bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The neuropsychological profile of vascular cognitive impairment not demented: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Vasquez Brandon P. , Zakzanis Konstantine K.
Published: February 2014

The most common cause of vascular cognitive impairment not demented (VCIND) is cerebral small vessel disease leading to diffuse subcortical white matter lesions. While many studies indicate that the core cognitive features of VCIND are executive dysfunction and impaired processing speed, this finding is not always consistent, and may be partially dependent on the comparison group applied. Hence, we undertook two systematic meta‐analytic reviews on neuropsychological test performance across eight cognitive domains: between VCIND and healthy controls (data from 27 studies), and between VCIND and non‐vascular mild cognitive impairment (nv‐MCI; data from 20 studies). Our quantitative synthesis of the research literature demonstrates that individuals with VCIND show weaknesses across all cognitive domains relative to healthy controls, with the greatest impairment in the domain of processing speed (Md = −1.36), and the least affected being working memory (Md = −.48) and visuospatial construction (Md = −.63). When compared directly with nv‐MCI, individuals with VCIND had significantly greater deficits in processing speed (Md = −.55) and executive functioning (Md = −.40), while those with nv‐MCI exhibited a greater relative deficit in delayed memory (Md = .41). Our analyses indicate that disruption to subcortical white matter tracts impairs more cognitive processes than is typically thought to be directly related to the fronto‐subcortical network. The data also suggest that differing brain aetiologies can be responsible for similar cognitive profiles. Although the findings do not evince diagnostic value, they allude to the interconnectivity of disparate cognitive processes and call for further research on the behavioural outcome of network disruption.
A pre‐emptive pain management protocol to support self‐care following vitreo‐retinal day surgery
Authors: McCloud Christine , Harrington Ann , King Lindy
Published: February 2014

Aims and objectives

To describe the development and evaluation of a pre‐emptive and multimodal pain management protocol that aims to improve patient experiences following vitreo‐retinal day surgery.

Background

Vitreo‐retinal surgery has been increasingly performed as day surgery that requires patients to undertake postoperative self‐care, including the management of pain. While vitreo‐retinal surgery is known to be painful in the convalescent period, pain management following day surgery has been described as problematic across many surgical specialties.

Design

One hundred patient audit and in‐depth qualitative interviews with nine participants.

Methods

A pain management protocol was developed from research evidence, established knowledge and expert opinion, then implemented and evaluated.

Results

The pre‐emptive and multimodal protocol used intravenous Parecoxib in conjunction with regional ocular anaesthesia and oral paracetamol. Parecoxib 40 mg was administered prior to discharge, and participants were instructed to take the paracetamol six hours post‐regional anaesthesia. Rescue analgesia was also provided. Following implementation of the protocol in a single clinical site, low levels of pain were reported in the audited patient cohort and confirmed in the qualitatively explored experiences of nine participants.

Conclusions

The results of this study were encouraging, in that post vitreo‐retinal day surgery pain appeared to have been successfully self‐managed with a multimodal and pre‐emptive protocol. The protocol was flexible and sensitive to patient comorbidities, surgical complexity, previous experiences and medical preferences. Further research is required to consolidate the success of this protocol to effectively support patients’ self‐care pain management and provide capacity to generalise the findings.

Relevance to clinical practice

Knowledge developed through this clinically based research has the potential for informing future patient care across many sites where day surgery is an integral component of treatment for people with vitreo‐retinal disease.
Cyclicity in the French Property–Liability Insurance Industry: New Findings Over the Recent Period
Authors: Bruneau Catherine , Sghaier Nadia
Published: February 2014

This article reinvestigates the presence and the causes of the underwriting cycle in the French property–liability insurance industry as displayed by the combined ratio for the 1963–2008 period. The question is still a timely issue if we refer to regulation issues and the recent proposals in the Solvency framework to take into account the fluctuations of the profitability in specifying the solvency capital requirement. In the literature, two approaches are traditionally adopted to investigate the underwriting cycle. The first one refers to an endogenous characterization of the cyclical properties from an AR(2) model. The second one claims that the cycle in the property–liability insurance has exogenous sources related to the financial markets and the general economy. In this article, we reconcile the two approaches by using a smooth transition regression model. This model shows that the AR(2) model is relevant in a first regime where the capacity constraint is binding. In contrast, the fluctuations in the combined ratio are positively influenced by the lagged stock market return in a second regime where the capacity is not constrained, as for the most recent period. Moreover, we find that the current capacity is related to the lagged inflation rate in the latter case. These results confirm the idea that the European rules regarding the solvency capital requirement for insurance companies should take into account the state of the economy and the financial markets.
Parental readiness to implement life‐style behaviour changes in relation to children's excess weight
Authors: Giannisi Filippina , Pervanidou Panagiota , Michalaki Eri , Papanikolaou Katerina , Chrousos George , Yannakoulia Mary
Published: February 2014

Aim

The aim if this study is to evaluate parental readiness to implement changes in specific life‐style behaviours for preventing or reducing obesity in children.

Methods

Eighty‐seven parents of overweight or obese children participated in this cross‐sectional study. Parents completed a questionnaire for the assessment of their perceptions about their children's weight and their readiness to take action in general, as well as in relation to ten obesogenic life‐style behaviours. The transtheoretical model with the five stages of change (precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance) was used for this assessment. A total readiness score was calculated for the 10 behaviours.

Results

A total of 4.6% of parents were in the precontemplation–contemplation stage for overall weight management. However, this percentage was greater for particular behaviours, such as allowing children to self‐regulate their food intake, having family meals, reducing screen time and increasing physical activity. Child's body mass index, paternal education level and parental perception about child's excessive weight being attributed to over‐consumption of sweets and salty snacks were significantly associated with total readiness score.

Conclusions

The results of the present study indicate that the high readiness for general action reported by parents of overweight/obese children does not necessarily imply their readiness to engage in changes in specific life‐style behaviours.
Antidepressant use among paediatric patients with recent‐onset inflammatory bowel disease: A nationwide case control study in Finland
Authors: Virta Lauri J , Kolho Kaija‐Leena
Published: February 2014

Aim

Children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) appear to be at increased risk of psychosocial problems, but there are few large‐scale studies related to mental health in paediatric IBD. We aimed to assess the use of antidepressants among adolescents with recent‐onset IBD.

Methods

In a Finnish nationwide register‐based study, we assessed dispensed prescribed antidepressants in 248 adolescents with incident IBD and in 992 peers individually matched for age, sex and place of residence between 1 January 2006 and 30 September 2010. For comparison, dispensed prescribed centrally acting sympathomimetics (ADHD drugs) were also assessed. Purchases of these drugs, available by prescription only, were considered proxy indicators for drug use.

Results

We observed a significant difference in the frequency of antidepressant use among adolescents with IBD (3.2%) when compared with peers (1.2%; P = 0.031) up to 3 years from diagnosis. In the use of ADHD drugs there was no difference between the groups.

Conclusion

The findings address the disease burden of the gut disease and reflect the importance of considering mental health in adolescents with IBD.
Effects of hurricane disturbance and feral goat herbivory on the structure of a Caribbean dry forest
Authors: Rojas‐Sandoval Julissa , Meléndez‐Ackerman Elvia J. , Fumero‐Cabán José , García‐Bermúdez Miguel A. , Sustache José , Aragón Susan , Morales Mariely , Fernández Denny S.
Published: February 2014

Question

Hurricanes are a major factor influencing forest structure and have been linked to higher incidences of multiple‐stemmed trees in Caribbean dry forests relative to the continent. In Sept 1998, category 3 Hurricane Georges passed over Mona Island. This island, unlike others in the Caribbean, has had feral goats for five centuries. In this study we addressed the following questions: (i) what are the short‐term (4 mo) and long‐term (10 yr) responses of Mona Island's dry forests to hurricane disturbance in terms of forest structure and tree mortality; and (ii) is there any effect of goat exclusion on the recovery process and forest structure after the hurricane?

Location

Dry forest of Mona Island, Puerto Rico.

Methods

Permanent fenced and unfenced plots established in 1997 and monitored annually until 2008 were used to evaluate the interplay between goat herbivory and hurricane effects on structural dynamics of the tree community. Within these plots, vegetation data collected include species identity, DBH, successional status and hurricane‐related tree mortality.

Results

We found that vegetation responses to hurricane disturbances may have been influenced by the presence of feral goats through at least two mechanisms. First, goats may have led to changes in forest structure and composition that feed back into the recovery dynamics that follow hurricane events. Second, goat herbivory limits the production of multiple stems, a trait that could be an adaptive response in hurricane‐prone areas. Feral goats may lead to alternate successional pathways by keeping this dry forest at early‐successional stages much longer than expected, and shifting vegetation communities to an alternate state where smaller, shrubbier and perhaps less palatable species dominate.

Conclusions

Differences in structure between Mona Island's dry forest and other tropical dry forests are related to changes in species composition that may have been triggered by introduced goats. Our results highlight the potential complexities that may arise when setting management goals within the context of novel ecosystems. Ultimately, implementation of management goals requires knowing what changes are linked to the ecological integrity of the ecosystem and what cultural values are placed on the current state of the tree community vs its historical condition.
Inorganic nitrogen acquisition by the tropical seagrass Halophila stipulacea
Authors: Alexandre Ana , Georgiou Dimos , Santos Rui
Published: February 2014

The tropical seagrass Halophila stipulacea is dominant in most regions of the Indo‐Pacific and the Red Sea and was introduced into the Mediterranean Sea after the opening of the Suez canal. The species is considered invasive in the Mediterranean Sea and has been progressively colonizing new areas westward. Growth and photosynthetic responses of H. stipulacea have been described but no information is yet available on the nitrogen nutrition of the species. Here we simultaneously investigated the uptake kinetics of ammonium and nitrate and the internal translocation of incorporated nitrogen in H. stipulacea using 15N‐labelled substrates across a range of Ni levels (5, 25, 50 and 100 μm). The ammonium uptake rates exceeded the nitrate uptake rates 100‐fold, revealing a limited capacity of H. stipulacea to use nitrate as an alternative nitrogen source. The uptake rates of ammonium by leaves and roots were comparable up to 100 μm 15NH4Cl. At this concentration, the leaf uptake rate was 1.4‐fold higher (6.22 ± 0.70 μmol·g−1 DW h−1) than the root uptake rate (4.54 ± 0.28 μmol·g−1 DW h−1). The uptake of ammonium followed Michaelis–Menten kinetics, whereas nitrate uptake rates were relatively constant at all nutrient concentrations. The maximum ammonium uptake rate (Vmax) and the half‐saturation constant (Km) of leaves (9.79 μmol·g−1 DW h−1 and 57.95 μm, respectively) were slightly higher than that of roots (6.09 μmol·g−1DW h−1 and 30.85 μm, respectively), whereas the affinity coefficients (α = Vmax/Km) for ammonium of leaves (0.17) and roots (0.20) were comparable, a characteristic that is unique among seagrass species. No substantial translocation (<2.5%) of 15N incorporated as ammonium was detected between plant parts, whereas the translocation of 15N incorporated as nitrate was higher (40–100%). We conclude that the Ni acquisition strategy of H. stipulacea, characterized by a similar uptake capacity and efficiency of leaves and roots, favors the geographical expansion potential of the species into areas with variable water‐sediment N levels throughout the Mediterranean.
Testing variations within the Tagish Lake meteorite—I: Mineralogy and petrology of pristine samples
Authors: Blinova Alexandra I. , Zega Thomas J. , Herd Christopher D. K. , Stroud Rhonda M.
Published: February 2014

Four samples (TL5b, TL11h, TL11i, and TL11v) from the pristine collection of the Tagish Lake meteorite, an ungrouped C2 chondrite, were studied to characterize and understand its alteration history using EPMA, XRD, and TEM. We determined that samples TL11h and TL11i have a relatively smaller proportion of amorphous silicate material than sample TL5b, which experienced low‐temperature hydrous parent‐body alteration conditions to preserve this indigenous material. The data suggest that lithic fragments of TL11i experienced higher degrees of aqueous alteration than the rest of the matrix, based on its low porosity and high abundance of coarse‐ and fine‐grained sheet silicates, suggesting that TL11i was present in an area of the parent body where alteration and brecciation were more extensive. We identified a coronal, “flower”‐like, microstructure consisting of a fine‐grained serpentine core and coarse‐grained saponite‐serpentine radial arrays, suggesting varied fluid chemistry and crystallization time scales. We also observed pentlandite with different morphologies: an exsolved morphology formed under nebular conditions; a nonexsolved pentlandite along grain boundaries; a “bulls‐eye” sulfide morphology and rims around highly altered chondrules that probably formed by multiple precipitation episodes during low‐temperature aqueous alteration (≥100 °C) on the parent body. On the basis of petrologic and mineralogic observations, we conclude that the Tagish Lake parent body initially contained a heterogeneous mixture of anhydrous precursor minerals of nebular and presolar origin. These materials were subjected to secondary, nonpervasive parent‐body alteration, and the samples studied herein represent different stages of that hydrous alteration, i.e., TL5b (the least altered) < TL11h < TL11i (the most altered). Sample TL11v encompasses the petrologic characteristics of the other three specimens.
Genome scan methods against more complex models: when and how much should we trust them?
Authors: de Villemereuil Pierre , Frichot Éric , Bazin Éric , François Olivier , Gaggiotti Oscar E.
Published: February 2014

The recent availability of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) has made possible the use of dense genetic markers to identify regions of the genome that may be under the influence of selection. Several statistical methods have been developed recently for this purpose. Here, we present the results of an individual‐based simulation study investigating the power and error rate of popular or recent genome scan methods: linear regression, Bayescan, BayEnv and LFMM. Contrary to previous studies, we focus on complex, hierarchical population structure and on polygenic selection. Additionally, we use a false discovery rate (FDR)‐based framework, which provides an unified testing framework across frequentist and Bayesian methods. Finally, we investigate the influence of population allele frequencies versus individual genotype data specification for LFMM and the linear regression. The relative ranking between the methods is impacted by the consideration of polygenic selection, compared to a monogenic scenario. For strongly hierarchical scenarios with confounding effects between demography and environmental variables, the power of the methods can be very low. Except for one scenario, Bayescan exhibited moderate power and error rate. BayEnv performance was good under nonhierarchical scenarios, while LFMM provided the best compromise between power and error rate across scenarios. We found that it is possible to greatly reduce error rates by considering the results of all three methods when identifying outlier loci.
DIVERSITY IN CHILDREN'S UNDERSTANDING OF DEATH
Authors: Callanan Maureen A.
Published: February 2014

Rosengren, Miller, Gutiérrez, Chow, Schein, and Anderson have written a powerful and important monograph focused on the fascinating topic of children's understanding of death. Combining multiple methods, converging data sources, and diverse theoretical approaches, their findings tell us that children may know more about death than their parents expect, that even children within a given community vary a great deal in their access to information about death, and that children's reasoning about life and death is related to the views of those around them. Their work highlights children's active role in their own cognitive development while showing how children's thinking is embedded in both cultural practices and religious ideas. This commentary discusses four topics highlighted in the monograph: the value of taking a sociocultural approach to studying development, the relative avoidance of religion in cognitive developmental research, potential pitfalls of cultural comparison, and the generative notion that conflicting ideas on a topic are likely to coexist in the same minds. The discussion highlights positive contributions of this monograph, raises critical concerns, and suggests future research directions.
Two bullocks, a ladder and a lamp: electoral symbols in Nehruvian India
Authors: Vittorini Simona
Published: February 2014

There is a substantial body of literature on nation‐building that, from a variety of theoretical approaches, examines the role of symbolic constructs in the process of construction and consolidation of new nation‐states. Among these works, the dramatic and symbolic aspects of election and their function in the nation‐building project have been investigated by political scientists and anthropologists alike. However, analysis of electoral emblems as constitutive elements in the nation‐building process has been largely missing from most studies of nation‐building and official nationalism. A case study of postindependence India suggests how national belonging was also made to hinge upon on competent democratic participation of the masses in the political life of the country. Central to this process of identity work was the establishment of an independent Election Commission and of strict rules for the design, selection and allotment of election emblems. Conventional accounts have argued that these procedures were introduced primarily for the benefit of the uneducated masses who were suddenly invited to participate in India's democratic process. I argue against this simplistic interpretation. Far from being only tools for the simplification of electoral processes, India's election symbols were one of India's institutional mechanisms designed to nurture the development of a correct democratic conduct and therefore ultimately contributing to the Nehruvian national project.
Greater loss of productivity among Japanese workers with gastro‐esophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms that persist vs resolve on medical therapy
Authors: Suzuki H. , Matsuzaki J. , Masaoka T. , Inadomi J. M.
Published: February 2014

Background

Gastro‐esophageal reflux disease (GERD) impairs quality of life; however, the association between GERD and work productivity has not been well investigated in Japan. This study was designed to compare the impact of GERD on productivity between Japanese workers with GERD symptoms that persisted vs resolved on medical therapy.

Methods

A cross‐sectional Web‐based survey was conducted in workers. The impact of GERD on work and daily productivity was evaluated using a Web‐reported Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire for patients with GERD and a GERD symptom severity Questionnaire. Demographic information, clinical history, and satisfaction with GERD medication were also ascertained.

Key Results

A total of 20 000 subjects were invited to the survey. After the exclusion of patients with a history of gastrointestinal (GI) malignancy, peptic ulcer, upper GI surgery, and unemployment, 650 participants were included in the analysis. Participants with persistent GERD symptoms reported a significantly greater losses of work productivity (11.4 ± 13.4 h/week), absenteeism (0.7 ± 3.1 h/week), presenteeism (10.7 ± 12.6 h/week), costs (20 100 ± 26 800 JPY/week), and lower daily productivity (71.3% [95% confidence interval, 69.0–73.7]) than those whose symptoms were alleviated with medications. The level of dissatisfaction with GERD medications among participants with persistent GERD symptoms was significantly correlated with loss of work and daily productivity (p < 0.001).

Conclusions & Inferences

GERD places a significant burden on work and daily productivity despite medical therapy. Ineffective GERD therapy is associated with greater productivity loss.
Strigolactone analog GR24 triggers changes in PIN2 polarity, vesicle trafficking and actin filament architecture
Authors: Pandya‐Kumar Nirali , Shema Rony , Kumar Manoj , Mayzlish‐Gati Einav , Levy Danny , Zemach Hanita , Belausov Eduard , Wininger Smadar , Abu‐Abied Mohamad , Kapulnik Yoram , Koltai Hinanit
Published: February 2014

Strigolactones (SLs) are plant hormones that regulate shoot and root development in a MAX2‐dependent manner. The mechanism underlying SLs' effects on roots is unclear.

We used root hair elongation to measure root response to SLs. We examined the effects of GR24 (a synthetic, biologically active SL analog) on localization of the auxin efflux transporter PIN2, endosomal trafficking, and F‐actin architecture and dynamics in the plasma membrane (PM) of epidermal cells of the primary root elongation zone in wildtype (WT) Arabidopsis and the SL‐insensitive mutant max2. We also recorded the response to GR24 of trafficking (tir3), actin (der1) and PIN2 (eir1) mutants.

GR24 increased polar localization of PIN2 in the PM of epidermal cells and accumulation of PIN2‐containing brefeldin A (BFA) bodies, increased ARA7‐labeled endosomal trafficking, reduced F‐actin bundling and enhanced actin dynamics, all in a MAX2‐dependent manner. Most of the der1 and tir3 mutant lines also displayed reduced sensitivity to GR24 with respect to root hair elongation.

We suggest that SLs increase PIN2 polar localization, PIN2 endocytosis, endosomal trafficking, actin debundling and actin dynamics in a MAX2‐dependent fashion. This enhancement might underlie the WT root's response to SLs, and suggests noncell autonomous activity of SLs in roots.
A retrospective analysis of post‐operative outcomes in a series of 108 labial gland biopsies
Authors: Ali S. , Patel N. , Challacombe S.
Published: February 2014

Aim

Histopathological assessment of labial salivary glands has long been a core part of the diagnostic criteria for Sjogren's Syndrome. Biopsy of labial salivary glands is technique sensitive and has post‐operative complications which can affect the patient's quality of life. Varying techniques for labial gland biopsy and associated complications are described in the literature. This article gives a step‐by‐step account of an effective technique for labial gland biopsy as described by Daniels in 1984 and provides a retrospective analysis of the post‐operative complications in a series of 108 labial gland biopsies.

Materials and methods

A retrospective, post‐operative telephone survey was carried out to study the post‐operative complications of labial gland biopsies performed by a single operator. All consecutive patients (180) who had labial gland biopsies between October 2010 and August 2012 at the Department of Oral Medicine at Guy's Hospital were called, and 108 surveys were successfully completed. The telephone questionnaires aimed to find out medium and long‐term complications of labial gland biopsies to include subjective measures of post‐operative pain, swelling and paraesthesia.

Results

One patient out of 108 patients (0.9%) reported pain that lasted ≥ 6 months, and six patients (5.5%) reported swelling that lasted > 2 weeks. Three patients (2.8%) reported paraesthesia lasting ≥ 6 months with a median bother score of 0. All biopsies provided sufficient glands to allow for histopathological diagnosis.

Conclusions

This article describes a safe and effective technique for labial gland biopsy. Despite a low complication rate, informed consent is essential.
An unusual complication of melaena on a warfarinised patient following a routine dental extraction: a case report
Authors: Campbell N. , Patel K.
Published: February 2014

A case report of a 79‐year‐old man who was on warfarin for atrial fibrillation and developed melaena following a dental extraction is presented here.

To give the reader an appreciation of:

Warfarin as an anticoagulant

Complications following dental extractions of warfarinised patients

A new complication, faecal blood, following a dental extraction
Dating Violence Victimization, Dispositional Aggression, and Nonsuicidal Self‐Injury among Psychiatrically Hospitalized Male and Female Adolescents
Authors: Rizzo Christie J. , Esposito‐Smythers Christianne , Swenson Lance , Hower Heather M. , Wolff Jennifer , Spirito Anthony
Published: February 2014

The objective of the current study was to characterize the association between dating violence victimization and dispositional aggression in predicting nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) among psychiatrically hospitalized male and female adolescents. One hundred fifty‐five adolescents (ages 13–17) and their parents completed the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School‐Age Children clinical interview to assess NSSI and child abuse; adolescents completed self‐report measures of aggression and dating violence victimization (verbal, physical, and sexual). Dating violence victimization and NSSI were found to be highly prevalent among both males and females in this psychiatric inpatient sample. Two moderational models were supported, wherein dating violence was associated with NSSI in the context of elevated trait anger in males and indirect aggression in females. Findings suggest that helping victims of dating violence acquire skills to address certain forms of dispositional aggression may attenuate NSSI.
Knowing the Answer to a Loaded Question
Authors: Steglich‐Petersen Asbjørn
Published: February 2014

Many epistemologists have been attracted to the view that knowledge‐whcan be reduced to knowledge‐that. An important challenge to this, presented byJonathanSchaffer, is the problem of “convergent knowledge”: reductive accounts imply that any two knowledge‐whascriptions with identical true answers to the questions embedded in theirwh‐clauses are materially equivalent, but according toSchaffer, there are counterexamples to this equivalence. Parallel to this,Schaffer has presented a very similar argument against binary accounts of knowledge, and thereby in favour of his alternative contrastive account, relying on similar examples of apparently inequivalent knowledge ascriptions, which binary accounts treat as equivalent. In this article, I develop a unified diagnosis and solution to these problems for the reductive and binary accounts, based on a general theory of knowledge ascriptions that embed presuppositional expressions. All ofSchaffer's apparent counterexamples embed presuppositional expressions, and once the effect of these is taken into account, it becomes apparent that the counterexamples depend on an illicit equivocation of contexts. Since epistemologists often rely on knowledge ascriptions that embed presuppositional expressions, the general theory of them presented here will have ramifications beyond defusingSchaffer's argument.
Gastrointestinal hormones and the dialogue between gut and brain
Authors: Dockray Graham J.
Published: February 2014

The landmark discovery by Bayliss and Starling in 1902 of the first hormone, secretin, emerged from earlier observations that a response (pancreatic secretion) following a stimulus (intestinal acidification) occurred after section of the relevant afferent nerve pathway. Nearly 80 years elapsed before it became clear that visceral afferent neurons could themselves also be targets for gut and other hormones. The action of gut hormones on vagal afferent neurons is now recognised to be an early step in controlling nutrient delivery to the intestine by regulating food intake and gastric emptying. Interest in these mechanisms has grown rapidly in view of the alarming global increase in obesity. Several of the gut hormones (cholecystokinin (CCK); peptide YY3–36 (PYY3–36); glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1)) excite vagal afferent neurons to activate an ascending pathway leading to inhibition of food intake. Conversely others, e.g. ghrelin, that are released in the inter‐digestive period, inhibit vagal afferent neurons leading to increased food intake. Nutrient status determines the neurochemical phenotype of vagal afferent neurons by regulating a switch between states that promote orexigenic or anorexigenic signalling through mechanisms mediated, at least partly, by CCK. Gut–brain signalling is also influenced by leptin, by gut inflammation and by shifts in the gut microbiota including those that occur in obesity. Moreover, there is emerging evidence that diet‐induced obesity locks the phenotype of vagal afferent neurons in a state similar to that normally occurring during fasting. Vagal afferent neurons are therefore early integrators of peripheral signals underling homeostatic mechanisms controlling nutrient intake. They may also provide new targets in developing treatments for obesity and feeding disorders.
Influence of Pressure and Steam Dilution on NOx and CO Emissions in a Premixed Natural Gas Flame
Authors: Göke Sebastian , Schimek Sebastian , Terhaar Steffen , Reichel Thoralf , Göckeler Katharina , Krüger Oliver , Fleck Julia , Griebel Peter , Oliver Paschereit Christian
Published: February 2014

In the current study, the influence of pressure and steam on the emission formation in a premixed natural gas flame is investigated at pressures between 1.5 bar and 9 bar. A premixed, swirl-stabilized combustor is developed that provides a stable flame up to very high steam contents. Combustion tests are conducted at different pressure levels for equivalence ratios from lean blowout to near-stoichiometric conditions and steam-to-air mass ratios from 0% to 25%. A reactor network is developed to model the combustion process. The simulation results match the measured NOx and CO concentrations very well for all operating conditions. The reactor network is used for a detailed investigation of the influence of steam and pressure on the NOx formation pathways. In the experiments, adding 20% steam reduces NOx and CO emissions to below 10 ppm at all tested pressures up to near-stoichiometric conditions. Pressure scaling laws are derived: CO changes with a pressure exponent of approximately −0.5 that is not noticeably affected by the steam. For the NOx emissions, the exponent increases with equivalence ratio from 0.1 to 0.65 at dry conditions. At a steam-to-air mass ratio of 20%, the NOx pressure exponent is reduced to −0.1 to +0.25. The numerical analysis reveals that steam has a strong effect on the combustion chemistry. The reduction in NOx emissions is mainly caused by lower concentrations of atomic oxygen at steam-diluted conditions, constraining the thermal pathway.
Chatter Detection in Turning Processes Using Coherence of Acceleration and Audio Signals
Authors: Hynynen Katja M. , Ratava Juho , Lindh Tuomo , Rikkonen Mikko , Ryynänen Ville , Lohtander Mika , Varis Juha
Published: February 2014

Chatter is an unfavorable phenomenon in turning operation causing poor surface quality. Active chatter elimination methods require the chatter to be detected before the control reacts. In this paper, a chatter detection method based on a coherence function of the acceleration of the tool in the x direction and an audio signal is proposed. The method was experimentally tested on longitudinal turning of a stock bar and facing of a hollow bar. The results show that the proposed method detects the chatter in an early stage and allows correcting control actions before the chatter influences the surface quality of the workpiece. The method is applicable both to facing and longitudinal turning.
Design, Modeling, and Simulation of a Geared Infinitely Variable Transmission
Authors: Wang X. F. , Zhu W. D.
Published: February 2014

An infinitely variable transmission (IVT) to provide a continuous output-to-input speed ratio from zero to a certain value is designed, and its working principle is illustrated. It is a geared IVT (GIVT), since its function to achieve the continuously varied speed ratio is implemented by gears. Crank-slider systems are used in the GIVT; the output-to-input speed ratio is changed with the crank length. Racks and pinions, whose motion is controlled by planetary gear sets, are used to change the crank length when the cranks rotate. One-way bearings are used to rectify output speeds from different crank-slider systems to obtain the output speed of the GIVT. Since the crank-slider systems can introduce variations of the instantaneous speed ratio, a pair of noncircular gears is designed to minimize the variations. A direction control system is also designed for the GIVT using planetary gear sets. Finally, a vehicle start-up simulation and a wind turbine simulation to maintain a constant generator speed are developed based on a GIVT module in the Matlab Simulink environment.
Comprehensive characterization of interface and oxide states in metal/oxide/semiconductor capacitors by pulsed mode capacitance and differential isothermal capacitance spectroscopy
Authors: Muret Pierre R.
Published: February 2014

In metal/insulator/semiconductor structures, capacitance–voltage characteristics and capacitance or voltage transients can be measured in different conditions, which are described and implemented. Each method contains information about charges which are accommodated, captured, or emitted by energy levels or bands at interface and inside the oxide. Pulsed capacitance measurements and differential isothermal procedures are analyzed and performed. Calibration of the energy scale from the interface potential as a function of the applied voltage and extraction of the interface state spectra and characteristic response times independently are possible with the help of signal processing by Fourier transform of transients at one or few selected temperatures. Different trap filling conditions may help to discriminate between interface and oxide states. These methods are applied to Al/SrTiO3/Si capacitors as an example.
Comparative study of CW, nanosecond- and femtosecond-pulsed laser microcutting of AZ31 magnesium alloy stents
Authors: Gökhan Demir Ali , Previtali Barbara
Published: February 2014

Magnesium alloys constitute an interesting solution for cardiovascular stents due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability in human body. Laser microcutting is the industrially accepted method for stent manufacturing. However, the laser–material interaction should be well investigated to control the quality characteristics of the microcutting process that concern the surface roughness, chemical composition, and microstructure of the final device. Despite the recent developments in industrial laser systems, a universal laser source that can be manipulated flexibly in terms of process parameters is far from reality. Therefore, comparative studies are required to demonstrate processing capabilities. In particular, the laser pulse duration is a key factor determining the processing regime. This work approaches the laser microcutting of AZ31 Mg alloy from the perspective of a comparative study to evaluate the machining capabilities in continuous wave (CW), ns- and fs-pulsed regimes. Three industrial grade machining systems were compared to reach a benchmark in machining quality, productivity, and ease of postprocessing. The results confirmed that moving toward the ultrashort pulse domain the machining quality increases, but the need for postprocessing remains. The real advantage of ultrashort pulsed machining was the ease in postprocessing and maintaining geometrical integrity of the stent mesh after chemical etching. Resultantly, the overall production cycle time was shortest for fs-pulsed laser system, despite the fact that CW laser system provided highest cutting speed.
Accuracy and Feasibility of Dual Fluoroscopy and Model-Based Tracking to Quantify in Vivo Hip Kinematics During Clinical Exams
Authors: Kapron Ashley L. , Aoki Stephen K. , Peters Christopher L. , Maas Steve A. , Bey Michael J. , Zauel Roger , Anderson Andrew E.
Published: February 2014

Accurate measurements of in-vivo hip kinematics may elucidate the mechanisms responsible for impaired function and chondrolabral damage in hips with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). The objectives of this study were to quantify the accuracy and demonstrate the feasibility of using dual fluoroscopy to measure in-vivo hip kinematics during clinical exams used in the assessment of FAI. Steel beads were implanted into the pelvis and femur of two cadavers. Specimens were imaged under dual fluoroscopy during the impingement exam, FABER test, and rotational profile. Bead locations measured with model-based tracking were compared with those measured using dynamic radiostereometric analysis. Error was quantified by bias and precision, defined as the average and standard deviation of the differences between tracking methods, respectively. A normal male volunteer was also imaged during clinical exams. Bias and precision along a single axis did not exceed 0.17 and 0.21 mm, respectively. Comparing kinematics, positional error was less than 0.48 mm and rotational error was less than 0.58°. For the volunteer, kinematics were reported as joint angles and bone-bone distance. These results demonstrate that dual fluoroscopy and model-based tracking can accurately measure hip kinematics in living subjects during clinical exams of the hip.
Arginine Methylation of CRTC2 Is Critical in the Transcriptional Control of Hepatic Glucose Metabolism
Authors: Han Hye-Sook , Jung Chang-Yun , Yoon Young-Sil , Choi Seri , Choi Dahee , Kang Geon , Park Keun-Gyu , Kim Seong-Tae , Koo Seung-Hoi
Published: February 2014

Arginine methylation stimulates a transcriptional coactivator involved in gluconeogenesis in the liver.
Tumor Necrosis Factor Suppresses NR5A2 Activity and Intestinal Glucocorticoid Synthesis to Sustain Chronic Colitis
Authors: Huang Sheng-Chieh , Lee Cheng-tse , Chung Bon-chu
Published: February 2014

The proinflammatory cytokine TNF exacerbates intestinal inflammation by blocking the synthesis of anti-inflammatory steroid hormones.
Morphogen Pipeline
Authors: Ray L. Bryan
Published: February 2014

Transfer of signaling proteins along long filopodia is required for proper development in the fruit fly.
Activities of Fluconazole, Caspofungin, Anidulafungin, and Amphotericin B on Planktonic and Biofilm Candida Species Determined by Microcalorimetry
Authors: Maiolo Elena Maryka , Furustrand Tafin Ulrika , Borens Olivier , Trampuz Andrej
Published: February 2014

We investigated the activities of fluconazole, caspofungin, anidulafungin, and amphotericin B against
Candida
species in planktonic form and biofilms using a highly sensitive assay measuring growth-related heat production (microcalorimetry).
C. albicans
,
C. glabrata
,
C. krusei
, and
C. parapsilosis
were tested, and MICs were determined by the broth microdilution method. The antifungal activities were determined by isothermal microcalorimetry at 37°C in RPMI 1640. For planktonic
Candida
, heat flow was measured in the presence of antifungal dilutions for 24 h.
Candida
biofilm was formed on porous glass beads for 24 h and exposed to serial dilutions of antifungals for 24 h, and heat flow was measured for 48 h. The minimum heat inhibitory concentration (MHIC) was defined as the lowest antifungal concentration reducing the heat flow peak by ≥50% (≥90% for amphotericin B) at 24 h for planktonic
Candida
and at 48 h for
Candida
biofilms (measured also at 24 h). Fluconazole (planktonic MHICs, 0.25 to >512 μg/ml) and amphotericin B (planktonic MHICs, 0.25 to 1 μg/ml) showed higher MHICs than anidulafungin (planktonic MHICs, 0.015 to 0.5 μg/ml) and caspofungin (planktonic MHICs, 0.125 to 0.5 μg/ml). Against
Candida
species in biofilms, fluconazole's activity was reduced by >1,000-fold compared to its activity against the planktonic counterparts, whereas echinocandins and amphotericin B mainly preserved their activities. Fluconazole induced growth of planktonic
C. krusei
at sub-MICs. At high concentrations of caspofungin (>4 μg/ml), paradoxical growth of planktonic
C. albicans
and
C. glabrata
was observed. Microcalorimetry enabled real-time evaluation of antifungal activities against planktonic and biofilm
Candida
organisms. It can be used in the future to evaluate new antifungals and antifungal combinations and to study resistant strains.
Fluoroquinolone-Resistant Escherichia coli Sequence Type 131 Isolates Causing Bloodstream Infections in a Canadian Region with a Centralized Laboratory System: Rapid Emergence of the
H
30-Rx Sublineage
Authors: Peirano Gisele , Pitout Johann D. D.
Published: February 2014

A population-based surveillance study was designed to describe the clinical features and characteristics of sequence type 131 (ST131) and its
H
30 and
H
30-Rx sublineages among fluoroquinolone-resistant (FQ-R)
Escherichia coli
isolates that caused bloodstream infections (BSIs) in a Canadian region with a centralized laboratory system over an 11-year period (2000 to 2010). Nonrepeat isolates from true incident cases were included. Established PCR methods were used to define ST131, its
H
30 and
H
30-Rx sublineages, extended-spectrum β-lactamase and AmpC production, and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance determinants. A total of 677 Calgary residents with incident BSIs due to FQ-R
E. coli
were identified; the majority presented with health care-associated upper urinary tract infections (UTIs). There was a rise in FQ-R over the 11-year period because of an increase in ST131 toward the end of the study period (2008 to 2010) that was due to a rapid influx of the
H
30-Rx sublineage. We identified the association of
H
30-Rx with primary sepsis, upper UTIs as a complication of prostate biopsies, multidrug resistance, and the presence of
bla
CTX-M-15
and
aac
(
6
′)-
lb-cr. E. coli
ST131
H
30-Rx has established itself as a major drug-resistant sublineage in Calgary, posing an important new public health threat within our region. We urgently need well-designed epidemiological and molecular studies to further understand the dynamics of transmission, risk factors, and reservoirs of
H
30-Rx.
Doripenem, Gentamicin, and Colistin, Alone and in Combinations, against Gentamicin-Susceptible, KPC-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains with Various
ompK36
Genotypes
Authors: Clancy Cornelius J. , Hao Binghua , Shields Ryan K. , Chen Liang , Perlin David S. , Kreiswirth Barry N. , Nguyen M. Hong
Published: February 2014

Gentamicin doses of 2 and 10 μg/ml were bactericidal against 64% and 100%, respectively, of gentamicin-susceptible KPC-2-producing
Klebsiella pneumoniae
strains. Treatment with the combination of doripenem (8 μg/ml) plus colistin (2 μg/ml) was inferior to treatment with gentamicin (2 μg/ml), doripenem-gentamicin, gentamicin-colistin, and doripenem-gentamicin-colistin against strains with glycine and aspartic acid insertions in OpmK36 porin at amino acid (aa) positions 134 and 135 (
n
= 9). Doripenem-colistin was comparable to other 2- or 3-drug regimens and superior to single drugs against wild-type/minor
ompK36
mutants (
n
= 5). An algorithm incorporating
ompK36
genotypes and susceptibility to gentamicin and doripenem may predict antimicrobial activity against KPC-producing
K. pneumoniae
.
N
-Acylated Derivatives of Sulfamethoxazole and Sulfafurazole Inhibit Intracellular Growth of Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Marwaha Sania , Uvell Hanna , Salin Olli , Lindgren Anders E. G. , Silver Jim , Elofsson Mikael , Gylfe Åsa
Published: February 2014

Antibacterial compounds with novel modes of action are needed for management of bacterial infections. Here we describe a high-content screen of 9,800 compounds identifying acylated sulfonamides as novel growth inhibitors of the sexually transmitted pathogen
Chlamydia trachomatis
. The effect was bactericidal and distinct from that of sulfonamide antibiotics, as para-aminobenzoic acid did not reduce efficacy. Chemical inhibitors play an important role in
Chlamydia
research as probes of potential targets and as drug development starting points.
Agp2p, the Plasma Membrane Transregulator of Polyamine Uptake, Regulates the Antifungal Activities of the Plant Defensin NaD1 and Other Cationic Peptides
Authors: Bleackley Mark R. , Wiltshire Jennifer L. , Perrine-Walker Francine , Vasa Shaily , Burns Rhiannon L. , van der Weerden Nicole L. , Anderson Marilyn A.
Published: February 2014

Cationic antifungal peptides (AFPs) act through a variety of mechanisms but share the common feature of interacting with the fungal cell surface. NaD1, a defensin from
Nicotiana alata
, has potent antifungal activity against a variety of fungi of both hyphal and yeast morphologies. The mechanism of action of NaD1 occurs via three steps: binding to the fungal cell surface, permeabilization of the plasma membrane, and internalization and interaction with intracellular targets to induce fungal cell death. The targets at each of these three stages have yet to be defined. In this study, the screening of a
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
deletion collection led to the identification of Agp2p as a regulator of the potency of NaD1. Agp2p is a plasma membrane protein that regulates the transport of polyamines and other molecules, many of which carry a positive charge. Cells lacking the
agp2
gene were more resistant to NaD1, and this resistance was accompanied by a decreased uptake of defensin. Agp2p senses and regulates the uptake of the polyamine spermidine, and competitive inhibition of the antifungal activity of NaD1 by spermidine was observed in both
S. cerevisiae
and the plant pathogen
Fusarium oxysporum
. The resistance of
agp2
Δ cells to other cationic antifungal peptides and decreased binding of the cationic protein cytochrome
c
to
agp2
Δ cells compared to that of wild-type cells have led to a proposed mechanism of resistance whereby the deletion of
agp2
leads to an increase in positively charged molecules at the cell surface that repels cationic antifungal peptides.