bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of volume–time curves for the right ventricle and its outflow tract for functional analyses
Authors: Gabbert Dominik D. , Entenmann Andreas , Jerosch‐Herold Michael , Frettlöh Felicitas , Hart Christopher , Voges Inga , Pham Minh , Andrade Ana , Pardun Eileen , Wegner P. , Hansen Traudel , Kramer Hans‐Heiner , Rickers Carsten
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The determination of right ventricular volumes and function is of increasing interest for the postoperative care of patients with congenital heart defects. The presentation of volumetry data in terms of volume‐time curves allows a comprehensive functional assessment. By using manual contour tracing, the generation of volume–time curves is exceedingly time‐consuming.

Methods

This study describes a fast and precise method for determining volume–time curves for the right ventricle and for the right ventricular outflow tract. The method applies contour detection and includes a feature for identifying the right ventricular outflow tract volume. The segregation of the outflow tract is performed by four‐dimensional curved smooth boundary surfaces defined by prespecified anatomical landmarks.

Results

The comparison with manual contour tracing demonstrates that the method is accurate and improves the precision of the measurement. Compared to manual contour tracing the bias is <0.1% ± 4.1% (right ventricle) and −2.6% ± 20.0% (right ventricular outflow tract). The standard deviations of inter‐ and intraobserver variabilities for determining the volume of the right ventricular outflow tract are reduced to less than half the values of manual contour tracing. The time consumption per patient is reduced from 341 ± 80 min (right ventricle) and 56 ± 11 min (right ventricular outflow tract) using manual contour tracing to 46 ± 9 min for a combined analysis of right ventricle and right ventricular outflow tract.

Conclusion

The analysis of volume–time curves for the right ventricle and its outflow tract discloses new evaluation methods in clinical routine and science. Magn Reson Med 70:1718–1727, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the role of neuronal magnetic susceptibility and structure symmetry on gradient echo MR signal formation
Authors: Sukstanskii Alexander L. , Yablonskiy Dmitriy A.
Published: February 2013

Purpose

Phase images obtained by gradient‐recalled echo (GRE) MRI provide new contrast in the brain that is distinct from that obtained with conventional T1‐weighted and T2‐weighted images. The results are especially intriguing in white matter where both signal amplitude and phase display anisotropic properties. However, the biophysical origins of these phenomena are not well understood. The goal of this article is to provide a comprehensive theory of GRE signal formation based on a realistic model of neuronal structure.

Methods

We use Maxwell equations to find the distribution of magnetic field induced by myelin sheath and axon. We account for both anisotropy of neuronal tissue “magnetic micro‐architecture” and anisotropy of myelin sheath magnetic susceptibility.

Results

Model describes GRE signal comprising of three compartments—axonal, myelin, and extracellular. Both axonal and myelin water signals have frequency shifts that are affected by the magnetic susceptibility anisotropy of long molecules forming lipid bilayer membranes. These parts of frequency shifts reach extrema for axon oriented perpendicular to the magnetic field and are zeros in a parallel case. Myelin water signal is substantially non‐monoexponential.

Conclusions

Both, anisotropy of neuronal tissue “magnetic micro‐architecture” and anisotropy of myelin sheath magnetic susceptibility, are important for describing GRE signal phase and magnitude. Magn Reson Med 71:345–353, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical applications of arterial spin labeling
Authors: Watts Jonathan M. , Whitlow Christopher T. , Maldjian Joseph A.
Published: February 2013

MR arterial spin labeling is primarily applied as a neuroimaging method to measure cerebral blood flow. As this technique becomes more widely available, a basic understanding of the clinical applications is necessary for optimal utilization in the setting of patient care. This review focuses on the use of arterial spin labeling imaging for the evaluation of cerebrovascular disease, brain tumors and neuropsychiatric illness. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the performance of non‐conforming finite elements for the upper bound limit analysis of plates
Authors: Bleyer J. , de Buhan P.
Published: February 2013

In this paper, the upper bound limit analysis of thin plates in bending is addressed using various types of triangular finite elements for the generation of velocity fields and second‐order cone programming for the minimization problem. Three different C1‐discontinuous finite elements are considered: the quadratic six‐node Lagrange triangle (T6), an enhanced T6 element with a cubic bubble function at centroid (T6b) and the cubic Hermite triangle (H3). Through numerical examples involving Johansen and von Mises yield criteria, it is shown that cubic elements (H3) give far better results in terms of convergence rate and precision than fully conforming elements found in the literature, especially for problems involving clamped boundaries. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anthracycline induced cardiac toxicity in pediatric Ewing sarcoma: A longitudinal study
Authors: Brown Tanya Renae , Vijarnsorn Chodchanok , Potts Jim , Milner Ruth , Sandor George G.S. , Fryer Christopher
Published: February 2013

Background

Reports on incidence and factors associated with anthracycline cardiotoxicity in patients with Ewing sarcoma vary and few studies evaluate effect over time. Longitudinal trends in cardiac function and prognostic value of % decline in ejection fraction (EF) during therapy have not been previously described in Ewing sarcoma.

Procedure

A retrospective review of patients age <17 years, diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma during 1978–2006, treated at British Columbia Children's Hospital with anthracycline chemotherapy was undertaken. Echocardiograms performed pre‐treatment, worst function during treatment, on therapy completion; worst function during surveillance and the most recent echocardiogram were reviewed. Cardiac toxicity was graded using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v 3.0 and 4.0.

Results

Among 71 eligible patients, median age at diagnosis 11.1 years, median cumulative dose of anthracycline was 365 mg/m2. There were 397 echocardiograms with 153 (39%) abnormal. There were 21/71 patients with EF < 50%, 11 with EF < 40% and five cardiac deaths including 2/3 patients post‐cardiac transplant. The median time to worst cardiac function was 51 months. Post‐therapy completion 16/71 patients with progressive decline in cardiac function were noted. No patient with 10–15% decline in EF during therapy developed cardiotoxicity. Younger age (P = 0.004) and low BMI (P = 0.034) as continuous variables with anthracycline administration by IV push (P = 0.03) were risk factors for cardiotoxicity on univariate analysis but not significant within logistic regression models.

Conclusions

The high incidence of cardiotoxicity associated with higher administered anthracycline dose, young age, bolus infusion, and EF decline warrants evaluation in a larger cohort. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 842–848. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cytokine profiles in children with primary Epstein–Barr virus infection
Authors: Wada Taizo , Muraoka Masahiro , Yokoyama Tadafumi , Toma Tomoko , Kanegane Hirokazu , Yachie Akihiro
Published: February 2013

Primary Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection causes infectious mononucleosis and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in children, where EBV infects B and CD8+ T cells, respectively. We measured pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokines in both diseases. Significantly higher concentrations of various mediators, including interferon‐γ, neopterin, interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐10, IL‐18, and heme oxygenase‐1, were observed in EBV‐HLH. Because of their similarity to the profile of familial HLH, this profile was likely a consequence of HLH, but not ectopic infection. TNF‐α levels were elevated in both diseases. Elevation of those mediators may contribute to the disease pathogenesis of EBV‐HLH by activating and inhibiting host immune responses. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: E46–E48. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Methods for estimation of disparities in medication use in an observational cohort study: results from the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: McClelland Robyn L. , Jorgensen Neal W. , Post Wendy S. , Szklo Moyses , Kronmal Richard A.
Published: February 2013

Purpose

Evaluating disparities in health care is an important aspect of understanding differences in disease risk. The purpose of this study is to describe the methodology for estimating such disparities, with application to a large multi‐ethnic cohort study.

Methods

The Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis includes 6814 participants aged 45–84 years free of cardiovascular disease. Prevalence ratio (PR) regression was used to model baseline lipid lowering medication (LLM) or anti‐hypertensive medication use at baseline as a function of gender, race, risk factors, and estimated pre‐treatment biomarker values.

Results

Hispanics and African Americans had lower prevalence of medication use than did non‐Hispanic whites, even at the same risk factor profile. This became non‐significant after adjusting for socioeconomic status. Although gender did not influence the prevalence of LLM use (PR = 1.09, 95%CI 0.95–1.25), there were differences in the association of diabetes and HDL with LLM use by gender. Men were significantly less likely to be on anti‐hypertensive medications than women (PR = 0.86, 95%CI 0.80–0.92, p < 0.001), and this was not explained by risk factors or socioeconomic status. Lack of health insurance strongly influenced medication use, controlling for risk factors and other markers of socioeconomic status.

Conclusions

Disparities exist in the treatment of cholesterol and hypertension. Hispanics and African Americans had less use of LLM; men had less use of anti‐hypertensives. Risk factors have differential associations with medication use depending on gender. Methods described in this paper can provide improved disparity estimation in observational cohort studies. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐destructive optical analysis of band gap profile, crystalline phase, and grain size for Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells deposited by 1‐stage, 2‐stage, and 3‐stage co‐evaporation
Authors: Ranjan Vikash , Begou Thomas , Little Scott , Collins Robert W. , Marsillac Sylvain
Published: February 2013

Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) thin films co‐evaporated by 1‐stage, 2‐stage, and 3‐stage processes have been studied by spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE). The disappearance of a Cu2‐xSe optical signature, detected by real time SE during multistage CIGS, has enabled precise endpoint control. Band gap energies determined by SE as depth averages show little process variation for fixed [Ga]/([In] + [Ga]) atomic ratio, whereas their broadening parameters decrease with increasing number of stages, identifying successive grain size enhancements. Refined SE analysis has revealed band gap profiling only for 3‐stage CIGS. Solar cells incorporating these absorbers have yielded increased efficiencies in correlation with phase control, grain size, and band gap profiling. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE ISSUES IN THE ASSESSMENT OF COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING FOR EDUCATIONAL APPLICATIONS
Authors: Decker Scott L. , Hale James B. , Flanagan Dawn P.
Published: February 2013

Research has demonstrated that many children have learning problems related to deficits in specific cognitive processes that are not adequately represented by a single IQ score. The administration of cognitive measures that include narrow abilities is useful in understanding specific learning problems and developing effective interventions. However, school psychology training programs have not readily adopted contemporary assessment practices. This article reviews the historical and legislative factors influencing school psychologists’ use of intellectual measures for identifying children with learning and other high‐incidence disabilities. Distinctions between contemporary cognitive assessment and traditional IQ testing are reviewed. Specific challenges to incorporating evidence‐based assessment practice within school psychology training programs are identified. Guidelines for using alternative research‐based procedures that include the use of cognitive measures to assess a child's strengths and weaknesses are provided. Potential directions for the application of cognitive theory in educational settings, professional training in appropriate interpretive strategies, and ethical guidance for the appropriate use of cognitive measures are also discussed.
GaN growth on (111)Al substrates by CS‐MBE and their chemical lift‐off technique
Authors: Honda Tohru , Hayashi Masato , Sugiura Yohei , Takezawa Itsuki , Yamaguchi Tomohiro
Published: February 2013

The low‐temperature growth of GaN on (0001) sapphire and (111)Al substrates by compound‐source molecular beam epitaxy (CS‐MBE) with was investigated. Although precise control of the V/III ratio was required for the growth, the near‐bandedge‐emission (NBE)‐dominant photoluminescence spectra of hexagonal GaN layers were observed at RT. The GaN layers were also grown on aluminum substrates with and without nitridation by CS‐MBE. Reflection high‐energy electron diffraction patterns of the layers indicate that the nitridation is effective for GaN growth by CS‐MBE on aluminum substrates. For further improvement of the GaN crystalline quality, the use of epitaxially grown Al layers as the substrates for the growth was proposed. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Lmo2 Induces Hematopoietic Stem Cell-Like Features in T-Cell Progenitor Cells Prior to Leukemia
Authors: Cleveland Susan M. , Smith Stephen , Tripathi Rati , Mathias Elizabeth M. , Goodings Charnise , Elliott Natalina , Peng Dunfa , El-Rifai Wael , Yi Dajun , Chen Xi , Li Liqi , Mullighan Charles , Downing James R. , Love Paul , Davé Utpal P.
Published: February 2013

LIM domain only 2 (Lmo2) is frequently deregulated in sporadic and gene therapy-induced acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) where its overexpression is an important initiating mutational event. In transgenic and retroviral mouse models,  Lmo2  expression can be enforced in multiple hematopoietic lineages but leukemia only arises from T cells. These data suggest that  Lmo2  confers clonal growth advantage in T-cell progenitors. We analyzed proliferation, differentiation, and cell death in  CD2-Lmo2  transgenic thymic progenitor cells to understand the cellular effects of enforced  Lmo2  expression. Most impressively,  Lmo2  transgenic T-cell progenitor cells were blocked in differentiation, quiescent, and immortalized in vitro on OP9-DL1 stromal cells. These cellular effects were concordant with a transcriptional signature in  Lmo2  transgenic T-cell progenitor cells that is also present in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and early T-cell precursor ALL. These results are significant in light of the crucial role of  Lmo2  in the maintenance of the HSC. The cellular effects and transcriptional effects have implications for LMO2-dependent leukemogenesis and the treatment of  LMO2-induced T-ALL.
Multi‐SVM classifier system with piecewise interpolation
Authors: Li Boyang , Wang Qiangwei , Hu Jinglu
Published: February 2013

Several researchers have shown that multiple classifier systems can result in effective solutions to difficult real‐world classification tasks. However, most of these approaches are easily influenced by noise, and the training datasets for local classifiers get easily imbalanced. One of the main reasons for this is that it is hard to guarantee that the centers of the subsets are close to the separation hyperplane, so that it is difficult to evenly distribute the samples in the two sides of the hyperplane. In order to solve this problem, we redefine the description of classifier modeling problem as a task of piecewise approximation of the separation hyperplane. On the basis of this description, we propose a novel multiple support vector machine (SVM) classifier system. Its main contribution is a novel construction approach to the subtraining datasets. The proposed approach partitions the area close to the separation hyperplane into some subsets to construct the subtraining datasets. The subtraining datasets describe the subtasks for identifying segments of the separation hyperplane. Local SVMs are trained to solve the respective subtasks. Finally, the decisions of these local SVMs are appropriately combined on the basis of a probabilistic interpretation to obtain the final classification decision. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated through comparisons with some well‐known approaches on both synthetic and real‐world datasets. © 2013 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Herstellung von Polymer‐ und Polymer‐Metalloxid‐Kompositschichten
Authors: Neubert Thomas , Vergöhl Michael
Published: February 2013

Organische Materialien werden bislang kaum in optischen Interferenzschichten eingesetzt. Ursächlich hierfür sind neben ihrer relativ geringen mechanischen Beständigkeit die oft komplexeren Technologien zur Herstellung dünner organischer Schichten und die im Vergleich zu oxidischen Materialien mangelhafteren optischen Eigenschaften. Dennoch bieten einige organische Materialien spezielle Eigenschaften, welche sie für den Einsatz in optischen Schichtsystemen durchaus interessant machen. Zwar sind diese Schichten relativ weich, jedoch können sie durch ihre hohe mechanische Flexibilität mechanische Spannungen in Schichtsystemen abbauen. Einige organische Materialien zeigen darüber hinaus spezielle optische Effekte wie Fluoreszenz oder intensive Farben, welche in optischen Schichtsystemen genutzt werden können. Hydrophile und hydrophobe organische Deckschichten können zudem das Verschmutzungsverhalten von optischen Schichtsystemen positiv beeinflussen. Aus diesem Grund stellen wir in diesem Artikel eine Reihe von Beschichtungstechniken für organische Substanzen aus der Gasphase vor und berichten über einige grundlegende optische und mechanische Schichteigenschaften sowie über wichtige Prozesscharakteristika.
Semantics and pragmatics
Authors: McNally Louise
Published: February 2013

The fields of semantics and pragmatics are devoted to the study of conventionalized and context‐ or use‐dependent aspects of natural language meaning, respectively. The complexity of human language as a semiotic system has led to considerable debate about how the semantics/pragmatics distinction should be drawn, if at all. This debate largely reflects contrasting views of meaning as a property of linguistic expressions versus something that speakers do. The fact that both views of meaning are essential to a complete understanding of language has led to a variety of efforts over the last 40 years to develop better integrated and more comprehensive theories of language use and interpretation. The most important advances have included the adaptation of propositional analyses of declarative sentences to interrogative, imperative and exclamative forms; the emergence of dynamic, game theoretic, and multi‐dimensional theories of meaning; and the development of various techniques for incorporating context‐dependent aspects of content into representations of context‐invariant content with the goal of handling phenomena such as vagueness resolution, metaphor, and metonymy.WIREs Cogn Sci2013, 4:285–297. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1227

This article is categorized under:

Linguistics > Linguistic Theory
Proton channels in non‐phagocytic cells of the immune system
Authors: Capasso Melania
Published: February 2013

Proton channels are expressed in all the cells of the immune system to various degrees. While their function in phagocytic cells, immune cells that engulf bacteria and cell debris for clearance, has been the object of extensive research, the function of proton channels in non‐phagocytic cells has remained more elusive until recently. Further studies have been supported by the discovery of the gene coding for the mammalian proton channel, HVCN1, which has prompted a new wave of research in this area. Recent findings show how proton channels regulate cell function in non‐phagocytic cells of the immune system such as basophils and lymphocytes. WIREs Membr Transp Signal 2013, 2:65–73. doi: 10.1002/wmts.78

For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
The N‐terminal fragment of Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus tyrosyl‐tRNA synthetase (TyrRSapm) is a monomer in solution
Authors: Choudhury Aparajita , Banerjee Rajat
Published: February 2013

TyrRSapm and TyrRSapm bind by fluorescence technology (View interaction)
Preliminary investigation of the effects of long-term dietary intake of genistein and daidzein on hepatic histopathology and biochemistry in domestic cats (Felis catus)
Authors: Whitehouse-Tedd Katherine M. , Cave Nicholas J. , Ugarte Claudia E. , Roe Wendi D. , Thomas David G.
Published: February 2013

Dietary isoflavones have been hypothesised to play a role in hepatic veno-occlusive disease in captive exotic felids, although empirical evidence is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the effect of long-term (>1 year) dietary genistein and daidzein exposure on the hepatic biochemistry and histology of domestic cats. Individual cats were assessed for hepatic enzyme and bile acid production before and after the removal of isoflavones from their diet in the treatment group (n = 4), and at the same times in unexposed control animals (n = 7). No significant differences were detectable in hepatic biochemistry between treatment and control groups, and all serum values were within the normal reference ranges for domestic cats. Additionally, treatment animals demonstrated slightly greater areas of fibrosis surrounding hepatic venules than control animals, but this difference was not statistically significant. On the basis of the results presented, dietary isoflavones, at the current dose and duration of exposure do not appear to modulate hepatic enzyme production or histological parameters.
Three-dimensional coating and rimming flow: a ring of fluid on a rotating horizontal cylinder
Authors: Leslie G. A. , Wilson S. K. , Duffy B. R.
Published: February 2013

The steady three-dimensional flow of a thin, slowly varying ring of Newtonian fluid on either the outside or the inside of a uniformly rotating large horizontal cylinder is investigated. Specifically, we study ‘full-ring’ solutions, corresponding to a ring of continuous, finite and non-zero thickness that extends all of the way around the cylinder. In particular, it is found that there is a critical solution corresponding to either a critical load above which no full-ring solution exists (if the rotation speed is prescribed) or a critical rotation speed below which no full-ring solution exists (if the load is prescribed). We describe the behaviour of the critical solution and, in particular, show that the critical flux, the critical load, the critical semi-width and the critical ring profile are all increasing functions of the rotation speed. In the limit of small rotation speed, the critical flux is small and the critical ring is narrow and thin, leading to a small critical load. In the limit of large rotation speed, the critical flux is large and the critical ring is wide on the upper half of the cylinder and thick on the lower half of the cylinder, leading to a large critical load. We also describe the behaviour of the non-critical full-ring solution and, in particular, show that the semi-width and the ring profile are increasing functions of the load but, in general, non-monotonic functions of the rotation speed. In the limit of large rotation speed, the ring approaches a limiting non-uniform shape, whereas in the limit of small load, the ring is narrow and thin with a uniform parabolic profile. Finally, we show that, while for most values of the rotation speed and the load the azimuthal velocity is in the same direction as the rotation of the cylinder, there is a region of parameter space close to the critical solution for sufficiently small rotation speed in which backflow occurs in a small region on the upward-moving side of the cylinder.
BMI and cardiovascular function in children and adolescents of Mauritius Island
Authors: Miles-Chan Jennifer L. , Joonas Noorjehan , Joganah Shashee , Larhubarbe Jose , Schutz Yves , Montani Jean-Pierre , Dulloo Abdul G.
Published: February 2013

Among countries which have undergone a rapid socio-economic and nutrition transition over the past few decades, the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius is among those with the greatest surge in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and CVD. The aim of the present study was to characterise the BMI and cardiovascular functions of children and adolescents of this at-risk population. Data were collected through measurements of anthropometry, resting heart rate and blood pressure in a nationally representative sample (n 2489) of children (5–10 years) and adolescents (11–18 years), and analysed according to sex and ethnic identity: South Asian Hindus and Muslims (both of Indian ancestry), Creole (of varying degrees of African ancestry) and Chinese (of mainland China ancestry). Based on standards of the WHO or International Obesity Task Force, one in six of these young individuals exhibit a high BMI-for-age. Analysis by ethnicity revealed that Creole males and females show higher BMI-for-age but also lower heart rate (P < 0·001) even after adjustment for BMI. Additionally, Chinese males and females show higher systolic blood pressure (P < 0·01), independently of BMI. None of these ethnic differences could be related to household income, diet type (vegetarian v. non-vegetarian) or to fruit consumption. This study in children and adolescents of this multi-ethnic at-risk population for CVD reveal ethnic differences in BMI-for-age as well as consistent BMI-independent ethnic differences in heart rate and systolic blood pressure. These findings underscore the need to establish the BMI–fat % relationship across the various ethnic groups and for more detailed investigations about their differences in lifestyle and dietary habits that might explain their differential cardiovascular functions prior to adulthood.
RWGAIM: an efficient high-dimensional random whole genome average (QTL) interval mapping approach
Authors: VERBYLA ARŪNAS P. , TAYLOR JULIAN D. , VERBYLA KLARA L.
Published: February 2013

Mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) underlying variation in quantitative traits continues to be a powerful tool in genetic study of plants and other organisms. Whole genome average interval mapping (WGAIM), a mixed model QTL mapping approach using all intervals or markers simultaneously, has been demonstrated to outperform composite interval mapping, a common approach for QTL analysis. However, the advent of high-throughput high-dimensional marker platforms provides a challenge. To overcome this, a dimension reduction technique is proposed for WGAIM for efficient analysis of a large number of markers. This approach results in reduced computing time as it is dependent on the number of genetic lines (or individuals) rather than the number of intervals (or markers). The approach allows for the full set of potential QTL effects to be recovered. A proposed random effects version of WGAIM aims to reduce bias in the estimated size of QTL effects. Lastly, the two-stage outlier procedure used in WGAIM is replaced by a single stage approach to reduce possible bias in the selection of putative QTL in both WGAIM and the random effects version. Simulation is used to demonstrate the efficiency of the dimension reduction approach as well as demonstrate that while the approaches are very similar, the random WGAIM performs better than the original and modified fixed WGAIM by reducing bias and in terms of mean square error of prediction of estimated QTL effects. Finally, an analysis of a doubled haploid population is used to illustrate the three approaches.
Radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of paediatric microcystic lymphatic malformations
Authors: Goswamy J , Penney S E , Bruce I A , Rothera M P
Published: February 2013

Objective:

Congenital lymphatic malformations are a challenging clinical problem. There is currently no universally accepted treatment for the management of microcystic disease. We describe the novel use of an existing technology (radiofrequency ablation, also termed Coblation) for the debulking of paediatric microcystic lymphatic malformations involving the upper aerodigestive tract.

Methods:

Five children with microcystic or mixed-type lymphatic malformations were included in this retrospective case series.

Results:

Each child had a satisfactory outcome following radiofrequency debulking, with improved oral intake and airway symptoms. No serious complications were reported. These findings constitute level IV evidence.

Conclusion:

We recommend radiofrequency ablation as a safe, viable alternative to existing techniques for the treatment of paediatric microcystic lymphatic malformations of the upper aerodigestive tract. Radiofrequency ablation achieves effective debulking of microcysts whilst avoiding excessive bleeding and thermal damage to surrounding tissues. This paper constitutes the first report of successful treatment of airway obstruction due to paediatric laryngopharyngeal microcystic disease, using radiofrequency ablation.
Distribution of depth to ice-cemented soils in the high-elevation Quartermain Mountains, McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica
Authors: Marinova Margarita M. , Mckay Christopher P. , Pollard Wayne H. , Heldmann Jennifer L. , Davila Alfonso F. , Andersen Dale T. , Jackson W. Andrew , Lacelle Denis , Paulsen Gale , Zacny Kris
Published: February 2013

We report on 475 measurements of depth to ice-cemented ground in four high-elevation valleys of the Quartermain Mountains, McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica. These valleys have pervasive ice-cemented ground, and the depth to ice-cemented ground and the ice composition may be indicators of climate change. In University Valley, the measured depth to ice-cemented ground ranges from 0–98 cm. There is an overall trend of increasing depth to ice-cemented ground with distance from a small glacier at the head of the valley, with a slope of 32 cm depth per kilometre along the valley floor. For Farnell Valley, the depth to ice-cemented ground is roughly constant (c. 30 cm) in the upper and central parts of the valley, but increases sharply as the valley descends into Beacon Valley. The two valleys north of University Valley also have extensive ice-cemented ground, with depths of 20–40 cm, but exhibit no clear patterns of ice depth with location. For all valleys there is a tendency for the variability in depth to ice-cemented ground at a site to increase with increasing depth to ice. Snow recurrence, solar insolation, and surface albedo may all be factors that cause site to site variations in these valleys.
Cognitive behavioral treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder: Empirical foundation and new directions
Authors: Koucky Ellen M. , Dickstein Benjamin D. , Chard Kathleen M.
Published: February 2013

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is currently the most empirically supported intervention for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and includes both specific manualized treatments (e.g., cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure) and less standardized applications. As CBT for PTSD has become increasingly popular, more advanced questions have emerged regarding its use, including how existing treatments might be enhanced. In the current review, we aimed to discover recent trends in the CBT for PTSD literature by applying rigorous search criteria to peer-reviewed articles published from 2009 to 2012. Results of the 14 studies that were identified are discussed, and future directions for research are suggested.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodinamics of psychotropic drugs: effect of sex
Authors: Marazziti Donatella , Baroni Stefano , Picchetti Michela , Piccinni Armando , Carlini Marina , Vatteroni Elena , Falaschi Valentina , Lombardi Amedeo , Dell'Osso Liliana
Published: February 2013

Data on the specific effects of sex on pharmacokinetics, as well as tolerability, safety, and efficacy of psychotropic medications are still meager, mainly because only recently sex-related issues have attracted a certain degree of interest within the pharmacological domain. Therefore, with the present study, we aimed to provide a comprehensive review of the literature on this topic, through careful MEDLINE and PubMed searches of the years 1990–2012.

Generally, data on pharmacokinetics are more consistent and numerous than those on pharmacodynamics. Sex-related differences have been reported for several parameters that influence pharmacokinetics, such as gastric acidity, intestinal motility, body weight and composition, blood volume, liver enzymes (mainly the cytochrome P450), or renal excretion, which may alter plasma drug levels. Sex-related peculiarities may also account for a different sensitivity of men and women to side effects and toxicity of psychotropic drugs. Further, some differences in drug response, mainly to antipsychotics and antidepressants, have been described.

Further studies are, however, necessary to explore more thoroughly the impact of sex on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of psychotropic drugs, in order to reach the most appropriate and tailored prescription for each patient.
Kant on Nativism, Scepticism and Necessity
Authors: Callanan John
Published: February 2013

Kant criticizes the so-called ‘preformation’ hypothesis – a nativist account of the origin of the categories – at the end of the B-Deduction on the ground that it entails scepticism. I examine the historical context of Kant's criticism, and identify the targets as both Crusius and Leibniz. There are two claims argued for in this paper: first, that attending to the context of the opposition to certain forms of nativism affords a way of understanding Kant's commitment to the so-called ‘discursivity thesis’, by contrasting the possession conditions for the categories with those for innate ideas; secondly, it provides an insight with regard to Kant's understanding of the dialectic with scepticism. Kant's claim is that a certain explanatory lacuna that attaches to Humean empiricism can be seen to apply equally to any nativist theory. The lacuna concerns the explanation of the modal purport ofa priorinecessity, i.e. how it is that our consciousness can even distinguish contents that are representedasnecessary features of objects.
Kant on Radical Evil and the Origin of Moral Responsibility
Authors: McMullin Irene
Published: February 2013

The notion of radical evil plays a more important role in Kant's moral theory than is typically recognized. In Religion Within the Limits of Mere Reason, radical evil is both an innate propensity and a morally imputable act – a paradoxical status that has prompted commentators to reject it as inconsistent with the rest of Kant's moral theory. In contrast, I argue that the notion of radical evil accounts for the beginning of moral responsibility in Kant's theory, since the act of attributing radical evil to one's freedom is an inauguration into the autonomous stance.
Transmission Electron Microscopy, Fluorescence Microscopy, and Confocal Raman Microscopic Analysis of Ultrastructural and Compositional Heterogeneity ofCornus albaL. Wood Cell Wall
Authors: Ma Jianfeng , Ji Zhe , Zhou Xia , Zhang Zhiheng , Xu Feng
Published: February 2013

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fluorescence microscopy, and confocal Raman microscopy can be used to characterize ultrastructural and compositional heterogeneity of plant cell walls. In this study, TEM observations revealed the ultrastructural characterization ofCornus albaL. fiber, vessel, axial parenchyma, ray parenchyma, and pit membrane between cells, notably with the ray parenchyma consisting of two well-defined layers. Fluorescence microscopy evidenced that cell corner middle lamella was more lignified than adjacent compound middle lamella and secondary wall with variation in lignification level from cell to cell.In situRaman images showed that the inhomogeneity in cell wall components (cellulose and lignin) among different cells and within morphologically distinct cell wall layers. As the significant precursors of lignin biosynthesis, the pattern of coniferyl alcohol and aldehyde (joint abbreviation Lignin-CAA for both structures) distribution in fiber cell wall was also identified by Raman images, with higher concentration occurring in the fiber secondary wall where there was the highest cellulose concentration. Moreover, noteworthy was the observation that higher concentration of lignin and very minor amounts of cellulose were visualized in the pit membrane areas. These complementary microanalytical methods provide more accurate and complete information with regard to ultrastructural and compositional characterization of plant cell walls.
WEAK PROPER DISTRIBUTION OF VALUES OF MULTIPLICATIVE FUNCTIONS IN RESIDUE CLASSES
Authors: NARKIEWICZ WŁADYSŁAW
Published: February 2013

For a class of multiplicative integer-valued functions $f$ the distribution of the sequence $f(n)$ in restricted residue classes modulo $N$ is studied. We consider a property weaker than weak uniform distribution and study it for polynomial-like multiplicative functions, in particular for $\varphi (n)$ and $\sigma (n)$.
A corpus linguistic analysis of turn-openings in spoken academic discourse: Understanding discursive specialisation
Authors: Evison Jane
Published: February 2013

Recent corpus linguistic (CL) investigations of academic discourse (both written and spoken) have tended to use easily excisable lexical items and/or grammatical forms to determine what is ‘special’ about the language of academia, and to compare and contrast particular disciplines or subjects with each other. This study takes a different approach to characterising academic talk – beginning with position rather than item. It is predicated on the well-established tenet that a considerable amount of discursive activity occurs in the extremely elastic and highly charged openings of turns, a position in the discourse that is the nexus of textual and interpersonal obligation, risk and potential. It therefore presents the results of the systematic analysis of the openings of 13,337 turns taken by tutors and students in a range of common pedagogic encounters in the humanities and social sciences. A set of ‘core’ turn-openers is then identified so that further detailed contextualised analysis can be carried out, which includes comparison with a benchmark corpus of casual conversation. The results suggest that academic speakers start their turns with recognisably conversational items that show subtle, but regularised, discursive specialisations related to their reflexive relationship with the academic encounters in which they are uttered and which they help to create.
Working Memory and Emotion: Ruminations on a Theory of Depression
Authors: Baddeley Alan
Published: February 2013

A broad theory of depression is proposed based on a blend of Hume's ( D. Hume, 1978 , A Treatise of Human Nature. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press. Original work published 1739) concept of a valenced world and Damasio's (A. R. Damasio, 1994 , Descartes' Error: Emotion, Reason, and the Human Brain. New York, NY: Putnam) somatic marker hypothesis. It is proposed that behavior is governed by a hedonic detector system coupled to working memory. Depression is assumed to reflect a malfunction of the hedonic detector, involving the inappropriate setting of its positive−negative neutral point. This simple assumption allows a coherent account of depression that links the neurobiological, behavioral, and psychological evidence with a plausible evolutionary hypothesis. Alternative hypothesis are discussed, and methods of investigating the hedonic detector are suggested.
Origins of Modern Ideas on Love and Loss: Contrasting Forerunners of Attachment Theory
Authors: Stroebe Margaret S. , Archer John
Published: February 2013

In this article we examine some origins of John Bowlby's attachment theory, a highly influential scientific approach to love and loss in contemporary society. Although some potential influences have been well-documented, others have either received no recognition or have failed to have an impact. We focus specifically on three of Bowlby's predecessors, exploring how these were differentially influential on his work. The first of these, Charles Darwin, was amply endorsed by Bowlby, both in terms of the adaptive background to his theory and more specifically in relation to Darwin's study of the emotions associated with grief. The second, Alexander Shand, was recognized as important but is cited little and omitted from the central issue of the resolution of grief. The third, Bertrand Russell, formulated ideas on attachment and separation before Bowlby, and possibly contributed to the intellectual forces that influenced him too. To our knowledge, Russell's work was not cited by Bowlby, despite the fact that it contained the seeds of many of Bowlby's ideas on attachment. It remains unclear whether this was because he had not read Russell or through omission; there is no definitive evidence either way. Tracing these historical origins illustrates how theory development involves a process of integration and selection, how even radical theories are rooted in previous scholarship, and how it can take decades for inspiring ideas to develop into full-blown, well-tested, theories.
Cross-Disciplinary Applications of I/O Psychology Concepts: Predicting Student Retention and Employee Turnover
Authors: Larkin Judith E. , Brasel Alicia M. , Pines Harvey A.
Published: February 2013

Two survey investigations conducted over a 2-year period serve as a case study illustrating how research that crosses disciplinary boundaries can shed light on current conceptual and methodological issues in student retention. Specifically, we applied the concepts of organizational commitment and job embeddedness used by industrial/organizational psychologists in the study of employee turnover to an investigation of factors that influence college student retention and withdrawal. The present research models the cross-disciplinary approach by examining the associations between embeddedness (including links, fit, sacrifice) and organizational commitment, and focusing on their ability to predict students' intentions to leave and, longitudinally, to predict actual departure prior to graduation. The case study demonstrates how understanding a particular behavior in one domain, that of education, is advanced by taking an approach from outside that discipline. Similarly, concepts from I/O psychology and management become clarified when applied outside their own boundaries.
Reactive oxygen species, Nox and angiotensin II in angiogenesis: implications for retinopathy
Authors: Wilkinson-Berka Jennifer L. , Rana Indrajeetsinh , Armani Roksana , Agrotis Alex
Published: February 2013

Pathological angiogenesis is a key feature of many diseases including retinopathies such as ROP (retinopathy of prematurity) and DR (diabetic retinopathy). There is considerable evidence that increased production of ROS (reactive oxygen species) in the retina participates in retinal angiogenesis, although the mechanisms by which this occurs are not fully understood. ROS is produced by a number of pathways, including the mitochondrial electron transport chain, cytochrome P450, xanthine oxidase and uncoupled nitric oxide synthase. The family of NADPH oxidase (Nox) enzymes are likely to be important given that their primary function is to produce ROS. Seven isoforms of Nox have been identified named Nox1–5, Duox (dual oxidase) 1 and Duox2. Nox1, Nox2 and Nox4 have been most extensively studied and are implicated in the development of conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease and diabetic nephropathy. In recent years, evidence has accumulated to suggest that Nox1, Nox2 and Nox4 participate in pathological angiogenesis; however, there is no clear consensus about which Nox isoform is primarily responsible. In terms of retinopathy, there is growing evidence that Nox contribute to vascular injury. The RAAS (renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system), and particularly AngII (angiotensin II), is a key stimulator of Nox. It is known that a local RAAS exists in the retina and that blockade of AngII and aldosterone attenuate pathological angiogenesis in the retina. Whether the RAAS influences the production of ROS derived from Nox in retinopathy is yet to be fully determined. These topics will be reviewed with a particular emphasis on ROP and DR.
Particulate organic matter in soil under different management systems in the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Loss Arcângelo , Pereira Marcos Gervasio , Perin Adriano , Coutinho Fernando Silva , Cunha dos Anjos Lúcia Helena
Published: February 2013

The combination of the no-till planting system (NTS) and pasture (e.g. brachiaria grass, Urochloa sp.) for livestock production constitutes a crop–livestock integration (CLI) system. CLI systems significantly increase the total organic carbon (TOC) content of soil and the particulate organic carbon (POC) of soil organic matter (SOM). The present study evaluated TOC and the granulometric fractions of SOM under different management systems in a Cerrado area in the state of Goiás. Two areas applying crop rotation were evaluated, one using CLI (corn/brachiaria grass/bean/cotton/soybean planted sequentially) and the other NTS (sunflower/pearl millet/soybean/corn planted sequentially). A third area covered with natural Cerrado vegetation (Cerradão) served as a reference to determine original soil conditions. Soil was randomly sampled at 0–5, 5–10, 10–20, and 20–40 cm. The TOC, POC, and mineral-associated organic carbon (MOC) were assessed, and POC and MOC stocks calculated. The CLI system resulted in greater TOC levels than NTS (0–5, 5–10, and 10–20 cm). Compared with the Cerradão, CLI areas exhibited higher stocks of TOC (at 5–10 and 10–20 cm) and POC (at 0–40 cm). Results obtained for TOC and POC fractions show that land management with CLI was more efficient in increasing SOM than NTS. Moreover, when compared with NTS, the CLI system provided better POC stratification.
Precise SDF1-mediated cell guidance is achieved through ligand clearance and microRNA-mediated decay
Authors: Lewellis Stephen W. , Nagelberg Danielle , Subedi Abhi , Staton Alison , LeBlanc Michelle , Giraldez Antonio , Knaut Holger
Published: February 2013

During animal development, SDF1 simultaneously guides various cell types to different targets. As many targets are in close proximity to one another, it is unclear how the system avoids mistargeting. Zebrafish trigeminal sensory neurons express the SDF1 receptor Cxcr4b and encounter multiple SDF1 sources during migration, but ignore all but the correct one. We show that miR-430 and Cxcr7b regulation of SDF1a are required for precise guidance. In the absence of miR-430 or Cxcr7b, neurons responded to ectopic SDF1a sources along their route and did not reach their target. This was due to a failure to clear SDF1a transcript and protein from sites of expression that the migrating neurons had already passed. Our findings suggest an “attractive path” model in which migrating cells closely follow a dynamic SDF1a source that is refined on a transcript and protein level by miR-430 and Cxcr7b, respectively.