bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase‐labeled reference EPI for frequency‐segmented inhomogeneity corrections (PREFICS)
Authors: Zeller Mario , Müller Alexander , Hahn Dietbert , Köstler Herbert
Published: March 2013

Purpose

To develop a method to correct for geometric distortions in non‐Cartesian echo planar imaging using data acquired in a fast prescan.

Methods

Echo planar images were obtained using a non‐Cartesian density weighted k‐space trajectory. In contrast to linear Cartesian acquisition, distortions arising in non‐Cartesian acquisitions can only be corrected using conjugate phase‐based methods. Up to now these methods require a time consuming field map acquisition in undistorted coordinates. In this work, a phase‐labeled reference EPI scan was performed in a very short time, yielding a displacement map in distorted coordinates. Subsequently, this map was applied to itself and thus transformed into undistorted coordinates. The echo planar images were then corrected with a frequency‐segmented conjugate phase method. The results were compared with corrections based on a multi‐echo reference field map acquired in undistorted coordinates.

Results

Uncorrected density weighted EPI exhibited geometric distortions and severe ringing artifacts. These distortions could be successfully corrected using the novel method. The quality was comparable to corrections based on the multi‐echo reference field map. The novel method shortens the field map acquisition duration by a factor of 64.

Conclusion

The method presented allows correcting non‐Cartesian EPI from a reference scan consisting of only two phase‐labeled echo planar images. Magn Reson Med 71:1117–1122, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of different linkage groups in biphenyl mesogenic core on phase behaviors of mesogen‐jacketed liquid crystalline polymers
Authors: Zhang Lan‐Ying , Zhang Yang‐Fei
Published: March 2013

The work focuses on the design, synthesis, and characterization of a series of mesogen‐jacketed liquid crystalline polymers (MJLCPs) based on the octyl substituted biphenyl mesogenic core through different linkage groups. The molecular characterizations of the polymers obtained by conventional free radical polymerization were performed with 1H NMR, gel permeation chromatography, and thermogravimetric analysis. Their thermotropic liquid crystalline (LC) behaviors were investigated in detail by a combination of various techniques, such as polarized light microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and 1D and 2D wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction. Our results showed that all the polymers were thermally stable, and their LC phases were greatly dependent on the linking groups between the biphenyl mesogenic core and terminal alkyl group substituent. Polymers with ether/ester or ether linkage group exhibited an unusual phase behavior with temperature increasing, tetragonal columnar nematic LC phase, or columnar nematic phase developed at high temperatures for the polymers transformed into amorphous phase during cooling process, showing a re‐entrant phase behaviors. However, polymers with ester linkage group were not LC with temperature varied. It is illustrated that subtle changes in the molecular structure brought about tremendous variation of the LC phase properties for MJLCPs. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 2545–2554
Global assessment of vulnerability to sea‐level rise in topography‐limited and recharge‐limited coastal groundwater systems
Authors: Michael Holly A. , Russoniello Christopher J. , Byron Lindsay A.
Published: March 2013

Key Points

Topography‐limited systems respond more to sea‐level rise than recharge‐limited

70% of world coastlines may be topography‐limited

Hydrogeologic setting is critical to determine groundwater vulnerability
Predicting regime shifts in flow of the Gunnison River under changing climate conditions
Authors: Miller W. Paul , DeRosa Gina M. , Gangopadhyay Subhrendu , Valdés Juan B.
Published: March 2013

Key Points

Projected Gunnison River Basin hydrology is fitted to a gamma distribution

Changes to wet and dry regime characteristics under climate change are expected

Changing regime characteristics may influence future reservoir operations
Laparoscopy‐assisted Anorectal Pull‐through in Anorectal Malformations: A Reappraisal
Authors: van der Zee David C. , Dik Pieter , Beek Frederik J
Published: March 2013

Background

Anorectal malformation is a complex anomaly with a broad variety of expressions. There are different techniques available for correction of the anomaly, all with their specific morbidity. Recently, much attention has been paid to acquired posterior urethral diverticulum after correction of anorectal malformation. The aim of this retrospective study was to reappraise the laparoscopic approach to correction of the anorectal malformation with respect to what can be prevented and what can be improved.

Methods

Between July 2000 and July 2011, a total of 19 boys born with a high or intermediate anorectal malformation were admitted to our center. All patients underwent a diagnostic workup and were included in the follow‐up protocol. Follow‐up continence was scored according to the Krickenbeck criteria. Patients were also invited for an ultrasound and micturition cystourethrogram (MCUG) at follow‐up to determine or exclude the presence of a posterior urethral diverticulum.

Results

All patients underwent a successful laparoscopy‐assisted anorectal pull‐through. Mean age at the time of surgery was 2.5 months. Mean length of hospital stay was 5 days. Mean follow‐up was 73 months. Complications were encountered in six patients. At follow‐up 53 % of all our patients had spontaneous bowel movements and 41 % needed the help of laxatives or rectal washouts. In three patients a residual blind ending fistula was determined on MCUG but there was no true diverticulum.

Conclusion

Correction of anorectal malformation is a complex procedure with significant morbidity. Refinements of the technique may prevent complications and improve outcome in both the laparoscopic and posterior sagittal anorectoplasty. Acquired posterior urethral diverticulum does not necessarily need to occur more often with the laparoscopic approach.
Jeder für sich oder doch mehr für alle? Wege zu einer intensiveren regionalen Kooperation im Ruhrgebiet
Authors: Breidenbach Philipp , Kambeck Rainer , Matz Florian , Schmidt Christoph M.
Published: March 2013

Some 53 cities, 3 state governments and 2 Regional Associations—the Ruhrgebiet’s unique administrative fragmentation has increasingly come under scrutiny, as cost pressure is mounting in public administration. Both in the political and the economic sphere, there are numerous proposals to overcome this situation. Some observers advocate the identification of some selected cities to be supported as regional centers, while other proposals even envisage one big “Ruhr-City”. Based on theoretical cooperation concepts, a socio-economic review and the analyses of chosen cooperation projects, we suggest concentrating on cooperation along functional lines, initiated on a case-by-case basis. To overcome the status quo of reluctant cooperation, the right set of incentives will be needed. Specifically, we propose designing a competition offering potential cooperation partners substantial monetary benefits, if their proposal is picked as a winner.
Dual-Faceted Multidimensional IRT Models with Hierarchical Structure
Authors: Wang Luming , Finn Adam
Published: March 2013

In marketing, there are many important multidimensional constructs, such as service quality, market orientation, and consumer-based brand equity (CBBE). Survey methods and multidimensional scales are used to measure these constructs. But the survey responses collected for these constructs are also dual-faceted. Except for consumers, the other facet (such as services, firms or brands) is involved too. Assessment of multidimensional marketing scales (such as SERVQUAL and MARKOR) has relied on confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM), which may not give accurate and unbiased evidence about the estimates and dimensionality across both facets. The authors introduce a hierarchical extension of many facet item response theory (MFIRT) to empirically investigate the causal relationships between a construct and its dimensions for scales that generate dual-faceted data. CBBE data for soft drink brands are used in an empirical study, which demonstrates the method and finds CBBE best modeled as formative from its dimensions along the consumer facet.
Ketogenic diet and fasting induce the expression of cold‐inducible RNA‐binding protein with time‐dependent hypothermia in the mouse liver
Authors: Oishi Katsutaka , Yamamoto Saori , Uchida Daisuke , Doi Ryosuke
Published: March 2013

Cold‐inducible RNA‐binding protein (CIRBP) induced by cold stress modulates the molecular circadian clock in vitro. The present study examines the effect of a ketogenic diet (KD) and fasting on Cirbp expression in the mouse liver. Chronic KD administration induced time‐dependent Cirbp expression with hypothermia in mice. The circadian expression of clock genes such as Bmal1 and Clock was phase‐advanced and augmented in the liver of mice fed with a KD. Transient food deprivation also induced time‐dependent Cirbp expression with hypothermia in mice. These findings suggest that hypothermia is involved in the increased expression of Cirbp under ketogenic or fasting conditions.
An optical tractor beam sorts microscopic particles
Authors: Wilson R. Mark
Published: March 2013

A change in the polarization of a light field can sufficiently change the scattering forces experienced by spherical particles to reverse their direction of motion.
White House to revive its climate change campaign
Authors: Kramer David
Published: March 2013

With new coal plants effectively outlawed under new carbon emissions limits, the Obama administration is poised to regulate CO2 from existing power plants.
Gradual path proposed to empty helium reserve
Authors: Kramer David
Published: March 2013

Lawmakers and consumers urge an overhaul of the 1996 program to end the federal government’s involvement in the helium business.
Three-dimensional displays, past and present
Authors: Lee Byoungho
Published: March 2013

Displays that reproduce depth in some cases and create its illusion in others vary from the simple to the sophisticated.
Condensation, atmospheric motion, and cold beer
Authors: Durran Dale R. , Frierson Dargan M. W.
Published: March 2013

The latent heat released when water condenses is an important driver of weather phenomena. And as a simple experiment shows, it also makes it tough to enjoy a frosty one in the summertime.
On a problem of Chen and Liu concerning the prime power factorization of 𝑛!
Authors: Morgenbesser Johannes , Stoll Thomas
Published: March 2013

For a fixed prime

p
p

, let

e
p

(
n
!
)

e_p(n!)

denote the order of

p
p

in the prime factorization of

n
!

n!

. Chen and Liu (2007) asked whether for any fixed

m
m

, one has

{

e
p

(

n
2

!
)
mod
m
:

n
∈

Z

}
=

Z

m

\{e_p(n^2!) \bmod m:\; n\in \mathbb {Z}\}=\mathbb {Z}_m

and

{

e
p

(
q
!
)
mod
m
:

q

 prime

}
=

Z

m

\{e_p(q!) \bmod m:\; q \mbox { prime}\}=\mathbb {Z}_m

. We answer these two questions and show asymptotic formulas for

#
{
n
>
x
:
n
≡
a
mod
d
,

e
p

(

n
2

!
)
≡
r
mod
m
}

\# \{n>x: n \equiv a \bmod d,\; e_p(n^2!)\equiv r \bmod m\}

and

#
{
q
>
x
:
q

 prime

,
q
≡
a
mod
d
,

e
p

(
q
!
)
≡
r
mod
m
}

\# \{q>x: q \mbox { prime}, q \equiv a \bmod d,\; e_p(q!)\equiv r \bmod m\}

. Furthermore, we show that for each

h
⩾
3

h\geqslant 3

, we have
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="number-sign left-brace n greater-than x colon n identical-to a mod d comma e Subscript p Baseline left-parenthesis n Superscript h Baseline factorial right-parenthesis identical-to r mod m right-brace much-greater-than x Superscript 4 slash left-parenthesis 3 h plus 1 right-parenthesis">

#
{
n
>
x
:
n
≡
a
mod
d
,

e
p

(

n
h

!
)
≡
r
mod
m
}
≫

x

4

/

(
3
h
+
1
)

\#\{n>x: n \equiv a \bmod d,\; e_p(n^h!)\equiv r \bmod m\} \gg x^{4/(3h+1)}

.
An accessible database for mouse and human whole transcriptome qPCR primers
Authors: Zeisel Amit , Yitzhaky Assif , Bossel Ben-Moshe Noa , Domany Eytan
Published: March 2013

Motivation: Real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is an important tool in quantitative studies of DNA and RNA molecules; especially in transcriptome studies, where different primer combinations allow identification of specific transcripts such as splice variants or precursor messenger RNA. Several softwares that implement various rules for optimal primer design are available. Nevertheless, as designing qPCR primers needs to be done manually, the repeated task is tedious, time consuming and prone to errors.

Results: We used a set of rules to automatically design all possible exon–exon and intron–exon junctions in the human and mouse transcriptomes. The resulting database is included as a track in the UCSC genome browser, making it widely accessible and easy to use.

Availability: The database is available from the UCSC genome browser (http://genome.ucsc.edu/), track name ‘Whole Transcriptome qPCR Primers’ for the hg19 (Human) and mm10 (Mouse) genome versions. Batch query is available in the following: http://www.weizmann.ac.il/complex/compphys/software/Amit/primers/batch_query_qpcr_primers.htm

Contact:  amit.zeisel@weizmann.ac.il or eytan.domany@weizmann.ac.il

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
MCScanX-transposed: detecting transposed gene duplications based on multiple colinearity scans
Authors: Wang Yupeng , Li Jingping , Paterson Andrew H.
Published: March 2013

Summary: Gene duplication occurs via different modes such as segmental and single-gene duplications. Transposed gene duplication, a specific form of single-gene duplication, ‘copies’ a gene from an ancestral chromosomal location to a novel location. MCScanX is a toolkit for detection and evolutionary analysis of gene colinearity. We have developed MCScanX-transposed, a software package to detect transposed gene duplications that occurred within different epochs, based on execution of MCScanX within and between related genomes. MCScanX-transposed can be also used for integrative analysis of gene duplication modes for a genome and to annotate a gene family of interest with gene duplication modes.

Availability:  MCScanX-transposed is freely available at http://chibba.pgml.uga.edu/mcscan2/transposed/.

Contact:  wyp1125@gmail.com or paterson@plantbio.uga.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
R144 revealed as a double-lined spectroscopic binary
Authors: Sana H. , van Boeckel T. , Tramper F. , Ellerbroek L. E. , de Koter A. , Kaper L. , Moffat A. F. J. , Schnurr O. , Schneider F. R. N. , Gies D. R.
Published: March 2013

R144 is a WN6h star in the 30 Doradus region. It is suspected to be a binary because of its high luminosity and its strong X-ray flux, but no periodicity could be established so far. Here, we present new X-shooter multi-epoch spectroscopy of R144 obtained at the ESO Very Large Telescope. We detect variability in position and/or shape of all the spectral lines. We measure radial velocity variations with an amplitude larger than 250 km s−1 in N iv and N v lines. Furthermore, the N iii and N v line Doppler shifts are anticorrelated and the N iv lines show a double-peaked profile on six of our seven epochs. We thus conclude that R144 is a double-lined spectroscopic binary. Possible orbital periods range from two to six months, although a period up to one year is allowed if the orbit is highly eccentric. We estimate the spectral types of the components to be WN5–6h and WN6–7h, respectively. The high luminosity of the system (log Lbol/L⊙ ≈ 6.8) suggests a present-day total mass content in the range of about 200–300 M⊙, depending on the evolutionary stage of the components. This makes R144 the most massive binary identified so far, with a total mass content at birth possibly as large as 400 M⊙. We briefly discuss the presence of such a massive object, 60 pc away from the R136 cluster core in the context of star formation and stellar dynamics.
CIRCUMSCRIBED OUTER FOVEOLAR DEFECTS IN SPINOCEREBELLAR ATAXIA TYPE 7
Authors: Watkins William M. , Schoenberger Scott D. , Lavin Patrick , Agarwal Anita
Published: March 2013

Purpose:

To report circumscribed outer foveolar defects in a 40-year-old man with a history of spinocerebellar ataxia type 7.

Methods:

A 40-year-old man with genetically confirmed spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 presented with progressive vision loss and decreased color perception for 3 years. He underwent a full ocular examination, fundus photography, autofluorescence, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography imaging, and a full-field electroretinogram.

Results:

The patient’s ocular examination and fundus autofluorescence were both normal except for mild temporal pallor of both optic discs. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomographic imaging showed foveal thinning with an outer foveolar defect because of focal loss of photoreceptors, disruption of the inner segment–outer segment junction but preservation of the external limiting membrane, and thinning of the outer plexiform layer in both eyes. Electroretinography showed severely reduced cone function with mildly reduced rod function.

Conclusion:

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 should be included in the differential diagnosis for “outer retinal holes” or “foveal cavitation,” which also includes solar retinopathy, juxtafoveal telangiectasia, Welder maculopathy, tamoxifen retinopathy, Stargardt disease, amyl nitrate abuse, and cone or cone–rod degeneration syndromes.
Magnet‐Related Injury Rates in Children
Authors: Agbo Chioma , Lee Lois , Chiang Vincent , Landscahft Assaf , Kimia Tomer , Monuteaux Michael C. , Kimia Amir A.
Published: March 2013

Background and Objective:

The ingestion of multiple magnets simultaneously or the placement of magnets in both nares can lead to serious injury resulting from the attraction of the magnets across the tissues. The impact of mandatory standards for toys containing magnets has not been thoroughly investigated. The aim of the present study was to describe the emergency department (ED) visit rate for magnet‐related injuries.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective study of children evaluated for magnet‐related injuries from 1995 to 2012 in an urban tertiary care pediatric ED. We identified cases using a computerized text‐search methodology followed by manual chart review. We included children evaluated for magnet ingestion or impaction in the ears, nose, vagina, or rectum. We assessed the type and number of magnets as well as management and required interventions. A Poisson regression model was used to analyze rates of injury over time.

Results:

We identified 112 cases of magnet injuries. The median patient age was 6 years (IQR 3.5, 10), and 54% were male. Compared to before 2006, the rate for all magnet‐related injuries in 2007–2012 (incidence rate ratio 3.44; 95% confidence interval 2.3–5.11) as well as multiple magnet‐related injuries (incidence rate ratio 7.54; 95% confidence interval 3.51–16.19) increased. Swallowed magnets accounted for 86% of the injuries. Thirteen patients had endoscopy performed for magnet removal (12%), and 4 (4%) had a surgical intervention. Magnets from toys account for the majority of the injuries.

Conclusions:

The number of ED visits for magnet‐related injuries in children may be rising and are underreported, with an increase in the proportion of multiple magnets involvement. In our case series, mandatory standard for toys had no mitigating effect.
Psychosocial Developmental Trajectory of Adolescents With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Hummel Thalia Z. , Tak Eline , Maurice‐Stam Heleen , Benninga Marc A. , Kindermann Angelika , Grootenhuis Martha A.
Published: March 2013

Background and Objectives:

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, debilitating disorder occurring in young patients in the most productive period of their lives. Little is known about the effect on the developmental trajectory of adolescents growing up with IBD. The purpose of this study was to assess the psychosocial developmental trajectory (“course of life”) and sociodemographic outcomes in adolescents with IBD compared with peers from the general population.

Methods:

A total of 62 adolescents (response rate 74%, boys 51.6%, mean age 18.6 years) completed the course of life questionnaire.

Results:

Patients with IBD achieved fewer milestones on the domains of autonomy and social and psychosexual development compared with their healthy peers. They went less frequently on holidays without adults, had fewer jobs during secondary school, were less frequently going out to a bar/disco during secondary school, and were older when falling in love for the first time. After secondary school, patients with IBD were more often unemployed.

Conclusions:

Negative consequences in terms of psychosocial development are prevalent in adolescents with IBD. Physicians should be attentive to these consequences and provide additional support if necessary. During transition to adult clinic, these topics are of major importance and should be an integral component of the comprehensive care of chronically ill adolescents and young adults.
Contribution of the production of quormones to some phenotypic characteristics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical strains
Authors: Nagant C. , Seil M. , Nachtergael A. , Dulanto S. , Dehaye J. P.
Published: March 2013

The contribution of quorum sensing in some phenotypic and pathogenic characteristics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was studied. The production of acylhomoserine lactones (AHL) by planktonic cultures of eight clinical and reference strains of P. aeruginosa was evaluated using two biosensors. The adhesion of the bacteria on a surface (Biofilm Ring Test ®, BFRT), their capacity to develop a biofilm (crystal violet staining method, CVSM), their sensitivity to tobramycin and their secretion of proteases or of rhamnolipids were also measured. The production and the release of AHL widely varied among the eight strains. An analysis of the extracts by TLC showed that 3-oxo-C8-HSL, 3-oxo-C10-HSL and 3-oxo-C12-HSL were released by the five strains producing the highest amount of C≥6-HSL. The genes lasI and lasR involved in the synthesis and response to 3-oxo-C12-HSL were detected in the genomes of all strains. Two clinical strains had deletions in the lasR gene leading to truncation of the protein. One subpopulation of the PAO1 strain had a major deletion (98 bp) of the lasR gene. Strains with significant mutations of lasR secreted the lowest amount of AHL, probably due to deficiencies in the self-induction and amplification of the synthesis of the lactone. These strains formed a biofilm with low biomass. C4-HSL production also differed among the strains and was correlated with rhamnolipid production and biofilm formation. Whereas the production of AHL varied among P. aeruginosa strains, few correlations were observed with their phenotypic properties except with their ability to form a biofilm.
Gene expression drives local adaptation in humans
Authors: Fraser Hunter B.
Published: March 2013

The molecular basis of adaptation—and, in particular, the relative roles of protein-coding versus gene expression changes—has long been the subject of speculation and debate. Recently, the genotyping of diverse human populations has led to the identification of many putative “local adaptations” that differ between populations. Here I show that these local adaptations are over 10-fold more likely to affect gene expression than amino acid sequence. In addition, a novel framework for identifying polygenic local adaptations detects recent positive selection on the expression levels of genes involved in UV radiation response, immune cell proliferation, and diabetes-related pathways. These results provide the first examples of polygenic gene expression adaptation in humans, as well as the first genome-scale support for the hypothesis that changes in gene expression have driven human adaptation.
The Value of Crime Scene and Site Visitation by Forensic Psychologists and Psychiatrists
Authors: Mohandie Kris , Meloy J. Reid
Published: March 2013

Site visits and crime scene visitation by forensic psychologists and psychiatrists may enhance the accuracy and credibility of their forensic work in criminal, civil, and other important contexts. This ethically sound technique of after‐the‐fact data collection and verification offers numerous potential benefits to the forensic mental health professional: clarifying the subject's actions, assessing the reliability of witness reports, identifying contextual determinants of behavior, and more fully illuminating subject motivation and decision‐making. Limitations and suggested guidelines for conducting site visits are offered. Guidelines include preplanning, arranging for an informed guide to accompany and narrate the visit, and conducting the site visit prior to forensic examinations.
Identification of echinoderms (Echinodermata) from an anchialine cave in Cozumel Island, Mexico, using DNA barcodes
Authors: Bribiesca‐Contreras Guadalupe , Solís‐Marín Francisco A. , Laguarda‐Figueras Alfredo , Zaldívar‐Riverón Alejandro
Published: March 2013

The echinoderm species richness of the Aerolito de Paraiso anchialine cave, on Cozumel Island, in the Mexican Caribbean, is assessed on the basis of morphological and DNA barcoding data. We included specimens from this cave system and from different open sea areas, and employed two different approaches for species delineation based on DNA barcoding data: a 2% cox1 divergence and the general mixed Yule‐coalescent (GMYC) approaches. We subsequently compared the results derived from these approaches with our morphospecies discrimination. A total of 188 cox1 sequences belonging to specimens of four echinoderm classes were examined. The 2% cox1 divergence and GMYC approaches recovered 78 and 70 putative species, respectively, 24 and 22 of which corresponded to specimens from the anchialine system. Of 26 echinoderm species identified in the cave system, seven appear to be endemic to it. Among these are Copidaster carvenicola Solís‐Marín & Laguarda‐Figueras, 2010, two morphologically distinctive, undescribed species belonging to Asterinides and Ophionereis and four probably cryptic undescribed species originally assigned to Amphipholis squamata (Delle Chiaje, 1839), Astropecten duplicatus Gray, 1840, Copidaster lymani (AH Clark, 1948) and Ophiothrix angulata (Say, 1825). Further research and protection of this particularly fragile ecosystem becomes urgent because construction of tourism developments is planned nearby.
The Impact of Adolescent Binge Drinking and Sustained Abstinence on Affective State
Authors: Bekman Nicole M. , Winward Jennifer L. , Lau Lily L. , Wagner Chase C. , Brown Sandra A.
Published: March 2013

Background

While it is clear that affect is negatively impacted by heavy drinking in adulthood and that it improves with abstinence, little is known about effects of heavy drinking on mood during adolescence.

Methods

This study examined negative mood states among 2 groups of 16‐ to 18‐year‐old high school students; youth with a history of recent heavy episodic drinking (HED; n = 39) and comparison youth with limited lifetime drinking experience (CON; n = 26). Affect was assessed at 3 time points during a 4‐ to 6‐week period of monitored abstinence using the Hamilton Rating Scales for Anxiety and Depression; self‐reports were obtained with the state portion of the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, and experience sampling of current affect was assessed via daily text messages sent at randomly determined times in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

Results

Youth with a recent history of HED reported more negative affect compared with nondrinking youth during early stages of abstinence (days since last HED at assessment 1: M = 6.46; SD = 5.06); however, differences in affect were not observed after 4 to 6 weeks of abstinence. Sex differences were evident, with HED girls reporting greater depression and anxiety than HED male peers. Although not significant, response patterns indicated that boys may experience faster resolution of negative emotional states than girls with sustained abstinence.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that high‐dose drinking is associated with elevated negative affect for adolescents and that negative mood states may take longer to resolve for girls than for boys following heavy drinking episodes. Future research clarifying naturally occurring changes in affective response during early and sustained abstinence is necessary for improving programs designed to promote adolescent decision‐making and to reduce risk for relapse.
Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate and Brain‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor Decreased Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Developing Hypothalamic Neuronal Cells: Role of Microglia
Authors: Boyadjieva Nadka I. , Sarkar Dipak K.
Published: March 2013

Background

We have previously shown that ethanol (EtOH) increases cellular apoptosis to developing neurons via the effects on oxidative stress of neurons directly and via increasing production of microglia‐derived factors. To study further the mechanism ofEtOHaction on neuronal apoptosis, we determined the effects of 2 well‐knownPKAactivators, dibutyryl cAMP(dbcAMP) and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), onEtOH‐activated oxidative stress and apoptotic processes in the hypothalamic neurons in the presence and absence of microglial cells' influence.

Methods

In enriched neuronal cells from fetal rat hypothalami treated withEtOHor with conditioned medium fromEtOH‐treated microglia, we measured cellular apoptosis by the free nucleosome assay and the levels of cAMP,BDNF,O2−, reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitrite, glutathione (GSH), and catalase following treatment withEtOHorEtOH‐treated microglial culture conditioned medium. Additionally, we tested the effectiveness of dbcAMPandBDNFin preventingEtOHorEtOH‐treated microglial conditioned medium on cellular apoptosis and oxidative stress in enriched hypothalamic neuronal cell in primary cultures.

Results

Neuronal cell cultures following treatment withEtOHorEtOH‐activated microglial conditioned medium showed decreased production levels of cAMPandBDNF. EtOH also increased apoptotic death as well as oxidative status, as demonstrated by higher cellular levels of oxidants but lower levels of antioxidants, in neuronal cells. These effects ofEtOHon oxidative stress and cell death were enhanced by the presence of microglia. Treatment withBDNFor dbcAMPdecreasedEtOHorEtOH‐activated microglial conditioned medium‐induced changes in the levels of intracellular free radicals,ROSandO2−, nitrite,GSH, and catalase.

Conclusions

These data support the possibility thatEtOHby acting directly and via increasing the production of microglial‐derived factors reduces cellular levels ofcAMPandBDNFto increase cellular oxidative status and apoptosis in hypothalamic neuronal cells in primary cultures.
Intraperitoneal Injection of Ethanol Results in Drastic Changes in Bone Metabolism Not Observed when Ethanol Is Administered by Oral Gavage
Authors: Iwaniec Urszula T. , Turner Russell T.
Published: March 2013

Background

Chronic alcohol abuse is associated with increased risk of osteoporosis while light‐to‐moderate alcohol intake correlates with reduced osteoporosis risk. Addition of alcohol to a liquid diet is often used to model chronic alcohol abuse. Methods to model intermittent drinking (including binge drinking and light‐to‐moderate consumption) include (i) intragastric administration of alcohol by oral gavage or (ii) intraperitoneal (ip) administration of alcohol by injection. However, it is unclear whether the latter 2 methods produce comparable results. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the skeletal response to alcohol delivered daily by oral gavage or ip injection.

Methods

Ethanol (EtOH) or vehicle was administered to 4‐month‐old female Sprague–Dawley rats once daily at 1.2 g/kg body weight for 7 days. Following necropsy, bone formation and bone architecture were evaluated in tibial diaphysis (cortical bone) and proximal tibial metaphysis (cancellous bone) by histomorphometry. mRNA was measured for bone matrix proteins in distal femur metaphysis.

Results

Administration of alcohol by gavage had no significant effect on body weight gain or bone measurements. In contrast, administration of the same dose of alcohol by ip injection resulted in reduced body weight, total suppression of periosteal bone formation in tibial diaphysis, decreased cancellous bone formation in proximal tibial metaphysis, and decreased mRNA levels for bone matrix proteins in distal femur.

Conclusions

Our findings raise concerns regarding the use of ip injection of EtOH in rodents as a method for modeling the skeletal effects of intermittent exposure to alcohol in humans. This concern is based on a failure of the ip route to replicate the oral route of alcohol administration.
Circadian Clock Period Inversely Correlates with Illness Severity in Cells from Patients with Alcohol Use Disorders
Authors: McCarthy Michael J. , Fernandes Malcolm , Kranzler Henry R. , Covault Jonathan M. , Welsh David K.
Published: March 2013

Background

Clinical and genetic studies suggest circadian clock genes may contribute to biological mechanisms underlying alcohol use disorders (AUD). In particular, the Per2 gene regulates alcohol consumption in mutant animals, and in humans with AUD, the 10870 variant in PER2 has been associated with alcohol consumption. However, with respect to function, the molecular clock remains largely uncharacterized in AUD patients.

Methods

In skin fibroblast cultures from well‐characterized human AUD patients (n = 19) and controls (n = 13), we used a bioluminescent reporter gene (Per2::luc) to measure circadian rhythms in gene expression at high sampling density for 5 days. Cells were genotyped for the PER2 10870 variant. The rhythm parameters period and amplitude were then analyzed using a case–control design and by genetic and clinical characteristics of the AUD subjects.

Results

There were no differences between AUD cases and controls in rhythm parameters. However, period was inversely correlated with illness severity (defined as the number of alcohol dependence criteria met). The PER2 variant 10870 was not associated with differences in rhythm parameters.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that differences in the cellular circadian clock are not pronounced in fibroblasts from AUD cases and controls. However, we found evidence that the circadian clock may be associated with an altered trajectory of AUD, possibly related to illness severity. Future work will be required to determine the mechanistic basis of this association.
Training health workers for magnesium sulfate use reduces case fatality from eclampsia: results from a multicenter trial
Authors: Okonofua Friday E. , Ogu Rosemary N. , Fabamwo Adetokunbo O. , Ujah Innocent O. , Chama Calvin M. , Archibong Eric I. , Onah Hyacinth E. , Galadanci Hadiza S. , Akuse James T.
Published: March 2013

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness of an intervention aimed at improving the case management of eclampsia.

Design

A multi‐center intervention study.

Setting

Six teaching hospitals in Nigeria.

Sample

Clinical records of cases of eclampsia treated before and 1 year after the intervention.

Methods

Doctors and midwives in selected hospitals were re‐trained to manage eclampsia using magnesium sulfate according to the Pritchard protocol.

Main outcome measures

Eclampsia case fatality rates, maternal and perinatal mortality rates before and after the intervention.

Results

A total of 219 cases of eclampsia were managed over a 12‐month period. There were seven maternal deaths. The post intervention case fatality rate of 3.2% was significantly less than the pre‐intervention rate of 15.1% (p < 0.001). The overall maternal and perinatal mortality ratios and rates respectively in the hospitals declined from 1199.2 to 954 per 100 000 deliveries and 141.5 to 129.8 per 1000 births, respectively (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

An intervention to build the capacity of care‐providers to use an evidence‐based protocol for the treatment of eclampsia in Nigeria was successful in reducing associated case fatality rate. The increased and widespread use of such an intervention in maternity units might contribute to the reduction of maternal mortality in low‐income countries.
Network meta-analysis of the outcome ‘participant complete clearance’ in nonimmunosuppressed participants of eight interventions for actinic keratosis: a follow-up on a Cochrane review
Authors: Gupta A.K. , Paquet M.
Published: March 2013

The conclusions of pairwise meta-analyses of interventions for actinic keratosis (AK) are limited due to the lack of direct comparison between some interventions. Consequently, we performed a network meta-analysis for eight treatments [5-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA)-photodynamic therapy (PDT), cryotherapy, diclofenac 3% in 2·5% hyaluronic acid (DCF/HA), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) 0·5% or 5·0%, imiquimod (IMI) 5%, ingenol mebutate (IMB) 0·015–0·05%, methyl aminolaevulinate (MAL)-PDT and placebo/vehicle (including placebo-PDT)] to determine their relative efficacies. As part of a prior Cochrane systematic review, different databases and grey literature were searched for randomized controlled trials up to April 2012. The inclusion criteria were parallel-group studies with nonimmunosuppressed participants: (i) reporting ‘participant complete clearance’ and (ii) comparing at least two of the interventions. Thirty-two publications met the criteria and they included the following number of individual or pooled studies (n) and total number of participants (N) for the different interventions: 5-FU 0·5% (n =4, N =169), 5-FU 5·0% (n =2, N =44), ALA-PDT (n =6, N =739), cryotherapy (n =2, N =174), DCF/HA (n =5, N =299), IMI (n =14, N =1411), IMB (n =3, N =560), MAL-PDT (n =7, N =557) and placebo (n =32, N =2520). Network analyses using a random-effects Bayesian model were carried out with the software ADDIS v1.16.1. The interventions were ranked as follows based on calculated probabilities and odd ratios: 5-FU > ALA-PDT ≈ IMI ≈ IMB ≈ MAL-PDT > cryotherapy > DCF/HA > placebo. This efficacy ranking was obtained based on the current available data on ‘participant complete clearance’ from randomized controlled trials and the analysis model used. However, several other factors should also be considered when prescribing a treatment for AK.
Concern for Others in the First Year of Life: Theory, Evidence, and Avenues for Research
Authors: Davidov Maayan , Zahn‐Waxler Carolyn , Roth‐Hanania Ronit , Knafo Ariel
Published: March 2013

Concern for others has been thought to emerge in the 2nd year of life (Hoffman, , , ). Three related ideas underlying this view assume that younger infants cannot distinguish between self and other, cannot experience concern for others, and show self‐distress because they misinterpret others' distress as their own. In this article, we review evidence contradicting these assumptions and propose an alternative view of early empathy development. Specifically, we argue that empathic concern does not depend on self‐reflective abilities and exists during the 1st year of life, manifesting young infants' fundamental social nature. We also touch on avenues for research.
Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 predicts cognitive functions at 2‐year follow‐up in early, drug‐naïve Parkinson's disease
Authors: Pellecchia M. T. , Santangelo G. , Picillo M. , Pivonello R. , Longo K. , Pivonello C. , Vitale C. , Amboni M. , De Rosa A. , Moccia M. , Erro R. , De Michele G. , Santoro L. , Colao A. , Barone P.
Published: March 2013

Background and purpose

Cognitive impairment is common in Parkinson's disease (PD), even in the early stages. We aimed to assess the relationship between insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) and cognitive functions in early, drug‐naïve patients with PD.

Methods

Serum IGF‐1 was measured in 65 early, drug‐naïve patients with PD that underwent a complete neuropsychological battery at baseline and after 2 years. Linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationships between neuropsychological scores and IGF‐1. Repeated‐measures anova was applied to assess changes in neuropsychological variables over time.

Results

At baseline, IGF‐1 levels were related to phonological fluency. At follow‐up, IGF‐1 levels were associated with the Rey auditory verbal learning test (RAVLT) – immediate and delayed recall, Frontal Assessment Battery, verbal span and Benton judgement of the line orientation test. Patients with low IGF‐1 levels at baseline showed a significantly faster decline of performances than patients with high IGF‐1 levels on immediate and delayed recall of the RAVLT and interference task of the Stroop test.

Conclusions

Low serum IGF‐1 levels are related to poor performance on executive tasks in early, drug‐naïve patients with PD, and may predict poor performance on attention/executive and verbal memory tasks after a 2‐year follow‐up.
The role of spreading depolarization in subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Sánchez‐Porras R. , Zheng Z. , Santos E. , Schöll M. , Unterberg A. W. , Sakowitz O. W.
Published: March 2013

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a devastating disease associated with death and poor functional outcome. Despite decades of intense research and improvements in clinical management, delayed cerebral ischaemia (DCI) remains the most important cause of morbidity and mortality after SAH. The key role of angiographic cerebral vasospasm, thought to be the main cause of DCI, has been questioned. Emerging evidence suggests that DCI is likely to have a multifactorial etiology. Over the last few years, spreading depolarization (SD) has been identified as a potential pathophysiological mechanism contributing to DCI. The presence of cortical spreading ischaemia, due to an inverse hemodynamic response to SD, offers a possible explanation for DCI and requires more intensive research. Understanding the role of SD as another mechanism inducing DCI and its relationship with other pathological factors could instigate the development of new approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of DCI in order to improve the clinical outcome.
Effects of celecoxib on hematoma and edema volumes in primary intracerebral hemorrhage: a multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lee S.‐H. , Park H.‐K. , Ryu W.‐S. , Lee J.‐S. , Bae H.‐J. , Han M.‐K. , Lee Y.‐S. , Kwon H.‐M. , Kim C. K. , Park E.‐S. , Chung J.‐W. , Jung K.‐H. , Roh J.‐K.
Published: March 2013

Background and purpose

We investigated the effect of celecoxib, a selective inhibitor of cyclo‐oxygenase 2, in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

Methods

We conducted a multicenter, randomized, controlled, and open with blinded end‐point trial of 44 Korean patients 18 years or older with ICH within 24 h of onset. The intervention group (n = 20) received celecoxib (400 mg twice a day) for 14 days. The control group (n = 24) received the standard medical treatment for ICH. The primary end‐point was the number of patients with a change in the volume of perihematomal edema (PHE) from the 1st to the 7th ± 1 day (cut‐off value, 20%).

Results

The time from onset to computed tomography scan slightly differed between groups (177 ± 160 min for control vs. 297 ± 305 min for the celecoxib group; P = 0.10). In the primary end‐point analysis using cut‐off values, there was a significant shift to reduced expansion of PHE in the celecoxib group (P = 0.005). With respect to the secondary end‐points, there was also a significant shift to reduced expansion of ICH in the celecoxib group (P = 0.046). In addition, the expansion rate of PHE at follow‐up tended to be higher in the control group than in the celecoxib group (90.6 ± 91.7% vs. 44.4 ± 64.9%; P = 0.058).

Conclusions

In our small, pilot trial, administration of celecoxib in the acute stage of ICH was associated with a smaller expansion of PHE than that observed in controls.
Educational interventions in neurology: a comprehensive systematic review
Authors: McColgan P. , McKeown P. P. , Selai C. , Doherty‐Allan R. , McCarron M. O.
Published: March 2013

A fear of neurology and neural sciences (neurophobia) may have clinical consequences. There is therefore a need to formulate an evidence‐based approach to neurology education. A comprehensive systematic review of educational interventions in neurology was performed. BEI, Cochrane Library, Dialog Datastar, EBSCO Biomedical, EBSCO Psychology & Behavioral Sciences, EMBASE, ERIC, First Search, MDConsult, Medline, Proquest Medical Library and Web of Knowledge databases were searched for all published studies assessing interventions in neurology education among undergraduate students, junior medical doctors and residents up to and including July 2012. Two independent literature searches were performed for relevant studies, which were then classified for level of evidence using the Centre of Evidence‐based Medicine criteria and four levels of Kirkpatrick educational outcomes. One systematic review, 16 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), nine non‐randomized cohort/follow‐up studies, 33 case series or historically controlled studies and three mechanism‐based reasoning studies were identified. Educational interventions showed favourable evaluation or assessment outcomes in 15 of 16 (94%) RCTs. Very few studies measured subsequent clinical behaviour (two studies) and patient outcomes (one study). There is very little high quality evidence of demonstrably effective neurology education. However, RCTs are emerging, albeit without meeting comprehensive educational criteria. An improving evidence base in the quality of neurology education will be important to reduce neurophobia.
Therapeutic brain hypothermia, its mechanisms of action, and its prospects as a treatment for epilepsy
Authors: Motamedi Gholam K. , Lesser Ronald P. , Vicini Stefano
Published: March 2013

Cooling the core body temperature to 32–35°C, is almost standard practice for conditions such as cardiac arrest in adults, and perinatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy in neonates. Limited clinical data, and more extensive animal experiments, indicate that hypothermia could help control seizures, and could be applied directly to the brain using implantable devices. These data have fostered further research to evaluate whether cooling would be a viable means to treat refractory epilepsy. Although the effect of temperature on cellular physiology has long been recognized, with possibly dual effects on pyramidal cells and interneurons, the exact mechanisms underlying its beneficial effects, in particular in epilepsy, are yet to be discovered. This article reviews currently available clinical and laboratory data with a focus on cellular mechanisms of action and prospects of hypothermia as a treatment for intractable seizures.