bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Return of theBergfilm:Nordwand(2008) andNanga Parbat(2010)
Authors: Schaumann Caroline
Published: December 2014

Offering viewers a filmicVergangenheitsbewältigungof the German mountaineering past, the two recent featuresNordwand(2008) andNanga Parbat(2010) hark back to the 1920s GermanBergfilm. WhileNordwandfeatures amise‐en‐scène, character constellation, and plot strikingly similar to the earlierBergfilme, Philipp Stölzl takes great care to imbue his film with an anti‐Nazi message. Yet Stölzl's insistence upon an Alpine space stripped of complexities and contexts in combination with his fusion of historical facts and melodrama offers German viewers a less burdened and easily digestible approach to the past. InNanga Parbat, Joseph Vilsmaier also presents a kind of filmicVergangenheitsbewältigungof the German mountaineering past by representing mountaineering as an act of postwar rebellion in the spirit of 1968. By presenting free‐spirited, morally upright, and ideologically untainted mountain men, bothNordwandandNanga Parbatat once resume the moral and aesthetic continuum of theBergfilmand tend to normalize the historically troublesome connections between mountaineering and Nazism. In this way, the films—albeit unwillingly—rehearse some of the same tropes that characterized theBergfilmin the first place, staging the divide between nature and culture, or man and woman, as an eternal, ahistorical struggle.
Making connections between global production networks for used goods and the realm of production: a case study on e‐waste governance
Authors: PICKREN GRAHAM
Published: December 2014

Recent scholarship on waste within economic geography and global production network (GPN) studies has identified several unique characteristics of networks for used goods vis‐à‐vis ‘traditional’ GPN studies focused on production, exchange and consumption. However, in un‐bracketing GPNs to include analysis of post‐consumption activity, identifying how the distinct moments of production, exchange, consumption and disposal/recycling are related becomes a crucial task. Towards this end, I present a case study on the governance of e‐waste networks that draws upon discussions of performativity and Hudson's cultural political economy approach to GPNs. In my analysis, I demonstrate how multiple factors, such as ideological differences over how to handle e‐waste, the non‐standardized nature of used goods, as well as production factors such as design choices and planned obsolescence, all shape and disrupt efforts to standardize and coordinate resource recovery and hazard mitigation in the post‐consumption phase of electronic goods. Such analysis moves past the novelty of GPNs for used goods toward a more integrated understanding of GPNs as a whole.
Meiotic nuclear movements in fission yeast are regulated by the transcription factor Mei4 downstream of a Cds1‐dependent replication checkpoint pathway
Authors: Ruan Kun , Yamamoto Takaharu G. , Asakawa Haruhiko , Chikashige Yuji , Masukata Hisao , Haraguchi Tokuko , Hiraoka Yasushi
Published: December 2014

In meiosis, the fission yeast nucleus displays an elongated morphology, moving back and forth within the cell; these nuclear movements continue for approximately 2 h before meiotic nuclear divisions. Meiotic DNA replication occurs in an early phase of the nuclear movements and is followed by meiotic prophase. Here we report that in mutants deficient in meiotic DNA replication, the duration of nuclear movements is strikingly prolonged to four to 5 h. We found that this prolongation was caused by the Cds1‐dependent replication checkpoint, which represses expression of the mei4+ gene encoding a meiosis‐specific transcription factor. In the absence of Mei4, nuclear movements persisted for more than 8 h. In contrast, overproduction of Mei4 accelerated termination of nuclear movements to approximately 30 min. These results show that Mei4 is involved in the termination of nuclear movements and that Mei4‐mediated regulatory pathways link a DNA replication checkpoint to the termination of nuclear movements.
Root canal content from primary endodontic infection and upregulation of gelatinases in fibroblast cells
Authors: Herrera D. R. , Silva E. J. N. L. , Santos C. C. , Zaia A. A. , Ferraz C. C. R. , Almeida J. F. A. , Gomes B. P. F. A.
Published: December 2014

Aim

To investigate endotoxin levels from primary endodontic infections before and after chemomechanical preparation (CMP) and to determine their antigenicity against 3T3 fibroblasts through gelatinolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).

Methodology

Twenty‐four root canals with primary endodontic infection and apical periodontitis were selected. Samples were collected using paper points before (S1) and after chemomechanical preparation (CMP) (S2). The limulus amebocyte lysate assay was used for endotoxin measurement. Fibroblasts were stimulated with root canal contents for 24 h. Supernatants of cell cultures stimulated with root canal contents were collected after 24 h to determine the levels of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 gelatinolytic activity using the zymography technique. Friedman and Wilcoxon tests were used to compare the amount of endotoxin before (S1) and after CMP (S2) (P < 0.05). Data obtained from gelatinolytic activity were analysed using anova and Tukey's tests (P < 0.05).

Results

Endotoxin was recovered in 100% of the samples. There was a significant reduction in endotoxin levels after CMP (P < 0.05). A correlation was found between the levels of endotoxins and MMP‐2 expression (P < 0.05). Root canal contents of initial samples (S1) induced significantly greater MMP‐2 expression by fibroblasts when compared to S2 and the nonstimulated group (P < 0.05). No gelatinolytic activity of MMP‐9 was observed in S1, S2 and control group.

Conclusions

Root canal contents from primary endodontic infections had gelatinolytic activity for MMP‐2. Moreover, CMP was effective in reducing endotoxin levels and their antigenicity against fibroblasts on gelatinolytic activity.
A conceptual approach to the creation of public–private partnerships in social welfare
Authors: Estes Richard J. , Zhou Huiquan
Published: December 2014

All societies are confronted with complex, often difficult to overcome, challenges associated with changing population demographics. These challenges have placed increasing demands on society for social protection. Individual citizens, politicians, and scholars alike all are searching for the ideal configuration of the welfare mix, that is, a combination of various institutions that can offer the best possible combination of essential goods and services for everyone in every society.

Key Practitioner Message:● The organization of the public–private welfare partnership as viewed from a conceptual perspective; ● The unique contextual and contemporary social forces that shape public–private partnerships in modern welfare state practice; ● Contrasts in the origins and nature of public–private partnerships between two of the world's most populous countries whose histories, traditions, values, and norms differ fundamentally from one another. Even so, considerable learning regarding welfare state formation in different societies is possible through the application of the Public–Private Development Mix to the analysis of welfare state formation in these two contrasting societies.
Aerosol Codeposition of Ceramics: Mixtures of Bi2O3–TiO2 and Bi2O3–V2O5
Authors: Exner Jörg , Fuierer Paul , Moos Ralf
Published: December 2014

Aerosol deposition (AD) is a promising method to apply ceramic films on a wide range of substrate materials. Until now, AD has mainly been performed using a single ceramic powder. In this work, mixtures of two different ceramic powders were prepared. The first mixture consisted of Bi2O3 and TiO2 and the second consisted of Bi2O3 and V2O5, in stoichiometric ratios to form Bi4Ti3O12 and Bi4V2O11−δ, respectively. Aerosol codeposition produced films with homogeneously distributed particle fractions and thicknesses between 10 and 100 μm. Composite films were annealed to temperatures up to 750°C to enable an in situ calcination and attempted formation of the above‐mentioned compounds. Successful formation of Bi4Ti3O12 was tracked by hot‐stage X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and confirmed by dielectric measurements. Formation of the intended Bi4V2O11−δ, on the other hand, was not achieved, but rather BiVO4, which was confirmed by XRD, EDX and electrical measurements. The bismuth deficiency occurred during spray deposition, and is attributed to powder/material characteristics. Additional insight about the AD process is gained by comparing mixtures of oxides with different relative hardness values. Aerosol codeposition of ceramics may be an interesting new technique for producing porous functional ceramics.
Effects of Bismuth Oxide Buffer Layer on BiFeO3 Thin Film
Authors: Leu Ching‐Chich , Lin Tsung‐Ju , Chen Shu‐Yu , Hu Chen‐Ti
Published: December 2014

Bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) thin films with Bi2O3 buffer layers were prepared on Si/SiO2/TiO2/Pt substrates by sol–gel‐derived spin‐coating method. The structural and electrical properties of BiFeO3 was effectively improved by adding a Bi2O3 buffer layers either at Pt/BiFeO3 interface or on BiFeO3 surface, also strongly depending on the positions and the annealing conditions of buffer layers. A 500°C‐annealed Bi2O3 buffer layer could act as a Bi source for compensating Bi volatilization and a diffusion barrier for species from BiFeO3. A near stoichiometric BiFeO3 with less defects and substrate contamination was obtained by employing a 500°C‐annealed Bi2O3 buffer layer in between Pt substrate and BiFeO3. The structure change in BiFeO3 led by such a buffer layer should result from the interfacial constraint between buffer layer and BiFeO3. Furthermore, this crystalline BiFeO3 specimen exhibited a highly (100)‐textured, where this preferred orientation was attributed to the accumulation of Bi at Pt/BFO interface. Therefore, the Pt/500°C‐annealed Bi2O3/BiFeO3/Pt thin film exhibited the good ferroelectric and magnetic properties. As compared to the usual method for controlling BiFeO3 composition by adding excess Bi, this study indicates the more advantages using a Bi2O3 buffer layer.
Effect of Ta2O5 Substituting on Thermal and Optical Properties of High Refractive Index La2O3–Nb2O5 Glass System Prepared by Aerodynamic Levitation Method
Authors: Ma Xiaoguang , Peng Zhijian , Li Jianqiang
Published: December 2014

High refractive index glasses with nominal composition of 0.35La2O3–(0.65−x)Nb2O5–xTa2O5 (x ≤ 0.35) were prepared by aerodynamic levitation method. The effect of Ta2O5 substituting on their thermal and optical properties was investigated. All the glasses obtained were colorless and transparent. Differential thermal analyzer results show that as the content of Ta2O5 increased, the thermal stability of the glasses increased but the glass‐forming ability decreased. The transmittance spectra of all the obtained glasses exhibited a wide transmittance window ranging from 380 to 5500 nm. As the content of Ta2O5 increased, the refractive index of the glasses was enhanced from 2.15 to 2.21 and the dispersion was reduced with the Abbe number increasing from 20 to 27.
Novel Synthesis of Low Hydroxyl Content Yb3+‐Doped Fluorophosphate Glasses with Long Fluorescence Lifetimes
Authors: Zheng Ruilin , Wang Zhongyue , Lv Peng , Yuan Ye , Zhang Ying , Zheng Jiajin , Wei Wei
Published: December 2014

A novel dehydration method for preparing rare‐earth ions‐doped fluorophosphate glasses was presented using raw materials soaking and rapid heating process, and a series of water‐free Yb3+‐doped fluorophosphate glasses (FPC) were obtained. In contrast with other dehydration methods, we found that the Yb3+‐doped FPC has wide transmission range and long fluorescence lifetime. The hydroxyl groups (‐OH) absorption was barely observed in the range 260–3750 nm, and the UV absorption cut‐off wavelength was blue shifted by 100 nm. Under the optimal conditions, the maximum value of emission cross section and the fluorescence lifetime of FPC reached 0.82 pm2 and 2.67 ms, respectively. These excellent optical properties implied a potential application of the FPC glass in multicomponent glass fibers, IR lasers, and optical amplifiers.
What Explains the Valuation Difference between Intangible‐intensive Profit and Loss Firms?
Authors: Ciftci Mustafa , Darrough Masako
Published: December 2014

Prior research suggests that loss firms are valued based on their abandonment/adaptation option values, while profit firms are valued as going concerns. However, conservative accounting treatment of expensing of R&D leads many R&D‐intensive firms to report losses even though they are not in financial distress. In this paper we investigate the difference in valuation of profit and loss firms that invest in intangibles, either through internal development (R&D) or purchases. The accounting treatment for internally developed intangibles is conservative in that US GAAP requires immediate expensing. Yet, it allows recognition of purchased intangibles. We find that in valuation of firms with high recognized‐intangible assets, book value has more prominence in loss firms than profit firms, while that is not the case for firms with high R&D expenditures. This suggests that their abandonment/adaptation option explains the difference in valuation between profit and loss firms with high recognized‐intangibles, while conservative accounting explains the valuation difference between profit and loss firms with high R&D intensity. This result suggests that recognition of intangibles in financial statements might mitigate the conservative bias in accounting numbers.
Associations of non‐melanoma skin cancer and melanoma, extra‐cutaneous cancers and smoking in adults: a US population‐based study
Authors: Silverberg J.I. , Ratner D.
Published: December 2014

Background

Non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and melanoma are common malignancies in the US and may be associated with other types of cancer.

Objectives

We sought to determine whether NMSC and melanoma are associated with extra‐cutaneous cancers and identify modifiable risk factors for such an association.

Methods

We analysed data from 447 801 adult participants in the 1997–2011 National Health Interview Surveys. Survey logistic regression models were constructed that accounted for the complex sample weights. History of NMSC, melanoma and 27 primary extra‐cutaneous cancers was assessed.

Results

NMSC was associated with increased odds of one (multinomial survey logistic regression, unadjusted odds ratio [95% CI]: 2.43 [2.20–2.68]) or multiple (2.94 [2.21–3.92]) extra‐cutaneous malignancies. Melanoma was also associated with increased odds of one (3.25 [2.70–3.90]) or multiple (6.11 [4.34–8.61]) extra‐cutaneous malignancies. Extra‐cutaneous cancers were more common in younger patients (ages 18–39 and 40–49 years) and Caucasians with NMSC or melanoma (P < 0.0001). Smokers with a history of NMSC or melanoma had even higher odds of extra‐cutaneous malignancy at ages 18–39 and 40–49 years compared to smokers without NMSC or melanoma (P < 0.0001). History of NMSC was associated with higher odds of malignancies of the bladder, brain, breast, colon, oesophagus, kidney, lung, lymphoma, melanoma, prostate, soft tissue, throat/pharynx, thyroid and uterus. Melanoma was associated with malignancies of the bladder, breast, colon, kidney, lung, pancreas, prostate, soft tissue, throat/pharynx, thyroid and uterus. The prevalence of extra‐cutaneous cancers increased between 1997 and 2011 in all subjects (4.51% and 5.73%, P < 0.0001), with even higher rates of increase in those with history of NMSC or melanoma.

Conclusions

Patients with history of NMSC and melanoma have increased odds of developing extra‐cutaneous cancers, especially those with younger age and smoking history.
Strategic exploitation of fluctuating asymmetry in male Endler's guppy courtship displays is modulated by social environment
Authors: Řežucha R. , Reichard M.
Published: December 2014

Lateral asymmetry in signalling traits enables males to strategically exploit their best side. In many animals, both body colouration and fluctuating asymmetry are signals of male attractiveness. We demonstrated experimentally that even sexually naïve male Poecilia wingei were able to identify their most attractive side (i.e. that with a higher proportion of carotenoid pigmentation) and use it preferentially during courtship. Notably, males retained their strategic signalling in a male‐biased social environment, whereas they ceased to signal strategically in a female‐biased environment. The degree of asymmetry in colouration did not affect overall courtship activity. Strategic lateralization in courtship displays was strongest and most repeatable in the male‐biased social environment where males competed with rivals for matings. Individual asymmetry in colouration changed considerably over a period of 3 months. This suggests that colouration is a dynamic feature during adulthood and that males are capable of tracking and strategically exploiting their lateral asymmetry in accordance with their social environment.
On the origin of Robertsonian fusions in nature: evidence of telomere shortening in wild house mice
Authors: Sánchez‐Guillén R. A. , Capilla L. , Reig‐Viader R. , Martínez‐Plana M. , Pardo‐Camacho C. , Andrés‐Nieto M. , Ventura J. , Ruiz‐Herrera A.
Published: December 2014

The role of telomere shortening to explain the occurrence of Robertsonian (Rb) fusions, as well as the importance of the average telomere length vs. the proportion of short telomeres, especially in nature populations, is largely unexplored. In this study, we have analysed telomere shortening in nine wild house mice from the Barcelona Rb system with diploid numbers ranging from 29 to 40 chromosomes. We also included two standard (2n = 40) laboratory mice for comparison. Our data showed that the average telomere length (considering all chromosomal arms) is influenced by both the diploid number and the origin of the mice (wild vs. laboratory). In detail, we detected that wild mice from the Rb Barcelona system (fused and standard) present shorter telomeres than standard laboratory mice. However, only wild mice with Rb fusions showed a high proportion of short telomeres (only in p‐arms), thus revealing the importance of telomere shortening in the origin of the Rb fusions in the Barcelona system. Overall, our study confirms that the number of critically short telomeres, and not a simple reduction in the average telomere length, is more likely to lead to the origin of Rb fusions in the Barcelona system and ultimately in nature.
Modeling Instructional Sensitivity Using a Longitudinal Multilevel Differential Item Functioning Approach
Authors: Naumann Alexander , Hochweber Jan , Hartig Johannes
Published: December 2014

Students’ performance in assessments is commonly attributed to more or less effective teaching. This implies that students’ responses are significantly affected by instruction. However, the assumption that outcome measures indeed are instructionally sensitive is scarcely investigated empirically. In the present study, we propose a longitudinal multilevel‐differential item functioning (DIF) model to combine two existing yet independent approaches to evaluate items’ instructional sensitivity. The model permits for a more informative judgment of instructional sensitivity, allowing the distinction of global and differential sensitivity. Exemplarily, the model is applied to two empirical data sets, with classical indices (Pretest–Posttest Difference Index and posttest multilevel‐DIF) computed for comparison. Results suggest that the approach works well in the application to empirical data, and may provide important information to test developers.
A Flexible Latent Class Approach to Estimating Test‐Score Reliability
Authors: van der Palm Daniël W. , van der Ark L. Andries , Sijtsma Klaas
Published: December 2014

The latent class reliability coefficient (LCRC) is improved by using the divisive latent class model instead of the unrestricted latent class model. This results in the divisive latent class reliability coefficient (DLCRC), which unlike LCRC avoids making subjective decisions about the best solution and thus avoids judgment error. A computational study using large numbers of items shows that DLCRC also is faster than LCRC and fast enough for practical purposes. Speed and objectivity render DLCRC superior to LCRC. A decisive feature of DLCRC is that it aims at closely approximating the multivariate distribution of item scores, which might render the method suited when test data are multidimensional. A simulation study focusing on multidimensionality shows that DLCRC in general has little bias relative to the true reliability and is relatively accurate compared to LCRC and classical lower bound methods coefficients α and λ2 and the greatest lower bound.
A Comparison of Different Psychometric Approaches to Modeling Testlet Structures: An Example with C‐Tests
Authors: Schroeders Ulrich , Robitzsch Alexander , Schipolowski Stefan
Published: December 2014

C‐tests are a specific variant of cloze tests that are considered time‐efficient, valid indicators of general language proficiency. They are commonly analyzed with models of item response theory assuming local item independence. In this article we estimated local interdependencies for 12 C‐tests and compared the changes in item difficulties, reliability estimates, and person parameter estimates for different modeling approaches: (a) Rasch, (b) testlet, (c) partial credit, and (d) copula models. The results are complemented with findings of a simulation study in which sample size, number of testlets, and strength of residual correlations between items were systematically manipulated. Results are discussed with regard to the pivotal question whether residual dependencies between items are an artifact or part of the construct.
Power and Sample Size Calculations for Logistic Regression Tests for Differential Item Functioning
Authors: Li Zhushan
Published: December 2014

Logistic regression is a popular method for detecting uniform and nonuniform differential item functioning (DIF) effects. Theoretical formulas for the power and sample size calculations are derived for likelihood ratio tests and Wald tests based on the asymptotic distribution of the maximum likelihood estimators for the logistic regression model. The power is related to the item response function (IRF) for the studied item, the latent trait distributions, and the sample sizes for the reference and focal groups. Simulation studies show that the theoretical values calculated from the formulas derived in the article are close to what are observed in the simulated data when the assumptions are satisfied. The robustness of the power formulas are studied with simulations when the assumptions are violated.
P–T–t–d evolution of orogenic middle crust of the Roc de Frausa Massif (Eastern Pyrenees): a result of horizontal crustal flow and Carboniferous doming?
Authors: Aguilar C. , Liesa M. , Štípská P. , Schulmann K. , Muñoz J. A. , Casas J. M.
Published: December 2014

Structural, petrological and textural studies are combined with phase equilibria modelling of metapelites from different structural levels of the Roc de Frausa Massif in the Eastern Pyrenees. The pre‐Variscan lithological succession is divided into the Upper, Intermediate and Lower series by two orthogneiss sheets and intruded by Variscan igneous rocks. Structural analysis reveals two phases of Variscan deformation. D1 is marked by tight to isoclinal small‐scale folds and an associated flat‐lying foliation (S1) that affects the whole crustal section. D2 structures are characterized by tight upright folds facing to the NW with steep NE–SW axial planes. D2 heterogeneously reworks the D1 fabrics, leading to an almost complete transposition into a sub‐vertical foliation (S2) in the high‐grade metamorphic domain. All structures are affected by late open to tight, steeply inclined south‐verging NW–SE folds (F3) compatible with steep greenschist facies dextral shear zones of probable Alpine age. In the micaschists of the Upper series, andalusite and sillimanite grew during the formation of the S1 foliation indicating heating from 580 to 640 °C associated with an increase in pressure. Subsequent static growth of cordierite points to post‐D1 decompression. In the Intermediate series, a sillimanite–biotite–muscovite‐bearing assemblage that is parallel to the S1 fabric is statically overgrown by cordierite and K‐feldspar. This sequence points to ~1 kbar of post‐D1 decompression at 630–650 °C. The Intermediate series is intruded by a gabbro–diorite stock that has an aureole marked by widespread migmatization. In the aureole, the migmatitic S1 foliation is defined by the assemblage biotite–sillimanite–K‐feldspar–garnet. The microstructural relationships and garnet zoning are compatible with the D1 pressure peak at ~7.5 kbar and ~750 °C. Late‐ to post‐S2 cordierite growth implies that F2 folds and the associated S2 axial planar leucosomes developed during nearly isothermal decompression to <5 kbar. The Lower series migmatites form a composite S1–S2 fabric; the garnet‐bearing assemblage suggests peak P–T conditions of >5 kbar at suprasolidus conditions. Almost complete consumption of garnet and late cordierite growth points to post‐D2 equilibration at <4 kbar and <750 °C. The early metamorphic history associated with the S1 fabric is interpreted as a result of horizontal middle crustal flow associated with progressive heating and possible burial. The upright F2 folding and S2 foliation are associated with a pressure decrease coeval with the intrusion of mafic magma at mid‐crustal levels. The D2 tectono‐metamorphic evolution may be explained by a crustal‐scale doming associated with emplacement of mafic magmas into the core of the dome.
Prenatal diagnosis of congenital hallux varus deformity associated with pericentric inversion of chromosome 9
Authors: Atar Gürel Sebahat
Published: December 2014

Congenital hallux varus is a rare deformity of the great toe characterized by adduction of the hallux and medial displacement of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Prenatal diagnosis of congenital hallux varus is presented herein. A 32‐year‐old woman was referred to our unit due to significant deviation of the fetal right great toe at 22+2 weeks of pregnancy. Ultrasound examination revealed a thick and short great toe, which was significantly angulated medially on the right side. Amniocentesis was performed and the result was reported as inv(9) (p11;q12). After delivery, the clinical examination confirmed the prenatal diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is the first reported prenatal diagnosis of an isolated congenital hallux varus. Congenital hallux varus can be diagnosed easily in the prenatal period by 2‐D and 4‐D ultrasonography. Prenatal karyotyping should be taken into consideration, especially in the presence of associated anomalies, such as polydactyly and clubfoot.
Microbiome of the placenta in pre‐eclampsia supports the role of bacteria in the multifactorial cause of pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Amarasekara Ranmalee , Jayasekara Rohan W. , Senanayake Hemantha , Dissanayake Vajira H. W.
Published: December 2014

Aim

This study was aimed at detecting, identifying, quantifying and comparing the bacteria present in the placental tissues of women with pre‐eclampsia with that of normotensive pregnant women.

Material and Methods

Placental tissue samples were collected from 55 primiparous women with pre‐eclampsia (cases) and 55 matched primiparous normotensive pregnant women (controls) at the time of delivery by cesarean section. Genotyping was carried out in two stages. First the samples were screened for the presence of bacteria by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the 16S rRNA gene. Next, the samples that were PCR‐positive for the 16S rRNA gene were screened by next‐generation sequencing on an Illumina MiSeq platform.

Results

Seven (12.7%) placental tissue samples from women with pre‐eclampsia were PCR‐positive. All the placental samples from control women were negative (P = 0.006). The complete microbiome of the seven samples was revealed through next‐generation sequencing. The organisms that were present included Bacillus cereus, Listeria, Salmonella, Escherichia (all of which are usually associated with gastrointestinal infection); Klebsiella pneumonia and Anoxybacillus (both of which are usually associated with respiratory tract infections); and Variovorax, Prevotella, Porphyromonas, and Dialister (all of which are usually associated with periodontitis).

Conclusions

This study confirms the presence of bacteria in the placental tissues of a subset of women with pre‐eclampsia and supports the role of bacteria in the multifactorial cause of pre‐eclampsia.
Extrapulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis mimicking lymphoma metastatic to uterus
Authors: Vatansever Dogan , Sozen Hamdullah , Iyibozkurt A. Cem , Comba Cihan , Yavuz Ekrem , Topuz Samet
Published: December 2014

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis is a very rare disease that primarily affects the lungs. The atypical smooth muscle cells in these tumors stain both with smooth muscle markers and melanocytic markers characteristically like their counterparts in other members of the PEComa family. Extrapulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis, especially without pulmonary involvement, is extremely rare. The clinical importance of lymphangioleiomyomatosis lies in the fact that it may mimic other malignant diseases, such as lymphoma or sarcoma. Here, we report a case of extrapulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis without involvement of the lungs, in a patient pre‐diagnosed as having lymphoma metastasized to the uterus or uterine sarcoma.
The Uncinate Fasciculus as a Predictor of Conversion from Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Hiyoshi‐Taniguchi Kazuko , Oishi Naoya , Namiki Chihiro , Miyata Jun , Murai Toshiya , Cichocki Andrzej , Fukuyama Hidenao
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is associated with the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)‐based fractional anisotropy (FA) analyses have been used to evaluate white matter changes in patients with AD, it remains unknown how FA values change during the conversion of aMCI to AD. This study aimed to elucidate the prediction of conversion to AD and cognitive decline by FA values in uncinate fasciculus (UF) in aMCI patients.

METHODS

Twenty‐two aMCI patients were evaluated for their UF FA values by a tractography‐based method with DTI and cognitive performance by neuropsychological testing at baseline and after a 3‐year follow‐up. Patients were divided into 2 groups after 3 years: 14 aMCI‐stable (aMCI‐aMCI) and 8 AD‐conversion (aMCI‐AD).

RESULTS

At baseline, FA values in the right UF were significantly lower in the aMCI‐AD group than in the aMCI‐aMCI group. These values also showed significant correlations with the neuropsychological scores after a 3‐year follow‐up. The area under the curve of the receiver operation characteristic curves for predicting conversion to AD was .813.

CONCLUSION

These results suggested that FA values in the right UF might be an effective predictor of conversion of aMCI to AD.
Efficacy of low‐level laser therapy in the treatment of TMDs: a meta‐analysis of 14 randomised controlled trials
Authors: Chen J. , Huang Z. , Ge M. , Gao M.
Published: December 2014

This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). We searched electronic databases and references lists of relevant articles, retrieved all of the published randomised controlled trials in regard to these issues and then performed a meta‐analysis. Fourteen highly qualified RCTs reporting on a total of 454 patients, which evaluated the effectiveness of LLLT for patients suffering from TMDs were retrieved. The results indicated that LLLT was not better than placebo in reducing chronic TMD pain (weighted mean difference = −19·39; 95% confidence interval = −40·80–2·03; P < 0·00001; I2 = 99%). However, the LLLT provided significant better functional outcomes in terms of maximum active vertical opening (MAVO) (weighted mean difference = 4·18; 95% confidence interval = 0·73–7·63; P = 0·006; I2 = 73%), maximum passive vertical opening (MPVO) (weighted mean difference = 6·73; 95% confidence interval = 01·34–12·13; P = 0·06; I2 = 73%), protrusion excursion (PE) (weighted mean difference = 1·81; 95% confidence interval = 0·79–2·83; P = 0·59; I2 = 0%) and right lateral excursion (RLE) (weighted mean difference = 2·86; 95% confidence interval = 1·27–4·45; P = 0·01; I2 = 73%). The results of our meta‐analysis have provided the best evidence on the efficacy of LLLT in the treatment of TMDs. This study indicates that using LLLT has limited efficacy in reducing pain in patients with TMDs. However, LLLT can significantly improve the functional outcomes of patients with TMDs.
Photosynthetic Gas Exchange in Common Bean Submitted to Foliar Sprays of Potassium Silicate, Sodium Molybdate and Fungicide and Infected with Colletotrichum lindemuthianum
Authors: Rodrigues Fabrício A. , Polanco Leonora R. , Duarte Henrique Silva Silveira , Resende Renata Sousa , do Vale Francisco Xavier Ribeiro
Published: December 2014

This study investigated whether foliar sprays of potassium silicate (KSi), sodium molybdate (NaMo) or a combination of both (KSi + NaMo), with or without the fungicide azoxystrobin (Azox), could reduce anthracnose symptoms, improve photosynthesis and increase yield. Two 2 × 4 factorial experiments, consisting of untreated or fungicide‐treated plants sprayed with KSi, NaMo or KSi + NaMo were arranged in a randomized block design with three replications. The treatments were as follows: (i) KSi; (ii) NaMo; (iii) KSi + NaMo; (iv) Azox; (v) Azox + KSi; (vi) Azox + NaMo; (vii) Azox + KSi + NaMo; and (viii) control (no KSi, NaMo or Azox). The KSi, NaMo and Azox treatments were applied at the rates of 35 g/l, 90 g/ha and 120 g ai/ha, respectively. KSi was applied at 20, 27, 40 and 55 days after sowing (das). NaMo was applied only at 27 das, whereas the fungicide was applied at 27, 40 and 55 das. The plants were inoculated with Colletotrichum lindemuthianum at 23 das. The anthracnose severity was reduced by 64.25% and yield increase by 156.2% in plants sprayed with fungicide compared with non‐sprayed ones. The KSi, NaMo and NaMo + KSi applications reduced anthracnose severity by 31.8, 16.1 and 37.9%, respectively, while the yield increased by 16.8, 18.9 and 63.9%, respectively. There was no difference between treated and non‐treated plants with KSi with respect to the leaf gas exchange parameters Ci, E and gs. However, A significantly increased by 16.9% in plants treated with Azox. The A was not affected by KSi or NaMo spray; however, it was significantly increased by 12.5% after spraying with NaMo + KSi. In conclusion, bean plants treated with Si and Mo were associated with a decrease in anthracnose as well as an enhancement in photosynthesis activity under field conditions.
Detection and Identification of an Elm Yellows Group Phytoplasma Associated with Camellia in China
Authors: Gao Ying , Dong Yu‐Zhu , Tan Wei‐Ping , Sun Guo‐Zhen , Zhu You‐Rong , Zhu Xiao‐Ping
Published: December 2014

In 2012, yellowing of camellias was observed in Tai'an in Shandong province, China. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed phytoplasma in the phloem sieve tube elements of symptomatic plants. A specific fragment of phytoplasma 16S rRNA gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the universal phytoplasma primers P1/P7 followed by R16F2n/R16R2. Sequence and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analyses allowed us to classify the detected phytoplasma into the elm yellows (EY) group (16SrV), subgroup 16SrV‐B. Sequence analyses of the ribosomal protein (rp) gene confirmed a close relationship with phytoplasmas belonging to the rpV‐C subgroup. Thus, the phytoplasma associated with yellows disease in camellia, designated as ‘CY’, is a member of the 16SrV‐B subgroup. This is the first report of phytoplasma associated with camellia.
Disulfiram-loaded immediate and extended release vaginal tablets for the localised treatment of cervical cancer
Authors: Baffoe Clara S , Nguyen Nhi , Boyd Peter , Wang Weiguang , Morris Mark , McConville Christopher
Published: December 2014

Objectives

To develop and manufacture both immediate and sustained release vaginal tablets containing the anticancer drug disulfiram, which has the potential to be used as a non-invasive treatment for cervical cancer.

Methods

Disulfiram-loaded vaginal tablets were manufactured at pilot scale using the direct compression method. These tablets were tested in accordance with the European Pharmacopeia testing of solid dosage form guidelines. They were also tested using a biorelevant dissolution method as well as a dual-chambered release model designed to better mimic the dynamic nature of the vaginal vault.

Key findings

We have developed both immediate and sustained release vaginal tablets, which when manufactured at pilot scale are within the limits set by the European Pharmacopeia for the testing of solid dosage forms. Furthermore, these tablets are capable of releasing disulfiram in vitro using the dual-chambered release model at levels 25 000 times and 35 000 times greater than its IC50 concentration for the HeLa cervical cancer cell line.

Conclusions

The successful pilot manufacture and testing of both the immediate and sustained release disulfiram-loaded vaginal tablets warrant further investigation, using an in-vivo model, to assess their potential for use as a non-invasive treatment option for cervical cancer.
Hepatoprotective effect of fermented ginseng and its major constituent compound K in a rat model of paracetamol (acetaminophen)-induced liver injury
Authors: Igami Kentaro , Shimojo Yosuke , Ito Hisatomi , Miyazaki Toshitsugu , Kashiwada Yoshiki
Published: December 2014

Objectives

This work aimed at evaluating the effect of fermented ginseng (FG) and fermented red ginseng (FRG) against rat liver injury caused by paracetamol (acetaminophen (APAP)).

Methods

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the serum and histopathological changes in the liver were analysed to determine the degree of liver injury. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) microarray analysis was performed to compare gene expression levels altered in the rat livers. Phosphorylated Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells were detected using western blot analysis to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of compound K.

Key findings

Pretreatment with FG, containing compound K at high concentration, attenuated AST as well as ALT levels in rats, while no obvious effect was observed in the group that received FRG, whose content of compound K was lower than that of FG. In addition, the results of our histopathological analysis were consistent with changes in the serum biochemical analysis. DNA microarray analysis indicated that JNK- and glutathione S-transferase (GST)-related genes were involved in the hepatotoxicity. Notably, compound K, a major ginsenoside in FG, inhibited the phosphorylation of JNK in HepG2 cells.

Conclusions

FG was shown to possess hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol (APAP)-induced liver injury better than FRG. Compound K might play an important role for an anti-inflammatory activity of FG by inhibiting JNK signalling in the liver.
Formulation and evaluation of floating mucoadhesive alginate beads for targeting H
elicobacter pylori
Authors: Adebisi Adeola O , Laity Peter R , Conway Barbara R
Published: December 2014

Objectives

There are various obstacles in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infections, including low antibiotic levels and poor accessibility of the drug at the site of the infection. This study describes the preparation and characterisation of novel floating mucoadhesive alginate beads loaded with clarithromycin for delivery to the gastric mucosa to improve the eradication of this microorganism.

Methods

Calcium alginate beads were prepared by ionotropic gelation. The formulation was modified through addition of oil and coating with chitosan to improve floating, mucoadhesion and modify drug release.

Key findings

Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the sphericity of the beads with X-ray microtomography showing the three-dimensional structure of the beads with the layered internal structure of the bead and the even distribution of the drug within the bead. This formulation combined two gastro-retentive strategies, and produced excellent in-vitro floating, mucoadhesive and drug release characteristics. Enhanced stability of the beads in phosphate buffer raises a potential for the modified formulations to be targeted to regions of higher pH within the gastrointestinal tract. Drug release from these beads was sustained through an unstirred mucin layer simulating in-vivo conditions under which the H. pylori resides in the gastric mucosa.

Conclusions

This novel formulation will ensure retention for a longer period in the stomach than conventional formulations and control drug release, ensuring high local drug concentrations, leading to improved eradication of the bacteria.
Effect of fasting and refeeding on expression of genes involved in the gastric nutrient sensing and orexigenic control of pigs
Authors: Priori D. , Trevisi P. , Mazzoni M. , Messori S. , Bosi P.
Published: December 2014

Knowledge on orexigenic signals in the pig stomach is poor. Gastric amino acid sensing by taste receptor type 1 member 3 (T1R3) and calcium‐sensing receptor (CASR), and active ghrelin release, controlled by preproghrelin, proprotein convertase (PC1/3) and ghrelin O‐acyltransferase (GOAT) genes, may be affected by fasting or refeeding. Twelve pigs (12.0 kgLW) were adapted to a base diet and assigned to three individual feeding schedules: Control (C), fed twice a day; Fasting (F), fasted for 24 h; Refeeding (R), fasted for 24 h and refed before slaughtering. Gastrointestinal segments were collected for histology and molecular biology analyses. TotalRNAisolated from oxyntic and pyloric mucosae was reverse transcribed, specific porcine primers were designed and transcript quantification was performed by real‐timeRT‐PCR. F decreased villus height in duodenum (p < 0.01) and ileum (p < 0.05) vs. C and R. R increased oxynticPC1/3 (p < 0.05) and tended to increase oxyntic preproghrelin (p = 0.06), and pyloricGOAT(p = 0.07) gene expression vs. C.PC1/3 gene expression was higher in pyloric mucosa. Ghrelin‐positive cells numbers were not different between the two gastric mucosae. Gastrin expression tended to be higher in R than in C and F (p = 0.068 and p = 0.055).CASRwas higher in pyloric than in oxyntic mucosa, and pyloricCASRexpression tended to be higher in R than in C (p = 0.072). T1R1 was not affected by treatment. Our results indicate that the pool of genes involved in the secretion of active ghrelin is active both in oxyntic and pyloric mucosa of pig. Refeeding can significantly affect the expression of genes that control octanoyl‐ghrelin production and partially the amino acid sensing byCASRgene, while the absence of effect of fasting on the expression of ghrelin‐related genes needs further confirmations.
Land‐use impacts on small‐scale Mpologoma wetland fishery, eastern Uganda: A socio‐economic perspective
Authors: Ssanyu Grace A. , Kipkemboi Julius , Mathooko Jude M. , Balirwa John
Published: December 2014

Small‐scale fisheries in developing countries are characterized by uncertain futures attributable to ever‐increasing pressures on wetland resources. Data on the interconnectivity between wetland fishery, land‐use changes and the socio‐economic situation in the Mpologoma wetland, Uganda, were obtained through interviews and structured questionnaire surveys at sampling sites exhibiting differing different levels of environmental disturbance (ranging from less disturbed to highly disturbed). Rice production was the major economic activity at the highly disturbed sites, while maize production was the major activity at the less‐disturbed sites. Of the secondary activities, the Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1815) and Protopterus aethiopicus (Heckel, 1851) fishery was more important at the less‐disturbed sites. The high daily fish sale income ranging from US$ 8 to 12 and the high‐percentage (52%) catch preference of all large wetland fish species were observed for the less‐disturbed sites. A high percentage of respondents from the area of the less‐disturbed sites had higher annual incomes, resulting in more accumulated wealth than for the highly disturbed Nsango site, whose fishery was affected by large‐scale rice schemes. The overall socio‐economic impact of the small‐scale fishery, based on the data regarding the number of fishermen and their dependents, and the income from fish sales and other wetland activities, was low, with differences between sites being attributed to the level of wetland disturbance. The Mpologoma wetland is threatened by overexploitation of its fisheries services, but also overlooked and undervalued by policymakers because of inadequate fisheries statistics. Thus, the information derived from this study will facilitate the formulation and design of riverine wetland‐specific and small‐scale fisheries management strategies.
Stakeholder evaluation of the feasibility of watershed management alternatives, using Integrated Lake Basin Management principles
Authors: Saunders B. A. , Rast W. , Lopes V.
Published: December 2014

Containing more than 90% of the liquid fresh water on our planet's surface, lakes are used for a wide range of human needs. Managing them for sustainable use also requires consideration of a multitude of scientific, socioeconomic and governance issues. Integrated Lake Basin Management (ILBM) is a comprehensive approach for achieving sustainable management of lakes and reservoirs through gradual, continuous and holistic improvement of basin governance, involving sustained efforts for improvement of six governance ‘pillars’ (Policy; Institutions: Stakeholders; Knowledge; Technology; Finances). This study demonstrates that ILBM is applicable not only to lentic water systems (lakes, reservoirs), but also to the upstream and downstream water systems (rivers, tributaries) of which they are a part. Two watersheds in eastern Pennsylvania (USA), designated as ‘Critical Water Planning Areas,’ are used as a case study for this application, with a focus on the ILBM Stakeholder pillar. The primary objective was to rank the feasibility of alternative management options for these watersheds on the basis of watershed stakeholder perceptions and discussions. The results of this process and the analyses undertaken in this study are discussed, including the management options ultimately identified, the lessons learned in the evaluation process, and means for improving the process for future evaluations.