bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Violence against rural older women: Promoting community awareness and action
Authors: Roberto Karen A , Brossoie Nancy , McPherson Marya C , Pulsifer Mary Beth , Brown Patricia N
Published: January 2013

Aim

To identify opportunities and challenges in promoting community support for rural older women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV).

Methods

Using community‐based participatory research principles, we engaged in an academic–community partnership to analyse the research literature, estimate IPV incidence and prevalence, ascertain professional and older IPV victim perspectives through focus groups and interviews, and develop a collaborative community response plan. This study took place from 2008 to 2010 in the USA.

Results

IPV in late life is underreported by victims and often unrecognised by the academic and service community. Professionals, while agreeable to collaborating to support older IPV victims, sought coordination and leadership from domestic violence agencies. Older victims stressed the need for improved professional sensitivity to their unique needs and more service options.

Conclusions

The insights generated during this project produced a framework on which rural communities can build to address the hidden and growing problem of late life IPV.
Multicenter Spanish study of spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography in normal children
Authors: Barrio‐Barrio Jesús , Noval Susana , Galdós Marta , Ruiz‐Canela Miguel , Bonet Elvira , Capote María , Lopez Maialen
Published: January 2013

Purpose:  To compile a multicenter normative database of retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) and macular thicknesses and macular volume values in healthy Caucasian children 4–17 years using spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT). To analyse variations in the OCT measurements as a function of age, sex, refraction, and axial length (AL).

Methods:  An observational, multicenter and cross‐sectional study among 301 healthy Caucasian children recruited at three Spanish centres was performed. To compile the database, each child underwent a dilated eye examination and a cycloplegic refraction, five AL measurements (IOL Master; Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA, USA), five OCT scans with Cirrus OCT: three peripapillary RNFL scans (Optic Disc Cube 200X200 protocol) and two macular scans (Macular Cube 512X128 protocol). One eye of each subject was selected randomly for analysis.

Results:  Two hundred eighty‐three children (117 boys, 41.34%; 166 girls, 58.66%) were included in this study. The mean age of the children was 9.58 ± 3.12 years (range, 4–17). The mean SE was +0.63 ± 1.65 D; (range, −4.88 to +5.25). The mean AL was 22.94 ± 1.10 mm (range, 20.10–26.27). The mean global RNFL thickness was 97.40 ± 9.0 μm (range, 77–121.7 μm). Multivariate analysis showed a positive correlation between the RNFL and spherical equivalent (SE) (p = 0.014). The mean central macular thickness was 253.85 ± 19.76 μm, the average thickness 283.62 ± 14.08 μm, and the mean macular volume 10.22 ± 0.49 μm3. Multivariate analysis showed a positive correlation between central macular thickness and age (p < 0.001). Boys had a significantly thicker central macula than girls (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:  Normative paediatric SD‐OCT data might facilitate use of SD‐OCT for assessing childhood ophthalmic diseases. This study provides a multicenter paediatric normative database of SD‐OCT peripapillary RNFL and macular data.
A New Tetrahymena (Ciliophora, Oligohymenophorea) from Groundwater of Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Quintela‐Alonso Pablo , Nitsche Frank , Wylezich Claudia , Arndt Hartmut , Foissner Wilhelm
Published: January 2013

The identification of species within the genus Tetrahymena is known to be difficult due to their essentially identical morphology, the occurrence of cryptic and sibling species and the phenotypic plasticity associated with the polymorphic life cycle of some species. We have combined morphology and molecular biology to describe Tetrahymena aquasubterranea n. sp. from groundwater of Cape Town, Republic of South Africa. The phylogenetic analysis compares the cox1 gene sequence of T. aquasubterranea with the cox1 gene sequences of other Tetrahymena species and uses the interior‐branch test to improve the resolution of the evolutionary relationships. This showed a considerable genetic divergence of T. aquasubterranea to its next relative, T. farlyi, of 9.2% (the average cox1 divergence among bona fide species of Tetrahymena is ~ 10%). Moreover, the analysis also suggested a sister relationship between T. aquasubterranea and a big clade comprising T. farleyi, T. tropicalis, T. furgasoni and T. mobilis. The morphological data available for these species show that they share with T. aquasubterranea a pyriformis‐like life style and at least two of them, T. farleyi and T. mobilis, a similar type II silverline pattern consisting of primary and secondary meridians. Tetrahymena aquasubterranea exhibits a biphasic life cycle with trophonts and theronts, is amicronucleate, and feeds on bacteria.
Evolution and function of MADS‐box genes involved in orchid floral development
Authors: TSAI Wen‐Chieh , PAN Zhao‐Jun , HSIAO Yu‐Yun , CHEN Li‐Jun , LIU Zhong‐Jian
Published: January 2013

Orchids are known for their beauty and complexity of flower and ecological strategies. The evolution in orchid floral morphology, structure, and physiological properties has held the fascination of botanists for centuries, from Darwin through to the present. In floral studies, MADS‐box genes contributing to the now famous ABCDE model of floral organ identity control have dominated conceptual thinking. The sophisticated orchid floral organization offers an opportunity to discover new variant genes and different levels of complexity to the ABCDE model. Recently, several remarkable research reports on orchid MADS‐box genes, especially B‐class MADS‐box genes, have revealed the evolutionary track and important functions on orchid floral development. Diversification and fixation of both paleoAP3 gene sequences and expression profiles might be explained by subfunctionalization and even neofunctionalization. Knowledge about MADS‐box genes encoding ABCDE functions in orchids will give insights into the highly evolved floral morphogenetic networks of orchids.
Erectile Dysfunction Precedes and is Associated with Severity of Coronary Artery Disease among Asian Indians
Authors: Kumar Jatinder , Bhatia Tanuj , Kapoor Aditya , Ranjan Priyadarshi , Srivastava Aneesh , Sinha Archana , Kumar Sudeep , Garg Naveen , Tewari Satyendra , Kapoor Rakesh , Goel Pravin K.
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) and coronary artery disease (CAD) often share common risk factors, and there is growing evidence that ED might serve as a clinical marker for cardiovascular disease. Despite rising trends of CAD in Asian Indians, limited data are available on the prevalence of ED and its correlation with CAD severity in such patients.

Aim

To study the prevalence of ED in Asian Indian patients undergoing coronary angiography and to assess if the severity of ED correlates with angiographic severity of CAD.

Methods

In all patients undergoing coronary angiography, ED was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 questionnaire.

Main Outcome Measures and Results

Among 175 male patients, ED was present in 70%; patients with ED had a higher incidence of multivessel CAD (80% vs. 36%, P 0.001), diffuse CAD (81% vs. 34%, P 0.001), and higher number of mean coronary vessels involved compared with those without ED. Those with severe ED had higher prevalence of multivessel CAD and higher number of mean coronary vessels involved compared with those with milder grades of ED. Onset of symptoms of ED preceded symptoms of CAD by a mean of 24.6 months in 84% of patients. The presence of severe ED was associated with a 21-fold higher risk of having triple-vessel disease (odds ratio [OR] 21.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.41–141.09, P = 0.001) and an 18-fold higher risk of having diffuse angiographic CAD (OR 17.91, 95% CI 3.11–111.09, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Asian Indians with angiographic CAD frequently have ED; symptoms of ED precede that of CAD in most patients. Incidence of multivessel and diffuse CAD is significantly more common in patients with ED. It is important for physicians to be aware of the close relationship between the two conditions so that patients with ED can have optimal risk stratification for concomitant CAD whenever required.
Psychometric Properties of the Iranian Version of the Sexual Quality of Life Scale among Women
Authors: Pakpour Amir H. , Zeidi Isa Mohammadi , Saffari Mohsen , Burri Andrea
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Female sexual dysfunction has a known impact on the quality of life.

Aim

The purpose of this study was the translation and validation of an Iranian version of the Sexual Quality of Life questionnaire-Female (SQOL-F) in Iranian women.

Methods

A population sample of N = 2,675 women aged 17–67 years from Qazvin City of Iran and two clinical population samples (women with sexual dysfunctions N = 295 and women with type 2 diabetes N = 449) participated in the study. A self-constructed demographic questionnaire, the SQOL-F, the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were used for data collection.

Main Outcome Measures

Internal consistency and test–retest reliability were examined. Correlations between the SQOL-F, SF-36, and FSFI were assessed with convergent validity. Furthermore, known-groups comparison analysis was conducted to compare differences in SQOL-F scores between healthy women and those with sexual problems and diabetes. Confirmatory factor analysis assessed the factor structure of the SQOL-F.

Results

Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.84 to 0.98. Significant correlations between the SQOL-F, SF-36, and FSFI scores were found (ranging from r = 0.4 to r = 0.72). The SQOL-F scores were significantly different between women with and without a clinical condition (P < 0.05). A unifactorial model provided the best fit to the data.

Conclusion

The questionnaire represents a suitable measure to assess sexuality-related quality of life to sexual function in healthy women, as well as in women suffering from a chronic medical condition. Application of the scale to other clinical samples needs to be further explored.
Gender Identity Disorder and Eating Disorders: Similarities and Differences in Terms of Body Uneasiness
Authors: Bandini Elisa , Fisher Alessandra Daphne , Castellini Giovanni , Lo Sauro Carolina , Lelli Lorenzo , Meriggiola Maria Cristina , Casale Helen , Benni Laura , Ferruccio Naika , Faravelli Carlo , Dettore Davide , Maggi Mario , Ricca Valdo
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Subjects with gender identity disorder (GID) have been reported to be highly dissatisfied with their body, and it has been suggested that the body is their primary source of suffering.

Aims

To evaluate quality and intensity of body uneasiness in GID subjects, comparing them with a sample of eating disorder patients and a control group. To detect similarities and differences between subgroups of GID subjects, on the basis of genotypic sex and transitional stage.

Methods

Fifty male-to-female (MtF) GID (25 without and 25 with genital reassignment surgery performed), 50 female-to-male (FtM) GID (28 without and 22 with genital reassignment surgery performed), 88 eating disorder subjects (26 anorexia nervosa, 26 bulimia nervosa, and 36 binge eating disorder), and 107 healthy subjects were evaluated.

Main Outcome Measures

Subjects were studied by means of the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, the Symptom Checklist (SCL-90), and the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT).

Results

GID and controls reported lower psychiatric comorbidity and lower SCL-90 General Severity Index (GSI) scores than eating disorder subjects. GID MtF without genital reassignment surgery showed the highest BUT values, whereas GID FtM without genital reassignment surgery and eating disorder subjects showed higher values compared with both GID MtF and FtM who underwent genital reassignment surgery and controls. Considering BUT subscales, a different pattern of body uneasiness was observed in GID and eating disorder subjects. GID MtF and FtM without genital reassignment surgery showed the highest BUT GSI/SCL-90 GSI ratio compared with all the eating disorder groups.

Conclusions

GID and eating disorders are characterized by a severe body uneasiness, which represents the core of distress in both conditions. Different dimensions of body uneasiness seem to be involved in GID subsamples, depending on reassignment stage and genotypic sex. In eating disorder subjects body uneasiness is primarily linked to general psychopathology, whereas in GID such a relationship is lacking.
A Systematic Review Assessing the Economic Impact of Sildenafil Citrate (Viagra®) in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Martin Amber L. , Huelin Rachel , Wilson David , Foster Talia S. , Mould Joaquin F.
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Sildenafil was the first oral phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor introduced as primary therapy for erectile dysfunction (ED). In the 7 years following its market launch, sildenafil was prescribed by more than 750,000 physicians to more than 23 million men worldwide. To date, few studies have evaluated the economic impact of sildenafil in treating ED.

Aim

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness and impact of sildenafil on health care costs for patients with ED in multiple countries.

Main Outcomes Measures

Economic outcomes including cost, cost-effectiveness, cost of illness, cost consequence, resource use, productivity, work loss, and willingness to pay (WTP) were investigated.

Methods

Using keywords related to economic outcomes and sildenafil, we systematically searched literature published between July 2001 and July 2011 using MEDLINE and EMBASE. Included articles pertained to costs, WTP, and economic evaluations.

Results

In the last 10 years, 12 studies assessed economic outcomes associated with sildenafil for ED. Most studies were conducted in the United States and the United Kingdom, with one study identified in Canada and one from Mexico. Six studies evaluated cost of illness, cost consequence, or cost of care, and four studies evaluated WTP or drug pricing by country in the United States and the United Kingdom. In the United States and the United Kingdom, costs to health care systems have increased with demand for treatment. Cost analyses suggested that sildenafil would lower direct costs compared with other PDE5 inhibitors. US and UK studies found that patients exhibited WTP for sildenafil. The two cost-effectiveness models we identified examined ED sub-groups, those with spinal cord injury and those with diabetes or hypertension. These models indicated favorable cost-effectiveness profiles for sildenafil compared with other active-treatment options in both Mexico and Canada.

Conclusions

The relative value of sildenafil vs. surgically implanted prosthetic devices and other PDE5 inhibitors, is underscored by patients' WTP, and cost-effectiveness in ED patients with comorbidities.
Weight Loss by Multidisciplinary Intervention Improves Endothelial and Sexual Function in Obese Fertile Women
Authors: Aversa Antonio , Bruzziches Roberto , Francomano Davide , Greco Emanuela A. , Violi Francesco , Lenzi Andrea , Donini Lorenzo M.
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Weight loss in sexually active women improves their quality of life. At present, no studies have investigated whether weight loss may affect female sexual function in severe obese women.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different programs of weight loss on female sexual dysfunction complaints and on endothelial function in premenopausal obese females.

Methods

Forty-four out of overall 80 obese fertile women (age 18–49 years; mean 36 years) were enrolled because of sexual complaints at Female Sexual Function Index-6 (FSFI-6 score ≤19). Patients were then allocated to different treatments of 8 weeks duration each: an intensive residential program with hypocaloric diet plus controlled physical exercise along with lifestyle modifications at a specialized clinic (Group A, N = 23) and a non-intensive outpatient clinic program consisting of hypocaloric diet and physical exercise at home (Group B, N = 21). Afterward, overall patients were allocated to an extended 8-week follow-up period consisting of outpatient clinic controlled diet plus physical exercise at home.

Main Outcome Measures

Primary end points were modifications of FSFI-6 scores and endothelial function as measured by reactive hyperemia (RHI) with EndoPat-2000. Secondary end points were modifications in body composition as measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).

Results

After 16 weeks, FSFI-6 score and the frequency of sexual activity were significantly higher in Group A compared with Group B (P < 0.01), and significant improvements in arousal, lubrication, and satisfaction sub-domain scores were also found (P < 0.01). Group A showed improvements in RHI (P < 0.01) and marked improvement in homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (P < 0.001), anthropometric parameters as weight (P < 0.01), body mass index (P < 0.01), fat mass (P < 0.0001), and percentage of fat mass (P < 0.005) compared with Group B. A relationship between peak insulin (P < 0.0001) and RHI (P < 0.001) vs. FSFI-6 scores was found, respectively.

Conclusions

A multidisciplinary approach to female obesity appears to be superior to conventional outpatient clinic to produce weight loss and to improve several aspects of sexual dysfunction in obese women. Such changes might be related to persistent improvements in endothelial function and in insulin resistance.
A Phase 2a Multicenter, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial to Investigate the Efficacy, Safety, and Toleration of CP-866,087 (a High-Affinity Mu-Opioid Receptor Antagonist) in Premenopausal Women Diagnosed with Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
Authors: Orri Miguel , Abraham Lucy , Giraldi Annamaria
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) is a condition that can affect women of all ages and have a significant negative impact on emotional well-being.

Aims

The aim of this study is to prospectively evaluate the effects of CP-866,087, a selective mu-opioid receptor antagonist, in premenopausal women with FSAD.

Methods

The study included 51 women (20–45 years of age) with FSAD. All women received placebo and two of three planned doses of CP-866,087 (1, 3, and 10 mg) for 6 weeks in each of three double-blind treatment periods. Efficacy was determined through a series of measures to assess sexual functioning, sexual activity, sexual distress, and perceived meaningful benefit as a result of treatment. In addition, a semi-structured exit interview was conducted at the end of the fourth treatment period or withdrawal to provide a more in-depth, qualitative description of the participants' symptoms, response to treatment, and treatment satisfaction to augment the quantitative assessments.

Main Outcome Measures

The within-subject differences from placebo in the change from baseline were compared across a range of measures of sexual function. Summary statistics and 90% confidence intervals were calculated. A qualitative analysis of the exit interview was conducted based on grounded theory methods.

Results

Although improvements were seen with CP-866,087 in the key efficacy end points, there was no clinical treatment benefit over placebo. The exit interview analysis suggested that being part of the study and taking positive action to search for a solution to the women's sexual disorder may have been a significant factor in the behavioral changes that were seen, as opposed to the drug treatment itself.

Conclusions

Discerning the potential benefit of pharmacotherapy in a heterogeneous condition such as FSAD is challenging. Participation in a clinical trial combined with a commitment to actively engage in sexual activity may in itself create an environment that is conducive to symptom improvement.
Termite mounds as browsing hotspots: an exception to the rule
Authors: O'Connor T.G.
Published: January 2013

In African savannas, termite mounds usually serve as browsing hotspots for mammals because of their soil fertility. Van der Plas et al., in this issue, describe that browsers avoid the unpalatable, evergreen tree species on mounds of Macrotermes natalensis in a mesic savanna, preferring mainly leguminous species with high leaf N and P concentrations in the matrix. This exception is probably a consequence of the fertile soils of the study area, and highlights the importance of environmental context for assessing ecological interactions.
Survey of Chinese Historical Syntax Part I: Pre‐Archaic and Archaic Chinese
Authors: Aldridge Edith
Published: January 2013

This is the first of two articles presenting a brief overview of Chinese historical syntax from the Pre‐Archaic period to Middle Chinese. The phenomena under examination in the two papers are primarily aspects of pre‐medieval grammar which differ markedly from modern Chinese varieties, specifically fronting of object NPs to preverbal position, the asymmetry between subject and object relative clause formation, and the encoding of argument structure alternations like active and passive. I relate each of these characteristics to morphological distinctions on nouns, verbs, or pronouns, which are either overtly represented in the logographic writing system in Archaic Chinese or have been reconstructed for (Pre‐)Archaic Chinese. In the second part of this series, I discuss the changes in the Archaic Chinese grammatical features and correlate these innovations with the loss of the (Pre‐)Archaic Chinese morphology. The main goal of these articles is to highlight a common denominator, i.e. the morphology, which enables a systemic view of pre‐medieval Chinese and the changes which have resulted in the striking differences observed in Middle Chinese and beyond.
Stepwise colonization of the Andes by Ruddy Ducks and the evolution of novel β‐globin variants
Authors: Muñoz‐Fuentes V. , Cortázar‐Chinarro M. , Lozano‐Jaramillo M. , McCracken K. G.
Published: January 2013

Andean uplift played a key role in Neotropical bird diversification, yet past dispersal and genetic adaptation to high‐altitude environments remain little understood. Here we use multilocus population genetics to study population history and historical demographic processes in the ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis), a stiff‐tailed diving duck comprising three subspecies distributed from Canada to Tierra del Fuego and inhabiting wetlands from sea level to 4500 m in the Andes. We sequenced the mitochondrial DNA, four autosomal introns and three haemoglobin genes (αA, αD, βA) and used isolation‐with‐migration (IM) models to study gene flow between North America and South America, and between the tropical and southern Andes. Our analyses indicated that ruddy ducks dispersed first from North America to the tropical Andes, then from the tropical Andes to the southern Andes. While no nonsynonymous substitutions were found in either α globin gene, three amino acid substitutions were observed in the βA globin. Based on phylogenetic reconstruction and power analysis, the first βA substitution, found in all Andean individuals, was acquired when ruddy ducks dispersed from low altitude in North America to high altitude in the tropical Andes, whereas the two additional substitutions occurred more recently, when ruddy ducks dispersed from high altitude in the tropical Andes to low altitude in the southern Andes. This stepwise colonization pattern accompanied by polarized βA globin amino acid replacements suggest that ruddy ducks first acclimatized or adapted to the Andean highlands and then again to the lowlands. In addition, ruddy ducks colonized the Andean highlands via a less common route as compared to other waterbird species that colonized the Andes northwards from the southern cone of South America.
Hydrogen peroxide‐regulated genes in the Medicago truncatula–Sinorhizobium meliloti symbiosis
Authors: Andrio Emilie , Marino Daniel , Marmeys Anthony , de Segonzac Marion Dunoyer , Damiani Isabelle , Genre Andrea , Huguet Stéphanie , Frendo Pierre , Puppo Alain , Pauly Nicolas
Published: January 2013

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), particularly hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), play an important role in signalling in various cellular processes. The involvement of H2O2 in the Medicago truncatula–Sinorhizobium meliloti symbiotic interaction raises questions about its effect on gene expression.

A transcriptome analysis was performed on inoculated roots of M. truncatula in which ROS production was inhibited with diphenylene iodonium (DPI). In total, 301 genes potentially regulated by ROS content were identified 2 d after inoculation. These genes included MtSpk1, which encodes a putative protein kinase and is induced by exogenous H2O2 treatment.

MtSpk1 gene expression was also induced by nodulation factor treatment. MtSpk1 transcription was observed in infected root hair cells, nodule primordia and the infection zone of mature nodules. Analysis with a fluorescent protein probe specific for H2O2 showed that MtSpk1 expression and H2O2 were similarly distributed in the nodule infection zone. Finally, the establishment of symbiosis was impaired by MtSpk1 downregulation with an artificial micro‐RNA.

Several genes regulated by H2O2 during the establishment of rhizobial symbiosis were identified. The involvement of MtSpk1 in the establishment of the symbiosis is proposed.
Current options for management of biliary atresia
Authors: Gallo Amy , Esquivel Carlos O.
Published: January 2013

It is encouraging that we are improving the technical aspects of treatment modalities for biliary atresia. However, it is clear that more needs to be done to best develop new treatment plans while applying the modalities we have (porto‐enterostomy or liver transplantation or both) in a way that will afford the best survival and quality‐of‐life. This review article will discuss a number of points that are vital to improving care and illustrates the need to further scrutinize treatment decisions.
Nie Wieder: Group‐Based Emotions for In‐Group Wrongdoing Affect Attitudes toward Unrelated Minorities
Authors: Rees Jonas H. , Allpress Jesse A. , Brown Rupert
Published: January 2013

This article focuses on the effects of group‐based emotions for in‐group wrongdoing on attitudes towards seemingly unrelated groups. Two forms of shame are distinguished from one another and from guilt and linked to positive and negative attitudes towards an unrelated minority. In Study 1 (N = 203), Germans' feelings of moral shame—arising from the belief that the in‐group's Nazi past violates an important moral value—are associated with increased support for Turks living in Germany. Image shame—arising from a threatened social image—is associated with increased social distance. In Study 2 (N = 301), Britons' emotions regarding atrocities committed by in‐group members during the war in Iraq have similar links with attitudes towards Pakistani immigrants. We extend the findings of Study 1 by demonstrating that the effects are mediated by a sense of moral obligation and observed more strongly when the unrelated group is perceived as similar to the harmed group. Guilt was unrelated to any outcome variable across both studies. Theoretical and practical implications about the nature of group‐based emotions and their potential for affecting wider intergroup relations are discussed.
The Middle‐class in the German Welfare State: Beneficial Involvement at Stake?
Authors: Mau Steffen , Sachweh Patrick
Published: January 2013

The working‐class is typically regarded as the driving force of welfare state development. Yet, some argue that the middle‐classes' beneficial involvement in the welfare state is crucial for its financial sustainability and popular legitimacy. Against this backdrop, we investigate how recent welfare state reforms in Germany which affect the status of the middle‐class are viewed and discussed by this group. Germany is a particularly interesting case because its welfare state is seen to be centred on the desires of the middle‐class, especially through its focus on status maintenance and horizontal redistribution over the life‐course. However, the move from status maintenance to minimum income support in unemployment provision and the strengthening of private old age provision challenge this assumption. Thus, we ask how the German middle‐class views the emerging abandonment of the principle of status maintenance and the shift from collective to individual responsibility. Based on qualitative material from focus groups, we find that individual responsibility is generally supported, but that the state is still assigned responsibility for providing basic levels of social security. Furthermore, for those groups seen as less capable of acting individually responsible (e.g. the poor or long‐term unemployed) the ‘inducement’ of – or assistance for – individually responsible behaviour by the state is demanded. Overall, while the principle of ‘individual responsibility’ seems to find some resonance among the middle‐class members interviewed, they still try to balance individual and collective responsibility.
Mechanical Evaluation of Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposites Using Finite Element Modeling
Authors: Doll Kristopher , Ural Ani
Published: January 2013

Hydroxyapatite (HA) has been proposed as a candidate material for bone implants because of its similarity to the inorganic phase in bone. However, due to its lower mechanical properties compared to bone, it has not been used in load bearing bone implants. Inclusion of second phase reinforcements in HA such as carbon nanotubes (CNT) and graphene nanosheets is expected to significantly improve its mechanical properties. In this study, a computational framework that will improve the understanding of the mechanical behavior of graphene nanosheet and CNT-reinforced HA-nanocomposites is proposed. The variation of elastic modulus of HA-nanocomposites is assessed based on the nanofiller type, volume fraction, alignment, area, thickness, and aspect ratio using the finite element modeling. The results of the simulations show that graphene nanosheets are more effective in improving the elastic modulus of nanocomposites than CNTs at similar volume fractions. HA-nanocomposites reinforced by graphene nanosheets exhibit transversely isotropic material properties and provide the highest elastic modulus when aligned along a direction or randomly distributed in a plane, whereas CNTs provide the best reinforcement when aligned along an axis. Variation in graphene nanosheet area, thickness, aspect ratio, and carbon nanotube length have negligible effect on elastic modulus of the HA-nanocomposite. In addition, comparison between the finite element simulations and theoretical calculations show that clustering of nanoinclusions reduces the effectiveness of the reinforcement they provide. The simulation results and the computational framework presented in this study are expected to help in determining the best design and manufacturing parameters that can be adapted for developing HA-nanocomposite bone implant materials.
Eliciting User Perceptions Using Assessment Tests Based on an Interactive Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Poirson Emilie , Petiot Jean-François , Boivin Ludivine , Blumenthal David
Published: January 2013

To avoid failures in the marketplace, the control of the risks in product innovation and the reduction of the innovation cycles require fast and valid assessments from customers. An interactive genetic algorithm (IGA) is proposed for eliciting users' perceptions about the shape of a product, in order to stimulate creativity and to identify design trends. Interactive users' assessment tests are conducted on virtual products to capture and analyze users' responses. The IGA is interfaced with Computer Aided Design (CAD) software (CATIA V5) to create sets of parameterized designs in real time, which are presented iteratively by a graphical interface to the users for evaluation. After a description of the IGA, a study on the convergence of the IGA is presented. The convergence varies, according to the tuning parameters of the algorithm and the size of the design problem. An experiment was carried out with a set of 45 users on the application case, a dashboard, put forward by Renault. The implementation of the perceptive tests and the analysis of the results are described using hierarchical ascendant classification (HAC) and multivariate analysis. This paper shows how the results of tests using IGA can be used to elicit user perception and to detect design trends.
Identification of the Long-Sought Common-Envelope Events
Authors: Ivanova N. , Justham S. , Nandez J. L. Avendano , Lombardi J. C.
Published: January 2013

When Stars Get Too Close

Stellar outbursts used to come in two classes: supernovae and novae, the complete explosions and the thermonuclear runaways on the surface of evolved stars, respectively. Over the past two decades a class of stellar outbursts emerged with luminosities between those of novae and supernovae—intermediate-luminosity red transients (ILRTs).

Ivanova
et al.

(p.
433
) propose that these ILRTs are the signature of common envelope events in which a lower-mass star in a close binary system is engulfed by matter transferred from its more massive and more evolved companion star.
(Pseudo-)Symmetrical Transport
Authors: Forrest Lucy R.
Published: January 2013

Structural symmetry plays a key role in the membrane gating function of transporter proteins.
Membrane Protein Twists and Turns
Authors: Bowie James U.
Published: January 2013

Membrane proteins undergo complex distortions and rearrangements as they are inserted into the membrane.
Science Learning Progressions
Authors: Duncan Ravit Golan , Rivet Ann E.
Published: January 2013

New science education standards build upon research-based cognitive models of how learning unfolds over time.
Worrisome Trend of New Multiple Mechanisms of Linezolid Resistance in Staphylococcal Clones Diffused in Italy
Authors: Campanile Floriana , Mongelli Gino , Bongiorno Dafne , Adembri Chiara , Ballardini Milva , Falcone Marco , Menichetti Francesco , Repetto Antonella , Sabia Carla , Sartor Assunta , Scarparo Claudio , Tascini Carlo , Venditti Mario , Zoppi Federica , Stefani Stefania
Published: January 2013

In order to assess the frequency of clinically relevant linezolid-resistant staphylococcal isolates, and the role of linezolid in maintaining and coselecting multiple resistance mechanisms (
cfr
, 23S rRNA, L3/L4 mutations), a prospective Italian study was performed from 2010 to 2011 to confirm the diffusion of three major multidrug-resistant clones (ST2, ST5, ST23).
Enterovirus 71 Infection Cleaves a Negative Regulator for Viral Internal Ribosomal Entry Site-Driven Translation
Authors: Chen Li-Lien , Kung Yu-An , Weng Kuo-Feng , Lin Jing-Yi , Horng Jim-Tong , Shih Shin-Ru
Published: January 2013

Far-upstream element-binding protein 2 (FBP2) is an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES)
trans
-acting factor (ITAF) that negatively regulates enterovirus 71 (EV71) translation. This study shows that EV71 infection cleaved FBP2. Live EV71 and the EV71 replicon (but not UV-inactivated virus particles) induced FBP2 cleavage, suggesting that viral replication results in FBP2 cleavage. The results also showed that virus-induced proteasome, autophagy, and caspase activity co-contribute to EV71-induced FBP2 cleavage. Using FLAG-fused FBP2, we mapped the potential cleavage fragments of FBP2 in infected cells. We also found that FBP2 altered its function when its carboxyl terminus was cleaved. This study presents a mechanism for virus-induced cellular events to cleave a negative regulator for viral IRES-driven translation.
Prostate-Specific Antigen-Retargeted Recombinant Newcastle Disease Virus for Prostate Cancer Virotherapy
Authors: Shobana Raghunath , Samal Siba K. , Elankumaran Subbiah
Published: January 2013

Oncolytic virus (OV) therapies of cancer are based on the use of replication-competent, tumor-selective viruses with limited toxicity. Newcastle disease virus (NDV), an avian paramyxovirus, is a promising OV and is inherently tumor selective and cytotoxic only to tumor cells. Replication is restricted in normal cells. Despite encouraging phase I/II clinical trials with NDV, further refinements for tumor-specific targeting are needed to enhance its therapeutic index. Systemically delivered NDV fails to reach solid tumors in therapeutic concentrations and also spreads poorly within the tumors due to barriers including complement, innate immunity, and the extracellular matrix. Overcoming these hurdles is paramount to realizing the exceptional oncolytic efficacy of NDV. We engineered the F protein of NDV and generated a recombinant NDV (rNDV) whose F protein is cleavable exclusively by prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The rNDV replicated efficiently and specifically in prostate cancer (CaP) cells and 3-dimensional prostaspheres but failed to replicate in the absence of PSA. Induction of intracellular PSA production by a synthetic androgen analog (R1881) enhanced fusogenicity in androgen-responsive CaP cells. Further, PSA-cleavable rNDV caused specific lysis of androgen-independent and androgen-responsive/nonresponsive CaP cells and prostaspheres, with a half-maximal effective concentration (EC
50
) ranging from a multiplicity of infection of 0.01 to 0.1. PSA-retargeted NDV efficiently lysed prostasphere tumor mimics, suggesting efficacy
in vivo
. Also, PSA-cleavable NDV failed to replicate in chicken embryos, indicating no pathogenicity for chickens. Prostate-specific antigen targeting is likely to enhance the therapeutic index of rNDV owing to tumor-restricted replication and enhanced fusogenicity.
In VitroModeling of Human Bocavirus 1 Infection of Polarized Primary Human Airway Epithelia
Authors: Deng Xuefeng , Yan Ziying , Luo Yong , Xu Jian , Cheng Fang , Li Yi , Engelhardt John F. , Qiu Jianming
Published: January 2013

Human bocavirus 1 (HBoV1) is an emerging human-pathogenic respiratory virus. We characterized two important features of HBoV1 infection in polarized primary human airway epithelia (HAE). Apical HBoV1 infection of HAE at a low multiplicity of infection causes disruption of the tight junction barrier, loss of cilia, and epithelial cell hypertrophy, which are hallmarks of the airway epithelial damage caused by HBoV1 infection. HBoV1 also infects HAE from the basolateral surface productively, although less efficiently, and this also leads to the characteristic airway epithelial damage.
Necrotising fasciitis caused byP aeruginosain a male patient with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Emmett Christopher , Kane Grant
Published: January 2013

A 53-year-old man with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and multiple comorbidities presented with a 2-day history of increasing pain and swelling in his left leg following a minor trauma, associated with signs of systemic sepsis and worsening multiorgan failure. The clinical picture was consistent with necrotising fasciitis and he was taken to the theatre for an above-knee amputation. Blood and tissue cultures grewPseudomonas aeruginosaonly, which is very rare as a monomicrobial infection, with relatively few cases being reported in the literature. The combination of aggressive timely surgical intervention, broad-spectrum antibiotics and treatment on the intensive care unit yielded a successful outcome from this acute episode.
Would they dope? Revisiting the Goldman dilemma
Authors: Connor James , Woolf Jules , Mazanov Jason
Published: January 2013

Background/aim

Discussions of doping often report Goldman's sensational results that half of the elite athletes asked would take a drug that guaranteed sporting success which would also result in their death in 5 years’ time. There has never been any effort to assess the properties of the ‘Goldman dilemma’ or replicate the results in the post World Anti-Doping Agency context. This research evaluated the dilemma with contemporary elite athletes.

Methods

Participants at an elite-level track and field meet in North America were segregated into an interview or online response. After basic demographics, participants were presented with three variant ‘Goldman’ dilemmas counter-balanced for presentation order.

Results

Only 2 out of 212 samples  (119 men, 93 women, mean age 20.89) reported that they would take the Faustian bargain offered by the original Goldman dilemma. However, if there were no consequences to the (illegal) drug use, then 25/212 indicated that they would take the substance (no death condition). Legality also changes the acceptance rate to 13/212 even with death as a consequence. Regression modelling showed that no other variable was significant (gender, competitive level, type of sport) and there was no statistical difference between the interview and online collection method.

Conclusions

Goldman's results do not match our sample. A subset of athletes is willing to dope and another subset is willing to sacrifice their life to achieve success, although to a much lesser degree than that observed by Goldman. A larger scale online survey is now viable to answer important questions such as variation across sports.
Developing a multidisciplinary approach within the ED towards domestic violence presentations
Authors: Basu Subhashis , Ratcliffe Giles
Published: January 2013

Aim

To improve the detection and quality of care of patients who attend the emergency department (ED) with confirmed or suspected domestic abuse (DA).

Design

A quality improvement report on the design, implementation and evaluation of a specialised service and structured training programme to detect and manage DA presentations within an emergency medicine department.

Setting

The study was set in the ED at the Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, UK.

Key measures for improvement

Key measures for improvement included introducing a service within the ED to help staff manage DA and coordinate responses; improve staff confidence in detecting DA; develop a structured and consistent process by which to manage DA presentations.

Strategies for change

An Independent Domestic Violence Advocate service was introduced into the department in July 2011 through a multiagency agreement. A structured training and education programme was delivered to ED staff. A ‘communications form’ was developed for DA risk assessment and case management. The process was reviewed quarterly.

Results

One hundred and seventy-two referrals were made to the service (121 distinct clients) over a 12-month period. Staff reported greater confidence in detecting DA, and community partners highlighted the role the service had in improving DA detection and care quality within the city.

Conclusions

Strong leadership and prioritising the issue within the department has facilitated the development of the process and contributed substantially to its success. Support from community partners has been invaluable in tailoring the service and education programme to the needs of staff and patients within the department.
Treatment of recurrent intracranial aneurysms with the Pipeline Embolization Device
Authors: Chalouhi Nohra , Chitale Rohan , Starke Robert M , Jabbour Pascal , Tjoumakaris Stavropoula , Dumont Aaron S , Rosenwasser Robert H , Gonzalez L Fernando
Published: January 2013

Background

The treatment of recurrent aneurysms after previous surgery or embolization is challenging. Little is known regarding the use of the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) for recurrent aneurysms.

Objective

To analyze the safety and results of PED therapy for recurrent aneurysms.

Methods

Fifteen patients with recurrent intracranial aneurysms after previous embolization or surgical clipping were treated with the PED at our institution between 2011 and 2012. Procedural complications and clinical and angiographic outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Median aneurysm size was 12 mm. Previous aneurysm treatment consisted of coiling in eight patients, stent coiling in four, a telescoping stent technique in two and surgical clipping in one. Major procedural complications (leaving significant morbidity) occurred in one patient (6.7%) and minor procedural or technical complications (no or minor morbidity) occurred in four patients (26.7%). Fourteen of the 15 patients (93.3%) had a favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2). Of 14 patients with angiographic follow-up, nine (64.3%) had complete aneurysm occlusion (100%), four (28.6%) had near-complete occlusion (≥90%) and only one (7.1%) had incomplete occlusion (<90%). Four of the five patients with less than 100% occlusion at follow-up had a previous stent in situ.

Conclusions

Treatment of recurrent aneurysms with the PED appears to be effective, but patients with a previous stent in situ may achieve lower obliteration rates. The morbidity rate associated with PED therapy may be higher than with more standard endovascular techniques using historical data. Larger studies are needed to assess this question better.
The hemibond as an alternative condensed phase structure for the hydroxyl radical
Authors: Codorniu-Hernández Edelsys , Boese A. Daniel , Kusalik Peter G.
Published: January 2013

Despite the critical importance of the hydroxyl radical in major scientific fields, there are still open questions on the behavior of this species in the aqueous phase. In particular, there has been much debate on the existence of a hemibonded interaction between the hydroxyl radical and water molecules. While some reports indicate that the hemibonded radical might explain some experimental data, others have claimed that this interaction is simply a density functional theory (DFT) artifact. Here, we provide results from high level (basis set limit of coupled-cluster levels up to single, double, triple excitations (CCSD(T)) and beyond) ab initio calculations of different OH•(H2O)n clusters in the gas phase to accurately explore the existence of the hemibonded interaction and its energy difference with respect to other well-defined hydrogen bond interactions. Additional comparisons with second order perturbation theory (MP2) and DFT are also presented. Constrained molecular dynamics was applied to determine the free energy for the formation/disruption and ice systems. Overall, our findings confirm that the hemibond can be an alternative structure for the hydroxyl radical in the condensed phase when the formation of hydrogen bonds is impeded. These results will aid the understanding of theoretical and experimental data and help future experimental designs for the detection of this important species.
Analytical absorption cross section for photon by helium 23s metastable state
Authors: Ndinya Boniface Otieno
Published: January 2013

We calculate the absorption cross section for photons by the helium 23s metastable state using the quantum–classical approximation for the total photo cross section of many-electron atoms. We note that for the 1s2s configuration of the helium 23S metastable state the photons can be absorbed by either a 1s or 2s electron. The absorption cross section of photons by the 1s and 2s electrons are predominant at high and low energies, respectively. The calculated absorption cross section for a 1s electron agrees perfectly with theoretical results. However, those of the 2s electron do not agree perfectly with experimental and theoretical results, because of the dip associated with the Cooper pair minimum at the zero crossing of the 2s hydrogenic spatial wave function. We have included in the analytical calculation, the second-order term of the Baker–Hausdorff expansion and observed a great reduction in the dip associated with the Cooper pair minimum, at low photon energy.