietary DHA and α-tocopherol on bone development, early mineralisation and oxidative stress inSparus aurata(Linnaeus, 1758) larvae
Authors: Izquierdo M. S. , Scolamacchia M. , Betancor M. , Roo J. , Caballero M. J. , Terova G. , Witten P. E.
Published: October 2012

DHA deficiency has been related to skeletal malformations in fish, but high DHA levels have produced controversial results that could relate to the oxidative status of fish tissues in the different reports. In the present study, gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) larvae were fed deficient, adequate or high DHA levels, or high DHA levels supplemented with the antioxidant α-tocopherol. Larvae fed deficient DHA levels tended to be smaller, and showed the highest incidence of urinary bladder calculi, lordosis and kyphosis and the lowest number of mineralised vertebrae for any given size class. Elevation of dietary DHA increased larval growth and significantly enhanced the expression of the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) gene. However, a DHA level increase up to 5 % raised the degree of lipid oxidation in larval tissues and deformities in cranial endochondral bones and in axial skeletal haemal and neural arches. The increase in dietary α-tocopherol supplementation in high-DHA feeds reduced again the occurrence of skeletal deformities. Moreover, the expression of genes coding for specific antioxidants such as catalase, superoxide dismutase or glutathione peroxidase, which neutralised reactive oxygen substances formed by increased dietary DHA, was significantly decreased in larvae fed high α-tocopherol levels. These results denoted the importance of DHA for early bone formation and mineralisation. Low dietary DHA levels delay early mineralisation and increase the risk of cranial and axial skeletal deformities. Excessive DHA levels, without an adequate balance of antioxidant nutrients, increase the production of free radicals damaging cartilaginous structures before bone formation.
To Become a Confucian Democratic Citizen: Against Meritocratic Elitism
Authors: Kim Sungmoon
Published: October 2012

This article critiques the meritocratic justification of Confucian democracy from the standpoint of democratic civil society by shifting the focus fromgovernabilityof the people to theirtransformability. Its central claims are: (1) Confucian virtue politics (dezhi) can be creatively re-appropriated in a democratic civil society in terms of cultivating civility in ordinary people who belong to different moral communities; (2) in the modern East Asian social context, the Confucian ideal of benevolent government (ren zheng) can be attained better by the victims of socio-economic injustice contesting it democratically in the public space of civil society than by ‘thin’ democracy controlled by meritocratic elitism. ‘Confucian civil society’ operating on Confucian ritually mediated civility is an alternative to meritocratic elitism.
Repression Hurts: Coercive Government Responses and the Demise of Terrorist Campaigns
Authors: Daxecker Ursula E. , Hess Michael L.
Published: October 2012

The question of how coercive government policies affect the duration and outcome of terrorist campaigns has only recently started to attract scholarly interest. This article argues that the effect of repression on terrorist group dynamics is conditional on the country's regime type. Repression is expected to produce a backlash effect in democracies, subsequently lengthening the duration of terrorist organizations and lowering the probability of outcomes favourable to the government. In authoritarian regimes, however, coercive strategies are expected to deter groups’ engagement in terrorism, thus reducing the lifespan of terrorist groups and increasing the likelihood of government success. These hypotheses are examined using data on terrorist groups for the 1976–2006 period; support is found for these conjectures on terrorist group duration and outcomes.
The Elements of the Structures of International Systems
Authors: Donnelly Jack
Published: October 2012

Structural international theory has become largely a matter of elaborating “the effects of anarchy.” Simple hunter-gatherer band societies, however, perfectly fit the Waltzian model of anarchic orders but do not experience security dilemmas or warfare, pursue relative gains, or practice self-help balancing. They thus demonstrate that “the effects of anarchy,” where they exist, are not effectsof anarchy—undermining mainstream structural international theory as it has been practiced for the past three decades. Starting over, I ask what one needs to differentiate how actors are arranged in three simple anarchic orders: forager band societies, Hobbesian states of nature, and great power states systems. The answer turns out to look nothing like the dominant tripartite (ordering principle, functional differentiation, distribution of capabilities) conception. Based on these cases, I present a multidimensional framework of the elements of social and political structures that dispenses with anarchy, is truly structural (in contrast to the independent-variable agent-centric models of Waltz and Wendt), and highlights complexity, diversity, and regular change in the structures of international systems.
A Strategic Theory of Regime Integration and Separation
Authors: Johnson Tana , Urpelainen Johannes
Published: October 2012

States frequently disagree on the importance of cooperation in different issue areas. Under these conditions, when do states prefer to integrate regimes instead of keeping them separated? We develop a strategic theory of regime integration and separation. The theory highlights the nature of spillovers between issues. Positive spillovers exist when cooperation in one issue area aids the pursuit of objectives in another issue area; negative spillovers exist when cooperation in one issue area impedes this pursuit in another issue area. Conventional wisdom suggests that both positive and negative spillovers foster greater integration. We argue that negative spillovers encourage integration while positive spillovers do not. States integrate not to exploit positive spillovers between issues but to mitigate negative spillovers. To test our theory, we examine the degree of integration or separation among environmental regimes.
Sequence variation in three mitochondrial DNA genes among isolates ofAscaridia gallioriginating from Guangdong, Hunan and Yunnan provinces, China
Authors: Li J.Y. , Liu G.H. , Wang Y. , Song H.Q. , Lin R.Q. , Zou F.C. , Liu W. , Xu M.J. , Zhu X.Q.
Published: October 2012

The present study examined sequence variation in three mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genes, namely cytochromecoxidase subunit 3 (cox3) and NADH dehydrogenase subunits 1 and 4 (nad1 andnad4), amongAscaridia galliisolates from different geographical localities in China. A portion ofcox3 (pcox3),nad1 (pnad1) andnad4 (pnad4) genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) separately from adultA. galliindividuals and the amplicons were subjected to sequencing from both directions. The length of the sequences of pcox3, pnad1 and pnad4 were 408 bp, 471 bp and 333 bp, respectively. The intraspecific sequence variations withinA. galliwere 0–1.7% for pcox3, 0–2.8% for pnad1 and 0–3.4% for pnad4. The A+T contents of the sequences were 67.16–67.65% (pcox3), 67.09–67.94% (pnad1) and 69.91–71.77% (pnad4). The interspecific sequence differences among members of the Ascaridida were significantly higher, being 13.2–30.9%, 12.8–29.0% and 15.1–34.1% for pcox3, pnad1 and pnad4, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses using combined sequences of pcox3, pnad1 and pnad4, with three different computational algorithms (Bayesian analysis, maximum likelihood and maximum parsimony), all revealed distinct groups with high statistical support. These findings demonstrated the existence of intraspecific variation in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences amongA. galliisolates from different geographical regions in China, and have implications for studying molecular epidemiology and population genetics ofA. galli.
Short-term effects of forest disturbances on soil nematode communities in European mountain spruce forests
Authors: Čerevková A. , Renčo M. , Cagáň L.
Published: October 2012

The nematode communities in spruce forests were compared with the short-term effects of forest damage, caused by windstorm, wildfire and management practices of forest soils. Soil samples were collected in June and October from 2006 to 2008 in four different sites: (1) forest unaffected by the wind (REF); (2) storm-felled forest with salvaged timber (EXT); (3) modified forest affected by timber salvage (wood removal) and forest fire (FIR); and (4) storm-felled forest where timber had been left unsalvaged (NEX). Nematode analysis showed that the dominant species in all four investigated sites wereAcrobeloides nanusandEudorylaimus silvaticus. An increase ofA. nanus(35% of the total nematode abundance) in the first year in the FIR site led to the highest total abundance of nematodes compared with other sites, where nematode abundance reached the same level in the third year. In the FIR site bacterial feeders appeared to be the most representative trophic group, although in the second and third year, after disturbance, the abundance of this trophic group gradually decreased. In the NEX site, the number of nematode species, population densities and Maturity Index were similar to that recorded for the FIR site. In EXT and NEX sites, the other dominant species was the plant parasitic nematodeParatylenchus microdorus. Analyses of nematodes extracted from different forest soil samples showed that the highest number of species and diversity index for species (H'spp) were in the REF site. Differences between the nematode fauna in REF and other localities were clearly depicted by cluster analysis. The greatest Structure Index and Enrichment Index values were also in REF. In the EXT site, the number of nematode species, their abundance, H'spp and Maturity Index were not significantly different from those recorded in the reference site.
Genotyping of Echinococcus granulosus from domestic animals and humans from Ardabil Province, northwest Iran
Authors: Pezeshki A. , Akhlaghi L. , Sharbatkhori M. , Razmjou E. , Oormazdi H. , Mohebali M. , Meamar A.R.
Published: October 2012

Cystic echinococcosis is endemic in Iran, particularly in Ardabil Province, where it causes health and economic problems. The genetic pattern of Echinococcus granulosus has been determined in most parts of Iran, except in this area. In the present investigation, 55 larval isolates were collected from humans (11), sheep (19), goats (4) and cattle (21). For analysis of the genetic characteristics of E. granulosus isolates, DNA sequencing of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1) genes was applied. Fifty isolates were successfully analysed, with 92% (46) and 8% (4) identified as G1 and G3 genotypes, respectively. The sequence analyses of the isolates displayed nine characteristic profiles in cox1 sequences and eight characteristic profiles in nad1 sequences. Based on these results, the sheep strain (G1 genotype) was the most prevalent in humans, sheep, goats and cattle. The buffalo strain (G3 genotype) was not only demonstrated in sheep (1 isolate) and cattle (1 isolate), but also for the first time in two human isolates. These findings will provide information for local control of echinococcosis.
Evaluation of predation of the mite Lasioseius penicilliger (Aracnida: Mesostigmata) on Haemonchus contortus and bacteria-feeding nematodes
Authors: Aguilar-Marcelino L. , Quintero-Martínez M.T. , Mendoza de Gives P. , López-Arellano M.E. , Liébano-Hernández E. , Torres-Hernández G. , González-Camacho J.M. , Cid del Prado I.
Published: October 2012

Predation by the mite Lasioseius penicilliger was studied on three nematode species, i.e. infective larval stages (L3) of Haemonchus contortus and adults of Panagrellus redivivus and Rhabditis sp. Experiments were carried out in 5.5-cm diameter Petri dishes containing 2% water-agar over a period of 5 days. Batches of up to 1500 third-stage larvae (L3) of H. contortus and 1000 adult nematodes of P. redivivus and Rhabditis sp. were exposed to five mites in separate Petri dishes. Upon contact, each mite used its pedipalp and legs to identify and hold its prey and then used its chelicerae to feed upon the prey. Predation by L. penicilliger was chance dependent but mites became aggregated around any injured/damaged prey, thereby suggesting some form of chemoperception. The rate of predation on the three species of nematodes was high but L3 of H. contortus and adult Rhabditis sp. were preferred.
Variation in the input: a case study of manner class frequencies
Authors: DALAND ROBERT
Published: October 2012

What are the sources of variation in the input, and how much do they matter for language acquisition? This study examines frequency variation in manner-of-articulation classes in child and adult input. The null hypothesis is that segmental frequency distributions of language varieties are unigram (modelable by stationary, ergodic processes), and that languages are unitary (modelable as a single language variety). Experiment I showed that English segments are not unigram; they exhibit a ‘bursty’ distribution in which the local frequency varies more than expected by chance alone. Experiment II showed the English segments are approximately unitary: the natural background variation in segmental frequencies that arises within a single language variety is much larger than numerical differences across varieties. Variation in segmental frequencies seems to be driven by variation in discourse topic; topic-associated words cause bursts/lulls in local segmental frequencies. The article concludes with some methodological recommendations for comparing language samples.
Photographic survey of benthos provides insights into the Antarctic fish fauna from the Marguerite Bay slope and the Amundsen Sea
Authors: Eastman Joseph T. , Amsler Margaret O. , Aronson Richard B. , Thatje Sven , McClintock James B. , Vos Stephanie C. , Kaeli Jeffrey W. , Singh Hanumant , La Mesa Mario
Published: October 2012

We reviewed photographic images of fishes from depths of 381–2282 m in Marguerite Bay and 405–2007 m in the Amundsen Sea. Marguerite Bay fishes were 33% notothenioids and 67% non-notothenioids. Channichthyids (47%) and nototheniids (44%) were the most abundant notothenioids. The deep-living channichthyidChionobathyscus dewitti(74%) and the nototheniid genusTrematomus(66%) were the most abundant taxa within these two families. The most abundant non-notothenioids were the macrouridMacrourus whitsoni(72%) and zoarcids (18%). Amundsen Sea fishes were 87% notothenioids and 13% non-notothenioids, the latter exclusivelyMacrourus whitsoni. Bathydraconids (38%) and artedidraconids (30%) were the most abundant notothenioids. We observed thatMacrourus whitsoniwas benthopelagic and benthic and infested by large ectoparasitic copepods. Juvenile (42 cm)Dissostichus mawsoniwas not neutrally buoyant and resided on the substrate at 1277 m.Lepidonotothen squamifronswas seen near and on nests of eggs in early December. APogonophrynesp. from 2127 m was not a member of the deep-living unspottedP. albipinnagroup.Chionobathyscus dewittiinhabited the water column as well as the substrate. The pelagic zoarcidMelanostigma gelatinosumwas documented in the water column a few metres above the substrate. The zoogeographic character of the Marguerite Bay fauna was West Antarctic or low-Antarctic and the Amundsen Sea was East Antarctic or high-Antarctic.
External conversions of player strategy in an evolutionary game: A cost-benefit analysis through optimal control
Authors: SHORT MARTIN B. , PITCHER ASHLEY B. , D'ORSOGNA MARIA R.
Published: October 2012

We consider an optimal control problem based on the evolutionary game theory model introduced by Shortet al. (Short, M. B., Brantingham, P. J. & D'Orsogna, M. R. (2010) Cooperation and punishment in an adversarial game: How defectors pave the way to a peaceful society.Phys. Rev. E82(6), 066114.1–066114.7) to study societal attitudes in relation to committing and reporting crimes. Since in [26] (Short, M. B., Brantingham, P. J. & D'Orsogna, M. R. Cooperation and punishment in an adversarial game: How defectors pave the way to a peaceful society.Phys. Rev. E82(6), 066114.1–066114.7) it is shown that the presence of criminal informants leads to diminishing crime, in this paper we investigate the active recruitment of informants from the general population via external intervention, albeit at a cost to society. While higher recruitment levels may be the most beneficial in abating crime, these are also more expensive. We thus formulate our optimal control problem to account for finite resources, incurred costs and expected benefits, and determine the most favourable recruitment strategy under given constraints. We consider the cases of targeted and untargeted recruitment, and allow recruitment costs to depend on past cumulative payoffs within a given memory time-frame so that conversion of more successful individuals may be more costly than that of less successful ones. Our optimal control problem is expressed via three control functions subject to a system of delay differential equations, and is numerically solved, analysed and discussed under different settings and in different parameter regimes. We find that the optimal strategy can change drastically and abruptly as parameters and resource constraints vary, and that increased information on individual player strategies leads to only slightly decreased minimal costs.
Syntactic soundness proof of a type-and-capability system with hidden state
Authors: POTTIER FRANÇOIS
Published: October 2012

This paper presents a formal definition and machine-checked soundness proof for a very expressive type-and-capability system, that is, a low-level type system that keeps precise track of ownership and side effects. The programming language has first-class functions and references. The type system's features include the following: universal, existential, and recursive types; subtyping; a distinction between affine and unrestricted data; support for strong updates; support for naming values and heap fragments via singleton and group regions; a distinction between ordinary values (which exist at runtime) and capabilities (which do not); support for dynamic reorganizations of the ownership hierarchy by disassembling and reassembling capabilities; and support for temporarily or permanently hiding a capability via frame and anti-frame rules. One contribution of the paper is the definition of the type-and-capability system itself. We present the system as modularly as possible. In particular, at the core of the system, the treatment of affinity, in the style of dual intuitionistic linear logic, is formulated in terms of an arbitrarymonotonic separation algebra, a novel axiomatization of resources, ownership, and the manner in which they evolve with time. Only the peripheral layers of the system are aware that we are dealing with a specific monotonic separation algebra, whose resources are references and regions. This semi-abstract organization should facilitate further extensions of the system with new forms of resources. The other main contribution is a machine-checked proof of type soundness. The proof is carried out in the Wright and Felleisen's syntactic style. This offers an evidence that this relatively simple-minded proof technique can scale up to systems of this complexity, and constitutes a viable alternative to more sophisticated semantic proof techniques. We do not claim that the syntactic technique is superior: We simply illustrate how it is used and highlight its strengths and shortcomings.
The effects of a multimodal training program on burnout syndrome in gynecologic oncology nurses and on the multidisciplinary psychosocial care of gynecologic cancer patients: An Italian experience
Authors: Lupo F.N. , Arnaboldi Paola , Santoro L. , D'Anna E. , Beltrami C. , Mazzoleni E.M. , Veronesi P. , Maggioni A. , Didier F.
Published: October 2012

Objective:

In cancer care, the burden of psycho-emotional elements involved on the patient–healthcare provider relationship cannot be ignored. The aim of this work is to have an impact on the level of burnout experienced by European Institute of Oncology (IEO) gynecologic oncology nurses (N = 14) and on quality of multidisciplinary team work.

Method:

We designed a 12 session multimodal training program consisting of a 1.5 hour theoretical lesson on a specific issue related to gynecologic cancer patient care, 20 minute projection of a short film, and 1.75 hours of role-playing exercises and experiential exchanges. The Link Burnout Questionnaire (Santinello, 2007) was administered before and after the completion of the intervention. We also monitored the number of patients referred to the Psycho-oncology Service as an indicator of the efficacy of the multidisciplinary approach.

Results:

After the completion of the program, the general level of burnout significantly diminished (p = 0.02); in particular, a significant decrease was observed in the “personal inefficacy” subscale (p = 0.01). The number of patients referred to the Psycho-oncology Service increased by 50%.

Significance of results:

Nurses are in the first line of those seeing patients through the entire course of the disease. For this reason, they are at a particularly high risk of developing work-related distress. Structured training programs can be a valid answer to work-related distress, and feeling part of a multidisciplinary team helps in providing patients with better psychosocial care.
Articulatory Rehearsal Is More Than Refreshing Memory Traces
Authors: Nishiyama Ryoji , Ukita Jun
Published: October 2012

This study examined whether additional articulatory rehearsal induced temporary durability of phonological representations, using a 10-s delayed nonword free recall task. Three experiments demonstrated that cumulative rehearsal between the offset of the last study item and the start of the filled delay (Experiments 1 and 3) and a fixed rehearsal of the immediate item during the subsequent interstimulus interval (Experiments 2 and 3) improved free recall performance. These results suggest that an additional rehearsal helps to stabilize phonological representations for a short period. Furthermore, the analyses of serial position curves suggested that the frequency of the articulation affected the durability of the phonological representation. The significance of these findings as clues of the mechanism maintaining verbal information (i.e., verbal working memory) is discussed.
Object-Guided Spatial Selection in Touch Without Concurrent Changes in the Perceived Location of the Hands
Authors: Gillmeister Helge , Cantarella Simona , Gheorghiu Ana Ioana , Adler Julia
Published: October 2012

In an endogenous cueing paradigm with central visual cues, observers made speeded responses to tactile targets at the hands, which were either close together or far apart, and holding either two separate objects or one common object between them. When the hands were far apart, the response time costs associated with attending to the wrong hand were reduced when attention had to be shifted along one object jointly held by both hands compared to when it was shifted over the same distance but across separate objects. Similar reductions in attentional costs were observed when the hands were placed closer together, suggesting that processing at one hand is less prioritized over that at another when the hands can be “grouped” by virtue of arising from the same spatial location or from the same object. Probes of perceived hand locations throughout the task showed that holding a common object decreased attentional separability without decreasing the perceived separation between the hands. Our findings suggest that tactile events at the hands may be represented in a spatial framework that flexibly adapts to (object-guided) attentional demands, while their relative coordinates are simultaneously preserved.
Quantitative Measurements of Relative Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) Signal Intensities in Acute Stroke for the Prediction of Time from Symptom Onset
Authors: Cheng Bastian , Brinkmann Mathias , Forkert Nils D , Treszl Andras , Ebinger Martin , Köhrmann Martin , Wu Ona , Kang Dong-Wha , Liebeskind David S , Tourdias Thomas , Singer Oliver C , Christensen Soren , Luby Marie , Warach Steven , Fiehler Jens , Fiebach Jochen B , Gerloff Christian , Thomalla Götz
Published: October 2012

In acute stroke magnetic resonance imaging, a ‘mismatch’ between visibility of an ischemic lesion on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and missing corresponding parenchymal hyperintensities on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) data sets was shown to identify patients with time from symptom onset ≤4.5 hours with high specificity. However, moderate sensitivity and suboptimal interpreter agreement are limitations of a visual rating of FLAIR lesion visibility. We tested refined image analysis methods in patients included in the previously published PREFLAIR study using refined visual analysis and quantitative measurements of relative FLAIR signal intensity (rSI) from a three-dimensional, segmented stroke lesion volume. A total of 399 patients were included. The rSI of FLAIR lesions showed a moderate correlation with time from symptom onset ( r = 0.382, P < 0.001). A FLAIR rSI threshold of <1.0721 predicted symptom onset ≤4.5 hours with slightly increased specificity (0.85 versus 0.78) but also slightly decreased sensitivity (0.47 versus 0.58) as compared with visual analysis. Refined visual analysis differentiating between ‘subtle’ and ‘obvious’ FLAIR hyperintensities and classification and regression tree algorithms combining information from visual and quantitative analysis also did not improve diagnostic accuracy. Our results raise doubts whether the prediction of stroke onset time by visual image judgment can be improved by quantitative rSI measurements.
Crossed Cerebellar Diaschisis: Insights into Oxygen Challenge MRI
Authors: Dani Krishna A , Santosh Celestine , Brennan David , Hadley Donald M , Muir Keith W
Published: October 2012

Hyperoxia during T2∗-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (oxygen challenge imaging (OCI)) causes T2∗-weighted signal change that is dependent on cerebral blood volume (CBV) and oxygen extraction fraction (OEF). Crossed cerebellar diaschisis (CCD), where CBV is reduced but OEF is maintained, may be used to understand the relative contributions of OEF and CBV to OCI results. In subjects with large hemispheric strokes, OCI showed reduced signal change in the contralesional cerebellum ( P = 0.027, n = 12). This was associated with reduced CBV in contralesional cerebellum ( P = 0.039, n = 9). CCD may be a useful model to determine the relative contribution of CBV to signal change measured by OCI.
Dynamic Spatio-Temporal Imaging of Early Reflow in a Neonatal Rat Stroke Model
Authors: Leger Pierre-Louis , Bonnin Philippe , Lacombe Pierre , Couture-Lepetit Elisabeth , Fau Sebastien , Renolleau Sylvain , Gharib Abdallah , Baud Olivier , Charriaut-Marlangue Christiane
Published: October 2012

The aim of the study was to better understand blood-flow changes in large arteries and microvessels during the first 15 minutes of reflow in a P7 rat model of arterial occlusion. Blood-flow changes were monitored by using ultrasound imaging with sequential Doppler recordings in internal carotid arteries (ICAs) and basilar trunk. Relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) changes were obtained by using laser speckle Doppler monitoring. Tissue perfusion was measured with [14C]-iodoantipyrine autoradiography. Cerebral energy metabolism was evaluated by mitochondrial oxygen consumption. Gradual increase in mean blood-flow velocities illustrated a gradual perfusion during early reflow in both ICAs. On ischemia, the middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory presented a residual perfusion, whereas the caudal territory remained normally perfused. On reflow, speckle images showed a caudorostral propagation of reperfusion through anastomotic connections, and a reduced perfusion in the MCA territory. Autoradiography highlighted the caudorostral gradient, and persistent perfusion in ventral and medial regions. These blood-flow changes were accompanied by mitochondrial respiration impairment in the ipsilateral cortex. Collectively, these data indicate the presence of a primary collateral pathway through the circle of Willis, providing an immediate diversion of blood flow toward ischemic regions, and secondary efficient cortical anastomoses in the immature rat brain.
Enhanced Droplet Control by Transition Boiling
Authors: Grounds Alex , Still Richard , Takashina Kei
Published: October 2012

A droplet of water on a heated surface can levitate over a film of gas produced by its own evaporation in the Leidenfrost effect. When the surface is prepared with ratchet-like saw-teeth topography, these droplets can self-propel and can even climb uphill. However, the extent to which the droplets can be controlled is limited by the physics of the Leidenfrost effect. Here, we show that transition boiling can be induced even at very high surface temperatures and provide additional control over the droplets. Ratchets with acute protrusions enable droplets to climb steeper inclines while ratchets with sub-structures enable their direction of motion to be controlled by varying the temperature of the surface. The droplets' departure from the Leidenfrost regime is assessed by analysing the sound produced by their boiling. We anticipate these techniques will enable the development of more sophisticated methods for controlling small droplets and heat transfer.