bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid silicon-polymer platform for self-locking and self-deploying origami
Authors: Tu Hongen , Jiang Hanqing , Yu Hongyu , Xu Yong
Published: December 2013

This Letter reports the demonstration of self-locking and self-deploying functions of an origami platform based on silicon island arrays. The silicon islands serve as the rigid part of the origami and are able to integrate complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor circuits, microelectromechanical systems, and other functional components. The creases of the origami, which are the flexible connectors among silicon islands, are realized by parylene balloons filled with paraffin wax. Metal heaters are integrated on the balloons to control the solid/liquid phases of the wax on-chip. Prototypes of such an origami platform have been fabricated. By turning on and off the heaters at different states of the origami, self-locking and self-deploying features have been demonstrated.
Effects of interface bonding and defects on boron diffusion at Si/SiO2 interface
Authors: Kim Geun-Myeong , Oh Young Jun , Chang K. J.
Published: December 2013

We perform first-principles density functional calculations to find the migration pathway and barrier for B diffusion at the Si/SiO2 interface. For various interface models, in which crystalline α-quartz or amorphous silica (a-SiO2) is placed on Si, we examine stable and metastable configurations of B-related defects which play a role in B diffusion. While a substitutional B alone is immobile in Si, it tends to diffuse to the interface via an interstitialcy mechanism in the presence of a self-interstitial and then changes into an interstitial B in oxide via a kick-out mechanism, leaving the self-interstitial at the interface. At the defect-free interface, where bridging O atoms are inserted to remove interface dangling bonds, an interstitial B prefers to intervene between the interface Si and bridging O atoms and subsequently diffuses through the hollow space or along the network of the Si-O-Si bonds in oxide. The overall migration barriers are calculated to be 2.02–2.12 eV at the Si/α-quartz interface, while they lie in the range of 2.04 ± 0.44 eV at the Si/a-SiO2 interface, similar to that in α-quartz. The migration pathway and barrier are not significantly affected by interface defects such as suboxide bond and O protrusion, while dangling bonds in the suboxide region can increase the migration barrier by about 1.5 eV. The result that the interface generally does not hinder the B diffusion from Si to SiO2 assists in understanding the underlying mechanism for B segregation which commonly occurs at the Si/SiO2 interface.
Phenalenone-type phytoalexins mediate resistance of banana plants (
Musa
spp.) to the burrowing nematode
Radopholus similis
Authors: Hölscher Dirk , Dhakshinamoorthy Suganthagunthalam , Alexandrov Theodore , Becker Michael , Bretschneider Tom , Buerkert Andreas , Crecelius Anna C. , De Waele Dirk , Elsen Annemie , Heckel David G. , Heklau Heike , Hertweck Christian , Kai Marco , Knop Katrin , Krafft Christoph , Maddula Ravi K. , Matthäus Christian , Popp Jürgen , Schneider Bernd , Schubert Ulrich S. , Sikora Richard A. , Svatoš Aleš , Swennen Rony L.
Published: December 2013

Significance

The ongoing decline of banana yields caused by pathogens and the use of toxic chemicals to manage them has attracted considerable attention because of the importance of bananas as a major staple food for more than 400 million people. We demonstrate that secondary metabolites (phenylphenalenones) of
Musa
are the reason for differences in cultivar resistance, and detected the phenylphenalenone anigorufone in greater concentrations in lesions in roots of a nematode-resistant cultivar than in those of a susceptible one. An in vitro bioassay identified anigorufone as the most active nematostatic and nematocidal compound. We discovered that large lipid–anigorufone complex droplets are formed in the bodies of
Radopholus similis
exposed to anigorufone, resulting in the nematode being killed.
Comparison of Harvest Scenarios for the Cost-Effective Suppression of Lake Trout in Swan Lake, Montana
Authors: Syslo John M. , Guy Christopher S. , Cox Benjamin S.
Published: December 2013

Given the large amount of resources required for long-term control or eradication projects, it is important to assess strategies and associated costs and outcomes before a particular plan is implemented. We developed a population model to assess the cost-effectiveness of mechanical removal strategies for suppressing long-term abundance of nonnative Lake Trout Salvelinus namaycush in Swan Lake, Montana. We examined the efficacy of targeting life stages (i.e., juveniles or adults) using temporally pulsed fishing effort for reducing abundance and program cost. Exploitation rates were high (0.80 for juveniles and 0.68 for adults) compared with other lakes in the western USA with Lake Trout suppression programs. Harvesting juveniles every year caused the population to decline, whereas harvesting only adults caused the population to increase above carrying capacity. Simultaneous harvest of juveniles and adults was required to cause the population to collapse (i.e., 95% reduction relative to unharvested abundance) with 95% confidence. The population could collapse within 15 years for a total program cost of US$1,578,480 using the most aggressive scenario. Substantial variation in cost existed among harvest scenarios for a given reduction in abundance; however, total program cost was minimized when collapse was rapid. Our approach provides a useful case study for evaluating long-term mechanical removal options for fish populations that are not likely to be eradicated.

Received January 25, 2013; accepted July 3, 2013
Correcting Length–Frequency Distributions for Imperfect Detection
Authors: Breton André R. , Hawkins John A. , Winkelman Dana L.
Published: December 2013

Sampling gear selects for specific sizes of fish, which may bias length-frequency distributions that are commonly used to assess population size structure, recruitment patterns, growth, and survival. To properly correct for sampling biases caused by gear and other sources, length-frequency distributions need to be corrected for imperfect detection. We describe a method for adjusting length-frequency distributions when capture and recapture probabilities are a function of fish length, temporal variation, and capture history. The method is applied to a study involving the removal of Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu by boat electrofishing from a 38.6-km reach on the Yampa River, Colorado. Smallmouth Bass longer than 100 mm were marked and released alive from 2005 to 2010 on one or more electrofishing passes and removed on all other passes from the population. Using the Huggins mark–recapture model, we detected a significant effect of fish total length, previous capture history (behavior), year, pass, year×behavior, and year×pass on capture and recapture probabilities. We demonstrate how to partition the Huggins estimate of abundance into length frequencies to correct for these effects. Uncorrected length frequencies of fish removed from Little Yampa Canyon were negatively biased in every year by as much as 88% relative to mark–recapture estimates for the smallest length-class in our analysis (100–110 mm). Bias declined but remained high even for adult length-classes (≥200 mm). The pattern of bias across length-classes was variable across years. The percentage of unadjusted counts that were below the lower 95% confidence interval from our adjusted length-frequency estimates were 95, 89, 84, 78, 81, and 92% from 2005 to 2010, respectively. Length-frequency distributions are widely used in fisheries science and management. Our simple method for correcting length-frequency estimates for imperfect detection could be widely applied when mark–recapture data are available.

Received January 7, 2013; accepted July 16, 2013
The Rapid Upstream Migration of Pre-Spawn Lake Sturgeon following Trap-and-Transport over a Hydroelectric Generating Station
Authors: McDougall C. A. , Hrenchuk C. L. , Anderson W. G. , Peake S. J.
Published: December 2013

Spawning migrations of Lake Sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens are often blocked by dams, and fishway designs suitable for volitional upstream passage, particularly over high-head structures, remain elusive. Trap-and-transport has potential as a management tool but has yet to be evaluated in Lake Sturgeon. In spring 2009, six male and six female Lake Sturgeon in prespawn condition were captured using gill nets downstream of the Seven Sisters Generating Station, located on the Winnipeg River, Manitoba. Each fish received an acoustic transmitter and was released ∼ 500 m upstream of the station. Four stationary receivers were deployed in the 41-km stretch of river between the Seven Sisters and Slave Falls generating stations to monitor upstream movements, while an additional four were deployed downstream of Seven Sisters to monitor potential fallback. Following trap-and-transport, all 11 detected fish were observed moving rapidly upstream through backwatered habitats, into the stretch of river where Lake Sturgeon spawning sites occur, before or coincident with the onset of the spawning period. No fallback was observed during initial ascents. While further research is required, trap-and-transport of Lake Sturgeon may be a useful tool for fisheries managers wishing to facilitate historical spawning migrations interrupted by dams.

Received February 18, 2013; accepted July 24, 2013
From uncertain beginnings: Initiation mechanisms of clathrin-mediated endocytosis
Authors: Godlee Camilla , Kaksonen Marko
Published: December 2013

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis is a central and well-studied trafficking process in eukaryotic cells. How this process is initiated is likely to be a critical point in regulating endocytic activity spatially and temporally, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. During the early stages of endocytosis three components—adaptor and accessory proteins, cargo, and lipids—come together at the plasma membrane to begin the formation of clathrin-coated vesicles. Although different models have been proposed, there is still no clear picture of how these three components cooperate to initiate endocytosis, which may indicate that there is some flexibility underlying this important event.
Formation of isostructural solid solutions in 2,6-disubstitutedN-phenylformamides andN-phenylthioamides
Authors: Omondi Bernard , Lemmerer Andreas , Fernandes Manuel A. , Levendis Demetrius C. , Layh Marcus
Published: December 2013

In order to investigate possible isostructural solid solutions of disubstitutedN-phenylformamides and thioamides, we have studied the re-crystallization of pairs of compounds selected from 2,6-difluoro-N-phenylformamide (I), 2,6-dichloro-N-phenylformamide (II), 2,6-dimethyl-N-phenylformamide (III), 2,6-dichloro-N-phenylthioamide (IV), 2,6-dimethyl-N-phenylthioamide (V), 2,6-diisopropyl-N-phenylformamide (VI) and 2,6-diisopropyl-N-phenylthioamide (VII). For single-component 2,6-disubstituted-N-phenylformamides only thetransform occurs in the pure crystal, while for thioamides thecisform occurs, with only one exception. By forming solid solutions of pairs of these molecules the resulting structures all adopt similar N—H...O/S chains in the crystals. Solid solutions (1), (2) and (3), resulting from the mixing of (I) and (II), (II) and (III), and (IV) and (V), respectively, are all isostructural with each other (space groupPbca). Only co-crystal (1) is isostructural to both starting materials, while (2) is isostructural to only one of the starting pair, (II). Solid solution (3), which adopts the samePbcastructure as (1) and (2), is different to the monoclinic structures of both the reactants. Solid solution (4) is monoclinic, with similar hydrogen-bonded chains, and isostructural to the two components, resulting from the composition from the mixing of (VI) and (VII). Isostructural indices were used to quantify crystal-packing similarities and differences. Occupancy factors of the reactants in each co-crystal differ widely.
Solvates of the antifungal drug griseofulvin: structural, thermochemical and conformational analysis
Authors: Aitipamula Srinivasulu , Chow Pui Shan , Tan Reginald B. H.
Published: December 2013

Four solvates of an antifungal drug, griseofulvin (GF), were discovered. All the solvates were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and their crystal structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The solvents that form the solvates are acetonitrile, nitromethane and nitroethane (2:1 and 1:1). It was found that all the solvates lose the solvent molecules from the crystal lattice between 343 and 383 K, and that the melting point of the desolvated materials matched the melting point of the solvent-free GF (493 K). The conformation of the GF molecule in solvent-free form was found to be significantly different from the conformations found in the solvates. Solution stability studies revealed that the GF–acetonitrile solvate transforms to GF and that GF–nitroethane (1:1) solvate transforms to GF–nitroethane (2:1) solvate. On the other hand, GF–nitromethane and GF–nitroethane (2:1) solvates were found to be stable in solution. Our results highlight the importance of the co-crystallization technique in the pharmaceutical drug development; it not only expands the solid form diversity but also creates new avenues for unraveling novel solvates.
Itineraries of immigrant women in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Cecilia Andrade de Moraes Weintraub Ana , da Penha Costa Vasconcellos Maria
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– This paper presents the results of a field research conducted with five immigrant women in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The aim of this paper is to show the itineraries they used in order to build a new life as foreigners in the city.

Design/methodology/approach

– An ethnography study was undertaken during one year (May/2010 to May/2011) mapping the itineraries made by them in the city and their correspondent narratives.

Findings

– Foreign women did not have difficulties to access health care structures in São Paulo, since the health care system is universal in Brazil; they found many more opportunities of social care and assistance in the multiplicity of the city, rather than in the self-proclaimed institutions that exists especially for foreigners. Their different juridical categories did not impact much in their routine activities in the city.

Practical implications

– This research may impact the activities of institutions that offer assistance to immigrants.

Originality/value

– This paper presents a unique map of itineraries of foreign undesirable immigrant women in São Paulo, in contrast with other researches that tend to focus either on the juridical status or mental health care strategies for immigrants.
Embodying imagined contact: Facial feedback moderates the intergroup consequences of mental simulation
Authors: Bilewicz Michal , Kogan Aleksandra
Published: December 2013

Imagined contact is a fruitful strategy of improving intergroup attitudes. There are several mechanisms responsible for the effectiveness of such contact. This article presents a test of an affective mechanism of imagined contact by applying a facial feedback procedure. We used a physical blockade of the zygomaticus major muscle, known to constrain people's experience of emotional states. Participants imagining intergroup contact expressed more positive attitudes towards an outgroup when they could physically mimic a positive affective state by smiling, but there was no such effect when embodiment was constrained. The interactive effects on attitudes appeared due to greater perception of outgroup warmth. This study presents the first attempt to explain the role of embodiment in the improvement of intergroup relations.
Obesity is associated with higher risk of prostate cancer detection in a biopsy population in Korea
Authors: Park Juhyun , Cho Sung Yong , Lee Seung Bae , Son Hwancheol , Jeong Hyeon
Published: December 2013

Objective

To evaluate the impact of obesity on prostate cancer detection, as measured by the body mass index (BMI) in a Korean biopsy population.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 1213 men who underwent transrectal ultrasonography‐guided prostate biopsy at our institution. Biopsy outcomes were analysed with respect to various variables, including patient age, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), prostate volume, digital rectal examination (DRE) findings and obesity, defined as BMI ≥25 kg/m2, an Asian BMI category.

Results

Among 1213 men, 408 (33.6%) were obese and 344 (28.4%) had a positive biopsy. Obese men were younger (65.5 vs 67.1 years, P = 0.003), had a larger prostate (49.2 vs 42.9 mL, P < 0.001) and were less likely to have any abnormality on DRE (8.1 vs 15.9% P < 0.001) than non‐obese men. In the multivariate analysis, obesity was significantly associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer detection in men undergoing biopsy (odds ratio [OR] = 1.446, P = 0.024). In addition, obesity was significantly associated with a higher rate of biopsy‐detected high grade (Gleason score ≥4 + 3) disease, and this association remained after multivariate adjustment (OR = 1.498, P = 0.039).

Conclusions

Obese men were younger, had a larger prostate, and had less tendency to have an abnormality on DRE than non‐obese men. Obesity was associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer detection as an independent factor, including high grade prostate cancer in a Korean biopsy population.
Regulation of with‐no‐lysine kinase signaling by Kelch‐like proteins
Authors: Uchida Shinichi , Sohara Eisei , Rai Tatemitsu , Sasaki Sei
Published: December 2013

In 2001, with‐no‐lysine (WNK) kinases were identified as the genes responsible for the human hereditary hypertensive disease pseudohypoaldosteronism type II (PHAII). It took a further 6 years to clarify that WNK kinases participate in a signaling cascade with oxidative stress‐responsive gene 1 (OSR1), Ste20‐related proline‐alanine‐rich kinase (SPAK), and thiazide‐sensitive NaCl cotransporter (NCC) in the kidney and the constitutive activation of this signaling cascade is the molecular basis of PHAII. Since this discovery, the WNK–OSR1/SPAK–NCC signaling cascade has been shown to be involved not only in PHAII but also in the regulation of blood pressure under normal and pathogenic conditions, such as hyperinsulinemia. However, the molecular mechanisms of WNK kinase regulation by dietary and hormonal factors and by PHAII‐causing mutations remain poorly understood. In 2012, two additional genes responsible for PHAII, Kelch‐like 3 (KLHL3) and Cullin3, were identified. At the time of their discovery, the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between these genes and their involvement in PHAII were unknown. Here we review the pathophysiological roles of the WNK signaling cascade clarified to date and introduce a new mechanism of WNK kinase regulation by KLHL3 and Cullin3, which provides insight on previously unknown mechanisms of WNK kinase regulation.
Innovations in Practice: The efficacy of nonviolent resistance groups in treating aggressive and controlling children and young people: a preliminary analysis of pilot NVR groups in Kent
Authors: Newman Mary , Fagan Catrin , Webb Rebecca
Published: December 2013

Background

Conduct disorders and adolescent violence have been found to be a significant problem in the United Kingdom.

Method

Nonviolent Resistance (NVR) Parenting Groups were piloted in Kent to address the demand on CAMHS for young people with this issue, and preliminary analysis on outcome measures was conducted.

Results

A significant difference in a positive direction was found on all but one of the measurements used.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that using NVR methods in a group format is an effective intervention for these families. De‐escalation and acts of unconditional love were rated by parents as the most useful interventions.
Low‐Cost Subpixel Rendering for Diverse Displays
Authors: Engelhardt Thomas , Schmidt Thorsten‐Walther , Kautz Jan , Dachsbacher Carsten
Published: December 2013

Subpixel rendering increases the apparent display resolution by taking into account the subpixel structure of a given display. In essence, each subpixel is addressed individually, allowing the underlying signal to be sampled more densely. Unfortunately, naïve subpixel sampling introduces colour aliasing, as each subpixel only displays a specific colour (usually R, G and B subpixels are used). As previous work has shown, chromatic aliasing can be reduced significantly by taking the sensitivity of the human visual system into account. In this work, we find optimal filters for subpixel rendering for a diverse set of 1D and 2D subpixel layout patterns. We demonstrate that these optimal filters can be approximated well with analytical functions. We incorporate our filters into GPU‐based multi‐sample anti‐aliasing to yield subpixel rendering at a very low cost (1–2 ms filtering time at HD resolution). We also show that texture filtering can be adapted to perform efficient subpixel rendering. Finally, we analyse the findings of a user study we performed, which underpins the increased visual fidelity that can be achieved for diverse display layouts, by using our optimal filters.
The influence of mucosal tissue thickening on crestal bone stability around bone‐level implants. A prospective controlled clinical trial
Authors: Puisys Algirdas , Linkevicius Tomas
Published: December 2013

Objective

To evaluate how bone‐level implants maintain crestal bone stability after thickening of thin mucosal tissues with allogenic membrane.

Materials and methods

Ninety‐seven bone‐level implants of 4.1 mm diameter (Institute Straumann AG, Switzerland) were evaluated in 97 patients (28 men and 69 women, mean age 47.3 ± 1.2 years). According to vertical gingival thickness, patients were assigned into test T1 (thin, 2 mm or less, n = 33), test T2 (thin thickened with allogenic membrane, n = 32) and control C groups (thick, more than 2 mm, n = 32). Implants were placed in posterior mandible in one‐stage approach and after integration were restored with single screw‐retained metal‐ceramic restorations. Radiographic examination was performed after implant placement, 2 months after healing, after prosthetic restoration and after 1‐year follow‐up. Crestal bone loss was calculated mesially and distally. Mann–Whitney U‐test was applied and significance was set to 0.05.

Results

After 2 months, implants in group T1 had 0.75 ± 0.11 mm bone loss mesially and 0.73 ± 0.10 mm distally. Implants in group T2 had 0.16 ± 0.06 mm mesially and 0.20 ± 0.06 mm distally. C group implants lost 0.17 ± 0.05 mm mesially and 0.18 ± 0.03 mm distally. Differences between T1/T2, and T1/C were statistically significant (P = 0.000) both mesially and distally, while between T2 and C was not significant mesially (P = 0.861) and distally (P = 0.827). After 1‐year follow‐up implants in group T1 had 1.22 ± 0.08 mm bone loss mesially and 1.14 ± 0.07 mm distally. Implants in group T2 had 0.24 ± 0.06 mm mesially and 0.19 ± 0.06 mm distally. C group implants lost 0.22 ± 0.06 mm mesially and 0.20 ± 0.06 mm distally. Differences between T1/T2, and T1/C were statistically significant (P = 0.000) both mesially and distally, while between T2 and C was not significant mesially (P = 0.909) and distally (P = 0.312).

Conclusions

Significantly less bone loss can occur around bone‐level implants placed in naturally thick mucosal tissues, in comparison with thin biotype. Augmentation of thin soft tissues with allogenic membrane during implant placement could be way to reduce crestal bone loss.
Epilepsy and vaccinations: Italian guidelines
Authors: Pruna Dario , Balestri Paolo , Zamponi Nelia , Grosso Salvatore , Gobbi Giuseppe , Romeo Antonino , Franzoni Emilio , Osti Maria , Capovilla Giuseppe , Longhi Riccardo , Verrotti Alberto
Published: December 2013

Reports of childhood epilepsies in temporal association with vaccination have had a great impact on the acceptance of vaccination programs by health care providers, but little is known about this possible temporal association and about the types of seizures following vaccinations. For these reasons the Italian League Against Epilepsy (LICE), in collaboration with other Italian scientific societies, has decided to generate Guidelines on Vaccinations and Epilepsy. The aim of Guidelines on Vaccinations and Epilepsy is to present recent unequivocal evidence from published reports on the possible relationship between vaccines and epilepsy in order to provide information about contraindications and risks of vaccinations in patients with epilepsy. The following main issues have been addressed: (1) whether contraindications to vaccinations exist in patients with febrile convulsions, epilepsy, and/or epileptic encephalopathies; and (2) whether any vaccinations can cause febrile seizures, epilepsy, and/or epileptic encephalopathies. Diphtheria‐tetanus‐pertussis (DTP) vaccination and measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination (MMR) increase significantly the risk of febrile seizures. Recent observations and data about the relationships between vaccination and epileptic encephalopathy show that some cases of apparent vaccine‐induced encephalopathy could in fact be caused by an inherent genetic defect with no causal relationship with vaccination.
Treatment of convulsive status epilepticus in childhood: Recommendations of the Italian League Against Epilepsy
Authors: Capovilla Giuseppe , Beccaria Francesca , Beghi Ettore , Minicucci Fabio , Sartori Stefano , Vecchi Marilena
Published: December 2013

The Italian League Against Epilepsy Commission Guidelines Subcommittee on Status Epilepticus (SE) has published an article on the management of SE in adults, and now presents a report on the management of convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) in children, excluding the neonatal period. Children's greater susceptibility than adults to epileptic seizures results from many factors. Earlier maturation of excitatory than inhibitory synapses, increased susceptibility and concentration of receptors for excitatory neurotransmitters, peculiar composition of the receptor subunits resulting in slower and less effective inhibitory responses, all cause the high incidence of SE in the pediatric population. The related morbidity and mortality rates, although lower than in adults, require immediate diagnosis and therapy. The division into focal and generalized, nonconvulsive and convulsive SE is applied in children and adolescents, as is the distinction in the three different stages according to the time elapsed since the start of the event and the response to drugs (initial, defined, and refractory SE). In children and adolescents, an “operational definition” is also accepted to allow earlier treatment (starting at 5–10 min). Maintenance and stabilization of vital functions, cessation of convulsions, diagnosis, and initial treatment of potentially “life‐threatening” causes are the objectives to be pursued in the management of children with CSE. The need for early pharmacologic intervention stresses the need for action in the prehospital setting, generally using rectal diazepam. In hospital, parenteral benzodiazepines are used (lorazepam, diazepam, or midazolam). When first‐line drugs fail, sodium phenytoin and phenobarbital should be used. As alternatives to phenobarbital, the following can be considered for treatment of refractory CSE: valproate, levetiracetam, and lacosamide. In cases with refractory CSE, pharmacologic options can be thiopental, midazolam, or propofol in continuous intravenous infusions to suppress electroencephalographic bursts and convulsive activity. These drugs need to be administered in intensive care units to ensure the monitoring and support of vital signs and brain electrical activity.
miR‐17 regulates the proliferation and differentiation of the neural precursor cells during mouse corticogenesis
Authors: Mao Susu , Li Hanqin , Sun Qi , Zen Ke , Zhang Chen‐Yu , Li Liang
Published: December 2013

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenously expressed small, non‐coding nucleotides that repress gene expression at the post‐transcriptional level. In mammals, the developing brain contains a large, diverse group of miRNAs, which suggests that they play crucial roles in neural development. In the present study, we analyzed the miRNA expression patterns in the mouse cortex at various developmental stages. We found that miR‐17 family miRNAs were highly expressed in the cortex during early developmental stages, and that their expression levels gradually decreased as the cortex developed. Further investigation revealed that the change in miR‐17‐5p expression occurred in the ventricular zone/sub‐ventricular zone. In addition to promoting cell proliferation, miR‐17‐5p also influences the differentiation fate of neural precursor cells exposed to bone morphogenetic protein 2. Moreover, we show that these effects of miR‐17‐5p were mainly the result of regulating the bone morphogenetic protein signaling pathway by repressing expression of the bone morphogenetic protein type II receptor. Taken together, these findings suggest that miR‐17 family members play a pivotal role in regulating cell activity during early development of the mouse cortex.
A comparison of arthropod abundance and arthropod mediated predation services in urban green spaces
Authors: Bennett Ashley B. , Lovell Sarah T.
Published: December 2013

The need to conserve biodiversity and ecosystem services in urban landscapes is widely recognised, yet specific planning and design strategies that promote conservation in urban areas are limited. Little is known about the ability of different types of urban green spaces to support biodiversity and provide ecosystem services.

In this study, we compared the abundance of beneficial arthropods (predators and bees) and measured predation services in two different types of green space, areas of turf and prairies. Beneficial arthropods and predation services were measured three times during the 2011 field season in six Chicago (IL, USA) parks that contained both turf and prairie.

Using a repeated measures analysis, we found bee abundance was significantly higher in the prairie compared to turf by August, and predator abundance was higher in the prairie throughout the summer. While predation services were not significantly different between the turf and prairie in June, predation steadily increased in the prairie over the course of the summer with significantly higher rates of predation by August.

Of the predators measured, spiders were positively correlated with prairie habitat and negatively correlated with the survival of pest insects.

We found turf and prairie differentially supported beneficial arthropod abundance and ecosystem services, suggesting the type of green space incorporated into urban areas may be an integral component to expanding the conservation potential of urban landscapes.
The synergistic effects of fibroblast growth factor‐2 and mineral trioxide aggregate on an osteogenic accelerator in vitro
Authors: Liu C.‐H. , Huang T.‐H. , Hung C.‐J. , Lai W.‐Y. , Kao C.‐T. , Shie M.‐Y.
Published: December 2013

Aim

To examine the effects of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)/fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2) on material properties and in vitro human dental pulp cell (hDPCs) behaviour.

Methodology

The setting time and diametral tensile strength (DTS) of MTA and MTA/FGF‐2 were measured. The structure of specimens before and after soaking in DMEM was examined under a scanning electron microscope. Alamar Blue was used for evaluating hDPCs proliferation. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was employed to determine ALP and osteocalcin (OC) expression in hDPCs cultured on cements. The effect of small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection targeting fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) was also evaluated. One‐way analysis of variance was used to evaluate the significance of the differences between the mean values.

Results

Setting time and DTS data were not found to be significant (P > 0.05) between MTA with and without FGF‐2. Cell proliferation and differentiation increased significantly (P < 0.05) with FGF‐2 mixed MTA. After siRNA transfection with FGFR, the proliferation and differentiation behaviour of the hDPCs appreciably decreased when cultured on an MTA/FGF‐2 composite. In contrast, no significant amounts (P > 0.05) of ALP and OC were secreted by hDPCs seeded on MTA.

Conclusions

Mineral trioxide aggregate with FGF‐2 content enhanced the higher expression of hDPCs proliferation and osteogenic differentiation as compared to pure MTA cement.
Histopathological study of cutaneous manifestations in HIV and AIDS patients
Authors: Rane Sharada R. , Agrawal Preeti B. , Kadgi Nalini V. , Jadhav Meenal V. , Puranik Shaila C.
Published: December 2013

Objectives

Most human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected patients develop various skin diseases. These skin manifestations not only act as markers but also reflect the patient's underlying immune status. Investigating CD4 counts is costly and not always possible. Thus, the potential value to be gained by using skin manifestations as predictors of low CD4 counts and disease progression should be explored. The present study attempted to correlate the association of various cutaneous disorders found in HIV patients with CD4 and CD8 counts, the CD4 : CD8 ratio and stage of HIV infection.

Methods

This was a prospective study involving 61 patients who were HIV‐positive and demonstrated skin lesions. Punch biopsies of skin were taken for histopathological diagnosis. CD4 and CD8 T cell counts were performed.

Results

The study sample included a majority of male patients, most of whom were aged 21–40 years. Pruritic papular dermatitis was the most common skin manifestation, followed by molluscum contagiosum, eosinophilic folliculitis, and Hansen's disease. Most of the lesions were associated with CD4 counts of <220/μl (n = 38). All skin lesions associated with HIV or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) showed a CD4 : CD8 ratio of <0.50.

Conclusions

The study findings demonstrate an inverse relationship between CD4 counts and the occurrence of skin lesions. The majority of lesions were associated with stage 3 or stage 4 infection. Thus, specific cutaneous manifestations can be considered as good clinical indicators for predicting underlying immune status in resource‐poor countries.
Systemic medication and the inflammatory cascade
Authors: Alani Aws , Seymour Robin
Published: December 2013

Periodontal disease is caused by inflammatory processes initiated by the presence of a biofilm. The management of this disease process is largely achieved by disrupting the biofilm to allow regression of inflammation and healing. As our patients are living for longer they are likely to have been exposed to systemic medications that aim to reduce inflammation. These drugs have been shown to decrease inflammation within the periodontal tissues despite not being a primary function of their use. This paper aims to review the relative effects of common systemic medications on the periodontal tissues by analyzing their modes of action and discussing current research and the implications for periodontal treatment.
A taxonomic study of Musa flaviflora and M. thomsonii (Musaceae)
Authors: Häkkinen Markku , Gogoi Rajib , Borah Souravjyoti
Published: December 2013

The taxonomic identity of Musa flaviflora Simmonds (1956a) and Musa thomsonii (King ex Baker) A. M. Cowan & Cowan (1929) have been uncertain to most botanists and have fallen towards oblivion. These two species have also been erroneously synonymized by many botanists but are distinct species with different distributions, viz. M. flaviflora from the northeastern parts of India and M. thomsonii from Bhutan, Sikkim, the Himalayan hills of India and Yunnan, China. The aim of this study is to settle the true identity of those ‘lost species’ and to update their descriptions. These studies are based on morphological characteristics observed in the field in northeast India, and Yunnan, China, in various herbaria as well as in the literature on Musaceae.
Which Patients Are Not Suitable for a Subcutaneous ICD: Incidence and Predictors of Failed QRS‐T‐Wave Morphology Screening
Authors: OLDE NORDKAMP LOUISE R.A. , WARNAARS JOPPE L.F. , KOOIMAN KIRSTEN M. , de GROOT JORIS R. , ROSENMÖLLER BOUDEWIJN R.A.M. , WILDE ARTHUR A.M. , KNOPS REINOUD E.
Published: December 2013

T‐Wave Analysis for the Subcutaneous ICD

Background

The subcutaneous cardioverter‐defibrillator (S‐ICD) relies on a pre‐implantation QRS‐T morphology screening (TMS) of the ECG to assure that it reliably detects the QRS complexes and T waves. The prevalence and clinical characteristics of the patients who fail this TMS is unknown.

Methods and Results

QRS‐TMS was done in 230 consecutive ICD outpatients (75% male, age 57 ± 15 years) without an indication for cardiac pacing, using an ECG simulating the 3 sensing vectors of the S‐ICD (TMS‐ECG). Patients were defined suitable when at least 1 sensing vector was considered appropriate in both supine and standing position. In total, 7.4% of patients, who were all male, were considered not suitable for a S‐ICD according to the TMS‐ECG. Independent predictors for TMS failure were hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM; odds ratio [OR] 12.6), a heavy weight (OR 1.5), a prolonged QRS duration (OR 1.5) and a R:T ratio <3 in the lead with the largest T wave on a standard 12‐lead surface ECG (OR 14.6).

Conclusion

In patients without an indication for pacing, 7.4% would have been not suitable for a S‐ICD according to the TMS. HCM, a heavy weight, a prolonged QRS duration and a R:T ratio <3 in the ECG lead with the largest T wave were independently associated with TMS failure. These data might alert physicians that selection of patients for a S‐ICD should be considered with special caution in certain patient groups, because they may not satisfy ECG criteria for adequate sensing.
Confocal microscopy for healthy and pathological nail
Authors: Cinotti E. , Fouilloux B. , Perrot J. L. , Labeille B. , Douchet C. , Cambazard F.
Published: December 2013

Nail diseases are often annoying for the patient and diagnostically challenging for dermatologists. New imaging techniques are of high interest in the diagnosis of nail disorders to reduce the number of nail biopsies. Confocal microscopy is a high‐resolution emerging imaging technique that can be used to explore the entire body surface, including skin, mucosa, hair and nails. A systematic review of the literature concerning the use of confocal microscopy for the study of either healthy or pathological nail has been performed to evaluate the current use of this technique and possible future applications. Confocal microscopy is particularly suitable for nails because it allows a non‐invasive in vivo examination of this sensitive body area, and nail plate transparency permits to image up to the nail bed with an easy identification of corneocytes. Confocal microscopy can play a role in the diagnosis of onychomycosis and melanonichia, and in the study of drug penetration through the nail plate. It could be used in the future as a non‐invasive procedure for the investigation of different nail diseases, such as psoriasis and lichen planus. Further application could be the intra‐operative ex vivo examination of nail specimens to outline tumour margins to assist surgery.
Criterion and Convergent Validity of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment with Screening and Standardized Neuropsychological Testing
Authors: Lam Benjamin , Middleton Laura E. , Masellis Mario , Stuss Donald T. , Harry Robin D. , Kiss Alex , Black Sandra E.
Published: December 2013

Objectives

To compare the validity of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) with the criterion standard of standardized neuropsychological testing and to compare the convergent validity of the MoCA with that of existing screening tools and global measures of cognition.

Design

Cross‐sectional observational study.

Setting

Tertiary care hospital‐based cognitive neurology subspecialty clinic.

Participants

A convenience sample of 107 individuals with mild Alzheimer's disease (AD, n = 75) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI, n = 32) from the Sunnybrook Dementia Study.

Measurements

In addition to the MoCA, all participants completed the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (DRS), and detailed neuropsychological testing.

Results

Convergent validity was supported, with MoCA scores correlating well with the MMSE (correlation coefficient (r) = 0.66, P < .001) and the DRS (r = 0.77, P < .001) and the MoCA better associated with the DRS than did the MMSE. Criterion validity was supported, with MoCA subscores according to cognitive domain correlating well with analogous neuropsychological tests and, in the case of memory (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.86), executive (AUC = 0.79), and visuospatial function (AUC = 0.79), being reasonably sensitive to impairment in those domains.

Conclusion

The MoCA is a valid assessment of cognition that shows good agreement with existing screening tools and global measures (convergent validity) and was superior to the MMSE in this regard. The MoCA domain‐specific subscores align with performance on more‐detailed neuropsychological tests, suggesting not only good criterion validity for the MoCA, but also that it may be useful in guiding further neuropsychological testing.
Tramadol versus fentanyl during propofol‐based deep sedation for uterine dilatation and curettage: A prospective study
Authors: Tas Ayca , Mıstanoglu Veli , Darcın Sevtap , Kececioglu Melahat
Published: December 2013

Aim

Dilatation and curettage (D&C) is a common day‐care procedure in obstetrics and gynecology, with patients discharged after a brief hospital stay on the same day of the surgery. Although it has a short duration, severe pain occurs during the procedure. Therefore, this surgical procedure requires an anesthetic to provide adequate analgesia, rapid onset, and rapid recovery. The main objective of the present study was to compare the analgesic effectiveness and safety of tramadol with those of fentanyl during D&C.

Methods

The study comprised 100 women with American Society of Anesthesiologists classification I–II who were scheduled for a D&C procedure. Baseline anesthesia was maintained with 1 mg/kg propofol, and the patients were then randomly allocated to receive tramadol 1 mg/kg (Group T, n = 50) or fentanyl 1 μg/kg (Group F, n = 50). Hemodynamic variables, sedation, pain, the Aldrete recovery score, and side‐effects were recorded.

Results

SpO2 levels in Group F in the 5th min and at the end of the procedure were significantly lower than those in Group T (P = 0.024 and 0.021, respectively).

Conclusion

Tramadol provides similar analgesic efficacy to fentanyl. Furthermore, tramadol may provide better respiratory stability in patients undergoing a D&C procedure.
Effects of fumaric acid on rumen fermentation, milk composition and metabolic parameters in lactating cows
Authors: Remling N. , Riede S. , Lebzien P. , Meyer U. , Höltershinken M. , Kersten S. , Breves G. , Flachowsky G. , Dänicke S.
Published: December 2013

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of fumaric acid (FA) on ruminal fermentation and its effects on the acid‐base balance of seven ruminally and duodenally fistulated multiparous German Holstein cows. The experiment was conducted in a change‐over design with three periods in which the animals were randomly arranged in one of three treatments: Control (C; without FA), 300 or 600 g FA per day. The diets consisted of 7.4 kg DM grass silage, 4.2 kg concentrate mixture and 0, 300 or 600 g FA or wheat starch as isocaloric compensation per day and cow. FA supplementation decreased the rumen pH, acetic acid and butyric acid and increased propionic acid in rumen fluid. The results of the single‐strand conformation polymorphism analysis (SSCP) did not show an influence of FA on the microbial population in the rumen. The beta‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration in blood and the pH of the urine decreased, while the blood gases were unaffected by supplementation of the acid. The microbial protein per MJ ME decreased in the duodenum with FA supplementation. The milk fat concentration decreased after addition of FA. We conclude that in this study feeding of up to 600 g FA per day did not result in an acidosis. It seems that up to 600 g FA per day did not have a significant influence on the acid‐base balance of dairy cows.
Health-Related Characteristics and Unmet Needs of Men with Erectile Dysfunction: A Survey in Five European Countries
Authors: Jannini Emmanuele A. , Sternbach Nikoletta , Limoncin Erika , Ciocca Giacomo , Gravina Giovanni Luca , Tripodi Francesca , Petruccelli Irene , Keijzer Sylvia , Isherwood Gina , Wiedemann Britta , Simonelli Chiara
Published: December 2013

Introduction

Data suggest that ED is still an underdiagnosed and undertreated condition. In addition, it seems that men with ED are unsatisfied about their relationship with their physician and with the available drugs.

Aim

The study aims to identify health-related characteristics and unmet needs of patients suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED) in big 5 European Union (EU) nations (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and UK).

Methods

Data were collected from the 2011 5EU National Health and Wellness-Survey on a population of 28,511 adult men (mean age: 47.18; SD 16.07) and was focused on men (5,184) who self-reported ED in the past 6 months. In addition, the quality of life (QoL) and work productivity/activity were explored.

Main Outcome Measures

Health-related QoL (HRQoL) and work productivity were measured with SF-12v2 and WPAI validated psychometric tools.

Results

One in every 20 young men (age 18–39) across 5EU experienced ED in the past 6 months. About half of men (2,702/5,184; [52%]) with ED across all ages did not discuss their condition with their physician. Interestingly, among those men who did discuss their condition with their physician, 68% (1,668/2,465) do not currently use medication. These findings were more evident in the age group of 18–39 years. Only 48% (2,465/5,184) had a closer relationship with their physician, suggesting that this quality of relationship may be unsatisfactory. Compared with controls, ED patients have a significantly higher intrapsychic and relational psychopathological comorbid burden and relevant decreasing in HRQoL, with a significantly higher impairment on work productivity/activity.

Conclusion

Data suggest that there is a need for a new therapeutic paradigm in ED treatment which images the achievement of a new alliance between physician and patient. Hence, alternative drug delivery strategies may reduce the psychological and social impact of this disease.