bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Localized and homogeneous plastic flow in bulk glassy Pd40Cu30Ni10P20: An acoustic emission study
Authors: Vinogradov A. , Danyuk A. , Khonik V. A.
Published: April 2013

A detailed study of plastic flow of bulk glassy Pd40Cu30Ni10P20 has been performed using an acoustic emission (AE) technique from room temperature up to the low-temperature end of the supercooled liquid region. The AE measurements allowed for clear identification of both inhomogeneous (slip-band mediated) and homogeneous plastic flow modes as well as the transition between these. It is argued that inhomogeneous flow occurs when structural relaxation-induced homogeneous deformation is incapable of accommodating plastic strain in a metallic glass at a rate imposed externally. Within this framework, the boundary between the flow modes as a function of temperature and strain rate is calculated and verified to be very close to experimental observations. The results of AE measurements witness that the dynamic properties of AE sources—shear bands—are essentially the same at different temperatures, i.e., the temperature affects the number of slip bands but does not affect their velocity or dimensions.
Novel half-metal and spin gapless semiconductor properties in N-doped silicene nanoribbons
Authors: Zheng Fu-bao , Zhang Chang-wen , Wang Pei-ji , Li Sheng-shi
Published: April 2013

We carry out a spin polarized first-principles study on the energetic and electronic properties of zigzag silicene nanoribbons (ZSiNRs) doped with N atoms, as well as N and Si vacancy (VSi) complexes. The formation energy analysis shows that the doped N atom and N-VSi complex prefer the edge sites in ZSiNRs. Due to breaking the degeneracy of the spin-polarization in ZSiNR, the substitution of N for Si atom exhibits a spin gapless semiconductor (SGS) property. When the N-VSi complex is introduced forming so called pyridine- and pyrrole-like structure in ZSiNR, they also exhibit half-metal or SGS behaviors with 100% spin-polarized currents in the Fermi level. These interesting properties may further stimulate potential applications of silicene-based nanostructures in nanoelectronics.
Comparative studies on the inorganic and organic p-type dopants in organic light-emitting diodes with enhanced hole injection
Authors: Gao Chun-Hong , Zhu Xiao-Zhao , Zhang Lei , Zhou Dong-Ying , Wang Zhao-Kui , Liao Liang-Sheng
Published: April 2013

Comparative studies on inorganic and organic electron acceptors used as p-dopants in N,N′-di(naphthalene-1-yl)-N,N′-diphenyl-benzidine (NPB) in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are carried out. It demonstrates that 1,4,5,8,9,11-hexaazatriphenylene-hexacarbonitrile (HAT-CN) doped hole-injecting layer is superior to molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) doped one in device efficiency and stability. Combining with absorption spectral measurement, the effectiveness of a p-doped NPB in OLEDs does not solely rely on the generation of charge-transfer complexes in the doped NPB. The detailed difference between MoO3 and HAT-CN as p-dopants in NPB is further investigated by evaluating the hole injection efficiency, hole barrier height, and surface morphology of the doped films.
Corrigendum to: Coarse-Grained Simulations of the Effects of Chain Length, Solvent Quality, and Chemical Defects on the Solution-Phase Morphology of MEH-PPV Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Chiu Ming , Kee Tak W. , Huang David M.
Published: April 2013

A mesoscale coarse-grained model of the conjugated polymer poly(2-methoxy-5-(2'-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene) (MEH-PPV) in implicit solvent is developed. The model is parametrized to reproduce the local structure and dynamics of an atomistic simulation model and accounts for the effects of solvent quality and saturation chemical defects on the polymer structure. Polymers with defect concentrations of 0 to 10 % are simulated using Langevin dynamics in tetrahydrofuran (THF) and in a model poor solvent for chain lengths and solution concentrations used experimentally. The polymer chains are extended in THF and collapse into compact structures in the poor solvent. The radius of gyration decreases with defect content in THF and agrees quantitatively with experiment. The structures formed in poor solvent by chains with 300 monomer units change from toroidal to cylindrical with increasing defect content, while chains containing 1000 monomers form cylinders regardless of defect content. These results have implications for energy transfer in MEH-PPV.
Prognostic factors for successful varicocelectomy to treat varicocele-associated male infertility
Authors: Huang Hsin-Chieh , Huang Shih-Tsung , Chen Yu , Hsu Yu-Chao , Chang Po-Chih , Hsieh Ming-Li
Published: April 2013

The present study identified prognostic factors for successful varicocelectomy for the treatment of varicocele-induced male infertility. All varicoceles were diagnosed and graded by physical examination and ultrasound. Pre- and postoperative analysis of semen specimens measured sperm density, morphology and motility. ‘Responder’ and ‘non-responder’ status was determined by semen analyses at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Varicocele Grades 1, 2 and 3 were found in 16, 36 and 28 patients, respectively; 49 patients (61.3%) were responders based on improved seminograms. Significant postoperative increases were noted in sperm density (from 18.20 ± 14.76 × 106 to 32.36 ± 24.81 × 106 mL–1; P < 0.001), sperm morphology (from 57.21 ± 17.35% to 62.66 ± 15.18%; P = 0.006) and percentage motility (from 29.89 ± 14.71% to 50.92 ± 19.30%; P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that age (odds ratio (OR) 0.56; P < 0.001) and preoperative sperm density (OR 1.22; P = 0.001) had significant unfavourable and favourable associations, respectively, with the likelihood of successful varicocelectomy. Furthermore, a preoperative sperm density of 12 × 106 mL–1 as a cut-off point was able to predict successful varicocelectomy with a sensitivity of 77.6% and specificity of 77.4% (area under the curve = 0.85; P < 0.001; 95% confidence interval 0.76–0.92). Age and preoperative sperm density are prognostic factors for successful varicocelectomy. The results of the present study may allow clinicians to predict surgical improvement in fertility in patients with varicocele.
Negation marking in French text messages
Authors: Stark Elisabeth
Published: April 2013

This study investigates the drop of the first clitic element, ne, of French sentential negation. It is based on 4,628 French text messages taken from the newly established corpus sms4science.ch. It shows that regional or stylistic factors do not play a major role in triggering ne deletion or ne retention, and that the only relevant language-internal factor is subject type, more precisely clitic subjects (also in subject doubling structures) and subject drop, which seem to favour or even trigger categorically ne deletion. Our findings are in keeping with those by R. van Compernolle (2008) on European French in online chats, and thereby indicate partially specific regularities in French computer-mediated communication (CMC). The findings question traditional assumptions on ne drop as a variety marker in French, irrespective of the phonic or graphic nature of the data (cf. P. Koch and W. Oesterreicher 2011). In fact, even in graphically deviant data, ne drop seems to follow the observed robust language-internal regularities. Some data seem to indicate that the graphic nature of SMSes plays a role also in ne-drop (cf. similar conclusions by R. van Compernolle 2008 for chats); this has to be checked by examining a larger number of French text messages.
Evaluation of Age–Length Key Sample Sizes Required to Estimate Fish Total Mortality and Growth
Authors: Coggins Lewis G. , Gwinn Daniel C. , Allen Micheal S.
Published: April 2013

Fisheries assessments often rely on age composition data to infer information about growth, mortality, and the outcome of various management policies. To reduce the costs of estimating the age of all fish collected (i.e., via direct aging), an age–length key (ALK) is often developed by directly aging only a subsample of fish and estimating the ages of the remaining fish based on observed lengths. Although this approach is common, there is little guidance in the literature for determining the appropriate total sample size and numbers of fish needed to directly age for each length bin. We developed a stochastic simulation to evaluate the sample‐size requirement for using ALKs to estimate von Bertalanffy growth parameters and the instantaneous rate of total mortality (Z). The simulations accounted for variation in life history characteristics of stocks and exploitation rates of fisheries. Our simulations suggested that for overfished populations, aging more fish per bin provides negligible benefits whereas collecting larger total sample sizes could improve bias and precision ofZestimates. These results also indicated that bias and precision was relatively uninfluenced by fish life history type, which may allow for standardization of field collection methods across a wide range of fish species. In most cases, total sample sizes of 500–1,000 and 10 fish aged per bin provided near optimal performance in accuracy and precision, suggesting that this could be a guideline for many studies.
Improved Variance Estimates of Biomass for Stream‐Dwelling Fish Calculated Using Removal Estimators
Authors: Shepard Bradley B. , Taper Mark L. , Zale Alexander V.
Published: April 2013

Total biomass of fish populations has traditionally been computed by multiplying the mean weight of captured fish by the estimated abundance of fish. The variance estimator for this method overestimates variance when a moderate to large portion of the population is sampled. We developed and evaluated finite population correction (FPC) methods for estimating fish biomass in small streams (<5 m wetted width) in conjunction with removal population estimators. Using simulated data we found that removal estimates could deviate by more than 50% from true population abundances and be biased when the ratio of total captured fish to the estimated abundance was less than 0.6. These deviations were generally not biased and within 25% of the true population when the ratio was 0.6 or higher. To estimate biomass using FPC methods we investigated a classical a priori sample design and an a posteriori modeled estimator. Both methods take advantage of the fact that relatively high proportions of total populations are typically captured (and can be weighed) in small streams during removal estimates. The a posteriori model‐based method can be used to partition estimates of variance and incorporate measurement error, but the a priori design cannot. Estimates of biomass using all three methods were identical. However, precision of FPC methods was significantly better (Wilcoxon paired sign‐ranked test:P< 0.001) than the traditional method. Coverage by 95% confidence intervals for the model‐based FPC method were much closer to the 95% nominal level than for the traditional method, especially when capture probabilities were higher than 0.5. We recommend using the model‐based FPC method because it reduces estimates of SE as the sample size (n) approaches the population size (N) and it provides the most reliable 95% confidence intervals.
A Psychological Perspective to Dramatic Reality: A Path for Emotional Awareness in Autism
Authors: Pimpas Ioannis
Published: April 2013

The aim of this case study is to present the preparation and the creation of a dramatic reality by a nine-year-old, verbal, autistic girl, which could enhance her emotional awareness and appropriate emotional responses by connecting feelings to their appropriate causes. Dramatic reality demands the ability to pretend and the use of symbols, which are considered to be impaired in autism. Emotional awareness, identification of one's own emotions with the appropriate causal – explanatory framework is often hampered as well. This case study describes the use of dramatherapeutic methods in social skills training programs in autism.
Cycling of the signaling protein phospholipase D through cilia requires the BBSome only for the export phase
Authors: Lechtreck Karl F. , Brown Jason M. , Sampaio Julio L. , Craft Julie M. , Shevchenko Andrej , Evans James E. , Witman George B.
Published: April 2013

The BBSome is a complex of seven proteins, including BBS4, that is cycled through cilia by intraflagellar transport (IFT). Previous work has shown that the membrane-associated signaling protein phospholipase D (PLD) accumulates abnormally in cilia of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii bbs mutants. Here we show that PLD is a component of wild-type cilia but is enriched ∼150-fold in bbs4 cilia; this accumulation occurs progressively over time and results in altered ciliary lipid composition. When wild-type BBSomes were introduced into bbs cells, PLD was rapidly removed from the mutant cilia, indicating the presence of an efficient BBSome-dependent mechanism for exporting ciliary PLD. This export requires retrograde IFT. Importantly, entry of PLD into cilia is BBSome and IFT independent. Therefore, the BBSome is required only for the export phase of a process that continuously cycles PLD through cilia. Another protein, carbonic anhydrase 6, is initially imported normally into bbs4 cilia but lost with time, suggesting that its loss is a secondary effect of BBSome deficiency.
Systematic dissection of dynein regulators in mitosis
Authors: Raaijmakers Jonne A. , Tanenbaum Marvin E. , Medema René H.
Published: April 2013

Cytoplasmic dynein is a large minus end–directed motor complex with multiple functions during cell division. The dynein complex interacts with various adaptor proteins, including the dynactin complex, thought to be critical for most dynein functions. Specific activities have been linked to several subunits and adaptors, but the function of the majority of components has remained elusive. Here, we systematically address the function of each dynein–dynactin subunit and adaptor protein in mitosis. We identify the essential components that are required for all mitotic functions of dynein. Moreover, we find specific dynein recruitment factors, and adaptors, like Nde1/L1, required for activation, but largely dispensable for dynein localization. Most surprisingly, our data show that dynactin is not required for dynein-dependent spindle organization, but acts as a dynein recruitment factor. These results provide a comprehensive overview of the role of dynein subunits and adaptors in mitosis and reveal that dynein forms distinct complexes requiring specific recruiters and activators to promote orderly progression through mitosis.
Notch increases the shedding of HB-EGF by ADAM12 to potentiate invadopodia formation in hypoxia
Authors: Díaz Begoña , Yuen Angela , Iizuka Shinji , Higashiyama Shigeki , Courtneidge Sara A.
Published: April 2013

Notch regulates cell–cell contact-dependent signaling and is activated by hypoxia, a microenvironmental condition that promotes cellular invasion during both normal physiology and disease. The mechanisms by which hypoxia and Notch regulate cellular invasion are not fully elucidated. In this paper, we show that, in cancer cells, hypoxia increased the levels and activity of the ADAM12 metalloprotease in a Notch signaling–dependent manner, leading to increased ectodomain shedding of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) ligand heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor. Released HB-EGF induced the formation of invadopodia, cellular structures that aid cancer cell invasion. Thus, we describe a signaling pathway that couples cell contact–dependent signaling with the paracrine activation of the EGFR, indicating cross talk between the Notch and EGFR pathways in promoting cancer cell invasion. This signaling pathway might regulate the coordinated acquisition of invasiveness by neighboring cells and mediate the communication between normoxic and hypoxic areas of tumors to facilitate cancer cell invasion.
Setting an immuno-TRAP for PML nuclear bodies
Authors: Short Ben
Published: April 2013

Researchers describe technique to identify genomic loci that interact with specific nuclear structures.
The Impact of Lost Therapeutic Benefit (LTB) in High‐Risk Hypertensive Patients: 2‐Year Follow‐Up Data from the Australian REACH Registry
Authors: Ademi Zanfina , Huq Molla M. , Liew Danny , Steg Ph. Gabriel , Bhatt Deepak L. , Nelson Mark , Reid Christopher M. ,   the REACH Registry investigators
Published: April 2013

Objective

The aim of the study is to determine the extent of lost therapeutic benefit (LTB) in the hypertensive patients, and to determine the relationship between the presence of LTB and clinical outcomes.

Methods

Prospective‐cohort study of n = 2856 patients with or at high risk of atherothrombosis. LTB was calculated as the proportion of patients receiving blood pressure medication who were not attaining guideline blood pressure (BP) control targets (<140/90 mmHg). Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of LTB at baseline, and propensity score matching (PSM) was undertaken to estimate the treatment effects by matching case LTB and control non‐LTB cohorts based on the nearest neighbor matching.

Results

Of the total sample of 2856, 45.6% had uncontrolled BP, and LTB was present in 46.7% patients. The likelihood of LTB was less in males (OR = 0.78 [95% CI; 0.64–0.97]), and those with a previous myocardial infarction (OR = 0.66 [0.53–0.81]) or heart failure (OR = 0.58 [0.42–0.82]). LTB was more common in those with diabetes (OR = 1.44 [1.16–1.79]), aged >65 years (OR = 1.36 [1.06–1.75]) and having an ABI < 0.09 in either leg at rest (OR = 1.30 [1.02–1.75]). Following PSM, the combination of ischemic events (55–64 age category) was more likely to occur in the LTB compared with non‐LTB group (4.38% and 0.68%, respectively [P = 0.046]).

Conclusion

Presence of HF, previous MI and being male decreased the likelihood of LTB, while presence of diabetes, age > 65 and ABI < 0.09 increased the risk of LTB. Patients with LTB in age category 55–64 had higher incidence of vascular events compared with those with non‐LTB.
Purpose and effectiveness of psychoeducation in patients with bipolar disorder in a bipolar clinic setting
Authors: Stafford N. , Colom F.
Published: April 2013

Objective

This article reviews psychological therapies in the treatment of bipolar disorder, in particular psychoeducation, and how the inclusion of four fundamental principles – patient/therapist communication, flow of information, patient involvement and a trusting relationship – can improve patient outcomes.

Method

The content of this article is based on the proceedings of a 1‐day standalone symposium in November 2011 exploring how to establish a bipolar clinic within the context of existing services in the UK's National Health Service.

Results

Certain psychological interventions have emerged as beneficial add‐on treatments to pharmacotherapy in bipolar disorder and are associated with greater stabilisation of symptoms, fewer relapses and longer time to relapse. Psychoeducation is a simple approach to support prevention of future episodes by delivering behavioural training to improve illness insight, early symptom identification and development of coping strategies. Empowering patients to actively participate in their treatment provides independence, counteracts the current disconnect of therapist and patient, and increases awareness and understanding of the challenges of living with and treating bipolar disorder.

Conclusion

Psychoeducation enables patients to understand bipolar disorder, get actively involved in therapy planning, and be aware of methods for episode prevention, therefore effectively contributing to improved treatment outcomes and patient quality of life.
Nephrectomized and Hepatectomized Animal Models as Tools in Preclinical Pharmacokinetics
Authors: Vestergaard Bill , Agersø Henrik , Lykkesfeldt Jens
Published: April 2013

Early understanding of the pharmacokinetics and metabolic patterns of new drug candidates is essential for selection of optimal candidates to move further in to the drug development process. In vitro methodologies can be used to investigate metabolic patterns, but in general, they lack several aspects of the whole‐body physiology. In contrast, the complexity of intact animals does not necessarily allow individual processes to be identified. Animal models lacking a major excretion organ can be used to investigate these individual metabolic processes. Animal models of nephrectomy and hepatectomy have considerable potential as tools in preclinical pharmacokinetics to assess organs of importance for drug clearance and thereby knowledge of potential metabolic processes to manipulate to improve pharmacokinetic properties of the molecules. Detailed knowledge of anatomy and surgical techniques is crucial to successfully establish the models, and a well‐balanced anaesthesia and adequate monitoring of the animals are also of major importance. An obvious drawback of animal models lacking an organ is the disruption of normal homoeostasis and the induction of dramatic and ultimately mortal systemic changes in the animals. Refining of the surgical techniques and the post‐operative supportive care of the animals can increase the value of these models by minimizing the systemic changes induced, and thorough validation of nephrectomy and hepatectomy models is needed before use of such models as a tool in preclinical pharmacokinetics. The present MiniReview discusses pros and cons of the available techniques associated with establishing nephrectomy and hepatectomy models.
Sputum cytokine mapping reveals an ‘IL‐5, IL‐17A, IL‐25‐high’ pattern associated with poorly controlled asthma
Authors: Seys S. F. , Grabowski M. , Adriaensen W. , Decraene A. , Dilissen E. , Vanoirbeek J. A. , Dupont L. J. , Ceuppens J. L. , Bullens D. M. A.
Published: April 2013

Background and objective

Asthma is a heterogeneous disease with various clinical, inflammatory and molecular phenotypes. We studied sputum cytokine mRNA expression patterns in an unselected group of adult asthma patients to characterize the underlying inflammatory process.

Methods

Differential cell counts and cytokine mRNA (quantified by real‐time PCR) were analysed on sputum from 40 controls and 66 asthmatic adults. A ‘cytokine‐high’ profile was defined if mRNA levels for that particular cytokine exceeded the 90th percentile value in the control population. Radar graphs were used to visualize cytokine profiles.

Results

Sputum mRNA analysis confirmed heterogeneity of cytokine patterns among patients. Thirty‐six patients (55%) had a Th2 cytokine pattern: ‘IL‐5‐high’ (n = 13), ‘IL‐4‐high’ (n = 17) or ‘IL‐4‐ and IL‐5‐high’ (n = 6). The ‘IL‐5‐high’ asthma profile (n = 13) coincided with the ‘IL‐25‐high’ (10/13) and surprisingly also with the ‘IL‐17A‐high’ (11/13) profile. The ‘IL‐5‐/IL‐25‐/IL‐17A‐high profile was different from the ‘IL‐4‐high’ pattern. Patients with the ‘IL‐5, IL‐17A, IL‐25‐high’ pattern had significantly worse lung function parameters. Uncontrolled asthmatics [Asthma Control Test (ACT) < 20] had higher sputum IL‐5, IL‐17A and IL‐25 mRNA levels compared to controlled asthmatics (P = 0.002; P = 0.002; P = 0.066) and uncontrolled asthma is more common among ‘IL‐5‐ and IL‐17A‐high’ asthmatics compared to ‘IL‐5‐, IL‐17A‐low’ asthmatics (χ2 = 3.7, P = 0.027; relative risk (RR): 1.8, 95% CI = 1.1–3.1).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Patients with the ‘IL‐5, IL‐17A, IL‐25‐high’ airway inflammatory pattern are often uncontrolled asthmatics, despite daily treatment. It seems worthwhile to evaluate whether measuring sputum cytokine levels might be used to assess the response to increased doses of steroids in patients with asthma.
Ecological influences on the difference in δ15N and δ13C values between fish tissues: implications for studies of temporal diet variation
Authors: Michaud Wendy K. , Dempson J. Brian , Reist James D. , Power Michael
Published: April 2013

Temporal diet changes can be detected by comparing δ13C and δ15N values between tissues with different isotopic turnover times. However, other factors contribute to disparities in δ13C and δ15N signatures between tissues and could confound the interpretation of stable isotope data. We examined the effects of ecological factors on differences in muscle and liver δ13C and δ15N signatures of Arctic charr [Salvelinus alpinus, (L.)] to determine whether their effects were large enough to influence studies of diet change. In addition, we examined whether differences in lipid content accounted for a significant portion of the differences in δ13C values between tissues. Results indicated that life history, diet, reproductive status and gender had significant effects on the differences in δ13C values between tissues, while gender and diet significantly affected differences in δ15N values. Differences in % lipid content between tissues also explained approximately 74% of the observed variation in the difference in δ13C values between tissues. The differences in δ13C values observed between muscle and liver tissues may be partially explained by physiological differences in lipid storage and use between tissues associated with ecological factor effects. These results demonstrate that ecological factors other than a change in diet can influence the differences in δ13C and δ15N signatures between muscle and liver tissues. However, the impact of ecological factors on studies of diet change depends on how the magnitude of the factor effects compared with a biologically meaningful change in diet.
Activity patterns in the category‐selective occipitotemporal cortex predict upcoming motor actions
Authors: Gallivan Jason P. , Chapman Craig S. , McLean D. Adam , Flanagan J. Randall , Culham Jody C.
Published: April 2013

Converging lines of evidence point to the occipitotemporal cortex (OTC) as a critical structure in visual perception. For instance, human functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has revealed a modular organisation of object‐selective, face‐selective, body‐selective and scene‐selective visual areas in the OTC, and disruptions to the processing within these regions, either in neuropsychological patients or through transcranial magnetic stimulation, can produce category‐specific deficits in visual recognition. Here we show, using fMRI and pattern classification methods, that the activity in the OTC also represents how stimuli will be interacted with by the body – a level of processing more traditionally associated with the preparatory activity in sensorimotor circuits of the brain. Combining functional mapping of different OTC areas with a real object‐directed delayed movement task, we found that the pre‐movement spatial activity patterns across the OTC could be used to predict both the action of an upcoming hand movement (grasping vs. reaching) and the effector (left hand vs. right hand) to be used. Interestingly, we were able to extract this wide range of predictive movement information even though nearly all OTC areas showed either baseline‐level or below baseline‐level activity prior to action onset. Our characterisation of different OTC areas according to the features of upcoming movements that they could predict also revealed a general gradient of effector‐to‐action‐dependent movement representations along the posterior–anterior OTC axis. These findings suggest that the ventral visual pathway, which is well known to be involved in object recognition and perceptual processing, plays a larger than previously expected role in preparing object‐directed hand actions.
Bilateral perisylvian ulegyria: An under‐recognized, surgically remediable epileptic syndrome
Authors: Schilling Lucas P. , Kieling Renata R. , Pascoal Tharick A. , Kim Hyoung‐Ihl , Lee Min Cheol , Kim Yun Hee , Paglioli Eliseu , Neto Pedro R. , Costa Jaderson C. , Palmini Andre
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Interest in the association of epilepsy and pseudobulbar palsy was rekindled since the identification through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of bilateral perisylvian polymicrogyria (PMG). Seizures are often intractable, but resective epilepsy surgery has not been recommended. However, a similar clinical picture can be encountered in patients with bilateral perisylvian destructive lesions, which fit the description of ulegyria (ULG). We report a series of patients with epilepsy and pseudobulbar palsy due to bilateral perisylvian ULG (BP‐ULG), show that hippocampal sclerosis (HS) is often associated and highlight the fact that in this entity, unlike in malformative bilateral perisylvian PMG, seizures may be surgically treated.

Methods

The motor, cognitive, epileptologic, and imaging features of 12 patients with perisylvian ULG followed at three institutions are described. For patients with refractory seizures, we detail extracranial and intracranial electrographic recordings, surgical strategies, histopathologic analyses of the resected tissue, and outcome of surgical treatment. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative and categorical variables. Student's t‐test was used to compare means, and a p < 0.05 was considered significant.

Key Findings

Pseudobulbar palsy and mental retardation were present in all patients with symmetrical BP‐ULG. Five had refractory seizures. There was no relationship between the severity of the pseudobulbar palsy or of the mental retardation and the degree of seizure control with medication. The five patients in whom seizures were refractory to medication had significantly earlier age of onset and longer duration of epilepsy (p < 0.05). Dual pathology with associated unilateral HS was present in four. One patient with dual pathology had a temporolimbic electroclinical picture and had an anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) based upon noninvasive evaluation. The other four had ictal semiology suggesting involvement of both temporolimbic and perisylvian cortex. Intracranial electroencephalography (EEG) showed concomitant seizure onset in the anterior temporal region and in the ipsilateral ULG in three of the four with dual pathology and in the ulegyric cortex in the one without HS. Resection guided by a combination of semiology, MRI, and extra and intracranial EEG led to complete seizure control in two and almost complete seizure control (Engel class II) in two other patients. The only surgical failure was an isolated ATL in a patient with dual pathology, and concomitant seizure onset in both lesions according to semiology and intracranial EEG.

Significance

Our findings suggest that BP‐ULG mimics the clinical features of bilateral perisylvian PMG. In patients with refractory seizures, recognition of this entity should lead to consideration of resective surgery despite the bilateral ULG.
Absence epilepsy subnetworks revealed by event‐related independent components analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Masterton Richard A. J. , Carney Patrick W. , Abbott David F. , Jackson Graeme D.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The aim of this study was to provide better spatiotemporal description of the brain activity observed during generalized spike‐and‐wave (GSW) discharges. Simultaneous electroencephalography and functional magnetic resonance imaging (EEG‐fMRI) studies of these epileptiform events have shown regional differences in the timing of fMRIsignal changes, which suggests activities within multiple interacting networks rather than a single unified network.

Methods

EEG‐fMRIrecordings from eight patients with childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) were studied using event‐related independent components analysis (eICA). This technique separates the fMRIsignal changes observed duringGSWdischarges into different spatial components, each showing different event‐related timing. Unlike standard independent components analysis (ICA), which is applied to the entire fMRItime series, the eICAmethod is applied only to the event‐related time courses at each voxel, which means that only a small number of components are generated that are all explicitly related to the event of interest.

Key Findings

Six eICAcomponents were identified, representing distinctGSW‐related subnetworks. Activations were detected in a number of brain regions, including the striatum, which have not previously been reported in association withGSWinCAEpatients.

Significance

The eICAresults support previous findings that the earliest activity associated withGSWmay be in posterior cortical regions and provide new evidence that the thalamostriate network may play a more important role in the generation ofGSWthan suggested by previous studies.
Commentary from the Editorial Board to Vitiligo: interplay between oxidative stress and immune system (Laddha et al.)
Authors: Colucci Roberta , Böhm Markus , Moretti Silvia
Published: April 2013

Vitiligo pathogenesis is very puzzling, and novel mechanisms possibly involved in the development of this disorder are frequently explored. Recently, some authors proposed an interplay between oxidative stress and immune system at the basis of melanocyte loss. According to the experimental evidence, they suggest that exposition to environmental agents might lead to an association between vitiligo and other autoimmune diseases. Accordingly, it is proposed that increased reactive oxygen species due to environmental agents could induce a modification of both melanocytic structures and other tissue proteins, or might disregulate the immune system, influencing the appearance of vitiligo and autoimmune comorbidities.
Stress granules in neurodegeneration – lessons learnt from TAR DNA binding protein of 43 kDa and fused in sarcoma
Authors: Bentmann Eva , Haass Christian , Dormann Dorothee
Published: April 2013

Stress granules (SGs) are cytoplasmic foci that rapidly form when cells are exposed to stress. They transiently store mRNAs encoding house‐keeping proteins and allow the selective translation of stress‐response proteins (e.g. heat shock proteins). Besides mRNA, SGs contain RNA‐binding proteins, such as T cell internal antigen‐1 and poly(A)‐binding protein 1, which can serve as characteristic SG marker proteins. Recently, some of these SG marker proteins were found to label pathological TAR DNA binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP‐43)‐ or fused in sarcoma (FUS)‐positive cytoplasmic inclusions in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. In addition, protein aggregates in other neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. tau inclusions in Alzheimer's disease) show a co‐localization with T cell internal antigen‐1 as well. Moreover, several RNA‐binding proteins that are commonly found in SGs have been genetically linked to neurodegeneration. This suggests that SGs might play an important role in the pathogenesis of these proteinopathies, either by acting as a seed for pathological inclusions, by mediating translational repression or by trapping essential RNA‐binding proteins, or by a combination of these mechanisms. This minireview gives an overview of the general biology of SGs and highlights the recently identified connection of SGs with TDP‐43, FUS and other proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases. We propose that pathological inclusions containing RNA‐binding proteins, such as TDP‐43 and FUS, might arise from SGs and discuss how SGs might contribute to neurodegeneration via toxic gain or loss‐of‐function mechanisms.
Prevalence of depression and associated risk factors among the elderly in Middle Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: Arslantas Didem , Ünsal Alaettin , Ozbabalık Demet
Published: April 2013

Aim

The present cross‐sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of depression among the elderly, and to examine the relationship between depression and dependency in activities of daily living.

Material‐Methods

According to the records of the Beylikova Community Health Center, there were 251 individuals aged 65 years and older living in the town center, and 203 (80.8%) of them had been reached. The depression status was assessed by using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Katz's Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Scale, and Lawton and Brody's Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Scale. Among the statistical analyses, the χ2‐test and Spearman's correlation analysis were used. A value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The prevalence of depression was found to be 45.8% (93 persons). The prevalence of depression was significantly higher in women, in those with a history of any chronic disease and in those living alone. The scores on the GDS and thus the severity of depression decreased with increasing scores on ADL and IADL scales (for each, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Depression seen in nearly every second older individual implies that the problem is very common. It was concluded that primary healthcare should be integrated into community‐based care, and it would be appropriate to plan early diagnosis and treatment programs for the elderly. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 100–108.
Caregiver burden of Mexican dementia patients: The role of dysexecutive syndrome, sleep disorders, schooling and caregiver depression
Authors: Rosas‐Carrasco Óscar , Guerra‐Silla María de Guadalupe , Torres‐Arreola Laura del Pilar , García‐Peña Carmen , Escamilla‐Jiménez Cristopher Isaac , González‐González César
Published: April 2013

Aims

As a result of the accelerated growth of the elderly population, reconfiguration of families and member roles, and the increase of mental disorders, it is necessary to investigate the effects of this set of factors on the caregivers of patients with dementia in Mexico. Mental disorders of individuals have a negative impact on their physical and emotional quality of life, leading to greater dependence and making the caring experience a heavy burden. Several studies (none in Mexico) have used either the characteristics of the patient or caregiver to determine the burden, but few studies have included both profiles within a single study. The objective of the present study was to analyze the characteristics of the patients and caregivers associated with caregiver burden.

Methods

A multicenter study was carried out in six health institutions located in Mexico City, including 175 patients (and their caregivers) diagnosed with different types of dementia. We used the Spanish Caregiver Burden Screen. Descriptive analysis and logistic regressions were used to estimate the effect of the covariates on the caregiver burden.

Results

The results showed that patient variables have a greater impact on caregiver burden than caregiver‐associated variables. Dysexecutive syndrome, sleep disorders, schooling and caregiver depression are associated with a higher level of caregiver burden.

Conclusions

Caregiver burden is a complex phenomenon. The results of the present study showed the need to implement multifactorial interventions targeting the caregiver to reduce the burden, strengthen the skills for patient management to avoid depression, improve patient health, and diminish functional dependence and future hospitalization. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 146–152.
Post‐therapeutic needle biopsy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma is a useful tool to evaluate response to proton irradiation
Authors: Saito Yoshifumi , Matsuzaki Yasushi , Honda Akira , Iwamoto Junichi , Ikegami Tadashi , Chiba Toshiya , Sugahara Shinji , Okumura Toshiyuki , Tsujii Hirohiko , Doy Mikio , Tokuuye Koichi
Published: April 2013

Aim

Proton beam therapy is safe and more effective than conventional radiation therapy for the local control of nodular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, evaluating therapeutic response by imaging is not accurate during the early post‐irradiation period. Therefore, we examined whether the histopathological study of biopsy specimens obtained at 3 weeks after irradiation can be used to more accurately assess therapeutic response.

Methods

Fifteen HCC lesions from 13 patients were treated with proton beam irradiation. Tissue biopsy samples were obtained using abdominal ultrasound‐guided percutaneous fine‐needle aspiration from the center of the tumor before, 3 weeks after and 1 year post‐proton therapy. The specimens were examined after staining with hematoxylin–eosin (HE) and a MIB‐1 antibody.

Results

MIB‐1 labeling indices (LI) before treatment were 13.0 ± 8.5% (mean ± SD; range, 0.6–27.0), whereas those 3 weeks after proton therapy were significantly reduced to 3.2 ± 2.4% (range, 0.6–8.9) (P < 0.05). Although the tumor size was reduced, we did not observe a reduction in tumor blood flow by dynamic computed tomography or degenerative changes by HE. All lesions that displayed reduced MIB‐1 LI at 3 weeks post‐proton treatment were ultimately diagnosed as complete response at 1 year after treatment. In contrast, one case with increased MIB‐1 LI at 3 weeks had significant tumor size progression at 1 year post‐treatment.

Conclusion

The percutaneous fine‐needle aspiration biopsy of HCC is a safe and useful tool that can be used to evaluate the response to proton irradiation. In particular, MIB‐1 LI may provide additional information to assess the therapeutic response of HCC during the early post‐irradiated period.
Clinical significance of hepatectomy for primary biliary cirrhosis patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: Report of a single center case series and review of the published work
Authors: Sasaki Kazunari , Matsuda Masamichi , Ohkura Yu , Kawamura Yusuke , Inoue Masafumi , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Hashimoto Masaji , Ikeda Kenji , Kumada Hiromitsu , Watanabe Goro
Published: April 2013

Aim

Hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) has seldom been reported, and the clinical significance of this procedure remains unclear, although HCC has often been observed in end‐stage PBC patients.

Methods

To understand the characteristics of hepatectomy on HCC in PBC patients, we examined seven cases at our institute, as well as 22 reported hepatectomy cases in the English‐language and Japanese published work. Furthermore, to assess the treatment efficacy of hepatectomy for HCC in PBC patients, we compared these patients with viral hepatitis patients who underwent hepatectomies at our institute during the same period.

Results

In the review of 29 cases, more than 70% of the patients were aged over 65 years, and the mean Mayo risk score was low at 5.17. The resected tumors were mainly solitary (79%), and the median maximum tumor size was 37 mm. Approximately two‐thirds of the patients met the Milan criteria. In the comparison between the PBC and viral hepatitis cases, there were no differences in the postoperative prognoses, although the tumor size was greater in the PBC cases.

Conclusion

Hepatectomy for HCC in selected PBC cases is a feasible and potentially curative treatment option, similar to hepatectomy for HCC in viral hepatitis patients. This procedure is particularly useful for patients with preserved liver function who are not ideal candidates for liver transplantation.
Improving the management of warfarin in aged-care facilities utilising innovative technology: a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Bereznicki Luke R E , Jackson Shane L , Kromdijk Wiete , Gee Peter , Fitzmaurice Kimbra , Bereznicki Bonnie J , Peterson Gregory M
Published: April 2013

Objective

In aged-care facilities (ACFs) monitoring of warfarin can be logistically challenging and International Normalised Ratio (INR control) is often suboptimal. We aimed to determine whether an integrated information and communications technology system and the use of point-of-care (POC) monitors by nursing staff could improve the INR control of aged-care facility residents who take warfarin.

Methods

Nursing staff identified residents who were prescribed warfarin in participating ACFs. A computer program (MedePOC) was developed to store and transmit INR results from the ACFs to general practitioners (GPs) for dosage adjustment. Nursing staff received training in the use of the CoaguChek XS point-of-care INR monitor and the MedePOC software. Following a run-in phase, eligible patients were monitored weekly for up to 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in the time in therapeutic range (TTR) in the intervention phase compared to the TTR in the 12 months preceding the study. All GPs, nursing staff and patients were surveyed for their experiences and opinions of the project.

Key findings

Twenty-four patients and 19 GPs completed the trial across six ACFs. The mean TTR for all patients improved non-significantly from 58.9 to 60.6% (P = 0.79) and the proportion of INR tests in range improved non-significantly from 57.1 to 64.1% (P = 0.21). The mean TTR improved in 14 patients (58%) and in these patients the mean absolute improvement in TTR was 23.1%. A post hoc analysis of the INR data using modified therapeutic INR ranges to reflect the dosage adjustment practices of GPs suggested that the intervention did lead to improved INR control. The MedePOC program and POC monitoring was well received by nursing staff.

Conclusions

Weekly POC INR monitoring conducted in ACFs and electronic communication of the results and warfarin doses resulted in non-significant improvements in INR control in a small cohort of elderly residents. Further research involving modification to the communication strategy and a longer follow-up period is warranted to investigate whether this strategy can improve INR control and clinical outcomes in this vulnerable population.
A useful method to overcome the difficulties of applying silicone gel sheet on irregular surfaces
Authors: Grella Roberto , Nicoletti Gianfranco , D'Ari Antonio , Romanucci Vincenza , Santoro Mariangela , D'Andrea Francesco
Published: April 2013

To date, silicone gel and silicone occlusive plates are the most useful and effective treatment options for hypertrophic scars (surgical and traumatic). Use of silicone sheeting has also been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of minor keloids in association with corticosteroid intralesional infiltration. In our practice, we encountered four problems: maceration, rashes, pruritus and infection. Not all patients are able to tolerate the cushion, especially children, and certain anatomical regions as the face and the upper chest are not easy to dress for obvious social, psychological and aesthetic reasons. In other anatomical regions, it is also difficult to obtain adequate compression and occlusion of the scar. To overcome such problems of applying silicone gel sheeting, we tested the use of liquid silicone gel (LSG) in the treatment of 18 linear hypertrophic scars (HS group) and 12 minor keloids (KS group) as an alternative to silicone gel sheeting or cushion. Objective parameters (volume, thickness and colour) and subjective symptoms such as pain and pruritus were examined. Evaluations were made when the therapy started and after 30, 90 and 180 days of follow‐up. After 90 days of treatment with silicone gel alone (two applications daily), HS group showed a significant improvement in terms of volume decrease, reduced inflammation and redness and improved elasticity. In conclusion, on the basis of our clinical data, we find LSG to be a useful method to overcome the difficulties of applying silicone gel sheeting on irregular surface.
The Effect of Zinc Acetate Dihydrate on Morphology and Luminescence Properties of CaSi2O2N2: Eu2+ Phosphor
Authors: Ma Y. Y. , Xiao F. , Ye S. , Zhang Q. Y. , Jiang Z.H.
Published: April 2013

CaSi2O2N2: Eu2+ phosphors with zinc acetate additive as a flux agent have been synthesized successfully by solid‐state process. The structure, morphology, and photoluminescence (PL) properties of the compounds are investigated as a function of zinc acetate dihydrate (Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O) dosage. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) measurement indicates that the pure CaSi2O2N2 phase is obtained by adding appropriate amount of zinc acetate dehydrate. The sheetlike morphology of sample transforms into block as Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O content reaching 43 wt%, associated with the increase in emission intensity. A strong absorption band from near ultraviolet (NUV) to visible range and a broad yellow emission band in the wavelength range of 460–700 nm are observed in Eu2+‐doped CaSi2O2N2. High bright yellowish light emitting diodes are obtained by combining CaSi2O2N2:Eu2+ as the wavelength conversion phosphor with NUV InGaN LED‐chip (395 nm). The bright yellowish emission and the low thermal quenching effect of CaSi2O2N2: Eu2+ with zinc acetate additive make it a potential phosphor converter for white LEDs.