bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How does semi-automated computer-derived CT measure of breast density compare with subjective assessments to assess mean glandular breast density, in patients with breast cancer?
Authors: Bansal G J , Kotugodella S
Published: November 2014

Objectives:

(a) To compare radiologists' breast mammographic density readings with CT subjective measures. (b) To correlate computer-derived measurement of CT density with subjective assessments. (c) To evaluate density distributions in this cohort of patients with breast cancer.

Methods:

A retrospective review of mammograms and CT scans in 77 patients with breast cancer obtained within 1 year of each other was performed. Two radiologists independently reviewed both CT and mammograms and classified each case into four categories as defined by the breast imaging-reporting and data system of the American College of Radiology. Inter-reader agreements were obtained for both mammographic and CT density subjective evaluations by using the Cohen-weighted kappa statistic and Spearman correlation. The semi-automated computer-derived measurement of breast density was correlated with visual measurements.

Results:

Inter-reader agreements were lower for subjective CT density grades than those for mammographic readings 0.428 [confidence interval (CI), 0.24–0.89] vs 0.571 (CI, 0.35–0.76). There was moderately good correlation between subjective CT density grades and the mammographic density grades for both readers (0.760 for Reader 1 and 0.913 for Reader 2). The semi-automated CT density measurement correlated well with the subjective assessments, with complete agreement of the density grades in 84.9% of patients and only one level difference in the rest.

Conclusions:

Semi-automated CT density measurements in the evaluation of breast density correlated well with subjective mammographic density measurement.

Advances in knowledge:

There is good correlation between CT and mammographic density, but further studies are needed on how to incorporate semi-automated CT breast density measurement in the risk stratification of patients.
Defects in Environmental Law: Notion and Types
Authors: Khludeneva Natalya
Published: November 2014

The current practice of legal regulation of the environmental protection shows that the environmental law potential to provide public and private environmental interests is not high enough. There is a problem of defects in the environmental legal requirements caused by a variety of factors and required an adequate solution among the main reasons for limiting the regulatory potential of the environmental law. Defects of legal regulation of the environmental protection in Russia not only reduce the effectiveness of the mechanism of ecological and legal regulation, but also attempt to minimize the society and the state to create favorable conditions for human existence in the environment. The problem of the environmental law defectiveness has many aspects. It includes a number of issues related to the study of the properties of the environmental law, the nature of the category of "defects in the environmental law," the causes of defects in the environmental law and others. The content of the category of "defects in the environmental law" as well as the classification of the defects of the legal regulation of the environment protection are investigated in this article.
Local Legal Acts of Medical Institutions
Authors: Khzanyan Norair
Published: November 2014

This article focuses on problem of local lawmaking at state governmental establishments in Russia, questions of legal relations between state and public health institutions, justification of specific proposals and recommendations, that aimed to improving institutional and legal framework of public health institutions, clear regulation of the public health institutions with the relevant local regulations in order the rights of the patient. Particular attention is given to the development and publication of local legal acts, and the key violations are also highlighted here. Particular attention is paid to the development and publication of local legal acts, key violations have been outlined. Subjects of law-making, the concept and types of local legal acts in the activities of public health institutions, the grounds of origin, as well as the importance of local legal acts as instruments of decentralized self-regulation in a structure operating in the country of legal regulators are identified. Some practical recommendations for the development of local regulations aimed on improving the organizational and legal bases of maintenance of health service are given.
Property Immunity for Single Housing Accommodation of Citizen: Ensuring Balance of Rights of Creditors and Debtors
Authors: Savelev Dmitriy
Published: November 2014

The article analyses the position of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation on the problem of ensuring of rights of creditors and debtors while applying the immunity of property against arrest of the only living quarters. According to the definition of the notion “evident excess of reasonable need in living quarters”, the author concludes that this criterion may be applicable only on condition that the law will fix two values of housing that is calculated in living space per person: minimally required and excessive. At the same time the author tells that the present normative regulation guarantees enough the preservation of balance between constitutional rights of debtors and creditors and any changes in law may cause risk of abuse of rights from the part of creditors. The best way would be to let arrest the only housing of a debtor-citizen only in the context of procedure of bankruptcy of citizens.
After the ‘no’ vote: what happens next?
Authors: Timmins Nick
Published: November 2014

Senior fellow at the Institute for Government and the King's Fund considers the long-term implications of the Scottish independence referendum
Hope: a key concept in the psychology of nursing
Authors: Castledine George
Published: November 2014

When Helen Scott commented in her last editorial that ‘treatment gives hope and without hope life is meaningless’ (Vol 9(13): 816), it struck a chord with me about how crucial the concept of hope is in nursing.
Spending the Sport Premium effectively
Authors: O'Connell Suzanne
Published: November 2014

Government research suggests that the PE and Sport Premium funding is having a positive impact on sports provision. Suzanne O'Connell looks at how some schools have been using the money.
How to succeed as a new renal nurse manager
Authors: Ellis Peter , Abbott Jane
Published: November 2014

In the second article in a series outlining the skills necessary for the novice nurse manager to succeed, Peter Ellis describes the interpersonal skills new managers need when moving to a management position in the interprofessional, patient-centred environment of a renal unit.
Randomised controlled clinical trial for autologous fibroblast-hyaluronic acid complex in treating diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: You H.J. , Han S.K. , Rhie J.W.
Published: November 2014

Objective:

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) often pose a treatment problem. Bioengineered skin substitutes have been reported to result in accelerated diabetic wound healing. The purpose of this clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the autologous fibroblast-hyaluronic acid complex for treating DFUs.

Method:

A stratified, randomised, controlled, multicentre study was carried out. Patients with DFUs were allocated to either a treatment group with grafting of an autologous fibroblast-hyaluronic acid complex or a control group with non-adherent foam dressing. Except for application of the fibroblast complex, treatment of the study ulcers was identical for patients in both groups. The maximum follow-up period for each patient was 12 weeks.

Results:

Complete ulcer healing was achieved in 84% (26/31 patients) of the treatment group and 34% (11/32 patients) of the control group (p<0.05). The times required for complete healing were 36.4±17.6 and 48.4±13.1 days in the treatment and control groups, respectively (p<0.05). No adverse events related to treatment occurred.

Conclusion:

These results indicate that autologous fibroblast-hyaluronic acid complex may offer a safe and effective treatment for DFUs.

Declaration of interest:

This study was supported by grants from ChaBio & Diostech (Seoul, Korea). This clinical trial was approved by the FDA of Korea. None of the authors have any conflicts of interest.
An estimate of the potential budget impact of using prophylactic dressings to prevent hospital-acquired PUs in Australia
Authors: Santamaria N. , Santamaria H.
Published: November 2014

Objective:

To estimate the potential cost saving to the Australian health-care system of introducing the use of prophylactic dressings to prevent hospital-acquired pressure ulcers (PUs) for patients with a high-risk developing a PU.

Method:

We estimated the costs of pressure ulceration based on conservative estimates of an incidence rate of 13% within 10% of the total admitted Australian patient population. Results from a recent large randomised control trial of prophylactic dressing used to prevent PUs in high-risk patients were then extrapolated to this population to derive a potential national cost/benefit calculation.

Results:

Our estimate revealed that within the high-risk population of acute hospitals, more than 71,000 patients could be expected to develop a PU annually costing AU$77,800,000 (£43,000,000). Whereas by implementing a national PU prevention initiative based on the use of prophylactic multilayer silicone foam dressings for high-risk patients, an annual saving of AU$34,800,000 (£19,700,000) could be achieved, which represents a cost benefit of 55% to the Australian health-care system.

Conclusion:

Our estimate of the potential cost benefit of implementing the use of prophylactic dressings to prevent hospital acquired PUs in high-risk patients uses conservative estimates of both the incidence rates of ulceration and of treatment costs. However, this is also based on one of the largest reported randomised control trials of this technique to prevent PUs. We believe that our modelling is robust yet requires replication in other countries with different health-care systems and costing structures.

Declaration of interest:

There was no sponsorship of this study. The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.
The combined use of NPWT and instillation using an octenidine based wound rinsing solution: a case study
Authors: Matiasek J. , Djedovic G. , Mattesich M. , Morandi E. , Pauzenberger R. , Pikula R. , Verstappen R. , Pierer G. , Koller R. , Rieger U.M.
Published: November 2014

Effective wound bed preparation is an essential element in the healing of chronic wounds, including pressure ulcers (PUs). Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) reduces oedema, stimulates the formation of granulation tissue and helps remove wound exudate. This helps prepare the wound bed for secondary healing, skin grafting or coverage with flaps. Combining NPWT with an instillation phase using an antiseptic (octenidine based) irrigation solution is a novel approach to PU management.

Three patients with Category 4 gluteal PUs were treated with NPWT and instillation fluid, following surgical debridement of necrotic tissue. The aim was to achieve optimal wound bed preparation prior to wound closure by local fasciocutaneous flap.

The antiseptic efficacy of octenilin wound irrigation solution in microorganism eradication was quantified by in vitro tests simulating real conditions using leg ulcer vacuum exudates.

All wounds completely healed after four weeks, and no adverse incidents occurred due to instillation of octenidine. No recurrence of the PU occurred during a one year follow-up.

Declaration of interest:

The study was performed independently with no external financial support. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare with regards to the article or its content.
Sorting out the signal: Do multiple measures of teachers’ effectiveness provide consistent information to teachers and principals?
Authors: Strunk Katharine O. , Weinsten Tracey L. , Makkonen Reino
Published: November 2014

There is increasing policy interest in the use of standards-based multiple measure teacher evaluation systems that include both observational and value-added measures of teacher effectiveness. The growing literature that assesses the relationships between these measures does so mainly in academic settings using a validity lens. While valuable in their own right, this evidence from research-based settings provides little evidence about how teachers and principals receive the different signals from multiple measures of effectiveness when implemented in district contexts. Using pairwise correlations and a series of ordinary least squares regressions, this study assesses the relationships between value-added measures of teacher effectiveness and an observational measure of teacher practice as implemented in a district's pilot of a new standards-based multiple-measure teacher evaluation system. We find moderate correlations between value-added and observation-based measures, indicating that teachers will receive similar but not entirely consistent signals from each performance measure. We conclude by highlighting considerations for districts working to develop and implement standards-based multiple-measure teacher evaluation systems.
Effects of cigarette smoking on circulating leukocytes and plasma cytokines in monozygotic twins
Authors: Andreoli Cristina , Bassi Antonella , Gregg Evan O. , Nunziata Alfredo , Puntoni Riccardo , Corsini Emanuela
Published: November 2014

Despite the well-documented role of cigarette smoke in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer and cardiovascular disease, biomarkers for screening or monitoring disease progression and outcome remain elusive, particularly for COPD and lung cancer. Inflammatory cells and mediators are likely to be involved in the disease processes, but their importance is still poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate early changes in immunological markers associated with smoking in healthy monozygotic twins without a detectable disease discordant for smoking, thereby minimising data variability due to genetic background.

: Twenty-two monozygotic twin pairs, aged 31.5±6.3 years, entered the study. One of each twin pair was a smoker and the other a non-smoker. None of the subjects reported any diseases or clinically defined respiratory symptoms or airflow limitation. Each subject donated blood samples for determination of total leukocytes and subpopulations, lymphocyte subpopulation plus pro-inflammatory mediators (interleukin-8, tumour necrosis factor-α, soluble tumour necrosis factor-α receptors and C-reactive protein).

: We observed a significant increase in the number of circulating leukocytes and neutrophils in smokers compared to non-smokers. Smokers also had significantly higher numbers of B cells and CD4

While the prognostic significance of these changes is uncertain, results suggest that smoking is associated with immune changes, independent of genetic background and environmental conditions.
Effects of Study Abroad on EFL Teachers’ Self-perceptions
Authors: Wang Dong , Hui Min
Published: November 2014

Studying abroad (SA) is an important means for EFL teachers to develop their professional competence. This paper reports on an enquiry in Shandong Province, China, into a SA program for a group of 103 secondary school English teachers. Drawing on questionnaire data and teachers’ interview narratives, the paper examines how the SA experience influenced their self-perceptions of EFL teaching in three aspects, namely, language proficiency, teaching ideology and the comparison of native speaking and non-native speaking English teachers. The enquiry revealed that the length of SA was a powerful factor in determining teachers’ attitudes toward their jobs and their own capacities to perform them successfully. These findings are discussed with suggestions for making SA experience an effective, sustainable path for secondary school English teachers’ professional development.
Teachers’ Self-Development in Applying Information Communication Technology
Authors: Yu Li
Published: November 2014

This paper reports a case study of my self-development in applying Information Communication Technology (ICT) to teaching. I analyzed my own growth from three perspectives: technical confidence and competence, pedagogical development and self-efficacy. Classroom observation, interviews, reflective journals and questionnaires were used to explore how professional self-development occurred when I changed my teaching belief in teaching, and how I understood the development as a practicing teacher in learning by teaching. I participated in various projects based on action research in order to meet the challenges of the teaching reform in the new era. The results indicate that teachers can develop their informational quality and professional competence in applying ICT in teaching.
Medieval Biographical Literature and the Companions of Muḥammad
Authors: Khalek Nancy
Published: November 2014

Shīʿī resistance to the authority of the Companions and the proliferation of Imāmī theological alternatives to Sunnī authority after the fifth century AH prompted Sunnī scholars to adopt an expansive definition of
Geraniol attenuates oxidative stress by Nrf2 activation in diet-induced experimental atherosclerosis
Authors: Jayachandran Muthukumaran , Chandrasekaran Balaji , Namasivayam Nalini
Published: November 2014

Background: Preclinical and clinical studies suggest the use of antioxidants as an effective measure to reduce the progression of oxidative-stress-related disorders. Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a key component to cellular redox homeostasis in the attenuation of oxidative-stress-associated pathological processes. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the role of geraniol (GOH) in preserving the plasma lipid status, endothelial function, antioxidant status, and inhibition of lipid peroxidation (LPO) in hamsters fed an atherogenic diet (AD).

Methods: Male Syrian hamsters were randomly grouped into four groups: group 1 was control animals; group 2 was animals fed GOH alone (100 mg/kg bw po); group 3 was animals fed AD (standard pellet diet+10% coconut oil+0.25% cholesterol+0.25% cholic acid); and group 4 was fed AD+GOH (100 mg/kg bw) for 12 weeks. At the end of the feeding period, the animals were sacrificed and the liver, heart, and aorta from each group were analyzed for antioxidants, LPO markers, and histological changes.

Results: AD feeding induced a significant change in lipid profile, endothelial function marker, activities of the antioxidant enzymes, alterations in the LPO markers, Nrf2 expression, and equally significant changes in the organ histology.

Conclusions: Supplementation with GOH appreciably prevented the alterations induced by the AD on all the above parameters. Thus, GOH offers marked protection against AD-induced abnormalities.
Mode of initial presentation and chromosomal abnormalities in Irish patients with Turner syndrome: a single-centre experience
Authors: Mohamed Sarar , Roche Edna F. , Hoey Hilary M.C.V.
Published: November 2014

Age at diagnosis of girls with Turner syndrome (TS) is an important indicator of successful management. We determined the age, initial clinical presentation, and chromosomal abnormalities in patients with TS.

This was a retrospective evaluation of the clinical and laboratory records of patients with TS.

Sixty-five patients with TS were identified; 40 (62%) were diagnosed after age 5 years. The main presenting features were short stature, delayed puberty, dysmorphic features, and neonatal lymphoedema. Chromosomal analysis of this cohort showed that 31 patients demonstrated mosaicism, while a 45,X karyotype was observed in 19. The remaining patients had variable abnormalities including deletion, translocation, isochromosome, and ring chromosome. Y-chromosome material was found in four cases.

Most patients with TS were diagnosed after age 5 years, had a varied clinical presentation, and had a wide range of chromosomal abnormalities.
Is ultrasound useful in the diagnosis of adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome?
Authors: Senaldi Liana , Gopi Resmy Palliyil , Milla Sarah , Shah Bina
Published: November 2014

Diagnosis of adolescent polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remains a challenge despite several existing criteria, and may be difficult to distinguish from pubertal changes. Different parameters to study ovarian function using ultrasonography have been proposed, but there is still no consensus about their diagnostic value.

To evaluate the role of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of adolescent PCOS by reviewing available studies that assessed the ovarian volume (OV) and other ovarian morphological features such as location and number of follicles, stromal area, and volume.

MEDLINE/PubMed database were searched to identify studies that assessed ovarian characteristics of adolescent PCOS patients by ultrasound. Studies on adults were also reviewed if study population included adolescents and stromal characteristics were assessed by three-dimensional (3D) sonogram.

Five studies, including 262 PCOS adolescents (10–19 years of age) and two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound analysis, were identified. Mean OV was 9.29 cm

Pelvic ultrasound is an increasingly important aid in the diagnosis of PCOS in adolescents. Besides ovarian volume, ovarian morphology must be assessed with 2D ultrasound to look for peripherally located multiple follicles. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the utility of 3D ultrasonographic assessment in adolescents with PCOS.
The time-associated impact of the Newborn Influenza Protection Act on infant influenza rates in New York State
Authors: Shah Shetal , Messina Catherine
Published: November 2014

Influenza presents with increased morbidity and mortality in children ≤5 months of age. Vaccination of caregivers is indicated, but immunization rates are estimated at only 30%. The 2009 New York State Neonatal Influenza Protection Act (NIPA) mandated offering of influenza vaccine to caregivers during the post-partum hospitalization. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of NIPA on infant influenza rates.

Data on laboratory-confirmed influenza cases between 2006 and 2012 were extracted from the New York State Electronic Clinical Laboratory Reporting System (ECLRS). Data on infant cases were categorized by age (0–5 months) and location [New York City (NYC), outside NYC] based on reporting laboratory site. The total number of influenza cases and the percentage of total cases in the infant age group were normalized to the number of reporting laboratory sites. The

During the 6-year study period, 3154 cases of infant influenza were detected. In bivariate analysis, 1707 (54.1%) of cases occurred prior to NIPA implementation and 1447 (45.9%) of cases occurred after (P<0.001). Of the 1422 total infant cases detected in NYC, the percentages of influenza cases pre- and post-NIPA were 54.6% (777) and 45.4% (645), respectively (P<0.006). Outside NYC, the percentage of infant cases was reduced from 53.7% (930/1732) to 46.3% (802/1732, P<0.02). Prior to implementation, there was a year-to-year increase in the number of infant influenza cases statewide (P<0.04 for trend). The ratio of infant influenza cases normalized per ECLRS site in NYC increased each year after NIPA passage (P<0.01 for trend). The ratio of infant cases outside NYC decreased annually (P<0.05 for trend). No year-to-year trends were seen in the percentage of total influenza cases in the infant age group compared to total cases across all age groups either within or outside NYC.

Comparison of three influenza seasons before and after NIPA suggests a total statewide reduction in infant influenza. However, the greatest driver of this reduction occurs from reduced disease in infants outside NYC. We speculate that, with increased crowding within NYC, parental immunization as encouraged by NIPA may not create cocoon immunity.
The Marginal Cost Controversy, “Teaching What Economic Policy Is Really About”
Authors: Mohrman Henry
Published: November 2014

What did Coase teach in the classroom? Coase’s articles reprinted in The Firm, the Market, and the Law make up 4 of 11 articles assigned in Coase’s 1972 course on “Economic Analysis and Public Policy.” This article reconstructs Coase’s 1972 syllabus, describes Coase as a teacher, reviews the part of his course devoted to the marginal cost controversy, and presents the lessons learned by a student in Coase’s course. Coase taught practical analysis, useful in law, business, and administration to law students. In addition to teaching the important ideas found in The Firm, the Market, and the Law, Coase taught the controversy surrounding marginal cost pricing. He assigned articles which criticized his views severely. His students learned about strongly opposing views and were expected to decide for themselves what they thought. Thus, Coase taught how discourse on public policy should be conducted. His classroom was a model of the “marketplace for ideas.” A close reading of the assigned materials on the marginal cost controversy reveals the connection Coase made between pricing schemes and economic development, revealing Coase’s view that marginal cost pricing would retard growth. Coase wrote about microeconomic policy decisions with an eye on the macroeconomic consequences. Coase taught that theory should not be allowed to stand in the way of progress.
The Future of Law and Economics
Authors: Posner Richard A. , Becker Gary
Published: November 2014

This exchange between Judge Posner and Professor Becker – two founding fathers of our discipline – was composed almost 3 years ago, but the perspective and wisdom of this exchange remains most relevant to this day. Since then, Professor Becker has died; Judge Posner has added a brief remembrance of Becker at the end of this exchange.
MicroRNA-19b Associates with Ago2 in the Amygdala Following Chronic Stress and Regulates the Adrenergic Receptor Beta 1
Authors: Volk Naama , Paul Evan D. , Haramati Sharon , Eitan Chen , Fields Brandon K.K. , Zwang Raaya , Gil Shosh , Lowry Christopher A. , Chen Alon
Published: November 2014

Activation of the stress response in the presence of diverse challenges requires numerous adaptive molecular and cellular changes. To identify specific microRNA molecules that are altered following chronic stress, mice were subjected to the chronic social defeat procedure. The amygdala from these mice was collected and a screen for microRNAs that were recruited to the RNA-induced silencing complex and differentially expressed between the stressed and unstressed mice was conducted. One of the microRNAs that were significantly altered was microRNA-19b (miR-19b). Bioinformatics analysis revealed the adrenergic receptor β-1 (Adrb1) as a potential target for this microRNA with multiple conserved seed sites. Consistent with its putative regulation by miR-19b, Adrb1 levels were reduced in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) following chronic stress.In vitrostudies using luciferase assays showed a direct effect of miR-19b on Adrb1 levels, which were not evident when miR-19b seed sequences at the Adrb1 transcript were mutated. To assess the role of miR-19b in memory stabilization, previously attributed to BLA-Adrb1, we constructed lentiviruses designed to overexpress or knockdown miR-19b. Interestingly, adult mice injected bilaterally with miR-19b into the BLA showed lower freezing time relative to control in the cue fear conditioning test, and deregulation of noradrenergic circuits, consistent with downregulation of Adrb1 levels. Knockdown of endogenous BLA-miR-19b levels resulted in opposite behavioral and noradrenergic profile with higher freezing time and increase 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol/noradrenaline ratio. These findings suggest a key role for miR-19b in modulating behavioral responses to chronic stress and Adrb1 as an important target of miR-19b in stress-linked brain regions.
Nucleotide Bound to rab11a Controls Localization in Rod Cells But Not Interaction with Rhodopsin
Authors: Reish Nicholas J. , Boitet Evan R. , Bales Katie L. , Gross Alecia K.
Published: November 2014

Precise vectorial transport of rhodopsin is essential for rod photoreceptor health and function. Mutations that truncate or extend the C terminus of rhodopsin disrupt this transport, and lead to retinal degeneration and blindness in human patients and in mouse models. Here we show that such mutations disrupt the binding of rhodopsin to the small GTPase rab11a. The rhodopsin–rab11a interaction is a direct binding interaction that does not depend on the nucleotide binding state of rab11a. Expression of EGFP-rab11a fusion proteins inXenopus laevisphotoreceptors revealed that the nucleotide binding status of rab11a affects its subcellular localization, with GTP-locked mutants concentrated in the inner segment and GDP-locked mutants concentrated in the outer segment. shRNA-mediated knockdown of rab11a in rods led to shortened outer segments and retinal degeneration. Together, our results show the critical importance of direct rhodopsin–rab11a interactions for the formation and maintenance of vertebrate photoreceptors.
Parvalbumin and GAD65 Interneuron Inhibition in the Ventral Hippocampus Induces Distinct Behavioral Deficits Relevant to Schizophrenia
Authors: Nguyen Robin , Morrissey Mark D. , Mahadevan Vivek , Cajanding Janine D. , Woodin Melanie A. , Yeomans John S. , Takehara-Nishiuchi Kaori , Kim Jun Chul
Published: November 2014

Hyperactivity within the ventral hippocampus (vHPC) has been linked to both psychosis in humans and behavioral deficits in animal models of schizophrenia. A local decrease in GABA-mediated inhibition, particularly involving parvalbumin (PV)-expressing GABA neurons, has been proposed as a key mechanism underlying this hyperactive state. However, direct evidence is lacking for a causal role of vHPC GABA neurons in behaviors associated with schizophrenia. Here, we probed the behavioral function of two different but overlapping populations of vHPC GABA neurons that express either PV or GAD65 by selectively inhibiting these neurons with the pharmacogenetic neuromodulator hM4D. We show that acute inhibition of vHPC GABA neurons in adult mice results in behavioral changes relevant to schizophrenia. Inhibiting either PV or GAD65 neurons produced distinct behavioral deficits. Inhibition of PV neurons, affecting ∼80% of the PV neuron population, robustly impaired prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle reflex (PPI), startle reactivity, and spontaneous alternation, but did not affect locomotor activity. In contrast, inhibiting a heterogeneous population of GAD65 neurons, affecting ∼40% of PV neurons and 65% of cholecystokinin neurons, increased spontaneous and amphetamine-induced locomotor activity and reduced spontaneous alternation, but did not alter PPI. Inhibition of PV or GAD65 neurons also produced distinct changes in network oscillatory activity in the vHPCin vivo. Together, these findings establish a causal role for vHPC GABA neurons in controlling behaviors relevant to schizophrenia and suggest a functional dissociation between the GABAergic mechanisms involved in hippocampal modulation of sensorimotor processes.
A Designated Odor–Language Integration System in the Human Brain
Authors: Olofsson Jonas K. , Hurley Robert S. , Bowman Nicholas E. , Bao Xiaojun , Mesulam M.-Marsel , Gottfried Jay A.
Published: November 2014

Odors are surprisingly difficult to name, but the mechanism underlying this phenomenon is poorly understood. In experiments using event-related potentials (ERPs) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we investigated the physiological basis of odor naming with a paradigm where olfactory and visual object cues were followed by target words that either matched or mismatched the cue. We hypothesized that word processing would not only be affected by its semantic congruency with the preceding cue, but would also depend on the cue modality (olfactory or visual). Performance was slower and less precise when linking a word to its corresponding odor than to its picture. The ERP index of semantic incongruity (N400), reflected in the comparison of nonmatching versus matching target words, was more constrained to posterior electrode sites and lasted longer on odor-cue (vs picture-cue) trials. In parallel, fMRI cross-adaptation in the right orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and the left anterior temporal lobe (ATL) was observed in response to words when preceded by matching olfactory cues, but not by matching visual cues. Time-series plots demonstrated increased fMRI activity in OFC and ATL at the onset of the odor cue itself, followed by response habituation after processing of a matching (vs nonmatching) target word, suggesting that predictive perceptual representations in these regions are already established before delivery and deliberation of the target word. Together, our findings underscore the modality-specific anatomy and physiology of object identification in the human brain.
Transnitrosylation from DJ-1 to PTEN Attenuates Neuronal Cell Death in Parkinson's Disease Models
Authors: Choi Min Sik , Nakamura Tomohiro , Cho Seung-Je , Han Xuemei , Holland Emily A. , Qu Jing , Petsko Gregory A. , Yates John R. , Liddington Robert C. , Lipton Stuart A.
Published: November 2014

Emerging evidence suggests that oxidative/nitrosative stress, as occurs during aging, contributes to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). In contrast, detoxification of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species can protect neurons.DJ-1has been identified as one of several recessively inherited genes whose mutation can cause familial PD, and inactivation of DJ-1 renders neurons more susceptible to oxidative stress and cell death. DJ-1 is also known to regulate the activity of the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), which plays a critical role in neuronal cell death in response to various insults. However, mechanistic details delineating how DJ-1 regulates PTEN activity remain unknown. Here, we report that PTEN phosphatase activity is inhibited via a transnitrosylation reaction [i.e., transfer of a nitric oxide (NO) group from the cysteine residue of one protein to another]. Specifically, we show that DJ-1 isS-nitrosylated (forming SNO-DJ-1); subsequently, the NO group is transferred from DJ-1 to PTEN by transnitrosylation. Moreover, we detect SNO-PTEN in human brains with sporadic PD. Using x-ray crystallography and site-directed mutagenesis, we find that Cys106 is the site ofS-nitrosylation on DJ-1 and that mutation of this site inhibits transnitrosylation to PTEN. Importantly,S-nitrosylation of PTEN decreases its phosphatase activity, thus promoting cell survival. These findings provide mechanistic insight into the neuroprotective role of SNO-DJ-1 by elucidating how DJ-1 detoxifies NO via transnitrosylation to PTEN. Dysfunctional DJ-1, which lacks this transnitrosylation activity due to mutation or prior oxidation (e.g., sulfonation) of the critical cysteine thiol, could thus contribute to neurodegenerative disorders like PD.
NUTRITIONAL STRESS IN WESTERN HOOLOCK GIBBON DUE TO ADVERSE CHANGES IN DIET PATTERN
Authors: Deb Mitrajit , Choudhury Sudip , Sharma Indu , C. Bhattacharjee Parimal , Formicki Grzesiek , Bulla Jozef , Roychoudhury Shubhadeep
Published: November 2014

Habitat destruction and hunting are one of the major threats to endangered western hoolock gibbon (Hoolock hoolock) in India. Due to large scale deforestation, important feeding and roosting tress are destroyed thereby creating shortage of food all-round the year. In non-availability of preferred food, these gibbons are bound to switch their diet and eat a diet of less nutritive value. This unwanted diet-switch may lead to severe nutritional stress leading to low population densities, reduced litter and a breach in their nutritional threshold may also cause sudden die-off. Acute food supply may cause deficiency of total energy and protein supply in primates which may ultimately lead to a variety of severe immune dysfunctions and an impaired resilience. It is being well known that degraded habitat leads to increase of parasite among primates, which leads to the decimation of the weak and the vulnerable. Weak immune system due to improper diet and nutrition may lead to parasite colonization, growth and fecundity.
FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES, ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF ZATARIA MULTIFLORA ENCAPSULATED IN GELTIN NANOFILMS
Authors: Jahani Somayeh , Shakiba Amin , Azami Mehdi
Published: November 2014

Development of biodegradable and biocompatible films based on the proteinpolymer with strong antibacterial activities is gradually obtained extensive concern in the world. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of gelatin nano films merged with different concentrations of Zataria multiflora essential oil. Gelatin films were prepared from gelatin solutions (10% w/v) containing Zataria multiflora essential oil [ZMO] (2, 4, 6 and 8% w/w), glycerol (25% w/w) as plasticizer, and glutaraldehyde (2% w/w) as cross-linker. The mechanical, water solubility, water swelling, water vapor permeability, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of the films were measured according to the American Society for Testing and Materials. Gelatin films exhibited good tensile strength and elongation at break, water solubility, swelling, and water vapor permeability. Incorporation of ZMO into the gelatin films caused a significant decrease in tensile strength and swelling, and a significant increase in elongation at break, water solubility, water vapor permeability and whiteness of the films. Gelatin films exhibited low antioxidant activity while gelatin films incorporated with ZMO exhibited excellent antioxidant properties. The films incorporated with ZMO also exhibited excellent antibacterial properties against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Our results suggest that the gelatin/ZMO films could be used as a very attractive alternative to traditional materials for different biomedical applications.
PRODUCT SAFETY AND COLOR CHARACTERISTICS OF GROUND BEEF PROCESSED FROM BEEF TRIMMINGS TREATED WITH PEROXYACETIC ACID ALONE OR FOLLOWED BY NOVEL ORGANIC ACIDS
Authors: Pohlman Fred , Dias-Morse Palika , Pinidiya Dilan
Published: November 2014

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of antimicrobial interventions using peroxyacetic acetic acid (PAA) followed by novel organic acids on beef trimmings prior to grinding with conventional spray (CS) or electrostatic spray (ES) on ground beef microbial populations and color. Beef trimmings (80/20; 25kg) were inoculated with E. coli O157:H7, non- O157:H7 shiga toxin producing (STEC) E. coli (EC) and Salmonella spp. (SA) at 105 CFU/g. Inoculated trimmings (1.5 kg /treatment/replicate, 2 replicates) were treated with CS application of 0.02% PAA alone or followed by CS or ES application of 3% octanoic acid (PO), 3% pyruvic acid (PP), 3% malic acid (PM), saturated solution of fumaric acid (PF) or deionized water (W). Findings from this study suggest that PA as a single or multiple chemical hurdle approach with malic, pyruvic, octanoic and fumaric acid on beef trimmings may be effective in reducing E. coli O157:H7 as well as non-STEC serotypes and Salmonella in ground beef up to day 2 of simulated retail display. Results of this study showed that instrumental color properties of ground beef treated with peroxyacetic acid followed by organic acids had little or no difference (P > 0.05) compared to the untreated un-inoculated control ground beef samples. The results also indicate that ES application of some organic acids may have similar or greater efficiency in controlling ground beef microbial populations compared to the CS application of the same acid providing a more economical and waste manageable decontamination approach.
ETNOBOTÁNICA ASOCIADA AL BAREQUEO EN EL CAÑÓN MEDIO DEL RÍO CAUCA: JURISDICCIÓN DE LOS MUNICIPIOS DE PEQUE Y SABANALARGA. OCCIDENTE ANTIOQUEÑO
Authors: Arango-Arroyave José Ubeimar
Published: November 2014

Dentro de los espacios de uso y manejo de la sucesión de bosque realizado por las comunidades cañoneras que habitan ecosistemas secos tropicales de la franja media del Rio Cauca se encuentran una serie de plantas de uso en minería artesanal de aluvión.Para ello se partió de técnicas de investigación etnográfica y etnobotánica que se complementaron con registro fotográfico, toma de muestras botánicas, formatos, notas de campo e identificación taxonómica. Esta investigación muestra a manera de inventario la composición florística y algunos apuntes etnobotánicos acerca de las especies identificadas y reconocidas por las comunidades de esta zona que presentan un valor cultural y material en las prácticas de minería artesanal aluvial; donde se destacan cuatro especies y cuatro géneros pertenecientes a tres familias en prácticas de separación del oro y siete especies, siete géneros que corresponden a seis familias en la elaboración y fabricación de accesorios y equipos de minería tradicional. Este trabajo pudo constatar a manera de conclusión como este tipo de prácticas como el conocimiento ancestral asociado a ello sigue persistiendo, aunque se ven amenazadas por otros tipos de minería como la de las dragas y de megaproyectos pensados y en fase de ejecución como el Proyecto Hidroeléctrico Pescadero Ituango.
PATRIMONIO GEOLÓGICO Y GEODIVERSIDAD: BASES PARA SU DEFINICIÓN EN LA ZONA ANDINA DE COLOMBIA: CASO SANTA FE DE ANTIOQUIA
Authors: Jaramillo Zapata Julian Esteban , Caballero-Acosta José Humberto , Molina-Escobar Jorge Martín
Published: November 2014

El objetivo principal de esta investigación fue adaptar una metodología para el inventario y la valoración del Patrimonio Geológico ajustada a la zona Andina de Colombia y aplicada en el noroccidente del país, puntualmente en el municipio de Santa Fe de Antioquia. La metodología está apropiada al estado actual del conocimiento del Patrimonio Geológico y la Geodiversidad en Colombia y se encuentra delimitada en esta investigación por la selección del área de estudio, la definición de escala de trabajo, la revisión bibliográfica, la definición de parámetros de valoración, el desarrollo de Inventarios, la valoración, cartografía y utilización final del Patrimonio Geológico y la Geodiversidad. Además, para determinar la medida de valor intrínseco de los Lugares de Interés Geológicos (LIG). Los valores van de uno a cinco según sea el caso, siendo cinco el mayor grado de importancia y valor, y uno el menor. La investigación permitió clasificar y designar relevancia y categoría por medio del diagnóstico y valoración de cinco lugares; Cenizas volcánicas, Depósitos Recientes, Lateritas de Santa Fe de Antioquia, La quebrada La Tunala y Mirador de Las Crucetas, lo que dio como resultado cuatro lugares de cinco, con una puntuación superior o igual a tres. Este artículo permite resaltar el potencial natural, científico y turístico de Santa Fe de Antioquia y recomienda que se aplique la metodología a otros LIG dentro de los Andes Colombianos con el ánimo de promover una gestión ambiental y principios de desarrollo sostenible para el país.
Oestrus synchronisation in postpartum dairy cows using repetitive prostaglandin doses: Comparison between D-cloprostenol and dinoprost
Authors: Pérez-Marín Carlos , Sánchez Jose , Vizuete Guillermo , Quintela Luis , Molina Laura
Published: November 2014

This trial evaluated the reproductive performance in an early routine oestrus induction programme using two different PGF2αpreparations in dairy cattle. D-cloprostenol sodium (n = 192; Group A) or dinoprost (n = 187; Group B) was administered between days 35 and 42 post partum. Also, a group of non-treated cows (n = 135; Group C) was included as control. Pedometers were used to detect oestrus, and also secondary oestrous signs and vaginal mucus quality were assessed prior to artificial insemination (AI). When oestrus was not detected for 14 days after PGF2αadministration, the treatment was repeated, up to a maximum of three times. There were no differences between the study groups in oestrus detection (A = 73.48%, B = 73.01%, C = 79.26%; P = 0.428), good mucus quality (A = 96.45%, B = 91.30%, C = 93.45%; P = 0.203) and the presence of mounting lesions (A = 98.58, B = 94.93%, C = 98.13; P = 0.414). First-service pregnancy rates were 19.78%, 15.64% and 32.03% in Groups A, B and C, respectively (P = 0.003). There were no inter-group differences for the interval from parturition to first AI. However, a significantly shorter interval from parturition to conception (92.17 days, 99.45 days, 118.93 days; P = 0.002) and significantly less services per conception (2.12, 2.18, 2.66; P = 0.003) were observed in Groups A and B in comparison with Group C. The use of PGF2αresulted in better fertility in a repetitive, routine postpartum programme, although no differences between Dcloprostenol and dinoprost were detected.
Electron transport within a zinc-oxide-based two-dimensional electron gas: The impact of variations in the electron effective mass
Authors: Hadi Walid A. , Baghani Erfan , Shur Michael S. , O’Leary Stephen K.
Published: November 2014

We examine the electron transport that occurs within a zinc-oxide-based two-dimensional electron gas using Monte Carlo simulations. The sensitivity of the results to variations in the lowest energy conduction band valley electron effective mass is examined. Increased values of the electron effective mass result in diminished electron drift velocities and reduced sensitivity to the free electron concentration. In agreement with our previous studies for a fixed value of the electron effective mass [11], we find that the reduced scattering due to the screening of the impurity and polar optical scattering leads to a slightly higher mobility of the 2DEG at low-fields but reduces the peak velocity, since gaining a higher energy due to the reduced polar optical phonon scattering enhances the effects of the non-parabolicity within this material.
Multi-scale Analysis of the Crystallization of Amorphous Germanium Telluride
Authors: Liu Jie , Xu Xu , Brush Lucien , Anantram M. P.
Published: November 2014

The crystallization properties of the phase change material (PCM) germanium telluride (GeTe) are investigated. It is shown that the critical nucleus radius of a crystalline cluster is smaller than 1.4nm when the annealing temperature is lower than 600K, indicating an extremely promising scaling scenario. It is revealed that the elastic energy, which is largely ignored in existing PCM crystallization studies, plays an important role in determining various crystallization properties and the ultimate scaling limit of the PCM. By omitting the influence of elastic energy, the critical formation energy (critical nuclei radius) will be underestimated by 41.7% (22.4%), and the nucleation rate will be overestimated by 74.2% when the annealing temperature is 600 K. The methodology proposed here is capable of quantitatively calculating the nucleation rate and growth speed of amorphous PCM from first principle calculations, which is relevant to computational design and optimization of PCM.
Various architectures of electrosprayed photoactive materials: A step towards light management
Authors: Khanum Khadija Kanwal , K Ranjith , Ramamurthy Praveen C.
Published: November 2014

Light management in a photovoltaic device is much about efficient light harvesting by increasing internal reflection and absorption. Structured architectures aids in enhancing internal reflection hence higher light absorption. Various techniques have been employed to fabricate these structures. In this work, organic photoactive materials were electrosprayed, utilizing a high voltage electric field to charge a droplet suspended through a nozzle, at various solution concentrations. Various process parameters like applied voltage, flow rate, tip to collector distance were optimized to obtain hierarchical structures. Morphological and optical properties of these optimized structures were analyzed to get interesting pattern with enhancement in surface area and light absorption. These structures were further evaluated in photovoltaic device architecture.