bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renal denervation using focused infrared fiber lasers: A potential treatment for hypertension
Authors: Alexander Vinay V. , Shi Zhennan , Iftekher Fariha , Welsh Michael J. , Gurm Hitinder S. , Rising Gail , Yanovich Amber , Walacavage Kim , Islam Mohammed N.
Published: August 2014

Background and Objective

Renal denervation has recently become of great interest as a potential treatment for resistant hypertension. Denervation techniques using radio frequency (RF) or ultrasound energy sources have already been explored in literature. In this study, we investigate the use of lasers as a potential energy source for renal denervation. In vitro studies are performed in porcine/ovine renal arteries with focused laser beams at 980 nm, 1210 nm, and 1700 nm to study the ability to damage renal nerves without causing injury to non‐target tissue structures like the endothelium. Then, a 980 nm laser catheter prototype is built and used to demonstrate in vivo renal denervation in ovine renal arteries.

Subjects and Methods

This study utilizes fiber coupled infrared lasers at 980 nm, 1210 nm, and 1700 nm. In vitro laser denervation studies at 980 nm are performed in both porcine and ovine renal arteries to study the ability of focused laser beams to damage renal nerves without injuring the endothelium. In vitro studies using lasers close to the lipid absorption lines at 1210 nm and 1700 nm are also performed in porcine renal arteries to study the possibility of selectively damaging the renal nerves by targeting the lipid myelin sheaths surrounding the nerves. Then, a laser catheter prototype is designed and built for in vivo renal denervation in ovine renal arteries using the 980 nm laser (powers ranging from 2 to 4 W, 5 seconds per exposure). Histochemical evaluations of the frozen sections are performed using methylthiazolyldiphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.

Results

Histochemical analysis of in vitro laser treatments at 980 nm in porcine and ovine renal arteries show clear evidence of laser‐induced renal nerve damage without injury to the endothelium and part of the media. No evidence of selective nerve damage is observed using the 1210 nm and 1700 nm lasers with the current treatment parameters. Histochemical analysis of in vivo laser treatments in ovine renal arteries using a focused 980 nm laser show clear evidence of renal nerve damage with depths of damage extending > 1.5 mm from the artery wall. Sections with laser‐induced damage to the media/adventitia at depths of > 1 mm without injury to the endothelium are also observed.

Conclusions

We demonstrate the use of focused lasers as an attractive energy source for causing renal nerve damage without injury to the artery wall and thus, may have potential therapeutic applications for conditions such as resistant hypertension, where renal denervation has been shown to be a promising form of treatment. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:689–702, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In‐Solution Structural Considerations by 1H NMR and Solid‐State Thermal Properties of Inulin‐d‐α‐Tocopherol Succinate (INVITE) Micelles as Drug Delivery Systems for Hydrophobic Drugs
Authors: Catenacci Laura , Mandracchia Delia , Sorrenti Milena , Colombo Lino , Serra Massimo , Tripodo Giuseppe
Published: August 2014

1H NMR is a suitable method to clarify the kind of interactions leading to the self‐assembly of amphiphilic polymers. This work shows, from 1H NMR studies performed in solution, that the self‐assembly ability of the synthesized Inulin‐d‐α‐tocopherol succinate (INVITE) amphiphilic polymers, can be addressed to specific π–π interactions between the aromatic regions of d‐α‐tocopherol. This result suggests the use of INVITE systems for the preferential loading of aromatic group bearing drugs such as curcumin. The preparation conditions, effect of drug loading, and lyophilization on the INVITE systems are evaluated by DSC and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) analysis to assess whether common pharmaceutical processes could influence the physical properties of the amphiphilic polymers, such as crystallinity, glass‐transition temperature or thermal degradation, to predict the physical stability of the systems upon administration. Furthermore, the size stability of the micelle systems up to 60 days is monitored to assess the feasibility of the INVITE micelles’ long‐term storage upon reconstitution with water.

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Why Do Strategic Alliances Persist? A Behavioral Decision Model
Authors: Klossek Andreas , Meyer Klaus E. , Nippa Michael
Published: August 2014

Strategic alliances are considered a flexible form of organizing, yet they are often long‐lived. Even when systematic benefit–cost analysis suggests that their organizational form should be changed or terminated, some alliances still persist. Drawing on behavioral decision theory, we propose a theoretical model that explains this phenomenon. Decision makers are subject to a variety of biases that can lead to the overvaluation of the net benefits of an alliance and, hence, inhibit the change or discontinuation of underperforming alliances. Our model illustrates how decision‐making biases at the individual, interpersonal, organizational, and interorganizational levels are moderated by the design of an alliance and the tools employed in the decision‐making process. This behavioral decision perspective advances our theoretical understanding of the longevity of strategic alliances and their embeddedness in complex decision‐making contexts. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increased sensitivity of 31P MRSI using direct detection integrated with multi‐echo polarization transfer (DIMEPT)
Authors: van der Kemp W. J. M. , Boer V. O. , Luijten P. R. , Klomp D. W. J.
Published: August 2014

Here, we show that the sensitivity of 31P MRSI of 31P spins J‐coupled to protons can be increased by almost a factor of three when compared with an optimal direct detection free induction decay. By direct detection integrated with multi‐echo polarization transfer (DIMEPT), multiple signals from polarization transfer and direct detection can be acquired in one repetition time, with minimal mutual interference, provided that the number of refocusing pulses in the multi‐echo polarization transfer part is even. The DIMEPT sequence was implemented on a 7‐T body scanner and tested on a phantom and on the breasts of five healthy volunteers. The in vivo signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) enhancement for the J‐coupled phosphomonoesters was 270% when compared with an Ernst angle pulse‐acquire sequence. However, the phosphodiester signals, presumably mainly mobile phospholipids, had T2 values that were too short to be enhanced. Uncoupled 31P spins, with sufficiently long T2 values, such as inorganic phosphate, were SNR enhanced by a factor of 1.9 relative to an Ernst‐angle excitation pulse‐acquire sequence by multi‐echo direct detection. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A system biology study of BALF from patients affected by idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and healthy controls
Authors: Landi Claudia , Bargagli Elena , Carleo Alfonso , Bianchi Laura , Gagliardi Assunta , Prasse Antje , Perari Maria G. , Refini Rosa M. , Bini Luca , Rottoli Paola
Published: August 2014

Background

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating interstitial lung disease characterized by progressive loss of the alveolar integrity, recruitment, and activation of myofibroblast, and excessive collagen deposition that resulted in loss of parenchymal architecture and lung function. Although etiology is unknown, major risk factor of disease development is represented by cigarette smoke or exposure to dust.

Aims

Aim of this proteomic study was to compare broncho alveolar lavage fluid protein profiles of IPF patients, never‐smoker healthy control (nonsmoker control) and smoker control subjects in order to investigate proteins potentially related to disease progression and pathogenesis.

Methods

Broncho alveolar lavage fluid samples were resolved using 2D‐PAGE and the differentially expressed proteins were identified by MS. The performed PCA statistically proved the correlation existing between differentially expressed spots in the three groups. Functional analysis of the identified proteins was performed by pathway and enrichment analysis by MetaCore and Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery.

Results

Interestingly, transcriptional factors NF‐kB, PPARγ, and c‐myc emerged as well as a group of functional hubs. Enrichment analysis suggested that Gene Ontology (GO) process networks and pathway maps involved in IPF included angiotensin system maturation, renin‐angiotensin‐aldosteron system, heme metabolism, coagulation system, response to hypoxia, oxidative stress, and iron transport.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the combination of proteomic data with system biology platforms allowed us to amplify the information obtained processing the results and indicated the principal pathways involved. These information can point to potential biomarkers and new therapeutic targets opening the way for further analysis.
Rheological Characterization of Metalized and Non‐Metalized Ethanol Gel Propellants
Authors: Jyoti Botchu. V. S. , Baek Seung Wook
Published: August 2014

The gellation of metalized and non‐metalized ethanol with a methylcellulose gelling agent and its effect on the rheological properties (flow and dynamic study) of these gels is reported herein. The rheological study shows that increasing the shear rate reduces the apparent viscosity for a given yield stress (for a shear rate range of 1 to 12 s−1) for both shear rate ranges (1 to 12 and 1 to 1000 s−1) covered in present experiment. The gellant and metal particle concentrations significantly influence the gel apparent viscosity. Distinct changes in thixotropic behavior were observed, while decreasing the concentration of MC gellant and Al metal particles in the ethanol gels. The dynamic study showed that all of the linear viscoelastic regions (LVE) of the gel samples were independent of strain percentage (1 to 10). The G′ values depended on the frequency and exceeded the G′′ values, which indicated a gel‐like highly structured material. The tanδ values showed that all of the ethanol gels were elastic and weak physical gels with a high degree of cross‐linking.
In‐situ Remediation of Hydrogen Fluoride During a Detonation Event
Authors: Caflin Kelley Corinne , Anderson Paul E.
Published: August 2014

Hydrogen fluoride (HF) is a known product from the combustion or detonation of explosives formulated with fluoropolymer binder systems. This presents the user with elevated risk levels during unintended combustion events or detonations in confined situations. In an effort to remediate the production of HF, calcium disilicide (CaSi2) was added to explosive formulations and the amount of HF formed was monitored. Viton A/calcium disilicide mixtures were made and the thermal decomposition characteristics studied using thermal gravimetric/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA). The activation energy ranged from 145–190 kJ mol−1, indicative of CF scission in the Viton A binder prior to calcium fluoride formation. An energetic formulation was prepared which consisted of approximately a 5/3 mass ratio of Viton A/CaSi2. Combustion calorimetry in oxygen and air, and subsequent analysis of the residues using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) showed evidence of calcium fluoride (CaF2) formation. The decrease in HF formation was determined by trapping off gases and subsequent analysis in anion exchange chromatography of combustion and detonation products. Upon introduction of calcium disilicide into the formulation, a small decrease in HF formation was observed along with appearance of calcium fluoride and free Si in the residue. Such products are consistent with the mechanism following a general decomposition path of 2F−+CaSi2→CaF2+2Si. Under detonation conditions, the decomposition path followed nearly the same route with a net ca. 30 % decrease in HF formation, but with a portion of the silicon oxidizing slightly further to SiO2.
ERG expression in prostate cancer: The prognostic paradox
Authors: Taris Michael , Irani Jacques , Blanchet Pascal , Multigner Luc , Cathelineau Xavier , Fromont Gaelle
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND

TMPRSS2/ERG fusion resulting in ERG overexpression occurs in 30 to 50% of prostate cancer (PCa) in Caucasian patients, but its prognostic relevance remains controversial. In the present study, we investigated ERG expression in all stages of PCa progression, and evaluated the prognostic impact of ERG status in clinically localized PCa (CLC) and in castration resistant disease (CRPC).

METHODS

ERG and AR expressions were evaluated by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays containing samples of high grade PIN (n = 57), CLC surgically treated (n = 299, including 185 Caucasians and 114 African‐Caribbeans), metastases (n = 17), and CRPC (n = 41).

RESULTS

In Caucasians, ERG expression significantly increased from high grade PIN (17.5%) to pT2 (27%) and pT3 CLC (43%), then to metastases (53%). In CLC, stainings for ERG and AR were correlated, and ERG expression was less frequent in African–Caribbeans compared to Caucasians (11.5% vs. 33%). In Caucasians CLC, ERG was associated with longer recurrence free survival, after adjusting for classical prognostic markers. In CRPC, ERG was expressed in 29% of cases, and was associated with a longer overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirm that ERG expression is less frequent in PCa from patients of African descent. Although ERG expression increases during PCa natural history, positive ERG status is associated with better outcome in both CLC and CRPC. This paradox could be explained in part by the fact that ERG expression is AR dependant, then ERG positive cancers are likely to progress in a rich androgen environment, with a better response to androgen suppression. Prostate 74:1481–1487, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Careers on the Move: International Doctoral Students at an Elite British University
Authors: Pásztor Adél
Published: August 2014

International student mobility, especially at doctoral level, is a largely under‐researched component of international migration. This is in stark contrast with the case of credit mobility where much research has been undertaken on Erasmus students. The aim of this paper is to remedy the situation by focusing on international doctoral students who chose to study at an elite higher education institution in the UK. By analysing the role of – local, national and international – schemes of funding in shaping individual mobility decisions, the author argues against the portrayal of international students as ‘rational decision makers’ in favour of a more contextualised approach to mapping the graduate student migratory phenomenon. By contrasting the ‘entry channels’ of students with their future plans – in terms of the nature of future career and geographic location – the author challenges the assumption that internationally mobile students are coming with the intention of settling down in their study destination. The study cannot uphold the view of international students as a ‘migratory elite’ either; although some postgraduate students are indeed from more privileged backgrounds, many individuals undertake international doctoral mobility with the explicit aim of capital accumulation. Last but not least, the paper strongly argues for abandoning the term ‘spontaneous mobility’ in student mobility research because a significant proportion of degree mobility does not occur spontaneously but is a result of organised schemes of funding. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seismic performance of reinforced concrete core wall buildings with and without moment resisting frames
Authors: Değer Zeynep T. , Yang Tony Y. , Wallace John W. , Moehle Jack
Published: August 2014

This study aims to compare the seismic performance of two 42‐story reinforced concrete buildings located in Los Angeles, California: a coupled core wall building and a similar core wall building with perimeter moment resisting frames (i.e. dual system). The buildings were designed using two different approaches. The first approach followed the traditional code prescriptive design approach as outlined in the International Building Code (2006), whereas the other approach followed a performance‐based design approach outlined in the seismic design guideline published by the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center. Detailed finite element models were developed for both systems with the different design approaches. The models were used to evaluate the seismic performance of the prototype model at five different earthquake shaking intensities. Detailed comparisons of the design approaches, seismic responses, and initial and annualized repair costs of these buildings are presented. Analysis results show that both structural systems generally achieved excellent performance, whereas the dual system performed slightly better (smaller inter‐story drifts and lower core wall stresses). Although repair costs were lower in the dual system building (which is attributed to lesser degree of damage), total costs were higher than the core wall building due to the higher initial costs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Freedom of expression: cell‐type‐specific gene profiling
Authors: Otsuki Leo , Cheetham Seth W. , Brand Andrea H.
Published: August 2014

Cell fate and behavior are results of differential gene regulation, making techniques to profile gene expression in specific cell types highly desirable. Many methods now enable investigation at the DNA, RNA and protein level. This review introduces the most recent and popular techniques, and discusses key issues influencing the choice between these such as ease, cost and applicability of information gained. Interdisciplinary collaborations will no doubt contribute further advances, including not just in single cell type but single‐cell expression profiling. WIREs Dev Biol 2014, 3:429–443. doi: 10.1002/wdev.149

This article is categorized under:

Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Gene Networks and Genomics

Technologies > Analysis of the Transcriptome
Syntheses, Structures, Thermal and Luminescent Properties of Two Interpenetrating Coordination Polymers Constructed by 2,5‐Thiophenedicarboxylate and Different Dipyridyl Ligands
Authors: Ma Wei , Wang Shu‐Jun , Ge Yu , Li Ni‐Ya , Liu Dong
Published: August 2014

Two coordination polymers with three‐dimensional (3D) architectures, formulated as {[Zn2(H2O)(2,5‐tdc)2(bpa)2]·H2O}n (1) and [Zn2(2,5‐tdc)2(dpbd)]n (2) [2,5‐H2tdc = 2,5‐thiophenedicarboxylic acid, bpa = 1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)‐ethane, and dpbd = 1,4‐bis(4‐pyridyl)‐1,3‐butadiene] were synthesized from the hydrothermal reactions of Zn(NO3)2·6H2O, 2,5‐H2tdc, and bpa or dpbd, respectively. The two complexes were characterized by IR, elemental analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. 1 exhibits a fivefold interpenetrating diamondoid framework with two types of 4‐connecting nodes. The structure of 2 shows a threefold interpenetrating pcu net. Thermal stability and photoluminescent properties of 1 and 2 were also investigated.
How School can Teach Civic Engagement Besides Civic Education: The Role of Democratic School Climate
Authors: Lenzi Michela , Vieno Alessio , Sharkey Jill , Mayworm Ashley , Scacchi Luca , Pastore Massimiliano , Santinello Massimo
Published: August 2014

Civic engagement, defined as involvement in community life, is influenced by reciprocal relationships between individuals and contexts and is a key factor that contributes to positive youth development. The present study evaluates a theoretical model linking perceived democratic school climate with adolescent civic engagement (operationalized as civic responsibility and intentions for future participation), taking into account the mediating role of civic discussions and perceived fairness at school. Participants were 403 adolescents (47.9 % male) ranging in age from 11 to 15 years old (mean age = 13.6). Path analysis results partially validated the proposed theoretical model. Higher levels of democratic school climate were associated with higher levels of adolescent civic responsibility; the association was fully mediated by civic discussions and perceived fairness at school. Adolescents’ civic responsibility, then, was positively associated with a stronger intention to participate in the civic domain in the future.
Consumer Value in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Health Care Services
Authors: Dodds Sarah , Bulmer Sandy , Murphy Andrew
Published: August 2014

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is a fast growing health care service warranting further research to understand its place in modern healthcare. This study investigated what consumers of CAM value from their healthcare experiences. The research adopted an interpretive approach using in-depth interviews with 12 CAM consumers. Seven consumer value components were identified 1) quality of care, 2) treatment efficiency, 3) physical environment, 4) social (esteem) value, 5) spiritual value, 6) ethics (natural aspect), 7) play (relaxation, leisure activities). Findings indicate that CAM consumers evaluate the value of their healthcare experience primarily on quality of care (which revolved around an empowering partnership) and treatment efficiency (such as treatment results and treatment ease of use and customisation) with the physical environment playing a small role. It was through valuing these experiences that the CAM consumer then began to value the other consumer value components – spiritual value, social value, ethics and play. We propose a consumer value model that is relevant to the CAM health care setting, and conclude that the key aspects that CAM consumers value has managerial implications for both CAM and mainstream health providers.
Premature ventricular beats initiate recurrent ventricular fibrillation in early repolarization syndrome
Authors: Ahmed Nauman , Frontera Antonio , Duncan Edward , Thomas Glyn
Published: August 2014

An early repolarization (ER) pattern on electrocardiography was historically considered a benign finding; however, this finding in the inferior and lateral leads has recently been associated with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (VF). Here we describe a case of a 29‐year‐old man with an ER pattern, who experienced recurrent implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) shocks for ventricular tachycardia (VT) and VF. An ICD interrogation demonstrated how VF and VT were repeatedly initiated by closely coupled premature ventricular beats.
Challenges of high power diode-pumped lasers for fusion energy
Authors: Le Garrec Bruno
Published: August 2014

This paper reviews the different challenges that are encountered in the delivery of high power lasers as drivers for fusion energy. We will focus on diode-pumped solid-state lasers and we will highlight some of the main recent achievements when using ytterbium, cryogenic cooling and ceramic gain media. Apart from some existing fusion facilities and some military applications of diode-pumped solid-state lasers, we will show that diode-pumped solid-state lasers are scalable to inertial fusion energy (IFE)’s facility level and that the all-fiber laser scheme is very promising.
THE VIRTUES OF LAW IN THE POLITICS OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Authors: Berger Benjamin L.
Published: August 2014

The moral force and capacity for inspiration of both religion and politics alike arise in part from the sense that they authentically map the world as we find it, yielding claims about how it should be. This paper asks what role we might imagine for law in this “hyper-real” world of religion and politics, arguing that law can display distinctive virtues linked to its capacity for strategic agnosticism about the real. Applying Sunstein's idea of “incompletely theorized agreements” to the politics of religious freedom, the paper examines the role of law as a tool of adhesion in two very different constitutional settings—Canada and Israel—and argues for modesty as a functional virtue in law and legal process. Viewed in this way, law draws its worth from its tolerance for ambiguity, its sub-theoretical nature, and its pragmatic proceduralism, seeking to sustain political community in the presence of normative diversity, rather than speaking truth to difference.
Does the European Marriage Pattern Explain Economic Growth?
Authors: Dennison Tracy , Ogilvie Sheilagh
Published: August 2014

This article scrutinizes the recently postulated link between the European Marriage Pattern (EMP) and economic success. Multivariate analysis of 4,705 demographic observations, covering women's marriage age, female lifetime celibacy, and household complexity in 39 European countries, shows that the most extreme manifestations of the EMP were associated with economic stagnation rather than growth. There is no evidence that the EMP improved economic performance by empowering women, increasing human capital investment, adjusting population to economic trends, or sustaining beneficial cultural norms. European economic success was not caused by the EMP and its sources must therefore be sought in other factors.
Colonial Institutions, Trade Shocks, and the Diffusion of Elementary Education in Brazil, 1889–1930
Authors: Musacchio Aldo , Fritscher André Martínez , Viarengo Martina
Published: August 2014

We study the initial expansion of public schooling across Brazilian states (1889–1930) and develop an alternative explanation of how colonial institutions may affect the provision of public goods in the long run. We find that states that exported commodities undergoing international booms, between 1889 and 1930, had significantly larger export tax revenues and could spend more on education, while other states lagged behind. Yet, such positive effect of commodity booms on education expenditures was muted in states that either had more slaves before abolition or cultivated cotton during colonial times.
The Price of Media Capture and the Debasement of the French Newspaper Industry During the Interwar
Authors: Bignon Vincent , Flandreau Marc
Published: August 2014

Measurement of the value of “media capture” (the control of newspapers by business or political interests) is difficult. However, if capture is valuable, it should affect the price of newspaper shares. Useful information about the value of media capture should be retrievable from Stock Exchange data. Interwar France provides a unique setting to implement this idea because key newspapers floated voting and nonvoting stocks. Combined with takeover prices, data yield estimates of the price of media capture and of the time-series evolution of this price. Comparison with Britain sheds new light on a dark episode of French history.
Railroad Expansion and Industrialization: Evidence from Meiji Japan
Authors: Tang John P.
Published: August 2014

Railroads in late nineteenth-century Japan are credited with facilitating factor mobility as well as access to human and financial capital, but their impact on firms has been unclear. Using a prefecture-level panel data set and a difference-in-differences model that exploits the temporal and spatial variation of railroad expansion, I investigate the relationship between railways and increased firm activity. Rail access led to higher average firm capitalization, particularly in manufacturing, and more populated and less accessible areas gained disproportionately more firms. By widening markets and allowing for agglomeration economies, Japanese railways promoted capital investment and more efficient resource allocation.
Prospective associations between prenatal adversities and borderline personality disorder at 11–12 years
Authors: Winsper C. , Wolke D. , Lereya T.
Published: August 2014

Background.

The aetiological pathways to borderline personality disorder (BPD) remain only partly elucidated. Retrospective research indicates that prenatal adversity may be an important early risk factor in the development of BPD. This requires corroboration with prospective longitudinal studies.

Method.

A community sample of 6050 mothers and their children (born between April 1991 and December 1992) were assessed. Maternal anxiety and depression and maternal alcohol and tobacco consumption were assessed during pregnancy (18 and 32 weeks gestation). Postnatal risks, including maladaptive parenting (suboptimal parenting and parent conflict), family adversity, maternal anxiety and depression and maternal alcohol and tobacco consumption, were assessed during early childhood. Internalizing and externalizing symptoms were assessed in late childhood. Trained psychologists interviewed children in late childhood to ascertain the presence of BPD (at least five probable/definite symptoms).

Results.

In unadjusted analyses, all prenatal risk factors (i.e. maternal alcohol and tobacco consumption and maternal anxiety and depression) were significantly associated with BPD. Following adjustment for sex, birthweight and postnatal exposure to anxiety and depression respectively, maladaptive parenting, family adversity and child's internalizing and externalizing symptoms, prenatal anxiety at 18 weeks gestation [odds ratio (OR) 1.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18–2.09] and depression at 18 weeks (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.08–2.32) and 32 weeks (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.14–2.18) gestation remained significantly associated with BPD.

Conclusions.

This study provides prospective evidence of associations between prenatal adversities and BPD at 11–12 years. Prenatal anxiety and depression were independently associated with BPD, suggesting that they may exert direct effects on BPD during the prenatal period. This highlights the importance of programmes to reduce maternal stress during pregnancy.
Impulsivity and opioid drugs: differential effects of heroin, methadone and prescribed analgesic medication
Authors: Baldacchino A. , Balfour D. J. K. , Matthews K.
Published: August 2014

Background.

Previous studies have provided inconsistent evidence that chronic exposure to opioid drugs, including heroin and methadone, may be associated with impairments in executive neuropsychological functioning, specifically cognitive impulsivity. Further, it remains unclear how such impairments may relate of the nature, level and extent of opioid exposure, the presence and severity of opioid dependence, and hazardous behaviours such as injecting.

Method.

Participants with histories of illicit heroin use (n = 24), former heroin users stabilized on prescribed methadone (methadone maintenance treatment; MMT) (n = 29), licit opioid prescriptions for chronic pain without history of abuse or dependence (n = 28) and healthy controls (n = 28) were recruited and tested on a task battery that included measures of cognitive impulsivity (Cambridge Gambling Task, CGT), motor impulsivity (Affective Go/NoGo, AGN) and non-planning impulsivity (Stockings of Cambridge, SOC).

Results.

Illicit heroin users showed increased motor impulsivity and impaired strategic planning. Additionally, they placed higher bets earlier and risked more on the CGT. Stable MMT participants deliberated longer and placed higher bets earlier on the CGT, but did not risk more. Chronic opioid exposed pain participants did not differ from healthy controls on any measures on any tasks. The identified impairments did not appear to be associated specifically with histories of intravenous drug use, nor with estimates of total opioid exposure.

Conclusion.

These data support the hypothesis that different aspects of neuropsychological measures of impulsivity appear to be associated with exposure to different opioids. This could reflect either a neurobehavioural consequence of opioid exposure, or may represent an underlying trait vulnerability to opioid dependence.
WHAT OTHER JOSQUIN?
Authors: Jas Eric
Published: August 2014

This essay is a response to Rob Wegman's ‘The Other Josquin’, which was published in 2008 in the Tijdschrift van de Koninklijke Vereniging voor Nederlandse Muziekgeschiedenis. In his article, Wegman tried to demonstrate that certain works, such as the six-voice motet Inter natos mulierum, have unjustly been banned from Josquin's list of works and that an underlying methodological problem continues to distort our view of Josquin's oeuvre. In order to remedy the problem of ‘authorship as a truth-claim to be proved or disproved’, Wegman introduces the image of an ‘other’ Josquin. Even though authenticity continues to be a recurring issue in Josquin studies, Wegman's article did not lead to much of a response. The present article retraces Wegman's discussion of the authorship of Inter natos mulierum and takes a closer look at his arguments in an effort to determine if the introduction of ‘another’ Josquin could be to the benefit of present-day Josquin research, and what the results of adopting such an image might be.
Consumption of lipid-rich seed arils improves larval development in a Neotropical primarily carnivorous ant, Odontomachus chelifer (Ponerinae)
Authors: Bottcher Claudia , Oliveira Paulo S.
Published: August 2014

Odontomachus chelifer ants collect fallen arillate seeds of Cabralea canjerana (Meliaceae), a bird-dispersed tree of the Atlantic rain forest. In the nest the larvae are fed with the lipid-rich aril, and the viable seed is discarded. Benefits from secondary seed dispersal by ants are well documented for tropical plants, but benefits to ants from consuming vertebrate-dispersed diaspores are uncertain. Twelve captive colonies of O. chelifer were used to investigate the effect of aril consumption on larval development. Treatment colonies were supplemented with 1 g of C. canjerana arils, whereas control colonies were supplemented with 1 g of synthetic diet. Egg and larval production did not differ between experimental colonies after 5 mo. Aril-fed larvae, however, grew 3.5 times larger than those in control colonies. Essential fatty acids in the arils possibly account for improved larval development. Consumption of lipid-rich arils may be critical under scarcity of arthropod prey. Improved larval development through aril consumption confirms that this ant-seed interaction is facultatively mutualistic. This result is meaningful given the predominantly carnivorous diet of O. chelifer, and the generalized nature of ant-seed/fruit interactions in tropical forests. Whether or not benefits to larvae translate into significant gains for ant colonies is uncertain.
HIV and viral hepatitis co-infection in New York City, 2000–2010: prevalence and case characteristics
Authors: PRUSSING C. , CHAN C. , PINCHOFF J. , KERSANSKE L. , BORNSCHLEGEL K. , BALTER S. , DROBNIK A. , FULD J.
Published: August 2014

Using surveillance data, we describe the prevalence and characteristics of individuals in New York City (NYC) co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV). Surveillance databases including persons reported to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene with HIV, HBV, and HCV by 31 December 2010 and not known to be dead as of 1 January 2000, were matched with 2000–2011 vital statistics mortality data. Of 140 606 persons reported with HIV, 4% were co-infected with HBV only, 15% were co-infected with HCV only, and 1% were co-infected with HBV and HCV. In all groups, 70–80% were male. The most common race/ethnicity and HIV transmission risk groups were non-Hispanic blacks and men who have sex with men (MSM) for HIV/HBV infection, and non-Hispanic blacks, Hispanics, and injection drug users for HIV/HCV and HIV/HBV/HCV infections. The overall age-adjusted 2000–2011 mortality was higher in co-infected than HIV mono-infected individuals. Use of population-based surveillance data provided a comprehensive characterization of HIV co-infection with HBV and HCV. Our findings emphasize the importance of targeting HIV and viral hepatitis testing and prevention efforts to populations at risk for co-infection, and of integrating HIV and viral hepatitis care and testing services.
Important roles of public playgrounds in the transmission of hand, foot, and mouth disease
Authors: XIE Y. H. , CHONGSUVIVATWONG V. , TAN Y. , TANG Zh-Zh. , SORNSRIVICHAI V. , McNEIL E. B.
Published: August 2014

Intra-home and kindergarten transmissions were the reported major modes of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) transmission in preschool children. However, infection at home is not common and 65–80% of cases do not attend preschool. We conducted a matched case-control study to explore the role of public playgrounds in the transmission of HFMD in addition to direct and indirect exposure to HFMD patients. We used 156 hospital source cases and 156 community source controls. Univariate analysis was followed by conditional logistic regression with attributable fraction computed. Adjusted odds ratios were 11·70 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1·26–109·40] for having HFMD cases in the same class, 14·19 (95% CI 3·55–56·74) for having HFMD cases within the 20 nearest neighbourhoods, 6·03 (95% CI 2·84–12·80) for exposure to public playgrounds, 2·13 (95% CI 1·05–4·32) for finger sucking and 0·29 (95% CI 0·11–0·78) for hand washing with soap before meals. The attributable fractions for the first four risk factors were 6·4%, 20·9%, 57·2% and 27·5%, respectively, while the population prevented fraction for hand washing with soap before meals was 18·7%. Based on our findings, hand washing with soap should be advocated. Health education could include topics which underline the precautions which need to be taken and the advice given regarding avoiding the use of public playgrounds during epidemic periods, especially when children have been getting sick.
Temperament as a moderator of the effects of parenting on children's behavior
Authors: Gallitto Elena
Published: August 2014

This study examined the role of child temperament as moderator of the effect of parenting style on children's externalizing and internalizing behaviors. A series of structural equation models were fit to a representative sample of 2,631 Canadian children from the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth. In addition to testing for the presence of Temperament × Parenting interactions, these models also examined the direct and indirect effects of a number of additional contextual factors such as neighborhood problems, neighborhood cohesion, social support, and maternal depression. The results indicate that exposure to more positive parenting reduces behavior problems in children with difficult/unadaptable temperaments. No moderating effects of temperament on hostile parenting were found. Such results serve to highlight the pivotal role of positive features of the rearing environment as catalysts for the successful adaptation of children with difficult/unadaptable temperaments. The results of this modeling work also serve to emphasize the importance of considering the ways in which more distal factors can affect children's behavioral adaptation by contributing to changes in proximal family processes.
The Case
Authors: MISHRA RUCHIKA
Published: August 2014

To submit a case that has been reviewed by an ethics committee or to submit papers on related topics in clinical ethics, readers are invited to contact section editor Ruchika Mishra at ruchika.mishra@gmail.com.
Difficult risks and capital models
Authors: Frankland R. , Eshun S. , Hewitt L. , Jakhria P. , Jarvis S. , Rowe A. , Smith A. D. , Sharp A. C. , Sharpe J. , Wilkins T.
Published: August 2014

This paper is a report from the Extreme Events Working Party. The paper
considers some of the difficulties in calculating capital buffers to cover
potential losses. This paper considers the reasons why a purely mechanical
approach to calculating capital buffers may bot be possible or justified. A
range of tools and techniques is presented to help address some of the
difficulties identified.
Reliability and validity of an individually focused food insecurity access scale for assessing inadequate access to food among pregnant Ugandan women of mixed HIV status
Authors: Natamba Barnabas K , Kilama Hillary , Arbach Angela , Achan Jane , Griffiths Jeffrey K , Young Sera L
Published: August 2014

Objective

To determine the reliability, validity and correlates of measures of food insecurity (FI) obtained using an individually focused food insecurity access scale (IFIAS) among pregnant women of mixed HIV status in northern Uganda.

Design

A mixed-methods study involving cognitive interviews nested within a cross-sectional survey.

Setting

The antenatal care clinic of Gulu Regional Referral Hospital.

Subjects

Survey respondents included 403 pregnant women, recruited in a ratio of one HIV-infected to two HIV-uninfected respondents, twenty-six (nine of them HIV-infected) of whom were asked to participate in the cognitive interviews.

Results

Over 80 % of cognitive interview participants reported understanding the respective meanings of six of the nine items (i.e. items 4 to 9) on the IFIAS. Two main factors emerged from rotated exploratory factor analysis of the IFIAS: mild to moderate FI (IFIAS items 1–6) and severe FI (items 7–9). Together, they explained 90·4 % of the FI measure’s variance. The full IFIAS and the two subscales had moderate to high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α ranged from 0.75 to 0.87). Dose–response associations between IFIAS scores, and measures of socio-economic status and women’s diet quality, were observed. Multivariate linear regression revealed significant positive associations between IFIAS scores and HIV infection, maternal age, number of children and a history of internal displacement. IFIAS scores were negatively associated with women’s diet diversity score, asset index and being employed.

Conclusions

The IFIAS showed strong reliability, validity and contextual relevance among women attending antenatal care in northern Uganda.
The Effect of Religious Restrictions on Forced Migration
Authors: Kolbe Melanie , Henne Peter S.
Published: August 2014

What is the impact of religious repression on forced migration? While current and historical cases highlight the significance of state-sponsored religions repression, existing quantitative studies on forced migration have not sufficiently addressed the role of religion as a determinant of flight. We argue that religious repression undermines the quality of life, quality of religious observance, and physical integrity of religious communities, and therefore increases incentives to leave. We test this through a quantitative analysis of forced migration data from 1990 to 2008 and several measures of religious repression, using a negative binomial regression. We find that state-driven religious repression, in particular religious bans, tends to increase forced migration. These findings contribute to the body of forced migration literature and the study of religion and politics by demonstrating the significant effects religious repression has on this aspect of world politics.
A comparison of confounding adjustment methods with an application to early life determinants of childhood obesity
Authors: Li L. , Kleinman K. , Gillman M. W.
Published: August 2014

We implemented six confounding adjustment methods: (1) covariate-adjusted regression, (2) propensity score (PS) regression, (3) PS stratification, (4) PS matching with two calipers, (5) inverse probability weighting and (6) doubly robust estimation to examine the associations between the body mass index (BMI) z-score at 3 years and two separate dichotomous exposure measures: exclusive breastfeeding v. formula only (n=437) and cesarean section v. vaginal delivery (n=1236). Data were drawn from a prospective pre-birth cohort study, Project Viva. The goal is to demonstrate the necessity and usefulness, and approaches for multiple confounding adjustment methods to analyze observational data. Unadjusted (univariate) and covariate-adjusted linear regression associations of breastfeeding with BMI z-score were −0.33 (95% CI −0.53, −0.13) and −0.24 (−0.46, −0.02), respectively. The other approaches resulted in smaller n (204–276) because of poor overlap of covariates, but CIs were of similar width except for inverse probability weighting (75% wider) and PS matching with a wider caliper (76% wider). Point estimates ranged widely, however, from −0.01 to −0.38. For cesarean section, because of better covariate overlap, the covariate-adjusted regression estimate (0.20) was remarkably robust to all adjustment methods, and the widths of the 95% CIs differed less than in the breastfeeding example. Choice of covariate adjustment method can matter. Lack of overlap in covariate structure between exposed and unexposed participants in observational studies can lead to erroneous covariate-adjusted estimates and confidence intervals. We recommend inspecting covariate overlap and using multiple confounding adjustment methods. Similar results bring reassurance. Contradictory results suggest issues with either the data or the analytic method.
Short-term impacts of energy wood harvesting on ectomycorrhizal fungal communities of Norway spruce saplings
Authors: Huusko Karoliina , Tarvainen Oili , Saravesi Karita , Pennanen Taina , Fritze Hannu , Kubin Eero , Markkola Annamari
Published: August 2014

The increased demand for harvesting energy wood raises questions about its effects on the functioning of the forest ecosystems, soil processes and biodiversity. Impacts of tree stump removal on ectomycorrhizal fungal (EMF) communities of Norway spruce saplings were studied with 454-pyrosequencing in a 3-year field experiment replicated in 3 geographical areas. This is possibly the most thorough investigation of EMF communities associated with saplings grown on sites subjected to energy wood harvesting. To separate impacts of tree stump and logging residue removal on EMF and plant variables, we used three harvesting treatments with increasing complexity from patch mounding alone (P) to patch mounding combined with logging residue removal (RP), and patch mounding combined with both logging residue and stump removal (SRP). Saplings grown in uncut forests (F) served as references for harvesting treatments. A majority of sequences (>92%) and operational taxonomic units (OTUs, 55%) were assigned as EMF. EMF OTU richness, fungal community composition or sapling growth did not differ between harvesting treatments (P, RP and SRP), while EMF OTU richness, diversity and evenness were highest and sapling growth lowest in the undisturbed reference forests (F). The short study period may partially explain the similarities in fungal and sapling variables in different harvesting treatments. In conclusion, our results indicate that neither stump removal nor logging residue removal have significant additional negative impacts on EMF communities or growth of Norway spruce saplings in the short-term compared with the impacts of more conventional harvesting methods, including clear cutting and patch mounding.
Quantification of surface tension and internal pressure generated by single mitotic cells
Authors: Fischer-Friedrich Elisabeth , Hyman Anthony A. , Jülicher Frank , Müller Daniel J. , Helenius Jonne
Published: August 2014

During mitosis, adherent cells round up, by increasing the tension of the contractile actomyosin cortex while increasing the internal hydrostatic pressure. In the simple scenario of a liquid cell interior, the surface tension is related to the local curvature and the hydrostatic pressure difference by Laplace's law. However, verification of this scenario for cells requires accurate measurements of cell shape. Here, we use wedged micro-cantilevers to uniaxially confine single cells and determine confinement forces while concurrently determining cell shape using confocal microscopy. We fit experimentally measured confined cell shapes to shapes obeying Laplace's law with uniform surface tension and find quantitative agreement. Geometrical parameters derived from fitting the cell shape and the measured force were used to calculate hydrostatic pressure excess and surface tension of cells. We find that HeLa cells increase their internal hydrostatic pressure excess and surface tension from ≈ 40 Pa and 0.2 mNm−1 during interphase to ≈ 400 Pa and 1.6 mNm−1 during metaphase. The method introduced provides a means to determine internal pressure excess and surface tension of rounded cells accurately and with minimal cellular perturbation and should be applicable to characterize the mechanical properties of various cellular systems.