bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Science Behind Pre‐Columbian Evidence of Syphilis in Europe: Research by Documentary
Authors: Armelagos George J. , Zuckerman Molly K. , Harper Kristin N.
Published: April 2012

This article discusses the presentation of scientific findings by documentary, without the process of peer review. We use, as an example, PBS's “The Syphilis Enigma,” in which researchers presented novel evidence concerning the origin of syphilis that had never been reviewed by other scientists. These “findings” then entered the world of peer‐reviewed literature through citations of the documentary itself or material associated with it. Here, we demonstrate that the case for pre‐Columbian syphilis in Europe that was made in the documentary does not withstand scientific scrutiny. We also situate this example from paleopathology within a larger trend of “science by documentary” or “science by press conference,” in which researchers seek to bypass the peer review process by presenting unvetted findings directly to the public. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Role of Terrestriality in Promoting Primate Technology
Authors: Meulman Ellen J.M. , Sanz Crickette M. , Visalberghi Elisabetta , van Schaik Carel P.
Published: April 2012

“Complex technology” has often been considered a hallmark of human evolution. However, recent findings show that wild monkeys are also capable of habitual tool use. Here we suggest that terrestriality may have been of crucial importance for the innovation, acquisition, and maintenance of “complex” technological skills in primates. Here we define complex technological skills as tool‐use variants that include at least two tool elements (for example, hammer and anvil), flexibility in manufacture or use (that is, tool properties are adjusted to the task at hand), and that skills are acquired in part by social learning. Four lines of evidence provide support for the terrestriality effect. First, the only monkey populations exhibiting habitual tool use seem to be particularly terrestrial. Second, semi‐terrestrial chimpanzees have more complex tool variants in their repertoire than does their arboreal Asian relative, the orangutan. Third, tool variants of chimpanzees used in a terrestrial setting tend to be more complex than those used exclusively in arboreal contexts. Fourth, the higher frequency in tool use among captive versus wild primates of the same species may be attributed in part to a terrestriality effect. We conclude that whereas extractive foraging, intelligence, and social tolerance are necessary for the emergence of habitual tool use, terrestriality seems to be crucial for acquiring and maintaining complex tool variants, particularly expressions of cumulative technology, within a population. Hence, comparative evidence among primates supports the hypothesis that the terrestriality premium may have been a major pacemaker of hominin technological evolution. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Human‐Mediated Prehistoric Marine Extinction in the Tropical Pacific? Understanding the Presence of Hippopus hippopus (Linn. 1758) in Ancient Shell Middens on the Rove Peninsula, Southwest Viti Levu Island, Fiji
Authors: Seeto Johnson , Nunn Patrick D. , Sanjana Shalni
Published: April 2012

At the Lapita‐era (1100‐550 B.C.) settlements (Bourewa and Qoqo) along the Rove Peninsula in Fiji, valves of the reef‐surface‐dwelling giant clam Hippopus hippopus (long extirpated in Fiji) occur in shell midden. Valve size/weight increase with depth, suggesting that human predation contributed to its local disappearance. The timing of this event is constrained by (a) the confinement of H. hippopus remains to the lower part of the midden, (b) their likely association with only the stilt‐platform occupation phase at both Bourewa and Qoqo (approximately 1100‐900 B.C.), and (c) radiocarbon ages. All these suggest that H. hippopus disappeared from reefs here about 750 B.C. Yet human predation is not considered to be a significant cause of extirpation of H. hippopus in the entire Fiji group. More plausible is that (climate‐driven) sea‐level fall (55 cm) during Lapita times in Fiji (approximately 1100‐550 B.C.) forced changes to coral‐reef ecology that saw this sensitive species extirpated throughout the Fiji archipelago. It is also considered possible that the Lapita colonizers introduced bivalve predators or diseases to Fiji that spread independently of humans throughout these islands.
Gender Issues in Counselor Preparatory Programs: A Relational Model of Student Development
Authors: COMSTOCK DANA L. , DUFFEY THELMA H. , GEORGE HOLLY ST.
Published: April 2012

The authors present a model of student development that illuminates the process students undergo as they deal with gender issues in counselor training. The model is based on the foundational concepts of the Relational‐Cultural Model. Methods of teaching are discussed to provide counselor educators with strategies for facilitating mutual growth with patience and compassion.
A Stress Management Curriculum for At‐Risk Youth
Authors: ROLLIN S.A. , ARNOLD A. R. , SOLOMON S. , RUBIN R. I. , HOLLAND J. L.
Published: April 2012

Project KICK (Kids in Cooperation With Kids) is a delinquency prevention program for at‐risk youth that uses nontraditional approaches to stress management. Twelve African American children who were taught physical, cognitive, and experiential models of stress reduction and management reported that they enjoyed the program, and they demonstrated an increased ability to recognize and manage stress.
Training School Interns to Teach Elementary Students to Respect and Care for Others
Authors: CLARK MARY ANN
Published: April 2012

The author describes a research project in which school counselor interns and teacher interns from a college of education are trained to teach and model communication skills to elementary students in partnership urban public schools for the purpose of creating a caring, respectful classroom climate.
Cytotoxicity and cell imaging potentials of submicron color‐tunable yttria particles
Authors: Atabaev Timur Sh. , Lee Jong Ho , Han Dong‐Wook , Hwang Yoon‐Hwae , Kim Hyung‐Kook
Published: April 2012

Increased demand of environment protection encouraged scientists to design products and processes that minimize the use and generation of hazardous substances. This work presents comprehensive result of large‐scale fabrication and investigation of red‐to‐green tunable submicron spherical yttria particles codoped with low concentrations of Eu+3 and Tb+3. The color emission of synthesized particles can be precisely tuned from red to green by simple variation of Tb/Eu ratio and excitation wavelength. The Tb/Eu‐codoped Y2O3 particles did not adversely affect the viability of L‐929 fibroblastic cells at concentrations less than 62.5 ppm. Through internalization and wide distribution inside the cells, Tb/Eu codoped Y2O3 particles with intense bright green or red fluorescence rendered cell imaging to be possible. The high brightness, excellent stability, low‐toxicity, and imaging capability along with fine color‐tunability of synthesized particles enable to find promising application in various areas. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A: 2287–2294, 2012.
The role of macrocyclic ligands in the peroxo/superoxo nature of Ni–O2 biomimetic complexes
Authors: Zapata‐Rivera Jhon , Caballol Rosa , Calzado Carmen J.
Published: April 2012

The impact of the macrocyclic ligand on the electronic structure of two LNiO2 biomimetic adducts, [Ni(12‐TMC)O2]+ (12‐TMC = 1,4,7,10‐tetramethyl‐1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane) and [Ni(14‐TMC)O2]+ (14‐TMC = 1,4,8,11‐tetramethyl‐1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradecane), has been inspected by means of difference‐dedicated configuration interaction calculations and a valence bond reading of the wavefunction. The system containing the 12‐membered macrocyclic ligand has been experimentally described as a side‐on nickel(III)‐peroxo complex, whereas the 14‐membered one has been characterized as an end‐on nickel(II)‐superoxide. Our results put in evidence the relationship between the steric effect of the macrocyclic ligand, the O2 coordination mode and the charge transfer extent between the Ni center and the O2 molecule. The 12‐membered macrocyclic ligand favors a side‐on coordination, a most efficient overlap between Ni 3d and O2 π* orbitals and, consequently, a larger charge transfer from LNi fragment to O2 molecule. The analysis of the ground‐state electronic structure shows an enhancement of the peroxide nature of the NiO2 interaction for [Ni(12‐TMC)O2]+, although a dominant superoxide character is found for both systems. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
DCMB that combines divide‐and‐conquer and mixed‐basis set methods for accurate geometry optimizations, total energies, and vibrational frequencies of large molecules
Authors: Wu Anan , Xu Xin
Published: April 2012

We present a method, named DCMB, for the calculations of large molecules. It is a combination of a parallel divide‐and‐conquer (DC) method and a mixed‐basis (MB) set scheme. In this approach, atomic forces, total energy and vibrational frequencies are obtained from a series of MB calculations, which are derived from the target system utilizing the DC concept. Unlike the fragmentation based methods, all DCMB calculations are performed over the whole target system and no artificial caps are introduced so that it is particularly useful for charged and/or delocalized systems. By comparing the DCMB results with those from the conventional method, we demonstrate that DCMB is capable of providing accurate prediction of molecular geometries, total energies, and vibrational frequencies of molecules of general interest. We also demonstrate that the high efficiency of the parallel DCMB code holds the promise for a routine geometry optimization of large complex systems. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
United We Stand: Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Greenman Paul S. , Johnson Susan M.
Published: April 2012

We present emotionally focused therapy (EFT) for couples as a viable treatment option for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We outline the empirical evidence of a link between interpersonal relationships and posttraumatic stress, with an emphasis on social support as a buffer for the development of PTSD symptoms. This leads into a discussion of the usefulness of attachment theory in the conceptualization and treatment of PTSD, followed by a description of the EFT approach and its empirical evidence. We present a clinical case with excerpts from EFT couple therapy sessions in which one partner was diagnosed with PTSD. The article concludes with clinical recommendations for helping people confront and overcome the pain and the fear that PTSD provokes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Clin. Psychol. 68:1–9, 2012.
Imaging of prion diseases
Authors: Letourneau‐Guillon Laurent , Wada Ryan , Kucharczyk Walter
Published: April 2012

Prion diseases are caused by self‐replicating proteins that induce lethal neurodegenerative disorders. In the last decade, the understanding of the different clinical, pathological, and neuroimaging phenotypes of this group of disorders has evolved paralleling the advances in prion molecular biology. From an imaging standpoint, the implementation of diffusion‐weighted imaging in routine practice has markedly facilitated the detection of prion diseases, especially Creutzfeldt‐Jakob. Less frequent prion‐related disorders, including genetic diseases, may also benefit from progresses in the field of quantitative diffusion‐weighted imaging, MR spectroscopy or molecular imaging. Herein, we present a review of the neuroimaging features of the prion disorders known to affect humans emphasizing the important contribution of MRI in the diagnosis of this group of disorders. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;35:998‐1012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genotyping of 11 human papillomaviruses by multiplex PCR with a GeXP analyzer
Authors: Yang Meng‐Jie , Luo Le , Nie Kai , Wang Miao , Zhang Chen , Li Jin , Ma Xue‐jun
Published: April 2012

A new, rapid, and high‐throughput method was developed for simultaneous detection of 11 human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes including nine high‐risk types (HPV16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 52, 58, and 66) and two low‐risk types (HPV6 and 11) in a single tube by multiplex PCR based on a GenomeLab Gene Expression Profiler (GeXP) analyzer (GeXP‐PCR). Eleven sets of chimeric primers were used to initiate the PCR, and one pair of universal primers was used for the subsequent cycles of the PCR. The specificity of GeXP‐PCR for each HPV type was examined with clinical samples of single type HPV infection tested previously. The sensitivity of GeXP‐PCR was evaluated by performing the assay on serial 10‐fold dilutions of cloned PCR products. The GeXP‐PCR achieved a sensitivity of 100 copies when all of the 11 pre‐mixed plasmids containing HPV targets were present. Analyses of 124 clinical specimens using the GeXP‐PCR demonstrated that the GeXP‐PCR assay had comparable sensitivity and specificity to those of reported multiple PCR assay and an increased detection of HPV 11 in samples with mixed infections. In conclusion, the GeXP‐PCR is a fast, sensitive, and high throughput method for the detection of multiple HPV infections. J. Med. Virol. 84:957–963, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hepatitis B virus X protein blocks filamentous actin bundles by interaction with eukaryotic translation elongat ion factor 1 alpha 1
Authors: Lin Wan‐Song , Jiao Bo‐Yan , Wu Yun‐Li , Chen Wan‐Nan , Lin Xu
Published: April 2012

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐encoded X protein (HBx protein) is a multi‐functional regulatory protein. It functions by protein–protein interaction and plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of HBV‐related diseases. However, the partners in hepatocytes interacting with HBx protein are far from understood fully. In this study, immunoprecipitation was employed to screen for binding partners for the HBx protein from huh‐7 hepatoma cells infected with recombinant adenovirus expressing HBx protein, and five cellular proteins including eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha 1 (eEF1A1), were identified. The interaction between HBx protein and eEF1A1 was confirmed further using a GST pull‐down assay and co‐immunoprecipitation, respectively. In Huh‐7 hepatoma cells, the HBx protein inhibits dimer formation of eEF1A1, hence blocks filamentous actin bundling. These findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in the functions of the HBx protein. J. Med. Virol. 84:871–877, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Correlation between serum matrix metalloproteinase and antigenemia levels in patients infected with rotavirus
Authors: Kawamura Yoshiki , Sugata Ken , Nakai Hidetaka , Asano Yoshizo , Ohashi Masahiro , Kato Tomochika , Nishimura Naoko , Ozaki Takao , Yui Akiko , Taniguchi Koki , Yoshikawa Tetsushi
Published: April 2012

Rotavirus (RV) antigenemia has been reported in patients with gastroenteritis; however, the exact mechanism remains unclear. In order to elucidate the mechanism of RV antigenemia, an association between RV antigenemia and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) were analyzed. The object of this study was to elucidate the role of MMPs and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in the pathogenesis of RV antigenemia. Forty children admitted to hospital with RV gastroenteritis were enrolled in this study. Paired serum samples were collected at the time of admission and discharge. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used to detect serum concentrations of viral antigens, MMP‐1, ‐2, ‐9, ‐13, TIMP ‐1, and ‐2. Cytokines were measured using flow cytometric beads array. RV antigens were significantly higher in serum collected at the time of admission than discharge (P < 0.001). MMP‐9 concentrations were significantly higher in serum collected at the time of admission than discharge (P < 0.001). MMP‐2 concentrations were significantly lower in serum collected at the time of admission than discharge (P < 0.001). A weak but a significantly positive association (P = 0.034) was observed between RV antigen and MMP‐9 in serum collected at the time of admission, and inverse association was observed between RV antigen and MMP‐2. In addition, a weak but significantly positive association (P = 0.002) was observed between IL‐6 and MMP‐9. These data suggest that MMPs may contribute to the pathogenesis of RV antigenemia. J. Med. Virol. 84:986–991, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sexuality after treatment of head and neck cancer: Findings based on modification of sexual adjustment questionnaire
Authors: Moreno Kattia F. , Khabbaz Eyad , Gaitonde Krishnanath , Meinzen‐Derr Jareen , Wilson Keith M. , Patil Yash J.
Published: April 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Evaluate sexual dysfunction in patients after treatment for head and neck cancer.

Study Design:

Single‐institution cross‐sectional study.

Methods:

Our modified Sexual Adjustment Questionnaire was administered to 42 patients (mean age, 55.1 years) and included seven questions (total score, 7–35). Based on sexual satisfaction ratings, we categorized three groups as unsatisfied (7–16), satisfied (17–25), and very satisfied (26–35). Clinical information was obtained by reviewing medical records. Bivariate analysis tested associations between sexual satisfaction and patient‐related factors (e.g., sex, age, site/cancer stage, treatment, time between treatment and survey, partner, alcohol/tobacco consumption). Pearson correlation was used to analyze two continuous variables, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the independent impact of each factor.

Results:

All 42 patients rated that head and neck cancer negatively impacted their sexual relationships, including 21 (50%) rating effects as negative or extremely negative. Men reported higher satisfaction scores with sexual function (mean ± standard deviation) than women (19.9 ± 5.0 vs. 16.3 ± 6.5, respectively; P = .06). Respondents with partners reported higher scores than those without partners (19.9 ± 5.3 vs. 14.1 ± 4.4, respectively; P = .01). When the survey was administered (median, 12 months; range, 4–33 months) after the first treatment, mean score was 19; 57% of respondents were sexually satisfied, 31% were unsatisfied, and 12% were very satisfied. Instrument reliability was .82 (Cronbach alpha).

Conclusions:

Patients who are male and ≤60 years have a higher probability of sexual satisfaction during recovery. Our sexual dysfunction questionnaire will be administered in further prospective studies in patients with head and neck cancer. Laryngoscope, 2012
Disparities in head and neck cancer: Assessing delay in treatment initiation
Authors: Patel Urjeet A. , Brennan Tara E.
Published: April 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Disparities in outcome for head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment are related to diverse factors including tumor stage, socioeconomic status, and treatment compliance. Latency to initiation of therapy may contribute to worse outcomes for underserved populations. The objectives of this study were to measure the interval from diagnosis of HNC to initiation of cancer treatment (DTI) and to identify factors that prolong DTI.

Study Design:

Retrospective study.

Methods:

We identified 150 consecutive patients treated for squamous cell HNC at a tertiary‐care public hospital between 2005 and 2007. Outcome measures used were 1) interval between cancer diagnosis and treatment initiation and 2) factors that predict prolonged DTI.

Results:

We included 100 patients in the analysis. Median time to perform biopsy was 8 days; time to obtain final diagnosis was 14 days; time to complete staging scans was 18 days; time to discuss treatment plan was 23 days; time to initiation of therapy was 56 days. Median DTI was 48 days. DTI was prolonged for patients receiving primary radiotherapy compared to surgical therapy: 57 versus 30 days (P < .001). Early stage tumors had shorter DTI than late‐stage tumors: 38 versus 57 days (P = .02). Presenting with outside biopsy demonstrating HNC also reduced DTI (P = .03). Obtaining a computed tomography scan in the emergency department was not found to significantly affect DTI.

Conclusions:

DTI was found to be prolonged among HNC patients in this study when compared to previously published treatment intervals. Advanced stage of tumor, primary radiotherapy, and need for biopsy prolonged DTI. Future studies should better identify causes of delay and reduce latency for patients at highest risk for delay. Laryngoscope, 2012
Lateral pediatric ectopic thyroid
Authors: Maki Alexandra C. , Foster Michael B. , Bond Sheldon J.
Published: April 2012

We present a case of a left‐sided neck mass in an 8‐year‐old female that proved to be ectopic thyroid tissue. After excision, this patient continues to do well and is euthyroid without recurrence after 8‐year follow‐up. This is a very rare anomaly in a child, especially in conjunction with a normally located thyroid that is functional. We reviewed the literature of displaced ectopic thyroid tissue. Laryngoscope, 2012
Synthesis of Functional Core, Star Polymers via RAFT Polymerization for Drug Delivery Applications
Authors: Liu Jinna , Duong Hien , Whittaker Michael R. , Davis Thomas P. , Boyer Cyrille
Published: April 2012

Poly(oligoethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate was polymerized via reversible addition fragmentation transfer polymerization (RAFT), and then chain extended in the presence of both a cross‐linker and vinyl benzaldehyde (VBA), yielding monodisperse star polymers. The presence of aldehyde groups in the core was exploited to attach doxorubicin. The drug loading was controlled by the amount of VBA incorporated (until 28 wt% in drug). The doxorubicin release was studied at pH = 5.5 and 7.4; conditions representative of endosomal and extra cellular environments. In vitro studies revealed that the doxorubicin‐conjugated star polymers had a level of cytotoxicity comparable to that found for free doxorubicin. Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry studies confirmed efficient cell uptake of the star polymers.
Heparosan‐Derived Heparan Sulfate/Heparin‐Like Compounds: One Kind of Potential Therapeutic Agents
Authors: Li Pingli , Sheng Juzheng , Liu Yuhong , Li Juan , Liu Jian , Wang Fengshan
Published: April 2012

Heparan sulfate (HS) is a highly sulfated glycosaminoglycan and exists in all animal tissues.HSand heparin are very similar, except that heparin has higher level of sulfation and higher content of iduronic acid. Despite the fact that it is a century‐old drug, heparin remains as a top choice for treating thrombotic disorders. Pharmaceutical heparin is derived from porcine intestine or bovine lung via a long supply chain. This supply chain is vulnerable to the contamination of animal pathogens. Therefore, new methods for manufacturing heparin or heparin‐like substances devoid of animal tissues have been explored by many researchers, among which, modifications of heparosan, the capsular polysaccharide ofEscherichia coliK5 strain, is one of the promising approaches. Heparosan has a structure similar to unmodified backbone of naturalHSand heparin. It is feasible to obtainHSor heparin derivatives by modifying heparosan with chemical or enzymatic methods. These derivatives display different biological activities, such as anticoagulant, anti‐inflammatory, anticancer, and antiviral activities. This review focuses on the recent studies of synthesis, activity, and structure‐activity relationship ofHS/heparin‐like derivatives prepared from heparosan.
Variability in the East Asian Monsoon: a review
Authors: Ha Kyung‐Ja , Heo Ki‐Young , Lee Sun‐Seon , Yun Kyung‐Sook , Jhun Jong‐Ghap
Published: April 2012

This study presents reviews of recent research on the structure and the multiscale variability in the East Asian monsoon. The boreal summer and winter seasons in the East Asian monsoon region exhibit significant intraseasonal, interannual and interdecadal variabilities. The interannual intensity of the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) is mainly associated with the position of the centre of the Bonin High, which may be distinguished from the North Pacific anticyclone. The frequencies of heavy rainfall events and associated rainfall amounts increase, and extreme heavy rainfall is higher in August than in July, due to changes that occurred in the August rainfall‐El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) relationship around the mid‐1970s. This intraseasonal variability in EASM plays a more important role in the explanations of the interannual variability and climate change than does the annual mean. The interannual variability in the East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) depends on the behaviour of the Siberian High (SH), Aleutian Low and the subtropical westerly jet stream. An EAWM index that takes into account the meridional shear of a 300 hPa zonal wind is a good indicator to represent the intensity of the EAWM. The Arctic Oscillation has a close relationship with the EAWM intensity on the decadal time scale. Distinct sub‐seasonal variability is characterized with northward propagation and is observed in the interdecadal change in the monsoonal intraseasonal oscillation (ISO)‐ENSO relationship. The preceding winter ENSO influenced the early summer northward propagating ISO (NPISO) activity before the late 1970s, whereas a strong NPISO–ENSO relationship appeared during the later summer after the late 1970s. The NPISO–ENSO relationship is robust owing to a tropical atmospheric bridge process involving the Walker Circulation and Rossby Wave propagation. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Urinary excretion and metabolism of procyanidins in pigs
Authors: Rzeppa Sebastian , Bittner Katharina , Döll Susanne , Dänicke Sven , Humpf Hans‐Ulrich
Published: April 2012

Scope

Aim of this study was to investigate urinary excretion and metabolism of procyanidins a group of secondary plant metabolites with many beneficial health effects described in literature.

Methods and results

To investigate the metabolism of procyanidins in the absence of flavan‐3‐ols, centrifugal partition chromatography was used for their reduction in a grape seed extract to a level of almost zero. After administration of the monomer reduced grape seed extract (mredGSE) containing procyanidins B1, B2, B3, B4, C1 to pigs flavan‐3‐ols, their methyl derivatives, dimeric and trimeric procyanidins were determined in urine by high‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/MS). Maximal concentrations of procyanidins 6 h after administration vary from 5 to 30 ng/mg creatinine. Total excretion of flavan‐3‐ols and their methyl derivatives indicates an increasing trend for pigs given mredGSE in comparison to pigs of the control group. Flavan‐3‐ols were conjugated and methylated to a great extent in comparison to dimeric and trimeric procyanidins. In the case of low molecular weight metabolites, an increasing trend was observed for hippuric acid, not for phenolic acids.

Conclusions

Ratios of total excretion of procyanidins to administrated amounts between 0.004% (C1) and 0.019% (B4) suggest a poor urinary excretion by pigs. A transfer of these results to humans is possible due to their similar gastrointestinal tract.
Dietary exposure to fumonisins and evaluation of nutrient intake in a group of adult celiac patients on a gluten‐free diet
Authors: Dall'Asta Chiara , Scarlato Alessia Pia , Galaverna Gianni , Brighenti Furio , Pellegrini Nicoletta
Published: April 2012

Scope

The main objectives of this study were to estimate dietary fumonisin exposure and nutrient intake in a group of patients diagnosed with celiac disease compared to non‐celiac subjects.

Methods and results

The fumonisin level in 118 frequently consumed corn‐based products was determined and dietary habits were recorded using a 7‐day weighed food record. Data were then compared to those obtained for a control group. The fumonisin intake in the celiac patients was significantly higher than in controls, with mean values (± SE) of 0.395 ± 0.049 and 0.029 ± 0.006 μg/kg body weight per day, respectively. With regard to nutritional habits, celiac patients showed a preference for a high fat diet, coupled with a high intake of sweets and soft drinks and a low intake of vegetables, iron, calcium and folate.

Conclusion

These findings may have serious health implications for the celiac population due to the widespread occurrence of fumonisins in most of the widely consumed gluten‐free products, leading to continuous exposure to this particular mycotoxin. Moreover, the recorded nutritional quality of the celiac patient's diet raises concerns regarding its long‐term adequacy and its potential impact on chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Reactivity ratios and sequence structures of the copolymers prepared using photo‐induced copolymerization of MMA with MTMP
Authors: Liu Xiaoxuan , Zhang Yongtao , Cui Yanyan , Dong Zhixian
Published: April 2012

4‐Methacryloyl‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐piperidine (MTMP) was applied as reactive hindered amine piperidine. Photo‐induced copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA, M1) with MTMP (M2) was carried out in benzene solution at ambient temperature. The reactivity ratios for these monomers were measured by running a series of reactions at various feed ratios of initial monomers, and the monomer incorporation into copolymer was determined using 1H NMR. Reactivity ratios of the MMA/MTMP system were measured to be r1 = 0.37 and r2 = 1.14 from extended Kelen‐Tüdos method. The results show that monomer MTMP prefers homopolymerization to copolymerization in the system, whereas monomer MMA prefers copolymerization to homopolymerization. Sequence structures of the MMA/MTMP copolymers were characterized using 1H NMR. The results show that the sequence structure for the main chain of the MMA/MTMP copolymers is mainly composed of a syndiotactic configuration, only with a little heterotactic configuration. Three kinds of the sequences of rr, rr′, and lr′ in the syndiotactic configuration are found. The sequence‐length distribution in the MMA/MTMP copolymers is also obtained. For f1 = 0.2, the monomer unit of MMA is mostly separated by MTMP units, and for f1 = 0.6, the alternating tendency prevails and a large number of mono‐sequences are formed; further up to f1 = 0.8, the monomer unit of MTMP with the sequence of one unit is interspersed among the chain of MMA. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real‐time MRI of speaking at a resolution of 33 ms: Undersampled radial FLASH with nonlinear inverse reconstruction
Authors: Niebergall Aaron , Zhang Shuo , Kunay Esther , Keydana Götz , Job Michael , Uecker Martin , Frahm Jens
Published: April 2012

Dynamic MRI studies of the upper airway during speaking, singing or swallowing are complicated by the need for high temporal resolution and the presence of air‐tissue interfaces that may give rise to image artifacts such as signal void and geometric distortions. This work exploits a recently developed real‐time MRI technique to address these challenges for monitoring speech production at 3 T. The method combines a short‐echo time radial FLASH MRI sequence (pulse repetition time/echo time = 2.22/1.44 ms; flip angle 5°) with pronounced undersampling (15 radial spokes per image) and image reconstruction by regularized nonlinear inversion. The resulting serial images at 1.5 mm in‐plane resolution and 33.3 ms acquisition time are free of motion or susceptibility artifacts. This application focuses on a dynamic visualization of the main articulators during natural speech production (Standard Modern German). Respective real‐time MRI movies at 30 frames per second clearly demonstrate the spatiotemporal coordination of lips, tongue, velum, and larynx for generating vowels, consonants, and coarticulations. The quantitative results for individual phonetic events are in agreement with previous non‐MRI findings. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Automated Analysis of Coronary Artery Disease by Computed Tomography
Authors: Gaztanaga Juan , Garcia Mario J.
Published: April 2012

Computer‐assisted detection systems are widely used in many areas of radiology. Coronary computed tomography angiography is a growing area of clinical cardiology and computer‐assisted detection systems play an integral part in analysis. Truly automated systems are still in clinical‐trial stages, but manually assisted programs are in clinical use today for calcium scoring as well as plaque burden, composition, and stenosis analysis. They are being used as a tool for confirmation more than for diagnosis. Accurate plaque‐composition analysis would be a critical tool for better understanding the mechanisms and effectiveness of novel therapies for coronary atherosclerosis. A need for a complete quick, safe, noninvasive plaque analysis is the goal of automated coronary stenosis detection systems; however, their potential clinical benefit remains unknown. Mt Sinai J Med 79:295–301, 2012 © 2012 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Living Donor Liver Transplantation: Ethical Considerations
Authors: Miller Charles M. , Smith Martin L. , Diago Uso Teresa
Published: April 2012

Most solid‐organ transplants performed in the Western world are from deceased donors. In the last decade, deceased donation rates have reached a plateau as the number of patients with end‐stage organ disease has steadily increased, resulting in a large discrepancy between organ supply and demand. Living donor transplantation is one way to decrease this discrepancy. However, living donation is not universally accepted. For instance, living donation rates vary geographically (eg, living donation is more accepted in Asia than in the Western world) and depend on the organ donated (eg, kidney versus liver donation). In this article we will review the ethical principles guiding living donor liver transplantation, with emphasis on justification and safeguards that support the practice of adult‐to‐adult living donor liver transplantation, the most clinically and ethically challenging type of living organ donation. Our ethical justification will include a presentation of triangular or tripartite equipoise, a framework that aims to balance donor safety, expected recipient outcomes, and need. Mt Sinai J Med 79:214–222, 2012. © 2012 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Intestinal Transplantation Outcomes
Authors: Gondolesi Gabriel E. , Almau Héctor M.
Published: April 2012

Intestinal transplantation has evolved from being considered an experimental procedure into a clinically accepted therapy for patients with intestinal failure and parenteral nutrition life‐threatening complications. Early referral, advances in immunosuppression therapy, standardization of surgical techniques, prophylactic therapy of infections, early diagnosis of rejection, and better posttransplant patient management are some of the changes that have allowed more patients to receive transplants, thus recovering intestinal sufficiency, and at the same time allowing the procedure to spread worldwide. Over the last 2 decades, transplant centers have focused on improving short‐term patient survival, which has consequently increased by >20%. It is now clear that even though isolated intestinal‐transplant recipients have lower mortality risk on the waiting list, they are at higher risk for long‐term graft loss. Mortality is higher on the waiting list and early posttransplant in recipients whose intestinal transplants are associated with liver grafts; however, they have better long‐term patient and graft survival. Nevertheless, 3‐year actuarial patient survival has not changed over the same period of time, and therefore this is our challenge for the next decade. Mt Sinai J Med 79:246–255, 2012. © 2012 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Current Concepts in Pediatric Liver Transplantation
Authors: Emre Sukru , Umman Veysel , Cimsit Bayindir , Rosencrantz Richard
Published: April 2012

Liver transplantation is the definitive treatment for end‐stage liver disease in both children and adults. Advances over the last 2 decades have resulted in excellent patient and graft survival rates in what were previously cases of fatal disorders. These developments have been due to innovations in surgical technique, increased surgical experience, refinements in immunosuppressive regimens, quality improvements in intraoperative anesthetic management, better understanding of the pathophysiology of the liver diseases, and better preoperative and postoperative care. Remarkably, the use of split‐liver and living‐related liver transplantation surgical techniques has helped mitigate the well‐recognized national organ shortage. This review will discuss the major aspects of pediatric liver transplantation as it pertains to indication for transplantation, recipient selection and listing for orthotopic liver transplantation, pre‐orthotopic liver transplantation care of children, optimal timing of orthotopic liver transplantation, surgical technical considerations, postoperative care and complications, and patient and graft survival outcomes. Mt Sinai J Med 79:199–213, 2012. © 2012 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Intestinal Rehabilitation and Transplantation for Intestinal Failure
Authors: Moon Jang , Iyer Kishore
Published: April 2012

The management of intestinal failure has evolved dramatically in the last decade. This evolution has been in equal part due to continued improvements in outcomes of intestinal transplantation and to recognition of the need for multidisciplinary management of the patient with intestinal failure. This has led to establishment of intestinal rehabilitation programs, centered only in some instances at institutions with established intestinal transplant programs. Alongside this, improved management of parenteral nutrition‐associated liver disease is creating a paradigm shift in both intestinal‐failure management and in the evolving indications for intestinal transplantation. Unsolved challenges remain: A persistent mortality on the waiting list, especially for patients awaiting combined liver‐intestine transplant; late graft loss to chronic rejection, especially in isolated intestine transplant; the role of antibody‐mediated rejection; and transplantation in the highly sensitized patient continue to defy satisfactory solution. Notwithstanding these challenges, overall outcomes for patients with intestinal failure are vastly improved today and are approaching those for patients with end‐stage renal and liver disease. This review will focus on a comprehensive approach to the patient with intestinal failure, including an overview of intestinal rehabilitation and transplantation. Transplantation outcomes and transplantation of the patient with liver disease are covered elsewhere. Mt Sinai J Med 79:256–266, 2012. © 2012 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Male genital abnormalities in intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Nemec Stefan F. , Nemec Ursula , Brugger Peter C. , Bettelheim Dieter , Weber Michael , Graham John M. , Rimoin David L. , Prayer Daniela
Published: April 2012

Objective

Previous studies have shown a correlation between hypospadias and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), suggesting an association between placental insufficiency and abnormal genital development. This study sought to analyze the association of IUGR and genital abnormalities apparent on fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

This retrospective study included 22 MRI scans of 20 male fetuses between 20 and 35 weeks of gestation presenting with IUGR. On MRI, penile length and testicular descent were evaluated. Student's t‐testing and analysis of covariance were used to compare MRI penile length measurements with published normative data obtained from fetal ultrasonography (US) and MRI. McNemar testing was used to evaluate testicular descent in IUGR, compared with reported fetal MRI normative data.

Results

The penile length in IUGR fetuses was shorter than in normal fetuses (p < 0.001). Furthermore, six of 20 fetuses presented with a micropenis (2.5 SD below the mean value for age). Undescended testes were significantly more frequent in IUGR fetuses than in normal fetuses (p = 0.004).

Conclusion

Our data confirm that abnormal fetal growth may be associated with penile shortening and, potentially, also undescended testes. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Normal morphometry of fetal posterior fossa at midtrimester: brainstem–tentorium angle and brainstem–vermis angle
Authors: Ghi Tullio , Contro Elena , De Musso Francesca , Farina Antonio , Conturso Roberto , Bonasoni Paola , Salsi Ginevra , Youssef Aly , Rizzo Nicola , Pilu Gianluigi
Published: April 2012

Objective

To standardize the evaluation of normal tentorium insertion and normal rotation of the cerebellar vermis over the brainstem, using two novel measurements: the brainstem–tentorium angle (BT angle) and the brainstem–vermis angle (BV angle). We also aimed to test the reproducibility of these measurements.

Methods

Prospective observational study including normal fetuses at routine anomaly scan with confirmed normal follow‐up. Three‐dimensional volumes of the fetal head were acquired starting from standard trans‐cerebellar views. In the sagittal plane, obtained by multiplanar reconstruction, the angle between the brainstem and the tentorium insertion in the fetal skull, and between the brainstem and the lower edge of the vermis were measured twice by two independent operators. Intraobserver and interobserver variations were calculated.

Results

Eighty cases were included. The estimated BT and BV angles lie in a wide interval among normal midtrimester fetuses with a median value (min–max) of 25.65 (20.13–47.39) and 9.29 (3.87–19.36) respectively. Intraobserver and interobserver variation were good for both measurements.

Conclusion

The BT and BV angle may be of help in assessing the fetal posterior fossa at midgestation and gives a standardized and reproducible measurement of normal tentorium insertion and normal rotation of the cerebellar vermis over the brainstem. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Straddling Two Geographic Regions: the Impact of Place of Origin and Destination on Return Migration Intentions in China
Authors: Piotrowski Martin , Tong Yuying
Published: April 2012

Using data from a destination sample of labour migrants (N = 1,100) from China's Pearl River Delta, we develop and empirically evaluate a model of return migration intentions over multiple time horizons. We argue that return migration involves a complex decision‐making process whereby migrants, who are situated in a trans‐region social space spanning migration origin and destination areas, are influenced by economic and non‐economic factors in these distinct settings. Migrants weight the value of factors in both geographic regions and have shifting ideas about their future settlement. Results show that both economic and non‐economic factors operate in two distinct geographic spaces. Economic factors related to destination earning ability operate mainly in short time horizons. Also, migrants are sensitive to the economic situation of the origin household. Non‐economic factors related to child's location at origin and the migrants' living situation at destination are also significant, especially over long time horizons. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laser driven dynamics of a quantum dot coupled to phonons: Dependence of the reappearance of Rabi rotations on the pulse length and shape
Authors: Vagov A. , Glässl M. , Croitoru M. D. , Axt V. M. , Machnikowski P. , Kuhn T.
Published: April 2012

We study the dynamics of a semiconductor quantum dot coupled to phonons and laser light in the limit of strong electronic confinement. Using real time path integrals our numerical results are nonperturbative with respect to both, the carrier‐light and the carrier‐phonon coupling. As it is known the damping of Rabi rotations is a non‐monotonic function of the pulse area.

Here, we analyze how pulse parameters affect the resulting decay‐reappearance of Rabi rotations, which arises from the resonant nature of carrier‐phonon coupling. For longer pulses, the maximal reduction of the amplitude of Rabi rotations is shifted to higher pulse areas. In addition, for Gaussian pulses the reappearance rate is significantly reduced compared to rectangular profiles. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electron correlation effects on multimode Peierls distortion in the two‐dimensional electron‐lattice system
Authors: Matsumoto Yuki , Terai Akira
Published: April 2012

The electron correlation effects on the multimode Peierls (MMP) state in the Peierls Hubbard model on the two‐dimensional square lattice with the half‐filled electronic band is investigated, taking account of the on‐site interaction (U) and the nearest neighbor interaction (V), by using the variational Monte Carlo method based on the Gutzwiller wave function.

The Peierls distortion amplitude is enhanced as U is increased, showing the first‐order phase transition from the MMP state to the antiferromagnetic state. The Peierls distortion amplitude is also enhanced by V. The first‐order phase transition from the MMP state to the charge‐ordered state occurs at a critical value of V. There is no coexistence of the Peierls distortion and the charge order. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Continuous Infusion of 20‐Hydroxyecdysone Increased Mass of Triceps Brachii in C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Cheng Diana M. , Kutzler Louis W. , Boler Dustin D. , Drnevich Jenny , Killefer John , Lila Mary Ann
Published: April 2012

Phytoecdysteroids have been attributed with numerous pharmacological properties in animals, including increasing muscle mass, and 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) is one of the most abundant phytoecdysteroids produced by plants. In this study, the physiological and gene expression effects of 20E were analyzed in C57BL/6 mice given a continuous infusion of saline or 20E (5 mg/kg/day) for 5 or 15 days using subcutaneously implanted Alzet® osmotic pumps. The masses of the total body, muscle groups and organs were determined. There was a significant increase ( p = 0.01) in the mass of triceps brachii in mice treated with 20E for 5 days (115 ± 8 mg) compared with mice treated with saline for 5 days (88 ± 3 mg), however, there were no differences in the other measured parameters. To determine potential mechanisms of 20E in skeletal muscle, Illumina's Mouse Whole Genome‐6 v2.0 Expression BeadChips were used to evaluate changes in gene expression of the triceps brachii after 20E infusion. Ingenuity Pathways Analysis was used to identify genes with the most evidence for differential expression, of which, 16 genes involved in the skeletal and muscular system were identified. Overall, the data suggest that 20E does not have potent anabolic properties, however, a muscle‐specific increase was observed and genes were identified to provide an explanation for the muscle accretion. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improvements to elementary children's epistemic understanding from sustained argumentation
Authors: Ryu Suna , Sandoval William A.
Published: April 2012

The aim of this study was to assess whether and how a sustained instructional focus on argumentation might improve children's understanding and application of key epistemic criteria for scientific arguments. These criteria include the articulation of clear, coherent causal claims, and the explicit justification of such claims with appropriate evidence. We show a mixed‐age class of 8–10‐year‐old children improved in their ability to both construct and evaluate arguments, especially in the ways they met evidentiary criteria. We locate these improvements in their classroom's development of a number of norms for “good arguments'' that focused on evidentiary standards. We summarize how students' appropriation of specific norms around showing evidence and justifying evidentiary relations produced these outcomes. We frame these findings in terms of their implications for promoting argumentation in classrooms, children's capacities for engaging in such argumentation, and in relation to the development of informed views about the nature of professional science. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 96:488–526, 2012