bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social interactions by visual focus of attention in a three‐dimensional environment
Authors: Bazzani L. , Cristani M. , Tosato D. , Farenzena M. , Paggetti G. , Menegaz G. , Murino V.
Published: July 2012

In human behaviour analysis, the visual focus of attention (VFOA) of a person is a very important cue. VFOA detection is difficult, though, especially in a unconstrained and crowded environment, typical of video surveillance scenarios. In this paper, we estimate the VFOA by defining the Subjective View Frustum, which approximates the visual field of a person in a three‐dimensional representation of the scene. This opens up to several intriguing behavioural investigations. In particular, we propose the Inter‐Relation Pattern Matrix, which suggests possible social interactions between the people present in a scene. Theoretical justifications and experimental results substantiate the validity and the goodness of the analysis performed.
Assessing the threat of human consumption of tiger prey in the Bangladesh Sundarbans
Authors: Mohsanin S. , Barlow A. C. D. , Greenwood C. J. , Islam M. A. , Kabir M. M. , Rahman M. M. , Howlader A.
Published: July 2012

One of the main threats to wild tigers Panthera tigris is poaching of natural prey, yet information is lacking about this threat for most of the tiger's range. For tiger conservation in the Sundarbans Reserved Forest of Bangladesh, information is needed to assess the impact of prey poaching and the effectiveness of conservation actions to reduce this threat. This study used an interview survey of people living close to the Sundarbans to estimate the scale of prey poaching, investigate factors driving prey poaching and capture information on the nature of prey consumption. Half of the households reported consuming deer meat, with mean consumption of 1.13 kg per household per year; equivalent to 11 195 deer killed. Deer meat was generally consumed for its good taste, with households closer to the forest boundary and with higher‐income levels with relatively higher levels of consumption. Although cost of deer meat was higher than other available meat, 29% of households obtained deer meat for free. Deer meat tended to be obtained from personal contacts, and consumed in private. Most respondents (91.5%) knew deer consumption was illegal, but 69.4% viewed the law as ineffective. The study findings will be used to design focused regulation and awareness activities to reduce prey consumption in the area. The approach used to evaluate prey poaching through investigation of prey consumption follows studies of wild meat consumption in Africa, and can potentially be applied to all tiger landscapes.
The potential of occupancy modelling as a tool for monitoring wild primate populations
Authors: Keane A. , Hobinjatovo T. , Razafimanahaka H. J. , Jenkins R. K. B. , Jones J. P. G.
Published: July 2012

Primates are a global conservation priority, with half of known species considered threatened with extinction. Monitoring trends in primate populations is important for identifying species in particular need of conservation action, and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. Most existing primate survey methods aim to measure abundance. However, obtaining estimates of abundance with acceptable precision to detect changes in population is often expensive and time consuming. Evidence from other taxa suggests that estimating occupancy (the proportion of the area used by the species) may be less resource‐intensive, yet still provide useful information for monitoring population trends. We investigate the potential of occupancy modelling for monitoring forest primates using a case study of three species of diurnal lemurs in the eastern rainforest of Madagascar. We estimated detectability and occupancy from a survey with three visits to 30 sites. Our estimates suggest that precision in occupancy estimates would be maximized by visiting a larger number of sites (therefore with limited repeat visits) for Indri indri, whereas the optimal monitoring design for Eulemur fulvus and Propithecus diadema, which showed very low detectability in our surveys, involves more frequent visits to fewer sites. Power analyses suggested that a meaningful reduction in occupancy could be detected with reasonable effort for easily detected species, but the method may prove impractical for more cryptic species. Primates pose a number of practical challenges for occupancy modelling, including choosing appropriate survey designs to satisfy closure assumptions. We suggest that if these issues can be overcome, occupancy modelling has the potential to become a valuable addition to the monitoring toolbox for the study of forest primates.
Interplay between chromatin modifications and paused RNA polymerase II in dynamic transition between stalled and activated genes
Authors: Liu Shuang , Tao Yongguang
Published: July 2012

The dynamic interplay between chromatin modification (e.g. DNA methylation) and RNA polymerase II (Pol II) plays a critical role in gene transcription during stem cell development, establishment, and maintenance and in the cellular response to extracellular stimuli such as those that cause DNA damage. Pol II is recruited to the promoter‐proximal regions of numerous inactive genes at high conentrations in a process called Pol II stalling. This is a key process prior to gene activation and it involves many interacting factors. Chromatin modification including nucleosome position is dependent on chromatin structure. Stalled genes create a particular structural conformation of chromatin, which acts as a target for chromatin modification. In this way, Pol II stalling may be regarded as a type of signal for chromatin modification in these regions during the dynamic transition between stalled and activated genes.
Feather deuterium as an indicator of age‐class in the Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos
Authors: Yohannes Elizabeth , Lee Raymond W. , Valcu Mihai , Kempenaers Bart
Published: July 2012

We measured deuterium isotope ratios (δDf) in primary feathers to distinguish first‐year from older Pectoral Sandpipers Calidris melanotos captured in Barrow, Alaska, during the breeding season. δDf showed a distinct bimodal distribution, and model‐based clustering placed the δDf values into two non‐overlapping groups. More negative δDf corresponded to Arctic areas, probably identifying first‐year birds with Arctic‐grown juvenile feathers retained from the previous year. The more positive values corresponded to lower latitudes, possibly identifying older birds that grew their feathers at non‐Arctic latitudes.
Normal stress databases in myocardial perfusion scintigraphy – how many subjects do you need?
Authors: Trägårdh Elin , Sjöstrand Karl , Edenbrandt Lars
Published: July 2012

Background

Commercial normal stress databases in myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) commonly consist of 30–40 individuals. The aim of the study was to determine how many subjects are needed.

Methods

Four normal stress databases were developed using patients who underwent 99mTc MPS: non‐corrected images (NC) for male, NC for female, attenuation‐corrected images (AC) for male and AC for female subjects. 126 male and 205 female subjects were included. The normal database was created by alternatingly computing the mean of all normal subjects and normalizing the subjects with respect to this mean, until convergence. Coefficients of variation (CV) were created for increasing number of included patients in the four different normal stress databases.

Results

Normal stress databases with < 35 subjects had a high CV. Mean CV −2 standard deviations (SD) decreased with 28% between two and five included subjects, 71% between two and 35 subjects and 83% between two and 100 included subjects for NC man.

Conclusions

We conclude that the commonly used 30–40 individuals for making a normal stress database might not be enough due to the high CV. We propose that normal stress databases should consist of more than 30–40 individuals, preferably more than 50 individuals, both for NC and AC studies.
Shifting toward cooperative tendencies and forgiveness: How partner‐focused prayer transforms motivation
Authors: LAMBERT NATHANIEL , FINCHAM FRANK D. , DEWALL NATHAN C. , POND RICHARD , BEACH STEVEN R.
Published: July 2012

Several studies tested whether partner‐focused prayer shifts individuals toward cooperative tendencies and forgiveness. In Studies 1 and 2, participants who prayed more frequently for their partner were rated by objective coders as less vengeful. Study 3 showed that, compared to partners of targets in the positive partner thought condition, the romantic partners of targets assigned to pray reported a positive change in their partner's forgiveness. In Study 4, participants who prayed following a partner's “hurtful behavior” were more cooperative with their partners in a mixed‐motive game compared to participants who engaged in positive thoughts about their partner. In Study 5, participants who prayed for a close relationship partner reported higher levels of cooperative tendencies and forgiveness.
Hyperkalemia secondary to renal hypoperfusion in a dog with third‐degree atrioventricular block
Authors: Jung SeungWoo , Jandrey Karl E.
Published: July 2012

Objective

To demonstrate a critical role of artificial cardiac pacing to normalize severe bradyarrhythmia‐induced hyperkalemia in a dog with third‐degree atrioventricular (AV) block.

Case Summary

A dog was presented for evaluation of severe hyperkalemia and bradyarrhythmia. ECG revealed third‐degree AV block with heart rate of 10–20 min, which was lower than usual ventricular escape rate. The etiology of severe hyperkalemia was considered secondary to significantly decreased renal perfusion and potassium excretion as a result of poor cardiac output caused by the AV block. Since potassium disorders may lead to life‐threatening conditions such as cardiopulmonary arrest, artificial cardiac pacing was immediately pursued. Within 1 hour, serum potassium concentration was normalized, which confirmed that severe hyperkalemia occurred primarily due to third‐degree AV block. The dog was then treated with permanent pacemaker implantation. A recheck evaluation 3‐month post pacemaker implantation showed normal serum potassium concentration and the dog was clinically healthy.

New or Unique Information Provided

This report describes hyperkalemia secondary to significantly decreased cardiac output and renal hypoperfusion caused by third‐degree AV block. The authors propose that artificial cardiac pacing must be considered as an emergency treatment for bradyarrhythmia‐induced hyperkalemia, which ultimately restores cardiac output and renal perfusion and normalizes serum potassium concentration.
Illuminant metamerism potentiality of metameric pairs
Authors: Peyvandi Shahram , Amirshahi Seyed H. , Sluban Boris
Published: July 2012

Indices for describing the degree of metamerism are based on either the deviation of the spectra of a metameric pair or the colour difference of the pair under test conditions. The magnitude of illuminant metamerism is commonly evaluated by measuring the colour difference under the test illuminant. The calculated colour differences absolutely vary with the selected test illuminants, so the measured (special) index of metamerism could be considered as a test‐illuminant‐dependent value. The spectral‐based indices of metamerism act as a single‐number value, but most of them are criticised for their poor correlation with visual assessment. In this paper, a general metric is developed for evaluating the upper limit of the degree of illuminant metamerism. The suggested approach combines the advantages of general and special indices, avoiding their drawbacks at the same time. The performance of the formula is analysed in a number of numerical experiments, as well as by practical testing.
Developmental dissociation in morphological evolution of the stickleback opercle
Authors: Kimmel Charles B. , Hohenlohe Paul A. , Ullmann Bonnie , Currey Mark , Cresko William A.
Published: July 2012

Oceanic threespine sticklebacks have repeatedly and independently evolved new morphologies upon invasions of freshwater habitats. A consistent derived feature of the freshwater form across populations and geography is a shape change of the opercle, a large early developing facial bone. We show that the principal multivariate axis describing opercle shape development from the young larva to the full adult stage of oceanic fish matches the principal axis of evolutionary change associated with relocation from the oceanic to freshwater habitat. The opercle phenotype of freshwater adults closely resembles the phenotype of the bone in juveniles. Thus, evolution to the freshwater condition is in large part by truncation of development; the freshwater fish do not achieve the full ancestral adult bone shape. Additionally, the derived state includes dissociated ontogenetic changes. Dissociability may reflect an underlying modular pattern of opercle development, and facilitate flexibility of morphological evolution.
The delineation of the fourth walking leg segment is temporally linked to posterior segmentation in the mite Archegozetes longisetosus (Acari: Oribatida, Trhypochthoniidae)
Authors: Barnett Austen A. , Thomas Richard H.
Published: July 2012

Acari (mites and ticks) lack external segmentation, with the only indication of segmentation being the appendages of the prosoma (chelicerae, pedipalps, and four pairs of walking legs). Acari also have a mode of development in which the formation of the fourth walking leg is suppressed until the nymphal stages, following a hexapodal larva. To determine the number of segments in the posterior body region (opisthosoma) of mites, and to also determine when the fourth walking leg segment is delineated during embryogenesis, we followed the development of segmentation in the oribatid mite Archegozetes longisetosus using time‐lapse and scanning electron microscopy, as well as in situ hybridizations of the A. longisetosus orthologues of the segmentation genes engrailed and hedgehog. Our data show that A. longisetosus patterns only two opisthosomal segments, indicating a large degree of segmental fusion or loss. Also, we show that the formation of the fourth walking leg segment is temporally tied to opisthosomal segmentation, the first such observation in any arachnid.
Actual and Imagined First Smoking Experiences and Resisted Smoking Opportunities of Asian American Adolescents
Authors: Rosario‐Sim Maria G. , O'Connell Kathleen , Lavin Joanne
Published: July 2012

Objective

To explore the metamotivational states experienced during first smoking experiences of Asian American adolescents.

Design and Sample

This survey research investigated the differences among the smokers, resisters, and smoking naives of a convenience sample of 328 Asian Americans, aged 16–19 in New York City (NYC).

Measures

The study used a demographic questionnaire, Temptation Episode Surveys (First Smoking Occasion, First Resisted Smoking Opportunity, and Opinions on First Smoking Occasion), the Telic/Paratelic State Instrument, and the Rebellious State Scale.

Results

Statistical analyses revealed that Asian American adolescents smoked the first time when in paratelic, arousal‐seeking states, and when the physical and social environments are permissive to smoking, initiation opportunities such as presence of peers and friends smoking and in places where adults are not present.

Conclusions

The first smoking experiences of Asian American adolescents parallel that of smoking cessation when individuals lapse in a highly tempting situation and when the environment is permissive to smoking. This study is the first to use reversal theory pairs as a framework for smoking initiation. Smoking prevention and intervention programs should consider the importance of the physical, social environment, and the psychological states of adolescents when they smoke the first time.
Effects of Resident Soil Fungi and Land Use History Outweigh Those of Commercial Mycorrhizal Inocula: Testing a Restoration Strategy in Unsterilized Soil
Authors: Paluch Elisabeth C. , Thomsen Meredith A. , Volk Thomas J.
Published: July 2012

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have numerous effects on temperate grassland ecosystems, but prairie restorations are frequently located in sites with depauperate AMF communities. In this greenhouse study, four native species (Schizachyrium scoparium, Elymus canadensis, Monarda punctata, and Aster ericoides) and an invasive grass (Bromus inermis) were grown in unsterilized field soils and treated with two types of commercial AMF inoculum. Inocula were applied at one and two times the manufacturers' suggested rate. Soil was collected from a meadow enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and from an active agricultural field. Inoculum addition had no effect on biomass or percent colonization by AMF for any grass species, regardless of soil type. Inoculum type significantly affected Aster biomass and percent colonization, although pairwise comparisons of treated individuals and controls were not significant. The overall lack of effectiveness of the commercial inocula may reflect the small number of propagules added, even when used at twice the recommended rate. Higher rates of fungal colonization in all three grasses and increased biomass in the native grasses were observed in individuals grown in the CRP soil. Plants were also colonized by dark septate endophytic fungi; for Schizachyrium, endophyte colonization was significantly greater in tilled than CRP soil. Our results indicate that an existing soil fungal community promotes colonization by AMF more than the addition of commercial inocula, and that soil characteristics associated with land use history significantly affect the growth of native species in a restoration setting.
Revising the ICD‐10 codes for epilepsy and seizures
Authors: Bergen Donna C. , Beghi Ettore , Medina Marco T.
Published: July 2012

The World Health Organization is currently revising the International Classification of Disease, 10th Revision (ICD‐10). A Neurology Task Force Advisory Group [TAG] has been charged with producing a revision that reflects scientific advances and new concepts of pathophysiology since 1992. The ICD codes are used globally to report mortality and morbidity statistics, and they play a vital role in health care planning, training, and allocation of health care resources in many countries. Although used by physicians and hospitals at all levels, the primary users of the ICD codes are primary health care providers, which, particularly in low income countries, include nurses, clinical assistants, and health officers. The TAG, which consists of representatives of major international subspecialty groups such as the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), has published draft codes that are available online for public comment.
Effects on promoter activity of common SNPs in 5′ region of GABRB3 exon 1A
Authors: Tanaka Miyabi , Bailey Julia N. , Bai Dongsheng , Ishikawa‐Brush Yumiko , Delgado‐Escueta Antonio V. , Olsen Richard W.
Published: July 2012

Purpose:  The β3 subunit of the γ‐aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAA–Rs) is an essential component of GABAA–Rs in fetal, perinatal, and adult mammalian brain. Various transcripts of the β3 subunit gene (GABRB3) produce various proteins with different N‐termini. Rare variants in this N‐terminus (exon 1A and exon 2) of GABRB3 protein segregate in affected family members of two multigeneration‐multiplex families with remitting childhood absence epilepsy (rCAE), suggesting GABRB3 is a major Mendelian epilepsy gene for rare families with CAE. Therefore, the N‐terminus of GABRB3 could be important for GABRB3 regulation in development, and its alteration could produce rCAE. Herein we determine if single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the 1,148‐bp region upstream from exon 1A influence the expression of GABRB3.

Methods:  We studied luciferase reporter expression for promoter activity, 1,148‐bp upstream from exon 1A, using human embryonic kidney 293 cells. We generated constructs of the promoter region and compared different SNP haplotypes in 48 patients with rCAE. Next, we compared frequencies of rs20317, located in the core promoter region, and rs4906902, located in the enhancer region between 48 patients with rCAE and >500 healthy controls matched for ethnicity and ancestral origin.

Key Findings:  Highest luciferase expression occurred 230‐bp upstream of exon 1A. The construct that excluded this region lost luciferase activity. Therefore, this region contains the core promoter of exon 1A. Allele C but not allele G (rs20317) significantly increased luciferase expression activity. Allele C creates binding motifs for cMYB and EGR‐3. Longer constructs overlapping this region have a binding motif for REST (RE1‐silencing transcription factor), a critical epigenetic modulator for neuronal genes. REST represses expression of neuronal genes in nonneuronal tissues, resulting in reduced luciferase expression activity. Even in the suppressed condition, the longer construct enhanced luciferase expression activity of the shorter construct, which excluded the distal end containing rs4906902. However, allele frequencies of rs20317 and rs4906902 were not significantly associated with 48 rCAE patients in comparison to >500 controls matched for ethnicity and ancestral origin.

Significance:  Common SNPs in the promoter region increase luciferase expression activity. An epigenetic modulator, REST, specifically alters expression of GABRB3 exon 1A transcripts, suggesting epigenetic regulation by REST dominantly controls the expression of GABRB3 variant 2 transcript in early life GABAA signaling. Abnormal epigenetic regulation could be involved in absence seizures.
Why Do Whites and the Rich Have Less Need for Education?
Authors: MANGINO WILLIAM
Published: July 2012

Abstract

This article hypothesizes that privileged social classes relylesson education to reproduce the next generation's social status. Privileged individuals disproportionately turn away from academics because they have many “informal” opportunities. The “aspiring classes,” conversely, are more reliant on education because they lack the advantages that come from nonacademic sources, like social networks, family relations, and other institutionalized mechanisms. Applying logistic regression to theNational Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Healthand its high school transcript data, this hypothesis is implied in two ways. First, when social backgrounds are controlled, African‐Americans, Hispanics, and Asians are more likely to complete high school and go to college relative to white people. A second analysis shows that the relationship between family income and education is curvilinear. As income increases from poverty through the middle classes, the pursuit of education increases as socioeconomic barriers are removed. But among families with the highest annual incomes, there are marked decreases in rates of high school completion and transition to college. The article concludes that “equality of opportunity” is not achievable because numerous informal opportunities exist for traditionally advantaged segments of the US population.
Preventing the “Abuses” of Democracy: Hayek, the “Military Usurper” and Transitional Dictatorship in Chile?
Authors: FARRANT ANDREW , MCPHAIL EDWARD , BERGER SEBASTIAN
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Hayek famously claimed that he would prefer a “liberal” dictator to “democratic government lacking in liberalism.” While Hayek's views of the Pinochet regime have generated much controversy, surprisingly little has been written about Hayek's defense of transitional dictatorship. Making use of previously un‐translated foreign language archival material, this paper helps shed light on Hayek's views of authoritarianism, totalitarianism, transitional dictatorship, and the Pinochet regime as well as helping to separate Hayekian ‘fact’ from Hayekian ‘fiction’.
Sweatshops, Opportunity Costs, and Non‐Monetary Compensation: Evidence from El Salvador1
Authors: SKARBEK DAVID , SKARBEK EMILY , SKARBEK BRIAN , SKARBEK ERIN
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Using evidence from field interviews, this article examines the alternative employment opportunities of thirty‐one sweatshop factory workers in El Salvador and their perceptions about what types of non‐monetary benefits they receive in their current employment. Interview subjects provide insights into the benefits of their own and peers' employments, their next‐best alternative employment, and other aspects of total compensation. We find that workers perceive factory employment to provide more desirable compensation along several margins.
Trading Activity and Financial Market Integration
Authors: Lee Chia‐Hao , Chou Pei‐I
Published: July 2012

We investigate the effect of trading activity in the Asian emerging markets on the market integration across Asian emerging and major developed markets over the sample period of 1997 to 2009. The empirical evidence confirms that higher trading activity in Asian emerging markets can induce these markets and developed markets to become more integrated. Furthermore, we identify the mediation effect of market volatility on Asian emerging markets. This effect demonstrates that trading activity in Asian emerging markets not only directly enhances market integration, but also intensifies market volatility, indirectly increasing market integration.
Do Socially Responsible Index Investors Incur an Opportunity Cost?
Authors: Branch Ben , Cai Li
Published: July 2012

We construct index‐tracking portfolios using integer programming and then compare the tracking errors and performances of portfolios formed from an unrestricted and socially screened stock universe. We find that one can construct a portfolio of socially responsible stocks that deliver market performance. Thus, the exclusion of a set of stocks from consideration does not exhaust the existence of efficient index‐tracking portfolios, especially when the exclusionary screen is for nonfinancial reasons. Our results are robust to various specifications in constructing the portfolio, for example, number of stocks included in the portfolio and weighting schemes, and robust to alternative tracking error measurement; we show that the difference induced from conducting socially responsible screen is never statistically significant.
Parenting From a Jordanian Perspective: Findings From a Qualitative Study
Authors: Oweis Arwa , Gharaibeh Muntaha , Maaitah Rowaida , Gharaibeh Huda , Obeisat Salwa
Published: July 2012

Purpose: The main purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore Jordanian parents understanding of parenting.

Methods: A convenient sample of 110 Jordanian parents recruited from four health centers participated in the study. A semi‐structured one‐on‐one interview with open‐ended questions was used to collect the data.

Results: Three thematic areas reflecting parent understands of parenting were identified; parenting as embraced by Islam, transferring of cultural values and traditions, and parenting as a challenge.

Conclusions: Parenting behavior and its effectiveness are reflected by the strong interplay of Islamic teachings, socio‐cultural values and traditions in addition to the challenges and difficulties of being a parent.

Clinical Relevance: As the ultimate goal of parenting is to promote the wellbeing and the development of children, it is crucial that health care providers involved in the design and delivery of family and children's services have a thorough understanding of how parents perceive parenting and how their understanding can be integrated in programs to enhance parental roles. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 2012; 00:0, 1–7.
Predictive value of ultrasound assessed fetal head position in primiparous women with prolonged first stage of labor
Authors: TORKILDSEN ERIK A. , SALVESEN KJELL Å. , VON BRANDIS PHILIP , EGGEBØ TORBJØRN M.
Published: July 2012

Objective. To examine how well ultrasound‐assessed occipitoposterior (OP) position or high sagittal (HS) position in primiparous women with a prolonged first stage of labor predicts a vaginal delivery and the duration of labor. Design. Prospective observational study. Setting. Stavanger University Hospital, a secondary referral center in Norway. Population. 105 primiparous women with prolonged first stage of labor. Methods. Ultrasound assessment of fetal head position. Main outcome measures. Vaginal delivery vs. cesarean section and duration of labor. Results. Twenty‐five fetuses (24%) were delivered with cesarean section (CS), 45 (43%) had an operative vaginal delivery and 35 (33%) delivered spontaneously. Eleven (27%) of 41 fetuses in OP position at the time of inclusion were born in OP position. Ten (24%) of the 41 fetuses in OP position at inclusion were delivered with CS compared with 15/64 (23%) fetuses in other positions (p= 0.91). Twenty‐eight fetuses were in sagittal position and 12 in HS position, assessed with ultrasound at the time of diagnosed prolonged labor. Seven (58%) of 12 in HS position delivered vaginally and five (42%) had a CS (p= 0.89). Time from inclusion to labor was not significant longer either for fetuses in OP compared with non‐OP positions or for fetuses in HS compared with non‐HS positions. Conclusions. Most fetuses in OP or HS positions in the first stage of labor will rotate spontaneously and have a high probability of being delivered vaginally.
Enhanced activity of carvacrol against biofilm of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis in an acidic environment
Authors: Nostro Antonia , Cellini Luigina , Zimbalatti Vincenzo , Blanco Anna Rita , Marino Andreana , Pizzimenti Francesco , Giulio Mara Di , Bisignano Giuseppe
Published: July 2012

Carvacrol is an antimicrobial monoterpenic phenol which occurs in many plant essential oils. The aim of this study was to investigate its activity at acidic pH on staphylococcal forming and yet established biofilms, with particular focus to improve its effectiveness on Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm. The results showed that the subinhibitory doses (1/2, 1/4 and 1/8 MIC) of carvacrol determined a higher reduction of S. epidermidis biofilm formation than that observed at neutral pH. A potentiated inhibitory effect was also observed on established biofilm, carvacrol caused either a strong reduction of biomass (>50%) and bacteria attached to polystyrene (>7 log units). The images of scanning electron microscopy and the gas‐chromatographic analysis support these results. The development of acidic formulations containing carvacrol could be an important tool to control the staphylococcal biofilm in the medical and food environment.
The utility of ATF3 in distinguishing cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma among other cutaneous epithelial neoplasms
Authors: Rose Crystal L. , Chakravarti Nitin , Curry Jonathan L. , Torres‐Cabala Carlos A. , Bassett Roland , Prieto Victor G. , Tetzlaff Michael T.
Published: July 2012

The histopathologic distinction between benign and malignant cutaneous keratinocytic proliferations can pose a difficult diagnostic challenge – often with important clinical implications. Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) has emerged as a potential biomarker which may aid in the segregation of these lesions, and we hypothesize that ATF3 expression may be a specific marker of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Using immunohistochemistry, we characterized ATF3 expression in a series of 126 cutaneous epithelial proliferations, including SCC (n = 27), basal cell carcinomas (BCC, n = 59), seborrheic keratoses with atypia (SK, n = 16), hyperplastic actinic keratoses (AK, n = 12) and prurigo nodularis cases (PN, n = 12). We showed strong, nuclear and/or nucleolar expression of ATF3 in a statistically significant number of cases of SCC compared to BCC, SK and PN. We conclude that ATF3 expression is a surrogate of malignancy (or pre‐malignancy) in keratinocytic epithelial proliferations and thus helps distinguish SCC from other cutaneous epithelial neoplasms.
An investigation of the affinities, specificity and kinetics involved in the interaction between the Yin Yang 1 transcription factor and DNA
Authors: Golebiowski Filip M. , Górecki Andrzej , Bonarek Piotr , Rapala‐Kozik Maria , Kozik Andrzej , Dziedzicka‐Wasylewska Marta
Published: July 2012

Human transcription factor Yin Yang 1 (YY1) is a four zinc‐finger protein that regulates a large number of genes with various biological functions in processes such as development, carcinogenesis and B‐cell maturation. The natural binding sites of YY1 are relatively unconserved and have a short core sequence (CCAT). We were interested in determining how YY1 recognizes its binding sites and achieves the necessary sequence selectivity in the cell. Using fluorescence anisotropy, we determined the equilibrium dissociation constants for selected naturally occurring YY1 binding sites that have various levels of similarity to the consensus sequence. We found that recombinant YY1 interacts with its specific binding sites with relatively low affinities from the high nanomolar to the low micromolar range. Using a fluorescence anisotropy competition assay, we determined the affinity of YY1 for non‐specific DNA to be between 30 and 40 μm, which results in low specificity ratios of between 3 and 220. Additionally, surface plasmon resonance measurements showed rapid association and dissociation rates, suggesting that the binding strength is regulated through changes in both ka and kd. In conclusion, we propose that, in the cell, YY1 may achieve higher specificity by associating with co‐regulators or as a part of multi‐subunit complexes.
Screening a cucumber crop during leaf area development reduces yield
Authors: Kläring H.‐P. , Klopotek Y. , Schmidt U. , Tantau H.‐J.
Published: July 2012

In order to reduce heat energy consumption in greenhouse cucumber production, (transparent) screens may be used also during the day, particularly in the early growth phase when high temperatures are required to achieve rapid leaf area development. However, energy savings must be optimised against light reduction‐induced yield loss. For this reason, two experiments were conducted to quantify the effect on photosynthesis and growth of screening cucumber plants during their early growth phase, and on yield in the following generative phase. Screening with different light transmission coefficients was simulated using shading nets. Shading the plants during the first 5 weeks under Central European winter conditions reduced the leaf area by 0.40% per 1% reduction in photosynthetic active radiation (PAR). Moreover, potential leaf net photosynthesis decreased by 0.46% per 1% PAR reduction. A major impact was that the leaf dry matter content, leaf starch content and leaf sugar content of shaded plants diminished significantly. In the course of the following 2 weeks under full light, the leaf photosynthesis of the plants previously shaded recovered fully and the leaf area index rose to 3.3 m2 m−2, considered sufficient for optimal crop photosynthesis. The yield from plants previously shaded diminished slightly as early as from the first harvest week on. These yield losses increased further over the next few weeks, measuring approximately 0.8 kg m−2 per 1 mol m−2 day−1 PAR reduction in the early growth phase. The effect of PAR on plant growth was proportional when relating the PAR integral over the entire experimental period to the total yield and to the total dry matter production, respectively.
The Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer view of the disc-torus connection in z ∼ 0.6 active galactic nuclei
Authors: Calderone G. , Sbarrato T. , Ghisellini G.
Published: July 2012

We selected all radio-quiet active galactic nuclei (AGN) in the latest release of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey quasar catalogue, with redshift in the range 0.56–0.73. About 4000 (∼80 per cent) of these have been detected in all four infrared bands of Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE). This is the largest sample suitable to study the disc-torus connection. We find that the torus reprocesses on average ∼1/3–1/2 of the accretion disc luminosity.
“My In‐group is Superior!”: Susceptibility for Radical Right‐wing Attitudes and Behaviors in Dutch Youth
Authors: Doosje Bertjan , van den Bos Kees , Loseman Annemarie , Feddes Allard R. , Mann Liesbeth
Published: July 2012

In this study among Dutch youth (N = 1086), we focus on the determinants of the susceptibility for adopting radical right‐wing attitudes and behaviors. By means of structural equation modeling, we find that (a) perceived injustice, (b) perceived group threat, (c) relative deprivation, and (d) identification with the Dutch are important background determinants of a radical right‐wing belief system (e.g., perceived in‐group superiority, perceived illegitimacy of Dutch authorities, perceived distance to others, and a feeling of being socially disconnected). Perceived in‐group superiority in turn is positively associated with endorsement of right‐wing motivated violence, which is a determinant of own violent intentions. Results are discussed in terms of the role of various determinants of the process of susceptibility of extreme right‐wing belief system.
Taxonomic status of the subspecies of Teucrium lamiifolium in Turkey: reevaluation based on macro‐ and micro‐morphology, anatomy and chemistry
Authors: Doğu Süleyman , Dinç Muhittin , Kaya Ayla , Demirci Betül
Published: July 2012

Teucrium stachyophyllum P. H. Davis was first described as a separate species in the ‘Syrian, Lebanon and Palestine Flora’, but was reduced to a subspecies of T. lamiifolium d’Urv. in the ‘Turkish Flora’. Studies on the macro‐ and micro‐morphology as well as the anatomy of populations of T. lamiifolium subsp. stachyophyllum (P. H. Davis) Hedge & Ekim and T. lamiifolium subsp. lamiifolium in Turkey have been carried out based on herbarium specimens and field observations. The results from the anatomical studies on stems and leaves show that although the two taxa are similar in stem anatomy, they differ in terms of mesophyll thickness and occurrence of crystals in the upper epidermal cells of the leaf. Light and scanning electron microscope analyzes revealed striking differences in colour, size, sculpture and gland density between nutlets of the two taxa. Morphological studies also showed that there were important differences between the two taxa in terms of inflorescence, indumentum, and stem length and thickness. In addition, the essential oils from aerial parts of T. lamiifolium subsp. stachyophyllum and T. lamiifolium subsp. lamiifolium were isolated by steam distillation and analysed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The major components were characterized as β‐caryophyllene (23.5–44.8%), trans‐β‐bergamotene (22.4–26.4%), germacrene D (22.2%) and (Z)‐β‐farnesene (14.0%) for subp. lamiifolium and trans‐β‐bergamotene (38.1–41.1%) and β‐caryophyllene (8.7–8.9%) for subsp. stachyophyllum, respectively. As a result of the studies, it is proposed that the taxon treated as T. lamiifolium subsp. stachyophyllum in the Turkish flora should be raised to specific rank as T. stachyophyllum.
Secondary Transobturator Tape Procedure after Combined Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repair
Authors: SAITO Tetsuichi , NISHIZAWA Osamu , ISHIKAWA Masakuni , SHIMOJIMA Yuji , OGUCHI Tomohiko , SUZUKI Hisanori , YOKOYAMA Hitoshi , ICHINO Midori , KATO Haruaki , ISHIZUKA Osamu
Published: July 2012

A 66‐year‐old female who underwent a partial urethrectomy complained of severe incontinence due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency. Bone anchor surgical technique was performed, but in 3 years, serious pelvic organ prolapse had occurred. Consequently, anterior and posterior tension‐free vaginal mesh operation was planned. Preoperative urodynamic examination predicted postoperative stress incontinence, and concurrent transobturator tape (TOT) surgery was performed. After 3 months, stress incontinence reoccurred, and secondary TOT was performed. Relapse was probably caused by dislocation of the first TOT towards the bladder neck. Thus, the secondary TOT was placed distal to the initial tape towards the external urethral meatus, and proper tension was applied. After the operation, stress incontinence was cured. Thus, a second TOT procedure, with proper positioning and tensioning, can effectively cure stress incontinence that occurs after an initial TOT procedure.
Twelve Months Follow‐up of Injection of OnabotulinumtoxinA into Vesical Submucosa for Refractory Non‐neurogenic Overactive Bladder
Authors: OKAMURA Kikuo , TAKEI Mineo , NOJIRI Yoshikatsu , OTSUKA Atsushi , TAKAMOTO Hitoshi , MAEDA Yoshiko , FUJIMURA Tetsuya , YOKOYAMA Teruhiko , GOTOH Momokazu , HOMMA Yukio
Published: July 2012

Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of onabotulinumtoxinA injection for refractory non‐neurogenic overactive bladder (OAB) for 12 months.

Methods: For patients with persistent urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) more than once a week despite taking anti‐cholinergic agents or incapability to continue the agents because of adverse effects, 100 units of onabotulinumtoxinA was injected at 30 sites in the sub‐epithelial bladder wall. Efficacy was assessed every month up to 12 months after injection, using a three‐day frequency‐volume chart (FVC) and postvoid residual urine (PVR), three questionnaires, and a simple score of Global Response Assessment (GRA). Failure was defined as when GRA was negative and additional treatment was administered.

Results: Nine men and eight women aged 67 ± 12 years were included. On FVC, frequencies of urgency, UUI and daytime urination significantly decreased up to the 11th month. PVR significantly increased at the first and second months but no patient required catheterization. The total scores of Overactive Bladder Symptom Score and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form were significantly decreased for 10 and eight months, respectively. The score of GRA was significantly improved for eight months. The median time to failure was 11.0 months.

Conclusion: This study suggests that onabotulinumtoxinA submucosal injection is promising for refractory non‐neurogenic OAB. It is anticipated that the treatment is effective for eight to nine months and approximately 40% of the patients do not require anticholinergics at the 12th month postoperatively.
Prognosis for non‐small cell lung cancer patients with brain metastases
Authors: Kim Junghyun , Lee Sang‐Min , Yim Jae‐Jun , Yoo Chul Gyu , Kim Young Whan , Han Sung Koo , Yang Seok‐Chul
Published: July 2012

Purpose

Brain metastasis has a poor prognosis in patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, we evaluated the prognosis of NSCLC patients with brain metastases.

Methods

We analyzed a total of 313 NSCLC patients with brain metastasis. We compared the prognoses between a group of less than four (group A) and a group of more than four or equal to four (≥4) (group B) brain metastases.

Results

The median survival time was 334 days (group A, 164 patients, 52.4%) and 234 days (group B, 149 patients, 47.6%). Univariate analysis showed that the number of metastases, age at diagnosis of brain metastasis, smoking history, histologic type, and former stage of primary lung cancer before brain metastasis, had a significant influence. In addition, treatment for primary lung cancer lesions and brain metastasis also affected the overall survival (p < .0001). However, there was no difference in the overall survival between the two groups in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Our results show that the number of brain metastases, classified by group A (<4) or group B (≥4) did not influence the overall survival of NSCLC patients. However, the overall survival in group A was better than in group B when analyzed, except for local brain treatment modalities in sub‐group analysis, suggesting that non‐optimized local treatment strategies might cause an unexpected prognosis result in this retrospective study. We suggest that more prospective studies might be needed for the optimal standard treatment for brain metastasis.
Effect of bonding application time on the microleakage of Class V sandwich restorations
Authors: Ghasemi A , Torabzadeh H , Mahdian M , Afkar M , Fazeli A , Akbarzadeh Baghban A
Published: July 2012

Background:  The aim of this study was to assess the effect of bonding application time on the microleakage of Class V sandwich restorations.

Methods:  Eighty non‐carious third molars were randomly divided into 16 groups. Two Class V cavities were prepared on the buccal and lingual surfaces of teeth. Three groups were restored with Fuji II GIC and treated with a total‐etch bonding system (Stea/SDI) immediately after insertion, at 7 minutes and 15 minutes after mixing the glass ionomer cements (GICs). Another three groups were restored with Riva Self Cure GIC and treated with the total‐etch system identically. The other six groups were subjected to self‐etching bonding (Frog/SDI) after GIC placement in an identical procedure. The remaining groups were made using light cure GICs (Fuji II or Riva Light Cure) in conjunction with the total‐etch or self‐etching systems. Cavities were then restored with composite (Valux plus, 3M/ESPE). Samples were subsequently immersed in 2% methylene blue solution for 48 hours and observed under a stereomicroscope after sectioning. Four‐scale grading was used to assess microleakage in occlusal and gingival walls. Data were analysed using Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests.

Results:  The self‐etching bonding system exhibited more microleakage in occlusal margins regardless of time. Over time, microleakage significantly decreased in gingival margins in all self‐cure groups except for Riva Self Cure treated with the total‐etch system (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:  Bonding application time had no effect on the microleakage of occlusal margins. However, maturation of GICs induced a decreased microleakage in gingival margins.
Virus Detection in Questing Ticks is not a Sensitive Indicator for Risk Assessment of Tick‐Borne Encephalitis in Humans
Authors: Stefanoff P. , Pfeffer M. , Hellenbrand W. , Rogalska J. , Rühe F. , Makówka A. , Michalik J. , Wodecka B. , Rymaszewska A. , Kiewra D. , Baumann‐Popczyk A. , Dobler G.
Published: July 2012

Tick‐borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is the most important tick‐transmitted arbovirus causing human disease in Europe, but information on its endemic occurrence varies between countries because of differences in surveillance systems. Objective data are necessary to ascertain the disease risk for vaccination recommendations and other public health interventions. In two independent, separately planned projects, we used real‐time RT‐PCR to detect TBE virus in questing ticks. In Poland, 32 sampling sites were selected in 10 administrative districts located in regions where sporadic TBE cases were reported. In Germany, 18 sampling sites were selected in two districts located in a region with high TBE incidence. Altogether, >16 000 ticks were tested by real‐time RT‐PCR, with no sample testing positive for TBEV. A systematic search for published studies on TBEV prevalence in ticks in Poland and Germany also suggested that testing large numbers of collected ticks could not consistently assure virus detection in known endemic foci. Although assignment of results to administrative regions is essential for TBE risk mapping, this was possible in only 10 (investigating 22 417 ticks) of 15 published studies (>50 000 ticks) identified. We conclude that the collection and screening of ticks by real‐time RT‐PCR cannot be recommended for assessment of human TBE risk. Alternative methods of environmental TBEV monitoring should be considered, such as serological monitoring of rodents or other wildlife.