bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EGFR inhibitors erlotinib and lapatinib ameliorate epidermal blistering in pemphigus vulgaris in a non‐linear, V‐shaped relationship
Authors: Sayar Beyza S. , Rüegg Simon , Schmidt Enno , Sibilia Maria , Siffert Myriam , Suter Maja M. , Galichet Arnaud , Müller Eliane J.
Published: November 2013

Novel insights into intra‐cellular signalling involved in pemphigus vulgaris (PV), an autoimmune blistering disease of skin and mucous membranes, are now revealing new therapeutic approaches such as the chemical inhibition of PV‐associated signals in conjunction with standard immunosuppressive therapy. However, extensive inhibition of signalling molecules that are required for normal tissue function and integrity may hamper this approach. Using a neonatal PV mouse model, we demonstrate that epidermal blistering can be prevented in a dose‐dependent manner by clinically approved EGFR inhibitors erlotinib and lapatinib, but only up to approximately 50% of normal EGFR activity. At lower EGFR activity, blisters again aggravated and were highly exacerbated in mice with a conditional deletion of EGFR. Statistical analysis of the relation between EGFR activity and the extent of skin blistering revealed the best fit with a non‐linear, V‐shaped curve with a median break point at 52% EGFR activity (P = 0.0005). Moreover, lapatinib (a dual EGFR/ErbB2 inhibitor) but not erlotinib significantly reduced blistering in the oral cavity, suggesting that signalling mechanisms differ between PV predilection sites. Our results demonstrate that future clinical trials evaluating EGFR/ErbB2 inhibitors in PV patients must select treatment doses that retain a specific level of signal molecule activity. These findings may also be of relevance for cancer patients treated with EGFR inhibitors, for whom skin lesions due to extensive EGFR inhibition represent a major threat.
Farm‐scale method for producing high‐quality rice grain silage
Authors: Inoue Hidehiko , Tohno Masanori , Matsuo Morinobu , Kojima Yoichiro , Ibuki Toshihiko , Uegaki Ryuichi
Published: November 2013

We examined three types of ensiling container and two storage periods with respect to the fermentation quality of rice grain silage, and our findings confirmed that a method previously identified as optimal for silage production at the laboratory scale was also appropriate for farm‐scale production. Crushed rice grain was adjusted to 30% moisture content, inoculated with lactic acid bacteria and ensiled in plastic pouches (200 g), plastic drums (15 kg) and flexible containers (100 kg). Samples of silage from the surface layer in the flexible containers had the pH value >5 and fungal growth was observed, but all internal samples had low pH (<4). Extending storage in the drums from 60 to 365 days reduced the lactic acid content of the internal samples, but pH remained at an acceptable level of <4.2. Overall, the production method outlined is appropriate at the farm scale.
Retraction: Repressive domain of unliganded human estrogen receptor α associates with Hsc70
Authors: Ogawa Satoko , Oishi Hajime , Mezaki Yoshihiro , Kouzu‐Fujita Madoka , Matsuyama Reiko , Nakagomi Madoka , Mori Eri , Murayama Emi , Nagasawa Hiromichi , Kitagawa Hirochika , Yanagisawa Junn , Yano Tetsu , Kato Shigeaki
Published: November 2013

Retraction: The above article in Genes to Cells (doi: 10.1111/j.1365‐2443.2005.00904.x), published online on 13 October 2005 in Wiley Online Library (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editor in Chief, Mitsuhiro Yanagida, and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd. The retraction has been agreed to due to lack of the gel images for the lanes 1, 2 and 3 of ‘αTRAP220’ and for the lanes 1, 2 and 4 of ‘αHsc70’ in Figure 4(A).
Retraction: Activation of facultatively silenced Drosophila loci associates with increased acetylation of histone H2AvD
Authors: Tanabe Masahiko , Kouzmenko Alexander P. , Ito Saya , Sawatsubashi Shun , Suzuki Eriko , Fujiyama Sally , Yamagata Kaoru , Zhao Yue , Kimura Shuhei , Ueda Takashi , Murata Takuya , Matsukawa Hiroyuki , Takeyama Ken‐ichi , Kato Shigeaki
Published: November 2013

Retraction: The above article in Genes to Cells (doi: 10.1111/j.1365‐2443.2008.01244.x), published online on 20 November 2008 in Wiley Online Library (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editor in Chief, Mitsuhiro Yanagida, and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd. The retraction has been agreed to due to inappropriate presentation of gel image for ‘rp49’ that consists of 10 lanes in Figure 3(B). The same gel image with 12 lanes was presented as an outcome of another experiment in the first submitted draft.
Immunohistochemical expression of the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway in penile squamous cell carcinomas: a tissue microarray study of 112 cases
Authors: Chaux Alcides , Munari Enrico , Cubilla Antonio L , Hicks Jessica , Lecksell Kristen , Burnett Arthur L , Netto George J
Published: November 2013

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway‐related biomarkers in penile carcinomas, and to assess associations with histological type, histological grade, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

Methods and results

We built four tissue microarrays from 112 invasive penile squamous cell carcinomas, and evaluated the immunohistochemical expression of PTEN, phospho‐AKT, phospho‐mTOR, and phospho‐S6. We found decreased or loss of PTEN expression in 87% of cases. Warty and/or basaloid carcinomas had a higher proportion of PTEN loss (P = 0.02), whereas keratinizing tumours showed higher levels of phospho‐S6 (P = 0.009); phospho‐AKT and phospho‐mTOR levels were not significantly different between warty/basaloid and keratinizing carcinomas (P = 0.75 and P = 0.77, respectively). PTEN was not associated with histological grade (P = 0.18). Expression levels of phospho‐S6 were significantly higher in low‐grade tumours (P = 0.001), whereas expression levels of phospho‐AKT and phospho‐mTOR were slightly higher in high‐grade tumours (P = 0.01 and P = 0.35, respectively). We did not find any association between HPV infection and mTOR markers (P ≥ 0.2 in all cases).

Conclusions

Our results provide evidence of dysregulation of the mTOR pathway in penile carcinomas independently of HPV infection. Future clinical studies should further evaluate the prognostic and predictive usefulness of these markers in patients with penile cancer.
Selection of mature and old stands byCorsicanNuthatchSitta whiteheadiin harvested forests
Authors: Villard Pascal , Besnard Aurélien , Thibault Jean‐Claude , Recorbet Bernard , Prodon Roger
Published: November 2013

In harvested forests, the bird community is largely determined by stand structure, which itself is determined by forestry practices. This study aimed to identify habitat variables determining the presence ofCorsicanNuthatchSitta whiteheadi– a threatened island endemic – in harvestedCorsicanPinePinus nigra lariciowoods, with the aim of mitigating the impact of timber harvest on the bird. Comparison of occupied and unoccupied plots showed that this bird is found mostly in pureCorsicanPine stands, and is absent when more than 50% of trees are not this species. Nests were built in decaying pine snags between 20 and 100 cm diameter at breast height (dbh), but birds avoided stands with live pines < 70 cm dbh, and selected stands with pines > 80 cm dbh. Conservation ofCorsicanNuthatch therefore depends on maintaining harvest rotations of more than 200 years, reducing the size of felling coupes in clear‐cutting systems or, preferably, practising selective cutting, maintaining a sufficient density of old trees and snags, and checking the encroachment of other tree species intoCorsicanPine stands.
Nestboxes and immigration drive the growth of an urban Peregrine FalconFalco peregrinuspopulation
Authors: Altwegg Res , Jenkins Andrew , Abadi Fitsum
Published: November 2013

Drivers of wildlife population dynamics are generally numerous and interacting. Some of these drivers may impact demographic processes that are difficult to estimate, such as immigration into the focal population. Populations may furthermore be small and subject to demographic stochasticity. All of these factors contribute to blur the causal relationship between past management action and current population trends. The urban Peregrine FalconFalco peregrinuspopulation in Cape Town, South Africa, increased from three pairs in 1997 to 18 pairs in 2010. Nestboxes were installed over this period to manage the interface between new urban pairs of Falcons and the human users of colonized buildings, and incidentally to improve breeding success. We used integrated population models (IPMs) formally to combine information from a capture–mark–recapture study, monitoring of reproductive success and counts of population size. As all local demographic processes were directly observed, theIPMapproach also allowed us to estimate immigration by difference. The provision of nestboxes, as a possible stimulant of population growth, improved breeding success and accounted for an estimated 3–26% of the population increase. The most important driver of growth, however, was immigration. Despite low sample sizes, theIPMapproach allowed us to obtain relatively precise estimates of the population‐level impact of nestbox deployment. The goal of conservation interventions is often to increase population size, so the effectiveness of such interventions should ideally be assessed at the population level.IPMs are powerful tools in this context for combining demographic information that may be limited due to small population size or practical constraints on monitoring. Our study quantitatively documented both the immigration process that led to growth of a small population and the effect of a management action that helped the process.
Migration, commuting distance, and urban sustainability in Ontario's Greater Golden Horseshoe: Implications of the Greenbelt and Places to Grow legislation
Authors: Newbold K. Bruce , Scott Darren
Published: November 2013

Southern Ontario's Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH) is the most heavily populated and urbanized region in Canada. Given its large population size, economic importance, and projected population growth, the Ontario provincial government recognized the need to plan for the growth of jobs and people to avoid the adverse effects of urban sprawl, traffic gridlock, and the loss of farmland and natural areas. Ontario's 2005 Greenbelt Plan and 2006 Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (Places to Grow) established the legislative framework to guide development and population growth within southern Ontario. While directing development and promoting population growth in specified areas, an unintended consequence of these legislative plans may, however, be increased commuting distance as workers commute from beyond the Greenbelt into the employment dense areas inside the Greenbelt. This article focuses upon the intersection between migration and commuting distance in southern Ontario's GGH region, within the context of ongoing population growth, and Greenbelt and Places to Grow legislation. Results indicate that migrants moving beyond the Greenbelt have generally longer commute distances, with implications for the sustainability of communities and government policies aimed at reducing the carbon footprint.
Seven new species of Miliusa (Annonaceae) from Thailand
Authors: Chaowasku Tanawat , Keßler Paul J. A.
Published: November 2013

Seven new species of the genus Miliusa are described from Thailand (M. fragrans, M. hirsuta, M. intermedia, M. nakhonsiana, M. sessilis, M. thailandica, and M. umpangensis). A key to the 19 species of Miliusa in Thailand is provided. In addition, the complete taxonomic nomenclature of all known species of Miliusa in Thailand is given, with several new proposed synonyms. The new as well as the known species of Miliusa in Thailand are classified into four morphological groups on the basis of a combination of flower and/or inflorescence position and inner petal morphology proposed earlier.
Effects of ischaemic post‐conditioning on the early and late testicular damage after experimental testis ischaemia–reperfusion
Authors: Minutoli L. , Irrera N. , Squadrito F. , Marini H. , Nicotina P. A. , Arena S. , Romeo C. , Antonuccio P. , Altavilla D.
Published: November 2013

Ischaemic post‐conditioning (IPostC) might represent an innovative surgical approach to protect organs from ischaemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury. We investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the contrasting effects of IPostC on the early and late damage induced by testicular I/R injury. Testis I/R was induced by occluding the right testicular vessels using a clip. Male rats were divided into the following groups: sham, I/R and I/R + IPostC. In the I/R group, the clip was removed after 60 min of ischaemia, and reperfusion was allowed for 30 min, 1 and 30 days. In the I/R + IPostC group, three cycles of 30‐sec reperfusion and 30‐sec ischaemia were performed after 60 min of ischaemia and then reperfusion followed up for 30 min, 1 and 30 days. Following 30‐min reperfusion, there was an increase in mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in I/R rats; after 1 day of reperfusion, interleukin‐6, tumour necrosis factor‐α and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) expression were significantly increased; IκB‐α expression reduced; and a marked damage in both testes was observed. IPostC inhibited MAPKs, cytokines and NF‐κB expression, augmented IκB‐α expression and decreased histological damage in testes subjected to I/R. After 30 days of reperfusion, I/R injury activated the apoptosis machinery, caused severe histological damage and reduced spermatogenic activity. By contrast, IPostC did not modify the apoptotic markers, the histological alterations as well as spermatogenic activity following 30 days of reperfusion. Our data demonstrate that IPostC protects the testis from the early damage induced by I/R injury, but it does not protect against the late damage.
The return of full‐employment economics
Authors: Cooke Graeme , Dolphin Tony
Published: November 2013

Full employment has come to be regarded as dangerous and outdated. Graeme Cooke and Tony Dolphin reject this assertion and argue instead that full employment is the most plausible strategy for raising living standards and adequately funding our public services.
Recovering the future: The reinvention of ‘social law’
Authors: Davies William
Published: November 2013

Two decades of ‘financialisation’ has left our economic and social institutions suffocated by the logic of investment and debt. To alleviate this burden, William Davies argues, a new wave of ‘social law’ is needed to support institutional innovation and spark hope.
Chronic psychological stress activates BMP4‐dependent extramedullary erythropoiesis
Authors: Vignjević Sanja , Budeč Mirela , Marković Dragana , Đikić Dragoslava , Mitrović Olivera , Mojsilović Slavko , Đurić Sanja Vranješ , Koko Vesna , Čokić Bojana Beleslin , Čokić Vladan , Jovčić Gordana
Published: November 2013

Psychological stress affects different physiological processes including haematopoiesis. However, erythropoietic effects of chronic psychological stress remain largely unknown. The adult spleen contains a distinct microenvironment favourable for rapid expansion of erythroid progenitors in response to stressful stimuli, and emerging evidence suggests that inappropriate activation of stress erythropoiesis may predispose to leukaemic transformation. We used a mouse model to study the influence of chronic psychological stress on erythropoiesis in the spleen and to investigate potential mediators of observed effects. Adult mice were subjected to 2 hrs daily restraint stress for 7 or 14 consecutive days. Our results showed that chronic exposure to restraint stress decreased the concentration of haemoglobin in the blood, elevated circulating levels of erythropoietin and corticosterone, and resulted in markedly increased number of erythroid progenitors and precursors in the spleen. Western blot analysis revealed significantly decreased expression of both erythropoietin receptor and glucocorticoid receptor in the spleen of restrained mice. Furthermore, chronic stress enhanced the expression of stem cell factor receptor in the red pulp. Moreover, chronically stressed animals exhibited significantly increased expression of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) in the red pulp as well as substantially enhanced mRNA expression levels of its receptors in the spleen. These findings demonstrate for the first time that chronic psychological stress activates BMP4‐dependent extramedullary erythropoiesis and leads to the prolonged activation of stress erythropoiesis pathways. Prolonged activation of these pathways along with an excessive production of immature erythroid cells may predispose chronically stressed subjects to a higher risk of leukaemic transformation.
Overexpression of OsPIL15, a phytochrome‐interacting factor‐like protein gene, represses etiolated seedling growth in rice
Authors: Zhou Jinjun , Liu Qianqian , Zhang Fang , Wang Yingying , Zhang Shiyong , Cheng Huimin , Yan Lihua , Li Li , Chen Fan , Xie Xianzhi
Published: November 2013

Phytochrome‐interacting factors (PIFs) regulate an array of developmental responses ranging from seed germination to vegetational architecture in Arabidopsis. However, information regarding the functions of the PIF family in monocots has not been widely reported. Here, we investigate the roles of OsPIL15, a member of the rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Nipponbare) PIF family, in regulating seedling growth. OsPIL15 encodes a basic helix‐loop‐helix factor localized in the nucleus. OsPIL15‐OX seedlings exhibit an exaggerated shorter aboveground part and undeveloped root system relative to wild‐type seedlings, suggesting that OsPIL15 represses seedling growth in the dark. Microarray analysis combined with gene ontology analysis revealed that OsPIL15 represses a set of genes involved in auxin pathways and cell wall organization or biogenesis. Given the important roles of the auxin pathway and cell wall properties in controlling plant growth, we speculate that OsPIL15 represses seedling growth likely by regulating the auxin pathway and suppressing cell wall organization in etiolated rice seedlings. Additionally, exposure to red light or far‐red light relieved growth retardation and promoted seedling elongation in the OsPIL15‐OX lines, despite higher levels of OsPIL15 transcripts under red light and far‐red light than in the dark. These results suggest that light regulation of OsPIL15 expression is probably involved in photomorphogenesis in rice.
Radiation Injury to the Normal Brain Measured by 3D‐Echo‐Planar Spectroscopic Imaging and Diffusion Tensor Imaging: Initial Experience
Authors: Chawla Sanjeev , Wang Sumei , Kim Sungheon , Sheriff Sulaiman , Lee Peter , Rengan Ramesh , Lin Alexander , Melhem Elias , Maudsley Andrew , Poptani Harish
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) may cause cognitive and neuropsychological impairment and hence objective assessment of adverse effects of radiation may be valuable to plan therapy. The purpose of our study was to determine the potential of echo planar spectroscopic imaging (EPSI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in detecting subacute radiation induced injury to the normal brain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four patients with brain metastases and three patients with lung cancer underwent cranial irradiation. These patients were subjected to 3D‐EPSI and DTI at two time points (pre‐radiation, and 1 month post‐irradiation). Parametric maps of N‐acetyl aspartate (NAA), creatine (Cr), choline (Cho), mean diffusivity (MD), and fractional anisotropy (FA) were generated and co‐registered to post‐contrast T1‐weighted images. Normal appearing gray‐matter and white‐matter regions were compared between the two time points to assess sub‐acute effects of radiation using independent sample t‐tests.

RESULTS

Significantly increased MD (P = .02), Cho/Cr (P = .02) and a trend towards a decrease in NAA/Cr (P = .06) was observed from the hippocampus. Significant decrease in FA (P = .02) from the centrum‐semiovale and a significant increase in MD (P = .04) and Cho/Cr (P = .02) from genu of corpus‐callosum was also observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary findings suggest that 3D‐EPSI and DTI may provide quantitative measures of radiation induced injury to the normal brain.
Lactococcus lactis YfiA is necessary and sufficient for ribosome dimerization
Authors: Puri Pranav , Eckhardt Thomas H. , Franken Linda E. , Fusetti Fabrizia , Stuart Marc C. A. , Boekema Egbert J. , Kuipers Oscar P. , Kok Jan , Poolman Bert
Published: November 2013

Dimerization and inactivation of ribosomes in Escherichia coli is a two‐step process that involves the binding of ribosome modulation factor (RMF) and hibernation promotion factor (HPF). Lactococcus lactis MG1363 expresses a protein, YfiALl, which associates with ribosomes in the stationary phase of growth and is responsible for dimerization of ribosomes. We show that full‐length YfiALl is necessary and sufficient for ribosome dimerization in L. lactis but also functions heterologously in vitro with E. coli ribosomes. Deletion of the yfiA gene has no effect on the growth rate but diminishes the survival of L. lactis under energy‐starving conditions. The N‐terminal domain of YfiALl is homologous to HPF from E. coli, whereas the C‐terminal domain has no counterpart in E. coli. By assembling ribosome dimers in vitro, we could dissect the roles of the N‐ and C‐terminal domains of YfiALl. It is concluded that the dimerization and inactivation of ribosomes in L. lactis and E. coli differ in several cellular and molecular aspects. In addition, two‐dimensional maps of dimeric ribosomes from L. lactis obtained by single particle electron microscopy show a marked structural difference in monomer association in comparison to the ribosome dimers in E. coli.
Paediatric intensive care nurses' and doctors' perceptions on nurse‐led protocol‐directed ventilation weaning and extubation
Authors: Tume Lyvonne N , Scally Alison , Carter Bernie
Published: November 2013

Background

Nurse‐led (protocol‐directed) ventilation weaning (NLVW) is utilized in adult intensive care and has shown to be safe and reduce ventilation times. Our paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) implemented a NLVW (and extubation) protocol in 2004, yet it was observed that some NLVW‐trained nurses were not undertaking the role in practice.

Aims

To explore PICU nurses' and doctors' perceptions of and barriers to NLVW on a UK PICU, with the aim of facilitating more NLVW on our PICU by reducing these barriers.

Methods

A cross‐sectional electronic survey was used to collect data from both nurse ventilation weaners and all medical staff and advanced nurse practitioners (ANPs) on one PICU.

Results

Our survey response rates were 90% (36/40) nursing and 54% (20/37) medical. The four top reasons cited for nurses not being able to wean by protocol were not being allocated to a ‘weanable’ patient, being in an in‐charge or runner role, high clinical workload and a perceived lack of support from medical staff/ANPs. The restrictive nature of our protocol also emerged as a key issue by all staff. The medical survey revealed an overwhelming positive response to NLVW with 90% believing that experienced PICU nurses should be allowed to wean ventilation. In contrast to the nurses perceived lack of support or encouragement for NLVW, medical staff rated their encouragement for the nurses to undertake this role as high.

Conclusions

NLVW is a complex process, and factors that impair or facilitate this process relate not only to the weaning protocol itself, but also organizational processes and structural factors in a PICU.

Relevance to clinical practice

This paper highlights the complexities involved in instituting and establishing a nurse‐led, protocol‐driven ventilation weaning process within a PICU. Further, in depth research is required to examine both PICU nurses and doctors attitudes to NLVW both in the UK and across Europe.
A novel plant–fungus symbiosis benefits the host without forming mycorrhizal structures
Authors: Kariman Khalil , Barker Susan J. , Jost Ricarda , Finnegan Patrick M. , Tibbett Mark
Published: November 2013

Most terrestrial plants form mutually beneficial symbioses with specific soil‐borne fungi known as mycorrhiza. In a typical mycorrhizal association, fungal hyphae colonize plant roots, explore the soil beyond the rhizosphere and provide host plants with nutrients that might be chemically or physically inaccessible to root systems.

Here, we combined nutritional, radioisotopic (33P) and genetic approaches to describe a plant growth promoting symbiosis between the basidiomycete fungus Austroboletus occidentalis and jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata), which has quite different characteristics.

We show that the fungal partner does not colonize plant roots; hyphae are localized to the rhizosphere soil and vicinity and consequently do not transfer nutrients located beyond the rhizosphere. Transcript profiling of two high‐affinity phosphate (Pi) transporter genes (EmPHT1;1 and EmPHT1;2) and hyphal‐mediated 33Pi uptake suggest that the Pi uptake shifts from an epidermal to a hyphal pathway in ectomycorrhizal plants (Scleroderma sp.), similar to arbuscular mycorrhizal symbioses, whereas A. occidentalis benefits its host indirectly. The enhanced rhizosphere carboxylates are linked to growth and nutritional benefits in the novel symbiosis.

This work is a starting point for detailed mechanistic studies on other basidiomycete–woody plant relationships, where a continuum between heterotrophic rhizosphere fungi and plant beneficial symbioses is likely to exist.
The Influence of Problem Definitions on Environmental Policy Change: A Comparative Study of the Yellowstone Wildfires
Authors: Fifer Nichole , Orr Shannon K.
Published: November 2013

In the summer of 1988, television viewers across the United States and Canada were transfixed by images of Yellowstone National Park seemingly consumed by flames as wildfires burned almost one million acres of land within the Greater Yellowstone Area. In the wake of the fires, the governments of the United States and Canada both reassessed their policy approaches to fire management and came to two very different conclusions. The purpose of this study is to explore how the wildfire problem was defined in Canada and the United States in the wake of the Yellowstone wildfires, why these definitions were so different, and what effects these different definitions have had on fire policy. As a subtext, this research also highlights the challenges inherent in science‐based decision making.
Punctuated Equilibrium and the Supreme Court
Authors: Robinson Rob
Published: November 2013

In the legislative and executive branches, policy scholars have used punctuated equilibrium (PE) theory to describe and explain patterns of change. However, there has been little examination of how PE might apply to courts and legal policy change. This article addresses that gap by providing evidence that legal policy change—here conceptualized as changes in what precedents the Supreme Court most often cites—is governed by PE theory. After making a prima facie case for the applicability of PE theory to the Court, I leverage network rankings of Supreme Court decisions to create a proxy for legal policy change that improves on existing measures. Using both a stochastic process model and an analysis of the punctuations the measure uncovers, I find strong evidence of PE processes.
Centralized Governance and Student Outcomes: Excellence, Equity, and Academic Achievement in the U.S. States
Authors: Manna Paul
Published: November 2013

Are states with more centralized approaches to education governance more likely to have higher student achievement and lower achievement gaps between poor and nonpoor students? This article addresses that question by theorizing about the effects of political, administrative, and fiscal centralization on student outcomes. It tests competing hypotheses about the degree to which centralization across these three dimensions is associated with the promotion of academic excellence (higher achievement) and equity (narrower achievement gaps). The results demonstrate the virtue of studying academic performance through the lens of governance and more distal system‐level variables rather than, as has been common in the literature, more narrow policy‐oriented measures. The findings show that strong relationships exist between student outcomes and the degree of political centralization and administrative centralization in a state, yet there are no apparent associations with fiscal centralization. The results also illustrate that governing arrangements are not consistently related to the advancement of excellence and equity. In terms of administrative centralization, specifically, apparent trade‐offs may exist.
Measurement of skin thickness and skin elasticity to evaluate the effectiveness of intensive decongestive treatment in patients with lymphoedema: a prospective study
Authors: Hacard F. , Machet L. , Caille A. , Tauveron V. , Georgescou G. , Rapeneau I. , Samimi M. , Patat F. , Vaillant L.
Published: November 2013

Background

Complex decongestive physiotherapy (CDP) is used to treat patients with severe lymphoedema. The efficacy of CDP is usually quantified by calculating limb volume from repeated measurements of circumference at least 10 points before and after treatment of an affected limb. Measurement is time‐consuming and operator‐dependent.

Objectives

To determine whether decreased dermal thickness is correlated with decreased volume after intensive CDP.

Methods

A consecutive series of patients admitted for intensive CDP were studied over a 6‐month period. Before and after CDP, we measured circumference, dermal thickness elasticity and finally improvement in quality of life using a visual analogue scale (VAS).

Results

Thirty patients were included in the study. Only three patients were previously untreated. The average relative reduction in limb volume was 4% and the reduction in the dermal thickness was 15% (correlation: r = 0.37, P = 0.05). Viscoelasticity was decreased by 13%. VAS quality of life score was improved by 30%.

Conclusion

Changes in dermal thickness are slightly correlated with volume changes before and after 5‐day intensive CDP in a selected series of patients previously treated at home.
The relationship between skin aging and steady state ultraweak photon emission as an indicator of skin oxidative stress in vivo
Authors: Gabe Y. , Osanai O. , Takema Y.
Published: November 2013

Background/purpose

Ultraweak photon emission (UPE) is one potential method to evaluate the oxidative status of the skin in vivo. However, little is known about how the daily oxidative stress of the skin is related to skin aging‐related alterations in vivo. We characterized the steady state UPE and performed a skin survey.

Methods

We evaluated the skin oxidative status by UPE, skin elasticity, epidermal thickness and skin color on the inner upper arm, the outer forearm, and the buttock of 70 Japanese volunteers.

Results

The steady state UPE at the three skin sites increased with age. Correlation analysis revealed that the steady state UPE only from the buttock was related to skin elasticity, which showed age‐dependent changes. Moreover, analysis by age group indicated that b* values of the inner upper arm of subjects in their 20s were inversely correlated with UPE as occurred in buttock skin. In contrast, photoaged skin did not show a clear relationship with steady state UPE because the accumulation of sun‐exposure might influence the sensitivity to oxidative stress.

Conclusion

These results suggest that steady state UPE reflects not only intrinsic skin aging and cutaneous color but also the current oxidative status independent of skin aging.
High‐precision U–Pb age and duration of the latest Devonian (Famennian) Hangenberg event, and its implications
Authors: Myrow Paul M. , Ramezani Jahandar , Hanson Anne E. , Bowring Samuel A. , Racki Grzegorz , Rakociński Michał
Published: November 2013

Precise U–Pb zircon dates from three volcanic ash beds that bracket the Hangenberg Shale in the Holy Cross Mountains, Poland, constrain the age and duration of one of the most significant palaeobiological events of the Palaeozoic Era, the Hangenberg Event. It is linked to a terminal Devonian global shift from greenhouse to icehouse climate conditions, a global transgression, and widespread black shale deposition. Our results constrain the Hangenberg Event to between 358.97 ± 0.11 Ma and 358.89 ± 0.20 Ma, with a calculated duration of 0.05 +0.14/−0.05 Ma. A third, underlying ash bed yielded a distinctly older age of 359.97 ± 0.46 Ma. The duration of ~50–100 ka. for the event is comparable to those of Quaternary glaciations, and is consistent with both a glacio‐eustatic origin for the eustatic fluctuations and changes in ocean chemistry that led to this major reorganization of the biosphere.
Xanthomonas euvesicatoria type III effector XopQ interacts with tomato and pepper 14–3–3 isoforms to suppress effector‐triggered immunity
Authors: Teper Doron , Salomon Dor , Sunitha Sukumaran , Kim Jung‐Gun , Mudgett Mary Beth , Sessa Guido
Published: November 2013

Effector‐triggered immunity (ETI) to host‐adapted pathogens is associated with rapid cell death at the infection site. The plant‐pathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas euvesicatoria (Xcv) interferes with plant cellular processes by injecting effector proteins into host cells through the type III secretion system. Here, we show that the Xcv effector XopQ suppresses cell death induced by components of the ETI‐associated MAP kinase cascade MAPKKKα MEK2/SIPK and by several R/avr gene pairs. Inactivation of xopQ by insertional mutagenesis revealed that this effector inhibits ETI‐associated cell death induced by avirulent Xcv in resistant pepper (Capsicum annuum), and enhances bacterial growth in resistant pepper and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Using protein–protein interaction studies in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and in planta, we identified the tomato 14–3–3 isoform SlTFT4 and homologs from other plant species as XopQ interactors. A mutation in the putative 14–3–3 binding site of XopQ impaired interaction of the effector with CaTFT4 in yeast and its virulence function in planta. Consistent with a role in ETI, TFT4 mRNA abundance increased during the incompatible interaction of tomato and pepper with Xcv. Silencing of NbTFT4 in Nicotiana benthamiana significantly reduced cell death induced by MAPKKKα. In addition, silencing of CaTFT4 in pepper delayed the appearance of ETI‐associated cell death and enhanced growth of virulent and avirulent Xcv, demonstrating the requirement of TFT4 for plant immunity to Xcv. Our results suggest that the XopQ virulence function is to suppress ETI and immunity‐associated cell death by interacting with TFT4, which is an important component of ETI and a bona fide target of XopQ.
The Tongue Enables Computer and Wheelchair Control for People with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Kim Jeonghee , Park Hangue , Bruce Joy , Sutton Erica , Rowles Diane , Pucci Deborah , Holbrook Jaimee , Minocha Julia , Nardone Beatrice , West Dennis , Laumann Anne , Roth Eliot , Jones Mike , Veledar Emir , Ghovanloo Maysam
Published: November 2013

Individuals with severe spinal cord injury control a computer and powered wheelchair by using a wireless tongue-operated assistive technology called the Tongue Drive System.
Stenting for Stroke
Authors: Mack William J.
Published: November 2013

Aggressive medical management demonstrates benefit over stenting for high-risk patients with intracranial stenosis.
Testosterone Replacement Leaving Men Heartbroken
Authors: Tirosh Amir
Published: November 2013

Testosterone treatment has recently gained popularity, but increased mortality and cardiovascular events are emerging concerns.
A large left atrial myxoma causing multiple cerebral infarcts
Authors: Kebede Saba , Edmunds Eiry , Raybould Adrian
Published: November 2013

A 52-year-old man presented with a history of sudden onset diplopia. On neurological examination, the only abnormality was a right-sided oculomotor (third nerve) palsy. A brain CT was performed and reported as showing no abnormality. He was discharged to be investigated as an outpatient. He presented 1 month later with a new expressive dysphasia and confusional state. MRI was performed which revealed multiple cerebral infarcts. He was discharged on secondary stroke prevention medication. Six months elapsed, before a transthoracic echocardiogram was performed. This showed a large left atrial myxoma. The patient underwent an emergency resection and made a good postoperative recovery. This case report showed the importance of considering a cardiogenic source of emboli in patients who present with cerebral infarcts. Performing echocardiography early will help to detect treatable conditions such as atrial myxoma, and prevent further complications.
An uncommon Essex-Lopresti fracture dislocation with radial displacement in distal direction: diagnosis and surgical treatment of a rare case
Authors: Hii J W S , Page M M , Prosser A , Bauer S
Published: November 2013

Essex-Lopresti injuries are rare and present a clinical challenge. Incomplete diagnosis and treatment can lead to long-term instability, pain and functional impairment. We report on a clinical case of proximal radioulnar joint (PRUJ) and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) dislocation with unusual distal radial displacement and associated radial head shear fracture. The case was managed with closed reduction of the PRUJ and DRUJ followed by open reduction and fixation of the radial head. A high index of suspicion with thorough examination of the elbow, forearm and wrist and comprehensive imaging was important in reaching a complete diagnosis for appropriate treatment. Anatomical reduction of the PRUJ and DRUJ is essential to achieve optimal functional outcomes. Six months following the injury the patient made a satisfactory recovery with full range of movement; however, she continued to have mild to moderate general and moderate work-related disability.
Juvenile aggressive cemento-ossifying fibroma of the sphenoid sinus with proptosis: a surgical dilemma
Authors: Singh Rohit , Ramaswamy Balakrishnan , Hazarika Manali
Published: November 2013

The term fibro-osseous lesion has currently grown in popularity as an overall designation for a number of rare, histologically benign head and neck lesions that are made up of bone, fibrous tissue and cementum. Cemento-ossifying fibroma is a variant of cementifying fibroma and is a fibro-osseous disease. They are usually small innocuous lesions which follow a slow benign course and are commonly seen in the skull bone rather than the sphenoid. It is rare for these tumours to attain large size, behave aggressively, destroy bone and require a radical surgery. One such rapidly growing juvenile cemento-ossifying lesion of sphenoid in our 10-year-old young patient causing proptosis and impaired vision is reported here because of its uncommon nature and its surgical dilemma. Selection of surgical approach to resect this tumour becomes difficult because it is deeply seated and needs a multidisciplinary approach.
Attitudes towards smoking restrictions and tobacco advertisement bans in Georgia
Authors: Bakhturidze George D , Mittelmark Maurice B , Aarø Leif E , Peikrishvili Nana T
Published: November 2013

Objectives

This study aims to provide data on a public level of support for restricting smoking in public places and banning tobacco advertisements.

Design

A nationally representative multistage sampling design, with sampling strata defined by region (sampling quotas proportional to size) and substrata defined by urban/rural and mountainous/lowland settlement, within which census enumeration districts were randomly sampled, within which households were randomly sampled, within which a randomly selected respondent was interviewed.

Setting

The country of Georgia, population 4.7 million, located in the Caucasus region of Eurasia.

Participants

One household member aged between 13 and 70 was selected as interviewee. In households with more than one age-eligible person, selection was carried out at random. Of 1588 persons selected, 14 refused to participate and interviews were conducted with 915 women and 659 men.

Outcome measures

Respondents were interviewed about their level of agreement with eight possible smoking restrictions/bans, used to calculate a single dichotomous (agree/do not agree) opinion indicator. The level of agreement with restrictions was analysed in bivariate and multivariate analyses by age, gender, education, income and tobacco use status.

Results

Overall, 84.9% of respondents indicated support for smoking restrictions and tobacco advertisement bans. In all demographic segments, including tobacco users, the majority of respondents indicated agreement with restrictions, ranging from a low of 51% in the 13–25 age group to a high of 98% in the 56–70 age group. Logistic regression with all demographic variables entered showed that agreement with restrictions was higher with age, and was significantly higher among never smokers as compared to daily smokers.

Conclusions

Georgian public opinion is normatively supportive of more stringent tobacco-control measures in the form of smoking restrictions and tobacco advertisement bans.
Urban–rural differentials in the factors associated with exposure to second-hand smoke in India
Authors: Singh Akansha , Sahoo Namita
Published: November 2013

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the role of different factors associated with exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) in the workplace and home in the urban and rural areas of India.

Design

Secondary analysis of the data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey conducted in 2009–2010.

Setting and participants

Data were analysed from 32 738 rural and 23 202 urban non-smokers at home and 4809 rural and 6227 urban non-smokers in the workplace in India.

Outcomes and methods

We used two measures of SHS: exposure to SHS at home and exposure to SHS in the workplace. SHS exposure at home is estimated for non-smokers who reported anyone smoking inside his/her home. Exposure to SHS in the workplace is estimated for non-smokers who reported anyone smoking in the workplace in the past 30 days before the survey. Statistical techniques such as χ2test, logistic regression and discriminant function analysis were used.

Results

The results showed that SHS exposure in the workplace and home is higher in the rural areas than in the urban areas. As compared with men, women are significantly more likely to be exposed to SHS at home (OR=1.20, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.30) in the rural areas, and less likely at the workplace in the urban areas (OR=0.49, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.59). Education and region are significant predictors of exposure levels to SHS at home and the workplace in the rural and urban areas. The knowledge of number of smoking-related hazards significantly discriminates the SHS exposure in the rural workplace. SHS exposure at home is most affected by region in the rural areas and education in the urban areas.

Conclusions

The factors which affect SHS exposure differ in the rural and urban areas of India. The study concludes that the risk of getting exposed to SHS at home and the workplace among non-smokers is higher in the rural areas of the country.
Primary Sjögren's syndrome 1976–2005 and associated interstitial lung disease: a population-based study of incidence and mortality
Authors: Nannini Carlotta , Jebakumar Adlene J , Crowson Cynthia S , Ryu Jay H , Matteson Eric L
Published: November 2013

Objective

A very few studies describe the epidemiology of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). The reported frequency of pulmonary involvement in pSS varies widely depending on the detection method employed, and consists mainly of various forms of airways disease. We aimed to evaluate the incidence and mortality of pSS and of lung disease in pSS, focusing on interstitial lung disease (ILD).

Methods

A population-based incidence cohort of patients diagnosed with pSS in 1976–2005 was assembled. Diagnosis was based on the 2002 American-European Consensus Group criteria for pSS. Cumulative incidence adjusted for the competing risk of death was estimated. A Cox model with a time-dependent covariate was used to determine the incidence and the standardised mortality HR of pSS.

Results

85 patients with pSS were identified (mean age 59.9 years; 91% women). The annual incidence of pSS was 4.2, 95% CI (3.3 to 5.1)/100 000 population and it increased with higher age at pSS diagnosis (18–44 years: 2.1/100 000 vs ≥75 years: 12.3/100 000). Standardised mortality ratio in pSS compared with the general population was 0.92, 95% CI (0.57 to 1.41). A total of 105 patients with pSS and ILD were identified (mean age 58.1 years; 91% women). Among patients with pSS without prior ILD, the cumulative incidence of ILD in patients with pSS was 10% (±3%) at 1 year after diagnosis of pSS and increased to 20% (±4%) by 5 years after pSS. The development of lung disease in pSS was associated with poor survival (HR 2.16; 95% CI 0.99 to 4.74).

Conclusions

pSS incidence seems to be almost the same as was reported in a previous study conducted among Olmsted County Minnesota population. Survival among patients with pSS and general population does not differ substantially. However, patients with pSS who have ILD likely have increased premature mortality.
Age-dependent decline of association between obesity and coronary heart disease: a cohort study in a remote Australian Aboriginal community
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Hoy Wendy E
Published: November 2013

Objective

To determine whether the association between obesity and coronary heart disease (CHD) in Aboriginal adults depends on age.

Design, setting and participants

A cohort study with up to 20 years of follow-up of 849 participants aged 18–76 years in a remote Aboriginal community in the Northern Territory of Australia.

Main outcome measures

Newly diagnosed CHD cases were identified through hospital records according to ICD codes during the follow-up period. Cox proportional hazard model was used to assess whether the association between obesity and CHD depends on age.

Results

During the follow-up period, 171 participants were diagnosed with CHD. On an average, the incidence rate of CHD increased with the increasing baseline BMI, 11.3%, 16.3% and 20.2% for normal weight, overweight and obese groups, respectively. HR of CHD for obesity were 2.6 (95% CI 1.1to 6.3), 1.2 (0.7 to 2.0) and 0.5 (0.1 to 2.1) for those <40, 40–59 and 60+ years, respectively. HRs corresponding to 1 SD increase in BMI were 1.4 (1.0 to 2.0), 1.2 (1.0 to 1.5) and 0.8 (0.5 to 1.2) for those <40, 40–59 and 60+ years, respectively. The interaction terms between age and BMI as category variables or as a continuous variable were statistically significant.

Conclusions

The association between obesity and CHD is stronger for younger adults than for older adults in Aboriginal Australians in the remote community. Our findings suggest that weight control efforts may produce more beneficial effects in CHD prevention in young adults than in older adults.