bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling transport of inshore and deep‐spawned chokka squid (Loligo reynaudi) paralarvae off South Africa: the potential contribution of deep spawning to recruitment
Authors: Downey‐Breedt N.J. , Roberts M.J. , Sauer W.H.H. , Chang N.
Published: December 2015

The South African chokka squid, Loligo reynaudi, spawns both inshore (≤70 m) and on the mid‐shelf (71–130 m) of the Eastern Agulhas Bank. The fate of these deep‐spawned hatchlings and their potential contribution to recruitment is as yet unknown. Lagrangian ROMS‐IBM (Regional Ocean Modelling System‐Individual‐Based Model) simulations confirm westward transport of inshore and deep‐spawned hatchlings, but also indicate that the potential exists for paralarvae hatched on the Eastern Agulhas Bank deep spawning grounds to be removed from the shelf ecosystem. Using a ROMS‐IBM, this study determined the transport and recruitment success of deep‐spawned hatchlings relative to inshore‐hatched paralarvae. A total of 12 release sites were incorporated into the model, six inshore and six deep‐spawning sites. Paralarval survival was estimated based on timely transport to nursery grounds, adequate retention within the nursery grounds and retention on the Agulhas Bank shelf (<200 m). Paralarval transport and survival were dependent on both spawning location and time of hatching. Results suggest the importance of the south coast as a nursery area for inshore‐hatched paralarvae, and similarly the cold ridge nursery grounds for deep‐hatched paralarvae. Possible relationships between periods of highest recruitment success and spawning peaks were identified for both spawning habitats. Based on the likely autumn increase in deep spawning off the Tsitsikamma coast, and the beneficial currents during this period (as indicated by the model results) it can be concluded that deep spawning may at times contribute significantly to recruitment.
Water‐level fluctuations regulate the structure and functioning of natural lakes
Authors: Evtimova Vesela V. , Donohue Ian
Published: December 2015

Despite becoming one of the main pressures on aquatic ecosystems globally, understanding of the ecological impacts of altered water‐level regimes in lakes lags far behind that of other human disturbances (e.g. eutrophication, acidification).

We employed a multifaceted approach to explore the potential importance of water‐level fluctuations (WLF) for the structure and functioning of littoral zones and multiple trait responses of primary producers and benthic consumers across a range of natural lakes.

We found that lakes with high WLF had significantly more coarse littoral substrata with less coverage of macrophyte vegetation in the shallows than in lakes with low WLF. Lakes with high WLF also had greater proportions of motile diatom species and omnivorous benthic invertebrates in shallow waters, altered taxonomic and trophic structure of benthic consumers and more homogeneous algal and benthic invertebrate assemblages.

Variation along the littoral depth gradient needs to be examined when assessing the impacts of hydrological pressures in lakes. We found that depth interacted with WLF in its effects on habitat structure and mediated the response of both producer and consumer benthic assemblages to WLF.

Our results indicate that amplified WLF significantly affect both the structure and functioning of lake ecosystems. Given the growing importance of WLF as an increasingly pervasive pressure on lake ecosystems worldwide, our findings have important implications for the conservation and management of global aquatic biodiversity. Inclusion of both biological traits and sampling along a depth gradient in existing and in future monitoring programmes could improve significantly the ability to detect and predict effects of altered patterns of WLF on lake ecosystems.
Variability in empathic fear response among 11 inbred strains of mice
Authors: Keum S. , Park J. , Kim A. , Park J. , Kim K. K. , Jeong J. , Shin H.‐S.
Published: December 2015

Empathy is an important emotional process that involves the ability to recognize and share emotions with others. We have previously developed an observational fear learning (OFL) behavioral assay to measure empathic fear in mice. In the OFL task, a mouse is conditioned for context‐dependent fear when it observes a conspecific demonstrator receiving aversive stimuli. In the present study, by comparing 11 different inbred mouse strains that are commonly used in the laboratory, we found that empathic fear response was highly variable between different strains. Five strains – C57BL/6J, C57BL/6NTac, 129S1/SvImJ, 129S4/SvJae and BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J – showed observational fear (OF) responses, whereas AKR/J, BALB/cByJ, C3H/HeJ, DBA/2J, FVB/NJ and NOD/ShiLtJ mice exhibited low empathic fear response. Importantly, day 2 OF memory was significantly correlated with contextual memory in the classical fear conditioning among the 11 strains. Innate differences in anxiety, locomotor activity, sociability and preference for social novelty were not significantly correlated with OFL. Interestingly, early adolescent C57BL/6J mice exhibited an increase in acquisition of OF. The level of OFL in C57BL/6J strain was not affected by sex or strains of the demonstrator. Taken together, these data strongly suggest that there are naturally occurring OFL‐specific genetic variations modulating empathic fear behaviors in mice. The identification of causal genes may uncover novel genetic pathways and underlying neural mechanisms that modulate empathic fear and, ultimately, provide new targets for therapeutic intervention in human mental disorders associated with impaired empathy.
The pace of past climate change vs. potential bird distributions and land use in the United States
Authors: Bateman Brooke L. , Pidgeon Anna M. , Radeloff Volker C. , VanDerWal Jeremy , Thogmartin Wayne E. , Vavrus Stephen J. , Heglund Patricia J.
Published: December 2015

Climate change may drastically alter patterns of species distributions and richness, but predicting future species patterns in occurrence is challenging. Significant shifts in distributions have already been observed, and understanding these recent changes can improve our understanding of potential future changes. We assessed how past climate change affected potential breeding distributions for landbird species in the conterminous United States. We quantified the bioclimatic velocity of potential breeding distributions, that is, the pace and direction of change for each species’ suitable climate space over the past 60 years. We found that potential breeding distributions for landbirds have shifted substantially with an average velocity of 1.27 km yr−1, about double the pace of prior distribution shift estimates across terrestrial systems globally (0.61 km yr−1). The direction of shifts was not uniform. The majority of species’ distributions shifted west, northwest, and north. Multidirectional shifts suggest that changes in climate conditions beyond mean temperature were influencing distributional changes. Indeed, precipitation variables that were proxies for extreme conditions were important variables across all models. There were winners and losers in terms of the area of distributions; many species experienced contractions along west and east distribution edges, and expansions along northern distribution edges. Changes were also reflected in the potential species richness, with some regions potentially gaining species (Midwest, East) and other areas potentially losing species (Southwest). However, the degree to which changes in potential breeding distributions are manifested in actual species richness depends on landcover. Areas that have become increasingly suitable for breeding birds due to changing climate are often those attractive to humans for agriculture and development. This suggests that many areas might have supported more breeding bird species had the landscape not been altered. Our study illustrates that climate change is not only a future threat, but something birds are already experiencing.
Phyllodes tumours of the breast: a consensus review
Authors: Tan Benjamin Y , Acs Geza , Apple Sophia K , Badve Sunil , Bleiweiss Ira J , Brogi Edi , Calvo José P , Dabbs David J , Ellis Ian O , Eusebi Vincenzo , Farshid Gelareh , Fox Stephen B , Ichihara Shu , Lakhani Sunil R , Rakha Emad A , Reis‐Filho Jorge S , Richardson Andrea L , Sahin Aysegul , Schmitt Fernando C , Schnitt Stuart J , Siziopikou Kalliopi P , Soares Fernando A , Tse Gary M , Vincent‐Salomon Anne , Tan Puay Hoon
Published: December 2015

Phyllodes tumours constitute an uncommon but complex group of mammary fibroepithelial lesions. Accurate and reproducible grading of these tumours has long been challenging, owing to the need to assess multiple stratified histological parameters, which may be weighted differently by individual pathologists. Distinction of benign phyllodes tumours from cellular fibroadenomas is fraught with difficulty, due to overlapping microscopic features. Similarly, separation of the malignant phyllodes tumour from spindle cell metaplastic carcinoma and primary breast sarcoma can be problematic. Phyllodes tumours are treated by surgical excision. However, there is no consensus on the definition of an appropriate surgical margin to ensure completeness of excision and reduction of recurrence risk. Interpretive subjectivity, overlapping histological diagnostic criteria, suboptimal correlation between histological classification and clinical behaviour and the lack of robust molecular predictors of outcome make further investigation of the pathogenesis of these fascinating tumours a matter of active research. This review consolidates the current understanding of their pathobiology and clinical behaviour, and includes proposals for a rational approach to the classification and management of phyllodes tumours.
Self‐expressed strengths and resources of children of parents with a mental illness: A systematic review
Authors: Drost Louisa M. , van der Krieke Lian , Sytema Sjoerd , Schippers Gerard M.
Published: December 2015

The aim of the present study was to explore the strengths children reported to have acquired while coping with their parents illness, and the external factors these children indicated had facilitated their coping process. A systematic literature search was conducted of peer‐reviewed papers that focused on self‐reported experiences of children with parents who had mental illness, and revealed their strengths and resources. The search included the following databases: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL. Results were filtered according to whether search terms appeared in the title or abstract. Fifty‐seven full‐text papers were reviewed; 26 of them met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The statements were analysed using content analysis. The search identified 160 relevant statements, 38 (24%) of which could be described as self‐reported strengths, and 122 (76%) as self‐reported resources. According to these statements, the children described themselves as more mature, independent, and empathic than their peers who did not have a parent with a mental illness, and as having acquired several abilities. The statements about resources indicated that the children regarded social support, information, and particularly the support of mental health‐care professionals as helpful when living with a parent with a mental illness. Recommendations for nursing actions to support children's ability to cope with their parents' illness are outlined.
Re‐examination of digoxin dosage regimen: comparison of the proposed nomograms or formulae in elderly patients.
Authors: Tsujimoto G , Sasaki T , Ishizaki T , Suganuma T , Hirayama H
Published: December 2015

1 Comparison of measured trough serum digoxin concentrations (SDC) with those predicted at steady‐state by forty sets of previously described pharmacokinetic equations in conjunction with either measured or estimated creatinine clearance (Clcr) was made in an elderly group of patients with varying Clcr (25‐89 ml/min) who received maintenance digoxin therapy. 2 Mean values of day‐to‐day variation (% coefficient of variation) for serum creatine and measured Clcr examined three times within a week in 7 of 40 elderly patients were 6.42 and 8.36% respectively, while this value for SDC was 12.46%. 3 There was a statistically significant correlation (r = 0.72 to 0.79, P less than 0.001, n = 40) between measured Clcr and that estimated from three different methods. Siersbaek‐Nielsen's nomogram approach gave the best correlation. 4 The calculated correlation coefficient values between measured and predicted SDC lay within a relatively narrow range but were weak (r = 0.443‐0.628). Prediction error analysis, however, allowed us to determine the best set of pharmacokinetic equations for a first approximation to appropriate digoxin maintenance dosage requirements, namely Gault‐estimated elimination rate constant, measured Clcr, and Jusko‐estimated volume of distribution.
Difference in bioavailability between two brands of 8‐methoxypsoralen and its impact on the clinical response in psoriatic patients.
Authors: Herfst MJ , de Wolff FA
Published: December 2015

1 Several 8‐methoxypsoralen (8‐MOP) preparations are now available for photochemotherapy of psoriasis. To assess differences in clinical response two preparations marketed in The Netherlands, Oxsoralen capsules (Elder) and Meladinine tablets (Basotherm), were given to eight psoriatic patients. Serum concentrations and the minimal phototoxic dose (MPD) as a measure for clinical response were determined. 2 Bioavailability and serum peak concentrations were significantly higher for Maladinine in all patients and the MPD value favoured Maladinine in 5 of the 8 patients. The mean time of the serum peak concentrations was 1 h earlier for Maladinine than for Oxsoralen. 3 These findings are relevant not only for the choice of drug in individual patients but also for comparison of the results of multicentre trials performed in different parts of the world.
Haemodynamic effects of BM 10.188, a new orally active inotropic agent, in healthy volunteers.
Authors: Whiting B , Kelman AW , Sumner DJ , Hillis WS , Ledermann H
Published: December 2015

1 BM 10.188 (Doxaminol, Boehringer Mannheim, GmbH) is a recently developed beta‐sympathomimetic agent which has shown promising positive inotropic activity in experimental animal models. It is a dibenzoxepine derivative. 2 The effects of 20 mg oral BM 10.188 on systolic time intervals and standard echocardiographic parameters have been studied in six normal healthy male volunteers. 3 When assessed by repeated measured analysis of variance, QS2 and LVET shortened significantly (P less than 0.005) in the 8 h period following BM 10.188. Mean maximum shortening values were: QS2, 25.7 +/‐ 25.6 (s.d.) ms at 155 min and LVET, 10.7 +/‐ 9.5 (s.d.) ms at 155 min. There was a corresponding small but significant increase of 4.2 +/‐ 3.9 (s.d.) ml in stroke volume at 6 h (P less than 0.025). 4 These results indicate that in normal volunteers, BM 10.188 exhibits effects on noninvasive cardiological indices similar to those observed after cardiac glycosides.
PROGRESS IN PRACTICAL MICROSCOPY*
Authors: Barer R.
Published: December 2015

SYNOPSIS.

Progress in microscopy is largely influenced by the requirements of the biologist. The small size and transparency of living cells to visible light have led to a search for (1) increased resolving power and (2) new methods of obtaining contrast. Little improvement in lateral resolving power is to be expected from the optical microscope, but the electron microscope is at present capable of resolution of the order of 50 Å. or better. Gabor's wave‐front reconstruction method suggests a way of avoiding limitations due to electron lens aberrations. X‐ray microscopes with resolving power intermediate between that of the optical and electron microscope are envisaged. Microradiography, using very small X‐ray sources, has proved useful for the microchemical analysis of certain elements and for the determination of the mass of cellular constituents. Contrast in optical microscopy can be obtained either by means of special illuminating systems used with visible light or else by means of ultra‐violet or infra‐red radiation to which the cell is not necessarily transparent. The development of phase‐contrast and interference‐contrast methods has provided a powerful tool for the examination of transparent materials. Ultra‐violet microscopy has been used both to increase resolving power and to obtain chemical information about the cell. The quartz monochromat objectives of high N.A. are still the best available for photomicrography, but the achromatism of reflecting and semi‐reflecting objectives makes them more suitable for spectromicrography. Such objectives can also be used in the infra‐red region in order to obtain precise chemical information. Another advantage of reflecting systems is their long working‐distance.
Social Control of Sex: Field Experiments with the Anemonefish Amphiprion bicinctus
Authors: Fricke Hans W.
Published: December 2015

From the underwater station Neritica, situated in 11 m depth off the shore of the Heinz‐Steinitz‐Marine‐Laboratory in Eilat, Israel, experiments were carried out to investigate the influence of food restriction, social status, body size and relative frequency of aggressive interactions on protandric sex change in the anemonefish A. bicinctus. Some 47 fish were tagged and observed in different conditions. Caged conditions retard, sometimes even prevent sex change in dominant males; it is suggested that this is consequent upon the ensuing food restriction, also that this mechanism operates to prevent sex change in subdominants in freeliving conditions, through the aggressive restraint of dominant males. No solitary males, caged or free, complete a sex change. Complete functional sex change occurs only in well‐fed aggressively dominant males at least 100 mm in body length in the presence of a social partner. The study shows that social stimuli are vital for the initiation of sex change in these males.

Im Roten Meer wurde vor dem Heinz‐Steinitz‐Laboratorium in Eilat in Freiwasserversuchen mit dem Anemonenfisch Amphiprion bicinctus der Einfluß von Nahrungsbegrenzung, sozialer Dominanz, relativer Frequenz aggressiver Interaktionen und Körpergröße auf die Auslösung des protandrischen Geschlechtswechsels untersucht. Durch Käfighaltung bedingte Futterbegrenzung verlangsamte den Geschlechtswechsel bei dominanten Männchen und verhinderte ihn sogar in zwei Fällen. Futterknappheit als Folge aggressiver Dominanz könnte auch freilebende subdominante Männchen am Geschlechtswechsel hindern. Gekäfigte oder freilebende Solitärmännchen zeigen keinen vollständigen Geschlechtswechsel. Vollständiger funktioneller Geschlechtswechsel wird in gesunden, gut gefütterten und aggressiv dominanten Männchen von wenigstens 100 mm Körperlänge ausgelöst, aber nur wenn ein subdominantes Männchen zugegen ist. Soziale Signale sind für die Auslösung eines Geschlechtswechsels in dominanten Männchen notwendig.
Pregnancy‐Associated Nonspecific Immunosuppression: Kinetics of the Generation and Identification of the Active Factors
Authors: DAVIES M. , BROWNE C.M.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: The effect of gestational age and maternal parity on the development of nonspecific immunosuppressive activity in the sera of pregnant women, which inhibited the in vitro transformation of unrelated lymphocytes by phytohemagglutinin, was examined. Quantitative demonstration of this activity was dependent, in part, on the source of the lymphocytes and on the serum concentration in culture. The immunosuppressive activity became evident as the pregnancy progressed, and in late‐pregnancy sera it was mediated by two factors, immunosuppressive factors (ISF) I and II with apparent Mr of 2 × 106 and 150,000 daltons. By analysis and comparison of different types of sera fractionated by gel filtration on Sephacryl S‐300, it was evident that ISF‐I and ISF‐II were also present in male and nulliparous nonpregnant female sera, but in inactive forms. Hence the immunosuppressive factors did not appear to be “produced” in pregnancy, but the observed activity was a reflection of the “activation” of preexisting molecules in the serum. An accompanying report describes the regulation of the activation event.
Biochemical Studies of Human Placental Microvillous Plasma Membrane Proteins
Authors: WEBB P.D. , EVANS P.W. , MOLLOY C.M. , JOHNSON P.M.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Isolated human syncytiotrophoblast microvillous plasma membranes (StMPM) have been examined by electron microscopy, SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE), two‐dimensional PAGE (2D‐PAGE), and immunoblots. Electron microscopy of StMPM pellets revealed populations of membrane‐bounded vesicles that disrupted after treatment with the chaotrope 3M KCl for 16 hr; with increasing molarity of another chaotrope (NH4SCN), the vesicles became smaller and more homogeneous. NH4SCN treatment resulted in significant reduction on SDS and 2D‐PAGE analysis of only one protein at 80kd, shown by immunoblotting to be transferrin; 3M KCl had little effect and appeared to be a poor chaotrope. Chromogenic silver staining of SDS‐PAGE gels demonstrated over 50 StMPM‐associated discrete protein components. Immunoblotting revealed transferrin (80kd), albumin (65kd), IgH heavy chain (56kd), and Gc protein (56kd). Alpha‐2‐macroglobulin (α2M) was identified at 180kd and 95kd; the smaller component may be a proteolytic derivative indicating binding to a trophoblast surface protease. Numerous discrete protein dots, and groups of dots characteristic of charge heterogeneity of individual proteins, were observed on high resolution 2D‐PAGE. The most intensely stained proteins were transferrin (80kd), albumin (65kd), placental‐type alkaline phosphatase (66kd), and actin (46kd). This 2D‐PAGE technique is a superior method for analyzing the trophoblast membrane proteins, and the system described will enable systematic mapping of these components.
Motion Characteristics of Spermatozoa From Men With Cytotoxic Sperm Antibodies
Authors: MATHUR S. , BARBER M. , CARLTON M. , ZEIGLER J. , WILLIAMSON H.O.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Semen samples from 55 fertile nonautoimmune and 44 infertile sperm autoimmune men were evaluated by computerized sperm cell motion analysis. Sperm counts (mean ± SEM, 59.6 ± 10.3 ± 106 per ml), motility (39.0 + 4.6%), mean swimming speed (μm/sec, 26.5 ± 0.9), mean linearity (straight line distance of the cell track divided by the actual track length and multiplied by 10, 6.5 + 0.2), and motility index (% motility ± mean speed, 10.7 ± 1.4) in 23 men with significant titers of cytotoxic sperm antibodies in their serum and seminal plasma were less (p<0.0001) than those in the fertile controls. However, these parameters were comparable in 18 men with sperm antibodies in their seminal plasma but not in their serum, and the control group. Infertile men with serum cytotoxic sperm antibodies had more sperm cells swimming at 11–30 μm/sec, and fewer moving at 31 μm or higher; this was in contrast to results obtained from fertile men (p < 0.05). The percentages of sperm cells moving at 21–30 μm/sec were increased, while those moving at 51–60 μm/sec were decreased in men with seminal plasma sperm antibodies, versus controls. Spermatozoa with low linearities (≤6) were higher (p<0.05) in men with serum and seminal plasma cytotoxic sperm antibodies than in the fertile group. The numbers of sperm cells moving at a linearity of ten, on the other hand, were lower in the infertile men with sperm antibodies in the serum and seminal plasma (21.8 ± 2.7 versus 36.4 ± 1.3; p< 0.00001) or seminal plasma only (28.0 ± 1.5; p< 0.0001). We suggest that the spermatozoa of men with cytotoxic sperm antibodies in their serum and seminal plasma have poorer sperm motion characteristics than those of fertile men.
Effect of a Soluble Factor Secreted From Cultured Human Trophoblast Cells on In Vitro Lymphocyte Reactions
Authors: SAJI FUMITAKA , KOYAMA MASAYASU , KAMEDA TAKASHI , NEGORO TAKAO , NAKAMURO KARO , TANIZAWA OSAMU
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: The immunoregulatory role of trophoblast cells in cell‐mediated immunity was investigated. Trophoblast cells were obtained from 8–10‐week human placentae by treatment with collagenase followed by differential centrifugation. The cells were cultured for 48 hr, and the culture supernatant was examined for immunosuppressive activity in vitro. The supernatant when added to cultures of peripheral blood lymphocytes from healthy donors suppressed both their reactivity to different lectins (PHA and PWM) and their activity in one‐way mixed lymphocyte reaction. The degree of suppression was dose‐dependent. Furthermore, the supernatant was able to reduce the natural killer cell activity against K562 target cells. On the other hand, the supernatant had no inhibitory effect on the effector phase of lymphocyte‐mediated cytotoxicity activity against tumor cell lines RPMI 8866 and Daudi. In all cases, the suppression observed was not due to lymphocytotoxicity or tumor cell mortality. The results indicate that trophoblast cells release a soluble suppressive factor that is a potent inhibitor of cell‐mediated immunity.
Heterogeneity of Proteins in Commercial Preparations of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Demonstrated by Western Blotting
Authors: MORSE JANE H. , LUSTBADER JOYCE W. , HARRINGTON JOHN W. , CANFIELD ROBERT E.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Immunoblotting has been utilized to detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), its α and β subunits, the Tamm‐Horsfall protein (uromodulin), immunoglobulins G (IgG) and M (IgM), kappa (K) and lambda (L) chains, and serum albumin in commercially available preparations of hCG intended for human use. Concentrated pregnancy, postpartum, and normal urines were studied as a comparison. Those hCG batches prepared from pooled first‐trimester pregnancy urine contained all of the hCG and non‐hCG proteins listed above or their fragments, with the single exception of the IgM μ chain. The conflicting literature regarding the immunomodulatory properties of hCG requires reevaluation, since many previous reports of immunologic activity utilized these preparations, containing intact and degraded IgG, K, and L chains, and the Tamm‐Horsfall protein, all of which may contribute to an altered immune response. Since hCG can be prepared in high yields, free of these contaminants, these data suggest that patients are being unnecessarily exposed to contaminating substances when receiving parenteral injections of hCG.
Pathological and Immunological Effects of Surgically Induced Varicocele in Juvenile and Adult Rats
Authors: SHOOK THOMAS E. , NYBERG LEROY M. , COLLINS BRADFORD S. , MATHUR SUBBI
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: The presence of a varicocele in adult men has been correlated with infertility. This study documents the effect of an experimentally induced unilateral varicocele in 21‐day‐old juvenile prepubertal and 51‐day‐old adult rats (n=10 per group) on subsequent adult testicular function. Varicoceles were induced by partial occlusion of the spermatic vein. There were ten sham‐operated and five nonoperated control rats in each age group. The rats were sacrificed 1 month after surgery. Intrascrotal temperatures were elevated in both groups with varicoceles. Histologically, the ipsilateral testes of rats in both age groups demonstrated a decrease in the numbers of functioning seminiferous tubules and germ cells, but the decrease was significantly greater in the juveniles than in the adult rats. No changes were seen in the contralateral testes. Significant titers of cytotoxic sperm antibodies were present in all animals with varicoceles, which is in contrast to controls. The juveniles had significantly lower antibody titers (mean log ± SEM; 3.2 ± 0.09 vs. 8.5 ± 1.1, P < 0.001) than the adults. The induction of a unilateral varicocele damaged spermatogenesis and testicular function to a greater extent in juveniles than in adult rats. This damage may be immune complex‐mediated.
When a Patient Commits Suicide
Authors: Marshall Karol A.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Suicide is a tragic and upsetting event which sometimes occurs when a person is in some form of therapy. This paper advocates a process after a patient commits suicide which allows for a thorough and orderly working through of the event by involved treatment personnel. The primary focus of this process is neither identification of responsibility nor of cause. The primary goals are to air issues and attitudes, identify factors contributing to the suicide, and most particularly to allow for the thorough expression of residual feelings and issues by the treatment personnel affected. Therapists who utilized this process were able to deal satisfactorily with grief and guilt issues after experiencing patient suicides. A case example illustrates the use of this process.
A Comparison of Suicide and Undetermined Deaths in Psychiatric Patients
Authors: Nuttall Elizabeth A. , Evenson Richard C. , Cho Don Won
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Those people who had previously been patients of the Department of Mental Health of Missouri who died in the three year period 1972 through 1974 and whose deaths were designated as suicide or “undetermined whether purposely or accidentally inflicted,” were identified by matching statewide death tapes against the DMH data base. The demographic characteristics of the two groups are compared to ascertain if the members of the undetermined group are essentially similar to the suicides, as has frequently been hypothesized. It is found that, in general, the similarities are in areas which would not have had a direct influence on the medical examiner/coroner's verdict, whereas, the differences do highlight areas which could cause an indecisive verdict. The significance of the undetermined deaths is discussed.
Cognition and Suicide: A Methodological Review
Authors: Arffa Sharon
Published: December 2015

This article reviews the literature related to studies measuring various cognitive properties in suicidal patients. It provides a structural framework with which to classify the studies, and employs the categories of suicidal logic, cognitive style, social cognition, and cognitive control. The methodological issues discussed include: sample characteristics, operational definitions of suicidal behaviors, use of appropriate control groups, and the temporal nature of assessment. Improvements in experimental design are suggested for use in future research.
Suicide in Psychiatric Patients: Age Distribution
Authors: Morrison James
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: In eight years, 21183 San Diego County residents killed themselves. Of these, 52 had been at some time patients of one private psychiatric group. The suicide rate increased with age for the county population but not for the psychiatric patients. This difference was highly significant. Although older people generally are at greater risk for suicide, older psychiatric patients may be more responsive to treatment.
A Study of the Personal Meaning of Suicide in the Context of Baechler's Typology
Authors: Smith George W. , Bloom Ingrid
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: This study investigates suicide from the vantage point of the suicidal person by analyzing the personal meaning(s) of the act for the individual. Twenty‐seven suicidal persons and survivors contributed to the research. Their individual recollections are studied and ordered within the framework of Jean Baechler's approach (as presented in his book Suicides). The study indicates that there is, in each case, an identifiable purpose or a pattern of purposes that can be categorized within a restricted and meaningful system, which may help the observer understand what human beings are doing when they want to end their lives.
The Underrecording of Suicides in State and National Records, Alaska, 1983–1984
Authors: Hlady W. Gary , Middaugh John P.
Published: December 2015

Information on Alaskan suicides has come primarily from studies based upon records obtained from the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics and the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). To evaluate the accuracy of these statistics, state and national (NCHS) vital statistics records were searched for suicide deaths in Alaska in 1983–1984. Of 195 deaths meeting our case definition of suicide, only 141 (72%) appeared in state records and 112 (57%) appeared in NCHS records. Native suicides were more likely to be underrecorded than non‐Native suicides, even after differences in recording district personnel were adjusted for. Errors resulted primarily from delayed determinations of the cause of death and failure to update the records.
Large Strain in CuO‐added (Na0.2K0.8)NbO3 Ceramic for Use in Piezoelectric Multilayer Actuators
Authors: Lee Ji‐Hyun , Kim Dae‐Hyeon , Seo In‐Tae , Kim Jong‐Hyun , Park Jong‐Seong , Ryu Jungho , Han Seung Ho , Jang Bo‐yun , Nahm Sahn
Published: December 2015

In this study, 1.0 mol% CuO‐added (NaxK1−x)NbO3 (CNxK1−xN) ceramics with 0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5 were sintered at a relatively low temperature of 960°C. A large Qm value (≥1750) was obtained for the specimens with x ≤ 0.2 owing to the hardening effect of Cu2+ ions, indicating that a large number of Cu2+ ions had replaced Nb5+ ions in these ceramics. The double polarization versus electric field (P–E) hysteresis loop was observed for the specimens with x ≤ 0.2, and was explained by the defect polarization (Pd) formed between Cu2+ ions and O2− vacancies. These specimens also exhibited a sprout‐shaped strain versus electric field (S–E) curves with a large strain of 0.14%–0.15% at 8.0 kV/mm because of the internal bias field produced by Pd. For the CN0.2K0.8N ceramic, a double P–E hysteresis loop was maintained at 125°C without remnant polarization. Moreover, this ceramic showed a large strain of 0.175% after 104 cycles when a high electric field of 8.0 kV/mm was continuously applied to the specimens during each cycles. Therefore, CN0.2K0.8N is a useful lead‐free piezoelectric ceramic for multilayer actuators.
Editorial: Neuroimaging in clinical psychiatry – when will the pay off begin?
Authors: Stringaris Argyris
Published: December 2015

… For my father's generation, technology and progress are near synonyms. And his face still drops in disappointment when I tell him that we have found no imaging technique to improve the diagnosis, monitoring or treatment of psychiatric illness. His standard comment is: if the neurologists can, why can't you psychiatrists? Why indeed?
Does maggot therapy promote wound healing? The clinical and cellular evidence
Authors: Nigam Y. , Morgan C.
Published: December 2015

The larvae of Lucillia sericata, or maggots of the green‐bottle fly, are used worldwide to help debride chronic, necrotic and infected wounds. Whilst there is abundant clinical and scientific evidence to support the role of maggots for debriding and disinfecting wounds, not so much emphasis has been placed on their role in stimulating wound healing. However, there is accumulating evidence to suggest that maggots and their externalized secretions may also promote wound healing in stubborn, recalcitrant chronic ulcers. There are a growing number of clinical reports which support the observation that wounds which have been exposed to a course of maggot debridement therapy also show earlier healing and closure end‐points. In addition, recent pre‐clinical laboratory studies also indicate that maggot secretions can promote important cellular processes which explain this increased healing activity. Such processes include activation of fibroblast migration, angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels from pre‐existing vessels) within the wound bed, and an enhanced production of growth factors within the wound environment. Thus, in this review, we summarize the clinical evidence which links maggots and improved wound healing, and we précis recent scientific studies which examine and identify the role of maggots, particularly individual components of maggot secretions, on specific cellular aspects of wound healing.
Immunoexpression of growth factors and receptors in polymorphous low‐grade adenocarcinoma
Authors: Rosa Ana Cláudia Garcia , Soares Andresa Borges , Santos Fabrício Passador , Furuse Cristiane , de Araújo Vera Cavalcanti
Published: December 2015

Background

Polymorphous low‐grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA) is a rare malignant tumor that usually arises in the minor salivary glands. Growth factors are cell‐secreted peptides that regulate biological processes such as growth, proliferation, and differentiation. In salivary gland tumors, immunoexpression of growth factors and their receptors is associated with cell proliferation, malignant transformation, and tumor invasion. This study analyzed the expression of growth factors and receptors in PLGA, in other to better understand the mechanisms involved in the process of neoplastic cell proliferation and tumor progression.

Methods

The expression of growth factors FGF‐2, PDGF‐A, PDGF‐B and receptors FGFR‐1, FGFR‐2, PDGFR‐α, and EGFR was analyzed in 24 PLGA samples in comparison with normal salivary glands, by immunohistochemistry. A semi‐quantitative analysis determined cell positivity in all stained sections. Scores were assigned according to percentage of reactive cells: score 0 < 10%; score 1–10 to 25%; score 2–25% to 50%; score 3–>50%. The level of significance was set at 5%.

Results

Most of the growth factors and receptors, apart from FGFR‐2, were significantly reactive in PLGA. Comparing to salivary acini, all of the reactive growth factors and receptors were significantly stronger in PLGA. Comparing to salivary ducts, the expression of FGF‐2, PDGF‐B, FGFR‐1, and EGFR was significantly stronger in the nuclei and/or cytoplasm of the neoplastic cells.

Conclusions

The increased expression of the growth factors and receptors in the PLGA, compared to normal salivary glands, may be related to cell proliferation, somehow participating in the oncogenic process.
Will reduced host connectivity curb the spread of a devastating epidemic?
Authors: Petit Eric J. , Puechmaille Sebastien J.
Published: December 2015

The white‐nose syndrome (WNS), caused by the fungal pathogen Pseudogymnoascus destructans, is threatening the cave‐dwelling bat fauna of North America by killing individuals by the thousands in hibernacula each winter since its appearance in New York State less than ten years ago. Epidemiological models predict that WNS will reach the western coast of the USA by 2035, potentially eliminating most populations of susceptible bat species in its path (Frick et al. 2015; O'Regan et al. 2015). These models were built and validated using distributional data from the early years of the epidemic, which spread throughout eastern North America following a route driven by cave density and winter severity (Maher et al. 2012). In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Wilder et al. (2015) refine these findings by showing that connectivity among host populations, as assessed by population genetic markers, is crucial in determining the spread of the pathogen. Because host connectivity is much reduced in the hitherto disease free western half of North America, Wilder et al. make the reassuring prediction that the disease will spread more slowly west of the Great Plains.
The Relationship Between Vocabulary Learning Strategies and Breadth and Depth of Vocabulary Knowledge
Authors: ZHANG XIAN , LU XIAOFEI
Published: December 2015

This study investigated the relationship between vocabulary learning strategies and vocabulary breadth and depth knowledge. One hundred and fifty first‐year university students in China took the Vocabulary Levels Test, a meaning recall task, and the Depth of Vocabulary Knowledge Test. The first two tests were used to elicit two types of vocabulary breadth knowledge, that is, meaning recognition (passive recognition) and meaning recall (passive recall), while the last test was used to elicit participants’ depth of vocabulary knowledge. Participants also filled out a vocabulary learning strategies survey (Schmitt, ). Structural equation modeling was employed to assess how vocabulary learning strategies predicted breadth and depth of vocabulary knowledge. Results indicate that strategies that focus on learning the forms and associative meanings of words are significant predictors of both vocabulary breadth and depth knowledge. However, even learning strategies of the same type may have different effects on meaning recognition and meaning recall. Implications of the results for vocabulary teaching and learning are considered.
Eggplant latent viroid: a friendly experimental system in the family Avsunviroidae
Authors: Daròs José‐Antonio
Published: December 2015

Taxonomy

Eggplant latent viroid (ELVd) is the only species of the genus Elaviroid (family Avsunviroidae). All the viroids in the family Avsunviroidae contain hammerhead ribozymes in the strands of both polarities, and are considered to replicate in the chloroplasts of infected cells. This family includes two other genera: Avsunviroid and Pelamoviroid.

Physical properties

ELVd consists of a single‐stranded, circular, non‐coding RNA of 332–335 nucleotides that folds in a branched quasi‐rod‐like minimum free‐energy conformation. RNAs of complementary polarity exist in infected cells and are considered to be replication intermediates. Plus (+) polarity is assigned arbitrarily to the strand that accumulates at a higher concentration in infected tissues.

Host

To date, ELVd has only been shown to infect eggplant (Solanum melongena L.), the species in which it was discovered. A very narrow host range seems to be a common property in members of the family Avsunviroidae.

Symptoms

ELVd infections of eggplants are apparently symptomless.

Transmission

ELVd is transmitted mechanically and by seed.

Useful website

http://subviral.med.uottawa.ca.
Adjunct cyclosporine therapy for refractory Kawasaki disease in a very young infant
Authors: Okada Seigo , Azuma Yoshihiro , Suzuki Yasuo , Yamada Hiroko , Wakabayashi‐Takahara Midori , Korenaga Yuno , Akase Hideaki , Hasegawa Shunji , Ohga Shouichi
Published: December 2015

Herein we describe the case of a 6‐week‐old boy who developed complete Kawasaki disease (KD). The cytokine profile and activation of monocytes and subsequent T cells matched the typical feature of refractory KD. The patient received a total of three courses of i.v. immunoglobulin (IVIG), but did not achieve clinical relief. Adjunctive therapy with oral cyclosporine A (CsA) led to prompt defervescence. This was continued for 7 days without serious adverse events. Coronary artery dilatations regressed within 3 months of follow up. KD infants <3 months of age are at higher risk of coronary artery aneurysm than the older ones. To our knowledge, oral CsA treatment has not been reported in such young infants with KD. The diagnosis and treatment of very young infants with KD are challenging. Adjunctive use of CsA in IVIG treatment could be effective for refractory KD in infants <3 months of age.
Heart rate variability during daytime naps in healthy adults: Autonomic profile and short‐term reliability
Authors: Cellini Nicola , Whitehurst Lauren N. , McDevitt Elizabeth A. , Mednick Sara C.
Published: December 2015

In healthy individuals, a reduction in cardiovascular output and a shift to parasympathetic/vagal dominant activity is observed across nocturnal sleep. This cardiac autonomic profile, often measured by heart rate variability (HRV), has been associated with significant benefits for the cardiovascular system. However, little is known about the autonomic profile during daytime sleep. Here, we investigated the autonomic profile and short‐term reliability of HRV during daytime naps in 66 healthy young adults. Participants took an 80–120 min polysomnographically recorded nap at 1:30 pm. Beat‐by‐beat RR interval values (RR), high (HF) and low frequency (LF) power, total power (TP), HF normalized units (HFnu), and the LF/HF ratio were obtained for 5 min during presleep wakefulness and during nap sleep stages (N2, N3, REM). A subsample of 37 participants took two additional naps with 2 weeks between recordings. We observed lengthening of the RR, higher HF and HFnu, and lower LF/HF during NREM, compared with REM and wake, and a marked reduction of LF and TP during N3. Intraclass correlation coefficients highlighted a short‐term stability of RR and HF ranging across sleep stages between 0.52–0.76 and 0.52–0.80, respectively. Our results suggest that daytime napping in healthy young adults is associated with dynamic changes in the autonomic profile, similar to those seen during nocturnal sleep. Moreover, a reliable intraindividual measure of autonomic cardiac activity can be obtained by just a single daytime nap depending on specific parameters and recording purposes. Nap methodology may be a new and promising tool to explore sleep‐dependent, autonomic fluctuations in healthy and at‐risk populations.
DNA analyses reveal abundant homoplasy in taxonomically important morphological characters of Eusiroidea (Crustacea, Amphipoda)
Authors: Verheye Marie L. , Martin Patrick , Backeljau Thierry , D'Udekem D'Acoz Cédric
Published: December 2015

Eusiroidea is one of the 20 amphipod superfamilies that were erected to subdivide the very large and controversial suborder Gammaridea. Yet, the definition of the superfamily is not based on synapomorphies, but on a combination of diagnostic phenetic similarities that hold more or less consistently across families. Moreover, many of the characters used to define eusiroid families are suspected to show convergent evolution. The current classification of the Eusiroidea may therefore not reflect evolutionary relationships accurately. Here, we present a molecular phylogenetic re‐analysis of the Eusiroidea based on a comparison of 18S and 28S rDNA sequences of 73 species, representing 47 genera and 16 families that potentially belong to the superfamily. The results suggest that at least species belonging to 14 of these traditional families would be part of a eusiroid clade, increasing by more than twofold the species and generic richness of the group. However, most of the eusiroid families surveyed do not appear monophyletic. Finally, the analyses show that several important morphological characteristics, traditionally used in eusiroid taxonomy, are homoplastic.
PHOSPHAGEN CHANGES IN THE IODOACETATE POISONED FROG'S VENTRICLE
Authors: Clark A. J. , Eggleton M. G.
Published: December 2015

1. Frogs' ventricles poisoned with I.A.A. and asphyxiated in pure nitrogen showed, at the time of asphyxial arrest, a loss of about half their phosphagen and a loss of about one‐quarter of their adenosin triphosphate.

2. Similar ventricles when arrested by exposure to low oxygen pressures (10–20 mm. Hg) showed no loss of phosphagen.

3. These results indicate that the mechanical failure of the frog's ventricle, poisoned with I.A.A. and exposed to complete or partial oxygen lack, cannot be attributed to phosphagen depletion.

The expenses of this research were defrayed by a grant from the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland to one of us (A. J. C.), for which we record our thanks.