bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redescription of Digalodon rubidgei, an emydopoid dicynodont (Therapsida, Anomodontia) from the Late Permian of South Africa
Authors: Kammerer C. F. , Angielczyk K. D. , Fröbisch J.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. The Late Permian dicynodont Digalodon rubidgei Broom and Robinson, 1948, is redescribed based on reanalysis of the holotype and newly recognized referable specimens. Digalodon can be diagnosed by the presence of a long "beak" sharply demarcated from the caniniform process; an extremely tall zygomatic ramus of the squamosal, with a thickened, "folded-over" dorsal margin; raised parietal "lips" along the lateral edges of the pineal foramen; and a broad posterolateral expansion of the parietal, excluding the postorbital from the back of the skull roof. Inclusion of Digalodon in a recent analysis of anomodont phylogeny recovers it as a kistecephalian emydopoid, specifically as the sister taxon to the clade containing the remaining kistecephalians. Four definite specimens of Digalodon are known, but several additional specimens lacking tusks, the swollen pineal "lips", and a thickened zygoma may represent sexually dimorphic females or juveniles. Specimens of Digalodon are restricted to the central portion of the Karoo Basin, in the area around Graaff-Reinet, and are part of a characteristic fauna probably representing a limited time span.
Modelling turbulent vertical mixing sensitivity using a 1-D version of NEMO
Authors: Reffray G. , Bourdalle-Badie R. , Calone C.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Through two numerical experiments, a 1-D vertical model called NEMO1D was used to investigate physical and numerical turbulent-mixing behaviour. The results show that all the turbulent closures tested (k+l from Blanke and Delecluse, 1993, and two equation models: generic length scale closures from Umlauf and Burchard, 2003) are able to correctly reproduce the classical test of Kato and Phillips (1969) under favourable numerical conditions while some solutions may diverge depending on the degradation of the spatial and time discretization. The performances of turbulence models were then compared with data measured over a 1-year period (mid-2010 to mid-2011) at the PAPA station, located in the North Pacific Ocean. The modelled temperature and salinity were in good agreement with the observations, with a maximum temperature error between −2 and 2 °C during the stratified period (June to October). However, the results also depend on the numerical conditions. The vertical RMSE varied, for different turbulent closures, from 0.1 to 0.3 °C during the stratified period and from 0.03 to 0.15 °C during the homogeneous period. This 1-D configuration at the PAPA station (called PAPA1D) is now available in NEMO as a reference configuration including the input files and atmospheric forcing set described in this paper. Thus, all the results described can be recovered by downloading and launching PAPA1D. The configuration is described on the NEMO site (http://www.nemo-ocean.eu/Using-NEMO/Configurations/C1D_PAPA). This package is a good starting point for further investigation of vertical processes.
An efficient workflow to accurately compute groundwater recharge for the study of rainfall-triggered deep-seated landslides, application to the Séchilienne unstable slope (western Alps)
Authors: Vallet A. , Bertrand C. , Fabbri O. , Mudry J.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Pore water pressure build-up by recharge of underground hydrosystems is one of the main triggering factors of deep-seated landslides. In most deep-seated landslides, pore water pressure data are not available since piezometers, if any, have a very short lifespan because of slope movements. As a consequence, indirect parameters, such as the calculated recharge, are the only data which enable understanding landslide hydrodynamic behaviour. However, in landslide studies, methods and recharge-area parameters used to determine the groundwater recharge are rarely detailed. In this study, the groundwater recharge is estimated with a soil-water balance based on characterisation of evapotranspiration and parameters characterising the recharge area (soil available water capacity, runoff and vegetation coefficient). A workflow to compute daily groundwater recharge is developed. This workflow requires the records of precipitation, air temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation and wind speed within or close to the landslide area. The determination of the parameters of the recharge area is based on a spatial analysis requiring field observations and spatial data sets (digital elevation models, aerial photographs and geological maps). This study demonstrates that the performance of the correlation with landslide displacement velocity data is significantly improved using the recharge estimated with the proposed workflow. The coefficient of determination obtained with the recharge estimated with the proposed workflow is 78% higher on average than that obtained with precipitation, and is 38% higher on average than that obtained with recharge computed with a commonly used simplification in landslide studies (recharge = precipitation minus non-calibrated evapotranspiration method).
Impacts of beaver dams on hydrologic and temperature regimes in a mountain stream
Authors: Majerova M. , Neilson B. T. , Schmadel N. M. , Wheaton J. M. , Snow C. J.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Beaver dams affect hydrologic processes, channel complexity, and stream temperature by increasing inundated areas and influencing groundwater-surface water interactions. We explored the impacts of beaver dams on hydrologic and temperature regimes at different spatial and temporal scales within a mountain stream in northern Utah over a three-year period spanning pre- and post-beaver colonization. Using continuous stream discharge, stream temperature, synoptic tracer experiments, and groundwater elevation measurements we documented pre-beaver conditions in the first year of the study. In the second year, we captured the initial effects of three beaver dams, while the third year included the effects of ten dams. After beaver colonization, reach scale discharge observations showed a shift from slightly losing to gaining. However, at the smaller sub-reach scale, the discharge gains and losses increased in variability due to more complex flow pathways with beaver dams forcing overland flow and increasing surface and subsurface storage. At the reach scale, temperatures were found to increase by 0.38 °C (3.8%), which in part is explained by a 230% increase in mean reach residence time. At the smallest, beaver dam scale, there were notable increases in the thermal heterogeneity where warmer and cooler niches were created. Through the quantification of hydrologic and thermal changes at different spatial and temporal scales, we document increased variability during post-beaver colonization and highlight the need to understand the impacts of beaver dams on stream ecosystems and their potential role in stream restoration.
Climate response to Amazon forest replacement by heterogeneous crop cover
Authors: Badger A. M. , Dirmeyer P. A.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Previous modeling studies with atmospheric general circulation models and basic land surface schemes to balance energy and water budgets have shown that by removing the natural vegetation over the Amazon, the region's climate becomes warmer and drier. In this study we use a fully coupled Earth System Model and replace tropical forests by a distribution of six common tropical crops with variable planting dates, physiological parameters and irrigation. There is still general agreement with previous studies as areal averages show a warmer (+1.4 K) and drier (−0.35 mm day−1) climate. Using an interactive crop model with a realistic crop distribution shows that regions of vegetation change experience different responses dependent upon the initial tree coverage and whether the replacement vegetation is irrigated, with seasonal changes synchronized to the cropping season. Areas with initial tree coverage greater than 80% show an increase in coupling with atmosphere after deforestation, suggesting land use change could heighten sensitivity to climate anomalies, while irrigation acts to dampen coupling with atmosphere.
Eliciting geologists' tacit model of the uncertainty of mapped geological boundaries
Authors: Lark R. M. , Lawley R. S. , Barron A. J. M. , Aldiss D. T. , Ambrose K. , Cooper A. H. , Lee J. R. , Waters C. N.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. It is generally accepted that geological linework, such as mapped boundaries, are uncertain for various reasons. It is difficult to quantify this uncertainty directly, because the investigation of error in a boundary at a single location may be costly and time consuming, and many such observations are needed to estimate an uncertainty model with confidence. However, it is also recognized across many disciplines that experts generally have a tacit model of the uncertainty of information that they produce (interpretations, diagnoses etc.) and formal methods exist to extract this model in usable form by elicitation. In this paper we report a trial in which uncertainty models for mapped boundaries in six geological scenarios were elicited from a group of five experienced geologists. In five cases a consensus distribution was obtained, which reflected both the initial individually elicted distribution and a structured process of group discussion in which individuals revised their opinions. In a sixth case a consensus was not reached. This concerned a boundary between superficial deposits where the geometry of the contact is hard to visualize. The trial showed that the geologists' tacit model of uncertainty in mapped boundaries reflects factors in addition to the cartographic error usually treated by buffering linework or in written guidance on its application. It suggests that further application of elicitation, to scenarios at an appropriate level of generalization, could be useful to provide working error models for the application and interpretation of linework.
“Don’t Go Changing to Try and Please Me”: Combating Essentialism through Ethnography in the Ethnomusicology of Autism
Authors: Bakan Michael B.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Ethnomusicology is the study of how people make and experience music, and of why it matters to them that they do. Building from the epistemological foundations of the autistic self-advocacy and neurodiversity movements, as well as from the musical, ethnographic, and relativistic priorities of ethnomusicology itself, this article advances the position that our field, thus defined, is inherently well suited to the task of creating and sustaining vital, neurodiverse musical communities. The focus is on one such community, the Artism Ensemble, which serves as the basis of a case study featuring transcripts of dialogue with a child member of the group diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome.
Four Decades of Necrotizing Sarcoid Granulomatosis: What Do We Know Now?
Authors: Rosen Yale
Published: January 2015

Context

In the 4 decades since Dr Averill A. Liebow introduced necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis, there have been publications of numerous cases, but its nature and possible relationship to classical and nodular sarcoidosis have been and remain controversial. Liebow introduced necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis as a provisional diagnostic term and stated that “the problem is whether the disease represents necrotizing angiitis with sarcoid reaction, or sarcoidosis with necrosis of the granulomas and of the vessels.” There has, as yet, been no definitive answer to the questions that he raised.

Objective

To determine whether there is a relationship between necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis and nodular sarcoidosis in order to ascertain whether the current prevailing opinion that they are related is correct.

Data Sources

The world's literature on necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis from 1973 to 2013 and nodular sarcoidosis from 1952 to 2013 was critically reviewed. One hundred three cases of necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis and 111 cases of nodular sarcoidosis were found suitable for individual case analysis.

Conclusion

The data showed a striking overlap in the clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features of both entities, strongly supporting the conclusion that necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis is a previously unrecognized manifestation of sarcoidosis and is essentially the same as nodular sarcoidosis. It is proposed that use of necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis as a diagnostic term be discontinued and replaced by sarcoidosis with necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis pattern provided that an infectious etiology can be reasonably excluded. Our concept of sarcoidosis should now be expanded to recognize that there is a continuous spectrum of necrosis ranging from minimal to extensive.
Beyond Versus
Authors: Tabery James
Published: January 2015

Why the “nature versus nurture” debate persists despite widespread recognition that human traits arise from the interaction of nature and nurture.

If everyone now agrees that human traits arise not from nature or nurture but from the interaction of nature and nurture, why does the “nature versus nurture” debate persist? In Beyond Versus, James Tabery argues that the persistence stems from a century-long struggle to understand the interaction of nature and nurture—a struggle to define what the interaction of nature and nurture is, how it should be investigated, and what counts as evidence for it.

Tabery examines past episodes in the nature versus nurture debates, offers a contemporary philosophical perspective on them, and considers the future of research on the interaction of nature and nurture. From the eugenics controversy of the 1930s and the race and IQ controversy of the 1970s to the twenty-first-century debate over the causes of depression, Tabery argues, the polarization in these discussions can be attributed to what he calls an “explanatory divide”—a disagreement over how explanation works in science, which in turn has created two very different concepts of interaction. Drawing on recent developments in the philosophy of science, Tabery offers a way to bridge this explanatory divide and these different concepts integratively. Looking to the future, Tabery evaluates the ethical issues that surround genetic testing for genes implicated in interactions of nature and nurture, pointing to what the future does (and does not) hold for a science that continues to make headlines and raise controversy.
A molecular basis for the differential roles of Bub1 and BubR1 in the spindle assembly checkpoint
Authors: Overlack Katharina , Primorac Ivana , Vleugel Mathijs , Krenn Veronica , Maffini Stefano , Hoffmann Ingrid , Kops Geert J P L , Musacchio Andrea
Published: January 2015

The spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) monitors and promotes kinetochore–microtubule attachment during mitosis. Bub1 and BubR1, SAC components, originated from duplication of an ancestor gene. Subsequent sub-functionalization established subordination: Bub1, recruited first to kinetochores, promotes successive BubR1 recruitment. Because both Bub1 and BubR1 hetero-dimerize with Bub3, a targeting adaptor for phosphorylated kinetochores, the molecular basis for such sub-functionalization is unclear. We demonstrate that Bub1, but not BubR1, enhances binding of Bub3 to phosphorylated kinetochores. Grafting a short motif of Bub1 onto BubR1 promotes Bub1-independent kinetochore recruitment of BubR1. This gain-of-function BubR1 mutant cannot sustain a functional checkpoint. We demonstrate that kinetochore localization of BubR1 relies on direct hetero-dimerization with Bub1 at a pseudo-symmetric interface. This pseudo-symmetric interaction underpins a template–copy relationship crucial for kinetochore–microtubule attachment and SAC signaling. Our results illustrate how gene duplication and sub-functionalization shape the workings of an essential molecular network.
Sonographic Inferior Vena Cava Measurements to Assess Hydration Status in College Football Players During Preseason Camp
Authors: Waterbrook Anna L. , Shah Amish , Jannicky Elisabeth , Stolz Uwe , Cohen Randy P. , Gross Austin , Adhikari Srikar
Published: January 2015

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine whether sonographic measurement of the inferior vena cava (IVC) in college football players during preseason camp is a reliable way to detect and monitor dehydration. Our primary hypothesis was that IVC diameter measurements, the postpractice caval index, and expiratory diameter were significantly related to percent weight loss after a preseason football practice.

Methods

A prospective cohort sample of Division I intercollegiate football players in preseason training camp was recruited before practice. All football players on the active roster who were at least 18 years of age were eligible to participate in the study. Sonographic IVC measurements were obtained in the long axis using either the subcostal or subxiphoid approach during inspiration and expiration both before and after an approximately 3‐hour practice with moderate to high levels of exertion at high ambient temperatures. Player weights were recorded in the locker room before and after practice.

Results

A total of 27 prepractice and postpractice sonographic measurements were obtained. The postpractice expiratory IVC diameter was significantly related to percent weight loss after practice (R2 = 0.153; P = .042), with the IVC diameter being significantly inversely correlated with percent weight loss; the regression coefficient was −1.07 (95% confidence interval, −2.09 to −0.04). There was no statistically significant relationship between percent weight loss and the postpractice caval index; the regression coefficient was 0.245 (95% confidence interval, −0.10 to 0.59; R2 = 0.078; P = .16).

Conclusions

The postpractice expiratory IVC diameter was significantly related to percent weight loss after practice, whereas the caval index was not found to correlate with weight loss.
Transcranial Color‐Coded Duplex Sonography of the Middle Cerebral Artery
Authors: Rogge Annette , Doepp Florian , Schreiber Stephan , Valdueza José Manuel
Published: January 2015

Objectives

Routine sonography of the middle cerebral artery in acute ischemic stroke usually focuses on the main stem (M1 segment). However, stenoses and occlusions affect not only proximal but also more distal vessel branches, such as the M2 segments. Transcranial color‐coded duplex sonography allows visualization of these segments; however, a formal analysis and description of normal blood flow values are missing. The purpose of this study was to analyze middle cerebral artery branching patterns with transcranial color‐coded duplex sonography and to establish reference flow velocity values in the detectable M2 branches as well as the early temporal M1 branch.

Methods

Transcranial color‐coded duplex sonography in the axial and coronal planes was performed in 50 participants without vascular disease and with a good temporal bone window (ie, fully visible M1 middle cerebral artery segment and A1 anterior cerebral artery segment). We analyzed the course and branching pattern of the M1 segment, including anatomic variants such as an early temporal M1 branch, and measured the length and flow parameters of the detectable M2 branches.

Results

Assessment of 100 hemispheres allowed classification into 3 anatomic patterns: M1 bifurcation (63%), M1 trifurcation (32%), and medial M1 branching into 2 major segments (2%). A clear distinction was not possible in 3 cases (3%). An early temporal M1 branch was detected in the coronal plane in 26%.

Conclusions

Transcranial color‐coded duplex sonography is a useful tool for analyzing anatomic variants and branching patterns of the middle cerebral artery as well as flow characteristics of M2 segments. Therefore, it also has potential to increase the diagnostic yield for the detection of middle cerebral artery disease in these vessel segments.
Anesthetic Techniques Influence the Induction of Pulmonary Capillary Hemorrhage During Diagnostic Ultrasound Scanning in Rats
Authors: Miller Douglas L. , Dou Chunyan , Raghavendran Krishnan
Published: January 2015

Objectives

Pulmonary capillary hemorrhage can be induced by diagnostic ultrasound (US) during direct pulmonary US scanning in rats. The influence of specific anesthetic techniques on this bioeffect was examined.

Methods

Ketamine plus xylazine has been used previously. In this study, the influence of intraperitoneal injections of ketamine and pentobarbital, inhalational isoflurane, and the supplemental use of xylazine with ketamine and isoflurane was tested. A diagnostic US machine with a 7.6‐MHz linear array was used to image the right lung of anesthetized rats in a warmed water bath at different mechanical index (MI) settings. Pulmonary capillary hemorrhage was assessed by measuring comet tail artifacts in the image and by morphometry of the hemorrhagic areas on excised lungs.

Results

Pulmonary capillary hemorrhage was greatest for pentobarbital, lower for inhalational isoflurane, and lowest for ketamine anesthesia, with occurrence thresholds at MIs of about 0.44, 0.8, and 0.8, respectively. Addition of xylazine produced a substantial increase in hemorrhage and a significant proportion of hemorrhage occurrence for ketamine at an MI of 0.7 (P < .01) and for isoflurane at an MI of 0.52 (P < .01).

Conclusions

Ketamine plus xylazine and pentobarbital yield lower thresholds than ketamine or isoflurane alone by nearly a factor of 2 in MI. These results suggest that the choice of the anesthetic agent substantially modifies the relative risks of pulmonary capillary hemorrhage from pulmonary US.
Thyroid Malignancy Markers on Sonography Are Common in Patients With Benign Thyroid Disease and Previous Iodine Deficiency
Authors: Krejbjerg Anne , Brilli Lucia , Pikelis Arunas , Pedersen Henrik Baymler , Laurberg Peter
Published: January 2015

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of benign thyroid nodules on sonography and ultrasound elastography in a population exposed to iodine deficiency.

Methods

We conducted a prospective systematic evaluation of preoperative thyroid sonography and elastography in patients assigned for surgical excision of benign thyroid nodules. Two experienced sonographers performed all sonographic and elastographic examinations. Thyroid nodules were evaluated by 7 generally accepted sonographic malignancy risk markers and assigned an elasticity score on elastography. The final diagnosis of a benign thyroid nodule was based on histopathologic analysis of resected thyroid gland tissue.

Results

We evaluated 232 thyroid nodules in 105 patients (86 women and 19 men). In total, 57% of the examined nodules had 1 or 2 malignancy risk markers present, and 24% did not have any markers present. A solid nodule larger than 15 mm was the most common malignancy risk marker observed (63%), followed by low elasticity (33%), microcalcifications (26%), and hypoechogenicity (15%). In an analysis stratified according to the number of nodules (solitary versus multiple), low elasticity was described more frequently in solitary nodules (61.9% versus 30.4%; P= .004). A large nodular volume was a predictor (P < .05) of microcalcifications and intranodular vascularization, whereas an absent halo sign and a solid nodule were found less frequently in nodules with larger volumes.

Conclusions

Our results show that routine preoperative malignancy risk evaluation of presumably benign thyroid nodules is of little value when performed on patients exposed to iodine deficiency.
Primary Thyroid Lymphoma Has Different Sonographic and Color Doppler Features Compared to Nodular Goiter
Authors: Wang Zhongqing , Fu Bin , Xiao Ying , Liao Jintang , Xie Ping
Published: January 2015

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine the specific sonographic features of primary thyroid lymphoma and its color Doppler pattern compared to nodular goiter.

Methods

The sonographic findings for 13 surgically proven primary thyroid lymphomas were analyzed and compared to those for 27 nodular goiters.

Results

In accordance with the suggested pathologic patterns, the sonographic patterns of primary thyroid lymphoma could be classified into diffuse and nodular or segmental types based on the distribution of hypoechoic and echogenic structures within the lesions. Some common sonographic characteristics suggesting thyroid malignancy could not facilitate differentiation of primary thyroid lymphoma from nodular goiter. However, a central blood flow pattern would favor the diagnosis of primary thyroid lymphoma, whereas a peripheral pattern would suggest the diagnosis of nodular goiter.

Conclusions

Primary thyroid lymphoma has characteristic sonographic and Doppler flow features. Along with several other parameters, a central blood flow pattern would highly suggest the diagnosis of primary thyroid lymphoma rather than nodular goiter.
Comparative Effectiveness of Infraclavicular and Supraclavicular Perineural Catheters for Ultrasound‐Guided Through‐the‐Catheter Bolus Anesthesia
Authors: Harrison T. Kyle , Kim T. Edward , Howard Steven K. , Funck Natasha , Wagner Michael J. , Walters Tessa L. , Curtin Catherine , Chang James , Ganaway Toni , Mariano Edward R.
Published: January 2015

Objectives

Using a through‐the‐needle local anesthetic bolus technique, ultrasound‐guided infraclavicular perineural catheters have been shown to provide greater analgesia compared to supraclavicular catheters. A through‐the‐catheter bolus technique, which arguably “tests” the anesthetic efficacy of the catheter before initiating an infusion, has been validated for infraclavicular catheters but not supraclavicular catheters. This study investigated the through‐the‐catheter bolus technique for supraclavicular catheters and tested the hypothesis that infraclavicular catheters provide faster onset of brachial plexus anesthesia.

Methods

Preoperatively, patients were randomly assigned to receive either a supraclavicular or an infraclavicular catheter using an ultrasound‐guided nonstimulating catheter insertion technique with a mepivacaine bolus via the catheter and ropivacaine perineural infusion initiated postoperatively. The primary outcome was time to achieve complete sensory anesthesia in the ulnar and median nerve distributions. Secondary outcomes included procedural time, procedure‐related pain and complications, and postoperative pain, opioid consumption, sleep disturbances, and motor weakness.

Results

Fifty patients were enrolled in the study; all but 2 perineural catheters were successfully placed per protocol. Twenty‐one of 24 (88%) and 24 of 24 (100%) patients in the supraclavicular and infraclavicular groups, respectively, achieved complete sensory anesthesia by 30 minutes (P= .088). There was no difference in the time to achieve complete sensory anesthesia. Supraclavicular patients reported more sleep disturbances postoperatively, but there were no statistically significant differences in other outcomes.

Conclusions

Both supraclavicular and infraclavicular perineural catheters using a through‐the‐catheter bolus technique provide effective brachial plexus anesthesia.
Utility of Compact Ultrasound in a Mass Surgical Selection Program in Africa
Authors: Harris Robert D. , Parker Gary
Published: January 2015

Compact ultrasound (US) was introduced in an austere setting with no other available imaging for an annual mass surgical screening day. Compact US examinations were performed on 25 patients from more than 7000 potential patients, as deemed possibly useful by the screening surgeons. Of the 20 patients with recorded data, compact US was helpful in 14 of 20 as a decision‐making tool, obviating computed tomography for preoperative planning. Compact US was helpful in most cases, saving resources (computed tomography), technologist time, and radiation risk in this select population.
Seasonal and interannual variability of the West Greenland Current System in the Labrador Sea in 1993–2008
Authors: Rykova Tatiana , Straneo Fiammetta , Bower Amy S.
Published: January 2015

The West Greenland Current System (WGCS) transports heat and freshwater into the Labrador Sea, influencing the formation of Labrador Sea Water, a key component of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. Notwithstanding its importance, relatively little is known about the structure and transport of this current system and its seasonal and interannual variability. Here we use historical hydrographic data from 1992 to 2008, combined with AVISO satellite altimetry, to diagnose the mean properties as well as seasonal and interannual variability of the boundary current system. We find that while the surface, fresh, cold West Greenland Current is amplified in summer, the subsurface warm, salty Irminger Current has maximum transport in winter, when its waters are also warmer and saltier. Seasonal changes in the total transport are thus mostly due to changes in the baroclinic structure of the current. By contrast, we find a trend toward warmer/saltier waters and a slowdown of the WGCS, within the period studied. The latter is attributed to changes in the barotropic component of the current. Superimposed on this trend, warm and salty anomalies transit through the system in 1997 and 2003 and are associated with a rapid increase in the transport of the boundary current due to changes in the baroclinic component. The boundary current changes precede similar changes in the interior with a 1–2 year lag, indicating that anomalies advected into the region by the boundary current can play an important role in the modulation of convection in the Labrador Sea.
Formation of DNA:RNA Hybrid G‐Quadruplex in Bacterial Cells and Its Dominance over the Intramolecular DNA G‐Quadruplex in Mediating Transcription Termination
Authors: Wu Ren‐yi , Zheng Ke‐wei , Zhang Jia‐yu , Hao Yu‐hua , Tan Zheng
Published: January 2015

DNA with four guanine tracts can fold into G‐quadruplexes that are targets of transcription regulation. We recently found that hybrid DNA:RNA G‐quadruplexes (HQs) can form during in vitro transcription. However, it is unclear whether they can form in cells. Evidence is presented supporting their formation in plasmids in bacterial cells. The formation of the HQs is indicated by a unique pattern of prematurely terminated transcripts under two conditions where the RNA transcripts do or do not participate in G‐quadruplex assembly and further supported by a number of chemical and biochemical analysis. HQs dominate over the intramolecular DNA G‐quadruplexes (DQ) in mediating the transcription termination when both structures are able to form. These findings provide the first evidence of HQ formation in cells and suggest that the competition/conversion between HQ and DQ may regulate transcription and serve as drug target in pharmaceutical applications.
Analysis of morphological markers of chromosomal instability in ascitic fluid
Authors: Tyagi Ruchita , Dey Pranab , Uppal Radha , Rajwanshi Arvind
Published: January 2015

Chromosomal instability (CI) plays a major role in the carcinogenesis. Micronuclei, nuclear budding, chromatin bridges,and multipolar mitoses are the morphological markers of CI and have never been studied in routine cytological specimens. Aims of the study is to analyze the significance of morphological markers of CI in malignant and benign ascitic fluid smears. A total of sixty benign and 40 malignant ascitic fluid samples were selected for this study. All the cases with malignant ascitic fluid showed histopathological evidence of malignancy in ovary and omentum. Chromatin bridges, multipolar mitosis (MPM), micronuclei and nuclear budding were counted in 1000 cells in representative May Grunwald Giemsa (MGG) stained smears. The CI markers were correlated with the cytological diagnosis of effusion. The mean number of micronuclei, nuclear budding, chromatin bridge and multipolar mitoses found in malignant effusions were 13.2611.79, 10.1067.07, 2.5362.67, 1.964.5, respectively. The mean number of micronuclei, nuclear budding, anaphase bridges, and MPM found in benign effusion cases were 0.566761.07934, 0.516761.33, 0.66760.25, and 0, respectively. The student t test showed significant differences between malignant and benign ascitic fluid samples for each marker of CI. This is the first comprehensive study of morphological markers of CI in ascitic fluid smears. This study has shown strong correlation between markers of CI and cytological diagnosis of malignancy. In future, the knowledge of these markers can be applied to diagnose malignancy in suspected cases of effusion in difficult situations. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2015;43:855–858. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cytomorphology of sebaceous carcinoma with analysis of p40 antibody expression
Authors: Jain Deepali , Mathur Sandeep R. , Sharma Mehar C. , Iyer Venkateswaran K.
Published: January 2015

Background

Sebaceous carcinomas (SBCs) are aggressive tumors with the potential to cause great morbidity and mortality. Poorly‐differentiated tumors may at times pose challenges for the correct diagnosis. p40, a new antibody that targets a short isoform of p63 has been shown as a promising squamous cell marker. In this study, we sought to evaluate cytomorphological features of SBC and p40 expression analysis.

Methods

A total of 29 previously diagnosed cases of SBCs including fine‐needle aspirates and histopathology specimens from various sites were reviewed and studied for p40 expression. p40 nuclear expression was semi‐quantitatively assessed. Adequate positive and negative controls of non‐small cell lung carcinoma were taken for comparison. Expression pattern of normal sebaceous glands was also analyzed.

Results

Of the 29 cases, 13 (44.8%) were from the periocular region. The most common extraocular site was parotid gland. Morphologically tumors were categorized into well‐ and poorly‐differentiated varieties based on extent of sebaceous differentiation. p40 positivity was seen in all cases of cytology aspirates and histology sections with similar intensity. No difference in percentage positivity of cells was recorded in well‐ and poorly‐differentiated tumors.

Conclusion

p40 can be a valuable marker when evaluating tumors with possible sebaceous differentiation. Although p40 expression in SBCs is not as useful for the differential diagnosis that includes poorly‐differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, this study, for the first time in the literature, highlights an important observation that p40 can be utilized as a marker for sebaceous lineage. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2015;43:456–461. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Crystallographic and Spectroscopic Investigations on Nine Metal–Rare‐Earth Silicates with the Apatite Structure Type
Authors: Wierzbicka‐Wieczorek Maria , Göckeritz Martin , Kolitsch Uwe , Lenz Christoph , Giester Gerald
Published: January 2015

Nine silicates with the apatite structure type (space group P63/m) containing both rare‐earth elements (REEs: Pr, Nd, Sm, Tb, Ho and Er) and various metals (K, Sr, Ba and Cd) were synthesised by high‐temperature flux‐growth techniques and characterised by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and laser‐induced photoluminescence spectroscopy. In all of the compounds, the 6h Wyckoff position is predominantly or solely occupied by REE3+ cations, whereas the cations shows a mixed occupancy at the larger, nine‐coordinate 4f site with 55–75 % of REE3+ cations and 45–25 % of other metal cations. The O4 (“free” oxygen) site is fully occupied by O2– anions, except for a Ba–Pr member with full occupancy by F– anions. The refined formulas are Cd2Er8(SiO4)6O2, Cd2Tb8(SiO4)6O2, KHo9(SiO4)6O2, KTb9(SiO4)6O2, KSm9(SiO4)6O2, Sr2Nd8(SiO4)6O2, Ba2Nd8(SiO4)6O2, Ba2Sm8(SiO4)6O2 and Ba4Pr6(SiO4)6F2. Changes in the metaprism twist angle (φ) and correlations between the unit‐cell parameters, average cationic radii (of M+/M2+–REE3+ pairs) and the chemistry of both the synthesised M+/M2+–REE3+ silicate apatites and those reported previously are evaluated. Photoluminescence measurements of undoped samples yielded emission bands in the visible region from green to red; therefore, these compounds are potential candidates for luminescent materials.
Calligonum polygonoides Linnaeus Extract: HPLC‐EC and Total Antioxidant Capacity Evaluation
Authors: Gomes Sara M. C. , Fernandes Isabel P. G. , Shekhawat Narpat Singh , Kumbhat Sunita , Oliveira‐Brett Ana Maria
Published: January 2015

Flavonoids in Calligonum polygonoides Linnaeus extract were separated, detected, and identified by reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) with electrochemical detection (EC) in combined isocratic and gradient elution using a glassy carbon or a boron doped diamond electrode. Ultrasonication coupled with a microwave‐assisted technique was developed to optimize the extraction of the phenolic compounds. The total antioxidant capacity was quantified using the DPPH. method and voltammetry. The RP‐HPLC‐EC led to the detection of nine different flavonoids: catechin, delphinidin, fisetin, myricetin, epicatechin, kuromanin, rutin, callistephin and procyanidin A2, in a single run by direct injection of the sample extract solution.
Subjective well‐being and human welfare around the world as reflected in the Gallup World Poll
Authors: Diener Ed , Tay Louis
Published: January 2015

We present data on well‐being and quality of life in the world, including material quality of life such as not going hungry, physical health quality of life such as longevity, social quality of life such as social support, environmental health such as clean water, equality in income and life satisfaction, and levels of subjective well‐being (SWB). There are large differences between nations in SWB, and these are predicted not only by economic development, but also by environmental health, equality and freedom in nations. Improving trends in SWB are seen in many countries, but declining SWB is evident in a few. Besides average differences in SWB between nations, there are also large disparities within many countries. We discuss the policy opportunities provided by national accounts of SWB, which are increasingly being adopted by many societies. They provide the opportunity to inform policy deliberations with well‐being information that reflects not only economic development, but also other facets of quality of life as well. National accounts of SWB reflect the quality of life in areas such as health, social relationships and the natural environment, and therefore capture a broader view of societal well‐being than afforded by measures of economic progress alone.
Effects of lithium on growth, maturation, reproduction and gene expression in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Inokuchi Ayako , Yamamoto Ryoko , Morita Fumiyo , Takumi Shota , Matsusaki Hiromi , Ishibashi Hiroshi , Tominaga Nobuaki , Arizono Koji
Published: January 2015

Lithium (Li) has been widely used to treat bipolar disorder, and industrial use of Li has been increasing; thus, environmental pollution and ecological impacts of Li have become a concern. This study was conducted to clarify the potential biological effects of LiCl and Li2CO3 on a nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system for evaluating soil contaminated with Li. Exposure of C. elegans to LiCl and Li2CO3 decreased growth/maturation and reproduction. The lowest observed effect concentrations for growth, maturation and reproduction were 1250, 313 and 10 000 µm, respectively, for LiCl and 750, 750 and 3000 µm, respectively, for Li2CO3. We also investigated the physiological function of LiCl and LiCO3 in C. elegans using DNA microarray analysis as an eco‐toxicogenomic approach. Among approximately 300 unique genes, including metabolic genes, the exposure to 78 µm LiCl downregulated the expression of 36 cytochrome P450, 16 ABC transporter, 10 glutathione S‐transferase, 16 lipid metabolism and two vitellogenin genes. On the other hand, exposure to 375 µm Li2CO3 downregulated the expression of 11 cytochrome P450, 13 ABC transporter, 13 lipid metabolism and one vitellogenin genes. No gene was upregulated by LiCl or Li2CO3. These results suggest that LiCl and Li2CO3 potentially affect the biological and physiological function in C. elegans associated with alteration of the gene expression such as metabolic genes. Our data also provide experimental support for the utility of toxicogenomics by integrating gene expression profiling into a toxicological study of an environmentally important organism such as C. elegans. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genomic and gene expression responses to genotoxic stress in PAC2 zebrafish embryonic cell line
Authors: Šrut Maja , Bourdineaud Jean‐Paul , Štambuk Anamaria , Klobučar Göran I. V.
Published: January 2015

PAC2 cell line is, along most of the developed zebrafish cell lines, poorly characterized concerning its response to genotoxicants. To define the PAC2 cell line response to different forms of genotoxic stress, we exposed the cells to model genotoxic agents (benzo[a]pyrene, B[a]P, and ethyl methanesulfonate) and subsequently monitored DNA damage and alterations by using the battery of tests, including the Comet assay, quantitative random‐amplified polymorphic DNA and amplified fragment length polymorphism. The expression of several DNA repair (xpc, xpd, hr23b, rad51, msh2) and oxidative stress response (sod (Cu/Zn)) genes was monitored as well. To obtain an indication of the PAC2 cell line metabolizing capacity, the expression of genes belonging to cyp1, cyp2 and cyp3 families was assessed upon exposure to B[a]P. Genotoxic responses were observed in all the used methods, and quantitative random‐amplified polymorphic DNA and amplified fragment length polymorphism proved to be more sensitive by revealing DNA alterations even when the Comet assay indicated lack of significant damage. The PAC2 cell line demonstrated basal and B[a]P‐induced expression of several cyp genes, suggesting its ability to metabolize indirect acting xenobiotics to a certain point. Based on these results, PAC2 cells seem to be sensitive zebrafish in vitro model in the genotoxicity assessment of the direct acting genotoxicant; however, they are less sensitive toward the indirect acting genotoxicant due to their limited metabolizing properties. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Why Aid is Unpredictable: An Empirical Analysis of the Gap Between Actual and Planned Aid Flows
Authors: Canavire‐Bacarreza Gustavo Javier , Neumayer Eric , Nunnenkamp Peter
Published: January 2015

Aid flows continue to be volatile and unpredictable, even though it is widely accepted that this erodes the effectiveness of foreign aid. We argue that fragmented donor–recipient relationships, notably the large number of minor aid relations that tend to be associated with donors' desire to ‘fly their flag’ around the world, increase aid unpredictability. Our empirical analysis of the determinants of aid unpredictability suggests that aid becomes less predictable with more fragmented donor–recipient relationships. Specifically, the effect of fragmentation on overshooting previous spending plans is statistically significant and substantively important. In contrast, fragmented donor–recipient relationships have no effect on the shortfall of actual aid compared with donors' spending plans. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Associations Between Motor Vehicle Crashes and Mental Health Problems: Data From the National Survey of Adolescents‐Replication
Authors: Williams Joah L. , Rheingold Alyssa A. , Knowlton Alice W. , Saunders Benjamin E. , Kilpatrick Dean G.
Published: January 2015

Motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) are a leading cause of physical injuries and mortality among children and adolescents in the United States. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between having an MVC and mental health outcomes, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and drug and alcohol misuse in a nationally representative sample of adolescents. A sample of 3,604 adolescents, aged 12–17 years, was assessed as part of the 2005 National Survey of Adolescents‐Replication (NSA‐R) study. Data were weighted according to the 2005 U.S. Census estimates. Within this sample, 10.2% of adolescents reported having at least 1 serious MVC. The prevalence of current PTSD and depression among adolescents having an MVC was 7.4% and 11.2%, respectively. Analyses revealed that an MVC among adolescents aged 15 years and younger was independently associated with depression (OR = 2.17) and alcohol abuse (OR = 2.36) after adjusting for other risk factors, including a history of interpersonal violence. Among adolescents aged 16 years and older, an MVC was associated only with alcohol abuse (OR = 2.08). This study was the first attempt to explore adverse mental health outcomes associated with MVCs beyond traumatic stress symptoms among adolescents in a nationally representative sample.
A Novel Nanocomposite Hydrogel with Precisely Tunable UCST and LCST
Authors: Xia Mengge , Cheng Yanhua , Meng Zhouqi , Jiang Xiaoze , Chen Zhigang , Theato Patrick , Zhu Meifang
Published: January 2015

Novel thermosensitive nanocomposite (NC) hydrogels consisting of organic/inorganic networks are prepared via in situ free radical polymerization of 2‐(2‐methoxyethoxy) ethyl methacrylate (MEO2MA) and oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (OEGMA) in the presence of inorganic cross‐linker clay in aqueous solution. The obtained clay/P(MEO2MA‐co‐OEGMA) hydrogels exhibit double volume phase transition temperatures, an upper critical solution temperature (UCST), and a lower critical solution temperature (LCST), which can be controlled between 5 and 85 °C by varying the fraction of OEGMA units and the weight percentage of cross‐linker clay. These new types of NC hydrogels with excellent reversible thermosensitivity are promising for temperature‐sensitive applications such as smart optical switches.

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Trends in overweight and obesity in soldiers entering the USArmy, 1989‐2012
Authors: Hruby Adela , Hill Owen T. , Bulathsinhala Lakmini , McKinnon Craig J. , Montain Scott J. , Young Andrew J. , Smith Tracey J.
Published: January 2015

Objective

The US Army recruits new soldiers from an increasingly obese civilian population. The change in weight status at entry into the Army between 1989 and 2012 and the demographic characteristics associated with overweight/obesity at entry were examined.

Methods

1,741,070 unique individuals with complete sex, age, and anthropometric information contributed data to linear and logistic regressions examining time trends and associations between demographic characteristics and overweight/obesity.

Results

The prevalence of overweight (body mass index 25‐<30 kg/m2) generally increased, from 25.8% (1989) to 37.2% (2012), peaking at 37.9% (2011). The prevalence of obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) also increased from 5.6% (1989) to 8.0% (2012), peaking at 12.3% (2009); 2005‐2009 annual prevalence exceeded 10%. The most consistent demographic characteristics predicting overweight/obesity were male sex, older age, Hispanic or Asian/Pacific Island race/ethnicity, and being married. There were no distinct geographic trends.

Conclusions

The US Army is not immune to the US obesity epidemic. Demographic characteristics associated with being overweight or obese should be considered when developing military‐sponsored weight management programs for new soldiers.