bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control of tissue morphology by Fasciclin III-mediated intercellular adhesion
Authors: Wells Richard E. , Barry Joseph D. , Warrington Samantha J. , Cuhlmann Simon , Evans Paul , Huber Wolfgang , Strutt David , Zeidler Martin P.
Published: August 2013

Morphogenesis is dependent on the orchestration of multiple developmental processes to generate mature functional organs. However, the signalling pathways that coordinate morphogenesis and the mechanisms that translate these signals into tissue shape changes are not well understood. Here, we demonstrate that changes in intercellular adhesion mediated by the transmembrane protein Fasciclin III (FasIII) represent a key mediator of morphogenesis. Using the embryonic Drosophila hindgut as an in vivo model for organogenesis, we show that the tightening of hindgut curvature that normally occurs between embryonic stage 12 and 15 to generate the characteristic shepherd’s crook shape is dependent on localised JAK/STAT pathway activation. This localised pathway activity drives the expression of FasIII leading to its subcellular lateralisation at a stage before formation of septate junctions. Additionally, we show that JAK/STAT- and FasIII-dependent morphogenesis also regulates folds within the third instar wing imaginal disc. We show that FasIII forms homophilic intercellular interactions that promote intercellular adhesion in vivo and in cultured cells. To explore these findings, we have developed a mathematical model of the developing hindgut, based on the differential interfacial tension hypothesis (DITH) linking intercellular adhesion and localised surface tension. Our model suggests that increased intercellular adhesion provided by FasIII can be sufficient to drive the tightening of tube curvature observed. Taken together, these results identify a conserved molecular mechanism that directly links JAK/STAT pathway signalling to intercellular adhesion and that sculpts both tubular and planar epithelial shape.
Asymmetric Diarylethene as a Dual-Functional Device Combining Switch and Diode
Authors: Tsuji Yuta , Koga Junya , Yoshizawa Kazunari
Published: August 2013

Diarylethenes are photosensitive π-conjugated molecules, being of great promise in potential applications to various molecular devices. Although the switching properties of diarylethenes have been widely investigated experimentally and theoretically, little is known about their rectifying diode-like behavior. In this study, electron-transport properties of asymmetric diarylethenes incorporating two different heterocyclic five-membered rings with opposite electronic demands are investigated with the nonequilibrium Green function combined with density functional theory. The aim of this study is to derive the effect of the heteroatomic defects on not only switching but also rectifying characteristics of the asymmetric diarylethenes. Obtained results show that a silicon atom involved in the diarylethenes plays an important role in the current rectifying as well as switching performance. It is found that maximum rectification ratios of the asymmetric diarylethenes increase linearly with an increase in electronegativity difference between the asymmetrically arranged heteroatoms. The silicon- and oxygen-containing asymmetric diarylethene is suggested to be a good potential candidate for a novel molecular electronic device combining a switch and a diode.
2′-Phosphate cyclase activity of RtcA: a potential rationale for the operon organization of RtcA with an RNA repair ligase RtcB in Escherichia coli and other bacterial taxa
Authors: Das Ushati , Shuman Stewart
Published: August 2013

RNA terminal phosphate cyclase catalyzes the ATP-dependent conversion of a 3′-phosphate RNA end to a 2′,3′-cyclic phosphate via covalent enzyme-(histidinyl-Nϵ)-AMP and RNA(3′)pp(5′)A intermediates. Here, we report that Escherichia coli RtcA (and its human homolog Rtc1) are capable of cyclizing a 2′-phosphate RNA end in high yield. The rate of 2′-phosphate cyclization by RtcA is five orders of magnitude slower than 3′-phosphate cyclization, notwithstanding that RtcA binds with similar affinity to RNA3′p and RNA2′p substrates. These findings expand the functional repertoire of RNA cyclase and suggest that phosphate geometry during adenylate transfer to RNA is a major factor in the kinetics of cyclization. RtcA is coregulated in an operon with an RNA ligase, RtcB, that splices RNA 5′-OH ends to either 3′-phosphate or 2′,3′-cyclic phosphate ends. Our results suggest that RtcA might serve an end healing function in an RNA repair pathway, by converting RNA 2′-phosphates, which cannot be spliced by RtcB, to 2′,3′-cyclic phosphates that can be sealed. The rtcBA operon is controlled by the σ54 coactivator RtcR encoded by an adjacent gene. This operon arrangement is conserved in diverse bacterial taxa, many of which have also incorporated the RNA-binding protein Ro (which is implicated in RNA quality control under stress conditions) as a coregulated component of the operon.
A Robust Scenario Approach for the Vehicle Routing Problem with Uncertain Travel Times
Authors: Han Jinil , Lee Chungmok , Park Sungsoo
Published: August 2013

We consider a vehicle routing problem with uncertain travel times in which a penalty is incurred for each vehicle that exceeds a given time limit. A traditional stochastic programming approach would require precise knowledge of the underlying probability distributions of random data. In a novel approach presented here, we assume that only rough information on future travel times is available, leading to the multiple range forecasts of travel times and the probabilities of each range being realized. In this setting, we replace the point estimates of travel times on a scenario by range estimates. For each scenario, we then find the robust routes that protect the solution against the worst case within the given ranges, and finally we find the routes with the minimum expected cost. We propose a branch-and-cut algorithm to solve the problem and report computational results on both randomly generated and the well-known Solomon's instances. The results demonstrate that our approach is a favorable one when exact information of probability distributions is not available.
Hook Turns as a Solution to the Right-Turning Traffic Problem
Authors: Hounsell Nicholas Brian , Yap Yok Hoe
Published: August 2013

In traffic systems where driving is on the left, right-turning movements tend to be difficult to efficiently accommodate at signal controlled junctions. A hook turn is one potential solution for this. A hook turn is where a right turn is made from the nearside lane rather than an offside lane at a four-leg signalised junction. After entering the junction, the turning vehicle waits at a nearside position in front of the side road stop line, and then proceeds toward the exit arm when the side road signal turns green.

The research described in this paper uses microscopic simulation modelling in an innovative way to compare the traffic performance of a hypothetical hook-turn junction with an equivalent conventional junction with opposed right turns. The simulation model evaluated traffic performance under various combinations of demand flow, turning proportions, and signal timings. It was found that hook turns reduced delays to through traffic from the same approach in nearly all cases. Overall junction performance depended on the scale of any increased delays to left-turning traffic and side road traffic resulting from the hook-turn movement. It is concluded that hook turns could be used much more widely than at present—including where driving is on the right—offering significant operational benefits in the right circumstances.
The pleasure of immersion: Some thoughts on how The Singing Detective sustains narrative
Authors: Karpf Anne
Published: August 2013

This article argues that while Dennis Potter’s television drama series The Singing Detective is commonly celebrated for its multi-layered narrative and the post-modern way that it played with genre, another of its critical features has remained relatively neglected: the sustained narrative pleasure that it afforded. It suggests that Potter allowed viewers the deep immersive experience of realist TV drama and storytelling, even while he was experimenting with narrative, so providing a bridge between modernist and traditional forms, and rewarding viewers (who had to try and integrate the series’ different fragments and layers into some sort of quasi-cohesive narrative) with abundant dramatic gratification. Narrative, it claims, is not effaced, only displaced, partly onto the central character of Marlow, whose subjectivity unifies the fragmented narrative. Potter broke radically with the conventions of TV medical drama, and the painful experience of Marlow-as-patient acts as another binding agent.
Mode of action of brown rot decay resistance in modified wood: a review
Authors: Ringman Rebecka , Pilgård Annica , Brischke Christian , Richter Klaus
Published: August 2013

Chemically or physically modified wood materials have enhanced resistance to wood decay fungi. In contrast to treatments with traditional wood preservatives, where the resistance is caused mainly by the toxicity of the chemicals added, little is known about the mode of action of nontoxic wood modification methods. This study reviews established theories related to resistance in acetylated, furfurylated, dimethylol dihydroxyethyleneurea-treated, and thermally modified wood. The main conclusion is that only one theory provides a consistent explanation for the initial inhibition of brown rot degradation in modified wood, that is, moisture exclusion via the reduction of cell wall voids. Other proposed mechanisms, such as enzyme nonrecognition, micropore blocking, and reducing the number of free hydroxyl groups, may reduce the degradation rate when cell wall water uptake is no longer impeded.
Loss-based risk measures
Authors: Cont Rama , Deguest Romain , He Xue Dong
Published: August 2013

Starting from the requirement that risk of financial portfolios should be measured in terms of their losses, not their gains, we define the notion of loss-based risk measure and study the properties of this class of risk measures. We characterize convex loss-based risk measures by a representation theorem and give examples of such risk measures. We then discuss the statistical robustness of the risk estimators associated with the family of loss-based risk measures: we provide a general criterion for the qualitative robustness of the risk estimators and compare this criterion with a sensitivity analysis of estimators based on influence functions. We find that the risk estimators associated with convex loss-based risk measures are not robust.
Urban History Encyclopedias
Authors: Seligman Amanda I.
Published: August 2013

Despite skepticism about the scholarly value of urban history encyclopedias, they represent a convergence of public, digital, and academic history. This essay demonstrates the existence of doubts about their value and then argues that both writing and editing urban history encyclopedias are forms of scholarly activity. The conclusion offers preliminary criteria for assessing urban history encyclopedias as works of scholarship.
Increased hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal drive is associated with decreased appetite and hypoactivation of food-motivation neurocircuitry in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Lawson Elizabeth A , Holsen Laura M , DeSanti Rebecca , Santin McKale , Meenaghan Erinne , Herzog David B , Goldstein Jill M , Klibanski Anne
Published: August 2013

Objective

Corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH)-mediated hypercortisolemia has been demonstrated in anorexia nervosa (AN), a psychiatric disorder characterized by food restriction despite low body weight. While CRH is anorexigenic, downstream cortisol stimulates hunger. Using a food-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) paradigm, we have demonstrated hypoactivation of brain regions involved in food motivation in women with AN, even after weight recovery. The relationship between hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation and appetite and the association with food-motivation neurocircuitry hypoactivation are unknown in AN. We investigated the relationship between HPA activity, appetite, and food-motivation neurocircuitry hypoactivation in AN.

Design

Cross-sectional study of 36 women (13 AN, ten weight-recovered AN (ANWR), and 13 healthy controls (HC)).

Methods

Peripheral cortisol and ACTH levels were measured in a fasting state and 30, 60, and 120 min after a standardized mixed meal. The visual analog scale was used to assess homeostatic and hedonic appetite. fMRI was performed during visual processing of food and non-food stimuli to measure the brain activation pre- and post-meal.

Results

In each group, serum cortisol levels decreased following the meal. Mean fasting, 120 min post-meal, and nadir cortisol levels were high in AN vs HC. Mean postprandial ACTH levels were high in ANWR compared with HC and AN subjects. Cortisol levels were associated with lower fasting homeostatic and hedonic appetite, independent of BMI and depressive symptoms. Cortisol levels were also associated with between-group variance in activation in the food-motivation brain regions (e.g. hypothalamus, amygdala, hippocampus, orbitofrontal cortex, and insula).

Conclusions

HPA activation may contribute to the maintenance of AN by the suppression of appetitive drive.
Lack of influence of somatic mutations on steroid gradients during adrenal vein sampling in aldosterone-producing adenoma patients
Authors: Oßwald Andrea , Fischer Evelyn , Degenhart Christoph , Quinkler Marcus , Bidlingmaier Martin , Pallauf Anna , Lang Katharina , Mussack Thomas , Hallfeldt Klaus , Beuschlein Felix , Reincke Martin
Published: August 2013

Objective

Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) is a technically demanding procedure required for the identification of suitable candidates for unilateral adrenalectomy in primary aldosteronism. Recently, somaticKCNJ5K+-channel mutations in aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) patients have been shown to influence steroid gradients during AVS. These and other recently identified genetic modifiers (ATP1A1andATP2B3) might affect the final diagnosis and treatment of the affected patients.

Design

Fifty-nine patients with APAs who had undergone successful AVS (adrenal vein cortisol:peripheral cortisol ratio ≥2) and had undergone a mutation analysis of their tumor tissue were studied. The mutation status of the APAs was as follows: 19KCNJ5mutations, eight ATPase mutations (fiveATP1A1and threeATP2B3), and 32 patients with none of these mutations.

Methods

The lateralization index (ratio of aldosterone:cortisol on the side of the adenoma to aldosterone to cortisol on the contralateral side) and the contralateral suppression index (ratio of aldosterone:cortisol on the contralateral side to aldosterone to cortisol in the periphery) were calculated for theKCNJ5-mutated, ATPase-mutated, and theKCNJ5/ATPase mutation-negative APA patients.

Results

The lateralization indices of the ATPase mutation carriers had a median of 19.9 compared with a median of 16.0 in theKCNJ5mutation carriers and that of 20.5 in theKCNJ5/ATPase mutation-negative patients. The contralateral suppression indices of the ATPase-mutated patients had a median of 0.1 compared with a median of 0.4 in theKCNJ5mutation carriers and that of 0.2 in theKCNJ5/ATPase mutation-negative patients. The differences between the genetic groups were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

We did not find evidence for a clinically important impact of mutation status on steroid gradients during AVS.
Metformin increases the novel adipokine adipolin/CTRP12: role of the AMPK pathway
Authors: Tan Bee K , Chen Jing , Adya Raghu , Ramanjaneya Manjunath , Patel Vanlata , Randeva Harpal S
Published: August 2013

Adipolin is a novel adipokine with anti-inflammatory and glucose-lowering properties. Lower levels of adipolin are found in obese and diabetic mice. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a pro-inflammatory state associated with obesity and diabetes. To date, there are no human studies on adipolin. Therefore, we measured serum (ELISA) and adipose tissue adipolin mRNA expression (RT-PCR) and protein concentrations (western blotting) in PCOS and control subjects. We also investigated the ex vivo effect of glucose and metformin on adipolin protein production in human subcutaneous adipose tissue explants. We report novel data that serum and subcutaneous adipose tissue adipolin mRNA expression and protein concentrations were significantly lower in women with PCOS compared with control subjects. Furthermore, Spearman's rank analysis showed that serum adipolin concentrations were significantly negatively correlated with BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, and glucose (P<0.05). However, when subjected to multiple regression analysis, none of these variables were predictive of serum adipolin concentrations (P>0.05). Also, subcutaneous adipose tissue adipolin mRNA expression and protein concentrations were only significantly negatively correlated with glucose (P<0.05). No significant correlations were found with omental adipose tissue adipolin mRNA expression and protein concentrations (P>0.05). Moreover, glucose profoundly reduced and metformin significantly increased adipolin protein production in human adipose tissue explants respectively. Importantly, metformin's effects appear to be via the AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathway.
Current-Voltage Measurements as a Function of Applied Tip Force on Pentacene by Conducting Probe Microscopy
Authors: Zorba Serkan , Watkins Neil J. , Yan Li , Gao Yongli
Published: August 2013

Current-voltage characteristics of organic semiconductor pentacene were studied as a function of applied tip force using conducting probe atomic force microscope. I-V measurements were performed on 150Å and 300Å pentacene films. No electrical contact was observed until 20 nN of tip force for the 150Å film coverage, whereas electrical contact was established easily with a few nN of tip force values for the 300Å film coverage. On both films, once an electrical contact was obtained, the conductance was observed to increase with increasing load. At about 50 nN and higher loads we lost electrical contact in both cases in a reproducible manner. While I-V on 150Å pentacene film showed a rectifying behavior, I-V on 300Å pentacene looked like typical I-V curves of tunneling phenomenon. From these measurements, we have estimated a hole injection barrier of about 0.76 eV and a band gap of about 2.00 eV for pentacene. These results are in agreement with those in the literature.
Etching Silicon Through an Effective Nanomask: An Electrochemical Way to Nanomachining
Authors: Borini Stefano , Rossi Andrea M. , Boarino Luca , Amato Giampiero
Published: August 2013

We present a novel approach to silicon nanomachining, based on the electrochemical etching of the material through a nanopatterned mask.Combining a porous silicon (PS) buffer layer with cross-linked poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) we have obtained masks which show high resistance to the electrochemical etching. PMMA is normally dissolved in a HF/EtOH mixture, but it becomes resistant to such a solution after cross-linking of the polymer. This can be achieved by high-dose electron irradiation in a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), obtaining a mask for the subsequent etching. Anyway, due to the strong electric field across the masking layer during the electrochemical process, time duration of such a mask is limited. We demonstrate that the presence of a highly porous silicon thin film lying under the resist leads to an evident improvement of the masking power. A final PS removal leads to the formation of silicon micro- and nanostructures in relief, such as microtips and nanomolds. Thus, we have at hand a simple silicon nanomachining process, where the nanofeatures written by the electron beam in the SEM are transferred to the bulk material through a short anodization step in acid solution. This may be a useful alternative method for fabricating nanodevice elements, such as nanofluidic channels or field emitter arrays.
O portefólio na formação e avaliação profissional de professores
Authors: Silva João , Rebelo Nicole , Mendes Patrícia , Candeias Adelinda
Published: August 2013

A área da avaliação e formação de professores está em constante renovação, incapaz de abarcar todos os conteúdos relevantes de um modo completo, deixando (in)satisfeitos avaliados e avaliadores (ou seja, os docentes). Sendo uma área bastante complexa, o método de avaliação por portefólios tem assumido uma importância vital nos últimos anos, tido como uma ferramenta que possibilita a avaliação de vários domínios. Para além disso, permite o acompanhamento da evolução do desenvolvimento pessoal e profissional enquanto medida qualitativa de avaliação, mas também é utilizado para discriminar professores excelentes de professores "satisfatórios" no processo de progressão na carreira. Os portefólios são ainda utilizados como base para as entrevistas de emprego e como meio de apresentação do indivíduo em novos contextos de trabalho. Neste sentido, procurámos estudar a validade e a utilidade desta ferramenta de avaliação de professores na área da formação profissional, comprovando a sua aplicabilidade e as respectivas vantagens/desvantagens. Através da revisão bibliográfica de vários estudos desenvolvidos até o momento, salienta-se a importância do portefólio como instrumento de avaliação de docentes em início de carreira (visando a sua evolução) e sua complementaridade com outros métodos. Assim, atingimos um modelo de avaliação mais completo, individualizado, eficaz no desenvolvimento e avaliação de competências, acessível a toda a comunidade escolar e não circunscrito a um determinado período ou momento, mas valorizando a vida profissional dos docentes.
Experimental canopy removal enhances diversity of vernal pond amphibians
Authors: Skelly David K. , Bolden Susan R. , Freidenburg L. Kealoha
Published: August 2013

Vernal ponds are often treated as protected environments receiving special regulation and management. Within the landscapes where they are found, forest vegetation frequently dominates surrounding uplands and can grow to overtop and shade pond basins. Two bodies of research offer differing views of the role of forest canopy for vernal pond systems. Studies of landscape conversion suggest that removing forest overstory within uplands can cause local extinctions of amphibians by altering terrestrial habitat or hindering movement. Studies of canopy above pond basins imply an opposite relationship; encroachment of overstory vegetation can be associated with local extinctions potentially via changes in light, thermal, and food resource environments. Unresolved uncertainties about the role of forest canopy reveal significant gaps in our understanding of wetland species distributions and dynamics. Any misunderstanding of canopy influences is simultaneously important to managers because current practices emphasize promoting or conserving vegetation growth particularly within buffers immediately adjacent to ponds. We evaluated this apparent contradiction by conducting a landscape‐scale, long‐term experiment using 14 natural vernal ponds. Tree felling at six manipulated ponds was limited in spatial scope but was nevertheless effective in increasing water temperature. Compared with eight control ponds, manipulated ponds maintained more amphibian species during five years post‐manipulation. There was little evidence that any species was negatively influenced, and the reproductive effort of species for which we estimated egg inputs maintained pretreatment population densities in manipulated compared with control ponds. Overall, our experiment shows that a carefully circumscribed reduction of overhead forest canopy can enhance the capacity of vernal ponds to support wildlife diversity and suggests a scale dependence of canopy influences on amphibians. These findings have implications for the connection between current wetland management practices and the goals of wetland stewardship and conservation of wetland‐dependent species.
A Comparison of Two Brief Interventions for Obsessional Thoughts: Exposure and Acceptance
Authors: Fabricant Laura E. , Abramowitz Jonathan S. , Dehlin John P. , Twohig Michael P.
Published: August 2013

Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is the most effective psychological treatment for unwanted, intrusive thoughts associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, the procedures involved in ERP (i.e., exposure) are challenging, provoke high levels of anxiety, and may contribute to treatment refusal and dropout (Franklin & Foa, 1998). To address this problem, researchers have begun to evaluate alternative treatments for OCD, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Despite the value of both techniques, little is known about the differential impact of these strategies. This study examined the relative effects of a single session of ACT or exposure for obsessional thoughts. There were 56 undergraduate participants with obsessional thoughts randomly assigned to receive a brief intervention with the core components of exposure, ACT, or an expressive writing control condition. Obsessional symptoms and related process variables were assessed at baseline and at 1-week follow-up. There were no statistical differences in believability or acceptability of the 3 conditions. Significant reductions in obsessional severity, behavioral tests of distress and willingness to experience intrusive thoughts, and negative appraisals of intrusive thoughts occurred in all conditions, but no differences were found between these conditions. Furthermore, changes in dysfunctional beliefs, but not in willingness to experience intrusive thoughts, predicted changes in obsessional symptoms in both the ACT and exposure conditions.
A Comparison of Cognitive and Behavioral Approaches for Reducing Cost Bias in Social Anxiety
Authors: Possis Elizabeth A. , Kemp Joshua J. , Lickel James J. , Sy Jennifer T. , Dixon Laura J. , Deacon Brett J.
Published: August 2013

Cognitive-behavioral theories suggest that anxiety is maintained in part by estimates of the probability and cost of feared negative outcomes. Social phobia may be unique among the anxiety disorders in that it is characterized by overestimates of the cost of events that are objectively noncatastrophic (e.g., committing social mishaps). As such, treatment approaches that target cost bias may be particularly effective in reducing social phobia symptoms. This study examined the efficacy of 2 cost-specific techniques in a single-session intervention for social anxiety. Individuals (n = 61) with elevated social interaction anxiety were randomly assigned to an expressive writing control condition, a cognitive restructuring condition, or a behavioral experiment condition. Results demonstrated that the cognitive restructuring condition produced significantly greater improvement in indices of social anxiety than the other conditions. Reduction in cost bias fully mediated the significantly greater improvement in social interaction anxiety in the cognitive restructuring condition relative to the behavioral experiment condition. The present findings highlight the value of techniques designed to reduce cost biases in social anxiety. Clinical implications are discussed.
Psychosocial Interventions With Cognitive-Behavioral Components for the Treatment of Cancer-Related Traumatic Stress Symptoms: A Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Nenova Maria , Morris Loretta , Paul Laurie , Li Yuelin , Applebaum Allison , DuHamel Katherine
Published: August 2013

Background: Cancer-related traumatic stress symptoms, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can significantly impact the quality of life and psychological adjustment of patients and survivors with cancer. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective intervention previously shown to ameliorate non-cancer-related PTSD. Because of some of the unique aspects of cancer-related traumatic stress, such as the internal and ongoing nature of the traumatic stressor, it is important to review the overall efficacy of CBT interventions in populations with cancer. Objective: To review the findings of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) testing the efficacy of interventions with CBT components for cancer-related traumatic stress symptoms, including intrusion and avoidance, in adults with cancer. Methods: Eligible RCTs were identified via search of OVID, PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus. Bayesian random effects analysis of treatment effect sizes (ES) was conducted in a portion of the studies for which data were available. Results: Nineteen RCTs met search criteria. Six trials reported reductions in traumatic stress symptoms as a result of the intervention and 13 studies reported null findings. Bayesian modeling based on 13 studies showed no overall discernible effect of interventions with CBT components on intrusion and avoidance symptoms. Conclusions: Most of the studies were not designed to target traumatic stress symptoms in highly distressed patients with cancer and did not include previously validated CBT components, such as cognitive restructuring and exposure. Thus, there was insufficient evidence from which to draw definitive conclusions about the efficacy of CBT interventions for the treatment of cancer-related traumatic stress symptoms, including PTSD. However, interventions with CBT components may have potential for the reduction of PTSD symptoms in highly distressed patients. Future research should focus on testing trauma-focused interventions in demographically and clinically diverse samples.
Determining “In Control” Versus “Not in Control” Glucose Management of Medical/Surgical Community Hospital Patients
Authors: Plance Mary Jane , Michel Yvonne , Dolvan Sarah , Ramsetty Anita , Spindler Nancy
Published: August 2013

Purpose: To move beyond the correlation analysis between glucose statistics and patient outcome and to benchmark summary statistics calculated on all glucose values taken during an entire individual patient-stay. Method: The sample consisted of 141 patient-stays with multiple finger-stick blood glucose (BG) measurements resulting in 5,428 total BGs. Glucose control assessments of the BG profiles for each patient-stay were independently conducted by two endocrinologists. Summary statistics (mean, standard deviation, mean absolute glucose [MAG], percentage of hours of patient-stay with BG over threshold) were calculated for BG using patient-stay as the unit of analysis. Results: Produced numerical benchmarks for the mean (148mg/dL), SD (40mg/dL), MAG (6.2), and the percentage of patient-stay hours over 200mg/dL (10%). Specificity and sensitivity were high, ranging from 91% to 89% for specificity and from 90% to 81% for sensitivity. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that benchmarks developed on specific patient populations can be used to evaluate glycemic control in a straightforward, computationally simple system.
Reliability and Validity Analysis of Modified Nursing Stress Scale for Indian Population
Authors: Pathak Vasundhara , Chakraborty Tania , Mukhopadhyay Suman
Published: August 2013

The original Nursing Stress Scale (NSS) was structurally modified according to results of factorial analysis and a new scale was named as modified nursing stress scale (MNSS). This is the first study to modify and validate NSS for Indian nursing population. Factorial analysis showed different factor loading for two subscales and items were shifted according to their loading to provide a more meaningful structure. After relocation of Items 13, 14, and 15 into first factor, this factor was renamed as “emotional and painful conditions of patients” to provide a more appropriate name to the first factor. Items 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29 were found to be distributed under two different factors; one of these two was renamed as “unpredictable changes” and another retained its original name (i.e., workload). This distribution was also supported by rational analysis. All other items were distributed under factors as in the original scale. Rest of the validity assessment was done with the modified scale. Thus, with minor changes in structure, the scale was found to have better content validity.
Meaning-in-Life in Nursing Home Patients: A Validation Study of the Purpose-in-Life Test
Authors: Haugan Gørill , Moksnes Unni Karin
Published: August 2013

Background: The experience of meaning has been found to be a strong individual predictor of life satisfaction and an important psychological variable that promotes well-being. Therefore, a valid and reliable measurement of meaning-in-life among nursing home patients is highly warranted. Aims: This study intended to further investigate (a) the factor structure of the Purpose-in-Life test (PIL), (b) the reliability of PIL scores, and (c) the construct validity of the PIL test in a nursing home population. Methods: Participants were 202 cognitively intact nursing home patients representing 44 different Norwegian nursing homes. Concerning the dimensionality of the PIL, the following 3 measurement models were tested using confirmatory factor analysis; the original 1-factor, a 2-factor, and a 3-factor model. Results: With the exclusion of 10 items, a previously published and supported 2-factor construct for the PIL by Morgan and Farsides (2007) provided a good fit for older nursing home patients, demonstrating good measurement reliability and construct validity. Conclusion: The 2-factor model by Morgan and Farsides, comprising 10 items, is an improvement over the original 20-items PIL, based on these nursing home data. The measure yielded highly significantly factor loadings, good values for average variance extracted and composite reliability, as well as significant correlations in the expected direction for relevant selected measures; all supporting the construct validity.
Self-Esteem Among Nursing Assistants: Reliability and Validity of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale
Authors: McMullen Tara , Resnick Barbara
Published: August 2013

Purpose: To establish the reliability and validity of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) when used with nursing assistants (NAs). Method: Testing the RSES used baseline data from a randomized controlled trial testing the Res-Care Intervention. Female NAs were recruited from nursing homes (n = 508). Validity testing for the positive and negative subscales of the RSES was based on confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using structural equation modeling and Rasch analysis. Estimates of reliability were based on Rasch analysis and the person separation index. Results: Evidence supports the reliability and validity of the RSES in NAs although we recommend minor revisions to the measure for subsequent use. Conclusion: Establishing reliable and valid measures of self-esteem in NAs will facilitate testing of interventions to strengthen workplace self-esteem, job satisfaction, and retention.
Suppression of Coronary Atherosclerosis by Helix B Surface Peptide, a Nonerythropoietic, Tissue-Protective Compound Derived from Erythropoietin
Authors: Ueba Hiroto , Shiomi Masashi , Brines Michael , Yamin Michael , Kobayashi Tsutomu , Ako Junya , Momomura Shin-ichi , Cerami Anthony , Kawakami Masanobu
Published: August 2013

Erythropoietin (EPO), a type I cytokine originally identified for its critical role in hematopoiesis, has been shown to have non-hematopoietic, tissue-protective effects, including suppression of atherosclerosis. However, prothrombotic effects of EPO hinder its potential clinical use in nonanemic patients. In the present study, we investigated the antiatherosclerotic effects of helix B surface peptide (HBSP), a nonerythropoietic, tissue-protective compound derived from EPO, by using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human monocytic THP-1 cells in vitro and Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic spontaneous myocardial infarction (WHHLMI) rabbits in vivo. In HUVECs, HBSP inhibited apoptosis (≈70%) induced by C-reactive protein (CRP), a direct mediator of atherosclerosis. By using a small interfering RNA approach, Akt was shown to be a key molecule in HBSP-mediated prevention of apoptosis. HBSP also attenuated CRP-induced production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in THP-1 cells. In the WHHLMI rabbit, HBSP significantly suppressed progression of coronary atherosclerotic lesions as assessed by mean cross-sectional stenosis (HBSP 21.3 ± 2.2% versus control peptide 38.0 ± 2.7%) and inhibited coronary artery endothelial cell apoptosis with increased activation of Akt. Furthermore, TNF-α expression and the number of M1 macrophages and M1/M2 macrophage ratio in coronary atherosclerotic lesions were markedly reduced in HBSP-treated animals. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that HBSP suppresses coronary atherosclerosis, in part by inhibiting endothelial cell apoptosis through activation of Akt and in association with decreased TNF-α production and modified macrophage polarization in coronary atherosclerotic lesions. Because HBSP does not have the prothrombotic effects of EPO, our study may provide a novel therapeutic strategy that prevents progression of coronary artery disease.
Expression of Immunoglobulin Receptors with Distinctive Features Indicating Antigen Selection by Marginal Zone B Cells from Human Spleen
Authors: Colombo Monica , Cutrona Giovanna , Reverberi Daniele , Bruno Silvia , Ghiotto Fabio , Tenca Claudya , Stamatopoulos Kostas , Hadzidimitriou Anastasia , Ceccarelli Jenny , Salvi Sandra , Boccardo Simona , Calevo Maria Grazia , De Santanna Amleto , Truini Mauro , Fais Franco , Ferrarini Manlio
Published: August 2013

Marginal zone (MZ) B cells, identified as surface (s)IgMhighsIgDlowCD23low/−CD21+CD38− B cells, were purified from human spleens, and the features of their V(D)J gene rearrangements were investigated and compared with those of germinal center (GC), follicular mantle (FM) and switched memory (SM) B cells. Most MZ B cells were CD27+ and exhibited somatic hypermutations (SHM), although to a lower extent than SM B cells. Moreover, among MZ B-cell rearrangements, recurrent sequences were observed, some of which displayed intraclonal diversification. The same diversifying sequences were detected in very low numbers in GC and FM B cells and only when a highly sensitive, gene-specific polymerase chain reaction was used. This result indicates that MZ B cells could expand and diversify in situ and also suggested the presence of a number of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID)-expressing B cells in the MZ. The notion of antigen-driven expansion/selection in situ is further supported by the VH CDR3 features of MZ B cells with highly conserved amino acids at specific positions and by the finding of shared (“stereotyped”) sequences in two different spleens. Collectively, the data are consistent with the notion that MZ B cells are a special subset selected by in situ antigenic stimuli.
Immunomodulatory and Antibacterial Effects of Cystatin 9 against Francisella tularensis
Authors: Eaves-Pyles Tonyia , Patel Jignesh , Arigi Emma , Cong Yingzi , Cao Anthony , Garg Nisha , Dhiman Monisha , Pyles Richard B. , Arulanandam Bernard , Miller Aaron L. , Popov Vsevolod L. , Soong Lynn , Carlsen Eric D. , Coletta Ciro , Szabo Csaba , Almeida Igor C.
Published: August 2013

Cystatin 9 (CST9) is a member of the type 2 cysteine protease inhibitor family, which has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects that restrain inflammation, but its functions against bacterial infections are unknown. Here, we report that purified human recombinant (r)CST9 protects against the deadly bacterium Francisella tularensis (Ft) in vitro and in vivo. Macrophages infected with the Ft human pathogen Schu 4 (S4), then given 50 pg of rCST9 exhibited significantly decreased intracellular bacterial replication and increased killing via preventing the escape of S4 from the phagosome. Further, rCST9 induced autophagy in macrophages via the regulation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways. rCST9 promoted the upregulation of macrophage proteins involved in antiinflammation and antiapoptosis, while restraining proinflammatory-associated proteins. Interestingly, the viability and virulence of S4 also was decreased directly by rCST9. In a mouse model of Ft inhalation, rCST9 significantly decreased organ bacterial burden and improved survival, which was not accompanied by excessive cytokine secretion or subsequent immune cell migration. The current report is the first to show the immunomodulatory and antimicrobial functions of rCST9 against Ft. We hypothesize that the attenuation of inflammation by rCST9 may be exploited for therapeutic purposes during infection.
Virtual Soils: Moisture Measurements and Their Interpretation by Inverse Modeling
Authors: Schelle Henrike , Durner Wolfgang , Schlüter Steffen , Vogel Hans-Jörg , Vanderborght Jan
Published: August 2013

Soils are structured on multiple spatial scales, originating from inhomogeneities of the parent material, pedogenesis, soil organisms, plant roots, or tillage. This leads to heterogeneities that cause variability of local measurements of hydraulic state variables and affects the flow behavior of water in soil. Whereas in real‐world systems, the true underlying structures can never be absolutely known, it is appealing to employ synthetic or “virtual” experiments for assessing general properties of flow in porous media and grasping the main physical mechanisms. With this aim, three two‐dimensional virtual realities with increasing structural complexity, representing cultivated soils with hierarchical spatial heterogeneity on multiple scales were constructed by the interdisciplinary research group Virtual Institute of the Helmholtz Association (INVEST). At these systems, numerical simulations of water dynamics including a heavy rain, a redistribution, and a long‐lasting evaporation period were performed. The technical aspects of the construction of the virtual soils and results of the forward simulations have been presented in a paper by Schlüter et al. (2012). In this follow‐up paper, we use inverse modeling to investigate measurements in virtual vertical soil profiles, mimicking typical field monitoring campaigns with moisture content and matric potential sensors placed at five depths. Contrary to the real situation, we can interpret observed data, their variability, estimated hydraulic properties, and predicted water balance in the light of the known truth. Our results showed that measurements, particularly those of water contents, varied strongly with measuring position. Using data from single profiles in systems similar to our virtual soils thus will lead to very different estimates of the soil hydraulic properties. As a consequence, the correct calculation of the water balance is rather a lucky coincidence than the rule. However, the average of the predicted water balances obtained from the one‐dimensional simulations, and the estimated soil hydraulic properties agreed very well with those attained from the two‐dimensional systems.
Measuring the Dynamic Soil Response During Repeated Wheeling Using Seismic Methods
Authors: Keller Thomas , Carizzoni Marco , Berisso Feto E. , Stettler Matthias , Lamandé Mathieu
Published: August 2013

Our understanding of soil deformation processes, especially its dynamics, remains limited. This hampers accurate predictions of the impact of soil management practices such as agricultural field traffic on (physical) soil functions. The main objective of this study was to investigate whether seismic measurements could be used to assess the dynamic soil behavior during repeated loading. Moreover, we aimed at linking the velocity of P‐waves, Vp, to traditionally measured soil properties associated with soil compaction, namely bulk density (ρb) and penetrometer resistance. A wheeling experiment was performed with an agricultural tire (60 kN wheel load) on a gleyic Cambisol. We measured Vp using an acoustic (microseismic) device at various depths before, during (i.e., below the tire), and after wheeling. In addition, we measured bulk density and penetrometer resistance before and after wheeling, and simulated the evolution of bulk density due to the wheeling using a soil compaction model. The dynamic soil response during loading–unloading–reloading cycles could be well captured with the seismic method. The measured Vp related to bulk density, and the compaction‐induced increase in Vp correlated with the increase in penetrometer resistance. The seismic measurements seem a promising in situ method for gaining new insights into the dynamics of soil behavior. The method may be especially powerful when combined with traditional measurements and with modeling of soil deformation.
Congenital Lower Lip Pits (van der Woude Syndrome): What Pathologists Need to Know
Authors: Fan Rong , Flores Roberto L. , Faught Philip R. , Lin Jingmei
Published: August 2013

Congenital lower lip pits are cardinal findings of van der Woude syndrome [OMIM 119300]. The nosologic context of how lower lip pits are catalogued is easily lost because of insufficient clinical history, subtle findings misidentified as artifacts, lack of awareness by the pathologist, the perception that these are identify/confirm descriptive-diagnosis only, not necessarily an element of an actionable report, and/or the rarity with which these specimens are accessioned (in the authors' experience, less than 1 case per year). We present the salient findings on 19 lower lip pits specimens from the files of a single institution collected over the last 25 years.
Priming the Brain to Capitalize on Metaplasticity in Stroke Rehabilitation
Authors: Cassidy Jessica M. , Gillick Bernadette T. , Carey James R.
Published: August 2013

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is emerging as a potentially valuable intervention to augment the effects of behavioral therapy for stroke. When used in conjunction with other therapies, rTMS embraces the concept of metaplasticity. Due to homeostatic mechanisms inherent to metaplasticity, interventions known to be in isolation to enhance excitability can interact when applied successively under certain timing conditions and produce enhanced or opposite effects. Similar to “muscular wisdom,” with its self-protective mechanisms, there also appears to be “synaptic wisdom” in neural networks with homeostatic processes that prevent over- and under-excitability. These processes have implications for both enhancing and suppressing the excitability effects from behavioral therapy. The purpose of this article is to relate the concept of metaplasticity, as derived from studies in humans who are healthy, to stroke rehabilitation and consider how it can be leveraged to maximize stroke outcomes.
Mumps epidemiology in Germany 2007-11
Authors: Takla A , Wichmann O , Klinc C , Hautmann W , Rieck T , Koch J
Published: August 2013

In Germany, mumps has been notifiable until 2013 only in the five Eastern federal states (EFS) of former East Germany. Due to different immunisation policies until 1990 and varying vaccination coverages thereafter, mumps incidences cannot be extrapolated to the 11 Western federal states (WFS). We studied mumps-related International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) code diagnoses claimed through statutory health insurances between 2007 and 2011 to estimate countrywide mumps incidences in the outpatient sector, and compared them with case numbers from ambulatory notification data. Overall, 32,330 outpatient mumps cases were claimed. Annual incidence ranged between 9.3/100,000 and 11.8/100,000 and showed a significant decreasing trend. Compared with EFS, mumps incidence in WFS was higher and indicated a shift towards older age groups. Notified outpatient case numbers in EFS were 13-fold lower and from voluntary surveillance during an outbreak in the WFS Bavaria 8-fold lower than from insurance data (n=316 versus n=4,217 and n=238 versus 1,995, respectively). Of all notified cases with available information, 75.4% (EFS) and 57.6% (Bavaria) were unvaccinated; 6.8% (EFS) and 19.3% (Bavaria) required hospitalisation. In Germany, mumps is still endemic despite decades of vaccination, with considerable underreporting in the established notification systems.