bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ayahuasca as Antidepressant? Psychedelics and Styles of Reasoning in Psychiatry
Authors: Anderson Brian T.
Published: March 2012

There is a growing interest among scientists and the lay public alike in using the South American psychedelic brew, ayahuasca, to treat psychiatric disorders like depression and anxiety. Such a practice is controversial due to a style of reasoning within conventional psychiatry that sees psychedelic‐induced modified states of consciousness as pathological. This article analyzes the academic literature on ayahuasca's psychological effects to determine how this style of reasoning is shaping formal scientific discourse on ayahuasca's therapeutic potential as a treatment for depression and anxiety. Findings from these publications suggest that different kinds of experiments are differentially affected by this style of reasoning but can nonetheless indicate some potential therapeutic utility of the ayahuasca‐induced modified state of consciousness. The article concludes by suggesting ways in which conventional psychiatry's dominant style of reasoning about psychedelic modified states of consciousness could be reconsidered.
The Creative Cycle Processes Model of Spontaneous Imagery Narratives Applied to the Ayahuasca Shamanic Journey
Authors: Echenhofer Frank
Published: March 2012

Ayahuasca is an Amazonian psychoactive shamanic brew that often elicits spontaneous, intense, and meaningful imagery narratives related to psychological and physical healing, problem solving, knowledge acquisition, community cohesion, creativity, and spiritual development. My EEG and phenomenology ayahuasca research found it caused the greatest changes in EEG beta coherence from 25 to 30 cycles per second compared to a resting state before ayahuasca ingestion. Enhanced beta coherence indexes significantly greater information exchange between cortical regions and is congruent with the reported enhanced richness, complexity, and profundity of ayahuasca experiences. I developed the creative cycle processes model that identifies in ayahuasca reports distinct experiential change processes and describes how these processes, neuroscience, psychotherapy, mythological, and other transdisciplinary evidence can be coherently integrated to explain ayahuasca benefits. The model suggests three change process stages together underlie one emergent dynamic creative cycle process. The sequential stages are Form dismantling and healing processes, form creation processes, where novel forms spontaneously combine, and form expression processes, where emergent experiences are embodied. The model suggests that these three stages repeat cyclically in human development in an ongoing process of dismantling and generation producing more creative experiences and expressive forms.
Forgiveness and Cohesion in Familial Perceptions of Alcohol Misuse
Authors: Scherer Michael , Worthington Everett L. , Hook Joshua N. , Campana Kathryn L. , West Steven L. , Gartner Aubrey L.
Published: March 2012

The authors examine the relationships between forgiveness, family cohesion, and alcohol. In Study 1 (N= 190), participants reported lower levels of trust and forgiveness for family members who misuse alcohol. In Study 2 (N= 141), the authors present a model demonstrating family cohesion and trait forgiveness related to state forgiveness of an alcohol‐misusing family member. State forgiveness was related to trust in that family member and, subsequently, higher levels of perceived misuser drinking refusal efficacy.
Career Interventions and the Career Thoughts of Pacific Island College Students
Authors: Thrift Meagan Minvielle , Ulloa‐Heath Julie , Reardon Robert C. , Peterson Gary W.
Published: March 2012

Students enrolled in a college success course were assigned to (a) a cognitive intervention using the Career Thoughts Inventory (CTI) workbook (Sampson, Peterson, Lenz, Reardon, & Saunders, 1996b), (b) an occupational research project involving an oral report, and (c) a control condition. The workbook condition had a significant effect on the CTI total score, whereas the research condition and the control condition did not. Both workbook and research conditions had a significant positive effect on decision‐making confusion and commitment anxiety.
Host selection by the wheat stem sawfly in winter wheat and the role of semiochemicals mediating oviposition preference
Authors: Buteler Micaela , Weaver David K.
Published: March 2012

The wheat stem sawfly (WSS), Cephus cinctus Norton (Hymenoptera: Cephidae), causes significant damage in cereal crops in the northern Great Plains of North America. This study assessed oviposition preference in winter wheat, Triticum aestivum L. (Poaceae), and investigated how it is affected by the emission of semiochemicals, with the overall goal of enhancing trap crop efficacy. We studied five winter wheat cultivars that could be recommended as trap crops for WSS and compared them with regards to agronomic characteristics influencing oviposition behavior and their emission of behaviorally active volatiles. Subsequently, we evaluated oviposition preference on three selected cultivars, ‘Norstar’, ‘Neeley’, and ‘Rampart’, using choice tests at two plant growth stages. Most eggs were found in Norstar at both stages tested when females were exposed to the three cultivars simultaneously making it the preferred choice for a trap crop. Norstar also emitted more behaviorally active volatiles, primarily (E)‐ and (Z)‐β‐ocimene. The results for the effect of main stem height or diameter on oviposition was inconsistent between infested vs. uninfested stems within cultivars, although there was a correlation between infestation and height for younger plants. These results show that these agronomic characteristics, typically viewed as explanatory, did not clearly explain oviposition preference and suggest a role of β‐ocimene in determining suitability for oviposition among these cultivars. This study supports previous findings suggesting oviposition preference in winter wheat involves several cues, including stem height and volatile attractants that may be important in determining suitability.
Tolerance within the sleeve inserts of different surgical guides for guided implant surgery
Authors: Koop Richard , Vercruyssen Marjolein , Vermeulen Kim , Quirynen Marc
Published: March 2012

Objectives

Recently, guided implant surgery has been introduced and several studies verified its accuracy. While those studies reported on the accuracy of the entire procedure, this experiment wanted to evaluate the degree of deviation that can occur during the drilling procedure alone, due to the tolerance of the drill in the sleeve insert.

Material and methods

Drilling was executed in a plexi‐glass box with a maximal inclination of the drills within the sleeve insert. Different sleeve inserts, sleeve positions, sleeve heights, sleeve insert heights and diameters were evaluated.

Results

The two tested sleeve inserts gave a maximum deviation in angulation of 5.2° and a maximum horizontal deviation of 1.3 mm at the implant shoulder and 2.4 mm at the apex for a 13 mm implant. These deviations decreased if the distance of the sleeve above the plexi‐glass box became smaller and hand hold sleeve inserts gave less deviation than drill hold sleeve inserts. The deviation increased by longer implant length, larger drill key diameter, shorter sleeves and/or drill key heights.

Conclusions

For a minimal deviation during the surgery with a stereolithographic guide, it is very important to use the drill in a centric position, parallel to the cylinder. The use of longer drill keys and sleeves are critical for optimal accuracy.
Computer‐assisted design/computer‐assisted manufacturing zirconia implant fixed complete prostheses: clinical results and technical complications up to 4 years of function
Authors: Papaspyridakos Panos , Lal Kunal
Published: March 2012

Objective

To report the clinical results and technical complications with computer‐assisted design/computer‐assisted manufacturing (CAD/CAM) zirconia, implant fixed complete dental prostheses (IFCDPs) after 2–4 years in function.

Materials and methods

Fourteen consecutive edentulous patients (16 edentulous arches) were included in this study. Ten of the patients were women and four were men, with an average age of 58 years (range: 35–71). Ten mandibular and six maxillary arches were restored with porcelain fused to zirconia (PFZ) IFCDPs. Of the 16 arches, 14 received one‐piece and 2 received segmented two‐piece IFCDPs, respectively. The mean clinical follow‐up period was 3 years (range: 2–4). At the last recall appointment, biological and technical parameters of dental implant treatment were evaluated.

Results

The implant and prosthesis survival rate following prosthesis insertion was 100% up to 4‐year follow‐up. The prostheses in 11 of the 16 restored arches were structurally sound, exhibited favorable soft tissue response, esthetics, and patient satisfaction. Five IFCDPs (31.25%) in four patients exhibited porcelain veneer chipping. Chipping was minor in three prostheses (three patients) and was addressed intraorally with polishing (one prosthesis) or composite resin (two prostheses). One patient with maxillary and mandibular zirconia IFCDP exhibited major porcelain chipping fractures which had to be repaired in the laboratory. Function, esthetics, and patient satisfaction were not affected in three of the four fracture incidents. Median crestal bone loss was 0.1 mm (0.01–0.2 mm). The presence of parafunctional activity, the IFCDP as opposing dentition, and the absence of occlusal night guard were associated with all the incidents of ceramic chipping.

Conclusion

CAD/CAM zirconia IFCDPs are viable prosthetic treatment after 2–4 years in function, but not without complications. The porcelain chipping/fracture was the most frequent technical complication, with a 31.25% chipping rate at the prosthesis level. Despite the technical complications, increased patient satisfaction was noted.
Private dentists assess treatment required as more extensive, demanding and costly, than public sector dentists
Authors: Tuominen Risto , Eriksson Anna‐Leena , Vahlberg Tero
Published: March 2012

Objectives

The aim was to evaluate whether contracted private practitioners assess required treatment more extensive, demanding and economically more rewarding than mainly salaried public sector dentists and to estimate the cost consequences of using these alternative providers.

Methods

All dental services included in comprehensive treatments funded by the city of Turku and provided to adult patients during the year 2009 were recorded. Patients were distributed randomly without any determination of treatment needs before appointing them to different dentists. Treatment courses for 7432 patients in public clinics included 63 906 procedures and for 2932 patients assigned to treatment by contracted private practitioners included 21 194 procedures. Public sector dentists were mainly salaried with production incentives, and private practitioners worked purely on a fee‐for‐service basis. The cost estimates were based on the distributions of competence classifications recorded by the providers, which also formed the basis for reimbursement.

Results

For each studied treatment category with more than one competence classification, private contractors were less likely than their public sector counterparts to give an assessment of simple or less demanding: 8% versus 29% of examinations, 46% versus 69% of periodontal treatments, 63% versus 85% of extractions, 31% versus 46% of fillings, 18% versus 35% of root canals. The excess cost to society varied from 7.0% for root canal treatments to 21.3% for extractions, causing on average 14.4% higher cost level from use of private practitioners compared with public sector dentists.

Conclusions

Private practitioners systematically classified the treatment procedures they provided as more demanding, and therefore more economically rewarding, than their public sector counterparts. The findings indicate that the costs of publicly funded dental care may be increased by the use of private dental contractors.
Multiple predator effects and native prey responses to two non‐native Everglades cichlids
Authors: Porter‐Whitaker Ashley E. , Rehage Jennifer S. , Liston Shawn E. , Loftus William F.
Published: March 2012

Abstract –  Non‐native predators may have negative impacts on native communities, and these effects may be dependent on interactions among multiple non‐native predators. Sequential invasions by predators can enhance risk for native prey. Prey have a limited ability to respond to multiple threats since appropriate responses may conflict, and interactions with recent invaders may be novel. We examined predator–prey interactions among two non‐native predators, a recent invader, the African jewelfish, and the longer‐established Mayan cichlid, and a native Florida Everglades prey assemblage. Using field enclosures and laboratory aquaria, we compared predatory effects and antipredator responses across five prey taxa. Total predation rates were higher for Mayan cichlids, which also targeted more prey types. The cichlid invaders had similar microhabitat use, but varied in foraging styles, with African jewelfish being more active. The three prey species that experienced predation were those that overlapped in habitat use with predators. Flagfish were consumed by both predators, while riverine grass shrimp and bluefin killifish were eaten only by Mayan cichlids. In mixed predator treatments, we saw no evidence of emergent effects, since interactions between the two cichlid predators were low. Prey responded to predator threats by altering activity but not vertical distribution. Results suggest that prey vulnerability is affected by activity and habitat domain overlap with predators and may be lower to newly invading predators, perhaps due to novelty in the interaction.
Wegener’s granulomatosis of the major salivary glands
Authors: Barrett A. W.
Published: March 2012

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 721–727

Wegener’s granulomatosis is one of the anti‐cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA)‐associated vasculitides. Although it typically affects the lungs and kidneys, the head and neck are also involved in most cases but the site usually affected is the upper airway. However, there are 35 cases with well‐documented clinicopathological data in which Wegener’s granulomatosis manifested in the major salivary glands, most commonly the parotid. Twenty‐four patients presented with salivary signs and symptoms, in eight of whom there was no other presenting manifestation. These signs and symptoms may mimic infection or neoplasia and laboratory investigations, including ANCA serology and histopathology, may be non‐specific; thus, in 21 of the 35 patients (60%) there was a delay in diagnosis. Amongst the 21 were 11 of the 14 (78.6%) patients who presented with unilateral parotid disease and three of the five who died. Three other patients suffered permanent pulmonary, two renal and five facial nerve damage. This article reviews the literature on major salivary gland involvement in Wegener’s granulomatosis, which should be considered in the differential diagnosis of major salivary gland disease particularly if commoner causes have been excluded. A detailed medical history, and persistently inconclusive laboratory tests, could provide the clues that enable prompt diagnosis.
Detection of vertical root fractures by conventional radiographic examination and cone beam computed tomography – an in vitro analysis
Authors: da Silveira Priscila Fernanda , Vizzotto Mariana Boessio , Liedke Gabriela Salatino , da Silveira Heraldo Luis Dias , Montagner Francisco , da Silveira Heloísa Emília Dias
Published: March 2012

Abstract –  Objectives: This study compared the ability of conventional radiographic and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) examinations to detect vertical root fractures (VRF) in teeth with or without root canal treatment and metallic posts. Furthermore, the influence of using different voxel sizes from CBCT images was assessed. Methodology: Sixty single‐rooted human teeth were randomly divided into two groups: experimental and control. Twenty teeth were endodontically prepared and obturated with gutta‐percha, twenty had a metallic postcemented after the filling, and twenty had no preparation. The teeth from the experimental group were fractured. All teeth were radiographed with three different horizontal angles, and after, CBCT images were acquired following three protocols in which the variation was the voxel resolution (0.4, 0.3, and 0.2 mm). Three calibrated examiners assessed the images. Results: Chi‐squared test showed no statistical difference among the images in detecting VRFs. The results of the diagnostic performance tests presented similar ability to detect VRFs when conventional radiographic examination was compared with 0.2 and 0.3‐voxel CBCTs scans, in roots without endodontic treatment and metallic post. Moreover, specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy findings were similar for both 0.2 and 0.3‐voxel resolution scans for teeth that are not root filled. However, it was observed that in teeth with root canal treatment and a post, the accuracy was higher when 0.2‐mm voxel resolution was used. Conclusion: The radiographic examination with horizontal angle variation should be encouraged as the first complementary approach to assess the presence of VRFs. If conventional imaging is not capable to provide adequate information, CBCT can be indicated if a root fracture is strongly suspected. The root condition should then guide the voxel resolution choice, selecting 0.3‐voxel for not root filled teeth and 0.2‐voxel for teeth with filling and/or a post.
MRI FEATURES OF GLIOMATOSIS CEREBRI IN A DOG
Authors: Martin‐Vaquero Paula , da Costa Ronaldo C. , Wolk Kendra E. , Premanandan Christopher , Oglesbee Michael J.
Published: March 2012

The features of gliomatosis cerebri involving the brainstem and cerebellum in a 3‐year‐old dog are described. In magnetic resonance (MR) images, there was diffuse loss of the cerebellar folia and cerebellar gray and white matter contrast. Multiple illdefined T2‐hyperintensities were present in the cerebellar parenchyma. A poorly defined, T2‐hyperintense mass effect was present ventral to the pons and rostral medulla. No contrast enhancement was noted. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was normal. Postmortem examination was consistent with gliomatosis cerebri, based on compatible histopathology and immunohistochemical findings. Although rare, gliomatosis cerebri should be included as a differential for diffuse infiltrative central nervous system (CNS) lesions.
A COMPARISON OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY, COMPUTED RADIOGRAPHY, AND FILM‐SCREEN RADIOGRAPHY FOR THE DETECTION OF CANINE PULMONARY NODULES
Authors: Alexander Kate , Joly Hugo , Blond Laurent , D'Anjou Marc‐André , Nadeau Marie‐Ève , Olive Julien , Beauchamp Guy
Published: March 2012

Computed tomography (CT) has become more widely available and computed radiography (CR) has replaced film‐screen radiography for canine thoracic imaging in many veterinary practices. There are limited data comparing these modalities in a veterinary clinical setting to detect pulmonary nodules. We compared CT, CR, and film‐screen radiography for detecting the presence, number, and characteristics of pulmonary nodules in dogs. Observer performance for a variety of experience levels was also evaluated. Twenty‐one client‐owned dogs with a primary neoplastic process underwent CT and CR; nine also received film‐screen radiographs. Positive/negative classification by consensus agreed between the three modalities in 8/9 dogs and between CR and CT in the remaining 12. CT detected the greatest (P = 0.002) total number of nodules and no difference was seen between CR and films. The greatest number of nodules was seen in the right middle and both caudal regions, but only using CT (P < 0.0001). Significantly smaller nodules were detected with CT (P = 0.0007) and no difference in minimum size was detected between CR and films. Observer accuracy was high for all modalities; particularly for CT (90.5–100%) and for the senior radiologist (90.5–100%). CT was also characterized by the least interobserver variability. Although CT, CR, and film‐screen performed similarly in determining the presence or absence of pulmonary nodules, a greater number of smaller nodules was detected with CT, and CT was associated with greater diagnostic confidence and observer accuracy and agreement.
Family Care of Adults With Intellectual Disabilities: Analysis of Finnish Policies and Practices
Authors: Miettinen Sonja
Published: March 2012

Previous research on family care has been criticized for taking the dependence of care recipients for granted. Furthermore, it has been argued that exploring the ways in which this dependence is socially created can benefit care recipients and carers alike. The author explores the ways in which current policies maintain the high prevalence of family care among adults with intellectual disabilities in Finland. A companion study analyzing the Finnish service system for people with intellectual disabilities explored its effects on the practice of family care through interviews of parents of adult children with disabilities. While the provision of community‐based housing services has increased in the course of the deinstitutionalization process, it has not been provided adequate funding due to the political pressure to curb the cost of social welfare. Parents respond to these policies using two main strategies: family care and normalization. These strategies draw on different conceptions of parental responsibilities and persons with intellectual disabilities. Government cost containment policies maintain the practice of family care of adults with intellectual disabilities in direct and indirect ways. They restrict access to community‐based housing services and by compromising quality, feed the view that the needs of adult children with intellectual disabilities are best met by their parents at home. These policies have implications for they raise concerns among persons with intellectual disabilities and their parents since they both restrict the possibilities of adult children to move away from home and compel parents to adopt long‐term care responsibilities, often at great personal cost.
NGC 3801 caught in the act: a post-merger star-forming early-type galaxy with AGN—jet feedback
Authors: Hota Ananda , Rey Soo-Chang , Kang Yongbeom , Kim Suk , Matsushita Satoki , Chung Jiwon
Published: March 2012

In the current models of galaxy formation and evolution, AGN feedback is crucial to reproduce galaxy luminosity function, colour—magnitude relation and M•–σ relation. However, whether AGN feedback can indeed expel and heat up significant amount of cool molecular gas and consequently quench star formation is yet to be demonstrated observationally. Only in four cases so far (Cen A, NGC 3801, NGC 6764 and Mrk 6), X-ray observations have found evidences of jet-driven shocks heating the ISM. We chose the least explored galaxy NGC 3801, and present the first ultraviolet imaging and stellar population analysis of this galaxy from GALEX data. We find this merger-remnant early-type galaxy to have an intriguing spiral wisp of young star-forming regions (age ranging from 100 to 500 Myr). Taking clues from dust/PAH, H i and CO emission images, we interpret NGC 3801 to have a kinematically decoupled core or an extremely warped gas disc. From the HST data, we also show evidence of ionized gas outflow similar to that observed in H i and molecular gas (CO) data, which may have caused the decline of star formation leading to the red optical colour of the galaxy. However, from these panchromatic data, we interpret that the expanding shock shells from the young (∼2.4 Myr) radio jets are yet to reach the outer gaseous regions of the galaxy. It seems we observe this galaxy at a rare stage of its evolutionary sequence where post-merger star formation has already declined and new powerful jet feedback is about to affect the gaseous star-forming outer disc within the next 10 Myr, to further transform it into a red-and-dead early-type galaxy.
Using Kepler transit observations to measure stellar spot belt migration rates
Authors: Llama J. , Jardine M. , Mackay D. H. , Fares R.
Published: March 2012

Planetary transits provide a unique opportunity to investigate the surface distributions of star spots. Our aim is to determine if, with continuous observation (such as the data that will be provided by the Kepler mission), we can in addition measure the rate of drift of the spot belts. We begin by simulating magnetic cycles suitable for the Sun and more active stars, incorporating both flux emergence and surface transport. This provides the radial magnetic field distribution on the stellar surface as a function of time. We then model the transit of a planet whose orbital axis is misaligned with the stellar rotation axis. Such a planet could occult spots at a range of latitudes. This allows us to complete the forward modelling of the shape of the transit light curve. We then attempt the inverse problem of recovering spot locations from the transit alone. From this we determine if transit light curves can be used to measure spot belt locations as a function of time. We find that for low-activity stars such as the Sun, the 3.5-year Kepler window is insufficient to determine this drift rate. For more active stars, it may be difficult to distinguish subtle differences in the nature of flux emergence, such as the degree of overlap of the ‘butterfly wings’. The rate and direction of drift of the spot belts can however be determined for these stars. This would provide a critical test of dynamo theory.
Molecular Modeling of T. rangeli, T. brucei gambiense, and T. evansi Sialidases in Complex with the DANA Inhibitor
Authors: Lima Anderson H. , Souza Paulo R. M. , Alencar Nelson , Lameira Jerônimo , Govender Thavendran , Kruger Hendrik G. , Maguire Glenn E. M. , Alves Cláudio N.
Published: March 2012

Trypanosomal (trans‐) sialidases are enzymes that catalyze the transfer of sialic acid residues between host and parasite glycoconjugates. Herein, we have used homology modeling to construct the 3D structures of sialidases from Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma evansi. Hybrid quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical molecular dynamics simulations were used to determine the interaction energy between the 2‐Deoxy‐2,3‐didehydro‐N‐acetylneuraminic acid inhibitor and the three sialidases studied here. Our results suggest that the two constructed enzymes share the same basic fold motive of the Trypanosoma rangeli crystallographic structure. In addition, quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical molecular dynamics simulations show that the 2‐Deoxy‐2,3‐didehydro‐N‐acetylneuraminic acid inhibitor forms a stronger complex with Trypanosoma rangeli than with Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma evansi sialidases. Finally, the interaction energy by residues shows that the arginine triad plays a decisive role to complex 2‐Deoxy‐2,3‐didehydro‐N‐acetylneuraminic acid with the enzyme through hydrogen bonding.
Primary care veterinary usage of systemic glucocorticoids in cats and dogs in three UK practices
Authors: O'Neill D. , Hendricks A. , Summers J. , Brodbelt D.
Published: March 2012

Objectives: To describe systemic glucocorticoid usage in cats and dogs by three primary care ‐veterinary practices in England and to ascertain risk factors for clinical use. To evaluate consistency of prescribing patterns across clinics. To validate a merged database of primary veterinary clinical data as a functional tool for clinical epidemiological research.

Methods: A merged database was established from clinical data on 31,273 cat and dog consultations with pharmacotherapy from three veterinary practices in England. Descriptive statistics described systemic glucocorticoid drug use in cats and dogs while mixed‐effects logistic regression modelling evaluated risk factors. Individual clinic usage was compared.

Results: Overall, 1877 (16·68%) cat consultations and 2913 (14·55%) dog consultations resulted in systemic glucocorticoid therapy. Cats received higher parenteral (P<0·0001) and oral (P<0·0001) dose levels than dogs. Pathophysiological indication, age, skin condition, sex and clinic attended were significant risk factors for glucocorticoid prescription. Clinics varied widely in their odds of systemic glucocorticoid usage (P<0·0001).

Clinical Significance: An evidence base for systemic glucocorticoid prescribing by primary care small animal practices in England is provided. Clinic attended was a significant risk factor, indicating wide variation in prescribing patterns between clinics. A merged primary care veterinary clinical database was effective for epidemiological research.
Causes of anaemia other than acute blood loss and their clinical significance in dogs
Authors: Chervier C. , Cadoré J. L. , Rodriguez‐Piñeiro M. I. , Deputte B. L. , Chabanne L.
Published: March 2012

Objectives: To identify the causes of anaemia, other than acute blood loss, in dogs and to determine whether severity of anaemia provides clues to the diagnosis.

Methods: The veterinary medical database of the Veterinary Campus Hospital, Lyon was searched. Dogs with anaemia (packed cell volume <37%) were included and assigned to different disease groups. Dogs with acute blood loss were excluded. The case records were examined for weakness at presentation, the severity and regeneration of anaemia and the final diagnosis including tumour type if applicable.

Results: The case records of 456 dogs with low packed cell volume were included. Cancer‐related anaemia and anaemia of inflammatory disease accounted for 33·1 and 28·5% of cases, respectively. Most dogs with cancer‐related anaemia had solid tumours (73%). The prevalence of immune‐mediated anaemia increased with severity of anaemia (5·3, 15·5, 41·2 and 56·2% for mild, moderate, severe and very severe anaemia, respectively), whereas the prevalence of anaemia of inflammatory disease decreased (36·7, 22·5, 2·9 and 0% for mild, moderate, severe and very severe anaemia, respectively).

ClinicalSignificance: Anaemia of inflammatory disease and cancer‐related anaemia were the most frequently identified causes of anaemia in dogs. The percentage of dogs with immune‐mediated anaemia increased with anaemia severity, whereas the percentage of dogs with anaemia of inflammatory disease decreased with anaemia severity. Thus, severity of anaemia may provide clues to the diagnosis.
Role of Solvation Dynamics in Excited State Proton Transfer of 1‐Naphthol in Nanoscopic Water Clusters Formed in a Hydrophobic Solvent
Authors: Rakshit Surajit , Saha Ranajay , Verma Pramod Kumar , Pal Samir Kumar
Published: March 2012

Excited state proton transfer (ESPT) in biologically relevant organic molecules in aqueous environments following photoexcitation is very crucial as the reorganization of polar solvents (solvation) in the locally excited (LE) state of the organic molecule plays an important role in the overall rate of the ESPT process. A clear evolution of the two photoinduced dynamics in a model ESPT probe 1‐naphthol (NpOH) upon ultrafast photoexcitation is the motive of the present study. Herein, the detailed kinetics of the ESPT reaction of NpOH in water clusters formed in hydrophobic solvent are investigated. Distinct values of time constants associated with proton transfer and solvent relaxation have been achieved through picosecond‐resolved fluorescence measurements. We have also used a model solvation probe Coumarin 500 (C500) to investigate the dynamics of solvation in the same environmental condition. The temperature dependent picosecond‐resolved measurement of ESPT of NpOH and the dynamics of solvation from C500 identify the magnitude of intermolecular hydrogen bonding energy in the water cluster associated with the ultrafast ESPT process.
Association Between Systemic Neutrophil Gelatinase–Associated Lipocalin and Anemia, Relative Hypochromia, and Inflammation in Chronic Systolic Heart Failure
Authors: Shrestha Kevin , Borowski Allen G. , Troughton Richard W. , Klein Allan L. , Tang W. H. Wilson
Published: March 2012

©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin (NGAL) is upregulated systemically and by renal tubular cells in response to inflammation and ischemia. Recent interests in NGAL have focused on its ability to predict worsening renal function. However, as an iron‐regulatory glycoprotein, the relationship between systemic NGAL levels and indices of anemia has not been examined. In 130 patients with chronic systolic heart failure, the authors examined the relationship between plasma NGAL levels and indices of anemia independent of underlying renal function and systemic markers of inflammation and oxidant stress. Plasma NGAL levels were significantly elevated in patients with anemia vs without anemia (121 [interquartile range, 98–197] vs 72 [interquartile range, 57–98] ng/mL, P<.001). Plasma NGAL levels were inversely correlated with indices of anemia including red blood cell count (r=−0.38, P<.0001), hemoglobin (r=−0.41, P<.0001), and red cell distribution width (r=0.25, P=.007), even in patients with relatively preserved renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2; n=83, P<.05 for all). Higher plasma NGAL levels were associated with presence of anemia independent of estimated glomerular filtration rate, plasma high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, and myeloperoxidase levels (odds ratio, 2.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–6.20; P=.045). Hence, systemic NGAL levels are independently associated with indices of anemia.
Revised classification/nomenclature of vitiligo and related issues: the Vitiligo Global Issues Consensus Conference
Authors: Ezzedine K. , Lim H. W. , Suzuki T. , Katayama I. , Hamzavi I. , Lan C. C. E. , Goh B. K. , Anbar T. , Silva de Castro C. , Lee A. Y. , Parsad D. , van Geel N. , Le Poole I. C. , Oiso N. , Benzekri L. , Spritz R. , Gauthier Y. , Hann S. K. , Picardo M. , Taieb A. ,   on behalf of the Vitiligo Global Issue Consensus Conference panelists
Published: March 2012

During the 2011 International Pigment Cell Conference (IPCC), the Vitiligo European Taskforce (VETF) convened a consensus conference on issues of global importance for vitiligo clinical research. As suggested by an international panel of experts, the conference focused on four topics: classification and nomenclature; definition of stable disease; definition of Koebner’s phenomenon (KP); and ‘autoimmune vitiligo’. These topics were discussed in seven working groups representing different geographical regions. A consensus emerged that segmental vitiligo be classified separately from all other forms of vitiligo and that the term ‘vitiligo’ be used as an umbrella term for all non‐segmental forms of vitiligo, including ‘mixed vitiligo’ in which segmental and non‐segmental vitiligo are combined and which is considered a subgroup of vitiligo. Further, the conference recommends that disease stability be best assessed based on the stability of individual lesions rather than the overall stability of the disease as the latter is difficult to define precisely and reliably. The conference also endorsed the classification of KP for vitiligo as proposed by the VETF (history based, clinical observation based, or experimentally induced). Lastly, the conference agreed that ‘autoimmune vitiligo’ should not be used as a separate classification as published evidence indicates that the pathophysiology of all forms of vitiligo likely involves autoimmune or inflammatory mechanisms.
Comparative seed morphology ofBoroniaand related genera (Boroniinae: Rutaceae) and its systematic implications
Authors: Choi Bo‐Kyung , Duretto Marco F. , Hong Suk‐Pyo
Published: March 2012

Comparative seed morphology ofBoroniaSm.,BoronellaBaill.,NeobyrnesiaJ. A. Armstr. andZieriaSm., 31 taxa in total, in Rutaceae is studied. The seeds are ventrally ellipsoid to ovoid (0.93–4.42 × 0.50–2.31 × 0.95–2.70 mm). Colour is brown to black. An elaiosome which is related to myrmechocory was observed inBoronella, Boronia, NeobyrnesiaandZieria. Six testa surface pattern types are identified: Type I (Boroniasect.Boronia) – smooth, and cells not barely discernable; Type II (Boronella) – smooth and cells more or less rectangular and often cells elongated; Type III (Boroniasects.Boronia, Cyanothamnus, ImbricataeandValvatae, Neobyrnesia) – colliculate with four subtypes by presence, absence of ridges or ridge characters; Type IV (Boroniasect.Alatae) – digit form; Type V (Boroniasect.Algidae) – alveolate; Type VI (Zieria) – ridged, the interridge area formed by both cells that form the ridges and cells that do not form the ridges. Seed morphology, especially testa surface patterns, was partially congruent with the current classification ofBoronia,with most sections having apomorphies, and provided additional support for the placement ofBoronellanearBoroniasect.Boronia. Hilum (surrounded by labiose margin or not) and elaiosome shape also offer useful diagnostic characters forBoroniaat infrageneric levels.NeobyrnesiaandZieriaboth had unique testa surface patterns. The seed morphological data contribute to our understanding of systematic relationship in the subtribe Boroniinae.
Hepatitis B virus directly promotes collagen I expression of LX‐2 cells without infection in vitro
Authors: Wu Xiaoning , Wang Yu , Cui Yan , Bai Qixuan , Ze Xingyu , Liu Tianhui , Cong Min , Wang Ping , Li Xinmin , Yin Gang , Ou Xiaojuan , You Hong , Jia Jidong
Published: March 2012

Aim:  To investigate direct effects of hepatitis B virus (HBV) on collagen type I in vitro.

Methods:  Collagen type I were measured after LX‐2 cell cultured with purified or serum HBV for 12, 24 and 48 h. Furthermore, evidence of HBV infection to LX‐2 were detected, and different inhibitors were used to identify pathways regulating collagen I expression.

Results:  The 3 × 105 IU/mL purified/serum HBV increased collagen type I mRNA expression by 2.2‐/3.2‐ and 1.3‐/1.5‐fold at 24 and 48 h, respectively. Collagen type I protein in the supernatant of purified/serum HBV group also increased compared to the control group (408.0 ± 8.0/384.4 ± 6.8 vs 262.7 ± 15.7 ng/mL, P < 0.05). However, the 3 × 107 IU/mL purified/serum HBV increased collagen type I expression similar to that of 3 × 105 IU/mL, while 3 × 103 IU/mL group showed no effect. Human HBV immunoglobulin alleviated HBV‐induced collagen I expression, but no evidence of HBV infection was found. Neutralization of transforming growth factor beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha, platelet‐derived growth factor, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase and TGF‐β receptor had no obvious inhibitory effects; only inhibition of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase decreased collagen type I mRNA expression by 0.5‐/0.4‐ and 0.4‐/0.3‐fold at 24 and 48 h, respectively. It reduced collagen type I protein in the purified/serum HBV group for 48 h (252.1 ± 14.1/251.7 ± 18.8 vs 403.9 ± 4.9/385.0 ± 4.2 ng/mL, P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  HBV directly promotes collagen type I expression of LX‐2 cells without infection in vitro.
Effect of starch and amylase on the expression of amylase‐binding protein A in Streptococcus gordonii
Authors: Nikitkova A.E. , Haase E.M. , Scannapieco F.A.
Published: March 2012

Streptococcus gordonii is a common oral commensal bacterial species in tooth biofilm (dental plaque) and specifically binds to salivary amylase through the surface exposed amylase‐binding protein A (AbpA). When S. gordonii cells are pretreated with amylase, amylase bound to AbpA facilitates growth with starch as a primary nutrition source. The goal of this study was to explore possible regulatory effects of starch, starch metabolites and amylase on the expression of S. gordonii AbpA. An amylase ligand‐binding assay was used to assess the expression of AbpA in culture supernatants and on bacterial cells from S. gordonii grown in defined medium supplemented with 1% starch, 0.5 mg ml−1 amylase, with starch and amylase together, or with various linear malto‐oligosaccharides. Transcription of abpA was determined by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. AbpA was not detectable in culture supernatants containing either starch alone or amylase alone. In contrast, the amount of AbpA was notably increased when starch and amylase were both present in the medium. The expression of abpA was significantly increased (P < 0.05) following 40 min of incubation in defined medium supplemented with starch and amylase. Similar results were obtained in the presence of maltose and other short‐chain malto‐oligosacchrides. These results suggest that the products of starch hydrolysis produced from the action of salivary α‐amylase, particularly maltose and maltotriose, up‐regulate AbpA expression in S. gordonii.
A Model for Personalized in Vivo Analysis of Human Immune Responsiveness
Authors: Kalscheuer Hannes , Danzl Nichole , Onoe Takashi , Faust Ted , Winchester Robert , Goland Robin , Greenberg Ellen , Spitzer Thomas R. , Savage David G. , Tahara Hiroyuki , Choi Goda , Yang Yong-Guang , Sykes Megan
Published: March 2012

Personalized humanized mice can model intrinsic defects in human immune disease.
A Bilayer-Couple Model of Bacterial Outer Membrane Vesicle Biogenesis
Authors: Schertzer Jeffrey W. , Whiteley Marvin
Published: March 2012

Gram-negative bacteria naturally produce outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) that arise through bulging and pinching off of the outer membrane. OMVs have several biological functions for bacteria, most notably as trafficking vehicles for toxins, antimicrobials, and signaling molecules. While their biological roles are now appreciated, the mechanism of OMV formation has not been fully elucidated. We recently demonstrated that the signaling molecule 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4-quinolone (PQS) is required for OMV biogenesis in
P. aeruginosa
. We hypothesized that PQS stimulates OMV formation through direct interaction with the outer leaflet of the outer membrane. To test this hypothesis, we employed a red blood cell (RBC) model that has been used extensively to study small-molecule–membrane interactions. Our results revealed that addition of PQS to RBCs induced membrane curvature, resulting in the formation of membrane spicules (spikes), consistent with small molecules that are inserted stably into the outer leaflet of the membrane. Radiotracer experiments demonstrated that sufficient PQS was inserted into the membrane to account for this curvature and that curvature induction was specific to PQS structure. These data suggest that a low rate of interleaflet flip-flop forces PQS to accumulate in and expand the outer leaflet relative to the inner leaflet, thus inducing membrane curvature. In support of PQS-mediated outer leaflet expansion, the PQS effect was antagonized by chlorpromazine, a molecule known to be preferentially inserted into the inner leaflet. Based on these data, we propose a bilayer-couple model to describe
P. aeruginosa
OMV biogenesis and suggest that this is a general mechanism for bacterial OMV formation.

IMPORTANCE
Despite the ubiquity and importance of outer membrane vesicle (OMV) production in Gram-negative bacteria, the molecular details of OMV biogenesis are not fully understood. Early experiments showed that 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4-quinolone (PQS) induces OMV formation through physical interaction with the membrane but did not elucidate the mechanism. The present study demonstrates that PQS specifically and reversibly promotes blebbing of model membranes dependent upon the same properties that are required for OMV formation in
P. aeruginosa
. These results are consistent with a mechanism where expansion of the outer leaflet relative to the inner leaflet induces localized membrane curvature. This “bilayer-couple” model can account for OMV formation under all conditions and is easily generalized to other Gram-negative bacteria. The model therefore raises the possibility of a universal paradigm for vesicle production in prokaryotes with features strikingly different from what is known in eukaryotes.
Generation of a Novel Nucleic Acid-Based Reporter System To Detect Phenotypic Susceptibility to Antibiotics in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Mulvey Matthew C. , Sacksteder Katherine A. , Einck Leo , Nacy Carol A.
Published: March 2012

We designed, constructed, and evaluated a prototype novel reporter system comprised of two functional cassettes: (i) the SP6 RNA polymerase gene under transcriptional control of a promoter active in mycobacteria and (ii) the consensus SP6 polymerase promoter that directs expression of an otherwise unexpressed sequence. We incorporated the reporter system into a mycobacteriophage for delivery into viable
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, and introduction led to synthesis of an SP6 polymerase-dependent surrogate marker RNA that we detected by reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR). The reporter confirmed the susceptibility profile of both drug-susceptible and drug-resistant
M. tuberculosis
strains exposed to first-line antitubercular drugs and required as little as 16 h of exposure to antibacterial agents targeting bacterial metabolic processes to accurately read the reaction. The reporter system translated the bacterial phenotype into a language interpretable by rapid and sensitive nucleic acid detection. As a phenotypic assay that works only on viable
M. tuberculosis
, it could be used to rapidly assess resistance to any drug, including drugs for which the mechanism of resistance is unknown or which result from many potential known (and unknown) genetic alterations.

IMPORTANCE
The ability to detect antibiotic resistance of slow-growing bacteria (i.e.,
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
) is hampered by two factors, the time to detection (weeks to months) and the resistance mechanism (unknown for many drugs), delaying the appropriate treatment of patients with drug-resistant or multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB). The novel technique described in this article uses a unique surrogate nucleic acid marker produced by phage that infects
M. tuberculosis
to record phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility in less than a day.
MOLECULAR DYNAMICS SIMULATION OF A TWO-DIMENSIONAL HEISENBERG FLUID
Authors: CORREA EBERTH , LIMA A. B. , COSTA B. V.
Published: March 2012

In this work we use numerical Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics to study a classical two-dimensional compressible magnetic fluid. The magnetic interactions are realized through a Yukawa-like potential while particles interact through Lenard-Jones forces. Our preliminary results point to a very rich phase transition picture. At high density the system seems to undergoes a transition, as suggested by the magnetization and susceptibility results.
ATM PRICING AND LOCATION GAMES IN THE RETAIL BANKING INDUSTRY
Authors: BYERS REYNOLD , YIN SHUYA , ZHENG XIAONA
Published: March 2012

This paper studies a competitive Hotelling-style market with two symmetric banks that decide the pricing and location of their automated teller machines (ATMs). Two different systems are considered: An unregulated model wherein banks are allowed to set surcharges, and a regulated model in which surcharges are banned. We derive equilibrium outcomes and compare them in the two systems, and find that banks always maintain a certain distance between ATMs. That distance is larger, indeed maximized, under the regulatory scheme. We also show that, surprisingly, banks always perform better in the regulated model, while consumers may be worse off.
INVENTORY DECISIONS WITH DECREASING PURCHASING COSTS
Authors: HU XIANGPEI , WANG HUIMIN , WANG YUNZENG
Published: March 2012

Costs of many items drop systematically throughout their life-cycles, due to advances in technology and competition. Motivated by the management of service parts for some high-tech products, this paper studies inventory decisions for such items. In a periodic review setting with stochastic demand, we model the purchasing costs of successive periods as a stochastic and decreasing sequence. Unit selling price of the item is determined as some mark-up of the purchasing cost and, hence, will change over time as well. We consider two specific mark-up models: (1) purchasing cost plus constant-dollar-amount mark-up, and (2) purchasing cost plus constant-percentage mark-up. To maximize the total discounted expected profit, we derive conditions under which myopic policies are optimal for the systems.