bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How does metabolism affect cell death in cancer?
Authors: Villa Elodie , Ricci Jean‐Ehrland
Published: October 2015

In cancer research, identifying a specificity of tumor cells compared with ‘normal’ proliferating cells for targeted therapy is often considered the Holy Grail for researchers and clinicians. Although diverse in origin, most cancer cells share characteristics including the ability to escape cell death mechanisms and the utilization of different methods of energy production. In the current paradigm, aerobic glycolysis is considered the central metabolic characteristic of cancer cells (Warburg effect). However, recent data indicate that cancer cells also show significant changes in other metabolic pathways. Indeed, it was recently suggested that Kreb's cycle, pentose phosphate pathway intermediates, and essential and nonessential amino acids have key roles. Renewed interest in the fact that cancer cells have to reprogram their metabolism in order to proliferate or resist treatment must take into consideration the ability of tumor cells to adapt their metabolism to the local microenvironment (low oxygen, low nutrients). This variety of metabolic sources might be either a strength, resulting in infinite possibilities for adaptation and increased ability to resist chemotherapy‐induced death, or a weakness that could be targeted to kill cancer cells. Here, we discuss recent insights showing how energetic metabolism may regulate cell death and how this might be relevant for cancer treatment.
Cell death at the intestinal epithelial front line
Authors: Delgado Maria Eugenia , Grabinger Thomas , Brunner Thomas
Published: October 2015

The intestinal epithelium represents the largest epithelial surface in our body. This single‐cell‐layer epithelium mediates important functions in the absorption of nutrients and in the maintenance of barrier function, preventing luminal microorganisms from invading the body. Due to its constant regeneration the intestinal epithelium is a tissue not only with very high proliferation rates but also with very prominent physiological and pathophysiological cell death induction. The normal physiological differentiation and maturation of intestinal epithelial cells leads to their shedding and apoptotic cell death within a few days, without disturbing the epithelial barrier integrity. In contrast excessive intestinal epithelial cell death induced by irradiation, drugs and inflammation severely impairs the vital functions of this tissue. In this review we discuss cell death processes in the intestinal epithelium in health and disease, with special emphasis on cell death triggered by the tumour necrosis factor receptor family.
Carbon and sulfur isotopic signatures of ancient life and environment at the microbial scale: Neoarchean shales and carbonates
Authors: Williford K. H. , Ushikubo T. , Lepot K. , Kitajima K. , Hallmann C. , Spicuzza M. J. , Kozdon R. , Eigenbrode J. L. , Summons R. E. , Valley J. W.
Published: October 2015

An approach to coordinated, spatially resolved, in situ carbon isotope analysis of organic matter and carbonate minerals, and sulfur three‐ and four‐isotope analysis of pyrite with an unprecedented combination of spatial resolution, precision, and accuracy is described. Organic matter and pyrite from eleven rock samples of Neoarchean drill core express nearly the entire range of δ13C, δ34S, Δ33S, and Δ36S known from the geologic record, commonly in correlation with morphology, mineralogy, and elemental composition. A new analytical approach (including a set of organic calibration standards) to account for a strong correlation between H/C and instrumental bias in SIMS δ13C measurement of organic matter is identified. Small (2–3 μm) organic domains in carbonate matrices are analyzed with sub‐permil accuracy and precision. Separate 20‐ to 50‐μm domains of kerogen in a single ~0.5 cm3 sample of the ~2.7 Ga Tumbiana Formation have δ13C = −52.3 ± 0.1‰ and −34.4 ± 0.1‰, likely preserving distinct signatures of methanotrophy and photoautotrophy. Pyrobitumen in the ~2.6 Ga Jeerinah Formation and the ~2.5 Ga Mount McRae Shale is systematically 13C‐enriched relative to co‐occurring kerogen, and associations with uraniferous mineral grains suggest radiolytic alteration. A large range in sulfur isotopic compositions (including higher Δ33S and more extreme spatial gradients in Δ33S and Δ36S than any previously reported) are observed in correlation with morphology and associated mineralogy. Changing systematics of δ34S, Δ33S, and Δ36S, previously investigated at the millimeter to centimeter scale using bulk analysis, are shown to occur at the micrometer scale of individual pyrite grains. These results support the emerging view that the dampened signature of mass‐independent sulfur isotope fractionation (S‐MIF) associated with the Mesoarchean continued into the early Neoarchean, and that the connections between methane and sulfur metabolism affected the production and preservation of S‐MIF during the first half of the planet's history.
Association between apical periodontitis lesions and plasmatic levels of C‐reactive protein, interleukin 6 and fibrinogen in hypertensive patients
Authors: Vidal F. , Fontes T. V. , Marques T. V. F. , Gonçalves L. S.
Published: October 2015

Aim

To test the null hypothesis of association between chronic apical periodontitis (CAP) and plasmatic levels of the C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and fibrinogen in a population of severely hypertensive patients.

Methodology

One hundred and seventy patients with severe refractory hypertension were selected. All patients were submitted to radiographic, clinical and periodontal evaluation. Plasmatic levels of CRP, IL‐6 and fibrinogen were measured on the morning of the first periodontal appointment using commercially available kits. Multiple linear regression analyses were carried out to appraise the effect of the co‐variables on the plasmatic levels of the inflammatory markers assessed.

Results

Of the 170 subjects who participated, 105 (61.8%) were females and the median age of the participants was 53 years (range: 40–78). The adjusted multiple linear analyses demonstrated that plasmatic levels of CRP levels were associated with the body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.259, P < 0.001) and residual tooth roots (RTR) (r = 0.191, P = 0.041). IL‐6 and fibrinogen levels showed associated with BMI (r = 0.400, P < 0.001 and r = 0.214, P = 0.002 respectively). CAP correlated weakly with CRP (r = 0.250, P = 0.005), IL‐6 (r = 0.174, P = 0.020) and fibrinogen (r = 0.393, P < 0.001) levels.

Conclusion

The null hypothesis was rejected in favour of the alternative hypothesis. In other words, the presence of chronic apical periodontitis was associated with higher plasmatic levels of CRP, IL‐6 and fibrinogen, in a population of severely hypertensive patients. However, the weak association between CAP and each dependent variable suggests a modest participation of endodontic infection on the plasmatic levels of biomarkers.
The role of Eph receptors and Ephrins in the skin
Authors: Wijeratne Dulharie T. , Rodger Jennifer , Wood Fiona M. , Fear Mark W.
Published: October 2015

Eph receptors and Ephrin ligands are widely expressed in the skin. Various studies have been carried out to identify the effects of these molecules on many aspects of skin development. Here we summarize the literature that has identified roles for Eph receptors and Ephrins in the skin, focusing mainly on the epidermis, hair follicles, and cutaneous innervation. This review may help direct and focus further investigations into the role of Eph receptors and Ephrins in the development, maintenance, and repair processes in cutaneous biology.
Primary cutaneous lymphoma in southern Brazil: a 12‐year single‐center experience
Authors: Nudelmann Lisia M. , Bonamigo Renan R.
Published: October 2015

Background

Primary cutaneous lymphomas (PCL) are a group of extranodal non‐Hodgkin lymphomas presenting with no evidence of extracutaneous disease at the time of diagnosis. Few longitudinal studies ofPCLhave been conducted, particularly in South American populations. Our objective was to describe the behavior ofPCLand evaluate patient survival in a cohort of patients from southern Brazil.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all patients with a histopathological diagnosis ofPCLreceiving care at a tertiary referral center in southern Brazil from 2000 to 2012. Clinical, laboratory, and histopathological data, treatment variables, and survival curves were analyzed.

Results

Eighty‐nine patients withPCLwere included, with a mean age at diagnosis of 58.9 years. Cutaneous T‐cell and natural killer (NK) cell lymphomas (CTCL/NKCL) accounted for 78.4% of cases and cutaneous B‐cell lymphomas (CBCL) for 21.6%; 57.4% of patients withCTCL/NKCLand 50% of patients withCBCLwere male. Half of all cases were mycosis fungoides (MF). The 5‐year survival rate was 74.8% forMF, 61% for Sézary syndrome, 87.5% for primary cutaneousCD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders, and 88.9% for primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma.

Conclusions

In this cohort of patients withPCLfrom southern Brazil,CTCL/NKCLwas more prevalent thanCBCL, and theMFsubtype was predominant. Survival curves were similar to those reported in the literature, except for Sézary syndrome, which had a better prognosis in this sample.
Effect of excimer laser treatment on vitiliginous areas with leukotrichia after confirmation by dermoscopy
Authors: Kim Min Seok , Cho Eun Byul , Park Eun Joo , Kim Kwang Ho , Kim Kwang Joong
Published: October 2015

Background

Leukotrichia is clinically common in patients with vitiligo, and dermoscopy is useful for finding white vellus hair. The use of phototherapy in the repigmentation of vitiliginous areas with leukotrichia is usually difficult because of a deficient melanocyte reservoir.

Objectives

We sought to evaluate the effect of leukotrichia on the clinical outcomes of excimer laser treatment.

Methods

We treated 77 patients with vitiligo using excimer laser therapy. Vitiligo is classified into two types: segmental vitiligo (SV) and nonsegmental vitiligo (NSV). Before starting the treatment, we confirmed the leukotrichia of vitiliginous lesions by dermoscopy and then treated the areas once weekly for 24 weeks. At the beginning and 24 weeks later, we took clinical pictures and graded the repigmentation from 1 to 4. Grades 1 and 2 were defined as a poor response and grades 3 and 4 as a good response.

Results

Thirty‐one of 77 patients with vitiligo had SV. Among those with SV, 24 (77.4%) had leukotrichia, and these patients showed a poor response compared to those without leukotrichia (P = 0.272). Three of 24 patients with SV and leukotrichia showed a good response. Among the 46 patients with NSV, 18 (39.1%) had leukotrichia and showed a poor response. Twenty‐eight (60.9%) of the 46 patients with NSV without leukotrichia showed a good response in contrast to those with leukotrichia (P < 0.01). Comparison of the response to the excimer laser treatment, regardless of vitiligo type, showed that leukotrichia was a significant negative factor in the repigmentation of vitiliginous areas (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Excimer laser therapy was satisfactory in patients with vitiligo, including SV. Confirming the presence of leukotrichia in patients with vitiligo before excimer laser treatment would be helpful in predicting the response to treatment.
Self‐reported tattoo reactions in a cohort of 448 French tattooists
Authors: Kluger Nicolas
Published: October 2015

Background

Self‐reported complaints in people having tattoos, including swelling, itch, and photosensitivity, are frequent. Tattooists are usually heavily tattooed with multiple extended colored tattoos and constitute a specific population of interest.

Objectives

To assess the prevalence of cutaneous complications on tattoos among a cohort of French tattooists.

Methods

An observational self‐reported internet survey was performed among the tattooists of the French Tattoo Union in November 2013 to report on complaints about their tattoos.

Results

Of the 448 respondents, 42.6% reported a “tattoo reaction” on a least one of their previous tattoos: transient itch (45.7%), wax‐and‐waning swelling (57%), and swelling after sun exposure (23%). A tattoo “allergy” on one color of the tattoo was found in 8%. Permanent itch, swelling, and cutaneous infection were rare. No skin cancer on tattoos was reported. The binary regression analysis revealed that the area of the tattooed body surface was the main driver of the risk of developing a tattoo reaction, mainly transient or permanent swelling triggered by sun exposure or not. The tattoo reaction, transient itch, and swelling on tattoos seemed to be associated with the sun protection habits of the tattooed individuals.

Conclusion

Professional tattooists have a high prevalence of minor complaints (transient itch and swelling) and photosensitivity on their tattoos such as in the general tattooed population.
Ultra‐High Temperature Mechanical Properties of a Zirconium Diboride–Zirconium Carbide Ceramic
Authors: Neuman Eric W. , Hilmas Gregory E. , Fahrenholtz William G.
Published: October 2015

The mechanical properties of a ZrB2‐10 vol% ZrC ceramic were measured up to 2300°C in an argon atmosphere. Dense billets of ZrB2‐9.5 vol% ZrC‐0.1 vol% C were produced by hot‐pressing at 1900°C. The ZrB2 grain size was 4.9 μm and ZrC cluster size was 1.8 μm. Flexure strength was 695 MPa at ambient, decreasing to 300 MPa at 1600°C, increasing to 345 MPa at 1800°C and 2000°C, and then decreasing to 290 MPa at 2200°C and 2300°C. Fracture toughness was 4.8 MPa·m½ at room temperature, decreasing to 3.4 MPa·m½ at 1400°C, increasing to 4.5 MPa·m½ at 1800°C, and decreasing to 3.6 MPa·m½ at 2300°C. Elastic modulus calculated from the crosshead displacement was estimated to be 505 GPa at ambient, relatively unchanging to 1200°C, then decreasing linearly to 385 GPa at 1600°C, more slowly to 345 GPa at 2000°C, and then more rapidly to 260 GPa at 2300°C. Surface flaws resulting from machining damage were the critical flaw up to 1400°C. Above 1400°C, plasticity reduced the stress at the crack tip and the surface flaws experienced subcritical crack growth. Above 2000°C, microvoid coalescence ahead of the crack tip caused failure.
The Influence of La Doping and Heterogeneity on the Thermoelectric Properties of Sr3Ti2O7 Ceramics
Authors: Lu Zhilun , Sinclair Derek C. , Reaney Ian M.
Published: October 2015

La‐doping mechanisms and thermoelectric properties of Sr3Ti2O7 Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) ceramics sintered under air and flowing 5% H2 at 1773 K for 6 h have been investigated. Changes in lattice parameters and conductivity revealed a limited interstitial anion mechanism (~1 at.%) based on La3+ + ½O2−→Sr2+, which resulted in insulating samples when processed in air. In contrast, electronic donor‐doping (La3+ + e− → Sr2+) and oxygen loss [O2− → ½ O2 (g) + 2 e−] are the dominant mechanism(s) in 5% H2‐sintered ceramics with a solution limit of ~5 at.%. The increased solubility limit is attributed to the formation of Ti3+ during reduction, which compensates for the extra positive charge associated with La on the A‐site and also to the occurrence of oxygen loss due to the reducing conditions. For 5% H2‐sintered samples, an insulating surface layer was formed associated with SrO volatilization and oxygen uptake (during cooling) from the sintering. Unless removed, the insulating layer masked the conductive nature of the ceramics. In the bulk, significantly higher power factors were obtained for ceramics that were phase mixtures containing highly conductive perovskite‐based (Sr,La)TiO3−δ (ST). This highlights the superior power factor properties of reduced perovskite‐type ST phases compared to reduced RP‐type Sr3Ti2O7 and serves as a precaution for the need to identify low levels of highly conducting perovskite phases when exploring rare‐earth doping mechanisms in RP‐type phases.
The perioperative time course and clinical significance of the chemokine CXCL16 in patients undergoing cardiac surgery
Authors: Dreymueller Daniela , Goetzenich Andreas , Emontzpohl Christoph , Soppert Josefin , Ludwig Andreas , Stoppe Christian
Published: October 2015

The chemokine CXCL16 and its receptor CXCR6 have been linked to the pathogenesis of acute and chronic cardiovascular disease. However, data on the clinical significance of CXCL16 in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with acute myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) are still lacking. Therefore, we determined CXCL16 in the serum of cardiac surgery patients and investigated its kinetics and association with the extent of organ dysfunction. 48 patients underwent conventional cardiac surgery with myocardial I/R and the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were consecutively enrolled in the present study. We investigated the peri‐ and post‐operative profile of CXCL16. Clinical relevant data were assessed and documented throughout the entire observation period. To identify the influence of myocardial I/R and CPB on CXCL16 release data were compared to those received from patients that underwent off‐pump procedure. Pre‐operative serum CXCL16 levels were comparable to those obtained from healthy volunteers (1174 ± 55.64 pg/ml versus 1225 ± 70.94). However, CXCL16 levels significantly increased during surgery (1174 ± 55.64 versus 1442 ± 75.42 pg/ml; P = 0.0057) and reached maximum levels 6 hrs after termination of surgery (1174 ± 55.64 versus 1648 ± 74.71 pg/ml; P < 0.001). We revealed a positive correlation between the intraoperative serum levels of CXCL16 and the extent of organ dysfunction (r2 = 0.356; P = 0.031). Patients with high CXCL16 release showed an increased extent of organ dysfunction compared to patients with low CXCL16 release. Our study shows that CXCL16 is released into the circulation as a result of cardiac surgery and that high post‐operative CXCL16 levels are associated with an increased severity of post‐operative organ dysfunctions.
Predictors of tooth loss due to periodontal disease in patients following long‐term periodontal maintenance
Authors: Martinez‐Canut Pedro
Published: October 2015

Aim

To analyse patient‐related factors (PRFs) and tooth‐related factors (TRFs) associated with tooth loss due to periodontal disease (TLPD) in patients undergoing periodontal maintenance (PM).

Material and Methods

The sample consisted of 500 patients (mean follow‐up of 20 years). The impact of PRFs on TLPD was analysed with Poisson regression and multivariate logistic regression. The simultaneous impact of PRFs and TRFs was analysed with multilevel logistic regression and Cox regression.

Results

Tooth loss due to periodontal disease was 515 (mean 0.05 patient/year). The significant PRFs were severe periodontitis (p < 0.001), aggressive periodontitis (p < 0.001), smoking (p = 0.018), bruxism (p = 0.022) and baseline number of teeth (p = 0.001). These PRFs allowed characterizing patients losing more teeth. The whole TRFs analysed were significant, depending on the type of tooth and the category of each factor (e.g. mobility 0, 1, 2, and 3). The significant PRFs increased the risk of TLPD by 2 to 3 times while TRFs increased the risk to a higher extent. Mobility was the main TRF.

Conclusions

Severe periodontitis, aggressive periodontitis, smoking, bruxism and baseline number of teeth, as well as the whole TRFs analysed, were associated with TLPD.
Different role of zinc transporter 8 between type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Yi Bo , Huang Gan , Zhou Zhiguang
Published: October 2015

Diabetes can be simply classified into type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8), a novel islet autoantigen, is specifically expressed in insulin‐containing secretory granules of β‐cells. Genetic studies show that the genotypes ofSLC30A8can determine either protective or diabetogenic response depending on environmental and lifestyle factors. The ZnT8 protein expression, as well as zinc content in β‐cells, was decreased in diabetic mice. Thus, ZnT8 might participate in insulin biosynthesis and release, and subsequently involved deteriorated β‐cell function through direct or indirect mechanisms in type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus. From a clinical feature standpoint, the prevalence of ZnT8A is gradiently increased in type 2 diabetes mellitus, latent autoimmune diabetes in adults and type 1 diabetes mellitus. The frequency and epitopes of ZnT8‐specific T cells and cytokine release by ZnT8‐specific T cells are also different in diabetic patients and healthy controls. Additionally, the response to ZnT8 administration is also different in type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In the present review, we summarize the literature about clinical aspects of ZnT8 in the pathogenesis of diabetes, and suggest that ZnT8 might play a different role between type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Biochemical Characterization of Branched Chain Amino Acids Uptake in Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Manchola Nubia C. , Rapado Ludmila N. , Barisón María J. , Silber Ariel M.
Published: October 2015

Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiological agent of Chagas disease. During its life cycle, it alternates among vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. Metabolic flexibility is a main biochemical characteristic of this parasite, which is able to obtain energy by oxidizing a variety of nutrients that can be transported from the extracellular medium. Moreover, several of these metabolites, more specifically amino acids, have a variety of functions beyond being sources of energy. Branched chain amino acids (BCAA), beyond their role in ATP production, are involved in sterol biosynthesis; for example, leucine is involved as a negative regulator of the parasite differentiation process occurring in the insect midgut. BCAA are essential metabolites in most nonphotosynthetic eukaryotes, including trypanosomes. In view of this, the metabolism of BCAA in T. cruzi depends mainly on their transport into the cell. In this work, we kinetically characterized the BCAA transport in T. cruzi epimastigotes. Our data point to BCAA as being transported by a single saturable transport system able to recognize leucine, isoleucine and valine. In view of this, we used leucine to further characterize this system. The transport increased linearly with temperature from 10 to 45 °C, allowing the calculation of an activation energy of 51.30 kJ/mol. Leucine uptake was an active process depending on ATP production and a H+ gradient, but not on a Na+ or K+ gradient at the cytoplasmic membrane level.
The Peptide Oxytocin Antagonist F‐792, When Given Systemically, Does Not Act Centrally in Lactating Rats
Authors: Leng G. , Russell J. A.
Published: October 2015

Oxytocin secreted by nerve terminals in the posterior pituitary has important actions for ensuring a successful outcome of pregnancy: it stimulates uterine contractions that lead to birth and it is essential in the milk‐ejection reflex, enabling milk to be expelled from the mammary glands into the mouths of suckling young. Oxytocin also has important actions in the brain: released from dendrites of neurones that innervate the posterior pituitary, oxytocin auto‐excites the neurones to fire action potentials in co‐ordinated bursts, causing secretion of pulses of oxytocin. Central oxytocin actions are blocked by an oxytocin antagonist given into the brain and, consequently, milk transfer stops. Systemic peptide oxytocin antagonist (atosiban) treatment is used clinically in management of pre‐term labour, a major obstetric problem. Hence, it is important to know whether an oxytocin antagonist given peripherally can enter the brain and interfere with central oxytocin actions. In the present study, we tested F792, a peptide oxytocin antagonist. In urethane‐anaesthetised suckled rats, we show that the mammary gland responsiveness to oxytocin is blocked by i.v. injections of 7 μg/kg of F792, and the milk‐ejection reflex is blocked when F792 is given directly into the brain at a dose of 0.2 μg. To critically test whether F792 given systemically can enter the brain, we recorded the suckling‐ and oxytocin‐induced burst‐firing of individual antidromically identified oxytocin neurones in the paraventricular nucleus. Given systemically at 100 μg/kg i.v., F792 acted only peripherally, blocking the milk‐ejecting actions of oxytocin, but not the burst‐firing of oxytocin neurones during suckling (n = 5 neurones in five rats). Hence, this peptide oxytocin antagonist does not enter the brain from the circulation to interfere with an essential oxytocin function in the brain. Furthermore, the functions of oxytocin in the brain evidently cannot be explored with a systemic peptide antagonist.
The Calm before the Storm
Authors: AKBAS FERHAT
Published: October 2015

I provide evidence that stocks experiencing unusually low trading volume over the week prior to earnings announcements have more unfavorable earnings surprises. This effect is more pronounced among stocks with higher short‐selling constraints. These findings support the view that unusually low trading volume signals negative information, since, under short‐selling constraints, informed agents with bad news stay by the sidelines. Changes in visibility or risk‐based explanations are insufficient to explain the results. This evidence provides insights into why unusually low trading volume predicts price declines.
Human factors – recognising and minimising errors in our day to day practice
Authors: Green B , Tsiroyannis C , Brennan PA
Published: October 2015

A significant cause of mistakes in healthcare and which are potentially harmful or fatal to patients can result from both individual clinicians and their employing organisations. The understanding and recognition of the role of human error within the healthcare setting is improving, but we still have much to learn when compared with other high‐risk organisations such as aviation where such errors can be devastating at a much larger scale.

The importance of both organisational issues and human factor issues at a more personal level including tiredness, the effect of emotions and the role of situational awareness, needs to be understood by all those involved in healthcare. Potential mistakes can be reduced with simple measures which need to be recognised by, emphasised and embedded in both teams and individuals.

In this review, we address the need for greater awareness of human factors, assessing the path to error and how this can be reduced to minimum levels in clinical practice.
Clinical evaluation of the Shin‐Nippon SRW‐5000 autorefractor in adults: an update
Authors: Mallen Edward A. H. , Gilmartin Bernard , Wolffsohn James S. , Tsujimura Sei‐ichi
Published: October 2015

Purpose

The Shin‐Nippon SRW‐5000 is an open view autorefractor that superseded the Canon R‐1 autorefractor in the mid‐1990s and has been used widely in optometry and vision science laboratories. It has been used to measure refractive error, accommodation responses both statically and dynamically, off‐axis refractive error, and adapted to measure pupil size. This paper presents an overview of the original 2001 clinical evaluation of the SRW‐5000 in adults (Mallen et al., Ophthal Physiol Opt 2001; 21: 101) and provides an update on the use and modification of the instrument since the original publication.

Recent findings

The SRW‐5000 instrument, and the family of devices which followed, have shown excellent validity, repeatability, and utility in clinical and research settings. The instruments have also shown great potential for increased research functionality following a number of modifications.

The SRW‐5000 and its derivatives have been, and continue to be, of significant importance in our drive to understand myopia progression, myopia control techniques, and oculomotor function in human vision.
How We Hurt The Ones We Love
Authors: Albrecht Ingrid V.
Published: October 2015

Paradoxically, the practical necessity of love seems to combine the personal character of psychological necessity with the inescapable and authoritative quality of moral necessity. Traditionally, philosophers have avoided this paradox by treating love as an amalgam of impersonal evaluative judgments and affective responses. On my account, love participates in a different form of practical necessity, one characterized by a non‐moral yet normative type of expectation. This expectation is best understood as a kind of second‐personal address that does not support derivative third‐personal demands. It is revealed when we react with hurt feelings instead of resentment upon its disappointment.
Exploring the link between maternal attachment‐related anxiety and avoidance and mindful parenting: The mediating role of self‐compassion
Authors: Moreira Helena , Carona Carlos , Silva Neuza , Nunes Joana , Canavarro Maria Cristina
Published: October 2015

Objective

Mindful parenting has been described as a set of parental practices or skills that seek to enhance moment‐to‐moment awareness in the parent–child relationship. Although it has been suggested that adopting a mindful approach in parenting may foster positive parent–child relationships and promote the psychological functioning of children and parents, little is known about the factors that may be associated with this parental skill. In this study, we aimed to examine whether attachment‐related anxiety and avoidance were associated with mindful parenting through self‐compassion.

Design and methods

The sample included 290 mothers of school‐aged children and adolescents recruited in school settings, who completed self‐reported measures of adult attachment (Experiences in Close Relationships – Relationships Structures), self‐compassion (Self‐compassion Scale), and mindful parenting (Interpersonal Mindfulness in Parenting Scale).

Results

Structural equation modelling was used to test the proposed mediation model and to ascertain direct and indirect effects among study variables. Whereas attachment avoidance had a direct effect on mindful parenting, attachment anxiety was indirectly associated with mindful parenting through self‐compassion. Specifically, higher levels of anxiety were associated with lower self‐compassion, which, in turn, was associated with lower levels of mindful parenting. Higher levels of avoidance were directly associated with lower levels of mindful parenting.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that mothers’ attachment dimensions play an important role in their levels of mindful parenting, although through different pathways. Interventions aimed at promoting mindful parenting skills should attempt to promote parents’ self‐compassion and consider parents’ levels of attachment insecurity.

Practitioner points

The results underline the important role of mothers’ attachment on levels of mindful parenting and evidence different pathways through which attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance are associated with this parental skill.

Higher levels of attachment avoidance were directly associated with lower levels of mindful parenting, whereas higher levels of anxiety were indirectly associated with lower levels of mindful parenting through lower levels of self‐compassion.

Mothers who are more self‐compassionate are more able to adopt a mindful stance in the parent–child relationship.

Parenting interventions aimed at promoting mindfulness skills in the parenting context can benefit from including self‐compassionate exercises and are particularly important for insecurely attached parents.
“These Are the Things You Gain If You Make Our Country Your Country”: U.S.–Vietnam War Draft Resisters and Military Deserters and the Meaning of Citizenship in North America in the 1970s
Authors: Maxwell Donald W.
Published: October 2015

In the mid‐1970s, many U.S. citizens who had not complied with the requirement that they participate in the military of the United States during the Vietnam War faced a dilemma. In the preceding decade, tens of thousands of them had immigrated to Canada—both legally and illegally—to resist compulsory military service. Richard Nixon refused to allow these resisters to return to the United States. His successor, Gerald Ford, allowed expatriates to return if they agreed to do alternative service. Jimmy Carter attempted to resolve the crisis with an amnesty. Canada did not participate in the Vietnam War and refused to extradite American men to the United States for violations of most conscription and military laws. However, in 1973, in the middle of an immigration crisis, Canada forced the hand of many Americans and others who had entered the country clandestinely by giving them only sixty days to reconcile their residency status with the Canadian government or to risk becoming illegal immigrants and to face deportation. The shifting matrix of laws on both sides of the U.S.–Canada border forced American exiles to decide whether to risk having a status that officially satisfied neither country, to accept the terms of the Ford or Carter repatriation plans and reclaim the perquisites of life in the United States, to remain illegal immigrants in Canada, or to acquire Canadian citizenship. Residency in Canada opened the possibility for a different type of citizenship for American men, one less concerned with their potential contribution to the military might of a nation and more tolerant of their freedom of expression, which might include opposition to war.
Avoiding Military Service in a Militaristic Society: A Chronicle of Resistance to Hegemonic Masculinity
Authors: Perez Merav , Sasson‐Levy Orna
Published: October 2015

This article examines the connection between masculine identity and avoidance of military service in a militaristic society. Based on retrospective interviews with Israeli middle‐class men who initiated their release from military service on medical–psychological grounds, we argue that this choice embodies resistance to patterns identified with the local hegemonic masculinity and that this resistance gradually intensifies over the life course. The first signs of opposition emerge in early adolescence, when the perception of self diverges from the conventional masculine mold. The emotionally charged encounter with the military deepens this resistance, which is then reinforced by the decision not to serve, and ultimately leads to the construction of the present nonconformist identity. The development of a nonconformist self that is not subject to the dictates of the local hegemonic masculinity demonstrates how in a militaristic society, even a personal decision not to serve becomes an act rife with gendered meanings and political significance.
Lights Out and an Ethics of Spectatorship, or Can the Subaltern Scream?
Authors: Lieder K. Frances
Published: October 2015

In her seminal work on the body in pain, Elaine Scarry theorizes a chasm of incommunicability between the person in pain and other persons to whom she might try to communicate that pain. This chasm suggests that any performative representation of pain will not only be incapable of capturing the experience of the original person in pain, but will also always‐already be incapable of communicating the nature of that experience to an audience. For those who hope that performances, both live and mediated, can help to communicate across lines of gender, class, culture, and life experience, to promote intercultural understanding and international social justice, this chasm of incommunicability seems potentially dangerous—and potentially productive. One cannot know exactly the pain of another, regardless of similarity or difference, and so one must find other ways to affectively empathize with the experience of pain.

In this paper, I examine the play Lights Out, by Manjula Padmanabhan, with a specific eye to how this play might provide us with a new argument for ethically witnessing the pain of others. Lights Out is centered on an “Other”, her experience of pain, and her desperate plea for help. This cry for help is concretized in the screams of that woman (who, importantly, never appears on‐stage) who is being gang‐raped in the abandoned apartment building directly next‐door to the building in which the play is set. Can this woman's scream create a space in which she can represent herself? Can we apply an analysis of her scream to a larger historiographical project? By connecting theories of ethical encounters with the other, voice, subaltern studies, and affective response, I argue for the importance of the expression of pain in creating the potential for subaltern representation and ethical response.
In Situ Photo Sonosynthesis of Organic/Inorganic Nanocomposites on Wool Fabric Introducing Multifunctional Properties
Authors: Behzadnia Amir , Montazer Majid , Mahmoudi Rad Mahnaz
Published: October 2015

Here, a novel and efficient process is introduced for producing wool fabric with multifunctional features through facile in situ photosonochemical synthesis of organic/inorganic nanocomposites. The fabric was treated with titanium isopropoxide, silver nitrate and ammonia in a sonobath for 1 h at 75–80°C. The crystal phase of the sono‐treated samples was characterized by X‐ray diffraction. The uniform distribution of the nanocomposite on the fiber surface was proved by field emission scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X‐ray and mapping patterns. Further, the composition of the nanocomposites was investigated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The sono‐treated wool fabrics illustrated excellent photocatalytic activities toward discoloration of Methylene Blue under sunlight and UV‐A irradiation. Also the fabrics indicated reasonable antibacterial/antifungal activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. The tensile properties of the sono‐treated fabrics enhanced comparing to the untreated and even conventional stirrer‐treated fabrics. Moreover, a central composite design based on response surface methodology was used to study the influence of titanium isopropoxide and silver molar ratio on the prepared nanocomposites sonobath. Finally, the optimum molar ratio was reported for the best responses.
Polymicrobial community‐acquired pneumonia: An emerging entity
Authors: Cillóniz Catia , Civljak Rok , Nicolini Antonello , Torres Antoni
Published: October 2015

Polymicrobial aetiology in community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) is more common than previously recognized. This growing new entity can influence inflammation, host immunity and disease outcomes in CAP patients. However, the true incidence is complicated to determine and probably underestimated due mainly to many cases going undetected, particularly in the outpatient setting, as the diagnostic yield is restricted by the sensitivity of currently available microbiologic tests and the ability to get certain types of clinical specimens. The observed rate of polymicrobial cases may also lead to new antibiotic therapy considerations. In this review, we discuss the pathogenesis, microbial interactions in pneumonia, epidemiology, biomarkers and antibiotic therapy for polymicrobial CAP.
An Immune Genetic Algorithm to Buildings Displacement in Cartographic Generalization
Authors: Sun Yageng , Guo Qingsheng , Liu Yuangang , Ma Xiaoya , Weng Jie
Published: October 2015

Spatial conflicts may occur when map data are displayed at a scale smaller than that of the source map. This study applies the displacement operator in cartographic generalization to resolve such spatial conflicts and to improve the clarity and legibility of map. The immune genetic algorithm (IGA) is used in this study for buildings displacement to solve conflicts. IGA is based on the genetic algorithm (GA) and employs the self‐adjusting mechanism of antibody concentration to enhance population diversity. Meanwhile, the elitism retention strategy is adopted in IGA to guarantee that the best individual (antibody) is not lost and destroyed in the next generation to strengthen convergence efficiency. The compared experiment between IGA and GA shows that the displacement result produced by IGA performs better than GA. Finally, in order to make the displaced map more attractive to cartographers, two constraints – the building alignment constraint and building tangent relation constraint – are applied in IGA to restrict the buildings’ displacement. The same experimental data are adopted to prove that the improved IGA is useful for maintaining the two constraints.
Ketamine suppresses hypoxia‐induced inflammatory responses in the late‐gestation ovine fetal kidney cortex
Authors: Chang Eileen I. , Zárate Miguel A. , Rabaglino Maria B. , Richards Elaine M. , Keller‐Wood Maureen , Wood Charles E.
Published: October 2015

Key points

The fetus responds to decreases in arterial partial pressure of oxygen by redirecting the blood flow mainly to the brain and the heart, at a cost to other peripheral organs like the kidneys.

Renal hypoxia and ischaemia stimulate inflammatory and apoptotic responses.

Ketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, is able to reduce renal immune and inflammatory gene expressions stimulated by hypoxia.

Ketamine may have therapeutic potential for protection against ischaemic renal damage in fetuses subjected to acute hypoxia.

Acute fetal hypoxia is a form of fetal stress that stimulates renal vasoconstriction and ischaemia as a consequence of the physiological redistribution of combined ventricular output. Because of the potential ischaemia–reperfusion injury to the kidney, we hypothesized that it would respond to hypoxia with an increase in the expression of inflammatory genes, and that ketamine (an N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor antagonist) would reduce or block this response. Hypoxia was induced for 30 min in chronically catheterized fetal sheep (125 ± 3 days), with or without ketamine (3 mg kg−1) administered intravenously to the fetus 10 min prior to hypoxia. Gene expression in fetal kidney cortex collected 24 h after the onset of hypoxia was analysed using ovine Agilent 15.5k array and validated with qPCR and immunohistochemistry in four groups of ewes: normoxic control, normoxia + ketamine, hypoxic control and hypoxia + ketamine (n = 3–4 per group). Significant differences in gene expression between groups were determined with t‐statistics using the limma package for R (P ≤ 0.05). Enriched biological processes for the 427 upregulated genes were immune and inflammatory responses and for the 946 downregulated genes were metabolic processes. Ketamine countered the effects of hypoxia on upregulated immune/inflammatory responses as well as the downregulated metabolic responses. We conclude that our transcriptomics modelling predicts that hypoxia activates inflammatory pathways and reduces metabolism in the fetal kidney cortex, and ketamine blocks or ameliorates this response. The results suggest that ketamine may have therapeutic potential for protection from ischaemic renal damage.
The role of cyclo‐oxygenase‐1 in high‐salt diet‐induced microvascular dysfunction in humans
Authors: Cavka Ana , Cosic Anita , Jukic Ivana , Jelakovic Bojan , Lombard Julian H. , Phillips Shane A. , Seric Vatroslav , Mihaljevic Ivan , Drenjancevic Ines
Published: October 2015

Key points

Recent studies have shown that some of the deleterious effects of a high‐salt (HS) diet are independent of elevated blood pressure and are associated with impaired endothelial function.

Increased generation of cyclo‐oxygenase (COX‐1 and COX‐2)‐derived vasoconstrictor factors and endothelial activation may contribute to impaired vascular relaxation during HS loading.

The present study aimed to assess the regulation of microvascular reactivity and to clarify the role of COX‐1 and COX‐2 in normotensive subjects on a short‐term HS diet.

The present study demonstrates the important role of COX‐1 derived vasoconstrictor metabolites in regulation of microvascular blood flow during a HS diet.

These results help to explain how even short‐term HS diets may impact upon microvascular reactivity without changes in blood pressure and suggest that a vasoconstrictor metabolite of COX‐1 could play a role in this impaired tissue blood flow.

The present study aimed to assess the effect of a 1‐week high‐salt (HS) diet on the role of cyclo‐oxygenases (COX‐1 and COX‐2) and the vasoconstrictor prostaglandins, thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), on skin microcirculatory blood flow, as well as to detect its effect on markers of endothelial activation such as soluble cell adhesion molecules. Young women (n = 54) were assigned to either the HS diet group (N = 30) (∼14 g day–1 NaCl ) or low‐salt (LS) diet group (N = 24) (<2.3 g day–1 NaCl ) for 7 days. Post‐occlusive reactive hyperaemia (PORH) in the skin microcirculation was assessed by laser Doppler flowmetry. Plasma renin activity, plasma aldosterone, plasma and 24 h urine sodium and potassium, plasma concentrations of TXB2 (stable TXA2 metabolite) and PGF2α, soluble cell adhesion molecules and blood pressure were measured before and after the diet protocols. One HS diet group subset received 100 mg of indomethacin (non‐selective COX‐1 and COX‐2 inhibitor), and another HS group subset received 200 mg of celecoxib (selective COX‐2 inhibitor) before repeating laser Doppler flowmetry measurements. Blood pressure was unchanged after the HS diet, although it significantly reduced after the LS diet. Twenty‐four hour urinary sodium was increased, and plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone levels were decreased after the HS diet. The HS diet significantly impaired PORH and increased TXA2 but did not change PGF2α levels. Indomethacin restored microcirculatory blood flow and reduced TXA2. By contrast, celecoxib decreased TXA2 levels but had no significant effects on blood flow. Restoration of of PORH by indomethacin during a HS diet suggests an important role of COX‐1 derived vasoconstrictor metabolites in the regulation of microvascular blood flow during HS intake.
Below-ground plant–fungus network topology is not congruent with above-ground plant–animal network topology
Authors: Toju Hirokazu , Guimarães Paulo R. , Olesen Jens M. , Thompson John N.
Published: October 2015

DNA sequencing uncovers the entire architecture of below-ground plant–fungus networks.
Equilibrium shape of
4
He crystal under zero gravity below 200 mK
Authors: Takahashi Takuya , Ohuchi Haruka , Nomura Ryuji , Okuda Yuichi
Published: October 2015

Equilibrium crystal shape is determined for
4
He quantum crystals in a superfluid under zero gravity at ultralow temperatures.
Ethyl alcohol and sugar in comet C/2014 Q2 (Lovejoy)
Authors: Biver Nicolas , Bockelée-Morvan Dominique , Moreno Raphaël , Crovisier Jacques , Colom Pierre , Lis Dariusz C. , Sandqvist Aage , Boissier Jérémie , Despois Didier , Milam Stefanie N.
Published: October 2015

First detections of ethyl alcohol and glycolaldehyde in a comet provide new constraints on solar system chemical complexity.