bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remarkably High‐Temperature Stability of Bi(Fe1−xAlx)O3–BaTiO3 Solid Solution with Near‐Zero Temperature Coefficient of Piezoelectric Properties
Authors: Cen Zhenyong , Zhou Changrong , Yang Huabin , Zhou Qin , Li Weizhou , Yan Chunle , Cao Lei , Song Jun , Peng Ling
Published: April 2013

The 0.72Bi(Fe1−xAlx)O3–0.28BaTiO3 (x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, and 0.07, abbreviated as BFAx–BT) lead‐free high‐temperature ceramics were prepared by the conventional ceramic processing. Systematic investigation on the microstructures, crystalline structures, dielectric and piezoelectric properties, and high‐temperature stability of piezoelectric properties was carried out. The crystalline structures of BFAx–BT ceramics evolve from rhombohedral structure with x < 0.01 to the coexistence of rhombohedral structure and pseudocubic phases with x ≈ 0.01, finally to pseudocubic phases when x > 0.03. Remarkably high‐temperature stability with near‐zero temperature coefficient of piezoelectric properties (TCkp), together with improved piezoelectric properties has been achieved for x = 0.01 BFAx–BT ceramics. The BFAx–BT(x = 0.01) ceramics simultaneously show the excellent piezoelectric properties of d33 = 151 pC/N, kp = 0.31 and super‐high‐temperature stability of Td = 420°C, TCkp = 1 × 10−4. It is considered that the observed strong piezoelectricity and remarkably high‐temperature stability should be ascribed to the phase coexistence of rhombohedral and pseudocubic phases. The rhombohedral phases have a positive TCkp value and the pseudocubic phases possess a negative TCkp value. Thus, the TCkp value of BFAx–BT ceramics can be tuned by composition of x.
Executive function as a mediator in the link between attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder and social problems
Authors: Tseng Wan‐Ling , Gau Susan Shur‐Fen
Published: April 2013

Background

Cognitive processes and mechanisms underlying the strong link between attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and social problems remain unclear. Limited knowledge also exists regarding a subgroup of youth with ADHD who do not have social problems. This study investigated the extent to which executive function (EF) mediated the association between ADHD and social problems and compared ADHD symptoms, comorbidities, and EF among ADHD youth with and without social problems and controls.

Methods

The sample consisted of 279 youth with ADHD and 173 controls without ADHD (11–17 years of age) in Taiwan. Among youth with ADHD, two subgroups were further identified: 70 ADHD youth with social problems and 31 ADHD youth without social problems. EF was assessed with four subtests from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (Spatial span, Spatial working memory, Intra‐dimensional/extra‐dimensional shifts, Stockings of Cambridge). Social problems were assessed by mother and child reports.

Results

Executive function measures in working memory and planning mediated the effect of ADHD on social problems, independent of age, gender, and IQ. The two ADHD groups with and without social problems did not differ in ADHD severity or comorbidities; however, ADHD youth without social problems performed better on certain measures of EF such as working memory, planning, and response inhibition.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that deficits in some aspects of EF may account for social problems often experienced by youth with ADHD.
A kitchen‐based intervention to improve nutritional intake from school lunches in children aged 12–16 years
Authors: Madden A. M. , Harrex R. , Radalowicz J. , Boaden D. C. , Lim J. , Ash R.
Published: April 2013

Background

School lunches potentially provide an important source of nutrients for children, although studies have shown that their food choices are not always associated with health benefits. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of a kitchen‐based intervention on intake from school lunches undertaken in 2005.

Methods

The three‐phase study comprised a pre‐intervention observation, the intervention itself and a post‐intervention observation. Children aged 12–16 years attending a large, inner‐city, secondary school in London were invited to participate. The intervention consisted of small, practical changes to the school menu with the purpose of reducing total and saturated fat and increasing fruit and vegetable consumption. Intake was evaluated using a weighed technique.

Results

One hundred and eighty and 198 children participated in the pre‐ and post‐intervention phases, respectively. After the intervention, a significant reduction was observed in mean (SD) intake of total fat [44% (8%) versus 40% (9%) total energy, P < 0.01] and of saturated fat [13% (6%) versus 10% (6%), P < 0.01]. The children also ate significantly more fruit and vegetables [12.0 (10.4) g versus 30.0 (30.5) g total weight, P < 0.001]. However, after the intervention, the mean intakes of total and saturated fat, fruit and vegetables were still significantly below the Caroline Walker Trust guidelines for school lunches.

Conclusions

The present study shows that total and saturated fat and fruit and vegetable intake from school lunches can be significantly improved by a short, kitchen‐based intervention. Although the benefits were limited, the results support further work in this area.
Predictors of self‐efficacy for sleep in primary care
Authors: Rutledge Carolyn M , Guardia Amanda C La , Bluestein Daniel
Published: April 2013

Aims and objectives

To identify factors impacting self‐efficacy for sleep. Specifically, the aims were to examine associations between self‐efficacy for sleep and (1) socio‐demographic variables and (2) potential predictors including sleep severity, depression, dysfunctional beliefs about sleep, quality of life/health status and insomnia treatment acceptability for behavioural treatment.

Background

Between 50 and 70 million Americans experience insomnia. Costs of treatment, absenteeism and reduced productivity exceed 42 billion dollars annually. Medication for insomnia can result in impaired memory, fatigue, injuries, reduced health, medication habituation, difficulties in work and relationships and enhanced healthcare usage. Studies have suggested that behavioural management can be beneficial; however, factors contributing to success with behavioural management are unclear.

Design

This quantitative correlational study used inventory‐based measures.

Methods

The Self‐Efficacy for Sleep Scale, Insomnia Treatment Acceptability Scale, SF‐8™ Health Survey, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale and Dysfunctional Beliefs about Sleep Scale were completed by 236 individuals with significant insomnia as measured by Insomnia Severity Index scores of 8 or higher.

Results

A significant association was found between sleep self‐efficacy and race (p < 0·01). All predicator variables except one were found to be significantly correlated with the self‐efficacy for sleep (p < 0·01).

Conclusions

For behavioural self‐management strategies to be effective for treating insomnia, these reported predictors may need to be assessed and managed.

Relevance to clinical practice

These findings suggest that nurses may want to assess insomnia severity, health status, level of depression and beliefs about sleep prior to beginning or when encountering barriers to the successful utilisation of behavioural approaches to manage sleep. If a patient is found to possess these limiting factors, the nurse may want to address these issues through medication, education and/or other behavioural approaches. Once addressed, the patient may find behavioural management for insomnia to be quite successful.
Body image concerns amongst massive weight loss patients
Authors: Gilmartin Jo
Published: April 2013

Aims and objectives

To explore body image matters amongst patients following massive weight loss.

Background

In contemporary health care, a growing number of morbidly obese patients are seeking surgical solutions such as bariatric surgery or in other cases engaging with radical lifestyle changes. Massive weight loss can leave patients with a huge excess of lax overstretched skin that in some cases can trigger major body image dissatisfaction or depression. There is a scarcity of research about the needs of this group of patients and this is important for nursing practice.

Design

A qualitative design using in‐depth interviews was employed.

Methods

Twenty white adults (18 women and two men) were recruited retrospectively amongst patients who had massive weight loss by undergoing bariatric surgery or radical lifestyle changes, aged 29–63 years. All of the participants gave signed informed consent. Face‐to‐face in‐depth interviews were conducted and transcribed verbatim. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

One core theme focusing on body image ugliness and three associated subthemes were identified: the subthemes included feeling socially marginalised, feeling depressed and sexual and intimacy difficulties.

Conclusion

Body image matters are hugely significant and appear to have a lasting effect on emotional well‐being and function, contributing to psychological distress and social isolation. Greater sensitivity is required in enabling patients to work through emotional isolation and shame that has been a part of their childhood. Furthermore more, treatments need to be accessible to this growing patient population such as reconstructive surgery.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses who care for massive weight loss patients need to be mindful of their psychodynamic needs and be non‐judgemental and accepting. Moreover, nurses need to be aware of treatment options and be able to assess body image matters and implement quality care for this particular patient group including body image acceptance programmes and support groups.
Effectiveness of home monitoring according to the Model of Living in hip replacement surgery patients
Authors: Demir Sevil Guler , Erdil Fethiye
Published: April 2013

Aims and objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of home monitoring according to the Model of Living in hip replacement surgery patients.

Background

Hip replacement surgery is important for increasing the quality of life of patients. After these operations, patients may encounter many problems having an impact on their activities of daily living.

Design

Quasi‐experimental.

Methods

Sixty patients were included in the study: 30 in the experimental group and 30 in the control group. Patients in the control group received the existing care provided in the hospital. In addition to existing care, patients in the experimental group received training and counselling according to the Model of Living from the time of admission to the clinic. After discharge, home monitoring was performed in the 1st and 6th weeks for control group patients and in the 1st, 3rd and 6th weeks for experimental group patients. Statistical analysis was carried out using percentage calculations, mean, median, chi‐square test, Fisher's exact test, likelihood ratio test, Mann–Whitney U‐test, Kruskal–Wallis test, anova for repeated measures, independent‐sample t‐test, Friedman test, McNemar test and McNemar–Bowker tests.

Results

It was found that the experimental group patients' knowledge scores increased, they were more independent in performing activities of daily living, and they encountered less problems in the 1st and 6th week after discharge.

Conclusion

As a result, it can be claimed that by means of providing training, counselling and home monitoring hip replacement surgery patients according to the Model of Living, the level of knowledge of patients on activities of daily living increased, they were more independent in daily living activities, and they experienced less problems.

Relevance to clinical practice

The use of the Model of Living in the home monitoring of patients who have undergone hip replacement surgery could assist in focusing on the problems most frequently experienced by patients in postoperative care and achieving effective solutions.
Liquidity in the Foreign Exchange Market: Measurement, Commonality, and Risk Premiums
Authors: MANCINI LORIANO , RANALDO ANGELO , WRAMPELMEYER JAN
Published: April 2013

We provide the first systematic study of liquidity in the foreign exchange market. We find significant variation in liquidity across exchange rates, substantial illiquidity costs, and strong commonality in liquidity across currencies and with equity and bond markets. Analyzing the impact of liquidity risk on carry trades, we show that funding (investment) currencies offer insurance against (exposure to) liquidity risk. A liquidity risk factor has a strong impact on carry trade returns from 2007 to 2009, suggesting that liquidity risk is priced. We present evidence that liquidity spirals may trigger these findings.
Independentlyevolved toad‐eating snakes exhibit sexually dimorphic enlargement of adrenal glands
Authors: Mohammadi S. , McCoy K. A. , Hutchinson D. A. , Gauthier D. T. , Savitzky A. H.
Published: April 2013

Toads are defended chemically by bufadienolides, a class of cardiotonic steroids lethal to most predators. Bufadienolides bind toNa+,K+‐ATPases, inhibiting the ability of those cellular pumps to transport ions. In cardiocytes, this inhibition causes arrhythmia and increased contractile strength, which, if prolonged, lead to death. However, several snakes are resistant to bufadienolides and consume toads with no apparent ill effects. Adrenal glands produce hormones that function in the maintenance ofNa+,K+‐ATPases, and may therefore play an important role in countering the negative effects of bufadienolides. We hypothesized that bufophagous (toad‐eating) snakes have enlarged adrenal glands that contribute to the snakes' resistance to bufadienolides, and that sexual dimorphism in adrenal gland size is a general characteristic of bufophagous snakes. We compared phylogenetically independent pairs of taxa to investigate differences in adrenal morphology between bufophagous and nonbufophagous species. We also compared adrenal masses between males and females of bufophagous and nonbufophagous species to test whether sexual dimorphism in adrenal size reported for one species of bufophagous snakes represents a more widespread phenomenon. Our results demonstrate for the first time that the allometric relationship between adrenal mass and body size is significantly different between several bufophagous species and related nonbufophagous species; adrenal size differs between males and females in those bufophagous species, with males having larger adrenal glands, but no such dimorphism exists in related nonbufophagous species. These results demonstrate that parallel morphological responses have occurred repeatedly in bufophagous snakes and suggest that the adrenal glands play a role in mediating the negative effects of bufadienolide ingestion in bufophagous snakes.
Elevation‐related variation in life history traits among Phrynocephalus lineages on the Tibetan Plateau: do they follow typical squamate ecogeographic patterns?
Authors: Jin Y. T. , Li J. Q. , Liu N. F.
Published: April 2013

We examined body size, litter size and evidence for Bergmann's and Rensch's rules among eight closely related viviparous Phrynocephalus (Agamidae) lineages from the Qinghai‐Xizang (Tibetan) Plateau. Mean snout‐vent length and (relative) abdomen length was greater in females than males, whereas absolute and relative mean head size, fore – and hindlimb length was larger in males. These patterns suggest that body size may reflect sexual evolutionary conservatism. The lizards are smaller at higher elevations or in colder climates, representing the converse of Bergmann's rule. Absolute differences in female body size among taxa are not equal to the male differences among taxa. This results in a slope less than one when male size is regressed on female size, which allows rejection of Rensch's rule for this group. The female body size elevation‐related cline was steeper than the corresponding male cline. Litter sizes were both smaller and less variable at higher elevations. These elevational clines remained after application of phylogenetic comparative methods, indicating that ecological processes play a more important role than phylogeny in shaping patterns of size and reproductive variation in these lizards. It is suggested that seasonal activity and temperature are important environmental factors that contribute to the converse Bergmann's cline, while fecundity selection in females and sex‐specific differential‐plasticity likely explain why patterns do not conform to Rensch's rule.
Dawn completes its mission at 4 Vesta
Authors: Russell C. T. , Raymond C. A. , Jaumann R. , McSween H. Y. , De Sanctis M. C. , Nathues A. , Prettyman T. H. , Ammannito E. , Reddy V. , Preusker F. , O'Brien D. P. , Marchi S. , Denevi B. W. , Buczkowski D. L. , Pieters C. M. , McCord T. B. , Li J.‐Y. , Mittlefehldt D. W. , Combe J.‐P. , Williams D. A. , Hiesinger H. , Yingst R. A. , Polanskey C. A. , Joy S. P.
Published: April 2013

The Dawn mission was designed to test our hypothesis about the origin and evolution of the early solar system by visiting the largest differentiated basaltic asteroid, 4 Vesta, believed to be a survivor from the earliest times of rocky body formation. Observations from orbit show that Vesta is the parent body of the Howardite, Eucrite, Diogenite meteorites. Vesta has an iron core and a eucritic–diogenitic crust. Its surface is characterized by abundant impact craters but with no evident volcanic features. It has two ancient impact basins in the southern hemisphere that are associated with circum‐planetary troughs. The northern hemisphere is the more heavily cratered and contains the oldest terrains. The surface of Vesta is diverse, with north‐south and east‐west dichotomies in the eucrite‐to‐diogenite ratio. Its surface contains both very bright and very dark material, and its color varies strongly from region to region. Both the mineralogical and the elemental compositions agree with that expected for the HED parent body. Significant OH or H may be present in the upper crust and the presence of pits in “fresh” craters is consistent with the devolatilization of the surface after a collision either brought to or tapped a source of water on Vesta. The presence of dark material on the surface of Vesta suggests efficient transport pathways for organic material, and the mixing of the dark material with the more pristine pyroxene explains the varying albedo across the surface. Vesta has proven to be a reliable witness to the formation of the solar system.
Trichophyton mentagrophytes cause underestimated contagious zoophilic fungal infection
Authors: Czaika Viktor Alexander , Lam Phi‐Anh
Published: April 2013

Trichophytia infection, paraphrased cuddly toy mycosis, occurs primarily in prepubertal children, occasionally in infants and adults. The presented case shows the highly contagious infection of four family members with Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Effective treatment requires detailed diagnostic: identifying the dermatophyte, finding the infection source, treating the infection carriers. Tinea must be treated systemically and topically because of infectivity and ignitability. Systemic terbinafine or fluconazole treatment and topical fixed combination isoconazole nitrate/diflucortolone valerate are recommended.
Discourses of collaborative failure: identity, role and discourse in an interdisciplinary world
Authors: Freshwater Dawn , Cahill Jane , Essen Chris
Published: April 2013

Discourses of interdisciplinary health‐care are becoming more centralised in the context of global healthcare practices, which are increasingly based on multisystem interventions. As with all dominant discourses that are narrated into being, many others have been silenced and decentralised in the process. While questions of the nature and constituents of interdisciplinary practices continue to be debated and rehearsed, this paper focuses on the discourse of interdisciplinary collaboration using psychiatry as an example, with the aim of highlighting competing and alternative discourses. The fundamental premise of this paper is that collaborative relationships form the basis of interdisciplinary practices in psychiatry. Through a critical engagement and a deconstructive reading of the pretext, context and subtexts of interdisciplinarity, we interrogate the concept of interdisciplinary practice within psychiatry. We contend that an important part of understanding and further conceptualising the discourse is through fracturing it. This process is illustrated in the successive stages of our conceptual map of discourse development: establishing, maintaining and developing discourses. An understanding of interdisciplinary practice is not only critical for psychiatry, but also offers important insights into the performance of collaborative failures and indeed successes across nursing and allied health professions.
Hygroscopic movements in Geraniaceae: the structural variations that are responsible for coiling or bending
Authors: Abraham Yael , Elbaum Rivka
Published: April 2013

The family Geraniaceae is characterized by a beak‐like fruit, consisting of five seeds appended by a tapering awn. The awns exhibit coiling or bending hygroscopic movement as part of the seed dispersal strategy. Here we explain the variation in the hygroscopic reaction based on structural principles.

We examined five representative species from three genera: Erodium, Geranium, and Pelargonium. Using X‐ray diffraction, and electron and polarized light microscopy, we measured the cellulose microfibril angles in relation to the cell and cellulose helix axes. The behavior of separated single cells during dehydration was also examined.

A bi‐layered structure characterizes all the representative genera studied, with a hygroscopically contracting inner layer, and a stiff outer layer. We found that the cellulose arrangement in the inner layer is responsible for the type of awn deformation (coiling or bending). In three of the five awns examined, we identified an additional coiling outer sublayer, which adds coiling deformation to the awn.

We divide the movements into three types: bending, coiling, and coiled‐bending. All movement types are found in the Geranium genus. These characteristics are of importance for understanding the evolution of seed dispersal mechanisms in the Geraniaceae family.
Decreased regulatory T‐cells and CD4+/CD8+ ratio correlate with disease onset and progression in patients with generalized vitiligo
Authors: Dwivedi Mitesh , Laddha Naresh C. , Arora Prateek , Marfatia Yogesh S. , Begum Rasheedunnisa
Published: April 2013

The aim of present study was to evaluate CD4+/CD8+ ratio and CD4+CD25hiFoxP3+ Tregs in GV patients with reference to their effect on disease onset and progression. Flow cytometry was used for determination of CD4+/CD8+ ratio and Tregs in 82 patients and 50 controls. CD8+ T‐cell counts were significantly higher in GV patients as compared with controls (p = 0.003). Active GV patients showed higher CD8+ T‐cell counts compared with stable GV patients (p = 0.001). The CD4+/CD8+ ratio decreased significantly in patients as compared with controls (p = 0.001). Moreover, the ratio in active GV patients significantly lowered as compared with stable GV patients (p = 0.002). Significant decrease in Treg cell percentage and counts in GV patients was observed compared with controls (p = 0.009, p = 0.008) with significant reduction in FoxP3 expression (p = 0.024). Treg cell percentage and counts were significantly decreased in active GV patients compared with stable GV patients (p = 0.007, p = 0.002). Our results suggest that an imbalance of CD4+/CD8+ ratio and natural Tregs in frequency and function might be involved in the T‐cell mediated pathogenesis of GV and its progression.
Physical Activity During Pregnancy and Language Development in the Offspring
Authors: Jukic Anne Marie Z. , Lawlor Debbie A. , Juhl Mette , Owe Katrine M. , Lewis Barbara , Liu Jihong , Wilcox Allen J. , Longnecker Matthew P.
Published: April 2013

Background

In rodents, physical activity during pregnancy has been associated with improved learning and memory in the offspring. We used data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (born in 1991–92) to investigate maternal physical activity during pregnancy and offspring language development.

Methods

At 18 weeks of gestation, women reported the hours per week they participated in 11 leisure‐time physical activities and the hours per week spent in general physical activity (leisure, household and occupational). Caregivers completed a modified MacArthur Infant Communication scale at 15 months. Verbal intelligence quotient (IQ) was measured at age 8 years. Regression analysis was used to examine the associations of physical activity with MacArthur score (more than 75th percentile) and verbal IQ. The number of participants available for analyses ranged from 4529 to 7162.

Results

Children of women in the two highest quintiles of leisure activity (compared with no leisure activity) were more likely to have high 15‐month MacArthur scores (adjusted odds ratio 1.2 [95% confidence interval 0.9, 1.4] and adjusted odds ratio 1.4 [95% CI 1.1, 1.7], respectively). Leisure activity was not associated with IQ, while general physical activity was linked with lower verbal IQ (1 and 3 points lower for the two highest quintiles).

Conclusions

The most robust finding was a transient increase in offspring vocabulary score at young ages with maternal leisure activity. Differences in the associations with leisure‐time physical activity compared with general physical activity need further exploration.
Has Growing Income Inequality Polarized the American Electorate? Class, Party, and Ideological Polarization*
Authors: Dettrey Bryan J. , Campbell James E.
Published: April 2013

Objectives

We investigate whether growing income inequality has heightened differences in economic interests between “the haves” and “the have nots” and if this class polarization has increased ideological polarization in the electorate.

Methods

We examine the trend in ideological orientation among low‐ and high‐income voters from 1972 to 2008.

Results

While both income inequality and ideological polarization have increased in recent years, this analysis indicates that the growth in ideological polarization is not the result of growing income inequality. The well‐off have not become significantly more conservative and less liberal nor have those on the lower rungs of the economic ladder become significantly more liberal and less conservative.

Conclusion

The analysis indicates that ideological polarization is the result of the increased polarization of the political parties, not class polarization.
Together in Good Times and Bad? How Economic Triggers Condition the Effects of Intergroup Threat
Authors: Filindra Alexandra , Pearson‐Merkowitz Shanna
Published: April 2013

Objectives

Research has suggested that geosocial exposure to out‐groups is associated with heightened threat perceptions on the part of the dominant white majority. However, findings are not consistent.

Methods

Drawing on realistic group conflict theory and research in political science that privileges the role of the economic context, we test if the effects of geosocial exposure are conditioned on individual expectations about the health of the macroeconomy using a unique data set from the New England states.

Results

We show that a perceived increase in the presence of immigrants in the community positively correlates with restrictionist immigration policy preferences (in this case support for Arizona's anti‐immigration law), but only when people are pessimistic about the future of the state's economy.

Conclusion

The information provided by the social context becomes relevant for people's policy preference formation only when they experience or expect material loss.
The Arabidopsis homeobox gene SHOOT MERISTEMLESS has cellular and meristem‐organisational roles with differential requirements for cytokinin and CYCD3 activity
Authors: Scofield Simon , Dewitte Walter , Nieuwland Jeroen , Murray James A.H.
Published: April 2013

The Arabidopsis class‐1 KNOX gene SHOOT MERISTEMLESS (STM) encodes a homeodomain transcription factor essential for shoot apical meristem (SAM) formation and sustained activity. STM activates cytokinin (CK) biosynthesis in the SAM, but the extent to which STM function is mediated through CK is unclear. Here we show that STM inhibits cellular differentiation and endoreduplication, acting through CK and the CK‐inducible CYCD3 cell cycle regulators, establishing a mechanistic link to cell cycle control which provides sustained mitotic activity to maintain a pool of undifferentiated cells in the SAM. Equivalent functions are revealed for the related KNOX genes KNAT1/BP and KNAT2 through ectopic expression. STM is also required for proper meristem organisation and can induce de novo meristem formation when expressed ectopically, even when CK levels are reduced or CK signaling is impaired. This function in meristem establishment and organisation can be replaced by KNAT1/BP, but not KNAT2, despite its activation of CK responses, suggesting that promotion of CK responses alone is insufficient for SAM organisation. We propose that STM has dual cellular and meristem‐organisational functions that are differentially represented in the class‐1 KNOX gene family and have differing requirements for CK and CYCD3.
Copy number variation in potato – an asexually propagated autotetraploid species
Authors: Iovene Marina , Zhang Tao , Lou Qunfeng , Buell C. Robin , Jiang Jiming
Published: April 2013

Copy number variation (CNV) has been revealed as a significant contributor to the genetic variation in humans. Although CNV has been reported in several model animal and plant species, the presence of CNV and its biological impact in polyploid species has not yet been documented. We conducted a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)‐based CNV survey in potato, a vegetatively propagated autotetraploid species (2n = 4x = 48). We conducted FISH analysis using 18 randomly selected potato bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones in a set of 16 potato cultivars with diverse breeding backgrounds. Six BACs (33%) with insert sizes of 137–145 kb were found to be associated with large CNV events detectable at the cytological level. We demonstrate that the large CNVs associated with two specific BACs (RH102I10 and RH83C08) were widespread among potato cultivars developed in North America and Europe. We measured the transcript abundance of four genes associated with the CNV spanned by BAC RH102I10. All four genes displayed a dosage effect in transcription. Although potato is vegetatively propagated, we observed that female gametes lacking the RH102I10‐associated CNV were inferior to those with at least one copy of this CNV, indicating that the RH102I10‐associated CNV can impact on the growth and development of the potato plants. Our results show that CNV is highly abundant in the potato genome and may play a significant role in genetic variation of this important food crop.
English vowel identification in long-term speech-shaped noise and multi-talker babble for English and Chinese listeners
Authors: Mi Lin , Tao Sha , Wang Wenjing , Dong Qi , Jin Su-Hyun , Liu Chang
Published: April 2013

The identification of 12 English vowels was measured in quiet and in long-term speech-shaped noise (LTSSN) and multi-talker babble for English-native (EN) listeners and Chinese-native listeners in the U.S. (CNU) and China (CNC). The signal-to-noise ratio was manipulated from −15 to 0 dB. As expected, EN listeners performed significantly better in quiet and noisy conditions than CNU and CNC listeners. Vowel identification in LTSSN was similar between CNU and CNC listeners; however, performance in babble was significantly better for CNU listeners than for CNC listeners, indicating that exposing non-native listeners to native English may reduce informational masking of multi-talker babble.
For Whom the Bell Tolls: Isoniazid Preventive Therapy and Tuberculosis Drug Resistance
Authors: Cobelens Frank G. J.
Published: April 2013

The expected increase in drug-resistant tuberculosis due to large-scale preventive treatment in people living with HIV calls for reconsidering the “double use” of isoniazid for prophylaxis and curative treatment.
Microbes and the Malnourished Child
Authors: Prentice Andrew M. , Nabwera Helen , Kwambana Brenda , Antonio Martin , Moore Sophie E.
Published: April 2013

New research implicates a dysfunctional gut microbiome in the etiology of severe childhood malnutrition and confirms a role for antibiotics in its treatment.
Association Between Telomere Length and Disease—More Evidence
Authors: Bytautiene Egle
Published: April 2013

A genome-wide meta-analysis supports a causal association between telomere length and coronary artery disease.
Fixing Dendritic Spines in Fragile X
Authors: Gregg Christopher
Published: April 2013

Inhibition of PAK, a protein that regulates the actin cytoskeleton, rescues the dendritic spine defect and behavioral abnormalities in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome.
A Liquid Solution for Solid Tumors
Authors: Voora Deepak
Published: April 2013

Circulating DNA is a superior predictor of tumor response to chemotherapy and survival.
Severe Skin Toxicity in Pediatric Oncology Patients Treated with Voriconazole and Concomitant Methotrexate
Authors: van Hasselt Johan G. C. , van Eijkelenburg Natasha K. A. , Huitema Alwin D. R. , Schellens Jan H. M. , Schouten-van Meeteren Antoinette Y. N.
Published: April 2013

We report the occurrence of skin toxicities in pediatric oncology patients on concomitant treatment with voriconazole and methotrexate (MTX). Of 23 patients who received this combination, 11 patients suffered from cheilitis and/or photosensitivity. In contrast, only in 1 of 9 patients who received voriconazole without MTX was photosensitivity observed. A mechanism of action was not able to be identified. We describe two cases with severe skin toxicities. Caution is warranted when using voriconazole and concomitant MTX.
In Vitro
Activity of Novel Gyrase Inhibitors against a Highly Resistant Population of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Tessier Pamela R. , Nicolau David P.
Published: April 2013

The activity of five novel gyrase inhibitors was evaluated against 303 nonduplicate
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
strains collected from 53 North American institutions. The most active compound, GP-2, displayed MIC
50
and MIC
90
values of 1 and 2 μg/ml, respectively. Cross-resistance to other commercially available antipseudomonal compounds was not evident, as no major change was observed in the gyrase inhibitor MIC distribution when stratified by nonsusceptible phenotypes, including the fluoroquinolones and those isolates classified as multidrug resistant (MDR).
Comparison of a High-Throughput High-Content Intracellular Leishmania donovani Assay with an Axenic Amastigote Assay
Authors: De Rycker Manu , Hallyburton Irene , Thomas John , Campbell Lorna , Wyllie Susan , Joshi Dhananjay , Cameron Scott , Gilbert Ian H. , Wyatt Paul G. , Frearson Julie A. , Fairlamb Alan H. , Gray David W.
Published: April 2013

Visceral leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease with significant health impact. The current treatments are poor, and there is an urgent need to develop new drugs. Primary screening assays used for drug discovery campaigns have typically used free-living forms of theLeishmaniaparasite to allow for high-throughput screening. Such screens do not necessarily reflect the physiological situation, as the disease-causing stage of the parasite resides inside human host cells. Assessing the drug sensitivity of intracellular parasites on scale has recently become feasible with the advent of high-content screening methods. We describe here a 384-well microscopy-based intramacrophageLeishmania donovaniassay and compare it to an axenic amastigote system. A panel of eight reference compounds was tested in both systems, as well as a human counterscreen cell line, and our findings show that for most clinically used compounds both axenic and intramacrophage assays report very similar results. A set of 15,659 diverse compounds was also screened using both systems. This resulted in the identification of seven new antileishmanial compounds and revealed a high false-positive rate for the axenic assay. We conclude that the intramacrophage assay is more suited as a primary hit-discovery platform than the current form of axenic assay, and we discuss how modifications to the axenic assay may render it more suitable for hit-discovery.
Microdialysis Study of Cefotaxime Cerebral Distribution in Patients with Acute Brain Injury
Authors: Dahyot-Fizelier Claire , Frasca Denis , Grégoire Nicolas , Adier Christophe , Mimoz Olivier , Debaene Bertrand , Couet William , Marchand Sandrine
Published: April 2013

Central nervous system (CNS) antibiotic distribution was described mainly from cerebrospinal fluid data, and only few data exist on brain extracellular fluid concentrations. The aim of this study was to describe brain distribution of cefotaxime (2 g/8 h) by microdialysis in patients with acute brain injury who were treated for a lung infection. Microdialysis probes were inserted into healthy brain tissue of five critical care patients. Plasma and unbound brain concentrations were determined at steady state by high-performance liquid chromatography.
In vivo
recoveries were determined individually using retrodialysis by drug. Noncompartmental and compartmental pharmacokinetic analyses were performed. Unbound cefotaxime brain concentrations were much lower than corresponding plasma concentrations, with a mean cefotaxime unbound brain-to-plasma area under the curve ratio equal to 26.1 ± 12.1%. This result was in accordance with the brain input-to-brain output clearances ratio (CL
in,brain
/CL
out,brain
). Unbound brain concentrations were then simulated at two dosing regimens (4 g every 6 h or 8 h), and the time over the MICs (T>MIC) was estimated for breakpoints of susceptible and resistant
Streptococcus pneumoniae
strains. T>MIC was higher than 90% of the dosing interval for both dosing regimens for susceptible strains and only for 4 g every 6 h for resistant ones. In conclusion, brain distribution of cefotaxime was well described by microdialysis in patients and was limited.
The Emergence of Human Coronavirus EMC: How Scared Should We Be?
Authors: Chan Renee W. Y. , Poon Leo L. M.
Published: April 2013

A novel betacoronavirus, human coronavirus (HCoV-EMC), has recently been detected in humans with severe respiratory disease. Further characterization of HCoV-EMC suggests that this virus is different from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) because it is able to replicate in multiple mammalian cell lines and it does not use angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 as a receptor to achieve infection. Additional research is urgently needed to better understand the pathogenicity and tissue tropism of this virus in humans. In their recent study published in
mBio
, Kindler et al. shed some light on these important topics (E. Kindler, H. R. Jónsdóttir, M. Muth, O. J. Hamming, R. Hartmann, R. Rodriguez, R. Geffers, R. A. Fouchier, C. Drosten, M. A. Müller, R. Dijkman, and V. Thiel, mBio 4[1]:e00611-12, 2013). These authors report the use of differentiated pseudostratified human primary airway epithelial cells, an
in vitro
model with high physiological relevance to the human airway epithelium, to characterize the cellular tropism of HCoV-EMC. More importantly, the authors demonstrate the potential use of type I and type III interferons (IFNs) to control viral infection.
Rapid thrombosis of middle cerebral artery aneurysm after subarachnoid haemmorhage
Authors: Mathur Tarun , Srivastava Trilochan , Mittal R S , Tejwani Shankar , Raghavendra B S , Jain Rahul
Published: April 2013

Spontaneous thrombosis of intracranial aneurysm is a rare event but is frequent after subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) and in fusiform or giant saccular aneurysms. We report a case of a 20-year-old man presenting with SAH due to rupture of a giant aneurysm of the middle cerebral artery. Initial CT angiography (CTA) revealed partially thrombosed MCA aneurysm but digital subtraction angiography performed 3 days later revealed complete occlusion of the aneurysm. Rapid thrombosis of aneurysm within 3 days has not been reported in literature so far.
The mechanism of endocardial lead-induced tricuspid regurgitation
Authors: Khoshbin Espeed , Abdelbar Abdelrahman , Allen Stuart , Hasan Ragheb
Published: April 2013

Using this case report we attempt to define the mechanism of endocardial lead-induced tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in particular the direct effect of endocardial pacing leads on the competence of the tricuspid valve. We recommend a high index of suspicion and an early diagnostic strategy in order to reduce long-term morbidity which is associated with this condition and the need for a potentially avoidable surgery.
A new biological approach to guided bone and tissue regeneration
Authors: Montanari Marco , Callea Michele , Yavuz Izzet , Maglione Michele
Published: April 2013

The purpose of this study was to determine the potential of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membranes used for guided bone and tissue regeneration. A patient with insufficient alveolar ridge width in aesthetic zone was enrolled. The patient's blood was centrifuged to obtain PRF membranes. Autogenous bone graft was mixed with bovine hydroxyapatite, PRF particles and applied to fill the defect. Five PRF membranes were placed over the bone mix. After 4 months a cone-beam CT was performed to evaluate bone regeneration. The use of PRF as cover membrane permitted a rapid epithelisation and represented an effective barrier versus epithelial cell penetration. After 4 months the site appeared precociously healed and the bone volume increased. This new approach represents a predictable method of augmenting deficient alveolar ridges. Guided bone regeneration with PRF showed limitation compared with guided bone regeneration using collagen membrane in terms of bone gain. The association of collagen membrane and PRF could be a good association.
Delayed diagnosed posterior interosseous nerve palsy due to intramuscular myxoma
Authors: Kursumovic A , Mattiassich G , Rath S
Published: April 2013

We present a case of posterior interosseous nerve palsy after bowel surgery associated with intramuscular myxoma of the supinator muscle. The initial symptoms of swelling of the forearm made it difficult to distinguish the condition from extravasations after intravenous cannulation. The diagnosis was finally established with nerve conduction studies and MRI 3 months after symptom onset. The patient underwent surgery for removal of the tumour and decompression of the posterior interosseous nerve. The histological examination identified the tumour as intramuscular myxoma and the patient made a full recovery with no recurrence of the lesion until present. Every swelling on the forearm causing neurological disorders is tumour suspected and should be examined clinically as well as electrophysically and radiographically. Early surgery and nerve decompression should follow immediately after the diagnosis. In case of intramuscular myxoma, good recovery of function after surgery with low recurrence risk may be expected.
Mesalazine-induced lung fibrosis
Authors: Alskaf Ebraheem , Aljoudeh Amer , Edenborough Frank
Published: April 2013

The medical management of a patient with Crohn's disease should take into account the activity, site and behaviour of disease, and should be discussed with the patient, and 5-aminosalicylates are a group of medications which have been commonly used. Sulfasalazine is a combination of 5-aminosalicylic acid and sulfapyridine which acts only as a carrier to the colonic site of action but can still cause systemic side-effects1 including lung disease. In mesalazine the specific sulfapyridine-related side-effects, especially pulmonary reactions, are avoided. However, we present a case of lung fibrosis which was associated with mesalazine in a Crohn's patient.
Right ventricular ejection fraction during exercise as a predictor of mortality in patients awaiting lung transplantation: a cohort study
Authors: Selimovic Nedim , Andersson Bert , Bech-Hanssen Odd , Lomsky Milan , Riise Gerdt C , Rundqvist Bengt
Published: April 2013

Objective

The occurrence of right ventricular dysfunction is a well-known indicator of poor prognosis in patients with chronic cardiopulmonary disease. The role of right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) at rest and during exercise as predictors of outcome in patients awaiting lung transplantation (LTx) is unclear.

Design

We performed a retrospective analysis of lung transplant candidates who had undergone equilibrium radionuclide angiography (ERNA), to determine baseline and exercise RVEF. Lung function, gas exchange and pulmonary haemodynamics were also assessed.

Patients and main outcome measures

152 patients (mean age 47±11 years; 59% women) were included in the study. Primary endpoint was death on the waiting list for LTx. Main diagnoses were α-1 antitrypsin deficiency (n=35), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n=41), cystic fibrosis (n=10), interstitial lung disease (n=34) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (n=32). Twenty-five patients died (16, 4%). LTx was performed in 121 patients. The mean RVEF at rest was equal to mean RVEF during exercise (38±12%). In univariate analysis RVEF at rest, RVEF during exercise, heart rate and forced volume capacity (FVC) % of predicted were factors significantly associated with risk of death. In multivariate analysis RVEF during exercise and FVC% of predicted were independent predictors of death.

Conclusions

In lung transplant candidates, right ventricular function during exercise is a stronger predictor of outcome than right ventricular function at rest. RVEF during exercise assessed by ERNA could be incorporated into priority-based allocation algorithms for LTx.
Amputations and socioeconomic position among persons with diabetes mellitus, a population-based register study
Authors: Venermo Maarit , Manderbacka Kristiina , Ikonen Tuija , Keskimäki Ilmo , Winell Klas , Sund Reijo
Published: April 2013

Objective

Low socioeconomic position is a known health risk. Our study aims to evaluate the association between socioeconomic position (SEP) and lower limb amputations among persons with diabetes mellitus.

Design

Population-based register study.

Setting

Finland, nationwide individual-level data.

Participants

All persons in Finland with any record of diabetes in the national health and population registers from 1991 to 2007 (FinDM II database).

Methods

Three outcome indicators were measured: the incidence of first major amputation, the ratio of first minor/major amputations and the 2-year survival with preserved leg after the first minor amputation. SEP was measured using income fifths. The data were analysed using Poisson and Cox regression as well as age-standardised ratios.

Results

The risk ratio of the first major amputation in the lowest SEP group was 2.16 (95% CI 1.95 to 2.38) times higher than the risk in the highest SEP group (p<0.001). The incidence of first major amputation decreased by more than 50% in all SEP groups from 1993 to 2007, but there was a stronger relative decrease in the highest compared with the lowest SEP group (p=0.0053). Likewise, a clear gradient was detected in the ratio of first minor/major amputations: the higher the SEP group, the higher the ratio. After the first minor amputation, the 2-year and 10-year amputation-free survival rates were 55.8% and 9.3% in the lowest and 78.9% and 32.3% in the highest SEP group, respectively.

Conclusions

According to all indicators used, lower SEP was associated with worse outcomes in the population with diabetes. Greater attention should be paid to prevention of diabetes complications, adherence to treatment guidelines and access to the established pathways for early expert assessment when diabetic complications arise, with a special attention to patients from lower SEP groups.