bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Astrocyte glycogenolysis is triggered by store‐operated calcium entry and provides metabolic energy for cellular calcium homeostasis
Authors: Müller Margit S. , Fox Rebecca , Schousboe Arne , Waagepetersen Helle S. , Bak Lasse K.
Published: January 2014

Astrocytic glycogen, the only storage form of glucose in the brain, has been shown to play a fundamental role in supporting learning and memory, an effect achieved by providing metabolic support for neurons. We have examined the interplay between glycogenolysis and the bioenergetics of astrocytic Ca2+ homeostasis, by analyzing interdependency of glycogen and store‐operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), a mechanism in cellular signaling that maintains high endoplasmatic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ concentration and thus provides the basis for store‐dependent Ca2+ signaling. We stimulated SOCE in primary cultures of murine cerebellar and cortical astrocytes, and determined glycogen content to investigate the effects of SOCE on glycogen metabolism. By blocking glycogenolysis, we tested energetic dependency of SOCE‐related Ca2+ dynamics on glycogenolytic ATP. Our results show that SOCE triggers astrocytic glycogenolysis. Upon inhibition of adenylate cyclase with 2',5'‐dideoxyadenosine, glycogen content was no longer significantly different from that in unstimulated control cells, indicating that SOCE triggers astrocytic glycogenolysis in a cAMP‐dependent manner. When glycogenolysis was inhibited in cortical astrocytes by 1,4‐dideoxy‐1,4‐imino‐D‐arabinitol, the amount of Ca2+ loaded into ER via sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2‐ATPase (SERCA) was reduced, which suggests that SERCA pumps preferentially metabolize glycogenolytic ATP. Our study demonstrates SOCE as a novel pathway in stimulating astrocytic glycogenolysis. We also provide first evidence for a new functional role of brain glycogen, in providing local ATP to SERCA, thus establishing the bioenergetic basis for astrocytic Ca2+ signaling. This mechanism could offer a novel explanation for the impact of glycogen on learning and memory. GLIA 2014;62:526–534
Optical quantitative pathology of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in human tissues using spatial frequency analysis
Authors: Pu Yang , Jagtap Jaidip , Pradhan Asima , Alfano Robert R.
Published: January 2014

An optical quantitative histological method in human tissues using spatial frequencies is demonstrated. Optical spatial frequency spectra from different stages of human Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) tissue are evaluated as a potential quantitative pathological tool. The degree of randomness of tissue structures from normal to different stages of CIN tissue can be recognized by spatial frequency analysis. The standard deviation, σ of human normal and CIN tissue, is obtained by assuming the spatial frequency spectra as a Gaussian distribution. A support vector machine classifier (SVM) is trained in the subspace of σ. Twenty‐eight normal and CIN samples of varying grades are examined and compared with current diagnostic outcomes. Our results suggest that an excellent accuracy for diagnostic purposes can be achieved. This approach offers a simple, efficient and objective way to supplement histopathology in recognizing alterations from normal to different stages of cervical pre‐cancer, which are reflected by spatial information contained within the aperiodic and random structures of the different types of tissue. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Cardioprotective Role of P38 MAPK During Myocardial Infarction Via Parallel Activation of α‐Crystallin B and Nrf2
Authors: Mitra Arkadeep , Ray Aramita , Datta Ritwik , Sengupta Shantanu , Sarkar Sagartirtha
Published: January 2014

Myocardial infarction (MI) is defined as cardiac cell death due to prolonged ischemia. Although necrotic cell death was considered to be solely responsible for myocyte death during MI, it was recently revealed that apoptosis also plays its part in this death process. Our laboratory has recently shown that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress‐induced apoptosis is the predominant route for apoptosis during MI and the conventional mitochondrial pathway is bypassed by activation of a small heat shock protein α‐crystallin B (CRYAB). Since CRYAB is a direct target of P38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, we were prompted to check the role of P38 MAPK in 20‐week‐old male Wister rats immediately after infarct formation. Interestingly, parallel activation of mitochondrial apoptotic pathway with an increase in ER stress‐induced apoptotic load was observed along with decreased activation of CRYAB and Nrf2 (a pro‐survival protein activated in response to ER stress) in MI rats treated with SB203580, a specific inhibitor of P38α and P38β compared to the MI alone. As a cumulative effect, this inhibitor treatment also resulted in significant increase in the levels of caspase3 activity and TUNEL positivity, the end point apoptotic markers. Furthermore, SB203580‐treated hypoxic adult cardiomyocytes showed formation of desmin aggregates which were previously associated with impaired cardiac function. Thus, this study shows for the first time the precise mechanism by which P38 MAPK plays a pro‐survival role and confers protection of cardiomyocytes, during infarct formation. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 1272–1282, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Observation of antennal sensilla in Xylotrechus grayii (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) with scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Chen Jian‐Min , Qiao Hai‐Li , Chen Jun , Xu Chang‐Qing , Liu Sai , Lian Zhen‐Min , Guo Kun
Published: January 2014

The longicorn beetle Xylotrechus grayii (White, 1855) has been spreading rapidly in China, causing mass mortality of honeysuckle which is economically and medicinally important. In order to elucidate the mechanisms of mate and host location and to advance efficient control methods, antennal sensilla features were investigated in both sexes of X. grayii using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The filiform antennae of both sexes consist of scape, pedicel, and nine flagellomeres (f1–9). Five types of sensilla were observed: sensilla chaetica (5 subtypes, SC1–5), sensilla basiconica (4 subtypes, SB1–4), Böhm bristles (Bm), grooved peg sensilla (Gp), and sensilla campaniformia (Ca). SC were most common on the antennae, followed by SB and Bm. No significant sexual differences in the type, amounts, and distribution of antennal sensilla were found except for the distribution of SB clusters and Ca. SB clusters and Ca occurred on f1–8 of male antennae but were absent on those segments in females, suggesting a potential function as receptors for female sex pheromones. The putative functions of other sensilla are discussed based on their characteristics in related species. This study provides an important foundation for further research on sensory mechanisms and control measures of X. grayii. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:264–273, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genome complexity in the coelacanth is reflected in its adaptive immune system
Authors: Saha Nil Ratan , Ota Tatsuya , Litman Gary W. , Hansen John , Parra Zuly , Hsu Ellen , Buonocore Francesco , Canapa Adriana , Cheng Jan‐Fang , Amemiya Chris T.
Published: January 2014

We have analyzed the available genome and transcriptome resources from the coelacanth in order to characterize genes involved in adaptive immunity. Two highly distinctive IgW‐encoding loci have been identified that exhibit a unique genomic organization, including a multiplicity of tandemly repeated constant region exons. The overall organization of the IgW loci precludes typical heavy chain class switching. A locus encoding IgM could not be identified either computationally or by using several different experimental strategies. Four distinct sets of genes encoding Ig light chains were identified. This includes a variant sigma‐type Ig light chain previously identified only in cartilaginous fishes and which is now provisionally denoted sigma‐2. Genes encoding α/β and γ/δ T‐cell receptors, and CD3, CD4, and CD8 co‐receptors also were characterized. Ig heavy chain variable region genes and TCR components are interspersed within the TCR α/δ locus; this organization previously was reported only in tetrapods and raises questions regarding evolution and functional cooption of genes encoding variable regions. The composition, organization and syntenic conservation of the major histocompatibility complex locus have been characterized. We also identified large numbers of genes encoding cytokines and their receptors, and other genes associated with adaptive immunity. In terms of sequence identity and organization, the adaptive immune genes of the coelacanth more closely resemble orthologous genes in tetrapods than those in teleost fishes, consistent with current phylogenomic interpretations. Overall, the work reported described herein highlights the complexity inherent in the coelacanth genome and provides a rich catalog of immune genes for future investigations. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 322B: 438–463, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
US population aging and demand for inpatient services
Authors: Pallin Daniel J. , Espinola Janice A. , Camargo Carlos A.
Published: January 2014

US inpatient capacity increased until the 1970s, then declined. The US Census Bureau expects the population aged ≥65 years to more than double by 2050. The implications for national inpatient capacity requirements have not been quantified. Our objective was to calculate the number of hospital admissions that will be necessitated by population aging, ceteris paribus. We estimated 2011 nationwide age‐specific hospitalization rates using data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample and Census data. We applied these rates to the population expected by the Census Bureau to exist through 2050. By 2050, the US population is expected to increase by 41%. Our analysis suggests that based on expected changes in the population age structure by then, the annual number of hospitalizations will increase by 67%. Thus, inpatient capacity would have to expand 18% more than population growth to meet demand. Total aggregate inpatient days is projected to increase 22% more than population growth. The total projected growth in required inpatient capacity is 72%, accounting for both number of admissions and length of stay. This analysis accounts only for changes in the population's age structure. Other factors could increase or decrease demand, as discussed in the article. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:193–196. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: Location means everything
Authors: Fritsch Valerie A. , Lentsch Eric J.
Published: January 2014

Background and Objectives

Head and neck basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) is increasingly recognized as a malignancy with an evolving duel behavior. Our objective was to describe the site‐specific presentation and prognosis of head and neck BSCC in comparison to conventional‐type squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) using population‐based data.

Methods

A total of 1,083 BSCC patients and 66,929 conventional‐type SCC patients, diagnosed between 2000 and 2008, were identified using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Clinicopathologic data were compared using χ2 analysis. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to estimate site‐stratified disease‐specific survival (DSS). BSCC's independent effect on DSS was assessed by multivariable regression analysis.

Results

The oropharynx (61.9%) was the most frequent BSCC site; compared to the larynx (33.3%) in conventional‐type SCC. More BSCC patients presented with advanced‐stage disease (78.4% vs. 60.1%, P < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, DSS was significantly better in the BSCC group when tumors were located in the oropharynx. Conversely, DSS was worse for BSCC patients with laryngeal tumors. DSS was similar among patients with sinonasal, nasopharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and oral tumors.

Conclusions

BSCC's propensity for advanced‐stage presentation was confirmed in this study. However, BSCC appears to carry a paradoxically similar, or better, prognosis compared to conventional‐type SCC in most cases. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:616–622. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Photodynamic therapy with the novel photosensitizer chlorophyllin f induces apoptosis and autophagy in human bladder cancer cells
Authors: Lihuan Du , Jingcun Zheng , Ning Jiang , Guozeng Wang , Yiwei Chu , Wei Lin , Jing Qian , Yuanfang Zhang , Gang Chen
Published: January 2014

Background and Objectives

Our group recently synthesized a new, low‐cost photosensitizer, chlorophyllin f. In this study, the effects of chlorophyllin f‐mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) and its potential mechanisms were examined in human bladder cancer cells.

Materials and Methods

MitoTracker® Green probe and LysoTracker® Green probe were used to label mitochondria and lysosomes, revealing the intracellular localization of chlorophyllin f in 5637 and T24 cells by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The cells were treated with chlorophyllin f‐mediated PDT; the photo‐cytotoxicity of chlorophyllin f was monitored using the Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay, and apoptosis was measured by Annexin V‐FITC/PI dual staining. Western blotting, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and staining with Cyto‐ID® Autophagy Detection dye, monodansylcadaverine (MDC) and acridine orange were performed to assess autophagy. The role of autophagy was examined by measuring cell viability and apoptosis in both cell lines pretreated with the autophagy inhibitor 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA).

Results

Chlorophyllin f showed affinity for mitochondria and lysosomes. It exhibited significant photocytotoxicity, resulting in a maximum of 86.51% and 84.88% cell death in 5637 and T24 cells, respectively. Additionally, chlorophyllin f‐mediated PDT (f‐PDT) also induced a significantly higher percentage of apoptosis in treated cells compared to the control groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, the expression of Beclin1 protein and the proportion of LC3‐II:LC3‐I in both cell lines significantly increased after f‐PDT. Autophagy, characterized by an increase in the formation of Cyto‐ID® Autophagy Detection dye‐labeled autophagosomes, MDC fluorescent dye‐labeled autophagic vacuoles and acridine orange‐labeled acidic vesicular organelles (AVOs), was observed in f‐PDT‐treated cells. TEM also revealed double‐membrane autophagosome structures 1 hour after f‐PDT. Most importantly, when pretreated with 3‐MA, the two cell lines showed more significant photo‐cytotoxicity and apoptotic cell death compared to those exposed to f‐PDT alone (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Chlorophyllin f‐mediated PDT exerts anti‐tumor activity by inducing apoptosis and autophagy, and most importantly, autophagy inhibition enhances f‐PDT‐mediated apoptotic cell death. These results suggest that chlorophyllin f is a new, effective photosensitizer and that the combination of f‐PDT with autophagy inhibitors may be an attractive therapeutic strategy against human non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:319–334, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantitative EMG of external urethral sphincter in neurologically healthy men with prostate pathology
Authors: Bianchi Francesca , Cursi Marco , Ferrari Matteo , Salonia Andrea , Amadio Stefano , Comi Giancarlo , Danuser Hansjörg , Del Carro Ubaldo , Mattei Agostino
Published: January 2014

Introduction

There are no data on quantitative electromyography (EMG) of the external urethral sphincter (EUS) in men. The aim of this study was to obtain reference data from a group of neurologically healthy continent men with prostate pathology using a standardized technique. Methods:
Sixty‐six subjects without neurological disorders were included. Motor unit potential (MUP) and interference pattern (IP) analysis were performed using multi‐MUP and turns/amplitude techniques, respectively. Results: Of 66 patients, 51 (mean age, 65.17; SD, 6.70) had localized prostate cancer (PCa), and 15 (mean age 61.67, SD 6.25) had benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Descriptive MUP parameters and IP‐clouds were obtained, respectively in the BPH and PCa groups. No group differences were found. Conclusions: This study provides quantitative EMG measures of EUS functionality in continent men with prostate pathology. The data could be used as reference values for patients undergoing prostate surgery to identify postoperative changes in EUS function possibly influencing continence. Muscle Nerve 50: 571–576, 2014
MSMB variation and prostate cancer risk: Clues towards a possible fungal etiology
Authors: Sutcliffe Siobhan , De Marzo Angelo M. , Sfanos Karen S. , Laurence Martin
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND. With recent advances in high‐throughput sequencing technologies, many prostate cancer risk loci have been identified, including rs10993994, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located near the MSMB gene. Variant allele (T) carriers of this SNP produce less prostate secretory protein 94 (PSP94), the protein product of MSMB, and have an increased risk of prostate cancer (approximately 25% per T allele), suggesting that PSP94 plays a protective role in prostate carcinogenesis, although the mechanisms for such protection are unclear.

METHODS. We reviewed the literature on possible mechanisms for PSP94 protection for prostate cancer.

RESULTS. One possible mechanism is tumor suppression, as PSP94 has been observed to inhibit cell or tumor growth in in vitro and in vivo models. Another novel mechanism, which we propose in this review article, is that PSP94 may protect against prostate cancer by preventing or limiting an intracellular fungal infection in the prostate. This mechanism is based on the recent discovery of PSP94's fungicidal activity in low‐calcium environments (such as the cytosol of epithelial cells), and accumulating evidence suggesting a role for inflammation in prostate carcinogenesis. We provide further details of our proposed mechanism in this review article.

CONCLUSIONS. To explore this mechanism, future studies should consider screening prostate specimens for fungi using the rapidly expanding number of molecular techniques capable of identifying infectious agents from the entire tree of life. Prostate 74:569–578, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tips for the creation and application of effective operating procedures
Authors: Scholtz Colin R. , Maher Steven T.
Published: January 2014

Specific requirements exist in all Safety Management Systems Requirements (e.g., Process Safety Management and Risk Management Program) for the creation, content, and periodic update of operating procedures (OP). However, the development and actual implementation of OP has challenges that often result in deficiencies, regulatory citations, and in some cases, unfortunate tragedies.

Although OP concepts involve the straightforward documentation of specific steps for safe and effective operation, many process facilities struggle with:

•securing the focus from operations personnel for the creation of quality procedures

•securing feedback from operations personnel if procedural steps do not coincide with actual practices

•ensuring the steps outlined in procedures avoid introducing additional process hazards

•creating procedures that are in a user‐friendly format

•identifying the most effective level of information and depth to include in the procedure

•addressing all modes of operations, including defining appropriate responsibilities

Good‐quality OP are critical for encapsulating operational best practices and also provide a basis for ensuring consistent quality assurance. The objective of this article is to convey an understanding of the challenges that must be considered with the development of OP and provide specific examples that will facilitate the creation and ongoing application of OP. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 33: 350–354, 2014
Ipomovirus – an atypical genus in the family Potyviridae transmitted by whiteflies
Authors: Dombrovsky Aviv , Reingold Victoria , Antignus Yehezkel
Published: January 2014

Ipomoviruses (genus Ipomovirus) are whitefly‐transmitted viruses assigned to the family Potyviridae. They are characterised by filamentous flexible particles and a positive‐sense single‐stranded RNA (+ssRNA) genome. The viral genome is translated into a polyprotein precursor, which is processed into mature proteins and a short overlapping open reading frame. The genus Ipomovirus contains four accepted species and one unapproved species, and two other tentative members have recently been characterised. Ipomoviruses cause serious economic losses in many important crops, including cassava, sweet potato, cucurbits, tomato and aubergine. These viruses are transmitted by whiteflies in a non‐circulative, semi‐persistent manner, the virions being retained on the external surface of the vectors' mouthparts for a few days or weeks. Comparison of the available complete genome sequences of different ipomoviruses revealed differences in their genome organisation and a considerable variation in their proteins and conserved motifs that may reflect functional differences. This review summarises the current knowledge of the members within the genus Ipomovirus, focusing on genome organisation, taxonomic classification and the mechanism by which they are transmitted. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Transmission specificities of plant viruses with the newly identified species of the Bemisia tabaci species complex
Authors: Polston Jane E , De Barro Paul , Boykin Laura M
Published: January 2014

Bemisia tabaci has had a colorful nomenclatural past and is now recognized as a species complex. This new species framework has added many new areas of research including adding new insight into the virus transmission specificity of the species in the B. tabaci species complex. There is a wide disparity in what is known about the transmission of plant viruses by different members of the B. tabaci species complex. In this paper, we have synthesized the transmission specificities of the plant viruses transmitted by species belonging to the complex. There are five genera of plant viruses with members that are transmitted by species of the B. tabaci species complex. The transmission of viruses belonging to two of these, Begomovirus and Crinivirus, are well studied and much is known in regards to the relationship between species and transmission and etiology. This is in contrast to viruses of the genera, Torradovirus and Carlavirus, for which very little is known inregards to their transmission. This is the first attempt to integrate viral data within the new B. tabaci species complex framework. It is clear that matching historical transmission data with the current species framework is difficult due to the lack of awareness of the underlying genetic diversity within B. tabaci. We encourage all researchers to determine which species of B. tabaci they are using to facilitate association of phenotypic traits with particular members of the complex. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Dominant fitness costs of abamectin resistance in Plutella xylostella
Authors: Wang Ran , Wu Yidong
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND

The TH‐Abm strain of Plutella xylostella, exhibiting 23 670‐fold resistance to abamectin, was selected from a field‐evolved multiresistant population. By repeated backcrossing to a susceptible strain (Roth) and selection with abamectin, the resistance trait of TH‐Abm was introgressed into Roth to generate a near‐isogenic strain (Roth‐Abm). Fitness costs associated with abamectin resistance were examined in Roth‐Abm.

RESULTS

Compared with Roth, Roth‐Abm obtained 11 500‐fold resistance to abamectin and 364 000‐, 12‐ and 12‐fold cross‐resistance to emamectin benzoate, spinosad and fipronil respectively. Roth‐Abm has a significantly longer pupal development time, lesser female pupal weight and lower larval survival than Roth. Female fecundity and egg viability are significantly lower in Roth‐Abm than in Roth. All of the above fitness components of the F1 progeny from Roth × Roth‐Abm are similar to those of Roth‐Abm and are significantly lower than those of Roth. By comparing with the net replacement rate (R0) of Roth, the fitness of Roth‐Abm, F1a (Roth male × Roth‐Abm) and F1b (Roth female × Roth‐Abm) are 0.50, 0.50 and 0.53 respectively.

CONCLUSION

Abamectin resistance in Roth‐Abm results in significant fitness costs, and the fitness costs are autosomal and dominant. Rotation of abamectin with other insecticides without cross‐resistance could be especially useful for delaying abamectin resistance in P. xylostella. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
A dual‐character InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well device for electroluminescence and photovoltaic absorption of near‐mutually exclusive wavelengths
Authors: Ho Jian‐Wei , Dolmanan Surani‐bin , Tay Chuan Beng , Wee Qixun , Tay Andrew A. O. , Chua Soo‐Jin
Published: January 2014

We report on the dual‐character of an InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well (MQW) device structure epitaxially grown by MOCVD on a 150 mm Si‐on‐insulator (SOI) wafer. The fabricated mesa device exhibits photovoltaic (PV) response mainly for λ < 500 nm and strong electroluminescence (EL) for 470 nm < λ < 750 nm with a major amber component about 580 nm < λ < 620 nm. Multiple, high amplitude oscillations are observed in the luminescence spectra and verified by theoretical modelling as strong Fabry‐Perot interference effects. HR‐XRD ω ‐2θ (0002) scan estimates a mean In composition of ∼22% in the MQWs, consistent with the PV absorption edge and weak photoluminescence (PL) emission when excited by a 518 nm laser at 20K. Under 405 nm laser excitation at low temperatures, PL emission for 600 nm < λ < 740 nm is greatly enhanced. Asymmetric broadening of the spectral peak to 570 nm < λ < 740 nm occurs when the excitation energy is increased with a 325 nm laser, and is attributed to radiative transitions associated with MQW interface defects. This is supported by the (105) reciprocal space map which shows slight relaxation of the MQWs. The strong but broad long‐wavelength emission, is ascribed to the MQW interface defects and highly recombinative In‐rich clusters. These hardly contribute to PV response and are responsible for the protracted Stokes shift that constitutes the apparent near‐mutual exclusion of EL and PV absorption wavelengths. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Gallium nitride laser diodes with integrated absorber: on the dynamics of self‐pulsation
Authors: Holc Katarzyna , Lükens Gerrit , Weig Thomas , Köhler Klaus , Wagner Joachim , Schwarz Ulrich T.
Published: January 2014

The dynamics of self‐pulsation in monolithic multi segment GaN‐based laser diodes (LDs) with integrated absorber, and operating at 410 nm is investigated. The bias‐dependent modal absorption of the devices is determined by high resolution Hakki‐Paoli gain spectroscopy. Using a streak camera detection system we measure the pulsation frequency, applying bias voltages up to –40 V to the absorber section of the multi segment LD. Under moderate reverse voltages, to approximately –15 V, the absorption features a quadratic dependence on the bias voltage with a clear minimum corresponding to the flat band conditions. In this regime we observe stabilized relaxation oscillations, with a pulse repetition rate which depends only on the current in the gain section, but not on the reverse bias in the absorber section. At higher reverse voltages a linear increase of the modal absorption is observed. There, the devices switch to the self‐Q‐switching regime which exhibits a linear decrease of the pulsation frequency with increasing reverse bias. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Nitrogen ion implantation isolation technology for normally‐off GaN MISFETs on p‐GaN substrate
Authors: Kasai Hayao , Ogawa Hiroki , Nishimura Tomoaki , Nakamura Tohru
Published: January 2014

Nitrogen ion implanted isolation technology to prevent leakage current between adjacent devices fabricated on p‐GaN layers on sapphire substrate is described. Leakage current due to n‐type inversion layers caused by Fermi level pinning at the p‐GaN surface and buffer layers between sapphire substrate and GaN epitaxial layer is greatly reduced. With nitrogen ion implanted isolation technology of this study, leakage current between adjacent devices reduced five orders of magnitude compared to that without isolation layers. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Neurological aspects of human parvovirus B19 infection: a systematic review
Authors: Barah Faraj , Whiteside Sigrid , Batista Sonia , Morris Julie
Published: January 2014

Parvovirus B19 has been linked with various clinical syndromes including neurological manifestations. However, its role in the latter remains not completely understood. Although the last 10 years witnessed a surge of case reports on B19‐associated neurological aspects, the literature data remains scattered and heterogeneous, and epidemiological information on the incidence of B19‐associated neurological aspects cannot be accurately extrapolated. The aim of this review is to identify the characteristics of cases of B19‐associated neurological manifestations. A computerized systematic review of existing literature concerning cases of B19‐related neurological aspects revealed 89 articles describing 129 patients; 79 (61.2%) were associated with CNS manifestations, 41 (31.8%) were associated with peripheral nervous system manifestations, and 9 (7.0%) were linked with myalgic encephalomyelitis. The majority of the cases (50/129) had encephalitis. Clinical characteristic features of these cases were analyzed, and possible pathological mechanisms were also described. In conclusion, B19 should be included in differential diagnosis of encephalitic syndromes of unknown etiology in all age groups. Diagnosis should rely on investigation of anti‐B19 IgM antibodies and detection of B19 DNA in serum or CSF. Treatment of severe cases might benefit from a combined regime of intravenous immunoglobulins and steroids. To confirm these outcomes, goal‐targeted studies are recommended to exactly identify epidemiological scenarios and explore potential pathogenic mechanisms of these complications. Performing retrospective and prospective and multicenter studies concerning B19 and neurological aspects in general, and B19 and encephalitic syndromes in particular, are required. © 2014 The Authors. Reviews in Medical Virology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A protocol for the management of pediatric type I open fractures
Authors: Iobst Christopher A. , Spurdle Craig , Baitner Avi C. , King Wesley F. , Tidwell Michael , Swirsky Stephen
Published: January 2014

Background

The management of pediatric type I open fractures remains controversial. There has been no consistent protocol established in the literature for the non-operative management of these injuries.

Methods

A protocol was developed at our institution for the non-operative management of pediatric type I open forearm fractures. Each patient was given a dose of intravenous antibiotics at the time of the initial evaluation in the emergency department. The wound was then irrigated and a closed reduction performed in the emergency department. The patient was admitted for three doses of intravenous antibiotics (over approximately a 24-h period) and then discharged home without oral antibiotics.

Results

In total, 45 consecutive patients were managed with this protocol at our hospital between 2004 and 2008. The average age was 10 (range 4–17) years. The average number of doses of intravenous antibiotics was 4.06 per patient. Thirty patients (67 %) received cefazolin (Ancef®) as the treating medication and 15 patients received clindamycin (33 %). There were no infections in any of the 45 patients.

Conclusion

In this study we outline a consistent management protocol for type I open pediatric forearm fractures that has not previously been documented in the literature. Our results corroborate the those reported in the literature that pediatric type I open fractures may be managed safely in a non-operative manner. There were no infections in our prospective series of 45 consecutive type I open pediatric forearm fractures using our protocol. Using a protocol of only four doses of intravenous antibiotics (one in the emergency department and three additional doses during a 24-h hospital admission) is a safe and efficient method for managing routine pediatric type I open fractures non-operatively.
Chemical composition of sediments in Baikal deep-water boreholes as a basis for reconstructions of climatic and environmental changes
Authors: Kuz’min M.I. , Bychinskii V.A. , Kerber E.V. , Oshchepkova A.V. , Goreglyad A.V. , Ivanov E.V.
Published: January 2014

Earlier reconstructions of climatic and environmental changes from data of deep-water drilling on the Akademichesky Ridge in Lake Baikal were based both on the content of biogenic silica or the abundance of diatom valves and on the results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the sediment mineralogy. It was established that clay minerals are the main carrier of information about climatic variations in a drainage basin. The content of biogenic silica strictly correlates with two chrystallochemical parameters: the abundance of smectite beds in illite–smectite and the abundance of illite. However, detailed analysis of clay minerals calls for exclusive XRD techniques without mass determination of minerals in the sediments of long Baikal cores. We propose a new approach to determine the mineral composition of bottom sediments, based on their chemical composition. We compared the average chemical compositions of Pleistocene, Pliocene, and Miocene core sediments from the boreholes BDP-96 and BDP-98 and sediments of the Paleo-Barguzin River avandelta and recognized groups of chemical elements marking warm and cold climatic periods. However, the difference in the chemical compositions of sediments in warm and cold periods is insignificant. Since an XRD analysis of mineral composition is usually performed for short time intervals, it was necessary to identify cold and warm intervals by the mineral composition calculated from the chemical composition of sediments. The mineral contents were estimated using the Selektor software. Based on the average contents of chemical elements, we computed the mineral composition of the bottom sediments throughout the BDP-98 section and studied its warm and cold periods. We have established that feldspars weakly respond to climatic changes, their contents show minor variations in warm and cold epochs, whereas the contents of mica minerals change seriously. Thus, clay minerals, together with biogenic silica, are a good indicator of paleoclimatic environmental changes.
Unique location of hydrothermal biota in the Lower Cambrian sedimentary-volcanogenic complex of the Kyzyl–Tashtyg ore field (Eastern Tuva)
Authors: Terleev A.A. , Simonov V.A. , Kanygin A.V. , Tokarev D.A. , Stupakov S.I. , Kotlyarov A.V.
Published: January 2014

Study of Early Cambrian sedimentary-volcanogenic complexes hosting the Kyzyl–Tashtyg pyrite deposit in Eastern Tuva has revealed cyanobacteria and algae that existed in zones of ore-forming hydrothermal systems similar in characteristics to present-day “black smokers” at ocean bottoms. Along with archaeocyaths and Cyanophyta from the host sedimentary rocks and microfossils from basalt amygdules, various cyanobacteria, monocyatheans, and sponge spicules have been found in ferrosiliceous deposits and metasedimentary rocks. Scanning electron microscopic, mineralogical, and thermobarogeochemical studies helped to reconstruct their hydrothermal environment.
Deep structure and margins of the Kurai Basin (Gorny Altai), from controlled-source resistivity data
Authors: Nevedrova N.N. , Deev E.V. , Sanchaa A.M.
Published: January 2014

The deep structure of the Kurai basin and its junction with the flanking mountains has been studied by controlled-source resistivity surveys (vertical electric sounding and transient electromagnetic methods). According to the data processing results, the basin is the deepest along its northern, southern, and eastern margins. The sedimentary fill comprises two resistivity units corresponding to two sequences deposited at different stages of the basin history. The lower, less resistive unit consists of Paleogene–Neogene lacustrine clay and the higher-resistivity upper unit represents coarser Quaternary deposits. In Paleogene–Neogene time, the basin formed by the left-lateral pull-apart mechanism. The earliest Quaternary strike-slip faulting in the setting of overall compression produced the Central Kurai basin within the northern Kurai basin, while the flanking ranges and fault blocks thrust upon the basin transforming it into a ramp. Thus, piedmont steps rose along the basin margins, and the marginal grabens became ramps and half-ramps.
CONSTITUTIONAL VALUES UNDERLYING GENDER EQUALITY ON THE BOARDS OF COMPANIES: HOW SHOULD THE EU PUT THESE VALUES INTO PRACTICE?
Authors: Szydło Marek
Published: January 2014

There is a large gap between the proportion of employed and well-educated women and those sitting on the boards of EU companies. However, the Commission's proposal for a Directive on improving the gender balance among non-executive directors of companies listed on stock exchanges does not constitute an appropriate legal solution for this problem. The Commission's reasoning underlying the draft Directive is so strongly pervaded by economic considerations that it gives the impression that women are merely instruments useful to attain economic objectives. By contrast, the need for enhancing women's representation in the boards of companies is justified by much more fundamental and incomparably higher-ranked values, and including equality between women and men and the need for democratic legitimization of the EU and of its economic governance. These fundamental values, however, must be achieved in accordance with the principles of proportionality and subsidiarity. The present article proposes some alternatives to compulsory gender quotas that might be used by EU institutions to promote more gender-balanced boards of EU companies.
Stratifying the risk of facial nerve palsy after benign parotid surgery
Authors: Sethi N , Tay P H , Scally A , Sood S
Published: January 2014

Introduction:

Post-operative facial palsy is the most important potential complication of parotid surgery for benign lesions. The published prevalence of facial weakness is up to 57 per cent for temporary weakness and up to 7 per cent for permanent weakness. We aimed to identify potential risk factors for post-operative facial palsy.

Materials and methods:

One hundred and fifty patients who had undergone parotid surgery for benign disease were retrospectively reviewed. Tumour factors (size, location and histopathology), patient factors (age and sex) and operative factors (operation, surgeon grade, surgeon specialty and use of intra-operative facial nerve monitoring) were all analysed for significant associations with post-operative facial palsy.

Results and analysis:

The overall incidence of facial palsy was 26.7 per cent for temporary weakness and 2.6 per cent for permanent weakness. The associations between facial palsy and all the above factors were analysed using Pearson's chi-square test and found to be non-significant.

Conclusion:

These outcomes compare favourably with the literature. No significant risk factors were identified, suggesting that atraumatic, meticulous surgical technique is still the most important factor affecting post-operative facial palsy.
Standardization patterns and dialect/standard convergence: A northwestern Italian perspective
Authors: Cerruti Massimo , Regis Riccardo
Published: January 2014

This article is inspired by the typology of “dialect/standard constellations” outlined in Auer (2005, 2011), which aims to detect common dynamics in the current processes of dialect/standard convergence in Europe. The specific sociolinguistic situation addressed in this article involves Italian, Piedmontese, and Occitan in Piedmont, a northwestern region of Italy. We analyze a set of linguistic features with the aim of depicting the dynamics of intralinguistic and interlinguistic convergence as they relate to the ongoing standardization processes in these languages. Some adjustments to the two types of repertoires drawn by Auer (diaglossia and endoglossic medial diglossia) are proposed to better suit them, respectively, to the Italo-Romance continuum between Piedmontese rural dialects and standard Italian (which actually consists of two separate subcontinua with intermediate varieties) and to the relationship between Occitan dialects and their planned standard variety (as well as that between Piedmontese and its “Frenchified” standard variety). (Language standardization, dialect/standard convergence, Italian, Piedmontese, Occitan.)*
Unconscious influences on decision making: A critical review
Authors: Newell Ben R. , Shanks David R.
Published: January 2014

To what extent do we know our own minds when making decisions? Variants of this question have preoccupied researchers in a wide range of domains, from mainstream experimental psychology (cognition, perception, social behavior) to cognitive neuroscience and behavioral economics. A pervasive view places a heavy explanatory burden on an intelligent cognitive unconscious, with many theories assigning causally effective roles to unconscious influences. This article presents a novel framework for evaluating these claims and reviews evidence from three major bodies of research in which unconscious factors have been studied: multiple-cue judgment, deliberation without attention, and decisions under uncertainty. Studies of priming (subliminal and primes-to-behavior) and the role of awareness in movement and perception (e.g., timing of willed actions, blindsight) are also given brief consideration. The review highlights that inadequate procedures for assessing awareness, failures to consider artifactual explanations of “landmark” results, and a tendency to uncritically accept conclusions that fit with our intuitions have all contributed to unconscious influences being ascribed inflated and erroneous explanatory power in theories of decision making. The review concludes by recommending that future research should focus on tasks in which participants' attention is diverted away from the experimenter's hypothesis, rather than the highly reflective tasks that are currently often employed.
The problem of consciousness in habitual decision making
Authors: Bernacer Javier , Balderas Gloria , Martinez-Valbuena Ivan , Pastor Maria A. , Murillo Jose Ignacio
Published: January 2014

Newell & Shanks (N&S) carry out an extremely sharp and static distinction between conscious and unconscious decisions, ignoring a process that dynamically transfers decisions and actions between the conscious and unconscious domains of the mind: habitual decision making. We propose a new categorisation and discuss the main characteristics of this process from a philosophical and neuroscientific perspective.
How necessary is the unconscious as a predictive, explanatory, or prescriptive construct?
Authors: González-Vallejo Claudia , Stewart Thomas R. , Lassiter G. Daniel , Weindhardt Justin M.
Published: January 2014

We elucidate the epistemological futility of using concepts such as unconscious thinking in research. Focusing on Newell & Shanks' (N&S's) use of the lens model as a framework, we clarify issues with regard to unconscious-thought theory (UTT) and self-insight studies. We examine these key points: Brunswikian psychology is absent in UTT; research on self-insight did not emerge to explore the unconscious; the accuracy of judgments does not necessitate the unconscious; and the prescriptive claim of UTT is unfounded.
Neuroscientific evidence for contextual effects in decision making
Authors: Hytönen Kaisa
Published: January 2014

Both internal and external states can cause inconsistencies in decision behavior. I present examples from behavioral decision-making literature and review neuroscientific knowledge on two contextual influences: framing effects and social conformity. The brain mechanisms underlying these behavioral adjustments comply with the dual-process account and simple learning mechanisms, and are weak indicators for unintentionality in decision-making processes.
Why decision making may not require awareness
Authors: McLaren I. P. L. , Dunn B. D. , Lawrence N. S. , Milton F. N. , Verbruggen F. , Stevens T. , McAndrew A. , Yeates F.
Published: January 2014

Newell & Shanks (N&S) argue against the idea that any significant role for unconscious influences on decision making has been established by research to date. Inasmuch as this conclusion applies to the idea of an “intelligent cognitive unconscious,” we would agree. Our concern is that the article could lead the unwary to conclude that there are no unconscious influences on decision making – and never could be. We give reasons why this may not be the case.
What we (don't) know about what we know
Authors: Sher Shlomi , Winkielman Piotr
Published: January 2014

The hypothesis of unconscious influences on complex behavior is observationally equivalent to the dissociability of cognition and metacognition (reportability). The target article convincingly argues that evidence for unconscious influence is limited by the quality of the metacognitive measure used. However, it understates the empirical evidence for unconscious influences and overlooks considerations of cognitive architecture that make cognitive/metacognitive dissociations likely.
Extremely rigorous subliminal paradigms demonstrate unconscious influences on simple decisions
Authors: Snodgrass Michael , Shevrin Howard , Abelson James A.
Published: January 2014

While showing unconscious influences on complex decisions is indeed difficult, relevant awareness in relatively simpler subliminal paradigms is more easily assessed. Utilizing objective detection (vs. more typical identification or classification) tasks to assess awareness overcomes longstanding residual methodological problems, and prior work using such methods (e.g., Snodgrass & Shevrin 2006) clearly shows unconscious influences on simple decisions.
Performance and awareness in the Iowa Gambling Task
Authors: Steingroever Helen , Wagenmakers Eric-Jan
Published: January 2014

Newell & Shanks (N&S) conclude that healthy participants learn to differentiate between the good and bad decks of the Iowa Gambling Task, and that healthy participants even have conscious knowledge about the task's payoff structure. Improved methods of analysis and new behavioral findings suggest that this conclusion is premature.
One-class classification: taxonomy of study and review of techniques
Authors: Khan Shehroz S. , Madden Michael G.
Published: January 2014

One-class classification (OCC) algorithms aim to build classification models when the negative class is either absent, poorly sampled or not well defined. This unique situation constrains the learning of efficient classifiers by defining class boundary just with the knowledge of positive class. The OCC problem has been considered and applied under many research themes, such as outlier/novelty detection and concept learning. In this paper, we present a unified view of the general problem of OCC by presenting a taxonomy of study for OCC problems, which is based on the availability of training data, algorithms used and the application domains applied. We further delve into each of the categories of the proposed taxonomy and present a comprehensive literature review of the OCC algorithms, techniques and methodologies with a focus on their significance, limitations and applications. We conclude our paper by discussing some open research problems in the field of OCC and present our vision for future research.