bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are all species necessary to reveal ecologically important patterns?
Authors: Pos Edwin , Guevara Andino Juan Ernesto , Sabatier Daniel , Molino Jean‐François , Pitman Nigel , Mogollón Hugo , Neill David , Cerón Carlos , Rivas Gonzalo , Di Fiore Anthony , Thomas Raquel , Tirado Milton , Young Kenneth R. , Wang Ophelia , Sierra Rodrigo , García‐Villacorta Roosevelt , Zagt Roderick , Palacios Walter , Aulestia Milton , ter Steege Hans
Published: December 2014

While studying ecological patterns at large scales, ecologists are often unable to identify all collections, forcing them to either omit these unidentified records entirely, without knowing the effect of this, or pursue very costly and time‐consuming efforts for identifying them. These “indets” may be of critical importance, but as yet, their impact on the reliability of ecological analyses is poorly known. We investigated the consequence of omitting the unidentified records and provide an explanation for the results. We used three large‐scale independent datasets, (Guyana/ Suriname, French Guiana, Ecuador) each consisting of records having been identified to a valid species name (identified morpho‐species – IMS) and a number of unidentified records (unidentified morpho‐species – UMS). A subset was created for each dataset containing only the IMS, which was compared with the complete dataset containing all morpho‐species (AMS: = IMS + UMS) for the following analyses: species diversity (Fisher's alpha), similarity of species composition, Mantel test and ordination (NMDS). In addition, we also simulated an even larger number of unidentified records for all three datasets and analyzed the agreement between similarities again with these simulated datasets. For all analyses, results were extremely similar when using the complete datasets or the truncated subsets. IMS predicted ≥91% of the variation in AMS in all tests/analyses. Even when simulating a larger fraction of UMS, IMS predicted the results for AMS rather well. Using only IMS also out‐performed using higher taxon data (genus‐level identification) for similarity analyses. Finding a high congruence for all analyses when using IMS rather than AMS suggests that patterns of similarity and composition are very robust. In other words, having a large number of unidentified species in a dataset may not affect our conclusions as much as is often thought.
Seasonal changes in the body size of two rotifer species living in activated sludge follow the Temperature‐Size Rule
Authors: Kiełbasa Anna , Walczyńska Aleksandra , Fiałkowska Edyta , Pajdak‐Stós Agnieszka , Kozłowski Jan
Published: December 2014

Temperature‐Size Rule (TSR) is a phenotypic body size response of ectotherms to changing temperature. It is known from the laboratory studies, but seasonal patterns in the field were not studied so far. We examined the body size changes in time of rotifers inhabiting activated sludge. We hypothesize that temperature is the most influencing parameter in sludge environment, leading sludge rotifers to seasonally change their body size according toTSR, and that oxygen content also induces the size response. The presence ofTSRinLecane inermisrotifer was tested in a laboratory study with two temperature and two food‐type treatments. The effect of interaction between temperature and food was significant;L. inermisfollowedTSRin one food type only. The seasonal variability in the body sizes of the rotifersL. inermisandCephalodella graciliswas estimated by monthly sampling and analyzed by multiple regression, in relation to the sludge parameters selected as the most influential by multivariate analysis, and predicted to alter rotifer body size (temperature and oxygen).L. inermisvaried significantly in size throughout the year, and this variability is explained by temperature as predicted by theTSR, but not by oxygen availability.C. gracilisalso varied in size, though this variability was explained by both temperature and oxygen. We suggest that sludge age acts as a mortality factor in activated sludge. It may have a seasonal effect on the body size ofL. inermisand modify a possible effect of oxygen. Activated sludge habitat is driven by both biological processes and human regulation, yet its resident organisms follow general evolutionary rule as they do in other biological systems. The interspecific response patterns differ, revealing the importance of taking species‐specific properties into account. Our findings are applicable to sludge properties enhancement through optimizing the conditions for its biological component.
The potential for arms race and Red Queen coevolution in a protist host–parasite system
Authors: Råberg Lars , Alacid Elisabet , Garces Esther , Figueroa Rosa
Published: December 2014

The dynamics and consequences of host–parasite coevolution depend on the nature of host genotype‐by‐parasite genotype interactions (G × G) for host and parasite fitness. G × G with crossing reaction norms can yield cyclic dynamics of allele frequencies (“Red Queen” dynamics) while G × G where the variance among host genotypes differs between parasite genotypes results in selective sweeps (“arms race” dynamics). Here, we investigate the relative potential for arms race and Red Queen coevolution in a protist host–parasite system, the dinoflagellateAlexandrium minutumand its parasiteParvilucifera sinerae. We challenged nine different clones ofA. minutumwith 10 clones ofP. sineraein a fully factorial design and measured infection success and host and parasite fitness. Each host genotype was successfully infected by four to ten of the parasite genotypes. There were strong G × Gs for infection success, as well as both host and parasite fitness. About three quarters of the G × G variance components for host and parasite fitness were due to crossing reaction norms. There were no general costs of resistance or infectivity. We conclude that there is high potential for Red Queen dynamics in this host–parasite system.
Synthesis, Molecular Structure and Properties of a Ferrocene‐Based Difluoropyrrolo‐Oxaborole Derivative
Authors: Benniston Andrew C. , Sirbu Dumitru , Turta Constantin , Probert Michael R. , Clegg William
Published: December 2014

Reaction of 1,1′‐ferrocenedicarbonyl chloride with 3‐ethyl‐2,4‐dimethylpyrrole in DCM produced the half‐way product, namely, the ferrocene bis(2‐ketopyrrole) derivative 2 and not the expected bis(dipyrromethene) compound. The 2‐ketopyrrole compound readily reacted with BF3·Et2O to produce the bis(difluoropyrrolo)‐oxaborole compound, FBF, as a red/brown solid which was characterised by X‐ray crystallography. 57Fe Mössbauer spectra for 2 and FBF were consistent with low‐spin iron(II) (d6) ferrocene derivatives. A cyclic voltammogram for 2 in acetonitrile revealed a reversible wave at +0.31 V vs. Fc+/Fc (ferrocene‐based) and an irreversible wave at –2.38 V vs. Fc+/Fc (ketopyrrole‐based). The electrochemical behaviour is severely perturbed by the chelation of the BF2 groups. Alterations to the electronic properties of 2 by formation of FBF are also evident in the absorption profiles. DFT calculations [B3PW91, 6‐31G(3df)] support the observed changes in the electrochemistry findings and the Mössbauer spectroscopic data.
Organocatalytic α‐Addition of Isocyanides to Aldehydes
Authors: Yamada Takeshi , Hirose Tomoyasu , Ōmura Satoshi , Sunazuka Toshiaki
Published: December 2014

α‐Hydroxyamide is an important chemical component widely observed in biologically active natural products. One of the most direct methods to access a α‐hydroxyamide is the Passerini‐type reaction. However, this catalytic process was limited. Herein, we report the first examples of 3,5,6‐trifluoro‐2‐pyridone‐catalyzed α‐addition of isocyanides to aldehydes, in the presence of water in benzene, to provide α‐hydroxyamides. Various aldehydes and isocyanides performed well in this reaction to provide the α‐hydroxyamides. Even highly constrained substrates were well tolerated. The reaction is not restricted by requirements of either inconvenient temperature control, inert atmosphere or dry solvent. The new catalytic reaction may open the way to development of asymmetric organocatalytic α‐addition of isocyanides.
Ice storms, tree throw, and hillslope sediment transport in northern hardwood forests
Authors: Hellmer Mark C. , Rios Bernardo A. , Ouimet William B. , Sibley Thomas R.
Published: December 2014

In December 2008, 694 trees uprooted within a 108 ha (1·08 km2) watershed in central Massachusetts due to a severe ice storm, resulting in the displacement of ~1300 m3 of root material, unconsolidated sediment, and fractured bedrock. Overall, we find that uprooting and tree throw is often grouped in clusters and cascades; conifers displace more material than deciduous trees; areas with abundant mature hemlock and steep slopes are more susceptible to tree throw, with clusters as dense as 125 per hectare; and failure is predominantly downhill, suggesting that ice storms promote efficient downslope hillslope sediment transport in northern hardwood forests. Combining the recurrence interval of severe storms in New England (20–75 years) with the forest response presented here, we calculate a sediment transport rate of 2–5 × 10−5 m3 m−1 a−1 averaged over the entire watershed. Forest susceptibility to tree throw differed based on location in the watershed; some areas experienced up to ~30× higher than average sediment transport rates, while others experienced no tree throw. Two severe storms following the 2008 ice storm (hurricane in 2011; snow storm in October 2012) did not result in significant tree throw within the study area, highlighting that the coupling of storm severity and forest susceptibility controls the amount of tree throw during a given forest disturbance. In addition to recent tree throw from the 2008 ice storm, widespread pit and mound microtopography in the study area indicates that tree throw is a recurrent process in this landscape. Two factors emerge that will influence future ice storms related hillslope sediment transport in the steep forested hillslopes of New England: regional climate gradients and changing climate determine the size, intensity and recurrence of ice storms; forest management practices and health control the tree age and type. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensory evaluation and consumer acceptability of a beverage made from malted and fermented cereal: case of gowe from Benin
Authors: Adinsi Laurent , Akissoé Noël H. , Dalodé‐Vieira Générose , Anihouvi Victor B. , Fliedel Geneviève , Mestres Christian , Hounhouigan Joseph D.
Published: December 2014

Sensory profile of gowe beverage was established with 10 gowe samples by 22 semitrained panelists. Besides, consumer study was performed on four representative gowe samples with 141 African ordinary consumers using a modified quantitative descriptive analysis. Gowe samples significantly differed (P < 0.05) with respect to all the sensory attributes, except for cereal odor and cereal taste (P > 0.05). The principal component analysis plot revealed the effects of raw material and process: Sorghum gowe was differently scored from maize gowe samples (P < 0.05). Gowe types from saccharification step (SSaF, SSaSF) evidenced higher scores with respect to fermented odor (41.7) and acidic taste (47.9), while those without saccharification had lower scores of fermented odor and acidic taste, with values of 18.4 and 16.9, respectively. No significant difference was evidenced with respect to the addition of “non malted flour” before or after saccharification. Regarding consumer testing, three distinct patterns of consumer acceptability were observed, which were grouped as “Sugary gowe likers” (63.1% of consumers) followed by “Sugary and saccharified sorghum gowe likers” (20.6%) and “Pure maize gowe dislikers” (16.3%). Irrespective of the consumers cluster, saccharified malted sorghum gowe without sugar was the unique sample scored more than 6 over 9.
Serotonin stimulates secretion of exosomes from microglia cells
Authors: Glebov Konstantin , Löchner Marie , Jabs Ronald , Lau Thorsten , Merkel Olaf , Schloss Patrick , Steinhäuser Christian , Walter Jochen
Published: December 2014

Microglia are resident immune cells in the brain and exert important functions in the regulation of inflammatory processes during infection or cellular damage. Upon activation, microglia undergo complex morphological and functional transitions, including increased motility, phagocytosis and cytokine secretion. Recent findings indicate that exosomes, small vesicles that derive from fusion of multivesicular bodies with the plasma membrane, are involved in secretion of certain cytokines. The presence of specific receptors on the surface of microglia suggests communication with neurons by neurotransmitters. Here, we demonstrate expression of serotonin receptors, including 5‐HT2a,b and 5‐HT4 in microglial cells and their functional involvement in the modulation of exosome release by serotonin. Our data demonstrate the involvement of cAMP and Ca2+ dependent signaling pathways in the regulation of exosome secretion. Co‐culture of microglia with embryonic stem cell‐derived serotonergic neurons further demonstrated functional signaling between neurons and microglia. Together, these data provide evidence for neurotransmitter‐dependent signaling pathways in microglial cells that regulate exosome release. GLIA 2015;63:626–634
Professional Resources
Authors: Haddix Marcelle M.
Published: December 2014

This column provides reviews of adolescent and adult professional resources and provides a valuable resource for professional resource selection in‐ and outside the classroom.
Management of tumors arising from the parapharyngeal space: A systematic review of 1,293 cases reported over 25 years
Authors: Kuet Mong‐Loon , Kasbekar Anand V. , Masterson Liam , Jani Piyush
Published: December 2014

Objectives

We present a systematic review of 1,252 lesions published in the past 25 years, the largest to date. We also include our own experience of 41 cases.

Data Sources

Our data sources were MEDLINE and Embase databases.

Review Methods

A systematic review of the literature (1988–2014) was performed and data on histological diagnosis, presentation, surgical approach, and postoperative complications were reviewed.

Results

In total, 22 studies (including our own institution) revealed 82% of lesions were benign. The most common presentation was an intraoral mass (52%) followed by a cervical mass (48%), and the most common primary lesion was a pleomorphic adenoma (29%). Ninety‐six percent of patients underwent surgery. The cervical approach was most frequently used (46%), and the most common complication was vagus nerve injury (13%). Within our institution, 5‐year progression‐free survival for benign and malignant disease was 93% and 61%, respectively (P = .196).

Conclusions

A parapharyngeal space mass is an uncommon tumor and requires careful preoperative assessment. Definitive treatment is usually surgery, and these patients should be counseled appropriately about the potential for permanent cranial nerve deficits.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 125:1372–1381, 2015
Tumoral TP53 and/or CDKN2A alterations are not reliable prognostic biomarkers in patients with localized Ewing sarcoma: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Lerman Daniel M. , Monument Michael J. , McIlvaine Elizabeth , Liu Xiao‐qiong , Huang Dali , Monovich Laura , Beeler Natalie , Gorlick Richard G. , Marina Neyssa M. , Womer Richard B. , Bridge Julia A. , Krailo Mark D. , Randall R. Lor , Lessnick Stephen L. ,   for the Children's Oncology Group Ewing Sarcoma Biology Committee
Published: December 2014

Background

A growing collection of retrospective studies have suggested that TP53 mutations and/or CDKN2A deletions have prognostic significance in Ewing sarcoma. We sought to evaluate these variables in patients with localized disease treated prospectively on a single Children's Oncology Group protocol.

Procedure

Of the 568 patients enrolled on Children's Oncology Group protocol AEWS0031 (NCT00006734), 112 had tumor specimens of sufficient quality and quantity to allow for analysis of TP53 mutations status by DNA sequencing, and CDKN2A deletion by dual color fluorescent in situ hybridization.

Results

Eight of 93 cases (8.6%) were found to have TP53 point mutations and 12 of 107 cases (11.2%) demonstrated homozygous CDKN2A deletion. Two cases were found to have an alteration in both genes. There was no significant difference in event‐free survival of patients with TP53 mutations and/or CDKN2A deletions compared to patients with normal TP53/CDKN2A gene status, as demonstrated by log rank test (p = 0.58).

Conclusions

Although previous retrospective studies suggest their significance, TP53 mutation and/or CDKN2A deletion are not reliable prognostic biomarkers in localized Ewing sarcoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:759–765. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chemical Differentiation and Quality Evaluation of Commercial Asian and American Ginsengs based on a UHPLC–QTOF/MS/MS Metabolomics Approach
Authors: Chen Yujie , Zhao Zhongzhen , Chen Hubiao , Yi Tao , Qin Minjian , Liang Zhitao
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Asian and American ginsengs are widely used medicinal materials and are being used more and more in health products. The two materials look alike but function differently. Various forms of both types of ginseng are found in the market, causing confusion for consumers in their choice.

Objective

To evaluate the overall quality of commercial Asian and American ginsengs and investigate the characteristic chemical markers for differentiating between them.

Methods

This article investigated 17 Asian and 21 American ginseng samples using an ultra‐HPLC combined with quadrupole time‐of‐flight MS/MS technique. The data were processed by principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squared discriminant analysis.

Results

In the chromatograms, a total of 40 peaks were detected. Among them, six were positively identified, and all of the remainder were tentatively identified. According to statistical results, ginsenosides Rf, Rb2 and Rc together with their isomers and derivatives were more likely to be present in Asian ginsengs, whereas ginsenoside Rb1, pseudoginsenoside F11 and ginsenoside Rd together with their isomers and derivatives tended to be present in American ginsengs. For Asian ginsengs, ginsenoside Ra3 and 20‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐ginsenoside‐Rf were more likely to be present in forest samples, whereas contents of floralquinquenoside B, ginsenosides Ro and Rc, and zingibroside R1 were higher in sun‐dried ginsengs. For American ginseng, wild samples often had more of the notoginsenosides R1 and Rw2 and less of the ginsenosides Rd, Rd isomer and 20 (S)‐Rg3 than cultivated samples.

Conclusion

The method provided important fingerprint information for authentication and evaluation of Asian and American ginsengs from various commercial products. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The life and work of Geoffrey Tyndale Young
Authors: Jones John
Published: December 2014

Geoffrey Tyndale Young was born in England's Peak District in 1915: his father and both grandfathers were pharmaceutical chemists. He graduated from the Universities of Birmingham and Bristol and was a transatlantic scientific liaison officer in the Second World War, shortly after which he was elected to a Fellowship at Jesus College Oxford. He combined peptide synthesis research, undergraduate teaching, and College administration with leadership in European peptide science and was universally respected for his integrity, wisdom, and unflappable diplomacy. A close friend of Josef Rudinger, he attended almost all of the first two dozen European Peptide Symposia 1958–1996. When he retired in 1982, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire and was elected an Emeritus Fellow of Jesus College, of which he had been Acting Principal 1973–1977. In retirement, he was instrumental in setting up this journal and steered the formation of the European Peptide Society, of which he was the first chairman. In 1950, he married Janet Mary Baker, later Baroness Young of Farnworth, Leader of the British House of Lords 1982–1983, who died in 2002: they had three daughters who survive him. He died at home in Oxford on 24 May 2014 aged 98. Copyright © 2014 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Time‐dependent wavepacket diffusion method and its applications in organic semiconductors
Authors: Han Lu , Ke Yaling , Zhong Xinxin , Zhao Yi
Published: December 2014

Although the carriers in organic semiconductors commonly follow the hopping‐type motions caused by strong carrier‐phonon interactions, they can also present a band‐like behavior in well‐performed organic crystals. In this article, we review a unified model to describe the carrier dynamics covering from the hopping‐type to band‐like motions, the time‐dependent wavepacket diffusion method proposed in our group recently. In the method, the effects of vibrational motions of organic molecules and inter or intramolecular electronic couplings are considered as the fluctuations to the carrier dynamics. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the computational cost of present method is similar to that of mixed quantum‐classical methods, but it overcomes the deficiency in those methods that the detailed balance principle is not satisfied. We further present how to combine electronic structure calculations and molecular dynamics simulations with the present model to reveal the carrier dynamics in realistic organic semiconductors. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Headspace quantification of pure and aqueous solutions of binary mixtures of key volatile organic compounds in Swiss cheeses using selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry
Authors: Castada Hardy Z. , Wick Cheryl , Harper W. James , Barringer Sheryl
Published: December 2014

RATIONALE

Twelve volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have recently been identified as key compounds in Swiss cheese with split defects. It is important to know how these VOCs interact in binary mixtures and if their behavior changes with concentration in binary mixtures.

METHODS

Selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT‐MS) was used for the headspace analysis of VOCs commonly found in Swiss cheeses. Headspace (H/S) sampling and quantification checks using SIFT‐MS and further linear regression analyses were carried out on twelve selected aqueous solutions of VOCs. Five binary mixtures of standard solutions of VOCs were also prepared and the H/S profile of each mixture was analyzed.

RESULTS

A very good fit of linearity for the twelve VOCs (95% confidence level) confirms direct proportionality between the H/S and the aqueous concentration of the standard solutions. Henry's Law coefficients were calculated with a high degree of confidence. SIFT‐MS analysis of five binary mixtures showed that the more polar compounds reduced the H/S concentration of the less polar compounds, while the addition of a less polar compound increased the H/S concentration of the more polar compound.

CONCLUSIONS

In the binary experiment, it was shown that the behavior of a compound in the headspace can be significantly affected by the presence of another compound. Thus, the matrix effect plays a significant role in the behavior of molecules in a mixed solution. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Progenitors of Secondary Crest Myofibroblasts Are Developmentally Committed in Early Lung Mesoderm
Authors: Li Changgong , Li Min , Li Sha , Xing Yiming , Yang Chang-Yo , Li Aimin , Borok Zea , Langhe Stijn , Minoo Parviz
Published: December 2014

Development of the mammalian lung is predicated on cross-communications between two highly interactive tissues, the endodermally derived epithelium and the mesodermally derived pulmonary mesenchyme. While much attention has been paid for the lung epithelium, the pulmonary mesenchyme, partly due to lack of specific tractable markers remains under-investigated. The lung mesenchyme is derived from the lateral plate mesoderm and is the principal recipient of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling, a morphogenetic network that regulates multiple aspects of embryonic development. Using the Hh-responsive Gli1-creERT2 mouse line, we identified the mesodermal targets of Hh signaling at various time points during embryonic and postnatal lung development. Cell lineage analysis showed these cells serve as progenitors to contribute to multiple lineages of mesodermally derived differentiated cell types that include parenchymal or interstitial myofibroblasts, peribronchial and perivascular smooth muscle as well as rare populations of cells within the mesothelium. Most importantly, Gli1-creERT2 identified the progenitors of secondary crest myofibroblasts, a hitherto intractable cell type that plays a key role in alveolar formation, a vital process about which little is currently known. Transcriptome analysis of Hh-targeted progenitor cells transitioning from the pseudoglandular to the saccular phase of lung development revealed important modulations of key signaling pathways. Among these, there was significant downregulation of canonical WNT signaling. Ectopic stabilization of β-catenin via inactivation of Apc by Gli1-creERT2 expanded the Hh-targeted progenitor pools, which caused the formation of fibroblastic masses within the lung parenchyma. The Gli1-creERT2 mouse line represents a novel tool in the analysis of mesenchymal cell biology and alveolar formation during lung development. Stem Cells  2015;33:999–1012
RE10TCd3 (RE = Y, Tb – Tm, Lu; T = Fe, Co, Ni, Ru, Rh, Pd) – Rare Earth‐rich Phases with Ordered anti‐Co2Al5 Structure
Authors: Johnscher Michael , Block Theresa , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: December 2014

The rare earth‐rich intermetallic cadmium compounds RE10TCd3 (RE = Y, Tb – Tm, Lu; T = Fe, Co, Ni, Ru, Rh, Pd) were synthesized by induction melting of the elements in sealed niobium ampoules. These cadmium intermetallics crystallize with an ordered variant of the hexagonal Co2Al5 type, space group P63/mmc. The three crystallographically independent rare earth atoms lie on the aluminum sites, while the transition metal and cadmium atoms are ordered on the two cobalt positions. The structures of Y10Co1.103Cd2.897, Y10NiCd3, Y10RuCd3, Y10PdCd3, Er9.92FeCd3.08, and Er9.82NiCd3.18 were refined from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data. Some of the crystals showed small degrees of RE/Cd, respectively T/Cd mixing. The striking structural building units are transition metal centered T@RE6 trigonal prisms (TP) that are condensed to empty RE6 octahedra (O), building infinite …TP–O–O… rows in c direction. The second motifs are slightly flattened RE3@Cd6RE16 icosahedra. The latter are condensed via common triangular faced along the c axis. Each …TP–O–O… row is enrolled by three rows of condensed RE3@Cd6RE16 icosahedra in the motif of a hexagonal rod packing.
Major Neonatal Surgery Under Local Anesthesia: A Cohort Study from Bangladesh
Authors: Hagander L. , Kabir M. , Chowdhury Md. Z. , Gunnarsdóttir A. , Habib Md. G. , Banu T.
Published: December 2014

Background

Surgeons and anesthetists must respond to the perioperative mortality associated with general anesthesia in developing countries. The safety of performing major neonatal surgery under local anesthesia is one pragmatic response. This study describes and evaluates such practice in a tertiary pediatric surgery center in Bangladesh.

Methods

Seven hundred and twenty neonates were admitted for major surgery during a 3.5‐year study period. Hundred and fifty two neonates died pre‐operatively, and 568 underwent major neonatal surgery. 352 (62.0 %) neonates were operated under general anesthesia, while the 216 most fragile neonates (38.0 %) were operated with local infiltrative anesthesia alone. Medical files were reviewed; data were collected prospectively; mortality risk factors were assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

Two hundred and sixteen procedures were performed under local anesthesia: sigmoid colostomies (37.5 %), laparotomies with anastomosis (21.3 %), anoplasties (18.1 %), laparotomies with enterostomy (8.3 %), closures of abdominal wall defects (6.9 %), fixations of silastic bags (3.7 %), peritoneal tube drainage (2.3 %), and gastrostomies (1.9 %). Median weight was 2,400 g (2,200–2,460), median gestational age was 37.0 weeks (36.0–38.0), and median age at surgery was 5.0 days (3.0–14.7). In‐hospital postoperative mortality was 10.6 % among those selected for local anesthesia, and 11.4 % among neonates operated under general anesthesia. Low birth weight was an independent risk factor for mortality on multivariate analysis (OR 1.002 g−1, 95 % CI [1.000–1.004], p = 0.029).

Conclusions

Local anesthesia is an established option for the most fragile neonates with major surgical disease. Safe anesthesia ought to be accessible to all children of the world. The global pandemic of perioperative mortality needs to be addressed.
Internet Self-Diagnosis in Hand Surgery
Authors: Hageman Michiel G. J. S. , Anderson Jade , Blok Robin , Bossen Jeroen K. J. , Ring David
Published: December 2014

Background

Some Internet sites have programs that attempt to help patients find their diagnosis based on symptoms. This study tested the null hypothesis that there are no factors associated with correspondence between online diagnosis and the hand surgeon's diagnosis in an outpatient hand and upper extremity surgeons' office.

Methods

Eighty-six outpatients were prospectively enrolled and used WebMD® symptom checker to guess their diagnosis. We collected demographic information, hours spent on the Internet per week, and the following questionnaires: Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and Center of Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (C-ESD).

Results

Thirty-three percent of online diagnoses matched the final diagnosis of the hand surgeon. Factors associated with an online diagnosis corresponding to the hand surgeon's diagnosis included sex (women) and patients who studied their symptoms online prior to the visit. The best multivariable model included sex, more years of education, and prior use of the Internet to research their medical condition and explained 15 % of the variation in correspondence of diagnosis.

Conclusions

The majority of online diagnoses for hand and upper extremity conditions do not correspond with the diagnosis of the treating hand surgeon. Psychological factors do not influence the correspondence of online diagnosis with the hand surgeon's diagnosis. Level of Evidence: Prognostic, level II
Phase Behavior of Glycerol Trioleate‐Based Ionic Liquid Microemulsions
Authors: Wang Aili , Chen Li , Xu Fan , Yan Zongcheng
Published: December 2014

Glycerol trioleate‐based ionic liquid microemulsions are promising biolubricant alternatives. This study presents the formation and the phase behavior of glycerol trioleate‐based ionic liquid microemulsions. Areas of the single‐phase domain were calculated to illustrate the phase‐forming capacities of the designed systems. The effects of ionic liquid anions and cations, oxyethylene groups’ number of surfactant, mass ratio of surfactant to co‐surfactant, chain length of co‐surfactant, and temperature on the phase behavior and phase‐forming capacities of glycerol trioleate‐based ionic liquid microemulsions were investigated using pseudo‐ternary phase diagrams. The results showed that the phase‐forming capacities of glycerol trioleate‐based ionic liquid microemulsions with different ionic liquids were Tf2N−‐based > PF6−‐based > BF4−‐based, OMIM+‐based > HMIM+‐based > BMIM+‐based > EMIM+‐based. The designed systems contained ionic liquid‐glycerol trioleate amphiphilic balance; thus, glycerol trioleate‐surfactant micelles achieved the maximum solubilization capacity for the ionic liquid when the surfactant had approximately five oxyethylene groups with a surfactant to co‐surfactant mass ratio of 4:1. Moreover, increasing the temperature and the aliphatic chain length of co‐surfactant from C2 to C6 enhanced the ability of glycerol trioleate and ionic liquids to form microemulsions.
The Effects of Armillarisin A on Serum IL-1β and IL-4 and in Treating Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Wu Ping , Guo Yonggao , Jia Fangyuan , Wang Xiuli
Published: December 2014

To study the therapeutic effect of Armillarisin A on patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and on serum IL-1β and IL-4, sixty patients with UC were randomly divided into three groups: Armillarisin A treatment group (Group I), Armillarisin-combined hormone therapy group (Group II), and hormones treatment as the control group (Group III). Patients in Group I received Armillarisin A 10 mg enema in 100 ml saline. Patients in Group II received Armillarisin A 10 mg and dexamethasone 5 mg enema in 100 ml saline. Patients in Group III received only dexamethasone 5 mg enema in 100 ml saline. The therapeutic efficacy and serum levels of IL-4 and IL-1β were observed. After 4 week treatment, the total effective rates were 90.0 % in Group I and 95.0 % in Group II. Both are higher than it in control group, which was 70.0 %. The serum levels of IL-4 in Groups I and II were significantly higher than it in control group. Compared to IL-4 levels before treatment, the levels of IL-4 after treatment were significantly higher in both Groups I and II. The serum levels of IL-11β were significantly decreased in Groups I and II in comparison to it in control group. Compared to the levels of IL-1β before treatment, the levels of IL-1β were significantly decreased. Armillarisin A shows a significant effect in treating UC. It helps increase IL-4 and lower IL-1β and the mechanism may be related to the body’s immunity regulation.
Uncomplicated Monochorionic Twins––Is Elective Preterm Delivery Mandatory?
Authors: Agarwal Krishna
Published: December 2014

Often (50 % times), twin pregnancy is complicated by preterm vaginal delivery which may be due to spontaneous labor or due to medical conditions. However, it remains a debatable issue as what to do in a situation of continuing uncomplicated twin pregnancy. Some investigators suggest that because of increased risk of unexplained fetal demise after 32 weeks, elective preterm delivery should be carried out. However, there is no conclusive evidence to support or refute this suggestion and there is always a dilemma whether to allow these patients to go in spontaneous labor till term or to deliver before that. In the absence of clear evidence, it is reasonable to keep uncomplicated monochorionic twin pregnancies under close follow-up and to deliver them at 38 weeks of gestation.
Ca2+ movement and apoptosis induced by deltamethrin in Madin–Darby canine kidney canine renal tubular cells
Authors: Liu Fang‐Jin , Chou Chiang‐Ting , Cheng Jin Shiung , Chang Hong‐Tai , Liang Wei‐Zhe , Kuo Chun‐Chi , Kuo Soong‐Yu , Kuo Daih‐Huang , Shieh Pochuen , Chang Fang‐Rong , Jan Chung‐Ren
Published: December 2014

This study explored the effect of deltamethrin, a pesticide, on free Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]i, viability, and apoptosis in Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) canine renal tubular cells. Deltamethrin at concentrations between 10μM and 40μM evoked [Ca2+]i rises in a concentration‐dependent manner. The Ca2+ entry was inhibited by nifedipine, econazole, phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate, and SKF96365. Treatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor 2,5‐di‐tert‐butylhydroquinone (BHQ) in a Ca2+‐free medium abolished deltamethrin‐induced [Ca2+]i rise. Treatment with deltamethrin also abolished BHQ‐induced [Ca2+]i rise. Inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) activity with U73122 abolished deltamethrin‐evoked [Ca2+]i rise. Deltamethrin killed cells at 30–60μM in a concentration‐dependent manner. The cytotoxic effect of deltamethrin was not reversed by prechelating cytosolic Ca2+ with the acetoxymethyl ester of 1,2‐bis(2‐aminophenoxy)ethane‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetraacetic acid. Annexin V/propidium iodide staining data suggest that 30–50μM deltamethrin induced apoptosis. Together, in MDCK renal tubular cells, deltamethrin induced [Ca2+]i rises that involved Ca2+ entry through protein kinase C‐mediated store‐operated Ca2+ channels, and PLC‐dependent Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum. Deltamethrin also induced Ca2+‐independent cell death that might involve apoptosis.
Intractable Verrucous Hyperplasia: A Surgically Corrected Case
Authors: Chang Ji Hea , Moon Hee Bong , Kim Chang Jae , Nam Kiyeun , Lee Ho Jun , Kwon Bum Sun , Park Jin‐Woo
Published: December 2014

Skin problems commonly occur after lower limb amputation. One such skin anomaly that develops on the residual limb is wart‐like lesions of verrucous hyperplasia. The process is reversible if external compression is applied in combination with adequate control of bacterial infection and edema. Prosthetic adjustments usually help with this condition. We report an intractable verrucous hyperplasia in a 66‐year‐old female patient. She complained of a painful, oozing, verrucous papule at the amputation site. Despite management with typical treatment procedures, the lesion worsened; therefore, surgery was performed. Our case demonstrates that an intractable case is possible despite appropriate management and that sometimes surgical correction is necessary.
Non-smooth saddle-node bifurcations I: existence of an SNA
Authors: FUHRMANN GABRIEL
Published: December 2014

We study one-parameter families of quasi-periodically forced monotone interval maps and provide sufficient conditions for the existence of a parameter at which the respective system possesses a non-uniformly hyperbolic attractor. This is equivalent to the existence of a sink-source orbit, that is, an orbit with positive Lyapunov exponent both forwards and backwards in time. The attractor itself is a non-continuous invariant graph with negative Lyapunov exponent, often referred to as ‘SNA’. In contrast to former results in this direction, our conditions are${\mathcal{C}}^{2}$-open in the fibre maps. By applying a general result about saddle-node bifurcations in skew-products, we obtain a conclusion on the occurrence of non-smooth bifurcations in the respective families. Explicit examples show the applicability of the derived statements.
Erosion–deposition waves in shallow granular free-surface flows
Authors: Edwards A. N. , Gray J. M. N. T.
Published: December 2014

Debris flows can spontaneously develop regular large-amplitude surge waves that are interspersed by periods in which the channel fill is completely stationary. These are important because each individual surge is much more destructive than a steady uniform flow with the same mass flux. In this paper small-scale experiments that exhibit similar behaviour are described. The flow consists of carborundum particles that flow down a rough inclined chute covered with a static erodible layer of the same grains. For inflow conditions close to the minimum depth required for steady uniform flows to exist, small disturbances are unstable, creating waves that rapidly coarsen and grow in size. As the waves become sufficiently large, the troughs between the wave crests drop below a critical thickness and come to rest. A series of steadily travelling waves develop which erode the static layer of particles in front of them and deposit grains behind them, to form a layer that is again stationary. This is, in turn, re-eroded and deposited by the next wave. We term these waves granular erosion–deposition waves. Although erosion and deposition problems are notoriously difficult, a simple model is developed which uses a depth-averaged version of the${\it\mu}(I)$-rheology and Pouliquen and Forterre’s extended friction law. The viscous dissipation combines with dynamic, intermediate and static friction regimes to generate finite-length waves with static and mobile regions. The existence of stationary layers fundamentally distinguishes erosion–deposition waves from granular roll waves, which form in slightly deeper flows and are always completely mobilized. Numerical simulations show that the system of equations is able to model both erosion–deposition waves and granular roll waves. Moreover, the computed wave amplitude, wavespeed and coarsening dynamics are in good quantitative agreement with experiments.
Does the motor system contribute to the perception and understanding of actions? Reflections on Gregory Hickok’sThe myth of mirror neurons: the real neuroscience of communication and cognition
Authors: KEMMERER DAVID
Published: December 2014

abstract

It has been said that mirror neurons are “the most hyped concept in neuroscience” (Jarrett, 2012). In his bookThe myth of mirror neurons: the real neuroscience of communication and cognition(2014), Gregory Hickok does the field a great service by cutting through this hype and showing that, contrary to the views of many laypeople as well as some experts, mirror neurons are not the fundamental ‘basis’ of action understanding. I argue here, however, that he takes his critique too far by effectively denying that the motor system plays any significant role at all in the perception and interpretation of actions. In fact, a large literature strongly supports the hypothesis that motor regions in the frontal and parietal lobes not only subserve the execution of actions, but also contribute to the comprehension of actions, regardless of whether they are directly observed or linguistically represented. In addition, recent research suggests that although the articulatory system is involved primarily in speech production, it enhances speech perception too, even when the auditory stimuli are not explicitly attended.
SQUATTERS AND THE CRIMINAL LAW: CAN TWO WRONGS MAKE A RIGHT?
Authors: Goymour Amy
Published: December 2014

DOES wrongdoing by a squatter prevent him from acquiring title to another person's land via the law of adverse possession? The answer is plainly “no” where the squatter is a civil, tortious wrongdoer: the law not only condones, but positively requires a successful adverse possession claimant to have committed the tort of trespass over the true owner's land (this condition is inherent in the requirement that the squatter's possession be “adverse”). But what happens where the tortious acts that establish the squatter's adverse possession also constitute a criminal offence? This was the tricky question facing the court in Best v The Chief Land Registrar [2014] EWHC (Admin) 1370.
Economic costs of protistan and metazoan parasites to global mariculture
Authors: SHINN A. P. , PRATOOMYOT J. , BRON J. E. , PALADINI G. , BROOKER E. E. , BROOKER A. J.
Published: December 2014

Parasites have a major impact on global finfish and shellfish aquaculture, having significant effects on farm production, sustainability and economic viability. Parasite infections and impacts can, according to pathogen and context, be considered to be either unpredictable/sporadic or predictable/regular. Although both types of infection may result in the loss of stock and incur costs associated with the control and management of infection, predictable infections can also lead to costs associated with prophylaxis and related activities. The estimation of the economic cost of a parasite event is frequently complicated by the complex interplay of numerous factors associated with a specific incident, which may range from direct production losses to downstream socio-economic impacts on livelihoods and satellite industries associated with the primary producer. In this study, we examine the world's major marine and brackish water aquaculture production industries and provide estimates of the potential economic costs attributable to a range of key parasite pathogens using 498 specific events for the purposes of illustration and estimation of costs. This study provides a baseline resource for risk assessment and the development of more robust biosecurity practices, which can in turn help mitigate against and/or minimise the potential impacts of parasite-mediated disease in aquaculture.
Diagnosis Disclosure of Prodromal Alzheimer Disease-Ethical Analysis of Two Cases
Authors: Porteri Corinna , Galluzzi Samantha , Geroldi Cristina , Frisoni Giovanni B.
Published: December 2014

Background:

According to a recent proposal for revised diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer disease, the diagnosis could be made even in the absence of impairment of social function or daily life activities, provided positivity of one or more abnormal biomarkers. The use of the new proposed diagnostic criteria raises ethical issues and needs to be carefully evaluated.

Method:

We describe two clinical cases of prodromal Alzheimer's disease and discuss the diagnosis disclosure, taking into consideration several issues: (i) the issue of the boundary between well founded research procedures and clinical practice, (ii) the issue of the fuzziness of the concepts of scientific evidence and scientific uncertainty, (iii) the issue of patient's autonomy and patient's best interest, and (iv) the issue of the patients' specific personal and social context.

Results:

The degree of informativeness of the proposed diagnostic criteria for the single patient is already such as to deserve high regard in making the diagnosis and in the diagnosis disclosure process. During the disclosure process, the physician needs to take into account both what is known and what it is not sufficiently known. The patient's personal and environmental conditions should drive the physician to partial or full diagnostic disclosure, or delay communication.

Conclusion:

We proposed two different diagnosis disclosure processes, on the basis of the common neurological features and of the different global clinical situations, socio-personal contexts and attitudes towards the communication of the diagnosis.
Neuropsychiatric Behaviors in the MPTP Marmoset Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Fox Susan H. , Visanji Naomi , Reyes Gaby , Huot Philippe , Gomez-Ramirez Jordi , Johnston Tom , Brotchie Jonathan M.
Published: December 2014

Objectives:

Neuropsychiatric symptoms are increasingly recognised as a significant problem in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). These symptoms may be due to ‘sensitisation’ following repeated levodopa treatment or a direct effect of dopamine on the disease state. The levodopa-treated MPTP-lesioned marmoset was used as a model of neuropsychiatric symptoms in PD patients. Here we compare the time course of levodopa-induced motor fluctuations and neuropsychiatric-like behaviors to determine the relationship between duration of treatment and onset of symptoms.

Methods:

Marmosets were administered 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (2.0 mg/kg s.c.) for five days, resulting in stable parkinsonism. Levodopa (15 mg/kg and benserazide, 3.75 mg/kg) p.o. b.i.d. was administered for 30 days. Animals were evaluated for parkinsonian disability, dyskinesia and on-time (motor fluctuations) and neuropsychiatric-like behaviors on Day 0 (prior to levodopa) and on Days 1, 7, 13, 27 and 30 of treatment using post hoc DVD analysis by a trained rater, blind to the treatment day.

Results:

The neuropsychiatric-like behavior rating scale demonstrated high interrater reliability between three trained raters of differing professional backgrounds. As anticipated, animals exhibited a progressive increase in levodopa-induced motor fluctuations, dyskinesia and wearing-off, that correlated with the duration of levodopa therapy. In contrast, levodopa-induced neuropsychiatric-like behaviors were present on Day 1 of levodopa treatment and their severity did not correlate with duration of treatment.

Conclusions:

The data suggest that neuropsychiatric disorders in PD are more likely an interaction between levodopa and the disease state than a consequence of sensitisation to repeated dopaminergic therapy.