bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement Issues: Measures of infant mental health
Authors: Szaniecki Eduardo , Barnes Jacqueline
Published: April 2015

Background

Emotional and behavioural problems emerging in very young children can represent a challenge to the child and family and warrant early identification and appropriate support or intervention. Diagnostic systems are being developed that allow for specific difficulties to be identified and this review summarizes them.

Scope

This evidenced based review describes the psychometric properties and potential for use in clinical practice of a range of instruments and methods that are available to identify infant mental health difficulties, and which may be suitable for use in primary care settings, including observations, questionnaires and checklists.

Findings and Conclusion

While debate continues about whether infant mental health problems can or should be identified, the use of standardized tools may help clinicians to compare observations of infants so that those emerging as atypical can receive additional attention, reflecting a more targeted approach to primary care services.
An Up to 12‐Year Retrospective Follow‐Up on Immediately Loaded, Surface‐Modified Implants in the Edentulous Mandible
Authors: Vandeweghe Stefan , Hawker Peter , De Bruyn Hugo
Published: April 2015

Purpose

The study aims to evaluate the long‐term clinical outcome of immediate loading of implants in the edentulous mandible.

Materials and Methods

Patients were treated at least 1 year prior to evaluation, with four to five implants and an immediate provisional bridge in the edentulous mandible. They were invited for a clinical examination, which included the removal of the bridge, probing, perio‐testing, clinical photographs, and a new radiograph to determine the bone level. Also, patients were requested to answer theOHIP‐14 questionnaire to rate their satisfaction with the treatment.

Results

Forty‐six patients (21 men, 25 women), mean age 60 years (SD8.5, range 43–77), were treated with 211 implants. One implant failed to integrate, resulting in a survival rate of 99.5%. After a mean follow‐up of 90 months (SD45, range 17–143), the mean bone level was 1.17 mm (SD0.49, range 0.36–4.88). The mean Periotest value was −5.48 (SD0.883, range −2 to −7). The mean probing depth was 2.04 mm (SD0.71, range 1.00–8.25). There were 83.3% of the implants that demonstrated no bleeding at probing. Calculus was observed at 13.9% of the abutments. Around one implant (0.5%), suppuration was seen after probing. There was a highly significant correlation between bone loss and probing depth (p < .001). Overall, patients were very satisfied, with 69.6% scoring their treatment as excellent.

Conclusion

Immediate loading of surface‐enhanced implants is a highly predictable and successful treatment modality in the edentulous mandible.
Is p‐tert‐butylphenol‐formaldehyde resin (PTBP‐FR) in TRUE Test® (Mekos test) sensitizing the tested patients?
Authors: Stenberg Berndt , Bruze Magnus , Zimerson Erik
Published: April 2015

Background

In a population study using TRUE Test®, we noted late reactions to p‐tert‐butylphenol‐formaldehyde resin (PTBP‐FR) in 0.5% of subjects tested.

Objectives

In order to explore possible test sensitization, differences in the contents of sensitizers within PTBP‐FR in test preparations for TRUE Test® and Finn Chambers® were analysed. Subjects allergic to PTBP‐FR and subjects with late reactions to PTBP‐FR were retested in order to explore whether these groups reacted to different PTBP‐FR sensitizers.

Patients/materials/methods

Four individuals with late reactions and 5 subjects with established allergy to PTBP‐FR were retested with defined PTBP‐FR sensitizers. PTBP‐FR constituents in patches from TRUE Test® were analysed with high‐performance liquid chromatography. Previously analysed samples of PTBP‐FR constituents served as a reference.

Results

The pattern of reaction to PTBP‐FR sensitizers was similar in both groups. Subjects with suspected sensitization had somewhat stronger reactions than controls. The concentrations of monomers, dimers and trimers were generally higher in the TRUE Test® resin than in reference substances.

Conclusions

Retesting did not add information regarding causes of possible sensitization. Analysis showed that the resin used in TRUE Test® has a lower degree of polymerization or condensation, which may enhance its sensitizing properties. A follow‐up of late reactions to PTBP‐FR in TRUE Test® should be carried out.
THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY GAP IN EUROPE
Authors: Cai Wenbiao , Pandey Manish
Published: April 2015

For 15 European countries over the 1970–2004 period we find large and persistent agricultural productivity gaps, the ratio of value added per hour in nonagriculture to that in agriculture. Comparing the gap in value added per hour to the wage gap between the two sectors suggests that value added in the data is mismeasured. We further find that, controlling for differences in gross domestic product per capita and institutions, the mismeasurement is positively related to self‐employed share of hours in agriculture. Correcting for underreporting of self‐employment income using our preferred correction factor reduces the measured agricultural productivity gap by 38%. These findings suggest that underreporting can account for a significant portion of the measured agricultural productivity gap. (JEL E01, O47, O52, Q10)
A MODEST PROPOSAL FOR THE EXTENSION OF NONMARKET VALUATION METHODS
Authors: Keeler Andrew G.
Published: April 2015

Welfare economics must adapt to the growing consensus over the assignment of rights to animals. We extend nonmarket valuation techniques to the study and measurement of the preferences of Chinook salmon regarding their aquatic habitat and the value of their existence. We find that these techniques are as valid for fish as they are for humans. Our applied study indicates that opportunities exist for Pareto‐improving trades between salmon and California agricultural and hydropower interests. (JEL Q510)
Urbanisation versus agriculture: a comparison of local genetic diversity and gene flow between wood mouse Apodemus sylvaticus populations in human‐modified landscapes
Authors: Wilson Amanda , Fenton Brian , Malloch Gaynor , Boag Brian , Hubbard Steve , Begg Graham
Published: April 2015

Urbanisation and agriculture dramatically modify the landscapes available for use by wildlife, affecting key aspects of their ecology such as survival, foraging, predation, competition and reproductive success. Relatively little is known about the effects of urbanisation and agriculture on the genetic structure, gene flow and genetic diversity of wild species. Here, landscape genetic techniques were applied to compare local genetic diversity and gene flow between wood mouse populations in urban and arable landscapes. Using nine microsatellite markers, individuals were genotyped from six arable and seven urban sample sites. Inter‐population genetic differentiation was significantly greater in urban than arable habitat, while allele richness, private allele richness and heterozygosity were higher for arable sample sites, with varying degrees of significance. These suggest that urban habitat was sufficiently fragmented to limit gene flow. To test the effect of landscape features on gene flow, several cost‐distance measures were generated. Overland distance and Euclidean distance correlated best with inter‐population genetic differentiation in arable habitat, whereas distances that accommodated differences in habitat quality better explained differentiation in urban habitat. There was no evidence that margins adjacent to roads, rivers or railways facilitated gene flow. Together, the results indicate that urban landscapes expose wood mice to greater fragmentation in habitat quality than arable areas, leading to greater population isolation that is not mitigated by the presence of dispersal corridors.
A neutral theory with environmental stochasticity explains static and dynamic properties of ecological communities
Authors: Kalyuzhny Michael , Kadmon Ronen , Shnerb Nadav M.
Published: April 2015

Understanding the forces shaping ecological communities is crucial to basic science and conservation. Neutral theory has made considerable progress in explaining static properties of communities, like species abundance distributions (SADs), with a simple and generic model, but was criticised for making unrealistic predictions of fundamental dynamic patterns and for being sensitive to interspecific differences in fitness. Here, we show that a generalised neutral theory incorporating environmental stochasticity may resolve these limitations. We apply the theory to real data (the tropical forest of Barro Colorado Island) and demonstrate that it much better explains the properties of short‐term population fluctuations and the decay of compositional similarity with time, while retaining the ability to explain SADs. Furthermore, the predictions are considerably more robust to interspecific fitness differences. Our results suggest that this integration of niches and stochasticity may serve as a minimalistic framework explaining fundamental static and dynamic characteristics of ecological communities.
The olfactory bulb volume in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease
Authors: Paschen L. , Schmidt N. , Wolff S. , Cnyrim C. , van Eimeren T. , Zeuner K. E. , Deuschl G. , Witt K.
Published: April 2015

Background and purpose

This study addresses the question of whether the neuropathological findings on the olfactory bulb (OB) in idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) correspond to a detectable change in volume of the OB. Additionally, the relationship between OB volume and residual olfactory function, clinical disease characteristics and age are investigated.

Methods

Fifty‐two IPD patients were investigated and compared to 31 healthy age‐matched controls. All participants were scanned using a 3 T magnetic resonance imaging MRI scanner including a T2 DRIVE sequence in coronal slices through the OB. The OB volumes were measured via manual segmentation of the OB. Olfactory testing was carried out using the Sniffin’ Sticks test battery.

Results

The OB volume in the IPD group was 42.1 mm³ (SD ± 11.6) for the right and 41.5 mm³ (SD ± 11.7) for the left OB and showed no difference from the controls. Additionally, there were no significant correlations between OB volume and disease characteristics such as disease duration or Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale motor score. Likewise, patients’ residual smell function did not correlate with their OB volume. In contrast, controls indicated a correlation between smell function and OB volume.

Conclusion

The study shows that high resolution MRI does not show a detectable volume loss of the OB in PD patients. It is concluded that OB measurement using in vivo high resolution MRI at 3 T is not helpful to identify IPD.
The Meaning of the Sperm Donor for Heterosexual Couples: Confirming the Position of the Father
Authors: Wyverkens Elia , Provoost Veerle , Ravelingien An , Pennings Guido , De Sutter Petra , Buysse Ann
Published: April 2015

In the literature, relatively little attention has been paid to the meaning of donor involvement in the intimate couple dyad. The current study aimed to enrich our understanding of couples' meaning‐making regarding the anonymous sperm donor and how they dealt with the donor involvement. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with nine couples, who had at least one child conceived through sperm donation. Our thematic analysis showed that the donor conception was seen as a different path to create a normal family. Once the family was formed, most couples avoided talking about the donor because it was perceived as disrupting men's growing confidence in their position as father. Participants tried to confirm the position of the father to protect the family relationships. Uncertainties about how they were perceived as parents showed the continuing dominance of genetic ties within our social discourse. Participants also dealt with reminders of the donor in their daily life. Overall, they tried to manage the space taken up by the donor and to protect the position of the father. We relate our findings to literature on topic avoidance and shared obliviousness in families. For counseling practice, it could be useful to explore couples' meaning‐making about the donor as this seemed to serve family functioning.
An attack on two fronts: predicting how changes in land use and climate affect the distribution of stream macroinvertebrates
Authors: Kuemmerlen Mathias , Schmalz Britta , Cai Qinghua , Haase Peter , Fohrer Nicola , Jähnig Sonja C.
Published: April 2015

Global environmental change entails not only climatic alterations, but also changes in land use. Freshwater ecosystems are particularly sensitive to both of these changes, and their sustainable management requires better information on likely responses.

To examine the effects of climate and land use on the freshwater community, the distributions of stream macroinvertebrates of the Changjiang catchment in south‐east China were modelled. The present distributions of 72 taxa were predicted using environmental variables generated by regional climate, land‐use and hydrological models.

Hydrological predictors, sensitive to both climate and land use, were the most relevant predictors in the species distribution models (SDMs), followed by land use.

The stream macroinvertebrates’ distributions were then projected for the period 2021 to 2050 using three different future scenarios: (i) climate change, (ii) land‐use change and (iii) climate and land‐use change combined.

Land‐use change was predicted to have the strongest negative impact on the community, with reductions in local richness (−20%), predicted diversity (−0.3%) and range size (−25%) and a general shift towards higher altitudes (+12%). The climate‐change scenario had a negative effect on predicted diversity (−0.1%) and resulted in a moderate altitudinal shift (+3%) along with increased richness (+15%) and range size (+19%). In the combined scenario, climate and land‐use changes counterbalanced each other to a certain degree, but had an overall detrimental effect.

The results underscore the high relevance of land‐use change in future distribution predictions, exemplify the possible effect of interactions between land use and climate on hydrology and indicate how such responses can vary among freshwater taxa. The model also allows the detection of key environmental variables, the identification of vulnerable species and the definition of their potential distributions. This information is essential to establishing effective management and conservation strategies and gives a more comprehensive insight into the possible effects of global environmental change on freshwater ecosystems.
Quantifying surface albedo and other direct biogeophysical climate forcings of forestry activities
Authors: Bright Ryan M. , Zhao Kaiguang , Jackson Robert B. , Cherubini Francesco
Published: April 2015

By altering fluxes of heat, momentum, and moisture exchanges between the land surface and atmosphere, forestry and other land‐use activities affect climate. Although long recognized scientifically as being important, these so‐called biogeophysical forcings are rarely included in climate policies for forestry and other land management projects due to the many challenges associated with their quantification. Here, we review the scientific literature in the fields of atmospheric science and terrestrial ecology in light of three main objectives: (i) to elucidate the challenges associated with quantifying biogeophysical climate forcings connected to land use and land management, with a focus on the forestry sector; (ii) to identify and describe scientific approaches and/or metrics facilitating the quantification and interpretation of direct biogeophysical climate forcings; and (iii) to identify and recommend research priorities that can help overcome the challenges of their attribution to specific land‐use activities, bridging the knowledge gap between the climate modeling, forest ecology, and resource management communities. We find that ignoring surface biogeophysics may mislead climate mitigation policies, yet existing metrics are unlikely to be sufficient. Successful metrics ought to (i) include both radiative and nonradiative climate forcings; (ii) reconcile disparities between biogeophysical and biogeochemical forcings, and (iii) acknowledge trade‐offs between global and local climate benefits. We call for more coordinated research among terrestrial ecologists, resource managers, and coupled climate modelers to harmonize datasets, refine analytical techniques, and corroborate and validate metrics that are more amenable to analyses at the scale of an individual site or region.
Patterns of Adherence of Helicobacter pylori Clinical Isolates to Epithelial Cells, and its Association with Disease and with Virulence Factors
Authors: Vázquez‐Jiménez Flor Elizabeth , Torres Javier , Flores‐Luna Lourdes , Giono Cerezo Silvia , Camorlinga‐Ponce Margarita
Published: April 2015

Background and aim

Adherence to the gastric epithelium is one of the most important steps of Helicobacter pylori to remain and cause disease. The aim of this study was to analyze whether H. pylori isolates from patients with different gastroduodenal diseases present differences in the pattern of adherence to gastric epithelial cells (AGS), in the ability to induce IL‐8, and in the presence of virulence genes.

Methods

We tested 75 H. pylori strains isolated from nonatrophic gastritis, gastric cancer, and duodenal ulcer patients. The adhesion pattern and IL‐8 induction were determined in AGS cells, and invasion of AGS cells was studied using a gentamicin protection assay. The IL‐8 levels induced were determined by ELISA.

Results

Helicobacter pylori strains presented diffuse adherence (DA) and localized (LA) adherence patterns, similar to those described for enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), were observed in AGS cells. A DA pattern was observed in 57% and LA in 43% of the strains, and DA was more frequent in isolates from patients with gastric cancer (p = 0.044). Strains with a LA pattern induced higher levels of IL‐8 (p = 0.042) in AGS cells.

Conclusion

The adherence pattern was not associated with neither invasiveness nor with the presence of virulence genes. Our study shows that H. pylori strains present adherence patterns to AGS cells resembling those observed in EPEC and that these patterns may be associated with disease and with activity on AGS cells.
Mimesis and Colonialism: Emerging Perspectives on a Shared History
Authors: Roque Ricardo
Published: April 2015

Mimesis is an important human faculty and a fertile concept in Western intellectual traditions. Colonialism is a critical and lasting event in the history of European societies and their relationship with the wider world. This essay examines the significance of telling the shared history between these two phenomena. It surveys historical and anthropological literature that explores mimesis, imitation and mimicry as concepts and as practices in the history of European colonial and imperial expansionism, across three connected themes: indigenous resistance and anti‐colonialism; the making of identity and alterity in colonial encounters and post‐colonial relationships; and, finally, the presence of mimesis as theory and practice of empire‐building and colonization.
ARID1A expression in ovarian clear cell carcinoma with an adenofibromatous component
Authors: Nishikimi Kyoko , Kiyokawa Takako , Tate Shinichi , Iwamoto Masami , Shozu Makio
Published: April 2015

Aims

The carcinogenesis of ovarian clear cell carcinoma (CCC) has been hypothesized to comprise two different pathways: an adenofibroma–carcinoma sequence and an endometriosis–carcinoma sequence. However, the difference in the genetic basis of these two pathways remains unclear. Recent studies have suggested that an ARID1A mutation and the loss of the corresponding protein, BAF250a, are frequent events in CCC. Herein, we investigated the difference in the loss of BAF250a expression in adenofibroma‐related CCC and endometriosis‐related CCC.

Methods and results

In total, 93 cases of surgically treated CCC were evaluated. The presence of adenofibroma and endometriosis associated with carcinoma was determined by reviewing haematoxylin and eosin‐stained slides for each case. BAF250a expression in carcinoma was examined immunohistochemically. The loss of BAF250a expression was detected in carcinomas in 50 of 93 (54%) cases, including five of 18 (28%) with adenofibroma alone, 30 of 45 (67%) with endometriosis alone, eight of 18 (44%) with both conditions and seven of 12 (58%) with neither condition. The loss of BAF250a expression was significantly less frequent in CCC cases with adenofibroma than in cases with endometriosis (P = 0.01, Fisher's exact test).

Conclusions

The action of ARID1A in carcinogenesis differs between adenofibroma‐related CCC and endometriosis‐related CCC.
The winter diet of theAtlanticPuffinFratercula arcticaaround theFaroeIslands
Authors: Harris Michael P. , Leopold Mardik F. , Jensen Jens‐Kjeld , Meesters Erik H. , Wanless Sarah
Published: April 2015

Most mortality of Atlantic Puffins occurs outside the breeding season but little is known about the species’ diet at that time. The stomach contents of 176 Puffins shot legally for food around the Faroe Islands between October and January in three winters were examined. The remains of 20 species of fish, six species of crustacea and single species of polychaete, chaetognathid and squid were identified. The most frequently recorded prey in terms of frequency of occurrence were 0 group (< 1 year old) Lesser SandeelAmmodytes marinus(82% of stomachs), followed by mesopelagic fish (52%), nereid worms (41%), Silver RocklingGaidropsarus argentatus(36%), crustacea (35%), large sandeel (32%) and other large fish (32%). In terms of calculated biomass, nereids (41%), large sandeel (23%) and other large fish (17%) made up the bulk of the diet but the latter two prey types were most important in energetic terms (46% despite accounting for only 9% of items). Stomach contents collected on the same day and location were significantly more similar than those collected on different dates and locations, suggesting that during the winter, Puffins are generalists, taking any prey they encounter.
Value of Utilizing Both Aspects and CT Angiography Collateral Score for Outcome Prediction in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Song Dongbeom , Lee Kijeong , Kim Eun Hye , Kim Young Dae , Kim Jinkwon , Song Tae-Jin , Lee Hye Sun , Nam Hyo Suk , Heo Ji Hoe
Published: April 2015

Background

Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) represents the extent of irreversibly damaged tissue; while CT angiography collateral score (CTA-CS) denotes the degree of collaterals.

Aims

We investigated whether there is cumulative value in using both ASPECTS and CTA-CS for outcome prediction and attempted to determine the specific subgroup of patients who could benefit from successful reperfusion using these scores.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational study of stroke patients treated with intra-arterial reperfusion therapy for unilateral arterial occlusion in the anterior circulation. A favorable outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale ≤ 2 at three-months. Receiver operating characteristic comparison analysis was performed to decide whether outcome predictability increases when ASPECTS and CTA-CS are used together. Classification and regression tree (CART) analysis was done to identify the variables that best predict outcome and define the specific subgroup of patients who could benefit from successful reperfusion.

Results

A total of 91 consecutive patients were included. Outcome predictability of ASPECTS with CTA-CS was better than that of ASPECTS ( P = 0·088) or that of CTA-CS ( P = 0·049). CART analysis revealed that ASPECTS > 5 was the primary determinant of favorable outcome, followed by CTA-CS > 1. Among 19 patients with ASPECTS ≤ 5, none had a favorable outcome. Successful reperfusion was associated significantly with favorable outcome in the 51 patients with ASPECTS > 5 and CTA-CS > 1, but not in the 21 patients with ASPECTS > 5 and CTA-CS ≤ 1.

Conclusions

Outcome predictability improves when using ASPECTS and CTA-CS together.
Thermal, Structural, and Crystallization Properties of New Tantalum Alkali‐Germanate Glasses
Authors: de Pietro Gabriele Matinatti , Pereira Camila , Gonçalves Rogeria Rocha , Ribeiro Sidney J. L. , Freschi Carolina Dakuzaku , Cassanjes Fábia Castro , Poirier Gael
Published: April 2015

In this work, new glass compositions were prepared in the ternary system GeO2–K2O–Ta2O5. Potassium oxide was added to reach the complete melt of the starting mixture and two composition series were investigated: the first one with a constant K2O molar content of 10% in the ternary system (90–x)GeO2–10K2O–xTa2O5 and the second one with the same molar content of K2O and Ta2O5 in the ternary system (100–2x)GeO2–xK2O–xTa2O5. Homogeneous and transparent glasses could be obtained between x = 0 and 20. X‐ray diffraction analyzes of samples with x = 25 identified orthorhombic Ta2O5 in the first series and an isostructure of K3.8Ge3Nb5O20.4 in the second series where it is assumed that Ta5+ ions are inserted in the Nb5+ sites. As one of our goal with these materials is related with the preparation of glass‐ceramics containing Ta2O5 nanocrystals, the first series has been selected for further characterizations. An increase in glass‐transition temperatures with increasing Ta2O5 content as well as an increase of the thermal stability from x = 0 to 10 has been identified by differential scanning calorimetry. For higher contents, crystallization events were identified. Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopic characterizations allowed to point out the intermediary behavior of Ta2O5 in the vitreous network where TaO6 octahedra are inserted inside the germanate network with TaO6 clusters identified at higher Ta2O5 contents. Heat‐treated samples with high tantalum contents (x = 15 and 20) exhibit preferential precipitation of orthorhombic Ta2O5 with nanometric size, suggesting the possibility of obtaining transparent glass‐ceramics for optical applications.
Analysis of Asymmetrical Creep of a Ceramic at 1350°C by Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Leplay Paul , Lafforgue Olivier , Hild François
Published: April 2015

The glass industry requires the use of innovative ceramics that enable for long lifetimes. At very high temperatures, one of the key parameters for ceramics is their creep resistance. The characterization of the creep behavior, usually assessed through flexural tests, can be complex when an asymmetry appears between tension and compression. To detect and quantify such asymmetrical behaviors, the use of Digital Image Correlation (DIC) is proposed. First, several challenges are to be tackled for DIC at high temperature, namely, the random pattern stability, the radiation filtering and the heat haze. They are exacerbated by the limited possibilities to heat ceramics, the nonuniform strain fields and their low levels. Beyond several experimental developments, the strain uncertainties are decreased thanks to the use of two global approaches of DIC based on ad hoc finite‐element kinematics. Last, the proposed methodology is applied to the analysis of asymmetric creep at 1350°C of an industrial zircon ceramic designed for its high creep resistance.
Effect of Active Components of Sintering Atmosphere on Reduction/Oxidation Processes During Sintering of Cr‐Alloyed PM Steels
Authors: Hryha Eduard , Karamchedu Seshendra , Riabov Dmitri , Nyborg Lars , Berg Sigurd
Published: April 2015

Water atomized steel powder particles are covered by heterogeneous surface oxide, formed by thin (~ 6 to 8 nm) iron oxide layer covering most of the powder surface, and particulate features formed by thermodynamically stable oxides containing, for example, Cr and Mn with surface coverage about 5%. Development of sufficiently strong interparticle necks requires as minimum full removal of the iron surface oxide layer that can be achieved by gaseous reducing agents as CO and H2 as well as by carbon typically admixed in the form of graphite. The study evaluates the effect of concentration of reactive components of the sintering atmosphere, with special focus on carbon monoxide, on the reduction/oxidation and carburization/decarburization processes taking place during the whole sintering process. Results of the thermal analysis, SEM analysis of oxide characteristics, metallographic, and chemical analysis of the sintered compacts were correlated with thermodynamic simulation of the oxide stability in applied sintering atmospheres. High oxidation potential of the CO‐containing atmospheres in case of Cr‐alloyed PM steels was detected during heating stage until ~1000°C. Oxidation potential is linearly increasing with the increasing content of the carbon monoxide in the processing atmospheres and rather severe oxidation is observed if CO content exceeds 1 vol%.
Improved Energy Storage Properties of Fine‐Crystalline BaTiO3 Ceramics by Coating Powders with Al2O3 and SiO2
Authors: Liu Baibo , Wang Xiaohui , Zhao Qiancheng , Li Longtu
Published: April 2015

The multilayer structure of capacitor demands for fine grain size of dielectric ceramics in devices, because the thinner layer which needs ceramics with fine grain size is helpful in enlarging the capacitance. In this paper, the aqueous chemical coating method was utilized to modify the BaTiO3 particles. The fine‐crystalline BaTiO3 ceramics with an average grain size below 200 nm without abnormal grain growth by co‐coating Al2O3 and SiO2 has been prepared. The phase composition, microstructures of coated particles and ceramics, and dielectric properties were investigated. For samples containing 3 wt% of Al2O3 and 1 wt% of SiO2, the energy storage density is 0.725 J/cm3 and the efficiency of the ceramic samples can keep above 80%. The breakdown strength was improved to about 190 kV/cm.
Screw Dislocation Assisted Spontaneous Growth of HfB2 Tubes and Rods
Authors: Venugopal Saranya , Jayaseelan Daniel Doni , Paul Anish , Vaidhyanathan Bala , Binner Jon G. P. , Brown Peter M.
Published: April 2015

The mechanism of anisotropic growth of HfB2 rods has been discussed in this study. HfB2 powder has been synthesized via a sol–gel‐based route using phenolic resin, hafnium chloride, and boric acid as the source of carbon, hafnium, and boron respectively, though a small number of comparative experiments involved amorphous boron as the boron source. The effects of calcination dwell time and Hf:C and Hf:B molar ratio on the purity and morphology of the final powder have been studied and the mechanism of anisotropic growth of HfB2 has been investigated. It is hypothesized that imperfect oriented attachment of finer HfB2 particles results in screw dislocations in the coarser particles. The screw dislocation facilitates dislocation‐driven growth of particles into anisotropic HfB2 rods.
Direct long‐distance dispersal best explains the bipolar distribution of Carex arctogena (Carex sect. Capituligerae, Cyperaceae)
Authors: Villaverde Tamara , Escudero Marcial , Martín‐Bravo Santiago , Bruederle Leo P. , Luceño Modesto , Starr Julian R.
Published: April 2015

Aim

The bipolar disjunction, a biogeographical pattern defined by taxa with a distribution at very high latitudes in both hemispheres (> 55° N; > 52° S), is only known to occur in about 30 vascular plant species. Our aim was to use the bipolar species Carex arctogena to test the four classic hypotheses proposed to explain this exceptional disjunction: convergent evolution, vicariance, mountain‐hopping and direct long‐distance dispersal.

Location

Arctic/boreal and temperate latitudes of both hemispheres.

Methods

A combination of molecular and bioclimatic data was used to test phylogeographical hypotheses in C. arctogena. Three chloroplast markers (atpF–atpH, matK and rps16) and the nuclear ITS region were sequenced for all species in Carex sections Capituligerae and Longespicatae; Carex rupestris, C. obtusata and Uncinia triquetra were used as outrgroups. Phylogenetic relationships, divergence‐time estimates and biogeographical patterns were inferred using maximum likelihood, statistical parsimony and Bayesian inference.

Results

Carex sections Capituligerae and Longespicatae formed a monophyletic group that diverged during the late Miocene. Two main lineages of C. arctogena were inferred. Southern Hemisphere populations of C. arctogena shared the same haplotype as a widespread circumboreal lineage. Bioclimatic data show that Southern and Northern Hemisphere populations currently differ in their ecological regimes.

Main conclusions

Two of the four hypotheses accounting for bipolar disjunctions may be rejected. Our results suggest that direct long‐distance dispersal, probably southwards and mediated by birds, best explains the bipolar distribution of C. arctogena.
Clobetasol propionate vs. mometasone furoate in 1‐year proactive maintenance therapy of vulvar lichen sclerosus: results from a comparative trial
Authors: Corazza M. , Borghi A. , Minghetti S. , Toni G. , Virgili A.
Published: April 2015

Background

Twice‐weekly proactive application of mometasone furoate 0.1% ointment (MMF) over 52 weeks was found to be an effective and safe therapy option in maintaining vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) remission and in preventing relapse.

Objective

To assess and compare the effectiveness and safety of two different topical corticosteroids, clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment (CP) and MMF, administered twice weekly as a maintenance therapy of VLS previously stabilized with a topical corticosteroid course.

Methods

Forty‐eight patients affected with VLS who had responded to therapy with either CP or MMF in an earlier 12‐week randomized active treatment phase trial were enroled in a 52‐week maintenance phase (MP) to apply their previous treatment twice weekly. The main efficacy parameters were the relapse rate, the mean time of relapse, and the change in symptom and sign severity throughout MP.

Results

By the end of the 52‐week MP, 2 (8.33%) subjects among the CP patients and 1 (4.17%) among the MMF patients experienced a relapse; among relapsing patients the mean time to relapse was 30 weeks. Neither subjective nor objective scores changed significantly during MP among CP and MMF patients. No significant differences were found in any of the assessed efficacy endpoints between CP and MMF. Both treatments were well tolerated and the proactive regimen was judged as convenient by patients.

Conclusions

Proactive application of the ultra‐potent CP and the potent MMF was found to be an effective, safe and suitable maintenance treatment for long‐term management of VLS. There were no differences between the two corticosteroids.
Modulation of tamoxifen-induced hepatotoxicity by tamoxifen–phospholipid complex
Authors: Jena Sunil K , Suresh Sarasija , Sangamwar Abhay T
Published: April 2015

Objectives

Tamoxifen (TMX), a non-steroidal antiestrogen is a first-line drug in the treatment and prevention of all stages of estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer. However, oxidative liver damage and hepatocarcinoma are the major problems associated with its long-term clinical use. The aim of this study was to investigate the ameliorative effect of phospholipid against TMX-induced hepatotoxicity.

Methods

Fifteen female Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into three groups with five rats in each group. Group I received only standard diet and distilled water for 28 days and served as normal. Group II received TMX per day p.o., for 28 days and served as control, and group III received TMX–phospholipid complex (TMX–PLC) per day p.o., for 28 days. Rats were examined for the effect of phospholipid on TMX-induced depletion of antioxidant enzymes, serum biochemical parameters and induction of lipid peroxidation.

Key findings

Treatment with TMX–PLC significantly ameliorates the TMX-induced hepatotoxicity by diminishing the toxicity markers such lipid peroxidation, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase, accompanied by an increase in antioxidant enzyme activity in TMX-treated rats. Histological findings further confirmed the hepatoprotective effect of phospholipid.

Conclusions

Data of the present study suggests that phospholipid may prove as a useful component of combination therapy in cancer patients under the TMX treatment regimen.
Biased Social Perceptions of Knowledge: Implications for Negotiators' Rapport and Egocentrism
Authors: Lee David S. , Moeller Scott J. , Kopelman Shirli , Ybarra Oscar
Published: April 2015

This study examines how people manage uncertain competitive social interactions. To achieve positive interaction outcomes, individuals may engage in a social perception process that leads them to believe they have obtained more information about others than these others gained about them. We investigate how asymmetric knowledge perceptions contribute to important aspects of negotiation, namely rapport building among strangers and egocentric beliefs about fairness of resource distribution. In Study 1, dyads completed measures of knowledge acquisition and partner evaluation after a rapport‐building exercise. Results showed that individuals believed they gained more information about their partner than vice versa; notably, the magnitude of this knowledge bias was associated with more positive partner evaluations. Study 2 showed that the magnitude of the knowledge bias predicted lower egocentrism in a commons dilemma task. Together, these results suggest knowledge asymmetries facilitate rapport among strangers and may have important implications for cooperation in competitive negotiation settings.
Ghrelin receptors as targets for novel motility drugs
Authors: Sessenwein J. L. , Lomax A. E.
Published: April 2015

Constipation arises from a multitude of causes, including aging, spinal cord injury (SCI), and dietary issues. The heterogeneity of inciting factors has made the treatment of constipation particularly challenging. Agonists of ghrelin receptors have beneficial effects on delayed gastric emptying, but less is known about their ability to improve colorectal motility. Recent publications indicate that the activation of the ghrelin receptors in the spinal cord can alleviate constipation due to dietary causes, Parkinsonism, and SCI in rodents. Ghrelin‐responsive neurons in the intermediolateral cell column of the lumbosacral spinal cord can activate enteric microcircuits that coordinate propulsive colorectal contractions, leading to defecation. Learning more about the properties of neurons in the spinal defecation center and the roles of ghrelin receptors in the defecation reflex will accelerate the development of improved treatments of constipation.
Spatiotemporal modelling of hormonal crosstalk explains the level and patterning of hormones and gene expression in Arabidopsis thaliana wild‐type and mutant roots
Authors: Moore Simon , Zhang Xiaoxian , Mudge Anna , Rowe James H. , Topping Jennifer F. , Liu Junli , Lindsey Keith
Published: April 2015

Patterning in Arabidopsis root development is coordinated via a localized auxin concentration maximum in the root tip, requiring the regulated expression of specific genes. However, little is known about how hormone and gene expression patterning is generated.

Using a variety of experimental data, we develop a spatiotemporal hormonal crosstalk model that describes the integrated action of auxin, ethylene and cytokinin signalling, the POLARIS protein, and the functions of PIN and AUX1 auxin transporters. We also conduct novel experiments to confirm our modelling predictions.

The model reproduces auxin patterning and trends in wild‐type and mutants; reveals that coordinated PIN and AUX1 activities are required to generate correct auxin patterning; correctly predicts shoot to root auxin flux, auxin patterning in the aux1 mutant, the amounts of cytokinin, ethylene and PIN protein, and PIN protein patterning in wild‐type and mutant roots. Modelling analysis further reveals how PIN protein patterning is related to the POLARIS protein through ethylene signalling. Modelling prediction of the patterning of POLARIS expression is confirmed experimentally.

Our combined modelling and experimental analysis reveals that a hormonal crosstalk network regulates the emergence of patterns and levels of hormones and gene expression in wild‐type and mutants.
THE MITRA‐WAN FORESTRY MODEL: A DISCRETE‐TIME OPTIMAL CONTROL PROBLEM
Authors: LAURA‐GUARACHI LEONARDO R. , HERNÁNDEZ‐LERMA ONÉSIMO
Published: April 2015

In this paper, we present some new properties of the Mitra‐Wan forestry model written as a discrete‐time optimal control problem. For this problem, the set of stationary states is characterized. For the optimal long‐run management, we consider the following optimality criteria: average optimality, good control policies, bias optimality, and overtaking optimality. We establish relationships between these criteria and show that the value of average optimal policies is constant and equals the value in the optimal stationary state.
mTOR activation is a biomarker and a central pathway to autoimmune disorders, cancer, obesity, and aging
Authors: Perl Andras
Published: April 2015

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a ubiquitous serine/threonine kinase, which plays pivotal roles in integrating growth signals on a cellular level. To support proliferation and survival under stress, two interacting complexes that harbor mTOR, mTORC1 and mTORC2, promote the transcription of genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and lipogenesis, enhance protein translation, and inhibit autophagy. Although rapamycin was originally developed as an inhibitor of T cell proliferation for preventing organ transplant rejection, its molecular target, mTOR, has been subsequently identified as a central regulator of metabolic cues that drive lineage specification in the immune system. Owing to oxidative stress, the activation of mTORC1 has emerged as a central pathway for the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune diseases. Paradoxically, mTORC1 has also been identified as a mediator of the Warburg effect that allows cell survival under hypoxia. Rapamycin and new classes of mTOR inhibitors are being developed to block not only transplant rejection and autoimmunity but also to treat obesity and various forms of cancer. Through preventing these diseases, personalized mTOR blockade holds promise to extend life span.
B cells generated by B‐1 development can progress to chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Hayakawa Kyoko , Formica Anthony M. , Colombo Matthew J. , Ichikawa Daiju , Shinton Susan A. , Brill‐Dashoff Joni , Hardy Richard R.
Published: April 2015

B cells generated early during fetal/neonatal B‐1 development in mice include autoreactive cells with detectable CD5 upregulation induced by B cell receptor (BCR) signaling (B1a cells). A fraction of B1a cells are maintained by self‐renewal for life, with the potential risk of dysregulated growth and progression to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/lymphoma during aging. In studies using the Eμ‐hTCL1 transgenic mouse system, it became clear that this B1a subset has a higher potential than other B cell subsets for progression to CLL. We have generated several autoreactive germline BCR gene models to compare B cells generated under conditions of natural exposure to autoantigen. Analysis of the mice has been key in understanding the importance of the BCR and BCR signaling for generating different B cell subsets and for investigating the cellular origin of B‐CLL.
Therapeutic effect of Avonex, Rebif and Betaferon on quality of life in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Mokhber Naghmeh , Azarpazhooh Amir , Orouji Elias , Khorram Bita , Modares Gharavi Morteza , Kakhi Sorayya , Khallaghi Hoda , Azarpazhooh Mahmoud Reza
Published: April 2015

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of various disease‐modifying therapies (DMT) on quality of life in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

This was a three‐arm parallel study with balanced randomization in which 90 newly diagnosed, definite MS subjects referred to Ghaem Medical Center, Mashhad, Iran were enrolled between 2006 and 2009. Patients were randomly allocated into three DMT groups: Avonex, Rebif and Betaferon. Health‐related quality of life was assessed in MS patients at baseline and 12 months after treatment with DMT using the MS Quality of Life‐54 questionnaire.

Results

Both mental and physical health scores improved within all three treatment groups after 12 months of treatment; however, this increase was only significant in the mental health composite in the Betaferon group (P = 0.024). Betaferon had the highest mental health score change (14.04) while this change was 7.26 for Avonex (P = 0.031) and 5.08 for Rebif (P = 0.017). A physical health composite score comparison among the three treatment groups revealed no significant results.

Conclusions

With a positive impact of DMT on mental and physical dimensions of QOL in MS patients, initiation of treatment soon after diagnosis is recommended. In MS patients with more mental issues and fewer physical disabilities, Betaferon might be considered as a better choice of treatment.
Similar outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation from unrelated donor and umbilical cord blood vs. sibling donor for pediatric acute myeloid leukemia: Multicenter experience in China
Authors: Tang Xiangfeng , Chen Jing , Fang Jianpei , Sun Xin , Qin Mao Quan , Li Junhui , Zhu Yiping , Luan Zuo
Published: April 2015

In a multicenter study, we have conducted a retrospective study on 73 pediatric AML patients who were primary refractory or in greater than CR1 and investigated MSD (or MMSD) (n = 20), URD (n = 23), and UCB (n = 30) HCT between January 1998 and October 2009. The median day to neutrophil engraftment was similar in all groups. The median day to platelet engraftment was longer in the UCB group. The number of HLA mismatch was higher in the UCB group (p = 0.034); however, the cumulative incidence of grade III–IV aGVHD was not different among all groups (p = 0.125); furthermore, cGVHD was lower in the UCB group (p = 0.078). The risk of relapse did not differ among all groups (RR = 1.28, p = 0.125), but the patients of MSD (or MMSD) grafts had a trend of higher risk recurrence. Sixty‐two patients survived with a median follow‐up of 58.2 months. Five‐yr LFS was 73.1%, 59.8%, and 59.6% for URD, UCB, and MSD (or MMDS), respectively (p = 0.426). Five‐yr LFS in CR1 was 68.9%, with a significantly better result compared to 41.7% in CR2 (p = 0.025). Our comparisons suggest that pediatric AML patients receiving UCB had a higher early TRM, a lower cGVHD rate, and a similar long‐term survival. The outcome of URD and UCB is comparable to that of a suitable sibling for pediatric AML.