bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bleomycin induces endothelial mesenchymal transition through activation of mTORpathway: a possible mechanism contributing to the sclerotherapy of venous malformations
Authors: Zhang Wei , Chen Gang , Ren Jian‐Gang , Zhao Yi‐Fang
Published: August 2013

Background and Purpose

Bleomycin (BLM), one of the most common sclerosants, is often used to treat venous malformations (VMs). The present study was designed to investigate whether endothelial mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) contributes to the therapeutic effects ofBLM.

Experimental Approach

Endothelial and mesenchymal markers of HUVECs were measured by immunofluorescence, real‐time quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis. Cell migration and tube formation assays were performed to evaluate endothelial cell function. Slug small‐interferingRNAand specific inhibitors [Z‐VAD‐FMK for pan caspases, rapamycin for mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)] were used to investigate the mechanism.

Key Results

Long term (48 h or longer) treatment withBLM(0.1 mU·mL−1) inducedEndoMTinHUVECs, as manifested by a reduction in the expression of vascular endothelial‐cadherin and an up‐regulation in the expression of α‐smooth muscle actin and fibroblast specific protein‐1, as well as activation of the transcription factor Slug. The size and protein content of the transformed cells were increased. BLM also enhanced the migration of HUVECs but diminished their tube formation. By employing rapamycin, we demonstrated that activation of the mTORpathway is involved inBLM‐inducedEndoMTinHUVECs.

Conclusions and Implications

Our results show that a Slug‐dependentEndoMTprocess is involved inBLM‐induced therapeutic effects on endothelial cells and, more importantly, indicate the potential role of this process in the sclerotherapy ofVMs.
Novel roles for β‐arrestins in the regulation of pharmacological sequestration to predict agonist‐induced desensitization of dopamine D3 receptors
Authors: Min C , Zheng M , Zhang X , Caron M G , Kim K M
Published: August 2013

Background and Purpose

In addition to typical GPCR kinase (GRK)‐/β‐arrestin‐dependent internalization, dopamine D3 receptor employed an additional GRK‐independent sequestration pathway. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism of this novel sequestration pathway.

Experimental Approach

Radioligand binding, flow cytometry and cell surface biotinylation assay were used to characterize trafficking properties of D2 and D3 receptors. Serine/threonine and N‐linked glycosylation mutants of the D3 receptor were utilized to locate receptor regions involved in pharmacological sequestration and desensitization. Various point mutants of the D2 and D3 receptors, whose sequestration and desensitization properties were altered, were combined with knockdown cells of GRKs or β‐arrestins to functionally correlate pharmacological sequestration and desensitization.

Key Results

The D3 receptor, but not the D2 receptor, showed characteristic trafficking behaviour in which receptors were shifted towards the more hydrophobic domains within the plasma membrane without translocation into other intracellular compartments. Among various amino acid residues tested, S145/S146, C147 and N12/19 were involved in pharmacological sequestration and receptor desensitization. Both pharmacological sequestration and desensitization of D3 receptor required β‐arrestins, and functional relationship was observed between two processes when it was tested for D3 receptor variants and agonists.

Conclusions and Implications

Pharmacological sequestration of D3 receptor accompanies movement of cell surface receptors into a more hydrophobic fraction within the plasma membrane and renders D3 receptor inaccessible to hydrophilic ligands. Pharmacological sequestration is correlated with desensitization of the D3 receptor in a Gβγ‐ and β‐arrestin‐dependent manner. This study provides new insights into molecular mechanism governing GPCR trafficking and desensitization.
Anandamide transport inhibition by ARN272 attenuates nausea‐induced behaviour in rats, and vomiting in shrews (Suncus murinus)
Authors: O'Brien L D , Limebeer C L , Rock E M , Bottegoni G , Piomelli D , Parker L A
Published: August 2013

Background and Purpose

To understand how anandamide transport inhibition impacts the regulation of nausea and vomiting and the receptor level mechanism of action involved. In light of recent characterization of an anandamide transporter, fatty acid amide hydrolase‐1‐like anandamide transporter, to provide behavioural support for anandamide cellular reuptake as a facilitated transport process.

Experimental Approach

The systemic administration of the anandamide transport inhibitor ARN272 ([(4‐(5‐(4‐hydroxy‐phenyl)‐3,4‐diaza‐bicyclo[4.4.0]deca‐1(6),2,4,7,9‐pentaen‐2‐ylamino)‐phenyl)‐phenylamino‐methanone]) was used to evaluate the prevention of LiCl‐induced nausea‐induced behaviour (conditioned gaping) in rats, and LiCl‐induced emesis in shrews (Suncus murinus). The mechanism of how prolonging anandamide availability acts to regulate nausea in rats was explored by the antagonism of cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors with the systemic co‐administration of SR141716.

Key Results

The systemic administration of ARN272 produced a dose‐dependent suppression of nausea‐induced conditioned gaping in rats, and produced a dose‐dependent reduction of vomiting in shrews. The systemic co‐administration of SR141716 with ARN272 (at 3.0 mg·kg−1) in rats produced a complete reversal of ARN272‐suppressed gaping at 1.0 mg·kg−1. SR141716 alone did not differ from the vehicle solution.

Conclusions and Implications

These results suggest that anandamide transport inhibition by the compound ARN272 tonically activates CB1 receptors and as such produces a type of indirect agonism to regulate toxin‐induced nausea and vomiting. The results also provide behavioural evidence in support of a facilitated transport mechanism used in the cellular reuptake of anandamide.
Reforming the city: Neoliberal school reform and democratic contestation in New Orleans
Authors: Huff Alice
Published: August 2013

Following Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans became a testing ground for a series of neoliberal school reforms, including the eradication of neighbourhood attendance boundaries and the extensive charterization of public schools in the parish. Ostensibly designed to improve schooling options, these efforts are not directed solely at securing positive educational outcomes. Instead, neoliberal school reforms utilize spatial strategies to reshape the city itself in ways that often benefit white elites while displacing and disempowering many of the city's poor people of colour. These reform strategies tend to undermine democratic life but, as illustrated by the work of the non‐profit group OPEN (Orleans Public Education Network), they do not foreclose the possibility of it. Rather than taking a particular stand toward the current reforms, OPEN attempts to build civic capacity around educational issues. The deliberative process they use creates a time and a place for a type of educative experience that is actively discouraged by neoliberal reform and yet vitally important to democratic struggles.
Proteus syndrome review: molecular, clinical, and pathologic features
Authors: Cohen M. Michael
Published: August 2013

Proteus syndrome is caused by an activating AKT1 mutation (c.49G>A, p.Glu17Lys). Many variable features are possible in this mosaic disorder, including: (i) disproportionate, asymmetric, and distorting overgrowth; (ii) bone abnormalities different from those observed in other disorders; (iii) a characteristic cerebriform connective tissue nevus made up of highly collagenized connective tissue; (iv) epidermal nevi in early life, consisting of acanthosis and hyperkeratosis; (v) vascular malformations of the capillary, venous, or lymphatic types; (vi) dysregulated adipose tissue including lipomas, lipohypoplasia, fatty overgrowth, and localized fat deposits; (vii) other unusual features, including bullous lung alterations; specific neoplasms; a facial phenotype associated with intellectual disability and/or seizures, and/or brain malformations; and (viii) deep vein thrombosis, resulting in premature death. Concluding remarks address diagnostic criteria, natural history, management, psychosocial issues, and differential diagnosis.
Which patients should be evaluated for blood glucose variability?
Authors: Candido R.
Published: August 2013

Diabetes is characterized by glycaemic disorders that include both sustained chronic hyperglycaemia and acute fluctuations (i.e. glycaemic variability). Increasing attention is being paid to the role of glycaemic variability as a relevant determinant for diabetes control and prevention of its vascular complications. As a consequence, it is strongly suggested that a global antidiabetic strategy should be aimed at reducing to a minimum the different components of glycaemic control (i.e. HbA1c, fasting and postprandial glucose, as well as glycaemic variability). Subjects at risk of hypoglycaemia, subjects with postprandial hyperglycaemia and patients who need to adjust or start insulin seem to be the categories that require glycaemic variability monitoring. The analysis of blood glucose variability represents an additional tool in the global assessment of glycaemic control and can serve as a guide to the clinician in the management of therapy and for the patients both in the prevention of acute complications, in particular hypoglycaemia, and chronic disease, in particular macrovascular complications.
Calcified neurocysticercosis lesions and antiepileptic drug–resistant epilepsy: A surgically remediable syndrome?
Authors: Rathore Chaturbhuj , Thomas Bejoy , Kesavadas Chandrasekharan , Abraham Mathew , Radhakrishnan Kurupath
Published: August 2013

Purpose

In contrast to the well‐recognized association between acute symptomatic seizures and neurocysticercosis, the association between antiepileptic drug (AED)–resistant epilepsy and calcified neurocysticercosis lesions (CNLs) is poorly understood. We studied the association between AED‐resistant epilepsy and CNLs, including the feasibility and outcome of resective surgery.

Methods

From the prospective database maintained at our epilepsy center, we reviewed the data of all patients with AED‐resistant epilepsy who underwent presurgical evaluation from January 2001 to July 2010 and had CNL on imaging. We used clinical, neuroimaging, and interictal, ictal, and intracranial electroencephalography (EEG) findings to determine the association between CNL and epilepsy. Suitable candidates underwent resective surgery.

Key Findings

Forty‐five patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In 17 patients, CNL was proven to be the causative lesion for AED‐resistant epilepsy (group 1); in 18 patients, CNL was associated with unilateral hippocampal sclerosis (HS; group 2); and in 10 patients, CNLs were considered as incidental lesions (group 3). In group 1 patients, CNLs were more common in frontal lobes (12/17), whereas in group 2 patients, CNLs were more commonly located in temporal lobes (11/18; p = 0.002). Group 2 patients were of a younger age at epilepsy onset than those in group 1 (8.9 ± 7.3 vs. 12.6 ± 6.8 years, p = 0.003). Perilesional gliosis was more common among patients in group 1 when compared to group 3 patients (12/17 vs. 1/10; p = 0.006). Fifteen patients underwent resective surgery. Among group 1 patients, four of five became seizure‐free following lesionectomy alone. In group 2, four patients underwent anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) alone, of whom one became seizure‐free; five underwent ATL combined with removal of CNL (two of them after intracranial EEG and all of them became seizure‐free, whereas one patient underwent lesionectomy alone and did not become seizure‐free.

Significance

In endemic regions, although rare, CNLs are potential cause for AED‐resistant and surgically remediable epilepsy, as well as dual pathology. Presence of perilesional gliosis contributes to epileptogenicity of these lesions. For those patients with CNL and HS, resection of both lesions favors better chance of seizure‐free outcome.
Reassessing regime shifts in the North Pacific: incremental climate change and commercial fishing are necessary for explaining decadal‐scale biological variability
Authors: Litzow Michael A. , Mueter Franz J. , Hobday Alistair J.
Published: August 2013

In areas of the North Pacific that are largely free of overfishing, climate regime shifts – abrupt changes in modes of low‐frequency climate variability – are seen as the dominant drivers of decadal‐scale ecological variability. We assessed the ability of leading modes of climate variability [Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), North Pacific Gyre Oscillation (NPGO), Arctic Oscillation (AO), Pacific‐North American Pattern (PNA), North Pacific Index (NPI), El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO)] to explain decadal‐scale (1965–2008) patterns of climatic and biological variability across two North Pacific ecosystems (Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea). Our response variables were the first principle component (PC1) of four regional climate parameters [sea surface temperature (SST), sea level pressure (SLP), freshwater input, ice cover], and PCs 1–2 of 36 biological time series [production or abundance for populations of salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.), groundfish, herring (Clupea pallasii), shrimp, and jellyfish]. We found that the climate modes alone could not explain ecological variability in the study region. Both linear models (for climate PC1) and generalized additive models (for biology PC1–2) invoking only the climate modes produced residuals with significant temporal trends, indicating that the models failed to capture coherent patterns of ecological variability. However, when the residual climate trend and a time series of commercial fishery catches were used as additional candidate variables, resulting models of biology PC1–2 satisfied assumptions of independent residuals and out‐performed models constructed from the climate modes alone in terms of predictive power. As measured by effect size and Akaike weights, the residual climate trend was the most important variable for explaining biology PC1 variability, and commercial catch the most important variable for biology PC2. Patterns of climate sensitivity and exploitation history for taxa strongly associated with biology PC1–2 suggest plausible mechanistic explanations for these modeling results. Our findings suggest that, even in the absence of overfishing and in areas strongly influenced by internal climate variability, climate regime shift effects can only be understood in the context of other ecosystem perturbations.
Nitrogen deposition promotes the production of new fungal residues but retards the decomposition of old residues in forest soil fractions
Authors: Griepentrog Marco , Bodé Samuel , Boeckx Pascal , Hagedorn Frank , Heim Alexander , Schmidt Michael W. I.
Published: August 2013

Atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition has frequently been observed to increase soil carbon (C) storage in forests, but the underlying mechanisms still remain unclear. Changes in microbial community composition and substrate use are hypothesized to be one of the key mechanisms affected by N inputs. Here, we investigated the effects of N deposition on amino sugars, which are used as biomarkers for fungal‐ and bacterial‐derived microbial residues in soil. We made use of a 4‐year combined CO2 enrichment and N deposition experiment in model forest ecosystems, providing a distinct 13C signal for ‘new’ and ‘old’ C in soil organic matter and microbial residues measured in density and particle‐size fractions of soils. Our hypothesis was that N deposition decreases the amount of fungal residues in soils, with the new microbial residues being more strongly affected than old residues. The soil fractionation showed that organic matter and microbial residues are mainly stabilized by association with soil minerals in the heavy and fine fractions. Moreover, the bacterial residues are relatively enriched at mineral surfaces compared to fungal residues. The 13C tracing indicated a greater formation of fungal residues compared to bacterial residues after 4 years of experiment. In contradiction to our hypotheses, N deposition significantly increased the amount of new fungal residues in bulk soil and decreased the decomposition of old microbial residues associated with soil minerals. The preservation of old microbial residues could be due to decreased N limitation of microorganisms and therefore a reduced dependence on organic N sources. This mechanism might be especially important in fine heavy fractions with low C/N ratios, where microbial residues are effectively protected from decomposition by association with soil minerals.
Evidence for strong seasonality in the carbon storage and carbon use efficiency of an Amazonian forest
Authors: Rowland Lucy , Hill Timothy Charles , Stahl Clement , Siebicke Lukas , Burban Benoit , Zaragoza‐Castells Joana , Ponton Stephane , Bonal Damien , Meir Patrick , Williams Mathew
Published: August 2013

The relative contribution of gross primary production and ecosystem respiration to seasonal changes in the net carbon flux of tropical forests remains poorly quantified by both modelling and field studies. We use data assimilation to combine nine ecological time series from an eastern Amazonian forest, with mass balance constraints from an ecosystem carbon cycle model. The resulting analysis quantifies, with uncertainty estimates, the seasonal changes in the net carbon flux of a tropical rainforest which experiences a pronounced dry season. We show that the carbon accumulation in this forest was four times greater in the dry season than in the wet season and that this was accompanied by a 5% increase in the carbon use efficiency. This seasonal response was caused by a dry season increase in gross primary productivity, in response to radiation and a similar magnitude decrease in heterotrophic respiration, in response to drying soils. The analysis also predicts increased carbon allocation to leaves and wood in the wet season, and greater allocation to fine roots in the dry season. This study demonstrates implementation of seasonal variations in parameters better enables models to simulate observed patterns in data. In particular, we highlight the necessity to simulate the seasonal patterns of heterotrophic respiration to accurately simulate the net carbon flux seasonal tropical forest.
Intravenous thrombolysis in patients aged more than 80 years in the three rural hospitals in southeast Poland: An observational study
Authors: Sobolewski Piotr , Brola Waldemar , Stoiński Jan , Szczuchniak Wiktor , Fudala Malgorzata , Hatalska‐Żerebiec Renata , Śledzińska‐Dźwigał Monika
Published: August 2013

Aims

Approximately 30% of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) occurs in people aged over 80 years. Older patients are increasingly receiving intravenous thrombolysis (IV‐thrombolysis) for AIS; however, the majority of treatments are carried out in urban hospitals. The aim of the present study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of IV‐thrombolysis in patients aged older than 80 years.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the clinical and epidemiological data of 409 patients with AIS who were consecutively treated with IV‐thrombolysis from September 2006 to June 2012 in the three rural hospitals.

Results

In the analyzed group, there were 22.3% of patients who were aged over 80 years (2.4% patients aged ≥90 years). Among these patients we found: longer onset to door time (P = 0.04), onset to treatment time (P = 0.0003) and door to treatment time (P < 0.0001). The functional independence (modified Rankin Scale 0–2) at 90 days was lower (P = 0.0004), whereas the risk of hemorrhagic transformation (HT; P = 0.001), symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) according to National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) definition (P = 0.003) and mortality rate within 3 months were higher (P < 0.0001) than in younger patients. A multivariate analysis showed no impact of older age on long‐term outcome, and the presence of HT and SICH. Age over 80 years was associated with higher mortality rate.

Conclusions

Older age affected the increased times for pre‐ and in‐hospital procedures in rural patients with AIS. Older patients should not be denied the chance to benefit from IV‐thrombolysis, but because of the higher mortality, the application of this therapy should be carefully decided on. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 689–694.
Orthopaedic surgery in patients with von Willebrand disease
Authors: Siboni S. M. , Biguzzi E. , Solimeno L. P. , Pasta G. , Mistretta C. , Mannucci P. M. , Peyvandi F.
Published: August 2013

Patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD) may need orthopaedic surgery because of disabling chronic arthropathy due to recurrent joint bleeding. They may also require this surgery independently of their haemostasis disorder. Knowledge regarding the management of orthopaedic surgery in VWD is limited. Description of management of orthopaedic surgery in patients with VWD, based upon retrospective data collection and analysis of 32 orthopaedic procedures carried out over a period of 33 years in 23 patients was the aim of this study. Of 32 procedures, six were minor (three hand surgery, one foot surgery, two others) and 26 were major (seven joint replacements, nine arthroscopic procedures, two foot surgery, eight others). Twenty‐two procedures were performed using replacement therapy with plasma‐derived concentrates containing both factor VIII (FVIII) and von Willebrand factor (VWF). Two procedures in patients with acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AWVS) were performed using FVIII‐VWF concentrates associated with intravenous immunoglobulins, or desmopressin plus tranexamic acid. Seven procedures were performed using desmopressin alone and one using intravenous immunoglobulins in AVWS. Bleeding complications occurred in seven procedures (22%). In one patient, an anti‐VWF antibody was diagnosed after surgery. Anticoagulant prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism was implemented in four cases only and in two instances there was excessive bleeding. In conclusion, control of surgical haemostasis was achieved in most patients with VWD undergoing orthopaedic surgery. The control of haemostasis combined with an adequate surgical technique and early post‐operative rehabilitation are warranted for the successful performance of orthopaedic surgery in VWD, which requires the involvement of specialized haemophilia centres.
Splenic lymph follicles generate immunoglobulin M‐producing B cells in primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Kikuchi Kentaro , Tsuneyama Koichi , Yamada Hanae , Kajiyama Yusuke , Matsumoto Kotaro , Tsunashima Hiromichi , Yamashita Risa , Takai Atsuko , Negishi Masatsugu , Hara Masumi , Moritoki Yuki , Miyakawa Hiroshi
Published: August 2013

Aim

To reveal the site of immunoglobulin (Ig)M production in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) we performed immunohistochemical analysis on spleens collected from patients with PBC.

Methods

Splenic tissue samples were collected at the time of the autopsy from patients with hepatic failure. Immunostaining for IgM, CD21 and CXCL13 were performed using the splenic tissue samples.

Results

The samples from five out of eight cases with PBC but not in eight cases of chronic hepatitis C virus infection showed accumulation of IgM positive cells in CD21 positive lymph follicles. The CXCL13 positive cells also accumulated in the center of the lymph follicles where the IgM positive cells accumulated.

Conclusion

The present results suggest that excess IgM is produced from the spleen of PBC. Furthermore, it was suggested that CXCL13 positive follicular dendritic cells possibly contribute to this process.
Selected Emerging Opportunities for Ceramics in Energy, Environment, and Transportation
Authors: Sundaram Shanmugavelayutham , Colombo Paolo , Katoh Yutai
Published: August 2013

Novel ceramic materials and advanced techniques for processing them and controlling their microstructure are breaking new ground in the areas of energy, environment, and transportation. For example, terahertz (THz) properties of ceramic materials and advanced structures reveal their potential for sensing in energy and environmental applications as well as local communication networks in transportation. Emerging opportunities for the development of improved porous ceramics for engine emissions control are discussed in particular, in consideration of the key role that this technology has with respect to global environmental and transportation concerns. Moreover, it is anticipated that advanced ceramics and composites of certain classes will enable innovation in nuclear energy by providing breakthrough accident‐tolerant features. In this article, we highlight these three areas of ceramics that are critical to the future and also show promise for growth.
The use of cognitive reappraisal and humour as coping strategies for bullied nurses
Authors: Wilkins Julia
Published: August 2013

This article explores the repercussions of workplace bullying on nurses and the health‐care profession as a whole. I discuss the nature of workplace bullying and draw upon prior studies to explore some of the barriers that prevent witnesses to bullying from intervening, as well as barriers faced by targets in taking action to stop the bullying. As overt forms of resistance are often not feasible in situations where nurses occupy subordinate positions to their bullies, I propose that cognitive reappraisal can be an effective coping strategy, and situate this perspective within the research on humour, hope and optimism.
Validation of the Chinese Version of Differentiation of Self Inventory (C‐DSI)
Authors: Lam Ching Man , Chan‐So Peggy C. Y.
Published: August 2013

Although the need to develop objective assessment tools in different cultures is well‐recognized, there is a severe lack of objective measures about emotional functioning in the Chinese context. This project conducted three studies to validate the Chinese version of the Differentiation of Self Inventory (DSI). Study 1 looked at the factor structure, internal consistency, concurrent validity, and construct validity of the C‐DSI. Study 2 examined the test–retest reliability of the C‐DSI. Study 3 tested the discriminant validity of the C‐DSI in a clinical sample and in a nonclinical sample and examined its correlations with the General Contentment Scale (GCS). The study results suggested that the C‐DSI possesses good psychometric properties. Findings also indicated implications of divergent cultures and hinted at treatment implications—taking the familistic orientation and the Chinese meaning of self into consideration to understand the differentiation of self in the Chinese culture context.
Topical delivery of ocular therapeutics: carrier systems and physical methods
Authors: Souza Joel G , Dias Karina , Pereira Tatiana Aparecida , Bernardi Daniela Spuri , Lopez Renata F V
Published: August 2013

Objective

The basic concepts, major mechanisms, technological developments and advantages of the topical application of lipid-based systems (microemulsions, nanoemulsions, liposomes and solid lipid nanoparticles), polymeric systems (hydrogels, contact lenses, polymeric nanoparticles and dendrimers) and physical methods (iontophoresis and sonophoresis) will be reviewed.

Key findings

Although very convenient for patients, topical administration of conventional drug formulations for the treatment of eye diseases requires high drug doses, frequent administration and rarely provides high drug bioavailability. Thus, strategies to improve the efficacy of topical treatments have been extensively investigated. In general, the majority of the successful delivery systems are present on the ocular surface over an extended period of time, and these systems typically improve drug bioavailability in the anterior chamber whereas the physical methods facilitate drug penetration over a very short period of time through ocular barriers, such as the cornea and sclera.

Although in the early stages, the combination of these delivery systems with physical methods would appear to be a promising tool to decrease the dose and frequency of administration; thereby, patient compliance and treatment efficacy will be improved.
Emergence of response‐response relations
Authors: Kuwahara Masanobu , Matsumoto Akio , Okouchi Hiroto , Ono Koichi
Published: August 2013

The present study examined whether bidirectional response‐response relations could be established without direct reinforcement. In AB training for 12 undergraduates, higher rates of touches to a white circle on the monitor screen (A1) produced two stimuli (B1 and B2) on half of the trials, whereas lower rates (A2) produced the same effect on the other half. Choosing one of the two stimuli was reinforced according to the preceding responding (A1B1 and A2B2). In BC training, touching a stimulus (B1 or B2) produced three white circles lined up horizontally on the screen, after which one of two different response sequences to the circles (left‐center‐right, C1 or C2, and right‐center‐left, C2 or C1) were reinforced, depending on the stimulus presented (B1C1 and B2C2). After AB and BC relations were established, 11 of 12 participants showed the emergence of untrained relations (BA, CB, AC, and CA) throughout five test sessions, and the remaining participant showed it in the first four test sessions. These response‐response relations were replicated with five other undergraduates and different trained relations.
Resemblance to familiar faces is exaggerated in memory
Authors: Tomita Akitoshi , Yamamoto Sayumi , Matsushita Soyogu , Morikawa Kazunori
Published: August 2013

Recognition memory performance for familiar faces is better than that for unfamiliar faces. However, it is unclear whether this “familiarity effect” also occurs for unfamiliar faces which resemble familiar faces. In Experiment 1, we tested recognition memory for unfamiliar faces, and showed that unfamiliar faces that resemble familiar faces are recognized more accurately than are unfamiliar faces that do not. In Experiment 2, we attempted to measure how accurately the degree of resemblance is remembered. We had participants remember unfamiliar faces that resembled either familiar faces or unfamiliar faces. Then the participants were asked to choose the face that they thought they had seen from an array of faces whose degree of resemblance was systematically varied. The results demonstrated that resemblance to familiar faces enhances encoding of facial information, and that the degree of resemblance to familiar faces is exaggerated in memory. Experiment 3 indicated that people perceive mild anti‐caricatures to be most like the real faces that are familiar to them. This finding suggests that exaggerated resemblance in memory is not due to exaggerated representations of familiar faces.
Clinical outcomes of periodontal therapy are not influenced by the ATC/TTC haplotype in the IL8 gene
Authors: Corbi S. C. T. , Finoti L. S. , Anovazzi G. , Tanaka M. H. , Kim Y. J. , Secolin R. , Marcaccini A. M. , Gerlach R. F. , Orrico S. R. P. , Cirelli J. A. , Scarel‐Caminaga R. M.
Published: August 2013

Background and Objective

Although chronic periodontitis (CP) is a multifactorial condition, few studies have investigated the potential association of gene variants with the outcome of periodontal therapy. In a previous study, we reported that variants in the interleukin‐8 (IL8) gene were associated with CP in a Brazilian population. The aim of this nonrandomized study was to investigate whether genetic susceptibility to CP, conferred by the presence of the IL8 ATC/TTC haplotype, influences the clinical outcomes of nonsurgical periodontal therapy and the IL‐8 protein levels in the gingival crevicular fluid.

Material and Methods

Forty‐one individuals were grouped according to the presence (susceptible to CP; n = 21) or absence (not susceptible to CP; n = 20) of the IL8 ATC/TTC haplotype. These individuals received nonsurgical periodontal therapy from one periodontist, who was blinded to the genetic status of each patient, and follow up continued for 45 d. The clinical parameters and gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected at baseline and on day 45. The IL‐8 levels were determined by an ELISA. The data were subjected to the Mann‐Whitney U‐test, Wilcoxon and Spearman tests and to multiple logistic‐regression analysis.

Results

No significant differences between patients with or without the IL8 ATC/TTC haplotype were found for the outcome of nonsurgical periodontal therapy and IL‐8 levels. The multiple logistic‐regression analysis did not show a statistically significant association between the IL8 haplotype and the variables studied.

Conclusion

In this longitudinal clinical study, we observed that neither the outcome of nonsurgical periodontal therapy nor the IL‐8 levels were influenced by the IL8 ATC/TTC CP‐susceptibility haplotype. Additional studies of CP patients from other ethnic populations are necessary to confirm these results.
Endothelial function and sleep: associations of flow‐mediated dilation with perceived sleep quality and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep
Authors: Cooper Denise C. , Ziegler Michael G. , Milic Milos S. , Ancoli‐Israel Sonia , Mills Paul J. , Loredo José S. , Von Känel Roland , Dimsdale Joel E.
Published: August 2013

Endothelial function typically precedes clinical manifestations of cardiovascular disease and provides a potential mechanism for the associations observed between cardiovascular disease and sleep quality. This study examined how subjective and objective indicators of sleep quality relate to endothelial function, as measured by brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation (FMD). In a clinical research centre, 100 non‐shift working adults (mean age: 36 years) completed FMD testing and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, along with a polysomnography assessment to obtain the following measures: slow wave sleep, percentage rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, REM sleep latency, total arousal index, total sleep time, wake after sleep onset, sleep efficiency and apnea–hypopnea index. Bivariate correlations and follow‐up multiple regressions examined how FMD related to subjective (i.e. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores) and objective (i.e. polysomnography‐derived) indicators of sleep quality. After FMD showed bivariate correlations with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores, percentage REM sleep and REM latency, further examination with separate regression models indicated that these associations remained significant after adjustments for sex, age, race, hypertension, body mass index, apnea–hypopnea index, smoking and income (Ps < 0.05). Specifically, as FMD decreased, scores on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index increased (indicating decreased subjective sleep quality) and percentage REM sleep decreased, while REM sleep latency increased (Ps < 0.05). Poorer subjective sleep quality and adverse changes in REM sleep were associated with diminished vasodilation, which could link sleep disturbances to cardiovascular disease.
Global Positioning System‐located kills and faecal samples: a comparison of leopard dietary estimates
Authors: Pitman R. T. , Mulvaney J. , Ramsay P. M. , Jooste E. , Swanepoel L. H.
Published: August 2013

Foraging data for terrestrial carnivorans are most often obtained by the analysis of faecal samples – an established technique. However, advances in satellite tracking technology are allowing researchers to locate kill sites by investigating global positioning system (GPS) clusters in both space and time. Here we compare leopard Panthera pardus dietary estimates (composition and biomass) of small, medium and large prey using three techniques: faecal analysis, GPS cluster analysis and GPS cluster analysis supplemented with faecal samples located at cluster sites. We demonstrate that estimates of leopard prey composition and biomass intake from each technique produce comparatively similar results. Nevertheless, the detection of feeding events did increase by 20–23% when supplementing GPS‐located kills with faecal samples. The investigation of GPS clusters offers an equivalent method of leopard dietary estimation to that of faecal analysis. When carried out intensively, the GPS cluster method is capable of detecting leopard predation on prey species within small, medium and large weight categories. Although requiring additional resources, supplementing GPS‐located kills with GPS‐located faecal samples results in the most detailed dietary estimates by detecting kills missed during GPS cluster investigations.
Advance decision making – rhetoric or reality?
Authors: Johnston Carolyn
Published: August 2013

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 introduced a statutory framework for advance decisions, thus promoting autonomous healthcare decision making in advance of loss of capacity. In order to be valid and applicable, and so binding on healthcare professionals, advance decisions refusing treatment (ADRT) must specify treatments to be refused and the circumstances of refusal. Recent case-law indicates that a high level of specificity is required for advance refusals of life-sustaining treatment and, in contrast to a presumption of capacity for contemporaneous decisions, in some circumstances capacity must be demonstrated at the time of making the advance decision. In comparison with the ‘stringent’ requirements for ADRT, the more generic Advance Care Planning (ACP) is gaining more prominence in end of life decision making. The paper explores recent case-law and its impact on the effectiveness of ADRT in practice and compares with ACP.
Municipal Corporate Security, Legal Knowledges, and the Urban Problem Space
Authors: Lippert Randy K. , Walby Kevin
Published: August 2013

Previous sociolegal research has neglected how the work of corporate security agents is enabled and constrained by legal knowledges. This article explores how legal knowledges shape the work of municipal corporate security (MCS) agents in Canadian cities. MCS offices are a new development in municipal governments. By drawing on analysis of freedom of information requests and interviews with MCS managers and staff, we investigate how legal knowledges shape MCS practices in Canadian cities, with a focus on trespass law, licensing law, litigation, labor law, privacy law, and workplace violence legislation that converge in MCS offices. MCS agents must interpret, translate, and apply these laws in their municipal jurisdiction or urban problem space to confront the defining element of the urban milieu—nuisance—but also to mitigate the risks. Interpretation and use of numerous laws by MCS staff constitute a distinctively urban way of governing through legal knowledge.
Optimizing the trade‐off between spatial and genetic sampling efforts in patchy populations: towards a better assessment of functional connectivity using an individual‐based sampling scheme
Authors: Prunier J. G. , Kaufmann B. , Fenet S. , Picard D. , Pompanon F. , Joly P. , Lena J. P.
Published: August 2013

Genetic data are increasingly used in landscape ecology for the indirect assessment of functional connectivity, that is, the permeability of landscape to movements of organisms. Among available tools, matrix correlation analyses (e.g. Mantel tests or mixed models) are commonly used to test for the relationship between pairwise genetic distances and movement costs incurred by dispersing individuals. When organisms are spatially clustered, a population‐based sampling scheme (PSS) is usually performed, so that a large number of genotypes can be used to compute pairwise genetic distances on the basis of allelic frequencies. Because of financial constraints, this kind of sampling scheme implies a drastic reduction in the number of sampled aggregates, thereby reducing sampling coverage at the landscape level. We used matrix correlation analyses on simulated and empirical genetic data sets to investigate the efficiency of an individual‐based sampling scheme (ISS) in detecting isolation‐by‐distance and isolation‐by‐barrier patterns. Provided that pseudo‐replication issues are taken into account (e.g. through restricted permutations in Mantel tests), we showed that the use of interindividual measures of genotypic dissimilarity may efficiently replace interpopulation measures of genetic differentiation: the sampling of only three or four individuals per aggregate may be sufficient to efficiently detect specific genetic patterns in most situations. TheISSproved to be a promising methodological alternative to the more conventionalPSS, offering much flexibility in the spatial design of sampling schemes and ensuring an optimal representativeness of landscape heterogeneity in data, with few aggregates left unsampled. Each strategy offering specific advantages, a combined use of both sampling schemes is discussed.
Mapping of active replication origins in vivo in thaum‐ and euryarchaeal replicons
Authors: Pelve Erik A. , Martens‐Habbena Willm , Stahl David A. , Bernander Rolf
Published: August 2013

We report mapping of active replication origins in thaum‐ and euryarchaeal replicons using high‐throughput sequencing‐based marker frequency analysis. The chromosome of the thaumarchaeon Nitrosopumilus maritimus is shown to contain a single origin of replication, whereas the main chromosome in the halophilic euryarchaea Haloferax mediterranei and Haloferax volcanii each contains two origins. All replication origins specified bidirectional replication, and the two origins in the halophiles were initiated in synchrony. The pHM500 plasmid of H. mediterranei is shown to contain a single origin, and the copy numbers of five plasmid replicons in the two halophiles were inferred to be close to that of the main chromosome. Origin recognition boxes (ORBs) that provide binding sites for Orc1/Cdc6 replication initiator proteins are identified at all chromosomal origins, as well as in a range of additional thaumarchaeal species. An annotation update is provided for all three species.
Development and validation of a new instrument for testing functional health literacy in Japanese adults
Authors: Nakagami Katsuyuki , Yamauchi Toyoaki , Noguchi Hiroyuki , Maeda Tohru , Nakagami Tomoko
Published: August 2013

This study aimed to develop a reliable and valid measure of functional health literacy in a Japanese clinical setting. Test development consisted of three phases: generation of an item pool, consultation with experts to assess content validity, and comparison with external criteria (the Japanese Health Knowledge Test) to assess criterion validity. A trial version of the test was administered to 535 Japanese outpatients. Internal consistency reliability, calculated by Cronbach's alpha, was 0.81, and concurrent validity was moderate. Receiver Operating Characteristics and Item Response Theory were used to classify patients as having adequate, marginal, or inadequate functional health literacy. Both inadequate and marginal functional health literacy were associated with older age, lower income, lower educational attainment, and poor health knowledge. The time required to complete the test was 10–15 min. This test should enable health workers to better identify patients with inadequate health literacy.
Sustained energy dissipation in winter evergreens
Authors: Verhoeven Amy
Published: August 2013

Evergreens are faced with the challenge, during winter, of low temperatures in combination with light exposure, resulting in an imbalance between light absorption and its utilization via photosynthetic carbon reduction. To cope with excess light, evergreens increase their use of thermal energy dissipation, which occurs in a sustained form during winter. There are two forms of sustained thermal dissipation that occur in winter‐stressed evergreens, characterized by their rate of reversal upon warming. A rapid form reverses within minutes to hours upon warming, while a slower form reverses over the course of days. The light environment and the severity of winter conditions both play a role in determining the relative amount of each type of sustained energy dissipation throughout the winter. It is suggested that the two forms of sustained dissipation observed in winter‐stressed evergreens correspond to sustained forms of the two mechanisms of thermal energy dissipation proposed by Holzwarth and colleagues, with the rapidly reversible component corresponding to a sustained form of the energy‐dependent form of thermal energy dissipation (qE) and the slowly reversible component corresponding to a sustained form of the zeaxanthin‐dependent mechanism (qZ). Additional outstanding questions and future directions are discussed.
Synthesis, Characterization and Photocatalytic Activity of Mg‐Impregnated ZnO–SnO2 Coupled Nanoparticles
Authors: Behnajady Mohammad A. , Tohidi Yasamin
Published: August 2013

ZnO–SnO2 nanoparticles were prepared by coprecipitation method; then Mg, with different molar ratios and calcination temperatures, was loaded on the coupled nanoparticles by impregnation method. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) techniques. Based on XRD results, the ZnO–SnO2 and Mg/ZnO–SnO2 nanoparticles were made of ZnO and SnO2 nanocrystallites. According to DRS spectra, the band gap energy value of 3.13 and 3.18 eV were obtained for ZnO–SnO2 and Mg/ZnO–SnO2 nanoparticles, respectively. BET analysis revealed a Type III isotherm with a microporous structure and surface area of 32.051 and 49.065 m2 g−1 for ZnO–SnO2 and Mg/ZnO–SnO2, respectively. Also, the spherical shape of nanocrystallites was deduced from TEM and FESEM images. The photocatalytic performance of pure ZnO–SnO2 and Mg/ZnO–SnO2 was analyzed in the photocatalytic removal of methyl orange (MO). The results indicated that Mg/ZnO–SnO2 exhibited superior photocatalytic activity to bare ZnO–SnO2 photocatalyst due to high surface area, increased MO adsorption and larger band gap energy. Maximum photocatalytic activity of Mg/ZnO–SnO2 nanoparticles was obtained with 0.8 mol% Mg and calcination temperature of 350°C.
Stem tilting in the inter‐tropical cactus Echinocactus platyacanthus: an adaptive solution to the trade‐off between radiation acquisition and temperature control
Authors: Herce M. F. , Martorell C. , Alonso‐Fernandez C. , Boullosa L. F. V. V. , Meave J. A.
Published: August 2013

While plants require radiation for photosynthesis, radiation in warm deserts can have detrimental effects from high temperatures. This dilemma may be solved through plant morphological attributes. In cold deserts, stem tilting keeps reproductive organs warm by increasing radiation interception at the cost of decreased annual light interception. Conversely, little is known about stem tilting in warm deserts. We hypothesised that stem tilting in Echinocactus platyacanthus prevents high temperatures near the apex, where reproduction occurs. The study was conducted in the warm, inter‐tropical portion of the Chihuahuan Desert, Mexico. We found that cacti preferentially tilted towards the south, which reduced temperatures of reproductive organs during the hot season, but increased total annual near‐apex PAR interception. Tilting also maximised reproduction, a likely consequence of temperature control but perhaps also of the difficulty in translocating photosynthates in cacti; therefore, annual energy acquisition near floral meristems may be largely allocated to reproduction. Unlike plants of higher latitudes, in inter‐tropical deserts sunlight at noon comes either from the north or the south, depending on the season, and thus stem tilting may more strongly affect total annual radiation received in different portions of the stem. Inter‐tropical cacti can synchronise reproduction with irradiance peaks if flowering occurs in a specific (north or south) portion of the stem; also, they effectively solve the conflict between maximising annual PAR interception and minimising temperature at the hottest time of day. Notably, the two inter‐tropical cacti in which stem tilting has been studied successfully solve this conflict.