bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pedogenic processes of placic and spodic horizons in subtropical subalpine forest soils with contrasting textures
Authors: Jien S. H. , Pai C. W. , Iizuka Y. , Chiu C. Y.
Published: May 2013

Placic (Bsm) and spodic (Bhs) horizons are common in subalpine or alpine forest soils in Taiwan. Bsm horizons are found more usually in finer textured soils than those with Bhs horizons. To understand the different formation processes in Bsm and Bhs horizons in a humid subtropical ecosystem, we identified micro‐morphological features by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and electron probe micro‐analysis (EPMA), and determined the physiochemical properties by chemical extractions and clay mineralogy. The study included four pedons with well‐developed Bsm horizons from our previous study and four with well‐developed Bhs horizons at other sites. Both sites were in subtropical mountain forests with similar climate, topography and general geology but over regoliths with distinctly different textures. Micro‐morphology revealed a vughy (small cavities lined with in‐washed materials) microstructure in Bsm horizons but a granular structure with bridge microstructures between coarse grains in Bhs horizons. Chemical analysis revealed more free pedogenic iron (Fed) and aluminium (Ald) in Bsm than in Bhs horizons, but more organically complexed Al (Alp) in Bhs horizons. Energy dispersive spectrometry revealed predominant Fe, oxygen (O) and carbon (C) in the matrix of the Bsm horizons, whereas Al, silicon (Si) and C were the major elements of interstitial materials in Bhs horizons. Polarizing microscopy and EPMA spectra confirmed the illuvial nature of organic Al complexes in Bhs horizons. The transformation of clay minerals showed more intense podzolization in Bhs horizons than in Bsm horizons. The different formation mechanisms in Bsm and Bhs horizons result from contrasting texture; redox processes are predominant in Bsm horizons because of the clayey texture whereas podzolization is predominant in sandy Bhs horizons.
Job Satisfaction and Wages of Family Employees
Authors: Block Joern H. , Millán José María , Román Concepción , Zhou Haibo
Published: May 2013

Although they represent a sizable occupational group, little is known about family employees. Using utility theory and the theory of compensating wage differentials, we hypothesize that family employees have higher levels of job satisfaction and lower wages relative to regular employees. We present several regressions based on a large cross–country panel data set that support our hypotheses, and we discuss our study's implications for research on family businesses and the labor market.
Motives and Outcomes in Family Business Succession Planning
Authors: Gilding Michael , Gregory Sheree , Cosson Barbara
Published: May 2013

The family business succession planning literature routinely assumes two main motives on the part of incumbents: family business continuity across generations and family harmony. The cross–tabulation of these motives produces a typology consisting of four distinct combinations of motives for succession planning. In turn, these combinations suggest four outcomes of succession planning, framed as institutionalization, implosion, imposition, and individualization. The first two outcomes—institutionalization and implosion—are fully elucidated in the literature. The other two—imposition and individualization—are routinely overlooked. The proposed typology highlights the repertoire of motives that inform succession planning, and how they promote distinct succession outcomes.
An Investigation of Marketing Capabilities and Social Enterprise Performance in the UK and Japan
Authors: Liu Gordon , Eng Teck–Yong , Takeda Sachiko
Published: May 2013

The purpose of this article is to extend the existing research on the relationship between eight different types of marketing capability and social enterprise performance. More specifically, we examine third–sector organizations that have transformed their traditional business model to become more business–like social enterprises and how these marketing capabilities influence the success of this transformation in both the UK and Japan. We identify, among other things, that not all marketing capabilities are positively associated with social enterprise performance. These findings challenge the conventional wisdom that market–driven organizations must develop all types of marketing capability. We suggest that social entrepreneurs should develop their marketing capabilities selectively according to their specific performance objectives.
Model‐to‐model and model‐to‐text: looking for the automation of VigilAgent
Authors: Gascueña José Manuel , Navarro Elena , Fernández‐Caballero Antonio , Martínez‐Tomás Rafael
Published: May 2013

VigilAgent is a methodology for the development of agent‐oriented monitoring applications that uses agents as the key abstraction elements of the involved models. It has not been developed from scratch, but it reuses fragments from Prometheus and INGENIAS methodologies for modelling tasks and the ICARO framework for implementation purposes. As VigilAgent intends to automate as much as possible the development process, it exploits.

Model transformation techniques are one of the key aspects of the model‐driven development approach. A model‐to‐model transformation is used to facilitate the interoperability between Prometheus and INGENIAS methodologies. Also, a model‐to‐text transformation is performed to generate ICARO code from the INGENIAS model. A case study based on access control is used to illustrate the fundamentals of the model‐to‐model and model‐to‐text transformations implemented in VigilAgent.
Probabilistic sensitivity analysis of dwell‐fatigue crack initiation life for a two‐grain microstructural model
Authors: Sparkman D. M. , Millwater H. R. , Ghosh S.
Published: May 2013

Crack initiation in Ti‐6242 has been observed to occur in a grain with a hard orientation for basal slip neighbouring a grain with a soft orientation. Because there is significant variability in microstructural features and crack initiation life, it is useful to explore the effects of the variability of the microstructural components through a probabilistic sensitivity analysis. In this paper, a probabilistic crystal plasticity finite element model of a hard−soft grain combination (2 grains) was exercised considering the Schmid factor of the soft grain, the misorientation angle between the two grains, and the soft grain size as random variables. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis of the time‐to‐crack initiation was then employed in order to ascertain the relative importance of the random variables. The results indicate that the variance in the Schmid factor accounts for the majority of the variance in the time‐to‐crack initiation. A local sensitivity analysis found that larger Schmid factors result in smaller mean life and larger variance. The neighbouring soft grain size was found to be less important than the Schmid factor and misorientation angle.
Ultraviolet‐B‐driven pigmentation and genetic diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates from high‐altitude Andean streams
Authors: Loayza‐Muro Raúl A. , Marticorena‐Ruíz Jenny K. , Palomino Edwin J. , Merritt Camille , Breeuwer Johannes A. J. , Kuperus Peter , Kraak Michiel H. S. , Admiraal Wim
Published: May 2013

Photoprotective pigments in benthic macroinvertebrates may reduce the damage caused by the blistering UV‐B radiation in Andean high‐altitude streams above 3500 m. The aim of this study was therefore to determine whether melanisation in macroinvertebrates inhabiting high‐altitude Andean streams is an adaptive response to high UV‐B radiation. To explore whether altitude‐related differences in melanin concentration between taxa were due to a variable community composition or due to population differentiation, mayfly species were identified genetically.

We measured UV‐B radiation from 650 to 4000 m and compared body melanin concentrations from several benthic macroinvertebrate orders sampled at these altitudes. Five genera belonging to the mayfly family Baetidae were genetically identified to the species level. DNA sequencing was performed in individual larval legs to group genetically similar individuals before pigment analysis in the corresponding bodies.

The UV‐B radiation at 4000 m was twice that at 3200 m, four times that at 1900 m and five times that at 650 m. The melanin concentration in families belonging to Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera, Diptera and Turbellaria was twice as high at 4000 m as at 3200 m, but did not differ among taxa or between seasons. Five genera of the family Baetidae were identified: Americabaetis, Dactylobaetis, Tupiara, Baetodes and Thraulodes. Genetic differences were evident between Americabaetis sp. at 4000 m from the Cordillera Blanca and at 3200 m from the Rímac River valley, and between Tupiara taxa at 650 and 1900 m in the Rímac River. In Americabaetis, melanin increased fivefold from 1900 to 4000 m, while in Dactylobaetis and Tupiara, it was twice as high at 1900 m as at 650 m. In Baetodes, melanin at 4000 m was twice that at 650 and 1900 m, while in Thraulodes, it was almost three times higher at 4000 m than at 3200 m.

In Tupiara, the differences in melanin levels were probably associated with species with different vertical distribution, while in Dactylobaetis, these differences were interpreted as phenotypic plasticity. Our results thus indicate that mayfly species within a single family have both constitutive and adjustable melanin concentrations, enabling them to cope with the strong selective UV‐B environment. Adjustable melanin levels have commonly been observed under moderate UV‐B regimes, while the constitutive, high melanin concentration is probably an attribute of high‐altitude invertebrate fauna in the tropics.
Results from a large multinational clinical trial (guardian™1) using prophylactic treatment with turoctocog alfa in adolescent and adult patients with severe haemophilia A: safety and efficacy
Authors: Lentz S. R. , Misgav M. , Ozelo M. , Šalek S. Z. , Veljkovic D. , Recht M. , Cerqueira M. , Tiede A. , Brand B. , Mancuso M. E. , Seremetis S. , Lindblom A. , Martinowitz U.
Published: May 2013

Recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) products provide a safe and efficacious replacement therapy for prophylaxis and treatment of bleeding episodes in patients with severe haemophilia A. This multinational, open‐label, non‐controlled trial investigated the safety and efficacy of turoctocog alfa, a new rFVIII product. The primary objective was to evaluate safety. A total of 150 patients (24 adolescents and 126 adults) with severe haemophilia A (FVIII activity ≤1%), with at least 150 exposure days (EDs) to any FVIII product and no history of inhibitors were enrolled, and 146 patients (97%) completed the trial. All patients received prophylaxis with turoctocog alfa for approximately 6 months and had a mean of 85 EDs during the trial. None of the patients developed FVIII inhibitors, there were no indications of early FVIII inhibitor development and no safety concerns were identified. A total of 225 adverse events were reported in 100 (67%) patients, with the most common being events associated with dosing procedures, headaches, and nasopharyngitis. A total of 499 bleeding episodes were reported during the trial, the majority (89%) were controlled with 1–2 infusions of turoctocog alfa. Based on patient reports, the success rate (defined as ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ haemostatic response) for treatment of bleeding episodes was 81%. The overall median annualized bleeding rate was 3.7 (interquartile range: 8.7) bleeds/patient/year. In conclusion, turoctocog alfa provides a new, safe and effective alternative for prophylaxis and treatment of bleeding episodes in patients with haemophilia A.
Phyllodes tumours of the breast: the role of CD34, vascular endothelial growth factor and β‐catenin in histological grading and clinical outcome
Authors: Ho Soo Keng , Thike Aye Aye , Cheok Poh Yian , Tse Gary M‐K , Tan Puay Hoon
Published: May 2013

Aims

The grading and prognostication of breast phyllodes tumours remain challenging, and the value of biological markers continues to be elusive. The aim of this study was to evaluate CD34, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and β‐catenin in a series of 185 breast phyllodes tumours comprising 120 benign, 48 borderline and 17 malignant lesions.

Methods and results

Immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays of phyllodes tumours was performed. CD34, VEGF and β‐catenin in stromal cells were expressed, respectively, in: 38.3%, 29.2% and 27.5% of benign phyllodes tumours; 33.3%, 58.3% and 54.2% of borderline phyllodes tumours; and 5.9%, 64.7% and 76.5% of malignant phyllodes tumours; these associations with histological grade were statistically significant. There was a statistically significant inverse association of CD34 stromal expression with adverse histological features, and a positive correlation of VEGF and cytoplasmic β‐catenin stromal staining with unfavourable microscopic parameters. At a median follow‐up duration of 42 months, 11 women suffered recurrences, with three succumbing from phyllodes tumour. Patients whose tumours expressed VEGF had poorer overall survival (P = 0.033), and there was a trend for worse overall survival in patients with tumour β‐catenin cytoplasmic expression.

Conclusions

CD34, VEGF and β‐catenin play biological roles in breast phyllodes tumours, and may provide insights into tumour progression, with differential expression accompanying higher grades.
A preliminary investigation of the impact of oily skin on quality of life and concordance of self‐perceived skin oiliness and skin surface lipids (sebum)
Authors: Wu Y. , Niu Y. , Zhong S. , Liu H. , Zhen Y. , Saint‐Leger D. , Verschoore M.
Published: May 2013

Synopsis

Objective

This preliminary study investigated both the impact of oily skin on quality of life (QoL) and the agreement between subjective oily skin self‐assessment and objective skin surface sebum measurement in young to middle‐aged Chinese women in Beijing.

Methods

A 18‐item Chinese version of the Oily Skin Self‐Image Questionnaire (OSSIQ) was used to assess the impact of oily skin on QoL in 300 healthy female subjects (age groups: 20–25; 26–30; 31–35,). The subjects were divided equally into the oily skin group and the non‐oily skin group based on their self‐perception of skin oiliness. The level of skin surface lipids (SSL) was measured on the middle of the forehead, and both cheeks using the Sebumeter®. In order to assess the agreement between self‐perceived skin oiliness and measured SSL, we tentatively used the SSL median value as a dividing point to regroup all subjects.

Results

The results indicate that the Chinese version of the OSSIQ distinguished the oily skin group from the non‐oily skin group. Subjects in the oily skin group had significant higher emotional status score and behavior score when compared with subjects in the non‐oily skin group. Subjects in the oily skin group had higher SSL when compared with subjects in the non‐oily skin group, especially in younger age groups. The agreement between self‐perceived skin oiliness and measured SSL was moderately strong in younger age groups, and declined with age.

Conclusion

These results strongly suggest that having oily skin can cause a significant negative impact on QoL among Chinese women. The Chinese version of the OSSIQ is a reliable and valid tool for assessing the impact of oily skin on QoL. The accuracy of oily skin self‐assessment declines with age.
Relationships between oral infections and blood glucose concentrations or HbA1c levels in normal and diabetic rats
Authors: Cintra L. T. A. , Samuel R. O. , Facundo A. C. S. , Prieto A. K. C. , Sumida D. H. , Bomfim S. R. M. , Souza J. C. , Dezan‐Júnior E. , Gomes‐Filho J. E.
Published: May 2013

Aim

To measure glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in a diabetic model as a means of investigating apical periodontitis and periodontal disease for their effects on both blood glucose concentrations and long‐term glycaemic control.

Methodology

Wistar rats (n = 80) were assigned to one of eight groups (10 animals/group): control (G1), apical periodontitis (G2), periodontal disease (G3), apical periodontitis and periodontal disease (G4), diabetic (G5), diabetic with apical periodontitis (G6), diabetic with periodontal disease (G7) and diabetic with apical periodontitis and periodontal disease (G8). A diabetic state was induced with streptozotocin. Apical periodontitis was induced by dental exposure to the oral environment. Periodontal disease was induced by periodontal ligature. Blood glucose concentrations were measured at 0, 6, 30 and 60 days. After euthanization, rat maxillae were excised and processed for histopathology and for measurement of HbA1c levels by ion exchange chromatography. Data were tabulated and subject to statistical analysis (P < 0.05).

Results

The inflammatory infiltrate and alveolar bone resorption were more severe in diabetic rats (P < 0.05). Diabetic rats exhibited higher levels of HbA1c independent of apical periodontitis or periodontal disease (P < 0.05). However, the presence of oral infections in diabetic rats was associated with increased blood glucose concentrations (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Oral infections affect glycaemic conditions in diabetic rats and increase HbA1c levels in normoglycaemic or diabetic rats.
Salivary carriage of periodontal pathogens in generalized aggressive periodontitis families
Authors: Monteiro Mabelle Freitas , Casati Marcio Zaffalon , Taiete Tiago , Sallum Enilson Antonio , Nociti‐Jr Francisco Humberto , Ruiz Karina Gonzales , Casarin Renato Corrêa Viana
Published: May 2013

Background

Generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP) is a multifactorial disease that shows a specific microbial profile and a familial aggregation.

Aim

This study evaluated the salivary microbial profile of families with a history of GAP and compared them with healthy families.

Design

Fifteen families with parents presenting periodontal health and 15 with parents with a history of GAP were selected. Each family had a child aged 6–12 years. Stimulated saliva was collected from all subjects, and Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Tannerella forsythia (Tf), and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) amounts were determined.

Results

Children of GAP families showed higher detection of Aa (90%) than children of healthy families (45%) (P < 0.05). Parents with GAP showed a Pg salivary concentration statistically higher than that of healthy parents (P < 0.05).Children of GAP families, however, exhibited similar Pg concentration than healthy children (P > 0.05). Tf amounts did not differ either in parents or in children (P > 0.05) The infection risk calculation indicates that children who have one parent who is positive for Aa have 16.3 times (95% CI 3.1–87.2) more risk of being infected with Aa (P < 0.05) than children from an Aa‐negative family.

Conclusion

It may be concluded that children of parents with aggressive periodontitis have higher levels and higher risk of Aa infection.
Exploring social network interactions in enterprise systems: the role of virtual co‐presence
Authors: Subramaniam Niran , Nandhakumar Joe , Baptista (John) João
Published: May 2013

This paper investigates the impact of social media interactions on the use context of enterprise systems (ES) at a global telecommunications company based in Europe. We conducted a detailed field study of users in three countries who execute tasks collectively using social media capabilities within their ES. The findings provide rich insights into these social media interactions, their influence on ES users' sense of ‘presence’ and their impact on the completion of tasks. Our key research contribution is to introduce the idea of ‘virtual co‐presence’ as a means of understanding the digitally mediated presence of ES users. In addition, we demonstrate how virtual co‐presence and the relationships afforded by social media shape ES users' interactions and collective completion of tasks in a dispersed work context. Drawing on the insights gained from the effect of virtual co‐presence on ES users, the paper outlines some implications for the theory and practice of collective work in ES use.
Chromatophore radial muscle fibers anchor in flexible squid skin
Authors: Bell George R.R. , Kuzirian Alan M. , Senft Stephen L. , Mäthger Lydia M. , Wardill Trevor J. , Hanlon Roger T.
Published: May 2013

Cephalopod skin is soft, flexible, and produces rapid color changes for camouflage and signaling primarily by regulating the shapes of its numerous chromatophore organs. Each chromatophore has 10–30 radial muscle cells, termed fibers, under central nervous system control. Each fiber contains myofilaments that contract in concert to stretch the pigment‐containing cell from its punctate, spherical state to a fully expanded thin disk of color. Expansion occurs in less than one second and can result in a 14‐fold expansion in pigment cell diameter. We investigated the anchoring mechanism of radial muscle fibers that expand pigment cells in the longfin squid,Doryteuthis (Loligo) pealeii. The proximal Active Zone of a radial muscle fiber adheres to the pigment cell within an ensheathing sinus. The distal portion forms terminal arbors, thereby increasing the surface area, to adhere it to the dermal extracellular matrix (ECM). While the muscle fiber is attached to the pigment cell with haptosomes, the remainder of the fiber is adhered to the surrounding basal lamina (part of theECM) by numerous, closely spaced, small costamere‐like projections. Branching of the radial muscle fiber termini and the costamere‐like attachments are key anatomical specializations that anchor the radial muscle fibers in the pliable skin while allowing the freedom of movement required for large changes in pigment cell diameter. We postulate that these features may be relevant for the development of soft actuation models in materials science.
Host autophagic degradation and associated symbiont loss in response to heat stress in the symbiotic anemone, Aiptasia pallida
Authors: Hanes Shanna D. , Kempf Stephen C.
Published: May 2013

Coral bleaching involves the loss of essential photosynthetic dinoflagellates (Symbiodinium sp.) from host gastrodermal cells in response to temperature or light stress. Although numerous potential cellular bleaching mechanisms have been proposed, there remains much uncertainty regarding which cellular events occur during early breakdown of the host–dinoflagellate symbiosis. In this study, transmission electron microscopy was used to conduct a detailed examination of symbiotic tissues of the tropical anemone Aiptasia pallida during early stages of host stress. Bleaching was induced by exposing specimens to a stress treatment of 32.5±0.5°C at 140±7 μ mol photons m−2 s−1 light intensity for 12 h, followed by 12 h at 24±1°C in darkness, repeated over a 48 h period. Ultrastructural examinations revealed numerous dense autophagic structures and associated cellular degradation in tentacle tissues after ~12 h of the stress treatment. Anemones treated with rapamycin, a known autophagy inducer, exhibited the same ultrastructural characteristics as heat‐stressed tissues, confirming that the structures observed during heat stress treatment were autophagic. In addition, symbionts appeared to be expelled from host cells via an apocrine‐like detachment mechanism from the apical ends of autophagic gastrodermal cells. This study provides the first ultrastructural evidence of host autophagic degradation during thermal stress in a cnidarian system and also supports earlier suggestions that autophagy is an active cellular mechanism during early stages of bleaching.
Allocation concealment: a methodological review
Authors: Clark Laura , Schmidt Ulrike , Tharmanathan Puvan , Adamson Joy , Hewitt Catherine , Torgerson David
Published: May 2013

Rationale, aims and objectives

The accurate reporting of the trial methodology and results is essential for accurate judgement on the quality of the research. This review aims to assess the impact of the adequacy of allocation concealment on treatment effect estimates.

Methods

A search was performed in MEDLINE (via the Ovid platform) to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) indexed in January 2011 within its set of ‘core clinical journals’. Meta‐regression was undertaken on a subset of two arm trials to quantify the association between adequacy of allocation concealment and effect size.

Results

Adequate allocation concealment methods were used in 27% (n = 23) of included trials. There was insufficient information given in 68% (n = 58) of trials to make a judgement on allocation concealment. Meta‐regression showed that there was a trend, not statistically significant, towards a smaller effect size between adequacy of allocation concealment and effect sizes.

Conclusion

This review highlighted that research needs to be reported to a higher standard and there are many trials reporting poor methods of allocation concealment within the small sample of trials included in this review.
Experience over 12 years with home enteral nutrition in a healthcare area of Spain
Authors: De Luis D. A. , Izaola O. , Cuellar L.A. , Terroba M. C. , Cabezas G. , De La Fuente B.
Published: May 2013

Background

The wide spread use of long‐term enteral nutrition and the substantive costs dictate a need to study the outcome, as well as the clinical and epidemiological characteristics, of these patients. The present study aimed to analyse the incidence and characteristics of a cohort of patients on home enteral nutrition (HEN) over 12 years.

Materials and methods

A prospective observational study was performed between January 1999 and December 2010. All adult patients living in Valladolid West area who were discharged from the hospital on HEN were prospectively studied and followed up.

Results

The incidence of HEN ranged between 9.52 per 100 000 inhabitants in 2001 to 30.0 per 100 000 inhabitants in 2009. HEN was administered orally in 472 patients (68.28%) (group 1), and through a nasogastric tube in 168 patients (24.30%), a percutaneous enteral gastrostomy tube in 47 patients (6.80%) and a jejunostomy in four patients (0.60%) (group 2; 219 patients). During the course of HEN, 31 patients had diarrhoea (4.5%), 17 patients had constipation and 12 patients had nausea. The mean (SD) duration of HEN was 159.9 (97) days. In multivariable analysis, an independent factor associated with death was age (hazard ratio = 1.03; 95% confidence interval ‐ 1.01–1.05), adjusted by sex, route and diagnosis.

Conclusions

HEN has a high incidence in our area and it is a valid and safe technique for nutrition support.
Fruit and vegetables on prescription: a brief intervention in primary care
Authors: Buyuktuncer Z. , Kearney M. , Ryan C. L. , Thurston M. , Ellahi B.
Published: May 2013

Background

Increasing fruit and vegetable consumption is a goal for the UK. Therefore, the effectiveness of a fruit and vegetable voucher scheme coupled with key ‘five‐a‐day’ consumption messages as a brief intervention in primary care consultations was assessed in the present study.

Methods

One thousand one hundred and eighty‐eight vouchers as a prescription for fruits and vegetables were routinely distributed to patients attending a primary healthcare centre in a deprived area, and 124 volunteer patients routinely attending the centre were included. Telephone‐based questionnaires were used to examine changes in consumption over the short and medium term. Other key aspects assessed in the evaluation related to fruit and vegetable purchasing behaviour, knowledge relating to what constitutes a portion size, the relationship between food and health, and barriers to consumption.

Results

Although 76.2% of participants used the prescription vouchers when purchasing fruits and vegetables, a significant change in the consumption or purchasing behaviour was not observed (P > 0.05). Participants' level of knowledge relating to the number of portions recommended and the portion size of different fruits and vegetables showed a moderate increase from baseline over the short and medium term. The primary barriers to fruit and vegetable consumption were reported as ‘the quality of fresh fruits and vegetables’ and ‘the money available to spend on food’.

Conclusions

The use of ‘the fruit and vegetable on prescription’ scheme was an effective method of engaging participants in improving awareness of key diet‐related health messages. However, further intervention is required to produce a significant impact on the actual behaviour change.
Mortality from sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) in a cohort of adults with intellectual disability
Authors: Kiani R. , Tyrer F. , Jesu A. , Bhaumik S. , Gangavati S. , Walker G. , Kazmi S. , Barrett M.
Published: May 2013

Background

People with intellectual disability (ID) and epilepsy are more likely to die prematurely than the general population. A significant number of deaths in people with epilepsy may be potentially preventable through better seizure control, regular monitoring and raising awareness among patients and carers. The aim of this project was to study mortality from sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) in adults withID.

Methods

All adults (≥20 years old) living inLeicester city,Leicestershire andRutland,UK, withIDbetween 1993 and 2010 were identified using theLeicestershireIntellectualDisabilityRegister database. People with and withoutIDwho died during the same period were identified using death certificate data from theOffice forNationalStatistics (ONS). Deaths from probable and definiteSUDEPwere identified. Additional information on adults withIDwho had died from probable or definiteSUDEPwas obtained from case notes and post‐mortem reports, where available. Cases of probable and definiteSUDEPin adults withIDwere compared with the general population using standardised mortality ratios (SMRs).

Results

A total of 898 adults withIDhad died over the 18‐year study period. Of these, 244 deaths (27%) occurred in people withIDwho had a diagnosis of epilepsy. Twenty‐six people withIDdied from probable or definiteSUDEP, which was the second most common cause of death among adults with ID and epilepsy. All‐cause specificSMRs were 2.2 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.0–2.4] and 2.8 (95%CI: 2.5–3.1) for men and women withIDrespectively.SMRs were 3.2 (95%CI: 2.7–3.8) and 5.6 (95%CI: 4.6–6.7) for men and women with epilepsy andIDrespectively. During the same study period, 83 adults withoutIDhad died of probable or definiteSUDEP. TheSMRs forSUDEPin patients withIDwere 37.6 for men (95%CI: 21.9–60.2) and 52.0 for women (95%CI: 23.8–98.8). We found that in the majority ofIDcases there was little detailed documentation on the circumstances surrounding deaths, no communication with patients/carers about risk ofSUDEPand an absence of post‐mortem reports or carers’ referral for bereavement counselling.

Conclusion

The authors believe that a comprehensive risk management under a multiagency/multidisciplinary framework should be undertaken for all adults withIDand epilepsy in day‐to‐day clinical practice to reduce mortality in people withID.
An Attachment Primer for Couple Therapists: Research and Clinical Implications
Authors: Seedall Ryan B. , Wampler Karen S.
Published: May 2013

According to attachment theory, humans are relational beings and even a child's earliest experiences with caregivers have a profound effect on emotional development and an overall approach to relationships. With increasing regularity, couple therapy has utilized attachment language as a conceptual tool, but more work is needed to understand the full clinical implications of attachment theory. These include understanding the intergenerational nature of attachment and adapting the delivery, timing, and pace of interventions to client attachment strategies. In this article, we summarize the origins of attachment theory, its measurement, the role of attachment in couple relationships, attachment stability and change, and ways that attachment informs therapy process and intervention. We hope that this article will provide an impetus for couple therapists to expand their conceptualization and use of attachment in their clinical work and for couple researchers to conduct more clinically relevant, attachment‐oriented process research.
Minocycline reduces remyelination by suppressing ciliary neurotrophic factor expression after cuprizone‐induced demyelination
Authors: Tanaka Tatsuhide , Murakami Koichi , Bando Yoshio , Yoshida Shigetaka
Published: May 2013

Remyelination is disrupted in demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis, but the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms are unclear. In this study, we employed the murine cuprizone model of demyelination, in which remyelination occurs after removal of the toxin from the diet, to examine the cellular and molecular changes during demyelination and remyelination. Microglia accumulated in the corpus callosum during weeks 2–4 of the cuprizone diet, and these cells remained activated 2 weeks after the change to the normal diet. To examine the role of microglia in remyelination, mice were treated with minocycline to inactivate these cells after cuprizone‐induced demyelination. Minocycline treatment reduced the number of CC1‐positive oligodendrocytes, as well as levels of myelin basic protein (MBP) and CNPase in the remyelination phase. The expression of CNTF mRNA in the corpus callosum increased after 4 weeks on the cuprizone diet and remained high 2 weeks after the change to the normal diet. Minocycline suppressed CNTF expression during the remyelination phase on the normal diet. Primary culture experiments showed that CNTF was produced by microglia in addition to astrocytes. In vitro, CNTF directly affected the differentiation of oligodendrocytic cells. These findings suggest that minocycline reduces remyelination by suppressing CNTF expression by microglia after cuprizone‐induced demyelination.
Kallikrein 6 signals through PAR1 and PAR2 to promote neuron injury and exacerbate glutamate neurotoxicity
Authors: Yoon Hyesook , Radulovic Maja , Wu Jianmin , Blaber Sachiko I. , Blaber Michael , Fehlings Michael G. , Scarisbrick Isobel A.
Published: May 2013

CNS trauma generates a proteolytic imbalance contributing to secondary injury, including axonopathy and neuron degeneration. Kallikrein 6 (Klk6) is a serine protease implicated in neurodegeneration, and here we investigate the role of protease‐activated receptors 1 (PAR1) and PAR2 in mediating these effects. First, we demonstrate Klk6 and the prototypical activator of PAR1, thrombin, as well as PAR1 and PAR2, are each elevated in murine experimental traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) at acute or subacute time points. Recombinant Klk6 triggered extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK1/2) signaling in cerebellar granule neurons and in the NSC34 spinal cord motoneuron cell line, in a phosphoinositide 3‐kinase and MEK‐dependent fashion. Importantly, lipopeptide inhibitors of PAR1 or PAR2, and PAR1 genetic deletion, each reduced Klk6‐ERK1/2 activation. In addition, Klk6 and thrombin promoted degeneration of cerebellar neurons and exacerbated glutamate neurotoxicity. Moreover, genetic deletion of PAR1 blocked thrombin‐mediated cerebellar neurotoxicity and reduced the neurotoxic effects of Klk6. Klk6 also increased glutamate‐mediated Bim signaling, poly‐ADP‐ribose polymerase cleavage and lactate dehydrogenase release in NSC34 motoneurons and these effects were blocked by PAR1 and PAR2 lipopeptide inhibitors. Taken together, these data point to a novel Klk6‐signaling axis in CNS neurons that is mediated by PAR1 and PAR2 and is positioned to contribute to neurodegeneration.

image

Here, we show kallikrein 6 (Klk6) and thrombin contribute to the proteolytic imbalance that occurs in CNS injury. Activation of the G‐protein coupled receptor PAR1 was sufficient to mediate the neurotoxic effects of thrombin while KLK6 neurotoxicity involved activation of PAR1 and PAR2. In addition, both proteases exacerbated glutamate neurotoxicity. These data suggest Klk6, thrombin and PARs each represent new targets for the development of neuroprotective therapies.
Adaptations of the aging animal to exercise: role of daily supplementation with melatonin
Authors: Mendes Caroline , Lopes Ana Maria de Souza , do Amaral Fernanda Gaspar , Peliciari‐Garcia Rodrigo A. , Turati Ariane de Oliveira , Hirabara Sandro M. , Scialfa Falcão Julieta H. , Cipolla‐Neto José
Published: May 2013

The pineal gland, through melatonin, seems to be of fundamental importance in determining the metabolic adaptations of adipose and muscle tissues to physical training. Evidence shows that pinealectomized animals fail to develop adaptive metabolic changes in response to aerobic exercise and therefore do not exhibit the same performance as control‐trained animals. The known prominent reduction in melatonin synthesis in aging animals led us to investigate the metabolic adaptations to physical training in aged animals with and without daily melatonin replacement. Male Wistar rats were assigned to four groups: sedentary control (SC), trained control (TC), sedentary treated with melatonin (SM), and trained treated with melatonin (TM). Melatonin supplementation lasted 16 wk, and the animals were subjected to exercise during the last 8 wk of the experiment. After euthanasia, samples of liver, muscle, and adipose tissues were collected for analysis. Trained animals treated with melatonin presented better results in the following parameters: glucose tolerance, physical capacity, citrate synthase activity, hepatic and muscular glycogen content, body weight, protein expression of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K), mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), and protein kinase activated by adenosine monophosphate (AMPK) in the liver, as well as the protein expression of the glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) and AMPK in the muscle. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that melatonin supplementation in aging animals is of great importance for the required metabolic adaptations induced by aerobic exercise. Adequate levels of circulating melatonin are, therefore, necessary to improve energetic metabolism efficiency, reducing body weight and increasing insulin sensitivity.
Erectile Dysfunction, Testosterone Deficiency, and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in a Cohort of Men Living with HIV in Belgium
Authors: De Ryck Iris , Van Laeken David , Apers Ludwig , Colebunders Robert
Published: May 2013

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is more prevalent in men living with HIV (MLHIV) when compared with age-matched HIV-negative men. This may be related to a premature decline in testosterone levels. In the general population, ED has been associated with an increased risk for coronary heart disease (CHD).

Aim

The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of ED, testosterone deficiency, and risk of CHD in a cohort of young to middle-aged MLHIV in Belgium.

Methods

A cross-sectional, observational study among 244 MLHIV attending the outpatient clinic of the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp.

Main Outcome Measures

The short version of the international index of erectile function (IIEF-5) questionnaire diagnosed ED (cutoff score ≤21). The 10-year risk score for CHD was calculated. In a subset of men reporting ED, the calculated free testosterone (CFT) was determined using Vermeulen's formula. Testosterone deficiency was defined as CFT <0.22nmol/L.

Results

One hundred fifty-one men (61.9%) self-reported ED (median IIEF-5 score: 16 [interquartile range (IQR) 12–19]). In multivariate analysis, only increasing age, but none of the HIV-related parameters, nor any of the individual cardiovascular-risk related parameters, was statistically significantly associated with ED. Eighteen out of the 49 (36.7%) men with ED who received a blood test to assess testosterone levels were diagnosed with testosterone deficiency. The 10-year risk of CHD in the cohort was 4.3% (IQR 3.6–5.7) and was significantly higher in men with ED (5.1%, IQR 4.4–6.6) compared with men without ED (3.1%, IQR 2.5–4.2).

Conclusions

This study showed that ED and testosterone deficiency are highly prevalent in young to middle-aged MLHIV and that ED might be associated with an increased risk of CHD. Therefore, healthcare professionals should screen for clinical ED and should consider testing for underlying testosterone deficiency. A clinical diagnosis of ED should trigger a full evaluation of the patient's cardiovascular risk factors, even at younger age.
Conceptualizing and Theorizing About the Idea of a “Post‐Racial” Era
Authors: Ikuenobe Polycarp
Published: May 2013

I critically examine the eliminativist theories of race or racism, and the behavioral theory of racism, which provide the theoretical foundation, respectively, for the nominalist and substantive conceptualizations of the idea of a post‐racial era. The eliminativist theories seek to eliminate the concepts of “race” or “racism” from our discourse. Such elimination indicates a nominalist sense of the idea of a post‐racial era. The behavioral theory of racism argues that racism must be manifested in obviously harmful actions. And because such harmful actions are not prevalent today, this implies that we are in a post‐racial era in a substantive sense. I conceptualize some subtle forms of racism that are prevalent today, which cannot be captured by the behavioral theory, but can best be captured by doxastic theories of racism. I conceptualize a substantive idea of a post‐racial era, and then argue based on such conceptualization, that we are not in a post‐racial era because subtle forms of racism are still prevalent today.
Inequality and Size of the Informal Sector during Recession: A Note
Authors: Chowdhury Sahana Roy
Published: May 2013

This note provides a theoretical explanation for the empirical observation that more unequal economies tend to have larger informal sector. In contrary to the general belief, it shows that informal sector does not necessarily expand at the time of recession acting as a buffer for the unemployed pool.
Using Genetic Algorithms to Optimize Stopping Patterns for Passenger Rail Transportation
Authors: Lin Dung‐Ying , Ku Yu‐Hsiung
Published: May 2013

In a passenger railroad system, the stopping pattern optimization problem determines the train stopping strategy, taking into consideration multiple train classes, station types, and customer origin‐destination (OD) demand, to maximize the profit made by a rail company. The stopping pattern is traditionally decided by rule of thumb, an approach that leaves much room for improvement. In this article, we propose an integer program for this problem and provide a systematic approach to determining the optimal train stopping pattern for a rail company. Commonly used commercial optimization packages cannot solve this complex problem efficiently, especially when problems of realistic size need to be solved. Therefore, we develop two genetic algorithms, namely binary‐coded genetic algorithm (BGA) and integer‐coded genetic algorithm (IGA). In many of the past evolutionary programming studies, the chromosome was coded using the binary alphabet as BGA. The encoding and genetic operators of BGA are straightforward and relatively easy to implement. However, we show that it is difficult for the BGA to converge to feasible solutions for the stopping pattern optimization problem due to the complex solution space. Therefore, we propose an IGA with new encoding mechanism and genetic operators. Numerical results show that the proposed IGA can solve real‐world problems that are beyond the reach of commonly used optimization packages.
The loss of virulence of histone H1 overexpressing Leishmania donovani parasites is directly associated with a reduction of HSP83 rate of translation
Authors: Alexandratos Alexandros , Clos Joachim , Samiotaki Martina , Efstathiou Antonia , Panayotou George , Soteriadou Ketty , Smirlis Despina
Published: May 2013

Overexpression of Leishmania histone H1 (LeishH1) was previously found to cause a promastigote‐to‐amastigote differentiation handicap, deregulation of cell‐cycle progression, and loss of parasite infectivity. The aim of this study was to identify changes in the proteome of LeishH1 overexpressing parasites associated with the avirulent phenotype observed. 2D‐gel electrophoresis analysis revealed only a small protein subset of differentially expressed proteins in the LeishH1 overexpressing promastigotes. Among these was the chaperone HSP83, known for its protective role in Leishmania drug‐induced apoptosis, which displayed lower translational rates. To investigate if the lower expression levels of HSP83 are associated with the differentiation handicap, we assayed the thermostability of parasites by subjecting them to heat‐shock (25°C→37°C), a natural stress‐factor occurring during stage differentiation. Heat‐shock promoted apoptosis to a greater extent in the LeishH1 overexpressing parasites. Interestingly, these parasites were not only more sensitive to heat‐shock but also to drug‐induced [Sb(III)] cell‐death. In addition, the restoration of HSP83 levels re‐established drug resistance, and restored infectivity to LeishH1 overexpressing parasites in the murine J774 macrophage model. Overall, this study suggests that LeishH1 levels are critical for the parasite's stress‐induced adaptation within the mammalian host, and highlights the cross‐talk between pathways involved in drug resistance, apoptosis and virulence.
Identification of ClpP substrates in Caulobacter crescentus reveals a role for regulated proteolysis in bacterial development
Authors: Bhat Nowsheen H. , Vass Robert H. , Stoddard Patrick R. , Shin Dong K. , Chien Peter
Published: May 2013

Energy‐dependent proteases ensure the timely removal of unwanted proteins in a highly selective fashion. In Caulobacter crescentus, protein degradation by the ClpXP protease is critical for cell cycle progression; however, only a handful of substrates are currently known. Here, we use a trapping approach to identify putative substrates of the ClpP associated proteases in C. crescentus. Biochemical validation of several of these targets reveals specific protease recognition motifs and suggests a need for ClpXP‐specific degradation beyond degradation of known cell cycle regulators. We focus on a particular instance of regulated proteolysis in Caulobacter by exploring the role of ClpXP in degrading the stalk synthesis transcription factor TacA. We show that TacA degradation is controlled during the cell cycle dependent on the ClpXP regulator CpdR and that stabilization of TacA increases degradation of another ClpXP substrate, CtrA, while restoring deficiencies associated with prolific CpdR activity. Together, our work reveals a number of new validated ClpXP substrates, clarifies rules of protease substrate selection, and demonstrates how regulated protein degradation is critical for Caulobacter development and cell cycle progression.