bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The RNA helicase RHAU (DHX36) suppresses expression of the transcription factor PITX1
Authors: Booy Evan P. , Howard Ryan , Marushchak Oksana , Ariyo Emmanuel O. , Meier Markus , Novakowski Stefanie K. , Deo Soumya R. , Dzananovic Edis , Stetefeld Jörg , McKenna Sean A.
Published: December 2013

RNA Helicase associated with AU-rich element (RHAU) (DHX36) is a DEAH (Aspartic acid, Glumatic Acid, Alanine, Histidine)-box RNA helicase that can bind and unwind G4-quadruplexes in DNA and RNA. To detect novel RNA targets of RHAU, we performed an RNA co-immunoprecipitation screen and identified the PITX1 messenger RNA (mRNA) as specifically and highly enriched. PITX1 is a homeobox transcription factor with roles in both development and cancer. Primary sequence analysis identified three probable quadruplexes within the 3′-untranslated region of the PITX1 mRNA. Each of these sequences, when isolated, forms stable quadruplex structures that interact with RHAU. We provide evidence that these quadruplexes exist in the endogenous mRNA; however, we discovered that RHAU is tethered to the mRNA via an alternative non–quadruplex-forming region. RHAU knockdown by small interfering RNA results in significant increases in PITX1 protein levels with only marginal changes in mRNA, suggesting a role for RHAU in translational regulation. Involvement of components of the microRNA machinery is supported by similar and non-additive increases in PITX1 protein expression on Dicer and combined RHAU/Dicer knockdown. We also demonstrate a requirement of argonaute-2, a key RNA-induced silencing complex component, to mediate RHAU-dependent changes in PITX1 protein levels. These results demonstrate a novel role for RHAU in microRNA-mediated translational regulation at a quadruplex-containing 3′-untranslated region.
Predominance of spliceosomal complex formation over polyadenylation site selection in TDP-43 autoregulation
Authors: Bembich Sara , Herzog Jeremias S. , De Conti Laura , Stuani Cristiana , Avendaño-Vázquez S. Eréndira , Buratti Emanuele , Baralle Marco , Baralle Francisco E.
Published: December 2013

TDP-43 is a nuclear protein involved in many aspects of RNA metabolism. To ensure cellular viability, its expression levels within cells must be tightly regulated. We have previously demonstrated that TDP-43 autoregulation occurs through the activation of a normally silent intron in its 3′-UTR sequence that results in the use of alternative polyadenylation sites. In this work, we analyse which is the dominant event in autoregulation: the recognition of the splice sites of 3′-UTR intron 7 or the intrinsic quality of the alternative polyadenylation sites. A panel of minigene constructs was tested for autoregulation functionality, protein production and subcellular messenger RNA localization. Our data clearly indicate that constitutive spliceosome complex formation across intron 7 does not lead to high protein production but, on the contrary, to lower TDP-43 messenger RNA and protein levels. This is due to altered nucleocytoplasmic distribution of the RNA that is mostly retained in the nucleus and degraded. This study provides a novel in-depth characterization of how RNA binding proteins can autoregulate their own levels within cells, an essential regulatory process in maintaining cellular viability.
High-resolution functional annotation of human transcriptome: predicting isoform functions by a novel multiple instance-based label propagation method
Authors: Li Wenyuan , Kang Shuli , Liu Chun-Chi , Zhang Shihua , Shi Yi , Liu Yan , Zhou Xianghong Jasmine
Published: December 2013

Alternative transcript processing is an important mechanism for generating functional diversity in genes. However, little is known about the precise functions of individual isoforms. In fact, proteins (translated from transcript isoforms), not genes, are the function carriers. By integrating multiple human RNA-seq data sets, we carried out the first systematic prediction of isoform functions, enabling high-resolution functional annotation of human transcriptome. Unlike gene function prediction, isoform function prediction faces a unique challenge: the lack of the training data—all known functional annotations are at the gene level. To address this challenge, we modelled the gene–isoform relationships as multiple instance data and developed a novel label propagation method to predict functions. Our method achieved an average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.67 and assigned functions to 15 572 isoforms. Interestingly, we observed that different functions have different sensitivities to alternative isoform processing, and that the function diversity of isoforms from the same gene is positively correlated with their tissue expression diversity. Finally, we surveyed the literature to validate our predictions for a number of apoptotic genes. Strikingly, for the famous ‘TP53’ gene, we not only accurately identified the apoptosis regulation function of its five isoforms, but also correctly predicted the precise direction of the regulation.
Purification of Endothelial Cells from Rodent Brain by Immunopanning
Authors: Zhou Lu , Sohet Fabien , Daneman Richard
Published: December 2013

This protocol describes the use of immunopanning to purify endothelial cells from the rodent brain. Immunopanning permits the prospective isolation of endothelial cells from nervous tissue by relying on the binding of the endothelial cells to an anti-CD31 antibody adhered to a Petri dish. The cells are viable at the end of this gentle procedure, and they can be analyzed acutely for gene expression or cultured alone or in coculture with other central nervous system (CNS) cell types, including CNS pericytes and CNS astrocytes. This procedure can be used to isolate endothelial cells from either rat or mouse. We have suggested specific antibodies that work for each species. Note that endothelial cells from rats and mice have different morphologies; in general, rat CNS endothelial cells are longer and thinner than mouse CNS endothelial cells. This procedure can also be used to purify endothelial cells from different regions of the CNS, including brain and optic nerve. Dissociation procedures must be optimized for each tissue.
Preparation of Fluorescent-Dye-Labeled cDNA from RNA for Microarray Hybridization
Authors: Ares Manuel
Published: December 2013

This protocol describes how to prepare fluorescently labeled cDNA for hybridization to microarrays. It consists of two steps: first, a mixture of anchored oligo(dT) and random hexamers is used to prime amine-modified cDNA synthesis by reverse transcriptase using a modified deoxynucleotide with a reactive amine group (aminoallyl-dUTP) and an RNA sample as a template. Second, the cDNA is purified and exchanged into bicarbonate buffer so that the amine groups in the cDNA react with the dye N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) esters, covalently joining the dye to the cDNA. The dye-coupled cDNA is purified again, and the amount of dye incorporated per microgram of cDNA is determined.
Two-Photon Targeted Patching and Electroporation In Vivo
Authors: Häusser Michael , Margrie Troy W.
Published: December 2013

By combining patch-clamp methods with two-photon microscopy, it is possible to target recordings to specific classes of neurons in vivo. Here we describe methods for imaging and recording from the soma and dendrites of neurons identified using genetically encoded probes such as green fluorescent protein (GFP) or functional indicators such as Oregon Green BAPTA-1. Two-photon targeted patching can also be adapted for use with wild-type brains by perfusing the extracellular space with a membrane-impermeable dye to visualize the cells by their negative image and target them for electrical recordings, a technique termed “shadowpatching.” We discuss how these approaches can be adapted for single-cell electroporation to manipulate specific cells genetically. These approaches thus permit the recording and manipulation of rare genetically, morphologically, and functionally distinct subsets of neurons in the intact nervous system.
Imaging Cellular Spheroids with a Single (Selective) Plane Illumination Microscope
Authors: Swoger Jim , Pampaloni Francesco , Stelzer Ernst H.K.
Published: December 2013

In modern biology, most optical imaging technologies are applied to two-dimensional cell culture systems. However, investigation of physiological context requires specimens that display the complex three-dimensional (3D) relationship of cells that occurs in tissue sections and in naturally developing organisms. The imaging of highly scattering multicellular specimens presents a number of challenges, including limited optical penetration depth, phototoxicity, and fluorophore bleaching. Light-sheet-based fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) overcomes many drawbacks of conventional fluorescence microscopy by using an orthogonal/azimuthal fluorescence arrangement with independent sets of lenses for illumination and detection. The specimen is illuminated from the side with a thin light sheet that overlaps with the focal plane of a wide-field fluorescence microscope. Optical sectioning and minimal phototoxic damage or photobleaching outside a small volume close to the focal plane are intrinsic properties of LSFM. The principles of LSFM are implemented in the single (or selective) plane illumination microscope (SPIM). Cellular spheroids are spherical aggregations of hundreds to thousands of cells and they provide a useful model system for studies of 3D cell biology. Here we describe a protocol for imaging cellular spheroids by SPIM.
The Use of Aequorin and Its Variants for Ca2+ Measurements
Authors: Granatiero Veronica , Patron Maria , Tosatto Anna , Merli Giulia , Rizzuto Rosario
Published: December 2013

Ca2+-sensitive photoproteins are ideal agents for measuring the Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]) in intracellular organelles because they can be modified to include specific targeting sequences. Aequorin was the first Ca2+-sensitive photoprotein probe used to measure the [Ca2+] inside specific intracellular organelles in intact cells. Aequorin is a 22-kDa protein produced by the jellyfish Aequorea victoria. On the binding of Ca2+ to three high-affinity sites in aequorin, an irreversible reaction occurs in which the prosthetic group is released and a photon is emitted. Aequorin has become widely used for intracellular Ca2+ measurements because it offers many advantages: For example, it can be targeted with precision, functions over a wide range of [Ca2+], and shows low buffering capacity. In this article we describe the main characteristics of the aequorin probe and review the reasons why it is widely used to measure intracellular [Ca2+].
Structured Reporting in Anatomic Pathology for Coclinical Trials: The caELMIR Model
Authors: Cardiff Robert D. , Miller Claramae H. , Munn Robert J. , Galvez Jose J.
Published: December 2013

Electronic media, with their tremendous potential for storing, retrieving, and integrating data, are an essential part of modern collaborative multidisciplinary science. Structured reporting is a fundamental aspect of keeping accurate, searchable electronic records. This discussion on structured reporting in anatomic pathology for pre- and coclinical trials in animal models provides background information for scientists who are not familiar with structured reporting. Practical examples are provided using a working database system for preclinical research—caELMIR (Cancer Electronic Laboratory Management Information and Retrieval)—developed by the U.S. National Cancer Institute’s (NCI’s) Mouse Models of Human Cancers Consortium (MMHCC).
Urban Laboratories: Experiments in Reworking Cities
Authors: Karvonen Andrew , van Heur Bas
Published: December 2013

The notion of the ‘urban laboratory’ is increasingly striking a chord with actors involved in urban change. Is this term simply a metaphor for urban development or does it suggest urbanization by substantially different means? To answer this question, we review the work of science and technology studies (STS) scholars who have empirically investigated laboratories and practices of experimentation over the past three decades to understand the significance of these spaces of experimentation in urban contexts. Based on this overview of laboratory studies, we argue that urban laboratories and experimentation involve three key achievements — situatedness, change‐orientation and contingency — that are useful for evaluating and critiquing those practices that claim to be urban laboratories. We conclude by considering some future directions of research on urban laboratories.
Involving women in personalised decision‐making on mode of delivery after caesarean section: the development and pilot testing of a patient decision aid
Authors: Schoorel ENC , Vankan E , Scheepers HCJ , Augustijn BCC , Dirksen CD , de Koning M , van Kuijk SMJ , Kwee A , Melman S , Nijhuis JG , Aardenburg R , de Boer K , Hasaart THM , Mol BWJ , Nieuwenhuijze M , van Pampus MG , van Roosmalen J , Roumen FJME , de Vries R , Wouters MGAJ , van der Weijden T , Hermens RPMG
Published: December 2013

Objective

To develop a patient decision aid (PtDA) for mode of delivery after caesarean section that integrates personalised prediction of vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) with the elicitation of patient preferences and evidence‐based information.

Design

A PtDA was developed and pilot tested using the International Patients Decision Aid Standards (IPDAS) criteria.

Setting

Obstetric health care in the Netherlands.

Population

A multidisciplinary steering group, an expert panel, and 25 future users of the PtDA, i.e. women with a previous caesarean section.

Methods

The development consisted of a construction phase (defini‐tion of scope and purpose, and selection of content, framework, and format) and a pilot testing phase by interview. The process was supervised by a multidisciplinary steering group.

Main outcome measures

Usability, clarity, and relevance.

Results

The construction phase resulted in a booklet including unbiased balanced information on mode of birth after caesarean section, a preference elicitation exercise, and tailored risk information, including a prediction model for successful VBAC. During pilot testing, visualisation of risks and clarity formed the main basis for revisions. Pilot testing showed the availability of tailored structured information to be the main factor involving women in decision‐making. The PtDA meets 39 out of 50 IPDAS criteria (78%): 23 out of 23 criteria for content (100%) and 16 out of 20 criteria for the development process (80%). Criteria for effectiveness (n = 7) were not evaluated.

Conclusions

An evidence‐based PtDA was developed, with the probability of successful VBAC and the availability of structured information as key items. It is likely that the PtDA enhances the quality of decision‐making on mode of birth after caesarean section.
Long‐term complications of caesarean section. The niche in the scar: a prospective cohort study on niche prevalence and its relation to abnormal uterine bleeding
Authors: van der Voet LF , Bij de Vaate AM , Veersema S , Brölmann HAM , Huirne JAF
Published: December 2013

Objective

To study the prevalence of niches in the caesarean scar in a random population, and the relationship with postmenstrual spotting and urinary incontinence.

Design

A prospective cohort study.

Setting

A teaching hospital in the Netherlands.

Population

Non‐pregnant women delivered by caesarean section.

Methods

Transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) and gel instillation sonohysterography (GIS) were performed 6–12 weeks after caesarean section. Women were followed by questionnaire and menstruation score chart at 6–12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after caesarean section.

Main outcome measures

Prevalence of a niche 6–12 weeks after caesarean section, using TVU and GIS. Secondary outcomes: relation to postmenstrual spotting and urinary incontinence 6 and 12 months after caesarean section; and niche characteristics, evaluated by TVU and GIS.

Results

Two hundred and sixty‐three women were included. Niche prevalence was 49.6% on evaluation with TVU and 64.5% with GIS. Women with a niche measured by GIS reported more postmenstrual spotting than women without a niche (OR 5.48, 95% CI 1.14–26.48). Women with residual myometrium at the site of the uterine scar measuring <50% of the adjacent myometrial thickness had postmenstrual spotting more often than women with a residual myometrial thickness of >50% of the adjacent myometrial thickness (OR 6.13, 95% CI 1.74–21.63). Urinary incontinence was not related to the presence of a niche.

Conclusions

A niche is present in 64.5% of women 6–12 weeks after caesarean section, when examined by GIS. Postmenstrual spotting is more prevalent in women with a niche and in women with a residual myometrial thickness of <50% of the adjacent myometrium.
The antenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta
Authors: Comstock CH , Bronsteen RA
Published: December 2013

The incidence of placental attachment disorders continues to increase with rising caesarean section rates. Antenatal diagnosis helps in the planning of location, timing and staffing of delivery. In at‐risk women grey‐scale ultrasound is quite sensitive, although colour ultrasound is the most predictive. Magnetic resonance imaging can add information in some limited instances. Patients who have had a previous caesarean section could benefit from early (before 10 weeks) visualisation of the implantation site. Current data refer only to placentas implanted in the lower anterior uterine segment, usually over a caesarean section scar.
Debt Capacity of Real Estate Collateral
Authors: Giambona Erasmo , Golec Joseph , Schwienbacher Armin
Published: December 2013

We study whether real estate assets have a greater positive influence on firm leverage than other tangible assets. Using a large sample of COMPUSTAT firms, we find a significant positive relation between tangibility and leverage in general, and the relation is strongest for real estate collateral. Furthermore, we find that the relation holds only for credit‐constrained firms, i.e., those likely to highly value the additional borrowing capacity of real estate. Our results imply that knowing the composition of a firm's tangible assets is important in understanding its leverage. Our findings could help explain why real estate investment trusts are relatively highly leveraged, even though debt offers them no tax benefit.
Investor Sentiment, Limits to Arbitrage and Private Market Returns
Authors: Ling David C. , Naranjo Andy , Scheick Benjamin
Published: December 2013

This article examines the relation between investor sentiment and returns in private markets. Relative to more liquid public markets, private investment markets exhibit significant limits to arbitrage that restrict an investor's ability to counteract mispricing. Using vector autoregressive models, we find a positive and economically significant relation between investor sentiment and subsequent private market returns. We provide further long‐horizon regression evidence suggesting that private commercial real estate markets are susceptible to prolonged periods of sentiment‐induced mispricing as the inability to short‐sell in periods of overvaluation and restricted access to credit in periods of undervaluation prevents arbitrageurs from entering the market.
Talent management and organisational justice: employee reactions to high potential identification
Authors: Gelens Jolyn , Hofmans Joeri , Dries Nicky , Pepermans Roland
Published: December 2013

We examined how perceived distributive and procedural justice affected the relationship between an employee's identification as a high potential (drawn from archival data), job satisfaction and work effort. A questionnaire was distributed within one large company among employees who were and employees who were not identified as a high potential (n = 203). The results indicated that perceptions of distributive justice were significantly higher for employees identified as a high potential. Moreover, perceived distributive justice fully mediated the relationship between an employee's identification and his or her level of job satisfaction. The results also revealed that perceptions of procedural justice moderated the relationship between perceived distributive justice and work effort. Theoretical and practical consequences of these findings are discussed.
T staging of rectal cancer: Accuracy of diffusion‐weighted imaging compared with T2‐weighted imaging on 3.0 tesla MRI
Authors: Feng Qi , Yan Yun Qi , Zhu Jiong , XU Jian Rong
Published: December 2013

Objective

To evaluate the performance of diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) in the T staging of primary rectal cancer compared with T2‐weighted (T2W) fast spin‐echo imaging using 3.0 tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

In total, 46 consecutive patients with rectal cancer who underwent MRI examination before surgery were included in the study. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of DWI and T2W imaging (T2WI) for T staging of the tumors were evaluated, and interobserver agreement between the two radiologists was calculated.

Results

The diagnostic accuracies of DWI and T2WI for the T staging of rectal cancer were 73.9% and 71.7%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of DWI were 90.0% and 88.9% for diagnosing T1 tumors, 64.3% and 87.5% for T2 tumors, 77.8% and 89.3% for T3 tumors and 50.0% and 97.6% for T4 tumors, respectively; while the sensitivity and specificity of T2WI were 80.0% and 91.7% for T1 tumors, 64.3% and 78.1% for T2 tumors, 77.8% and 89.3% for T3 tumors and 50.0% and 100% for T4 tumors, respectively. There were no significant differences in the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity or specificity between DWI and T2WI no matter what kind of T stage was concerned (P > 0.05). The interobserver agreement was 0.74 for DWI and 0.63 for T2WI.

Conclusions

DWI can be applied as a useful tool for evaluating the T staging of rectal cancer. The interobserver agreement obtained by using DWI is better than that obtained by using T2WI.
Insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐related protein 1 contributes to hepatic fibrogenesis
Authors: Guo Xiao Hong , Liu Li Xin , Zhang Hai Yan , Zhang Qian Qian , Li Yuan , Tian Xiao Xia , Qiu Zhi Hong
Published: December 2013

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐related protein 1 (IGFBP‐rP1) in the development of hepatic fibrogenesis in experimental disease models and human liver samples.

Methods

Cellular distribution patterns of IGFBP‐rP1 were assessed by immunohistochemistry in fibrotic and cirrhotic human liver specimens. Gene silencing of IGFBP‐rP1 was performed on cultured hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) by small interfering RNA (siRNA), and the silencing effect was determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot. We also determined the effects of siRNA‐mediated gene silencing of IGFBP‐rP1 on the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) components by Western blot. The expression of ECM components and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 was studied by immunohistochemistry and Western blot in C57BL/6 wild‐type mice treated with recombinant IGFBP‐rP1 (rIGFBP‐rP1).

Results

Expression of IGFBP‐rP1 was significantly elevated in fibrotic and cirrhotic human liver specimens, and this increase was positively correlated with the number of collagen fibers observed. siRNA‐mediated gene silencing of IGFBP‐rP1 resulted in significantly decreased levels of collagen I and fibronectin in HSCs. Moreover, IGFBP‐rP1 overexpression significantly increased the production of collagen, fibronectin and TGF‐β1 in rIGFBP‐rP1‐treated mice.

Conclusions

IGFBP‐rP1 contributes to the development of liver fibrosis and may be a novel molecule involved in the progression of hepatic fibrogenesis.
Development and testing of a genetic marker‐based pedigree reconstruction system ‘PR‐genie’ incorporating size‐class data
Authors: Cope Robert C. , Lanyon Janet M. , Seddon Jennifer M. , Pollett Philip K.
Published: December 2013

For wildlife populations, it is often difficult to determine biological parameters that indicate breeding patterns and population mixing, but knowledge of these parameters is essential for effective management. A pedigree encodes the relationship between individuals and can provide insight into the dynamics of a population over its recent history. Here, we present a method for the reconstruction of pedigrees for wild populations of animals that live long enough to breed multiple times over their lifetime and that have complex or unknown generational structures. Reconstruction was based on microsatellite genotype data along with ancillary biological information: sex and observed body size class as an indicator of relative age of individuals within the population. Using body size‐class data to infer relative age has not been considered previously in wildlife genealogy and provides a marked improvement in accuracy of pedigree reconstruction. Body size‐class data are particularly useful for wild populations because it is much easier to collect noninvasively than absolute age data. This new pedigree reconstruction system, PR‐genie, performs reconstruction using maximum likelihood with optimization driven by the cross‐entropy method. We demonstrated pedigree reconstruction performance on simulated populations (comparing reconstructed pedigrees to known true pedigrees) over a wide range of population parameters and under assortative and intergenerational mating schema. Reconstruction accuracy increased with the presence of size‐class data and as the amount and quality of genetic data increased. We provide recommendations as to the amount and quality of data necessary to provide insight into detailed familial relationships in a wildlife population using this pedigree reconstruction technique.
Bacterial endosymbiont infections in ‘living fossils’: a case study of North American vaejovid scorpions
Authors: Bryson Robert W.
Published: December 2013

Bacterial endosymbionts are common among arthropods, and maternally inherited forms can affect the reproductive and behavioural traits of their arthropod hosts. The prevalence of bacterial endosymbionts and their role in scorpion evolution have rarely been investigated. In this study, 61 samples from 40 species of scorpion in the family Vaejovidae were screened for the presence of the bacterial endosymbionts Cardinium, Rickettsia, Spiroplasma and Wolbachia. No samples were infected by these bacteria. However, one primer pair specifically designed to amplify Rickettsia amplified nontarget genes of other taxa. Similar off‐target amplification using another endosymbiont‐specific primer was also found during preliminary screenings. Results caution against the overreliance on previously published screening primers to detect bacterial endosymbionts in host taxa and suggest that primer specificity may be higher in primers targeting nuclear rather than mitochondrial genes.
Delayed quadriceps weakness after continuous adductor canal block for total knee arthroplasty: a case report
Authors: VEAL CHRISTOPHER , AUYONG DAVID B. , HANSON NEIL A. , ALLEN CINDY J. , STRODTBECK WYNDAM
Published: December 2013

Adductor canal catheters have been shown to improve analgesia while maintaining quadriceps strength after total knee arthroplasty. We describe a patient who underwent total knee arthroplasty that likely had delayed quadriceps weakness as a result of a standard continuous 0.2% ropivacaine infusion at 8 ml/h within the adductor canal. On the day of surgery, the patient was able to stand and ambulate with minimal assistance. On the first post‐operative day after surgery, approximately 20 h after starting the ropivacaine infusion, profound weakness of the quadriceps was noted with no ability to stand. Contrast subsequently injected through the adductor canal catheter under fluoroscopy revealed proximal spread approaching the common femoral nerve with as little as 2 ml of volume. This rare case of profound quadriceps weakness after a continuous adductor canal block reveals that local anaesthetic at the adductor canal can spread in a retrograde fashion towards the common femoral nerve, potentially resulting in quadriceps weakness.
The quality of manual chest compressions during transport – effect of the mattress assessed by dual accelerometers
Authors: HELLEVUO H. , SAINIO M. , HUHTALA H. , OLKKOLA K. T. , TENHUNEN J. , HOPPU S.
Published: December 2013

Background

The quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has an impact on survival. The quality may be impaired if the patient needs to be transported to the hospital with ongoing CPR. The aim of this study was to analyse whether the quality of CPR can be improved during transportation by using real‐time audiovisual feedback. In addition, we sought to evaluate the real compression depths taking into account the mattress and stretcher effect.

Methods

Paramedics (n = 24) performed standard CPR on a Resusci Anne Mannequin in a moving ambulance. Participants were instructed to perform CPR according to European Resuscitation Council Resuscitation guidelines 2010. Each pair acted as their own controls performing CPR first without and then with the feedback device. Compression depth, rate and no‐flow fraction and also the mattress effect were recorded by using dual accelerometers by two Philips, HeartStart MRx Q‐CPR defibrillators.

Results

In the feedback phase, the mean compression depth increased from 51 (10) to 56 (5) mm (P < 0.001), and the percentage of compression fractions with adequate depth was 60% vs. 89% (P < 0.001). However, taking account of the mattress effect, the real depth was only 41 (8) vs. 44 (5) mm without and with feedback, respectively (P < 0.001). The values for compression rate did not differ.

Conclusions

CPR quality was good during transportation in general. However, the results suggest that the feedback system improves CPR quality. Dual accelerometer measurements show, on the other hand, that the mattress effect may be a clinically relevant impediment to high quality CPR.
Sublethal neonicotinoid insecticide exposure reduces solitary bee reproductive success
Authors: Sandrock Christoph , Tanadini Lorenzo G. , Pettis Jeffery S. , Biesmeijer Jacobus C. , Potts Simon G. , Neumann Peter
Published: December 2013

Pollinating insects provide crucial and economically important ecosystem services to crops and wild plants, but pollinators, particularly bees, are globally declining as a result of various driving factors, including the prevalent use of pesticides for crop protection. Sublethal pesticide exposure negatively impacts numerous pollinator life‐history traits, but its influence on reproductive success remains largely unknown. Such information is pivotal, however, to our understanding of the long‐term effects on population dynamics.

We investigated the influence of field‐realistic trace residues of the routinely used neonicotinoid insecticides thiamethoxam and clothianidin in nectar substitutes on the entire life‐time fitness performance of the red mason bee Osmia bicornis.

We show that chronic, dietary neonicotinoid exposure has severe detrimental effects on solitary bee reproductive output. Neonicotinoids did not affect adult bee mortality; however, monitoring of fully controlled experimental populations revealed that sublethal exposure resulted in almost 50% reduced total offspring production and a significantly male‐biased offspring sex ratio.

Our data add to the accumulating evidence indicating that sublethal neonicotinoid effects on non‐Apis pollinators are expressed most strongly in a rather complex, fitness‐related context. Consequently, to fully mitigate long‐term impacts on pollinator population dynamics, present pesticide risk assessments need to be expanded to include whole life‐cycle fitness estimates, as demonstrated in the present study using O. bicornis as a model.
Phenology and flight periodicity of Sirex noctilio (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) in central New York, U.S.A.
Authors: Myers Scott W. , Zylstra Kelley E. , Francese Joseph A. , Borchert Daniel M. , Bailey Sian M.
Published: December 2013

Field and laboratory studies were performed to determine the phenology of flight activity and the thermal requirements for adult emergence of Sirex noctilio.

Degree‐day (DD) accumulation from egg to adult was measured in bolts of Pinus sylvestris infested with eggs from laboratory‐reared adults. Adult emergence was similarly monitored in bolts from trees that were naturally infested in the field by wild populations of S. noctilio reared at constant temperature.

Laboratory‐infested bolts produced mostly males, whereas field‐collected material produced a 2.7 : 1 male‐biased sex ratio. Mean DDs to emergence was 1477.0 ± 13.4 (males) in laboratory‐infested bolts, as well as 1455.2 ± 11.2 (males) and 1577.8 ± 19.5 (females) in field‐collected material.

Field‐trapping studies were conducted to compare flight activity with rearing data. Trap captures showed first flight activity and peak catch occurred at 709 and 1145 DDs. The resulting degree‐day model predicts early flight activity in early to mid‐April for pine stands in southeastern U.S.A., early to mid‐May in the Mid‐Atlantic region, and late June to early July in the northeast.
What do clients expect of community care and what are their needs? The Community care for the Elderly: Needs and Service Use Study (CENSUS)
Authors: Harrison Fleur , Low Lee‐Fay , Barnett Anna , Gresham Meredith , Brodaty Henry
Published: December 2013

Objective

To investigate the relationship between objectively assessed care needs and expectations for care of older people and their carers, before commencement of community care services.

Method

Cross‐sectional research on 55 community‐dwelling older adults and carers, recruited after receiving approval for government‐subsidised community care services. Care needs and expectations of care were assessed at interview.

Results

Participants’ and carers’ expectations for their pending community care package did not correspond with unmet participant needs. Instead, expectations corresponded with met needs, that is those for which they already received help, with the exception of expectations of domestic support and personal care. Participants’ unmet needs were predominantly in social and recreational activities, eating, and physical and mental health.

Conclusions

As community care in Australia becomes consumer‐directed by 2015, care services will need to empower clients and carers through education about their needs and available services, as part of the assessment and service negotiation process.
Increasing constructive engagement and positive affect for residents with severe and very severe dementia through group‐based activities
Authors: Materne Chris J. , Luszcz Mary A. , Goodwin‐Smith Ian
Published: December 2013

Aim

A group‐based multisensory activity program (Sensory Day) for residents with dementia was developed, to address the challenge of providing personalised activities within tight operational constraints in residential aged care facilities.

Method

Fourteen participants with severe and very severe dementia were observed before, during and after participation in one of four Sensory Day sessions. The Menorah Park Rating Scale was used to yield four levels of engagement. The Philadelphia Geriatric Affect Rating Scale was used to identify four affect states. Dementia severity was ascertained by PAS–CIS scores mapped onto the Global Deterioration Scale.

Results

Increased levels of constructive engagement and positive affect were observed during participation in the Sensory Day sessions, relative to measures taken before the session.

Conclusions

This novel approach to activity programming demonstrates that it is possible to provide group‐based activities for residents with severe and very severe dementia which result in increased engagement and positive mood.
New approaches to the prevention of childhood atopic dermatitis
Authors: Flohr C. , Mann J.
Published: December 2013

There has been a steep rise in the burden of atopic dermatitis (AD), and up to 20% of children in developed countries now suffer of the disease. At present, treatment at best achieves symptom control rather than cure, and there is a strong need to identify new methods of disease prevention. While earlier approaches focused on allergen avoidance strategies, there has been a clear shift towards attempts to induce tolerance and enhancement of skin barrier function, as skin barrier breakdown plays an important role in AD development. This article reviews the latest developments in the prevention of AD.
The multiple factors affecting the association between atopic dermatitis and contact sensitization
Authors: Thyssen J. P. , McFadden J. P. , Kimber I.
Published: December 2013

Atopic dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis are both common skin diseases having an immune pathogenesis. There has been considerable interest about their inter‐relationships with regard to altered susceptibility. Recent investigations have shed new light on this important question, and in this article, we explore whether there is evidence that atopic dermatitis affects the risk of contact sensitization and allergic contact dermatitis. The use of topical products to treat xerotic and inflamed skin in atopic dermatitis often results in a higher prevalence of sensitization to, for example, fragrances and other ingredients in emollients. Moreover, the prevalence of metal allergy seems to be increased, probably due to compromised chelation of the metals in the stratum corneum of patients with atopic dermatitis. However, conversely, the T‐helper cell 2 bias that characterizes immune responses in atopic dermatitis appears to lower the risk of contact sensitization compared to healthy controls. Based on these observations, we conclude that multiple factors affect the association between atopic dermatitis and contact sensitization, and that these need to be appreciated in the clinical management of atopic dermatitis patients.
Agamben, Postcoloniality, and Sovereignty in South Korea
Authors: Lee Seung‐Ook , Jan Najeeb , Wainwright Joel
Published: December 2013

This paper examines modern Korean politics through the framework of Giorgio Agamben's theories of sovereign power, bare life, and the state of exception. Though his political analysis draws from the European history, we contend that the nature of his method attests to the possibility of analogical examples in non‐Western places. Thus, we argue that a postcolonial encounter with Agamben may enrich our understanding of sovereignty and political geography. In the Korean context, such an analysis needs to consider that sovereign power has been shaped by the itineraries of colonialism and empire. Korea's political space is deeply marked by the legacy of Japanese colonialism, the imperial interventions by the U.S., and the division of the peninsula. Thus, Korea offers a valuable lens through which to read Agamben's critique of sovereignty. Our paper offers such a reading to argue that a state of exception functions as the underlying nomos for postcolonial Korea.
Laser‐assisted in situ keratomileusis flap creation with the three‐dimensional, transportable Ziemer FEMTO LDV model Z6 I femtosecond laser
Authors: Pietilä Juhani , Huhtala Anne , Mäkinen Petri , Salmenhaara Kalle , Uusitalo Hannu
Published: December 2013

Purpose

To present the outcomes of laser‐assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) operations performed with the new three‐dimensional, transportable FEMTO LDV Z6 I femtosecond laser (Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems, Port, Switzerland) and the Allegretto Wave Concerto 500 Hz excimer laser (Wavelight AG, Erlangen, Germany) in terms of accuracy, reproducibility and safety of flap creation.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of 309 consecutive eyes of 160 patients treated with the FEMTO LDV Z6 I for corneal flap creation. The target flap thickness was 90 μm. The size of the suction ring varied from 9.5 to 10.0 mm and target flap diameter from 9.3 to 9.6 mm, respectively. The target hinge length was 4.0 mm.

Results

The FEMTO LDV Z6 I produced the 90‐μm targeted flaps very consistently (mean 90.1 ± 2.7 μm, range 78–100). Mean flap diameter with the 9.3‐mm target flap diameter was 9.3 ± 0.1 mm (range 9.0–9.6) and with the 9.6‐mm target flap diameter 9.6 ± 0.1 mm (range 9.0–9.8). Mean hinge length was 3.9 ± 0.1 mm (range 3.3–4.2). Minor complications were reported in 15 (5%) eyes, but none of them prevented refractive laser treatment. The most common complications were bubbles in the conjunctiva (n = 7, 2%) and an opaque bubble layer inside the flap margin (n = 6, 2%). None of the eyes lost two Snellen lines of corrected distance visual acuity during 1‐month follow‐up.

Conclusions

In the hands of an experienced surgeon, the transfer from the Classic FEMTO LDV to Z6 I was a safe and straight forward process yielding accurate and reproducible flaps.
Analysis of biological networks and biological pathways associated with residual feed intake in beef cattle
Authors: Karisa Brian , Moore Stephen , Plastow Graham
Published: December 2013

In this study, biological networks were reconstructed from genes and metabolites significantly associated with residual feed intake (RFI) in beef cattle. The networks were then used to identify biological pathways associated with RFI. RFI is a measure of feed efficiency, which is independent of body size and growth; therefore selection for RFI is expected to result in cattle that consume less feed without adverse effects on growth rate and mature size. Although several studies have identified genes associated with RFI, the mechanisms of the biological processes are not well understood. In this study, we utilised the results obtained from two association studies, one using 24 genes and one using plasma metabolites to reconstruct biological networks associated with RFI using IPA software (Igenuity Systems). The results pointed to biological processes such as lipid and steroid biosynthesis, protein and carbohydrate metabolism and regulation of gene expression through DNA transcription, protein stability and degradation. The major canonical pathways included signaling of growth hormone, Oncostatin M, insulin‐like growth factor and AMP activated protein kinase, and cholesterol biosynthesis. This study provides information on potential biological mechanisms, and genes and metabolites involved in feed efficiency in beef cattle.
Children acquire the later‐greater principle after the cardinal principle
Authors: Le Corre Mathieu
Published: December 2013

Many have proposed that the acquisition of the cardinal principle (CP) is a result of the discovery of the numerical significance of the order of the number words in the count list. However, this need not be the case. Indeed, the CP does not state anything about the numerical significance of the order of the number words. It only states that the last word of a correct count denotes the numerosity of the counted set. Here, we test whether the acquisition of the CP involves the discovery of the later‐greater principle – that is, that the order of the number words corresponds to the relative size of the numerosities they denote. Specifically, we tested knowledge of verbal numerical comparisons (e.g., Is ‘ten’ more than ‘six’?) in children who had recently learned the CP. We find that these children can compare number words between ‘six’ and ‘ten’ only if they have mapped them onto non‐verbal representations of numerosity. We suggest that this means that the acquisition of the CP does not involve the discovery of the correspondence between the order of the number words and the relative size of the numerosities they denote.
Investigation of 305 patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and 20q deletion for associated cytogenetic and molecular genetic lesions and their prognostic impact
Authors: Bacher Ulrike , Haferlach Torsten , Schnittger Susanne , Zenger Melanie , Meggendorfer Manja , Jeromin Sabine , Roller Andreas , Grossmann Vera , Krauth Maria‐Theresa , Alpermann Tamara , Kern Wolfgang , Haferlach Claudia
Published: December 2013

In patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), sole 20q deletion [del(20q)] is a recurrent favourable abnormality. We studied additional molecular and cytogenetic lesions and their prognostic impact in 305 MDS patients with del(20q) (229 males/76 females; 29–90 years). All patients were investigated by cytomorphology and chromosome banding analysis (CBA), subsets by fluorescence in situ hybridization, molecular mutation screening, and array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). By aCGH (n = 30), the minimal common deleted region (CDR) was flanked by PTPRT (20q13·11) and EYA2 (20q13·12). 210 (68·9%) patients had ‘early MDS’ without blast increase, 95 (31·1%) ‘advanced’ MDS with blast increase (5–19%). Additional chromosomal abnormalities (ACAs) were detected in 88/305 (28·9%) patients. Patients with advanced MDS more frequently had ACAs (P = 0·003) and had a higher mean number of ACAs (P = 0·020) and of molecular mutations (P = 0·060). Spliceosome mutations were frequent (U2AF1: n = 31/155; 20·0%; SRSF2: n = 31/159; 19·5%; SF3B1mut: n = 8/159; 5·0%). ASXL1mut (25/153; 16·3%) were associated with advanced MDS (P = 0·001). Presence of ≥3 ACAs (P = 0·003) and ASXL1mut (P = 0·002) were associated with worse 2‐year survival. In conclusion, the cytogenetic subgroup of MDS with del(20q) has a good prognosis but may be further subclassified by additional cytogenetic and molecular lesions. U2AF1mut is overrepresented in MDS with del(20q), and ASXL1mut is prognostically adverse.
Sociocultural mediators of remembering: An extension of Bartlett's method of repeated reproduction
Authors: Wagoner Brady , Gillespie Alex
Published: December 2013

The reported research uses an extension of Bartlett's method of repeated reproduction to provide data on the sociocultural processes underlying reconstructive remembering. Twenty participants worked in pairs to remember the War of the Ghosts story 15 min and 1 week after presentation. The observed transformations were comparable to previous research with individuals. Going beyond previous research, we analyse participants' discourse to provide a window on the processes underlying these transformations. Textual excerpts demonstrate how imagery, narrative coherence, deduction, repetition, gesture, questioning and deferring contribute to the transformation and conventionalization of the material. These diverse sociocultural mediators are integrated into a partially coherent recollection by participants self‐reflecting, or as Bartlett termed it, turning around upon their schemas. We demonstrate that this self‐reflection is both a social and a psychological process, occurring because participants are responding to their own utterances in the same way that they respond to the utterances of other people. These empirical findings are used to make a case for using discursive data to look not only at discursive processes but also at socially situated and scaffolded psychological processes.