bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stressful Life Events and Depression Symptoms: The Effect of Childhood Emotional Abuse on Stress Reactivity
Authors: Shapero Benjamin G. , Black Shimrit K. , Liu Richard T. , Klugman Joshua , Bender Rachel E. , Abramson Lyn Y. , Alloy Lauren B.
Published: June 2013

Objective

Stressful life events are associated with an increase in depressive symptoms and the onset of major depression. Importantly, research has shown that the role of stress changes over the course of depression. The present study extends the current literature by examining the effects of early life stress on emotional reactivity to current stressors.

Method

In a multiwave study (N = 281, mean age = 18.76; 68% female), we investigated the proximal changes that occur in depressive symptoms when individuals are faced with life stress and whether a history of childhood emotional abuse moderates this relationship.

Results

Results support the stress sensitivity hypothesis for early emotional abuse history. Individuals with greater childhood emotional abuse severity experienced greater increases in depressive symptoms when confronted with current dependent stressors, controlling for childhood physical and sexual abuse.

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of emotional abuse as an indicator for reactivity to stressful life events.
Co‐Occurring Eating and Psychiatric Symptoms in Taiwanese College Students: Effects of Gender and Parental Factors
Authors: Tseng Mei‐Chih Meg , Gau Susan Shur‐Fen , Tseng Wan‐Ling , Hwu Hai‐Gwo , Lee Ming‐Been
Published: June 2013

Objective

To test whether gender and parental factors moderate the relationships between symptoms of eating disorder (ED) and other psychiatric symptoms.

Methods

A total of 5,015 new entrants completed several questionnaires and 541individuals with ED symptoms were identified by the Adult Self‐Report Inventory‐4 that assessed a wide range of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition psychopathology. The participants also reported on their parents’ attitude toward them before their ages of 16.

Results

ED symptoms, female gender, less parental care, and more parental protection were associated with more severe co‐occurring psychiatric symptoms. Gender and parental factors also demonstrated differential moderating effects on the relationships between ED and co‐occurring psychiatric symptoms.

Conclusions

Parenting counseling may be individualized to young adults with ED symptoms and different co‐occurring psychiatric symptoms.
Analysis of free amino acids in flue‐cured tobacco leaves using ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography with single quadrupole mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Junjie , Zhao Chunxia , Chang Yuwei , Zhao Yanni , Li Qinghua , Lu Xin , Xu Guowang
Published: June 2013

Amino acids are one of the most important metabolites of organisms. They play an important role in plant growth, development, and product quality. A method based on RP ultra‐performance LC with single quadrupole MS and 6‐aminoquinolyl‐N‐hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate precolumn derivatization was developed for the analysis of free amino acids in flue‐cured tobacco leaves. Unlike the corresponding UV detection method, this method avoids matrix interference of complicated tobacco components, and the quantitative accuracy and resolution were improved. Twenty free amino acids were detected in flue‐cured tobacco leaves. The method showed a good linearity with correlation coefficients of 0.9966–0.9998. The LODs for derivatized amino acids were 0.2–9.7 fmol/μL. Good repeatability with an RSD of 2.5–8.6% and satisfactory intra‐ and interday precisions were obtained. The developed method was used to investigate free amino acids in flue‐cured tobacco leaves in China. The effects of aroma type, variety, and growing regions on free amino acids were investigated. The results showed that free amino acids in tobacco were affected by growing regions and varieties.
Polysomnographic evaluation of propofol‐induced sleep in patients with respiratory sleep disorders and controls
Authors: Rabelo Fábio A. W. , Küpper Daniel S. , Sander Heidi H. , Fernandes Regina M. F. , Valera Fabiana C. P.
Published: June 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

The treatment for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) depends on correct localization of upper airway obstruction, exception made for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) with propofol allows this evaluation, but the drug effects on sleep parameters are not yet well established. Our objective was to study by polysomnography (PSG) whether propofol would change sleep parameters by means of a prospective cross‐sectional clinical study in a tertiary hospital.

Study Design

Thirty non‐obese subjects (6 controls and 24 OSAS patients) underwent two daytime PSGs, one with DISE and the other without DISE.

Methods

During DISE exam, propofol was administered intravenously in continuous infusion using a target‐controlled infusion pump. The parameters evaluated were: presence of snoring, apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI), oxyhemoglobin saturation (SaO2), and sleep macroarchitecture.

Results

Snoring was absent in all healthy subjects during DISE sleep with propofol, and present in all OSAS patients (100%). AHI and mean SaO2 showed no statistical difference between the two tests, with and without propofol. However, minimum SaO2 was significantly lower during propofol infusion (88.64 for without vs. 85.04 for with propofol; P < 0.01). Regarding sleep macroarchitecture, the tests with propofol significantly increased N3 sleep and totally extinguished REM sleep (P < 0.005).

Conclusions

The results demonstrate that propofol significantly changes sleep macroarchitecture. However, the main respiratory parameters, AHI and mean SaO2, remained unaffected. Thus, in order to determine the sites of obstruction, propofol DISE used with target‐controlled infusion proved to be an effective drug for endoscopic evaluation of patients with OSAS.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 123:2300–2305, 2013
Transdermal rotigotine in early stage Parkinson's disease: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Mizuno Yoshikuni , Nomoto Masahiro , Kondo Tomoyoshi , Hasegawa Kazuko , Murata Miho , Takeuchi Masahiro , Ikeda Junji , Tomida Takayuki , Hattori Nobutaka ,   on behalf of the Rotigotine Trial Group
Published: June 2013

Background

We conducted a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial to determine the safety and efficacy of transdermal rotigotine at doses up to 16 mg/24 hours in patients with early stage Parkinson's disease (PD) in Japan.

Methods

Patients received once‐daily rotigotine 2 to 16 mg/24 hours (mean dose, 12.8 mg/24 hours; n = 82) or placebo (n = 90) for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) part II (activities of daily living) and part III (motor function) scores from baseline to the end of treatment.

Results

The mean (± standard deviation) changes in UPDRS part II and III scores were −8.4 ± 9.7 in the rotigotine group and −4.1 ± 8.2 in the placebo group and were significantly different (P = 0.002). More patients in the rotigotine group than in the placebo group had a ≥20% score reduction. No serious drug‐related adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

Rotigotine at doses up to 16 mg/24 hours was well tolerated and improved function in patients with early stage PD. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Mild cognitive impairment in patients with Parkinson's disease is associated with increased cortical degeneration
Authors: Hanganu Alexandru , Bedetti Christophe , Jubault Thomas , Gagnon Jean‐Francois , Mejia‐Constain Béatriz , Degroot Clotilde , Lafontaine Anne‐Louise , Chouinard Sylvain , Monchi Oury
Published: June 2013

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can occur early in the course of Parkinson's disease (PD), and its presence increases the risk of developing dementia. Determining the cortical changes associated with MCI in PD, thus, may be useful in predicting the future development of dementia. To address this objective, 37 patients with PD, divided into 2 groups according to the presence or absence MCI (18 with and 19 without) and 16 matched controls, underwent anatomic magnetic resonance imaging. Corticometry analyses were performed to measure the changes in cortical thickness and surface area as well as their correlation with disease duration. Compared with healthy controls, the PD‐MCI group exhibited increased atrophy and changes of local surface area in the bilateral occipital, left temporal, and frontal cortices; whereas the PD non‐MCI group exhibited only unilateral thinning and decreased surface area in the occipital lobe and in the frontal cortex. In addition, a comparison between the PD‐MCI and PD non‐MCI groups revealed increased local surface area in the occipital lobe, temporal lobe, and postcentral gyrus for the cognitively impaired patients. It is noteworthy that, in the PD‐MCI group, cortical thickness had a significant negative correlation with disease duration in the precentral, supramarginal, occipital, and superior temporal cortices; whereas, in the PD non‐MCI group, such a correlation was absent. The findings from this study reveal that, at the same stage of PD evolution, the presence of MCI is associated with a higher level of cortical changes, suggesting that cortical degeneration is increased in patients with PD because of the presence of MCI. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Use of case–time–control design in pharmacovigilance applications: exploration with high‐risk medications and unplanned hospital admissions in the Western Australian elderly
Authors: Price Sylvie D. , Holman C. D'Arcy J. , Sanfilippo Frank M. , Emery Jon D.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

To use a case–time–control design to derive preliminary estimates of unplanned hospitalisations attributable to suspected high‐risk medications in elderly Western Australians.

Methods

Using pharmaceutical claims linked to inpatient and other health records, the study applied a case–time–control design and conditional logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for unplanned hospital admissions associated with anticoagulants, antirheumatics, opioids, corticosteroids and four major groups of cardiovascular drugs. Attributable fractions (AFs) were derived from the ORs to estimate the number and proportion of admissions associated with drug exposure. Results were compared with those obtained from a more conventional method using International Classification of Diseases (ICD) external cause codes to identify admissions related to adverse drug events.

Results

The study involved 1 899 699 index hospital admissions. Six of the eight drug groups were associated with an increased risk of unplanned hospitalisation, opioids (adjusted OR = 1.81, 95%CI 1.75–1.88; AF = 44.9%) and corticosteroids (1.48, 1.42–1.54; 32.2%) linked with the highest risks. For all six, the estimated number of hospitalisations attributed to the medication in the exposed was higher (two to 31‐fold) when derived from the case–time–control design compared with identification from ICD codes.

Conclusions

This study provides an alternative approach for identifying potentially harmful medications and suggests that the use of ICD external causes may underestimate adverse drug events. It takes drug exposure into account, can be applied to individual medications and may overcome under‐reporting issues associated with conventional methods. The approach shows great potential as part of a post‐marketing pharmacovigilance monitoring system in Australia and elsewhere. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Growth of epitaxial c ‐plane ZnO film on a ‐plane sapphire by radio frequency reactive magnetron sputtering
Authors: Liu Hongyan , Gao Shuang , Zeng Fei , Song Cheng , Pan Feng
Published: June 2013

In this Letter, we report the successful growth of high quality c ‐plane oriented epitaxial ZnO films on a ‐plane sapphire substrates by using radio frequency reactive magnetron sputtering. The effect of substrate temperature on the structural and optical properties has been investigated. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) studies reveal that the ZnO film is grown epitaxially on a ‐plane sapphire substrate, and the film quality is improv‐ ed as the substrate temperature is increased. Photoluminescence (PL) results manifest that screw dislocations can exert great influence on the optical properties. It is found that the line width of the near‐band‐edge emission of PL decreases linearly with increase in screw density. In addition, a simple and effective method is proposed to assess the defect density in epitaxial ZnO films by performing PL measurement. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Cognitive development: changing views of cognitive change
Authors: Newcombe Nora S.
Published: June 2013

The aim of research in cognitive development is to understand the origins of human knowledge and to provide an account of cognitive change. Theorizing regarding these issues is rooted in the nativist–empiricist debate. This article traces changing views in that debate, from the beginnings of psychology, through the cognitive revolution, Piaget, and alternatives to Piaget, including nativism, Vygotskyan theory, and information‐processing work. The last section presents current theorizing and outlines various modern versions of nativism, constructivism, and empiricism.WIREs Cogn Sci2013, 4:479–491. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1245

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Development and Aging
Moment estimation based on quantiles
Authors: Ren Haobo , Shen Weining , Wu Richard , Soo Yuhwen
Published: June 2013

We consider a moment estimation problem using empirical quantiles of the data. Specifically, we estimate the sample mean and the variance based only on the minimum, the quartiles, the median and the maximum values of the data. We propose a computational solution based on fitting a refined version of a generalized λ distribution. Simulation results suggest that our method works reasonably well for a wide range of distributions. WIREs Comput Stat 2013. doi: 10.1002/wics.1267

This article is categorized under:

Applications of Computational Statistics > Computational Mathematics
Stability of gravity‐driven multiphase flow in porous media: 40 Years of advancements
Authors: DiCarlo D. A.
Published: June 2013

Gravity‐driven multiphase flow in porous media is ubiquitous in the geophysical world; the classic case in hydrology is vertical infiltration of precipitation into a soil. For homogenous porous media, infiltrations are sometimes observed to be stable and laterally uniform, but other times are observed to be unstable and produce preferential flow paths. Since Saffman and Taylor (1958), researchers have attempted to define criteria that determine instability. Saffman and Taylor's analysis consisted of two regions of single phase flow, while Parlange and Hill (1976) integrated this analysis with the multiphase flow equations to provide testable predictions. In the subsequent 40 years, great advances have been made determining the complex interactions between multiphase flow and instability. Theoretically, the stability of the standard multiphase flow equations has been verified, showing the necessity of extensions to the multiphase flow equations to describe the observed unstable flow. Experimentally, it has been shown that the instability is related to a phenomena in 1‐D infiltrations called saturation or pressure overshoot. In this review, the connection between overshoot and instability is detailed, and it is described how models of overshoot can simplify the analysis of current and future models of instability and multiphase flow.
Integrated uncertainty assessment of discharge predictions with a statistical error model
Authors: Honti M. , Stamm C. , Reichert P.
Published: June 2013

A proper uncertainty assessment of rainfall‐runoff predictions has always been an important objective for modelers. Several sources of uncertainty have been identified, but their representation was limited to complicated mechanistic error propagation frameworks only. The typical statistical error models used in the modeling practice still build on outdated and invalidated assumptions like the independence and homoscedasticity of model residuals and thus result in wrong uncertainty estimates. The primary reason for the popularity of the traditional faulty methods is the enormous computational requirement of full Bayesian error propagation frameworks. We introduce a statistical error model that can account for the effect of various uncertainty sources present in conceptual rainfall‐runoff modeling studies and at the same time has limited computational demand. We split the model residuals into three different components: a random noise term and two bias processes with different response characteristics. The effects of the input uncertainty are simulated with a stochastic linearized rainfall‐runoff model. While the description of model bias with Bayesian statistics cannot directly help to improve on the model's deficiencies, it is still beneficial to get realistic estimates on the overall predictive uncertainty and to rank the importance of different uncertainty sources. This feature is particularly important if the error sources cannot be addressed individually, but it is also relevant for the description of remaining bias when input and structural errors are considered explicitly.
An acoustic travel time method for continuous velocity monitoring in shallow tidal streams
Authors: Razaz Mahdi , Kawanisi Kiyosi , Nistor Ioan , Sharifi Soroosh
Published: June 2013

Long‐term variations of streamflow in a tidal channel were measured using a Fluvial Acoustic Tomography (FAT) system through one transmission path. FAT is an innovative acoustic technology that utilizes the time‐of‐travel method to determine velocity between two points from multiple ray paths that traverse the entire cross‐section of stream. Due to high spatial variability of flow distribution stationary ADCP measurements were not likely to yield true section‐averaged flow velocity and moving‐boat ADCP method was therefore used to provide reference data. As such, two short‐term moving boat ADCP campaigns were carried out by the authors. In the first campaign, a couple of acoustic stations were added to the FAT system in order to resolve flow angularity in addition to the mean velocity. Comparing the FAT results with corresponding ADCP section‐averaged flow direction and velocity indicated remarkable consistency. Second campaign was designed to capture the influence of salt wedge intrusion on the sound propagation pattern. It was found that FAT velocity measurements bias high if acoustic stations lay inside the cooler freshwater layer. Ray‐tracing hindcasts suggest that installing acoustic stations inside the salt wedge may significantly improve function of output of the system. Comparing salinities evaluated from long‐term FAT travel time records with nodal salinity measurements provided by conductivity‐temperature sensors reveals the potential ability of FAT in measuring salt flux.
MRI after Patellofemoral Replacement: The Component–Bone Interface and Rotational Alignment
Authors: Heyse Thomas J. , Figiel Jens , Hähnlein Ulrike , Timmesfeld Nina , Schofer Markus D. , Fuchs-Winkelmann Susanne , Efe Turgay
Published: June 2013

Background

In an earlier paper, it was shown that tailored magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows for reproducible analysis of the preserved knee joint structures after patellofemoral replacement (PFR).

Purposes

This pilot study investigates to what degree MRI could produce reliable assessment of the implant–bone interface of femoral and patellar components and rotational alignment following PFR.

Methods

MRI tailored for reduction of metallic artefacts was performed in seven patients who had undergone PFR. Two independent investigators evaluated the implant–bone interface at femoral and patellar components and the rotational alignment of the femoral component. They also assessed their degree of confidence in evaluation using a five-point scale. The inter-observer reliability was determined.

Results

Implant-induced MRI artefact was barely observed and there was no interference with component–bone interface evaluation. There was excellent inter-observer reliability, inter-observer agreement, and confidence for the implant–bone interface at femoral and patellar components and for rotational alignment. The applied score for the interface was found to be reliable.

Conclusion

Tailored MRI allows reproducible analysis of the implant–bone interface and of rotational alignment of the femoral component in patients who have had PFR. It might prove helpful in the assessment of painful PFR.
Validation of the Data Elements for the Health System Domain of the PNDS
Authors: Morton Paula , Petersen Carol , Chard Robin , Kleiner Cathy
Published: June 2013

This research study established the data elements for the health system domain in the Perioperative Nursing Data Set. A sample of AORN members were asked to confirm the clarity, necessity, measurability, and accuracy of each proposed data element. As a result of this study, the health system domain contains 114 data elements with definitions. When integrated into an electronic health record, data elements can be used to identify, compare, and evaluate the context in which patient care is delivered across settings.
Deep mechanisms in the Kyrgyz Tien Shan orogen (from results of seismic tomography)
Authors: Zabelina I.V. , Koulakov I.Yu. , Buslov M.M.
Published: June 2013

Seismic-tomography studies were conducted in the Kyrgyz Tien Shan using two different observation schemes. The first was based on the arrival times of P and S waves from regional earthquakes recorded with local seismological networks (local scheme). Nonlinear tomographic inversion based on the LOTOS algorithm was used to construct the 3D distributions of P and S wave velocities in the crust beneath the Kyrgyz Tien Shan and to refine the earthquake locations. The second scheme was used to study the upper-mantle structure based on data from global earthquake catalogs (regional scheme). All the data on waves which at least partly travel within the volume studied were used here, including (1) those from regional earthquakes recorded at world seismic stations and (2) teleseisms recorded at the local stations. This approach was earlier applied to calculate the upper-mantle structure beneath Asia. We used a fragment of this structure beneath the Tien Shan and adjacent areas. A series of synthetic tests was performed to estimate the resolution provided by both schemes. The tomography shows traces of the delamination of the Tarim mantle lithosphere from south to north. Also, the local and regional schemes reveal evidence for cold-matter descent from north to south in the northern Tien Shan but on a much smaller scale. Low velocities in the upper mantle beneath the Tien Shan might indicate lithospheric thinning. These data suggest that mantle-lithosphere delamination is taking place underneath both the northern and the southern margins of the Tien Shan collision belt. Lack of the mantle lithosphere beneath the Tien Shan leads to lithospheric weakening and active deformation, thus causing intense orogeny.
Spatial variations of magnetic permeability as a source of dynamo action
Authors: Gallet B. , Pétrélis F. , Fauve S.
Published: June 2013

We investigate dynamo action for a parallel flow of an electrically conducting fluid located over a boundary with spatially varying magnetic permeability. We first compute the dynamo threshold numerically. Then we perform an asymptotic expansion in the limit of small permeability modulation, which gives accurate results even for moderate modulation. We present in detail the mechanism at work for this dynamo. It is an interplay between shear (an $\omega $-effect) and a new conversion mechanism that originates from the non-uniform magnetic boundary. We illustrate how a similar mechanism leads to dynamo action in the case of spatially modulated electrical conductivity, a problem studied by Busse & Wicht (Geophys. Astrophys. Fluid Dyn., vol. 64, 1992, pp. 135–144). Finally, we discuss the relevance of this effect to experimental dynamos and present ways to increase the dynamo efficiency and reduce the instability threshold.
The Health Factor in Anti-Waste Incinerator Campaigns in Beijing and Guangzhou
Authors: Johnson Thomas
Published: June 2013

This article draws on interview and documentary data from three anti-incinerator campaigns in Beijing and Guangzhou to examine how urban middle-class homeowners respond to potential local health hazards. It illustrates how and why campaigners shifted from a heavily localized “not-in-my-backyard” (NIMBY) approach that opposed incinerators based on their siting towards a much broader critique of incineration that exploited weaknesses in waste management policy. Although public health concerns remained central during the course of the three campaigns, how they were presented changed as campaigners developed expertise through self-study. This enabled them to construct an alternative narrative about incineration and present their arguments from a public interest perspective, thus deflecting the pejorative NIMBY label.
Discriminant Profile of Young Adulthood Driving Behavior among Brazilian Drivers
Authors: Dotta-Panichi Renata Maria , Wagner Adriana , Sarriera Jorge Castellá
Published: June 2013

The aim of this article was to describe the driving behavior profile of drivers aged 18 to 25 years old. Four hundred young adults were interviewed, 320 (80%) of them male and 80 (20%) female. Cluster analysis identified a group characterized by sensation-seeking behavior (Cluster 1), a group that did not show any risky driving behavior (Cluster 2), and a group engaged in transgressive behavior and driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (Cluster 3). Discriminant analysis classified successfully and correctly 81.3% of the young adults into their original profiles.Function 1distinguished cluster 1 from clusters 2 and 3, on the basis of the following factors: higher frequency of alcohol consumption, intrusive behavior, and motorcycle riding, as well as younger age, more aggressive behavior, and lower education level.Function 2distinguished cluster 3 from cluster 1 and 2, especially as to higher amounts of alcohol consumption, higher frequency of marijuana use and delinquent behavior, larger number of traffic tickets and motor vehicle accidents, higher paternal education level, which were the variables with discriminant values above .20. Characteristics of vulnerability were identified, especially those related to alcohol consumption, drug use, and externalizing issues.
Pre-Service Science Teachers’ Teaching Self-Efficacy in Relation to Personality Traits and Academic Self-Regulation
Authors: Senler Burcu , Sungur-Vural Semra
Published: June 2013

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship among pre-service science teachers’ personality traits, academic self-regulation and teaching self-efficacy by proposing and testing a conceptual model. For the specified purpose, 1794 pre-service science teachers participated in the study. The Teachers’ Sense of Efficacy Scale, the NEO Five-Factor Inventory, and the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire were administered to assess pre-service science teachers’ teaching self-efficacy, personality, and academic self-regulation respectively. Results showed that agreeableness, neuroticism, performance approach goals, and use of metacognitive strategies are positively linked to different dimensions of teaching self-efficacy, namely self-efficacy for student engagement, instructional strategies, and classroom management. In general, while agreeableness and neuroticism were found to be positively associated with different facets of self-regulation and teaching self-efficacy, openness was found to be negatively linked to these adaptive outcomes.
Discovery-Based Nutritional Systems Biology: Developing N-of-1 Nutrigenomic Research
Authors: Kaput Jim , Morine Melissa
Published: June 2013

The progress in and success of biomedical research over the past century was built on the foundation outlined in R.A. Fishers The Design of Experiments (1935), which described the theory and methodological approach to designing research studies. A key tenet of Fishers treatise, widely adopted by the research community, is randomization, the process of assigning individuals to random groups or treatments. Comparing outcomes or responses between these groups yields risk factors called population attributable risks (PAR), which are statistical estimates of the percentage reduction in disease if the risk were avoided or in the case of genetic associations, if the gene variant were not present in the population.
Vitamins for the First 1000 Days: Preparing for Life
Authors: Elmadfa Ibrahim , Meyer Alexa L.
Published: June 2013

Vitamins are essential nutrients for many body functions and particularly important during growth. Adequate supply in pregnancy and in early infancy is therefore crucial, but there is still a lack of knowledge about the needed amounts of vitamins of children older than six months and also during pregnancy. Recommendations for intake levels are generally derived by extrapolation from data for infants based in turn on the contents in breast milk and those for adults. A vitamin of particular importance in pregnancy is folic acid due to its role in the development of the brain and nerve system and the prevention of fetal neural tube defects (NTD). Mandatory fortification of flour and certain other grain products in many countries has been associated with a reduction in NTD incidence. However, other deficiencies or suboptimal status of B vitamins, especially B6 and B12 have been repeatedly reported in pregnant women also in high-income countries. Vitamin A is one of the three most critical micronutrients globally and pregnant women and young children are especially vulnerable to deficiencies. Night blindness, anemia, and immunodeficiency are major consequences of inadequate supply in these populations. Much attention has recently been accorded vitamin D that is also critical in pregnant women and young children for instance because of its involvement in bone mineralization but also its more recently discovered immune-modulating function that is thought to prevent development of autoimmune diseases like diabetes mellitus type I. A healthy balanced diet provides the best basis for optimal pregnancy outcome, lactation performance, and complementary feeding. However, supplements or fortified foods may be needed to cover the high requirements especially of critical vitamins such as vitamin D and folic acid and to correct unfavorable dietary patterns in women or to adapt foods to the needs of young children.
SET‐domain bacterial effectors target heterochromatin protein 1 to activate host rDNA transcription
Authors: Li Ting , Lu Qiuhe , Wang Guolun , Xu Hao , Huang Huanwei , Cai Tao , Kan Biao , Ge Jianning , Shao Feng
Published: June 2013

Transcription of rRNA genes (rDNAs) in the nucleolus is regulated by epigenetic chromatin modifications including histone H3 lysine (de)methylation. Here we show that LegAS4, a Legionella pneumophila type IV secretion system (TFSS) effector, is targeted to specific rDNA chromatin regions in the host nucleolus. LegAS4 promotes rDNA transcription, through its SET‐domain (named after Drosophila Su(var)3–9, enhancer of zeste [E(z)], and trithorax [trx]) histone lysine methyltransferase (HKMTase) activity. LegAS4's association with rDNA chromatin is mediated by interaction with host HP1α/γ. L. pneumophila infection potently activates rDNA transcription in a TFSS‐dependent manner. Other bacteria, including Bordetella bronchiseptica and Burkholderia thailandensis, also harbour nucleolus‐localized LegAS4‐like HKMTase effectors. The B. thailandensis type III effector BtSET promotes H3K4 methylation of rDNA chromatin, contributing to infection‐induced rDNA transcription and bacterial intracellular replication. Thus, activation of host rDNA transcription might be a general bacterial virulence strategy.
Wnk kinases are positive regulators of canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signalling
Authors: Serysheva Ekatherina , Berhane Hebist , Grumolato Luca , Demir Kubilay , Balmer Sophie , Bodak Maxime , Boutros Michael , Aaronson Stuart , Mlodzik Marek , Jenny Andreas
Published: June 2013

Wnt/β‐catenin signalling is central to development and its regulation is essential in preventing cancer. Using phosphorylation of Dishevelled as readout of pathway activation, we identified Drosophila Wnk kinase as a new regulator of canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signalling. WNK kinases are known for regulating ion co‐transporters associated with hypertension disorders. We demonstrate that wnk loss‐of‐function phenotypes resemble canonical Wnt pathway mutants, while Wnk overexpression causes gain‐of‐function canonical Wnt‐signalling phenotypes. Importantly, knockdown of human WNK1 and WNK2 also results in decreased Wnt signalling in mammalian cell culture, suggesting that Wnk kinases have a conserved function in ensuring peak levels of canonical Wnt signalling.
The multifunctional alarmin HMGB1 with roles in the pathophysiology of sepsis and cancer
Authors: Diener Kerrilyn R , Al‐Dasooqi Noor , Lousberg Erin L , Hayball John D
Published: June 2013

Although originally described as a highly conserved nuclear protein involved in DNA replication, transcription and repair, high‐mobility group box‐1 protein (HMGB1) has emerged as a key mediator in the regulation of immune responses to infection and sterile injury by exhibiting all the properties of a prototypic ‘alarmin’. These include rapid passive release in response to pathogenic infection and/or traumatic injury, active secretion providing for chemotactic and cytokine‐like function and an ability to resolve inflammation, including tissue repair and remodelling. In this review, we will give an overview of the post‐translational modifications necessary for such diversity in biological activity, concentrating particularly on how differences in oxidation of highly conserved redox‐sensitive cysteine residues can potentiate inflammatory responses and dictate cellular fate. We will also review the most recent literature on HMGB1 and its involvement in the pathophysiology of sepsis and cancer, as well as cancer therapy‐induced mucositis.
Tripartite immune cell co‐operation in the Bacillus Calmette Guérin‐induced activation of γδ T cells
Authors: Fowler Daniel W , Copier John , Dalgleish Angus G , Bodman‐Smith Mark D
Published: June 2013

γδ T cells contribute to immunosurveillance of pathogenic infections and malignant transformations; however, mechanisms of activation have yet to be fully defined. In this study we demonstrate a novel mechanism by which human Vδ2+ γδ T cells are activated by the model pathogen Bacillus Calmette Guérin (BCG). We show in vitro that Vδ2 cell cytokine production and cytotoxic activity in response to BCG are dependent on both dendritic cells (DCs) and memory CD4+ αβ T cells (CD4 T cells). We found that Vδ2 cells are indirectly activated by BCG in an interleukin (IL)‐12p70‐dependent manner, and that DC production of the IL‐12p70 responsible for Vδ2 cell activation requires Toll‐like receptor 2/4 ligands from BCG and interferon (IFN)‐γ from memory CD4 T cells. Our data suggest that Vδ2 cell responses to BCG are dependent on the activation of IFN‐γ‐producing memory CD4 T cells, and provide novel insight into the complex interplay between cells of the innate and adaptive immune response.
Erratum: Coral reef invertebrate microbiomes correlate with the presence of photosymbionts
Authors: Bourne David G , Dennis Paul G , Uthicke Sven , Soo Rochelle M , Tyson Gene W , Webster Nicole
Published: June 2013

Correction to: The ISME Journal (2013) 7, 1452–1458; doi:10.1038/ismej.2012.172; published online 10 January 2013 Since the publication of this paper, the authors have become aware of an error in terminology leading to confusion in the definition of ‘photosymbiont bearing’ and ‘non-photosymbiont bearing’ invertebrates.
Differences in respiratory syncytial virus and influenza infection in a house-dust-mite-induced asthma mouse model: consequences for steroid sensitivity
Authors: Mori Hiroki , Parker Nicole S. , Rodrigues Deborah , Hulland Kathryn , Chappell Deborah , Hincks Jennifer S. , Bright Helen , Evans Steven M. , Lamb David J.
Published: June 2013

A significant number of clinical asthma exacerbations are triggered by viral infection. We aimed to characterize the effect of virus infection in an HDM (house dust mite) mouse model of asthma and assess the effect of oral corticosteroids. HDM alone significantly increased eosinophils, lymphocytes, neutrophils, macrophages and a number of cytokines in BAL (bronchoalveolar lavage), all of which were sensitive to treatment with prednisolone (with the exception of neutrophils). Virus infection also induced cell infiltration and cytokines. RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) infection in HDM-treated animals further increased all cell types in BAL (except eosinophils, which declined), but induced no further increase in HDM-elicited cytokines. However, while HDM-elicited TNF-α (tumour necrosis factor-α), IFN-γ (interferon-γ), IL (interleukin)-2, IL-5 and IL-10 were sensitive to prednisolone treatment, concomitant infection with RSV blocked the sensitivity towards steroid. In contrast, influenza infection in HDM- challenged animals resulted in increased BAL lymphocytes, neutrophils, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10 and IL-12, but all were attenuated by prednisolone treatment. HDM also increased eNO (exhaled NO), which was further increased by concomitant virus infection. This increase was only partially attenuated by prednisolone. RSV infection alone increased BAL mucin. However, BAL mucin was increased in HDM animals with virus infection. Chronic HDM challenge in mice elicits a broad inflammatory response that shares many characteristics with clinical asthma. Concomitant influenza or RSV infection elicits differing inflammatory profiles that differ in their sensitivity towards steroids. This model may be suitable for the assessment of novel pharmacological interventions for asthmatic exacerbation.
Effects of Tubing Length and Coupling Method on Hearing Threshold and Real-Ear to Coupler Difference Measures
Authors: Gustafson Samantha , Pittman Andrea , Fanning Robert
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This tutorial demonstrates the effects of tubing length and coupling type (i.e., foam tip or personal earmold) on hearing threshold and real-ear-to-coupler difference (RECD) measures.

Method

Hearing thresholds from 0.25 kHz through 8 kHz are reported at various tubing lengths for 28 normal-hearing adults between the ages of 22 and 31 years. RECD values are reported for 14 of the adults. All measures were made with an insert earphone coupled to a standard foam tip and with an insert earphone coupled to each participant's personal earmold.

Results

Threshold and RECD measures obtained with a personal earmold were significantly different from those obtained with a foam tip on repeated measures analyses of variance. One-sample
t
tests showed these differences to vary systematically with increasing tubing length, with the largest average differences (7–8 dB) occurring at 4 kHz.

Conclusions

This systematic examination demonstrates the equal and opposite effects of tubing length on threshold and acoustic measures. Specifically, as tubing length increased, sound pressure level in the ear canal decreased, affecting both hearing thresholds and the real-ear portion of the RECDs. This demonstration shows that when the same coupling method is used to obtain the hearing thresholds and RECD, equal and accurate estimates of real-ear sound pressure level are obtained.
Speech-in-Noise Tests for Multilingual Hearing Screening and Diagnostics1
Authors: Zokoll Melanie A. , Hochmuth Sabine , Warzybok Anna , Wagener Kirsten C. , Buschermöhle Michael , Kollmeier Birger
Published: June 2013

Purpose

New complementary multilingual speech-in-noise tests in Russian, Turkish, and Spanish for hearing self-screening purposes and follow-up hearing diagnostics are compared to the speech tests of the European project, HearCom (Hearing in the Communication Society).

Method

The tests consist of spoken numbers (Digit Triplet Test; Smits, Kapteyn, & Houtgast, 2004) or sentences (Matrix Test; e.g., Hagerman, 1982) presented in a background noise and estimate the speech reception threshold, which is the signal-to-noise ratio that yields 50% speech intelligibility. All tests were developed according to the HearCom minimum quality standards for speech intelligibility tests. This report presents a cross-language comparison of reference speech intelligibility functions for monaural headphone measurements with normal-hearing listeners. The same model function was employed to describe the speech intelligibility functions for all of the tests.

Results

Reference speech intelligibility functions of the new versions of the Digit Triplet Test and Matrix Test show high comparability to the HearCom tests. In order to achieve the highest possible comparability across languages, language- and speaker-dependent factors in speech intelligibility should be compensated for.

Conclusion

To date, several complementary tests for screening and diagnostics have been developed in several languages. Adhering to the HearCom standards, the tests are highly comparable across languages. For the Matrix Test, equal syntax and linguistic complexity were maintained across languages due to common methodological standards.
Masking Release Due to Linguistic and Phonetic Dissimilarity Between the Target and Masker Speech
Authors: Calandruccio Lauren , Brouwer Susanne , Van Engen Kristin J. , Dhar Sumitrajit , Bradlow Ann R.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

To investigate masking release for speech maskers for linguistically and phonetically close (English and Dutch) and distant (English and Mandarin) language pairs.

Method

Thirty-two monolingual speakers of English with normal audiometric thresholds participated in the study. Data are reported for an English sentence recognition task in English and for Dutch and Mandarin competing speech maskers (Experiment 1) and noise maskers (Experiment 2) that were matched either to the long-term average speech spectra or to the temporal modulations of the speech maskers from Experiment 1.

Results

Listener performance increased as the target-to-masker linguistic distance increased (English-in-English < English-in-Dutch < English-in-Mandarin).

Conclusion

Spectral differences between maskers can account for some, but not all, of the variation in performance between maskers; however, temporal differences did not seem to play a significant role.
Measurements of the electrokinetic forces on dielectric microparticles in nematic liquid crystals using optical trapping
Authors: Ryzhkova A. V. , Podgornov F. V. , Gaebler A. , Jakoby R. , Haase W.
Published: June 2013

We have studied the dynamics of dielectric microparticles dispersed in a nematic liquid crystal (NLC) in the presence of an external AC electric field. Investigations were performed using optical trapping technique in the cell with in-plane electrodes. It was shown that the main driving force in the bulk of the material has electrophoretic nature. It was demonstrated that the microparticle behavior strongly depends on the distance with respect to the electrode and is influenced by the dielectrophoretic force. The model, which enables estimation of the electrokinetic forces, is proposed. The forces are found from the balance with the optical trapping force. The microparticle surface charge q≈2.1×10−17 C, linear electrophoretic mobilities μ∥≈10−11 m2/(V⋅s),μ⊥≈7×10−12 m2/(V⋅s), and the NLC viscosity η≈(21.2±4.7)×10−3 Pa⋅s at T=40 °C are evaluated.
Perfectly planar boronyl boroxine D3h B6O6: A boron oxide analog of boroxine and benzene
Authors: Li Da-Zhi , Bai Hui , Chen Qiang , Lu Haigang , Zhai Hua-Jin , Li Si-Dian
Published: June 2013

Inorganic benzene-like compounds such as boroxine and borazine are of interest in chemistry. Here we report on theoretical prediction of a new member of the inorganic benzene family: boronyl boroxine. This perfectly planar D3h B6O6 (1, 1A1′) cluster is identified as the global minimum of the system at density functional theory (B3LYP) and molecular orbital theory levels, which lies at least ∼20 kcal/mol lower in energy than alternative structures. It can be formulated as B3O3(BO)3 and features a boroxol B3O3 ring as the core with three boronyl (BO) groups attached terminally, closely resembling boroxine and obtainable from the latter via isovalent BO/H substitution. Detailed bonding analyses reveal weak π aromaticity in boronyl boroxine, rendering it a true analog to boroxine and borazine. Upon electron attachment, the slightly distorted C2v B6O6− (2, 2A2) anion is also perfectly planar, and its electronic properties are calculated. A huge energy gap (4.83 eV) is predicted for B6O6− (2) at B3LYP level, which is characteristic of a stable closed-shell neutral cluster. Similar to benzene, boronyl boroxine is also predicted to be an effective inorganic ligand to form sandwich-type complexes, such as D3d [B3O3(BO)3]2Cr (4, 1Ag).
Evanescent waves propagation along a periodically corrugated surface and their amplification by relativistic electron beam (quasi-optical theory)
Authors: Ginzburg N. S. , Malkin A. M. , Zheleznov I. V. , Sergeev A. S.
Published: June 2013

By using a quasi-optical approach, we study propagation of evanescent waves along a periodically corrugated surface and their excitation by relativistic electron beams. Under assumption of a shallow (in the scale of period) corrugation, the dispersion equation for normal waves is derived and two particular cases are studied. In the first case, the wave frequency is far from the Bragg resonance; therefore, the evanescent wave propagation can be described by using the impedance approximation with deceleration of the zeroth spatial harmonic. The second case takes place at the frequencies close to the Bragg resonance. There, the field can be represented as two counter-propagating quasi-optical wave beams, which are coupled on the corrugated surface and form an evanescent normal wave. With regard to the interaction with an electron beam, the first case corresponds to the convective instability that can be used for amplification of radiation, while the second case corresponds to the absolute instability used in surface-wave oscillators. This paper is focused on studying main features of amplifier schemes, such as the increments, electron efficiency, and formation of a self-consistent spatial structure of the radiated field. For practical applications, the feasibility of realization of relativistic surface-wave amplifiers in the submillimeter wavelength range is estimated.