bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Terrorists' personal constructs and their roles: A comparison of the three Islamic terrorists
Authors: Canter David , Sarangi Sudhanshu , Youngs Donna
Published: October 2012

It is hypothesized that individuals who play different roles in terrorist organizations will have different psychological processes underlying their activities. An innovative examination of the personal construct systems of terrorists explored this. As part of a larger study, three individuals convicted of Islamic‐related terrorist violence in India were interviewed using a semi‐structured life narrative procedure enhanced by a Repertory Grid (Kelly, 1955/1991). One was a senior leader of a terrorist group, one a subordinate, the third a person who planted a bomb without full knowledge of the larger design he was part of. Principal component analyses of these grids informed by comments from the life narratives were used to elaborate each man's conceptual system and how it related to his commitment to violence. Important differences among the three individuals' in their construct systems were found. This demonstrated that the forms of Jihadi commitment is embedded in the individual's personal construct system. So, although these three case studies can only be taken as providing indicative results, they do point to aspects of construct systems that reveal the potential for disengagement, being most likely present in the lower echelons of terrorist organizations. Those who are unable to reconstrue themselves as having a non‐terrorist future are unlikely to disengage. This is probably typical of those who lead these organizations. The results therefore contribute to the growing literature arguing for significant differences in terrorists' understanding of themselves and their roles and provide an original methodology for assessing a person's potential for deradicalization.
Habit Reversal Training for Children With Tourette Syndrome: Update and Review
Authors: Hwang Grace C. , Tillberg Caitlin S. , Scahill Lawrence
Published: October 2012

Topic

Habit reversal training (HRT) is emerging as an efficacious behavioral intervention for Tourette syndrome in children and adults.

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to review the recent literature investigating the efficacy of HRT for treating children with chronic tic disorders.

Sources

This review examines single‐subject design studies and randomized, controlled trials of HRT conducted in children with chronic tic disorders since 2000.

Conclusions

Intervention built on HRT appears to be effective for decreasing tic severity in children and adolescents. Results from a recent multisite trial suggest that incorporation of functional analysis may enhance the effectiveness of traditional HRT.
Multiple deficits in ADHD: executive dysfunction, delay aversion, reaction time variability, and emotional deficits
Authors: Sjöwall Douglas , Roth Linda , Lindqvist Sofia , Thorell Lisa B.
Published: October 2012

Background:  The notion that ADHD constitutes a heterogeneous disorder is well accepted. However, this study contributes with new important knowledge by examining independent effects of a large range of neuropsychological deficits. In addition, the study investigated whether deficits in emotional functioning constitute a dissociable component of ADHD.

Method:  The study included children with ADHD (n = 102; 7–13 years) and a control sample individually matched with regard to age and gender. The administered tasks were designed to tap into three different neuropsychological domains: executive functions (i.e., working memory, inhibition, and shifting), delay aversion, and reaction time variability. Parent ratings of emotion regulation and a test of emotion recognition were also included.

Results:  Children with ADHD differed significantly from controls on all measures, except for delay aversion and recognition of disgust. No main effects of gender or interaction effects of gender and group were found. More importantly, executive functioning, reaction time variability, and emotional functioning all contributed independently to distinguishing between children with ADHD and controls.

Conclusions:  The current study supports the view of ADHD as a heterogeneous disorder related to multiple neuropsychological deficits. In addition, emotional functioning appears to be an area of importance for ADHD that needs to be incorporated into future theoretical models.
Evidence‐based practice curriculum in allied health professions for teaching‐research‐practice nexus
Authors: Asokan G. V.
Published: October 2012

Allied healthcare workers are from diverse professions and the key skill required is providing evidence‐based care but this concept has not permeated enough for using it skillfully in their professions. A well structured curriculum in allied health professions is needed to strengthen concerted teaching, research, and practice to empower their professionals and make considerable differences in the lives of people by adopting evidence‐based practice.

Information sources for allied health professionals have relied on advice of their supervisors and colleagues, personal experiences, authoritative theory and texts for practice. Because of “research–practice” gap, often the use of evidence is not reflected in an individual day to day professional practice. Although allied health professionals work in resource and evidence challenged settings, there are certain barriers and facilitators, which need to be addressed.

To implement practice‐related research findings and uptake of evidence requires two essential components, namely, practical component and knowledge component. Research bench marking and research metrics for quality assurance and standardization through evidence‐based practice will promote academic status and credibility of allied health profession.
Production of Turmeric Oleoresin Microcapsules by Complex Coacervation with Gelatin–Gum Arabic
Authors: Zuanon Larissa Angélica Cirelli , Malacrida Cassia Roberta , Telis Vania Regina Nicoletti
Published: October 2012

Turmeric oleoresin is a colorant prepared by solvent extraction of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.). Curcumin, the major pigment present in turmeric, has been described as a potent antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and anticarcinogenic agent. Turmeric pigments are lipid soluble and water insoluble and are sensitive to light, heat, oxygen and pH, which can be overcome by microencapsulation of turmeric oleoresin. The aim of this work was to investigate microencapsulation of turmeric oleoresin by complex coacervation using gelatin and gum Arabic as encapsulants and freeze‐drying as the drying method. The coacervation process was studied by varying the concentration of biopolymer solution (2.5, 5.0 and 7.5%) and the core material : total encapsulant ratio (25, 50, 75 and 100%). Microcapsules were evaluated for encapsulation efficiency, morphology, solubility and stability to light. Encapsulation efficiency ranged from 49 to 73% and samples produced with 2.5% of wall material and 100% core : encapsulant ratio showed better stability to light.

Practical Applications

This paper presents an optimized method to encapsulate turmeric oleoresin by complex coacervation using gelatin and gum Arabic as wall materials, producing dry colorant microcapsules with improved solubility in aqueous formulations.
Unveiling the role of stress in periodontal etiopathogenesis: an evidence‐based review
Authors: Preeja C. , Ambili R. , Nisha K.J. , Seba Abraham , Archana Vilasan
Published: October 2012

Periodontal disease is a multifactorial disease affecting the supporting tissues of the teeth, resulting in progressive attachment loss and bone loss. Periodontal disease is influenced by various systemic, environmental, and psychologic factors that have the potential to alter periodontal tissues and host immune response, resulting in more severe periodontal destruction. Several studies have documented the relationship between psychosocial stress and chronic forms of periodontal disease. Stress impairs periodontal health through changes in behavior and complex interactions among the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. The influence of stress on periodontal disease is affected by the emotional coping skills of the individual. Psychologic stress and depression may also influence the outcome of periodontal therapy. Stressful life events and coping skills are factors to consider in the risk of periodontal disease destruction and the potential for successful periodontal therapy. Therefore psychosocial stress is considered as an important risk factor for periodontal disease, and emotional stress in periodontitis patients should be diagnosed and treatment should be administered for the proper management and successful outcome of periodontal disease.
Comparison of red blood cell parameters in smokers and nonsmokers with chronic periodontitis
Authors: Jain Kapil , Das Swarga Jyoti , Jain Megha
Published: October 2012

Objective

Recent studies suggest that chronic periodontitis can lead to a decrease in levels of red blood cell (RBC) and hemoglobin concentration. Smoking is an established risk factor for periodontitis. The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of cigarette smoking on the various parameters of RBC in the subjects with chronic periodontitis.

Methods

A total of 77 males with chronic periodontitis were divided into 38 nonsmokers (group I) and 39 current smokers (group II). Clinical parameters recorded were probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level. Laboratory blood investigations included hemoglobin concentration, RBC count, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

Results

In group II probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were significantly higher than in group I. The RBC count, hemoglobin concentration, and packed cell volume were significantly lower in group II compared to group I. While the mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were comparable in both the groups.

Conclusion

Smoking may have an effect on levels of various RBC parameters in patients with chronic periodontitis.
Focal epithelial hyperplasia – an update
Authors: Said Ahmed K. , Leao Jair C. , Fedele Stefano , Porter Stephen R.
Published: October 2012

Focal epithelial hyperplasia (FEH) is an asymptomatic benign mucosal disease, which is mostly observed in specific groups in certain geographical regions. FEH is usually a disease of childhood and adolescence and is generally associated with people who live in poverty and of low socioeconomic status. Clinically, FEH is typically characterized by multiple, painless, soft, sessile papules, plaques or nodules, which may coalesce to give rise to larger lesions. Human papillomavirus (HPV), especially genotypes 13 and 32, have been associated and detected in the majority of FEH lesions. The clinical examination and social history often allow diagnosis, but histopathological examination of lesional tissue is usually required to confirm the exact diagnosis. FEH sometimes resolves spontaneously however, treatment is often indicated as a consequence of aesthetic effects or any interference with occlusion. There remains no specific therapy for FEH, although surgical removal, laser excision or possibly topical antiviral agents may be of benefit. There remains no evidence that FEH is potentially malignant.
Self‐Regulation and Mechanisms of Action in Psychotherapy: A Theory‐Based Translational Perspective
Authors: Strauman Timothy J. , Goetz Elena L. , Detloff Allison M. , MacDuffie Katherine E. , Zaunmüller Luisa , Lutz Wolfgang
Published: October 2012

Psychotherapy is a complex, multilayered process with the potential to bring about changes at multiple levels of functioning, from the neurobiology of the brain to the individual's role in the social world. Although studies of the mechanisms by which psychotherapy leads to change continue to appear, there remains much to be learned about how psychological interventions work. To guide explorations of how and for whom particular treatment approaches lead to change, researchers can rely on theory to identify potential loci for change and on translational research methods to integrate basic behavioral science and neuroscience with clinical science. In this article, we describe research linking individual differences in the self‐regulation of personal goal pursuit with the etiology and treatment of mood disorders. The research draws upon regulatory focus theory as a model of self‐regulation and on microintervention designs—controlled laboratory investigations of a specific therapeutic technique—to generate and test hypotheses about how psychological interventions can help to reverse maladaptive self‐regulatory processes.
Eriksonian Personality Research and Its Implications for Psychotherapy
Authors: Marcia James , Josselson Ruthellen
Published: October 2012

Erikson's comprehensive theory of human development has been empirically validated by personality researchers who have taken a status approach to the adult stages of the life cycle: Identity, Intimacy, Generativity, and Integrity. An understanding of these stages has implications for psychotherapy. Erikson's theory provides a descriptive language for where the individual stands currently within a psychosocial developmental context, where he/she might have gotten “stuck” in the past, and where she/he is heading in terms of developmental goals. This article attempts to link the empirical research on Erikson's developmental theory with an approach to therapeutic intervention that could be utilized by therapists from an array of therapeutic approaches. The authors, who are developmental, personality and clinical psychologists, illustrate the use of Eriksonian personality theory in psychotherapy by discussing case examples from their own psychotherapy practices.
Affective Response of Adolescents toward Fruit‐ and Vegetable‐Based Snacks and the Role of Neophobia, Gender and Age
Authors: Mielby L.H. , Nørgaard M.K. , Edelenbos M. , Thybo A.K.
Published: October 2012

Adolescents' (n = 278, 10–16 years old) affective response toward snack combinations prepared based on four approaches was studied: (1) combining one or more colors in a snack; (2) adding energy‐dense food sources to an energy low vegetable snack; (3) combining fruits and vegetables with savory and sweet snack products; and (4) creating surprising snack combinations by adding sensory sensations not anticipated from visual cues. The effect of neophobia, gender and age on response toward the snack combinations and difference between expected liking and actual liking was investigated. The only approach, which was proven partly successful, was adding energy‐dense food sources to an energy low vegetable snack. Otherwise, the pure fruit or vegetable combinations received the highest affective responses. Effects of neophobia and gender on the affective response were found. Expected liking was rated higher than actual liking except for snack combinations prepared based on approach 4.

Practical Applications

This paper describes adolescents' affective response toward fruit‐ and vegetable‐based snack combinations prepared as examples of four different approaches. The results show an effect of gender and level of neophobia on adolescents' affective response toward the snacks. These results are important as they show the importance of tailoring snacks to different groups of adolescents as these might have different acceptances for fruit‐ and vegetable‐based snacks.
Melatonin potentiates running wheel‐induced neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of adult C3H/HeN mice hippocampus
Authors: Liu Jiabei , Somera‐Molina Kathleen C. , Hudson Randall L. , Dubocovich Margarita L.
Published: October 2012

This study assessed the role of melatonin in modulating running wheel(RW)‐induced hippocampal neurogenesis in adult C3H/HeN mice. Chronic melatonin (0.02 mg/mL, oral for 12 days) treatment did not affect cell proliferation or cell survival determined by the number of BrdU‐positive cells in dentate gyrus of mice with access to fixed wheel (FW). RW activity significantly increased cell proliferation [RW (n = 8) versus FW (n = 6): dorsal, 199 ± 18 versus 125 ± 12, P < 0.01; ventral, 211 ± 15 versus 123 ± 13, P < 0.01] and newborn cell survival [RW (n = 7) versus FW (n = 8): dorsal, 45 ± 8.5 versus 15 ± 1.8, P < 0.01; ventral, 48 ± 8.1 versus 15 ± 1.4)] in the dorsal and ventral dentate gyrus. Oral melatonin treatment further potentiated RW activity‐induced cell survival in both areas of the dentate gyrus [melatonin (n = 10) versus vehicle (n = 7): dorsal, 63 ± 5.4 versus 45 ± 8.5 P < 0.05; ventral, 75 ± 7.9 versus 48 ± 8.1, P < 0.01] and neurogenesis [melatonin (n = 8) versus vehicle (n = 8): dorsal, 46 ± 3.4, versus 34 ± 4.5, P < 0.05; ventral, 41 ± 3.4 versus 25 ± 2.4, P < 0.01]. We conclude that melatonin potentiates RW‐induced hippocampal neurogenesis by enhancing neuronal survival suggesting that the combination of physical exercise and melatonin may be an effective treatment for diseases affecting the hippocampus neurogenesis.
Auditory hallucinations as a personal experience: analysis of non‐psychiatric voice hearers’ narrations
Authors: Faccio E. , Romaioli D. , Dagani J. , Cipolletta S.
Published: October 2012

Accessible summary

Auditory hallucinations are voices heard speaking with the hearer or discussing his or her thoughts or behaviours.

They are common also among non‐psychiatric population and may be a positive experience.

These hallucinations cannot be considered merely as symptoms because they may have an adaptive function.

We should avoid trying to helping voice hearers to eliminate or deny voices, and rather we should help them to feel allowed to preserve their voices.

This exploratory research investigates the phenomenon of non‐psychiatric auditory hallucinations from the perspective of the voice hearer, evaluating the possibility that this experience can contribute the maintenance and adaptation of the hearer's personal identity system. A semi‐structured interview was administered to 10 Italian voice hearers, six men and four women, aged 18–65 years, who had never been in contact with any mental health services because of the voices, even though some of them had been hearing voices for decades. Participants were not distressed or worried about the voices; on the contrary they developed their own understanding, personal coping resources and beliefs in relation to the positive functions of the voices. These results indicate that voices cannot be considered merely as symptoms, but may be seen also as adaptation systems. Consequently, we should avoid trying to helping voice hearers to eliminate or deny voices, and rather we should help them to feel allowed to preserve them.
Rheological and Textural Properties of Short (Cookie) Dough Made with Two Types of Resistant Starch
Authors: Milašinović Šeremešić Marija , Dokić Ljubica , Nikolić Ivana , Radosavljević Milica , Šoronja Simović Dragana
Published: October 2012

The influence of two types of resistant starch, type 3 (RS3) and type 4 (RS4), on the rheological and textural properties of short (cookie) dough was studied. RS3 or RS4 were added in dough as a replacement of flour in concentrations of 0, 5, 10 and 15%.

In all dough samples, the use of RS resulted in the increase of elastic and viscous moduli and the lowering of loss tangent, which indicates that it is characteristically more elastic (because of the ability of RS to bind water). Generally, the incorporation of the RSs reduced creep and recovery compliance and elevated zero shear viscosity. Samples with the RS3 and RS4 addition had a less destructive structure and a greater ability for recovery.

Control sample had significantly lower extensibility and resistance to extension than all samples containing the RSs. The increasing proportion of both RS ingredients in the formulation produced softer doughs.

Practical Applications

Resistant starch (RS) is included in the definition of dietary fiber and demonstrates similar physiological benefits as dietary fiber. RS has better taste, color and aroma than “conventional” fibers. The application of RS in cookie formulations can improve nutritional quality of cookies by increasing the fiber content and reducing the energy value. The present results demonstrated that both RS ingredients have good potential for developing fiber‐rich cookies and similar products.
Jaw Movement Patterns during Incisor Penetration on Different Textural Foods
Authors: Xu Xianzhong , Liu Daquan , Liu Wenwen , Shi Li
Published: October 2012

Curves of three biting variables, i.e., force, teeth opening and penetration rate, against time during first bite with different foods (apple, cheese, carrot, hula hoops and biscuits) and different sample thickness (5, 10 and 20 mm) have been examined. The characteristic times and distances of incisor penetration during three stages (loading, unloading and accelerating) were investigated. Results show that the food type and sample size have significant effect on the jaw movement pattern. The mean characteristic time and distance of soft foods were longer than those of hard foods during the unloading process, but there were no obvious difference during the other two stages. For the same food, all mean characteristic parameters (except the accelerating times for apple) increase as the thickness of the sample increases. The analyses on the relationships between the different characteristic parameters and the variations of the incisor penetration rate during first bite are also presented.

Practical Applications

As an important quality attribute, texture strongly dominates food acceptability and people's choice. Understanding the mechanisms of texture perception is therefore a basic task in food science and technology. Food texture is a sensory property being perceived by human senses and influenced by the manner of food reduction in the mouth. Biting variables during first bite contain important information about the interactions between the human body and the food. The present work shows that the teeth's closing movement can be precisely managed by the central nervous system based on the mechanical properties and sample size of foods. The mechanical information used to discriminate the food types during the sensory evaluation should mainly come from the early loading stage. Some results obtained in this study may have great potential for use in the study and application of food texture science.
Vitamin D supplementation is associated with higher serum 25OHD in Asian and White infants living in Vancouver, Canada
Authors: Green Tim J. , Li Wangyang , Barr Susan I. , Jahani Mitra , Chapman Gwen E.
Published: October 2012

To prevent rickets, the Health Canada and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that breastfed infants receive a daily vitamin D supplement of 10 μg d−1. Compliance with this recommendation is variable and its effect on infant vitamin D status is unclear. We measured serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) in Asian immigrant (n = 28) and White (n = 37) mothers and their infants aged 2–4 months living in Vancouver (49°N). Mothers completed health and demographic questionnaires. All subjects were term infants who were primarily breastfed. Analysis of variance, χ2, multiple regression and logistic regression analysis were performed as appropriate. Mean 25OHD of the infants was 31 (95% confidence interval 28–34) ng mL−1. Only two infants had a 25OHD concentration indicative of deficiency, <10 ng mL−1. Of the infants, 14% (n = 9) and 49% (n = 32) were vitamin D insufficient based on two commonly used cut‐offs of 20 and 30 ng mL−1, respectively. Fifty‐eight (89%) infants had been given a vitamin D supplement. Mean 25OHD was 9.4 ng mL−1 higher in infants consuming ≥10 μg d−1 of vitamin D from supplements vs. those consuming less (P = 0.003). Mother's 25OHD, season, skin colour or ethnicity (Asian vs. White) did not influence infant 25OHD. The infants in our study, most of whom received vitamin D supplements, were generally protected against low 25OHD. The study was limited by sample size and the nature of the cross‐sectional study design.
Perturbation of sphingolipid metabolism induces endoplasmic reticulum stress‐mediated mitochondrial apoptosis in budding yeast
Authors: Kajiwara Kentaro , Muneoka Tetsuya , Watanabe Yu , Karashima Takefumi , Kitagaki Hiroshi , Funato Kouichi
Published: October 2012

Sphingolipids are a class of membrane lipids conserved from yeast to mammals which determine whether a cell dies or survives. Perturbations in sphingolipid metabolism cause apoptotic cell death. Recent studies indicate that reduced sphingolipid levels trigger the cell death, but little is known about the mechanisms. In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we show that reduction in complex sphingolipid levels causes loss of viability, most likely due to the induction of mitochondria‐dependent apoptotic cell death pathway, accompanied by changes in mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum morphology and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Elevated cytosolic free calcium is required for the loss of viability. These results indicate that complex sphingolipids are essential for maintaining endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis and suggest that perturbation in complex sphingolipid levels activates an endoplasmic reticulum stress‐mediated and calcium‐dependent pathway to propagate apoptotic signals to the mitochondria.
Three redundant murein endopeptidases catalyse an essential cleavage step in peptidoglycan synthesis of Escherichia coliK12
Authors: Singh Santosh Kumar , SaiSree L. , Amrutha Ravi N. , Reddy Manjula
Published: October 2012

Bacterial peptidoglycan (PG or murein) is a single, large, covalently cross‐linked macromolecule and forms a mesh‐like sacculus that completely encases the cytoplasmic membrane. Hence, growth of a bacterial cell is intimately coupled to expansion of murein sacculus and requires cleavage of pre‐existing cross‐links for incorporation of new murein material. Although, conceptualized nearly five decades ago, the mechanism of such essential murein cleavage activity has not been studied so far. Here, we identify three new murein hydrolytic enzymes in Escherichia coli, two (Spr and YdhO) belonging to the NlpC/P60 peptidase superfamily and the third (YebA) to the lysostaphin family of proteins that cleave peptide cross‐bridges between glycan chains. We show that these hydrolases are redundantly essential for bacterial growth and viability as a conditional mutant lacking all the three enzymes is unable to incorporate new murein and undergoes rapid lysis upon shift to restrictive conditions. Our results indicate the step of cross‐link cleavage as essential for enlargement of the murein sacculus, rendering it a novel target for development of antibacterial therapeutic agents.
A novel iron‐ and copper‐binding protein in the Lyme disease spirochaete
Authors: Wang Peng , Lutton Anthony , Olesik John , Vali Hojatollah , Li Xin
Published: October 2012

Iron and copper are transition metals that can be toxic to cells due to their abilities to react with peroxide to generate hydroxyl radical. Ferritins and metallothioneins are known to sequester intracellular iron and copper respectively. The Lyme disease pathogen Borrelia burgdorferi does not require iron, but its genome encodes a ferritin‐like Dps (DNA‐binding protein from starved bacteria) molecule, which has been shown to be important for the spirochaete's persistence in the tick and subsequent transmission to a new host. Here, we show that the carboxyl‐terminal cysteine‐rich (CCR) domain of this protein functions as a copper‐binding metallothionein. This novel fusion between Dps and metallothionein is unique to and conserved in all Borrelia species. We term this molecule BicA for Borrelia iron‐ and copper‐binding protein A. An isogenic mutant lacking BicA had significantly reduced levels of iron and copper and was more sensitive to iron and copper toxicity than its parental strain. Supplementation of the medium with iron or copper rendered the spirochaete more susceptible to peroxide killing. These data suggest that an important function of BicA is to detoxify excess iron and copper the spirochaete may encounter during its natural life cycle through a tick vector and a vertebrate host.
Mechanisms of gastric and supragastric belching: a study using concurrent high‐resolution manometry and impedance monitoring
Authors: Kessing B. F. , Bredenoord A. J. , Smout A. J. P. M.
Published: October 2012

Background  Esophageal impedance monitoring has made it possible to distinguish two types of belches, designated gastric and supragastric. We aimed to compare the esophageal pressure characteristics during supragastric belches and gastric belches using combined high‐resolution manometry and impedance monitoring.

Methods  We included 10 patients with severe and frequent belching. Combined high‐resolution manometry and impedance monitoring was performed.

Key Results  Whereas gastric belching was relatively rare in all patients (median incidence 2 per 90‐min period), nine of the 10 patients exhibited excessive supragastric belching (36 in 90 min). Supragastric belches were characterized by: (i) movement of the diaphragm in aboral direction and increased esophagogastric junction (EGJ) pressure, (ii) decrease in esophageal pressure, (iii) upper esophageal sphincter (UES) relaxation, (iv) antegrade airflow into the esophagus, and (v) increase in esophageal and gastric pressure leading to expulsion of air out of the esophagus in retrograde direction. In contrast, gastric belches were characterized by: (i) decreased or unchanged EGJ pressure, which was significantly lower than during supragastric belches, (ii) absence of decreased esophageal pressure preceding entrance of air into the esophagus (iii) retrograde airflow into the esophagus, (iv) common cavity phenomenon, and (v) upper esophageal sphincter relaxation after the onset of the retrograde airflow.

Conclusions & Inferences  In gastric belching UES relaxation is a late event, allowing efflux of air that entered the esophagus from the stomach. In most patients with supragastric belching air is brought into the esophagus by movement of the diaphragm in aboral direction, creation of negative esophageal pressure, and UES relaxation.
Gastrointestinal hypomotility with loss of enteric nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: active immunization model in mice
Authors: Meeusen J. W. , Haselkorn K. E. , Fryer J. P. , Kryzer T. J. , Gibbons S. J. , Xiao Y. , Lennon V. A.
Published: October 2012

Background  Autoimmune gastrointestinal dysmotility (AGID) is a limited form of dysautonomia. The only proven effector to date is IgG specific for ganglionic nicotinic‐acetylcholine receptors containing α3 subunits [α3*‐ nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR)]. Rabbits immunized with recombinant α3‐polypeptide produce α3*‐nAChR autoantibodies, and profound AGID ensues. Human and rabbit α3*‐nAChR‐specific‐IgGs induce transient hypomotility when injected into mice. Here, we describe success and problems encountered inducing gastrointestinal hypomotility in mice by active immunization.

Methods  We repeatedly injected young adult mice of seven different strains susceptible to autoimmunity (spontaneous diabetes or neural antigen immunization‐induced myasthenia gravis or encephalomyelitis) with: (i) α3‐polypeptide, intradermally or (ii) live α3*‐nAChR‐expressing xenogeneic cells, intraperitoneally. We measured serum α3*‐nAChR‐IgG twice monthly, and terminally assessed blue dye gastrointestinal transit, total small intestinal α3*‐nAChR content (radiochemically) and myenteric plexus neuron numbers (immunohistochemically, ileal–jejunal whole‐mount preparations).

Key Results  Standard cutaneous inoculation with α3‐polypeptide was minimally immunogenic, regardless of dose. Intraperitoneally injected live cells were potently immunogenic. Self‐reactive α3*‐nAChR‐IgG was induced only by rodent immunogen; small intestinal transit slowing and enteric α3*‐nAChR loss required high serum levels. Ganglionic neurons were not lost.

Conclusions & Inferences  Autoimmune gastrointestinal dysmotility is inducible in mice by active immunization. Accompanying enteric α3*‐nAChR reduction without neuronal death is consistent with an IgG‐mediated rather than T cell‐mediated pathogenesis, as is improvement of symptoms in patients receiving antibody‐depleting therapies.
Comparison of low‐dose ketamine to midazolam for sedation during pediatric urodynamic study
Authors: Thevaraja Arun K. , Batra Yatindra Kumar , Rakesh Sondekoppam V. , Panda Nidhi B. , Rao Katragadda L.N. , Chhabra Monica , Aggarwal Mayank
Published: October 2012

Introduction

Aim of sedation during pediatric urodynamic studies (UDS) is a calm and cooperative child while not affecting measurements. We compared the effectiveness of midazolam to low‐dose ketamine infusion for sedation and their impact on urodynamics.

Materials and methods

ASA‐I children undergoing UDS were randomly assigned to group K (ketamine) loading dose (0.25 mg·kg−1) followed by infusion of 10–20 μg·kg−1·min−1 or group M (midazolam) loading dose of (0.02 mg·kg−1) followed by 1–2 μg·kg−1·min−1. The sedation scores and reactivity to catheterization were monitored by Children Hospital of Wisconsin Sedation Scale and Frankl Behavior Rating Scale, respectively. The UDS included two‐channel filling cystometry in supine position followed by a free uroflowmetry in sitting position. The UDS was performed and interpreted in accordance with good urodynamic practice guidelines of International Continence Society (2002).

Results

A total of 34 children were enrolled. Group K children (n = 17) attained sedation earlier 6.80 (±3.36) min vs. 9.40 (±2.82) min; (P = 0.03) than group M (n = 17) and also recovered earlier 11.60 (±3.13) min vs. 19.67 (±5.49) min (P = 0.01). Reactivity scores during urinary and rectal catheterization were lower in group K (P = 0.03 and 0.01), respectively. Historical UDS data of 21 participants were available for comparison with effect of medication. None of the study drugs affected UDS parameters significantly.

Conclusions

Midazolam or low‐dose ketamine provide satisfactory sedation during pediatric UDS without impacting urodynamic values.
Ethnicity and parental report of postoperative behavioral changes in children
Authors: Fortier Michelle A. , Tan Edwin T. , Mayes Linda C. , Wahi Aditi , Rosenbaum Abraham , Strom Suzanne , Santistevan Ricci , Kain Zeev N.
Published: October 2012

Objectives

To examine the role of ethnicity and language in parent report of children's postoperative behavioral recovery.

Aim

To compare incidence of new onset negative behavior change in English‐ and Spanish‐speaking White and Hispanic children following outpatient surgery.

Background

Postoperative behavioral change in children is common; however, it is unknown whether cultural variables including ethnicity and language may influence parent report of children's behavioral recovery.

Methods/Materials

Participants included 288 parents (English‐speaking White, English‐speaking Hispanic, Spanish‐speaking Hispanic parents) of children undergoing outpatient elective surgery. Parents completed the post‐hospitalization behavior questionnaire (PHBQ) and parents' postoperative pain measure (PPPM) on postoperative days one, three, and seven at home.

Results

Most parents (83%) reported onset of new negative behavioral change in children postoperatively. Generalized estimating equations revealed significant group differences in overall behavior change [Wald χ2(12) = 375.69, P < 0.0001] after controlling for demographic and socioeconomic differences. At all three postoperative days, Spanish‐speaking Hispanic (SSH) parents reported lower negative behavioral changes in their children compared to English‐speaking White (ESW) parents (day 1: P < 0.01; day 3: P < 0.001; day 7: P < 0.10). On postoperative days one and three, SSH parents also reported lower total PHBQ scores than English‐speaking Hispanic (ESH) parents [day 1: χ2(1) = 6.72, P = 0.01; day 3: χ2(1) = 7.98, P = 0.005].

Conclusion

The present study provides evidence that parent report of children's postoperative behavioral recovery may be influenced by cultural variables, such as ethnicity and language. The present results contribute to a growing body of evidence that highlights the need for culturally sensitive assessment and care of families in the medical setting. The findings may reflect differences in cultural values such as stoicism; however, future studies would benefit from examination of the factors that may account for the differences in reported behavior change after surgery (i.e., report bias, cultural values).
Meningococcemia and heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia: a dangerous combination
Authors: Mozzo Elena , Vidal Enrico , Pettenazzo Andrea , Amigoni Angela
Published: October 2012

We present a dramatic case of a patient presenting with disseminated intravascular coagulation related to meningococcal sepsis who developed heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia following heparin administration during continuous renal replacement therapy. Association of these two prothrombotic conditions led to severe limbs ischemia and finally to bilateral legs amputation. We stress the importance of suspect heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia in intensive care unit patients, especially when an improvement of other coagulation parameters is observed, and heparin therapy was started.
Laws of Nature Don't Have Ceteris Paribus Clauses, They Are Ceteris Paribus Clauses
Authors: Dumsday Travis
Published: October 2012

Laws of nature are properly (if controversially) conceived as abstract entities playing a governing role in the physical universe. Dispositionalists typically hold that laws of nature are not real, or at least are not fundamental, and that regularities in the physical universe are grounded in the causal powers of objects. By contrast, I argue that dispositionalism implies nomic realism: since at least some dispositions have ceteris paribus clauses incorporating uninstantiated universals, and these ceteris paribus clauses help to determine their dispositions' ranges of manifestation, there are indeed abstracta which play a governing role in the physical universe. After addressing several objections (including the objection that such ‘laws’ lack sufficient independence/externality from the dispositions to count as genuinely governing), I go on to consider some broader implications of this conclusion for other debates in metaphysics and the philosophy of science.
Singular polynomials from orbit spaces
Authors: Feigin Misha , Silantyev Alexey
Published: October 2012

We consider the polynomial representation S(V*) of the rational Cherednik algebra Hc(W) associated to a finite Coxeter group W at constant parameter c. We show that for any degree d of W and m∈ℕ the space S(V*) contains a single copy of the reflection representation V of W spanned by the homogeneous singular polynomials of degree d−1+hm, where h is the Coxeter number of W; these polynomials generate an Hc (W) submodule with the parameter c=(d−1)/h+m. We express these singular polynomials through the Saito polynomials which are flat coordinates of the Saito metric on the orbit space V/W. We also show that this exhausts all the singular polynomials in the isotypic component of the reflection representation V for any constant parameter c.
Index theorems on manifolds with straight ends
Authors: Ballmann Werner , Brüning Jochen , Carron Gilles
Published: October 2012

We study Fredholm properties and index formulas for Dirac operators over complete Riemannian manifolds with straight ends. An important class of examples of such manifolds are complete Riemannian manifolds with pinched negative sectional curvature and finite volume.
Automation of the Harvard Apparatus Pulsatile Blood Pump
Authors: Taylor Charles E. , Dziczkowski Zachary W. , Miller Gerald E.
Published: October 2012

Producing accurate physiological circulatory conditions in vitro is integral to the evaluation of cardiac assist technologies. The ability to simulate cardiac function, normal or pathological, is dependent on the capabilities of the pump deployed for this purpose. Presented is a reference standard for this in vitro analysis, with automation features targeted for robust bench-top testing. Cardiac performance is typically described in terms of stroke volume, heart rate, and percent systole. Respectively, these three settings prescribe the volume of fluid ejected, the rate of pumping, and the percentage of the pumping cycle spent in ejection. A pump that provides settings for each of these parameters and precise repeatability allows for accurate construction of simulation conditions. These capabilities are present in the commercially available Harvard Apparatus 1423 pulsatile blood pump. Modifications have been made to this particular model that allow for the automation of its function and real-time performance determination. Discussed in this publication is the design and performance of a modified 1423 pump that employs universal serial bus (USB) communication in the control of its stroke volume, heart rate, and percent systole. The percent systole is denoted as the phase ratio on the hardware. Utilization of an embedded microcontroller (MCU) allows for not only the digital communication via a computer terminal, but process control of the subsystems maintaining each parameter. Care was taken to preserve the mechanical design employed by Harvard Apparatus; the modifications were not invasive to the mechanical driveline of the pump. Electromechanical design characterization was performed in Simulink® using the following Simscape™ block sets: Simscape™ Foundation Library, SimElectronics®, and SimMechanics™. This provided an accurate model of the systems during the design process, which assisted in the deployment of the process controllers with minimal prototype construction. Communication with the MCU is achieved with American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) commands delivered through a LabVIEW VI interface. Continuous readbacks on fill/ejection rate, pump rate (HR), percent systole (PS), and stroke volume (SV) are possible with these modifications. The deployed upgrade allows for complete automation of the Harvard Apparatus 1423 pulsatile blood pump, with the capability to run sequences of conditions without the need for manual intervention.
Herpes Simplex Virus γ34.5 Interferes with Autophagosome Maturation and Antigen Presentation in Dendritic Cells
Authors: Gobeil Philipe A. M. , Leib David A.
Published: October 2012

The cellular autophagy response induced by herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is countered by the viral γ34.5 protein. γ34.5 modulates autophagy by binding to the host autophagy protein Beclin-1 and through this binding inhibits the formation of autophagosomes in fibroblasts and neurons. In contrast, in this study dendritic cells (DCs) infected with HSV-1 showed an accumulation of autophagosomes and of the long-lived protein p62. No such accumulations were observed in DCs infected with a γ34.5-null virus or a virus lacking the Beclin-binding domain (BBD) of γ34.5. To explore this further, we established stably transduced DC lines to show that γ34.5 expression alone induced autophagosome accumulation yet prevented p62 degradation. In contrast, DCs expressing a BBD-deleted mutant of γ34.5 were unable to modulate autophagy. DCs expressing γ34.5 were less capable of stimulating T-cell activation and proliferation in response to intracellular antigens, demonstrating an immunological consequence of inhibiting autophagy. Taken together, these data show that in DCs, γ34.5 antagonizes the maturation of autophagosomes and T cell activation in a BBD-dependent manner, illustrating a unique interface between HSV and autophagy in antigen-presenting cells.

IMPORTANCEHerpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is a highly prevalent pathogen causing widespread morbidity and some mortality. HSV infections are lifelong, and there are no vaccines or antivirals to cure HSV infections. The ability of HSV to modulate host immunity is critical for its virulence. HSV inhibits host autophagy, a pathway with importance in many areas of health and disease. Autophagy is triggered by many microbes, some of which harness autophagy for replication; others evade autophagy or prevent it from occurring. Autophagy is critical for host defense, either by directly degrading the invading pathogen (“xenophagy”) or by facilitating antigen presentation to T cells. In this study, we show that HSV manipulates autophagy through an unsuspected mechanism with a functional consequence of reducing T cell stimulation. These data further our understanding of how HSV evades host immunity to persist for the lifetime of its host, facilitating its spread in the human population.
Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation presenting as a large aneurysm
Authors: Kamath S Ganesh , Vivek G , Borkar Shirish , Ramachandran Padmakumar
Published: October 2012

We report the case of a 49-year-old woman who presented with breathlessness on exertion and iron deficiency anaemia. Evaluation revealed a large mass in the right lung which on further investigation was determined to be a pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) with a large aneurysmal sac. The patient subsequently underwent a lobectomy with an uneventful recovery. The pathophysiology of PAVM and its varied presentations are also discussed.
Genotyping SSR length variants by isothermal DNA amplification
Authors: Lee David , Ialicicco Manuela , Akkinepalli Harika , Morreale Giacomo , Liu Yan , Leung Hei , Scippa Gabriella S. , Greenland Andy , Mackay Ian
Published: October 2012

Loop-mediated isothermal DNA amplification (LAMP) is an alternative method for the amplification of DNA sequences. It has been applied primarily for the detection of specific targets. We demonstrate the novel use of LAMP to amplify SSR alleles in a set of rice varieties and show the results to be consistent with analysis performed by PCR. Furthermore, we test the sensitivity of the assay and show it to amplify from near single copy target.
SYMMETRIC GROUND STATES FOR A STATIONARY RELATIVISTIC MEAN-FIELD MODEL FOR NUCLEONS IN THE NON-RELATIVISTIC LIMIT
Authors: ESTEBAN MARIA J. , ROTA NODARI SIMONA
Published: October 2012

In this paper, we consider a model for a nucleon interacting with the ω and σ mesons in the atomic nucleus. The model is relativistic, but we study it in the nuclear physics non-relativistic limit, which is of a very different nature from the one of the atomic physics. Ground states with a given angular momentum are shown to exist for a large class of values for the coupling constants and the mesons' masses. Moreover, we show that, for a good choice of parameters, the very striking shapes of mesonic densities inside and outside the nucleus are well described by the solutions of our model.