bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of a favorable outcome of physiotherapy in fecal incontinence: Secondary analysis of a randomized trial
Authors: Bols Esther , Hendriks Erik , de Bie Rob , Baeten Cor , Berghmans Bary
Published: April 2012

Aims

It is unclear which patients with fecal incontinence (FI) are likely to benefit from physiotherapy treatment, which is relevant for medical decision making and patient counseling. This study aimed to identify patient characteristics predicting a favorable outcome of physiotherapy.

Methods

Eighty patients with FI, with a mean age of 59.3 (SD ± 11.9), were recruited at the Maastricht University Medical Centre and enrolled in a randomized controlled trial, which assessed the effect of adding rectal balloon training to pelvic floor muscle training. Treatment groups were combined for prediction modeling. Candidate predictors were obtained from demographics, medical history, physical examination, baseline tests, questionnaires, and physiotherapy diagnostics. Favorable outcome was defined as a combination of: (i) Vaizey score reduction ≥5 points, and (ii) “slightly” to “very much improved” on the nine‐point global perceived effect score. Predictors were identified by univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

Thirty‐seven patients (46.3%) had a favorable outcome. Multivariable analysis showed that longer time since FI onset appeared to be associated with an unfavorable outcome (odds ratio [OR], 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.47–1.00; P = 0.05), whereas the use of constipating medication (OR, 3.79; CI, 0.99–14.51; P = 0.05), any obstetric factor (OR, 2.15; CI, 0.94–4.89; P = 0.07), and experiencing minor embarrassment (OR, 2.12; CI, 1.10–4.09; P = 0.03) predicted a favorable outcome.

Conclusions

The small subset of identified predictors for a favorable outcome may be relevant in patient counseling and targeting physiotherapy treatment more efficiently, especially as they are available early in the diagnostic process. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:1156–1160, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Uniform convergence of the legendre spectral method for the Zakharov equations
Authors: Ji Yuanyuan , Ma Heping
Published: April 2012

The Legendre spectral and pseudospectral approximations are proposed for the standard Zakharov equations with initial boundary conditions. Optimal H1 error estimate of the method is given for both semidiscrete and fully discrete schemes. The uniform convergence for the parameter ε relative to the acoustic speed is proved. Moreover, the multidomain Legendre spectral scheme is also constructed, which can be implemented in parallel. Finally, numerical results in single domain and multidomain verify the high accuracy of the Legendre spectral method. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2013
The roles of microRNAs in sarcomas
Authors: Drury Ruth , Verghese Eldo T , Hughes Thomas A
Published: April 2012

MicroRNAs are a class of small regulatory RNAs that influence the stabilities and translational efficiencies of target mRNAs. They have been implicated in an increasing number of biological processes, including carcinogenesis. A huge body of literature exists documenting up‐ or down‐regulation of specific microRNAs during carcinogenesis and identifying molecular pathways by which these microRNAs influence every aspect of cancer development, including proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. These studies have provided many insights into basic cancer biology as well as allowing identification of novel biomarkers and potential drug targets. However, the vast bulk of this literature concerns solid epithelial tumours, while sarcomas remain relatively under‐studied. The purpose of this article is to review the roles of microRNAs in sarcomas and to highlight microRNAs or related molecular pathways that demonstrate consistent roles within individual or across sarcoma subtypes, with a view to identifying the key regulatory molecules. Further insights into sarcoma biology may be particularly valuable since sarcomas represent a tumour group with a particularly poor prognosis and rather limited treatment options. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Childhood predictors of antipsychotic use among young people in Finland
Authors: Gyllenberg David , Sourander Andre , Helenius Hans , Sillanmäki Lauri , Huttunen Jukka , Piha Jorma , Kumpulainen Kirsti , Tamminen Tuula , Moilanen Irma , Almqvist Fredrik
Published: April 2012

Objective

Information on who uses antipsychotic medication is limited to cross‐sectional data. The objective of this study was to study the patterns of psychopathology at age 8 years and antipsychotic use between the ages of 12 and 25 years.

Methods

A total of 5525 subjects from the Finnish Nationwide 1981 birth cohort were linked to the National Prescription Register and the Hospital Discharge Register between 1994 and 2005. Information about parent‐reported and teacher‐reported conduct, hyperkinetic and emotional symptoms, and self‐reported depressive symptoms was gathered at age 8 years. Information about antipsychotic use and about psychiatric disorders treated in hospitals between the ages of 12 and 25 years was register based. Diagnostic classes of hospital treatment included non‐affective psychoses, affective disorders, and other psychiatric disorders.

Results

The cumulative incidence of antipsychotic use by age 25 years was 2.8% among men (n = 69) and 2.1% among women (n = 55). In both sexes, living with other than two biological parents at age 8 years was associated with antipsychotic use, and three fourths of antipsychotic users had been treated for psychiatric disorders in a hospital. Among men, the most common hospital diagnosis was non‐affective psychoses (44% of all antipsychotic users), and antipsychotic use was associated with childhood conduct problems. Among women, the most common hospital diagnosis was affective disorders (38% of all antipsychotic users), and antipsychotic use was associated with emotional problems and self‐reported depressive symptoms in childhood.

Conclusions

Antipsychotic use in adolescence and young adulthood is different among men versus women both with regard to hospital diagnoses and childhood psychiatric problems. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Size control of phase‐separated liquid crystal droplets in a polymer matrix based on the phase diagram
Authors: Ohta Seiichi , Inasawa Susumu , Yamaguchi Yukio
Published: April 2012

When a mixture of liquid crystal (LC) and photo reactive monomer is irradiated by UV light, polymerization occurs and LC droplets form through phase separation, producing polymer dispersed LCs (PDLCs). Although size control of LC droplets and reduced amounts of LC in PDLC films are important in applications, precise size control of LC droplets at a low LC fraction has not yet been accomplished. In this study, the phase diagrams of the LC/initial monomer and the LC/polymer during polymerization were used to control LC droplet size at various LC fractions. Both the relative position of the sample in the initial phase diagram and the shift of the phase separation line during polymerization were shown to be important in determining the size of LC droplets. Our results are expected to provide a new strategy for precise size control of LC droplets especially at a low LC fraction range, which would be a great help for PDLC applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Spray Formation in a Twin‐Fluid Internally Mixed Atomizer with Tangential Air Intake
Authors: Yadav Nagendra P. , Kushari Abhijit
Published: April 2012

This paper describes an experimental study of the behaviour of spray structure in an internally mixed, twin – fluid atomizer in which air was introduced tangentially into the liquid stream inside the atomizer. The atomization in such atomizers is perceived to be strongly influenced by the mass flow ratio of atomizing gas (air) and the liquid (water). The order of magnitude of the ALR (Air‐liquid mass flow ratio), for which the study was conducted, ranged from 0.0277 to 0.623. A PDPA (Phase Doppler Particle Analyzer) was used to study the spray formation process. The behaviour of the spray was studied by velocity and Sauter Mean Diameter (SMD) variations at a plane normal to the spray axis as well as along the flow direction of the atomizer. It was observed that the mass flow rate of the liquid deceases with an increase in air pressure while it increases with liquid pressure. The droplet diameter decreases with an increase in ALR for a given liquid supply pressure but sprays having droplet SMD of less than 60 μm at the centerline of the spray was produced at relatively lower ALR (i.e., 0.1). The variation demonstrated by the atomizer in this study makes it flexible to be used for various commercial applications, as the atomizer is capable of providing a wide range of spray patterns depending upon the application requirement.
Evaluation of entomopathogenic fungi and a nematode against the soil‐dwelling stages of the crane fly Tipula paludosa
Authors: Ansari Minshad A , Butt Tariq M
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND: Larvae of the crane fly Tipula paludosa (Diptera: Nematocera) are economically important pests of grasslands, nurseries and organically grown crops. This study was conducted to evaluate several entomopathogenic fungal strains, the entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and the organophosphate insecticide Dursban WG (75% chlorpyrifos) against larval stages of T. paludosa under laboratory and greenhouse conditions.

RESULTS: Metarhizium robertsii strain V1005 was the most virulent, causing 100% larval mortality 4 weeks post‐inoculation. Eight other M. robertsii strains and M. brunneum (ARSEF 3297) caused mortality ranging between 0 and 60%, whereas strains of Beauveria bassiana, Isaria fumosorosea and Lecanicillium longisporum were non‐pathogenic to T. paludosa. In greenhouse tests, medium (2 × 1014 conidia ha−1) and high (2 × 1016 conidia ha−1) concentrations of V1005 gave higher larval mortalities (90 and 100%) than lower (2 × 1013 conidia ha−1) concentrations (52 and 78%) at 4 and 8 weeks after treatment respectively. Dursban WG gave 100% larval mortality 4 weeks after treatment; H. bacteriophora UWS1 caused 28 and 65% mortality 4 and 8 weeks after treatment respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that M. robertsii V1005 has considerable potential for the control of T. paludosa, thereby reducing the use of chemical insecticides. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Development of multichannel quartz crystal microbalances for MIP‐based biosensing
Authors: Croux Dieter , Weustenraed Ans , Pobedinskas Paulius , Horemans Frederik , Diliën Hanne , Haenen Ken , Cleij Thomas , Wagner Patrick , Thoelen Ronald , De Ceuninck Ward
Published: April 2012

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) offer a huge potential in the development of cheap small‐scale disposable biomimetic sensors. They are suited for a wide variety of biological targets and are compatible with many different measurement techniques such as gravimetric sensing and impedance spectroscopy. One potential sensor platform for MIP‐based biosensors is the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). A 4‐channel MIP/non‐imprinted polymer (NIP) coated QCM biosensor array was developed on a single piece of quartz crystal. To study cross‐channel frequency coupling of the resonance modes, a simulation of crystal designs using finite element analysis (FEA) modeling was created. Based on these simulations and using reactive ion etching (RIE) to create mesa‐like structures on the crystal surface, crosstalk can be severely reduced. The improved functionality compared to the traditional QCMs was demonstrated by employing these mesa‐type multichannel QCM (MQCM) crystals as an L‐nicotine biosensor platform.
Microfluidic chip with integrated microvalves based on temperature‐ and pH‐responsive hydrogel thin films
Authors: Bäcker M. , Raue M. , Schusser S. , Jeitner C. , Breuer L. , Wagner P. , Poghossian A. , Förster A. , Mang T. , Schöning M. J.
Published: April 2012

Two types of microvalves based on temperature‐responsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) and pH‐responsive poly(sodium acrylate) (PSA) hydrogel films have been developed and tested. The PNIPAAm and PSA hydrogel films were prepared by means of in situ photopolymerization directly inside the fluidic channel of a microfluidic chip fabricated by combining Si and SU‐8 technologies. The swelling/shrinking properties and height changes of the PNIPAAm and PSA films inside the fluidic channel were studied at temperatures of deionized water from 14 to 36 °C and different pH values (pH 3–12) of Titrisol buffer, respectively. Additionally, in separate experiments, the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the PNIPAAm hydrogel was investigated by means of a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) method. Mass‐flow measurements have shown the feasibility of the prepared hydrogel films to work as an on‐chip integrated temperature‐ or pH‐responsive microvalve capable to switch the flow channel on/off.
Low‐temperature spin transport in the S = 1 one‐ and two‐dimensional antiferromagnets with Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction
Authors: Lima L. S.
Published: April 2012

We present a study of the spin transport at low‐temperature in the quantum S = 1 one‐ and two‐dimensional Heisenberg antiferromagnet with the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction (DM). The spin conductivity is calculated using the Schwinger boson representation and the Kubo formalism of transport in the one‐dimensional case and using the self‐consistent harmonic approximation and the Kubo formalism in the two‐dimensional case. The objective is to determine the regular part of the spin conductivity and the Drude weight DS. This determines if the spin transport has a ballistic or diffusive character. We calculate the regular part of the spin conductivity, σreg(ω), as function of the frequency at T = 0 only and the Drude weight at zero and finite temperatures. We obtained that the spin transport is governed by the multimagnon processes in all cases analyzed since the symmetry of the isotropic Heisenberg antiferromagnetic model is broken with the addition of the DM term.
Organic photovoltaics with high stability sustained for 100 days without encapsulation fabricated using atomic layer deposition
Authors: Park Sun‐Young , Seo Hyun Ook , Kim Kwang‐Dae , Lee Jung Eun , Kwon Jung‐Dae , Kim Young Dok , Lim Dong Chan
Published: April 2012

ZnO thin films with a rippled surface structure were used as electron‐collecting layers of inverted organic photovoltaics (OPVs). Using additional ultrathin layers of ZnO and TiO2 fabricated using atomic layer deposition (ALD), not only the power‐conversion efficiency of the OPVs could be increased (up to 3.5%), but also the photovoltaic performance became nearly constant within 100 days without any additional encapsulations of the solar cells under ambient conditions.

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(© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Pacific Island 'Awa (Kava) Extracts, but not Isolated Kavalactones, Promote Proinflammatory Responses in Model Mast Cells
Authors: Shimoda Lori M. N. , Park Christy , Stokes Alexander J. , Gomes Henry Halenani , Turner Helen
Published: April 2012

Kava (‘Awa) is a traditional water‐based beverage in Pacific island communities, prepared from the ground root and stems of Piper methysticum. Kava use is associated with an ichthyotic dermatitis and delayed type hypersensitivity reactions. In the current study we collated preparative methodologies from cultural practitioners and recreational kava users in various Pacific communities. We standardized culturally informed aqueous extraction methods and prepared extracts that were subjected to basic physicochemical analysis. Mast cells exposed to these extracts displayed robust intracellular free calcium responses, and concomitant release of proinflammatory mediators. In contrast, mast cells were refractory to single or combinatorial stimulation with kavalactones, including methysticin, dihydromethysticin and kavain. Moreover, we reproduced a traditional modification of the kava preparation methodology, pre‐mixing with the mucilage of Hibiscus tiliaceus, and observed its potentiating effect on the activity of aqueous extracts in mast cells. Taken together, these data indicate that water extractable active ingredients may play a role in the physiological and pathophysiological effects of kava, and suggests that mast cell activation may be a mechanistic component of kava‐related skin inflammations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Androgenic and Spermatogenic Activity of Alkylamide‐Rich Ethanol Solution Extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum DC
Authors: Sharma Vikas , Boonen Jente , Spiegeleer Bart De , Dixit V. K.
Published: April 2012

Anacyclus pyrethrum (A. pyrethrum) has been used as Vajikaran Rasayana (aphrodisiac) in traditional Indian ayurvedic medicine to treat male sexual dysfunction, including infertility. Aphrodisiac activity may be due to an increase in the production or effect of androgens, so this study sought to evaluate the androgenic and spermatogenic potential of the alkylamide‐rich ethanol solution extract. Male Wistar strain rats weighing between 150 and 180 g were completely randomized divided into five groups. The ethanol solution extract of A. pyrethrum was administered to groups of rats in 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg doses for a period of 28 days, and the action was compared with control and testosterone‐treated rats. Thirteen N‐alkylamides were detected in the extract by using HPLC/UV/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry method. Extract administration at all the doses produced significant increase in body weight, sperm count, motility, and viability along with serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle‐stimulating hormone concentrations. Histoarchitecture of testis revealed increased spermatogenic activities. Seminal fructose content was also significantly increased after 28 days of treatment. Our results suggest that the ethanol solution extract of the roots of A. pyrethrum has androgenic potential and may improve male fertility by enhancing spermatogenesis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Static and dynamic first hyperpolarizabilities from time‐dependent auxiliary density perturbation theory
Authors: Carmona‐Espíndola Javier , Flores‐Moreno Roberto , Köster Andreas M.
Published: April 2012

A new approach for the calculation of static and dynamic hyperpolarizabilities in the framework of auxiliary density perturbation theory is derived. It takes advantage of the Wigner's 2n+1 rule. As a byproduct dynamic quadratic response equations are obtained. Even though the final equations are similar to other approaches they present subtle differences due to their rooting in auxiliary density functional theory. The numerical stability and accuracy of the new approach is validated with respect to other theoretical and experimental results. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Computational studies on the injection, transport, absorption, and phosphoresce properties of a series of cationic iridium (III) complexes [Ir(C∧N)2(L)2]+ (C∧N = ppy, tpy, dfppy, bzq)
Authors: Zhang Ting‐Ting , Qi Xiao‐Xia , Jia Jianfeng , Wu Hai‐Shun
Published: April 2012

Quantum chemistry methods are applied to investigate the electronic structures, injection and transport properties, absorption and phosphorescence mechanism of a series of Iridium (III) complexes [Ir(C∧N)2(L)2]+ (L = 4‐pyCO2Et; C∧N = 2‐phenylpyridine, 1; 2‐(4‐tolyl)pyridine, 2; 2‐(4,6‐difluorophenyl)pyridimato, 3; benzoquinoline, 4), which may be used as emitters on organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). Calculations of ionization potentials and electron affinities are used to evaluate the injection abilities of holes and electrons into these complexes. The reorganization energy (λ) calculations show that the four complexes are suitable as emitters in OLEDs. The absorptions and emissions can be tuned by adding substituent to the ppy ligand or extending the π‐conjugation effect of the C∧N ligand, and quantum yields of 1–4 are investigated. In addition, no solvent effect is observed in the absorption and emission spectra. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Robot‐assisted laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection for low rectal cancer
Authors: Alimoglu O. , Atak I. , Kilic A. , Caliskan M.
Published: April 2012

Background

This article reports on patients with low rectal cancer treated with robot‐assisted laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection.

Methods

Robot‐assisted laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection was performed on seven patients in the General Surgery Clinic of Umraniye Training and Research Hospital between 2010 and 2011 by performing abdominal and perineal skin incisions using the same technique. Gender, age of the patients, intraoperative and postoperative complications, morbidity and mortality were evaluated.

Results

Five of the patients were male and two of them were female. Mean age was 59.2 years. All of the procedures were completed robotically. No intraoperative complication occurred, whereas urinary bladder dysfunction (n = 1) and chylous ascites (n = 1), treated conservatively, developed in the postoperative period. On histopathological examination, surgical and circumferential margins were found to be negative in all specimens. Early recurrence was not found on postoperative follow‐up.

Conclusion

Robot‐assisted laparoscopic surgery can be performed safely in narrow and deep anatomical areas, such as the pelvis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Left and right convergence of graphs with bounded degree
Authors: Borgs Christian , Chayes Jennifer , Kahn Jeff , Lovász László
Published: April 2012

The theory of convergent graph sequences has been worked out in two extreme cases, dense graphs and bounded degree graphs. One can define convergence in terms of counting homomorphisms from fixed graphs into members of the sequence (left‐convergence), or counting homomorphisms into fixed graphs (right‐convergence). Under appropriate conditions, these two ways of defining convergence was proved to be equivalent in the dense case by Borgs, Chayes, Lovász, Sós and Vesztergombi. In this paper a similar equivalence is established in the bounded degree case, if the set of graphs in the definition of right‐convergence is appropriately restricted.

In terms of statistical physics, the implication that left convergence implies right convergence means that for a left‐convergent sequence, partition functions of a large class of statistical physics models converge. The proof relies on techniques from statistical physics, like cluster expansion and Dobrushin Uniqueness. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. 2012
Organizational structure as a determinant of performance: Evidence from mutual funds
Authors: Csaszar Felipe A.
Published: April 2012

This article develops and tests a model of how organizational structure influences organizational performance. Organizational structure, conceptualized as the decision‐making structure among a group of individuals, is shown to affect the number of initiatives pursued by organizations and the omission and commission errors (Type I and II errors, respectively) made by organizations. The empirical setting is more than 150,000 stock‐picking decisions made by 609 mutual funds. Mutual funds offer an ideal and rare setting to test the theory, since there are detailed records on the projects they face, the decisions they make, and the outcomes of these decisions. The study's independent variable, organizational structure, is coded based on fund management descriptions made by Morningstar, and estimates of the omission and commission errors are computed by a novel technique that uses bootstrapping to create measures that are comparable across funds. The findings suggest that organizational structure has relevant and predictable effects on a wide range of organizations. In particular, the article shows empirically that increasing the consensus threshold required by a committee in charge of selecting projects leads to more omission errors, fewer commission errors, and fewer approved projects. Applications include designing organizations that achieve a given mix of exploration and exploitation, as well as predicting the consequences of centralization and decentralization. This work constitutes the first large‐sample empirical test of the model by Sah and Stiglitz (1986). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Architecture, attention, and adaptation in the multibusiness firm: General electric from 1951 to 2001
Authors: Joseph John , Ocasio William
Published: April 2012

In this study, we analyze how the organizational architecture of a multibusiness firm affects the adaptation of its constituent business units. Using an inductive analysis of GE's governance system from 1951 to 2001, we examine how the integration of corporate and business unit attention occurs within and across the firm's governance channels. Our theory identifies an unexplored aspect of the M‐form's architecture: collective vertical interactions between the corporate office and business units through cross‐level channels. Overall, we articulate three types of channel integration—cross‐level, cross‐functional, and channel coupling—and examine their effects on responsiveness to threats and opportunities. We find that despite an elaborate organizational architecture, there were periods when GE's governance system did not allow for coordination of corporate and business unit agendas. Our theory proposes that the temporal coupling of specialized, cross‐level channels creates an organizational architecture that is both differentiated and integrated. This architecture integrates levels and issues simultaneously, yet focuses attention sequentially, providing more effective conditions for joint attention and coordination between the corporation office and the business unit and adaptive change at the business unit level. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Meta‐organization design: Rethinking design in interorganizational and community contexts
Authors: Gulati Ranjay , Puranam Phanish , Tushman Michael
Published: April 2012

This article provides conceptual foundations for analyzing organizations comprising multiple legally autonomous entities, which we call meta‐organizations. We assess the antecedents of the emergence of such collectives and the design choices they entail. The article identifies key parameters on which such meta‐organizations' designs differ from each other. It also presents a taxonomy that elucidates how such forms of collective action vary and the constraints they must address to be successful. We conclude with implications for research on meta‐organizational design. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of modified starches on the adsorption of cigarette mainstream smoke composition
Authors: Guo Li , Zhu Yu , Du Xianfeng
Published: April 2012

In this work modified starches such as porous starch (PS) and cross‐linked phosphorylated porous starch (PPS) were used as tobacco filter to investigate their adsorption efficiency on the tar, ammonia (NH3), hydrocyanic acid (HCN), crotonaldehyde, and total particulate matter (TPM) in mainstream cigarette smoke. The pore properties and structural stability of the modified starches have been evaluated and the adsorption relationship between the modified starches and the main toxicants in tobacco smoke has also been established. Analytes of mainstream smoke from experimental cigarettes show reductions in yields of some measured constituents in mainstream cigarette smoke, such as tar, HCN, NH3, crotonaldehyde, and TPM. The largest reductions are for NH3 levels, up to 35.93% in one case, observed from the tobacco filter containing PPS. The largest reductions in mainstream yields of HCN (13.04%) and crotonaldehyde (31.06%) smoke toxicants were also observed. These results indicate that reducing exposure to some smoke toxicants is possible using the modified starches such as PS and PPS as tobacco filter.
Grafted Neuronal Precursor Cells Differentiate and Integrate in Injured Hippocampus in Experimental Pneumococcal Meningitis
Authors: Hofer Sandra , Magloire Vincent , Streit Jürg , Leib Stephen L.
Published: April 2012

Bacterial meningitis (BM) frequently causes persisting neurofunctional sequelae. Autopsy studies in patients dying from BM show characteristic apoptotic brain injury to the stem cell niche in the subgranular zone of the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG), and this form of brain damage is associated with learning and memory deficits in experimental BM. With an eye to potential regenerative therapies, the survival, migration, and differentiation of neuronal precursor cells (NPCs) were evaluated after engraftment into the injured hippocampus in vitro and in vivo in an infant rat model of pneumococcal meningitis. Green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing NPCs were grafted into the DG of organotypic hippocampal slice cultures injured by challenge with live Streptococcus pneumoniae. Seven days after engraftment, NPCs had migrated from the site of injection into the injured granular layer of the DG and electro-functionally integrated into the hippocampal network. In vivo, GFP-expressing NPCs migrated within 1 week from the injection site in the hilus region to the injured granular layer of the hippocampal DG and showed neuronal differentiation at 2 and 4 weeks after transplantation. Hippocampal injury induced by BM guides grafted NPCs to the area of brain damage and provides a microenvironment for neuronal differentiation and functional integration.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of chlorhexidine on macrophages in vitro
Authors: Li Yi‐Ching , Kuan Yu‐Hsiang , Lee Shiuan‐Shinn , Huang Fu‐Mei , Chang Yu‐Chao
Published: April 2012

Chlorhexidine (CHX) is the most widely used antiseptic for wound, skin disinfection, and dental hygiene. The aim of this study is to investigate the possible correlation between CHX‐induced cytogenotoxicity and alterations in normal cell cycle on RAW264.7 macrophages. The cytotoxicity, mechanism of cell death, mitotic activity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were determined by tetrazolium bromide reduction assay, flow cytometry, cytokinesis‐block proliferation index, and superoxide dismutase‐inhibitable reduction of ferricytochrome c, respectively. The genotoxicity was measured using comet assay and cytokinesis‐block micronucleus assay. The cytotoxicity of CHX in RAW264.7 cells presented a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner (p < 0.05). The mode of cell death shifted from apoptosis to necrosis when the dosage of CHX increased. The genotoxicity of CHX in RAW264.7 cells had shown DNA damage in a dose‐dependent manner (p < 0.05). Prolongation of cell cycle and the increase of ROS generation also expressed in a dose‐dependent manner (p < 0.05). Taken together, the data suggested that CHX‐induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity on macrophages may be via ROS generation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 29: 452–458, 2014.
Reading Comprehension: What Every Teacher Needs to Know
Authors: McLaughlin Maureen
Published: April 2012

In this article, the author proposes ten principles through which she examines the essentials of teaching reading comprehension. Topics explored include the nature of reading comprehension and the roles of good readers and influential teachers. Related issues include motivation, comprehension strategies, explicit instruction, and vocabulary. Finally, multiple representations of thinking, assessment, and comprehending at deeper levels are discussed.
Dialogic Teaching: Rethinking Language Use During Literature Discussions
Authors: Reznitskaya Alina
Published: April 2012

Dialogic teaching ‐ a pedagogical approach that involves students in a collaborative construction of meaning and is characterized by shared control over the key aspects of classroom discourse ‐ has been largely advocated by contemporary research and theory. However, studies in the US and UK continue to document the persistence of monologic instruction in today's classrooms. This paper reviews empirically‐supported features of dialogic teaching and relates them to relevant theoretical models. It describes the Dialogic Inquiry Tool (DIT), an observational rating scale designed to engage elementary school teachers in a systematic and deliberate examination of their interactions during group discussions of assigned readings. The paper uses excerpts of classroom discussions to demonstrate the use of the DIT and to discuss its potential for informing teacher practice and encouraging reflection on the relationship between language and pedagogy.
Young Children's Limited and Narrow Exposure to Informational Text
Authors: Yopp Ruth Helen , Yopp Hallie Kay
Published: April 2012

Despite arguments for more fully including informational text in early childhood classrooms, research suggests that young children's exposure to the genre is quite limited. This article focuses on the informational books that children do encounter, specifically through read‐alouds, and describes the narrow focus of those books. Informational read‐alouds are overwhelmingly on topics of life science. The authors advocate for both increasing and broadening the informational books read aloud to young children and provide recommendations for ensuring productive read‐aloud experiences.
Mammary gland development
Authors: Macias Hector , Hinck Lindsay
Published: April 2012

The mammary gland develops through several distinct stages. The first transpires in the embryo as the ectoderm forms a mammary line that resolves into placodes. Regulated by epithelial–mesenchymal interactions, the placodes descend into the underlying mesenchyme and produce the rudimentary ductal structure of the gland present at birth. Subsequent stages of development—pubertal growth, pregnancy, lactation, and involution—occur postnatally under the regulation of hormones. Puberty initiates branching morphogenesis, which requires growth hormone (GH) and estrogen, as well as insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1), to create a ductal tree that fills the fat pad. Upon pregnancy, the combined actions of progesterone and prolactin generate alveoli, which secrete milk during lactation. Lack of demand for milk at weaning initiates the process of involution whereby the gland is remodeled back to its prepregnancy state. These processes require numerous signaling pathways that have distinct regulatory functions at different stages of gland development. Signaling pathways also regulate a specialized subpopulation of mammary stem cells that fuel the dramatic changes in the gland occurring with each pregnancy. Our knowledge of mammary gland development and mammary stem cell biology has significantly contributed to our understanding of breast cancer and has advanced the discovery of therapies to treat this disease. WIREs Dev Biol 2012, 1:533–557. doi: 10.1002/wdev.35

This article is categorized under:

Vertebrate Organogenesis > From a Tubular Primordium: Branched
A Novel Fatty Acid, 12,17‐Dimethyloctadecanoic Acid, from the Extremophile Thermogemmatispora sp. (Strain T81)
Authors: Vyssotski M. , Ryan J. , Lagutin K. , Wong H. , Morgan X. , Stott M.
Published: April 2012

The major fatty acids of a novel species of Thermogemmatispora sp. (strain T81) from the phylum Chloroflexi were identified as i18:0 (42.8 % of total fatty acids), i19:0 (9.7 %), and i17:0 (5.9 %). Also observed was a number of unidentified fatty acids, including a major acid (16.3 %) with ECL of 19.04 (BP1), and 18.76 (TG‐WAXMS A). GCMS revealed that this compound is a saturated 20‐carbon atom fatty acid. 1H– and 13C–NMR, with 1H–1H–COSY and 1H–13C–HSQC experiments suggested the structure of dimethyl octadecanoic acid with iso‐branching, and an extra middle‐chain methyl group. A pyrrolidide derivative demonstrated the characteristic gaps in GCMS indicating methyl branching at C12 and C17, which was eventually confirmed by a 1H–13C–HSQC–TOCSY experiment. This 12,17‐dimethyloctadecanoic acid has not been previously detected or described in these organisms. However, a recent description of a phylogenetically related species of Thermogemmatispora (Yabe et al., Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 61:903–910, 2010), noted an unidentified 20:0 fatty acid with matching GC behavior and GCMS data to that of strain T81. These data suggest that Thermogemmatispora share an ability to synthesize the same fatty acid. A number of other dimethyl‐branched fatty acids, namely 8,14‐diMe 15:0; 12,15‐diMe 16:0; 10,15‐diMe 16:0; 12,16‐diMe 17:0; 10,16‐diMe 17:0; 12,17‐diMe 18:0; 12,18‐diMe 19:0; 14,19‐diMe 20:0, were also identified in strain T81.
What actually makes bullying stop? Reports from former victims
Authors: Frisén Ann , Hasselblad Tove , Holmqvist Kristina
Published: April 2012

School bullying is a serious, worldwide problem which is not easily counteracted. The present study focuses on the perspective of former victims, asking them what it was that made the bullying stop in their case. Participants were 273 18‐year‐old former victims in Sweden, a country in which schools are doing extensive work against bullying and the bullying prevalence is relatively low. Results showed that although support from school personnel was the most common reason that the former victims gave to why the bullying had ended, it was only mentioned by a fourth of them. In fact, it was almost equally as common that the bullying had ended in that the victims transitioned to a new school level or changed their way of coping with the bullying. Very few of the adolescents reported that the bullying had stopped due to support from peers.
Penile strangulation by a substantial metal napkin ring: successful removal with medtronic midas rex® legend® stylus® drill system
Authors: Roushias S , Veeratterapillay R , McCracken S , Heer R
Published: April 2012

We report the case of a 34-year-old with penile constriction by a large solid steel ring napkin holder in whom attempts of removal by conventional techniques failed. Standard instruments available in urology and general surgical theatres proved too weak to sever the ring and those offered by the fire services were grossly oversized and dangerous to use around the genitalia. Orthopaedic staff offered an instrument not previously used within our urology department: the Medtronic Midas Rex© Legend EHS Stylus High-Speed Surgical Drill. This intricate electronic powered drill allowed quick, controlled and safe incision of the metal ring, relieving the constriction. In addition to this first report of a metal penile constriction device removed using the Medtronic Midas Rex® Legend® Drill System, we review the literature on penile constriction and management strategies.
Uncovering new aspects of protein interactions through analysis of specificity landscapes in peptide recognition domains
Authors: Gfeller David
Published: April 2012

Protein interactions underlie all biological processes. An important class of protein interactions, often observed in signaling pathways, consists of peptide recognition domains binding short protein segments on the surface of their target proteins. Recent developments in experimental techniques have uncovered many such interactions and shed new lights on their specificity. To analyze these data, novel computational methods have been introduced that can accurately describe the specificity landscape of peptide recognition domains and predict new interactions. Combining large‐scale analysis of binding specificity data with structure‐based modeling can further reveal new biological insights into the molecular recognition events underlying signaling pathways.
Valuing time in supply chains: Establishing limits of time‐based competition
Authors: Blackburn Joseph
Published: April 2012

Highlights

► The marginal value of time defines the limits of time‐based advantage in supply chains. ► In supply chains the time value measures the marginal inventory cost of longer lead‐times. ► We show that the time‐value for a make‐to‐stock supply chain is surprisingly small. ► The low time‐value is consistent with the observed growth in global supply chains with long lead‐times.

Over the past two decades the growth in international trade and the offshore migration of US manufacturing have created global supply chains with longer lead‐times and slower response. This suggests that traditional supply chains have encountered limits to time‐based competition in which the cost of faster replenishment exceeds the benefits. This paper explores and quantifies those limits to time‐based competition in make‐to‐stock supply chains for functional products (products with stable demand over relatively long life cycles).

The marginal value of time is used to define the limits of time‐based competition in a supply chain, and we define it as the change in total inventory costs per unit change in supply chain lead‐time. To calculate the value of time, we develop a set of simple analytical expressions that apply to most standard reorder‐point inventory policies under deterministic and variable lead‐times. By not requiring optimal inventory policies and expressing the value of time in terms of the unit cost of the product, we obtain very general results that are essentially product‐free. We validate the analytical expressions using data from actual supply chains to simulate the inventory cost effects of changes in the lead‐time. The results show that the marginal value of time in a supply chain is surprisingly low; it generally falls within a range of 0.4–0.8% of product unit cost per week.

Our analytical models explain why there has been expansive growth in global supply chains for functional products. The key tradeoff in outsourcing is between reduced variable production cost and the increased inventory cost of longer supply chain lead‐times. The models show analytically that the incremental inventory cost is extremely small relative to the cost benefit. The growth in global supply chains with long lead‐times is cost, rather than time, driven.
Incidence and clinical significance of zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture involving the temporomandibular joint with emphasis on trismus
Authors: Chang Chia‐Ming , Ko Edward C. , Kao Chu‐Chiang , Chang Pei‐Ying , Chen Michael Y.C.
Published: April 2012

Trismus is frequently a sequel of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement in a zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fracture. Although trismus is commonly observed in patients with ZMC fracture, continuous follow‐up examinations of their degree of mouth opening have rarely been documented. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the incidence and clinical significance of ZMC fracture involving the glenoid fossa or articular eminence of the TMJ with an emphasis on trismus. The medical and computed tomography (CT) imaging data of 28 patients with ZMC fracture treated by oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMFSs) (OMFS group) and 174 patients with ZMC fracture treated by surgeons other than OMFSs (non‐OMFS group) between May 2002 and May 2006 were reviewed. Maximal interincisal opening (MIO) less than 35 mm or three‐finger width was considered limited mouth opening and indicative of trismus. Preoperative CT imaging data indicated that about 64% (18/28) and 50% (87/174) of the patients in the OMFS and non‐OMFS groups, respectively, had a ZMC fracture involving the TMJ. Among these OMFS patients, 17 (94.40%) patients had limited mouth opening (MIO range, 7–33 mm) preoperatively, which improved markedly postoperatively. Among the non‐OMFS patients with such fractures, 42 (48.3%) patients had trismus preoperatively and two retained trismus postoperatively. Lack of proper preoperative CT images, inadequate postoperative follow‐up protocol, and/or neglect by patients and medical staff could influence the outcomes of ZMC fracture involving the TMJ. We make recommendations for reducing the risk of complications subsequent to ZMC fracture involving the TMJ.
PRACTICAL REASONING, DECISION THEORY AND ANTI-INTELLECTUALISM
Authors: Brown Jessica
Published: April 2012

In this paper, I focus on the most important form of argument for anti-intellectualism, one that exploits alleged connections between knowledge and practical reasoning. I first focus on a form of this argument which exploits a universal principle, Sufficiency, connecting knowledge and practical reasoning. In the face of putative counterexamples to Sufficiency, a number of authors have attempted to reformulate the argument with a weaker principle. However, I argue that the weaker principles suggested are also problematic. I conclude that, so far, there is no good argument for anti-intellectualism that rests on connections between knowledge and practical reasoning.
Prolonged magma emplacement as a mechanism for the origin of the marginal reversal of the Fongen–Hyllingen layered intrusion, Norway
Authors: EGOROVA VERA , LATYPOV RAIS
Published: April 2012

The ~100 m thick marginal zone of the Fongen–Hyllingen Intrusion (FHI) consists of non-layered, highly iron-enriched ferrodiorites that are overlain by a ~ 6 km thick layered sequence of gabbroic to dioritic rocks of the Layered Series. From the base upwards the marginal zone becomes more primitive as exemplified by a significant increase in whole-rock MgO, Mg-number and normative An. The reverse trends are also evident from an upward increase in An-content of plagioclase (from ~ 30 to ~ 43 at.%) and Mg-number of amphibole (from ~ 9 to ~ 23 at.%) and clinopyroxene (from ~ 23 to ~ 33 at.%). The marginal zone is abruptly terminated at the contact with the overlying Layered Series as is evident from a step-like increase in Mg-number of mafic minerals and An-content of plagioclase, as well as a sharp increase in whole-rock MgO and Mg-number in overlying olivine gabbronorites of the Layered Series. Based on these features the marginal zone of the FHI can be interpreted as an aborted marginal reversal. Reverse trends in whole-rock and mineral compositions, as well as a sharp break in these parameters are indicative of its formation in an open system with the involvement of the prolonged emplacement of magma that became increasingly more primitive. Such development of the marginal reversal was interrupted by the emplacement of a major influx of more primitive magma that produced the Layered Series. The open system evolution of a basaltic magma chamber may represent a general mechanism for the origin of marginal reversals in mafic sills and layered intrusions.
Proteomics and theTrypanosoma bruceicytoskeleton: advances and opportunities
Authors: PORTMAN NEIL , GULL KEITH
Published: April 2012

Trypanosoma bruceiis the etiological agent of devastating parasitic disease in humans and livestock in sub-saharan Africa. The pathogenicity and growth of the parasite are intimately linked to its shape and form. This is in turn derived from a highly ordered microtubule cytoskeleton that forms a tightly arrayed cage directly beneath the pellicular membrane and numerous other cytoskeletal structures such as the flagellum. The parasite undergoes extreme changes in cellular morphology during its life cycle and cell cycles which require a high level of integration and coordination of cytoskeletal processes. In this review we will discuss the role that proteomics techniques have had in advancing our understanding of the molecular composition of the cytoskeleton and its functions. We then consider future opportunities for the application of these techniques in terms of addressing some of the unanswered questions of trypanosome cytoskeletal cell biology with particular focus on the differences in the composition and organisation of the cytoskeleton through the trypanosome life-cycle.