bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trajectories of symptom dimensions in short-term response to antipsychotic treatment in patients with a first episode of non-affective psychosis
Authors: Pelayo-Terán J. M. , Diaz F. J. , Pérez-Iglesias R. , Suárez-Pinilla P. , Tabarés-Seisdedos R. , de León J. , Crespo-Facorro B.
Published: March 2013

Background

Trajectory patterns of positive, disorganized and negative dimension symptoms during antipsychotic treatment in drug-naive patients with first-episode psychosis have yet to be examined by using naturalistic data.

Method

This pragmatic clinical trial randomized 161 drug-naive patients with a first episode of psychosis to olanzapine, risperidone or haloperidol. Patients were assessed with the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) and Positive Symptoms (SAPS) at baseline and at the end of weeks 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 of antipsychotic treatment. Censored normal models of response trajectories were developed with three dimensions of the SAPS-SANS scores (positive, disorganized and negative) in order to identify the different response trajectories. Diagnosis, cannabis use, duration of untreated psychosis (DUP), smoking and antipsychotic class were examined as possible predictive variables.

Results

Patients were classified in five groups according to the positive dimension, three groups according to the disorganized dimension and five groups according to the negative dimension. Longer DUPs and cannabis use were associated with higher scores and poorer responses in the positive dimension. Cannabis use was associated with higher scores and poorer responses in the disorganized dimension. Only schizophrenia diagnosis was associated with higher scores and poorer responses in the negative dimension.

Conclusions

Our results illustrate the heterogeneity of short-term response to antipsychotics in patients with a first episode of psychosis and highlight markedly different patterns of response in the positive, disorganized and negative dimensions. DUP, cannabis use and diagnosis appeared to have a prognostic value in predicting treatment response with different implications for each dimension.
Excavations at Upper Largie Quarry, Argyll & Bute, Scotland: New Light on the Prehistoric Ritual Landscape of the Kilmartin Glen
Authors: Cook Martin , Ellis Clare , Sheridan Alison , Barber John , Bonsall Clive , Bush Helen , Clarke Ciara , Crone Anne , Engl Rob , Fouracre Lynne , Heron Carl , Jay Mandy , McGibbon Fiona , MacSween Ann , Montgomery Janet , Pellegrini Maura , Sands Rob , Saville Alan , Scott Douglas , Šoberl Lucija , Vandorpe Patrice
Published: March 2013

Excavations were carried out intermittently between 1982 and 2005, by various excavators, in advance of quarrying activity at Upper Largie, Kilmartin Glen, Argyll & Bute. They revealed abundant evidence of prehistoric activity, dating from the Mesolithic to the Middle Bronze Age, on a fluvioglacial terrace overlooking the rest of the Glen, although some evidence was doubtless destroyed without record during a period of unmonitored quarrying. Several undated features were also discovered. Mesolithic activity is represented by four pits, probably representing a temporary camp; this is the first evidence for Mesolithic activity in the Glen. Activity of definite and presumed Neolithic date includes the construction, and partial burning, of a post-defined cursus. Copper Age activity is marked by an early Beaker grave which matches counterparts in the Netherlands in both design and contents, and raises the question of the origin of its occupant. The terrace was used again as a place of burial during the Early Bronze Age, between the 22nd and the 18th century, and the graves include one, adjacent to the early Beaker grave, containing a unique footed Food Vessel combining Irish and Yorkshire Food Vessel features. At some point/s during the first half of the 2nd millenniumbc– the oakbased dates may suffer from ‘old wood’ effect – three monuments were constructed on the terrace: a pit, surrounded by pits or posts, similar in design to the early Beaker grave; a timber circle; and a post row. The latest datable activity consists of a grave, containing cremated bone in a Bucket Urn, the bone being dated to 1410–1210 calbc; this may well be contemporary with an assemblage of pottery from a colluvium spread. The relationship between this activity and contemporary activities elsewhere in the Glen is discussed.
Excavation and Survey at Dyffryn Lane Henge Complex, Powys, and a Reconsideration of the Dating of Henges
Authors: Gibson Alex
Published: March 2013

The henge monument and round barrow at Dyffryn Lane, near Welshpool, Powys, represent a rare instance of earthwork survival amongst the Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments of the upper Severn Valley. Antiquarian excavation in response to agricultural degradation suggested that the monument represented a round barrow covering a stone circle. Whether these stones represented a stone circlesensu strictoor a stone kerb for a turf barrow, was not determined at the time. Aerial photography subsequently demonstrated that the barrow as surrounded by a single-entranced henge monument. The present excavation was designed to assess the degree of plough damage to the site, determine the nature of the circular arrangement of stones, investigate the development of the site, and retrieve absolute dating and palaeoenvironmental material for the various phases encountered. Excavation has demonstrated that the site saw the ritual deposition of Impressed Ware pottery prior to a stone circle being erected on the site. This circle was allowed to decay before being encircled by a henge and subsequently covered by a round mound. The site adds to a small but growing body of evidence suggesting the lateness of the henge element within multi-phased monuments.
A New Context for Rock Art: a Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age Ritual Monument at Fylingdales, North Yorkshire
Authors: Vyner Blaise
Published: March 2013

After fire swept across 2.5 km2of heather moorland the detail of a wide range of archaeological features was revealed. Among these was a so-far unique small circular monument, the principal component of which was a circle of near-upright slabs set in a shallow trench. The stones included one with a complex pecked geometric design reminiscent of some Grooved Ware ceramic decoration, and another with more commonly found cup-mark and linear motifs. Limited excavation was undertaken in response to disturbance of the monument and it was discovered that the stone with complex decoration had been reshaped for its monumental setting, having perhaps previously been a free-standing decorated monolith. In its altered form the stone formed part of a small circular arena, the interior face of which may have included alternating decorated and undecorated stones. The open arena had later been filled with rubble creating a small cairn, its material including a small block detached from the main stone as well as a number of cup- and other marked stones. Apart from the decorated stones there were no diagnostic artefacts and no direct dating information was present. It is suggested that the decorated stones originate in the later Neolithic period and that the monument containing them was constructed in the Early Bronze Age.
Beccles Triple Post Alignment, Beccles Marshes, Suffolk: Excavation and Palaeoenvironmental Analyses of an Iron Age Wetland Site
Authors: Gearey Benjamin R. , Chapman Henry P. , Howard Andrew J. , Krawiec Kristina , Bamforth Michael , Fletcher William G. , Hill Thomas C.B. , Marshall Peter , Tetlow Emma , Tyers Ian
Published: March 2013

This paper describes the results of two seasons of excavation and associated palaeoenvironmental analyses of a wetland site on Beccles Marshes, Beccles, Suffolk. The site has been identified as a triple post alignment of oak timbers (0.6–2.0 m long), over 100 m in length, and 3–4 m wide, running north-west to south-east towards the River Waveney. It was constructed in a single phase which has been dated dendrochronologically to 75 BC, although discrete brushwood features identified as possible short trackways have been dated by radiocarbon to both before and after the alignment was built. It is unclear if the posts ever supported a superstructure but notches (‘halving lap joints’) in some of the posts appear to have held timbers to support the posts and/or aid in their insertion. In addition, fragments of both Iron Age and Romano-British pottery were recovered. A substantial assemblage of worked wooden remains appears to reflect the construction of the post row itself and perhaps the on-site clearance of floodplain vegetation. This assemblage also contains waste material derived from the reduction splitting of timbers larger than the posts of the alignment, but which have not been recovered from the site. Environmental analyses indicate that the current landscape context of the site with respect to the River Waveney is probably similar to that which pertained in prehistory. The coleoptera (beetle) record illustrates a series of changes in the on-site vegetation in the period before, during and after the main phase of human activity which may be related to a range of factors including floodplain hydrology and anthropogenic utilisation of Beccles Marshes. The possible form and function of the site is discussed in relation to the later prehistoric period in Suffolk.
The Defence of Utilitarianism in Early Rawls: A Study of Methodological Development
Authors: MÄKINEN JUKKA , KAKKURI-KNUUTTILA MARJA-LIISA
Published: March 2013

Rawls scholarship has not paid much attention to Rawls's early methodological writings so far, pretty much focusing on thereflective equilibrium(RE) which he is understood to have adopted inA Theory of Justice. Nelson Goodman's coherence-theoretical formulations concerning the justification of inductive logic inFact, Fiction and Forecasthave been suggested as the source of the RE. Following Rawls's methodological development in his early works, we shall challenge both these views. Our analysis reveals that the basic elements of RE can be located in his ‘Two Concepts of Rules’ essay. We shall further show that the origins of RE go all the way back to Aristotle's methods of ethics, as RE accords with the methodology entitledsaving the appearances(SA) in recent Aristotle scholarship.
Mill, Intuitions and Normativity
Authors: MACLEOD CHRISTOPHER
Published: March 2013

It is the purpose of this article to offer an account of Mill's metaethics. Expanding upon clues given recently by Dale Miller, and previously by John Skorupski, I suggest that when it comes to the foundations of his philosophy, Mill might share more with the intuitionists than we are accustomed to think. Common wisdom holds that Mill had no time for the normativity of intuitions. I wish to dispute, or at least temper, this dogma, by claiming that Mill's attitude towards intuitions is far more complex and ambivalent than is generally thought. I argue that, according to Mill, our belief in the reliability of inductive moves and apparent memories, as well as the desirability of pleasure, is vindicated by something akin to intuition. Although his endorsement of the normativity of these intuitions might seem to be in tension with the arguments he offers against the ‘intuitionist school’, this tension is only apparent.
Catheter interventions for “double steal” from isolation of the subclavian artery associated with patent arterial duct
Authors: Koneti Nageswara R. , Qureshi Shakeel A. , Sivakumar Kothandam
Published: March 2013

Isolation of the subclavian artery is associated with “steal” of blood from the carotid circulation to the arm, through the circle of Willis and the vertebral artery. When associated with a patent arterial duct, there is an additional “steal” of blood from the arm to the lungs, through the arterial duct because of the lower pulmonary vascular resistance. When this combination manifests clinically with arm ischaemia on the side of the isolated subclavian artery, closure of the arterial duct will prevent the “steal” of blood from the subclavian artery to the pulmonary artery and may improve the blood flow to the arm. We report three patients with this unusual combination of the “steal” phenomenon that improved after interventional closure of the arterial duct. This report discusses the embryological basis of the defect, clinical and echocardiographic clues to diagnose this unusual anomaly, angiographic findings, and transcatheter management options.
Risk factors for low vitamin D status in Korean adolescents: the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2008–2009
Authors: Lee Young Ah , Kim Hwa Young , Hong Hyunsook , Kim Ji Young , Kwon Hyun Jin , Shin Choong Ho , Yang Sei Won
Published: March 2013

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and predictors for low vitamin D status in Korean adolescents living between latitudes 33° and 39°N.

Design

A descriptive cross-sectional study.

Setting

Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2008–2009.

Subjects

A total of 1510 healthy adolescents aged 12–18 years (806 male, mean age 14·7 years) participated. Possible predictors for low vitamin D status (log-transformed 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations) were evaluated.

Results

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D<20 ng/ml) was 89·1 % in spring, 53·7 % in summer, 63·9 % in autumn and 90·5 % in winter. Winter season, older age, higher education level reached, being female, being obese, a lack of vitamin D supplementation, lower milk consumption (0–<200 ml/d) and a lack of physical activity were unadjusted predictors (all P < 0·05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that winter season (P < 0·001), higher education level (P < 0·001) and a lack of vitamin D supplementation (P = 0·012) were independent predictors for low vitamin D status. The modifying effect of season on the association between vitamin D supplement use and vitamin D status was significant (P < 0·001).

Conclusions

Vitamin D deficiency was highly prevalent in Korean adolescents, especially those in higher school grades. Vitamin D supplementation may contribute to maintain a better vitamin D status with lower seasonal variation. Further studies are required to determine optimal vitamin D intakes to maintain sufficient vitamin D status for Korean adolescents.
Genes, Environments, and Developmental Research: Methods for a Multi-Site Study of Early Substance Abuse
Authors: Costello E. Jane , Eaves Lindon , Sullivan Patrick , Kennedy Martin , Conway Kevin , Adkins Daniel E. , Angold A. , Clark Shaunna L. , Erkanli Alaattin , McClay Joseph L. , Copeland William , Maes Hermine H. , Liu Youfang , Patkar Ashwin A. , Silberg Judy , van den Oord Edwin
Published: March 2013

The importance of including developmental and environmental measures in genetic studies of human pathology is widely acknowledged, but few empirical studies have been published. Barriers include the need for longitudinal studies that cover relevant developmental stages and for samples large enough to deal with the challenge of testing gene–environment–development interaction. A solution to some of these problems is to bring together existing data sets that have the necessary characteristics. As part of the National Institute on Drug Abuse-funded Gene-Environment-Development Initiative, our goal is to identify exactly which genes, which environments, and which developmental transitions together predict the development of drug use and misuse. Four data sets were used of which common characteristics include (1) general population samples, including males and females; (2) repeated measures across adolescence and young adulthood; (3) assessment of nicotine, alcohol, and cannabis use and addiction; (4) measures of family and environmental risk; and (5) consent for genotyping DNA from blood or saliva. After quality controls, 2,962 individuals provided over 15,000 total observations. In the first gene–environment analyses, of alcohol misuse and stressful life events, some significant gene–environment and gene–development effects were identified. We conclude that in some circumstances, already collected data sets can be combined for gene–environment and gene–development analyses. This greatly reduces the cost and time needed for this type of research. However, care must be taken to ensure careful matching across studies and variables.
Gesundheitsförderungsmaßnahmen für ältere Menschen mittels neuer Medien
Authors: Lippke Sonia , Kuhlmann Tim
Published: March 2013

Die zunehmende Technologisierung bietet viele Chancen, um Menschen verschiedenen Alters bei ihrer Gesunderhaltung zu unterstützen. Dies gilt insbesondere, wenn es um Gesundheitsförderung im Sinne von Selbstregulation hin zu einem gesundheitsförderlichen, aktiven Lebensstil geht. Hier bieten sich neue Medien an, um auch Menschen im höheren Lebensalter mit Besonderheiten (wie altersbedingten kognitiven und physiologischen Einschränkungen und Komorbiditäten) zu unterstützen. Dabei muss jedoch Sorge getragen werden, dass gerade die Bedürfnisse, die mit dem Alter zunehmen, berücksichtigt und in Maßnahmen angesprochen werden. Für die Forschung zur Psychologie der Lebensspanne ist deswegen das Themengebiet Altern, Gesundheit und Gesundheitsförderung mittels neuer Medien von großer Bedeutung. Dieser Beitrag stellt einen Reviewartikel in Bezug auf Gesundheitsförderungsangebote via neuer Medien allgemein (bspw. Internet, SMS, Smartphones und Telefon im Vergleich zu Printmedien und persönlichem Kontakt) und unter Berücksichtigung von Bedürfnissen von Älteren dar. Zusätzlich werden exemplarisch Befunde aus einer Internetbefragung berichtet, an der v. a. ältere Menschen mit Diabetes teilgenommen haben. Der aktuelle Forschungsstand soll dadurch berichtet werden, um Perspektiven für weitere Entwicklungen in Forschung und Praxis aufzuzeigen.
Loss in microbial diversity affects nitrogen cycling in soil
Authors: Philippot Laurent , Spor Aymé , Hénault Catherine , Bru David , Bizouard Florian , Jones Christopher M , Sarr Amadou , Maron Pierre-Alain
Published: March 2013

Microbial communities have a central role in ecosystem processes by driving the Earth’s biogeochemical cycles. However, the importance of microbial diversity for ecosystem functioning is still debated. Here, we experimentally manipulated the soil microbial community using a dilution approach to analyze the functional consequences of diversity loss. A trait-centered approach was embraced using the denitrifiers as model guild due to their role in nitrogen cycling, a major ecosystem service. How various diversity metrics related to richness, eveness and phylogenetic diversity of the soil denitrifier community were affected by the removal experiment was assessed by 454 sequencing. As expected, the diversity metrics indicated a decrease in diversity in the 1/103 and 1/105 dilution treatments compared with the undiluted one. However, the extent of dilution and the corresponding reduction in diversity were not commensurate, as a dilution of five orders of magnitude resulted in a 75% decrease in estimated richness. This reduction in denitrifier diversity resulted in a significantly lower potential denitrification activity in soil of up to 4–5 folds. Addition of wheat residues significantly increased differences in potential denitrification between diversity levels, indicating that the resource level can influence the shape of the microbial diversity–functioning relationship. This study shows that microbial diversity loss can alter terrestrial ecosystem processes, which suggests that the importance of functional redundancy in soil microbial communities has been overstated.
ADAM12 is expressed in the tumour vasculature and mediates ectodomain shedding of several membrane-anchored endothelial proteins
Authors: Fröhlich Camilla , Klitgaard Marie , Noer Julie B. , Kotzsch Alexander , Nehammer Camilla , Kronqvist Pauliina , Berthelsen Jens , Blobel Carl , Kveiborg Marie , Albrechtsen Reidar , Wewer Ulla M.
Published: March 2013

ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase) 12 is a metalloprotease implicated in cancer progression. ADAM12 can activate membrane-anchored proteins, such as sonic hedgehog, Delta-like 1 and certain epidermal growth factor receptor ligands, through a process called ectodomain shedding. We screened several membrane-anchored proteins to further dissect the substrate profile of ADAM12-mediated ectodomain shedding, and found shedding of five previously unreported substrates [Kitl1, VE-cadherin (vascular endothelial cadherin), Flk-1 (fetal liver kinase 1), Tie-2, and VCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule 1)], of which the latter four are specifically expressed by endothelial cells. We also observed that ADAM12 expression was increased in the tumour vasculature of infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the human breast as compared with little to no expression in normal breast tissue vasculature, suggesting a role for ADAM12 in tumour vessels. These results prompted us to further evaluate ADAM12-mediated shedding of two endothelial cell proteins, VE-cadherin and Tie-2. Endogenous ADAM12 expression was very low in cultured endothelial cells, but was significantly increased by cytokine stimulation. In parallel, the shed form of VE-cadherin was elevated in such cytokine-stimulated endothelial cells, and ADAM12 siRNA (small interfering RNA) knockdown reduced cytokine-induced shedding of VE-cadherin. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrate a role for ADAM12 in ectodomain shedding of several membrane-anchored endothelial proteins. We speculate that this process may have importance in tumour neovascularization or/and tumour cell extravasation.
FGF-2 prevents cancer cells from ER stress-mediated apoptosis via enhancing proteasome-mediated Nck degradation
Authors: Li Bin , Pi Zhenjun , Liu Lei , Zhang Bi , Huang Xiang , Hu Ping , Chevet Eric , Yi Ping , Liu Jianfeng
Published: March 2013

Induction of ER (endoplasmic reticulum) stress-mediated apoptosis in cancer cells represents an alternative approach for cancer therapy. Whether FGF-2 (fibroblast growth factor 2)-induced survival signals may interact with ER stress signalling in cancer cells remains elusive. In the present study, we showed that pretreatment with FGF-2 decreased the inhibition of DNA synthesis and induction of apoptosis by two different ER stress inducers, TM (tunicamycin) and TG (thapsigargin), in both human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells and breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Pretreatment with FGF-2 prevented ER stress-mediated apoptosis by decreasing ER stress-induced CHOP [C/EBP (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein)-homologous protein] expression. We further demonstrated that pretreatment with FGF-2 mediated the decrease in TM-induced CHOP expression and apoptosis through ERK1/2 (extracellular-signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2) pathway. Finally, we demonstrated that FGF-2 promoted proteasome-mediated degradation of Nck (non-catalytic region of tyrosine kinase adaptor protein), an SH (Src homology) 2/SH3-containing adaptor protein. Whereas overexpression of Nck1 decreased FGF-2-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation to inhibit the effect of FGF-2 on TM-induced CHOP expression and apoptosis, a decrease in Nck expression prevented TM-induced CHOP expression and apoptosis. Taken together, the findings of the present study provide the first evidence that Nck plays a pivotal role in integrating FGF-2 and ER stress signals to counteract the ER stress deleterious effect on cancer cell survival.
Management of Dysphagia in Individuals With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Bedore Beau
Published: March 2013

This article presents a comprehensive approach to the evaluation and treatment of dysphagia in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The author considers the role of therapeutic exercise in ALS in the context of dysphagia rehabilitation.
The induction of nanographitic phase on Fe coated diamond films for the enhancement in electron field emission properties
Authors: Panda Kalpataru , Sundaravel B. , Panigrahi B. K. , Chen H.-C. , Huang P.-C. , Shih W.-C. , Lo S.-C. , Lin L.-J. , Lee C.-Y. , Lin I.-N.
Published: March 2013

A thin layer of iron coating and subsequent post-annealing (Fe-coating/post-annealing) is seen to significantly enhance the electron field emission (EFE) properties of ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) films. The best EFE properties, with a turn on field (E0) of 1.98 V/μm and current density (Je) of 705 μA/cm2 at 7.5 V/μm, are obtained for the films, which were Fe-coated/post-annealed at 900 °C in H2 atmosphere. The mechanism behind the enhanced EFE properties of Fe coated/post-annealed UNCD films are explained by the microstructural analysis which shows formation of nanographitic phase surrounding the Fe (or Fe3C) nanoparticles. The role of the nanographitic phase in improving the emission sites of Fe coated/post-annealed UNCD films is clearly revealed by the current imaging tunneling spectroscopy (CITS) images. The CITS images clearly show significant increase in emission sites in Fe-coated/post-annealed UNCD films than the as-deposited one. Enhanced emission sites are mostly seen around the boundaries of the Fe (or Fe3C) nanoparticles which were formed due to the Fe-coating/post-annealing processes. Moreover, the Fe-coating/post-annealing processes enhance the EFE properties of UNCD films more than that on the microcrystalline diamond films. The authentic factor, resulting in such a phenomenon, is attributed to the unique granular structure of the UNCD films. The nano-sized and uniformly distributed grains of UNCD films, resulted in markedly smaller and densely populated Fe-clusters, which, in turn, induced more finer and higher populated nano-graphite clusters.
Granular suspension avalanches. I. Macro-viscous behavior
Authors: Ancey Christophe , Andreini Nicolas , Epely-Chauvin Gaël
Published: March 2013

We experimentally studied the flow behavior of a fixed volume of granular suspension, initially contained in a reservoir and released down an inclined flume. Here “granular suspension” refers to a suspension of non-Brownian particles in a viscous fluid. Depending on the solids fraction, density mismatch, and particle size distribution, a wealth of behaviors can be observed. Here we report and interpret results obtained with granular suspensions, which consisted of neutrally buoyant particles with a solids fraction (ϕ = 0.575–0.595) close to the maximum random packing fraction (estimated at ϕm = 0.625). The particles had the same refractive index as the fluid, which made it possible to measure the velocity profiles inside the moving bulk and far from the sidewalls. Additional information such as the front position and the flow depth was also recorded. Three regimes were observed. At early times, the flow features were reminiscent of homogeneous Newtonian fluids (e.g., the same dependence of the front position on time). At later times, the free surface became more and more bumpy as fractures developed within the bulk. This fracture process ultimately gave rise to a stick-slip regime, in which the suspension moved intermittently. In this paper, we focus on the first regime referred to as the macro-viscous regime. Although the bulk flow properties looked like those of Newtonian fluids, the internal dynamics were much richer.
Study of influence of domain structure on observed magnetoresistance anomalies in GaMnAs
Authors: Juszyński Piotr , Wasik Dariusz , Gryglas-Borysiewicz Marta , Sadowski J.
Published: March 2013

Magneto-transport properties of a Ga0.93Mn0.07As ferromagnetic semiconductor film with strong epitaxial strain (Ga0.7In0.3As buffer) have been studied. The observed magnetoresistance showed peculiar peaks at the magnetic fields corresponding to magnetization switching probed by Hall voltage. Computer simulations showed that these anomalies could originate from the formation of complex, island-like magnetic domains, and their propagation in the sample.
Roles of trichomes with silica particles on the surface of leaves in Aphananthe aspera
Authors: Takeda Hiroyuki , Ito Fuyu , Yamanaka Shigeru , Takiyama Naoyuki , Yoshino Katsumi
Published: March 2013

There exist many trichomes with silica particles on the surface of leaves in Aphananthe aspera (Muku tree). The size of the trichomes is on the order of some tens to hundreds of micrometers. Investigating the electric-field local densities of the states and distributions of electromagnetic wave propagation, we theoretically revealed that while trichomes play a role as waveguides for the far-infrared, silica particles help incident far-infrared light efficiently propagate inside the trichomes and leaves. These properties would be useful for efficiently warming plants, since absorbed far-infrared light is converted to heat.
Comparative performance of δ13C, δ18O and δ15N for phenotyping durum wheat adaptation to a dryland environment
Authors: Araus José Luis , Cabrera-Bosquet Llorenç , Serret María Dolores , Bort Jordi , Nieto-Taladriz María Teresa
Published: March 2013

Grain yield and the natural abundance of the stable isotope compositions of carbon (δ13C), oxygen (δ18O) and nitrogen (δ15N) of mature kernels were measured during 3 consecutive years in 10 durum wheat genotypes (five landraces and five modern cultivars) subjected to different water and N availabilities in a Mediterranean location and encompassing a total of 12 trials. Water limitation was the main environmental factor affecting yield, δ13C and δ18O, whereas N fertilisation had a major effect on δ15N. The genotypic effect was significant for yield, yield components, δ13C, δ18O and δ15N. Landraces exhibited a higher δ13C and δ15N than cultivars. Phenotypic correlations of δ13C and δ18O with grain yield were negative, suggesting that genotypes able to sustain a higher water use and stomatal conductance were the most productive and best adapted; δ15N was also negatively correlated with grain yield regardless of the growing conditions. δ13C was the best isotopic trait in terms of genetic correlation with yield and heritability, whereas δ18O was the worst of the three isotopic abundances. The physiological basis for the different performance of the three isotopes explaining the genotypic variability in yield is discussed.
A tool to evaluate patients’ experiences of nursing care in Australian general practice: development of the Patient Enablement and Satisfaction Survey
Authors: Desborough Jane , Banfield Michelle , Parker Rhian
Published: March 2013

Australian health policy initiatives have increasingly supported the employment of nurses in general practice. An understanding of the impact of nursing care on patients in this setting is integral to assuring quality, safety and a patient-centred focus. The aim was to develop a survey to evaluate the satisfaction and enablement of patients who receive nursing care in Australian general practices. The survey was to be simple to administer and analyse, ensuring practicality for use by general practice nurses, doctors and managers. Two validated instruments formed the basis of the Patient Enablement and Satisfaction Survey (PESS). This survey was refined and validated for the Australian setting using focus groups and in-depth interviews with patients, and feedback from general practice nurses. Test-retest and alternate form methods were used to establish the survey’s reliability. Feedback resulted in 14 amendments to the original draft survey. Questions that demonstrated a strong positive correlation for the test-retest and alternate form measures were included in the final survey. The PESS is a useful, practical tool for the evaluation of nursing care in Australian general practice, its validity and reliability established through a patient-centred research approach, reflective of the needs of patients accessing nursing services in this setting.
Therapeutically targeting glypican-3 via a conformation-specific single-domain antibody in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Feng Mingqian , Gao Wei , Wang Ruoqi , Chen Weizao , Man Yan-Gao , Figg William Douglas , Wang Xin Wei , Dimitrov Dimiter S. , Ho Mitchell
Published: March 2013

Glypican-3 (GPC3) has emerged as a candidate therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the oncogenic role of GPC3 in HCC is poorly understood. Here, we report a human heavy-chain variable domain antibody, HN3, with high affinity (Kd= 0.6 nM) for cell-surface–associated GPC3 molecules. The human antibody recognized a conformational epitope that requires both the amino and carboxy terminal domains of GPC3. HN3 inhibited proliferation of GPC3-positive cells and exhibited significant inhibition of HCC xenograft tumor growth in nude mice. The underlying mechanism of HN3 action may involve cell-cycle arrest at G1 phase through Yes-associated protein signaling. This study suggests a previously unrecognized mechanism for GPC3-targeted cancer therapy.
Protein complex directs hemoglobin-to-hemozoin formation in
Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Chugh Monika , Sundararaman Vidhya , Kumar Saravanan , Reddy Vanga S. , Siddiqui Waseem A. , Stuart Kenneth D. , Malhotra Pawan
Published: March 2013

Malaria parasites use hemoglobin (Hb) as a major nutrient source in the intraerythrocytic stage, during which heme is converted to hemozoin (Hz). The formation of Hz is essential for parasite survival, but to date, the underlying mechanisms of Hb degradation and Hz formation are poorly understood. We report the presence of a ∼200-kDa protein complex in the food vacuole that is required for Hb degradation and Hz formation. This complex contains several parasite proteins, including falcipain 2/2′, plasmepsin II, plasmepsin IV, histo aspartic protease, and heme detoxification protein. The association of these proteins is evident from coimmunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry, coelution from a gel filtration column, cosedimentation on a glycerol gradient, and in vitro protein interaction analyses. To functionally characterize this complex, we developed an in vitro assay using two of the proteins present in the complex. Our results show that falcipain 2 and heme detoxification protein associate with each other to efficiently convert Hb to Hz. We also used this in vitro assay to elucidate the modes of action of chloroquine and artemisinin. Our results reveal that both chloroquine and artemisinin act during the heme polymerization step, and chloroquine also acts at the Hb degradation step. These results may have important implications in the development of previously undefined antimalarials.
You Get What You Pay For? Self-Construal Influences Price-Quality Judgments
Authors: Lalwani Ashok K. , Shavitt Sharon
Published: March 2013

How does cultural self-construal influence consumers' tendency to use price to judge quality? Seven experiments designed to address this question revealed that people with a more interdependent (vs. independent) cultural self-construal—operationalized by ethnicity, nationality, measured self-construal, or manipulated salient self-construal—have a greater tendency to use price information to judge quality. This difference arises because interdependents tend to be holistic (vs. analytic) thinkers who are more likely to perceive interrelations between the elements of a product. These effects were observed regardless of whether the price-quality relation was assessed with a standard self-report scale or via actual product judgments, and whether thinking style was measured or manipulated. However, cultural differences only emerged in situations that afforded interdependents (vs. independents) a relational processing advantage. These findings shed light on the mechanisms underlying the effects and identify novel boundary conditions for the influence of self-construal and thinking style on consumer judgments.
Development of a Novel Staining Procedure for Visualizing the Gluten–Starch Matrix in Bread Dough and Cereal Products
Authors: Maeda Tatsuro , Kokawa Mito , Miura Makoto , Araki Tetsuya , Yamada Masaharu , Takeya Kōji , Sagara Yasuyuki
Published: March 2013

A novel staining procedure has been developed to visualize the gluten– starch matrix in wheat flour dough. Dough samples mixed to the final stage were stained with 26 fluorescent reagents, and each stained sample was observed with three sets of fluorescence filters (blue, green, and red). Of all the combinations of reagents and filters, the combination of acid magenta and the blue fluorescent filter set was the most effective in distinguishing starch granules from gluten network structure. Its effectiveness was further demonstrated with gluten and starch granule samples, in which the contrast was clearer when observed with the blue fluorescent filter set than without any fluorescent filter. Visualizing the gluten–starch matrix in dough samples at four mixing stages with the same procedure resulted in clear identification of the changes in gluten network structure because of the differences in mixing stages. The same procedure also enabled us to distinguish starch from gluten in white salted noodles, baked cookies, and flour particles. The proposed procedure is quicker, simpler, and has a lower risk of altering the sample than other conventional ones, and it is expected to become a useful tool in cereal studies.
First Report of Fusarium sambucinum Associated on Pinus elliottii Seeds in Brazil
Authors: Maciel C. G. , Muniz M. F. B. , Milanesi P. M. , Lazarotto M. , Blume E. , Harakawa R. , Reiniger L. R. S. , Hamann F. A.
Published: March 2013

An elevated incidence of the fungal genus Fusarium was ascertained during a health quality analysis of a batch of Pinus elliottii Englm. seeds obtained from the Florestas Institute for Agricultural and Forest Research (Fundação Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária [FEPAGRO] Florestas) in Santa Maria (29° 39′ 55″ S and 53° 54′ 45″ W), state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. This genus comprised about 75% of all fungal genera observed in a blotter test. The fungus was then isolated and purified to perform pathogenicity tests. Healthy seeds of P. elliottii were inoculated by contact with fungal mycelium for 48 h (3). Forty-two days after inoculation, a reduction was observed in the germination potential of the seeds; however, those seeds that germinated developed normally until, as seedlings, they suffered damping-off. Fusarium was isolated from the affected vegetal material by transferring mycelium tips to potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium in petri dishes in order to morphologically identify the species. After 72 h, a tan mycelial pad 5.5 cm in diameter had formed. After transfer to carnation leaf agar (CLA), pale orange sporodochia that formed macroconidia could be observed. The macronidia were relatively short and narrow (40.2 × 4.7 μm), each containing a mean of 5 septa; the apical cell was pointed, while the basal one was foot-shaped (2,4). The chlamydospores formed in clusters, while the conidiogenous cells could be seen on top of monophialides. Primer pairs ITS1 and ITS4, EF1-T and EF1-567R, and βtub-F and βtub were employed to amplify the three regions ITS1.8S ITS2, elongation factor – 1α (TEF 1-α), and β-tubulin, respectively. The sequences of these three regions showed 97, 95, and 99% of similarity with Fusarium sambucinum Fückel, respectively. The pathogen was reinoculated on P. elliottii seeds in order to complete Koch's postulates. The pathogenicity test was repeated with the same conditions described before and the results were confirmed. No occurrence of damping-off was observed in the control seedlings. The inoculated seedlings showed, besides damping-off, a visible reduction in root system expansion as well as reductions in fresh and dry tissue weight. F. sambucinum has already been reported on P. radiata D. Don in New Zealand, causing root rot and dieback (1); however, in Brazil, the present study is, to the best of our knowledge, the first to report the association of this pathogen with P. elliottii.

References: (1) M. A. Dick and K. Dobbie. N. Z. Plant Prot. 55:58, 2002. (2) W. Gerlach and H. Nirenberg. The Genus Fusarium – A Pictorial Atlas. Biologische Bundesanstalt für Land – und. Forstwirtschaft, Berlin, 1982. (3) M. Lazarotto et al. Summa Phytopathol. 36:134, 2010. (4) J. F. Leslie and B. A. Summerell. The Fusarium Laboratory Manual, 1st ed. Wiley-Blackwell, Hoboken, NJ, 2006.
Interaction of Sugar Beet Host Resistance and Rhizoctonia solani AG-2-2 IIIB Strains
Authors: Strausbaugh Carl A. , Eujayl Imad A. , Panella Leonard W.
Published: March 2013

Rhizoctonia crown and root rot caused by Rhizoctonia solani can cause serious economic losses in sugar beet fields. Preliminary evidence suggests that there could be interactions between different strains and resistance sources. Thus, field studies were conducted to determine whether nine R. solani AG-2-2 IIIB strains varied for virulence when compared with a noninoculated check and interacted with five sugar beet lines (four resistant lines and a susceptible check). The studies were arranged in a randomized complete block design with six replications. Roots were evaluated for surface rot and internal fungal and bacterial rot in September. All strains were virulent on the susceptible check, FC901/C817, and had a similar ranking (r = 0.80 to 0.97; P = 0.0096 to <0.0001) regardless of disease variable. Line FC709-2 was resistant (response not different from noninoculated check, P ≥ 0.1042) to all strains, while the strain responses resulted in weak interactions with less-resistant lines in 14 of 19 variable-year combinations. Because most commercial sugar beet cultivars contain low to intermediate resistance to Rhizoctonia crown and root rot, the strain used to screen should be considered in order to maintain consistent responses between nurseries and commercial fields.
EFFECT OF INTRAVITREAL DEXAMETHASONE IMPLANT ON THE CONTRALATERAL EYE
Authors: Sharma Ashish , Sheth Jay , Madhusudan Rangasamy J. , Sundaramoorthy Selva K.
Published: March 2013

Purpose:

To describe the effect of unilateral intravitreal injection of 0.7-mg dexamethasone implant on the other eye.

Methods:

Interventional case report and literature review.

Results:

A 54-year-old woman with bilateral, refractory, clinically significant macular edema was given an intravitreal injection of 0.7-mg dexamethasone sustained release implant in the right eye. The central foveal thickness improved in both the eyes with recurrence of edema after 16 weeks in both the eyes.

Conclusion:

An intravitreal dexamethasone injection seems to have bilateral effect after unilateral injection.
The origin of life: what we know, what we can know and what we will never know
Authors: Pross Addy , Pascal Robert
Published: March 2013

The origin of life (OOL) problem remains one of the more challenging scientific questions of all time. In this essay, we propose that following recent experimental and theoretical advances in systems chemistry, the underlying principle governing the emergence of life on the Earth can in its broadest sense be specified, and may be stated as follows: all stable (persistent) replicating systems will tend to evolve over time towards systems of greater stability. The stability kind referred to, however, is dynamic kinetic stability, and quite distinct from the traditional thermodynamic stability which conventionally dominates physical and chemical thinking. Significantly, that stability kind is generally found to be enhanced by increasing complexification, since added features in the replicating system that improve replication efficiency will be reproduced, thereby offering an explanation for the emergence of life's extraordinary complexity. On the basis of that simple principle, a fundamental reassessment of the underlying chemistry–biology relationship is possible, one with broad ramifications. In the context of the OOL question, this novel perspective can assist in clarifying central ahistoric aspects of abiogenesis, as opposed to the many historic aspects that have probably been forever lost in the mists of time.
Evolutionary origins of taste buds: phylogenetic analysis of purinergic neurotransmission in epithelial chemosensors
Authors: Kirino Masato , Parnes Jason , Hansen Anne , Kiyohara Sadao , Finger Thomas E.
Published: March 2013

Taste buds are gustatory endorgans which use an uncommon purinergic signalling system to transmit information to afferent gustatory nerve fibres. In mammals, ATP is a crucial neurotransmitter released by the taste cells to activate the afferent nerve fibres. Taste buds in mammals display a characteristic, highly specific ecto-ATPase (NTPDase2) activity, suggesting a role in inactivation of the neurotransmitter. The purpose of this study was to test whether the presence of markers of purinergic signalling characterize taste buds in anamniote vertebrates and to test whether similar purinergic systems are employed by other exteroceptive chemosensory systems. The species examined include several teleosts, elasmobranchs, lampreys and hagfish, the last of which lacks vertebrate-type taste buds. For comparison, Schreiner organs of hagfish and solitary chemosensory cells (SCCs) of teleosts, both of which are epidermal chemosensory end organs, were also examined because they might be evolutionarily related to taste buds. Ecto-ATPase activity was evident in elongate cells in all fish taste buds, including teleosts, elasmobranchs and lampreys. Neither SCCs nor Schreiner organs show specific ecto-ATPase activity, suggesting that purinergic signalling is not crucial in those systems as it is for taste buds. These findings suggest that the taste system did not originate from SCCs but arose independently in early vertebrates.
Do humansreallypunish altruistically? A closer look
Authors: Pedersen Eric J. , Kurzban Robert , McCullough Michael E.
Published: March 2013

Some researchers have proposed that natural selection has given rise in humans to one or more adaptations foraltruisticallypunishing on behalf of other individuals who have been treated unfairly, even when the punisher has no chance of benefiting via reciprocity or benefits to kin. However, empirical support for the altruistic punishment hypothesis depends on results from experiments that are vulnerable to potentially important experimental artefacts. Here, we searched for evidence of altruistic punishment in an experiment that precluded these artefacts. In so doing, we found that victims of unfairness punished transgressors, whereas witnesses of unfairness did not. Furthermore, witnesses’ emotional reactions to unfairness were characterized by envy of the unfair individual's selfish gains rather than by moralistic anger towards the unfair behaviour. In a second experiment run independently in two separate samples, we found that previous evidence for altruistic punishment plausibly resulted from affective forecasting error—that is, limitations on humans’ abilities to accurately simulate how they would feel in hypothetical situations. Together, these findings suggest that the case for altruistic punishment in humans—a view that has gained increasing attention in the biological and social sciences—has been overstated.
Prevention and cost of atmospheric corrosion in Mauritius
Authors: Surnam B.Y.R.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to obtain a better insight into the impact of atmospheric corrosion in Mauritius by investigating the corrosion prevention strategies used in the country and determining the related costs.

Design/methodology/approach

Companies and organizations, in various industrial sectors, affected by atmospheric corrosion were selected. They were inspected and surveys were performed in order to fulfill the aim of the study.

Findings

It has been observed that extensive atmospheric corrosion problems have been encountered in the capital city, leading to the use of a range of corrosion prevention methods. However, carbon steel, which corrodes easily, is very commonly used in the country. This leads to the wide use of alkyd‐based barrier coatings. The cost of atmospheric corrosion has been found to be equal to 0.38 per cent of the GDP.

Social implications

This study is expected to raise concern on the problem of atmospheric corrosion in Mauritius and the related waste in materials.

Originality/value

This study is expected to help in adopting corrosion prevention policies and strategies in Mauritius.