bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atrial natriuretic peptide vs.N‐terminal‐pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide for the detection of left atrial dilatation in horses
Authors: van der Vekens N. , Decloedt A. , de Clercq D. , Ven S. , Sys S. , van Loon G.
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing study

Studies on the use of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) as a biomarker for left atrial dilatation in horses have produced variable results. Few have been performed, and the results may have been influenced byANPinstability, differences in sampling protocol and changes in the assay over time.N‐Terminal proANP(NT‐proANP) is a more stable molecule and might be a good alternative for clinical use.

Objectives

To compareANPandNT‐proANPin terms of the detection of left atrial dilatation and to determine the influence of sample storage at temperatures of ‐80 and ‐20°C.

Study design

Prospective clinical study.

Methods

Atrial natriuretic peptide andNT‐proANPconcentrations were compared between healthy horses (Group 1, n = 20), horses with mitral valve regurgitation and a normal atrial size (Group 2, n = 11) and horses with mitral valve regurgitation associated with left atrial dilatation (Group 3, n = 16). TheANPconcentration was measured with an equine enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and theNT‐proANPconcentration with an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay developed for use in human patients. Samples were stored at ‐20 and ‐80°Cand analysed within 7 months.

Results

TheNT‐proANPconcentrations were not significantly different between the groups. Horses inGroup 3had a significantly higherANPconcentration (median 366 pg/ml; interquartile range [IQR] 74–2000 pg/ml) compared with horses inGroup 1(median 31 pg/ml;IQR31–333 pg/ml) orGroup 2(median 31 pg/ml;IQR31–1152 pg/ml; P = 0.02). TheANPcut‐off value for detection of left atrial dilatation was 52 pg/ml (sensitivity 81%; specificity 84%) for sample storage at ‐80°C, and 44 pg/ml (sensitivity 69%; specificity 84%) for storage at ‐20°C. A larger decrease inANP(45 ± 126 pg/ml) than inNT‐proANP(10 ± 31 pg/ml) was found associated with sample storage at ‐20 instead of ‐80°C.

Conclusions

Atrial natriuretic peptide, but notNT‐proANP, can be used to detect left atrial dilatation in horses. Atrial natriuretic peptide is less stable thanNT‐proANPwhen samples are stored at ‐20°C. Atrial natriuretic peptide is a more suitable biomarker of left atrial dilatation in horses thanNT‐proANP.
Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection and its Relation with Body Mass Index in a Chinese Population
Authors: Xu Chengfu , Yan Ming , Sun Yan , Joo Jungsoo , Wan Xingyong , Yu Chaohui , Wang Qunyan , Shen Chao , Chen Peng , Li Youming , Coleman William G.
Published: September 2014

Background

Helicobacter pylori infection is highly prevalent worldwide. The association between obesity and H. pylori infection is controversial in the literature. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of H. pylori infection and its relation with body mass index (BMI) in a Chinese population.

Materials and methods

A cross‐sectional study was performed among adults who underwent health checkups at the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University in 2013. The prevalence of H. pylori infection was examined by 13C urea breath tests, and the association between prevalence of H. pylori infection and BMI was analyzed.

Results

Of the 8820 participants enrolled, 3859 (43.8%) were positive for H. pylori infection. H. pylori‐positive participants had a more unfavorable metabolic profile than H. pylori‐negative participants. Overweight/obese participants showed a higher prevalence of H. pylori infection than that of lean participants, and a positive linear correlation between BMI and prevalence of H. pylori infection was observed. Both unadjusted and adjusted analysis revealed that BMI was significantly associated with risk factors of H. pylori infection.

Conclusions

Our results showed that BMI was significantly and positively associated with H. pylori infection, and a high BMI was associated with an increased risk of the infection.
Correlation Between Helicobacter pylori Infection, IgE Hypersensitivity, and Allergic Disease in Korean Adults
Authors: Lee Sang Pyo , Lee Sun‐Young , Kim Jeong Hwan , Sung In‐Kyung , Park Hyung Seok , Shim Chan Sup , Moon Hee‐Won
Published: September 2014

Background

The correlation between allergic disease and Helicobacter pylori infection is still controversial in endemic areas. The aim of this study was to determine whether H. pylori infection is related to allergic disease and/or immunoglobulin E (IgE) hypersensitivity in Korean adults.

Materials and Methods

Consecutive Korean adults who visited our center for a routine checkup were enrolled. All subjects completed a questionnaire that was designed to ascertain their medical history pertaining to physician‐diagnosed allergic disease, allergy treatments, and H. pylori eradication therapy. Blood was sampled for serum anti‐H. pylori IgG antibody. IgE hypersensitivity was measured using a commercially available ImmunoCAP® Phadiatop (Phadia AB, Uppsala, Sweden).

Results

Of the 3376 Korean adults who were enrolled, 62 did not answer to the questionnaires adequately and were thus excluded. The proportion of noninfected subjects (p < .001) and the prevalence of IgE‐related allergic disease (p < .001) were both highest among those aged <40 years, while the prevalence of non‐IgE‐related allergic disease was highest among those aged ≥70 years (p < .001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that being younger than 40 years was significantly related to the absence of H. pylori infection (OR = 2.507, 95% CI = 1.621–3.878, p < .001).

Conclusions

The statuses of H. pylori infection, IgE hypersensitivity, and allergic diseases differ with age group, there being a higher prevalence of IgE‐related allergic disease and a lower H. pylori infection rate among young adults. The hygiene hypothesis might explain these findings in young Koreans, due to the rapid development and improvements in sanitation in Korea.
Photoprotection in changing times – UV filter efficacy and safety, sensitization processes and regulatory aspects
Authors: Stiefel C. , Schwack W.
Published: September 2014

Synopsis

As excessive sun exposure is tightly associated with different pathological changes of the skin, for example premature skin ageing or the development of skin cancer, an appropriate protection of the skin against UV radiation is of particular importance. Sun protection products and UV filter substances have evolved continuously in the past few decades. New developments and improved technical conditions of production have led to increasingly effective and efficient products with broadband protection ability. Accordingly, legal requirements have also changed and expanded. Although certain trends exist to harmonize the regulation of sunscreens at a global level, there are still large differences how UV absorbers are approved, which testing methods are prescribed, and which general requirements sun protection products must fulfil. Modern UV filters provide efficient protection against UVA and UVB radiation, are heat and photostable, user‐friendly, cost‐effective, water resistant and non‐toxic. As inorganic and organic UV filters are topically applied to the skin in relatively high concentrations (up to 25%), especially the assessment of their (photo)sensitization potential is of particular importance. Accordingly, skin sensitization is a key endpoint for the legally required safety assessment of cosmetic ingredients in Europe and many other countries. This review will summarize the current regulatory status of different approved UV filters, will describe their beneficial and adverse properties and will give an overview of how the efficacy of sunscreens can be evaluated. Finally, an insight into the basic mechanism of (photo)allergic reactions and existing skin sensitization test methods will be provided.
Preparation and characterisation of an easily absorbabl Mg‐casein hydrolysate complex produced through enzymatic hydrolysis and ultrafiltration
Authors: Hong Hye‐Jin , Kim En‐jin , Park In‐Su , Ryu Jung‐Ho , Ryu Taegong , Kim Byoung‐Gyu , Chung Kang‐Sup
Published: September 2014

In this study, we synthesised a Mg‐casein hydrolysate complex that allowed the effective absorption of Mg. The type of enzyme (papain, alcalase 2.4 L, pepsin, trypsin) and the enzyme/substrate ratio for casein hydrolysis was optimised. When the enzyme/substrate ratio was 30%, the alcalase 2.4 L‐hydrolysate showed the highest Mg‐chelation efficiency, of 96.1%. To characterise and enhance the function of casein hydrolysate, we fractionated the casein hydrolysate according to molecular weight using ultrafiltration. The Mg‐chelation efficiency was increased with the decrease in the molecular‐weight range of the hydrolysate fractions. The smallest casein hydrolysate (fraction 5, 1 kDa<) is used for preparation of Mg‐casein hydrolysate complex. Synthesised Mg‐casein hydrolysate complex (fraction 5) exhibited 100% Mg solubility and 39.5% Mg bioavailability. These results indicated that the Mg‐casein hydrolysate remained a stable chelate during simulated gastro‐intestinal digestion in vitro. The Mg‐casein hydrolysate complex exhibited excellent antioxidant activity as well as Mg binding.
Milk‐clotting enzymes produced by Aspergillus flavo furcatis strains on Amazonic fruit waste
Authors: Alecrim Mircella M. , Palheta Rosana A. , Teixeira Maria Francisca S. , Oliveira Ila Maria de A.
Published: September 2014

Six strains of Aspergillus flavo furcatis were screened to investigate milk‐clotting enzyme production by fermentation in natural liquid medium. The growth media comprised extracts of cupuaçu exocarp+rice bran [10% or 20% (v/v) CE+RB] and açai waste+rice bran [10% or 20% (v/v) AW+RB] with or without supplementation of 0.1% (w/v) yeast extract and 0.5% (w/v) gelatin. Significant values of milk‐clotting activity were determined by A. flavo furcatis DPUA 1461 and DPUA 1608, in the standard and natural media, respectively. According to criteria of clot and whey formations, 8.3% of the samples tested were classified as strong coagulation, 41.70% showed weak coagulation and in 50% was not observed milk coagulation. The enzyme optimal action of DPUA 1608, the selected strain, was at 40 °C and pH 7.0. Milk‐clotting proteases were inhibited by pepstatin (94.72%) and moderately inhibited by the others metal ions tested.
In Search of the Self's Grounding Power: Kierkegaard's The Sickness unto Death as Dogmatics for Unbelievers
Authors: Alfsvåg Knut
Published: September 2014

Kierkegaard's The Sickness unto Death can be read as an attempt to present the Christian message in a way that makes sense for unbelievers without violating the integrity of the Christian faith. This is done by exploring the psychological implications of the lack of faith in a way that is supposed to make sense even for those who take offence at the Christian message and do not accept the anthropological implications of the story of the incarnation as their basic point of orientation. It is argued that this attempt is successful, and that this can be demonstrated both by the consistency of the argument and the breadth of its Wirkungsgeschichte.
A Nonterminal Equine Mandibular Model of Bone Healing
Authors: Sarrafian Tiffany L. , Garcia Tanya C. , Dienes Erin E. , Murphy Brian , Stover Susan M. , Galuppo Larry D.
Published: September 2014

Objectives

To develop a nonterminal large animal bone defect model for assessing the efficacy of regenerative and pharmacologic treatments designed to enhance bone healing.

Study Design

In vivoexperimental.

Sample Population

Adult gelding horses (n = 6).

Methods

Under general anesthesia, using radiographic guidance, 13.5 mm diameter bilateral, full thickness mandibular defects were created in 6 horses using a custom surgical jig and coring bit. After 16 weeks, under general anesthesia, 23 mm diameter cores that encompassed the original healing defects and surrounding parent bone material were removed for evaluation. Oxytetracycline was administered 14 days before final core harvest to label bone‐forming surfaces. Healing was qualitatively assessed from decalcified hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained and undecalcified fluorescent labeled sections. Trabecular to cortical bone fraction (Tb.V/Ct.V), bone volume fraction (BV/TV), tissue mineral density (TMD), and apparent bone mineral density (aBMD) were quantified using microcomputed tomography and compared between left and right sides using Wilcoxon signed rank test.

Results

BV/TV was not significantly different between left and right‐sided defects. Bone deposition occurred centripetally from the border of the original defect, filling 67% ± 16% (SD) of the defect at 16 weeks.

Conclusion

This model has potential use for comparison of regenerative and pharmacologic products aimed to augment bone healing.
Evaluation of Meniscal Click for Detecting Meniscal Tears in Stifles with Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease
Authors: Neal Brittany A. , Ting Dennis , Bonczynski Jennifer J. , Yasuda Koji
Published: September 2014

Objective

To assess the diagnostic efficacy of palpable meniscal click by evaluating the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and diagnostic accuracy of preoperative palpable meniscal click compared with examination during surgery.

Study Design

Prospective case series.

Sample Population

Dogs (n = 56) with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury.

Methods

Stifles were examined before anesthesia (EBA) and during anesthesia (EDA) before surgery for palpable meniscal click. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and diagnostic accuracy were calculated for EBA and EDA using examination during surgery as the gold standard.

Results

EBA was 45.8% sensitive and 94.4% specific for meniscal tear. EDA was 58.3% sensitive and 94.4% specific for meniscal tear. Positive predictive value for palpable meniscal click during EBA was 84.6%, negative predictive value was 72.3%, and diagnostic accuracy was 75.0%. Positive predictive value for palpable meniscal click during EDA was 87.5%, negative predictive value was 77.3%, and diagnostic accuracy was 80.0%. EBA and EDA were significantly associated with the presence of intra‐operative meniscal injury (P = .0002 and P < .0001, respectively). Meniscal tears were seen more often in stifles with a full CCL tear as compared to partial CCL tears at a ratio of 11:1.

Conclusions

Presence of a palpable meniscal click during physical examination is strongly indicative of a meniscal tear diagnosed at surgery. The meniscus should always be carefully examined at surgery despite preoperative findings, because the absence of a palpable meniscal click is not a strong indicator for a normal meniscus.
Towards a Quantifiable Measure of Resilience
Authors: Béné Christophe
Published: September 2014

The objective of this paper is twofold. First it illustrates and discusses some of the challenges related to the measurement of resilience by reviewing some of the most recently published and grey literature on resilience in relation to food security. Second it proposes a new framework that addresses some of the concerns and limitations of resilience measurement identified in that literature. The main postulate of this framework is that the ‘costs of resilience’ (that is, the different ex‐ante and ex‐post investments, losses, sacrifices, and costs that people have to undertake at individual and collective levels to ‘go through’ a shock or an adverse event) provide an appropriate and independent metric to measure resilience across scales and dimensions. The paper shows how the independent nature of this metrics offers an explanatory power that can be used to infer, in a testable and rigorous manner potential, causalities between the metric and household and/or community characteristics. Empirical and theoretical examples are used throughout the paper to illustrate the arguments.
Reimagining Development 3.0 for a Changing Planet
Authors: Moris Jon
Published: September 2014

This working paper argues we need to reimagine development tactics to fashion Development 3.0, to match what business analysts now call World 3.0, a global system characterized by high turbulence and new threats. It begins by contrasting our former classification of countries spatially into First, Second and Third worlds with a new division of development epochs in sequence since the end of World War II. World 1.0 emphasized industrialization, urbanization, and modernization, lasting from 1945 to 1980. World 2.0 emphasized global trade, and a shift to private actors doing the work of development, from 1980 to the early 2000s. World 3.0 can be seen as superceding globalization by concern with emergent threats. World 1.0 privileged state actions to accelerate “nation building” within former colonies, whereas World 2.0 privileged private capital and free trade as engines for economic growth. Now, following wars, disasters, and the near meltdown of the global financial system in 2007/08, we enter World 3.0 as depicted by Ghemawat and others.

We review thirteen major changes not recognized within World 2.0 or its accompanying Development 2.0 regime. The major changes include the rise of homeless capital, the Conservative counter‐revolution of the 1980s, the implosion of the USSR, rise of modern China, emergence of BRIC nations, a pan‐urban world, rise of identity politics, reemergence of Africa, shift to non‐state warfare, growing threat of climate change, MENA nations experience Arab Spring, digital worlds expand, and velocity increases. They suggest coming turbulence and unexpected outcomes, or “mashups” (Ramo).

These changes suggest a different emergent system, becoming World 3.0 which has profound differences from how we view our planet's political economy (World 2.0).

If so, the paper outlines implications which suggest the time has come to “take on board” our changed planetary circumstances, and thus begin crafting Development 3.0.

“Where the wild things are”, introduces metaphors to change the ‘meta‐narratives’ used for viewing World 3.0: “herding elephants,” “taming feral capital”, “swimming with tides” and “avoiding mashups”. They help us realize that long recognized problems (or “elephants”) may show unexpected behaviors to pose new threats within World 3.0.

The main argument of the paper then lays out a baker's dozen changes needed if we hope to fashion more effective ways to promote development for us all. We must “rebalance society” (ala Mintzberg), refashion aid, privilege sustainability, emphasize fair trade, tame feral capital, devise better metrics, include all nations & peoples, seat G‐20 not G‐8, recognize semi‐sovereigns, focus on a pan‐urban world, build coalitions in networks, involve women & youth, and rebuild community leadership. All of which assumes we can offset a strong tide towards return to the excesses of World 2.0.
The Politics of Mobilising for Gender Justice in Egypt from Mubarak to Morsi and Beyond
Authors: Tadros Mariz
Published: September 2014

This paper examines the nature of the political struggle over the status, role and identity of women in Egypt in between the two revolutions (January 2011 and June 2013). It presents a situational analysis of the various actors, relations and agendas that have both informed the backlash against women's rights and the mass movements of resistance. It acknowledges that while women's rights have historically suffered as a consequence of a hostile political will of the ruling authority and parts of political and civil society that are inimical to expanding women's rights (and sometimes mobilise around revoking what already exists), women's rights faced new threats after January 2011 because of the political settlement between the Supreme Council for Armed Forces and the Muslim Brotherhood. The threats to women's rights worsened under President Morsi's regime and while they were not the prime reason why women mobilised in the largest numbers ever to oust the president in June 2013, encroachments on their freedoms was a catalysing factor.

The paper's principle argument is that while a constellation of factors influence prospects of advancing women's equality in Egypt, collective action matters both for policy and for building constituencies that grant legitimacy to the cause being championed. The fragmentation and internal rivalry that characterised the myriad civil society organisations and coalitions during Mubarak's reign left advocates of gender equality unequipped to exploit the (few) opportunities of influencing the political configuration of power after the revolution of 2011. The threats to women's rights thereafter propelled old and newly formed non‐state actors into a mass mobilisation of resistance. This represented a case where collective action in its various forms succeeded in challenging the status quo in critical ways. However, the political polarisation between supporters and opponents of the outcome of the 30 June revolution has led to a de‐collectivisation of efforts. If the opportunities for influence are to be seized, and threats to influencing a progressive gender agenda challenged in the next phase, prioritising local pathways of re‐building and strengthening collective action is of primary importance.
ASPP2 attenuates triglycerides to protect against hepatocyte injury by reducing autophagy in a cell and mouse model of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Xie Fang , Jia Lin , Lin Minghua , Shi Ying , Yin Jiming , Liu Yin , Chen Dexi , Meng Qinghua
Published: September 2014

ASPP2 is a pro‐apoptotic member of the p53 binding protein family. ASPP2 has been shown to inhibit autophagy, which maintains energy balance in nutritional deprivation. We attempted to identify the role of ASPP2 in the pathogenesis of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In a NAFLD cell model, control treated and untreated HepG2 cells were pre‐incubated with GFP‐adenovirus (GFP‐ad) for 12 hrs and then treated with oleic acid (OA) for 24 hrs. In the experimental groups, the HepG2 cells were pre‐treated with ASPP2‐adenovirus (ASPP2‐ad) or ASPP2‐siRNA for 12 hrs and then treated with OA for 24 hrs. BALB/c mice fed a methionine‐ and choline‐deficient (MCD) diet were used to generate a mouse model of NAFLD. The mice with fatty livers in the control group were pre‐treated with injections of GFP‐ad for 10 days. In the experimental group, the mice that had been pre‐treated with ASPP2‐ad were fed an MCD diet for 10 days. ASPP2‐ad or GFP‐ad was administered once every 5 days. Liver tissue from fatty liver patients and healthy controls were used to analyse the role of ASPP2. Autophagy, apoptosis markers and lipid metabolism mediators, were assessed with confocal fluorescence microscopy, immunohistochemistry, western blot and biochemical assays. ASPP2 overexpression decreased the triglyceride content and inhibited autophagy and apoptosis in the HepG2 cells. ASPP2‐ad administration suppressed the MCD diet‐induced autophagy, steatosis and apoptosis and decreased the previously elevated alanine aminotransferase levels. In conclusion, ASPP2 may participate in the lipid metabolism of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis and attenuate liver failure.
Both GPER and membrane oestrogen receptor‐α activation protect ventricular remodelling in 17β oestradiol‐treated ovariectomized infarcted rats
Authors: Lee Tsung‐Ming , Lin Shinn‐Zong , Chang Nen‐Chung
Published: September 2014

Clinical and experimental studies have established that gender is a factor in the development of ventricular hypertrophy. We investigated whether the attenuated hypertrophic effect of oestradiol was via activation of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt/endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) through non‐genomic action. Twenty‐four hours after coronary ligation, female Wistar rats were randomized into control, subcutaneous oestradiol treatment or a G‐protein coupled oestrogen receptor (GPER) agonist, G‐1 and treated for 4 weeks starting from 2 weeks after bilateral ovariectomy. Ventricular hypertrophy assessed by cardiomyocyte size after infarction was similarly attenuated by oestradiol or G‐1 in infarcted rats. The phosphorylation of Akt and eNOS was significantly decreased in infarcted rats and restored by oestradiol and G‐1, implying the GPER pathway in this process. Oestradiol‐induced Akt phosphorylation was not abrogated by G‐15 (a GPER blocker). Akt activation was not inhibited by actinomycin D. When a membrane‐impermeable oestrogen‐albumin construct was applied, similar responses in terms of eNOS activation to those of oestradiol were achieved. Furthermore, PPT, an ERα receptor agonist, activated the phosphorylation of Akt and eNOS. Thus, membrane ERα receptor played a role in mediating the phosphorylation of Akt and eNOS. The specific PI3K inhibitor, LY290042, completely abolished Akt activation and eNOS phosphorylation in infarcted hearts treated with either oestradiol or oestradiol + G‐15. These data support the conclusions that oestradiol improves ventricular remodelling by both GPER‐ and membrane‐bound ERα‐dependent mechanisms that converge into the PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway, unveiling a novel mechanism by which oestradiol regulates pathological cardiomyocyte growth after infarction.
Extracellular vesicles release by cardiac telocytes: electron microscopy and electron tomography
Authors: Fertig Emanuel T. , Gherghiceanu Mihaela , Popescu Laurentiu M.
Published: September 2014

Telocytes have been reported to play an important role in long‐distance heterocellular communication in normal and diseased heart, both through direct contact (atypical junctions), as well as by releasing extracellular vesicles (EVs) which may act as paracrine mediators. Exosomes and ectosomes are the two main types of EVs, as classified by size and the mechanism of biogenesis. Using electron microscopy (EM) and electron tomography (ET) we have found that telocytes in culture release at least three types of EVs: exosomes (released from endosomes; 45 ± 8 nm), ectosomes (which bud directly from the plasma membrane; 128 ± 28 nm) and multivesicular cargos (MVC; 1 ± 0.4 μm), the latter containing tightly packaged endomembrane‐bound vesicles (145 ± 35 nm). Electron tomography revealed that endomembrane vesicles are released into the extracellular space as a cargo enclosed by plasma membranes (estimated area of up to 3 μm2). This new type of EV, also released by telocytes in tissue, likely represents an essential component in the paracrine secretion of telocytes and may consequently be directly involved in heart physiology and regeneration.
Managing conflicts arising from fisheries enhancements based on non‐native fishes in southern Africa
Authors: Ellender B. R. , Woodford D. J. , Weyl O. L. F. , Cowx I. G.
Published: September 2014

Southern Africa has a long history of non‐native fish introductions for the enhancement of recreational and commercial fisheries, due to a perceived lack of suitable native species. This has resulted in some important inland fisheries being based on non‐native fishes. Regionally, these introductions are predominantly not benign, and non‐native fishes are considered one of the main threats to aquatic biodiversity because they affect native biota through predation, competition, habitat alteration, disease transfer and hybridization. To achieve national policy objectives of economic development, food security and poverty eradication, countries are increasingly looking towards inland fisheries as vehicles for development. As a result, conflicts have developed between economic and conservation objectives. In South Africa, as is the case for other invasive biota, the control and management of non‐native fishes is included in the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act. Implementation measures include import and movement controls and, more recently, non‐native fish eradication in conservation priority areas. Management actions are, however, complicated because many non‐native fishes are important components in recreational and subsistence fisheries that contribute towards regional economies and food security. In other southern African countries, little attention has focussed on issues and management of non‐native fishes, and this is cause for concern. This paper provides an overview of introductions, impacts and fisheries in southern Africa with emphasis on existing and evolving legislation, conflicts, implementation strategies and the sometimes innovative approaches that have been used to prioritize conservation areas and manage non‐native fishes.
Cerebral Hypoperfusion in Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome is Different from Transient Ischemic Attack on CT Perfusion
Authors: Vanacker Peter , Matias Gonçalo , Hagmann Patric , Michel Patrik
Published: September 2014

BACKGROUND

PRES is a reversible neurotoxic state presenting with headache, altered mental status, visual loss, and seizures. Delayed diagnosis can be avoided if radiological patterns could distinguish PRES from cerebral ischemia.

METHODS

Clinical and radiological data were collected on all hospitalized patients who had (1) discharge diagnosis of PRES and (2) acute CTP/CTA. Data were compared with 10 TIA patients with proven cytotoxic edema on MRI.

RESULTS

Of the four PRES patients found, three were correlated with acute blood pressure and one with chemotherapy. At the radiological level, quantitative analyses of the CTP parameters showed that 2 out of 4 patients had bilaterally reduced CBF‐values (23.2‐47.1 ml/100g/min) in occipital regions, as seen in the pathological regions of TIA patients (27.3 ± 13.5 ml/100g/min). When compared with TIA patients, the pathological ROI's demonstrated decreased CBV‐values (3.4‐5.6 ml/100g). Vasogenic edema on MRI FLAIR imaging was seen in only one PRES patient, and cytotoxic edema on DWI‐imaging was never found. CT angiography showed in one PRES patient a vasospasm‐like unilateral posterior cerebral artery.

CONCLUSIONS

If confirmed by other groups, CTP and CTA imaging in patients with acute visual loss and confusion may help to distinguish PRES from bi‐occipital ischemia. These radiological parameters may identify PRES patients at risk for additional tissue infarction.
Prenatal sex hormones, digit ratio, and face shape in adult males
Authors: Weinberg S. M. , Parsons T. E. , Raffensperger Z. D. , Marazita M. L.
Published: September 2014

Structured Abstract

Objectives

Several reports have demonstrated a relationship between second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) and facial shape, suggesting that prenatal sex hormones play a role in the development of the craniofacial complex. Using 3D surface imaging and geometric morphometrics, we test the hypothesis that decreased digit ratio (indicative of increased prenatal androgen exposure) is associated with a more masculine facial phenotype.

Methods

3D facial surface images and digit measures were collected on a sample of 151 adult males. Facial landmarks collected from the images were aligned by Procrustes superimposition and the resulting shape coordinates regressed on 2D:4D. Variations in facial shape related to 2D:4D were visualized with deformable surface warps.

Results

A significant statistical relationship was observed between facial shape variation and 2D:4D (p = 0.0084). Lower 2D:4D ratio in adult males was associated with increased facial width relative to height, increased mandibular prognathism, greater nasal projection, and increased upper and lower lip projection.

Conclusions

A statistical relationship between 2D:4D and facial shape in adult males was observed. Faces tended to look more masculine as 2D:4D decreased, suggesting a biologically plausible link between prenatal androgen exposure and the development of male facial characteristics.
The reliability of R50 as a measure of vulnerability of food webs to sequential species deletions
Authors: Jonsson Tomas , Berg Sofia , Pimenov Alexander , Palmer Catherine , Emmerson Mark
Published: September 2014

Recent studies predict elevated and accelerating rates of species extinctions over the 21st century, due to climate change and habitat loss. Considering that such primary species loss may initiate cascades of secondary extinctions and push systems towards critical tipping points, we urgently need to increase our understanding of if certain sequences of species extinctions can be expected to be more devastating than others Most theoretical studies addressing this question have used a topological (non‐dynamical) approach to analyse the probability that food webs will collapse, below a fixed threshold value in species richness, when subjected to different sequences of species loss. Typically, these studies have neither considered the possibility of dynamical responses of species, nor that conclusions may depend on the value of the collapse threshold. Here we analyse how sensitive conclusions on the importance of different species are to the threshold value of food web collapse. Using dynamical simulations, where we expose model food webs to a range of extinction sequences, we evaluate the reliability of the most frequently used index, R50, as a measure of food web robustness. In general, we find that R50 is a reliable measure and that identification of destructive deletion sequences is fairly robust, within a moderate range of collapse thresholds. At the same time, however, focusing on R50 only hides a lot of interesting information on the disassembly process and can, in some cases, lead to incorrect conclusions on the relative importance of species in food webs.
Application of heat stress in situ demonstrates a protective role of irradiation on photosynthetic performance in alpine plants
Authors: BUCHNER OTHMAR , STOLL MAGDALENA , KARADAR MATTHIAS , KRANNER ILSE , NEUNER GILBERT
Published: September 2014

The impact of sublethal heat on photosynthetic performance, photosynthetic pigments and free radical scavenging activity was examined in three high mountain species, Rhododendron ferrugineum, Senecio incanus and Ranunculus glacialis using controlled in situ applications of heat stress, both in darkness and under natural solar irradiation. Heat treatments applied in the dark reversibly reduced photosynthetic performance and the maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), which remained impeded for several days when plants were exposed to natural light conditions subsequently to the heat treatment. In contrast, plants exposed to heat stress under natural irradiation were able to tolerate and recover from heat stress more readily. The critical temperature threshold for chlorophyll fluorescence was higher under illumination (Tc′) than in the dark (Tc). Heat stress caused a significant de‐epoxidation of the xanthophyll cycle pigments both in the light and in the dark conditions. Total free radical scavenging activity was highest when heat stress was applied in the dark. This study demonstrates that, in the European Alps, heat waves can temporarily have a negative impact on photosynthesis and, importantly, that results obtained from experiments performed in darkness and/or on detached plant material may not reliably predict the impact of heat stress under field conditions.
Components and Completion of Partially Observed Functional Data
Authors: Kraus David
Published: September 2014

Functional data are traditionally assumed to be observed on the same domain. Motivated by a data set of heart rate temporal profiles, we develop methodology for the analysis of incomplete functional samples where each curve may be observed on a subset of the domain and unobserved elsewhere. We formalize this observation regime and develop the fundamental procedures of functional data analysis for this framework: estimation of parameters (mean and covariance operator) and principal component analysis. Principal scores of a partially observed function cannot be computed directly and we solve this challenging issue by estimating their best predictions as linear functionals of the observed part of the trajectory. Next, we propose a functional completion procedure that recovers the missing part by using the observed part of the curve. We construct prediction intervals for principal scores and bands for missing parts of trajectories. The prediction problems are seen to be ill-posed inverse problems; regularization techniques are used to obtain a stable solution. A simulation study shows the good performance of our methods. We illustrate the methods on the heart rate data and provide practical computational algorithms and theoretical arguments and proofs of all results.
Changing Rates of Suicide Ideation and Attempts Among Inuit Youth: A Gender‐Based Analysis of Risk and Protective Factors
Authors: Fraser Sarah L. , Geoffroy Dominique , Chachamovich Eduardo , Kirmayer Laurence J.
Published: September 2014

Inuit in Canada currently suffer from one of the highest rates of suicide in the world. The objective of this study was to explore the prevalence of suicide ideations and attempts among 15–24 year olds living in Nunavik, Québec, and to explore risk and protective factors of suicide attempts as a function of gender. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in 2004 across Nunavik. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were conducted. A total of 22% of young males and 39% of females adults reported past suicidal attempts. Gender differences were observed in relation to associated risk and protective factors as well as degree of exposure to risk factors. Suicide prevention must include alcohol and drug prevention programs and rehabilitation services, interventions to reduce physical and sexual violence and their long‐term impacts on Inuit youth, as well as exposure to culturally meaningful activities.
Internet Use and Web Communication Networks, Sources of Social Support, and Forms of Suicidal and Nonsuicidal Self‐Injury Among Adolescents: Different Patterns Between Genders
Authors: Tseng Fang‐Yi , Yang Hao‐Jan
Published: September 2014

The relationships of Internet use, web communication, and sources of social support with adolescent self‐injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs) in Taiwan were investigated. The study sample of 391 12 to 18‐year‐olds was selected from nine public high schools. Findings show that girls are more likely to have SITBs, except for suicide gestures. Web communication is a risk factor for SITBs in boys but not in girls. Family support is protective in both genders. Support from friends is protective and support from significant others was a risk factor for suicide plans in girls. Support from virtual social communities can have both positive and negative effects on adolescent SITBs, with different effects by gender.
Visualization of Different Flashback Mechanisms for H2/CH4 Mixtures in a Variable-Swirl Burner
Authors: Sayad Parisa , Schönborn Alessandro , Li Mao , Klingmann Jens
Published: September 2014

Flame flashback from the combustion chamber to the premixing section is a major operability issue when using high H2 content fuels in lean premixed combustors. Depending on the flow-field in the combustor, flashback can be triggered by different mechanisms. In this work, three flashback mechanisms of H2/CH4 mixtures were visualized in an atmospheric variable-swirl burner using high speed OH* chemiluminescence imaging. The H2 mole fraction of the tested fuel mixtures varied between 0.1 and 0.9. The flow-field in the combustor was varied by changing the swirl number from 0.0 to 0.66 and the total air mass-flow rate from 75 to 200 SLPM (standard liters per minute). The following three types of flashback mechanism were observed: Flashback caused by combustion induced vortex breakdown (CIVB) occurred at swirl numbers ≥0.53 for all of the tested fuel mixtures. Flashback in the boundary layer (BL) and flame propagation in the premixing tube caused by auto-ignition were observed at low swirl numbers and low total air mass-flow rates. The temporal and spatial propagation of the flame in the optical section of the premixing tube during flashback was studied and flashback speed for different mechanisms was estimated. The flame propagation speed during flashback was significantly different for the different mechanisms.
An Experimental Investigation of the Dynamic Performance of a Vertical-Application Three-Lobe Bearing
Authors: Khatri Rasish , Childs Dara W.
Published: September 2014

Dynamic performance test results are provided for a vertical-application three-lobe bearing, geometrically similar to a three-lobe bearing tested by Leader et al. (2010, “Evaluating and Correcting Subsynchronous Vibration in Vertical Pumps,” 26th International Pump Users Symposium, Houston, TX, March 16-18) to stabilize a vertical sulfur pump. The bearing has the following specifications: 100 deg pad arc angle, 0.64 preload, 100% offset, 101.74 mm bore diameter, 0.116 mm radial pad clearance, 76.3 mm axial length, and 100 deg static load orientation from the leading edge of the loaded pad. The bearing is tested at 2000 rpm, 4400 rpm, 6750 rpm, and 9000 rpm. This bearing is tested in the no-load condition and with low unit loads of 58 kPa and 117 kPa. The dynamic performance of this bearing is evaluated to determine (1) whether a fully (100%) offset three-lobe bearing configuration is more stable than a standard plain journal bearing (0.5 whirl-frequency ratio (WFR)) and (2) whether a fully offset three-lobe bearing provides a larger direct stiffness than a standard fixed-arc bearing. Hot and cold clearances are measured for this bearing. Dynamic measurements include frequency-independent stiffness and damping coefficients. Bearing stability characteristics are evaluated using the WFR. Test results are compared to numerical predictions obtained from a fixed-arc bearing Reynolds equation solver. Dynamic tests show that the vertical-application three-lobe bearing does not improve stability over conventional fixed-arc bearings. The measured WFRs for the vertical-application bearing are approximately 0.4–0.5 for nearly all test cases. Predicted WFRs are 0.46 at all test points. The vertical-application bearing dimensionless direct stiffness coefficients were compared to those for a 70% offset three-lobe bearing. Dimensionless direct stiffness coefficients at 0 kPa are larger for the vertical-application bearing by 45–48% in the loaded direction and larger by 15–26% in the unloaded direction. Thus, the vertical-application bearing does impart a larger centering force to the journal relative to the 70% offset bearing, in the no-load condition. Predictions using both the measured hot clearance and measured cold clearance as inputs to the code are compared to the measured dynamic data. In general, the predicted direct stiffness coefficients using both the hot and cold clearances as inputs were higher than measured direct stiffnesses. The two sets of predicted cross-coupled stiffness coefficients straddle the measured cross-coupled stiffness coefficients. Predicted direct damping coefficients using both solutions were higher than measured values in most cases, but agreement between predictions and measurements improved significantly at high speeds and when applying light loads.
Quantification of Foreign Object Damage and Electrical Resistivity for Ceramic Matrix Composites and Tensile Residual Strength Prediction
Authors: Abdi Frank , Morscher Gregory N. , Xue Yibin , Choi Sung
Published: September 2014

SiC-based ceramic matrix composites (CMC) in turbine engine applications must sustain certain foreign object impacts (FOIs) that might occur in services. Experiments and nondestructive evaluation (NDE) have illustrated good correlations between impact energy and foreign object damage (FOD) assessed using electrical resistivity (ER), acoustic emission (AE), and microscopy. A progressive failure dynamic analysis (PFDA) method is explored in understanding and predicting the damage states, ER, and residual strength after impact of CMCs. To accurately correlate the damage state with ER, the PFDA tool has been improved to incorporate the physical damage mechanisms in CMCs, which are matrix microcrack density due to both longitudinal and transverse tensile loads and the fiber breakage due to probabilistic fiber strength distribution. The predicted damage states and ER are correlated with the measurement of FOD and validated with tension after impact tests using high temperature ER. The PFDA tool has demonstrated a great potential for CMCs' FOD and residual strength predictions.
Development of an expanded‐field irradiation technique using a gimbaled x‐ray head
Authors: Ono Tomohiro , Miyabe Yuki , Yamada Masahiro , Yokota Kenji , Kaneko Shuji , Sawada Akira , Monzen Hajime , Mizowaki Takashi , Kokubo Masaki , Hiraoka Masahiro
Published: September 2014

Purpose:

The Vero4DRT has a maximum field size of 150.0 × 150.0 mm. The purpose of the present study was to develop expanded‐field irradiation techniques using the unique gimbaled x‐ray head of the Vero4DRT and to evaluate the dosimetric characteristics thereof.

Methods:

Two techniques were developed. One features gimbal swing irradiation and multiple static segments consisting of four separate fields exhibiting 2.39° gimbal rotation around two orthogonal axes. The central beam axis for each piecewise‐field is shifted 40 mm from the isocenters of the left–right (LR) and superior–inferior (SI) directions, and, thus, the irradiation field size is expanded to 230.8 × 230.8 mm. Adjacent regions were created at the isocenter (a center‐adjacent expandedfield) and 20 mm from the isocenter (an off‐adjacent expandedfield). The field gaps or overlaps of combined piecewise‐fields were established by adjustment of gimbal rotation and movement of the multileaf collimator (MLC). Another technique features dynamic segment irradiation in which the beam is delivered while rotating the gimbal. The dose profile is controlled by a combination of gimbal swing motion and opening and closing of the MLC. This enabled the authors to expand the irradiation field on the LR axis because the direction of MLC motion is parallel to that axis. A field 220.6 × 150.0 mm in dimensions was configured and examined. To evaluate the dosimetric characteristics of the expandedfields, films inserted into water‐equivalent phantoms at depths of 50, 100, and 150 mm were irradiated and field sizes, penumbrae, flatness, and symmetry analyzed. In addition, the expanded‐field irradiation techniques were applied to intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). A head‐and‐neck IMRT field, created using a conventional Linac (the Varian Clinac iX), was reproduced employing an expanded‐field of the Vero4DRT. The simulated dose distribution for the expanded‐IMRT field was compared to the measured dose distribution.

Results:

The field sizes, penumbrae, flatness, and symmetry of the center‐ and off‐adjacent expanded‐fields were 230.2–232.1 mm, 6.8–10.7 mm, 2.3%–5.1%, and −0.5% to −0.4%, respectively, at a depth of 100 mm. Similarly, the field sizes, penumbrae, flatness, and symmetry of dynamic segment irradiation on the LR axis were 219.2 mm, 6.0–6.2 mm, 3.4%, and −0.1%, respectively, at a depth of 100 mm. In the area of expanded‐IMRT dose distribution, the passing rate of 5% dose difference was 85.8% between measurements and simulation, and the 3%/3 mm gamma passing rate was 96.4%.

Conclusions:

Expanded‐field irradiation techniques were developed using a gimbaled x‐ray head. The techniques effectively extend target areas, as required when whole‐breast irradiation or head‐and‐neck IMRT is contemplated.
A critical time window for dopamine actions on the structural plasticity of dendritic spines
Authors: Yagishita Sho , Hayashi-Takagi Akiko , Ellis-Davies Graham C.R. , Urakubo Hidetoshi , Ishii Shin , Kasai Haruo
Published: September 2014

Animal behavior follows rewards

Animal behavior is learned and reinforced by rewards. On a molecular level, the reward comes in the form of the neurotransmitter, dopamine, which modulates synapses. The exact timing and mechanism of this process remain unknown. Using optical stimulation, Yagishita
et al.
found that dopaminergic modulation involved dendritic spine enlargement only during an extremely narrow time window. Known as reinforcement plasticity, this cellular basis for learning could provide insight into psychiatric disorders involving dopaminergic regulation, such as depression, drug addiction, and schizophrenia.

Science
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