bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of discharge planning on the knowledge, clinical symptoms and hospitalisation frequency of persons with schizophrenia: a longitudinal study in two hospitals in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Khaleghparast Shiva , Ghanbari Behrooz , Kahani Shamsoddin , Malakouti Kazem , SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Sudhinaraset May
Published: December 2013

Aims and objectives

To investigate the effectiveness of discharge planning on the knowledge, clinical symptoms and frequency of hospitalisation of persons with schizophrenia.

Background

Discharge planning is associated with decreases in the duration of hospitalisation, readmission to hospitals and decreases in medical costs. Yet, there is little known about the effectiveness of discharge planning among persons with schizophrenia in Iran.

Design

Longitudinal clinical trial.

Methods

In this longitudinal clinical trial, 46 persons with schizophrenia admitted to psychiatric hospitals were selected and classified into either intervention or control groups. For the intervention group, the discharge planning was designed using the nursing process model. The intervention was implemented across six sessions in the hospital and six sessions in patient's home (up to three months after discharge). Friedman test, independent t‐tests, chi‐squared test, Mann–Whitney U‐test and Mc‐Nemar's test were used to analyse demographic characteristics, knowledge scores, clinical symptoms and the frequency of hospitalisation.

Results

The intervention group demonstrated improved clinical symptoms between the time of discharge and three months after discharge and had higher knowledge levels compared with the control group. In addition, the frequency of patients’ hospitalisation preintervention and three months postintervention was statistically significantly lower in the intervention group, while no such differences were found among the control group during this same time period.

Conclusion

This study suggests that there are a number of advantages to discharge planning including an increase in the knowledge of patients, a decline in clinical symptoms and a reduction in the frequency of admission to hospitals.

Relevance to clinical practice

Due to high frequency of relapse, rehospitalisation and high remedial costs of persons with schizophrenia, it is important to consider discharge planning as a therapeutic approach for patients.
The recovery potential of intrinsically versus extrinsically motivated off‐job activities
Authors: ten Brummelhuis Lieke L. , Trougakos John P.
Published: December 2013

Thus far, studies on employee recovery have produced mixed findings about which off‐job activities contribute or impede recovery. We suggest that the recovery potential of an off‐job activity depends on the employee's motivation for the activity. Based on Self‐Determination theory, we expect that leisure activities (social, low‐effort, physical activities), particularly lead to next morning recovery when one has intrinsic, as opposed to extrinsic, motivational tendencies for the activity. Likewise, the harmful effects of high‐duty off‐job activities (work‐related tasks, household chores, care tasks) are expected to be less severe when one is intrinsically, and not extrinsically, motivated for the tasks. During five consecutive days, 74 employees (356 data points) recorded the hours spent on six off‐job activities before going to sleep, and their feelings of exhaustion and recovery the next morning, while overall motivation for each of the six activities was measured by a general questionnaire. As predicted, the positive relationship between leisure activities and next morning recovery was more pronounced among employees with greater inherent intrinsic, in comparison with extrinsic motivation for the activity. Moreover, intrinsic motivation attenuated the positive relationship between high‐duty tasks and next morning exhaustion. Our findings highlight the importance of intrinsic motivation for the recovery potential of off‐job activities.

Practitioner points

Engaging in leisure activities after work contributes most to recovery when the employee is intrinsically motivated for those activities.

Work‐related off‐job activities are less harmful for recovery when the employee has a general intrinsic, as opposed to an extrinsic, motivation for work‐related activities.

Organizations may facilitate employee well‐being by discouraging employees to work beyond regular work hours during leisure time.

Organizations may facilitate employee well‐being by creating a work climate in which intrinsic work motives are encouraged.
Left Hemispheric Lateral Preference and High Neuroticism Predict Disinhibition in Two Go/No‐Go Experiments
Authors: Gardiner Elliroma , Jackson Chris J. , Loxton Natalie J.
Published: December 2013

Although disinhibition is widely implicated in impulse‐control‐related psychopathologies, debate remains regarding the underlying approach and avoidance processes of this construct. In two studies, we simultaneously tested three competing models in which varying levels of extraversion, neuroticism, and hemispheric lateral preference are associated with disinhibition. In both studies (Study 1, N = 92; Study 2, N = 124), undergraduate students were randomly allocated to one of two versions of the go/no‐go task: one where participants were primed through reward to make more “go” responses and another where no such priming occurred. Neuroticism, extraversion, and hemispheric lateral preference measures were also collected. Across both studies, disinhibition was greatest in individuals who reported both a left hemispheric lateral preference and high neuroticism. This pattern was only found for those who were primed through reward to make more “go” responses. There was no association with extraversion. Contrary to previous research, our results suggest that left hemispheric asymmetry and neuroticism and not extraversion drive disinhibited approach, following the establishment of a prepotent approach response set. This has salient implications for the theoretical understanding of disinhibited behavior, as well as for the study of continued maladaptive approach behavior.
Preliminary study of video imaging of blood vessels in tissues lining the gingival sulcus in periodontally healthy individuals
Authors: Townsend D. , D'Aiuto F. , Deanfield J.
Published: December 2013

Background and Objective

The aim of this study was to obtain in vivo images of the microcirculation in tissues lining the gingival crevice in periodontally healthy volunteers and to assess the repeatability of the parameters measured.

Material and Methods

Video microscopy images of the microcirculation of tissues lining the gingival crevice were obtained from 20 periodontally healthy volunteers. Images were obtained with a single 1 mm diameter 1 pitch gradient index lens with a high numerical aperture and with a plain glass lens and illumination with a green 525 nm light‐emitting diode and recorded using a video microscope.

Results

The morphological features of the vessels (including vessel diameter, vessel density, loops, branches, dilated vessels) were similar to those described previously in other mammals. The Kappa values for the assessment of morphology of the vessels using the gradient index lens range from 0.83 for branching to 0.91 for dilated and using the glass lens 0.47 for branching and 0.38 for dilated.

Conclusions

This novel system allowed for a consistent and repeatable assessment of the gingival microvasculature. However, there was some evidence of possible pressure artefacts in those cases where the measurements of separation between vessels exceeded 150 μm.
Novel method for proliferation of oral keratinocyte stem cells
Authors: Calenic B. , Paun I. A. , van Staden R. I. , Didilescu A. , Petre A. , Dinescu M. , Greabu M.
Published: December 2013

Background and Objective

Stem cell‐based tissue engineering offers clear advantages over conventional normal cell approaches. Owing to their specific characteristics, oral keratinocyte stem cells represent an attractive solution for therapeutic applications. However, when cultured in vitro, these cells lose their unique properties, acquiring a limited capacity for self‐renewal, and differentiate rapidly into normal functional keratinocytes.

The main aim of the present study was to develop an in‐vitro method for the expansion of oral keratinocyte stem cells using a biomaterial approach.

Material and Methods

Oral keratinocyte stem cells were isolated based on the identification of two surface markers – integrin α6β4 and CD71 – using a magnetic method. The cells were cultured on specific substrates formed from blends of polymers: poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA); poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) + polyurethane (PLGA + PU); and poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) + extracellular matrix (PLGA + ECM). The polymers were deposited using a laser‐based technique – matrix‐assisted pulsed laser evaporation. The cells were analyzed for cell size, cell proliferation, colony‐forming efficiency, cell adhesion markers (such as E‐cadherin and beta 1 integrin), keratinocyte stem cells and differentiation markers. The methods included ELISAs, immunofluorescence and atomic force microscopy imaging.

Results

After 14 d in culture, cells seeded on PLGA + PU stained positive for p63, cd44H, cytokeratin 19 and integrin α6β4 and negative for involucrin, cytokeratin 14 and cytokeratin 10. The levels of adhesion molecules were significantly increased in cells grown on PLGA + PU: at 14 d the E‐cadherin levels were 5.4 ± 0.2 ng/mL (for cells grown on PLGA + PU) vs. 4.1 ± 0.4 ng/mL (for cells grown on control medium) (n = 5, p < 0.05 Bonferroni). Oral keratinocyte stem cells grown on PLGA + PU had the highest colony‐forming efficiency and proliferation rate, together with the smallest cell size, compared with cells grown on control medium or other polymeric substrates.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates that by culturing oral keratinocyte stem cells on PLGA blended with PU it is possible to preserve their phenotype in vitro and to guide their short‐term expansion and proliferation. Certain stem‐cell characteristics are preserved and their short‐term expansion may be enhanced.
Use of preoperative computed tomography for surgical treatment of recurrent draining tracts
Authors: Bouabdallah R. , Moissonnier P. , Delisle F. , De Fornel P. , Manassero M. , Maaoui M. , Fayolle P. , Viateau V.
Published: December 2013

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate a rational decision‐making approach based on preoperative computed tomography for surgical planning in dogs and cats with recurrent draining tracts.

METHODS

Retrospective evaluation of case records of animals that underwent preoperative computed tomography for surgical treatment of thoracic/abdominal recurrent draining tracts. Cases were classified according to whether a source of inflammation and/or infection, in particular foreign bodies, was identified (group 1), suspected (group 2) or neither identified nor suspected (group 3) at computed tomography. Surgery consisted of removal of the source of inflammation and/or infection (group 1), debridement or abscess drainage (group 2) or en bloc resection of diseased tissues (group 3). Clinical outcome was evaluated at least 12 months after surgery.

RESULTS

A source of inflammation and/or infection was found in 100% (8 of 8), 41% (7 of 17) and 25% (3 of 12) of cases in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Recurrent draining tracts resolved in 100% (8 of 8), 94% (16 of 17) and 92% (11 of 12) of cases in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The proposed strategy provided a 95% (35 of 37) cure rate, after a single procedure in 81% (30 of 37) of cases. Recovery of a foreign body at surgery was not a prerequisite for the resolution of the recurrent draining tracts.
Maternal ABO and rhesus blood group phenotypes and hepatitis B surface antigen carriage
Authors: Lao T. T. , Sahota D. S. , Chung M.‐K. , Cheung T. K. W. , Cheng Y. K. Y. , Leung T. Y.
Published: December 2013

In view of a persistently high prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriage in our obstetric population, we examined the association between HBsAg carriage with maternal ABO and rhesus (Rh) blood group phenotypes determined at routine antenatal screening. In a retrospective study, the antenatal screening results of women booked for confinement between 1998 and 2011 in our hospital were examined for the relationship between HBsAg carriage with the ABO and rhesus blood groups, taking into account also the effects of advanced maternal age (≥35 years) and parity status (nulliparous or multiparous), and year of birth before or following the availability of the hepatitis B vaccine (1984). HBsAg carriage was found in 9.9%, 9.6%, 9.1% and 10.2% (P = 0.037) for group‐A (n = 20 581 or 26.1%), ‐B (n = 20 744 or 26.4%), ‐AB (n = 5138 or 6.5%) and ‐O (n = 32 242 or 41.0%) among the 78 705 women in the study cohort. Rhesus negativity was found in 0.6%, and HBsAg carriage was 12.3% and 9.8%, respectively, for the Rh‐negative and Rh‐positive women (P = 0.071). Carriage rate between group‐O and non‐O was influenced by nulliparity, age ≥35 years and Rh‐positive status. Regression analysis indicated that group‐B (P = 0.044, aOR = 1.062, 95% CI 1.002–1.127) and group‐AB (P = 0.016, aOR = 1.134, 95% CI 1.024–1.256) were associated with HBsAg carriage. Blood groups‐B and ‐AB are associated with increased hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in our population, and further studies are warranted to elucidate the implications of this on the sequelae of HBV infection.
The pharmacokinetics of glycopyrrolate in Standardbred horses
Authors: Rumpler M. J. , Colahan P. , Sams R. A.
Published: December 2013

The disposition of plasma glycopyrrolate (GLY) is characterized by a three‐compartment pharmacokinetic model after a 1‐mg bolus intravenous dose to Standardbred horses. The median (range) plasma clearance (Clp), volume of distribution of the central compartment (V1), volume of distribution at steady‐state (Vss), and area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC0‐inf) were 16.7 (13.6–21.7) mL/min/kg, 0.167 (0.103–0.215) L/kg, 3.69 (0.640–38.73) L/kg, and 2.58 (2.28–2.88) ng*h/mL, respectively. Renal clearance of GLY was characterized by a median (range) of 2.65 (1.92–3.59) mL/min/kg and represented approximately 11.3–24.7% of the total plasma clearance. As a result of these studies, we conclude that the majority ofGLYis cleared through hepatic mechanisms because of the limited extent of renal clearance ofGLYand absence of plasma esterase activity onGLYmetabolism. Although the disposition ofGLYafter intravenous administration to Standardbred horses was similar to that in Thoroughbred horses, differences in some pharmacokinetic parameter estimates were evident. Such differences could be attributed to breed differences or study conditions. The research could provide valuable data to support regulatory guidelines forGLYin Standardbred horses.
Local adaptation with high gene flow: temperature parameters drive adaptation to altitude in the common frog (Rana temporaria)
Authors: Muir A. P. , Biek R. , Thomas R. , Mable B. K.
Published: December 2013

Both environmental and genetic influences can result in phenotypic variation. Quantifying the relative contributions of local adaptation and phenotypic plasticity to phenotypes is key to understanding the effect of environmental variation on populations. Identifying the selective pressures that drive divergence is an important, but often lacking, next step. High gene flow between high‐ and low‐altitude common frog (Rana temporaria) breeding sites has previously been demonstrated in Scotland. The aim of this study was to assess whether local adaptation occurs in the face of high gene flow and to identify potential environmental selection pressures that drive adaptation. Phenotypic variation in larval traits was quantified in R. temporaria from paired high‐ and low‐altitude sites using three common temperature treatments. Local adaptation was assessed using QST–FST analyses, and quantitative phenotypic divergence was related to environmental parameters using Mantel tests. Although evidence of local adaptation was found for all traits measured, only variation in larval period and growth rate was consistent with adaptation to altitude. Moreover, this was only evident in the three mountains with the highest high‐altitude sites. This variation was correlated with mean summer and winter temperatures, suggesting that temperature parameters are potentially strong selective pressures maintaining local adaptation, despite high gene flow.
Focusing on Chinese nationalism: an inherently flawed perspective? A reply to Allen Carlson
Authors: Costa Anna
Published: December 2013

My article replies to Allen Carlson's critique of the existing literature on Chinese nationalism (Carlson's article was published in Volume 15, issue 1 of Nations and Nationalism, 2009). I address Carlson's criticisms and proceed to evaluate his proposal to move away from an allegedly unhelpful focus on nationalism towards the allegedly more illuminating framework of national identity construction. My approach to the existing literature on Chinese nationalism acknowledges efforts made within it at grappling with issues of theory and definition and builds on this acknowledgement to operate a selective appraisal of its strengths and weaknesses. I argue that while some of the problems identified by Carlson do indeed plague the literature, his advocacy of abandoning nationalism as a focus of research is unwarranted. There is continuing validity in using nationalism as a lens for understanding how China sees its place in the world.
Vox populismus: a populist radical right attitude among the public?
Authors: Rooduijn Matthijs
Published: December 2013

In the last two decades, populist radical right (PRR) parties have been electorally very successful in Western Europe. Various scholars have argued that these parties share an ideological core that consists of a specific form of nationalism (nativism), in combination with two other attitudes (authoritarianism and populism). The aim of this research note is to assess whether this ideological core also exists as a consistent attitude among citizens. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of the attitudes of Dutch citizens indicate that we can indeed speak of a consistent PRR attitude among the public. I also show that this attitude is strongly related to the probability of voting for the PRR Freedom Party (Partij voor de Vrijheid) of Geert Wilders.
Dewey and the Question of Realism
Authors: Godfrey‐Smith Peter
Published: December 2013

An interpretation is given of John Dewey's views about “realism” in metaphysics, and of how these views relate to contemporary debates. Dewey rejected standard formulations of realism as a general metaphysical position, and interpreters have often been taken him to be sympathetic to some form of verificationism or constructivism. I argue that these interpretations are mistaken, as Dewey's unease with standard formulations of realism comes from his philosophical emphasis on intelligent control of events, by means of ordinary action. Because of his views about relations, Dewey's views in this area do risk collapsing into an overly holistic position. I discuss how these problems might be avoided, and consider also how Dewey's views about naturalism and realism might usefully inform ongoing work.
Equity in access to fortified maize flour and corn meal
Authors: Zamora Gerardo , De‐Regil Luz Maria
Published: December 2013

Mass fortification of maize flour and corn meal with a single or multiple micronutrients is a public health intervention that aims to improve vitamin and mineral intake, micronutrient nutritional status, health, and development of the general population. Micronutrient malnutrition is unevenly distributed among population groups and is importantly determined by social factors, such as living conditions, socioeconomic position, gender, cultural norms, health systems, and the socioeconomic and political context in which people access food. Efforts trying to make fortified foods accessible to the population groups that most need them require acknowledgment of the role of these determinants. Using a perspective of social determinants of health, this article presents a conceptual framework to approach equity in access to fortified maize flour and corn meal, and provides nonexhaustive examples that illustrate the different levels included in the framework. Key monitoring areas and issues to consider in order to expand and guarantee a more equitable access to maize flour and corn meal are described.
The neuroethology of friendship
Authors: Brent Lauren J.N. , Chang Steve W.C. , Gariépy Jean‐François , Platt Michael L.
Published: December 2013

Friendship pervades the human social landscape. These bonds are so important that disrupting them leads to health problems, and difficulties forming or maintaining friendships attend neuropsychiatric disorders like autism and depression. Other animals also have friends, suggesting that friendship is not solely a human invention but is instead an evolved trait. A neuroethological approach applies behavioral, neurobiological, and molecular techniques to explain friendship with reference to its underlying mechanisms, development, evolutionary origins, and biological function. Recent studies implicate a shared suite of neural circuits and neuromodulatory pathways in the formation, maintenance, and manipulation of friendships across humans and other animals. Health consequences and reproductive advantages in mammals additionally suggest that friendship has adaptive benefits. We argue that understanding the neuroethology of friendship in humans and other animals brings us closer to knowing fully what it means to be human.
Why don't older adults in England go to have their eyes examined?
Authors: Shickle Darren , Griffin Marcus
Published: December 2013

Purpose

Preventable sight loss is one of the Public Health Outcome Indicators in England. Despite availability of NHS‐funded eye examinations, many people do not take up their entitlement. This paper explores older adults understanding of eye health and the purpose of eye examinations and the reasons why they do or do not attend for eye examinations. The aim is to provide evidence to inform policy on increasing uptake of eye examinations among older people who have increased risk of preventable sight loss.

Methods

10 focus‐group meetings were held with people living in deprived areas of Leeds, recruited via community groups and neighbourhood networks. Focus groups were transcribed and a thematic analysis approach was used.

Results

The majority of participants were aged over 60, wore spectacles, and had regular eye examinations. Most were eligible for a NHS‐funded eye examination. There was poor knowledge about eye disease and the purpose of different elements of the eye examination. Participants felt very vulnerable about getting the tests ‘wrong’ and looking foolish. Wearing of spectacles was associated with appearing old and frail. Many did not trust the veracity of optometrists, and perceived opticians to be expensive places, where it was difficult to control spending. Many had experienced ‘hard sell’ and opaque pricing. Most, but not all, were happy with the optometric services received. Participants indicated a preference for utilising a local optometrist located alongside other familiar health care services.

Conclusion

Not‐for‐profit services co‐located with other public services are needed to address concerns about cost of spectacles, lack of trust in optometrists, and poor access to eye examinations in local settings. It will also be important to raise public understanding about the purpose of eye examinations in terms of other causes of preventable sight loss and not just refractive error and need for spectacles.
MACEI and MACawake of sevoflurane in infants with obstructive jaundice
Authors: Chen Si‐Qin , Ye Hai‐Rong , Chen Yi‐Jun , Wang Ying‐Wei
Published: December 2013

Background

The aim of this study was to determine whether the MACEI and MACawake of sevoflurane in infants with obstructive jaundice are different from that observed in nonjaundiced infants.

Methods

Infants scheduled for abdominal surgery were recruited into the study. General anesthesia was induced with 8% sevoflurane inhaled with 8 l·min−1 of oxygen via mask, followed by adjustment of inspired sevoflurane to the target concentration based on the result in previous patient at which laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation were attempted and maintained for 15 min. All responses to tracheal intubation were assessed. At the end of the procedure, sevoflurane was titrated to the target concentration, which was kept constant for 15 min before a standard stimulus was applied to determine whether the infant was awake. The Dixon's ‘up and down’ method was used to determine progression of subsequent concentrations.

Results

There was no significant difference between the MACEI of sevoflurane in infants with obstructive jaundice (3.40 ± 0.21%) and that observed in the control group (3.43 ± 0.18%). But the MACawake of sevoflurane in jaundiced infants (1.00 ± 0.15%) was significantly lower than that of nonjaundiced controls (1.40 ± 0.21%; P = 0.004); to complement these findings, we reported a negative correlation between serum total bilirubin and the probability of awakening (OR = 0.984, 95% CI is 0.970–0.998, P = 0.028).

Conclusions

The MACawake of sevoflurane was reduced in obstructive jaundiced infants compared with nonjaundiced controls, whereas there was no significant difference between the MACEI of sevoflurane in infants with obstructive jaundice and that observed in nonjaundiced infants.
Plasticity of functional traits varies clinally along a rainfall gradient in Eucalyptus tricarpa
Authors: MCLEAN ELIZABETH H. , PROBER SUZANNE M. , STOCK WILLIAM D. , STEANE DOROTHY A. , POTTS BRAD M. , VAILLANCOURT RENÉ E. , BYRNE MARGARET
Published: December 2013

Widespread species often occur across a range of climatic conditions, through a combination of local genetic adaptations and phenotypic plasticity. Species with greater phenotypic plasticity are likely to be better positioned to cope with rapid anthropogenic climate changes, while those displaying strong local adaptations might benefit from translocations to assist the movement of adaptive genes as the climate changes. Eucalyptus tricarpa occurs across a climatic gradient in south‐eastern Australia, a region of increasing aridity, and we hypothesized that this species would display local adaptation to climate. We measured morphological and physiological traits reflecting climate responses in nine provenances from sites of 460 to 1040 mm annual rainfall, in their natural habitat and in common gardens near each end of the gradient. Local adaptation was evident in functional traits and differential growth rates in the common gardens. Some traits displayed complex combinations of plasticity and genetic divergence among provenances, including clinal variation in plasticity itself. Provenances from drier locations were more plastic in leaf thickness, whereas leaf size was more plastic in provenances from higher rainfall locations. Leaf density and stomatal physiology (as indicated by δ13C and δ18O) were highly and uniformly plastic. In addition to variation in mean trait values, genetic variation in trait plasticity may play a role in climate adaptation.
Low glutathione regulates gene expression and the redox potentials of the nucleus and cytosol in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: SCHNAUBELT DANIEL , QUEVAL GUILLAUME , DONG YINGPING , DIAZ‐VIVANCOS PEDRO , MAKGOPA MATOME EUGENE , HOWELL GARETH , DE SIMONE AMBRA , BAI JUAN , HANNAH MATTHEW A. , FOYER CHRISTINE H.
Published: December 2013

Reduced glutathione (GSH) is considered to exert a strong influence on cellular redox homeostasis and to regulate gene expression, but these processes remain poorly characterized. Severe GSH depletion specifically inhibited root meristem development, while low root GSH levels decreased lateral root densities. The redox potential of the nucleus and cytosol of Arabidopsis thaliana roots determined using roGFP probes was between –300 and –320 mV. Growth in the presence of the GSH‐synthesis inhibitor buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) increased the nuclear and cytosolic redox potentials to approximately −260 mV. GSH‐responsive genes including transcription factors (SPATULA, MYB15, MYB75), proteins involved in cell division, redox regulation (glutaredoxinS17, thioredoxins, ACHT5 and TH8) and auxin signalling (HECATE), were identified in the GSH‐deficient root meristemless 1‐1 (rml1‐1) mutant, and in other GSH‐synthesis mutants (rax1‐1, cad2‐1, pad2‐1) as well as in the wild type following the addition of BSO. Inhibition of auxin transport had no effect on organ GSH levels, but exogenous auxin decreased the root GSH pool. We conclude that GSH depletion significantly increases the redox potentials of the nucleus and cytosol, and causes arrest of the cell cycle in roots but not shoots, with accompanying transcript changes linked to altered hormone responses, but not oxidative stress.
The emerging importance of microbial volatile organic compounds
Authors: PIECHULLA BIRGIT , DEGENHARDT JÖRG
Published: December 2013

This article comments on: Volatiles produced by soil‐borne endophytic bacteria increase plant pathogen resistance and affect tritrophic interactions
Metabolomic analysis reveals the potential metabolites and pathogenesis involved in mulberry yellow dwarf disease
Authors: GAI YING‐PING , HAN XUE‐JUAN , LI YI‐QUN , YUAN CHUAN‐ZHONG , MO YAO‐YAO , GUO FANG‐YUE , LIU QING‐XIN , JI XIAN‐LING
Published: December 2013

To analyse the molecular mechanisms of phytoplasma pathogenicity, the comprehensive metabolomic changes of mulberry leaf and phloem sap in response to phytoplasma infection were examined using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. The metabolic profiles obtained revealed that the metabolite compositions of leaf and phloem sap were different, and phytoplasma infection has a greater impact on the metabolome of phloem sap than of leaf. Phytoplasma infection brought about the content changes in various metabolites, such as carbohydrates, amino acids, organic acids, etc. Meanwhile, the results of biochemical analysis showed that the degradation of starch was repressed, and the starch content was increased in the infected leaves. In addition, we found that phytoplasma infection changed the levels of abscisic acid and cytokinin and break phytohormone balance. Interestingly, our data showed that the contents of H2O2 and superoxide were increased in the infected leaves, but not in the phloem saps. Based on the results, the expression levels of the genes involved in the metabolism of some changed metabolites were examined, and the potential molecular mechanisms of these changes were discussed. It can be concluded that both the leaf and phloem saps have a complicated metabolic response to phytoplasma infection, but their response mechanisms were different.
Tree‐ring stable isotopes record the impact of a foliar fungal pathogen onCO2assimilation and growth inDouglas‐fir
Authors: SAFFELL BRANDY J. , MEINZER FREDERICK C. , VOELKER STEVEN L. , SHAW DAVID C. , BROOKS J. RENÉE , LACHENBRUCH BARBARA , MCKAY JENNIFER
Published: December 2013

Swiss needle cast (SNC) is a fungal disease ofDouglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) that has recently become prevalent in coastal areas of thePacificNorthwest. We used growth measurements and stable isotopes of carbon and oxygen in tree‐rings ofDouglas‐fir and a non‐susceptible reference species (western hemlock,Tsuga heterophylla) to evaluate their use as proxies for variation in pastSNCinfection, particularly in relation to potential explanatory climate factors. We sampled trees from anOregon site where a fungicide trial took place from 1996 to 2000, which enabled the comparison of stable isotope values between trees with and without disease. Carbon stable isotope discrimination (Δ13C) of treatedDouglas‐fir tree‐rings was greater than that of untreatedDouglas‐fir tree‐rings during the fungicide treatment period. Both annual growth and tree‐ring Δ13Cincreased with treatment such that treatedDouglas‐fir had values similar to co‐occurring western hemlock during the treatment period. There was no difference in the tree‐ring oxygen stable isotope ratio between treated and untreatedDouglas‐fir. Tree‐ring Δ13Cof diseasedDouglas‐fir was negatively correlated with relative humidity during the two previous summers, consistent with increased leaf colonization bySNCunder high humidity conditions that leads to greater disease severity in following years.
Long‐term survival of Acidovorax citrulli in citron melon (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides) seeds
Authors: Dutta B. , Sanders H. , Langston D. B. , Booth C. , Smith S. , Gitaitis R. D.
Published: December 2013

Long‐term survival of Acidovorax citrulli in citron melon (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides) seeds was investigated. Citron melon seed lots infected with A. citrulli were generated in the field by inoculating either the pistils (stigma) or pericarps (ovary wall) of the female blossoms. Seventeen A. citrulli isolates from 14 different haplotypes belonging to two different groups (group I and II) were used for inoculation. After confirming that 100% of seed lots were infected, they were stored at 4°C and 50% RH for 7 years. After storage, the viability of A. citrulli cells from individual lots was determined by plating macerated seeds on semiselective medium as well as growing seeds for 14 days and scoring for bacterial fruit blotch symptoms. The type of A. citrulli isolate (group I or group II) used did not significantly influence bacterial survival. However, A. citrulli survival was significantly greater in seed lots generated via pistil inoculation (52·9 and 29·4%) than via pericarp inoculation (23·5 and 17·6%). Repetitive extragenic palindrome (rep)‐PCR on A. citrulli isolated from citron melon seed lots after storage displayed similar fingerprinting patterns to those of the reference strains originally used for blossom inoculation, indicating that cross‐contamination did not occur. The results indicate that A. citrulli may survive/overwinter in citron melon seeds for at least 7 years and bacterial survival in seed was influenced more by method of blossom inoculation than by the type of bacterial isolate.
Truthmaker Theory without Truthmakers
Authors: Rychter Pablo
Published: December 2013

Truthmaking without truthmakers (TWT, for short) is the thesis that although every true proposition is made true by reality, there need not be particular entities (like facts, states of affairs, or tropes) that make these propositions true. The first substantial part of this paper (section 2) is devoted to developing a particular version of TWT and at the same time defending TWT in general from arguments against it that have been advanced by orthodox truthmaker theorists. In the second part of the paper (section 3) I argue that talk about truthmakers within the theory can be understood as metaphoric and as conveying valuable information about something other than the supposed truthmakers: about truthmaking. The aim of this paper is therefore twofold. On the one hand, I intend to present the view on truthmaking, a version of TWT, that I find most plausible in the light of the arguments for and against truthmaker theory. On the other hand, I argue that friends of TWT have good reason to adopt a figuralist approach to truthmaker theory, rather than rejecting it outright.
Profile of Bovine Proteins in Retained and Normally Expelled Placenta in Dairy Cows
Authors: Kankofer M , Wawrzykowski J , Hoedemaker M
Published: December 2013

Contents

Tissue‐specific protein profile is determined by its function, structure, intensity of metabolism and usefulness. This profile remains under hormonal control. Any disturbance in the general metabolism may be reflected in changes in both protein quantity and quality. These changes can be of low or high specificity, and some can be used as clinical markers of pathological conditions. The aim of this study was to describe and to compare the protein profile of caruncle and foetal villi of bovine placenta that was either properly released or retained. Placental tissues were collected from healthy cows, divided into releasing and retaining foetal membranes, homogenized and subjected to 1D and 2D electrophoresis. Computer‐aided analysis of gel images showed essential qualitative and quantitative alterations in protein profile between tissues that were properly released and retained. Alterations concerned both the number of fractions and spots as well as the intensity of staining. This preliminary study provides a general overview of the differences in the protein profile between released and retained foetal membranes. It may allow for selecting the group of proteins or single molecules, which should be further analysed in detail as possible markers differentiating the retention of foetal membranes in cows from placentas that were released spontaneously. The continuation of the study for the identification of particular spots detected in 2D gels is necessary.
Risk Assessment of Dimethylfumarate Residues in Dwellings Following Contamination by Treated Furniture
Authors: Rousselle C. , Pernelet‐Joly V. , Mourton‐Gilles C. , Lepoittevin J. P. , Vincent R. , Lefranc A. , Garnier R.
Published: December 2013

Recently, numerous cases of dermatitis induced by dimethylfumarate (DMFu) have been reported in Europe. DMFu has been used to prevent mold development in various items, although it is not registered as a biocide. In France, from October 2008 to December 2009, more than 100 cases were reported. Despite a ban on articles containing DMFu and the removal of potentially contaminated products, some people were still suffering from dermatitis or other health problems. The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety was mandated to assess whether the existence in the past of DMFu‐contaminated items in dwellings could continue to pose a threat to the health of inhabitants. A risk assessment was performed based on the classical risk analysis approach for environmental contaminants. Hazard assessment of DMFu with regard to its sensitizing properties was performed, based on human case reports collected in France between January 2009 and February 2010. For around half of the 132 individual cases reported, the causal link to DMFu was considered at least probable. An Organisation for Economic Co‐Operation and Development (OECD) local lymph node assay performed in a study on mice showed strong sensitizing potential for DMFu. Exposure was assessed by measuring DMFu in items sampled in preselected dwellings. These investigations demonstrated that DMFu exposure can persist after removal of the primary contaminated items. We therefore concluded that there was clearly a risk of skin reactions in patients previously sensitized to DMFu. Furthermore, the available data do not support the existence of significant health effects through the respiratory route.
Unexpected reactions of the anti‐IgA antibody particle gel immunoassay
Authors: Strobel E. , von Meyer A.
Published: December 2013

Background

The cause of allergic transfusion reactions remains often unknown, but in rare cases anti‐immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies in patients with IgA‐deficiency can be found. We report on the use of the DiaMed particle gel immunoassay (PaGIA) for detection of anti‐IgA antibodies in patients with allergic transfusion reactions.

Methods

The examination of the suspected adverse reactions included an anti‐IgA antibody test (ID‐PaGIA Anti‐IgA antibody test; DiaMed GmbH, Cressier , Switzerland) and measurement of IgA concentration in the patient's plasma. In the case of a discrepancy IgA subclasses were examined and neutralization of the anti‐IgA antibodies by pure IgA was performed.

Results

Of 142 patients tested for IgA concentration and anti‐IgA antibodies, 8 gave positive results for the anti‐IgA antibody test. In seven of these cases (4.9% of the patients tested) IgA levels were found to be normal, and in four of five so tested, the positive result could not be neutralized with purified IgA. Only one patient had confirmed IgA deficiency with anti‐IgA antibodies that were neutralized by addition of purified IgA.

Conclusion

Cause and clinical relevance of a positive reaction of the anti‐IgA antibody test in patients with normal total IgA and normal IgA subclasses remains unknown. Because of the high false positive rate we do not recommend this test as a screening test for anti‐IgA antibodies when evaluating allergic transfusion reactions, but instead recommend measurement of total IgA in patient's plasma or serum as a primary screen for IgA deficiency with antibodies as a cause of allergic transfusion reaction.
Evaluation of Nanofluids as Potential Novel Coolant for Aircraft Applications: The Case of De-ionized Water-Based Alumina Nanofluids
Authors: Narvaez Javier A. , Veydt Aaron R. , Wilkens Robert J.
Published: December 2013

There is a critical need for improved coolants for military aircraft applications. The objective of this research is to evaluate nanofluids as potential replacement for the coolant currently used by the Air Force. Alumina/DI water nanofluids were evaluated. It was observed that at the same volumetric flow there was no significant improvement in convective heat transfer. Problems associated with the nanofluids were observed: increase of pressure drop with concentration, particle settling, and especially evidence of vaporization promoted by the nanoparticles. Results raised doubts about the applicability of using nanofluids as alternative coolants for avionic applications.
Natural Convection Within an Elongated Vertical Cylinder: Heat Loss From Bore of Oil Well Christmas Tree
Authors: Marotta Egidio (Ed) , Arora Sumit , Sanchez Mauricio A.
Published: December 2013

Internal natural convective heat transfer from a thin walled, vertical cylinder with an exposed vertical surface is investigated numerically. The top and bottom end faces are assumed isothermal. This setup approximates the vertical wellbore of a Christmas tree for simulating cool-down of subsea oil and gas equipment during shutdown operations. The primary objective of this study is to determine the cooling rate of the interior fluid and the onset of fluid motion (rotation) caused by the two non-adiabatic surfaces as a function of Biot number (Bi) applied at the vertical cylindrical wall. The flow is assumed to be three-dimensional, non-steady, and transitional with constant fluid properties except for the density variation with temperature. This latter effect gives rise to the buoyancy force; treated using the Bousinessq approach. We solve the dimensionless governing equations numerically using COMSOL Multiphysics, a commercial finite-element method (FEM) based code. The specific application that motivated this investigation involved a range of Prandtl numbers (Pr) from 0.7 to 168. In addition, we consider small and moderate values of Rayleigh numbers (Ra). Steady-state solutions for temperature and velocity are stratified at the heat source region regardless of the Biot number.
An Analytical Approach to Investigate the Evolution of Bone Volume Fraction in Bone Remodeling Simulation at the Tissue and Cell Level
Authors: Colloca Michele , Ito Keita , van Rietbergen Bert
Published: December 2013

Simulation of bone remodeling at the bone cell level can predict changes in bone microarchitecture and density due to bone diseases and drug treatment. Their clinical application, however, is limited since bone microarchitecture can only be measured in the peripheral skeleton of patients and since the simulations are very time consuming. To overcome these issues, we have developed an analytical model to predict bone density adaptation at the organ level, in agreement with our earlier developed bone remodeling theory at the cellular level. Assuming a generalized geometrical model at the microlevel, the original theory was reformulated into an analytical equation that describes the evolution of bone density as a function of parameters that describe cell activity, mechanotransduction and mechanical loading. It was found that this analytical model can predict changes in bone density due to changes in these cell-level parameters that are in good agreement with those predicted by the earlier numerical model that implemented a detailed micro-finite element (FE) model to represent the bone architecture and loading, at only a fraction of the computational costs. The good agreement between analytical and numerical density evolutions indicates that the analytical model presented in this study can predict well bone functional adaptation and, eventually, provide an efficient tool for simulating patient-specific bone remodeling and for better prognosis of bone fracture risk.
Modeling and Validation of a Large Scale, Multiphase Carbon Capture System
Authors: Lane William A. , Storlie Curtis , Montgomery Christopher , Ryan Emily M.
Published: December 2013

As the effects of climate change continue to rise with increasing carbon dioxide emission rates, it is imperative that we develop an efficient method for carbon capture. This paper outlines the framework used to break down a large, complex carbon capture system into smaller unit problems for model validation, and uncertainty quantification. We use this framework to investigate the uncertainty and sensitivity of the hydrodynamics of a bubbling fluidized bed. Using the open-source computational fluid dynamics code MFIX we simulate a bubbling fluidized bed with an immersed horizontal tube bank. Mesh resolution and statistical steady state studies are conducted to identify the optimal operating conditions. The preliminary results show good agreement with experimental data from literature. Employing statistical sampling and analysis techniques we designed a set of simulations to quantify the sensitivity of the model to model parameters that are difficult to measure, including: coefficients of restitution, friction angles, packed bed void fraction, and drag models. Initial sensitivity analysis results indicate that no parameters may be omitted. Further uncertainty quantification analysis is underway to investigate and quantify the effects of model parameters on the simulations results.
Numerical Simulation of Fluid Flow in the Vicinity of an Oscillating Cavity: Verification and Validation
Authors: Ragunathan Srivathsan
Published: December 2013

The focus of this paper is on the verification and validation of the numerical solutions of flow due to an infinitely long oscillating wall with periodic cavities. The wall was allowed to oscillate sinusoidally with the fluid initially at rest. This wall motion set up an interesting pattern of vortex entrainment and ejection from the cavity. The problem was numerically modeled with a commercial CFD code, FLUENT v 6.2.16. To circumvent the need for a moving mesh, a reference frame attached to the wall was used. For numerical uncertainty estimation, the Grid Convergence Index (GCI) method was used for both temporal and spatial resolutions at a Reynolds Number (based on the cavity height) of 200. The spatial grid resolution study was done at different time-steps (in the oscillation cycle) on the cross-streamwise velocity on a plane connecting the two open edges of the cavity (lip of the cavity). For this parameter, a local mesh size was used to calculate the GCI with 20, 40 and 80 node points. With the cavity at rest, low GCI percentages (less than 1%) were observed on this parameter for the fine grid solution. As the cavity began to accelerate, some discrete points on the cavity lip plane showed higher GCI percentages (some even as high as 100%); the higher uncertainties were associated with very small velocities (close to zero). The numerical uncertainty on the shear stress on the lower wall as well as on the mass efflux from the cavity over an oscillation cycle were also estimated using the GCI and were observed to be very low numbers (global variables). Validation was done by comparing the results to (1) The Stokes’ second problem and (2) a few similar experimental and numerical results published in the literature.