bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antidepressants are neuroprotective against nutrient deprivation stress in rat hippocampal neurons
Authors: Yang David , Chen Michael , Russo‐Neustadt Amelia
Published: July 2012

There is ample evidence that depression and stress can be ameliorated through the use of physical exercise and/or antidepressant drugs. Both have been shown to promote neuroprotection against atrophy of dendrites and neuronal death through the activation of pro‐survival signaling pathways, such as that of phosphatidyl inositol 3′ kinase (PI‐3K) and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK). Depriving neurons in culture of several vital nutrients provides a viable model of neuronal stress, trauma or insult that occurs in vivo. Therefore, we sought to evaluate if various antidepressants are indeed neuroprotective in this model of nutrient deprivation stress. In addition, we evaluated if three key pro‐survival pathways (PI‐3K, MAPK, protein kinase A) are necessary for such neuroprotection. We used quantitative Western blotting to evaluate the immunoreactivity levels of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, PI‐3K, phospho‐protein kinase B (P‐Akt), phospho‐MAPK and phospho‐cyclic AMP response element‐binding protein, and live/dead cytotoxicity assay to evaluate cell survival. We demonstrate that in the ideal conditions of nutrient supplement, norepinephrine, serotonin and three antidepressants increased all six outcome measures; however, in the absence of such nutrients, only P‐Akt levels showed signs of decreasing. In the presence of pro‐survival pathway inhibitor, however, five out of the six outcome measures decreased (not P‐Akt), relative to those of the ideal conditions of nutrient supplement. Thus, pro‐survival pathway integrity, which more directly affects gene expression, is more important than the presence of externally placed nutrients for cell survival. We discuss our results in the context of receptor and pathway cross‐talk, indicating that pharmacological rescue of neuronal atrophy/death in the face of mood disorders requires that pro‐survival pathways remain intact.
Spatio‐temporal control of neural activity in vivo using fluorescence microendoscopy
Authors: Hayashi Yuichiro , Tagawa Yoshiaki , Yawata Satoshi , Nakanishi Shigetada , Funabiki Kazuo
Published: July 2012

Controlling neural activity with high spatio‐temporal resolution is desired for studying how neural circuit dynamics control animal behavior. Conventional methods for manipulating neural activity, such as electrical microstimulation or pharmacological blockade, have poor spatial and/or temporal resolution. Algal protein channelrhodopsin‐2 (ChR2) enables millisecond‐precision control of neural activity. However, a photostimulation method for high spatial resolution mapping in vivo is yet to be established. Here, we report a novel optical/electrical probe, consisting of optical fiber bundles and metal electrodes. Optical fiber bundles were used as a brain‐insertable endoscope for image transfer and stimulating light delivery. Light‐induced activity from ChR2‐expressing neurons was detected with electrodes bundled to the endoscope, enabling verification of light‐evoked action potentials. Photostimulation through optical fiber bundles of transgenic mice expressing ChR2 in layer 5 cortical neurons resulted in single‐whisker movement, indicating spatially restricted activation of neurons in vivo. The probe system described here and a combination of various photoactive molecules will facilitate studies on the causal link between specific neural activity patterns and behavior.
GABA mediates the network activity‐dependent facilitation of axonal outgrowth from the newborn granule cells in the early postnatal rat hippocampus
Authors: Lee Hyunsu , Lee Doyun , Park Chang‐Hwan , Ho Won‐Kyung , Lee Suk‐Ho
Published: July 2012

Neural network activity regulates the development of hippocampal newborn granule cells (GCs). Excitatory GABAergic input is known to be a key player in this regulation. Although calcium signaling is thought to be a downstream mediator of GABA, GABA‐induced calcium signaling in newborn GCs is not well understood. We investigated Ca2+ signaling and its regulatory role in axon and dendrite outgrowth in newborn GCs identified in the organotypic slice culture of early postnatal rat hippocampus. Here, we report that hippocampal network activity can induce calcium transients (CaTs) in newborn GCs during the first post‐mitotic week via GABAergic inputs. The GABA‐induced CaTs were mediated mainly by L‐type Ca2+ channels. Furthermore, we found that inhibiting any step in the signaling pathway, network activity → GABA → L‐type Ca2+ channels, selectively suppressed the axonal outgrowth and pruning of newborn GCs, but not dendritic outgrowth. The GABAA receptor blocker bicuculline significantly suppressed axonal outgrowth, despite increasing network activity, thus indicating an essential role of GABAergic inputs. Therefore, we conclude that network activity‐dependent GABAergic inputs open L‐type Ca2+ channels and promote axonal outgrowth in newborn GC during the first post‐mitotic week.
Cortical and subcortical projections to primary visual cortex in anophthalmic, enucleated and sighted mice
Authors: Charbonneau Valérie , Laramée Marie‐Eve , Boucher Virginie , Bronchti Gilles , Boire Denis
Published: July 2012

The purpose of this study was to identify and compare the afferent projections to the primary visual cortex in intact and enucleated C57BL/6 mice and in ZRDCT/An anophthalmic mice. Early loss of sensory‐driven activity in blind subjects can lead to activations of the primary visual cortex by haptic or auditory stimuli. This intermodal activation following the onset of blindness is believed to arise through either unmasking of already present cortical connections, sprouting of novel cortical connections or enhancement of intermodal cortical connections. Studies in humans have similarly demonstrated heteromodal activation of visual cortex following relatively short periods of blindfolding. This suggests that the primary visual cortex in normal sighted subjects receives afferents, either from multisensory association cortices or from primary sensory cortices dedicated to other modalities. Here cortical afferents to the primary visual cortex were investigated to determine whether the visual cortex receives sensory input from other modalities, and whether differences exist in the quantity and/or the structure of projections found in sighted, enucleated and anophthalmic mice. This study demonstrates extensive direct connections between the primary visual cortex and auditory and somatosensory areas, as well as with motor and association cortices in all three animal groups. This suggests that information from different sensory modalities can be integrated at early cortical stages and that visual cortex activations following visual deprivations can partly be explained by already present intermodal corticocortical connections.
The relationship between age and morphine infusion rate in children
Authors: Taylor Jonathan , Liley Andrew , Anderson Brian J.
Published: July 2012

Aim:  We performed a retrospective audit of intravenous morphine infusion administered to children in an effort to characterize the relationship between dose and age.

Methods:  A retrospective audit of morphine infusions was reviewed for a 24‐months period and included all children who received continuous intravenous nurse‐controlled morphine infusions and patient‐controlled analgesia; a population undergoing acute and elective surgical procedures, as well as medical and oncological treatments. The relationship between age and infusion rate was investigated using nonlinear mixed effects models.

Results:  There were 886 children whose data were acceptable for review. Morphine dose increased with age from 9.97 (CV 28%) μg·kg−1 per h in neonates. The Hill equation with an exponential of 1.5 best described these changes. Morphine rate reached 90% of its mean final rate of 22.5 (CV 167%) μg·kg−1 per h, observed in teenagers, at approximately 5 years of age. There was considerable uncertainty of this age–morphine rate profile, and the maturation half‐life of this profile was 20 months of age (CV 632%). An increase in dosing variability was observed with increasing age.

Conclusions:  Morphine infusions at steady‐state did not mirror clearance maturation in children nursed in our hospital. We suggest that initial infusion rates in children are started at 10 μg·kg−1 per h in neonates, 15 μg·kg−1 per h in toddlers and 25 μg·kg−1 per h in children above the age of 5 years. The large variability associated with infusion rates means that subsequent infusion rates will depend on feedback from pain scores, adjuvant medications and adverse effects.
Universal and Integrable Aspects of an Elliptic Vortex Representation in 2+1‐Dimensional Magneto‐Gasdynamics
Authors: Schief W. K. , An H. , Rogers C.
Published: July 2012

Integrable substructure of a 2+1‐dimensional magneto‐gasdynamic system is investigated via a general elliptic vortex ansatz. Certain universal and Hamiltonian aspects of the admitted representation are uncovered. A class of confined magneto‐gasdynamic flows with an elliptic cylindrical boundary is isolated with time‐dependent semiaxes determined by an integrable Ermakov–Ray–Reid system.
Formation kinetics of hydroxymethylfurfural and brown coloured compounds in goat milk during heating
Authors: GÜNEŞER ONUR , TOKLUCU AYŞEGÜL KIRCA , KARAGÜL‐YÜCEER YONCA
Published: July 2012

The formation of hydroxymethylfurfural, nonenzymatic brown coloured compounds and free sulphydryl groups in goat milk was studied during heating at 75–95 °C. Analysis of kinetic data suggested that formation of hydroxymethylfurfural and nonenzymatic brown coloured compounds followed zero order reaction kinetics, while formation of free sulphydryl groups during heating varied depending on heating time. A good linear correlation (r = 0.839) was found between brown coloured compounds and hydroxymethylfurfural content in milk samples during heating. Activation energies (Ea) for the formation of hydroxymethylfurfural and nonenzymatic brown coloured compounds were 96.31 and 69.79 kJ/mol, respectively.
Accelerated aging‐related transcriptome changes in the female prefrontal cortex
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Chen Yi‐Ping Phoebe , Boyd‐Kirkup Jerome , Khaitovich Philipp , Somel Mehmet
Published: July 2012

Human female life expectancy is higher than that of males. Intriguingly, it has been reported that women display faster rates of age‐related cognitive decline and a higher prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). To assess the molecular bases of these contradictory trends, we analyzed differences in expression changes with age between adult males and females, in four brain regions. In the superior frontal gyrus (SFG), a part of the prefrontal cortex, we observed manifest differences between the two sexes in the timing of age‐related changes, that is, sexual heterochrony. Intriguingly, age‐related expression changes predominantly occurred earlier, or at a faster pace, in females compared to men. These changes included decreased energy production and neural function and up‐regulation of the immune response, all major features of brain aging. Furthermore, we found that accelerated expression changes in the female SFG correlated with expression changes observed in AD, as well as stress effects in the frontal cortex. Accelerated aging‐related changes in the female SFG transcriptome may provide a link between a higher stress exposure or sensitivity in women and the higher prevalence of AD.
The Helicobacter Pylori Protein HspB Interferes With Nrf2/Keap1 Pathway Altering The Antioxidant Response of Ags Cells
Authors: Buommino Elisabetta , Donnarumma Giovanna , Manente Lucrezia , De Filippis Anna , Silvestri Francesco , Iaquinto Salvatore , Tufano Maria Antonietta , De Luca Antonio
Published: July 2012

Background

Helicobacter pylori infection causes chronic oxidative stress on gastric mucosa, thereby causing mucosal damage and increasing the risk of gastric adenocarcinoma. Nrf2 is an important transcription factor, regulating the antioxidant response in the cells. Nrf2 signaling is repressed by Keap1 at basal condition and induced by oxidative stress. The aim of our study was to analyze whether the H. pylori proteins interfered in the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway.

Material and Methods

Gene expression in AGS cells transiently and stably transfected was analyzed by real‐time PCR. Immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence assays were performed to investigate the ability of H. pylori proteins to interfere with the Nrf2 pathway.

Results

We demonstrated that the H. pylori
HspB protein interferes with Nrf2/Keap1 pathway. When HspB was transiently transfected in AGS cells, a significant increase in Keap1 gene expression was induced. The same result was observed when AGS cells were HspB stably transfected. In this case, the increase in Keap1 was associated with reduced gene expression of Nrf2, and of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, hemeoxygenase‐1, and phase II detoxifying enzyme NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase‐1. Immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence assays confirmed the ability of HspB protein to interfere with the Nrf2 pathway. Lastly, in HspB‐transfected AGS cells, sustained activation of IL‐8, COX2, MMP3, and MMP7 was demonstrated.

Conclusion

The results here reported suggest that inhibited nuclear translocation of Nrf2, associated with induced inflammation and increased production of MMPs, might represent a condition enhancing the risk of gastric adenocarcinoma.
Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Rhythm Device Removal
Authors: Asif Arif , Carrillo Roger , Garisto Juan Domingo , Monrroy Mauricio , Khan Rao Ali Hashim , Castro Hector , Merrill Donna , Ali Ayesha S. , Pai Amy Barton , Waldman Jonathan , Salman Loay
Published: July 2012

Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) leads can cause central venous stenosis (CVS). In addition, these devices can get infected. Both are critically important considerations in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) for at least two reasons: (i) central veins serve as the final pathway should these patients need an arteriovenous access to provide dialysis therapy; and (ii) the presence of renal failure increases the risk of CIED infection. In this analysis, we investigated the prevalence as well as the degree of chronic kidney disease in patients harboring a CIED. Patients undergoing CIED removal were evaluated from 2001 to 2011. The patients were categorized into CKD stage I–V based on National Kidney Foundation‐Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative guidelines. A total of 503 patients underwent CIED removal. Demographic characteristics revealed that 30% had hypertension, 44% were diabetics, 77% had coronary artery disease, and 84% suffered from congestive heart failure. Ninety percent (452/503) of the patients had CKD (stage I = I9 [4.2%], stage II = 189 [41.8%], stage III A = 96 [21.2%], stage III B = 59 [13.0%], stage IV = 45 [9.9%], and stage V = 44 [9.7%]). Overall, 148 (32.7%) patients (stage III B, stage IV, and stage V) of 452 had advanced renal failure. The results of this study reveal that one‐third of CIED patients undergoing device removal have advanced chronic kidney disease.
An Interesting Clinical Case: Variant of the Cephalic Vein Emptying into the Internal Jugular Vein
Authors: Lum Craig , Ladenheim Eric D.
Published: July 2012

This case report describes a 45‐year‐old patient who was referred to our center for surgical creation of long‐term vascular access. Angiographic mapping revealed the left cephalic vein draining directly into the internal jugular vein rather than the axillary vein. The patient was scheduled for an ulnar artery to cephalic vein fistula.
Involvement of AMPA Receptors in CSD‐Induced Impairment of LTP in the Hippocampus
Authors: Maneepark Montree , Srikiatkhachorn Anan , Bongsebandhu‐phubhakdi Saknan
Published: July 2012

Objective.— To investigate the alteration of hippocampal long‐term plasticity and basal synaptic transmission induced by repetitive cortical spreading depressions (CSDs).

Background.— There is a relationship between migraine aura and amnesia attack. CSD, a state underlying migraine attacks, may be responsible for hippocampus‐related symptoms. However, the precise role of CSD on hippocampal activity has not been investigated.

Methods.— Male Wistar rats were divided into CSD and control groups. Repetitive CSDs were induced in vivo by topical application of solid KCl. Forty‐five minutes later, the ipsilateral hippocampus was removed, and hippocampal slices were prepared for a series of electrophysiological studies.

Results.— Repetitive CSDs led to a decrease in the magnitude of long‐term potentiation in the hippocampus. CSD also reduced hippocampal synaptic efficacy, as shown by a reduction in post‐synaptic α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor responses. In contrast, the post‐synaptic N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor responses remained unchanged. In addition, there were no changes in paired‐pulse profiles between the groups, indicating that CSD did not induce any presynaptic alterations.

Conclusion.— These findings suggest that a reduction of post‐synaptic α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor responses is the mechanism responsible for impaired hippocampal long‐term potentiation induced by CSD.
Rehabilitation after Surgical Treatment for Retinoblastoma: Ocular Prosthesis for a 6‐Month‐Old Child
Authors: Goel Gaurav K. , Jain Deshraj , Goel Dhirja , Juneja Pankul
Published: July 2012

Maxillofacial prosthetic (MFP) rehabilitation can be especially challenging in a young, precooperative, or behaviorally compromised child presenting with an enucleated eye. Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular malignancy in childhood and is one of the most common pediatric cancers. Treatment consists of enucleation (or removal of the entire globe) followed by placement of orbital implants. Unrestored anopthalmic sockets exhibit growth retardation and can lead to facial disfigurement. This report describes the challenges faced during rehabilitation of a 6‐month‐old girl with an anophthalmic socket due to enucleation for retinoblastoma. The objective of the MFP team was to provide a custom‐built, acrylic ocular prosthesis in as comfortable and atraumatic manner as possible. The case was a success and underscores the value of a multidisciplinary dental approach for the treatment of children with very special needs.
Bringing Law to the Table: Legal Claims, Focal Points, and the Settlement of Territorial Disputes Since 1945
Authors: Huth Paul K. , Croco Sarah E. , Appel Benjamin J.
Published: July 2012

In this article, we argue that international law can help state leaders reach a settlement in territorial disputes by suggesting a focal point for negotiations. International law is more likely to serve as a focal point when the legal principles relevant to the dispute are clear and well established and when one of the states in the dispute has a stronger legal claim to disputed territory. When these two conditions are present, we expect the state with a legal advantage to push for and receive favorable terms of settlement. In our analysis of all negotiated settlements in territorial disputes from 1945 to 2000, we find strong support for the importance of international law in influencing the terms of settlements. States with a strong legal advantage are more likely to secure favorable terms, whereas states lacking a strong legal claim are more likely to receive unfavorable terms.
Medical emergency education using a robot patient in a dental setting
Authors: Tanzawa T. , Futaki K. , Kurabayashi H. , Goto K. , Yoshihama Y. , Hasegawa T. , Yamamoto M. , Inoue M. , Miyazaki T. , Maki K.
Published: July 2012

Introduction

In an ageing society, the frequency of medical emergencies in a dental setting appears to be increasing because of a growing number of medically compromised patients. However, we currently have no dental‐specific simulation environment with advanced reproducibility for medical emergencies. Therefore, we used the robot patient in objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) for testing student competence in emergency management. This study aimed to evaluate student responses to medical emergencies in the dental setting.

Material and Methods

We used 98 fifth‐grade dental students at Showa University as subjects and implemented the OSCE task entitled ‘Management of medical emergency using a robot patient’. Candidates were asked to manage an emergency situation immediately after local anaesthesia, with one robot patient configured to develop vasovagal syncope and the other to experience adrenaline hypersensitivity. A questionnaire on the educational value of the robot patient was completed after the examination.

Results

Thirty‐two per cent of students could not accurately count her pulse because of an inappropriate method. Moreover, 78% could not correctly attach either the tonometer or pulse oximetry to the patient. Accurate diagnoses were given by only 22% of students, with vasovagal syncope diagnosed by 33% and adrenaline hypersensitivity by 8%. From a questionnaire, 78% of students recognised the usefulness of the robot patient in medical emergency training.

Conclusion

We found that student responses to the emergency situation were poor. The robot patient is useful in dental education for medical emergency training and assessment not only for situation management but also for differential diagnosis.
Effects of Polycan, a β‐glucan, on experimental periodontitis and alveolar bone loss in Sprague‐Dawley rats
Authors: Kim Y. S. , Kang S. J. , Kim J. W. , Cho H. R. , Moon S. B. , Kim K. Y. , Lee H. S. , Han C. H. , Ku S. K. , Lee Y. J.
Published: July 2012

Kim YS, Kang SJ, Kim JW, Cho HR, Moon SB, Kim KY, Lee HS, Han CH, Ku SK, Lee YJ. Effects of Polycan, a β‐glucan, on experimental periodontitis and alveolar bone loss in Sprague‐Dawley rats. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 800–810. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Background and Objective:  Polycan is a promising candidate for the treatment of periodontal disease. This study was undertaken to examine whether Polycan, a type of β‐glucan, has a protective effect on ligature‐induced experimental periodontitis and related alveolar bone loss in Sprague‐Dawley rats.

Material and Methods:  Polycan was orally administered, daily, for 10 d, at 21.25, 42.5 or 85 mg/kg, beginning 1 d after ligation. Changes in body weight and alveolar bone loss were monitored, and the anti‐inflammatory effects of Polycan were determined by measuring the levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β) and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) in gingival tissue. We also evaluated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations as a measure of the antioxidant effect.

Results:  Ligature placement led to a marked decrease in body weight, increased alveolar bone loss and increased concentrations of MPO, IL‐1β, TNF‐α and MDA, as well as increased iNOS activity and inflammatory cell infiltration and decreased collagen‐fiber content. Histological examination revealed increases in the number and activity of osteoclast cells, decreases in alveolar bone volume and elevated percentages of osteclasts on the alveolar bone surface. Daily oral treatment with 42.5 or 85 mg/kg of Polycan for 10 d led to significant, dose‐dependent inhibition of the effect of ligature placement.

Conclusion:  Taken together, these results suggest that 10 d of oral treatment with Polycan effectively inhibits ligature placement‐induced periodontitis and related alveolar bone loss via an antioxidant effect.
Immunomorphological Changes in the Rhesus Monkey Endometrium and Decidua During the Menstrual Cycle and Early Pregnancy
Authors: Bondarenko Gennadiy I. , Durning Maureen , Golos Thaddeus G.
Published: July 2012

Problem

Throughout the reproductive cycle and into early pregnancy, the normal endometrium undergoes changes in a range of leukocytes, epithelia, stromal fibroblasts, and vascular structures caused by intersecting effects of hormone balance and embryo implantation. The direct investigation in humans of reproductive tract responses during normal and physiologically altered cycles is not practical or feasible.

Method and Study

The aim of this study was to define immunological and morphological changes through immunohistological and morphometric evaluation of the endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle and the decidua during early gestation in the rhesus monkey, a tractable experimental animal model.

Results

A zone‐dependent method for the immunohistological description of the rhesus uterine mucosa was established and showed that leukocyte infiltration, stromal cell decidualization, glandular and vascular responses were zone‐ and cell type‐dependent, and changed throughout the cycle and early pregnancy. Morphological heterogeneity of uterine natural killer cells in the cycling endometrium and gestational decidua were consistent with the recent characterization of phenotypic subsets.

Conclusions

These data establish a morphological platform upon which to further study the regulation of endometrial responses to the hormonal mileau of pregnancy, the control of local leukocyte populations, and the responses to threatened pregnancy, infection, and inflammation.
Ras‐dependent and Ras‐independent effects of PI3K in Drosophila motor neurons
Authors: Johnson C. , Chun‐Jen Lin C. , Stern M.
Published: July 2012

The lipid kinase PI3K plays key roles in cellular responses to activation of receptor tyrosine kinases or G protein coupled receptors such as the metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR). Activation of the PI3K catalytic subunit p110 occurs when the PI3K regulatory subunit p85 binds to phosphotyrosine residues present in upstream activating proteins. In addition, Ras is uniquely capable of activating PI3K in a p85‐independent manner by binding to p110 at amino acids distinct from those recognized by p85. Because Ras, like p85, is activated by phosphotyrosines in upstream activators, it can be difficult to determine if particular PI3K‐dependent processes require p85 or Ras. Here, we ask if PI3K requires Ras activity for either of two different PI3K‐regulated processes within Drosophila larval motor neurons. To address this question, we determined the effects on each process of transgenes and chromosomal mutations that decrease Ras activity, or mutations that eliminate the ability of PI3K to respond to activated Ras. We found that PI3K requires Ras activity to decrease motor neuron excitability, an effect mediated by ligand activation of the single Drosophila mGluR DmGluRA. In contrast, the ability of PI3K to increase nerve terminal growth is Ras‐independent. These results suggest that distinct regulatory mechanisms underlie the effects of PI3K on distinct phenotypic outputs.
Do parents understand the medical information provided in paediatric emergency departments? A prospective multicenter study
Authors: Chappuy Hélène , Taupin Pierre , Dimet Jérôme , Claessens Yann Erick , Tréluyer Jean‐Marc , Chéron Gerard ,   the GFRUP
Published: July 2012

Aim:  We evaluated the extent to which parents understood the medical information about hospitalization of their child in an emergency department and looked for characteristics likely to increase the risk of poor comprehension.

Methods:  Prospective multicenter study in thirteen paediatric emergency departments. The parents and doctors completed questionnaires based on closed‐ended questions with a common core of four items: reasons of hospitalization, diagnosis, treatment and seriousness of child condition. We evaluated concordance between parents and doctor answers for these items by comparing their responses.

Results:  This study included 380 parents. Percentage of concordance was 55% for the reason of hospitalization, 78% for the diagnosis, 92% for the treatment, 48% for the seriousness of the condition and 19% for all four items. The mean number of concordant items was 2.76 (CI 95%, 2.66–2.86). Parents whose children seemed not in pain and parents who received additional information from the nurse showed significantly slightly higher levels of concordance with doctor’s answers (2.98 vs 2.66, p = 0.006 and 2.89 vs 2.60, p = 0.004, respectively).

Conclusion:  This study shows that improvements are required in the clarity of the information delivered to the parents. The assistance of nurses and optimal pain management may help to improve communication.
Relative Effects of Alcohol and pH on Betacyanin Stability in Aqueous Djulis Extracts and Their Color Qualities after Organic Acid Addition
Authors: Narkprasom Kanjana , Su Wei‐Lin , Cheng Ming‐Yueh , Wang Shao‐Pin , Hsiao Shu‐Mien , Tsai Pi‐Jen
Published: July 2012

Djulis is a Taiwanese cereal plant containing betacyanin pigment. The aim of this study was to elucidate the relative effect of ethanol (10–80%) and pH (3.5 and 5.5) on pigment stability in aqueous extracts of Djulis. Organic acids were further used to investigate their effects on color protection. All samples were thermally processed (60C, 30 min) and stored (25C, 21 days) after pigment regeneration (4C, 24 h). Results showed that ethanol promoted the pigment degradation in Djulis extract. The hypsochromic shift (decrease of λmax) and isomerization of the pigment were more pronounced in the systems with higher ethanol concentrations. At a fixed concentration of ethanol, betacyanin was more stable at pH 5.5 than that at pH 3.5. A stronger dependence of the discoloration on the ethanol concentration was found and explained by the competing result between ethanol–water mixing and ethanol–betacyanin interaction. This effect was lowest in pH 5.5 samples at 20% ethanol concentration. Statistical analysis indicated that pigment degradation was affected more by ethanol concentrations than by pH. Addition of 1% ascorbic acid exhibited the best pigment protection and explained by its best interaction with ethanol in the system.

Practical Applications

Djulis, high in nutrient and physiochemical attributes, is a traditional food for aboriginals in Taiwan. They are used as a wine starter due to their high amylase activity. Their beautiful color, mainly comes from betacyanin, in the hull was not stable and was discarded as wastes. Due to high demand by the consumer for more natural food products, the trend toward replacement of synthetic colorants by natural product has been increasing. Betacyanin pigment could be a good candidate for natural colorants in some alcoholic beverages. Our findings in this study provided the information of how to maintain the pigment stability in betacyanin‐containing beverages by proper alcohol and pH control, which is necessary for the Djulis wine industry.
Characterization and Comparison of Spoilage Processes in Fresh Pork and Poultry
Authors: Bruckner Stefanie , Albrecht Antonia , Petersen Brigitte , Kreyenschmidt Judith
Published: July 2012

Storage tests were conducted to identify and compare factors influencing the growth of Pseudomonas spp. as specific spoilage organism on fresh pork and poultry. Besides the extrinsic factor, temperature, the intrinsic factors, pH‐value, aw‐value, Warner‐Bratzler shear force (WBSF), d‐glucose, L‐lactic acid, fat and protein content were analyzed. The growth of Pseudomonas spp. was clearly dependent on temperature, with faster growth at higher temperatures. Furthermore, growth was faster on fresh poultry than on fresh pork resulting in shorter shelf lives at constant temperatures from 2 to 15C. Almost all of the investigated intrinsic factors were significantly different (P < 0.05) for fresh pork and poultry (except aw‐value and L‐lactic acid). Pseudomonas spp. counts correlated significantly to all investigated parameters in pork except WBSF and to four of the seven parameters in poultry (pH, aw, d‐glucose, L‐lactic acid). However, magnitudes of these correlations were low, which indicates minor influences on shelf life.

Practical Applications

Early spoilage of fresh meat can lead to food waste and thereby economic losses as well as the loss of consumer confidence. Until now, there have been no previous detailed studies describing and comparing different intrinsic and extrinsic parameters and their influence on the growth of Pseudomonas spp. as specific spoilage organism in different types of meat. Understanding the main impact factors on shelf life of fresh pork and poultry is a prerequisite for the development of methods and tools for improving processes in meat supply chains. In particular, the results can serve as a basis for the development of mathematical models that can predict the shelf life and remaining shelf life of both meat types.
Maternal Obesity and Gestational Weight Gain in Rural Versus Urban Dwelling Women in South Carolina
Authors: Gallagher Alexa , Liu Jihong , Probst Janice C. , Martin Amy B. , Hall Jeffrey W.
Published: July 2012

Purpose: An unhealthy prepregnancy weight and/or gaining an inappropriate amount of weight during pregnancy increase the risk for poor pregnancy and birth outcomes. To our knowledge, no studies to date have examined differences in prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) patterns by rurality.

Methods: The 2004‐2006 South Carolina birth certificate data (n = 132,795) were used. Rurality of residence was determined using Rural‐Urban Commuting Area (RUCA) codes. Mothers were categorized as underweight (<18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5‐24.9), overweight (25.0‐29.9), and obese (≥30.0) using their prepregnancy BMI and as having inadequate, adequate, or excessive GWG according to the Institute of Medicine's 2009 GWG guidelines. Chi‐square tests and adjusted multinomial logistic regression were used in analysis.

Findings: Rural women had higher odds of being overweight and obese compared to urban women. This relationship was found to be partially explained by the higher proportion of minorities living in rural areas. The relationship between GWG and residence type varied by BMI category. Specifically, among normal weight women, rural women had increased odds of inadequate GWG. Among overweight women, rural women had decreased odds of excessive GWG. In obese women, rural women had decreased odds of both inadequate and excessive GWG.

Conclusions: Rural women were more likely to have an unhealthy prepregnancy weight than urban women. However, rural residence was found to be protective against unhealthy GWG in overweight and obese women. Future research exploring reasons for these findings and confirmation of these results in other populations is necessary.
Carcinocythaemia (carcinoma cell leukaemia) in a dog: an acute leukaemia‐like picture due to metastatic carcinoma
Authors: Amati M. , Miele F. , Avallone G. , Banco B. , Bertazzolo W.
Published: July 2012

An eight‐year‐old entire female boxer was presented with a two‐week history of anorexia and lethargy and two‐day history of unilateral left epistaxis. Clinical findings and laboratory test results suggested disseminated intravascular coagulation. On blood smear evaluation, occasional large epithelioid‐like unclassified cells were detected. Occasionally these cells were organised in small clusters. Bone marrow examination revealed a marked infiltration by a malignant population of the same epithelioid‐like cells. The dog was euthanased because of the guarded prognosis. Following histology and immunohistochemistry, a widespread undifferentiated carcinoma of unknown primary origin was diagnosed. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case of carcinoma cell leukaemia reported in a dog. Carcinoma cell leukaemia is a rare oncological condition previously described in humans, characterised by non‐haematopoietic neoplastic cells in peripheral blood.
Enalodroma hepatica (Erichson) (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) new to Korea
Authors: Lee Seung‐Gyu , Ahn Kee‐Jeong
Published: July 2012

The genus Enalodroma Thomson and its single described species, E. hepatica (Erichson), are documented for the first time in Korea. A redescription, habitus photograph and illustrations of the diagnostic characters are provided.
New insights into the northward migration route of gray whales between Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and southeastern Alaska
Authors: Ford John K. B. , Durban John W. , Ellis Graeme M. , Towers Jared R. , Pilkington James F. , Barrett‐Lennard Lance G. , Andrews Russel D.
Published: July 2012

Abstract

The route taken by northward migrating gray whales during spring between Vancouver Island and southeastern Alaska, a distance of about 575 km, has long been uncertain. It is generally believed that the whales closely follow the western, outer coastline of Haida Gwaii (formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands), an archipelago lying between Vancouver Island and southeastern Alaska, consistent with their pattern of migrating close to shore over the majority of their northward migratory corridor. By tracking satellite‐tagged individuals and surveying whales from shore bases, we provide evidence that this is not the primary migratory corridor, but instead that most whales migrate through Hecate Strait and Dixon Entrance, broad waterways that lie to the east and north of Haida Gwaii. By using this route, northbound gray whales potentially face a wider range of industrial activities and developments than they would by migrating along the outer coast.
Exposure to an environmental estrogen breaks down sexual isolation between native and invasive species
Authors: Ward Jessica L. , Blum Michael J.
Published: July 2012

Environmental change can increase the likelihood of interspecific hybridization by altering properties of mate recognition and discrimination between sympatric congeners. We examined how exposure to an environmentally widespread endocrine‐disrupting chemical (EDC), bisphenol A (BPA), affected visual communication signals and behavioral isolation between an introduced freshwater fish and a native congener (genus: Cyprinella). Exposure to BPA induced changes in the expression of male secondary traits as well as male and female mate choice, leading to an overall reduction in prezygotic isolation between congeners. Changes in female mate discrimination were not tightly linked to changes in male phenotypic traits, suggesting that EDC exposure may alter female choice thresholds independently of the effects of exposure on males. These findings indicate that environmental exposure to EDCs can lead to population declines via the erosion of species boundaries and by promoting the establishment and spread of non‐native species via hybridization.
Rapid identification of chloroplast haplotypes using High Resolution Melting analysis
Authors: DANG XIAO‐DONG , KELLEHER COLIN T. , HOWARD‐WILLIAMS EMMA , MEADE CONOR V.
Published: July 2012

We have evaluated High Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis as a method for one‐step haplotype identification in phylogeographic analysis. Using two adjoined internal amplicons (c. 360 and 390 bp) at the chloroplast rps16 intron (c. 750 bp) we applied HRM to identify haplotypes in 21 populations of two European arctic‐alpine herb species Arenaria ciliata and Arenaria norvegica (Caryophyllaceae). From 446 accessions studied, 20 composite rps16 haplotypes were identified by the melting‐curve protocol, 18 of which could be identified uniquely. In a comparative sensitivity analysis with in silico PCR‐RFLP, only seven of these 20 haplotypes could be identified uniquely. Observed in vitro experimental HRM profiles were corroborated by in silico HRM analysis generated on uMeltSM. In silico mutation analysis carried out on a 360 bp wild‐type rps16I amplicon determined that the expected rate of missed single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) detection in vitro was similar to existing evaluations of HRM sensitivity, with transversion SNPs being more likely to go undetected compared to transition SNPs. In vitro HRM successfully discriminated between all amplicon templates differing by two or more base changes (352 cases) and between 11 pairs of amplicons where the only difference was a single transition or transversion SNP. Only one pairwise comparison yielded no discernable HRM curve difference between haplotypes, and these samples differed by one transversion (C/G) SNP. HRM analysis represents an untapped resource in phylogeographic analysis, and with appropriate primer design any polymorphic locus is potentially amenable to this single‐reaction method for haplotype identification.
FLUSHING TIME IN THE CIENFUEGOS BAY, CUBA
Authors: CARAVACA ALAIN MUÑOZ , DOUILLET PASCAL , GARCÍA OVEL DÍAZ , FICHEZ RENAUD , HERRERA ROBERTO H. , ALCÁNTARA‐CARRIÓ JAVIER , RODRÍGUEZ AGUSTÍN GARCÍA
Published: July 2012

Abstract. 

We use a high‐resolution numerical model to analyze the hydrodynamical exchange processes of the Cienfuegos Bay with the Caribbean Sea. Results show that freshwater inputs and wind are the main factors controlling the water exchange in the bay. Nine simulation case studies with three wind conditions and three freshwater inputs were carried out. The main conclusion is that the Cienfuegos Bay system has a slow exchange rate, with an average flushing time of 39 days during the rainy period and 50 days during the dry one, for the most probable wind direction. Two new temporary scales for Cienfuegos Bay are discussed: the local e‐flushing time and the flushing lag. The results obtained for these new variables validate the slow exchange capacity of the bay.
Fast likelihood calculations for comparative analyses
Authors: Freckleton Robert P.
Published: July 2012

1. Modern comparative approaches use model‐based methods to describe evolutionary processes. Generalised least squares calculations lie at the heart of many methods; however, they can be computationally intensive. This is because it is necessary to form a variance–covariance matrix, then to calculate the inverse and determinant of this.

2. Based on an algorithm provided by Felsenstein (American Journal of Human Genetics, 1973, 25, 471), I show how to perform comparative calculations that avoid these computational steps.

3. I apply the method to several problems in comparative analysis, including calculating likelihoods, estimating Pagel’s λ for one or several traits and fitting linear models.

4. R code is provided, which implements the algorithm described. Examples are included to demonstrate the computational gains possible for several commonly used comparative methods.
Developmental transition of pectoralis muscle from atrophy in late‐term duck embryos to hypertrophy in neonates
Authors: Chen Wei , Tangara Moussa , Xu Jia , Peng Jian
Published: July 2012

Unlike the mammalian fetus, whose growth is supported by the sustained provision of maternal nutrients, poultry embryos undergo development in a relatively closed space, and the yolk sac serves as the sole nutrient supply for embryonic development throughout the whole incubation period. To increase our understanding of the muscle developmental patterns in the final stage of incubation and early days posthatching, we used late‐term duck embryos and newly hatched ducklings as animal models. Pectoralis muscle samples were collected at 22 days (22E) of incubation, 25 days (25E) of incubation, hatching and day 7 posthatching. The pectoralis muscle mass, muscle fibre bundles and myofibre cross‐sectional area showed a marked reduction from 22E to hatching, but they increased dramatically by day 7 posthatching. The mRNA expression of Atrogin‐1, a key mediator of the ubiquitin system responsible for protein degradation, increased dramatically with the age of late‐term duck embryos, but it decreased by day 7 and reached a very low level. The extent of mRNA expression of FoxO1, one of the transcription factors of the Atrogin‐1 gene, exhibited a transient increase at 25E and then decreased from hatching to day 7. The phosphorylated p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1)/S6K1 ratio exhibited a dramatic reduction from 22E to hatching (P < 0.05) and then increased by day 7. The results of the present study indicated that there was a developmental transition of pectoralis muscle from atrophy in late‐term duck embryos to hypertrophy in neonates.
Impact of post-growth thermal annealing and environmental exposure on the unintentional doping of CVD graphene films
Authors: Sojoudi Hossein , Baltazar Jose , Henderson Clifford , Graham Samuel
Published: July 2012

The effect of vacuum annealing followed by exposure to oxygen and water vapor on the unintentional doping of CVD-grown graphene was investigated. CVD graphene samples were cycled between room temperature and 500 °C in vacuum while in situ Raman measurements were recorded. During the heating and cooling cycle, a hysteresis in the Raman response due to the desorption of p-dopants was observed. Upon exposure to O2 gas or air, a blue shift in the Raman response with respect to the as grown film was observed which was due to increased adsorption of p-dopants on the sample. Experiments showed that a combination of water vapor and oxygen is more effective in p-doping the samples than just oxygen and that the doping effects are reversible in both cases. Electrical measurements performed on back-gated field effect graphene devices indicate that shifts in the Dirac point correlate well to the shifts in the Raman peak positions as well as changes found in XPS and Kelvin Probe measurements, verifying the changes in doping of the graphene.
Secondary electron yield on cryogenic surfaces as a function of physisorbed gases
Authors: Kuzucan Asena , Neupert Holger , Taborelli Mauro , Störi Herbert
Published: July 2012

Electron cloud is an important limitation for the operation of particle accelerators with intense positively charged beams and short bunch spacing. It occurs if the secondary electron yield (SEY) of the beam-pipe inner wall is sufficiently high to promote electron multiplication. At low temperatures SEY is strongly influenced by the physisorbed gases and by the corresponding surface coverage. These conditions are relevant in accelerators operating with superconducting magnets and cold vacuum sections, such as for instance the Large Hadron Collider. This work investigated the variation of SEY of copper, aluminum, and electropolished copper as a function of physisorbed N2, CO, CO2, CH4, Kr, and C2H6 at cryogenic temperatures. The results of the various gases are compared in order to find a rationale for the behavior of the secondary electrons for various adsorbates.
The effects of noise-bandwidth, noise-fringe duration, and temporal signal location on the binaural masking-level difference
Authors: Yasin Ifat , Henning G. Bruce
Published: July 2012

The effects of forward and backward noise fringes on binaural signal detectability were investigated. Masked thresholds for a 12-ms, 250-Hz, sinusoidal signal masked by Gaussian noise, centered at 250 Hz, with bandwidths from 3 to 201 Hz, were obtained in N0S0 and N0Sπ configurations. The signal was (a) temporally centered in a 12-ms noise burst (no fringe), (b) presented at the start of a 600-ms noise burst (backward fringe), or (c) temporally centered in a 600-ms noise burst (forward-plus-backward fringe). For noise bandwidths between 3 and 75 Hz, detection in N0S0 improved with the addition of a backward fringe, improving further with an additional forward fringe; there was little improvement in N0Sπ. The binaural masking-level difference (BMLD) increased from 0 to 8 dB with a forward-plus-backward fringe as noise bandwidths increased to 100 Hz, increasing slightly to 10 dB at 201 Hz. This two-stage increase was less pronounced with a backward fringe. With no fringe, the BMLD was about 10–14 dB at all bandwidths. Performance appears to result from the interaction of across-time and across-frequency listening strategies and the possible effects of gain reduction and suppression, which combine in complex ways. Current binaural models are, as yet, unable to account fully for these effects.