bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of fibre volume fraction on fatigue behaviour of glass fibre reinforced composite
Authors: MINI K. M. , LAKSHMANAN M. , MATHEW L. , MUKUNDAN M.
Published: July 2012

The aim of this paper is to study the fatigue behavior of GFRP composites manufactured by vacuum bagging process by varying the volume fraction. Constant‐amplitude flexural fatigue tests were performed at zero mean stress, i.e. a cyclic stress ratio R=−1 by varying the frequency of the testing machine. The relationship between stiffness degradation rate and fibre volume fraction, was observed, and the influence of volume fraction on the tensile strength was also investigated. The results show that, as the volume fraction increases the stiffness degradation rate initially decreases and then increases after reaching a certain limit for the volume fraction. Graph between volume fraction and Young's modulus shows that as the volume fraction increases Young's modulus also increases and reaches a limit and then it decreases with further increase in volume fraction, due to the increase in fibre content which changes the material properties of the composite material. The obtained results are in agreement with the available results.
Cortical silent period duration and its implications for surround inhibition of a hand muscle
Authors: Poston Brach , Kukke Sahana N. , Paine Rainer W. , Francis Sophia , Hallett Mark
Published: July 2012

Surround inhibition is a neural mechanism that assists in the focusing of excitatory drive to muscles responsible for a given movement (agonist muscles) by suppressing unwanted activity in muscles not relevant to the movement (surround muscles). The purpose of the study was to determine the contribution of γ‐aminobutyric acidB receptor‐mediated intracortical inhibition, as assessed by the cortical silent period (CSP), to the generation of surround inhibition in the motor system. Eight healthy adults (five women and three men, 29.8 ± 9 years) performed isometric contractions with the abductor digiti minimi (ADM) muscle in separate conditions with and without an index finger flexion movement. The ADM motor evoked potential amplitude and CSP duration elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation were compared between a control condition in which the ADM was activated independently and during conditions involving three phases (pre‐motor, phasic, and tonic) of the index finger flexion movement. The motor evoked potential amplitude of the ADM was greater during the control condition compared with the phasic condition. Thus, the presence of surround inhibition was confirmed in the present study. Most critically, the CSP duration of the ADM decreased during the phasic stage of finger flexion compared with the control condition, which indicated a reduction of this type of intracortical inhibition during the phasic condition. These findings indicate that γ‐aminobutyric acidB receptor‐mediated intracortical inhibition, as measured by the duration of the CSP, does not contribute to the generation of surround inhibition in hand muscles.
Perioperative outcomes of severely obese children undergoing tonsillectomy
Authors: Gleich Stephen J. , Olson Michael D. , Sprung Juraj , Weingarten Toby N. , Schroeder Darrell R. , Warner David O. , Flick Randall P.
Published: July 2012

Background:  Sleep‐disordered breathing, a common condition in obese children, is a frequent indication for tonsillectomy.

Objective:  The purpose of this study was to examine the association between obesity and perioperative complications in children undergoing tonsillectomy.

Methods/Materials:  A sample of 100 severely obese children (body mass index for age [BMIA], ≥ 98th percentile) between ages 2 and 18 years who underwent tonsillectomy at Mayo Clinic Rochester was randomly selected. Each severely obese child was age (±2 years) and sex matched to two normal weight children (BMIA between 25th and 75th percentiles) undergoing tonsillectomy during the study period, and their medical records were reviewed.

Results:  Severely obese children had a significantly higher incidence of comorbid conditions including respiratory disorders and severe systemic disorders or syndromes. Severely obese children had a higher frequency of perioperative airway complications (15.0% vs 2.0%). From posthoc analyses, severe obesity remained a significant risk factor for perioperative adverse events after adjusting for the presence of severe systemic disorders or syndromes (OR 8.8; 95% CI 2.8–27.5, P < 0.001) and also after adjusting for preoperative respiratory disorders (OR 7.7; 95% CI 2.5–24.3, P < 0.001). When children with planned admissions were excluded from the analysis, severe obesity was associated with an increased rate of unplanned hospital admission (OR 3.80, 95% CI 1.8–7.9, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:  Severe obesity in children undergoing tonsillectomy is independently associated with an increased risk of perioperative complications. It appears that both severe obesity and systemic comorbid condition contribute to higher proportions of inpatient tonsillectomies performed in our institution.
Roots and fungi accelerate carbon and nitrogen cycling in forests exposed to elevated CO2
Authors: Phillips Richard P. , Meier Ina C. , Bernhardt Emily S. , Grandy A. Stuart , Wickings Kyle , Finzi Adrien C.
Published: July 2012

A common finding in multiple CO2 enrichment experiments in forests is the lack of soil carbon (C) accumulation owing to microbial priming of ‘old’ soil organic matter (SOM). However, soil C losses may also result from the accelerated turnover of ‘young’ microbial tissues that are rich in nitrogen (N) relative to bulk SOM. We measured root‐induced changes in soil C dynamics in a pine forest exposed to elevated CO2 and N enrichment by combining stable isotope analyses, molecular characterisations of SOM and microbial assays. We find strong evidence that the accelerated turnover of root‐derived C under elevated CO2 is sufficient in magnitude to offset increased belowground inputs. In addition, the C losses were associated with accelerated N cycling, suggesting that trees exposed to elevated CO2 not only enhance N availability by stimulating microbial decomposition of SOM via priming but also increase the rate at which N cycles through microbial pools.
Evaluation of methods to concentrate and purify ocean virus communities through comparative, replicated metagenomics
Authors: Hurwitz Bonnie L. , Deng Li , Poulos Bonnie T. , Sullivan Matthew B.
Published: July 2012

Viruses have global impact through mortality, nutrient cycling and horizontal gene transfer, yet their study is limited by complex methodologies with little validation. Here, we use triplicate metagenomes to compare common aquatic viral concentration and purification methods across four combinations as follows: (i) tangential flow filtration (TFF) and DNase + CsCl, (ii) FeCl3 precipitation and DNase, (iii) FeCl3 precipitation and DNase + CsCl and (iv) FeCl3 precipitation and DNase + sucrose. Taxonomic data (30% of reads) suggested that purification methods were statistically indistinguishable at any taxonomic level while concentration methods were significantly different at family and genus levels. Specifically, TFF‐concentrated viral metagenomes had significantly fewer abundant viral types (Podoviridae and Phycodnaviridae) and more variability among Myoviridae than FeCl3‐precipitated viral metagenomes. More comprehensive analyses using protein clusters (66% of reads) and k‐mers (100% of reads) showed 50–53% of these data were common to all four methods, and revealed trace bacterial DNA contamination in TFF‐concentrated metagenomes and one of three replicates concentrated using FeCl3 and purified by DNase alone. Shared k‐mer analyses also revealed that polymerases used in amplification impact the resulting metagenomes, with TaKaRa enriching for ‘rare’ reads relative to PfuTurbo. Together these results provide empirical data for making experimental design decisions in culture‐independent viral ecology studies.
Adult attachment and symptom distress: a dyadic analysis of couples in therapy
Authors: Parker M. L. , Johnson Lee N. , Ketring Scott A.
Published: July 2012

This study used Kenny and Cook's actor‐partner interdependence model to examine both actor and partner effects of attachment anxiety and avoidance for male and female partners on symptom distress over four sessions of therapy. Using the couple as the unit of analysis offers a unique method for studying the role of adult attachment in the treatment of mental health symptoms. The findings provided some new perspectives on the role of attachment in treatment outcomes and provided support for previous research. The results showed that women's anxiety and avoidance has an impact on their male partners' symptom distress following four sessions of couple therapy. Additionally, men's avoidance was a significant influence on their female partners' symptom distress after four sessions of therapy.

Practitioner points

Male partners participating in therapy are influenced by their female partners' attachment on their own symptom distress, therefore men would greatly benefit from couple‐related interventions to reduce individual symptom distress.

Female partners' attachment anxiety and avoidance influenced their symptom distress, therefore individual attachment‐informed interventions would support women's reduction of symptom distress in therapy.
Behavioural and empathic elements of systemic couple therapy: the Exeter Model and a case study of depression
Authors: Reibstein Janet , Sherbersky Hannah
Published: July 2012

The UK National Institute for Clinical Excellence, under its remit to establish evidence‐based treatments for clinical conditions, has recommended behaviourally based couples treatment for depression. A project, the Exeter Model, to establish a method for evaluating systemic work defined within the spirit of these guidelines is reported upon. A heuristic division of systemic work relevant to working with depression into behavioural strategies and empathic strategies is described. Finally, a clinical case outlining the Exeter Model is presented.
Exploring the link among entry characteristics, participation behaviors and course outcomes of online learners: An examination of learner profile using cluster analysis
Authors: Yukselturk Erman , Top Ercan
Published: July 2012

Online learner profiles have diversified such that now, they include all types of participants from a variety of backgrounds. This study analyzed online learner profiles in regard to their entry characteristics, participation behaviors and achievement of course outcomes. The sample consisted of 186 participants from an online course that required the employment of synchronous and asynchronous communication methods over the Internet. The data were collected through five online questionnaires and included 10 variables (gender, age, work status, self‐efficacy, online readiness, self‐regulation, participation in discussion list, participation in chat sessions, satisfaction and achievement). A two‐step cluster analysis, chi‐square analysis and multivariate analysis were used to analyze the collected data. The results indicated that online learners fell into three significantly different clusters and within each cluster, learners had a close combination of employment characteristics, gender type, age level, perception of self‐efficacy for online technologies and participation behavior level.
ARE CONSUMERS MORE LOYAL TO NATIONAL BRANDS THAN TO PRIVATE LABELS?
Authors: Bergès Fabian , Hassan Daniel , Monier‐Dilhan Sylvette
Published: July 2012

The evolution of private labels (PLs) can be understood in terms of a strategy adopted by the retail industry with the aim of competing with national brands (NBs). In the 1990s, this strategy led to the development of ‘me too’ products, which currently represent the largest share of store brand products. Since the early 2000s, retailers have widened the range of their store brands by introducing high‐quality products. The aim of this study was to estimate consumers’ attachment to ‘me‐too’ and niche PLs respectively, as compared to NBs. We captured the degree of maturity of these PLs through their price‐elasticities, computed for three staple goods offered by three mass retail companies. It was found that price sensitivity does not differ much between the ‘me‐too’ PLs and the corresponding NBs. This result confirms that ‘me‐too’ products are now considered reliable quality brands. However, in the high quality segment, consumers remain more sensitive to the price of PLs than to that of NBs, a characteristic which may relate to their recent introduction on the market.
Interests Aren’t Everything: An Exploration of Economic Explanations of Immigration Policy in a New Destination
Authors: Stewart Julie , Jameson Kenneth P.
Published: July 2012

Current debates around US immigration policy are playing out against a backdrop that has changed significantly in the past 20 years: immigrants have increasingly gravitated towards “new destinations”; a large and growing portion of immigrants are undocumented; and the federal vacuum in responding to the promise and problems of these new immigration trends has devolved policy to the states. As a result, we have seen innovation on the state level as policymakers seek to accommodate, welcome or resist immigration, with varying degrees of success. In this paper, we explore the case of Utah as a new immigration destination, seeking to understand its transformation from a state with very inclusive immigrant policies as late as 1999 to one currently adopting highly restrictive immigrant policies. To explain this trajectory, we test three prominent materialist theories of public policy: instrumentalism, structuralism and strategic‐relational approaches. We draw on a decade’s worth of primary data – including data on state‐level legislation, key economic indicators, public statements concerning immigration from the private business sector and the LDS Church, and the editorial content of the state’s two major newspapers regarding immigration – to examine the policy explanations that grow out of interest‐based theories of the state. Whereas these theories provide robust explanations for a large and diverse array of public policies, we find that they fall short in explaining immigration policy. While conventional wisdom – and extensive scholarly research – suggests that economic interests drive policy, we find that the policies around immigrants challenge this economic reductionism, suggesting the need for more complex and ideational accounts of this important phenomenon.
The spotlight of attention illuminates failed feature‐based expectancies
Authors: Bengson Jesse J. , Lopez‐Calderon Javier , Mangun George R.
Published: July 2012

A well‐replicated finding is that visual stimuli presented at an attended location are afforded a processing benefit in the form of speeded reaction times and increased accuracy (Mangun, ; Posner, ). This effect has been described using a spotlight metaphor, in which all stimuli within the focus of spatial attention receive facilitated processing, irrespective of other stimulus parameters. However, the spotlight metaphor has been brought into question by a series of combined expectancy studies that demonstrated that the behavioral benefits of spatial attention are contingent on secondary feature‐based expectancies (Kingstone, ). The present work used an event‐related potential (ERP) approach to reveal that the early neural signature of the spotlight of spatial attention is not sensitive to the validity of secondary feature‐based expectancies.
Chronic exposure to corticosterone enhances the neuroinflammatory and neurotoxic responses to methamphetamine
Authors: Kelly Kimberly A. , Miller Diane B. , Bowyer John F. , O’Callaghan James P.
Published: July 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 122, 995–1009.

Up‐regulation of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in brain (“neuroinflammation”) accompanies neurological disease and neurotoxicity. Previously, we documented a striatal neuroinflammatory response to acute administration of a neurotoxic dose of methamphetamine (METH), i.e. one associated with evidence of dopaminergic terminal damage and activation of microglia and astroglia. When we used minocycline to suppress METH‐induced neuroinflammation, indices of dopaminergic neurotoxicity were not affected, but suppression of neuroinflammation was incomplete. Here, we administered the classic anti‐inflammatory glucocorticoid, corticosterone (CORT), in an attempt to completely suppress METH‐related neuroinflammation. METH alone caused large increases in striatal proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine mRNA and subsequent astrocytic hypertrophy, microglial activation, and dopaminergic nerve terminal damage. Pre‐treatment of mice with acute CORT failed to prevent neuroinflammatory responses to METH. Surprisingly, when mice were pre‐treated with chronic CORT in the drinking water, an enhanced striatal neuroinflammatory response to METH was observed, an effect that was accompanied by enhanced METH‐induced astrogliosis and dopaminergic neurotoxicity. Chronic CORT pre‐treatment also sensitized frontal cortex and hippocampus to mount a neuroinflammatory response to METH. Because the levels of chronic CORT used are associated with high physiological stress, our data suggest that chronic CORT therapy or sustained physiological stress may sensitize the neuroinflammatory and neurotoxicity responses to METH.
Morphometric differentiation across House Sparrow Passer domesticus populations in Finland in comparison with the neutral expectation for divergence
Authors: Kekkonen Jaana , Jensen Henrik , Brommer Jon E.
Published: July 2012

To understand the biology of organisms it is important to take into account the evolutionary forces that have acted on their constituent populations. Neutral genetic variation is often assumed to reflect variation in quantitative traits under selection, though with even low neutral divergence there can be substantial differentiation in quantitative genetic variation associated with locally adapted phenotypes. To study the relative roles of natural selection and genetic drift in shaping phenotypic variation, the levels of quantitative divergence based on phenotypes (PST) and neutral genetic divergence (FST) can be compared. Such a comparison was made between 10 populations of Finnish House Sparrows (n = 238 individuals) collected in 2009 across the whole country. Phenotypic variation in tarsus‐length, wing‐length, bill‐depth, bill‐length and body mass were considered and 13 polymorphic microsatellite loci were analysed to quantify neutral genetic variation. Calculations of PST were based on Markov‐Chain Monte Carlo Bayesian estimates of phenotypic variances across and within populations. The robustness of the conclusions of the PST–FST comparison was evaluated by varying the proportion of variation due to additive genetic effects within and across populations. Our results suggest that body mass is under directional selection, whereas the divergence in other traits does not differ from neutral expectations. These findings suggest candidate traits for considering gene‐based studies of local adaptation. The recognition of locally adapted populations may be of value in the conservation of this declining species.
Ions, equations and electrons: the evolving role of computer simulations in cardiac electrophysiology safety evaluations
Authors: Gintant Gary
Published: July 2012

Reliable preclinical cardiac safety evaluations of drug candidates are essential for selecting the best therapeutic agents. Advanced automated patch clamp technologies now allow for characterizing drug effects on multiple cardiac currents, enabling subsequent simulations of integrated electrophysiological responses on cellular, tissue and organ levels. In this issue, Mirams et al. summarize the strengths and limitations of models and simulations predicting drug‐induced electrophysiological responses, emphasizing delayed repolarization and Torsades de Pointes pro‐arrhythmia. The utility of computational approaches is contingent upon realistic models of ventricular electrophysiology, robust characterization of drug‐channel interactions and an understanding of channel‐myocyte interactions and pro‐arrhythmic mechanisms. Simulations evaluating effects on repolarization (hazard identification) should aid in selecting safer drug candidates early in drug discovery, while simulations evaluating risk of Torsades de Pointes (incorporating known risk factors) should quantify pro‐arrhythmic risk and reduce the need for costly clinical QT studies later in development. The wider adoption of realistic models and simulation studies will depend on simulation performance compared with ‘gold standard’ clinical findings.

LINKED ARTICLE This article is a commentary on Mirams et al., pp. 932–945 of this issue. To view this paper visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2012.02020.x
Molecular phylogeny and divergence time of the water penny genus Eubrianax (Coleoptera: Psephenidae) in Japan
Authors: HAYASHI Masakazu , SONG Simon D. , SOTA Teiji
Published: July 2012

The phylogenetic relationships among the Japanese members of the genus Eubrianax (Coleoptera: Psephenidae) were examined using the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and nuclear 28S rRNA gene sequences. Based on the molecular phylogeny as well as morphological features, the species status of Eubrianax brunneicornisNakane, 1952 was proposed. The phylogenetic analyses recovered monophyly of the previously proposed pellucidus species group with four Japanese species, whereas a single Japanese species of the granicollis group was included in the lineage of the ramicornis group with five Japanese species. The divergence times of the species were estimated by dating the phylogenetic tree against the fossil record and a molecular clock based on the COI gene. The divergence of the Japanese species was inferred to have occurred during the Pliocene epoch.
Restoring Perennial Warm‐Season Grasses as a Means of Reversing Mesophication of Oak Woodlands in Northern Mississippi
Authors: Maynard Erynn E. , Brewer J. Stephen
Published: July 2012

Fire suppression has removed an important ecological force previously responsible for shaping many plant communities throughout the world. Upland areas of north‐central Mississippi that have been protected from fire are now closed‐canopy forests including species known to be uncommon as bearing/witness trees in upland portions of the landscape (historically off‐site species) and sparse ground cover vegetation. Anecdotal evidence suggests that warm‐season grasses were prevalent in the understory of these communities, which could have provided more consistent fuel. We corroborate the historic presence of these grasses by looking at their natural co‐occurrence with oak regeneration (a requisite of self‐replacing stands of oaks found historically). Restoration of these communities has typically focused on burning and off‐site tree thinning. Utilizing a restoration experiment implementing these treatments, we found significantly reduced understory leaf litter in treatment areas. To test which variables associated with restoration treatments were most important for the survival of these grasses, we measured the effect of leaf litter removal and its interaction with environmental conditions on the survival of transplanted shoots. Survival of little bluestem increased with decreasing canopy density and decreasing leaf litter. Leaf‐litter removal did not increase survival, nor did it interact with either pre‐treatment leaf litter depth or canopy density. These results show that little bluestem benefits from conditions expected historically: increased light and possibly fire.
Recovery of the Bird Community after a Mine Spill and Landscape Restoration of a Mediterranean River
Authors: Ontiveros Diego , Márquez‐Ferrando Rocío , Fernández‐Cardenete Juan R. , Santos Xavier , Caro Jesús , Pleguezuelos Juan M.
Published: July 2012

In Mediterranean areas, river systems are key for maintaining regional biodiversity by providing a high diversity of habitats. We studied bird community recovery for 9 years (2001–2009) during landscape restoration and Guadiamar Green Corridor establishment in the area affected by the Aznalcóllar mine spill (SW Spain, 1998). One year following plant restoration (3 years after the spill), values for α‐ and β‐bird species diversity were high, sooner than reported for similar restoration processes elsewhere. Species richness, ecological diversity, and abundance increased only slightly in the following 8 years. Overlap between communities in sequential years, measured by similarity indexes, increased throughout the study period to about 70% during final survey years, and most breeding bird species present before the accident again inhabit the area. Only 5 years after the mine accident, bird communities in the restored site were similar in species richness, abundance, and diversity to an unaffected reference site; redundancy analysis demonstrated that bird communities were also similar between the reference river and the Guadiamar. Despite the severity of the mine accident, our results suggest a swift recovery of the bird community. We attribute this success to the rapid restoration of habitat availability and the resilience of the birds. This long‐term study contributes to our limited knowledge of bird species response to habitat restoration following toxic spills in Mediterranean habitats.
Population Response of Giant Galápagos Tortoises to Feral Goat Removal
Authors: Márquez Cruz , Gibbs James P. , Carrión Victor , Naranjo Sixto , Llerena Alizon
Published: July 2012

Efforts to eradicate nonnative mammals to restore oceanic island ecosystems have become increasingly successful but parallel tracking of response by native species for which control efforts are intended to benefit has been rare. A major campaign to eradicate nonnative goats and burros was initiated in 1995 on Alcedo Volcano in the Galápagos Archipelago that ultimately removed 62,868 goats and eliminated them by 2006. Planners of the eradication program had the foresight to invest in intensive monitoring of the status of the volcano's giant tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra) population whose welfare was a primary motivation for the eradication effort. Monitoring revealed an increase in the proportion of juveniles among all tortoises as well as increased growth rates of individual tortoises on Alcedo Volcano from earlier to later phases of the eradication campaign. Over the same time frame in a control population on nearby Santa Cruz Island (where goats and donkeys were not removed) juvenile fraction and individual growth rates remained unchanged. Although goat removal coincided with occurrence of a rare climatic event that simultaneously boosted forage availability for tortoises, failure to observe a comparable improvement in the control population implies that removal of goats and burros was the primary causative factor of improving population status of tortoises on Alcedo Volcano.
SEASONALITY OF SELECTED NUTRITIONAL CONSTITUENTS OF EDIBLE DELMARVA SEAWEEDS
Authors: Madden Matilda , Mitra Madhumi , Ruby Douglas , Schwarz Jurgen
Published: July 2012

Edible seaweeds have not been thoroughly explored for food, medicinal, or industrial purposes in the United States. This study compared selected proximate constituents of three edible seaweed species (Ulva lactuca L., Fucus vesiculosus L., and Gracilaria tikvahiae McLachan) at two sites for possible future development as a food crop on the Delmarva Peninsula. Sampling was conducted bimonthly at Chincoteague Memorial Park, Virginia, and Indian River Inlet, Delaware, from 2005 to 2008. Proximate constituents of moisture, ash, dietary fiber, proteins, and fat were measured seasonally and calorific values were calculated. Data were analyzed using correlation, paired samples t‐tests and one‐ and two‐way ANOVA. Significant variations in the proximate constituents were found among seasons, species, and between sites. The brown seaweed (Fucus) at both sites had higher fiber, fat, and ash (mineral) content than the green (Ulva) or the red (Gracilaria). Ulva and Gracilaria had higher protein content than Fucus. Seaweeds from Delaware had more fat, ash, and protein than from Virginia, potentially because of the more polluted, nutrient rich environment at the Delaware site. Positive correlations between seaweed fat and protein content may indicate an increase in the synthesis of both components under optimal growth conditions. Species' physiology differences and the water quality at the two sites likely impacted proximate constituent values. This study contributed new information to the existing body of knowledge in the areas of nutrition and ecology of seaweeds and their potential as a cash crop.
ASSESSING THE ROLE OF CASPASE ACTIVITY AND METACASPASE EXPRESSION ON VIRAL SUSCEPTIBILITY OF THE COCCOLITHOPHORE, EMILIANIA HUXLEYI (HAPTOPHYTA)
Authors: Bidle Kay D. , Kwityn Clifford J.
Published: July 2012

As part of their strategy to infect the globally important coccolithophore,
Emiliania huxleyi (Lohmann) W.W. Hay & H.P. Mohler, Coccolithoviruses trigger and regulate the host's programmed cell death (PCD) machinery during lytic infection. The induction and recruitment of host metacaspases, specialized, ancestral death proteases that facilitate viral lysis, suggests they may be important subcellular determinants to infection. We examined the “basal” levels and patterns of caspase activity and metacaspase expression in exponentially growing resistant and sensitive
E. huxleyi strains and linked them with susceptibility to
E. huxleyi virus 1 (EhV1). Resistant
E. huxleyi strains were consistently characterized by low caspase specific activity and a relatively simple metacaspase expression profile. In contrast, sensitive
E. huxleyi strains had markedly elevated caspase specific activity and consistently expressed more diverse metacaspase proteins. Using pooled data sets from triplicate experiments, we observed statistically significant linear correlations between infectivity, caspase activity, and metacaspase expression, with each strain forming distinct clusters, within a gradient in viral susceptibility. At the same time, we observed positive correlations between the expression of a subset of metacaspase proteins and lower susceptibility, suggestive of potential protective roles. Our findings implicate the importance of subtle differences in the basal physiological regulation of the PCD machinery to viral resistance or sensitivity and cell fate.
Cross‐Cultural Adaptation to the Dutch Language of the PainDETECT‐Questionnaire
Authors: Timmerman Hans , Wolff André P. , Schreyer Tobias , Outermans Jacqueline , Evers Andrea W. M. , Freynhagen Rainer , Wilder‐Smith Oliver H. G. , van Zundert Jan , Vissers Kris. C. P.
Published: July 2012

Background:  The PainDETECT‐Questionnaire (PDQ) helps to identify neuropathic components in patients suffering from pain. It can be used by clinicians in daily practice and in clinical trials.

Aim:  The aim of this study is to perform a translation and cross‐cultural adaptation of the PDQ for use in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Methods:  The first phase was to translate and cross‐culturally adapt the PDQ to Dutch. The second phase was to assess the face validity in the Netherlands and Belgium using qualitative and quantitative data collection.

Results:  The length, the readability, and the clarity of the questionnaire were good for all patients. The questionnaire was judged to have a good layout and to be clearly organized.

Conclusion:  The PDQ Dutch language Version is a well translated and cross‐culturally adapted questionnaire, which might be useful for screening for neuropathic components of pain in the Netherlands and Belgium.▪
Accelerated Junctional Rhythm and Nonalternans Repolarization Lability Precede Ventricular Tachycardia in Casq2−/− Mice
Authors: MEZU URE L. , SINGH PRABHPREET , SHUSTERMAN VLADIMIR , HWANG HYUN‐SEOK , KNOLLMANN BJORN C. , NĚMEC JAN
Published: July 2012

Repolarization Lability in Casq2−/− Mice.

Background:
Calsequestrin‐2 (CASQ2) is a Ca2+ buffering protein of myocardial sarcoplasmic reticulum. CASQ2 mutations underlie a form of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). The CPVT phenotype is recapitulated in Casq2 −/− mice. Repolarization lability (RL)—beat‐to‐beat variability in the T wave morphology—has been reported in long‐QT syndrome, but has not been evaluated in CPVT.

Methods and Results:
ECG from Casq2 −/− mice was evaluated with respect to heart rate (HR) and RL changes prior to onset of ventricular tachycardia (VT) to gain insight into arrhythmogenesis in CPVT. Telemetry from unrestrained mice (3‐month‐old males, 5 animals of each genotype) and ECG before and after isoproterenol administration in anesthetized mice was analyzed. Average HR in sinus rhythm (SR), occurrence of nonsinus rhythm and RL were quantified. HR was slower in Casq2 −/− animals. Accelerated junctional rhythm (JR) occurred more frequently in Casq2 −/− mice and often preceded VT. In Casq2 −/− mice, HR increased prior to VT onset, prior to onset of JR and on transition from JR to VT. RL increased during progression from SR to VT and after isoproterenol administration in Casq2 −/−, but not in Casq2+/+ animals. Isoproterenol did not increase repolarization alternans in either genotype.

Conclusions:
Accelerated JR, likely caused by triggered activity in His/Purkinje system, occurs frequently in Casq2 −/− mice. The absence of CASQ2 results in increased RL. The increase in HR and in RL precede onset of arrhythmias in this CPVT model. Nonalternans RL precedes ventricular arrhythmia in wider range of conditions than previously appreciated. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 1355‐1363, December 2012)
Erythrocyte‐derived ATP and Perfusion Distribution: Role of Intracellular and Intercellular Communication
Authors: SPRAGUE RANDY S. , ELLSWORTH MARY L.
Published: July 2012

Please cite this paper as: Sprague RS, Ellsworth ML. Erythrocyte‐derived ATP and perfusion distribution: role of intracellular and intercellular communication. Microcirculation 19: 430–439, 2012.

In complex organisms, both intracellular and intercellular communication are critical for the appropriate regulation of the distribution of perfusion to assure optimal O2 delivery and organ function. The mobile erythrocyte is in a unique position in the circulation as it both senses and responds to a reduction in O2 tension in its environment. When erythrocytes enter a region of the microcirculation in which O2 tension is reduced, they release both O2 and the vasodilator, ATP, via activation of a specific and dedicated signaling pathway that requires increases in cAMP, which are regulated by PDE3B. The ATP released initiates a conducted vasodilation that results in alterations in the distribution of perfusion to meet the tissue’s metabolic needs. This delivery mechanism is modulated by both positive and negative feedback regulators. Importantly, defects in low O2‐induced ATP release from erythrocytes have been observed in several human disease states in which impaired vascular function is present. Understanding of the role of erythrocytes in controlling perfusion distribution and the signaling pathways that are responsible for ATP release from these cells makes the erythrocyte a novel therapeutic target for the development of new approaches for the treatment of vascular dysfunction.
Metastatic small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the breast
Authors: Boyd Alan S. , Hayes Benjamin B.
Published: July 2012

Cutaneous metastases from internal malignancies in women overwhelmingly emanate from the breast and typically exhibit features of an adenocarcinoma, although other histopathologic patterns may also be seen. Neuroendocrine breast carcinoma represents an uncommon variant of mammary carcinoma with fewer than 40 cases of the small cell subcategory reported. As with other small cell carcinomas, they may exhibit Merkel cell‐like features and appropriate diagnosis of these tumor deposits often turns on clinical history and an appropriate immunohistochemical profile. Herein, we report the first known patient with cutaneous metastases from a small cell neuroendocrine breast carcinoma.
Clinical and histological evaluation of subepithelial connective tissue after collagen sponge implantation in the human palate
Authors: Rocha A. L. , Shirasu B. K. , Hayacibara R. M. , Magro‐Filho O. , Zanoni J. N. , Araújo M. G.
Published: July 2012

Rocha AL, Shirasu BK, Hayacibara RM, Magro‐Filho O, Zanoni JN, Araújo MG. Clinical and histological evaluation of subepithelial connective tissue after collagen sponge implantation in the human palate. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 758–765. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Background and Objective:  Successful root‐coverage treatment depends on the thickness of the donor tissue. This study aimed to evaluate the thickness of donor tissue after augmentation of the connective tissue in the palatal area by implantation of lyophilized collagen sponge (Hemospon®).

Material and Methods:  Ten patients with an indication for root coverage, whose palate was deficient in adequate connective tissue, were recruited. The procedure was carried out in two stages. In the first stage, the palatal thickness in the donor site was measured at three standardized points (points 1, 2 and 3), from the distal of the canine to the distal of the first molar, and the lyophilized collagen sponge was inserted. In the second stage, the palatal thickness over the implant was measured (at points 1, 2 and 3), two biopsies of the palatal mucosa were collected – one over the implant (experimental sample) and the other on the contralateral side (control sample) – and then root‐coverage treatment was performed. Analyses consisted of clinical assessment of the palatal measurements before and after sponge implantation, and histological assessment of the experimental and control biopsy samples. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test.

Results:  Both analyses showed a significant increase in mean thickness, of 1.08 mm of neoformed tissue in the clinical analysis (the tissue at point 2 was the thickest of the three points) and of 0.53 mm in the histological analysis.

Conclusion:  The insertion of lyophilized collagen sponge induced a significant increase in the thickness of palatal connective tissue.
Diagnosis of BCC by multiphoton laser tomography
Authors: Seidenari Stefania , Arginelli Federica , Bassoli Sara , Cautela Jennifer , Cesinaro Anna Maria , Guanti Mario , Guardoli Davide , Magnoni Cristina , Manfredini Marco , Ponti Giovanni , König Karsten
Published: July 2012

Background/purpose

Multiphoton Laser Tomography (MPT) is a non‐linear optical technique that gives access to morphology and structure of both cells and extracellular matrix of the skin through the combination of autofluorescence imaging and second harmonic generation (SHG). The aim of this study was to identify MPT descriptors on ex vivo specimens of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) to assess the sensitivity and specificity of these criteria for the diagnosis of BCC and its differentiation from other skin tumours, inflammatory diseases and healthy skin.

Methods

In the preliminary study, MPT images referring to 24 BCCs and 24 healthy skin samples were simultaneously evaluated by three observers for the identification of features characteristic of BCC. In the main study, the presence/absence of the descriptors identified in the preliminary study was blindly evaluated on a test set, comprising 66 BCCs, 66 healthy skin samples and 66 skin lesions, including 23 nevi, 8 melanomas, 17 skin tumours and other skin lesions by 3 independent observers.

Results

In the preliminary study, three epidermal descriptors and six descriptors for BCC were identified. The latter included aligned elongated cells, double alignment of cells, cell nests with palisading and phantom islands. From the test set, 56 BCCs were correctly diagnosed, whereas in 10 cases the diagnosis was ‘other lesions’. However, it was always possible to exclude the diagnosis of BCC in healthy skin and other lesion samples. Thus, overall sensitivity of the method was 84.85, whereas a specificity of 100% was observed with respect to both healthy skin and ‘other lesions’.

Conclusions

This study describes new morphological descriptors of BCC enabling its characterization and its distinction from healthy skin and other skin lesions in ex vivo samples, and demonstrates for the first time that MPT represents a sensitive and specific technique for the diagnosis of BCC.
Differential expression of PDZ domain‐containing proteins in human diseases – challenging topics and novel issues
Authors: Facciuto Florencia , Cavatorta Ana L. , Valdano Marina Bugnon , Marziali Federico , Gardiol Daniela
Published: July 2012

The general features of the PDZ domain structure and functions have been extensively studied during the last decade. PDZ domains are generally present in proteins that are involved in multiple interactions to assemble functional protein complexes that control key cellular processes. One of the best characterized functions of PDZ domain‐containing proteins is control of epithelial cell polarity and cell–cell contacts. In the present review, we summarize the current knowledge on regulation of expression of certain PDZ polarity proteins localized at the intercellular junctions. In addition, we provide a critical overview of recent findings regarding the role of these proteins during development of human diseases. Complete understanding of these issues is valuable for the design of novel therapeutic intervention for common pathologies, such as cancer.
Detecting and investigating substrate cycles in a genome‐scale human metabolic network
Authors: Gebauer Juliane , Schuster Stefan , de Figueiredo Luís F. , Kaleta Christoph
Published: July 2012

Substrate cycles, also known as futile cycles, are cyclic metabolic routes that dissipate energy by hydrolysing cofactors such as ATP. They were first described to occur in the muscles of bumblebees and brown adipose tissue in the 1970s. A popular example is the conversion of fructose 6‐phosphate to fructose 1,6‐bisphosphate and back. In the present study, we analyze a large number of substrate cycles in human metabolism that consume ATP and discuss their statistics. For this purpose, we use two recently published methods (i.e. EFMEvolver and the K‐shortest EFM method) to calculate samples of 100 000 and 15 000 substrate cycles, respectively. We find an unexpectedly high number of substrate cycles in human metabolism, with up to 100 reactions per cycle, utilizing reactions from up to six different compartments. An analysis of tissue‐specific models of liver and brain metabolism shows that there is selective pressure that acts against the uncontrolled dissipation of energy by avoiding the coexpression of enzymes belonging to the same substrate cycle. This selective force is particularly strong against futile cycles that have a high flux as a result of thermodynamic principles.
COMPARING THE MEDIATION AGREEMENTS OF FAMILIES WITH AND WITHOUT A HISTORY OF INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE*
Authors: Putz John W. , Ballard Robin H. , Arany Julia Gruber , Applegate Amy G. , Holtzworth‐Munroe Amy
Published: July 2012

We coded the content of mediation agreements reached by families receiving parenting‐related mediation services at a law school community clinic. We compared agreements reached by families identified as having or not having a history of intimate partner violence (IPV) on a variety of issues hypothesized to be related to risk of future interparental contact and conflict and thus violence. Families with and without a history of IPV did not make significantly different legal or physical custody or parenting‐time arrangements. Nor did these groups differ in specifying the details of how to handle some issues that could lead to future conflict (e.g., making up missed parenting time). They also did not differ in the likelihood of agreeing to supervised visitation or exchanges of children in public places. However, agreements of families with a history of IPV were more likely to include safety restrictions (e.g., restrictions on interparental fighting, physical discipline of children, substance use) and counseling referrals. We discuss implications of the study findings in the context of the debate surrounding mediation with families who have experienced IPV.

Key Points for Family Court Community:

The appropriateness of mediation with families exhibiting a history of IPV is a focal point of debate in family law.

This work compares the content of mediation agreements reached by families with and without a history of IPV in a law school community clinic.
GIVING CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE: ADVANCING THE HIGHLY MOBILE STUDENT POPULATION TOWARD HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION
Authors: Weisman Carolyn
Published: July 2012

Varied curricula among public school districts within the same state often result in localized core courses and high school graduation requirements. This inconsistency makes it difficult for highly mobile students–who make frequent non‐promotional school transfers during the school year–to obtain full or partial credit for successfully completed coursework, hindering progress toward graduation and increasing dropout rates. While student mobility permeates all communities, it is particularly devastating to some of the most vulnerable children in our society, including homeless children, foster youth, children from low‐income and single‐parent households, migrant students, youth in juvenile correctional facilities, and children of military families. Current federal legislation addresses only some of these groups, leaving many students underserved by the education system. This Note advocates for states to adopt legislation that specifically requires a standardized credit‐recognition system, allowing schools to award full and partial credit for coursework completed elsewhere within the state. Specifically, it addresses the importance of keeping highly mobile students in their schools of origin, when it is in their best interest. It further focuses on the need for state and local policies to require school districts to award and accept full and partial credit for coursework completed in another in‐state school district.
Thermophysical Properties of Alumina Particle Reinforced Glass Matrix Composites
Authors: Chen Minghui , Zhu Shenglong , Shen Mingli , Wang Fuhui , Niu Yan
Published: July 2012

Alumina particles incorporated glass matrix composites, which showed good prospect to be used as coating materials for high‐temperature corrosion protection on intermetallics or titanium alloys, were prepared via pressureless sintering. With increasing alumina content, the Young's modulus, fracture strength, Vickers hardness, indentation toughness, softening point, and thermal shock resistance of the composites increased monotonically. A similar increasing trend could be found for the thermal expansion coefficient of the composites, except for an abnormal drop at small amount of incorporation, which closely correlated with the Al3+ dissolution into the glass matrix.
Dielectric and Pyroelectric Properties of Ferroelectric SBN–PVDF Composites Prepared by Hot‐Uniaxial Press
Authors: Kumar S. Naresh , Kumar Pawan
Published: July 2012

Composites of polyvinyledene fluoride (PVDF) and strontium barium niobate (SrxBa1−xNb2O6 for x = 0.53/SBN)/ФSBN − (1 − Ф)PVDF with Ф = 0.1 to 0.3 have been prepared by hot uniaxial press. Structural, morphological, dielectric and pyrolectric properties of the composites have been studied. Self‐sustaining thick films with a 0–3 connectivity have been synthesized. The dielectric constant (εr) was found to increase with the increase in ceramic volume fraction (Ф) in the composite. The composite with Ф = 0.3 is found to have highest values of pyroelectric coefficient (pi) ~13.475 μC/m2K, FOMI ~0.481 μC/m2K and FOMII ~20.13 μC/m2K with good mechanical flexibility.