bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
John Paul Wild AC CBE FAA FTSE. 17 May 1923 — 10 May 2008
Authors: Frater R. H. , Ekers R. D.
Published: September 2012

Paul Wild stands tall among the founding fathers of modern radio astronomy. His early work became the foundation for all future research on solar radio bursts. He established the theory and identified the different types of radio bursts. He developed new types of instrument, including the dynamic spectrograph and a radioheliograph to make two-dimensional movie images. His early interest in the radio spectrum of hydrogen led to an analysis of the hyperfine structure of hydrogen emission and a publication that became a classic paper in the field. Recognition that the 21 cm hydrogen line could be used to measure the Zeeman effect, and through that magnetic fields in astronomical sources, was another key contribution to modern astronomy. He became Chief of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Division of Radiophysics and developed and demonstrated an outstanding microwave landing system for aviation. As Chairman of CSIRO he led the organization through a major restructuring and adapted CSIRO to bring it closer to industry while maintaining a high standard of excellence and originality. Throughout his career, Paul Wild provided great leadership at all levels of science in Australia.
Genistein and bisphenol A exposure cause estrogen receptor 1 to bind thousands of sites in a cell type-specific manner
Authors: Gertz Jason , Reddy Timothy E. , Varley Katherine E. , Garabedian Michael J. , Myers Richard M.
Published: September 2012

Endogenous estrogens that are synthesized in the body impact gene regulation by activating estrogen receptors in diverse cell types. Exogenous compounds that have estrogenic properties can also be found circulating in the blood in both children and adults. The genome-wide impact of these environmental estrogens on gene regulation is unclear. To obtain an integrated view of gene regulation in response to environmental and endogenous estrogens on a genome-wide scale, we performed ChIP-seq to identify estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1; previously estrogen receptorα) binding sites, and RNA-seq in endometrial cancer cells exposed to bisphenol A (BPA; found in plastics), genistein (GEN; found in soybean), or 17β-estradiol (E2; an endogenous estrogen). GEN and BPA treatment induces thousands of ESR1 binding sites and >50 gene expression changes, representing a subset of E2-induced gene regulation changes. Genes affected by E2 were highly enriched for ribosome-associated proteins; however, GEN and BPA failed to regulate most ribosome-associated proteins and instead enriched for transporters of carboxylic acids. Treatment-dependent changes in gene expression were associated with treatment-dependent ESR1 binding sites, with the exception that many genes up-regulated by E2 harbored a BPA-induced ESR1 binding site but failed to show any expression change after BPA treatment. GEN and BPA exhibited a similar relationship to E2 in the breast cancer line T-47D, where cell type specificity played a much larger role than treatment specificity. Overall, both environmental estrogens clearly regulate gene expression through ESR1 on a genome-wide scale, although with lower potency resulting in less ESR1 binding sites and less gene expression changes compared to the endogenous estrogen, E2.
Effects of antenatal recognition and follow‐up on perinatal outcomes in small‐for‐gestational age infants delivered after 36 weeks
Authors: FRATELLI NICOLA , VALCAMONICO ADRIANA , PREFUMO FEDERICO , PAGANI GIORGIO , GUARNERI TIZIANA , FRUSCA TIZIANA
Published: September 2012

Objective. To compare perinatal outcomes of late small‐for‐gestational age (SGA, birthweight <10th percentile) infants, according to antenatal recognition. Design. Retrospective study. Setting. Tertiary referral center. Population. All singleton pregnancies with SGA (birthweight <10th percentile) infants born ≥36 weeks’ gestation from January 2007 to April 2009. Methods: Chart review of 771 pregnancies. SGA infants identified prior to delivery (group A) were compared with those not identified (group B). Main outcome measures. Mode of delivery, perinatal complications, admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). In group A, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and area under the curve (AUC) of antenatal tests to predict NICU admission were calculated. Results. In 17% of infants, SGA was recognized before birth (group A), whereas in 83% it was recognized only at birth (group B). Infants with the most severe degree of SGA (birthweight <3rd percentile) were more frequently diagnosed antenatally (30%). Admission to NICU (14 vs. 3%, p < 0.001) and cesarean delivery (42 vs. 26%; p < 0.001) were more likely in group A. Adverse outcomes related to hypoxia were all observed in group B, but the difference was not significant. In antenatally detected fetuses a combination of fetal abdominal circumference, umbilical artery pulsatility index and middle cerebral artery pulsatility index z‐scores was useful for prediction of NICU admission (AUC = 0.94). Conclusion. Antenatal recognition of late SGA may improve perinatal outcomes. However, admission to neonatal intensive care and cesarean delivery were more frequent among SGA infants recognized antenatally.
Sleep disorders in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Bloetzer Clemens , Jeannet Pierre‐Yves , Lynch Bryan , Newman Christopher J.
Published: September 2012

Aim:  Determine the frequency and predictors of sleep disorders in boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

Method:  Cross‐sectional study by postal questionnaire. Sleep disturbances were assessed using the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (validated on 1157 healthy children). A total sleep score and six sleep disturbance factors representing the most common sleep disorders were computed. Potential associations between pathological scores and personal, medical and environmental factors were assessed.

Results:  Sixteen of 63 boys (25.4%) had a pathological total sleep score compared with 3% in the general population. The most prevalent sleep disorders were disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep (DIMS) 29.7%, sleep‐related breathing disorders 15.6% and sleep hyperhydrosis 14.3%.

On multivariate analysis, pathological total sleep scores were associated with the need to be moved by a carer (OR = 9.4; 95%CI: 2.2–40.7; p = 0.003) and being the child of a single‐parent family (OR = 7.2; 95%CI: 1.5–35.1; p = 0.015) and DIMS with the need to be moved by a carer (OR = 18.0; 95%CI: 2.9–110.6; p = 0.002), steroid treatment (OR = 7.7; 95%CI: 1.4–44.0; p = 0.021) and being the child of a single‐parent family (OR = 7.0; 95%CI: 1.3–38.4; p = 0.025).

Conclusion:  Sleep disturbances are frequent in boys with DMD and are strongly associated with immobility. Sleep should be systematically assessed in DMD to implement appropriate interventions.
New rules governing synaptic plasticity in core nucleus accumbens medium spiny neurons
Authors: Ji Xincai , Martin Gilles E.
Published: September 2012

The nucleus accumbens is a forebrain region responsible for drug reward and goal‐directed behaviors. It has long been believed that drugs of abuse exert their addictive properties on behavior by altering the strength of synaptic communication over long periods of time. To date, attempts at understanding the relationship between drugs of abuse and synaptic plasticity have relied on the high‐frequency long‐term potentiation model of T.V. Bliss & T. Lømo [(1973) Journal of Physiology, 232, 331–356]. We examined synaptic plasticity using spike‐timing‐dependent plasticity, a stimulation paradigm that reflects more closely the in vivo firing patterns of mouse core nucleus accumbens medium spiny neurons and their afferents. In contrast to other brain regions, the same stimulation paradigm evoked bidirectional long‐term plasticity. The magnitude of spike‐timing‐dependent long‐term potentiation (tLTP) changed with the delay between action potentials and excitatory post‐synaptic potentials, and frequency, whereas that of spike‐timing‐dependent long‐term depression (tLTD) remained unchanged. We showed that tLTP depended on N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors, whereas tLTD relied on action potentials. Importantly, the intracellular calcium signaling pathways mobilised during tLTP and tLTD were different. Thus, calcium‐induced calcium release underlies tLTD but not tLTP. Finally, we found that the firing pattern of a subset of medium spiny neurons was strongly inhibited by dopamine receptor agonists. Surprisingly, these neurons were exclusively associated with tLTP but not with tLTD. Taken together, these data point to the existence of two subgroups of medium spiny neurons with distinct properties, each displaying unique abilities to undergo synaptic plasticity.
Flow regulation affects temporal patterns of riverine plant seed dispersal: potential implications for plant recruitment
Authors: GREET JOE , COUSENS ROGER D. , WEBB J. ANGUS
Published: September 2012

1. Changes to the natural flow regime of a river caused by flow regulation may affect waterborne seed dispersal (hydrochory), and this may be an important mechanism by which regulation affects riverine plant communities. We assessed the effect of altered timing of seasonal flow peaks on hydrochory and considered the potential implications for plant recruitment.

2. We sampled hydrochory within five lowland rivers of temperate Australia, three of which are regulated by large dams. These dams are operated to store winter and spring rains and release water in summer and autumn for agriculture. At three sites on each river, hydrochory was sampled monthly for 12 months using passive drift nets. The contents of the drift samples were determined using the seedling‐emergence method.

3. More than 33 000 seedlings from 142 taxa germinated from the samples. In general, more seeds and taxa were observed in the drift at higher flows. By altering the period of peak flows from winter–spring to summer–autumn, flow regulation similarly affected the period of peak seed dispersal. The effect of regulation on seed dispersal varied between taxa depending on their timing of seed release and whether or not they maintain a persistent soil seed bank.

4. Hydrochory in rivers is a product of flow regime and the life history of plants. By altering natural flow regimes and thus hydrochorous dispersal patterns, flow regulation is likely to affect adversely the recruitment of native plant species with dispersal phenologies adapted to natural flow regimes (such as many riparian trees and shrubs) and encourage the spread of non‐native (exotic) species.

5. Changes to hydrochorous dispersal patterns are an important mechanism by which altered flow timing affects riverine plant communities. Natural seasonal flow peaks (in this case spring) are likely to be important for the recruitment of many native riparian woody taxa.
Variation in beetle community structure across five microhabitats in Australian tropical rainforest trees
Authors: Wardhaugh Carl W. , Edwards Will , Stork Nigel E.
Published: September 2012

Beetles (Coleoptera) are the most species‐rich and ecologically diverse group of organisms in tropical rainforest canopies. This study reports on the distribution of the beetle community on five discrete canopy microhabitats (mature leaves, new leaves, flowers, fruit, and suspended dead wood) on 23 tree species in an Australian tropical rainforest. We tested the hypothesis that the beetle fauna will vary in community structure between microhabitats based on differences in the quantity, quality as a food source and availability of different canopy microhabitats.

There was substantial variation in dominant beetle families in terms of abundance between microhabitats. All assemblages contained a high number of rare species, with flowers supporting most of the more abundant species. Consequently, the flower‐visitor assemblage was more heterogeneous than expected by chance, whereas the mature leaf assemblage was more even in the proportional abundances of species than expected.

The distribution of singletons was also non‐random and flowers, which are spatially and temporally restricted, supported fewer singletons than expected by chance, whereas mature leaves and dead wood supported more. These differences were insensitive to beetle feeding guild, and are most likely related to variation in microhabitat distribution and availability, which influenced relative sampling efforts and the probability of random microhabitat/beetle associations.

High dissimilarity in species overlap between microhabitats suggests that each microhabitat attracts a unique beetle assemblage, which has an additive effect on canopy‐wide species richness patterns. Consequently, biodiversity studies that focus on single microhabitats may inadvertently omit a large proportion of canopy species.
Transcriptomic insights into mechanisms of symbiotic cooperation
Authors: Simms Ellen L. , Porter Stephanie S.
Published: September 2012

Intraspecific genetic variation can affect community structure and ecosystem processes (Bolnick et al. 2011). It can also influence phenotypic expression by genotypes within other species to produce genotype‐by‐genotype (G × G) interaction (Falconer & Mackay 1996). Evolution of one species drives correlated evolution of others when it causes G × G for fitness (Thompson 2005). However, the mechanisms by which species interact also influence evolutionary outcomes (Kummel & Salant 2006; Golubski & Klausmeier 2010; Akçay & Simms 2011; Grman et al. 2012). To identify genes and putative functional mechanisms underlying G × G interactions, Heath et al. (2012) analysed natural variation in the symbiotic transcriptome of the mutualistic nutritional symbiosis between a legume host Medicago truncatula and the facultative endosymbiotic rhizobium Sinorhizobium meliloti. Using twelve microarrays, the authors simultaneously measured host and symbiont gene expression in root nodules from four factorial pairings of host and symbiont genotypes that produced G × G in host fitness (Fig. 1, upper panel). Rhizobium gene expression was influenced by rhizobium and plant genotype and the G × G interaction (Fig. 1, lower panel), whereas plant gene expression was influenced primarily by plant genotype. The authors identified rhizobium genes that might contribute to G × G in host plant fitness. Heath et al. (2012) have moved beyond the constraints of single organism analysis towards a more realistic understanding of plants and bacteria as organisms inextricably linked with symbioses that affect even basic patterns of gene expression.
Invasion of the hybrids
Authors: Hegarty M. J.
Published: September 2012

Human activity and climate change are increasingly driving species, which were once separate together, leading to the potential for gene flow. Hybridization between diverged species brings together two genomes which have evolved to meet different adaptive requirements. The unique combination of these traits in a hybrid may be beneficial or maladaptive, but either way it results in increased phenotypic variation. A percentage of hybrid individuals may, therefore, find themselves able to exploit environmental niches which their progenitors cannot, leading to invasive hybrid swarms becoming established in new habitats. Previous research into hybrids, most famously that of Loren Rieseberg and co‐workers (Rieseberg et al. 1999, 2003) in sunflowers, demonstrated that hybridization can give rise to transgressive segregation of adaptive traits, wherein the combination of favourable alleles from both parents in hybrids can enable them to outperform either. However, the question still remains as to how much of the competitive ability of hybrids is a direct result of admixture and how much is the result of selection after the fact. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, (Czypionka et al. 2012) describe their study of transcriptional changes resulting from hybridization in a fish hybrid termed invasive sculpins (Cottus). Using gene expression microarray assays, they compare gene expression in both wild and lab‐reared invasive hybrids to the progenitor species and experimentally produced F2 hybrids. They demonstrate that whilst hybridization alone does result in higher variance in gene expression (some of which is transgressive), many of the transgressive changes distinguishing the invasives appear to have come about subsequent to the initial natural hybridization event. They speculate that initial success of the hybrids in their new habitat is facilitated by hybridization, but that optimization of the invasive phenotype and removal of maladaptive traits rapidly reduces the variation in gene expression seen in early hybrids.
Characterization of pruritus in canine atopic dermatitis, flea bite hypersensitivity and flea infestation and its role in diagnosis
Authors: Bruet Vincent , Bourdeau Patrick J. , Roussel Anne , Imparato Latitia , Desfontis Jean‐Claude
Published: September 2012

Background – In dogs, flea infestation (FI), flea bite hypersensitivity (FBH) and canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) have been mainly characterized by their lesions but never by their pruritus. In clinical practice, many of these dogs exhibit only pruritus.

Hypothesis/Objectives – The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of pruritus in these dermatoses and their potential usefulness for diagnosis.

Animals – Dogs included were selected from the Oniris clinical data. Cases were selected in which the dogs had only one of the three dermatoses diagnosed. The diagnosis of CAD was based on Prélaud’s criteria and positive intradermal tests except flea; for FBH by compatible clinical signs and a response to an intradermal test with flea allergen; and for FI by the presence of fleas. Moreover, in each group, other primary pruritic skin diseases were excluded.

Methods – Location, behavioural manifestations, seasonality and quantification of the pruritus were evaluated. The statistical analysis used chi‐squared test with aP‐value <0.05.

Results – Three hundred and forty‐six dogs were analysed, 91 with CAD, 110 FI and 145 FBH. The period (season) of onset was not statistically different either for each dermatosis or among the three dermatoses. Some locations were highly specific for one dermatosis as follows: ventral abdomen/medial surface of thigh (chewing) and radius/carpus/tibia/tarsus (chewing) in FI; back/dorsolumbar area (chewing) and tail (chewing) in FBH; and paws (chewing/licking) and face/neck (rubbing) in CAD.

Conclusions and clinical importance – Some features of pruritus could be suggestive of the causal disease, with possible diagnostic value in pruritic dogs.
Zygomycosis over‐infection during voriconazole therapy for aspergillosis in a heart transplant patient, successfully treated with liposomal amphotericin and posaconazole
Authors: Bourke P. , Castro P. , Rabagliati R. , Beltran C. , Verdejo H. , Winter J.L. , Bourge R.C.
Published: September 2012

Aspergillosis and zygomycosis are life‐threatening fungal infections in immunocompromised patients. We report a heart transplant recipient with an early pulmonary invasive aspergillosis successfully treated with association of voriconazole and caspofungin. Zygomycosis sinusitis, which was diagnosed while he still was on voriconazole therapy, was successfully treated with the use of combination antifungal therapy including liposomal amphotericin plus posaconazole and conservative surgical debridement.
Dairyland populations of bur cucumber (Sicyos angulatus) as a possible seed source for riverbank populations along the Abukuma River,Japan
Authors: Kobayashi Hisami , Kurokawa Shunji , Ikeda Kentaro
Published: September 2012

In 2006, the distribution of bur cucumber (Sicyos angulatusL.) along the river bank of the Abukuma River,Japan, was examined. Twenty‐six populations were found in the area surrounding the upper reach of the river and they were limited to dairy land. On the basis of polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis for four of the six polymorphic loci that were detected in 16 non‐coding regions of the chloroplastDNAfrom 300 samples, five multilocus haplotypes (A–E) were identified. Despite its smaller size, the surrounding area's population showed a higher genetic diversity at the haplotype level than did the riverbank population. The haplotype composition of the surrounding area's population was similar to that of the riverbank population in the upper‐stream region. The distribution of haplotype D was biased towards the upper reach of the river, possibly because of migration from the surrounding area's population. The distribution of haplotype E was biased towards the middle‐to‐lower reaches of the river and was associated with the existence of source populations other than the surrounding area's population. The results also showed that the estimated seed flow from another dairy land could transport seeds into the middle reach of the river at a high frequency, suggesting that dairy land is largely responsible for the development of the riverbank populations. The eradication of dairyland populations should be given priority in order to prevent future migration along the river bank and to protect the existing endangered wetland species from invasiveS. angulatus.
Scale effects on the body size frequency distributions of African birds: patterns and potential mechanisms
Authors: Coetzee Bernard W. T. , le Roux Peter C. , Chown Steven L.
Published: September 2012

Aim

To describe and analyse the body size frequency distributions (BSFDs) of avian assemblages at several spatial scales in the Afrotropics. We also tested if the variation in median body size across assemblages at different spatial scales was related to environmental variables and whether purely stochastic processes could explain BSFDs.

Location

The Afrotropical biogeographic realm.

Methods

Avian body masses for 1960 species where analysed at continental, biome, ecoregion and local spatial scales with standard metrics. Variation in median assemblage body size was modelled as a function of environmental and spatial explanatory variables to assess non‐random assemblage structure. We tested if BSFDs of smaller spatial scale distributions are random subsets of the larger spatial scale assemblages in which they are embedded, and used three different null model randomizations to investigate the influence of stochastic processes on BSFDs.

Results

The African avifauna's continental BSFD is unimodal and right‐skewed. BSFDs generally become less skewed and less modal with decreasing spatial scale. The best‐fit model explained 71% of median body size values at the ecoregion scale as a function of latitude, latitude2, longitude, species richness and species range size. BSFDs at smaller scales show non‐random assembly from larger scale BSFDs distributions.

Main conclusion

African avifaunal BSFDs are quantitatively dissimilar to African mammal BSFDs, which are bimodal at all spatial scales. Much of the change in median body size with spatial scale can be captured by a range‐weighted null model, suggesting that differential turnover between smaller‐ and larger‐bodied species might explain the shift in the central tendency of the BSFD. At the local scale, energy may well contribute to structuring BSFDs, but this pattern is less pronounced at larger spatial scales.
Cross‐Divisional Innovation in the Large Corporation: Thoughts and Evidence on Its Value and the Role of the Early Stages of Innovation
Authors: Grote Markus , Herstatt Cornelius , Gemünden Hans Georg
Published: September 2012

Forty‐five years after Ansoff's seminal work on synergies, many multi‐divisional corporations still struggle to create additional value. Therefore, it is surprising that in times of open innovation, little research has been conducted on the impact of cross‐divisional product development. In our paper, we derive conceptual arguments for the relevance of joint initiatives and examine the role of cross‐divisional collaboration in the early stages of the innovation process. Our research model is tested using a quantitative survey in 110 multi‐divisional firms. We find that the extent of collaboration in the early stages of innovation strongly determines the impact of cross‐divisional products on corporate success. To achieve collaboration, our results highlight the relevance of appropriate integration mechanisms and incentives.
A novel general method for fast and easy preparation of cationic, neutral dimethinehemicyanine and dimethine dyes by uncatalysed Knoevenagel condensation
Authors: Deligeorgiev Todor , Gadjev Nikolay , Kaloyanova Stefka , Lesev Nedyalko , Vasilev Aleksey , Alexiev Alexi
Published: September 2012

Three novel general experimental procedures for preparation of cationic, neutral dimethinehemicyanine and dimethine dyes (eight of which are unpublished) by uncatalysed Knoevenagel condensation have been developed. The proposed methods are versatile as a variety of different starting materials can be used and they ensure good to very high yields, very short reaction times and high purity of the final dyes. Absorption and fluorescent properties of the novel dyes were investigated.
Fever, Irritability, and Ulcerations in an Infant
Authors: Patel Devika , Cook Nathan , Newell Brandon , Becker Mara
Published: September 2012

Abstract:  A young infant with fever and oral ulcerations is presented herein. Extensive infectious, nutritional, immunodeficiency and autoimmune work up was performed. Pertinent maternal history suggested the potential diagnosis of neonatal Behçet’s, and treatment for this condition resulted in rapid and sustained clinical improvement.
Natural Revegetation of a Boreal Gold Mine Tailings Pond
Authors: Young Ian W. R. , Naguit Christian , Halwas Sara J. , Renault Sylvie , Markham John H.
Published: September 2012

Understanding the natural revegetation of forests disturbed by the dumping of mine wastes is vital for the success of reclamation strategies. The Gunnar gold mine tailings pond in southeast Manitoba has remained largely unvegetated since the mine was closed in 1942, with limited vegetation developed on one side of the pond. We examined the natural Picea mariana/Larix laricina forest that has developed on the pond to determine how the plant community develops and what changes in the tailings are associated with this development. Vegetation sampled along transects showed a consistent pattern of succession from Equisetum palustre to Salix spp., and Populus balsamifera, to Larix laricina and finally to P. mariana. Larix laricina and P. mariana are moving into the site at the rate of 1.5 m per year with L. laricina invading 4 years ahead of P. mariana. Both tree species show a similar pattern of annual growth, showing positive correlations with spring precipitation, a pattern also occurring on L. laricina growing on a nearby site. The establishment of E. palustre was accompanied by initially rapid decreases in compaction and conductivity of the tailings, and an increase in inorganic nitrogen. Surface organic matter depth, coarse organic matter mass, and soil organic carbon increased at a constant rate, whereas subsurface coarse organic matter had an initial rapid increase followed by a gradual increase. As fern allies (and specifically members of the Equisetaceae family) have a number of properties that facilitate succession on mine wastes, their use should be explored further.
Neighborhood Revitalization and New Life: A Land Value Taxation Approach
Authors: VINCENT JOSHUA
Published: September 2012

Abstract

When a neighborhood declines, the poor get poorer, crime rises, and those who can leave the area. The tax base shrinks, so the rates paid by those least able to pay increase. The prevailing system of a low tax on land values leads to land speculation and private land banking, assuring that the landowner can hold out for a very high price for a very long time. A higher tax on land values (coupled with reduction in building taxes) creates an incentive to sell that land or do something with it rather than waiting. In cities that use land‐value taxes, real‐estate markets start to work again and neighborhoods recover. Clairton, Pennsylvania's adoption of a land‐value‐taxation system demonstrates the neighborhood revitalization to which it leads, as owner‐occupied residences and multi‐family units saw a relief in their tax burden. In contrast, vacant properties' contribution to the city budget tripled, providing the resources to pay for the education of Clairton's children and liberate working and middle‐class families from the bonds of labor and capital taxation.
A Little Common Sense: The Ethics of Immigration in Catholic Social Teaching
Authors: O'NEILL WILLIAM R.
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Modern Catholic social teaching recurs to the idiom of human dignity and human rights. Our moral entitlement toequalrespect or consideration, in concert with the ethical ideal of the common good, moreover, justifiespreferentialtreatment for those whose basic rights are most imperiled. Thus states are morally bound to respect and promote the basic human rights of both citizen and resident alien, especially the most vulnerable—and of these, in particular, women and children. Indeed, the duty to protect grounds the subsidiary duty to rescue, for example, through diplomatic initiatives, sanctions, andin extremis, humanitarian intervention in the case of genocide or mass atrocity. Disciples thus see and have compassion, even as compassion becomes a way of seeing. Compassion, then, not only guides them in the fitting application of universal, essential norms, for example, the rights of migrants, but gives rise to existential (personal and ecclesial) imperatives as they come to the aid of wounded humanity.
Does a Positive Response to Spermatic Cord Block Predict Response to Microdenervation of the Spermatic Cord for Chronic Scrotal Content Pain?
Authors: Benson Jonas S. , Abern Michael R. , Larsen Stephen , Levine Laurence A.
Published: September 2012

Introduction

Microdenervation of the spermatic cord (MDSC) has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment for men with intractable scrotal content pain.

Aim

This study evaluates the correlation between a positive response to a spermatic cord block with local anesthetic and the subsequent surgical outcome following MDSC.

Main Outcome Measures

Pre- and post-cord block pain and pre- and post-MDSC pain.

Methods

A retrospective review of 74 patients (77 testicular units) who underwent MDSC from 2006 to 2010 was performed. Pre- and post-spermatic cord block pain scores based on a 0–10 visual analog scale (VAS) were compared with pre- and post-MDSC pain scores. A positive response to the block was defined as greater than or equal to 50% temporary reduction of pain based on VAS.

Results

The average patient age was 42 years with a mean follow-up of 10 months. The mean duration of symptoms before surgery was 69 months. Mean pre-cord block pain score was 8 with an 89% average decrease in pain following the block. Mean post-MDSC pain score was 2 with an average decrease of 73%. The level of temporary improvement from the cord block appeared to be a useful predictor of sustained improvement with MDSC (P = 0.05). Positive response to spermatic cord block was an independent predictor of MDSC response (P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Men with chronic orchialgia who have a positive response to a spermatic cord block are likely to have durable and complete resolution of symptoms after undergoing MDSC. The amount of pain relief obtained after the cord block correlates with pain relief after undergoing a MDSC. Men with chronic orchialgia who desire surgical correction should undergo a preoperative spermatic cord block as part of their complete evaluation. The result of the cord block can help guide the practitioner and the patient toward definitive surgical management via MDSC.
Aortoenteric fistulas: Is there a place for parenteral nutrition?
Authors: KOTSIKORIS Ioannis , ZYGOMALAS Apollon , MARAS Dimitrios , PAPAS Theofanis , ANDRIKOPOULOU Maria , ALIVIZATOS Vasileios , BESSIAS Nikolaos
Published: September 2012

Aim:  Aortoenteric fistulas are a rare but often fatal cause of gastrointestinal bleeding. Operative repair has been historically associated with extremely high morbidity and mortality. From the literature and our own experience, the mean overall length of stay for patients who are successfully discharged from the hospital appears to be more than 15 days, and oral feeding is frequently delayed. Possibilities of nutritional intervention in vascular surgery patients are important. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of parenteral nutrition in patients treated for aortoenteric fistulas.

Methods:  The records of all patients admitted to the Department of Vascular Surgery with AEFs during the last three years (2007–2009) were reviewed and analysed.

Results:  During the last three years, five patients were admitted to the Department of Vascular Surgery with AEFs. Their mean age was 55.8 years (range 49–67). Four patients were male and one was female. The mean body mass index was 28.6 kg/m2 (range 25 to 33.2). The Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool score showed a high risk for malnutrition for all the patients. The mean hospital stay was 25.2 days. All five patients were supported with total PN (four central and one peripheral). There were no complications due to PN.

Conclusion:  Provision of PN support in patients with AEFs may be used without complications.
Intracranial botryomycosis in a mature horse
Authors: Johns I. C. , Finding E. J. T. , Ciasca T. , Erles K. , Smith K. , Weller R.
Published: September 2012

This case report describes an unusual diagnosis of central nervous system botryomycosis in a horse. A 16‐year‐old Welsh Section D gelding was evaluated for acute onset of hypermetric ataxia, leaning to the left and head tilt to the right. Based on the neurological signs, a cerebellar lesion with accompanying vestibular disease was suspected and supportive therapy consisting of antimicrobial and glucocorticosteroid drugs and hypertonic saline was instituted. This resulted in marked clinical improvement over a 48 h period. Computed tomography performed in the standing, sedated horse following initial stabilisation identified extensive sclerosis and lysis of the right temporal and occipital bones, consistent with an infectious or neoplastic process. Based on the grave prognosis for survival despite the clinical improvement, euthanasia was undertaken. Post mortem magnetic resonance imaging identified a mass lesion impinging on the right cerebellar hemisphere, sclerosis of the temporal and occipital bones lateral and ventral to the mass, as well as destruction of the temporal bone between the inner ear and the cerebellum. These changes corresponded to the presence of a mass within the right dorsal temporal bone, extending into the right lateral temporal bone. The mass extended to compress and adhere to the right lateral hemisphere of the cerebellum. A histopathological diagnosis of botryomycosis was made, affecting the temporal and occipital bones and compressing the cerebellum.
The Prototype/Willingness model, academic versus health‐risk information, and risk cognitions associated with nonmedical prescription stimulant use among college students
Authors: Stock Michelle L. , Litt Dana M. , Arlt Virginia , Peterson Laurel M. , Sommerville Jessica
Published: September 2012

Objectives

Nonmedical prescription stimulant (NPS) use is an important problem among university students. The present studies applied the prototype‐willingness model (Gibbons, Gerrard & Lane, 2003) to academic‐based NPS use and examined the impact of academic versus health information on university students' NPS use cognitions.

Design and Methods

Study 1 used the prototype‐willingness model to examine cognitions associated with academic‐based willingness to use NPS. In Study 2, participants were randomly assigned to a control condition or to read information on the negative academic or negative health effects of NPS use. Beliefs, willingness, and expectation of engaging in future NPS use, prototypes of users, and perceived vulnerability were assessed.

Results

Students without a prescription for stimulants or a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) participated in each study (Ns = 555; 166). Twenty to thirty per cent reported NPS use, primarily for academic reasons. Controlling for past NPS, alcohol, and marijuana use: friends' NPS use, prototypes, perceived vulnerability, and negative health and positive academic beliefs were associated with willingness to use NPS in Study 1. Study 2 demonstrated that participants in the academic‐information condition reported the lowest willingness and expectations as well as the least favourable prototypes of NPS users. Participants in the health‐information condition reported the highest perceived vulnerability.

Conclusions

These studies highlight: the utility of using a health model framework to examine NPS cognitions, the importance of examining beliefs about the behaviour, and the potential for academic and health information to reduce risky NPS use cognitions.

Statement of contribution

What is already known? Nonmedical prescription stimulant (NPS) use is a common health‐risk behaviour among college students. The most common reasons cited by students for NPS use are related to academics (e.g., increase concentration, stay awake to study).

What does this study add? Shows the utility of the prototype‐willingness model to examine NPS use cognitions. Experimentally demonstrates the positive impact of academic and health information on NPS use cognitions. Reveals new relationships among health cognitions (including academic and health beliefs) that predict behaviour and are targets for future interventions.
Porphyromonas gingivalis and Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide causes resistin release from neutrophils
Authors: Furugen R , Hayashida H , Saito T
Published: September 2012

Objectives

It was reported that periodontitis is associated with increased serum resistin levels. We examined whether there was a difference between the release of resistin from neutrophils incubated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Porphyromonas gingivalis and with LPS from Escherichia coli, and which cell‐surface receptors and intracellular kinases were involved in this process.

Methods

Several concentrations of P. gingivalis‐LPS and E. coli‐LPS were added to neutrophils, supernatant from cultured neutrophils was collected, and resistin levels were measured by ELISA. To examine signaling pathways, neutrophils were pretreated with monoclonal antibodies against CD14, CD18, TLR2, and TLR4, and specific inhibitors of PI3K and MAPKs.

Results

Resistin release from neutrophils was induced both by P. gingivalis‐LPS and E. coli‐LPS, but resistin release by P. gingivalis‐LPS was weaker than E. coli‐LPS in low concentrations. Resistin release was decreased by pretreatment with monoclonal antibodies against CD14, CD18, and TLR4, but not by TLR2. Moreover, it was decreased by inhibitors of PI3K, JNK, and p38 MAPK, but not by ERK1/2.

Conclusions

Resistin release from neutrophils was induced by both P. gingivalis‐LPS and E. coli‐LPS. This was decreased by CD14, CD18, and TLR4 and was dependent on PI3K, JNK, and p38 MAPK, but not on ERK1/2 in intracellular pathways of neutrophils.
Prevalence of multidrug‐resistant gram‐negative bacilli producing extended‐spectrum β‐lactamases (ESBLs) and ESBL genes in solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Men T.‐Y. , Wang J.‐N. , Li H. , Gu Y. , Xing T.‐H. , Peng Z.‐H. , Zhong L.
Published: September 2012

Background

Multidrug‐resistant (MDR) gram‐negative bacilli pose a serious and rapidly emerging threat to recipients of solid organ transplants (SOTs). However, extended‐spectrum β‐lactamases (ESBLs), as one of the cardinal mechanisms of resistance to antimicrobial agents in SOT recipients, remain obscure. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of strains producing ESBLs in SOT patients with MDR gram‐negative bacilli infections and to identify the ESBL genes carried by them.

Materials and methods

Isolates from various clinical specimens of SOT recipients were identified using the VITEK 2 system, and their antibiotic sensitivity was determined by the 2‐fold agar dilution method. Isolates suspected of producing ESBL enzymes were tested by an ESBL phenotypic confirmatory method, and the ESBL genotypes were determined by the polymerase chain reaction and sequencing.

Results

A total of 80 MDR gram‐negative strains were isolated from 350 SOT recipients. Among these strains, 42 (52.5%) had an ESBL‐positive phenotype; 33 (42.3%) patients with ESBL‐positive infection were found. Molecular analysis showed that most of the isolates harbored blaCTX‐M‐9 (78.6%), blaTEM (81.0%), and blaSHV (69.0%) genes. All the ESBL‐producing strains were susceptible to carbapenems.

Conclusions

MDR gram‐negative isolates from SOT recipients are frequently ESBL producers. TEM and CTX‐M9 were the predominant ESBL types.
Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza infection in pediatric hemato‐oncology and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients
Authors: Babor F. , Grund S. , Siepermann M. , Oommen P.T. , Kuhlen M. , Schuster F.R. , Laws H.‐J. , Wessalowski R. , Bienemann K. , Janßen G. , Adams O. , Borkhardt A. , Meisel R.
Published: September 2012

Background

For children with hemato‐oncologic diseases, especially after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), the risk for developing complications related to pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 (pH1N1) infection is largely unknown.

Methods

A retrospective chart study was performed of pH1N1 cases diagnosed between October 2009 to January 2010 in the hemato‐oncologic unit of the University Children's Hospital of Düsseldorf, Germany.

Findings

In total, 21 children were diagnosed with laboratory‐confirmed pH1N1; in 16 patients with malignancies (acute leukemia 7, lymphoma 4, solid tumors 2, others 3) and in 5 with benign hematologic disorders. Five patients had undergone prior HSCT, although 1 patient was diagnosed during conditioning therapy with high‐dose chemotherapy in preparation for haploidentical HSCT. Most frequent symptoms were fever (>38.5°C) and cough (in 100%), and rhinorrhea (57%). The 2 patients acquiring pH1N1 infection under high‐dose or intensive chemotherapy did not require intensive care or mechanical ventilation, and both recovered under antiviral therapy. Oseltamivir was administered to 11 patients; in 1 patient, therapy was switched, on a compassionate‐use basis, to intravenous zanamivir because of lack of clinical improvement after oseltamivir therapy. Complications were hospitalization (19%), demand of oxygen supplementation, delay/interruption of antineoplastic therapy, and prolonged administration of antibiotics and antipyretics.

Conclusion

In the investigated patient population, pH1N1 was mild in most cases, but was associated with substantial morbidity in a proportion of patients and led to interruption and delay in anticancer treatment.
Galois groups of chromatic polynomials
Authors: Morgan Kerri
Published: September 2012

The chromatic polynomialP(G,λ) gives the number of ways a graphGcan be properly coloured in at mostλcolours. This polynomial has been extensively studied in both combinatorics and statistical physics, but there has been little work on its algebraic properties. This paper reports a systematic study of the Galois groups of chromatic polynomials. We give a summary of the Galois groups of all chromatic polynomials of strongly non-clique-separable graphs of order at most 10 and all chromatic polynomials of non-clique-separableθ-graphs of order at most 19. Most of these chromatic polynomials have symmetric Galois groups. We give five infinite families of graphs: one of these families has chromatic polynomials with a dihedral Galois group and two of these families have chromatic polynomials with cyclic Galois groups. This includes the first known infinite family of graphs that have chromatic polynomials with the cyclic Galois group of order 3.
Control of Chips in the Turning of 4150 by Using an Obstruction Type Chip Breaker
Authors: Shin Y. C. , Betts C. A.
Published: September 2012

This paper provides the optimal ratio of feed to the chip breaker location in the machining of 4150 steel when using an obstruction type chip breaker. The objective was to generate properly broken chips (half-turn or two thirds turn) avoiding over-broken and long chips. A set of oblique machining tests were performed on a LeBlond lathe with a carbide insert of 15 deg. edge and side clearance angles and −5 deg. rake angle. The radii of chips were measured by comparing a wide number of diameters and then finding the mean. The results were analyzed by plotting the chip radii versus nondimensional ratio of feed and chip breaker location. A brief theoretical consideration on the phenomena is also given. The experimental result well agrees qualitatively with the theoretical analysis. A very effective range was found with the optimal value of the ratio being about 20.
On-Line Flank Wear Estimation Using an Adaptive Observer and Computer Vision, Part 2: Experiment
Authors: Park Jong-Jin , Ulsoy A. Galip
Published: September 2012

An on-line flank wear estimation system, using the integrated method presented in Part 1 of the paper, is implemented in a laboratory environment, and its performance is evaluated through turning experiments. A computer vision system is developed using an image processing algorithm, a commercially available computer vision system, and a microscopic lens. The developed algorithm is based on the difference between the intensity of the reflected light from a flank wear surface and that from the background. The difference is very significant and an appropriate selection of the intensity threshold level yields an acceptable binary image of the flank wear. This image is used by the vision computer for the calculation of the flank wear. The flank wear model parameters that need to be known a priori are determined through several preliminary experiments, or from data available in the literature. Cutting conditions are selected to satisfy the assumptions made on the design of the adaptive observer presented in Part 1. The resulting cutting conditions are typical of those used in finishing cutting operations. The integrated method is tested in turning experiments under both constant and time varying cutting conditions, and yields very accurate on-line estimation of the flank wear development.
Experimental Verification of a Stability Theory for Periodic Cutting Operations
Authors: Minis I. , Tembo A.
Published: September 2012

The stability of periodic cutting operations, the dynamics of which are described by linear differential-difference equations with periodic coefficients, is studied. A new stability theory that uses parametric transfer functions and Fourier analysis to obtain the characteristic equation of such systems is experimentally verified. The theory is applied to single-point turning of a compliant work piece with two degrees-of-freedom. The theoretical predictions of both the critical depth of cut for chatter-free turning and the corresponding chatter frequency were found to be in good agreement with the measurements obtained from actual chatter tests under various surface speeds.