bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectroscopic Parameters ofX3Σ−,a1Δ, andA′3Δ Electronic States of SO Radical
Authors: Wang Jie-min , Feng Heng-qiang , Sun Jin-feng , Shi De-heng , Zhu Zun-lue
Published: November 2012

The potential energy curves (PECs) of three low-lying electronic states (X3Σ, a1Δ, and A′3Δ) of SO radical have been studied by ab initio quantum chemical method. The calculations were carried out with the full valence complete active space self-consistent field method followed by the highly accurate valence internally contracted multireference configuration interaction (MRCI) approach in combination with correlation-consistent basis sets. Effects of the core-valence correlation and relativistic corrections on the PECs are taken into account. The core-valence correlation correction is carried out with the cc-pCVDZ basis set. The way to consider the relativistic correction is to use the second-order Douglas-Kroll Hamiltonian approximation, and the correction is performed at the level of cc-pV5Z basis set. To obtain more reliable results, the PECs determined by the MRCI calculations are also corrected for size-extensivity errors by means of the Davidson modification (MRCI+Q). These PECs are extrapolated to the complete basis set limit by the two-point energy extrapolation scheme. With these PECs, the spectroscopic parameters are determined.
Theoretical Study on Vibrational Spectra, Detonation Properties and Pyrolysis Mechanism for Cyclic 2-Diazo-4,6-dinitrophenol
Authors: Li Xiao-hong , Yin Geng-xin , Zhang Xian-zhou
Published: November 2012

Based on the full optimized molecular geometrical structures at the DFT-B3LYP/6-311+G** level, there exists intramolecular hydrogen bond interaction for cyclic 2-diazo-4,6-dinitrophenol. The assigned infrared spectrum is obtained and used to compute the thermodynamic properties. The results show that there are four main characteristic regions in the calculated IR spectra of the title compound. The detonation velocities and pressures are also evaluated by using Kamlet-Jacobs equations based on the calculated density and condensed phase heat of formation. Thermal stability and the pyrolysis mechanism of 2-diazo-4,6-dinitrophenol are investigated by calculating the bond dissociation energies at the B3LYP/6-311+G** level.
Hyperluminous reddened broad-line quasars at z ∼ 2 from the VISTA Hemisphere Survey and WISE all-sky survey
Authors: Banerji Manda , McMahon Richard G. , Hewett Paul C. , Gonzalez-Solares Eduardo , Koposov Sergey E.
Published: November 2012

We present the first sample of spectroscopically confirmed heavily reddened broad-line quasars selected using the new near-infrared VISTA Hemisphere Survey and Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) all-sky survey. Observations of four candidates with (J − K) > 2.5 and K ≤ 16.5 over ∼180 deg2 lead to confirmation that two are highly dust-reddened broad-line Type 1 quasars at z ∼ 2. The typical dust extinctions are AV ∼ 2–2.5 mag. We measure black hole masses of ∼109 M⊙ and extinction-corrected bolometric luminosities of ∼1047 erg s−1, making them some of the brightest Type 1 quasars currently known. Despite this, these quasars lie well below the detection limits of wide-field optical surveys like the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) with iAB > 22. We also present WISE photometry at 3–22 μm, for our full sample of spectroscopically confirmed reddened quasars including those selected from the UKIDSS Large Area Survey. We demonstrate that the rest-frame infrared spectral energy distributions of these reddened quasars are similar to ultraviolet-luminous Type 1 quasars with significant hot dust emission and starburst quasar hosts like Mrk 231. The average 12-μm flux density of our reddened quasars is similar to that of the recently discovered hyperluminous infrared galaxy (HyLIRG) WISE 1814+3412 (z = 2.452) at similar redshifts, with two of our reddened quasars also having comparable 22-μm flux densities to this extreme HyLIRG. These optically faint, heavily reddened broad-line quasars are therefore among the most mid-infrared-luminous galaxies at z ∼ 2, now being discovered using WISE.
In Planta Expression or Delivery of Potato Aphid Macrosiphum euphorbiae Effectors Me10 and Me23 Enhances Aphid Fecundity
Authors: Atamian Hagop S. , Chaudhary Ritu , Cin Valeriano Dal , Bao Ergude , Girke Thomas , Kaloshian Isgouhi
Published: November 2012

The interactions between aphids and their host plants seem to be analogous to those of plant-microbial pathogens. Unlike microbial pathogen effectors, little is known about aphid effectors and their ability to interfere with host immunity. To date, only three functional aphid effectors have been reported. To identify potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae) effectors, we developed a salivary gland transcriptome using Illumina technology. We generated 85 million Illumina reads from salivary glands and assembled them into 646 contigs. Ab initio sequence analysis predicted secretion signal peptides in 24% of these sequences, suggesting that they might be secreted into the plant during aphid feeding. Eight of these candidate effectors with secretion signal peptides were functionally characterized using Agrobacterium tumefaciens–mediated transient overexpression in Nicotiana benthamiana. Two candidate effectors, Me10 and Me23, increased aphid fecundity, suggesting their ability to suppress N. benthamiana defenses. Five of these candidate effectors, including Me10 and Me23, were also analyzed in tomato by delivering them through the Pseudomonas syringae type three secretion system. In tomato, only Me10 increased aphid fecundity. This work identified two additional aphid effectors with ability to manipulate the host for their advantage.
Effect of High β‐Palmitate Content in Infant Formula on the Intestinal Microbiota of Term Infants
Authors: Yaron Sima , Shachar Dina , Abramas Lee , Riskin Arik , Bader David , Litmanovitz Ita , Bar‐Yoseph Fabiana , Cohen Tzafra , Levi Liora , Lifshitz Yael , Shamir Raanan , Shaoul Ron
Published: November 2012

Objectives:

Palmitic acid (PA) constitutes 17% to 25% of the human milk fatty acids, and ∼70% is esterified in the sn‐2 position of triglycerides (β‐palmitate). In the sn‐2 position, PA is not hydrolyzed and thus is efficiently absorbed. The PA in palm oils, commonly used in infant formulas, is esterified in the sn‐1 and sn‐3 positions. In these positions, PA is hydrolyzed and forms poorly absorbed calcium complexes. The present study assessed whether high β‐palmitate in infant formulas affects the intestinal flora.

Methods:

Thirty‐six term infants were enrolled: 14 breast‐fed (BF group) and 22 formula‐fed infants who were randomly assigned to receive formula containing high β‐palmitate (HBP group, n = 14), or low β‐palmitate (LBP group, n = 8), where 44% and 14% of the PA was β‐palmitate, respectively. The total amount of PA in the formulas was 19% and 22% in the LBP and HBP groups, respectively. Neither formula contained pre‐ or probiotics. Stool samples were collected at enrollment and at 6 weeks for the quantification of bacteria.

Results:

At 6 weeks, the HBP and BF groups had higher Lactobacillus and bifidobacteria counts than the LBP group (P < 0.01). The Lactobacillus counts at 6 weeks were not significantly different between the HBP and BF groups. Lactobacillus counts were 1.2 × 1010, 1.2 × 1011, and 5.6 × 1010 CFU/g for LBP, HBP, and BF groups, respectively. Bifidobacteria counts were 5.1 × 109, 1.2 × 1011, and 3.9 × 1010 CFU/g for LBP, HBP, and BF groups, respectively.

Conclusions:

HBP formula beneficially affected infant gut microbiota by increasing the Lactobacillus and bifidobacteria counts in fecal stools.
The seeds of disaster
Authors: Hinshelwood R.D.
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the dynamics of communities which decline and die.

Design/methodology/approach

The example of the Marlborough Day Hospital in the 1970s is used and analysed as a form of fieldwork.

Findings

It was found that the demise of the community can be traced to ambiguities in the attitudes to authority on which the development of the community was based in the first place.

Practical implications

The demise of a therapeutic community is a common occurrence, and often attributed to the unfriendly attentions of some outside agency. But the paper explores the possibility that certain internal dynamics within the community need examination as well as the relations to the outside world, and the hosting organisation.

Originality/value

The findings add to the importance of understanding the dynamics of therapeutic communities, not just for their therapeutic benefit, but for the survival of the community itself.
A checklist of standards for democratic therapeutic communities
Authors: Kennard David , Lees Janine
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This paper seeks to grasp the nettle of developing a “checklist” of standards that can be used to accredit a therapeutic community, which are concrete enough to be objectively assessed as present to a greater or lesser degree, but at the same time reflect the daily living learning experience of a therapeutic community in a way that practitioners will recognise as a true picture of what they do or try to do.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the development of a set of auditable standards for democratic therapeutic communities, and the results of an initial pilot study. The original 60‐item checklist is attached.

Findings

The Kennard‐Lees Audit Checklist (KLAC) was developed out of an accreditation structure proposed to the ATC by Morris in 1998. This was developed by the present authors into 42 specific items which were posted for comment and suggestions on the ATC website in October 1999. A modified version was then discussed with the Prison Service, as a result of which a number of further items were added, resulting in the 60 items versions that was published on the ATC website in October 2000.

Originality/value

The checklist provides a set of auditable standards acceptable to managers, practitioners and residents of TCs. This early work acts as a measure for how things have changed since 2001.
Impact evaluation of the Act‐Belong‐Commit mental health promotion campaign
Authors: Anwar‐McHenry Julia , Donovan Robert J. , Jalleh Geoffrey , Laws Amberlee
Published: November 2012

Purpose

Act‐Belong‐Commit is a community‐based positive mental health promotion campaign that targets individuals to engage in activities that enhance their mental health while targeting community organisations that provide such activities to promote their activities under the banner of the Act‐Belong‐Commit message. This paper aims to detail key findings from a population impact evaluation of the campaign conducted in 2010.

Design/methodology/approach

Computer‐assisted telephone interviews (CATI) were conducted on a randomly selected adult sample (n=1,113) using quotas to obtain equal representation by age and gender. The questionnaire contained items gauging campaign reach, the impact of the campaign on individual beliefs and behaviours, and perceived societal impact of the campaign on mental illness stigma and openness to mental health issues.

Findings

The campaign reached 75 per cent of the population. Amongst those exposed to the campaign, 25 per cent reported changing the way they thought about mental health and mental illness, and 20 per cent reported some behaviour change. The campaign was perceived to be effective in making people more open about mental health issues (77 per cent of reached respondents) and reducing stigma surrounding mental illness (68 per cent of reached respondents).

Practical implications

The campaign provides a framework for increasing mental health literacy on a population scale.

Originality/value

With its focus on the positive aspects of mental health, the paper shows that the campaign is unique in promoting behaviours that people can and should do to build and maintain good mental health, while also encouraging community organisations and groups that provide mentally healthy activities to partner with the campaign to make mental health “everybody's business”.
Transmission dynamics of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. in a bird tick community
Authors: Heylen Dieter , Tijsse Ellen , Fonville Manoj , Matthysen Erik , Sprong Hein
Published: November 2012

We examined the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato circulation in a tick community consisting of three species (Ixodes ricinus, I. frontalis, I. arboricola) with contrasting ecologies, but sharing two European songbird hosts (Parus major and Cyanistes caeruleus). Parus major had the highest infestation rates, primarily due to larger numbers of I. ricinus, and probably because of their greater low‐level foraging. The prevalence of Borrelia in feeding ticks did not significantly differ between the two bird species; however, P. major in particular hosted large numbers of Borrelia‐infected I. frontalis and I. ricinus larvae, suggesting that the species facilitates Borrelia transmission. The low but significant numbers of Borrelia in questing I. arboricola ticks also provides the first field data to suggest that it is competent in maintaining Borrelia. Aside from Borrelia garinii, a high number of less dominant genospecies was observed, including several mammalian genospecies and the first record of Borrelia turdi for North‐Western Europe. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato IGS genotypes were shared between I. arboricola and I. ricinus and between I. frontalis and I. ricinus, but not between I. arboricola and I. frontalis. This suggests that the Borrelia spp. transmission cycles can be maintained by bird‐specific ticks, and bridged by I. ricinus to other hosts outside bird‐tick cycles.
Does use of a World Health Organization obstetric safe surgery checklist improve communication between obstetricians and anaesthetists? A retrospective study of 389 caesarean sections
Authors: Mohammed A , Wu J , Biggs T , Ofili‐Yebovi D , Cox M , Pacquette S , Duffy S
Published: November 2012

We evaluated the impact of the World Health Organization Obstetric Safe Surgery Checklist (WHO Checklist) on perioperative communication between anaesthetists and obstetricians by performing a retrospective audit in a Teaching hospital in London, UK. Caesarean section births from February to March 2009 and April to May 2011 were studied. Caesarean section notes from obstetricians and anaesthetists managing the same woman during the study period were reviewed. Grading differences between obstetricians and anaesthetists before and after checklist introduction were evaluated. Communication failure (where obstetricians and anaesthetists had documented different caesarean section grades [level of urgency]) and good communication (where obstetricians and anaesthetists had documented the same caesarean section grade) were observed. In total, 195 caesarean sections before introduction of the WHO safe surgery checklist and 194 caesarean sections after checklist introduction were studied. Grading differences occurred in 24.1% of caesarean sections without checklists compared with 10.3% with checklists (P < 0.001). During emergency caesarean section alone, grading differences between obstetricians and anaesthetists were smaller, although this was not significant (P = 0.222). We conclude that implementation of a WHO Obstetric Safe Surgery checklist improves the communication of caesarean section grade (urgency) between obstetricians and anaesthetists.
A comparison of two techniques for the rapid assessment of marine habitat complexity
Authors: Lambert Gwladys I. , Jennings Simon , Hinz Hilmar , Murray Lee G. , Parrott Lael , Kaiser Michel J. , Hiddink Jan G.
Published: November 2012

Monitoring and assessment of the status and distribution of marine seabed habitats is needed to support existing and emerging environmental policy commitments. Traditional monitoring of habitats and associated species using grabs and trawls is costly and labour intensive and might usefully be complemented by cheaper and more readily automated methods that can be used at higher frequencies and/or on larger spatial scales.

We develop and apply two methods to measure seabed habitat complexity and demonstrate how they can be used to describe impacts (e.g. fishing gear impacts) and monitor recovery. The first method relies on the analysis of deviations in a laser line projected on the seabed. The second method is based on the pixel value distribution in seabed photographs. We use both methods to quantify the complexity created by different substrates and habitat‐forming species and to establish links between habitat complexity and faunal diversity (richness) and abundance.

The habitat complexity index calculated with the laser line method provided a reliable index of complexity across a range of habitat types, showing a monotonic increase with coarseness of the substratum and the abundance of sessile epifauna. Pixel value distributions in the photographs did not reflect the increase in complexity due to sessile epifauna but only reflected substratum differences.

Results suggested that the laser line method would be suitable for monitoring the effect of disturbance on habitats ranging from gravelly sands to rock, and their subsequent recovery. The photographic method would be better suited to assessing complexity and heterogeneity of the substratum. Both methods complement conventional biological sampling and can be used at higher frequencies and/or on larger spatial scales per unit cost.

The laser line method has considerable potential to support demands for frequent monitoring of seabed habitats and human impacts at a range of spatial scales. It is less costly and labour intensive than existing approaches and can be deployed from vessels of many sizes.
Influence of time on dermoscopic diagnosis and management
Authors: Jaimes Natalia , Dusza Stephen W. , Quigley Elizabeth A. , Braun Ralph P. , Puig Susana , Malvehy Josep , Kittler Harald , Rabinovitz Harold S. , Oliviero Margaret C. , Soyer H. Peter , Grichnik James M. , Korzenko Adam , Cabo Horacio , Carlos‐Ortega Blanca , Ahlgrimm‐Siess Verena , Kopf Alfred W. , Marghoob Ashfaq A.
Published: November 2012

Background/Objectives

Dermoscopy aids in clinical decision‐making. However, time pressure is a common reason precluding its use. We evaluated the effect of time on lesion recognition and management decisions utilising clinical and dermoscopic images.

Method

In all, 100 dermoscopic images were presented to 15 dermatologists with experience in dermoscopy and seven non‐experts (dermatology residents). Each lesion was displayed thrice in succession. The dermoscopic image was initially presented for 1 s (t1). The same dermoscopic image was shown again without time constraints (t2) and then a final time with additional images of the clinical context (t3). Participants provided a diagnosis, their level of confidence and biopsy predilection after evaluating each image.

Results

For benign lesions, both groups rarely changed their diagnosis. However, an improvement in the number of correct benign diagnoses was observed when the lesion was shown in a clinical context. For malignant lesions, both groups improved when more time and clinical context was given; nevertheless, non‐experts were more likely to change the diagnosis towards the correct one as more time was given and tended to perform more biopsies, in particular of benign lesions. Limitations were a small number of participants and an artificial study setting.

Conclusion

Dermoscopy uses analytical and non‐analytical reasoning approaches. We suggest that non‐analytical reasoning is employed when rapid clinical decisions need to be made, especially during the evaluation of benign lesions. We conclude that dermoscopy is relatively rapid and non–time‐consuming technique that adds relevant information and guides clinicians towards appropriate management decisions.
Male frontal fibrosing alopecia with generalised hair loss
Authors: Chen WenChieh , Kigitsidou Evanthia , Prucha Hanna , Ring Johannes , Andres Christian
Published: November 2012

Frontal fibrosing alopecia predominantly affects postmenopausal women and is regarded as a variant of lichen planopilaris. Male cases have rarely been reported. Here we describe a 66‐year‐old man with a typical receding fronto‐temporal hair line in a form of scarring alopecia, which shows features of lichen planopilaris in histology. An extensive loss of body hair involving bilateral axillae, limbs and pubic area was also observed.
Biology as Population Dynamics: Heuristics for Transmission Risk
Authors: Keebler Daniel , Walwyn David , Welte Alex
Published: November 2012

Population‐type models, accounting for phenomena such as population lifetimes, mixing patterns, recruitment patterns, genetic evolution and environmental conditions, can be usefully applied to the biology ofHIVinfection and viral replication. A simple dynamic model can explore the effect of a vaccine‐like stimulus on the mortality and infectiousness, which formally looks like fertility, of invading virions; the mortality of freshly infected cells; and the availability of target cells, all of which impact on the probability of infection. Variations on this model could capture the importance of the timing and duration of different key events in viral transmission, and hence be applied to questions of mucosal immunology. The dynamical insights and assumptions of such models are compatible with the continuum of between‐ and within‐individual risks in sexual violence and may be helpful in making sense of the sparse data available on the association betweenHIVtransmission and sexual violence.
Presence of Autoantibody Against Two Placental Proteins, Peroxiredoxin 3 and Peroxiredoxin 4, in Sera of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Patients
Authors: Gharesi‐Fard Behrouz , Jafarzadeh Leila , Ghaderi‐shabankareh Farzaneh , Zolghadri Jaleh , Kamali‐Sarvestani Eskandar
Published: November 2012

Problem

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is defined as two or more consecutive abortion before the 20th week of gestation. Autoimmune diseases increase the risk and accounts for at least 20% of RPL. Placenta is a pregnancy unique tissue, and proper formation of placenta is key phenomenal for success of a pregnancy. The aim of this study was to investigate the placental proteins that may act as antibody targets in RPL patients.

Method of study

Total placental proteins were extracted and separated using 2D‐PAGE technique. Separated protein spots were transferred on PVDF membrane and blotted with sera from 20 RPL patients and compared with the protein spots that membrane blotted with sera from 20 normal women. Differentially blotted spots were identified by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry mass spectrometry technique. The results of the mass analysis also were confirmed by western blot using mAb and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction technique.

Results

The results indicated that RPL women may produce antibody against Peroxiredoxin 3 (Prx3) and Peroxiredoxin 4 (Prx4).

Conclusion

Our results indicate that two placental proteins, Prx3 and Prx4, may act as new placental immune targets. Considering the role of antioxidant defense in the protection of placenta from oxidative stress, production of antibodies against peroxiredoxins 3 and 4 may introduce a new autoimmune hypothesis in RPL, which is needed to be tested in the future works.
No association between overweight and asthma or allergy in adolescence after wheezing in infancy
Authors: Ruotsalainen Marja , Hyvärinen Mari K , Saari Antti , Piippo‐Savolainen Eija , Korppi Matti
Published: November 2012

Aims

The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between weight status and asthma, allergy and respiratory symptoms in adolescents with bronchiolitis in infancy.

Subjects and methods

At age 15–18 years, a questionnaire was sent to 96 study subjects hospitalized for wheezing at age <24 months and followed up subsequently. Sixty‐seven (70%) of them answered. Weight and height data for body mass index (BMI) calculation were available in 60 (63%) cases. Asthma, allergy, respiratory symptoms and the use of asthma medication were compared between overweight or obese and normal weight groups constructed by age‐ and sex‐specific BMI standard deviation scores (BMI‐SDS). Population controls matched for sex, and birth month and place, were recruited for this study phase at age 15–18 years.

Results

Eleven (18.3%) study subjects were overweight (BMI‐SDS >0.78 in males and >1.16 in females) and only 3 (5.0%) were obese (BMI‐SDS >1.70 in males and >2.10 in females) at 16.5 (median) years of age. Overweight or obesity had no significant association with doctor‐diagnosed or self‐reported asthma, allergy or the use of inhaled corticosteroids. The negative results were confirmed by adjusted analyses.

Conclusion

Weight status had no association with asthma or allergy in adolescence after wheezing in infancy.
Pre‐operative use of anti‐TNF‐α agents and the risk of post‐operative complications in patients with Crohn's disease – a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Nørgård B. M. , Nielsen J. , Qvist N. , Gradel K. O. , de Muckadell O. B. Schaffalitzky , Kjeldsen J.
Published: November 2012

Background

A possible negative role of pre‐operative use of antitumour necrosis factor‐alpha (anti‐TNF‐α) agents on post‐operative outcomes in Crohn's disease (CD) patients is still debated.

Aim

To examine the impact of pre‐operative anti‐TNF‐α agents on post‐operative outcomes 30 and 60 days after CD surgery in a nationwide Danish cohort. Outcomes were death, reoperation, anastomosis leakage, intra‐abdominal abscess and bacteraemia.

Methods

We identified all patients having surgical procedures from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2010 (n = 2293). Patients were classified according to use of anti‐TNF‐α agents within 12 weeks before surgery (exposed) or not (unexposed). Outcomes were obtained from nationwide registries and a bacteraemia registry. Sub‐analyses were performed for bacteraemia and for impact of pre‐operative timing of anti‐TNF‐α agents.

Results

Among surgical procedures for CD, 214 were exposed and 2079 were not. We found no increased relative risks of death or abscess drainage 30 or 60 days after follow‐up. Among exposed, 7.5% had a reoperation within 30 days vs. 8.6% among unexposed, adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.92, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.52–1.63. Among exposed, 3.8% had an anastomosis leakage within 30 days after surgery vs. 2.8% among unexposed, adjusted OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 0.59–3.02. No further cases of anastomosis leakages appeared within 60 days. Sub‐analyses indicated no increased risk of bacteraemia after 30 days and no increased risks when anti‐TNF‐α agents were given ≤14 days before surgery.

Conclusion

We found no significantly increased relative risks of post‐operative complications after use of anti‐TNF‐α agents either 12 weeks or ≤14 days before surgery for Crohn's disease.
Authority and Managing Innovation: A Typology of Product Development Teams and Communities
Authors: Koch Anne H.
Published: November 2012

Understanding the conditions under which organizational groups operate is basic for successfully managing innovation. The goal of this article is to provide a typology for distinguishing different forms of communities and teams that promote innovation. Existing typologies are incomplete because they neither look at procedural and institutional authority simultaneously, nor include all kinds of groups used for progressing innovation. This article pays particular attention to two key variables that impact productivity, namely the relationship of groups to institutional and procedural authority. Four groups, autonomous and functional teams and communities of practice and epistemic communities, are linked to the two dimensions. Accordingly, the article provides a conceptual framework for understanding how various groups function and manage themselves in subtle, different ways. By choosing various innovation groups for different purposes, firms can respond to change and create a competitive advantage. Intervention strategies that help to achieve successful innovation outcomes of groups are discussed. Finally, the article suggests further research areas.
Circulating MicroRNAs as Potential Risk Biomarkers for Hematoma Enlargement after Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Zheng Hong‐Wei , Wang Yi‐Long , Lin Jin‐Xi , Li Na , Zhao Xing‐Quan , Liu Gai‐Fen , Liu Li‐Ping , Jiao Yan , Gu Wei‐Kuan , Wang David Z. , Wang Yong‐Jun
Published: November 2012

Background and Purpose

MicroRNAs have recently been shown to regulate the downstream bioprocesses of intracerebral hemorrhage. The aim of this study was to investigate whether miRNAs can be used as biomarkers to predict secondary hematoma enlargement (HE) in patients with ICH.

Methods

Consecutively, 79 ICH patients admitted within 6 h of symptom onset and 30 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. Whole‐genome miRNA expression profiles were generated in 32 patients (HE/non‐HE: 14/18). Representative differentially expressed miRNAs were measured in all cases (HE/non‐HE: 30/49) and normal controls (n = 30) by real‐time PCR.

Results

Thirty miRNAs showed differential expressions in the plasma samples from patients with HE as compared with the non‐HE controls. Compared to the hierarchical cluster analysis with all probes on microarray, all patients were separated into two main branches with only four exceptions by 30 differentially expressed miRNAs, improving the overall accuracy from 47.62 to 77.78% in the HE and 72.73 to 100% in the non‐HE group. Further support vector machine (SVM) test can discriminate the two groups with 100% accuracy with 10 differentially expressed miRNAs.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that multiple miRNAs are differentially expressed in the plasma of ICH patients with or without HE and may serve as circulating biomarkers for predicting HE after ICH.
Myocardial Infarction in a 4‐Year‐Old Child: Role of Echocardiography in Diagnosis
Authors: Mahesh Kumar Saktheeswaran , Subramanian Venkateshwaran , Krishnamoorthy Kavassery Mahadevan
Published: November 2012

Mini‐Abstract

Kawasaki disease which is the most common acquired heart disease in developed countries causes coronary arterial aneurysms in 20% of untreated patients. Instead of presenting with the classical Kawasaki disease features these patients may present with angina, breathlessness, myocardial infarction, and sudden death. Echocardiography helps in early diagnosis.
Temperature‐dependent shifts in herbivore performance and interactions drive nonlinear changes in crop damages
Authors: Dangles Olivier , Herrera Mario , Mazoyer Charlotte , Silvain Jean‐François
Published: November 2012

Understanding how and to what extent the influence of temperature on physiological performance scales up to interspecific interactions and process rate patterns remains a major scientific challenge faced by ecologists. Here, we combined approaches developed by two conceptual frameworks in ecology, the stress‐gradient hypothesis (SGH), and the biodiversity–ecosystem functioning relationship (B‐EF), to test the hypothesis that interspecific difference in thermal performance modulates multiple species interactions along a thermal stress (SGH) and the subsequent richness effects on process rates (B‐EF). We designed an experiment using three species of herbivorous agricultural pests with different thermal optima for which we determined how temperature influences the direction and the strength of interaction and subsequent richness effects on crop damage (7 species interaction treatments × 6 temperature treatments × 10 replicates). We showed that both biotic interactions and species richness effects drive variations in crop damages along a thermal stress gradient, and thus have the potential to drive agro‐system responses to climate change. To help explain and generalize underlying mechanisms of richness effects on process rates, we further proposed a conceptual model that views interaction outcomes as shifting between positive and negative along a thermal stress depending on species thermal optima. Overall, our study demonstrates that nonlinear effects of temperature on process rates must be a major concern in terms of prediction and management of the consequences of global warming.
Take Me “Home”: Return Migration among Germany's Older Immigrants
Authors: Yahirun Jenjira J.
Published: November 2012

This paper examines the determinants of return migration as foreign‐born men approach old age in Germany. Return migration in later life engages a different set of conditions from return migration earlier on, including the framing of return as a possible retirement strategy. Using 23 years of longitudinal data from the German Socioeconomic Panel, this paper investigates how social and economic resources of immigrant men influence decisions to return “home.” Results suggest that immigrants from former guest worker recruitment countries within the European Union are more likely to return than non‐EUimmigrants. In addition, return migrants are “negatively selected” so that those with the least education and weakest attachments to the labor force are more likely to emigrate. However, findings vary greatly depending on the immigrant's age and country of origin. Results from this paper highlight the heterogeneity of older immigrants and the factors that motivate their return “home”.
Factors Impacting Remittances by Skilled Ghanaians Abroad
Authors: Appiah‐Yeboah Kwame , Bosomtwi Asamoah , Yeboah Muriel A.
Published: November 2012

A recent body of thought has arisen contending that skilled migration can have a net positive benefit for sending countries. The main underlying argument concerns the remittances that skilled migrants send back home. Using skilled Ghanaian migrants abroad, in this study we examine the factors that impact remittances. We drew our sample from Ghanaian professional groups on social networking sites (SNSs) – Facebook and LinkedIn – supplemented by an offline sample. Our results indicate that remittances by skilled Ghanaian migrants increase as the migrant's household income increases and decrease as the time spent abroad by the skilled migrant increases. Additionally, as the level of educational attainment of the skilled migrant increases, the level of remittances decreases. Finally, the reason for remitting impacts the level of remittances. Specifically, remittances to support family in need and to finance building and investment projects positively impact the level of remittances. In conclusion, we observe that when skilled migrants have a greater attachment to their host countries, they tend to remit less. Likewise, when skilled migrants have a greater attachment to their home countries, they tend to remit more.
Seawater tolerance and post‐smolt migration of wild Atlantic salmon Salmo salar× brown trout S. trutta hybrid smolts
Authors: Urke H. A. , Kristensen T. , Arnekleiv J. V. , Haugen T. O. , Kjærstad G. , Stefansson S. O. , Ebbesson L. O. E. , Nilsen T. O.
Published: November 2012

High levels of hybridization between Atlantic salmon Salmo salar and brown trout Salmo trutta have been reported in the River Driva. This study presents the underlying mechanisms of development of seawater (SW) tolerance and marine migration pattern for S. salar×S. trutta hybrids. Migrating S. salar×S. trutta hybrid smolts caught in the River Driva, Norway (a river containing Gyrodactylus salaris), displayed freshwater (FW) gill Na+, K+‐ATPase (NKA) activity levels of 11·8 µmol ADP mg protein h−1, which were equal to or higher than activity levels observed in S. salar and S. trutta smolts. Following 4 days of SW exposure (salinity 32·3), enzyme activity remained high and plasma ion levels were maintained within the normal physiological range observed in S. salar smolts, indicating no signs of ion perturbations in S. salar×S. trutta hybrids. SW exposure induced an increase in NKA α1b‐subunit mRNA levels with a concurrent decrease in α1a levels. Salmo salar×S. trutta post‐smolts migrated rapidly through the fjord system, with increasing speed with distance from the river, as is often seen in S. salar smolts. The present findings suggest that S. salar×S. trutta smolts, as judged by the activity and transcription of the NKA system, regulation of plasma ion levels and migration speed more closely resemble S. salar than S. trutta.
Impacts of diet quality on life‐history and reproductive traits in male and female armed beetle, Gnatocerus cornutus
Authors: KATSUKI MASAKO , OKADA YASUKAZU , OKADA KENSUKE
Published: November 2012

1. The energy available for reproduction is usually limited by resource acquisition (i.e. condition). Because condition is known to be strongly affected by environmental factors, reproductive investments also vary across heterogeneous environments.

2. Although the condition dependence of reproductive investment is common to both sexes, reproductive traits may exhibit sexually different responses to environmental fluctuation due to sex‐specific life‐history strategies. However, few direct experimental studies have investigated the condition dependence of reproductive investments in both sexes.

3. We investigated the condition dependence of life‐history and reproductive traits of males and females in the beetle Gnatocerus cornutus Fabricus by manipulating larval and adult diet quality. We found that male and female life‐history traits exhibited similar responses to environmental fluctuations.

4. By contrast, the sexes exhibit different patterns of condition dependence in reproductive traits (i.e. the adult nutritional environment has a strong impact on the female lifetime reproductive success, whereas larval nutritional environment strongly affects the secondary sexual trait in males).

5. This difference in the plasticity of reproductive traits may lead to different selection pressures for each sex, even if both sexes develop and/or live in the same environment.
Lethal and sublethal behavioural responses of saline water beetles to acute heat and osmotic stress
Authors: PALLARÉS SUSANA , ARRIBAS PAULA , CÉSPEDES VANESSA , MILLÁN ANDRÉS , VELASCO JOSEFA
Published: November 2012

1. As species' physiological breadth determines their potential to deal with environmental changes, and influences individuals' survival and the persistence of populations, information about lethal and sublethal responses could be fundamental for conservation purposes.

2. We used a standard experimental approach to explore mortality and behavioural avoidance responses (i.e. flight and emersion from the water) to a combination of acute heat and osmotic stress on six species of saline water beetles (belonging toEnochrus,Nebrioporus, andOchthebiusgenera).

3. Heat stress affected survival and behavioural responses in all of the species, whereas osmotic stress and the interaction between both stressors only showed significant effects for theOchthebiusgenus. Behavioural and survival patterns were highly interrelated across the stress gradients. TheEnochrusandNebrioporusstudied species showed maximum avoidance activity at 35–40 °C, and a short (< 30 min) exposure to 45 °C was lethal.Ochthebiusspecies were the most heat tolerant and displayed increasing behavioural responses with increasing temperature. In theNebrioporusandOchthebiusgenera, the species occupying lotic, more environmentally stable habitats, showed greater mortality, and avoidance responses were higher or initiated at lower stress thresholds than lentic species. In contrast, bothEnochrusspecies displayed a similar mortality, and the lentic speciesE. bicoloremerged and flew more than the loticE. falcarius,in concordance with its higher dispersal capacity.

4. Avoidance responses could provide interesting information about species' physiological amplitudes as a complement to lethal responses. The lotic species here studied showed narrower physiological amplitude (i.e.N. baeticusandO. glaber) or lower dispersal ability (i.e.E. falcarius) than their lentic relatives; both traits could result in a higher vulnerability of lotic species to thermal habitat changes.
H2‐receptor antagonists are scavengers of oxygen radicals
Authors: LAPENNA D. , DE GIOIA S. , MEZZETTI A. , GROSSI L. , FESTI D. , MARZIO L. , CUCCURULLO F.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. Potential oxygen radical scavenging properties of the H2‐receptor antagonists cimetidine, ranitidine and famotidine were investigated. These drugs, although ineffective against superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide, can scavenge hydroxyl radical (OH·) with a very high rate constant, which is about tenfold higher than that of the specific scavenger mannitol for famotidine (1·7 × 1010 mol−1 s−1) and cimetidine (1·6 × 1010 mol−1 s−1), ranitidine displaying a rate constant of 7·5 × 109 mol−1 s−1. These OH· scavenging effects are significant beginning from 10, 28 and 100 μmol 1−1 concentration for famotidine, cimetidine and ranitidine, respectively, thus suggesting that the drugs may effectively act as OH· scavengers in vivo especially in the gastric lumen. Only cimetidine can apparently bind and inactivate iron, which further emphasizes its antioxidant capacity. Moreover, all drugs, even at 10 μmol 1−1 concentration, show powerful scavenging effects on hypochlorous acid and monochloramine, which are cytotoxic oxidants arising from inflammatory cells, such as neutrophils. These data suggest that some therapeutical effects of H2‐receptor antagonists in peptic ulcer may also be related to their antiradical‐antioxidant capacity, and that these drugs could potentially be used in other disease entities characterized by free radical‐mediated oxidative stress in vivo.
Evaluating the legacy of landscape history: extinction debt and species credit in bird and small mammal assemblages in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Lira Paula K. , Ewers Robert M. , Banks‐Leite Cristina , Pardini Renata , Metzger Jean Paul
Published: November 2012

There is now an extensive literature on extinction debt following deforestation. However, the potential for species credit in landscapes that have experienced a change from decreasing to expanding forest cover has received little attention. Both delayed responses should depend on current landscape forest cover and on species life‐history traits, such as longevity, as short‐lived species are likely to respond faster than long‐lived species.

We evaluated the effects of historical and present‐day local forest cover on two vertebrate groups with different longevities – understorey birds and non‐flying small mammals − in forest patches at three Atlantic Forest landscapes. Our work investigated how the probability of extinction debt and species credit varies (i) amongst landscapes with different proportions of forest cover and distinct trajectories of forest cover change, and (ii) between taxa with different life spans.

Our results suggest that the existence of extinction debt and species credit, as well as the potential for their future payment and/or receipt, is not only related to forest cover trajectory but also to the amount of remaining forest cover at the landscape scale. Moreover, differences in bird and small mammal life spans seem to be insufficient to affect differently their probability of showing time‐delayed responses to landscape change.

Synthesis and applications. Our work highlights the need for considering not only the trajectory of deforestation/regeneration but also the amount of forest cover at landscape scale when investigating time‐delayed responses to landscape change. As many landscapes are experiencing a change from decreasing to expanding forest cover, understanding the association of extinction and immigration processes, as well as their interactions with the landscape dynamic, is a key factor to plan conservation and restoration actions in human‐altered landscapes.
Relationship between attention deficit hyperactive disorder symptoms and perceived parenting practices of school‐age children
Authors: Kim Dong Hee , Yoo Il Young
Published: November 2012

Aims and objectives

To examine the relationship between the perception on parenting practices and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in school‐age children.

Background

Psychosocial attention deficit hyperactivity disorder intervention approaches emphasise environmental risk factors at the individual, family and community level. Parenting variables are strongly related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptom severity.

Design

A cross‐sectional questionnaire survey.

Methods

The participants were 747 children and their parents in two elementary schools. The instruments used were Korean Conners Abbreviated Parent Questionnaire and Korean version Maternal Behavior Research Instrument (measuring four dimensions of parenting practices: affection, autonomy, rejection, control). Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

The rejective parenting practice was statistically significant in logistic regression controlling gender and age of children, family structure, maternal education level and socio‐economic status. The rejection parenting is associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms in children (OR = 1·356).

Conclusions

These results suggest the importance of specific parenting educational programmes for parents to prevent and decrease attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms. It would be more effective rather than focusing only on the child's attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms, developing educational programmes for parents to prevent rejection parenting practice and improve parenting skills in the family system.

Relevance to clinical practice

When developing a treatment programme for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, healthcare providers should consider not only the child's attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms, but also the parenting practices. Comprehensive interventions designed to prevent rejection and improve parenting skills may be helpful in mitigating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms.
Energy balance in haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients assessed by a 7‐day weighed food diary and a portable armband device
Authors: Bovio G. , Montagna G. , Brazzo S. , Piazza V. , Segagni S. , Cena H.
Published: November 2012

Background

Energy balance (EB) is important when assessing nutritional status. EB has never been assessed in haemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. The present study aimed to assess weekly EB in these patients.

Methods

This clinical cross‐sectional study was conducted for 7 days in eight HD and eight PD patients. Nutritional status was assessed by anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis and biochemical markers. Energy intake (EI per day) and total energy expenditure (TEE per day) were determined by a 7‐day weighed food diary and a portable armband device, respectively.

Results

No significant differences in age, body mass index, fat free mass (FFM), parathyroid hormone were found between the two groups. EB was calculated by subtracting TEE per day from EI per day. EB was negative in HD {−1347 (1276) kJ day−1 [−322 (305) kcal day−1]}, as well as in PD patients {−427 (5338) kJ day−1 [−102 (395) kcal day−1]}. TEE per day was positively correlated with EI per day, prealbumin, FFM. EI per day was positively correlated with prealbumin. C‐reactive protein was negatively correlated with TEE and FFM (P < 0.05). EB showed a positive correlation with EI per day (P = 0.012) and a negative trend with TEE.

Conclusions

HD and PD patients have a negative EB and are at risk of malnutrition. Inflammatory status determines a lower EI per day and a reduction in TEE per day. The most important parameter in determining EB in HD and PD patients is EI per day. This topic deserves further investigation to better understand the mechanisms of impaired EB with respect to preserving patients' nutritional status.