bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coriolopsis rigida, a potential model of white-rot fungi that produce extracellular laccases
Authors: Saparrat Mario C N , Balatti Pedro A , Arambarri Angélica M , Martínez María J
Published: February 2014

In the last two decades, a significant amount of work aimed at studying the ability of the white-rot fungus Coriolopsis rigida strain LPSC no. 232 to degrade lignin, sterols, as well as several hazardous pollutants like dyes and aliphatic and aromatic fractions of crude oil, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, has been performed. Additionally, C. rigida in association with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi appears to enhance plant growth, albeit the physiological and molecular bases of this effect remain to be elucidated. C. rigida's ability to degrade lignin and lignin-related compounds and the capacity to transform the aromatic fraction of crude oil in the soil might be partially ascribed to its ligninolytic enzyme system. Two extracellular laccases are the only enzymatic components of its lignin-degrading system. We reviewed the most relevant findings regarding the activity and role of C. rigida LPSC no. 232 and its laccases and discussed the work that remains to be done in order to assess, more precisely, the potential use of this fungus and its extracellular enzymes as a model in several applied processes.
The NCS‐LSD cohort study: a description of the methods and analyses used to assess the long‐term effectiveness of enzyme replacement therapy and substrate reduction therapy in patients with lysosomal storage disorders
Authors: Henley W. E. , Anderson L. J. , Wyatt K. M. , Nikolaou V. , Anderson R. , Logan S.
Published: February 2014

Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) comprise more than 50 extremely rare, inherited metabolic diseases resulting from a deficiency of specific lysosomal enzymes required for normal macromolecular metabolism. The National Collaborative Study for Lysosomal Storage Disorders (NCS‐LSD), was a longitudinal cohort study which collected prospective and retrospective clinical data, and patient‐reported data from adults and children with a confirmed diagnosis of Gaucher disease, Fabry disease, mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I), mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II), Pompe disease and Niemann Pick disease type C (NPC) in the UK. The study aimed to determine the natural history of these conditions and estimate the effectiveness and cost of therapies. Clinical outcomes were chosen to reflect disease progression. Age‐ and gender‐adjusted treatment effects were estimated using generalised linear mixed models. Treated patients contributed data before and during treatment while untreated patients contributed natural history data. A total of 711 adults and children were recruited to this study from the seven LSD treatment centres in England. Data was collected from 2008 to 2011. This paper describes the methods used to collect and analyse clinical data for this study. The clinical findings are reported separately in a series of condition‐specific articles in this issue.
A Cohort Study of One-Year Functional and Radiographic Outcomes following Intra-Articular Distal Radius Fractures
Authors: Lalone Emily A. , Rajgopal Vaishnav , Roth James , Grewal Ruby , MacDermid Joy C.
Published: February 2014

Background

The purpose of this study was to describe the outcomes of a series of patients followed prospectively after intra-articular distal radius fractures.

Methods

One hundred forty-eight patients with intra-articular fractures (mean age, 47 years; age range, 44–54 years; gender distribution, 60 males and 88 females) were treated with cast only, arthroscopy/closed reduction plus pins, arthroscopy/closed reduction with external fixation, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) alone, and ORIF with external fixation according to surgeon preference and fracture characteristics. The 1-year outcomes across the groups were measured radiographically ( n =148) and functionally ( n =113; 1-year Wrist Outcome Measure score, Grip Strength, SF-36, and PRWE scores).

Results

Radiographically, the groups had statistically significant differences in radial inclination, volar tilt, intra-articular step-off, and radial shortening in the pre-treatment X-rays. However, following treatment, treatment groups demonstrated no difference statistically in their follow-up radiographic measures. One-year PRWE scores were found to be statistically different across groups. Across groups, the ORIF-alone treatment group had the highest PRWE score reflecting greatest amount of pain and disability. One-year wrist outcome measure scores and grip strength scores were also found to be significantly different across treatment groups. The general health status as measured by the SF-36 was not found to be different across treatment groups.

Conclusions

These findings are consistent with treatment by indication; suboptimal ORIF outcomes may reflect older practice patterns with dorsal plating. A randomized control trial that compares treatments controlling for fracture severity and studies that develop formal clinical prediction rules for treatment assignment are needed.
Volar Locking Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures: Use of an Intra-Operative ‘Carpal Shoot Through’ View to Identify Dorsal Compartment and Distal Radioulnar Joint Screw Penetration
Authors: Marsland Daniel , Hobbs Chris M. , Sauvé Philip S.
Published: February 2014

Introduction

We report our experience using a ‘carpal shoot through’ view of the distal radius to identify dorsal compartment screw penetration intra-operatively when performing volar plating of the distal radius.

Methods

A prospective study of 42 patients (mean age 56 years) with acute distal radius fractures treated with open reduction internal fixation was undertaken. Surgical fixation was performed using a volar locking plate in all patients. After plate application, inclined posteroanterior and lateral radiographs were taken followed by the carpal shoot through view.

Results

In six cases (14 %), the carpal shoot through view revealed dorsal screw protrusion, which was not detectable on standard PA and lateral views. In one case, a screw had penetrated the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ), which was only apparent on the shoot through view. The overall screw exchange rate was 17 %.

Conclusions

Using the hand and carpus to minimise the contrast in X-ray penetration, the dorsal cortex of the distal radius may be imaged intra-operatively and dorsal compartment screw penetration detected in cases with significant multifragmentation when screw measurement is difficult. This view potentially reduces the risk of post-operative pain and extensor tendon injury and also provides excellent visualisation of the DRUJ.
The PGRS domain is responsible for translocation of PE_PGRS30 to cell poles while the PE and the C‐terminal domains localize it to the cell wall
Authors: Chatrath Shweta , Gupta Vineet Kumar , Garg Lalit C.
Published: February 2014

PE_PGRS proteins localize in the mycobacterial cell wall and the cell wall localization of PE_PGRS33 has been shown to be attributed to its PE domain. In this study, we expressed deletion mutants of PE_PGRS30 in Mycobacterium smegmatis to characterize the role of its domains in protein localization. It was revealed that, apart from the PE domain, the C‐terminal domain present in few PE_PGRS proteins carries individual cell wall localization signals. Proteinase K sensitivity assay showed that PE_PGRS30 is exposed on the mycobacterial surface through its PGRS domain. PGRS domain was also shown to be responsible for polar localization of PE_PGRS30.
Editorial
Authors: Lehmann Jennifer
Published: February 2014

Welcome to the year of 2014, which will no doubt be as busy as ever for us all. This year we hope to bring you some different content in the journal including a ‘Themed’ Issue in June that will focus on Family Inclusive Child Protection Practice.
Parents’ Perspectives of their Children's Reactions to an Australian Military Deployment
Authors: Siebler Philip , Goddard Christopher
Published: February 2014

This article reports on a qualitative study of Australian parents’ perceptions of their children's reactions to a military deployment as well as their help-seeking behaviours. Thirty-eight in-depth interviews were conducted with 34 Australian Defence Force (ADF) parents and 33 non-deployed parents (67 participants). Twenty-nine interviews were with couples and nine were with individuals. The findings revealed that this group of children generally fared poorly in terms of physical and mental health, and behavioural outcomes. Children and adolescents had a number of needs which were not identified, assessed or treated, and prevention programmes were reported to be limited. Factors that are associated with positive and negative outcomes from the families’ perspective are outlined. The data showed how developing a deeper understanding of military families’ needs, as well as positive worker–parent relationships, would enhance the therapeutic alliance between parents and service providers. Implications for prevention and intervention approaches in relation to both policy and service delivery are outlined.
Playing it safe? Opportunity is knocking!
Authors: Sultmann Chris-Maree
Published: February 2014

Has child protection in Queensland suffered from a risk-averse approach? The recent Child Protection Commission of Inquiry found that a risk-averse culture was one contributing factor to systemic failure in the State’s child protection system. Somewhat paradoxically, such an approach to child protection work can bring its own risks for children and young people. This commentary considers this and asks us to consider what a less risk-averse approach might look like in practice.
Rotne–Prager–Yamakawa approximation for different-sized particles in application to macromolecular bead models
Authors: Zuk P. J. , Wajnryb E. , Mizerski K. A. , Szymczak P.
Published: February 2014

The Rotne–Prager–Yamakawa (RPY) approximation is a commonly used approach to model the hydrodynamic interactions between small spherical particles suspended in a viscous fluid at a low Reynolds number. However, when the particles overlap, the RPY tensors lose their positive definiteness, which leads to numerical problems in the Brownian dynamics simulations as well as errors in calculations of the hydrodynamic properties of rigid macromolecules using bead modelling. These problems can be avoided by using regularizing corrections to the RPY tensors; so far, however, these corrections have only been derived for equal-sized particles. Here we show how to generalize the RPY approach to the case of overlapping spherical particles of different radii and present the complete set of mobility matrices for such a system. In contrast to previous ad hoc approaches, our method relies on the direct integration of force densities over the sphere surfaces and thus automatically provides the correct limiting behaviour of the mobilities for the touching spheres and for a complete overlap, with one sphere immersed in the other one. This approach can then be used to calculate hydrodynamic properties of complex macromolecules using bead models with overlapping, different-sized beads, which we illustrate with an example.
A reciprocal theorem for Marangoni propulsion
Authors: Masoud Hassan , Stone Howard A.
Published: February 2014

We study the Marangoni propulsion of a spheroidal particle located at a liquid–gas interface. The particle asymmetrically releases an insoluble surface-active agent and so creates and maintains a surface tension gradient leading to the self-propulsion. Assuming that the surface tension has a linear dependence on the concentration of the released agent, we derive closed-form expressions for the translational speed of the particle in the limit of small capillary, Péclet and Reynolds numbers. Our derivations are based on the Lorentz reciprocal theorem, which eliminates the need to develop the detailed flow field.
‘We want no authors’: William Nicholson and the contested role of the scientific journal in Britain, 1797–1813
Authors: WATTS IAIN P.
Published: February 2014

This article seeks to illuminate the shifting and unstable configuration of scientific print culture around 1800 through a close focus on William Nicholson's Journal of Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, and the Arts, generally known as Nicholson's Journal. Viewing Nicholson as a mediator between the two spheres of British commercial journalism and scientific enquiry, I investigate the ways he adapted practices and conventions from the domain of general-readership monthly periodicals for his Journal, forging a virtual community of scientific knowledge exchange in print. However, in pursing this project Nicholson ran up against disreputable associations connected with the politics of journalism and came into conflict with more established models of scientific publication. To illustrate this, I turn to examine in detail the practice of reprinting, a technique of information transmission which the Journal adapted from general periodicals and newspapers, looking at a clash between Nicholson and the Royal Society that exposes disagreements over the appropriate role for journals during this period of reorganization in the scientific world.
Bioavailability of lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla) polyphenols in rats: impact of colonic inflammation
Authors: Felgines Catherine , Fraisse Didier , Besson Catherine , Vasson Marie-Paule , Texier Odile
Published: February 2014

Lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla) infusion, a widely consumed herbal tea, contains significant amounts of polyphenols such as flavone diglucuronides and phenylpropanoid glycosides (mainly verbascoside). We have recently shown that lemon verbena infusion offers beneficial effects against dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-induced colonic inflammation in rats. The present study aimed to evaluate the bioavailability and intestinal absorption of polyphenols derived from lemon verbena infusion in both healthy and colitic rats. For this purpose, lemon verbena infusion was given to rats ad libitum for 14 d, and then 4 % DSS was added to the infusion for 7 d. Before and after DSS administration, 24 h urinary excretion of polyphenols was determined. Flavones were excreted in the urine as conjugated aglycones, and their excretion was not significantly altered by colonic inflammation. Only trace amounts of verbascoside were excreted in the urine, but various metabolites (hydroxycinnamic acids) were detected. The urinary excretion of hydroxycinnamic acids, particularly that of caffeic acid, increased after DSS administration (P< 0·05). Only flavone aglycones (luteolin and diosmetin) were excreted in the faeces in small proportions (3·2 % of ingested flavones). Intestinal absorption of lemon verbena polyphenols was examined using an in situ intestinal perfusion model. Intestinal absorption of verbascoside and flavone diglucuronides did not significantly differ between the healthy and colitic rats. Collectively, these results show that intestinal absorption and urinary excretion of lemon verbena flavone diglucuronides were not altered by colonic inflammation, but that urinary excretion of hydroxycinnamic acids derived from verbascoside was affected in a colitic situation.
Ethnic differences in infant feeding practices and their relationship with BMI at 3 years of age – results from the Born in Bradford birth cohort study
Authors: Santorelli Gillian , Fairley Lesley , Petherick Emily S. , Cabieses Baltica , Sahota Pinki
Published: February 2014

The present study aimed to explore previously unreported ethnic differences in infant feeding practices during the introduction of solid foods, accounting for maternal and birth factors, and to determine whether these feeding patterns are associated with BMI at 3 years of age. An observational study using Poisson regression was carried out to investigate the relationship between ethnicity and infant feeding practices and linear regression was used to investigate the relationship between feeding practices and BMI at 3 years of age in a subsample of 1327 infants in Bradford. It was found that compared with White British mothers, mothers of Other ethnicities were less likely to replace breast milk with formula milk before introducing solid foods (adjusted relative risk (RR) – Pakistani: 0·76 (95 % CI 0·64, 0·91), Other South Asian: 0·58 (95 % CI 0·39, 0·86), and Other ethnicities: 0·50 (95 % CI 0·34, 0·73)). Pakistani and Other South Asian mothers were less likely to introduce solid foods early ( < 17 weeks) (adjusted RR – Pakistani: 0·92 (95 % CI 0·87, 0·96) and Other South Asian: 0·87 (95 % CI 0·81, 0·93)). Other South Asian mothers and mothers of Other ethnicities were more likely to continue breast-feeding after introducing solid foods (adjusted RR – 1·72 (95 % CI 1·29, 2·29) and 2·12 (95 % CI 1·60, 2·81), respectively). Pakistani and Other South Asian infants were more likely to be fed sweetened foods (adjusted RR – 1·18 (95 % CI 1·13, 1·23) and 1·19 (95 % CI 1·10, 1·28), respectively) and Pakistani infants were more likely to consume sweetened drinks (adjusted RR 1·72 (95 % CI 1·15, 2·57)). No association between infant feeding practices and BMI at 3 years was observed. Although ethnic differences in infant feeding practices were found, there was no association with BMI at 3 years of age. Interventions targeting infant feeding practices need to consider ethnicity to identify which populations are failing to follow recommendations.
Investigations into Military Operations: What Impact on Transitional Justice?
Authors: Blank Laurie R
Published: February 2014

The recent proliferation of external investigations into military operations raises important questions for the conduct of military operations and the interpretation and implementation of international law. The impact of such investigations and their reports, however, extends beyond how they influence the military and the implementation of the law of armed conflict. As countries and societies embroiled in lengthy conflicts begin to explore the value and effectiveness of undertaking transitional justice efforts during conflict, rather than only after conflict, investigations into military operations and specific incidents can play an important – and perhaps unexpected – role. This article focuses specifically on the inter-relationship between investigations and transitional justice efforts. As investigations into military operations become a common tool in the international and national arsenal, understanding how they interact with and affect broader transitional justice efforts and goals becomes important, both for the conceptualisation of investigations and the development of transitional justice mechanisms. This article addresses the relationship between investigations and the truth-telling aspect of transitional justice mechanisms, as well as the impact of the use of law and legal analysis on the legitimacy of the investigations and on potential transitional justice mechanisms.
Transitional Justice Accountability and Memorialisation: The Yemeni Children Affair and the Indian Residential Schools
Authors: Amir Ruth
Published: February 2014

This article outlines the building blocks of transitional justice in democracies. Grounded in the premises of Historical Institutionalism, the article analyses the institutions and processes established and their effect on the outcomes. It offers a comparative analysis of two cases of transitional justice processes in democracies. These are the investigations of the disappearance of Yemeni children in Israel and the Indian Residential Schools Settlement in Canada. There are important similarities and differences between the two cases. In both settler societies the transgressions were part of aggressive assimilation policies directed at children in an attempt to wipe out the particular cultural influences of the children's family and community. In both cases, children were isolated from the influences of their ethnic group in order to be resocialised into the dominant culture. The dire consequences of both these were suppressed, denied and forgotten in official narratives. The different outcomes of these processes are explained by the differences in the intent to redress, the types of institution and the processes implemented.
Hate Speech and Constitutional Democracy in Eastern Europe: Transitional and Militant? (Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland)
Authors: Belavusau Uladzislau
Published: February 2014

This article departs from the normative assumptions about the status of militant democracy in transitional countries, while drawing on the constitutional appraisal of free speech and non-discrimination in Central and Eastern Europe during the period 1990–2012. It explores two models (‘American’ and ‘European’) of legal engagement with hate speech, targeting this recurrent constitutional theme to trace the militant in the transitional discourse on freedom of expression. The study scrutinises the legislative framework and the adjudication of the higher courts (constitutional, supreme and appellate courts) in three selected countries of Central and Eastern Europe – the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland – in an effort to address the dearth of literature in the English language on hate speech laws and policies in these jurisdictions. The author concludes that the discourse on transitional democracy in this post-communist constitutionalism has been substantially constructed as a form of militant democracy, despite some visible influence of the American free speech narrative.
Transitional Justice in Iraq: Learning the Hard Way
Authors: Daly Erin
Published: February 2014

The relationship between transitional justice and democracy is fraught and complex, and nowhere more so than in Iraq since the fall of Saddam Hussein. Iraq has experienced a range of transitional justice initiatives, including the trial and execution of its former leader, purges of the civil service and the military, and a series of reconciliation conferences. Yet democracy has not fully taken root and violence continues to plague many parts of the nation on a regular basis. This article argues that initiatives aimed at changing the structure of society – including but not limited to constitutionalism, frequent elections and the development of an independent judiciary – are more likely than purely symbolic efforts to contribute to the consolidation of democracy in the long term. It is these structural developments that have the greatest potential to transform society into a true democracy under the rule of law.
Persistent or Eroding Impunity? The Divergent Effects of Legal Challenges to Amnesty Laws for Past Human Rights Violations
Authors: Lessa Francesca , Olsen Tricia D , Payne Leigh A , Pereira Gabriel , Reiter Andrew G
Published: February 2014

Transitional countries have struggled to overcome impunity for human rights violations committed by past authoritarian regimes. While some scholars have hailed the emergence of a ‘justice cascade’, a ‘justice revolution’, and an ‘age of accountability’, our research highlights the persistence of amnesty laws despite efforts to erode them. This article examines 63 amnesties for human rights violations committed by state agents that were enacted in 34 transitional countries from 1970 to 2011, and the 161 challenges that endeavoured to undermine the power of these laws.

We find significant variation in the outcome of challenges. While some lead to the removal or weakening of amnesty laws, others validate them. We explain the variation using an explanatory model that focuses on the characteristics of four actors: civil society, international governmental and non-governmental agencies, domestic executives and judicial leaders. Time also plays a conditioning role in our framework. We illustrate our argument by presenting emblematic country case studies. We conclude that even when amnesty laws are displaced or eroded, impunity tends to persist in some form.
The Cross Section of Recovery Rates and Default Probabilities Implied by Credit Default Swap Spreads
Authors: Elkamhi Redouane , Jacobs Kris , Pan Xuhui
Published: February 2014

Rather than assuming a fixed recovery rate in estimation, we estimate recovery rates from credit default swap spreads, using 3 years of daily data on 152 corporations. We use a quadratic pricing model, which ensures nonnegative default probabilities and recovery rates. The estimated cross section of recovery rates is plausible, with an average recovery rate of 54% and substantial cross-sectional variation. Estimated 5-year default probabilities are on average 67% higher than default probabilities obtained using the standard 40% recovery assumption. This finding critically impacts the valuation of structured credit products. Larger firms and firms with more tangible assets have higher recovery rates.
The discovery, biodiversity and conservation of Mabu forest—the largest medium-altitude rainforest in southern Africa
Authors: Bayliss Julian , Timberlake Jonathan , Branch William , Bruessow Carl , Collins Steve , Congdon Colin , Curran Michael , de Sousa Camila , Dowsett Robert , Dowsett-Lemaire Francoise , Fishpool Lincoln , Harris Timothy , Herrmann Eric , Georgiadis Stephen , Kopp Mirjam , Liggitt Bruce , Monadjem Ara , Patel Hassam , Ribeiro Daniel , Spottiswoode Claire , Taylor Peter , Willcock Simon , Smith Paul
Published: February 2014

The montane inselbergs of northern Mozambique have been comparatively little-studied, yet recent surveys have shown they have a rich biodiversity with numerous endemic species. Here we present the main findings from a series of scientific expeditions to one of these inselbergs, Mt Mabu, and discuss the conservation implications. Comprehensive species lists of plants, birds, mammals and butterflies are presented. The most significant result was the discovery of a c. 7,880 ha block of undisturbed rainforest, most of it at medium altitude (900–1,400 m), a forest type that is not well represented elsewhere. It is possibly the largest continuous block of this forest type in southern Africa. To date, 10 new species (plants, mammals, reptiles and butterflies) have been confirmed from Mt Mabu, even though sampling effort for most taxonomic groups has been low. The species assemblages indicate a relatively long period of isolation and many species found are at the southern limit of their range. Conservationists are now faced with the challenge of how best to protect Mt Mabu and similar mountains in northern Mozambique, and various ways that this could be done are discussed.
New developments in human neurocognition: clinical, genetic, and brain imaging correlates of impulsivity and compulsivity
Authors: Fineberg Naomi A , Chamberlain Samuel R. , Goudriaan Anna E. , Stein Dan J. , Vanderschuren Louk J. M. J. , Gillan Claire M. , Shekar Sameer , Gorwood Philip A. P. M. , Voon Valerie , Morein-Zamir Sharon , Denys Damiaan , Sahakian Barbara J. , Moeller F. Gerard , Robbins Trevor W. , Potenza Marc N.
Published: February 2014

Impulsivity and compulsivity represent useful conceptualizations that involve dissociable cognitive functions, which are mediated by neuroanatomically and neurochemically distinct components of cortico-subcortical circuitry. The constructs were historically viewed as diametrically opposed, with impulsivity being associated with risk-seeking and compulsivity with harm-avoidance. However, they are increasingly recognized to be linked by shared neuropsychological mechanisms involving dysfunctional inhibition of thoughts and behaviors. In this article, we selectively review new developments in the investigation of the neurocognition of impulsivity and compulsivity in humans, in order to advance our understanding of the pathophysiology of impulsive, compulsive, and addictive disorders and indicate new directions for research.
Long-acting injectable antipsychotics: shall the last be first?
Authors: Stahl Stephen M.
Published: February 2014

ISSUE:A paradigm shift is afoot in which the “last shall be first,” namely, use of long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics, rather than being reserved for use only at the last stages of schizophrenia, may be shifting to first-line treatment of early episodes of this illness.
Hippocampal Abnormalities in Youth with Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder
Authors: Dudek Joanna , Skocic Jovanka , Sheard Erin , Rovet Joanne
Published: February 2014

Individuals diagnosed with alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND) exhibit difficulty on hippocampally mediated memory tasks and show reduced hippocampal size. However inconsistencies exist regarding the affected memory functions and where within the hippocampi effects occur. Given recent studies showing anterior and posterior segments support distinct memory functions and sex dimorphisms in hippocampal function, we asked whether these factors influence memory performance in youth with ARND (n= 18) and typically developing controls (n= 17). Participants received a battery of memory tests and a structural MRI scan. Right and left hippocampi were manually traced; anterior and posterior segments were delineated at the uncus. Measured were intracranial volumes (ICV) and right and left hippocampi and hippocampal segments. Volumes were adjusted for ICV. Relative to controls, the ARND group had lower IQs and memory performance on most tasks and marginally smaller ICVs. Left and right hippocampal volumes and posterior segments were smaller in the ARND group. Although no sex differences were observed between groups, females overall had larger anterior hippocampi than males. Positive and negative associations between hippocampal and selective memory indices were found in the ARND group only. These findings are the first to suggest that posterior hippocampal development may be compromised in youth with ARND. (JINS, 2014,20, 181–191)
Relationship of serum carotenoid concentrations with allostatic load as a measure of chronic stress among middle-aged adults in the USA
Authors: Rosenberg Natalya , Park Chang Gi , Eldeirawi Kamal
Published: February 2014

Objective

Chronic stress and repeated physiological attempts at stress adaptation may result in ‘fatigue’ and suboptimal performance of multiple physiological systems, i.e. allostatic load (AL). Although carotenoids have been linked with individual cardiovascular, metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers, little is known about the relationship of carotenoids with the multi-system biomarker measure of stress, AL. The present study examined the association of serum concentrations of carotenoids with AL among middle-aged adults.

Design

Cross-sectional. AL score was calculated based on nine risk-rated indicators (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, total and HDL-cholesterol, glycosylated Hb, sex-specific waist-to-hip ratio, albumin and C-reactive protein).

Subjects

Middle-aged (45–64 years, n 3387) men and women participants in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, NHANES III (1988–1994).

Results

Serum β-carotene concentration was inversely associated with high AL after adjusting for age, education, race/ethnicity, serum cotinine, alcohol consumption, physical activity and other carotenoids (α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein/zeaxanthin). Females in the lowest β-carotene quartile were 2·94 (95 % CI 1·74, 4·94) times and males 2·90 (95 % CI 1·43, 5·89) times as likely to have high AL, compared with peers in the highest quartile (P for linear trend 0·001 and 0·018 for females and males, respectively). Mean serum β-carotene concentrations were also inversely associated with the number of ‘high-risk’ AL components (P for linear trend <0·001 and 0·004 for females and males, respectively).

Conclusions

Our study adds to evidence linking low β-carotene levels with unfavourable health outcomes.
Genetic structure of green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica): implications for the establishment ofex situconservation protocols in light of the invasion of the emerald ash borer
Authors: Hausman Constance E. , Bertke Michelle M. , Jaeger John F. , Rocha Oscar J.
Published: February 2014

The USA is experiencing a prolific invasion of the wood-boring emerald ash borer,Agrilus planipennis. Native to Asia, this beetle completes its life cycle on ash trees and results in nearly complete mortality of all infested trees. In the present study, we examined the levels of genetic diversity and differentiation among eight populations ofFraxinus pennsylvanica(green ash) using five polymorphic microsatellite loci. Genetic information was used to design guidelines for the establishment of a seed collection sampling strategy to conserve the genetic diversity of ash trees. We found high levels of genetic diversity, as indicated by the allelic richness, both across the populations (16.4 ± 5.18 alleles per locus) and within them (8.03 ± 1.21 alleles per locus). The expected and observed heterozygosity was also high (0.805 ± 0.38 and 0.908 ± 0.04, respectively), and there was moderate genetic differentiation among the populations (FST= 0.083) with members of these eight populations grouped into three distinct clusters. We examined the relationship between the number of individuals sampled and the number of alleles captured in a random sample taken from a population of 10,000 individuals. Only sample sizes of 100 individuals captured most of the alleles (average = 78.74 alleles), but only seven of 50 samples effectively captured all the 82 alleles. Smaller samples did not capture all alleles. A probabilistic model was used to determine an optimal sampling strategy, and it was concluded that a collection of 200 seeds from each of five mother trees would have the highest likelihood of capturing all alleles in a population.
Maternal high-fat diet induces follicular atresia but does not affect fertility in adult rabbit offspring
Authors: Léveillé Pauline , Tarrade Anne , Dupont Charlotte , Larcher Thibaut , Dahirel Michèle , Poumerol Elodie , Cordier Ann-Gaël , Picone Olivier , Mandon-Pepin Béatrice , Jolivet Geneviève , Lévy Rachel , Chavatte-Palmer Pascale
Published: February 2014

Alterations to the metabolic environment in utero can have an impact on subsequent female reproductive performance. Here, we used a model of rabbits receiving a high-fat diet (H diet; 7.7% fat and 0.2% cholesterol) or a control diet (C diet; 1.8% fat, no cholesterol) from 10 weeks of age up to mating at 27 weeks and throughout gestation and lactation. At weaning at 5 weeks of age, F1 female offspring were placed on either C or H diet, resulting in a total of four groups C/C, C/H, H/C and H/H diet. Female offspring were mated between 18 and 22 weeks of age and euthanized at 28 days of gestation. A few days before mating and/or just before euthanasia, F1 female rabbits were fasted overnight, weighed, and blood sampled for steroids and biochemistry. Organs were weighed at euthanasia and the ovaries were collected. C/H and H/H F1 offspring had higher cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein plasma concentrations, together with a higher fat mass compared with C/C does, reflecting the effect of the postnatal diet; however, no effect of the antenatal diet was observed on most parameters. The number of primordial, primary and secondary follicles were not different between the groups, but a significantly higher number of atretic follicles was observed in the C/H (P<0.001) and in the H/C (P<0.001) compared with control C/C ovaries, demonstrating both an effect of prenatal and postnatal maternal nutrition. These data indicated that both maternal and postnatal high-fat diet may induce follicular apoptosis; however, in this model, the reproduction was not affected.
Discordant twins as a tool to unravel the aetiology of bipolar disorder
Authors: Fagnani C. , Bellani M. , Soares J. C. , Stazi M. A. , Brambilla P.
Published: February 2014

This editorial focuses on discordant twins as a valuable epidemiological design for psychiatric aetiological research. First, we summarise the advantages and strengths of this design over the classical matched case-control study. Then, we draw attention to the use of this method in bipolar disorder, revising previous discordant-twin studies. A future greater use of discordant twins is desirable to gain further relevant insights in the aetiology of bipolar disorder.
Kognitive Verarbeitung von Leseverständnisitems mit und ohne Text
Authors: Schroeder Sascha , Tiffin-Richards Simon P.
Published: February 2014

Multiple-Choice (MC)-Items sind ein häufig eingesetztes Aufgabenformat, um Leseverständnis zu erfassen. Die vorliegende Studie mit 366 Schülerinnen und Schülern repliziert die Befunde von Rost und Sparfeldt (2007) , die für das Deutsche gezeigt haben, dass MC-Items allerdings auch ohne Lektüre der zugehörigen Texte beantwortet werden können. Darüber hinaus zeigen wir, dass die Bearbeitungsqualität von MC-Leseverständnisitems mit Textdarbietung sowohl durch die verbale Problemlösefähigkeiten als auch durch lesespezifische Verstehensprozesse beeinflusst wird. Dies spricht dafür, dass MC-Items nicht alleine verbale Intelligenz erfassen, sondern auch die Effizienz lesespezifischer Prozesse. Darüber hinaus weisen die Ergebnisse darauf hin, dass sehr ähnliche Antwortprozesse auch zur Beantwortung von MC-Items ohne Textdarbietung eingesetzt werden. Diese werden aber zunehmend unreliabler erfasst, je mehr Textinformationen eliminiert werden.
Variieren die Selbstkonzeptdifferenzen in Abhängigkeit vom Leistungsniveau? Differenzielle Zusammenhänge in Deutsch, Englisch und Mathematik
Authors: Schurtz Irene M. , Pfost Maximilian , Artelt Cordula
Published: February 2014

Möller und Pohlmann (2010) konnten größere Differenzen der mittleren Ausprägungen der Fähigkeitsselbstkonzepte zwischen über- und durchschnittlich leistungsstarken Schülerinnen und Schülern als zwischen unter- und durchschnittlich leistungsstarken Schülerinnen und Schülern für das Fach Deutsch nachweisen. Unter Verwendung derselben Analysemethode soll dieser Befund repliziert und auf die Fächer Englisch und Mathematik erweitert werden. Hierzu werden verschiedene Leistungsmaße (Kompetenzen vs. Noten) und Referenzen der Leistungsgruppierung (Gesamtstichprobe vs. Schulklasse) verwendet. Die Datengrundlage ist die BiKS-8-14-Studie (N = 1597). Im Fach Deutsch zeigen sich die vermuteten differenziellen Zusammenhänge nur für die – analog zu Möller und Pohlmann (2010) – mit Referenz der Gesamtstichprobe berechneten Effekte. Im Fach Englisch deuten lediglich die anhand der Schulnoten durchgeführten Analysen auf differenzielle Zusammenhänge hin. Im Fach Mathematik ergeben sich ähnlich hohe Zusammenhänge zwischen über- und unterdurchschnittlichen Leistungsgruppen und dem mittleren Fähigkeitsselbstkonzept. Die Ergebnisse werden hinsichtlich ihrer theoretischen Implikationen kritisch diskutiert.
Formen und Häufigkeit der Nierenparenchymzapfen
Authors: Kara Murat , Tuma Jan
Published: February 2014

Der Nierenparenchymzapfen (NPZ) stellt eine wichtige Differenzialdiagnose zu den echten Nierentumoren dar. Er ist definiert als ein mindestens 15 mm grosser Teil des normalen Nierenparenchyms, das in den Nierensinus-Raum hineinragt. Besteht ein NPZ lediglich aus Nierenrindengewebe, wird er als Columna-Bertini-Nierenparenchymzapfen (CB-NPZ) bezeichnet. Ist jedoch zusammen mit der Nierenrinde auch eine Markpyramide Bestandteil des NPZ, wird er als Renkulus-Nierenparenchymzapfen (R-NPZ) genannt. Das Ziel dieser prospektiven Studie war es, die Häufigkeiten der CB-NPZ und der R-NPZ zu bestimmen. 200 Nieren von 100 Patienten wurden beurteilt. Mindestens ein NPZ wurde bei 53 Patienten gefunden. 27 Patienten hatten beidseits NPZ. CB-NPZ wurden bei 27,5% der Nieren, R-NPZ bei 12,5%. Die hohe Häufigkeit der NPZ unterstreicht deren Bedeutung in der Diagnostik der fokalen Nierenparenchym-veränderungen.
All-optical phase modulation in a cavity-polariton Mach–Zehnder interferometer
Authors: Sturm C. , Tanese D. , Nguyen H.S. , Flayac H. , Galopin E. , Lemaître A. , Sagnes I. , Solnyshkov D. , Amo A. , Malpuech G. , Bloch J.
Published: February 2014

Quantum fluids based on light is a highly developing research field, since they provide a nonlinear platform for developing optical functionalities and quantum simulators. An important issue in this context is the ability to coherently control the properties of the fluid. Here we propose an all-optical approach for controlling the phase of a flow of cavity-polaritons, making use of their strong interactions with localized excitons. Here we illustrate the potential of this method by implementing a compact exciton–polariton interferometer, which output intensity and polarization can be optically controlled. This interferometer is cascadable with already reported polariton devices and is promising for future polaritonic quantum optic experiments. Complex phase patterns could be also engineered using this optical method, providing a key tool to build photonic artificial gauge fields.
Smart hydrogels as functional biomimetic systems
Authors: Lim Han L. , Hwang Yongsung , Kar Mrityunjoy , Varghese Shyni
Published: February 2014

This review discusses the principles underlying stimuli-responsive behavior of hydrogels and how these properties contribute to their biomimetic functions and applications.
Aqueous Nile blue: a simple, versatile and safe reagent for the detection of latent fingermarks
Authors: Frick Amanda A. , Busetti Francesco , Cross Andrew , Lewis Simon W.
Published: February 2014

Aqueous Nile blue A provides a simple approach to the detection of latent fingermarks on porous and non-porous surfaces.
Modelling retinal chromophores photoisomerization: from minimal models in vacuo to ultimate bidimensional spectroscopy in rhodopsins
Authors: Rivalta Ivan , Nenov Artur , Garavelli Marco
Published: February 2014

Modelling of retinal photoisomerization in different environments is reviewed and ultimate ultrafast electronic spectroscopy is proposed for obtaining new insights.
Curie-type paramagnetic NMR relaxation in the aqueous solution of Ni(ii)
Authors: Mareš Jiří , Hanni Matti , Lantto Perttu , Lounila Juhani , Vaara Juha
Published: February 2014

The magnetic field of the Curie spin manifests itself as both the pNMR shielding tensor and Curie relaxation, in analogy with CSA relaxation theory.
Performance-improved Li–O2 battery with Ru nanoparticles supported on binder-free multi-walled carbon nanotube paper as cathode
Authors: Li Fujun , Chen Yong , Tang Dai-Ming , Jian Zelang , Liu Chang , Golberg Dmitri , Yamada Atsuo , Zhou Haoshen
Published: February 2014

Ru nanoparticles supported on a multi-walled carbon nanotube paper as a cathode in a Li–O2 battery can significantly reduce the charge overpotentials, and present a large discharge–charge capacity and stable cycles.
Investigation of different nanoparticles for magnetophoretically enabled nanofin heat sinks in microfluidics
Authors: Yi Pyshar , Khoshmanesh Khashayar , Campbell Jos L. , Coughlan Phillip , Ghorbani Kamran , Kalantar-zadeh Kourosh
Published: February 2014

This work presents the thermal performance of a microfluidic system in the presence of magnetically formed nanofins (CrO2 and Fe2O3).
Trapping self-propelled micromotors with microfabricated chevron and heart-shaped chips
Authors: Restrepo-Pérez Laura , Soler Lluís , Martínez-Cisneros Cynthia S. , Sánchez Samuel , Schmidt Oliver G.
Published: February 2014

Catalytic micromotors are trapped in microfluidic chips containing chevron and heart-shaped PDMS structures.
Bicyclic imidazole-4-one derivatives: a new class of antagonists for the orphan G protein-coupled receptors GPR18 and GPR55
Authors: Rempel V. , Atzler K. , Behrenswerth A. , Karcz T. , Schoeder C. , Hinz S. , Kaleta M. , Thimm D. , Kiec-Kononowicz K. , Müller C. E.
Published: February 2014

GPR18 and GPR55 are orphan G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that interact with certain cannabinoid (CB) receptor ligands.
Interleukin-6 enhances manganese accumulation in SH-SY5Y cells: implications of the up-regulation of ZIP14 and the down-regulation of ZnT10
Authors: Fujishiro Hitomi , Yoshida Mari , Nakano Yuka , Himeno Seiichiro
Published: February 2014

Manganese accumulation in neuronal cells may be enhanced by interleukin-6viathe up-regulation of ZIP14 and the down-regulation of ZnT10.
Fabricating BaZrO3 hollow microspheres by a simple reflux method
Authors: Zou Yongcun , Luo Yang , Wen Ni , Ye Tiannan , Xu Caiyun , Yu Jianguo , Wang Fengqin , Li Guodong , Zhao Yongnan
Published: February 2014

BaZrO3, SrZrO3 and SrHfO3 hollow microparticles were prepared by a reflux method. The concentrated KOH solution used initiated a grain nucleation process to reduce particle sizes, and afforded a high reaction temperature to promote the hollowing process.
A new modified cytosine base capable of base pairing with guanine using four hydrogen bonds
Authors: Yamada Ken , Masaki Yoshiaki , Tsunoda Hirosuke , Ohkubo Akihiro , Seio Kohji , Sekine Mitsuo
Published: February 2014

Oligonucleotides, containing 4-N-(1H-pyrrol-2-ylcarbonyl)deoxycytidine (dCPyc) and related derivatives, were synthesized via deprotection using 1.5 M NaOMe/MeOH.
A concise synthetic approach toward tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate): cis-aziridine as the key synthon and RCM
Authors: Chavan Subhash P. , Chavan Prakash N. , Khairnar Lalit B.
Published: February 2014

The key synthon cis-aziridine has been efficiently utilised for the synthesis of tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate), using Wittig olefination, Barbier addition, Mitsunobu reaction and ring closing metathesis (RCM) as key essentials.
A polyimide ion-conductive protection layer to suppress side reactions on Li4Ti5O12electrodes at elevated temperature
Authors: Lu Qingwen , Fang Jianhua , Yang Jun , Feng Xuejiao , Wang Jiulin , Nuli Yanna
Published: February 2014

The polyimide layer prevents the direct contact of the LTO surface with liquid electrolyte, thus significantly improves the electrochemical performance.
Pd-catalyzed ligand-free Suzuki reaction of β-substituted allylic halides with arylboronic acids in water
Authors: Dong Chaonan , Zhang Lingjuan , Xue Xiao , Li Huanrong , Yu Zhiyong , Tang Weijun , Xu Lijin
Published: February 2014

The combination of Pd(TFA)2 and KOH could efficiently catalyze the reaction of β-substituted allylic halides with arylboronic acids in water.
The thermal conductivity of polymethylsilsesquioxane aerogels and xerogels with varied pore sizes for practical application as thermal superinsulators
Authors: Hayase G. , Kugimiya K. , Ogawa M. , Kodera Y. , Kanamori K. , Nakanishi K.
Published: February 2014

The relationship between the thermal conductivity, gas pressure and pore size of polymethylsilsesquioxane aerogels and xerogels has been investigated for practical applications.
Enhanced HCHO gas sensing properties by Ag-loaded sunflower-like In2O3 hierarchical nanostructures
Authors: Wang Shuangming , Xiao Bingxin , Yang Tianye , Wang Pan , Xiao Chuanhai , Li Zhifang , Zhao Rui , Zhang Mingzhe
Published: February 2014

Nanoscale Ag-loaded sunflower-like In2O3 hierarchical nanostructures are developed for HCHO detection.
Aggregation-induced and crystallization-enhanced emissions with time-dependence of a new Schiff-base family based on benzimidazole
Authors: Cao Yuanle , Yang Mingdi , Wang Yang , Zhou HongPing , Zheng Jun , Zhang Xiuzhen , Wu Jieying , Tian Yupeng , Wu Zongquan
Published: February 2014

A new Schiff-base family containing [4-(1H-benzimidazole-2-yl)-phenyl]-bis-(4-ethoxy-phenyl)-amine has been synthesized through a condensation reaction.
The first case of an actinide polyrotaxane incorporating cucurbituril: a unique ‘dragon-like’ twist induced by a specific coordination pattern of uranium
Authors: Mei Lei , Wu Qun-yan , Liu Cai-ming , Zhao Yu-liang , Chai Zhi-fang , Shi Wei-qun
Published: February 2014

A unique ‘dragon-like’ twist is induced by the specific coordination pattern of uranium in the first actinide polyrotaxane.
Macrocyclic arylopeptoids – a novel type of cyclic N-alkylated aromatic oligoamides forming nanotubular assemblies
Authors: Hjelmgaard Thomas , Roy Olivier , Nauton Lionel , El-Ghozzi Malika , Avignant Daniel , Didierjean Claude , Taillefumier Claude , Faure Sophie
Published: February 2014

The head-to-tail macrocyclisation of arylopeptoids (oligomeric N-substituted aminomethyl benzamides) has enabled the first X-ray structures of arylopeptoid constructs and the identification of well-defined architectures in solution.