bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Letter from the President
Authors: Broyles Michael
Published: November 2013

It is with great pleasure that the Society for American Music and Cambridge University Press jointly launch a new journal devoted to the study of American music. Only a few decades ago, American music topics were ignored, or if acknowledged, appeared as the unexpected article in more mainline journals or were relegated to the corners of conference programs. Within the past three decades, American music's status has changed dramatically. It has grown in size and its presence is secure and stable; what had been activity on the periphery is now squarely in the center. As someone who came of age in the 1960s, I have been able to share in the challenge and the excitement of this burgeoning field. Today it is especially gratifying to witness sophisticated American music scholarship emerging from many continents. Dissertations, books, articles, and papers are being written on American music by scholars throughout the world.
Mapping three-dimensional temperature in microfluidic chip
Authors: Wu Jinbo , Kwok Tsz Yan , Li Xiaolin , Cao Wenbin , Wang Yu , Huang Junying , Hong Yaying , Zhang Dongen , Wen Weijia
Published: November 2013

Three-dimensional (3D) temperature mapping method with high spatial resolution and acquisition rate is of vital importance in evaluating thermal processes in micro-environment. We have synthesized a new temperature-sensitive functional material (Rhodamine B functionalized Polydimethylsiloxane). By performing optical sectioning of this material, we established an advanced method for visualizing the micro-scale 3D thermal distribution inside microfluidic chip with down to 10 ms temporal resolution and 2 ~ 6°C temperature resolution depending the capture parameters. This method is successfully applied to monitor the local temperature variation throughout micro-droplet heat transfer process and further reveal exothermic nanoliter droplet reactions to be unique and milder than bench-top experiment.
Synthesis, characterization, DNA binding, cleavage activity and cytotoxicity of copper(ii) complexes
Authors: Li Mei-Jin , Lan Tao-Yu , Cao Xiu-Hui , Yang Huang-Hao , Shi Yupeng , Yi Changqing , Chen Guo-Nan
Published: November 2013

Three new mononuclear copper(ii) complexes have been synthesized and characterized. Their interactions with DNA, the nucleolytic cleavage activity and the cytotoxicity were studied.
Droplet array on local redox cycling-based electrochemical (LRC-EC) chip device
Authors: Ino Kosuke , Goto Takehito , Kanno Yusuke , Inoue Kumi Y. , Takahashi Yasufumi , Shiku Hitoshi , Matsue Tomokazu
Published: November 2013

We develop a local redox cycling-based electrochemical (LRC-EC) system for the detection of a droplet array.
Biocatalytic carbon nanotube paper: a ‘one-pot’ route for fabrication of enzyme-immobilized membranes for organophosphate bioremediation
Authors: Mechrez Guy , Krepker Maksym A. , Harel Yifat , Lellouche Jean-Paul , Segal Ester
Published: November 2013

A generic methodology for a rapid and direct fabrication of enzymatically-active carbon nanotubes (CNTs) paper for organophosphates bioremediation is presented. The enzyme organophosphate hydrolase is immobilized onto CNTs simultaneously to membrane formation process.
Ultrathin α‐Mg2V2O7 nanosheets: controllable fabrication and their formation mechanism
Authors: Li Chunsheng , Sun Yan , Ma Xuegang , Hu Yiwen , Wang Yandi
Published: November 2013

Alpha‐magnesium vanadate [(α)‐Mg2V2O7] nanosheets with a uniform diameter and thickness were obtained by a simple hydrothermal method. The characterisations of the as‐synthesised samples were carried out by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy/high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy technology. The reaction time is systematically altered to tune the rational growth direction for a sheet‐like shape. On the basis of the parallel experiments, a ‘dissolution‐recrystallisation’ mechanism is proposed, which is also beneficial for developing novel functional nanostructures of other alkaline vanadates.
Inhomogeneity of bulk nanoporous silver fabricated via dealloying Ag‐Zn alloy in sulphuric acid
Authors: Li Zhiqiang , Bai Lu , Lu Xing
Published: November 2013

Described is an approach to fabricate bulk nanoporous silver with a diameter of 12 mm and thickness of 5.4 mm via dealloying Ag25Zn75 alloy in 0.1 mol/l sulphuric acid at 0.4 V for 100 h at room temperature. The volume of the bulk nanoporous contracts 14.2% compared with the starting alloy. Meanwhile, crystal structure switches from close‐packed hexagonal to face‐centred cubic, which can be considered as a type of phase transition during dealloying. An intrinsically inhomogeneous morphology in microscale exists in bulk nanoporous silver by dealloying, which is caused by coarsening of the ligament width via surface diffusion of silver atoms in the electrolyte for different times. Moreover, parallel orientation structures and cracks have been found in the specimen, which could be related to the columnar crystal of starting alloy during solidification. The lattice defects such as stacking faults, lattice distortions and twins can be seen in the ligaments.
Layered γ-Zirconium Phosphate Intercalated with Ru(bpy)3-Viologen Dyads as Unusual Materials for Dye-Sensitised Solar Cells: Improving Efficiency by Double Sensitisation
Authors: de Victoria-Rodriguez María , Atienzar Pedro , Juanes Olga , Rodríguez-Ubis Juan Carlos , Brunet Ernesto , García Hermenegildo
Published: November 2013

The intercalation materials prepared from the laminar salt γ-zirconium phosphate and various dyads formed from Ru(bpy)3 and viologens were tested as photoactive components in dye-sensitised solar cells. The efficiencies significantly increased, up to 0.2 %, when the materials were treated with the panchromatic N535 dye. A mechanism for this double sensitisation process is proposed, which should enable further improvement of these γ-ZrP-based materials as a reasonable alternative to the usual Ti-based dye-sensitised solar cells.
Phosphorylation of a constitutive serine inhibits BK channel variants containing the alternate exon “SRKR”
Authors: Shelley Chris , Whitt Joshua P. , Montgomery Jenna R. , Meredith Andrea L.
Published: November 2013

BK Ca2+-activated K+ currents exhibit diverse properties across tissues. The functional variation in voltage- and Ca2+-dependent gating underlying this diversity arises from multiple mechanisms, including alternate splicing of Kcnma1, the gene encoding the pore-forming (α) subunit of the BK channel, phosphorylation of α subunits, and inclusion of β subunits in channel complexes. To address the interplay of these mechanisms in the regulation of BK currents, two native splice variants, BK0 and BKSRKR, were cloned from a tissue that exhibits dynamic daily expression of BK channel, the central circadian pacemaker in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of mouse hypothalamus. The BK0 and BKSRKR variants differed by the inclusion of a four–amino acid alternate exon at splice site 1 (SRKR), which showed increased expression during the day. The functional properties of the variants were investigated in HEK293 cells using standard voltage-clamp protocols. Compared with BK0, BKSRKR currents had a significantly right-shifted conductance–voltage (G-V) relationship across a range of Ca2+ concentrations, slower activation, and faster deactivation. These effects were dependent on the phosphorylation state of S642, a serine residue within the constitutive exon immediately preceding the SRKR insert. Coexpression of the neuronal β4 subunit slowed gating kinetics and shifted the G-V relationship in a Ca2+-dependent manner, enhancing the functional differences between the variants. Next, using native action potential (AP) command waveforms recorded from SCN to elicit BK currents, we found that these splice variant differences persist under dynamic activation conditions in physiological ionic concentrations. AP-induced currents from BKSRKR channels were significantly reduced compared with BK0, an effect that was maintained with coexpression of the β4 subunit but abolished by the mutation of S642. These results demonstrate a novel mechanism for reducing BK current activation under reconstituted physiological conditions, and further suggest that S642 is selectively phosphorylated in the presence of SRKR.
Cartier modules on toric varieties
Authors: Hsiao Jen-Chieh , Schwede Karl , Zhang Wenliang
Published: November 2013

Assume that

X
X

is an affine toric variety of characteristic

p
>
0

p > 0

. Let

Δ
\Delta

be an effective toric

Q

\mathbb {Q}

-divisor such that

K
X

+
Δ

K_X+\Delta

is

Q

\mathbb {Q}

-Cartier with index not divisible by

p
p

and let

ϕ

Δ

:

F
∗
e

O

X

→

O

X

\phi _{\Delta }:F^e_*\mathscr {O}_X\to \mathscr {O}_X

be the toric map corresponding to

Δ
\Delta

. We identify all ideals

I
I

of

O

X

\mathscr {O}_X

with

ϕ

Δ

(

F
∗
e

I
)
=
I

\phi _{\Delta }(F^e_* I)=I

combinatorially and also in terms of a log resolution (giving us a version of these ideals which can be defined in characteristic zero). Moreover, given a toric ideal

a

\mathfrak {a}

, we identify all ideals

I
I

fixed by the Cartier algebra generated by

ϕ

Δ

\phi _{\Delta }

and

a

\mathfrak {a}

; this answers a question by Manuel Blickle in the toric setting.
Lyubeznik numbers of monomial ideals
Authors: Montaner Josep , Vahidi Alireza
Published: November 2013

Let

R
=
k
[

x
1

,
.
.
.
,

x
n

]

R=k[x_1,...,x_n]

be the polynomial ring in

n
n

independent variables, where

k
k

is a field. In this work we will study Bass numbers of local cohomology modules

H
I
r

(
R
)

H^r_I(R)

supported on a squarefree monomial ideal

I
⊆
R

I\subseteq R

. Among them we are mainly interested in Lyubeznik numbers. We build a dictionary between the modules

H
I
r

(
R
)

H^r_I(R)

and the minimal free resolution of the Alexander dual ideal

I

∨

I^{\vee }

that allows us to interpret Lyubeznik numbers as the obstruction to the acyclicity of the linear strands of

I

∨

I^{\vee }

. The methods we develop also help us to give a bound for the injective dimension of the local cohomology modules in terms of the dimension of the small support.
The three dimensions of informetrics: a conceptual view
Authors: Guns Raf
Published: November 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to propose a conceptual model of the field of informetrics. Specifically, the paper argues that informetrics comprises the study of entities in three dimensions: the social, documentary and epistemic dimensions containing respectively agents, documents, and concepts or cognitions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines a conceptual model, drawing on earlier work by Kochen, Leydesdorff, Borgman and others. Subsequently, each dimension and interdimensional relation is analyzed and discussed.

Findings

It is shown that not every study necessarily involves each of the three dimensions, but that the field as a whole cannot be reduced to one or two of them. Moreover, the dimensions should be kept separate but they are not completely independent. The paper discusses what kinds of relations exist between the dimensions. Special attention is given to the nature of the citation relation within this framework. The paper also considers the place of concepts like mapping, proximity and influence in the model.

Research limitations/implications

This conceptual paper is a first step. Multi‐relational networks may be a key instrument to further the study of the interplay between the three dimensions.

Originality/value

The paper provides a framework to characterise informetric studies and makes the characteristics of the field explicit.
The impact of guanxi, xinyong and buyer collaboration on the loyalty and financial performance of vegetable farmers in China
Authors: Lobo Antonio , Leckie Civilai , Li Chongguang
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of two Chinese cultural constructs, guanxi (networks) and xinyong (interpersonal trust) in the burgeoning vegetable supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected using a validated survey instrument and 520 usable responses were obtained from vegetable farmers in three main vegetable producing provinces of China.

Findings

– The findings revealed that farmers' guanxi promotes xinyong and collaboration of buyers. It was also determined that xinyong is the key mediator between guanxi and the two outcomes, loyalty and financial performance of farmers. Additionally, xinyong influences collaboration of the buyer.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper offers strategic insights into both academicians and practitioners associated with the vegetable industry regarding enhancement of inter-organisational relationships (loyalty) and financial performance of farmers in China through the embedded concepts of guanxi and xinyong.

Originality/value

– Despite its potential importance, relatively little is known about these two concepts especially with respect to supply chains of fresh produce.
Transnational organized crime (TOC) and the relationship to good governance in the Caribbean
Authors: Goede Miguel
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to discuss transnational organized crime (TOC) and the relationship to good governance in the Caribbean.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is exploratory. It follows a path of inductive reasoning, from observation of the eight global cases to a broader general analysis and the development of a theoretical framework or ideal type.

Findings

– The influence of TOC on governance in the Caribbean is worrying. Normative theories of democracy, public administration and governance no longer apply. Economic growth diminishes, unemployment rises, crime rises.

Originality/value

– The paper contributes to the understanding of the impact of TOC on good governance especially on Small Island Developing States in the Caribbean.
Rationality of supplier switching in retail electricity markets
Authors: Annala Salla , Viljainen Satu , Tuunanen Jussi
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to study the rationality of residential electricity customers' decision-making based on their behavior in liberalized electricity markets.

Design/methodology/approach

– Finnish residential customers' saving opportunities from supplier switching are studied by using price data obtained from the Finnish Energy Market Authority. The saving opportunities are then compared with the switches accomplished. The paper also examines the dispersion of offer prices (the prices that are offered to customers who wish to switch away from the default contract) by comparing all the offers for one- and two-year contracts in the largest network area in Finland (2007-2010).

Findings

– About 60-70 percent of residential customers are estimated to purchase electricity under a default contract from their local supplier. However, notable savings might be achieved by switching from default contracts to competitive contracts. The analysis shows that for the majority of customers, the offer prices were always cheaper than the default contract prices during the examined period. For customers with electric heating, the average saving opportunity (compared to the default price) was over 200 year in 2009 and 2010. The range of offer prices for contracts with similar terms has not decreased despite the regulator's efforts to facilitate supplier switching by providing a price comparison service. The discrepancy between saving opportunities and switching rates reflects the effects of the limits of consumer rationality in the retail electricity markets.

Originality/value

– The paper presents a longitudinal study about the benefits of supplier switching and the development of offer price dispersion.
Methods of variable pre-selection for net score modeling
Authors: Michel René , Schnakenburg Igor , von Martens Tobias
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to focus on different approaches to variable pre-selection for building net score models (also known as uplift modelling or incremental response modelling). The application of these models supports the identification of customers whose response can be traced back to be an effect of the campaign under consideration.

Design/methodology/approach

– First, a net scoring methodology based on decision trees is presented. Then, derived from research contributions on this subject and analytics performed on real data from the financial sector, different approaches of variable pre-selection are discussed and compared numerically.

Findings

– Net-χ2 and net information value as well as the rank lift impact correlation for interval variables would be preferred when performing variable pre-selection for net score models. Simulations showed that the results were relatively stable with respect to the number of cross-validation samples.

Practical implications

– Variable pre-selection is required since it reduces computational effort that comes along with the complexity of net score models and the availability of a large amount of potential predictors. Some pre-selection methods result in a set of predictors quite close to the application of net scores itself.

Originality/value

– Despite its lever on the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, only few contributions address net scores up to now and yet fewer authors deal with variable pre-selection for those models. In this regard, this article is the first to develop and compare different approaches.
The Politicization of European Integration: More than an Elite Affair?
Authors: Hurrelmann Achim , Gora Anna , Wagner Andrea
Published: November 2013

A growing literature in research on the European Union (EU) claims that European integration has become comprehensively politicized in the EU's population. The most convincing evidence for this assertion stems from research on political and societal elites — studies of party manifestos, interest groups' activities, news media reporting and the like. By contrast, evidence on politicization trends in the broader citizenry is much more ambiguous. This article raises the question of whether politicization is more than an elite phenomenon. Based on a differentiated conception of politicization, it analyzes focus groups conducted with EU citizens in four member states. It shows that, for most citizens, only the fundamentals of European integration have gained political saliency, while the EU's day-to-day activities remain largely non-politicized. In addition, patterns of politicization in the European population are conditioned by significant knowledge deficits.
Beyond professional boundaries: relationships and resources in health services' modernisation in England and Wales
Authors: Huby Guro , Harris Fiona M , Powell Alison E. , Kielman Tara , Sheikh Aziz , Williams Sian , Pinnock Hilary
Published: November 2013

This article draws on theories of social capital to understand ways in which the negotiation of professional boundaries among healthcare professionals relates to health services change. We compared reconfiguration of respiratory services in four primary care organisations (PCOs) in England and Wales. Service development was observed over 18 months during a period of market‐based reforms. Serial interviews with key clinicians and managers from hospital trusts and PCOs followed progress as they collaborated around, negotiated and contested developments. We found that professionals work to protect and expand their claims to work territory. Remuneration and influence was a catalyst for development and was also necessary to establish professional boundaries that underpinned novel service arrangements. Conflict and contest was less of a threat to change than a lack of engagement in boundary work because this engagement produced relationships based on forming shifting professional allegiances across and along boundaries, and these relationships mediated the social capital needed to accomplish change. However, this process also (re)produced inequalities among professions and prevented some groups from participation in service change.
Structural stress or deliberate decision? Government partisanship and the disempowerment of unions in Denmark
Authors: Klitgaard Michael Baggesen , Nørgaard Asbjørn Sonne
Published: November 2013

The role of government partisanship in the era of retrenchment is debated. It is argued in this article that partisanship matters for only some aspects of policy. Irrespective of ideological bending, governments accommodate structural pressure as well as short‐term electoral interests to keep the economy on track and implement austerity measures in labour market policy that, in effect, reduce union resources and capacity to mobilise. But only governments of the right exploit structural stress to pursue long‐term interest in curbing the institutional privileges of unions. Aligning short‐ and long‐term interests is easier for social democratic governments during economic expansion, whereas governments of the right have an easier time aligning interests in periods of structural pressure. By analysing a sample of Danish labour market reforms, this article shows that today social democratic governments still defend the institutional privileges of unions and discusses the comparative significance of the Danish case.
Gendered Risk Engagement: Challenging the Embedded Vulnerability, Social Norms and Power Relations in Conventional Australian Bushfire Education
Authors: ERIKSEN CHRISTINE
Published: November 2013

Building on an identified need for gender‐sensitive approaches to bushfire risk engagement, this paper examines outreach initiatives specifically targeting women's bushfire awareness and preparedness in southeast Australia. The results of an online survey, together with two workshops with community engagement staff and volunteers from rural fire services, convey perceived aids and obstacles for engaging women. Efforts at engaging women with bushfire risk management are shown to align squarely with efforts to create a more gender‐balanced and gender‐sensitive environment for bushfire brigade volunteers. The paper demonstrates how gender roles and gendered norms are reinforced by the patriarchal structures that shape everyday life and the on‐the‐ground application of official outreach policy and practice. This, in turn, results in heightened dimensions of gendered vulnerability to bushfire. Three key pointers to more successful engagement emerge from the analysis: the benefits of hands‐on experience and practice, the strength of networks and the imperative of supportive learning environments.
DNA barcoding of Orchidaceae in Korea
Authors: Kim Hye Min , Oh Sang‐Hun , Bhandari Gauri Shankar , Kim Chan‐Soo , Park Chong‐Wook
Published: November 2013

Species of Orchidaceae are under severe threat of extinction mainly due to overcollection and habitat destruction; accurate identification of orchid species is critical in conservation biology and sustainable utilization of orchids as plant resources. We examined 647 sequences of the cpDNA regions rbcL, matK, atpF‐atpH IGS, psbK‐psbI IGS and trnH‐psbA IGS from 89 orchid species (95 taxa) and four outgroup taxa to develop an efficient DNA barcode for Orchidaceae in Korea. The five cpDNA barcode regions were successfully amplified and sequenced for all chlorophyllous taxa, but the amplification and sequencing of the same regions in achlorophyllous taxa produced variable results. psbK‐psbI IGS showed the highest mean interspecific K2P distance (0.1192), followed by matK (0.0803), atpF‐atpH IGS (0.0648), trnH‐psbA IGS (0.0460) and rbcL (0.0248). The degree of species resolution for individual barcode regions ranged from 60.5% (rbcL) to 83.5% (trnH‐psbA IGS). The degree of species resolution was significantly enhanced in multiregion combinations of the five barcode regions. Of the 26 possible combinations of the five regions, six provided the highest degree of species resolution (98.8%). Among these, a combination of atpF‐atpH IGS, psbK‐psbI IGS and trnH‐psbA IGS, which comprises the least number of DNA regions, is the best option for barcoding of the Korean orchid species.
Personal messages reduce vandalism and theft of unattended scientific equipment
Authors: Clarin B.‐Markus , Bitzilekis Eleftherios , Siemers Björn M. , Goerlitz Holger R.
Published: November 2013

Scientific equipment, such as animal traps and autonomous data collection systems, is regularly left in the field unattended, making it an easy target for vandalism or theft. We tested the effectiveness of three label types, which differed in their information content and tone of the message, that is, personal, neutral or threatening, for reducing incidents of vandalism and theft of unattended scientific field equipment.

The three label types were attached to 20 scientific equipment dummies each, which were placed semi‐hidden and evenly distributed in four public parks in Munich, Germany.

While the label type had no effect on the severity of the interactions with our equipment dummies, the personal label reduced the overall number of interactions by c. 40–60%, compared with the dummies showing the neutral or threatening label type.

We suggest that researchers, in addition to securing their field equipment, label it with personal and polite messages that inform about the ongoing research and directly appeal to the public not to disturb the equipment. Further studies should extend these results to areas with different socio‐economic structure.
Plastic modulation of PTSD resting‐state networks and subjective wellbeing by EEG neurofeedback
Authors: Kluetsch R. C. , Ros T. , Théberge J. , Frewen P. A. , Calhoun V. D. , Schmahl C. , Jetly R. , Lanius R. A.
Published: November 2013

Objective

Electroencephalographic (EEG) neurofeedback training has been shown to produce plastic modulations in salience network and default mode network functional connectivity in healthy individuals. In this study, we investigated whether a single session of neurofeedback training aimed at the voluntary reduction of alpha rhythm (8–12 Hz) amplitude would be related to differences in EEG network oscillations, functional MRI (fMRI) connectivity, and subjective measures of state anxiety and arousal in a group of individuals with post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Method

Twenty‐one individuals with PTSD related to childhood abuse underwent 30 min of EEG neurofeedback training preceded and followed by a resting‐state fMRI scan.

Results

Alpha desynchronizing neurofeedback was associated with decreased alpha amplitude during training, followed by a significant increase (‘rebound’) in resting‐state alpha synchronization. This rebound was linked to increased calmness, greater salience network connectivity with the right insula, and enhanced default mode network connectivity with bilateral posterior cingulate, right middle frontal gyrus, and left medial prefrontal cortex.

Conclusion

Our study represents a first step in elucidating the potential neurobehavioural mechanisms mediating the effects of neurofeedback treatment on regulatory systems in PTSD. Moreover, it documents for the first time a spontaneous EEG ‘rebound’ after neurofeedback, pointing to homeostatic/compensatory mechanisms operating in the brain.
Introduction to Special Issue: Ethnographies of Religious Education
Authors: Adely Fida , Seale‐Collazo James
Published: November 2013

The study of religion has long been central to scholarly efforts to understand diverse cultures, human practice, and meaning making. This issue highlights recent anthropological research on religious education in a multitude of spaces and within a range of faith experiences. Through rich ethnographic explorations, authors illuminate the engagement of a diverse subset of actors in religious education paying particular attention to pedagogical methods and practices, with important contributions to theories about teaching, learning, and subjectivity.
Scedosporium apiospermum: An unreported cause of fungal sporotrichoid‐like lymphocutaneous infection in Australia and review of the literature
Authors: Boyce Zachary , Collins Neville
Published: November 2013

Scedosporium apiospermum is a fungus emerging as a rare but important cause of both localised and disseminated infections in immunocompromised patients. Most cutaneous lesions present as mycetoma, however a review of the literature revealed an increasing number of cases worldwide presenting with lymphocutaneous spread resembling sporotrichosis. An 85‐year‐old man with an extensive medical history including type II diabetes mellitus and meningioma presented with crusted haemorrhagic areas on the dorsum of his left foot and multiple crusted nodules extending proximally along his leg in a sporotrichoid‐like lymphocutaneous pattern. A mycological examination and culture of the cutaneous tissue found the fungus, Scedosporium apiospermum.
Sex differences in the developmental programming of hypertension
Authors: Ojeda N. B. , Intapad S. , Alexander B. T.
Published: November 2013

Experimental models of developmental programming provide proof of concept and support Barker's original findings that link birthweight and blood pressure. Many experimental models of developmental insult demonstrate a sex difference with male offspring exhibiting a higher blood pressure in young adulthood relative to their age‐matched female counterparts. It is well recognized that men exhibit a higher blood pressure relative to age‐matched women prior to menopause. Yet, whether this sex difference is noted in individuals born with low birthweight is not clear. Sex differences in the developmental programming of blood pressure may originate from innate sex‐specific differences in expression of the renin angiotensin system that occur in response to adverse influences during early life. Sex differences in the developmental programming of blood pressure may also involve the influence of the hormonal milieu on regulatory systems key to the long‐term control of blood pressure such as the renin angiotensin system in adulthood. In addition, the sex difference in blood pressure in offspring exposed to a developmental insult may involve innate sex differences in oxidative status or the endothelin system or may be influenced by age‐dependent changes in the developmental programming of cardiovascular risk factors such as adiposity. Therefore, this review will highlight findings from different experimental models to provide the current state of knowledge related to the mechanisms that contribute to the aetiology of sex differences in the developmental programming of blood pressure and hypertension.
Institutional challenges to the effectiveness of management of Bunaken National Park, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Sidangoli Marmelda , Lloyd David , Boyd William E.
Published: November 2013

Marine protected areas are recognised as an important marine management strategy to deal with a range of user conflicts and over‐exploitation of marine resources. This article explores the experiences of establishing a marine protected area as part of Bunaken National Park in the north of Indonesia's Sulawesi Province. The challenges faced in relation to institutional issues are examined. A literature review, key informant interviews and analysis of official documentation provide evidence regarding issues around government conflicts and the legal and structural issues of the management advisory board. The analysis identifies key issues regarding the conflict between the government and the management board that are influencing the success of managing this National Park.
Rejection sensitivity and pain in bipolar versus unipolar depression
Authors: Ehnvall Anna , Mitchell Philip B , Hadzi‐Pavlovic Dusan , Parker Gordon , Frankland Andrew , Loo Colleen , Breakspear Michael , Wright Adam , Roberts Gloria , Lau Phoebe , Perich Tania
Published: November 2013

Objectives

Recent neuroimaging studies support the contention that depression, pain distress, and rejection distress share the same neurobiological circuits. In two recently published studies we confirmed the hypothesis that the perception of increased pain during both treatment‐refractory depression (predominantly unipolar) and difficult‐to‐treat bipolar depression was related to increased state rejection sensitivity (i.e., rejection sensitivity when depressed). In the present study, we aimed to compare the correlates of pain and rejection sensitivity in individuals with bipolar versus unipolar depression and test the hypothesis that bipolar disorder may be distinguished from unipolar depression both by an increased perception of pain and heightened rejection sensitivity during depression.

Methods

We analyzed data from 113 bipolar and 146 unipolar depressed patients presenting to the Black Dog Institute, Sydney, Australia. The patients all met DSM‐IV criteria for bipolar disorder or unipolar depression (major depressive disorder).

Results

Bipolar disorder predicted a major increase in state rejection sensitivity when depressed (p = 0.001), whereas trait rejection sensitivity (i.e., a long‐standing pattern of rejection sensitivity) was not predicted by polarity. A major increase in the experience of headaches (p = 0.007), chest pain (p < 0.001), and body aches and pains (p = 0.02) during depression was predicted by a major increase in state rejection sensitivity for both bipolar and unipolar depression.

Conclusions

State, but not trait, rejection sensitivity is significantly predicted by bipolar depression, suggesting that this might be considered as a state marker for bipolar depression and taken into account in the clinical differentiation of bipolar and unipolar depression.
12‐month longitudinal cognitive functioning in patients recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder
Authors: Torres Ivan J , Kozicky Jan , Popuri Swetha , Bond David J , Honer William G , Lam Raymond W , Yatham Lakshmi N
Published: November 2013

Objectives

Although cognitive deficits are observed in the early stages of bipolar disorder, the longitudinal course of neuropsychological functioning during this period is unknown. Such knowledge could provide etiologic clues into the cognitive deficits associated with the illness, and could inform early treatment interventions. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate cognitive change in bipolar disorder in the first year after the initial manic episode.

Methods

From an initial pool of 65 newly diagnosed patients with bipolar disorder (within three months of the end of the first manic or mixed episode) and 36 demographically similar healthy participants, 42 patients [mean age 22.9 years, standard deviation (SD) = 4.0] and 23 healthy participants [mean age 22.9 years (SD = 4.9)] completed baseline, six‐month, and one‐year neuropsychological assessments of multiple domains including processing speed, attention, verbal and nonverbal memory, working memory, and executive function. Patients also received clinical assessments, including mood ratings.

Results

Although patients showed consistently poorer cognitive performance than healthy individuals in most cognitive domains, patients showed a linear improvement over time in processing speed (p = 0.008) and executive function (p = 0.004) relative to the comparison group. Among patients, those without a history of alcohol/substance abuse or who were taken off an antipsychotic treatment during the study showed better improvement.

Conclusions

The early course of cognitive functioning in bipolar disorder is likely influenced by multiple factors. Nevertheless, patients with bipolar disorder showed select cognitive improvements in the first year after resolution of their initial manic episode. Several clinical variables were associated with better recovery, including absence of substance abuse and discontinuation of antipsychotic treatment during the study. These and other factors require further investigation to better understand their contributions to longitudinal cognitive functioning in early bipolar disorder.
Postpartum mania in a man with bipolar disorder: case report and a review of the role of sleep loss
Authors: Stevens Anja WMM , Geerling Bart , Kupka Ralph W
Published: November 2013

Background

In contrast to postpartum mood episodes in women with bipolar disorder, little is known about the risk of recurrence in men with bipolar disorder who have just become fathers.

Case report

We present the case of a man with bipolar disorder who had a manic episode immediately after becoming a father. His spouse had a normal pregnancy, and delivery started during daytime and lasted until the early morning hours. The patient subsequently developed a manic episode, which had a major impact on the family.

Conclusions

There is a well‐known relationship between sleep loss and the occurrence of a manic episode. The study of psychopathology in the postpartum period in relation to sleep disturbance refers mainly to women. Disturbance of sleep patterns in the perinatal and postpartum period may also negatively impact the course of bipolar disorder in the father. In cases of pregnancy of a male bipolar disorder patient's spouse, preventive strategies for the postpartum period should be planned in advance.
Influence of ex vivo purging with CliniMACS CD34+ selection on outcome after autologous stem cell transplantation in non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Yahng Seung‐Ah , Yoon Jae‐Ho , Shin Seung‐Hwan , Lee Sung‐Eun , Cho Byung‐Sik , Eom Ki‐Seong , Kim Yoo‐Jin , Lee Seok , Kim Hee‐Je , Min Chang‐Ki , Kim Dong‐Wook , Lee Jong‐Wook , Min Woo‐Sung , Park Chong‐Won , Kim Yonggoo , Cho Seok‐Goo
Published: November 2013

The major limitation of autologous stem cell transplantation (auto‐SCT) in non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is relapse. Although autologous graft contamination may be a potential cause, prior purging of the autograft remains controversial. Therefore, we retrospectively analysed 56 consecutive patients with NHL receiving auto‐SCT at complete (n = 41) or partial remission (n = 15). Among them, 24 patients underwent autograft manipulation with positive selection of CD34+ cells using a CliniMACS device (purged group). Twenty‐five patients had received ≥2 previous chemotherapy regimens before auto‐SCT. After a median follow‐up of 41·4 months, transplant‐related mortality was observed only in unpurged group (n = 2; 3·6%). The 3‐year overall survival (91·7% vs. 56·1%, P = 0·009) and progression‐free survival (78·7% vs. 53·1%, P = 0·034) favoured CD34+ purification. While neutrophil recovery was similar, platelet recovery was delayed in the purged group. Cytomegalovirus reactivation was predominantly observed in the purged group, although no other clinically unmanageable infectious complications occurred. Although this study has the inevitable limitations of heterogeneity in previous treatment and NHL subtypes, and a small number of patients analysed, the high survival rate in the purged group may suggest the need for prospective randomized trials to determine the role of CD34+ purification in auto‐SCT for NHL.
Autologous stem cell transplant is an effective therapy for carefully selected patients with AL amyloidosis: experience of a single institution
Authors: Jimenez‐Zepeda Victor H. , Franke Norman , Reece Donna E. , Trudel Suzanne , Chen Christine , Delgado Diego H. , Winter Andrew , Mikhael Joseph R. , Tiedemann Rodger , Kukreti Vishal
Published: November 2013

Autologous stem‐cell transplant has been widely used to treat patients with AL amyloidosis. However, transplant‐related mortality rates are high, and a recent randomized trial suggested that non‐transplant regimens produced comparable results with less toxicity. In order to define the role of patient selection in stem cell transplantation, we evaluated 78 consecutive AL amyloidosis patients transplanted at our centre. Transplant‐related mortality occurred in 11·5%. Complete haematological response and organ response were achieved in 56% and 60%. Median overall survival was significantly lower for patients with brain‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) >300 pg/ml (17·5 months vs. not‐reached) (P = 0·0004), troponin‐I >0·07 ng/ml (13·5 months vs. not‐reached) (P = 0·00001) and those not achieving a complete haematological response (88 months vs. not‐reached) (P = 0·0345); high BNP and troponin‐I were the most important predictive factors in a multivariate analysis. Based on this study, patients with BNP <300 pg/ml and/or normal levels of troponin‐I should be considered transplant candidates.
Reference ranges of serum TSH, FT4 and thyroid autoantibodies in the Thai population: the national health examination survey
Authors: Sriphrapradang Chutintorn , Pavarangkoon Supatra , Jongjaroenprasert Wallaya , Chailurkit La‐or , Ongphiphadhanakul Boonsong , Aekplakorn Wichai
Published: November 2013

Objective

Data on reference intervals of thyroid functions in Southeast Asia are limited. The aim of this study was to provide reference ranges of thyroid functions and thyroid autoantibodies in Thais.

Design and Methods

Serum samples from 2545 apparently healthy non‐pregnant subjects, aged ≥14 years, from the fourth Thai National Health Examination Survey were measured for TSH, FT4, antithyroperoxidase (TPO Ab), antithyroglobulin (Tg Ab) and antithyrotrophin receptor antibodies (TRAb). A reference population was selected from the disease‐free population by excluding those who had thyroid autoantibodies and TSH > 20 mIU/l.

Results

For the total population, median TSH and FT4 levels were 1·94 mIU/l and 1·35 ng/dl, respectively. TSH was higher and FT4 was lower in females than in males. Based on National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry criteria, the reference intervals (2·5th–97·5th percentile) were: TSH, 0·34–5·11 mIU/l; FT4, 0·98–1·79 ng/dl; TPO Ab, 5–84·88 IU/ml; Tg Ab, 10–118·2 IU/ml; and TRAb, 0·3–1·24 IU/l. With the new reference ranges, hypothyroidism was found in 4·16% of the total population (0·78% overt and 3·38% subclinical hypothyroidism) and hyperthyroidism was found in 3·18% (0·94% overt and 2·24% subclinical hyperthyroidism). Positive TPO Ab, Tg Ab and TRAb were found in 8·96%, 12·26% and 5·93%, respectively. The upper normal limit of TSH tended to increase with age, particularly for those aged 80 years and older.

Conclusions

The reference interval for TSH needs to be derived from each specific population. Slightly elevated TSH concentrations in the elderly could be considered acceptable, with no need for thyroxine treatment.
Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy is effective for solitary rectal ulcer syndrome when associated with rectal prolapse
Authors: Evans C. , Ong E. , Jones O. M. , Cunningham C. , Lindsey I.
Published: November 2013

Aim

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is uncommon and its management is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of patients with SRUS who underwent laparoscopic ventral rectopexy (LVR).

Method

A review was performed of a prospective database at the Oxford Pelvic Floor Centre to identify patients between 2004 and 2012 with a histological diagnosis of SRUS. All were initially treated conservatively and surgical treatment was indicated only for patients with significant symptoms after failed conservative management. The primary end‐point was healing of the ulcer. Secondary end‐points included changes in the Wexner Constipation Score and Faecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI).

Results

Thirty‐six patients with SRUS were identified (31 women), with a median age of 44 (15–81) years. The commonest symptoms were rectal bleeding (75%) and obstructed defaecation (64%). The underlying anatomical diagnosis was internal rectal prolapse (n = 20), external rectal prolapse (n = 14) or anismus (n = 2). Twenty‐nine patients underwent LVR and one a stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) procedure. Nine (30%) required a further operation, six required posterior STARR for persistent SRUS and two a per‐anal stricturoplasty for a narrowing at the healed SRUS site. Healing of the SRU was seen in 27 (90%) of the 30 patients and was associated with significant improvements in Wexner and FISI scores at a 3‐year follow‐up.

Conclusion

Almost all cases of SRUS in the present series were associated with rectal prolapse. LVR resulted in successful healing of the SRUS with good function in almost all patients, but a significant number will require further surgery such as STARR for persistent obstructed defaecation.

What does this paper add to the literature?

This study identifies a strong association between solitary rectal ulcer syndrome and advanced posterior compartment prolapse. It shows that laparoscopic ventral rectopexy to treat the prolapse results in healing of the ulcer with good bowel function in a high proportion of patients.
Flavonol isolated from ethanolic leaf extract of Thuja occidentalis arrests the cell cycle at G2‐M and induces ROS‐independent apoptosis in A549 cells, targeting nuclear DNA
Authors: Mukherjee A. , Sikdar S. , Bishayee K. , Boujedaini N. , Khuda‐Bukhsh A. R.
Published: November 2013

Objectives

The K‐ras gene mutation commonly found in lung adenocarcinomas contributes to their non‐invasive expansion. Our main objective here was to develop a chemopreventive agent against K‐ras‐mutated lung adenocarcinoma cell line like‐A549.

Materials and methods

We isolated flavonol from ethanolic leaf extract of Thuja occidentalis, and evaluated its apoptotic potentials on A549 cells. They were treated with 1–10 μg/ml of flavonol and viability was tested retaining normal lung cells L‐132 as control. We performed assays such as TUNEL, annexin V, cell‐cycle and mitochondrial membrane potentials, by FACS analysis. ROS‐mediated oxidative stress and drug–DNA interactions were analysed along with gene expression studies for p53, Bax‐Bcl2, cytochrome c, the caspase cascade genes and PARP.

Results

Flavonol reduced A549 cell viability in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner (IC50 value = 7.6 ± 0.05 μg/ml following 48 h incubation) sparing normal L‐132 cells. It effected G2‐M phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, as indicated by progressive increase in the sub‐G1, annexin V and TUNEL‐positive cell populations. Apoptotic effects appeared to be mitochondria‐dependent, caspase‐3‐mediated, but ROS‐independent. Analysis of circular dichroism data revealed that flavonol intercalated with nuclear DNA. In vivo studies on non small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC)‐induced mice confirmed anti‐cancer potential of flavonol.

Conclusion

Flavonol‐induced apoptosis apparently resulted from intercalation of cells' nuclear DNA. Flavonol inhibited growth of induced lung tumours in the mice, indicating its potential as an effective agent against NSCLC.
The cockade technique – a closed wound variant of 3D histology‐guided surgery
Authors: Barth Georg A.
Published: November 2013

Background

3D histology‐guided surgery provides high cure rates and tissue‐sparing for the treatment of basal cell carcinomas (BCCs). The cockade technique is a closed wound variant of 3D histology‐guided surgery, which has previously been designed to provide low postoperative complication rates and good feasibility in the office‐setting.

Objectives

We examined the postoperative complication rates and feasibility of the cockade technique with a new double‐bladed scalpel in the routine office setting.

Patients and Methods

145 patients with 213 BCCs of the head and neck areas were treated between July 2010 and August 2012. All patients underwent 3D histology‐guided surgery with the cockade technique. The rates of postoperative surgical site infection (SSI) and postoperative bleeding were recorded. Also the feasibility of the cockade technique was examined.

Results

0.9 % of BCCs sites developed SSI, while no postoperative bleeding problems or hematomas were recorded. 94 % of the BCCs were completely excised in two surgical stages. The cockade technique allowed flexible scheduling of operation room use. In addition, the small margin strips taken by the new double‐bladed scalpel could be evaluated microscopically without gaps.

Conclusions

The cockade technique is a practical method with low complication rates for the treatment of BCCs and can be easily integrated into outpatient care.