bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control of Root Meristem Size by DA1-RELATED PROTEIN2 in Arabidopsis
Authors: Peng Yuancheng , Ma Wenying , Chen Liangliang , Yang Lei , Li Shengjun , Zhao Hongtao , Zhao Yankun , Jin Weihuan , Li Na , Bevan Michael W. , Li Xia , Tong Yiping , Li Yunhai
Published: January 2013

The control of organ growth by coordinating cell proliferation and differentiation is a fundamental developmental process. In plants, postembryonic root growth is sustained by the root meristem. For maintenance of root meristem size, the rate of cell differentiation must equal the rate of cell division. Cytokinin and auxin interact to affect the cell proliferation and differentiation balance and thus control root meristem size. However, the genetic and molecular mechanisms that determine root meristem size still remain largely unknown. Here, we report that da1-related protein2 (dar2) mutants produce small root meristems due to decreased cell division and early cell differentiation in the root meristem of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). dar2 mutants also exhibit reduced stem cell niche activity in the root meristem. DAR2 encodes a Lin-11, Isl-1, and Mec-3 domain-containing protein and shows an expression peak in the border between the transition zone and the elongation zone. Genetic analyses show that DAR2 functions downstream of cytokinin and SHORT HYPOCOTYL2 to maintain normal auxin distribution by influencing auxin transport. Further results indicate that DAR2 acts through the PLETHORA pathway to influence root stem cell niche activity and therefore control root meristem size. Collectively, our findings identify the role of DAR2 in root meristem size control and provide a novel link between several key regulators influencing root meristem size.
P,P-Bis[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]-N,N-bis(propan-2-yl)phosphinic amide
Authors: Evans Stephen J. , Renison C. Alicia , Williams D. Bradley G. , Muller Alfred
Published: January 2013

The molecular structure of the title compound, C22H34N3OP, adopts a distorted tetrahedral geometry at the P atom, with the most noticeable distortion being for the O—P—N angle [117.53 (10)°]. An effective cone angle of 187° was calculated for the compound. In the crystal, weak C—H...O interactions create infinite chains along [100], whereas C—H...π interactions propagating in [001] generate a herringbone motif.
Poly[bis(μ2-5-{4-[(1H-imidazol-1-yl)methyl]phenyl}tetrazolato)zinc]
Authors: Song Zhe
Published: January 2013

In the title compound, [Zn(C11H9N6)2]n, the ZnIIatom lies on an inversion center and is coordinated by four N atoms from four 5-[4-(1H-imidazol-1-ylmethyl)phenyl]tetrazolate ligands in a distorted tetrahedral geometry. The ligands bridge the ZnIIatoms, leading to the formation of a two-dimensional network parallel to (010). The structure is further stabilized by C—H...N, C—H...π and π–π [centroid–centroid distance = 3.7523 (11) Å] interactions within the network.
μ-2,3,5,6-Tetrakis(pyridin-2-yl)pyrazine-bis[(2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine)ruthenium(II)] tetrakis(hexafluoridophosphate) acetonitrile tetrasolvate
Authors: Jude Hershel , Scott Brian L. , Rocha Reginaldo C.
Published: January 2013

In the title compound [Ru2(C15H11N3)2(C24H16N6)](PF6)4·4CH3CN, two of the counter-ions and one of the solvent molecules are disordered with occupancies for the major components between 0.57 (2) and 0.64 (1). The structure of the dinuclear tetracation exhibits significant distortion from planarity in the bridging 2,3,5,6-tetrakis(pyridin-2-yl)pyrazine (tppz) ligand, which has a saddle-like geometry with an average dihedral angle of 42.96 (18)° between adjacent pyridine rings. The metal–ligand coordination environment is nearly equivalent for the two RuIIatoms, which have a distorted octahedral geometry due to the restricted bite angle [157.57 (13)–159.28 (12)°] of their twomer-arranged tridendate ligands [2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine (tpy) and tppz] orthogonal to each other. At the peripheral tpy ligands, the average Ru—N bond distance is 2.072 (4) Å for the outer N atomstransto each other (Nouter) and 1.984 (1) Å for the central N atoms (Ncentral). At the bridging tppz ligand, the average metal–ligand distances are significantly shorter [2.058 (4) Å for Ru—Nouterand 1.965 (1) Å for Ru—Ncentral] as a result of both the geometric constraints and the stronger π-acceptor ability of the pyrazine-centered bridge. The dihedral angle between the two tpy planes is 27.11 (6)°. The intramolecular linear distance between the two Ru atoms is 6.6102 (7) Å.
(4′-Ethynyl-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine)(2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine)ruthenium(II) bis(hexafluoridophosphate) acetonitrile disolvate
Authors: Chen Weizhong , Rein Francisca N. , Scott Brian L. , Rocha Reginaldo C.
Published: January 2013

The title heterolepticbis-terpyridine complex, [Ru(C15H11N3)(C17H11N3)](PF6)2·2CH3CN, crystallized from an acetonitrile solution as a salt containing two hexafluoridophosphate counter-ions and two acetonitrile solvent molecules. The RuIIatom has a distorted octahedral geometry due to the restricted bite angle [157.7 (3)°] of the twomer-arrangedN,N′,N′′-tridendate ligands,viz.2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine (tpy) and 4′-ethynyl-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine (tpy′), which are essentially perpendicular to each other, with a dihedral angle of 87.75 (12)° between their terpyridyl planes. The rod-like acetylene group lies in the same plane as its adjacent terpyridyl moiety, with a maximum deviation of only 0.071 (11) Å from coplanarity with the pyridine rings. The mean Ru—N bond length involving the outer N atomstransto each other is 2.069 (6) Å at tpy and 2.070 (6) Å at tpy′. The Ru—N bond length involving the central N atom is 1.964 (6) Å at tpy and 1.967 (6) Å at tpy′. Two of the three counter anions were refined as half-occupied.
catena-Poly[[bis(4-methylpyridine-κN)cobalt(II)]-di-μ-dicyanamido-κ2N1:N5]
Authors: Huang Wenjiang , Zhang Jinfang , Zhang Chi
Published: January 2013

Cobalt(II) nitrate hexahydrate and sodium dicyanamide self-assembled in dimethylformamide (DMF) and 4-methylpyridine solutions to form the title compound, [Co(C2N3)2(C6H7N)2]n. The Co2+ion lies on an inversion center and adopts an octahedral coordination geometry in which four N atoms from four different dicyanamide ligands lie in the equatorial plane and two 4-methylpyridine N atoms occupy the axial positions. The CoIIatoms are connected by two bridging dicyanamide ligands, resulting in a chain parallel to thecaxis. The chains are connected into a three-dimensional network by C—H...N hydrogen bonds.
2-(Carboxymethyl)imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-1-ium chloride
Authors: Yin Wen-Yu
Published: January 2013

In the crystal structure of the title salt, C9H9N2O2+·Cl−, the cations and anions are linked into chains parallel to [021] by O—H...Cl and N—H...Cl hydrogen bonds.
Bis(4-methoxybenzylammonium) dihydrogen diphosphate
Authors: Elboulali Adel , Akriche Samah , Al-Deyab Salem S. , Rzaigui Mohamed
Published: January 2013

In the title compound, 2C8H12NO+·H2P2O72−, the linked PO4groups of the diphosphate anion are almost eclipsed and the P—O—P angle is 134.45 (7)°. In the crystal, infinite ribbons of H2P2O72−anions propagate in [100], being linked by strong O—H...O hydrogen bonds. The 4-methoxybenzylammonium cations bond to the diphosphate chains by N—H...O and C—H...O links, and are themselves linked by C—H...π interactions.
rac-Dichlorido[3-ethoxy-3-(1-ethyl-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]benzimidazole]copper(II)
Authors: Stibrany Robert T. , Potenza Joseph A.
Published: January 2013

The title complex, [CuCl2(C21H22N4O)], contains a bis(benzimidazole) unit with a chiral bridgehead C atom that forms part of a tetrahydropyrrole ring fused to one of the benzimidazoles. The chelate angle is 90.45 (9)° and the dihedral angle between the essentially planar benzimidazole fragments is 26.68 (9)°. The CuIIcoordination geometry lies approximately midway between tetrahedral and square planar. Overall, each chiral molecule contains six fused rings, and a racemic mixture is formed with symmetry-related enantiomers. In the crystal, C—H...π and C—H...Cl interactions link molecules into a supramolecular chain along thea-axis direction.
Dichloridodi-μ2-hydroxido-di-μ3-oxido-octaphenyltetratin(IV) dimethyl sulfoxide disolvate
Authors: Foladi Shahrbano , Khazaei Parivash , Attar Gharamaleki Jafar , Notash Behrouz , Rofouei Mohammad Kazem
Published: January 2013

In the centrosymmetric tetranuclear title molecule, [Sn4(C6H5)8Cl2O2(OH)2]·2C2H6OS, the two independent tinIVatoms show distorted trigonal–bipyramidal SnC2O3and SnC2O2Cl coordination geometries. The four tinIVatoms are bridged by the hydroxo and oxo ligands, forming a ladder-like array of three edge-connected Sn2O2squares. The solvent molecules are linked to the tetranuclear moleculeviaO–H...O hydrogen bonds.
tert-Butyl 4-(3,4-dichloroanilino)piperidine-1-carboxylate
Authors: Mehr-un-Nisa  , Munawar Munawar Ali , Hall Gabriel B. , Roberts Sue A. , Hruby Victor J.
Published: January 2013

In the title compound, C16H22Cl2N2O2, the substituted piperidine ring adopts a chair conformation with both substituents in equatorial positions. In the crystal, N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds connect molecules into ribbons along thea-axis direction.
(Z)-4-Bromo-N-{(Z)-3-[(4-bromo-2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imino]butan-2-ylidene}-2,6-diisopropylaniline
Authors: Zhang Cun , Wu Guo-Fan , Huang Bao-Mei , Lu Xiao-Quan
Published: January 2013

The title compound, C28H38Br2N2, is centrosymmetric with the mid-point of the central C—C bond of the butyl group located on an inversion center. The terminal benzene ring is approximately perpendicular to the central 1,4-diazabutadiene mean plane [dihedral angle = 78.23 (3)°]. No hydrogen bonding or aromatic stacking is observed in the crystal structure.
Ethyl 3-[6-(4-methoxybenzenesulfonamido)-2H-indazol-2-yl]propanoate monohydrate
Authors: Abbassi Najat , Rakib El Mostapha , Hannioui Abdellah , Saadi Mohamed , El Ammari Lahcen
Published: January 2013

In the title compound, C19H21N3O5S·H2O, the central indazole system is essentially planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.012 Å), while both the benzene ring and the mean plane defined by the non-H atoms of the ethyl propionic ester unit (r.m.s. deviation = 0.087 Å) are nearly perpendicular to the indazole plane, as indicated by the dihedral angles of 82.45 (8) and 75.62 (8)°, respectively. Consequently, the molecule adopts a U-shaped geometry. In the crystal, the water molecule, which is linked to the indazole system by a strong O—H...N hydrogen bond, is also involved in two additional N—H...O and O—H...O interactions, which link the organic molecules into chains along theb-axis direction.
cis-Bis(2,2′-bipyridine-κ2N,N′)bis(pyridin-4-amine-κN1)ruthenium(II) bis(hexafluoridophosphate) acetonitrile monosolvate
Authors: Camilo Mariana R. , Martins Felipe T. , Malta Valéria R. S. , Ellena Javier , Carlos Rose M.
Published: January 2013

In the title complex, [Ru(C10H8N2)2(C5H6N2)2](PF6)2·CH3CN, the RuIIatom is bonded to two α-diimine ligands,viz.2,2′-bipyridine, in acisconfiguration and to two 4-aminopyridine (4Apy) ligands in the expected distorted octahedral configuration. The compound is isostructural with [Ru(C10H8N2)2(C5H6N2)2](ClO4)2·CH3CN [Duanet al.(1999).J. Coord. Chem.46, 301–312] and both structures are stabilized by classical hydrogen bonds between 4Apy ligands as donors and counter-ions and acetonitrile solvent molecules as acceptors. Indeed, N—H...F interactions give rise to an intermolecularly locked assembly of two centrosymmetric complex molecules and two PF6−counter-ions, which can be considered as the building units of both crystal architectures. The building blocks are connected to one another through hydrogen bonds between 4Apy and the connecting pieces made up of two centrosymmetric motifs with PF6−ions and acetonitrile molecules, giving rise to ribbons running parallel to [011]. 21-Screw-axis-related complex molecules and PF6−counter-ions alternate in helical chains formed along theaaxis by means of these contacts.
catena-Poly[μ2-iodido-diiodidobis(μ3-pyridine-2-thione-κ3S:S:S)(μ2-pyridine-2-thione-κ2S:S)tricopper(I)]
Authors: Ke Fang , Wu Wen
Published: January 2013

In the title compound, [Cu3I3(C5H5NS)3]n, a polymeric structure is formed along [100] through bridging iodide and pyridine-2-thione ligands. The metal atoms are engaged in [Cu3S3] and [Cu2S2] rings sharing Cu—S edges, with the [Cu2S2] rings located about inversion centers. CuIatoms bridged by iodide ions exhibit the shortest Cu...Cu separation in the polymer [2.8590 (14) Å]. The three independent CuIatoms all display distorted tetrahedral coordination geometries.
1-Cyclopropyl-2-(2-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-phenylpentane-1,5-dione
Authors: Srinivasan Thothadri , Senthilkumar Govindaraj , Manikandan Haridoss , Gopalakrishanan Mannathusamy , Velmurugan Devadasan
Published: January 2013

In the title compound, C26H22F2O2, the cyclopropane ring makes dihedral angles of 47.6 (2), 51.3 (2) and 63.9 (2)° with the 2-fluoro-substituted phenyl ring, the unsubstituted phenyl ring and the 4-fluoro-substituted phenyl ring, respectively. There is a short C—H...F contact in the molecule. In the crystal, weak C—H...F hydrogen bonds lead to chains of molecules extending along theb-axis direction.
2-[(2-Hydroxynaphthalen-1-yl)methylideneamino]-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-cyclohepta[b]thiophene-3-carbonitrile
Authors: Asiri Abdullah M. , Arshad Muhammad Nadeem , Sobahi Tariq R. , Mustafa Ghulam
Published: January 2013

Two independent molecules,AandB, comprise the asymmetric unit of the title compound, C21H18N2OS, with the difference in the angle of orientation between the naphthalene ring system and the mean plane of the cycloheptyl ring [16.13 (1) inAand 11.48 (5)° inB], being evident. The cycloheptyl ring adopts a distorted chair conformation in each molecule with r.m.s. deviations of 0.2345 (4) (A) and 0.2302 (4) Å (B). Intramolecular O—H...N hydrogen bonding generates planar six-memberedS(6) loops with r.m.s. deviations of 0.0099 (1) (A) and 0.0286 (1) Å (B).
1,4,6,9-Tetra-tert-butyl-2,7-dioxatricyclo[6.3.0.03,6]deca-3,8-diene
Authors: Sorensen Ted S. , Humayaun Kabir S. M , Parvez Masood
Published: January 2013

The title compound, C24H40O2, lies on an inversion center with a half-molecule in the asymmetric unit. The central dioxane ring adopts a chair conformation. The four-membered ring is slightly puckered with a butterfly angle of 13.50 (14)°.
1-Ethyl-4-{2-[1-(4-methylphenyl)ethylidene]hydrazinylidene}-3,4-dihydro-1H-2λ6,1-benzothiazine-2,2-dione
Authors: Shafiq Muhammad , Tahir M. Nawaz , Harrison William T. A. , Bokhari Tanveer Hussain , Safder Muhammad
Published: January 2013

In the title compound, C19H21N3O2S, the dihedral angle between the aromatic rings is 6.7 (2)° and the C=N—N=C torsion angle is 178.0 (2)°. The conformation of the thiazine ring is an envelope, with the S atom displaced by 0.802 (2) Å from the mean plane of the other five atoms (r.m.s. deviation = 0.022 Å). In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...O interactions, generatingC(5) chains propagating in [010]. A weak C—H...π interaction is also observed.
Diaquabis(1H-imidazole-4-carboxylato-κ2N3,O)cobalt(II)
Authors: Artetxe Beñat , San Felices Leire , Pache Aroa , Reinoso Santiago , Gutiérrez-Zorrilla Juan M.
Published: January 2013

The title compound, [Co(C4H3N2O2)2(H2O)2], contains a CoIIcation on a twofold rotation axis, exhibiting a distorted octahedral coordination geometry. The equatorial plane is formed by twoN,O-bidentate 1H-imidazole-4-carboxylate ligands and the axial positions are occupied by water molecules. The crystal packing consists of a three-dimensional network stabilized by O—H...O and N—H...O hydrogen bonds, together with weak π–π interactions [centroid–centroid distance = 3.577 (2) Å] between the imidazole rings.
Use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in combination with high‐frequency oscillatory ventilation in post‐traumatic ARDS
Authors: GOTHNER M. , BUCHWALD D. , SCHLEBES A. , STRAUCH J. T. , SCHILDHAUER T. A. , SWOL J.
Published: January 2013

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are life‐threatening complications in trauma patients. Despite the implantation of a veno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vv ECMO), sufficient oxygenation (arterial SaO2 > 90%) is not always achieved. The additive use of high‐frequency oscillation ventilation (HFOV) and ECMO in the critical phase after trauma could prevent the occurrence of life‐threatening hypoxaemia and multi‐organ failure.

We report on a 26‐year‐old female (Injury Severity Score 29) who had multiple injuries as follows: an unstable pelvic fracture, a blunt abdominal trauma, a blunt trauma of the left thigh, and a thoracic injury. Three days after admission, the patient developed fulminant ARDS (Murray lung injury score of 11 and Horovitz‐ Index <80 mmHg), and vv ECMO therapy was initiated. The Horovitz‐ Index was <80 mm Hg, and the lung compliance was minimal. With HFOV, almost complete recruitment of the lung was achieved, and the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) was significantly reduced. The pelvic fracture was treated non‐operatively. The HFOV was terminated after 3 days, and the ECMO was stopped after 19 days.
Tobacco dependence diagnosis and treatment in Veterans Health Administration residential substance use disorder treatment programs
Authors: Gifford Elizabeth V. , Tavakoli Sara , Wang Ruey , Hagedorn Hildi J. , Hamlett‐Berry Kim W.
Published: January 2013

Aims

To explore tobacco dependence (TD) diagnosis and treatment utilization, and identify predictors of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) among veterans with substance use disorders (SUDs) enrolled in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) SUD residential treatment programs (SRTPs).

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

VHA SRTPs, which treat veterans with SUD and multiple severe psychosocial deficits, from 1 October 2009 to 31 September 2010.

Participants

Identified tobacco users among veterans with SUD treated in SRTPs during fiscal year 2010 (FY10).

Measurements

Rates of documented TD diagnosis and pharmacotherapy were assessed nationally, regionally and by facility. Patient‐level predictors of NRT were examined using a mixed‐effects logistic regression model with facility as a random effect.

Findings

A total of 12 097 of the 15 320 veterans in SRTPs in FY10 (79%) were identified as probable tobacco users. Among these, 33% had a documented TD diagnosis, 34% were treated with pharmacotherapy and only 11% were both diagnosed and treated for TD while in SRTP. NRT was more common among patients with a current documented TD diagnosis, recent history of TD treatment, comorbid mental health disorder, age 55 years or younger and identified as white.

Conclusions

Most veterans in Veterans Health Administration substance use disorders residential treatment programs appear to use tobacco, yet only one in 10 receives a documented ICD‐9 TD diagnosis and pharmacotherapy while in a substance use disorders residential treatment program.
Low incidence of hepatitis C virus among prisoners in Scotland
Authors: Taylor Avril , Munro Alison , Allen Elizabeth , Dunleavy Karen , Cameron Sheila , Miller Laura , Hickman Matthew
Published: January 2013

Aims

To estimate hepatitis C virus (HCV) incidence and HCV risk among Scottish prisoners.

Design

National sero‐behavioural survey; dried blood spots were collected in order to identify recent HCV infections (i.e. HCV antibody‐negative and HCV polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐positive).

Setting

All 14 closed prisons in Scotland.

Participants

A total of 5187 prisoners responded to the survey (79% of available prisoners on survey days) comprising 5076 individuals (after removing incomplete returns and participants surveyed in more than one prison); 95% men, 32% (1625) reported an injecting history (PWID) and median sentence of 9.5 months. HCV antibody samples were available for 4904 participants; there was sufficient sera for HCV PCR for 2446 prisoners who had been in prison for at least 75 days.

Measurements

The estimate of in‐prison recent infections is based on prisoners incarcerated for a sufficient period, i.e. at least 75 days, so that recent infections could be attributed to prison.

Findings

Overall HCV prevalence was 19%; 53% among people who reported an injecting history and 3% among other prisoners. Three recent infections probably acquired in prison were detected. None of the cases reported injecting during their current sentence or any other potential exposure. Estimated incidence was 0.6–0.9% overall and 3.0–4.3% among PWID (assuming all infections acquired through injecting). Fifty‐seven per cent (929) of PWID were receiving opiate substitution treatment (OST) at the time of the survey. Of all prisoners, 2.5% and 8% of PWID reported injecting during their current period of incarceration.

Conclusion

The low incidence of HCV infections in Scottish prisons is due most probably to the low occurrence of in‐prison injecting and high coverage of OST. Low HCV risk can be achieved in prisons without necessarily introducing needle exchange programmes, but close monitoring of risk behaviours is essential. If risk increases, provision of needle exchange should be considered.
Extended‐release methylphenidate for treatment of amphetamine/methamphetamine dependence: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Miles S. Wayne , Sheridan Janie , Russell Bruce , Kydd Rob , Wheeler Amanda , Walters Carina , Gamble Greg , Hardley Peta , Jensen Maree , Kuoppasalmi Kimmo , Tuomola Pekka , Föhr Jaana , Kuikanmäki Outi , Vorma Helena , Salokangas Raimo , Mikkonen Antti , Kallio Mika , Kauhanen Jussi , Kiviniemi Vesa , Tiihonen Jari
Published: January 2013

Aims

To assess the efficacy of methylphenidate as a substitution therapy for amphetamine/methamphetamine dependence in Finland and New Zealand.

Design

Parallel‐group, double‐blind, randomized placebo‐controlled trial.

Setting

Out‐patient care.

Participants

Amphetamine‐/methamphetamine‐dependent, aged 16–65 years.

Measurements

The primary outcome measure was presence/absence of amphetamine/methamphetamine in urine samples collected twice weekly. Secondary measures included treatment adherence, alterations in craving scores and self‐reported use. Primary analysis was by intention‐to‐treat (ITT). The study drug, methylphenidate (as Concerta®), was up‐titrated over 2 weeks to a maximum dose of 54 mg daily and continued for a further 20 weeks. Doses were given under daily supervision at the clinics.

Findings

Seventy‐nine participants were randomized (40 methylphenidate; 39 placebo); 76 received allocated treatment and 27 completed the trial. ITT analysis (n = 78) showed no statistically significant difference in the percentage of positive urines between the methylphenidate and placebo arms (odds ratio: 0.95, 95% confidence interval: 0.83–1.08). However, there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the active and placebo arms in retention, the placebo arm displaying a significantly lower retention from 6 weeks that persisted until the end of the trial.

Conclusions

The trial failed to replicate earlier findings suggesting that methylphenidate was superior to placebo. The low retention rate confounded the ability to draw firm conclusions about efficacy. The higher retention rate was observed in the methylphenidate arm. Any replication of this work would need to consider alternatives to the rigid clinic attendance criteria, and consider an increased dose.
Elephant herbivory in Majete Wildlife Reserve, Malawi
Authors: Staub Caroline G. , Binford Michael W. , Stevens Forrest R.
Published: January 2013

Elephants have a major influence on vegetation structure, composition and ecosystem processes, and are primary agents of habitat change in Africa. At moderate‐to‐high population densities, elephants can damage vegetation, especially when enclosed in protected areas. This study examines the effects of elephant browsing on woody trees in Majete Wildlife Reserve (WR), south‐western Malawi. Regression analysis is used to assess the associations of six factors known to drive elephant browsing in other areas and determine which ones have the most influence on browsing at Majete WR. Twenty‐four per cent of tagged trees had been subject to elephant browsing. The model with vegetation type, stem diameter and distance from permanent water correctly predicted browsing for 80% of the observations. Elephants mostly favoured riparian woodlands, followed by Acacia‐dominated woodland and Brachystegia‐dominated woodland. Browsing occurrence was negatively related to distance from permanent water and diameter at breast height(DBH). A larger number of trees, sampled at random and covering a larger portion of the reserve would provide more reliable estimates of browsing and related factors. Knowledge of time‐ and site‐specific factors affecting elephant browsing can be used to forecast future habitat transformations and manipulate the range of the elephants within the reserve.
Daily living skills in school‐age children with and without anxiety disorders
Authors: Drahota Amy , Sterling Lindsey , Hwang Wei‐Chin , Wood Jeffrey J.
Published: January 2013

Objective

Anxiety may interfere with school‐age children's independent behaviour and hence, their daily living skills (DLS). Nonetheless, this has not been tested in previous studies of children with clinical anxiety.

Method

This study compared two groups of age‐, gender‐, and ethnicity‐matched children with and without anxiety disorders (N = 60), testing the association of anxiety disorders with a lack of independence in DLS.

Results

Anxiety disorders are significantly associated with less mastery of DLS. Age moderated this effect for children with anxiety disorders; older children were more negatively impacted by anxiety disorders than younger children.

Conclusions

Anxiety disorders may negatively impact children's independence in DLS. As children transition from mid‐ to late childhood – a period normally marked by increasing independence – this effect may grow in magnitude.

Practitioner Points

A relation exists between the presence of anxiety disorders and reduced independence in daily living skills (DLS).

Older school‐age children with an anxiety disorder experienced particularly pronounced DLS deficits when compared with matched peers without an anxiety disorder. Early detection and intervention of anxiety may be the key to preventing negative impact in DLS.

Parents provided information about DLS, which is a limitation of the current study. Involving multiple informants or observational methods may provide a broader assessment of children's DLS.

Due to the cross‐sectional design of the study, causation should not be inferred.
Estimation of the predictive power of the model in mixed‐effects meta‐regression: A simulation study
Authors: López‐López José Antonio , Marín‐Martínez Fulgencio , Sánchez‐Meca Julio , Van den Noortgate Wim , Viechtbauer Wolfgang
Published: January 2013

Several methods are available to estimate the total and residual amount of heterogeneity in meta‐analysis, leading to different alternatives when estimating the predictive power in mixed‐effects meta‐regression models using the formula proposed by Raudenbush (1994, 2009). In this paper, a simulation study was conducted to compare the performance of seven estimators of these parameters under various realistic scenarios in psychology and related fields. Our results suggest that the number of studies (k) exerts the most important influence on the accuracy of the results, and that precise estimates of the heterogeneity variances and the model predictive power can only be expected with at least 20 and 40 studies, respectively. Increases in the average within‐study sample size () also improved the results for all estimators. Some differences among the accuracy of the estimators were observed, especially under adverse (small k and ) conditions, while the results for the different methods tended to convergence for more optimal scenarios.
The DINA model as a constrained general diagnostic model: Two variants of a model equivalency
Authors: von Davier Matthias
Published: January 2013

The ‘deterministic‐input noisy‐AND’ (DINA) model is one of the more frequently applied diagnostic classification models for binary observed responses and binary latent variables. The purpose of this paper is to show that the model is equivalent to a special case of a more general compensatory family of diagnostic models. Two equivalencies are presented. Both project the original DINA skill space and design Q‐matrix using mappings into a transformed skill space as well as a transformed Q‐matrix space. Both variants of the equivalency produce a compensatory model that is mathematically equivalent to the (conjunctive) DINA model. This equivalency holds for all DINA models with any type of Q‐matrix, not only for trivial (simple‐structure) cases. The two versions of the equivalency presented in this paper are not implied by the recently suggested log‐linear cognitive diagnosis model or the generalized DINA approach. The equivalencies presented here exist independent of these recently derived models since they solely require a linear – compensatory – general diagnostic model without any skill interaction terms. Whenever it can be shown that one model can be viewed as a special case of another more general one, conclusions derived from any particular model‐based estimates are drawn into question. It is widely known that multidimensional models can often be specified in multiple ways while the model‐based probabilities of observed variables stay the same. This paper goes beyond this type of equivalency by showing that a conjunctive diagnostic classification model can be expressed as a constrained special case of a general compensatory diagnostic modelling framework.
Clinicopathological characteristics of T1 colorectal cancer without background adenoma
Authors: Han K. S. , Lim S. W. , Sohn D. K. , Chang H. J. , Oh J. H. , Lee J. H. , Kim H. R. , Kim Y. J.
Published: January 2013

Aim

Background adenoma (BGA) is defined as benign adenomatous tissue contiguous to resected carcinomas, and the absence of BGA in a tumour is considered a histological criterion of de novo cancers. The present study aimed to identify the clinicopathological characteristics of T1 colorectal cancer (CRC) without BGA.

Method

A retrospective review was carried out of prospectively collected data from two centres: the National Cancer Center, Korea; and Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Korea. A total of 590 patients with T1 CRC, treated by endoscopic or surgical resection between January 2001 and August 2011, were enrolled. Details regarding gender, age, tumour location, endoscopic gross type, tumour size, depth of submucosal (SM) invasion, angiolymphatic invasion, tumour grade, budding and lymph node (LN) metastasis were evaluated with regard to the presence or absence of BGA.

Results

BGA was absent in 197 (33.4%) patients. Tumour size <20 mm, flat or depressed type, deep SM depth and tumour budding were associated with the absence of BGA in univariate and multivariate analyses (P < 0.05). In surgically resected patients, LN metastases were significantly associated with the absence of BGA (P = 0.022).

Conclusion

T1 CRC without BGA presented several characteristics of small size (<20 mm), flat or depressed type, deep SM depth (SM 2/3), LN metastasis and tumour budding. These results indicate that de novo cancers may have a more invasive potential.
Digital Cultural Heritage and the Crowd
Authors: Owens Trevor
Published: January 2013

Libraries, archives, and museums have a long history of collaboration with members of the public. There is already considerable interest in extending this relationship, inviting members of the public, often referred to as “the crowd,” to tag and classify, transcribe, organize, and otherwise add value to digital cultural heritage collection content. In this essay, current discussions of crowdsourcing are connected with the mission and values of cultural heritage organizations and a framework is offered for thinking about distinct components of different kinds of projects that have been lumped together.
What did Louis the Pious see in the night sky? A new interpretation of the Astronomer's account of Halley's Comet, 837
Authors: Ashley Scott
Published: January 2013

The passage of Halley's Comet through the skies above the Earth in the spring of 837 was a spectacular event, with written records surviving from T'ang China, Heian Japan, the Abbasid Caliphate and the Carolingian empire. This article integrates all of these sources, together with the findings of modern historical astronomy, to revise the famous account from the Vita Hludowici imperatoris of the emperor Louis the Pious and the ‘Astronomer’ observing the comet from the rooftops of Aachen. It assesses how reliable early medieval witnesses were when describing the natural world and demonstrates that the Astronomer was able to produce a coherent description of the night sky. However, despite the claims of the text, close analysis and comparison with Chinese observations reveals the two men could not have been watching Halley's Comet that evening. Nevertheless, the Astronomer's account is sufficiently accurate and effective that two alternative suggestions can be derived from it.
Equine keratomycosis inSwitzerland:Aretrospective evaluation of 35 horses (January 2000–August 2011)
Authors: Voelter‐Ratson K. , Pot S. A. , Florin M. , Spiess B. M.
Published: January 2013

Reason for performing study

Keratomycosis is a severe disease in horses. Geographical differences in fungi causing keratomycosis and susceptibility of the organisms to antifungal drugs exist but few previous publications on this disease originate fromEurope.

Objective

To retrospectively compare the clinical data of 36 eyes with keratomycosis, diagnosed in 35 horses betweenJanuary 2000 andAugust 2011 at theVetsuisseFaculty ofSwitzerland. Case history, season, prior treatment, clinical appearance, surgical and medical treatment, treatment duration, and globe survival were evaluated.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Medical records of horses with a definitive cytological or histological diagnosis of keratomycosis were reviewed.

Results

Thirty‐one of 36 eyes (86.1%) presented with ulcerative keratitis, 2/36 (5.55%) had diffuse corneal infiltration, 2/36 (5.55%) had superficial punctate keratitis and 1/36 (2.8%) had a fluorescein‐negative fungal plaque. Two of 6 fungal cultures producedAspergillusspp. Thirty eyes received medical and surgical treatment, while 3 eyes were treated medically only. In 3 horses the globe was removed at the time of first presentation. Sex, age, prior treatment with antimicrobials or steroids, or type of surgical approach did not significantly influence the outcome. Twenty‐three of 36 eyes (63.9%) were at least partially visual, 11/36 eyes (30.5%) were enucleated and 2 horses (2/36 eyes, 5.6%) were subjected to euthanasia. Treatment protocols were compared in the 31 eyes with ulcerative keratitis. In this group, 3/31 globes were immediately enucleated, 16/31 eyes were treated topically with voriconazole or voriconazole/fluconazole and 12/31 with other antifungal drug combinations. The different medication protocols did not significantly affect the outcome.

Conclusions

There were no significant differences in outcome between different medical treatment protocols or types of surgical approach.

Potential relevance

Future studies in centralEurope should focus on the identification of fungal pathogens, susceptibility patterns and the efficacy of antifungal drug therapies.
Dissociation between patients and their partners in expectations for sexual life after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Sato Yoshikazu , Tanda Hitoshi , Nakajima Hisao , Nitta Toshikazu , Akagashi Keigo , Hanzawa Tatsuo , Tobe Musashi , Haga Kazunori , Uchida Kosuke , Honma Ichiya
Published: January 2013

Objective

To analyze expectations for sexual life after radical prostatectomy in patients and their partners, and its influence on sexual motivation and bothers in the postoperative period.

Methods

A total of 162 patients who underwent retropubic radical prostatectomy and their partners were evaluated. The patients' sexual function, sexual bother and expectations for postoperative sexual life were assessed prospectively at baseline, and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after radical prostatectomy. The partner was asked questions about postoperative sexual life before the operation. Sexual function and sexual bother were evaluated by the University of California Los Angeles Prostate Cancer Index. Expectations for postoperative sexual life were studied using three ad hoc questions.

Results

The rate of having sexual intercourse and adequate penile rigidity for vaginal penetration at baseline was 29.0% and 21.6%, respectively. A significantly higher rate of patients considered “sexual life is important” (patient 35.2%, partner 13.0%), hoped for “preservation of erectile function” (patient 66.0%, partner 33.3%) and accepted “use of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor” (patient 65.4%, partner 43.2%) compared with their partners (P < 0.001). Patients who had partners with a negative sexual attitude lost sexual motivation 1 year after operation. However, patients with cooperative partners maintained sexual motivation, although they felt greater sexual bother 1 year after radical prostatectomy.

Conclusions

There was a significant dissociation in perspectives of postoperative sexual life between patients undergoing radical prostatectomy and their partners. Partners' low expectations are associated with patients' low sexual bother and motivation. Partners' cooperative attitude might contribute to maintaining patients' sexual desire and motivation.
Risk factors predicting the outcome of salvage radiotherapy in patients with biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Kinoshita Hidefumi , Shimizu Yosuke , Mizowaki Takashi , Takayama Kenji , Norihisa Yoshiki , Kamoto Toshiyuki , Kamba Tomomi , Hayashino Yasuaki , Hiraoka Masahiro , Ogawa Osamu
Published: January 2013

Objectives

Salvage radiotherapy is the only curative treatment for patients with prostate cancer showing biochemical progression after radical prostatectomy. In this study, we evaluated the clinicopathological parameters that influence the outcome of salvage radiotherapy.

Methods

Medical records of 49 patients who underwent salvage radiotherapy after radical prostatectomy from 1997 to 2008 at the Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, were retrospectively reviewed. Radiotherapy was carried out with 66 Gy on the prostatic bed.

Results

Biochemical progression‐free survival after salvage radiotherapy at 2, 5 and 7 years was 51.0%, 42.2% and 42.2%, respectively. Significant parameters predicting biochemical progression after salvage radiotherapy by Cox regression analysis were prostatectomy Gleason score sum ≥8 (hazard ratio 0.08; 95% confidence interval 0.03–0.22; P = 0.001), prostate‐specific antigen nadir after radical prostatectomy ≥0.04 ng/mL (hazard ratio 0.30; 95% confidence interval 0.13–0.69; P = 0.005) and negative surgical margin (hazard ratio 0.28; 95% confidence interval 0.12–0.70; P = 0.006). When the patients were subgrouped by these risk factors, the 5‐year progression‐free survival rates after salvage radiotherapy were 77.8%, 50.0% and 6.7% in patients with 0, 1 and ≥2 predictors, respectively.

Conclusion

In order to discriminate favorable candidates for salvage radiotherapy, Gleason score of prostatectomy, prostate‐specific antigen nadir after prostatectomy and positive surgical margin represent independent predictors. Thus, progression‐free survival might be more precisely predicted according to the presence/absence of these risk factors. The significance of this risk classification should be confirmed by large prospective studies.
Predictive factors for acute and late urinary toxicity after permanent interstitial brachytherapy in Japanese patients
Authors: Tanimoto Ryuta , Bekku Kensuke , Katayama Norihisa , Kobayashi Yasuyuki , Ebara Shin , Araki Motoo , Takemoto Mitsuhiro , Yanai Hiroyuki , Nasu Yasutomo , Kumon Hiromi
Published: January 2013

Objectives

To describe the frequency of and to determine predictive factors associated with Radiation Therapy Oncology Group urinary toxicity in prostate brachytherapy patients.

Methods

From January 2004 to April 2011, 466 consecutive Japanese patients underwent permanent iodine‐125‐seed brachytherapy (median follow up 48 months). International Prostate Symptom Score and Radiation Therapy Oncology Group toxicity data were prospectively collected. Prostate volume, International Prostate Symptom Score before and after brachytherapy, and postimplant analysis were examined for an association with urinary toxicity, defined as Radiation Therapy Oncology Group urinary toxicity of Grade 1 or higher. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the factors associated with urinary toxicity.

Results

The rate of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group urinary toxicity grade 1 or higher at 1, 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months was 67%, 40%, 21%, 31%, 27% and 28%, respectively. Grade 2 or higher urinary toxicity was less than 1% at each time‐point. International Prostate Symptom Score was highest at 3 months and returned to normal 12 months after brachytherapy. On univariate analysis, patients with a larger prostate size, greater baseline International Prostate Symptom Score, higher prostate V100, higher prostate V150, higher prostate D90 and a greater number of seeds had more acute urinary toxicities at 1 month and 12 months after brachytherapy. On multivariate analysis, significant predictors for urinary toxicity at 1 month and 12 months were a greater baseline International Prostate Symptom Score and prostate V100.

Conclusions

Most urinary symptoms are tolerated and resolved within 12 months after prostate brachytherapy. Acute and late urinary toxicity after brachytherapy is strongly related to the baseline International Prostate Symptom Score and prostate V100.
Recent advances of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery in urological surgery
Authors: Izquierdo Laura , Peri Lluis , García‐Cruz Eduardo , Musquera Mireia , Piqueras Marta , Gosálbez David , Alcaraz Antonio
Published: January 2013

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery designates a surgical procedure that utilizes one or more patent natural orifices of the body with the intention to puncture a hollow viscera in order to enter the abdominal cavity. First carried out at the beginning of the 2000s in experimental models, it can be considered the natural evolution of laparoscopy towards the ideal of scarless surgery, as the avoidance of a large abdominal scar is associated with better cosmetic results and better recovery. However, the technology currently available does not allow the performance of complete pure natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery procedures. The surgical tools used are not specially designed for this approach, so difficulties in retracting organs, bleeding control and clashing of instruments are the main obstacle surgeons face. For this reason, the current available technique is the so‐called hybrid approach, where a natural orifice approach is combined with some abdominal trocars, using the natural orifice as the exit door for the specimen removal. As not many comparative studies have been published evaluating the advantages of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery in front of traditional laparoscopic surgery, a review of the history of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery, and an assessment of the available evidence of this technique regarding renal and urological pelvic surgery are performed in this article.
Component Selection in the Additive Regression Model
Authors: CUI XIA , PENG HENG , WEN SONGQIAO , ZHU LIXING
Published: January 2013

Abstract.  Similar to variable selection in the linear model, selecting significant components in the additive model is of great interest. However, such components are unknown, unobservable functions of independent variables. Some approximation is needed. We suggest a combination of penalized regression spline approximation and group variable selection, called the group‐bridge‐type spline method (GBSM), to handle this component selection problem with a diverging number of correlated variables in each group. The proposed method can select significant components and estimate non‐parametric additive function components simultaneously. To make the GBSM stable in computation and adaptive to the level of smoothness of the component functions, weighted power spline bases and projected weighted power spline bases are proposed. Their performance is examined by simulation studies. The proposed method is extended to a partial linear regression model analysis with real data, and gives reliable results.
ALLIED HEALTH SERVICES TO NEPHROLOGY: AN AUDIT OF CURRENT WORKFORCE AND MEETING FUTURE CHALLENGES
Authors: Campbell Katrina L. , Murray Eryn M.
Published: January 2013

Aim

The aim of this study is to evaluate the breadth and depth of the allied health workforce providing renal services in Queensland, Australia.

Methods

Workforce statistics were reported for allied health renal services (excluding transplant) across all 14 publically funded regions across Queensland, Australia. Dietetics, pharmacy, podiatry, psychology and social work were compared with workforce benchmarks capturing full‐time equivalent (FTE) to dialysis patient numbers (1 FTE:diaysis patients).

Results

Wide variation was evident within and between professions. All services provided dietetics, with nine services meeting the benchmark, with an average (median) of 1:127 (range 1:36–1:207). Ten services provided pharmacy (1:245 [1:36–1:845]), twelve provided social work (1:191 [1:71–1:845]) and seven provided psychology services (1:396 [1:155–1:1690]). Only one‐third of units funded podiatry services (1:1077 [1:143–1:4300]), none of which met benchmark.

Conclusion

There is a clear disparity in allied health workforce across in this region, with the vast majority below benchmark recommendations. In light of increasing demand for this area, it is timely to identify strategies for innovative workforce design to manage growth in allied health service needs into the future.
Influence of Mixing on Quality of Gluten‐Free Bread
Authors: Gómez Manuel , Talegón María , de la Hera Esther
Published: January 2013

Interest in research into gluten‐free bakery products has been increasing in recent years. In this paper, we have focused on the effect of mixing on two different gluten‐free bread formulas (80 and 110% hydration), studying bread quality parameters. In less hydrated breads, no significant differences were found depending on the mixing arm (flat beater or dough hook), but mixing time influenced the specific volume of bread, being these higher while mixing time increased. Both mixer arm and mixing speed were found to have a significant effect on bread volume and texture in more hydrated dough, achieving higher specific volumes and softer breads with the wire whip compared with the flat beater, with lower mixing speeds and longer mixing time. In more hydrated breads, proofing time improved bread specific volume, but in less hydrated breads the effect was the opposite. This effect was remarked in longer mixing times.

Practical Applications

This paper demonstrates the importance of mixing time and the type of mixer device in gluten‐free bread making, something not studied so far. It also shows that this influence is different from which gluten‐bread kneading has, where the mechanical work is essential for the development of the protein network. Based on the results of this study, the mixing process of the gluten‐free elaborations can be optimized, allowing obtaining breads with higher volume and lower hardness, therefore increasing the final quality of the bread, one of the major problems of the gluten‐free breads.