bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interlayer thermal conductivity of rubrene measured by ac-calorimetry
Authors: Zhang H. , Brill J. W.
Published: July 2013

We have measured the interlayer thermal conductivity of crystals of the organic semiconductor rubrene, using ac-calorimetry. Since ac-calorimetry is most commonly used for measurements of the heat capacity, we include a discussion of its extension for measurements of the transverse thermal conductivity of thin crystals of poor thermal conductors, including the limitations of the technique. For rubrene, we find that the interlayer thermal conductivity, ≈0.7 mW/cm · K, is several times smaller than the (previously measured) in-layer value, but its temperature dependence indicates that the interlayer mean free path is at least a few layers.
Evaluation of capillary-induced deformation of thin plates due to liquid column formation
Authors: Takahashi Kosuke , Sugita Seiji , Oshima Shuzo , Inaba Kazuaki , Kishimoto Kikuo
Published: July 2013

Deformation induced by capillarity is quantitatively evaluated in this study. A pair of polymer plates, fixed at one end and immersed in liquid, bends because of capillary forces from a liquid column formed between the plates. Bending proceeds to either contact or collapse the plates if their gap spacing becomes smaller than 2/3 of the initial plate separation, regardless of plate dimensions. This phenomenon is theoretically validated by proposing a dimensionless number, which is derived from a balance of surface energy, potential energy of a liquid, and strain energy of a plate.
Geodesic acoustic modes in toroidally rotating tokamaks with an arbitrary β
Authors: Ren Haijun , Li Ding , Chu Paul K
Published: July 2013

Theoretical research on the geodesic acoustic mode (GAM) induced by the equilibrium toroidal rotation flow (ETRF) in the tokamak plasmas with an arbitrary β is performed by using the ideal magnetohydrodynamic model, where β is the ratio of the plasma pressure and magnetic field pressure. Two equations determining the poloidal displacement ξθ and the divergence of the Lagrangian perturbation are obtained and suitable for arbitrary cross-section tokamaks with large-aspect-ratios. The dispersion relations are then derived for two different coupling patterns by assuming ξ±2=0 and ξ±4=0, respectively, where ξm=12π∮ξθeimθdθ with θ being the poloidal angle under the circular cross-section condition. In both patterns, the ETRF will increase the frequencies of the GAMs but β can decrease them. The GAM for ξ±2=0 has a larger frequency than GAM for ξ±4=0.
Order of decay of mobile charge carriers in P3HT:PCBM solar cells
Authors: Deibel Carsten , Rauh Daniel , Foertig Alexander
Published: July 2013

The charge carrier dynamics of organic solar cells are strongly influenced by trapping and allow to draw conclusions on the loss mechanisms limiting the photovoltaic performance. In this study, we derive the recombination order Δ of mobile charge carriers. For annealed P3HT:PCBM solar cells, it allows us to pinpoint the dominant recombination of mobile with trapped charge carriers in tail states. While the characteristic tail state energy of about 40 meV rises to about 100 meV for 30 h oxygen exposure under illumination, Δ decreases only weakly from 1.70 to 1.62. This corresponds to a slight shift towards trap-assisted recombination.
Micro- and nanofluidic technologies for epigenetic profiling
Authors: Matsuoka Toshiki , Choul Kim Byoung , Moraes Christopher , Han Minsub , Takayama Shuichi
Published: July 2013

This short review provides an overview of the impact micro- and nanotechnologies can make in studying epigenetic structures. The importance of mapping histone modifications on chromatin prompts us to highlight the complexities and challenges associated with histone mapping, as compared to DNA sequencing. First, the histone code comprised over 30 variations, compared to 4 nucleotides for DNA. Second, whereas DNA can be amplified using polymerase chain reaction, chromatin cannot be amplified, creating challenges in obtaining sufficient material for analysis. Third, while every person has only a single genome, there exist multiple epigenomes in cells of different types and origins. Finally, we summarize existing technologies for performing these types of analyses. Although there are still relatively few examples of micro- and nanofluidic technologies for chromatin analysis, the unique advantages of using such technologies to address inherent challenges in epigenetic studies, such as limited sample material, complex readouts, and the need for high-content screens, make this an area of significant growth and opportunity.
Mass Spectrometry and its Applications in Life Sciences
Authors: Darie Costel C.
Published: July 2013

Deciphering the biological and clinical significance of the proteins is investigated by mass spectrometry in a relatively new field, named proteomics. Mass spectrometry is, however, also used in chemistry for many years. In this Research Front we try to show the potential use of mass spectrometry in chemical, environmental and biomedical research and also to illustrate the applications of mass spectrometry in proteomics.
Importance of lipid–pore loop interface for potassium channel structure and function
Authors: van der Cruijsen Elwin A. W. , Nand Deepak , Weingarth Markus , Prokofyev Alexander , Hornig Sönke , Cukkemane Abhishek Arun , Bonvin Alexandre M. J. J. , Becker Stefan , Hulse Raymond E. , Perozo Eduardo , Pongs Olaf , Baldus Marc
Published: July 2013

Potassium (i.e., K
+
) channels allow for the controlled and selective passage of potassium ions across the plasma membrane via a conserved pore domain. In voltage-gated K
+
channels, gating is the result of the coordinated action of two coupled gates: an activation gate at the intracellular entrance of the pore and an inactivation gate at the selectivity filter. By using solid-state NMR structural studies, in combination with electrophysiological experiments and molecular dynamics simulations, we show that the turret region connecting the outer transmembrane helix (transmembrane helix 1) and the pore helix behind the selectivity filter contributes to K
+
channel inactivation and exhibits a remarkable structural plasticity that correlates to K
+
channel inactivation. The transmembrane helix 1 unwinds when the K
+
channel enters the inactivated state and rewinds during the transition to the closed state. In addition to well-characterized changes at the K
+
ion coordination sites, this process is accompanied by conformational changes within the turret region and the pore helix. Further spectroscopic and computational results show that the same channel domain is critically involved in establishing functional contacts between pore domain and the cellular membrane. Taken together, our results suggest that the interaction between the K
+
channel turret region and the lipid bilayer exerts an important influence on the selective passage of potassium ions via the K
+
channel pore.
A Nonribosomal Peptide Synthase Containing a Stand-Alone Condensation Domain Is Essential for Phytotoxin Zeamine Biosynthesis
Authors: Cheng Yingying , Liu Xiaoling , An Shuwen , Chang Changqing , Zou Yuanqiang , Huang Luhao , Zhong Jin , Liu Qiongguang , Jiang Zide , Zhou Jianuan , Zhang Lian-Hui
Published: July 2013

Dickeya zeae is the causal agent of rice foot rot and maize stalk rot diseases, which could cause severe economic losses. The pathogen is known to produce two phytotoxins known as zeamine and zeamine II which are also potent antibiotics against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria pathogens. Zeamine II is a long-chain aminated polyketide and zeamine shares the same polyketide structure as zeamine II, with an extra valine derivative moiety conjugated to the primary amino group of zeamine II. In this study, we have identified a gene designated as zmsK encoding a putative nonribosomal peptide synthase (NRPS) by screening of the transposon mutants defective in zeamine production. Different from most known NRPS enzymes, which are commonly multidomain proteins, ZmsK contains only a condensation domain. High-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analyses showed that the ZmsK deletion mutant produced only zeamine II but not zeamine, suggesting that ZmsK catalyzes the amide bond formation by using zeamine II as a substrate to generate zeamine. We also present evidence that a partially conserved catalytic motif within the condensation domain is critical for zeamine production. Furthermore, we show that deletion of zmsK substantially decreased the total antimicrobial activity and virulence of D. zeae. Our findings provide a new insight into the biosynthesis pathway of zeamines and the virulence mechanisms of the bacterial pathogen D. zeae.
Isolation and chemical analysis of nanoparticles from English ivy (
Hedera helix
L.)
Authors: Lenaghan Scott C. , Burris Jason N. , Chourey Karuna , Huang Yujian , Xia Lijin , Lady Belinda , Sharma Ritin , Pan Chongle , LeJeune Zorabel , Foister Shane , Hettich Robert L. , Stewart C. Neal , Zhang Mingjun
Published: July 2013

Bio-inspiration for novel adhesive development has drawn increasing interest in recent years with the discovery of the nanoscale morphology of the gecko footpad and mussel adhesive proteins. Similar to these animal systems, it was discovered that English ivy (
Hedera helix
L.) secretes a high strength adhesive containing uniform nanoparticles. Recent studies have demonstrated that the ivy nanoparticles not only contribute to the high strength of this adhesive, but also have ultraviolet (UV) protective abilities, making them ideal for sunscreen and cosmetic fillers, and may be used as nanocarriers for drug delivery. To make these applications a reality, the chemical nature of the ivy nanoparticles must be elucidated. In the current work, a method was developed to harvest bulk ivy nanoparticles from an adventitious root culture system, and the chemical composition of the nanoparticles was analysed. UV/visible spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and electrophoresis were used in this study to identify the chemical nature of the ivy nanoparticles. Based on this analysis, we conclude that the ivy nanoparticles are proteinaceous.
Interpretation of body-mounted accelerometry in flying animals and estimation of biomechanical power
Authors: Spivey R. J. , Bishop C. M.
Published: July 2013

An idealized energy fluctuation model of a bird's body undergoing horizontal flapping flight is developed, focusing on the biomechanical power discernible to a body-mounted accelerometer. Expressions for flight body power constructed from root mean square dynamic body accelerations and wingstroke frequency are derived from first principles and presented in dimensionally appropriate units. As wingstroke frequency increases, the model generally predicts a gradual transition in power from a linear to an asymptotically cubic relationship. However, the onset of this transition and the degree to which this occurs depends upon whether and how forward vibrations are exploited for temporary energy storage and retrieval. While this may vary considerably between species and individual birds, it is found that a quadrature phase arrangement is generally advantageous during level flight. Gravity-aligned vertical acceleration always enters into the calculation of body power, but, whenever forward acceleration becomes relevant, its contribution is subtractive. Several novel kinematic measures descriptive of flapping flight are postulated, offering fresh insights into the processes involved in airborne locomotion. The limitations of the model are briefly discussed, and departures from its predictions during ascending and descending flight evaluated. These findings highlight how body-mounted accelerometers can offer a valuable, insightful and non-invasive technique for investigating the flight of free-ranging birds and bats.
Emergence of polar order and cooperativity in hydrodynamically coupled model cilia
Authors: Bruot Nicolas , Cicuta Pietro
Published: July 2013

As a model of ciliary beat, we use two-state oscillators that have a defined direction of oscillation and have strong synchronization properties. By allowing the direction of oscillation to vary according to the interaction with the fluid, with a timescale longer than the timescale of synchronization, we show in simulations that several oscillators can align in a direction set by the geometrical configuration of the system. In this system, the alignment depends on the state of synchronization of the system, and is therefore linked to the beat pattern of the model cilia. By testing various configurations from two to 64 oscillators, we deduce empirically that, when the synchronization state of neighbouring oscillators is in phase, the angles of the oscillators align in a configuration of high hydrodynamic coupling. In arrays of oscillators that break the planar symmetry, a global direction of alignment emerges reflecting this polarity. In symmetric configurations, where several directions are geometrically equivalent, the array still displays strong internal cooperative behaviour. It also appears that the shape of the array is more important than the lattice type and orientation in determining the preferred direction.
To kill a kangaroo: understanding the decision to pursue high-risk/high-gain resources
Authors: Jones James Holland , Bird Rebecca Bliege , Bird Douglas W.
Published: July 2013

In this paper, we attempt to understand hunter–gatherer foraging decisions about prey that vary in both the mean and variance of energy return using an expected utility framework. We show that for skewed distributions of energetic returns, the standard linear variance discounting (LVD) model for risk-sensitive foraging can produce quite misleading results. In addition to creating difficulties for the LVD model, the skewed distributions characteristic of hunting returns create challenges for estimating probability distribution functions required for expected utility. We present a solution using a two-component finite mixture model for foraging returns. We then use detailed foraging returns data based on focal follows of individual hunters in Western Australia hunting for high-risk/high-gain (hill kangaroo) and relatively low-risk/low-gain (sand monitor) prey. Using probability densities for the two resources estimated from the mixture models, combined with theoretically sensible utility curves characterized by diminishing marginal utility for the highest returns, we find that the expected utility of the sand monitors greatly exceeds that of kangaroos despite the fact that the mean energy return for kangaroos is nearly twice as large as that for sand monitors. We conclude that the decision to hunt hill kangaroos does not arise simply as part of an energetic utility-maximization strategy and that additional social, political or symbolic benefits must accrue to hunters of this highly variable prey.
Stature Estimation from Foramen Magnum Region in Chinese Population
Authors: Cui Yaming , Zhang Jizong
Published: July 2013

Estimation of stature from body parts plays a vital role in identifying the dead. This study focused on dimensions of the foramen magnum region and examined the relationship between stature and the dimensions of the foramen magnum region in northern and southern Chinese populations. Measurements were taken on the skulls of 276 individuals (all male). Data on 48 individuals from northern China and 140 from southern China were used for further stature reconstruction of the above two populations in China. Statistical analyses indicate that bilateral variation is insignificant for all measurements except maximum length of condyle in the southern Chinese population (p < 0.01) and that the northern and southern populations differ significantly only in the minimum distance between condyles. Linear and multiple regression equations for stature estimation were established. The correlation coefficients between stature and the various measurements differed between the northern and southern Chinese populations.
Methyl tert‐Butyl Ether (MTBE) Detected in Abnormally High Concentrations in Postmortem Blood and Urine from Two Persons Found Dead Inside a Car Containing a Gasoline Spill
Authors: Karinen Ritva , Vindenes Vigdis , Morild Inge , Johnsen Lene , Le Nygaard Ilah , Christophersen Asbjørg S.
Published: July 2013

Two deep frozen persons, a female and a male, were found dead in a car. There had been an explosive fire inside the car which had extinguished itself. On the floor inside the car were large pools of liquid which smelled of gasoline. The autopsy findings and routine toxicological analyses could not explain the cause of death. Carboxyhemoglobin levels in the blood samples were <10%. Analysis with a headspace gas chromatography revealed methyl tert‐butyl ether (MTBE) concentrations of 185 mg/L (female victim) and 115 mg/L (male victim) in peripheral blood. The urine MTBE concentrations were 150 mg/L and 256 mg/L, respectively. MTBE is a synthetic chemical which is added to gasoline as a fuel oxygenate. Gasoline poisoning is likely to be the cause of the death in these two cases, and MTBE can be a suitable marker of gasoline exposure, when other volatile components have vaporized.
Prevalence of Prescription and Illicit Drugs in Pregnancy‐Associated Non‐natural Deaths of Florida Mothers, 1999–2005
Authors: Hardt Nancy , Wong Tit D. , Burt Martha J. , Harrison Ross , Winter Will , Roth Jeffrey
Published: July 2013

Abuse of prescription and illicit drugs has been rapidly increasing. This study examines the prevalence of drug use in the non‐natural deaths of pregnant or recently pregnant women. Records from Florida's Pregnancy Associated Mortality Review conducted between 1999 and 2005 (n = 415) were linked to 385 toxicology reports obtained from Florida medical examiners' offices. The final study sample consisted of 169 drug‐positive, pregnancy‐associated non‐natural deaths. Of these, 86 were positive for both blood and urine, 64 were positive for blood only and five for urine only, and the remainder were positive for some other specimen. Among these deaths, 91 cases (54%) involved prescription drugs, 78 cases (46%) involved illicit drugs, and 69 cases (41%) involved alcohol. Opioids constituted the majority of deaths associated with prescription drugs. Substantial co‐use of opioids and benzodiazepines was seen. Pregnant or recently pregnant women may have more interactions with healthcare providers, which may present more opportunities for intervention and prevention.
Necropsy Findings in Dogs that Died During Grooming or other Pet Service Procedures
Authors: Maria Anna Carolina Barbosa Esteves , Rego Alexandre Aparecido Mattos da Silva , Maiorka Paulo César
Published: July 2013

Procedures involved in grooming, bathing, and other pet services can often lead animals to death. Of the necropsies of 1391 animals carried out at a private diagnostic laboratory in Sao Paulo, Brazil from 2004 to 2009, 94 were dogs that died during the above‐mentioned procedures. Young male dogs and small breeds like Poodle Miniature, Yorkshire Terrier, and Lhasa Apso were most frequently observed. Blunt‐force trauma was responsible for the deaths of 31% of the animals, with a higher incidence of trauma to the head, characterized chiefly by fractures and nervous tissue lesions. In the other 69% of cases, the animals showed signs of stress, and died due to pulmonary edema and hemorrhage. As we cannot rule out the intentional character in some situations, this article provides veterinary forensic support for veterinarians and pet owners, especially in lawsuits, helping in finding the cause of animal's death in such pet services.
Quantified Explosives Transfer on Surfaces for the Evaluation of Trace Detection Equipment
Authors: Tam Maggie , Pilon Pierre , Zaknoun Hafid
Published: July 2013

Trace explosive test surfaces are often required for the evaluation of trace detection equipment to determine the equipment performance. Test surfaces of C‐4, Detasheet, Semtex‐H, TNT, and HMTD were prepared by transferring trace amount of explosive deposited on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) transfer strips onto different surfaces (Kraft paper, hard plastic, woven fabric, and soft vinyl). The amount of explosive transferred was deduced from the amount of explosive remaining on the PTFE strips after transfer, as quantified by direct analysis using tandem mass spectrometry with thermal desorption. From the data set of over 2000 transfers, we experienced lower transfer efficiency for Semtex‐H and Detasheet, and for soft vinyl and hard plastic. However, the rapid quantification mass spectrometric method allowed the transfer efficiency to be determined for all test surfaces used in an evaluation of trace explosive detectors, thereby permitting only the test surfaces with desired transfer to be accepted for the assessment.
Overview of: “Improving Civil Gang Injunctions: How Implementation Can Affect Gang Dynamics, Crime, and Violence”
Authors: Hennigan Karen M. , Sloane David
Published: July 2013

Research Summary

The civil gang injunction (CGI) is an increasingly popular suppression strategy. Interviews with 416 youth in areas with and without a CGI suggest that suppression‐oriented injunctions may have little useful impact on gang social dynamics. CGIs may have promise as part of a comprehensive strategy that uses enhanced sanctions both to suppress crime and to move individual gang offenders toward alternatives (such as education, personal development, and jobs), allowing them to imagine alternative social identities.

Policy Implications

Whether CGIs play a positive role in curtailing the activities of street gang members or whether they fuel it instead may depend on policy makers and criminal justice officials ensuring that (a) gang members are approached as individuals, (b) the safety zone is appropriately sized, and (c) police suppression activities are accompanied by gang‐focused social services and a clear, transparent escape clause. Successful implementation depends on multiple city agencies being integrated into the CGI strategy early on.
Overview of: “Distinguishing ‘Loner’ Attacks from Other Domestic Extremist Violence: A Comparison of Far‐Right Homicide Incident and Offender Characteristics”
Authors: Gruenewald Jeff , Chermak Steven , Freilich Joshua D.
Published: July 2013

Research Summary

Recent reports have suggested that “loner” extremists, or self‐radicalized extremists with no ties to organized groups who commit an ideologically motivated attack on their own, represent a growing threat to public safety in the United States. Disagreements among scholars and policy makers about contributing factors of loner attacks have led to competing predictions based largely on anecdotal evidence. Our study contributes to the understanding of loner violence by comparatively examining lethal attacks committed by far‐right extremist loners and other far‐rightists in the United States between 1990 and 2010. More than 20 of the leading claims from the literature on extremist loner violence are examined. The systematic comparison of far‐right loners and other far‐rightists presented in this article highlights ways in which loners are different from other far‐rightists. Bivariate comparisons found that far‐right loners are more likely to have a military background, less likely to be married, and more likely to plan on dying at commission of the crime, live alone, use a firearm, kill multiple victims, and select government targets. Loners also were similar to other far‐right extremists on a large number of measures. Using a multivariate analysis, we tested what factors are particularly important for distinguishing between loners and other far‐right offenders net the effects of other variables. Variables that significantly distinguished loners from other far‐right homicide offenders include military background, age, mental illness, and relationship status.

Policy Implications

The findings highlight several important differences between loners and other types of violent extremists that could be used by policy makers and analysts to craft policies and strategies designed to prevent and preempt loner extremism. It seems that increased emphasis on intelligence, the use of undercover operations and informants, and task force strategies are in many ways working to prevent attacks committed by extremists. Although steps must always be taken to ensure that civil rights are not violated, our results provide direction for modifying and redirecting some ongoing counterterrorism efforts to prevent future loner attacks. We conclude with a discussion on how building or enhancing extant partnerships, information sharing, technological surveillance, and sharpening threat assessment capabilities could enhance current strategies to thwart loner violence.
Unique tagging of small echinoderms: a case study using the cushion star Parvulastra exigua
Authors: Martinez Aline Sbizera , Byrne Maria , Coleman Ross A.
Published: July 2013

Tagging animals is essential to evaluate animal population dynamics and behaviour. Using unique marks requires that tags must last for the duration of the study and not affect animal behaviour and health. Echinoderms, especially smaller species, are usually considered intractable for tagging because they readily discard both internal and external tags.

We compared the utility of two tagging techniques for marking the small starfish Parvulastra exigua: (i) branding with a soldering iron, and (ii) injection of visible implant elastomer (VIE) of different colours. The efficiency of these techniques was evaluated by assessing (i) the effects of the tag on the mortality, growth and mobility of P. exigua; and (ii) the persistence of the tags over 30 days.

VIE had no detectable effect on any variable tested, whereas brand marks caused a decrease in mobility. In addition, 95% of the starfish tagged with VIE were still tagged after 1 month.

This technique will facilitate research on the ecology of this and other small asteroid species, and is also relevant for ecological studies of other small soft‐bodied invertebrates. The combination of VIE colours plus the viability to track individuals offers a wide range of opportunities to investigate the ecology and behaviour of small invertebrates in the field.
The expression of fatty acid metabolism‐associated proteins is correlated with the prognosis of meningiomas
Authors: Jiang Jie , Lin Chengjun , Liu Nan , Zhang Zhen , Sun Yu , Fang Xiang , Qi Jiping
Published: July 2013

The expression of fatty acid metabolism‐associated proteins is correlated with the prognosis of meningiomas. Meningioma is a common tumor of the nervous system; however, reliable prognostic markers for meningioma are currently insufficient. High fatty acid synthase (FAS) expression occurs in many tumors, and is associated with tumor progression and grade. Few studies have previously investigated fatty acid metabolism in meningioma; thus, in this study, we investigated the expression of FAS and brain fatty acid‐binding protein (BFABP) proteins in all grades of meningioma and determined the association to meningioma grade, invasiveness, recurrence, and progression. We determined expression levels of FAS and BFABP in all grade meningiomas by immunohistochemical analysis in 314 patients diagnosed with meningioma. The expression levels of FAS and BFABP increased significantly in correlation with meningioma grade (p < 0.01). Compared with benign meningioma, the expression levels of FAS and BFABP were significantly higher in brain invasive meningioma (p < 0.01). Compared with nonrecurrent meningioma (benign meningioma), the expression of FAS was also increased in recurrent meningioma (p < 0.01). The expression of fatty acid metabolism‐associated proteins potentially correlates with meningioma grade, invasiveness, aggressiveness, and recurrent status and provides evidence for a novel therapeutic target for meningioma.
Systemic inflammatory response and local cytokine expression in porcine models of endocarditis
Authors: Christiansen Johanna G. , Jensen Henrik E. , Jensen Louise K. , Koch Janne , Aalbæk Bent , Nielsen Ole L. , Leifsson Páll S.
Published: July 2013

The knowledge of systemic inflammation and local cytokine expression in porcine endocarditis models is limited, though it could provide valuable information about the pathogenesis and comparability to human endocarditis. Analyses of bacteriology and hematology were performed on blood samples from pigs with non‐bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE, n = 11), Staphylococcus aureus infective endocarditis (IE, n = 2), animals with S. aureus sepsis without endocarditis (n = 2) and controls (n = 2). Furthermore, immunohistochemistry was used to examine the local expression of IL‐1β and IL‐8. Bacterial blood cultures were continuously positive in IE pigs from inoculation to euthanasia, and negative in all other pigs at all times. The total white blood cell counts and total neutrophil counts were massively elevated in pigs with IE. Local IL‐1β and IL‐8 expression in IE pigs were moderate to high, and high, respectively. In addition, slight local expression of IL‐1β and IL‐8 was present in some NBTE pigs. In the IE model, both the systemic inflammatory response and the high local expression of IL‐8 were comparable to the human disease. Furthermore, the results indicate IL‐1β and IL‐8 as important contributors in the endocarditis pathogenesis.
Laparoendoscopic single‐site concomitant surgery for gallstones and a giant ovarian teratoma
Authors: Fujimoto Akihisa , Osuga Yutaka , Sakurabashi Ayako , Hisatomi Shinya , Kaneko Junichi , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Yano Tetsu , Kokudo Norihiro , Kozuma Shiro
Published: July 2013

Laparoendoscopic single‐site (LESS) technique has gained popularity in several fields of surgery. Our patient had multiple gallstones and a left ovarian mature cystic teratoma 12 cm in diameter. She underwent concomitant laparoscopic cholecystectomy and adnectomy using LESS technique. Using a transient gasless technique resulted in the extraction of a giant ovarian tumor through the umbilical incision with no leakage into the abdominal cavity. Concomitant LESS surgery is feasible and has many benefits both for patients and doctors – cosmetics, possibly less pain, avoidance of multiple surgeries and cost‐effectiveness. LESS technique is also useful for extracting a giant tumor with the transient gasless technique. This novel method might be applied to the removal of a tumor suspicious for malignancy.
Reduced‐port laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer: Feasibility based on our early experience
Authors: Ishii Yoshiyuki , Hasegawa Hirotoshi , Endo Takashi , Ochiai Hiroki , Okabayashi Koji , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: July 2013

We report our experience of a reduced‐port laparoscopic surgery as an advanced laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer.

Twelve selected patients with clinical T1–2 and N0 rectal cancer (clinical stage I) underwent low anterior resection of the rectum. The procedures were performed with one port plus a multiple‐instrument access port with three channels. The multiple‐instrument access port was placed at the umbilicus or the site of diverting stoma, and another port was placed in the right abdomen or in the opposite abdomen of ostomy.

The median operative time and intraoperative bleeding were 280 min and 15 mL, respectively. The median number of harvested lymph nodes was 20. No major perioperative morbidities occurred in this series. The median postoperative hospital stay was 10 days.

Low anterior resection performed by reduced‐port laparoscopic surgery is feasible as multiport laparoscopic surgery, and it is a reliable surgical option in selected patients with rectal cancer.
Fractured metallic biliary stent causing obstruction and jejunal perforation
Authors: Saravanan Manickam Neethirajan , Mathai Varughese , Kapoor Dharmesh , Singh Balbir
Published: July 2013

Interventional internal drainage of the biliary tract has become an established procedure for both the temporary and definitive treatment of biliary obstruction due to malignant or benign disease. Biliary stent migration and stent fracture are known but rare complications. A 50‐year‐old man presented with acute onset pain in the abdomen and vomiting. He had undergone hepaticojejunostomy following a bile duct injury during open cholecystectomy 13 years before he presented at our institution. Subsequently, he developed a benign biliary stricture at the anastomotic site, which was stented transhepatically by a metallic stent. CT of his abdomen showed a fractured stent segment obstructing the jejunum with a localized perforation. Herein, we discuss his presentation and course of management, and review the factors influencing stent migration and fracture and the potential options for stent retrieval. The patient needed surgical intervention to retrieve the migrated fragment of metal stent and to resect the perforated jejunal segment. The role of endoscopic self‐expanding metal stents for benign biliary disease remains controversial. A migrated stent that has become symptomatic should be removed endoscopically in early and accessible cases and surgically when endoscopic measures fail or when complicated by obstruction or perforation.
Different factor VIII neutralizing effects on anti‐factor VIII inhibitor antibodies associated with epitope specificity and von Willebrand factor
Authors: Yada Koji , Nogami Keiji , Shima Midori
Published: July 2013

Inhibitor neutralization therapy based on factor (F)VIII replacement is used for haemostatic treatment in haemophilia A patients with inhibitors on low responder, but effects appear to depend on various properties of inhibitors. We investigated this nature by evaluating the global coagulation function in timed‐reactions after mixing FVIII (1 U/ml) with anti‐FVIII alloantibodies containing distinct epitopes (2·5 Bethesda units/ml). Thrombin generation assays showed that peak thrombin and mean velocity to peak thrombin were depressed by anti‐C2 type 1 inhibitors to significantly greater extents than by anti‐A2 type 1 and anti‐C2 type 2 (2‐ to 6‐fold and 10‐ to 20‐fold, respectively). In the presence of FVIII‐von Willebrand Factor (VWF) complex, the anti‐C2 type 1‐mediated decreased thrombin generation was reduced by 20–40%, reflecting the protective function of VWF. However, the activities of anti‐A2 type 1 were little affected, and that of anti‐C2 type 2 was rather enhanced by c. 2·5‐fold, relative to FVIII. Clot waveform analysis also showed similar patterns. Anti‐FVIII monoclonal antibodies with well‐defined characteristics demonstrated similar reactions to those with polyclonal inhibitors. In conclusion, the neutralizing effects of FVIII(‐VWF) depending on epitopes could have significant therapeutic implications, and it could be important to determine inhibitor properties in order to predict the effects of infused FVIII in neutralization therapy.
A Syncretic Approach to the Role of Pathological Organizations in Violence
Authors: Boyle John
Published: July 2013

This paper considers the role of pathological organizations in violence from a syncretic perspective. It begins with a discussion of the idea of syncretism in psychotherapy that is followed by an overview of the development of the pathological organization concept. Donald Kalsched's work on the self‐care system is subsequently introduced to provide a complementary Jungian perspective on the role of trauma in the formation of pathological organizations. The remainder of the paper considers the role of pathological organizations in violence with particular reference to the work of Arthur Hyatt‐Williams on ‘the murder constellation’ and J. Reid Meloy's concept of the ‘psychopathic personality organization’. Two brief clinical vignettes are included to illustrate selected aspects of the theoretical material. By way of conclusion the paper evaluates some recent developments in conceptualization with particular reference to a ‘trauma amplification’ model of pathological organizations that could be of assistance in formulating the treatment needs of violent offenders.
Religion in the Consulting Room
Authors: Winton Sandra
Published: July 2013

Freud was clear in his view that religion had no place in the consulting room, where the aim was to replace illusion with reality. More recently, many psychotherapists have become open to the possibility that religion and spirituality are welcome in psychotherapy. This paper presents clinical examples of what can happen when religion is allowed in the consulting room. The author uses the concept of the Winnicottian play space along with more recent thinking about play and playing along to consider what may be required to deal usefully with religious material in therapy and why this may prove difficult for some clients and some client–therapist dyads. She suggests that this difficulty, when faced, may be a source of insight.
Lower limb compartment syndrome as a complication of robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy: theUKexperience
Authors: Pridgeon Simon , Bishop Conrad V. , Adshead Jim
Published: July 2013

Objective

To evaluate the incidence of lower limb compartment syndrome (LLCS) in robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and the prevalence of risk factors in patients withLLCS.

Methods

Data were collected from 17UKrobotic surgery institutions for a multicentre analysis.

Data were used to calculate the incidence ofLLCSand the prevalence of risk factors.

Results

A total of 3110RARPswere performed by 17 institutions between 2004 and 2011.

There were nine cases ofLLCS, giving an incidence of 0.29%. Seven of these required fasciotomy.

The prevalence of risk factors was as follows: console time >4 h in 8/9 cases, early learning curve (<20 cases) in 3/9 cases; obesity (BMI>30 kg/m2) in 5/9 cases; and peripheral vascular disease in 2/9 cases. One patient withLLCSwas positioned incorrectly.

Conclusions

The serious complicationLLCSoccurs inRARPbut has a low incidence.

Long operating times, surgical inexperience, poor patient positioning, obesity and vascular disease appear to be risk factors.
The Influence of the Tolerance between Mechanical Components on the Accuracy of Implants Inserted with a Stereolithographic Surgical Guide: A Retrospective Clinical Study
Authors: Cassetta Michele , Di Mambro Alfonso , Di Giorgio Gianni , Stefanelli Luigi V. , Barbato Ersilia
Published: July 2013

Background

The stereolithographic‐guided surgery system involves a sequence of diagnostic and therapeutic events, and errors can arise at different stages. In these systems, one of the potentially clinically relevant errors may be the mechanical errors caused by the bur‐guide gap due to the presence of a rotational allowance of the drills in the tubes.

Purpose

The purpose of this retrospective clinical study is to determine if it is possible to reduce the total error by limiting the tolerance among the mechanical components and to evaluate its clinical incidence.

Materials and Methods

Sixty‐six implants were inserted using the External Hex Safe® (Materialise Dental, Leuven, Belgium) system (Group A), and 71 implants were inserted using the same system with mechanical components modified to minimize the tolerance (Group B). Regarding only the angular deviation values, the t‐test was used to determine the influence of reduced tolerance among the mechanical components on the accuracy values.

Results

t‐Test showed that there is a statistically significant better accuracy with the modified system (Group B).

Conclusions

Limiting the error that originates from mechanical components, total error could be statistically significantly reduced. Mechanical error is one of the most important source of error using External Hex Safe stereolithographic surgical guide.
A Comparison of Social Outcomes Associated with Different Fisheries Co‐Management Institutions
Authors: Cinner Joshua , Huchery Cindy
Published: July 2013

Collaborative management (often referred to as co‐management) is increasingly being used to promote sustainability, equity, compliance, and other desirable outcomes in fisheries. However, little is known about how these outcomes are related to specific institutional arrangements (such as the types of rules in use and the forums for developing those rules). Here, we surveyed 960 resource users from 42 communities across five countries to examine how people's perceptions of livelihood and compliance outcomes are related to the: (1) number of rules in use; (2) specific configurations of rules; and (3) type of co‐management arrangement in place. We found that perceived compliance was lower when >2 rules were in use, suggesting that the complexity of regulations can hinder compliance. Additionally, we found that resource users under locally managed protected areas and customary management arrangements were more likely to perceive beneficial livelihood outcomes than users under national park and devolved governance arrangements.
Understanding the effectiveness of marine protected areas using genetic connectivity patterns and Lagrangian simulations
Authors: Pujolar José Martin , Schiavina Marcello , Di Franco Antonio , Melià Paco , Guidetti Paolo , Gatto Marino , De Leo Giulio A. , Zane Lorenzo
Published: July 2013

Aim

To explore the patterns of connectivity between marine protected areas (MPAs) and neighbouring non‐protected areas and the scale at which the benefits of MPAs are expected using the white sea bream as model species.

Location

Marine protected area of Torre Guaceto (TGMPA, Italy) in the south Adriatic Sea.

Methods

A multidisciplinary approach was used combining (1) a genetic survey using 12 highly informative microsatellite loci of samples collected within the MPA and in several locations up to 100 km from the MPA; and (2) larval trajectories using Lagrangian simulations based on an oceanographical model of the region that includes specific data on early life‐history traits. Both genetic and simulation studies were temporarily replicated during two consecutive years.

Results

The overall genetic homogeneity observed indicates that the TGMPA is not isolated and that there is genetic connectivity among locations across a scale of at least ~200 km. A high degree of connectivity between the TGMPA and neighbouring areas is in agreement with Lagrangian simulations, which indicate that white sea bream larvae can be transported over large distances up to about 300 km. Trajectories released from the TGMPA showed that on average, 12.75% of the larvae remains within the TGMPA, while the rest travel south towards non‐protected areas.

Main conclusions

Our findings highlight the potential benefits of effectively enforced MPAs for neighbouring or relatively distant non‐protected fishing areas and the potential connection with other MPAs at regional scale. Combining genetics and modelling can provide a general framework to investigate the role of connectivity in MPA design that can be easily extended to other species and geographical areas.
Implementing an evolutionary framework for understanding genetic relationships of phenotypically defined insect biotypes in the invasive soybean aphid (Aphis glycines)
Authors: Wenger Jacob A. , Michel Andy P.
Published: July 2013

Adaptive evolution of pest insects in response to the introduction of resistant cultivars is well documented and commonly results in virulent (i.e., capable of feeding upon resistant cultivars) insect populations being labeled as distinct biotypes. Phenotypically defined, biotypes frequently remain evolutionarily indistinct, resulting in ineffective application of virulence control measures and shorter durability of resistant cultivars. Here, we utilize an evolutionary framework to discern the genetic relationship between biotypes of the soybean aphid (Aphis glycines, Matsumura). The soybean aphid is invasive in North America and is among the most destructive pests of commercial soybean on the continent. Attempts to breed host‐plant‐resistant soybean have been hampered by the emergence of virulent aphid biotypes that are unaffected by the plant's resistance mechanism(s). Comparative population genetic analysis of virulent and avirulent (i.e., unable to feed on resistant cultivars) biotypes found populations to be genetically indistinguishable across biotype and geographic distance, with high rates of interpopulation immigration and admixture. The lack of genetic distinction between biotypes coupled with elevated genotypic diversity within all populations suggested virulence has a nongenetic‐based or includes a gene complex that is widely distributed throughout soybean aphid populations, which undergo regular dispersal and unimpeded sexual recombination.
Plant growth and survival of five introduced and two native/naturalized perennial grass genotypes exposed to two defoliation managements in arid Argentina
Authors: Torres Y. A. , Busso C. A. , Montenegro O. A. , Ithurrart L. , Giorgetti H. D. , Rodríguez G. D. , Bentivegna D. , Brevedan R. E. , Fernández O. A. , Mujica M. M. , Baioni S. S. , Entío L. , Fioretti M. , Tucat G.
Published: July 2013

The field performance of the native Pappophorum vaginatum, the naturalized Eragrostis curvula and various cultivars of the introduced Achnatherum hymenoides and Leymus cinereus was evaluated as potential forage resources in rangelands of arid Argentina during the warm seasons of 2007/2008 and 2008/2009. Plants of these grass species, obtained from seeds, were transplanted to the field in 2006, when they were 1 year old. During the study years, there were two defoliation managements: plants of all study genotypes either remained undefoliated (controls) or were defoliated twice a year during spring at 5 cm stubble height. Despite tiller number being lower (P < 0·05) on defoliated than on undefoliated plants, and total leaf length per unit basal area being similar (P > 0·05) between defoliation managements by mid‐spring, there were no differences (P > 0·05) in dry weight production between defoliated and undefoliated plants in all genotypes at the end of the second growing season. Plants of one or more of the introduced genotypes showed a similar (P > 0·05) or greater (P < 0·05), but not lower, tiller number per plant and per square centimetre, daughter tiller production, total leaf length and dry weight production per unit basal area than the native species at the end of the first and/or second growing seasons. These morphological variables were similar (P > 0·05) or greater (P < 0·05) in the native than in the naturalized genotype. Plant survival, however, was lower (P < 0·05, overall mean = 20%) in the introduced than in the native (>70%) or naturalized (>39%) genotypes at the end of the first or second growing seasons.