bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Star-shaped hole transporting materials with a triazine unit for efficient perovskite solar cells
Authors: Do Kwangseok , Choi Hyeju , Lim Kimin , Jo Hyunjun , Cho Jin Woo , Nazeeruddin Mohammad K. , Ko Jaejung
Published: July 2014

Novel star-shaped hole transporting materials with a triazine unit have been synthesized.
Influence of an amine group on the highly efficient reversible adsorption of iodine in two novel isoreticular interpenetrated pillared-layer microporous metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Safarifard Vahid , Morsali Ali
Published: July 2014

Two isoreticular two-fold interpenetrated microporous Zn(ii)-MOFs are compared with each other for the encapsulation of iodine.
Photo-stability of peptide-bond aggregates: N-methylformamide dimers
Authors: Crespo-Otero Rachel , Mardykov Artur , Sanchez-Garcia Elsa , Sander Wolfram , Barbatti Mario
Published: July 2014

Fast proton-transfer in the excited state protects hydrogen-bonded N-methylformamide dimers from photo-dissociation in contrast to the monomer photochemistry.
Synthesis of NaLuF4-based nanocrystals and large enhancement of upconversion luminescence of NaLuF4:Gd, Yb, Er by coating an active shell for bioimaging
Authors: Ouyang Juan , Yin Dongguang , Cao Xianzhang , Wang Chengcheng , Song Kailin , Liu Bing , Zhang Lu , Han Yanlin , Wu Minghong
Published: July 2014

NaLuF4-based hexagonal phase upconversion nanocrystals were synthesized by a solvothermal method and their properties were investigated.
Multifunctional silica-coated iron oxide nanoparticles: a facile four-in-one system for in situ study of neural stem cell harvesting
Authors: Peng Yung-Kang , Lui Cathy N. P. , Lin Tsen-Hsuan , Chang Chen , Chou Pi-Tai , Yung Ken K. L. , Tsang S. C. Edman
Published: July 2014

Neural stem cells (NSCs), which generate the main phenotypes of the nervous system, are multipotent cells and are able to differentiate into multiple cell types via external stimuli from the environment. The extraction, modification and re-application of NSCs have thus attracted much attention and raised hopes for novel neural stem cell therapies and regenerative medicine. However, few studies have successfully identified the distribution of NSCs in a live brain and monitored the corresponding extraction processes both in vitro and in vivo. To address those difficulties, in this study multi-functional uniform nanoparticles comprising an iron oxide core and a functionalized silica shell (Fe3O4@SiO2(FITC)-CD133, FITC: a green emissive dye, CD133: anti-CD133 antibody) have been strategically designed and synthesized for use as probe nanocomposites that provide four-in-one functionality, i.e., magnetic agitation, dual imaging (both magnetic resonance and optical) and specific targeting. It is shown that these newly synthesized Fe3O4@SiO2(FITC)-CD133 particles have clearly demonstrated their versatility in various applications. (1) The magnetic core enables magnetic cell collection and T2 magnetic resonance imaging. (2) The fluorescent FITC embedded in the silica framework enables optical imaging. (3) CD133 anchored on the outermost surface is demonstrated to be capable of targeting neural stem cells for cell collection and bimodal imaging.
Coprinopsis atramentaria extract, its organic acids, and synthesized glucuronated and methylated derivatives as antibacterial and antifungal agents
Authors: Heleno Sandrina A. , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R. , Ćirić Ana , Glamočlija Jasmina , Martins Anabela , Queiroz Maria João R. P. , Soković Marina
Published: July 2014

The inclusion of methyl groups in the parental compound increased the antibacterial, antifungal and demelanizing activities.
Modeling and optimization of acoustofluidic micro-devices
Authors: Hahn Philipp , Schwab Olivier , Dual Jurg
Published: July 2014

Design by optimization reduces the development time of new acoustofluidic micro-devices and maximizes their acoustophoretic performance.
Quantitation and localization of intracellular redox active metals by X-ray fluorescence microscopy in cortical neurons derived from APP and APLP2 knockout tissue
Authors: Ciccotosto Giuseppe D. , James Simon A. , Altissimo Matteo , Paterson David , Vogt Stefan , Lai Barry , de Jonge Martin D. , Howard Daryl L. , Bush Ashley I. , Cappai Roberto
Published: July 2014

The intracellular metal concentration and distribution for Cu, Zn, Fe and Ca were determined by X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) in cultured cortical neurons and were found to be altered in mice lacking APP and APLP2 expression.
Double thermoresponsive di- and triblock copolymers based on N-vinylcaprolactam and N-vinylpyrrolidone: synthesis and comparative study of solution behaviour
Authors: Kermagoret Anthony , Mathieu Kevin , Thomassin Jean-Michel , Fustin Charles-André , Duchêne Roland , Jérôme Christine , Detrembleur Christophe , Debuigne Antoine
Published: July 2014

Controlled radical polymerization produces poly(N-vinylamide)s with thermally induced multistep assembly.
Synthesis of mono-dispersed mesoporous SBA-1 nanoparticles with tunable pore size and their application in lysozyme immobilization
Authors: Xu Jianxiong , Liu Weiwei , Yu Yunfei , Du Jingjing , Li Na , Xu Lijian
Published: July 2014

We reported the facile synthesis of mono-dispersed SBA-1 nanoparticles with ordered pore structure and tunable pore size. It is demonstrated that both the pore structure and pore size played important roles in lysozyme immobilization.
On-chip direct freezing and thawing of mammalian cells
Authors: Li Lei , Lv Xiaoqing , Guo Hua , Shi Xuetao , Liu Jing
Published: July 2014

This paper describes a simple protocol for directly freezing and thawing mammalian cells on a PDMS–glass chip, which enables cell storage on chip at −80 °C for several days to several months.
A water-based and high space-time yield synthetic route to MOF Ni2(dhtp) and its linker 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalic acid
Authors: Cadot Stéphane , Veyre Laurent , Luneau Dominique , Farrusseng David , Alessandra Quadrelli Elsje
Published: July 2014

Highway to MOF Ni2(dhtp)! 1 hour in boiling water under atmospheric pressure; a cheap synthesis of the linker is also reported.
A novel, warm, white light-emitting phosphor Ca2PO4Cl:Eu2+, Mn2+ for white LEDs
Authors: Li Panlai , Wang Zhijun , Yang Zhiping , Guo Qinglin
Published: July 2014

A series of single-phase phosphors, Ca2PO4Cl:Eu2+, Mn2+, have been successfully synthesized by a solid-state method and their photoluminescence properties have been investigated.
Ribosomal protein S19-binding domain provides insights into hantavirus nucleocapsid protein-mediated translation initiation mechanism
Authors: Ganaie Safder S. , Haque Absarul , Cheng Erdong , Bonny Tania S. , Salim Nilshad N. , Mir Mohammad A.
Published: July 2014

The hantaviral zoonotic diseases pose a significant threat to human health due to the lack of potential antiviral therapeutics or a vaccine against hantaviruses. N (Sin Nombre hantavirus nucleocapsid protein) augments mRNA translation. N binds to both the mRNA 5′ cap and 40S ribosomal subunit via RPS19 (ribosomal protein S19). N with the assistance of the viral mRNA 5′-UTR preferentially favours the translation of a downstream ORF. We identified and characterized the RPS19-binding domain at the N-terminus of N. Its deletion did not influence the secondary structure, but affected the conformation of trimeric N molecules. The N variant lacking the RPS19-binding region was able to bind both the mRNA 5′ cap and panhandle-like structure, formed by the termini of viral genomic RNA. In addition, the N variant formed stable trimers similar to wild-type N. Use of this variant in multiple experiments provided insights into the mechanism of ribosome loading during N-mediated translation strategy. The present study suggests that N molecules individually associated with the mRNA 5′ cap and RPS19 of the 40S ribosomal subunit undergo N–N interaction to facilitate the engagement of N-associated ribosomes at the mRNA 5′ cap. This has revealed new targets for therapeutic intervention of hantavirus infection.
Alveolar T-helper type-2 immunity in atopic asthma is associated with poor clinical control
Authors: Bergqvist Anders , Andersson Cecilia K. , Mori Michiko , Walls Andrew F. , Bjermer Leif , Erjefält Jonas S.
Published: July 2014

Real-world evaluation studies have shown that many patients with asthma remain symptomatic despite treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs). As conventional ICSs have poor access to the peripheral airways, the aim of the present paper was to study the relationship between peripheral airway inflammation and clinical control in allergic asthma. Consequently, bronchial and transbronchial biopsies were obtained from patients with poorly controlled asthma [n=12, asthma control test (ACT) score < 20], patients with well-controlled asthma (n=12, ACT score ≥ 20) and healthy controls (n=8). Tissue sections were immunostained to assess multiple leucocyte populations. To determine the degree of T-helper type-2 (Th2) immunity, the logarithmic value of the ratio between Th2 cells/mm2 and Th1 cells/mm2 was used as a surrogate score for Th2-skewed immunity. In the bronchi, the leucocyte infiltration pattern and the Th2-score were similar between patients with well-controlled asthma and those with poorly controlled asthma. In contrast, in the alveolar parenchyma, the expression of T-helper cells was significantly higher in patients with poorly controlled asthma than in patients with well-controlled asthma (P<0.01). Furthermore, the alveolar Th2-score was significantly higher in patients with poorly controlled asthma (median 0.4) than in the controlled patients (median −0.10, P<0.05). In addition, in contrast with bronchial Th2-score, the alveolar Th2-score correlated significantly with ACT score (rs=−0.62, P<0.01) in the pooled asthma group. Collectively, our data reveal an alveolar Th2-skewed inflammation, specifically in asthmatic patients who are poorly controlled with ICSs, and suggest that pharmacological targeting of the peripheral airways may be beneficial in this large patient category.
Replica grammaticalisation as recapitulation
Authors: Ziegeler Debra
Published: July 2014

The study of replica grammaticalisation in contact (Heine & Kuteva 2003, 2005) has not been without its critics (e.g. Matthews & Yip 2009, Gast & van der Auwera 2012) because of assumptions of a historical linguistic awareness of model language grammaticalisation routes. In Heine & Kuteva’s studies, the contact model language was usually understood to be a substrate or L1. The present study investigates a universal feature of New English dialects and proposes instead a replication of earlier diachronic stages in the lexifier attested up to 1000 years ago. Replication is assisted by the identification and exploitation of extant, lexical source meanings or earlier grammaticalisation stages co-existing with the grammaticalised item in the lexifier, in a situation of contact layering.
The effect of pedometer use on physical activity and body weight in obese women
Authors: Cayir Yasemin , Aslan Secil Menekse , Akturk Zekeriya
Published: July 2014

Physical activity and healthy eating are of the utmost importance in treatment of obesity. However obese generally tend to have a sedentary lifestyle. Walking is a form of physical activity that is both simple and can be performed by everyone, but it requires an objective measurement. Number of steps taken during tracking can be recorded with the pedometer, a device used to measure the level of physical activity. We aimed to investigate whether or not using pedometers as a motivational technique to increase the level of physical activity in obese women has an impact on weight loss. Eighty‐four obese women who are similar age referring to Ataturk University Faculty of Medicine Healthy Living Clinic, Turkey were randomly divided into two groups. Intervention group were given pedometers, and control group were prescribed similar diet and physical activity with a three‐month follow‐up plan without pedometers. Mean weight in pedometer group initially was 88.9 ± 8.4 kg, which decreased to 80.2 ± 8.7 kg after the programme. Mean weight in control group was 86.1 ± 9.2 kg at the beginning, and it decreased to 84.7 ± 8.8 kg after three months. It was observed in pedometer group that the mean number of steps 8817 ± 2725 steps/day at the beginning increased to mean 9716 ± 2811 steps/day at the end of the study. Weight, body mass index, body fat percentage and waist circumference measurements decreased more greatly in the pedometer when compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Pedometers may be recommended to obese patients to monitor and increase the level of physical activity and to promote weight loss.
Brachial artery characteristics and micro‐vascular filtration capacity in rock climbers
Authors: Thompson Emilia B. , Farrow Luke , Hunt Julie E. A. , Lewis Mark P. , Ferguson Richard A.
Published: July 2014

Rock climbers perform repeated isometric forearm muscle contractions subjecting the vasculature to repeated ischaemia and distorted haemodynamic signals. This study investigated forearm vascular characteristics in rock climbers compared to healthy untrained controls. Eight climbers (CLIMB) (BMI; 22.3, s = 2.0 kg/m2, isometric handgrip strength; 46, s = 8 kg) were compared against eight untrained controls (CON) (BMI; 23.8, s = 2.6 kg/m2, isometric handgrip strength; 37, s = 9 kg). Brachial artery diameter and blood flow were measured, using Doppler ultrasound, at rest and following 5‐mins ischaemia (peak diameter) and ischaemic exercise (maximal dilation) to calculate flow mediated dilation (FMD) and dilatory capacity (DC). Capillary filtration capacity was assessed using venous occlusion plethysmography. Resting (4.30, s = 0.26 vs. 3.79, s = 0.39 mm), peak (4.67, s = 0.31 vs. 4.12, s = 0.45 mm) and maximal (5.14, s = 0.42 vs. 4.35, s = 0.47 mm) diameters were greater (P < 0.05) in CLIMB than CON, respectively, despite no difference in FMD (9.2, s = 2.6 vs. 8.7, s = 2.9%). Peak reactive hyperaemic blood flow (1136, s = 504 vs. 651, s = 221 ml/min) and capillary filtration capacity (3.8, s = 0.9 vs. 5.2, s = 0.7 ml.min−1.mmHg−1.100 ml tissue−1 × 10−3) were greater (P < 0.05) in CLIMB compared to CON, respectively. Rock climbers exhibit structural vascular adaptation compared to untrained control participants but have similar vascular function. This may contribute to the enhanced ability of climbers to perform repeated isometric contractions.
Possible Role of Lysophosphatidic Acid in Rat Model of Hypoxic Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling
Authors: Shlyonsky Vadim , Naeije Robert , Mies Frédérique
Published: July 2014

Pulmonary hypertension is characterized by cellular and structural changes in the vascular wall of pulmonary arteries. We hypothesized that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a bioactive lipid, is implicated in this vascular remodeling in a rat model of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. Exposure of Wistar rats to 10% O2 for 3 weeks induced an increase in the mean serum levels of LPA, to 40.9 (log‐detransformed standard deviations: 23.4–71.7) μM versus 21.6 (11.0–42.3) μM in a matched control animal group (P = 0.037). We also observed perivascular LPA immunohistochemical staining in lungs of hypoxic rats colocalized with the secreted lysophospholipase D autotaxin (ATX). Moreover, ATX colocalized with mast cell tryptase, suggesting implication of these cells in perivascular LPA production. Hypoxic rat lungs expressed more ATX transcripts (2.4‐fold) and more transcripts of proteins implicated in cell migration: β2 integrin (1.74‐fold), intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1; 1.84‐fold), and αM integrin (2.70‐fold). Serum from the hypoxic group of animals had significantly higher chemoattractant properties toward rat primary lung fibroblasts, and this increase in cell migration could be prevented by the LPA receptor 1 and 3 antagonists. LPA also increased adhesive properties of human pulmonary artery endothelial cells as well as those of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, via the activation of LPA receptor 1 or 3 followed by the stimulation of gene expression of ICAM‐1, β−1, E‐selectin, and vascular cell adhesion molecule integrins. In conclusion, chronic hypoxia increases circulating and tissue levels of LPA, which might induce fibroblast migration and recruitment of mononuclear cells in pulmonary vasculature, both of which contribute to pulmonary vascular remodeling.
Establishing Evidence-Based Criteria for Directly Observed Hand Hygiene Compliance Monitoring Programs: A Prospective, Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Yin Jun , Reisinger Heather Schacht , Weg Mark Vander , Schweizer Marin L. , Jesson Andrew , Morgan Daniel J. , Forrest Graeme , Graham Margaret , Pineles Lisa , Perencevich Eli N.
Published: July 2014

Objective

Hand hygiene surveillance programs that rely on direct observations of healthcare worker activity may be limited by the Hawthorne effect. In addition, comparing compliance rates from period to period requires adequately sized samples of observations. We aimed to statistically determine whether the Hawthorne effect is stable over an observation period and statistically derive sample sizes of observations necessary to compare compliance rates.

Design

Prospective multicenter cohort study.

Setting

Five intensive care units and 6 medical/surgical wards in 3 geographically distinct acute care hospitals.

Methods

Trained observers monitored hand hygiene compliance during routine care in fixed 1-hour periods, using a standardized collection tool. We estimated the impact of the Hawthorne effect using empirical fluctuation processes and F tests for structural change. Standard sample-size calculation methods were used to estimate how many hand hygiene opportunities are required to accurately measure hand hygiene across various levels of baseline and target compliance.

Results

Exit hand hygiene compliance increased after 14 minutes of observation (from 56.2% to 60.5%; P < .001) and increased further after 50 minutes (from 60.5% to 66.0%; P < .001). Entry compliance increased after 38 minutes (from 40.4% to 43.4%; P = .005). Between 79 and 723 opportunities are required during each period, depending on baseline compliance rates (range, 35%–90%) and targeted improvement (5% or 10%).

Conclusions

Limiting direct observation periods to approximately 15 minutes to minimize the Hawthorne effect and determining required number of hand hygiene opportunities observed per period on the basis of statistical power calculations would be expected to improve the validity of hand hygiene surveillance programs.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014;35(9):1163-1168
Direct and indirect impacts of climate change on microbial and biocrust communities alter the resistance of the N cycle in a semiarid grassland
Authors: Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel , Maestre Fernando T. , Escolar Cristina , Gallardo Antonio , Ochoa Victoria , Gozalo Beatriz , Prado‐Comesaña Ana
Published: July 2014

Climate change will raise temperatures and modify precipitation patterns in drylands worldwide, affecting their structure and functioning. Despite the recognized importance of soil communities dominated by mosses, lichens and cyanobacteria (biocrusts) as a driver of nutrient cycling in drylands, little is known on how biocrusts will modulate the resistance (i.e., the amount of change caused by a disturbance) of the N cycle in response to climate change.

Here, we evaluate how warming (ambient vs. ˜2.5 °C increase), rainfall exclusion (ambient vs. ˜30% reduction in total annual rainfall) and biocrust cover (incipient vs. well‐developed biocrusts) affect multiple variables linked to soil N availability (inorganic and organic N and potential net N mineralization rate) and its resistance to climate change during 4 years in a field experiment. We also evaluate how climate change‐induced modifications in biocrust and microbial communities indirectly affect such resistance.

Biocrusts promoted the resistance of soil N availability regardless of the climatic conditions considered. However, the dynamics of N availability diverged progressively from their original conditions with warming and/or rainfall exclusion, as both treatments enhanced N availability and promoted the dominance of inorganic over organic N. In addition, the increase in fungal:bacterial ratio and the decrease in biocrust cover observed under warming had a negative indirect effect on the resistance of N cycle variables.

Synthesis. Our results indicate that climate change will have negative direct and indirect (i.e. through changes in biocrust and microbial communities) impacts on the resistance of the N cycle in dryland soils. While biocrusts can play an important role slowing down the impacts of climate change on the N cycle due to their positive and continued effects on the resistance of multiple variables from the N cycle, such change will progressively alter N cycling in biocrust‐dominated ecosystems, enhancing both N availability and inorganic N dominance.
Determining the ‘healthiness’ of foods marketed to children on television using the Food Standards Australia New Zealand nutrient profiling criteria
Authors: Watson Wendy L. , Johnston Aimee , Hughes Clare , Chapman Kathy
Published: July 2014

Aim

To investigate the potential of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand nutrient profiling criterion to underpin restrictions on the advertising of ‘unhealthy’ foods to children by comparing it to other established criteria.

Methods

Two weeks of food advertising from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on three Sydney television channels was categorised as passing or failing the nutrient profiling criteria. Nutrition information on energy, saturated fat, sodium, sugar, protein, dietary fibre and fruit, vegetable, nut and legume content was obtained from food labels, company websites and manufacturers. Results were compared to criteria based on identifying core and non‐core food groups and the criteria set by companies in the voluntary industry codes for marketing to children.

Results

Of the 116 unique food advertisements, 61% failed nutrient profiling and were considered ‘unhealthy’ foods. Of the advertisements that passed nutrient profiling, 64% were promoting core foods, while 93% of those that failed nutrient profiling were promoting non‐core foods. Sixty‐three per cent of advertisements that met the nutrition criteria outlined in the grocery manufacturers' company action plans passed nutrient profiling. Only one advertisement for fast food passed the fast food company criteria and nutrient profiling.

Conclusions

The Food Standards Australia New Zealand nutrient profiling criteria provide an independent assessment of the overall healthiness of a product and have potential to form the basis of nutrient criteria for regulating food marketing to children in Australia. Current criteria within voluntary self‐regulatory initiatives are complex and lenient, and fail to cover many foods advertised.
Utility of multi‐frequency bioelectrical impedance compared to deuterium dilution for assessment of total body water
Authors: Anderson Lindsey J. , Erceg David N. , Schroeder E. Todd
Published: July 2014

Aim

Multi‐frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MF‐BIA) may provide a quick, cost‐efficient method of total body water (TBW) assessment. We compared TBW estimates from the Biospace InBody 520, 720, and S10 MF‐BIA devices to TBW estimates from isotopic deuterium dilution (D2O).

Methods

TBW was measured in 25 men and 25 women, 18–49 years, 73.6 ± 15.4 kg on each of the three devices and from D2O analysis.

Results

All MF‐BIA devices significantly overestimated TBW compared to D2O TBW for men (4.7–5.4 kg, 10.8–12.4%; P < 0.01) and women (3.7–4.3 kg, 12.3–14.3%; P < 0.01). Regression analyses in men revealed R2 (0.86–0.90) and SEE (1.7–2.0 kg), and in women revealed R2 (0.82–0.86) and SEE (1.5–1.6 kg). Bland and Altman analyses revealed similar limits of agreement for men (3.5–3.9 kg) and women (3.4–3.7 kg).

Conclusions

The Biospace InBody devices significantly overestimate TBW in men and women. The consistent bias for men and the increasing bias with increasing TBW for women may indicate that these devices are suitable for group TBW estimates in men only.
Test–Retest Reliability and Validity of Life‐Course Alcohol Consumption Measures: The 2005 National Alcohol Survey Follow‐Up
Authors: Greenfield Thomas K. , Nayak Madhabika B. , Bond Jason , Kerr William C. , Ye Yu
Published: July 2014

Background

Few studies assess reliability and validity of lifetime alcohol measures. We undertook extended test–retest analyses of retrospective lifetime drinking measures and of incremental predictive ability of lifetime heavy drinking (days 5+ drinks) in teens, 20s, and 30s for current (12‐month) alcohol use disorders (AUDs).

Methods

A subset (31.4%; 962 men, 1,220 women) of the 2005 U.S. National Alcohol Survey (NAS; N11) completed a follow‐up survey (N11T) by phone or mail (mean delay of 2.7 years). Both surveys assessed lifetime drinking.

Results

In N11T, drinking status was reported consistently by 94.7% of N11 current drinkers, 85.5% of ex‐drinkers, and 74.4% of lifetime abstainers (93.5% overall). Cumulative number of prior heavy drinking days (teens through 30s) were moderately consistent (Pearson's ρ = 0.6, p < 0.001, n = 1,636). Reliability was lower for younger respondents under 30 and higher for Whites versus Blacks and Hispanics (ρ = 0.68 vs. ρ = 0.56 vs. ρ = 0.56, both p = 0.01), but did not differ by gender. Heavy drinking days in teens correlated 0.63 (p < 0.001) for those aged 20 or older, higher for women than men and for Whites versus ethnic minorities. Heavy drinking days in the 20s and 30s reported by those 30 and older and 40 and older correlated at 0.63 and 0.67, respectively, being higher for Whites. Age of drinking onset and of lifetime maximum quantity reports were also consistent (0.65, 0.73), higher for women versus men, for those older than 29 versus younger, and for Whites versus Blacks and Hispanics. In N11, controlling for gender, age, ethnicity, and current 5+ frequency, cumulative prior 5+ days (teens to age 39) predicted current alcohol‐related consequences and dependence (both p = 0.003).

Conclusions

Measurements of earlier heavy drinking are feasible, efficient, and reasonably reliable, albeit with some individual imprecision. Prior drinking data improve prediction of current AUDs, adjusting for demographics and current drinking.
Association Between HTR7 Genetic Polymorphisms and Alcohol Dependence, Using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)
Authors: Kim Jeong‐Hyun , Park Byung‐Lae , Cheong Hyun Sub , Bae Joon Seol , Kim Lyoung Hyo , Kim Jee Wook , Lee Byoung Chul , Seo Cheong Hoon , Kang Tae‐Cheon , Park Sun‐Hee , Choi Ihn‐Geun , Shin Hyoung Doo
Published: July 2014

Background

A recent genome‐wide association study has identified 5‐hydroxytrytamine (serotonin) receptor 7, adenylate cyclase‐coupled (HTR7) as a risk gene for alcohol dependence. In addition, the serotonergic system has been considered as a modulator that plays an important role in alcohol use disorders. Functional, pharmacological, and genetic studies of serotonin neurotransmission have revealed that serotonin receptors are potential targets for the treatment of alcohol use disorders. The aim of this study is to investigate whether associations between HTR7 genetic polymorphisms and alcohol dependence could be replicated.

Methods

This study genotyped a total of 22 common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 459 alcoholic patients and 444 nonalcoholic controls.

Results

Logistic regression analysis of the case–control study, controlling for age and sex as covariates, showed nominal associations of 7 SNPs (p = 0.02 to 0.04; odds ratio = 0.60 to 1.35). In further linear regression analysis based on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score for alcohol dependence, 8 SNPs and 3 haplotypes showed relatively significant associations with alcohol dependence (minimum p = 0.001; pcorr = 0.02).

Conclusions

Although further replications and functional evaluations are needed, our findings suggest that genetic variations of HTR7 may contribute to the predisposition for alcohol dependence.
Fetal Alcohol Programming of Hypothalamic Proopiomelanocortin System by Epigenetic Mechanisms and Later Life Vulnerability to Stress
Authors: Bekdash Rola , Zhang Changqing , Sarkar Dipak
Published: July 2014

Hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons, one of the major regulators of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis, immune functions, and energy homeostasis, are vulnerable to the adverse effects of fetal alcohol exposure (FAE). These effects are manifested in POMC neurons by a decrease in Pomc gene expression, a decrement in the levels of its derived peptide β‐endorphin and a dysregulation of the stress response in the adult offspring. The HPA axis is a major neuroendocrine system with pivotal physiological functions and mode of regulation. This system has been shown to be perturbed by prenatal alcohol exposure. It has been demonstrated that the perturbation of the HPA axis by FAE is long‐lasting and is linked to molecular, neurophysiological, and behavioral changes in exposed individuals. Recently, we showed that the dysregulation of the POMC system function by FAE is induced by epigenetic mechanisms such as hypermethylation of Pomc gene promoter and an alteration in histone marks in POMC neurons. This developmental programming of the POMC system by FAE altered the transcriptome in POMC neurons and induced a hyperresponse to stress in adulthood. These long‐lasting epigenetic changes influenced subsequent generations via the male germline. We also demonstrated that the epigenetic programming of the POMC system by FAE was reversed in adulthood with the application of the inhibitors of DNA methylation or histone modifications. Thus, prenatal environmental influences, such as alcohol exposure, could epigenetically modulate POMC neuronal circuits and function to shape adult behavioral patterns. Identifying specific epigenetic factors in hypothalamic POMC neurons that are modulated by fetal alcohol and target Pomc gene could be potentially useful for the development of new therapeutic approaches to treat stress‐related diseases in patients with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Randomised clinical trial: polyethylene glycol 3350 with sports drink vs. polyethylene glycol with electrolyte solution as purgatives for colonoscopy – the incidence of hyponatraemia
Authors: Matro R. , Daskalakis C. , Negoianu D. , Katz L. , Henry C. , Share M. , Kastenberg D.
Published: July 2014

Background

Polyethylene glycol 3350 plus sports drink (PEG‐SD) is a hypo‐osmotic purgative commonly used for colonoscopy, though little safety data are available.

Aim

To evaluate the effect of PEG‐SD on serum sodium (Na) and other electrolytes compared with PEG‐electrolyte solution (PEG‐ELS).

Methods

We performed a single center, prospective, randomised, investigator‐blind comparison of PEG‐ELS to PEG‐SD in out‐patients undergoing colonoscopy. Laboratories were obtained at baseline and immediately before and after colonoscopy. The primary endpoint was development of hyponatraemia (Na <135 mmol/L) the day of colonoscopy. Changes in electrolyte levels were computed as the difference between the lowest value on the day of colonoscopy and baseline. Purgative tolerance and efficacy were assessed.

Results

A total of 389 patients were randomised; 364 took purgative and had baseline and day of colonoscopy labs (180 PEG‐SD, 184 PEG‐ELS). The groups were well matched except for a higher fraction of women and Blacks in PEG‐ELS. Seven patients (3.9%) in PEG‐SD and four patients (2.2%) in PEG‐ELS developed hyponatraemia (OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 0.45–8.62, P = 0.376). Changes in electrolytes from baseline were small but significantly worse with PEG‐SD for sodium, potassium and chloride (P = 0.001, 0.012, 0.001, respectively). Preparation completion, adverse events, and overall colon cleansing were similar between the groups, but PEG‐ELS had more excellent preparations (52% vs. 30%; P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Greater, but very modest, electrolyte changes occur with PEG‐SD. Hyponatraemia is infrequent with both purgatives. A significant increase in hyponatraemia was not identified for PEG‐SD vs. PEG‐ELS, but the sample size may have been inadequate to identify a small, but clinically important difference. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01299779.
Classification of Korean forests: patterns along geographic and environmental gradients
Authors: Černý Tomáš , Kopecký Martin , Petřík Petr , Song Jong‐Suk , Šrůtek Miroslav , Valachovič Milan , Altman Jan , Doležal Jiří
Published: July 2014

Aim

To describe the main vegetation types of the Korean zonal forests and explore their relationship with the main environmental and geographic gradients.

Location

Korean Peninsula.

Methods

A data set of 3847 relevés of zonal (semi)natural forest stands, together with environmental factors recorded in the field or derived from interpolated climatic data was collected. Using the hierarchical ISOPAM method, the relevés were classified into main forest types and their species composition, diversity and distribution were described. Their differentiation along main environmental gradients was analysed with classification and regression trees.

Results

Eleven vegetation types of forests were distinguished and assigned to five vegetation classes: Quercetea mongolicae (representing the core of the Korean temperate forests), Vaccinio‐Piceetea (subalpine coniferous forest), Fagetea crenatae (rare beech‐dominated forest included within a sub‐montane and sub‐oceanic type of oak‐dominated forest), Querco mongolicae‐Betuletea davuricae (sub‐continental drought‐ and fire‐tolerant forest, differentiated along elevational gradient) and Camellietea japonicae (oceanic evergreen forest). At a higher hierarchical level, these 11 vegetation types were grouped into three clusters, which most probably reflect different vegetation development in the Late Pleistocene and Holocene. Within the three major vegetation clusters, each forest type occupies a distinct environment. The forest types are especially well separated along elevational and temperature gradients. The distribution of individual forest types is joinly driven by total amount of incoming energy and thermal extremes, both affecting water supply to plant communities.

Conclusions

All distinguished vegetation types can be assigned to the recent syntaxonomic classification system. However, three main vegetation clusters do not correspond to traditionally distinguished syntaxonomic units. Nevertheless, the forest types within these clusters share common species with similar ecology and, especially, migration histories during the late glacial and post‐glacial periods. Therefore, we interpret these clusters as biogeographic patterns reflecting vegetation history rather than the current environmental conditions.
Work identification and responsibility in moral breakdown
Authors: O'Leary Majella
Published: July 2014

This paper provides a detailed study of fraud in practice through an empirical investigation of B.P.Sayers, a family‐owned stockbroking firm that had been in existence for over 100 years and that collapsed due to the fraudulent activities of the firm's junior partner. An interpretive narrative methodology has been employed which has resulted in the development of a detailed understanding of fraud and moral breakdown in organizations, resulting from a failure of responsibility that arises from a dysfunctional work identification and its moral implications. In developing this account of fraud, the conceptual framework utilized is drawn from the moral philosophical work of Emmanuel Levinas who explicated how the breakdown of social relations of responsibility results, in turn, in moral breakdown.
Finding Milner? The Biographical Search
Authors: Letley Emma
Published: July 2014

The essay starts from Milner's wish to be intensely private, ‘illegible’, and poses the question as to how such a subject may be ‘found’ by a biographer, considering aspects of the search for Milner such as parallel process in the work; ethical dilemmas of confidentiality in writing about a psychoanalyst and the effects on the transference for patients reading about their analyst. Finding Milner involved not only the usual biographic tools (interviews with colleagues and descendants, attention to her books, her habits with documents and texts, her images and objects) but also a kind of unconscious knowing of which certain aspects are discussed. The process also had certain effects on the author's clinical practice. As biographic companion Milner brings with her the ‘riches of world culture’. The author suggests that there is further fruitful work to be undertaken on the subject of biography and psychoanalysis.
Along‐strike evolution of folding, stretching and breaching of supra‐salt strata in the Plataforma Burgalesa extensional forced fold system (northern Spain)
Authors: Tavani Stefano , Granado Pablo
Published: July 2014

The Plataforma Burgalesa is a partly exposed extensional forced fold system with an intermediate salt layer, which has developed along the southern portion of the Basque‐Cantabrian Basin from Malm to Early Cretaceous as part of the Bay of Biscay‐Pyrenean rift system. Relationships between syn‐ and pre‐rift strata of the supra‐salt cover sequence and distribution of intra‐cover second‐order faults are observed both along seismic sections and at the surface. These relationships indicate an along‐strike variability of the extensional structural style. After a short period of salt mobilization and forced folding, high slip rates in the central portion of the major basement faults have rapidly promoted brittle behaviour of the salt layer, preventing further salt mobilization and facilitating the propagation of the fault across the salt layer. In contrast, at the tip regions of basement faults, slower slip rates have facilitated ductile salt behaviour, ensuring its further evaporite evacuation, preventing fault propagation across the salt layer and, in essence, allowing for a long‐living forced folding process. Our results indicate the important effect of along‐strike variation in displacement and displacement rates in controlling evaporite behaviour in extensional basins. Amount of displacement and displacement rates are key factors controlling the propagation of basement faults across evaporite layers. In addition, growth strata patterns are recognized as a powerful tool for constraining the up‐dip propagation history of basement faults in extensional fault‐related fold systems with intermediate décollement levels.
The extinction of the dinosaurs
Authors: Brusatte Stephen L. , Butler Richard J. , Barrett Paul M. , Carrano Matthew T. , Evans David C. , Lloyd Graeme T. , Mannion Philip D. , Norell Mark A. , Peppe Daniel J. , Upchurch Paul , Williamson Thomas E.
Published: July 2014

Non‐avian dinosaurs went extinct 66 million years ago, geologically coincident with the impact of a large bolide (comet or asteroid) during an interval of massive volcanic eruptions and changes in temperature and sea level. There has long been fervent debate about how these events affected dinosaurs. We review a wealth of new data accumulated over the past two decades, provide updated and novel analyses of long‐term dinosaur diversity trends during the latest Cretaceous, and discuss an emerging consensus on the extinction's tempo and causes. Little support exists for a global, long‐term decline across non‐avian dinosaur diversity prior to their extinction at the end of the Cretaceous. However, restructuring of latest Cretaceous dinosaur faunas in North America led to reduced diversity of large‐bodied herbivores, perhaps making communities more susceptible to cascading extinctions. The abruptness of the dinosaur extinction suggests a key role for the bolide impact, although the coarseness of the fossil record makes testing the effects of Deccan volcanism difficult.
Concerns regarding the financial aspects of kidney transplantation: perspectives of pre‐transplant patients and their family members
Authors: Ganji Sumitha , Ephraim Patti L. , Ameling Jessica M. , Purnell Tanjala S. , Lewis‐Boyer LaPricia L. , Boulware L. Ebony
Published: July 2014

Background

African American and non‐African American pre‐transplant patients' and their families' concerns about the financial costs of kidney transplantation have not been well studied.

Methods

We conducted structured group interviews among pre‐transplant patients (seven African American, five non‐African American) and their family members (six African American, five non‐African American) to identify their concerns about transplant health insurance coverage, out‐of‐pocket expenses, and living donor expenses. We reviewed transcribed group audio recordings and identified common discussion themes.

Results

African American and non‐African American patients and family members expressed uncertainty about which transplant‐related costs were covered by health insurance and wanted information about how to choose insurance policies accordingly. Patients were particularly concerned about the impact of pre‐existing illness on securing optimal health insurance, while family members wanted information about non‐insurance‐based financial resources. Both patients and family members expressed concern about paying for immunosuppressant medications and about gradual loss of insurance benefits after transplantation. Both patients and family members also expressed concern about potential financial hardships for living donors.

Conclusion

African American and non‐African American pre‐transplant patients and families expressed a broad range of concerns about transplant health insurance policies, out‐of‐pocket expenses, non‐insurance‐based financial resources, and resources to address donors' financial burden. Efforts to improve education and develop more comprehensive transplant insurance policies are needed to facilitate informed decision‐making for potential transplant recipients and donors.
Do People with Specific Skills Want More Social Insurance? Not in the United States
Authors: Timmons Jeffrey F. , Nickelsburg Jerry
Published: July 2014

Skill specificity is thought to increase preferences for social insurance (Iversen and Soskice, 2001, American Political Science Review 95,875), especially where employment protections are low, notably the United States (Gingrich and Ansell, 2012, Comparative Political Studies 45, 1624). The compensating differentials literature, by contrast, suggests that neither skill specificity, nor labor market protections affect preferences when wages adjust for differences in risks and investment costs. We examine these competing predictions using U.S. data on general and specific skills. Absolute and relative skill specificity have a robust positive correlation with income, but are negatively correlated with preferences for social protection. Our results strongly support the compensating differentials approach.
Space and Emotion: Building to Feel
Authors: Pernau Margrit
Published: July 2014

Emotions are not only expressed but also learned through the body. The body is not the opposite of culture, but a site where culture is played out. This requires a new emphasis on space and spaces. Bodies are necessarily situated in space, and they bear the imprint of the spaces they are moving through and have moved through. Mediated by the body and its senses, different spaces become linked to different emotions. This relation is neither random, nor is it given once and for all: the connection between an emotion and a particular space can change over time, and the same spaces can trigger off vastly divergent emotions in various people. This article discusses the importance of material objects in shaping emotions; it suggests temporalization as the central category to link materiality with knowledge and practices. It then proceeds to a number of case studies related to the built environment of Delhi to show what such an investigation could look like.
‘The Scum of French Criminals and Convicts’: Australia and New Caledonia Escapees
Authors: Brennan Russell , Richards Jonathan
Published: July 2014

Convicts were sent by Britain to Australia from 1788 until the end of the 19th century, but few Australians are aware that France also established a penal colony, New Caledonia, about the same time that transportation to the Australian colonies on the eastern seaboard finally ended. Today, the arrival of boat people in Australia attracts media attention and political grandstanding, but in the final decades of the 19th century, the boat people were often escaped convicts from New Caledonia. Examining this largely forgotten episode draws attention to Australian border control history, imperial rivalries and epic sea voyages, as well as the part the escapees played in Australian history in general.
Meitokuki: Spirit Pacification and Political Legitimacy in the Late Medieval Japanese Epic
Authors: Thornton S. A.
Published: July 2014

Meitokuki (1392–1396) is the first of a very small group of pieces of Japanese battle literature produced in the 15th and 16th centuries identified as gunki monogatari or epic. One of the chief characteristics of this genre is the relationship to the Kaku'ichi version of the Heike monogatari (by 1371), with which it shares descriptions of salvation/spirit pacification, especially that represented by the story of Kumagai Naozane and Taira Atsumori. Hyōdō Hiromi has proposed that the third Ashikaga shogun 1) assumed the position of head of the Minamoto clan, and 2) took over control of the guild of performers of the Kaku'ichi Heike in order to use the text as an assertion of political legitimacy and 3) to pacify the vengeful spirits of the dead killed in the process of consolidating Ashikaga power, which was his responsibility as clan chief. As a much smaller text with a much shorter performance history, the Meitokuki can be used to test the thesis that gunki monogatari were actually used in pacification rituals. The article examines the content and circulation of the Meitokuki to reevaluate the religious function of the text.
Diet as Culture. On the Medical Context of Food Consumption in the Medieval Middle East
Authors: Lewicka Paulina B.
Published: July 2014

Greco‐Arabic medicine was based on ancient Greek foundations, or more precisely, on the Galenic doctrine of humoral pathology, which conditioned both the preventive and curative proper diet.This doctrine had been imported into the Arabic‐Islamic world in the course of the eighth and ninth centuries,when Nestorian Christians, sponsored by the elites of early‐Abbasid Baghdad, translated the ancient Greek legacy into Arabic. With time, Galenic thought spread all over the Islamic world, where it became the prevailing medico‐dietetic‐philosophical system. As the humoral doctrine was taken for granted by most cultured people, it shaped their thinking on medicine, health, illness, diet, food, and drink.

A large number of studies over the past decades were devoted to both Graeco‐Arabic medicine and the culinary culture of the medieval Arabic‐Islamic world. But although the Galenic doctrine had an immense influence on dietary consciousness and thus on daily food choices of those who inhabited that world, contemporary scholarship rarely recognized the medico‐dietary culture as a separate subject. The present paper is a review of the questions involved in its study.