bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diphosphonylation of Aromatic Diazaheterocycles and Theoretical Rationalization of Product Yields
Authors: De Blieck Ann , Catak Saron , Debrouwer Wouter , Drabowicz Józef , Hemelsoet Karen , Verstraelen Toon , Waroquier Michel , Van Speybroeck Veronique , Stevens Christian V.
Published: January 2013

Diphosphonylated diazaheterocyclic compounds were synthesized in a one‐step reaction by using dimethyl trimethylsilyl phosphite (DMPTMS) under acidic conditions. The reaction of DMPTMS with 1,5‐naphthyridine yielded the corresponding diphosphonylated product through a tandem 1,4–1,2 addition under microwave conditions. This tandem 1,4–1,2 addition was also evaluated for other substrates, namely, 1,10‐phenanthroline, 1,7‐phenanthroline and 4,7‐phenanthroline. Reactions under reflux and microwave conditions were compared. 1,5‐Naphthyridine and the phenanthroline derived substrates are less reactive than previously investigated quinolines. The experimental trends in reactivity were rationalized by means of theoretical calculations. The intrinsic properties, such as aromaticity and proton affinities, showed distinct differences for the various substrates. Furthermore, the calculated free energies of activation for the rate‐determining step of the tandem addition reaction enabled us to rationalize the differences in product yields. Both the theoretical and the experimental results show the substantial influence of the position of the nitrogen atoms in the (poly)aromatic compounds on the reaction outcome.
Electrochemical Deposition of Nickel Nanoparticles on Reduced Graphene Oxide Film for Nonenzymatic Glucose Sensing
Authors: Zhang Yue , Xiao Xianping , Sun Yujing , Shi Yan , Dai Haichao , Ni Pengjuan , Hu Jingting , Li Zhuang , Song Yonghai , Wang Li
Published: January 2013

Electrochemical reduction and electrodeposition are two effective methods for the preparation of new nanomaterials for electrochemical sensing. In this work, the reduced graphene oxide‐nickel nanoparticles composite (RGO‐NiNPs) was synthesized using both methods mentioned above. The fabrication process was simple and easily performed. Then, the RGO‐NiNPs composite was characterized by SEM, EDS, and XRD. Furthermore, for the strong catalytic ability of the high‐valent oxyhydroxide species (NiOOH) formed in alkaline media, the composite was used as the matrix for nonenzymatic detection of glucose. Comparing with NiNPs modified glassy carbon electrode (NiNPs/GCE), the RGO‐NiNPs/GCE showed better sensitivity and stability. A low detection limit of 0.1 µM with a wide linear range from 2 µM to 2.1 mM (R=0.996) was obtained.
Does Perpetrating Violence Damage Mental Health? Differences Between Forcibly Recruited and Voluntary Combatants in DR Congo
Authors: Hecker Tobias , Hermenau Katharin , Maedl Anna , Hinkel Harald , Schauer Maggie , Elbert Thomas
Published: January 2013

As a consequence of the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), combatants are constantly involved in various forms of violence. Findings concerning the impact of perpetrating violence on mental health are contradictory, ranging from increasing to buffering the risk for mental ill health. The present study investigated the impact of perpetrating violence on mental health. In total, 204 forcibly recruited and voluntary male combatants (mean age = 24.61 years) from different armed groups in the eastern DRC took part in the study. In a semistructured interview, respondents were questioned about appetitive aggression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as self‐experienced violence and self‐perpetrated violent offending. A multivariate analysis of variance (η2 = .23) revealed that voluntary combatants perpetrated more violent acts (η2 = .06) and showed higher appetitive aggression η2 = .03). A moderated multiple regression analysis (R2 = .20) showed that perpetrating violence was positively related to PTSD in forcibly recruited combatants, but not in voluntary combatants. Thus, perpetrating violence may not necessarily qualify as a traumatic stressor. Further studies might consider assessing the combatant's perception of committing violent acts.
Using doctoral dissertations for a new understanding of disciplinarity and interdisciplinarity
Authors: Ni Chaoqun , Sugimoto Cassidy R.
Published: January 2013

This paper displays a preliminary result of studying disciplinarity and interdisciplinarity based on a new source of data: doctoral dissertations. By looking into the doctoral dissertations across more than a century, this paper aims to report the overall development of disciplines and the interaction among disciplines. Preliminary results demonstrate significant increases in the number of disciplines across the 20th century and the level of interaction among disciplines. This poster focuses on the 30 highest producing disciplines and examines the dependency of these disciplines on other disciplines (where dependency is measured by the proportion of dissertations within that discipline that are also labeled with another discipline). The data reveals that science disciplines (e.g., mathematics, chemistry, and physics) bare fewer interdisciplinary features than social science and humanities disciplines and that many contemporary social science and humanities disciplines (e.g., black studies and women's studies) are highly dependent. The implications of these preliminary findings and the areas of further investigation using this dataset are proposed.
Proteomic analysis of novel targets associated with TrkA‐mediated tyrosine phosphorylation signaling pathways inSK‐N‐MCneuroblastoma cells
Authors: Jung Eun Joo , Lee Sang‐Yeul , Kim Choong Won
Published: January 2013

Tropomyosin‐related kinaseA(TrkA) is a receptor‐type protein tyrosine kinase and exploits pleiotypic roles via nerve growth factor (NGF)‐dependent or NGF‐independent mechanisms in various cell types. Here, we showed that the inhibition ofTrkAactivity byGW441756 resulted in the suppression of tyrosine phosphorylation of cellular proteins including extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase (ERK) and c‐JunN‐terminal kinase (JNK). To find novel targets associated withTrkA‐mediated tyrosine phosphorylation signaling pathways, we investigatedGW441756 effects onTrkA‐dependent targets inSK‐N‐MCneuroblastoma cells by proteomic analysis. The majorTrkA‐dependent protein spots controlled byGW441756 were determined byPDQuest image analysis, identified byMALDI‐TOF MSandMALDI‐TOF/TOF MS/MS, and verified by 2DE/Western blot analysis. Thus, we found that most of the identified protein spots were modified forms in a normal condition, and their modifications were regulated byTrkAactivity. Especially, our results demonstrated that the modifications of α‐tubulin and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteinsC1/C2 (hnRNP C1/C2) were significantly upregulated byTrkA, whereas α‐enolase modification was downregulated byTrkA, and it was suppressed byGW441756, indicating thatTrkAactivity is required for their modifications. Taken together, we suggest here that the major novelTrkA‐dependent targets such as α‐tubulin, hnRNP C1/C2, and α‐enolase could play an essential role inTrkA‐mediated tyrosine phosphorylation signaling pathways via regulation of their posttranslational modifications.
A critical analysis of the effect of crosslinking on the linear viscoelastic behavior of styrene–butadiene rubber and other elastomers
Authors: Prabhu Rasika , Klitkou Rasmus , Medvedev Grigori A. , Caruthers James M.
Published: January 2013

The linear viscoelastic behavior in dynamic shear and tensile creep at temperatures from −30 to 70 °C is measured for an styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) elastomer cured with dicumyl peroxide to crosslinking densities between 0 and 23.5 × 10−5 mol/cm3. The G′, G″, and tan δ isotherms are analyzed by time–temperature superposition (TTS), where the tan δ master curves are consistent with those of Mancke and Ferry. However, to achieve the TTS in the lightly crosslinked SBR systems, an anomalous vertical shift is required in the narrow temperature region from 10 to 30 °C. The vertical shift factor in this temperature region is not the standard
${{\rho _0 T_0 } \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\rho _0 T_0 } {\rho T}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {\rho T}}$
from rubber elasticity. No anomalous behavior is detected in the equilibrium modulus, which is a linear function of temperature in accordance with the classical theory of rubber elasticity. In contrast to SBR, standard vertical shifts are required to effect TTS for uncrosslinked polybutadiene and an ethylene propylene diene monomer elastomer. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2013
On the analysis of a dynamical model representing gene regulatory networks under negative feedback
Authors: Ahsen M.E. , Özbay H. , Niculescu S‐I.
Published: January 2013

In this work, stability analysis is performed for a cyclic dynamical model of gene regulatory networks involving time delays, under negative feedback. The model considered has nonlinearities with negative Schwarzian derivatives. Sufficient conditions implying global stability of these types of GRNs are obtained. The special case of homogenous gene regulatory networks is also studied; in this case, the proposed stability conditions depend only on the parameters of the nonlinearity function. Illustrative numerical examples complete the presentation.Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neoliberalism as language policy
Authors: Piller Ingrid , Cho Jinhyun
Published: January 2013

This article explores how an economic ideology—neoliberalism—serves as a covert language policy mechanism pushing the global spread of English. Our analysis builds on a case study of the spread of English as a medium of instruction (MoI) in South Korean higher education. The Asian financial crisis of 1997/98 was the catalyst for a set of socioeconomic transformations that led to the imposition of “competitiveness” as a core value. Competition is heavily structured through a host of testing, assessment, and ranking mechanisms, many of which explicitly privilege English as a terrain where individual and societal worth are established. University rankings are one such mechanism structuring competition and constituting a covert form of language policy. One ranking criterion—internationalization—is particularly easy to manipulate and strongly favors English MoI. We conclude by reflecting on the social costs of elevating competitiveness to a core value enacted on the terrain of language choice. (English as a global language, globalization, higher education, medium of instruction (MoI), neoliberalism, South Korea, university rankings)*
Click Chemistry – a Versatile Method for Nucleic Acid Labelling, Cyclisation and Ligation
Authors: El-Sagheer Afaf H. , Brown Tom
Published: January 2013

The copper-catalysed [3+2] alkyne azide cycloaddition reaction (the CuAAC reaction) is the classic example of ‘click’ chemistry, a relatively new concept that has been influential in many areas of science. It is used in the nucleic acid field for DNA cross-linking, oligonucleotide ligation and cyclisation, DNA and RNA labelling, attaching DNA to surfaces, producing modified nucleobases and backbones, synthesising ribozymes and monitoring nucleic acid biosynthesis. More recently a related click reaction, the ring strain-promoted azide–alkyne [3+2] cycloaddition (SPAAC) reaction has been used successfully in DNA strand ligation and labelling. This does not require copper catalysis, and therefore has many potential uses in vivo. In this review we discuss recent developments in nucleic acid click chemistry and their applications in biology, biotechnology and nanotechnology.
Size-controlled growth of nanoparticles in a highly ionized pulsed plasma
Authors: Pilch I. , Söderström D. , Brenning N. , Helmersson U.
Published: January 2013

Copper nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using a high power pulsed hollow cathode technique and the produced NPs were studied as a function of pulse parameters, i.e., frequency, peak current, and pulse width. It was found that the particle size can be altered in a range from 10 to 40 nm by changing any one of the pulse parameters. The mechanisms of NP synthesis with respect to a pulsed discharge and a high degree of ionization of the sputtered material are discussed.
The modification of Schottky barrier height of Au/p-Si Schottky devices by perylene-diimide
Authors: Yüksel Ö. F. , Tuğluoğlu N. , Şafak H. , Kuş M.
Published: January 2013

Perylene-diimide (PDI) thin film was fabricated by spin coating method on p-Si single-crystal substrate to prepare Au/PDI/p-Si Schottky device. The electrical properties of the Au/PDI/p-Si Schottky device were investigated by current-voltage (I–V) measurements in the temperature range 80–300 K and room temperature capacitance-voltage (C–V) measurement. Results showed a rectification behavior. Junction parameters such as ideality factor (n), barrier height (ϕB0), series resistance (Rs) interface state density (Nss), built-in potential (Vbi), carrier concentration (NA), and the width of the depletion layer (WD) were obtained from the I–V and C–V measurements. The values of ideality factor (n) and barrier height (BH) for the Au/PDI/p-Si structure from the I–V measurements were obtained as 1.77 and 0.584 eV at 300 K, 7.78 and 0.176 eV at 80 K, respectively. It was seen that the BH value of 0.584 eV calculated for the Au/PDI/p-Si structure was significantly larger than the value of 0.34 eV of conventional Au/p-Si Schottky diodes at room temperature. Thus, modification of the interfacial potential barrier for Au/p-Si diodes has been achieved using a thin interlayer of the peryleen-diimide organic semiconductor; this has been ascribed to the fact that the peryleen-diimide interlayer increases the effective barrier height because of the interface dipole induced by passivation of the organic layer. Furthermore, the energy distribution of the interface state density determined from I–V characteristics increases exponentially with bias from 1.11 × 1012 eV−1 cm−2 at (0.556−Ev) eV to 11.01 × 1013 eV−1 cm−2 at (0.449−Ev) eV.
A Risk Scoring System to Identify Emergency Department Patients With Heart Failure at High Risk for Serious Adverse Events
Authors: Stiell Ian G. , Clement Catherine M. , Brison Robert J. , Rowe Brian H. , Borgundvaag Bjug , Aaron Shawn D. , Lang Eddy , Calder Lisa A. , Perry Jeffrey J. , Forster Alan J. , Wells George A.
Published: January 2013

Objectives

There are no validated guidelines to guide physicians with difficult disposition decisions for emergency department (ED) patients with heart failure (HF). The authors sought to develop a risk scoring system to identify HF patients at high risk for serious adverse events (SAEs).

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study at six large Canadian EDS that enrolled adult patients who presented with acute decompensated HF. Each patient was assessed for standardized clinical and laboratory variables as well as for SAEs defined as death, intubation, admission to a monitored unit, or relapse requiring admission. Adjusted odds ratios for predictors of SAEs were calculated by stepwise logistic regression.

Results

In 559 visits, 38.1% resulted in patient admission. Of 65 (11.6%) SAE cases, 31 (47.7%) occurred in patients not initially admitted. The multivariate model and resultant Ottawa Heart Failure Risk Scale consists of 10 elements, and the risk of SAEs varied from 2.8% to 89.0%, with good calibration between observed and expected probabilities. Internal validation showed the risk scores to be very accurate across 1,000 replications using the bootstrap method. A threshold of 1, 2, or 3 total scores for admission would be associated with sensitivities of 95.2, 80.6, or 64.5%, respectively, all better than current practice.

Conclusions

Many HF patients are discharged home from the ED and then suffer SAEs or death. The authors have developed an accurate risk scoring system that could ultimately be used to stratify the risk of poor outcomes and to enable rational and safe disposition decisions.
A comparison among tapentadol tamper‐resistant formulations (TRF) and OxyContin® (non‐TRF) in prescription opioid abusers
Authors: Vosburg Suzanne K. , Jones Jermaine D. , Manubay Jeanne M. , Ashworth Judy B. , Shapiro Douglas Y. , Comer Sandra D.
Published: January 2013

Aims

To examine whether tamper‐resistant formulations (TRFs) of tapentadol hydrochloride extended‐release (ER) 50 mg (TAP50) and tapentadol hydrochloride 250 mg (TAP250) could be converted into forms amenable to intranasal (study 1) or intravenous abuse (study 2).

Design

Randomized, repeated‐measures study designs were employed. A non‐TRF of OxyContin® 40 mg (OXY40) served as a positive control. No drug was taken in either study.

Setting

The studies took place in an out‐patient setting in New York, NY.

Participants

Twenty‐five experienced, healthy ER oxycodone abusers participated in each study.

Measurements

The primary outcome for study 1 was the percentage of participants who indicated that they would snort the tampered tablets, while the primary outcome for study 2 was the percentage yield of active drug in solution. Other descriptive variables, such as time spent manipulating the tablets, were also examined to characterize tampering behaviors more clearly.

Findings

Tampered TRF tablets were less desirable than the tampered OXY40 tablets. Few individuals were willing to snort the TRF particles (TAP50: 24%, TAP250: 16%; OXY40: 100% P < 0.001). There was less drug extracted from the TAP50 tablet than from the OXY40 tablet (3.52 versus 37.02%, P = 0.008), and no samples from the TAP250 tablets contained analyzable solutions of the drug. It took participants longer to tamper with the TAPs (study 1: TAP50 versus OXY40, P < 0.01; TAP250 versus OXY40, P < 0.01; study 2: TAP250 versus OXY40, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Tamper‐resistant formulations of taptentadol (pain relief) tablets do not appear to be well‐liked by individuals who tamper regularly with extended‐release oxycodone tablets. Employing tamper‐resistant technology may be a promising approach towards reducing the abuse potential of tapentadol extended‐release.
Focus on Echocardiographic and Doppler Analysis of Coronary Artery Abnormal Origin from the Pulmonary Trunk with Mild Myocardial Dysfunction
Authors: Courand Pierre‐Yves , Bozio André , Ninet Jean , Henaine Roland , Veyrier Magali , Bakloul Mohamed , Boussel Loic , Filippo Sylvie Di
Published: January 2013

Background

Late presentation of abnormal origin of coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ACAPA) is uncommon compared with early presentation, which usually induces extended myocardial necrosis and severe heart failure. The late presentation is characterized by abundant development of intercoronary collaterals resulting in mild and rare symptoms, but nevertheless can cause sudden cardiac death. Our objective was to describe presentation, cardiovascular imaging methods for diagnosis and outcomes of patients with late presentation of ACAP.

Methods

The study is a retrospective review of a single‐center database to identify all patients diagnosed with ACAPA beyond the first year of life.

Results

From 1976 to 2011, 10 patients were identified with ACAPA at the age of 1.1–64 years: 6 with left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) and 4 with right coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ARCAPA). Echocardiography and Doppler imaging evidenced: (1) direct signs: the abnormal coronary ostium arising from the pulmonary trunk with retrograde coronary artery flow and (2) indirect signs: abundant intercoronary septal collaterals with anterograde flow (ARCAPA) or retrograde flow (ALCAPA) and dilatation of the controlateral normally originated coronary artery. Nine patients underwent surgical implantation of the ACAPA into the ascending aorta. After 7.9 years mean follow‐up, all were asymptomatic except one who required a second surgery.

Conclusions

Noninvasive cardiovascular imaging, namely transthoracic echocardiography and Doppler specific parameters, can reach diagnosis of late presentation of ACAPA. Direct aortic implantation is a reliable and effective to establish dual coronary artery circulation and prevent risks due to myocardial ischemia.
Cyberbullying in those at clinical high risk for psychosis
Authors: Magaud Emilie , Nyman Karissa , Addington Jean
Published: January 2013

Aim

Several studies suggest an association between experiences of childhood trauma including bullying and the development of psychotic symptoms. The use of communications technology has created a new media for bullying called ‘cyberbullying’. Research has demonstrated associations between traditional bullying and cyberbullying. Negative effects of cyberbullying appear similar in nature and severity to the reported effects of traditional bullying. Our aim was to examine the prevalence and correlates of cyberbullying in those at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis.

Methods

Fifty young people at CHR for psychosis were administered the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire with added questions about cyberbullying.

Results

Cyberbullying was reported in 38% of the sample. Those who experienced cyberbullying also reported experiencing previous trauma.

Conclusion

It is possible that cyberbullying may be a problem for those at CHR of psychosis, and due to the vulnerable nature of these young people may have longitudinal implications.
Clinical outcomes of long‐acting risperidone in recent versus long‐term diagnosed Belgian schizophrenic patients: results from electronic Schizophrenia Treatment Adherence Registry (e‐STAR) and Trial for the Initiation and Maintenance Of REmission in Schizophrenia with risperidone (TIMORES)
Authors: Dubois Vincent , Peuskens Joseph , Geerts Paul , Detraux Johan
Published: January 2013

Aim

Potential differences in psychiatric clinical outcomes and hospitalization rates before and after the initiation of long‐acting risperidone among recently and long‐term diagnosed schizophrenia patients were studied.

Methods

Data from two observational studies (Trial for the Initiation and Maintenance Of REmission in Schizophrenia with risperidone (TIMORES) and electronic Schizophrenia Treatment Adherence Registry (e‐STAR)) were categorized by the recency of their diagnose and compared in several post hoc analyses. Clinical Global Impression of illness Severity (CGI‐S) and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scores, as well as symptoms of clinical deterioration (including hospitalization data) at baseline, 12‐month (for TIMORES and e‐STAR) and 24‐month (for e‐STAR) follow‐up were analysed. Other outcome measures included discontinuation rate, employment status and remission attainment.

Results

Statistically significantly differences between recent and long‐term diagnosed schizophrenic patients at 12‐ and 24‐month follow‐up were found for CGI‐S (between P < 0.01 and P ≤ 0.001) and GAF (P < 0.05) scores. Other differences between both schizophrenic patient groups were found for measures of clinical deterioration, employment status and full symptomatic remission rates at 1 year. Although no consistent difference was found between recent and long‐term patient groups for hospitalization parameters, the difference in length of full hospitalization days was statistically significantly different (P < 0.01) between e‐STAR ‘Early’ and ‘Late’ patient groups at both 12‐ and 24‐month endpoints: the mean change from baseline was significantly greater for e‐STAR ‘Early’ at 12 months, but greater for e‐STAR ‘Late’ at 24 months.

Conclusions

The findings of the post hoc analyses support the significance of pharmacological interventions, such as long‐acting risperidone, in addressing discontinuity issues, especially in recently diagnosed patients.
A randomized clinical trial of a nurse telephone follow‐up on paediatric tonsillectomy pain management and complications
Authors: Paquette Julie , Le May Sylvie , Lachance Fiola Jacinthe , Villeneuve Edith , Lapointe Annie , Bourgault Patricia
Published: January 2013

Aims

To determine the effect of a nurse telephone follow‐up on paediatric post‐tonsillectomy pain intensity, complications, and use of other healthcare services.

Background

After tonsillectomy, children experience moderate‐to‐severe pain for days. Parents tend to give insufficient analgesia, with resulting increases in pain and postoperative complications. In adults, nurse telephone follow‐up for ambulatory surgeries reduces postoperative pain.

Design

The study design was a randomized clinical trial.

Methods

In this trial, children aged 4–12 years undergoing elective tonsillectomy in June–October 2010 were assigned to a nurse telephone follow‐up with parents on postoperative days 1, 3, 5 and 10, or standard care with no follow‐up but data collection. Outcomes included pain intensity, analgesics administered, complications, and healthcare use.

Results

Of 45 participants, the intervention group (n = 24) received more analgesics on postoperative days 1 and 3, increased their fluid intake at days 1 and 3, but had more constipation at day 3 than the control group (n = 21). There was no significant difference regarding pain intensity or use of healthcare resources.

Conclusion

Nurse telephone follow‐up was beneficial for some pain management and prevention of complications, although better analgesic treatments are needed. The intervention was simple, safe, and appreciated by parents.
Exploring outcomes of a nurse practitioner‐managed cardiac surgery follow‐up intervention: a randomized trial
Authors: Sawatzky Jo‐Ann V. , Christie Sandra , Singal Rohit K.
Published: January 2013

Aims

To describe and compare the outcomes of a nurse practitioner‐managed cardiac surgery follow‐up model of care with the standard model of primary care provider follow‐up for coronary artery bypass graft surgery patients.

Background

Advances in healthcare have had a favourable impact on length of stay following cardiac surgery; however, the shorter length of stay has not been accompanied by enhanced support to bridge the gap between acute care and the community setting.

Design

Prospective (2009–2010) randomized study.

Methods

Elective cardiac surgery patients (N = 200) were randomly assigned to the nurse practitioner follow‐up intervention or to the standard model of follow‐up care. The main outcomes were health‐related quality of life, patient satisfaction, symptoms, and health resource use. Outcome data were elicited via telephone interviews at 2 and 6 weeks postdischarge.

Results

Baseline differences between the two groups were non‐significant; however, at 2 weeks postdischarge, the intervention group reported significantly fewer symptoms and higher physical functioning status. At 2 and 6 weeks postdischarge, the intervention group was significantly more satisfied with the amount of help, as well as the quality of the services received. Differences in healthcare resource use were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

This evidence suggests that the nurse practitioner‐managed model of follow‐up care effectively bridges the gap between institutional and primary care in the cardiac surgery population.
Experimental periodontitis induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis does not alter the onset or severity of diabetes in mice
Authors: Li H. , Yang H. , Ding Y. , Aprecio R. , Zhang W. , Wang Q. , Li Y.
Published: January 2013

Background and Objective

Diabetes mellitus is believed to increase the risk and severity of periodontitis. However, less evidence is available on the converse effects of periodontitis on diabetes. The objective of the study was to investigate to what degree experimental periodontitis induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis might influence the onset and severity of diabetes in different mouse models.

Material and Methods

Twenty‐eight male Tallyho/JngJ mice (type 2 diabetes), 20 male streptozotocin‐induced diabetes C57BL/6J mice (type 1 diabetes) and 20 male C57BL/6J mice at 4 wks of age were evenly divided into two groups: periodontal infection and sham infection. Periodontitis was induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis W50 (P. gingivalis) oral inoculation before the development of diabetes. Sham‐infected mice received vehicle as control. P. gingivalis in the oral cavity were identified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Fasting glucose, body weight and food intake levels were monitored and glucose tolerance tests were performed to assess glucose homeostasis for the onset and progression of diabetes. The level of alveolar bone loss and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha were determined in week 20 when mice were killed.

Results

Mice in the infection groups developed more alveolar bone loss than those in sham‐infection groups (Tallyho p = 0.021; C57‐STZ p = 0.014; C57 p = 0.035). Hyperglycemic mice exhibited significantly more bone loss compared to those normal glucose mice (Tallyho vs. C57 p = 0.029; C57‐STZ vs. C57 p = 0.024). The level of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha was consistent with that of periodontal bone loss and hyperglycemia. There was no significant effect of mouse species on the amount of bone loss at the same level of blood glucose. No statistically significant difference or trend in glucose metabolism was found between the infection and sham‐infection group.

Conclusion

Diabetes enhanced the risk for periodontal disease induced by P. gingivalis. However, no converse impact was found between this periodontal infection and onset and severity of diabetes in both type 1 and 2 diabetes mice.
The Resurgence of the Vacuum Erection Device (VED) for Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Brison Daniel , Seftel Allen , Sadeghi-Nejad Hossein
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Vacuum erection devices (VEDs) have been approved in the United States since 1982 and offer a viable alternative to oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i), injections and transurethral suppositories. Studies have demonstrated efficacy in erectile dysfunction (ED) associated with a variety of conditions. More recently, this modality has been evaluated in initial phosphodiesterase inhibitor nonresponders as well as for post-prostatectomy penile rehabilitation.

Aim

This article provides a detailed overview of the history of VEDs, a review of the literature, and a concise description of their new applications in modern urological practice.

Methods

A retrospective review of publications relevant to the field of VEDs.

Main Outcome Measures

Review of the historical milestones, evolution, and modern utilization of VEDs in modern urological protocols.

Results

Studies have demonstrated efficacy in ED associated with a variety of conditions. Early penile rehabilitation after surgery for prostate cancer with the VED appears to improve erectile function and penile length. Adverse events are transient and not serious.

Conclusions

The VED has continued to show efficacy for treatment of ED due to various etiologies and should be considered an attractive second-line therapy. In select cases such post-prostatectomy penile rehabilitation, as well as in men who cannot use a PDE5i, the vacuum device should be considered first-line treatment.
A Preliminary Report on the Usage of an Intracorporal Antibiotic Cast with Synthetic High Purity CaSO4 for the Treatment of Infected Penile Implant
Authors: Swords Kelly , Martinez Daniel R. , Lockhart Jorge L. , Carrion Rafael
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Currently, the surgical treatment of infected penile prostheses is complete removal and either immediate salvage procedure, which carries a significant infection risk, or delayed implantation. With delayed implantation the risk of infection is lower, but the patient loses penile length and width due to corporal fibrosis.

Aim

We present our experience with the use of a novel temporary synthetic high purity calcium sulfate (SHPCaSO4) component that acts as a “spacer” at the time of removal of an infected prosthesis while providing constant delivery of local antibiotic elution to the infected area.

Main Outcome Measures

Demonstrate that the use of a novel material, SHPCaSO4, can be an innovative way to bridge the gap between removal of an infected penile implant and delayed reimplantation.

Methods

Two patients (Patient A and B) presented with pain and erythema and were found to have infected malleable penile prosthesis. Both underwent removal of all infected components, and sent for tissue culture. The SHPCaSO4 was mixed with vancomycin and tobramycin, allowed to set up for 5 minutes, and then injected into the corporal space followed by closure with 2-0 Vicryl sutures. The injected SHPCaSO4 was palpable in the penile shaft both proximally and distally, as an “intracorporal casts.”

Results

Patients denied pain postoperatively. Delayed implantation occurred at 6 weeks for patient A. This went uneventful and a new three-piece inflatable implant was inserted. Patient B underwent salvage placement of right malleable implant at 15 weeks, and here significant corporal fibrosis was encountered. Patients have had no infection since their delayed implantation (mean follow-up 4 months).

Conclusions

Data in reference to SHPCaSO4 shows that this product dissolves in approximately 4–6 weeks. This may account for the difference in the ease of delayed implantation between the two patients. Further investigation is warranted.
Decline in local abundance of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Authors: Tezanos‐Pinto Gabriela , Constantine Rochelle , Brooks Lyndon , Jackson Jennifer A. , Mourão Fabiana , Wells Sarah , Scott Baker C.
Published: January 2013

Regional populations of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) around New Zealand are genetically isolated from each other and the species was recently classified as nationally endangered based on relatively small population sizes and reports of high calf mortality. Here, we estimate the abundance and trends in one of these regional populations, the Bay of Islands, using a photo‐identification database collected from 1997 to 1999 and from 2003 to 2006, containing a total of 3,841 records of 317 individual dolphins. Estimates of abundance obtained with the robust design fluctuated widely but showed a significant decline in the number of dolphins present in the bay over time (7.5% annual rate of decline). Temporary emigration was random and fluctuated considerably (γ  =  0.18, SE = 0.07 to γ  =  0.84, SE = 0.06). Apparent survival was estimated at 0.928 (CI = 0.911–0.942). Seasonal estimates (26 seasons) obtained in POPAN also showed a significant decline in abundance (5.8% annual rate of decline). Despite the decline observed in local abundance, dolphins continue to be found regularly in the Bay of Islands, suggesting that fewer dolphins use the bay on regular basis. Consequently, it seems that a change in habitat use, mortality and possibly low recruitment could underlie the apparent local decline.
Failing to Recall: Examining the Effects of Trace Decay and Interference on Memory for Campaign Information
Authors: Miller Beth
Published: January 2013

Voters are continuously bombarded with information during political campaigns, yet a consistent conclusion from research on voter learning is that individuals remember far less information about political candidates than one might expect. What remains unclear is why memory for campaign information is so poor. The present study examines two explanations for memory failure. Using an experimental design, the present study explores whether campaign information fades from memory (trace decay) or whether extraneous information impedes an individual's subsequent ability to recall campaign information (interference). The results suggest that examining the ways in which the larger information environment influences recall of campaign information has important implications for the importance we attribute to campaign information in models of voter decision making.
Renal malakolpkia followed by chronic myelogenous leukaemia: treatment challenges case report and literature review
Authors: Al Salman Jameela Mohammed , Husain Aysha
Published: January 2013

Malakoplakia is a rare granulomatous disorder of unknown aetiology and usually affects patients with underlying immunosuppression. This disorder usually involves the genitourinary tract but has been reported in a wide array of anatomical sites. We are presenting, what is to our knowledge, the first case in the literature in which a patient was diagnosed with malakoplakia and after his successful management; he was diagnosed with chronic meylomoncytic leukaemia. All cases of malakoplakia reported in the literature were either preceded or accompanied by an immunosuppressive state.
Correlates of estuarine survival of Atlantic salmon postsmolts from the Southern Upland, Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Halfyard Edmund A. , Gibson A. Jamie F. , Stokesbury Michael J.W. , Ruzzante Daniel E. , Whoriskey Frederick G.
Published: January 2013

Acoustic telemetry is a useful tool to monitor the estuarine survival and behaviour of Atlantic salmon postsmolts. Most frequently, survival is reported as the static fraction of tagged postsmolts detected, and while the timing or location of mortality may be reported, covariates of survival or the relationship between migratory behaviour and survival are less often described. In this study, we used acoustic telemetry to follow Atlantic salmon smolts migrating to sea from four rivers in Nova Scotia, Canada. Further, we tested the relationship between migratory behaviour and survival and used mark–recapture models to examine the role of body length and tag-to-body mass as survival covariates. Survival was most heavily impacted in estuarine habitats closest to head-of-tide. Survival was affected by body length at three of four sites. The shape and spatial variability of the body length – survival relationship provided insight on mortality vectors, highlighting the potential roles of predation and osmotic stress. Survival was not influenced by repeated landward-seaward migratory movements; however, there was a significant correlation between residency and survival.
Development of a biologically based fertilizer, incorporating Bacillus megaterium A6, for improved phosphorus nutrition of oilseed rape
Authors: Hu Xiaojia , Roberts Daniel P. , Xie Lihua , Maul Jude E. , Yu Changbing , Li Yinshui , Zhang Shujie , Liao Xing
Published: January 2013

Sustainable methods with diminished impact on the environment need to be developed for the production of oilseed rape in China and other regions of the world. A biological fertilizer consisting of Bacillus megaterium A6 cultured on oilseed rape meal improved oilseed rape seed yield (P < 0.0001) relative to the nontreated control in 2 greenhouse pot experiments using natural soil. This treatment resulted in slightly greater yield than oilseed rape meal without strain A6 in 1 of 2 experiments, suggesting a role for strain A6 in improving yield. Strain A6 was capable of solubilizing phosphorus from rock phosphate in liquid culture and produced enzymes capable of mineralizing organic phosphorus (acid phosphatase, phytase) in liquid culture and in the biological fertilizer. The biologically based fertilizer, containing strain A6, improved plant phosphorus nutrition in greenhouse pot experiments resulting in significantly greater available phosphorus in natural soil and in significantly greater plant phosphorus content relative to the nontreated control. Seed yield and available phosphorus in natural soil were significantly greater with a synthetic chemical fertilizer treatment, reduced in phosphorus content, than the biological fertilizer treatment, but a treatment containing the biological fertilizer combined with the synthetic fertilizer provided the significantly greatest seed yield, available phosphorus in natural soil, and plant phosphorus content. These results suggest that the biological fertilizer was capable of improving oilseed rape seed yield, at least in part, through the phosphorus-solubilizing activity of B. megaterium A6.
First-principles calculations of the electronic structure of C20, electric field, and monomer interaction effects
Authors: Ali Aqeel Mohsin
Published: January 2013

The density functional theory calculations are applied for C20 cage fullerenes. Furan, pyrole, and phenylvinyle monomers are made to interact with a C20 cage at the same C position. An electric field was applied with varying strength. Computations were carried out for all cases at the B3LYP/6-31G* level. The structure, energetic, and relative stabilities of the compounds were compared with each other and analyzed. In addition, the electric field dependent and independent electronic transition spectra of the proposed stable neutral C20 cage are investigated.
MYC Negative Rectal B-Cell Lymphoma, Unclassifiable, with Features Intermediate between Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma and Burkitt’s Lymphoma in an Immunocompetent Patient
Authors: Parikh Jignesh G. , Strom Ted , Stone Ilya
Published: January 2013

B-cell lymphoma, unclassifiable, with features intermediate between diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and Burkitt’s lymphoma (BLUI) is a recently added entity to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification to address a grey zone between large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL). These are rare aggressive lymphomas, which were previously also known as Burkitt’s-like lymphoma (BLL). BL and BLUI/BLL of the colon mostly involve the ileocecal region. In the rectum, BL and BLUI/BLL almost always affect patients with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). We report the first case of rectal BLUI/BLL in an immunocompetent patient who is also negative for MYC abnormalities and the EBV early RNA (EBER) in situ hybridization.
A Comparison of South American and African Preferential Pathways for Extreme Cold Events
Authors: Metz Nicholas D. , Archambault Heather M. , Srock Alan F. , Galarneau Thomas J. , Bosart Lance F.
Published: January 2013

In the Southern Hemisphere, a relatively well-known preferential pathway along which cold air surges equatorward is situated to the east of the Andes Mountains. In this study, a second preferred pathway is identified to the east of the African Highlands, with additional minor pathways identified east of the Brazilian Highlands and Madagascar. The primary objective of this study is to compare climatological and synoptic characteristics of extreme cold events (ECEs) along the Andes and African Highlands pathways. ECEs are defined as the top 1% coldest 925-hPa temperatures within the Andes and the African Highlands pathways using the 1977–2001 subset of the 2.5° × 2.5° 40-yr European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Re-Analysis (ERA-40). ECEs within the Andes and African Highlands pathways are associated with dynamically forced anticyclogenesis and have low-level characteristics that vary substantially. Along the Andes pathway, ECEs feature 925-hPa temperatures as much as 17°C below normal, with 925-hPa southerly winds ranging from 0 to 10 m s−1 and 925–700-hPa lapse rates as low as −3°C km−1. In contrast, ECEs along the African Highlands pathway feature 925-hPa temperatures up to 10°C below normal, with 925-hPa southerly winds ranging from 5 to 15 m s−1, and 925–700-hPa lapse rates generally between 2° and 5°C km−1. Composite analyses reveal that despite stronger southerly winds, ECEs along the African Highlands pathway are typically not as cold or stable as those along the Andes pathway because cold air from Antarctica must traverse a longer distance over water to reach Africa.
Cdc25A activity is required for the metaphase II arrest in mouse oocytes
Authors: Oh Jeong Su , Susor Andrej , Schindler Karen , Schultz Richard M. , Conti Marco
Published: January 2013

Mammalian oocytes are arrested in metaphase of second meiosis (MII) until fertilization. This arrest is enforced by the cytostatic factor (CSF), which maintains the M-phase promoting factor (MPF) in a highly active state. Although the continuous synthesis and degradation of cyclin B to maintain the CSF-mediated MII arrest is well established, it is unknown whether cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1) phosphorylations are involved in this arrest in mouse oocytes. Here, we show that a dynamic equilibrium of Cdk1 phosphorylation is required to maintain MII arrest. When the Cdc25A phosphatase is downregulated, mouse oocytes are released from MII arrest and MPF becomes inactivated. This inactivation occurs in the absence of cyclin B degradation and is dependent on Wee1B-mediated phosphorylation of Cdk1. Thus, our data demonstrate that Cdk1 activity is maintained during MII arrest not only by cyclin turnover but also by steady state phosphorylation.
The role of metal coordination complexes in cytosolic cellular defense
Authors: Isgor Belgin S. , Isgor Yasemin G. , Ozalp-Yaman Seniz
Published: January 2013

The metal coordination complexes are known to induce cytotoxic effects on various cell lines and shown to have great potential for therapeutic interventions. Their main mechanism of action is through the mediation of enzyme activities in signaling pathways essential for cellular functioning. The overall cellular responses are dose-dependent and require high exposure levels and duration to overcome cellular defense against external toxicants. However, their effect through signal transduction components is limited due to the conferred drug resistance associated with glutathione transferase (GST)-mediated mechanisms. The GST family of enzymes is not only related to anticancer drug resistance, but also associated with cancer development where they may also contribute kinase signaling events including non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase (PTK)-related pathways. In the current study, we evaluated the effect of symmetrical and mononuclear complexes of Pd(II), Pt(II), and Ni(II) with organic ligands on cytosolic targets involved in glutathione utilization, antioxidant defense, and kinase signaling by virtue of acellular in vitro analyses.
Germany at the forefront of energy from waste: what can the UK learn?
Authors: Roll Hansjörg , Streisselberger Lukas
Published: January 2013

European waste markets all fall under the joint regulatory framework determined by European Union (EU) legislation. Despite this, there are still strong structural differences among the EU-27 countries, such as differences in national quotas for recycling, landfilling and energy from waste (Ef W). In particular, in the most mature markets, it is clear that Ef W contributes significantly to sustainable waste management – not opposing, but complementing, recycling. Comparing the German Ef W market, as a mature market, and the UK market, which can be regarded as a growth market in Ef W, several differences are obvious. These include waste arisings, national legislation, planning frameworks, support instruments, number and size of market participants and the existing Ef W plant structure and technology. MVV Umwelt, with an incineration capacity of 1·4 Mt/year (non-recyclable waste and biomass), is one of the market leaders in Germany, and it has also been active in the UK market since September 2008. In March 2011, it signed a project agreement with the South West Devon Waste Partnership for the design, finance, construction and 25 year operation of an Ef W combined heat and power (CHP) plant in Plymouth. Planning permission for the project was granted in February 2012. The main focus of the company’s operations, not only in Germany but also in UK projects, lies in energy efficiency as well as CHP energy generation.