bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spray pyrolysis deposition and characterization of highly c‐axis oriented hexagonal ZnS nanorod crystals
Authors: Dedova Tatjana , Gromyko Inga , Krunks Malle , Mikli Valdek , Grossberg Maarja , Sildos Ilmo , Utt Kathriin , Vessart Risto , Unt Tarmo
Published: November 2014

Here we demonstrate that highly c‐axis oriented vertically aligned hexagonal ZnS nanorod‐like crystals have been synthesized via a facile and low‐cost spray pyrolysis method. ZnS layers were grown onto soda‐lime glass (SGL), glasses covered with transparent conductive oxides (TCOs: ITO and FTO) and silicon wafer substrates using zinc chloride and thiocarbamide precursors solution and air as carrier gas. The effect of main technological parameters on formation and properties of ZnS nanorods are studied. SEM, XRD, PL and UV‐VIS were applied to characterize the ZnS layers. Dimensions of the ZnS rods are mainly controlled by the deposition temperature, precursor concentration and substrate type. For instance, rods with d = 80–100 nm and l = 450 nm were obtained using ZnCl2 with c = 0.1 mol/L; whereas rods with d = ca. 80 nm and l = 250 nm were produced from ZnCl2 with c = 0.05 mol/L on glass. According to PL study, such defects as sulphur vacancies (Vs) are present in the ZnS samples, and concentration of Vs decreases with increasing the sulphur amount in solution.

According to UV‐VIS, all ZnS layers possess high optical transmittance ca. 80% in the visible spectrum region; the Eg of ZnS is 3.7 eV independent of the deposition conditions, corresponding to wurtzite ZnS. ZnS rods produced at 550 and 580 °C show high haze factor values of ca. 90% at 320–350 nm revealing high light scattering ability. Vertically aligned, uniform in size ZnS rods can be directly grown onto glass, TCO and silicon substrates.
Ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase/CD73 enhances endothelial barrier function and sprouting in blood but not lymphatic vasculature
Authors: Yegutkin Gennady G. , Auvinen Kaisa , Rantakari Pia , Hollmén Maija , Karikoski Marika , Grénman Reidar , Elima Kati , Jalkanen Sirpa , Salmi Marko
Published: November 2014

CD73/ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase is a key enzyme in the regulation of purinergic signaling and inflammatory reactions. It hydrolyzes extracellular AMP into adenosine, which dampens immune cell activation, and reduces leukocyte trafficking. By comparing CD73 expression and function in mononuclear and endothelial cells (ECs) of blood and lymph, we show that extracellular purines and CD73 activity have differential effects in these two vascular systems. We found that CD8‐positive T lymphocytes and CD19‐positive B lymphocytes in human lymph expressed high levels of CD73 and other purinergic enzymes and adenosine receptors. Soluble CD73 was less abundant in human lymph than in serum, whereas CD73 activity was higher in afferent lymphatic ECs than in blood ECs. Adenosine signaling improved barrier function and induced sprouting of human blood, but not lymphatic, ECs in vitro. Similarly, using CD73‐deficient mice we found that CD73 controls only blood vascular permeability at selected lymphoid organs under physiological conditions. Thus, both vascular and lymphatic arms of the immune system synthesize the components of purinergic signaling system, but surprisingly they use CD73 differentially to control endothelial permeability and sprouting.
Direct Arylation of Benzo[b]furan and Other Benzo‐Fused Heterocycles
Authors: Dao‐Huy Toan , Haider Maximilian , Glatz Fabian , Schnürch Michael , Mihovilovic Marko D.
Published: November 2014

The direct arylation of benzo[b]furan, benzo[b]thiophene, and indole has been studied by using aromatic bromides as the aryl source. The protocol employing common reagents and a Pd catalyst has led to the regioselective arylation of these heterocycles at the 2‐position. A range of functional groups were tolerated, providing quick access to a variety of arylated benzo‐fused heterocycles that would be accessible more elaborately using classical synthetic strategies. This is the first systematic study of the direct arylation of benzo[b]furan.
The polarising effect of female leaders: Interest in politics and perceived leadership capability after a reminder of Australia's first female prime minister
Authors: Hunt Christopher John , Gonsalkorale Karen , Zadro Lisa
Published: November 2014

The current study examined the impact of observing successful women being attacked on gender lines through reactions to gender‐based criticism directed towards Australia's first female Prime Minister, Julia Gillard. Australian undergraduate students completed a measure of conformity to gender norms and then read statements about either: (a) generic difficulties for leaders; or (b) statements about gender‐based difficulties experienced by Gillard. Results showed that, relative to those who read the generic article, female participants high on conformity to feminine norms displayed lower desire to be involved in politics after reading about Gillard's gender‐based difficulties, while low conformers showed greater desire to be involved in politics. For male participants, those high on conformity to masculine norms showed greater belief in their own leadership capabilities after reading about Gillard's gender‐based difficulties than when reading about generic difficulties, while low conforming men showed the opposite pattern. Implications for achieving gender equality are discussed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative Detection for Porphyromonas gingivalis in Tooth Pocket and Saliva by Portable Electrochemical DNA Sensor Linked with PCR
Authors: Yamanaka Keiichiro , Sekine Shinichi , Uenoyama Takahiro , Wada Masahiro , Ikeuchi Tomohiko , Saito Masato , Yamaguchi Yoshinori , Tamiya Eiichi
Published: November 2014

Here, a quantitative electrochemical analysis of periodontal bacteria in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and saliva by direct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is presented. The electrochemical measurement was performed by mixing with PCR products and electrochemical indicator (bisbenzimidazole trihydrochloride). The peak current of indicator is reduced due to slower diffusion when the dye intercalates into the amplified DNA, and the degree of reduction in the peak current is correlates with the quantity of amplified DNA. Therefore, a quantitative analysis is possible by using our electrochemical method at the end point of PCR. In the GCF testing, The number of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) detected by our electrochemical method at the end point of PCR were almost same compared with that were calculated by the conventional method of quantitative realtime PCR. In the saliva testing, the relationship between number of Pg in saliva and average pocket depth, and age‐dependence were also clearly observed. Since the saliva sample is obtained in a non‐invasive manner, this method is useful for the primary screening of periodontal disease. Moreover, our detection method is simple and uses a hand‐held potentiostat making it suitable for development of an on‐site periodontal diagnosis system.
Will mercury impurities impact CO2 injectivity in deep sedimentary formations? II. Mineral dissolution and precipitation
Authors: Spycher Nicolas , Oldenburg Curtis M.
Published: November 2014

Numerical simulations of carbon dioxide (CO2) injection into a sandstone reservoir (∼2 km depth) were used to investigate the geochemical effects of trace amounts of mercury (Hg, 7 and 190 ppbV), with and without hydrogen sulfide (H2S, 200 ppm). Geochemical reaction‐path modeling shows that cinnabar precipitates as soon as the Hg‐bearing CO2 reacts with the formation. Mercury does not condense to liquid, and the net volume change from mineral dissolution and precipitation is found to be negligible. Two‐dimensional radial reactive transport simulations of CO2 injection at a rate of 14.5 kg/s (∼0.5 Mt/y) into a 400‐m‐thick formation at 106°C and 215 bar, with varying amounts of Hg and H2S, show that porosity changes only by about ±0.05% absolute (i.e., new porosity% = initial porosity% ±0.05), and that Hg readily precipitates as cinnabar in a zone mostly coinciding with the single‐phase CO2 plume. This essentially negligible porosity change is not expected to affect permeability and CO2 injectivity. The precipitation of minerals other than cinnabar dominates the evolution of porosity. Although the predicted porosity change is small, the dissolution and precipitation predicted for individual minerals is not negligible. The main reactions include the replacement of primarily Fe‐chlorite by siderite, of calcite by dolomite, and of K‐feldspar by muscovite. Chalcedony is also predicted to precipitate from the dissolution of feldspars. Except for some replacement of pyrite by ankerite when H2S is deficient, the cases with and without H2S show similar results. Experimental measurements are needed to decrease uncertainty in simulation results.
Quantifying evolutionary development using non‐model organisms: Integrating morphology, metrical frameworks, and gene expression
Authors: Wilson Laura A.B. , Werneburg Ingmar
Published: November 2014

Keeping pace with the forward progression of evolutionary developmental studies and their trajectory toward ever‐more integrative and broad‐scale study presents a challenge for researchers from diverse disciplines. Increasing the capacity for discourse and opening opportunity to further interdisciplinary work is highly desirable, and one way that activities can be hindered is through a lack of communication between those developing new methods and those applying methods to new data sets. The goal of this special issue, which brings together contributions from a recent symposium at the 10th International Congress for Vertebrate Morphology (ICVM 10, Barcelona, July 2013) along with select additions, was to integrate methodological developments with molecular and morphological data to present a broad spectrum of avenues for investigating ontogeny in land vertebrates. A balance between methods‐focused papers and papers presenting novel data and perspectives from molecular and morphological approaches in evo‐devo was sought with the hope of promoting greater interchange between each side, and drawing attention to new opportunities for future research on non‐model organisms. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 322B: 555–557, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Methodologies for the study of organizational behavior processes: How to find your keys in the dark
Authors: Spector Paul E. , Meier Laurenz L.
Published: November 2014

The field of organizational behavior is very much concerned with process—the temporal sequence by which conditions, events, and states unfold. Such processes are implied in tests of mediation and more complex causal chains. The popular approach of analyzing data from cross‐sectional designs with complex statistics is not particularly helpful in understanding process. The optimal way to investigate process involves the proper use of a combination of qualitative and quantitative, experimental and nonexperimental methods that allow us to assess variables in a temporal sequence with appropriate lags informed by how long it takes for one step to lead to the next. Two general approaches are possible: take observations before and after each step in a process to show how a variable changes from before to after an event, or continuously monitor a variable to see how it changes as events occur. A variety of nonexperimental approaches can be used including content analysis of archival materials, direct observation, panel designs, retrospective event histories, and sequence analysis. With the quantitative approach, daily diary and experience sampling approaches can be particularly useful in studying processes that occur within‐person. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A superconvergent fitted finite volume method for Black–Scholes equations governing European and American option valuation
Authors: Wang Song , Zhang Shuhua , Fang Zhiwei
Published: November 2014

We develop a superconvergent fitted finite volume method for a degenerate nonlinear penalized Black–Scholes equation arising in the valuation of European and American options, based on the fitting idea in Wang [IMA J Numer Anal 24 (2004), 699–720]. Unlike conventional finite volume methods in which the dual mesh points are naively chosen to be the midpoints of the subintervals of the primal mesh, we construct the dual mesh judiciously using an error representation for the flux interpolation so that both the approximate flux and solution have the second‐order accuracy at the mesh points without any increase in computational costs. As the equation is degenerate, we also show that it is essential to refine the meshes locally near the degenerate point in order to maintain the second‐order accuracy. Numerical results for both European and American options with constant and nonconstant coefficients will be presented to demonstrate the superconvergence of the method. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 31: 1190–1208, 2015
Exploring alternate states and oligomerization preferences of coiled‐coils by de novo structure modeling
Authors: Rämisch Sebastian , Lizatović Robert , André Ingemar
Published: November 2014

Homomeric coiled‐coils can self‐assemble into a wide range of structural states with different helix topologies and oligomeric states. In this study, we have combined de novo structure modeling with stability calculations to simultaneously predict structure and oligomeric states of homomeric coiled‐coils. For dimers an asymmetric modeling protocol was developed. Modeling without symmetry constraints showed that backbone asymmetry is important for the formation of parallel dimeric coiled‐coils. Collectively, our results demonstrate that high‐resolution structure of coiled‐coils, as well as parallel and antiparallel orientations of dimers and tetramers, can be accurately predicted from sequence. De novo modeling was also used to generate models of competing oligomeric states, which were used to compare stabilities and thus predict the native stoichiometry from sequence. In a benchmark set of 33 coiled‐coil sequences, forming dimers to pentamers, up to 70% of the oligomeric states could be correctly predicted. The calculations demonstrated that the free energy of helix folding could be an important factor for determining stability and oligomeric state of homomeric coiled‐coils. The computational methods developed here should be broadly applicable to studies of sequence‐structure relationships in coiled‐coils and the design of higher order assemblies with improved oligomerization specificity. Proteins 2015; 83:235–247. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Boost student success with comprehensive efforts
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: November 2014

A 22‐percent jump in the number of bachelor's degrees earned in four years. A 74‐percent increase in the number of associate degrees earned in two years. At Paul Smith's College in New York, a comprehensive retention plan has produced those results, said Registrar Loralyn Taylor.
Spin‐restricted ensemble‐referenced Kohn–Sham method: basic principles and application to strongly correlated ground and excited states of molecules
Authors: Filatov Michael
Published: November 2014

Ensemble density functional theory (DFT) is a novel theoretical approach that is capable of exact treatment of non‐dynamic electron correlation in the ground and excited states of many‐body fermionic systems. In contrast to ordinary DFT, ensemble DFT has not found so far a way to the repertoire of methods of modern computational chemistry, probably owing to the lack of practically affordable implementations of the theory. The spin‐restricted ensemble‐referenced Kohn–Sham (REKS) method represents perhaps the first computational scheme that makes ensemble DFT calculations feasible. The REKS method is based on the rigorous ensemble representation of the energy and the density of a strongly correlated system and provides for an accurate and consistent description of molecular systems the electronic structure of which is dominated by the non‐dynamic correlation. This includes the ground and excited states of molecules undergoing bond breaking/bond formation, the low‐spin states of biradicals and polyradicals, symmetry forbidden chemical reactions and avoided crossings of potential energy surfaces, real intersections between the energy surfaces of the ground and excited states (conical intersections), and many more. The REKS method can be employed in connection with any local, semi‐local and hybrid (global and range‐separated) functional and affords calculations of large and very large molecular systems at a moderate mean‐field cost. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2015, 5:146–167. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1209

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Molecular Structures

Electronic Structure Theory > Density Functional Theory

Theoretical and Physical Chemistry > Spectroscopy
Inhibition of autophagy induces retinal pigment epithelial cell damage by the lipofuscin fluorophore A2E
Authors: Saadat Khandakar A.S.M. , Murakami Yusuke , Tan Xue , Nomura Yoko , Yasukawa Tsutomu , Okada Eiichi , Ikeda Yasuhiro , Yanagi Yasuo
Published: November 2014

In this study, we show augmented autophagy in the retinal pigment epithelial cell line ARPE‐19 when cultured in the presence of the lipofuscin pigment A2E. A2E alone does not induce RPE cell death, but cell death was induced in the presence of A2E with the autophagy inhibitor 3‐methyladenine (3MA), with a concomitant increase in the generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species. On the other hand, the ATP production capacity of mitochondria was decreased in the presence of A2E, and pharmacological inhibition of autophagy had no additional effects. The altered mRNA expression level of mitochondrial function markers was confirmed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction, which showed that the antioxidant enzymes SOD1 and SOD2 were not reduced in the presence of A2E alone, but significantly suppressed with the addition of 3MA. Furthermore, transmission electron micrography revealed autophagic vacuole formation in the presence of A2E, and inhibition of autophagy resulted in the accumulation of abnormal mitochondria with loss of cristae. Spheroid culture of human RPE cells demonstrated debris accumulation in the presence of A2E, and this accumulation was accelerated in the presence of 3MA. These results indicate that autophagy in RPE cells is a vital cytoprotective process that prevents the accumulation of damaged cellular molecules.
Two birds, one stone? Positive mood makes products seem less useful for multiple‐goal pursuit
Authors: Pocheptsova Anastasiya , Petersen Francine Espinoza , Etkin Jordan
Published: November 2014

Negotiating the pursuit of multiple goals often requires making difficult trade‐offs between goals. In these situations, consumers can benefit from using products that help them pursue several goals at the same time. But do consumers always prefer these multipurpose products? We propose that consumers' incidental mood state alters perceptions of products in a multiple‐goal context. Four studies demonstrate that being in a positive mood amplifies perceptions of differences between multiple conflicting goals. As a consequence, consumers are less likely to evaluate multipurpose products as being able to serve multiple distinct goals simultaneously. We conclude by discussing implications of these findings for marketers of multipurpose products.
The Use of Preferred Items in a Word-Learning Task: Effects on On-Task Behaviour and Learning Outcomes of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Keen Deb , Pennell Donna
Published: November 2014

Identifying and using preferred items and activities to increase motivation and participation of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been an important and frequently used intervention strategy. Preferred objects, typically identified through a preference assessment, are most frequently used during instruction as reinforcers. These objects may be offered contingent upon a correct response or following a set period of work or may be made available continuously by incorporating them into the learning task. This alternating treatment design study examined the effects of offering preferred items during a word-learning task on learning and on-task behaviour under 2 conditions: following the completion of a set of learning trials (sequential) or continuously during a set of learning trials (embedded). Participants were 3 children with ASD aged 3–5 years. Results showed that children were more on task when preferred items were embedded, but the sequential condition led to superior learning of target behaviours for 2 of the children. Implications of using preferred items to enhance learning and on-task behaviour are discussed.
Unilateral vocal fold paralysis: can laryngoscopy predict recovery? A prospective study
Authors: Menon J K R , Nair R M , Priyanka S
Published: November 2014

Objective:

To determine the prognostic value of laryngoscopy in predicting the recovery of unilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Method:

A prospective study was carried out of all patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis without a progressive lesion or arytenoid dislocation.

Results:

Among the 66 candidates, 15 recovered. Patients with interarytenoid paralysis (p < 0.001) or posterolateral tilt of the arytenoid (p = 0.028) had less chance of recovery. Among 51 patients who did not recover, 25.49 per cent regained phonatory function by compensatory movement of the normal side; the rest required an intervention. Intervention requirement was significantly less for those patients who had isolated glottic level compensation. The paralysed vocal fold was at the same level in 32.35 per cent of patients, higher in 38.23 per cent and lower in 29.42 per cent. In those in whom vocal folds were in the abducted position (46.67 per cent), the affected vocal fold was at a lower position on phonation. Inter-observer reliability assessment revealed excellent to good agreement for all criteria.

Conclusion:

Interarytenoid paralysis and posterolateral tilt of the arytenoid were predictors of poor recovery.
CORONARY BYPASS SURGERY VERSUS PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION: COST-EFFECTIVENESS IN IRAN: A STUDY IN PATIENTS WITH MULTIVESSEL CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE
Authors: Javanbakht Mehdi , Bakhsh Razieh Yazdani , Mashayekhi Atefeh , Ghaderi Hossein , Sadeghi Masoumeh
Published: November 2014

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate cost effectiveness of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) versus percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stenting from Iran society perspective.

Methods: A retrospective study was carried out to estimate the annual cost and health related quality of life (HRQoL) of 109 patients who underwent coronary revascularization (PCI [n = 75] and CABG [n = 34]). A Markov model has been developed to determine the cost effectiveness of CABG compared with PCI. We used the model to calculate lifetime costs, life-years (LYs), and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of each strategy. We also used probabilistic sensitivity analysis to test model robustness.

Results: We found that discounted QALY lived per person in CABG versus PCI group in 5 years, 10 years, and lifetime time horizon were (3.8 ± 0.13 versus 3.88 ± 0.14), (6.4 ± 0.23 versus 6.33 ± 0.22), and (8.74 ± 0.29 versus 8.33 ± 0.27), respectively. The estimated medical cost of CABG and PCI per patient in 5 years, 10 years, and lifetime time horizon were (USD 6,819 ± 765 versus 9,011 ± 1,816), (USD 8,852 ± 1,348 versus 12,034 ± 2,375), and (USD 14,037± 4,201 versus 18,798 ± 5,821), respectively. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio results showed CABG is a dominate alternative in 10 years and lifetime time horizon.

Conclusions: This study demonstrated that despite higher initial cost and lower HRQoL, CABG is a cost-effective revascularization strategy compared with PCI for patients with multivessel coronary artery disease in long-term.
Preface to special issue: behavioural types
Authors: GAY SIMON J , RAVARA ANTÓNIO
Published: November 2014

This is the first part of a two-part special issue on Behavioural Types, which has its origin in a workshop we organized in April 2011, in Lisbon. The aim of the workshop was to bring together the active and expanding community of researchers using type-theoretic approaches to describe and analyse behavioural aspects of software. A particular concern of this field is the identification and description of structured communication in concurrent and distributed systems, but behavioural typing also addresses issues of liveness, fairness, deadlock-freedom, security, observable equivalence and typestate.
Light logics and higher-order processes
Authors: DAL LAGO UGO , MARTINI SIMONE , SANGIORGI DAVIDE
Published: November 2014

We show that the techniques for resource control that have been developed by the so-calledlight logicscan be fruitfully applied also to process algebras. In particular, we present a restriction of higher-order π-calculus inspired by soft linear logic. We prove that any soft process terminates in polynomial time. We argue that the class of soft processes may be naturally enlarged so that interesting processes are expressible, still maintaining the polynomial bound on executions.
Specifying Peirce's law in classical realizability
Authors: GUILLERMO MAURICIO , MIQUEL ALEXANDRE
Published: November 2014

This paper deals with the specification problem in classical realizability (such as introduced by Krivine (2009 Panoramas et synthéses27)), which is to characterize the universal realizers of a given formula by their computational behaviour. After recalling the framework of classical realizability, we present the problem in the general case and illustrate it with some examples. In the rest of the paper, we focus on Peirce's law, and present two game-theoretic characterizations of its universal realizers. First, we consider the particular case where the language of realizers contains no extra instruction such as ‘quote’ (Krivine 2003 Theoretical Computer Science308 259–276). We present a first game $\mathds{G}$0 and show that the universal realizers of Peirce's law can be characterized as the uniform winning strategies for $\mathds{G}$0, using the technique of interaction constants. Then we show that in the presence of extra instructions such as ‘quote’, winning strategies for the game $\mathds{G}$0 are still adequate but no more complete. For that, we exhibit an example of a wild realizer of Peirce's law, that introduces a purely game-theoretic form of backtrack that is not captured by $\mathds{G}$0. We finally propose a more sophisticated game $\mathds{G}$1, and show that winning strategies for the game $\mathds{G}$1 are both adequate and complete in the general case, without any further assumption about the instruction set used by the language of classical realizers.
Treatment of depression in an adolescent with cardiomyopathy and arrhythmia
Authors: Tanidir Canan , Tanidir Ibrahim C. , Tuzcu Volkan
Published: November 2014

Patients with cardiomyopathy have a higher incidence of mood and anxiety disorders, resulting in greater probability for hospitalisation and increased risk for arrhythmia and death. We report a case of a 16-year-old boy with Danon disease, Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, who later developed depression and significant weight loss. The patient was successfully treated for his anxiety and depression with mirtazapine without any adverse cardiac effects.
Neurogenic Shock Immediately following Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Matsumoto Tomiya , Okuda Shinya , Haku Takamitsu , Maeda Kazuya , Maeno Takafumi , Yamashita Tomoya , Yamasaki Ryoji , Kuratsu Shigeyuki , Iwasaki Motoki
Published: November 2014

Study Design

Case report.

Objective

To present two cases of neurogenic shock that occurred immediately following posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and that appeared to have been caused by the vasovagal reflex after dural injury and incarceration of the cauda equina.

Case Report

We present two cases of neurogenic shock that occurred immediately following PLIF. One patient had bradycardia, and the other developed cardiac arrest just after closing the surgical incision and opening the drainage tube. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed immediately, and the patients recovered successfully, but they showed severe motor loss after awakening. The results of laboratory data, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, computed tomography, and echocardiography ruled out pulmonary embolism, hemorrhagic shock, and cardiogenic shock. Although the reasons for the postoperative shock were obscure, reoperation was performed to explore the cause of paralysis. At reoperation, a cerebrospinal fluid collection and the incarceration of multiple cauda equina rootlets through a small dural tear were observed. The incarcerated cauda equina rootlets were reduced, and the dural defect was closed. In both cases, the reoperation was uneventful. From the intraoperative findings at reoperation, it was thought that the pathology was neurogenic shock via the vasovagal reflex.

Conclusion

Incarceration of multiple cauda equina rootlets following the accidental dural tear by suction drainage caused a sudden decrease of cerebrospinal fluid pressure and traction of the cauda equina, which may have led to the vasovagal reflex.
Changes in Cervical Sagittal Alignment after Single-Level Posterior Percutaneous Endoscopic Cervical Diskectomy
Authors: Kim Chi Heon , Shin Kyung-Hyun , Chung Chun Kee , Park Sung Bae , Kim Jung Hee
Published: November 2014

Study Design

Case series.

Objective

Posterior percutaneous endoscopic cervical diskectomy (PECD) can preserve the disk in patients with a foraminal disk herniation. However, progressive angulation at the operated segment is a concern, especially for patients with cervical lordosis < 10 degrees. The change in cervical lordosis after posterior PECD was analyzed.

Methods

Medical records were reviewed of 32 consecutive patients (22 men, 10 women; mean age, 49 ± 12 years) who had single-level foraminal soft disk herniation. The operation levels were as follows: C4–5 in 1 patient, C5–6 in 12, C6–7 in 18, and C7–T1 in 1. All patients were discharged the day after the operation, and neck motion was encouraged. All patients were followed for 30 ± 7 months (range, 24 to 46 months), and 21/32 patients (66%) had radiographs taken at 25 ± 11 months (range, 12 to 45 months). Radiologic parameters were assessed, including cervical curvature (C2–7), segmental Cobb's angle (SA), and anterior and posterior disk height (AH and PH, respectively) at the operative level.

Results

At the last follow-up, 29/32 patients (91%) had no or minimal pain, and 3/32 patients had occasional pain. SA, AH, and PH were not significantly changed. Cervical lordosis < 10 degrees was present in 10/21 patients preoperatively and in 3/21 patients at the last follow-up. For patients with cervical lordosis < 10 degrees, cervical curvature changed from −2.5 ± 8.0 to −11.3 ± 9.3 degrees ( p = 0.01). For patients with cervical lordosis ≥ 10 degrees, cervical curvature changed from −17.5 ± 5.8 to −19.9 ± 5.7 degrees ( p = 0.24).

Conclusions

Cervical curvature does not worsen after posterior PECD.
Pteridines Part CXXI: Protection of (6R)-5,6,7,8-Tetrahydro-L-biopterin
Authors: Yao Qizheng , Pfleiderer Wolfgang
Published: November 2014

A series of new (6R)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydo-l-biopterin derivatives have been synthesised and characterised by elemental analyses and UV and NMR spectroscopy.
Short message service broadcasting to improve the uptake of influenza vaccination in HIV-positive patients at a metropolitan sexual health clinic
Authors: Stowers Chanelle , Healey Loretta , O'Connor Catherine C.
Published: November 2014

A trial of using Short Message Service (SMS) broadcasting at a metropolitan sexual health clinic in 2013 to promote the awareness and uptake of influenza vaccinations in HIV-positive patients resulted in a significant increase in the number of patients contacted (35% vs 81% P < 0.0001) and vaccinated by the clinic (26% vs 47% P < 0.001) compared with 2012, when individual telephone calls were made to patients. Additional benefits were less staff time used promoting influenza vaccination and the resultant lower staff cost. SMS broadcasting is an efficient and inexpensive method of communicating health messages to large numbers of patients.
Effect of near-infrared irradiation on photoconversion of the water-soluble chlorophyll-binding protein ofChenopodium album
Authors: Takahashi Shigekazu , Uchida Akira , Nakayama Katsumi , Satoh Hiroyuki
Published: November 2014

We investigated the effects of near-infrared irradiation on the photoconversion of Chenopodium album water-soluble chlorophyll-binding protein (CaWSCP) in the presence of sodium hydrosulfite and found a further photoconversion from CP742 to CP763, a novel form of CaWSCP. Interestingly, one-third of the absorption peak at 668 nm was recovered in CP763, but re-irradiation under oxidative conditions eliminated the photo convertibility of CaWSCP.
Moderating role of perceived risk in credit card usage and experience link
Authors: Chahal Hardeep , Kaur Sahi Gurjeet , Rani Anu
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present the exploratory research into the moderating influence of perceived risk on credit card usage and experience link and to know, among various types of risks, which risk is mostly perceived by credit card users. The study also investigates the dimensions of usage and service experience and their relative significance in credit card industry.

Design/methodology/approach

– The data were collected from 220 credit cardholders working in the various business and service units operating in Gandhi Nagar area of Jammu city.

Findings

– The study captures a clear and strong moderating effect of perceived risk on usage and service experience link. Time risk appeared to be the strongest moderator. Further, sense of security and confidence benefits emerged as the strongest predictors of usage and service experience, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

– The study is based on single financial service only, i.e. credit card. To generalise the results in financial and allied sectors, such as banking, retail or travel, where credit card usage is highly prevalent, this study need to be extended in future research. Further, influence of customer income, occupation and education on credit card use can also be seen in the future. Finally, focus can also be given to the identification and testing of risk-reducing strategies in future research.

Originality/value

– There is no previous research on Indian credit card industry which examined the influence of perceived risk on its use among Indian customers and subsequently on their experience.
Therapeutic communities and the local community: isolation or integration?
Authors: William Best David , Byrne Gerard , Pullen David , Kelly Jacqui , Elliot Karen , Savic Michael
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to test the feasibility of utilising an Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) model in the context of an Alcohol and Other Drug Therapeutic Community, and to use this as a way of assessing how TCs can contribute to the local communities in which they are sited.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a qualitative action research project, based on an evolving model in which key stakeholders from participating sites were instrumental in shaping processes and activities, that is a partnership between a research centre, Turning Point in Melbourne, Australia and two Recovery Services operated by the Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory (TSA). One of these is the Dooralong Transformation Centre on the Central Coast of New South Wales and the other, Fairhaven, is in the Gold Coast hinterland of Queensland, Australia. The project was designed to create “rehabilitation without walls” by building bridges between the treatment centres and the communities they are based in, and improving participation in local community life. This was done through a series of structured workshops that mapped community asset networks and planned further community engagement activities.

Findings

– Both of the TCs already had strong connections in their local areas including but not restricted to involvement with the mutual aid fellowships. Staff, residents and ex-residents still in contact with the service were strongly committed to community engagement and were able to identify a wide range of connections in the community and to build these around existing Salvation Army connections and networks.

Research limitations/implications

– This is a pilot study with limited research findings and no assessment of the generalisability of this method to other settings or TCs.

Practical implications

– Both TCs are able to act as “community resources” through which residents and ex-residents are able to give back to their local communities and develop the social and community capital that can prepare them for reintegration and can positively contribute to the experience of living in the local community.

Social implications

– This paper has significant ramifications for how TCs engage with their local communities both as a mechanism for supporting resident re-entry and also to challenge stigma and discrimination.

Originality/value

– The paper and project extend the idea of ABCD to a Reciprocal Community Development model in which TCs can act as active participants in their lived communities and by doing so can create a “therapeutic landscape for recovery”.
Oxytocin in the nucleus accumbens core reduces reinstatement of methamphetamine‐seeking behaviour in rats
Authors: Baracz Sarah J. , Everett Nicholas A. , McGregor Iain S. , Cornish Jennifer L.
Published: November 2014

The psychostimulant methamphetamine (METH) is an addictive illicit drug. Systemic administration of the neuropeptide oxytocin modulates METH‐related reward and METH‐seeking behaviour. Recent findings demonstrated a reduction in METH‐induced reward by oxytocin administration into the nucleus accumbens (NAc) core. It is not known, however, if oxytocin acts in this region to reduce relapse to METH‐seeking behaviour. Using the drug reinstatement paradigm in rats experienced at METH self‐administration, we aimed to determine whether oxytocin pre‐treatment within the NAc core would reduce relapse to METH use and if this could be reversed by the co‐administration of the oxytocin receptor (OTR) antagonist desGly‐NH2,d(CH2)5[D‐Tyr2,Thr4]OVT. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats underwent surgery to implant an intravenous jugular vein catheter and bilateral microinjection cannulae in the NAc core. Rats were then trained to self‐administer intravenous METH (0.1 mg/kg/infusion) by lever press during 2‐hour fixed ratio 1 scheduled sessions for 20 days. Following extinction of lever press activity, the effect of microinjecting saline, oxytocin (0.5 pmol, 1.5 pmol, 4.5 pmol) or co‐administration of oxytocin (1.5 pmol) and desGly‐NH2,d(CH2)5[D‐Tyr2,Thr4]OVT (1 nmol, 3 nmol) in the NAc core (500 nl/side) was examined on METH‐primed (1 mg/kg, i.p.) reinstatement of drug‐seeking behaviour. Our results showed oxytocin directly administered into the NAc core decreased METH‐primed reinstatement in a dose‐dependent manner. Co‐administration of the selective OTR antagonist did not specifically reverse the inhibitory effects of oxytocin on METH priming, suggesting mediation by receptors other than the OTR. These findings highlight an important modulatory effect of oxytocin in the NAc core on relapse to METH seeking.
Combined effects of genetic and non‐genetic risk factors affect response to ranibizumab in exudative age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Piermarocchi Stefano , Miotto Stefania , Colavito Davide , Leon Alberta , Segato Tatiana
Published: November 2014

Purpose

To investigate whether genetic and non‐genetic risk factors influence 12‐month response to ranibizumab treatment for exudative age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods

A cohort of 94 Caucasian patients with unilateral exudative AMD received intravitreal ranibizumab. After a three‐injection loading phase, a PRN regimen was followed. Patients were genotyped for three single‐nucleotide polymorphisms: CFH rs1061170, ARMS2 rs10490924 and C3 rs2230199. Non‐genetic risk factors [choroidal neovascularization (CNV) phenotype, smoking habit, hypertension and body mass index] were considered. The selected end‐point was the 12‐month variation of number of ETDRS letters.

Results

Complement factor H (CFH) risk alleles, smoking history and arterial hypertension each independently influenced treatment response, with worse 12‐month BCVA outcomes (p = 0.036, 0.037, 0.043, respectively). A significant cumulative effect of these risk factors was also observed: patients homozygous for the CFH risk alleles and with a positive smoking history showed a mean loss of 8.0 ETDRS letters (p = 0.010). Patients with CFH risk alleles, smoking history and hypertension had a mean loss of 13.9 ETDRS letters (p = 0.013). CNV phenotypes did not influence visual outcomes, nor were they associated with other genetic/non‐genetic risk factors.

Conclusions

Complement factor H risk alleles, smoking history and hypertension affect the mid‐term response to ranibizumab in exudative AMD.
The violences of remembering
Authors: Sharp Joanne
Published: November 2014

I reflect on the methodological challenges of undertaking oral history research that attempts to address issues of security and violence that occurred in the past. When such issues become entangled with individual (and group) senses of identity and autobiography, there are challenges to do with nostalgia, forgetting and non‐disclosure. I draw on current research into post‐colonial identities in Tanzania.
Limited functional redundancy in vertebrate scavenger guilds fails to compensate for the loss of raptors from urbanized sandy beaches
Authors: Huijbers Chantal M. , Schlacher Thomas A. , Schoeman David S. , Olds Andrew D. , Weston Michael A. , Connolly Rod M.
Published: November 2014

Aim

Globally, urbanization is one of the most widespread, intense and ecologically destructive forms of landscape transformation, and it is often concentrated in coastal areas. Theoretically, species losses attributable to urbanization are predicted not to alter overall ecosystem function if functional redundancy (i.e. replacement of function by alternative species) compensates for such losses. Here, we test this expectation by measuring how coastal urbanization affects scavenger guilds on sandy beaches and whether changes in guild composition result either in an overall loss of scavenging efficiency, or in functional compensation under alternative guild structures, maintaining net ecosystem functioning.

Location

Fourteen beaches along the east coast of Australia with variable levels of urbanization.

Methods

Scavenging communities and rates of carrion removal were determined using motion‐triggered cameras at the beach‐dune interface.

Results

A substantial shift in the community structure of vertebrate scavengers was associated with gradients in urbanization. Iconic and functionally important raptors declined precipitously in abundance on urban beaches. Importantly, other vertebrates usually associated with urban settings (e.g. dogs, foxes, corvids) did not functionally replace raptors. In areas where < 15% of the abutting land had been developed into urban areas, carcass removal by scavengers was often complete, but always > 70%. Conversely, on beaches bordering coastal cities with < 40% of natural vegetation remaining, two‐thirds of fish carcasses remained uneaten by scavengers. Raptors removed 70–100% of all deployed fish carcasses from beaches with < 8% urban land cover, but this number dropped significantly with greater levels of urbanization and was not compensated by other scavenger species in urban settings.

Main conclusions

There is limited functional redundancy in vertebrate scavenger communities of sandy beach ecosystems, which impacts the system's capacity to mitigate the ecological consequences of detrimental landscape transformations.
Tree cover at fine and coarse spatial grains interacts with shade tolerance to shape plant species distributions across the Alps
Authors: Nieto‐Lugilde Diego , Lenoir Jonathan , Abdulhak Sylvain , Aeschimann David , Dullinger Stefan , Gégout Jean‐Claude , Guisan Antoine , Pauli Harald , Renaud Julien , Theurillat Jean‐Paul , Thuiller Wilfried , Van Es Jérémie , Vittoz Pascal , Willner Wolfgang , Wohlgemuth Thomas , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Svenning Jens‐Christian
Published: November 2014

The role of competition for light among plants has long been recognised at local scales, but its importance for plant species distributions at larger spatial scales has generally been ignored. Tree cover modifies the local abiotic conditions below the canopy, notably by reducing light availability, and thus, also the performance of species that are not adapted to low‐light conditions. However, this local effect may propagate to coarser spatial grains, by affecting colonisation probabilities and local extinction risks of herbs and shrubs. To assess the effect of tree cover at both the plot‐ and landscape‐grain sizes (approximately 10‐m and 1‐km), we fit generalised linear models (GLMs) for the plot‐level distributions of 960 species of herbs and shrubs using 6935 vegetation plots across the European Alps. We ran four models with different combinations of variables (climate, soil and tree cover) at both spatial grains for each species. We used partial regressions to evaluate the independent effects of plot‐ and landscape‐grain tree cover on plot‐level plant communities. Finally, the effects on species‐specific elevational range limits were assessed by simulating a removal experiment comparing the species distributions under high and low tree cover. Accounting for tree cover improved the model performance, with the probability of the presence of shade‐tolerant species increasing with increasing tree cover, whereas shade‐intolerant species showed the opposite pattern. The tree cover effect occurred consistently at both the plot and landscape spatial grains, albeit most strongly at the former. Importantly, tree cover at the two grain sizes had partially independent effects on plot‐level plant communities. With high tree cover, shade‐intolerant species exhibited narrower elevational ranges than with low tree cover whereas shade‐tolerant species showed wider elevational ranges. These findings suggest that forecasts of climate‐related range shifts for herb and shrub species may be modified by tree cover dynamics.