bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facilitative plant interactions and climate simultaneously drive alpine plant diversity
Authors: Cavieres Lohengrin A. , Brooker Rob W. , Butterfield Bradley J. , Cook Bradley J. , Kikvidze Zaal , Lortie Christopher J. , Michalet Richard , Pugnaire Francisco I. , Schöb Christian , Xiao Sa , Anthelme Fabien , Björk Robert G. , Dickinson Katharine J. M. , Cranston Brittany H. , Gavilán Rosario , Gutiérrez‐Girón Alba , Kanka Robert , Maalouf Jean‐Paul , Mark Alan F. , Noroozi Jalil , Parajuli Rabindra , Phoenix Gareth K. , Reid Anya M. , Ridenour Wendy M. , Rixen Christian , Wipf Sonja , Zhao Liang , Escudero Adrián , Zaitchik Benjamin F. , Lingua Emanuele , Aschehoug Erik T. , Callaway Ragan M.
Published: November 2013

Interactions among species determine local‐scale diversity, but local interactions are thought to have minor effects at larger scales. However, quantitative comparisons of the importance of biotic interactions relative to other drivers are rarely made at larger scales. Using a data set spanning 78 sites and five continents, we assessed the relative importance of biotic interactions and climate in determining plant diversity in alpine ecosystems dominated by nurse‐plant cushion species. Climate variables related with water balance showed the highest correlation with richness at the global scale. Strikingly, although the effect of cushion species on diversity was lower than that of climate, its contribution was still substantial. In particular, cushion species enhanced species richness more in systems with inherently impoverished local diversity. Nurse species appear to act as a ‘safety net’ sustaining diversity under harsh conditions, demonstrating that climate and species interactions should be integrated when predicting future biodiversity effects of climate change.
Are True Scores and Construct Scores the Same? A critical examination of their substitutability and the implications for research results
Authors: Schmidt Frank L. , Le Huy , Oh In‐Sue
Published: November 2013

Relations between constructs are estimated based on correlations between measures of constructs corrected for measurement error. This process assumes that the true scores on the measure are linearly related to construct scores, an assumption that may not hold. We examined the extent to which differences in distribution shape reduce the correlation between true scores on a measure and scores on the underlying construct they are intended to measure. We found, via a series of Monte Carlo simulations, that when the actual construct distribution is normal, nonnormal distributions of true scores caused this correlation to drop by an average of only .02 across 15 conditions. When both construct and true score distributions assumed different combinations of nonnormal distributions, the average correlation was reduced by .05 across 375 conditions. We conclude that theory‐based scales intended to measure constructs usually correlate highly with the constructs they are constructed to measure. We show that, as a result, in most cases true score correlations only modestly underestimate correlations between different constructs. However, in cases in which the two constructs are redundant, this underestimation can lead to the false conclusion that the constructs are ‘correlated but distinct constructs,’ resulting in construct proliferation.
Psychological Hardiness Predicts Success in a Norwegian Armed Forces Border Patrol Selection Course
Authors: Johnsen Bjørn Helge , Bartone Paul , Sandvik Asle M. , Gjeldnes Rune , Morken Arne Magnus , Hystad Sigurd William , Stornæs Anett V.
Published: November 2013

The present study investigates the effects of psychological hardiness and successful completion of a rigorous 250‐km ski march over 9 days in Arctic winter conditions. This ski march is the final portion of a selection program for border rangers in the Norwegian Armed Forces. Study participants were N = 178 soldiers with a mean age of 19.9 years (range 18–23). Hierarchical regression results showed that successful completion of the ski march was predicted by total hardiness scores, after controlling for nutrition factors, physical fitness and sensation seeking. A second hierarchical regression found that the commitment facet of hardiness was the most significant predictor of ski march success, again controlling for nutrition, physical fitness and sensation seeking. Analyses of daily participant surveys showed that the high commitment group reported the highest levels of positive daily coping, and also evaluated their performance more positively. This group also showed increasingly positive self‐evaluations as the exercise went on. Together, these results indicate that hardiness commitment is a key factor influencing performance in a rigorous and stressful endurance task requiring sustained effort, perhaps by enhancing active coping skills and self‐efficacy beliefs.
Expanding the cleft phenotype: the dental characteristics of unaffected parents of Australian children with non‐syndromic cleft lip and palate
Authors: Aspinall Andrea , Raj Supriya , Jugessur Anil , Marazita Mary , Savarirayan Ravi , Kilpatrick Nicky
Published: November 2013

Background

The aetiology of isolated clefts of the lip and/or palate remains obscure. Unaffected family members are treated as if their genetic risks are equivalent and low. Given the number of genes associated with both clefting and dental anomalies, the hypothesis that such anomalies contribute to the cleft phenotype should be explored.

Aim

To describe the dental characteristics of parents of children with non‐syndromic cleft lip ± palate.

Design

Unaffected parents of Australian children with a cleft of the lip ± palate underwent dental examination including radiographs, photographs, and impressions. Dental anomalies were identified.

Results

Data were available on 101 parents (49 males, 52 females). Fifty‐one participants had at least one dental anomaly. Twelve (11.8%) individuals had congenital absence of teeth, with seven missing multiple teeth. The tooth most commonly missing was the upper right lateral incisor. Five subjects (4.9%) had microdontia (upper lateral incisor most commonly affected). Four subjects (4.0%) had supernumerary teeth. Enamel defects were present in 27 (26.7%) cases with the incisors (46.8%) followed by premolars (24.2%) most affected.

Conclusions

This study supports previous work suggesting that ‘unaffected’ parents of children with clefts of the lip ± palate may present with dental anomalies.
The effect of self‐efficacy, depression and symptom distress on employment status and leisure activities of liver transplant recipients
Authors: Weng Li‐Chueh , Huang Hsiu‐Li , Wang Yi‐Wen , Lee Wei‐Chen , Chen Kang‐Hua , Yang Tsui‐Yun
Published: November 2013

Aim

To examine the effect of self‐efficacy, subjective work ability, depression and symptom distress on and to provide a description of, the employment and leisure activities of liver transplant recipients.

Background

Return to work and leisure activities have become an important aspect of life for liver transplant recipients worldwide. An investigation of the factors that influence the employment status and leisure activities has been recommended as a means to help transplant recipients restore their productivity.

Design

This was a cross‐sectional, descriptive and correlational study in 2010.

Methods

A convenience sampling method was used. Data were collected using a set of questionnaires that were administered retrospectively. A total of 106 liver transplant patients were included in this study.

Results

The post‐transplantation employment rate was 45·2%. The positive predictors of employment were higher subjective work ability and higher symptom distress. Gender (female), monthly family income (<US $2,000), depression and unemployment pre‐transplantation were negatively associated with employment status. Of the 106 patients, 62 (58·5%) were in the low‐diversity group (score of less than 3) of leisure activities. Monthly family income of <US $2,000 was associated with a low diversity of participation in leisure activities.

Conclusion

Subjective work ability and symptom distress were positive predictors of employment, while depression was a negative predictor. Nurses in the transplant team should focus on increasing a sense of confidence, decreasing depressive symptoms and monitoring the severity of symptoms to improve the employment status of liver transplant recipients.
Suppression of the immune system as a critical step for bone formation from allogeneic osteoprogenitors implanted in rats
Authors: Chatterjea Anindita , LaPointe Vanessa L.S. , Alblas Jacqueline , Chatterjea Supriyo , van Blitterswijk Clemens A. , de Boer Jan
Published: November 2013

The surface marker profile of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) suggests that they can escape detection by the immune system of an allogeneic host. This could be an optimal strategy for bone regeneration applications, where off‐the‐shelf cells could be implanted to heal bone defects. However, it is unknown how pre‐differentiation of MSCs to an osteogenic lineage, a means of improving bone formation, affects their immunogenicity. Using immunohistological techniques in a rat ectopic implantation model, we demonstrate that allogeneic osteoprogenitors mount a T cell‐ and B cell‐mediated immune response resulting in an absence of in vivo bone formation. Suppression of the host immune response with daily administration of an immunosuppressant, FK506, is effective in preventing the immune attack on the allogeneic osteoprogenitors. In the immunosuppressed environment, the allogeneic osteoprogenitors are capable of generating bone in amounts similar to those of syngeneic cells. However, using osteoprogenitors from one of the allogeneic donors led to newly deposited bone that was attacked by the host immune system, despite the continued administration of the immunosuppressant. This suggests that, although using an immunosuppressant can potentially suppress the immune attack on the allogeneic cells, optimizing the dose of the immunosuppressant may be crucial to ensure bone formation within the allogeneic environment. Overall, allografts comprising osteoprogenitors derived from allogeneic MSCs have the potential to be used in bone regeneration applications.
Why Do Firms Evade Taxes? The Role of Information Sharing and Financial Sector Outreach
Authors: BECK THORSTEN , LIN CHEN , MA YUE
Published: November 2013

Tax evasion is a widespread phenomenon across the globe and even an important factor in the ongoing sovereign debt crisis. We show that firms in countries with better credit information–sharing systems and higher branch penetration evade taxes to a lesser degree. This effect is stronger for smaller firms, firms in smaller cities and towns, firms in industries relying more on external financing, and firms in industries and countries with greater growth potential. This effect is robust to instrumental variable analysis, controlling for firm fixed effects in a smaller panel data set of countries, and many other robustness tests.
Liquidity Measurement Problems in Fast, Competitive Markets: Expensive and Cheap Solutions
Authors: HOLDEN CRAIG W. , JACOBSEN STACEY
Published: November 2013

Do fast, competitive markets yield liquidity measurement problems when using the popular Monthly Trade and Quote (MTAQ) database? Yes. MTAQ yields distorted measures of spreads, trade location, and price impact compared with the expensive Daily Trade and Quote (DTAQ) database. These problems are driven by (1) withdrawn quotes, (2) second (versus millisecond) time stamps, and (3) other causes, including canceled quotes. The expensive solution, using DTAQ, is first‐best. For financially constrained researchers, the cheap solution—using MTAQ with our new Interpolated Time technique, adjusting for withdrawn quotes, and deleting economically nonsensical states—is second‐best. These solutions change research inferences.
How Young Is Too Young: Ethical Concerns in Genital Surgery of the Transgender MTF Adolescent
Authors: Milrod Christine
Published: November 2013

Introduction

During the last decade, the age of youths presenting for gender confirmation has steadily fallen. Transgender adolescents are being treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues and subsequently cross-sex hormones at early or midpuberty, with genital surgery as the presumed final step in treatment for female-affirmed (male-to-female) individuals. Despite the minimum age of 18 as eligibility to undergo irreversible procedures, anecdotal reports show that vaginoplasties of female-affirmed patients under 18 have been performed by surgeons, thereby contravening the World Professional Association for Transgender Health Standards of Care.

Aim

The purpose of this article is (i) to provide a review of salient factors regarding genital surgery in transgender adolescents; (ii) to review various ethical protocols for determining maturity in gender dysphoric individuals under 18; and (iii) to present a new systematic set of ethical principles largely derived from the surgical management of youths with disorders of sex development and adapted to the needs of transitioning adolescents.

Methods

A literature review of the topic was performed. Ethical guidelines derived from applied treatment protocols of children with disorders of sex development were written.

Main Outcome Measure

Progressing from the current state of ethical standards and clinical assumptions, a new development of ethical guidelines for genital surgery in the female-affirmed transgender adolescent was created.

Results

There were no controlled studies of vaginoplasties performed on female-affirmed adolescents under 18 years of age. A new set of ethical guidelines was created in order to support treatment professionals in their decision making process.

Conclusions

Professionals across disciplines treating female-affirmed adolescents can utilize the proposed ethical guidelines to facilitate decision making on a case-by-case basis in order to protect both patients and practitioners. These guidelines may also be used in support of more open discussions and disclosures of surgical results that could further the advancement of treatment in this emerging population.
Assessment of esophageal dysfunction and symptoms during and after a standardized test meal: development and clinical validation of a new methodology utilizing high‐resolution manometry
Authors: Sweis R. , Anggiansah A. , Wong T. , Brady G. , Fox M.
Published: November 2013

Background

In the absence of major dysmotility, esophageal manometry with water swallows rarely explains the causes of esophageal symptoms and disease. This methodology development study assessed esophageal function and symptoms during a test meal in patients with reflux symptoms and asymptomatic controls. The impact of this approach on manometric diagnosis and clinical outcome was reviewed.

Methods

18 patients with reflux symptoms and 10 healthy volunteers underwent high resolution manometry (HRM) with 5 mL water swallows, 200 mL water drink, and standardized solid test meal followed by 10 min postprandial observation. The number of symptoms associated with esophageal dysfunction (SAD) divided by total symptoms (dysfunction symptom index [D‐SI]) was calculated. Ambulatory reflux pH‐monitoring was performed. Final diagnosis and clinical outcome were documented at 2 years.

Key Results

Meal intake took longer in patients than controls (552 vs 339 s) and this was associated with a higher number of ineffective swallows in this group (51% vs 28%; p < 0.001). No swallowing problems occurred with water swallows but 12/18 (66%) patients had SAD during either the meal or postprandial observations with D‐SI >50% in 9/12 (75%). Compared with water swallows, manometric classification was altered in 12/18 (67%) and clinical diagnosis was altered in 7/18 (39%) patients due to test meal observations.

Conclusions & Inferences

A novel methodology for the detection of symptomatic dysmotility during a test meal and postprandial observation is presented. This technique increased the diagnostic yield of esophageal dysfunction in patients presenting with reflux symptoms. Long‐term follow‐up indicated that these observations can guide effective clinical management.
Epidemiology of urticaria in infants and young children in Germany – Results from the German LISAplus and GINIplus Birth Cohort Studies
Authors: Brüske I. , Standl M. , Weidinger S. , Klümper C. , Hoffmann B. , Schaaf B. , Herbarth O. , Lehmann I. , von Berg A. , Berdel D. , Bauer C. P. , Koletzko S. , Heinrich J. , LISAplus Study Groups for the GINIplus and
Published: November 2013

Background

Although urticaria is considered one of the most frequent skin diseases, reliable epidemiologic data are scarce.

Objective

To evaluate the incidence and cumulative prevalence of urticaria in infants and children up to age of 10, to characterize the relationship of specific IgE levels (food and inhalative allergens) with urticaria, and to monitor the joint occurrence of urticaria with other diseases, such as eczema, asthma, and hay fever.

Methods

The study population consisted of two prospective birth cohort studies: the LISAplus and GINIplus studies. Information on physician‐diagnosed urticaria, asthma, eczema, or hay fever was collected using self‐administered questionnaires completed by the parents. Blood samples were drawn, and specific immunoglobulin E measured at 2 (only LISAplus), 6 and 10 yr of age.

Results

The incidence of urticaria was approximately 1% per year of age. The cumulative prevalence of urticaria in children up to the age of 10 yr was 14.5% for boys and 16.2% for girls. Cumulative prevalence of urticaria at the age of ten was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with allergic sensitization to peanut, soy, and wheat flour, but not with inhalant allergens. Both a parental history of atopy/urticaria and the children's diagnosis of asthma, eczema, and hay fever were strongly related (p < 0.0001) to the occurrence of urticaria.

Conclusions

Urticaria is a frequent event during childhood, with highest incidence in infants and preschool children. Comorbidity with atopic disease is high.
Use of Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasonography in Chronic Pathologic Canine Testes
Authors: Volta A , Manfredi S , Vignoli M , Russo M , England GCW , Rossi F , Bigliardi E , Di Ianni F , Parmigiani E , Bresciani C , Gnudi G
Published: November 2013

Contents

Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound with sulphur hexafluoride microbubbles was performed in seven healthy dogs without a history of reproductive pathology and with histologically confirmed normal testes and in 42 dogs with chronic scrotal anomalies. All dogs underwent orchiectomy and histological examination. Enhancement patterns and perfusion parameters (peak intensity and regional blood flow) of testes of healthy dogs and testes with chronic lesions were compared. Fourteen non‐pathologic and 60 pathologic testes were considered. Forty testes were neoplastic (24 interstitial cell tumours, 9 seminomas, 7 Sertoli cell tumours), 20 were non‐neoplastic (16 testicular degenerations, 2 chronic orchitis, 1 testicular atrophy, 1 interstitial cell hyperplasia). In healthy dogs, the contrast medium flow had a rapid homogeneous wash‐in and wash‐out, with a short peak phase. With contrast ultrasound, testes that were inhomogeneous with a hyperenhancing pattern were associated with neoplasia (sensitivity: 87.5%, specificity: 100%). Lesions with persistent inner vessels and a hypo‐to‐isoechoic background were significantly associated with seminomas (sensitivity: 77.8%, specificity: 100%). Testes with non‐neoplastic lesions were characterized by a scant/moderate homogeneous enhancement. Perfusion parameters were higher in neoplastic lesions. Contrast ultrasound was a feasible diagnostic tool in the assessment of testicular lesions, with hyperenhancement being an important feature in the diagnosis of malignancy.
CONTINUUM DAMAGE MECHANICS ANALYSIS OF THIN-WALLED TUBE UNDER CYCLIC BENDING AND INTERNAL CONSTANT PRESSURE
Authors: YAZDANI H. , NAYEBI A.
Published: November 2013

Ratcheting and fatigue damage of thin-walled tube under cyclic bending and steady internal pressure is studied. Chaboche's nonlinear kinematic hardening model extended by considering the effect of continuum damage mechanics employed to predict ratcheting. Lemaitre damage model [Lemaitre, J. and Desmorat, R. [2005] Engineering Damage Mechanics (Springer-Verlag, Berlin)] which is appropriate for low cyclic loading is used. Also the evolution features of whole-life ratcheting behavior and low cycle fatigue (LCF) damage of the tube are discussed. A simplified method related to the thin-walled tube under bending and internal pressure is used and compared well with experimental results. Bree's interaction diagram with boundaries between shakedown and ratcheting zone is determined. Whole-life ratcheting of thin-walled tube reduces obviously with increase of internal pressure.
SIMULATION OF EARTHQUAKE RECORDS BY MEANS OF EMPIRICAL MODE DECOMPOSITION AND HILBERT SPECTRAL ANALYSIS
Authors: BAGHERI ABDOLLAH , FATEMI AMIR A. , AMIRI GHOLAMREZA GHODRATI
Published: November 2013

One of the most important problems in the design of earthquake resistance structures at sites with no strong ground motion data is the generation and simulation of earthquake records. In this paper, an effective method based on Hilbert–Huang transform for the simulation of earthquake time histories is presented. The Hilbert–Huang transform consists of the empirical mode decomposition and Hilbert spectral analysis. Earthquake time histories decompose via empirical mode decomposition to obtain the intrinsic mode functions of earthquake time history. Any of intrinsic mode functions is simulated based on the proposed method for simulation. The ground frequency function of the presented model is estimated using Hilbert spectral analysis for the simulation of earthquake accelerograms. The proposed method has been applied to three earthquake records to demonstrate the efficiency and reliability of the approach. The obtained results of simulating method by comparison between pseudo-acceleration and pseudo-velocity response spectra of actual and the average of simulated time histories for these three earthquakes reveal that the simulated earthquake time histories well preserve the significant properties and the nonstationary characteristics of the actual earthquake records. The results indicated that there is a good accord between the response spectra of simulated and genuine time histories.
Live Imaging of the Lung
Authors: Looney Mark R. , Bhattacharya Jahar
Published: November 2013

Live lung imaging has spanned the discovery of capillaries in the frog lung by Malpighi to the current use of single and multiphoton imaging of intravital and isolated perfused lung preparations incorporating fluorescent molecular probes and transgenic reporter mice. Along the way, much has been learned about the unique microcirculation of the lung, including immune cell migration and the mechanisms by which cells at the alveolar-capillary interface communicate with each other. In this review, we highlight live lung imaging techniques as applied to the role of mitochondria in lung immunity, mechanisms of signal transduction in lung compartments, studies on the composition of alveolar wall liquid, and neutrophil and platelet trafficking in the lung under homeostatic and inflammatory conditions. New applications of live lung imaging and the limitations of current techniques are discussed.
Advances in Understanding the Urine-Concentrating Mechanism
Authors: Sands Jeff M. , Layton Harold E.
Published: November 2013

The renal medulla produces concentrated urine through the generation of an osmotic gradient that progressively increases from the cortico-medullary boundary to the inner medullary tip. In the outer medulla, the osmolality gradient arises principally from vigorous active transport of NaCl, without accompanying water, from the thick ascending limbs of short- and long-looped nephrons. In the inner medulla, the source of the osmotic gradient has not been identified. Recently, there have been important advances in our understanding of key components of the urine-concentrating mechanism, including (a) better understanding of the regulation of water, urea, and sodium transport proteins; (b) better resolution of the anatomical relationships in the medulla; and (c) improvements in mathematical modeling of the urine-concentrating mechanism. Continued experimental investigation of signaling pathways regulating transepithelial transport, both in normal animals and in knockout mice, and incorporation of the resulting information into mathematical simulations may help to more fully elucidate the mechanism for concentrating urine in the inner medulla.
Variational Inference of Kalman Filter and Its Application in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Dong Zijian , Song Tiecheng
Published: November 2013

An improved Kalman filter algorithm by using variational inference (VIKF) is proposed. With variational method, the joint posterior distribution of the states is approximately decomposed into several relatively independent posterior distributions. To avoid the difficulty of high-dimensional integrals, these independent posterior distributions are solved by using Kullback-Leibler divergence. The variational inference of Kalman filter includes two steps, the predict step and the update step, and an iterative process is included in the update step to get the optimized solutions of the posterior distribution. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, VIKF is applied to the state estimation of discrete linear state space and the tracking problems in wireless sensor networks. Simulation results show that the variational approximation is effective and reliable for the linear state space, especially for the case with time-varying non-Gaussian noise.
New and Safe Treatment of Food Impacted in the Esophagus: A Single Center Experience of 100 Consecutive Cases
Authors: Shafique Muhammad , Yaqub Sheraz , Lie Erik S. , Dahl Vegard , Olsbø Frode , Røkke Ola
Published: November 2013

Aim. Large food bits can get stuck in the esophagus and must be removed by endoscopy. In some cases, this can be difficult or unsafe. We describe a new and safe treatment for such patients.Materials and Methods. 100 consecutive patients were referred to Akershus University Hospital with impacted food in the esophagus. In 36 patients (36%), the food passed spontaneously. In 59 (92%) of the remaining 64 patients, the food was removed by endoscopic intervention. In the last five patients, endoscopic removal was judged difficult or unsafe. These patients received the new treatment: one capsule Creon 10000 IU dissolved in 30 mL of Coca-Cola administered by a nasooesophageal tube four times daily for 2-3 days.Results. Of the 59 patients treated with endoscopic procedure, complications occurred in four (7%): three bleedings and one perforation of the esophagus. In five patients treated with Coca-Cola and Creon, the food had either passed or was soft after 2-3 days and could easily be removed.Conclusion. The treatment of choice of impacted food in the esophagus is endoscopic removal. In cases where this is difficult, we recommend treatment with Coca-Cola and Creon for 2-3 days before complications occur.
Fabrication and Characterization of CuInSe2Thin Film Applicable for a Solar Energy Light Absorption Material via a Low Temperature Solid State Reaction
Authors: Hsu Kuo-Chin , Fu Yaw-Shyan , Lin Pei-Ying , Tang I-Tseng , Liao Jiunn-Der
Published: November 2013

The chalcopyrite CuInSe2thin film synthesized via a low temperature solid state reaction from CuSe and InSe powders was investigated using X-ray diffractomy (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. CuSe and InSe phases react and directly transform into CuInSe2without the occurrence of any intermediate phase. The morphology of the newly formed CuInSe2crystalline was close to that of the CuSe reactant particle based on the TEM results, which indicate that the solid state reaction kinetics may be dominated by the In3+ions diffusion. The CuInSe2thin film prepared from the solid state reaction did not use the selenide process; its band gap might reach 1.06 eV, which is competent and suitable to be used for a thin film solar cell light absorption layer.
Differentiation of Dental Pulp Stem Cells into Neuron-Like Cells in Serum-Free Medium
Authors: Zainal Ariffin Shahrul Hisham , Kermani Shabnam , Zainol Abidin Intan Zarina , Megat Abdul Wahab Rohaya , Yamamoto Zulham , Senafi Sahidan , Zainal Ariffin Zaidah , Abdul Razak Mohamad
Published: November 2013

Dental pulp tissue contains dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). Dental pulp cells (also known as dental pulp-derived mesenchymal stem cells) are capable of differentiating into multilineage cells including neuron-like cells. The aim of this study was to examine the capability of DPSCs to differentiate into neuron-like cells without using any reagents or growth factors. DPSCs were isolated from teeth extracted from 6- to 8-week-old mice and maintained in complete medium. The cells from the fourth passage were induced to differentiate by culturing in medium without serum or growth factors. RT-PCR molecular analysis showed characteristics ofCd146+,Cd166+, andCd31−in DPSCs, indicating that these cells are mesenchymal stem cells rather than hematopoietic stem cells. After 5 days of neuronal differentiation, the cells showed neuron-like morphological changes and expressed MAP2 protein. The activation ofNestinwas observed at low level prior to differentiation and increased after 5 days of culture in differentiation medium, whereasTub3was activated only after 5 days of neuronal differentiation. The proliferation of the differentiated cells decreased in comparison to that of the control cells. Dental pulp stem cells are induced to differentiate into neuron-like cells when cultured in serum- and growth factor-free medium.
Dose-Dependent Anti-Inflammatory and Neuroprotective Effects of anανβ3 Integrin-Binding Peptide
Authors: Han Shu , Zhang Fan , Hu Zhiying , Sun Yayi , Yang Jing , Davies Henry , Yew David T. W. , Fang Marong
Published: November 2013

Previous studies have shown that prevention of leukocyte infiltration by targeting integrins involved in transendothelial migration may suppress the clinical and pathological features of neuroinflammatory disease. This study was designed to investigate the effects of C16, anανβ3 integrin-binding peptide, in an acute experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) rat model. Multiple histological and immunohistochemical staining, electron microscopy observation, ELISA assay, Western blot, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were employed to assess the degree of inflammation, axonal loss, neuronal apoptosis, white matter demyelination, and extent of gliosis in the brain and spinal cord of differently treated EAE models. The results showed that C16 treatment could inhibit extensive leukocyte and macrophage accumulation and infiltration and reduce cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interferon-γ(IFN-γ) expression levels. A significantly lower clinical score at the peak time of disease was also demonstrated in the C16 treated group. Moreover, astrogliosis, demyelination, neuronal death, and axonal loss were all alleviated in C16 treated EAE animals, which may be attributed to the improvement of microenvironment. The data suggests that C16 peptide may act as a protective agent by attenuating inflammatory progression and thus affecting the expression of some proinflammatory cytokines during neuroinflammatory disease.
Development and Application of Structural Health Monitoring System Based on Piezoelectric Sensors
Authors: Yan Shi , Wu Jianxin , Sun Wei , Ma Haoyan , Yan Han
Published: November 2013

Structural health monitoring (SHM) can enhance the functionality of structures, improve its safety and reliability, reduce maintenance costs, and increase the service life. A new kind of SHM technology based on piezoelectric ceramic transducers is an effective way to realize the prospective functions. However, many of piezoelectric ceramic SHM systems, which are complicated, weighty, and having much equipment, are mainly used for laboratory researches. In order to meet the needs of engineering applications, a portable piezoelectric concrete SHM system which uses the virtual instrument technology is proposed and produced in this paper. The developed system which is based on piezoelectric transducers can be realized to monitor online vibration accelerations, dynamic stresses, concrete cracks, and so forth. The function of this integrated system has been effectively proved in test and in an engineering application. The experimental and applied results show that the system is reliable, of high degree of automation, and portable. The work provides important technical support for improvement of structure design and monitoring of structural health status.
Paediatric Orbital Fractures: The Importance of Regular Thorough Eye Assessment and Appropriate Referral
Authors: Kassam Karim , Rahim Ishrat , Mills Caroline
Published: November 2013

The paediatric orbital fracture should always raise alarm bells to all clinicians working in an emergency department. A delay or failure in diagnosis and appropriate referral can result in rapidly developing and profound complications. We present a boy of childhood age who sustained trauma to his eye during a bicycle injury. Acceptance of the referral was based on no eye signs; however, on examination in our unit the eye had reduction in visual acuity, no pupillary reaction, and ophthalmoplegia. CT scan suggested bone impinging on the globe and the child was rushed to theatre for removal of the bony fragment. Postoperatively no improvement was noted and a diagnosis of traumatic optic neuropathy was made. An overview of factors complicating paediatric orbital injuries, their associated “red flags”, and appropriate referral are discussed in this short paper.
Hyperoxia Exacerbates Postnatal Inflammation-Induced Lung Injury in Neonatal BRP-39 Null Mutant Mice Promoting the M1 Macrophage Phenotype
Authors: Syed Mansoor A. , Bhandari Vineet
Published: November 2013

Rationale. Hyperoxia exposure to developing lungs—critical in the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia—may augment lung inflammation by inhibiting anti-inflammatory mediators in alveolar macrophages.Objective. We sought to determine the O2-induced effects on the polarization of macrophages and the role of anti-inflammatory BRP-39 in macrophage phenotype and neonatal lung injury.Methods. We used RAW264.7, peritoneal, and bone marrow derived macrophages for polarization (M1/M2) studies. Forin vivostudies, wild-type (WT) and BRP-39−/−mice received continuous exposure to 21% O2(control mice) or 100% O2from postnatal (PN) 1 to PN7 days, along with intranasal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administered on alternate days (PN2, -4, and -6). Lung histology, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cell counts, BAL protein, and cytokines measurements were performed.Measurements and Main Results. Hyperoxia differentially contributed to macrophage polarization by enhancing LPS induced M1 and inhibiting interleukin-4 induced M2 phenotype. BRP-39 absence led to further enhancement of the hyperoxia and LPS induced M1 phenotype. In addition, BRP-39−/−mice were significantly more sensitive to LPS plus hyperoxia induced lung injury and mortality compared to WT mice.Conclusions. These findings collectively indicate that BRP-39 is involved in repressing the M1 proinflammatory phenotype in hyperoxia, thereby deactivating inflammatory responses in macrophages and preventing neonatal lung injury.
The Development of a Hybrid EnKF-3DVAR Algorithm for Storm-Scale Data Assimilation
Authors: Gao Jidong , Xue Ming , Stensrud David J.
Published: November 2013

A hybrid 3DVAR-EnKF data assimilation algorithm is developed based on 3DVAR and ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) programs within the Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS). The hybrid algorithm uses the extended alpha control variable approach to combine the static and ensemble-derived flow-dependent forecast error covariances. The hybrid variational analysis is performed using an equal weighting of static and flow-dependent error covariance as derived from ensemble forecasts. The method is first applied to the assimilation of simulated radar data for a supercell storm. Results obtained using 3DVAR (with static covariance entirely), hybrid 3DVAR-EnKF, and the EnKF are compared. When data from a single radar are used, the EnKF method provides the best results for the model dynamic variables, while the hybrid method provides the best results for hydrometeor related variables in term of rms errors. Although storm structures can be established reasonably well using 3DVAR, the rms errors are generally worse than seen from the other two methods. With two radars, the results from 3DVAR are closer to those from EnKF. Our tests indicate that the hybrid scheme can reduce the storm spin-up time because it fits the observations, especially the reflectivity observations, better than the EnKF and the 3DVAR at the beginning of the assimilation cycles.
Projected Urbanization Impacts on Surface Climate and Energy Budgets in the Pearl River Delta of China
Authors: Zhao Chunhong , Jiang Qunou , Sun Zhongxiao , Zhong Haiyue , Lu Shasha
Published: November 2013

The climate impacts of future urbanization in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region in China were simulated with the Dynamics of Land Systems (DLS) model and the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model in this study. The land use and land cover data in 2000 and 2020 were simulated with the DLS model based on the regional development planning. Then the spatial and temporal changes of surface air temperature, ground heat flux, and regional precipitation in 2020 were quantified and analyzed through comparing simulation results by WRF. Results show that the built-up land will become the dominant land use type in the PRD in 2020. Besides, the near-surface air temperature shows an increasing trend on the whole region in both summer and winter, but with some seasonal variation. The urban temperature rise is more apparent in summer than it is in winter. In addition, there is some difference between the spatial pattern of precipitation in summer and winter in 2020; the spatial variation of precipitation is a bit greater in summer than it is in winter. Results can provide significant reference for the land use management to alleviate the climate change.
Study of Microwave Tomography Measurement Setup Configurations for Breast Cancer Detection Based on Breast Compression
Authors: Diaz-Bolado Alvaro , Barriere Paul-Andre , Laurin Jean-Jacques
Published: November 2013

Microwave tomography (MT) measurement setups for different configurations based on breast compression are compared to classical circular measurement setups. Configurations based on compression allow measuring the evanescent component of the scattered field and lead to a compact measurement setup that allows direct image comparison with a standard mammography system. The different configurations are compared based on the singular value decomposition (SVD) of the radiation operator for a 2D TM case. This analysis allows determining under which conditions the image quality obtained from the reconstructions can be enhanced. These findings are confirmed by a series of reconstructions of breast phantoms based on synthetic data obtained at a single frequency of operation.
Myeloperoxidase-Dependent LDL Modifications in Bloodstream Are Mainly Predicted by Angiotensin II, Adiponectin, and Myeloperoxidase Activity: A Cross-Sectional Study in Men
Authors: Zouaoui Boudjeltia Karim , Delporte Cédric , Van Antwerpen Pierre , Franck Thierry , Serteyn Didier , Moguilevsky Nicole , Raes Martine , Vanhamme Luc , Vanhaeverbeek Michel , Van Meerhaeghe Alain , Roumeguère Thierry
Published: November 2013

The present paradigm of atherogenesis proposes that low density lipoproteins (LDLs) are trapped in subendothelial space of the vascular wall where they are oxidized. Previously, we showed that oxidation is not restricted to the subendothelial location. Myeloperoxidase (MPO), an enzyme secreted by neutrophils and macrophages, can modify LDL (Mox-LDL) at the surface of endothelial cells. In addition we observed that the activation of the endothelial cells by angiotensin II amplifies this process. We suggested that induction of the NADPH oxidase complex was a major step in the oxidative process. Based on these data, we asked whether there was an independent association, in 121 patients, between NADPH oxidase modulators, such as angiotensin II, adiponectin, and levels of circulating Mox-LDL. Our observations suggest that the combination of blood angiotensin II, MPO activity, and adiponectin explains, at least partially, serum Mox-LDL levels.
Vasilii Grossman: A cosmopolitan writer depicts the murder of the Jewish people
Authors: Zavadivker Polly
Published: November 2013

This essay identifies and explains intellectual influences in Soviet Jewish writer Vasilii Grossman’s representation of the Holocaust. In his 1943 essay ‘Ukraine without Jews’, Grossman described murdered Jewry as a people defined by their unique culture, history and experience of World War II. An unpublished diary of Grossman’s reading notes from the 1930s provides fragmentary evidence of his pre-war ideas about Jewish people and history. Using a microhistorical approach, Grossman’s reading notes citing Johann Gottfried von Herder in 1938 are interpreted as clues that help explain the content of ‘Ukraine without Jews’, written five years later. This essay shows that Grossman was a cosmopolitan thinker who derived some of his ideas about Jewish history from European thinkers, and that these ideas influenced his depiction of the Jewish victims of Nazi genocide.
Système de contrôle de la force de vente : bilan et voies de recherche
Authors: Echchakoui Said
Published: November 2013

Résumé

Cet article propose une synthèse critique sur le système de contrôle de la force de vente. Sur la base des recherches antérieures, un modèle intégrateur des antécédents et des conséquences du système de contrôle est proposé. La revue de littérature révèle de nombreuses lacunes théoriques et empiriques. Principalement, l’ambiguïté de la relation entre le contrôle des commerciaux et celui du personnel marketing, l’absence de consensus sur les critères de choix d’un type de contrôle approprié, et des résultats contradictoires de l’influence du système de contrôle. Trois pistes de recherche prioritaires sont suggérées : l’éclaircissement de la relation entre le système de contrôle de la force de vente et celui du personnel marketing, la considération de théorie basée sur les ressources comme base théorique pour le choix d’un type de contrôle, et l’identification de certaines variables modératrices et médiatrices qui peuvent expliquer l’origine des conséquences équivoques du système de contrôle. Ces variables sont la culture et la satisfaction du superviseur par rapport au territoire.
Public opinion and the reform of the pension systems in Europe: the influence of solidarity principles
Authors: Jaime-Castillo Antonio M.
Published: November 2013

The demographic changes that have occurred in European countries in recent decades have made the policies of the public pension system one of the most debated issues of the welfare state. In this paper, I focus on preferences for three pension policy reforms with different distributive consequences: raising contributions, raising the age of retirement, and allowing free choice between public and private pension plans. I use multilevel models to analyse how individual attachment to different solidarity principles (universalistic, conservative, liberal and familistic) affects attitudes toward pension system reforms while controlling for institutional factors. The empirical results strongly support the hypothesis that solidarity principles have a significant influence on individual preferences. I find that individuals who adhere to universalistic or conservative principles are more in favour of increasing contributions in order to maintain the level of pensions, whereas they oppose a postponement of retirement age. In contrast, those who adhere to liberal or familistic principles are against increasing contributions and prefer extending retirement age. The findings at least partially support the ‘regime hypothesis’, as a more generous pension system appears to increase support for raising contributions while decreasing support for a raise in the age of retirement.
Child, neglect and oral health
Authors: Lourenço Caroline Barbosa , Saintrain Maria Vieira de Lima , Vieira Anya Pimentel Gomes Fernandes
Published: November 2013

Background

Despite advancements in oral health policies, dental caries still a problem. The lack of parents/caregiver’s care regarding child’s oral health, which characterizes neglect, may lead to a high prevalence of caries. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the relation between dental caries and neglect in five year-old children.

Methods

Quantitative study performed in two different moments. First, the children underwent oral examinations and physical inspection. Then, a semi-structured interview was performed with parents of children with high and low caries rate.

Results

In all, 149 physical inspections and oral exams were performed. The number of decayed, missing and filled teeth – dmf-t was 2.75 (SD 2.83); 16 children had extremely high values (dmf-t ≥7), 85 intermediate values (1 ≤ dmf-t ≥ 6) and 48 extremely low (dmf-t = 0). Nearly all caregivers were female (96.7%; n = 29), mostly mothers (93.3%; n = 28). Associations were found between caries experience and reason of the last consultation (p = 0.011), decayed teeth and child’s oral health perception (p = 0.001). There was a trend towards a significant association between general health and decayed teeth (p = 0.079), general hygiene and caries experience (p = 0.083), and caries experience and number of times the child brushes the teeth (p = 0.086).

Conclusion

There’s a relation between caries experience and children’s oral health perception by caregivers, as well as between caries experience and children’s access to dental care. There is a trend towards association between caries experience and risk factors suggestive of neglect.