bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of a Probable Pore-Forming Domain in the Multimeric Vacuolar Anion Channel AtALMT9
Authors: Zhang Jingbo , Baetz Ulrike , Krügel Undine , Martinoia Enrico , De Angeli Alexis
Published: August 2013

Aluminum-activated malate transporters (ALMTs) form an important family of anion channels involved in fundamental physiological processes in plants. Because of their importance, the role of ALMTs in plant physiology is studied extensively. In contrast, the structural basis of their functional properties is largely unknown. This lack of information limits the understanding of the functional and physiological differences between ALMTs and their impact on anion transport in plants. This study aimed at investigating the structural organization of the transmembrane domain of the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) vacuolar channel AtALMT9. For that purpose, we performed a large-scale mutagenesis analysis and found two residues that form a salt bridge between the first and second putative transmembrane α-helices (TMα1 and TMα2). Furthermore, using a combination of pharmacological and mutagenesis approaches, we identified citrate as an “open channel blocker” of AtALMT9 and used this tool to examine the inhibition sensitivity of different point mutants of highly conserved amino acid residues. By this means, we found a stretch within the cytosolic moiety of the TMα5 that is a probable pore-forming domain. Moreover, using a citrate-insensitive AtALMT9 mutant and biochemical approaches, we could demonstrate that AtALMT9 forms a multimeric complex that is supposedly composed of four subunits. In summary, our data provide, to our knowledge, the first evidence about the structural organization of an ion channel of the ALMT family. We suggest that AtALMT9 is a tetramer and that the TMα5 domains of the subunits contribute to form the pore of this anion channel.
One-dimensional CuIand AgIladder-like coordination polymers supported by 2-ethyl-1-(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole
Authors: Gui Liu-cheng , Liang Guang-ming , Zou Hua-hong , Hou Zhong
Published: August 2013

The title complexes, poly[[bis[μ2-2-ethyl-1-(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-κ2N1:N3]copper(I)] tetrafluoroborate acetonitrile monosolvate], {[Cu(C15H15N3)2]BF4·CH3CN}n, (I), and poly[[bis[μ2-2-ethyl-1-(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole-κ2N1:N3]silver(I)] perchlorate methanol monosolvate], {[Ag(C15H15N3)2]ClO4·CH3OH}n, (II), are isostructural and exhibit one-dimensional ladder-like structures in which each asymmetric unit contains one metal ion (Cu+or Ag+), two 2-ethyl-1-(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazole (bep) ligands, one counter-anion (tetrafluoroborate or perchlorate) and one interstitial molecule (acetonitrile or methanol). Each metal ion exhibits a distorted tetrahedral coordination geometry consisting of two pyridyl and two benzimidazole N atoms from four distinct ligands. Two metal ions are linked by two bep ligands to form a centrosymmetric 18-memberedM2(bep)2metallacycle, while adjacentM2(bep)2metallacycles are further interlinked by another two bep ligands resulting in a ladder-like array. In the extended structure, four adjacent ladder-like arrays are connected together through C—H...F, O—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds between bep ligands, solvent molecules and counter-anions into a three-dimensional supramolecular structure.
A three-dimensional polycatenation framework:catena-poly[[diaquabis(4-{4-[4-(pyridin-4-yl)phenoxy]phenyl}pyridine)nickel(II)]-μ2-naphthalene-2,6-dicarboxylato]
Authors: Guo Cui-Lian , Yao Xiao-Qiang , Cheng Yong-Qiang , Liu Yan
Published: August 2013

In the title compound, [Ni(C12H6O4)(C22H16N2O)2(H2O)2]n, the Ni2+cation resides on a centre of inversion in a slightly distorted octahedral [N2O4] environment. The two carboxylate groups of each naphthalene-2,6-dicarboxylate (NDC2−) ligand, which reside on centres of inversion, link the NiIIcations into a one-dimensional chain. Identical chains are linked by intermolecular hydrogen bonds between coordinated water molecules and the uncoordinated N atoms of 4-{4-[4-(pyridin-4-yl)phenoxy]phenyl}pyridine ligands to form (4,4)-topological sheets, and then the different sheets are interlocked in an inclined fashion to give a three-dimensional polycatenation network. The stability of the structure is further enhanced by π–π stacking interactions between pyridine and benzene rings.
Deaths Involving Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) in Upper East Tennessee
Authors: Wright Trista H. , Cline‐Parhamovich Karen , Lajoie Dawn , Parsons Laura , Dunn Mark , Ferslew Kenneth E.
Published: August 2013

Two deaths involving 3, 4‐methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) are reported. MDPV is a synthetic cathinone stimulant found in “bath salts” with neurological and cardiovascular toxicity. Biological specimens were analyzed for MDPV by GC/MS and LC/MS. A White man was found dead with signs of nausea and vomiting after repeatedly abusing bath salts during a weekend binge. Femoral venous blood and urine had MDPV concentrations of 39 ng/mL and 760 ng/mL. The second fatality was a White man with a history of drug and bath salt abuse found dead at a scene in total disarray after exhibiting fits of anger and psychotic behavior. Femoral venous blood and urine had MDPV concentrations of 130 ng/mL and 3800 ng/mL. The blood and urine MDPV concentrations are within the reported recreational concentration ranges (blood 24–241 ng/mL and urine 34–3900 ng/mL). Both decedents’ deaths were attributed to relevant natural causes in a setting of MDPV abuse.
Engineering of recombinant Escherichia coli cells co‐expressing poly‐γ‐glutamic acid (γ‐PGA) synthetase and glutamate racemase for differential yielding of γ‐PGA
Authors: Cao Mingfeng , Geng Weitao , Zhang Wei , Sun Jibin , Wang Shufang , Feng Jun , Zheng Ping , Jiang Anna , Song Cunjiang
Published: August 2013

Poly‐γ‐glutamic acid (γ‐PGA) is a promising environmental‐friendly material with outstanding water solubility, biocompatibility and degradability. However, it is tough to determine the relationship between functional synthetic enzyme and the strains' yield or substrate dependency. We cloned γ‐PGA synthetase genes pgsBCA and glutamate racemase gene racE from both L‐glutamate‐dependent γ‐PGA‐producing Bacillus licheniformis NK‐03 and L‐glutamate‐independent B. amyloliquefaciens LL3 strains. The deduced RacE and PgsA from the two strains shared the identity of 84.5% and 78.53%, while PgsB and PgsC possessed greater similarity with 93.13% and 93.96%. The induced co‐expression of pgsBCA and racE showed that the engineered Escherichia coli strains had the capacity of synthesizing γ‐PGA, and LL3 derived PgsBCA had higher catalytic activity and enhanced productivity than NK‐03 in Luria–Bertani medium containing glucose or L‐glutamate. However, the differential effect was weakened when providing sufficient immediateness L‐glutamate substrate, that is, the supply of substrate could be served as the ascendance upon γ‐PGA production. Furthermore, RacE integration could enhance γ‐PGA yield through improving the preferred d‐glutamate content. This is the first report about co‐expression of pgsBCA and racE from the two Bacillus strains, which will be of great value for the determination of the biosynthetic mechanism of γ‐PGA.
DNA barcoding of bark and ambrosia beetles reveals excessive NUMTs and consistent east‐west divergence across Palearctic forests
Authors: Jordal Bjarte H. , Kambestad Marius
Published: August 2013

A comprehensive DNA barcoding library is very useful for rapid identification and detection of invasive pest species. We tested the performance of species identification in the economically most damaging group of wood‐boring insects – the bark and ambrosia beetles – with particular focus on broad geographical sampling across the boreal Palearctic forests. Neighbour‐joining and Bayesian analyses of cytochrome oxidase I (COI) sequences from 151 species in 40 genera revealed high congruence between morphology‐based identification and sequence clusters. Inconsistencies with morphological identifications included the discovery of a likely cryptic Nearctic species of Dryocoetes autographus, the possible hybrid origin of shared mitochondrial haplotypes in Pityophthorus micrographus and P. pityographus, and a possible paraphyletic Xyleborinus saxeseni. The first record of Orthotomicus suturalis in North America was confirmed by DNA barcoding. The mitochondrial data also revealed consistent divergence across the Palearctic or Holarctic, confirmed in part by data from the large ribosomal subunit (28S). Some populations had considerable variation in the mitochondrial barcoding marker, but were invariant in the nuclear ribosomal marker. These findings must be viewed in light of the high number of nuclear insertions of mitochondrial DNA (NUMTs) detected in eight bark beetle species, suggesting the possible presence of additional cryptic NUMTs. The occurrence of paralogous COI copies, hybridization or cryptic speciation demands a stronger focus on data quality assessment in the construction of DNA barcoding databases.
Expression of VEGF‐D in epithelial ovarian cancer and its relationship to lymphatic metastasis
Authors: He Lixia , He Junyong , Zhao Xia
Published: August 2013

Aim

To investigate the contribution of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐D to tumor progression, tumor lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis in epithelial ovarian cancer.

Methods

The expression profiles of VEGF‐D in 18 benign, 14 borderline and 87 malignant epithelial ovarian cancers were examined using immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Lymphatic vessels were identified using IHC staining on lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor‐1 (LYVE‐1), which is a lymph‐specific receptor for hyaluronan in identifying lymphatic vessels. The potential correlation among VEGF‐D, lymphatic vessel density (LVD) and clinico‐pathological factors of the epithelial ovarian cancer was also analyzed.

Results

Positive IHC staining of VEGF‐D was observed in 17% of benign, 21% of borderline and 80% of malignant epithelial ovarian tumors specimens. In the epithelial ovarian cancer specimens, the LVD was 3.41 ± 2.37 in the VEGF‐D negative (17 patients), 5.42 ± 3.49 in the weak (26 patients), 7.22 ± 2.36 in the moderate (27 patients) and 7.35 ± 4.06 in the strong (17 patients) groups, respectively. Additionally, the expression of VEGF‐D was positively correlated with LVD (r = 0.415, P < 0.001). The expression level of VEGF‐D was significantly higher in lymph node‐positive epithelial ovarian cancer than in lymph node‐negative patients (P = 0.009, P < 0.05). The expression of VEGF‐D was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage and tumor histological differentiation, but not with the patients' age or histology type.

Conclusion

VEGF‐D may play an important role in the process of lymphatic metastasis of epithelial ovarian cancer.
A preliminary profile of Australian women accessing doula care: Findings from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health
Authors: Steel Amie , Frawley Jane , Sibbritt David , Adams Jon
Published: August 2013

Despite growing interest and controversy regarding the value of doulas in contemporary maternity care, little is known about the profile of women who choose to involve a doula in their care team. This preliminary analysis indicates that women's attitudes towards maternity care may influence their use of a doula more so than demographic factors. Further research examining these issues in more detail is needed for all those involved in maternity care to ensure safe maternal and fetal outcomes.
Clinical evaluation of a first trimester algorithm predicting the risk of hypertensive disease of pregnancy
Authors: Park Felicity J. , Leung Constance H.Y. , Poon Leona C.Y. , Williams Paul F. , Rothwell Samantha J. , Hyett Jon A.
Published: August 2013

Background

The aim of this study is to validate the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) multiple logistic regression algorithm for prediction of risk of pre‐eclampsia in an Australian population. This model, which predicts risk using the population rate of pre‐eclampsia, a variety of demographic factors, mean maternal arterial blood pressure (MAP), uterine artery PI (UtA PI) and pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A), has been shown to predict early‐onset pre‐eclampsia (delivery prior to 34 weeks) in 95% of women at a 10% false‐positive rate.

Methods

All women who attended first trimester screening at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital had their body mass index (BMI), MAP and UtA PI assessed in addition to factors traditionally used to assess aneuploidy (including PAPP‐A MoM). After delivery, risks of early‐onset (delivery prior to 34 weeks) pre‐eclampsia, late pre‐eclampsia and gestational hypertension were calculated using the FMF risk algorithm.

Results

A total of 3099 women were screened and delivered locally. 3066 (98.9%) women had all data to perform pre‐eclampsia screening available. This included 3014 (98.3%) women with a live birth, where risks of early pre‐eclampsia were calculated. Twelve women were delivered before 34 weeks because of early pre‐eclampsia with a prevalence of early pre‐eclampsia of 1 in 256 pregnancies. Risks generated through the use of maternal history, MAP, UtA PI and PAPP‐A detected 41.7 and 91.7% of early pre‐eclampsia at a false‐positive rate of 5 and 10%, respectively.

Conclusions

This study shows that the FMF early pre‐eclampsia algorithm is effective in an Australian population.
Onset and persistence of respiratory/allergic symptoms in preschoolers: new insights from the PARIS birth cohort
Authors: Rancière F. , Nikasinovic L. , Bousquet J. , Momas I.
Published: August 2013

Background

The natural course of childhood asthma and allergy is complex and not fully understood. We aimed to identify phenotypes based upon the time course of respiratory/allergic symptoms throughout preschool years.

Methods

As part of the PARIS cohort, symptoms of wheezing, dry night cough, rhinitis and dermatitis were collected annually from birth to age 4 years. K‐means clustering was used to group into phenotypes children with similar symptoms trajectories over the study period. Associations of phenotypes with IgE sensitization and risk factors were studied using multinomial logistic regression.

Results

Besides a group with low prevalence of symptoms considered as reference (n = 1236, 49.0%), four distinct respiratory/allergic phenotypes were identified: two transient [transient rhinitis phenotype (n = 295, 11.7%), transient wheeze phenotype (n = 399, 15.8%)], without any relation with IgE sensitization, and two persistent [cough/rhinitis phenotype (n = 284, 11.3%), dermatitis phenotype (n = 308, 12.2%)], associated with IgE sensitization. Transient rhinitis phenotype was only associated with tobacco smoke exposure, which could irritate the airways. Transient wheeze phenotype was related to male sex and contact with other children (older siblings, day care attendance). Lastly, risk factors for both IgE‐associated phenotypes encompassed parental history of allergy, potential exposure to allergens and stress, known to be associated with the development of allergic diseases.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence for the existence of different respiratory/allergic phenotypes before school age. The fact that they differ in terms of sensitization and risk factors reinforces the plausibility of distinct phenotypes, potentially linked to irritation and infections for the transient phenotypes and to allergy for the persistent phenotypes.
Incidence of community‐acquired methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus carrying Pantone‐Valentine leucocidin gene at a referral hospital in United Arab Emirates
Authors: Dash Nihar , Panigrahi Debadatta , Al Zarouni Mansour , Yassin Faten , Al‐Shamsi Moza
Published: August 2013

Community‐acquired methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA‐MRSA) is an emerging pathogen in hospitalized patients worldwide. The present study was undertaken to identify CA‐MRSA in hospitalized patients in a 350‐bed tertiary care hospital in Sharjah, UAE over a 2‐year period from January 2011 to December 2012. CA‐MRSA was defined based on identification within first 48 h of admission in the hospital. Staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCC) mec typing of the CA‐MRSA isolates was carried out by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Detection of PVL and mecA genes was done by PCR using the GenoType® MRSA test system (Hain Lifescience). Patient's clinical data and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the CA‐MRSA isolates were also evaluated. Fifty seven of the 187 MRSA isolates were identified as CA‐MRSA. All the CA‐MRSA strains in our study belonged to SCCmecIV type and were positive for both PVL and mecA genes. The patients with CA‐MRSA infections were young (median age, 32 years) and the majority of infections involved the skin and soft tissue (36%). Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the CA‐MRSA isolates showed a better susceptibility profile to the non‐beta‐lactam antimicrobials with the exception of ciprofloxacin having 28% resistance. This study evidently strengthens the recent observation of an increase in CA‐MRSA emergence among hospitalized patients in the UAE.
Land reform, dispossession and new elites: A case study on coconut plantations in Davao Oriental, Philippines
Authors: Adam Jeroen
Published: August 2013

This article elaborates on how agrarian social structures and relations have changed after redistributive land reform under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) on coconut plantations in the province of Davao Oriental, Philippines. Three major arguments can be derived from this question. First, despite the objective of this land reform to transfer control over land and labour to poor agricultural workers, a majority of the coconut farmers are trapped in new forms of debt‐bondage and, as a result, are forced to transfer the rights over their resources and/or land. Second, a regional business elite has managed to obtain control over these lands and resources through all sorts of informal arrangements. Lastly, medium‐sized landed elites in coconut plantations have been disadvantaged because of CARP implementation since they became dispossessed from their sole form of economic power, land.
Seeking synergy between community and state‐based governance for biodiversity conservation: The role of Indigenous and Community‐Conserved Areas in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo
Authors: Vaz Justine , Agama Agnes Lee
Published: August 2013

Sabah in Malaysian Borneo contains a range of diverse ecosystems and some of the richest concentrations of biodiversity in the world. Yet the state's existing protected area network is too fragmented and of insufficient size to safeguard biodiversity in the long term. Experts have emphasised the need for a landscape level approach to shore up conservation areas through the creation of ecological corridors of compatible mixed use. In light of the 2003 Durban Accord which signalled a shift towards greater levels of community participation in conservation, this article features the efforts made by the state to explore the potential role of Indigenous and Community‐Conserved Areas (ICCAs) in strengthening biodiversity conservation. Selected case studies are used to showcase some of the ways ICCAs are already making important contributions to safeguarding ecological services and maintaining habitat connectivity in the state. Recognising the role of indigenous and local communities in sustaining Sabah's unique biocultural landscapes is a critical component of a long‐term approach to sustaining irreplaceable natural heritage. Sabah's legal framework actually contains sufficient provision for greater synergy between community and state‐based governance of biodiversity areas, yet aspects of Sabah's political economy must be addressed before this ideal can be realised.
Transformative practices: Imagining and enacting relationships in the context of resource development, the Argyle case
Authors: Doohan Kim
Published: August 2013

Failure to recognise or acknowledge and respond to local cultural manifestations of Indigenous peoples' attempts to maintain or reassert themselves in spaces of intercultural engagement in resource management denies the power of their own cultural foundations and principles. This paper reviews experience of informal negotiations at the Argyle Diamond Mine in Western Australia. It argues that giving careful consideration to specific cultural practices and processes associated with place and the social relations these practices engender facilitates development of transforming practices that change outcomes.
The prevalence of late‐life mania: a review
Authors: Dols Annemiek , Kupka Ralph W , van Lammeren Anouk , Beekman Aartjan T , Sajatovic Martha , Stek Max L
Published: August 2013

Objectives

Since there is a worldwide steady increase in the number of individuals living longer and an expected increase in the number of older adults who will be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, there is a growing need to better understand late‐life mania. We provide in this review a report of published studies focusing on the prevalence of late‐life mania in the community and in senior psychiatric care facilities.

Methods

We conducted a search of PubMed and Psychinfo databases using combinations of the keywords bipolar, manic/a, manic depression, elderly, and older including English‐language reports presenting quantitative data on the prevalence of mania in adults over the age of 50 years.

Results

Eighteen out of 188 potentially eligible studies met our inclusion criteria, with most studies focusing on psychiatric inpatient samples. The overall prevalence of late‐life mania was estimated to be 6.0% in the reported 1,519 older psychiatric inpatients. In elderly inpatients with bipolar disorder, the mean prevalence of late‐onset mania was 44.2%. For other relevant care facilities, no firm conclusions could be drawn.

Conclusions

Late‐life mania is not rare in older psychiatric inpatients and late‐onset mania is associated with increased somatic comorbidity in patients aged 50 years and older. Several hypotheses regarding the relationship between somatic illness and late‐life mania in the elderly have been proposed and studies on this relationship and the prevalence of late‐life mania in different senior psychiatric care facilities deserve specific attention in future research projects.
Does it always feel good to get what you want? Young children differentiate between material and wicked desires
Authors: Smith Craig E. , Warneken Felix
Published: August 2013

One line of research on children's attributions of guilt suggests that 3‐year‐olds attribute negative emotion to self‐serving victimizers, slightly older children attribute happiness, and with increasing age, attributions become negative again (i.e., a three‐step model;Yuillet al., 1996,Br.J.Dev.Psychol.,14, 457). Another line of research provides reason to expect that 3‐year‐olds may be predisposed to view self‐serving moral transgression as leading to positive emotion; this is a linear developmental model in which emotion attributions to transgressors become increasingly negative over the course of childhood (e.g.,Nunner‐Winkler &Sodian, 1988,ChildDev.,59, 1323). However, key differences in methodology make it difficult to compare across these findings. The present study was designed to address this problem. We asked how 3‐ to 9‐year‐old children (n = 111) reason about transgression scenarios that involve satisfyingwicked desires(wanting to cause harm and doing so successfully) versusmaterial desires(wanting an object and getting it successfully via harmful behaviour). Three‐year‐old children reasoned differently about desire and emotion across these two types of transgressions, attributing negative emotion in the case of wicked desires and positive emotion in the case of material desires. This pattern of emotion attribution by young children provides new information about how young children process information about desires and emotions in the moral domain, and it bridges a gap in the existing literature on this topic.
ICT‐supported learning for inclusion of people with special needs: Review of seven educational technology journals, 1970–2011
Authors: Istenic Starcic Andreja , Bagon Spela
Published: August 2013

Research and development of information and communication technology (ICT)‐supported learning for people with disabilities has not received adequate attention. It is also difficult to access research findings and developments in this field. Under the ENABLE Network of ICT Supported Learning for Disabled People (2011–2014) project, an emerging European Union reference point portal for end‐users will provide this information for a broad audience. In the design phase of the project idea, the authors of this paper conducted a review of papers indexed in Web of Science to provide a needs assessment and a design template for the project objectives. The results of the search clearly showed that ICT‐supported learning for people with special educational needs is in the domain of the educational technology journals, with more papers published in the British Journal of Educational Technology than in any other journal. This paper presents the results of a content analysis of all papers published from 1970 to 2011 in seven educational technology journals indexed in Web of Science. More papers were published from 2006 to 2011 (44.7%) than during any other of five periods examined. Findings in terms of ICT intervention, disability groups, groups of study participants by relationship with ICT, and research design, together with trends in published studies in terms of mainstreaming and inclusion, are presented. The main objective of the study was to identify the level of inclusion through analysis of educational context (special schools [30.51%], mainstream schools [28.81%] and general support for life [40.68%]). Based on content analysis, ICT interventions were classified into the two categories of technical intervention in the pedagogical context (62.71% of all papers published) and technical intervention in the wider context (37.29% of all papers published), with nine paper types identified: papers on ICT access, papers on teaching and learning methods, papers on development and testing of ICT solutions, reviews, assessments, papers on inclusion, papers on behavioural and social development, papers on use of information technology and papers on interaction. Papers were also categorised according to types of disability and according to groups of study participants by relationship with ICT. Published papers were divided into four categories by research design: descriptive (49.15%), developmental (26.27%), experimental (17.8%), and developmental and experimental (6.78%). During the period from 1970 to 2000, papers examined design of learning materials with regard to particular categories of disability and particular accessibility needs, while papers published after 2000 also discussed universal design.

Based on the review, the authors of this paper have identified a need for application of universal design principles in research and development of learning environments to provide equal accessibility and inclusive education.
Influence of Terrestrial Molluscs on Litter Decomposition and Nutrient Release in a Hawaiian Rain Forest
Authors: Meyer Wallace M. , Ostertag Rebecca , Cowie Robert H.
Published: August 2013

The roles of terrestrial molluscs in many important ecosystem processes are largely unknown, particularly in tropical forests. It has been suggested from studies in temperate forests that snails/slugs contribute to litter decomposition directly (by their own metabolism) and/or indirectly (by habitat modification enhancing micro‐arthropod or microbial activity). Forty‐two mesocosms were established at seven Hawaiian rain forest sites to examine the role of the five most abundant snail/slug species: the nativeSuccinea cepulla, and the non‐nativeArion intermedius,Deroceras laeve,Oxychilus alliarius, andLimax maximus. Controls had no snails/slugs. To assess the contribution of each mollusc species separately, decomposition experiments were conducted in mesocosms containing litter bags and manipulated field densities of the mollusc species. Presence of molluscs increased litter decomposition rates, which were strongly correlated with mollusc biomass. While rates of release of some nutrients (C, K, Mg, and Mn) differed among treatments, multivariate analyses indicated that the different mollusc species influenced nutrient release in a similar way. No increases in smaller invertebrate abundances were observed in treatments containing molluscs, indicating that molluscs do not facilitate smaller invertebrate recruitment and probably influence these ecosystem processes primarily by microbe facilitation. If a major functional role of terrestrial molluscs is to facilitate microbial growth, then maintaining adequate mollusc biomass may be essential for maintaining healthy functioning ecosystems.
Bone quality assessment in routine dental implant treatment amongBrazilian andSwedish specialists
Authors: Lindh Christina , Oliveira Guilherme Henrique C. , Leles Cláudio R. , do Carmo Matias Freire Maria , Ribeiro‐Rotta Rejane F.
Published: August 2013

Objectives

To investigate the interpretation and assessment of bone quality amongBrazilian andSwedish specialist performing implant treatment.

Material and methods

A questionnaire was developed containing open and closed questions on attitudes, knowledge, and understanding of diagnostic methods for bone quality assessment. The questionnaire was sent by mail to dental implant specialists inBrazil while theSwedish version wasWeb‐based and sent to specialists in periodontology and maxillofacial surgery. The response rate in theBrazilian group was 15.4% and in theSwedish group 36.5%.

Results

Most respondents in both groups considered bone quality to be an important parameter for implant treatment outcome. Among Swedish specialists, bone quality, however, was considered to be of low relevance. The most popular method for assessing bone quality among Swedish specialists was the hand‐felt perception of drilling resistance followed by radiography. TheBrazilian specialists more often used peak insertion torque. Most respondents classified bone quality, and both groups used the classification proposed by Lekholm & Zarb (Tissue‐Integratedprosthesis: Osseointegration in Clinical Dentistry, 1985, Quintessence, Chicago) most frequently.

Conclusion

Specialists in both countries considered bone quality to be an important parameter for implant treatment outcome, but there was no consensus neither on what bone quality means nor on how to assess bone quality.
Pattern‐Similarity‐Based Model for Time Series Prediction
Authors: Bhardwaj Saurabh , Srivastava Smriti , Gupta J. R. P.
Published: August 2013

This research proposes a pattern/shape‐similarity‐based clustering approach for time series prediction. This article uses single hidden Markov model (HMM) for clustering and combines it with soft computing techniques (fuzzy inference system/artificial neural network) for the prediction of time series. Instead of using distance function as an index of similarity, here shape/pattern of the sequence is used as the similarity index for clustering, which overcomes few of the shortcomings associated with distance‐based clustering approaches. Underlying hidden properties of time series are captured with the help of HMM. The prediction method used here exploits the pattern identification prowess of the HMM for cluster selection and the generalization and nonlinear modeling capabilities of soft computing methods to predict the output of the system. To see the validity of the proposed method in the real‐life scenario, it is tested on four different time series. The first is a benchmark Mackey–Glass time series, which is tested for delay parameters τ = 17 and τ = 30. The remaining time series are monthly sunspot data time series, Laser data time series and the last is Lorenz attractor time series. Simulation results show that the proposed method provide a better prediction performance in comparison with the existing methods.
The European Union as a Global Producer of Transnational Law of Risk Regulation: A Case Study on Chemical Regulation
Authors: de Morpurgo Marco
Published: August 2013

This paper aims to contribute to the understanding of the role of the EU in the global production of transnational law of risk regulation (TNLRR). TNLRR is defined as a harmonious, cross‐jurisdictional regulatory environment that results from the circulation of risk regulatory models among jurisdictions. The EU has adopted extensive regulation to address health, safety, environmental and other risks. In many instances, third countries have adopted the EU models when regulating their own industries and markets. This paper argues that this pattern of circulation turns the EU regulatory models into transnational models for risk regulation (TNLRR), and further illustrates this thesis by using a case study on the global circulation of the EU ‘REACH’ Regulation. The paper preliminarily concludes that the EU has been able to influence risk regulatory policy worldwide by turning its own regulatory models into transnational models, thus acting as a global producer of TNLRR.
Intraguild predation between spawning smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) and nest‐raiding crayfish (Orconectes rusticus): implications for bass nesting success
Authors: Baldridge Ashley K. , Lodge David M.
Published: August 2013

Predation on eggs is often assumed to be a primary factor influencing the reproductive success of fish. However, complex interactions between nesting fish and their egg predators may influence reproductive success in unexpected ways. The invasive rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) and smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) engage in reciprocal predation during the bass spawning season; the net impact on bass reproduction is poorly understood. We hypothesise that the rates of nest abandonment and bass guarding behaviour will be positively related to crayfish abundance and that bass consumption of crayfish will mitigate energy loss due to nest guarding against crayfish.

We tracked 62 bass nests throughout a spawning season in a north temperate lake with an established population of O. rusticus. Using video surveillance, we observed bass nest‐guarding behaviour and crayfish predation on bass nests, reconstructed bass diets using faecal remains and made repeated measurements of mass and length for a subset of the parental bass.

Results were consistent with all hypotheses. Nest abandonment rate and guarding activity were higher in areas with higher crayfish density. More than 95% of bass consumed crayfish while on the nest and bass condition factor increased during nesting, suggesting that energy consumed exceeded energy expended in defending the nest.

The lakewide rate of smallmouth bass nest abandonment was 13%, which is lower than most published observations for this species. While high densities of nest‐raiding crayfish can reduce nesting success, our limited observations indicate that consumption of crayfish may mitigate rates of nest abandonment by bass. Unexpected outcomes of complex interactions, such as reciprocal predation, should be considered when predicting population trajectories of native and invasive species.
Is there any interaction of resistin and adiponectin levels with protein‐energy wasting among patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Kaynar Kubra , Kural Birgul V. , Ulusoy Sukru , Cansiz Muammer , Akcan Buket , Misir Nuray , Yaman Selcuk , Kaya Nuh
Published: August 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of adipocytokines including adiponectin, leptin, resistin, neuropeptide Y and ghrelin in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients on appearance of protein‐energy wasting (PEW). One hundred fifty patients with mean age of 45.4 ± 15.9 years, without active infections or chronic inflammatory conditions were recruited into the study. Study groups were control group (consisting of 30 healthy volunteers with normal kidney functions), hemodialysis group, predialysis group, peritoneal dialysis group and kidney transplant group. Fasting morning serum leptin, ghrelin, acylated ghrelin, neuropeptide Y, adiponectin, resistin levels of all of the groups were measured. Anthropometric and nutritional assessments of all patients were obtained. Diagnosis of PEW was made according to definition recommended by the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism. Presence of PEW in hemodialysis (23.3%) and peritoneal dialysis (26.7%) groups were significantly higher than those of predialysis (3.3%), and transplantation (0%) groups. Adiponectin and resistin levels in predialysis, peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis patients were significantly higher than control group (p: 0.0001). This study had given significant positive correlations between presence of PEW and serum resistin (r: 0.267, p: 0.001), and serum adiponectin levels (r: 0.349, p: 0.0001). There were no relationship between presence of PEW and ghrelin, acylated‐ghrelin, neuropeptide Y, and leptin levels of the groups. CKD patients except transplant patients had higher adiponectin and resistin levels than control group. PEW was found to be linearly correlated with resistin and adiponectin. High serum resistin and adiponectin levels might have a role in development of PEW among dialysis patients.
Migraine Genetics: PartII
Authors: Silberstein Stephen D. , Dodick David W.
Published: August 2013

Migraine clusters in families and is considered to be a strongly heritable disorder. Hemiplegic migraine is a rare subtype of migraine with aura that may occur as a familial or a sporadic condition. Three genes have been identified studying families with familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM). The firstFHMgene that was identified isCACNA1A. A second gene,FHM2, has been mapped to chromosome 1 q 21‐23. The defect is a new mutation in theα2 subunit of theNa/Kpump (ATP1A2). A third gene (FHM3) has been linked to chromosome 2q24. It is due to a missense mutation in geneSCN1A(Gln1489Lys), which encodes an α1 subunit of a neuronal voltage‐gatedNa+ channel. Genome‐wide association studies have identified many non‐coding variants associated with common diseases and traits, like migraine. These variants are concentrated in regulatoryDNAmarked by deoxyribonuclease I hypersensitive sites. A role has been suggested for the two‐pore domain potassium channel,TWIK‐related spinal cord potassium channel.TWIK‐related spinal cord potassium channel is involved in migraine by screening theKCNK18gene in subjects diagnosed with migraine.
Ethical implications of home telecare for older people: a framework derived from a multisited participative study
Authors: Mort Maggie , Roberts Celia , Pols Jeannette , Domenech Miquel , Moser Ingunn ,   The EFORTT investigators
Published: August 2013

Context

Telecare and telehealth developments have recently attracted much attention in research and service development contexts, where their evaluation has predominantly concerned effectiveness and efficiency. Their social and ethical implications, in contrast, have received little scrutiny.

Objective

To develop an ethical framework for telecare systems based on analysis of observations of telecare‐in‐use and citizens’ panel deliberations.

Design

Ethnographic study (observation, work shadowing), interviews, older citizens’ panels and a participative conference.

Setting

Participants’ homes, workplaces and familiar community venues in England, Spain, the Netherlands and Norway 2008–2011.

Results

Older respondents expressed concerns that telecare might be used to replace face‐to‐face/hands‐on care to cut costs. Citizens’ panels strongly advocated ethical and social questions being considered in tandem with technical and policy developments. Older people are too often excluded from telecare system design, and installation is often wrongly seen as a one‐off event. Some systems enhance self‐care by increasing self‐awareness, while others shift agency away from the older person, introducing new forms of dependency.

Conclusions

Telecare has care limitations; it is not a solution, but a shift in networks of relations and responsibilities. Telecare cannot be meaningfully evaluated as an entity, but rather in the situated relations people and technologies create together. Characteristics of ethical telecare include on‐going user/carer engagement in decision making about systems: in‐home system evolution with feedback opportunities built into implementation. System design should be horizontal, ‘two‐way’/interactive rather than vertical or ‘one‐way’. An ethical framework for telecare has been developed from these conclusions (Table 1).
The effect of aromatherapy and massage administered in different ways to women with breast cancer on their symptoms and quality of life
Authors: Ovayolu Özlem , Seviğ Ümit , Ovayolu Nimet , Sevinç Alper
Published: August 2013

The primary objective of this study was to assess the effect of aromatherapy and classic massage administered in various ways to breast cancer patients on their symptoms and quality of life. The sampling consisted of 280 patients. Quality of life and symptoms of the patients were evaluated once at baseline and then at week 6 and week 10 following the intervention. After intervention, the control group was observed to have lower total quality of life score and subdomain scores, whereas fragrance, massage and aromatherapy massage groups had higher scores, and the increase was more obvious particularly in the patients in the aromatherapy massage group. Similarly, whereas psychological and physical symptoms were experienced more intensely in the control group, the severity of all the symptoms experienced by the other patients decreased at week 6 and week 10 as compared with baseline especially in the group that was administered massage with aromatherapy.
Experience with low‐dose rituximab in off‐label indications at two tertiary hospitals
Authors: Chay J. , Donovan P. , Cummins L. , Kubler P. , Pillans P.
Published: August 2013

Background

Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody directed against B cells and is increasingly used to treat a variety of autoimmune conditions. Most published evidence reporting the successful use of rituximab in off‐label indications has empirically used a high‐dose regimen (either 375 mg/m2 weekly for 4 weeks, or 1000 mg × 2), which is the approved course of treatment for lymphoma and rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Aims

The aims of this report are to review the indications, outcomes and adverse events of low‐dose (500 mg twice, given 1–2 weeks apart), off‐label use of rituximab in our institutions, and to review the available evidence.

Methods

We performed a retrospective audit of the off‐label use of low‐dose rituximab at two university teaching, tertiary referral hospitals, from mid‐2008 until the end of 2011.

Results

Off‐label rituximab was given to 52 patients (53 indications) across a heterogeneous group of autoimmune conditions. Outcomes were known for 46 conditions (affecting 45 patients), and of these, complete responses were observed in 16 (35%) conditions and a further 19 (41%) had a partial response. There was no response to rituximab in 11 (24%) patients. There were eight significant adverse events, mostly related to infectious complications.

Conclusion

This case series suggests that low‐dose courses of rituximab can be used off‐label to treat several severe and/or refractory immunological disorders with a reasonable safety profile; however, further trials are required in many off‐label indications.
Inpatient palliative care consultation for patients with glioblastoma in a tertiary hospital
Authors: Lin E. , Rosenthal M. A. , Eastman P. , Le B. H.
Published: August 2013

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an uncommon disease with significant mortality and morbidity, but there is a lack of published evidence on palliative care involvement with this population. This audit highlights the heavy symptom burden, extensive allied health involvement and discharge outcomes of GBM inpatients referred to the palliative care service at The Royal Melbourne Hospital. This information can provide an important framework for further research and also supports the role of multidisciplinary palliative care in the care of patients with GBM.
How Do We Know Truth? Extensions and Examples From Similar Academic Fields
Authors: Bennett Andrew A. , Miao Chao
Published: August 2013

“What is truth? said jesting Pilate, and would not stay for an answer”

—Francis Bacon (1601/1942, p. 3)

In their focal article, Kepes and McDaniel (2013) provide recommendations to improve the trustworthiness and accuracy of scientific literature in industrial–organizational (I–O) psychology. These recommendations include frequent examples from the medical field and suggest that I–O psychology should emulate these methods. However, funding, political, and cultural norms are significantly different between these fields. For example, external grants that supplement medical funding focus on how the research can be effectively put into practice (Briner & Rousseau, 2011). This commentary extends the focal article's recommendations by providing potential first steps in an incremental change process toward the ideas discussed by Kepes and McDaniel. We emphasize research designs that can improve causal knowledge and expand two recommendations from the focal article: creating research registries and replicating studies. In doing so, we aim to make suggestions that are more applicable by only providing examples and implementation ideas from other psychology and organizational science disciplines.
Composition Inhomogeneity due to Alkaline Volatilization in Li‐Modified (K,Na)NbO3 Lead‐Free Piezoceramics
Authors: Cheng Li‐Qian , Wang Ke , Yao Fang‐Zhou , Zhu Fangyuan , Li Jing‐Feng
Published: August 2013

Alkaline volatilization during sintering in (K, Na)NbO3 (KNN)‐based lead‐free piezoceramics is a problem that causes non‐stoichiometry and hence affects the phase structures and properties. This work investigated the depth‐dependent distributions of alkaline elements in Li‐modified KNN ceramics using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. It was found that Li evaporated more severely than Na and K, consequently almost no Li elements remained on the as‐sintered surface, while its content became stable at the depth over 55 μm from the outmost surface. In addition, X‐ray diffraction results suggested the phase structure might show discrepancy at the pellet surface and the interior part due to the textured surface grains.
Maternal trait personality and breastfeeding duration: the importance of confidence and social support
Authors: Brown Amy
Published: August 2013

Aim

To explore associations among breastfeeding duration, maternal personality and maternal attitudes and experiences of breastfeeding.

Background

Understanding influences on breastfeeding initiation and duration is critical to increasing breastfeeding rates and supporting new mothers. Maternal characteristics such as self‐efficacy, knowledge and confidence are known to enable women to breastfeed, but little is known about the influence of maternal trait personality on breastfeeding.

Design

An exploratory cross‐sectional survey.

Method

A total of 602 mothers with an infant aged 6–12 months old completed a self‐report questionnaire examining maternal trait personality, breastfeeding duration and attitudes and experiences of breastfeeding. Data were collected between March–June 2009.

Results

Mothers who reported high levels of extraversion, emotional stability and conscientiousness were significantly more likely to initiate and continue breastfeeding for a longer duration. Attitudes and experiences significantly associated with these personality traits such as perceived difficulties and lack of support may explain these patterns. For example, characteristics associated with introversion and anxiety may prevent women from seeking support or challenging negative attitudes of others at this critical time.

Conclusion

Understanding the influence of maternal personality may thus be a useful tool in antenatal support to recognize women who may need extra, directed support while facilitating discussion of potential barriers to breastfeeding.