bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pheromone-induced cell proliferation in the murine subventricular zone
Authors: Koyama Sachiko , Soini Helena A. , Foley John , Novotny Milos V. , Lai Cary
Published: August 2014

Enhancement of adult neurogenesis in female mice was previously demonstrated through exposure to soiled bedding from males, although the identity of relevant chemosignals has remained unknown. The farnesenes and SBT (2-sec-butyl-4,5-dihydrothiazole) are male murine pheromones that dominant males secrete at higher levels. Previous studies have shown that they induce oestrus in female mice. We have recently shown that these pheromones strongly increase cell proliferation in the SVZ (subventricular zone) of adult female mice. In addition, we found that a female murine pheromone, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, facilitates similar changes in males. 2,5-dimethylpyrazine is a female pheromone that is secreted when females are housed in large groups and it was originally found to suppress oestrus in females. We found that it does not have suppressive effect on the cell proliferation in the SVZ of females. Similarly, male murine pheromones, SBT and the farnesenes, do not show a suppressive effect on the cell proliferation in the SVZ of males. Our results demonstrated that pheromonal communication between males and females has strong stimulatory effect on both the reproductive physiology and brain cell proliferation, but intrasex pheromonal exchanges do not reduce progenitor proliferation in these brain regions.
The RNA world and the origin of metabolic enzymes
Authors: Ralser Markus
Published: August 2014

An RNA world has been placed centre stage for explaining the origin of life. Indeed, RNA is the most plausible molecule able to form both a (self)-replicator and to inherit information, necessities for initiating genetics. However, in parallel with self-replication, the proto-organism had to obtain the ability to catalyse supply of its chemical constituents, including the ribonucleotide metabolites required to replicate RNA. Although the possibility of an RNA-catalysed metabolic network has been considered, it is to be questioned whether RNA molecules, at least on their own, possess the required catalytic capacities. An alternative scenario for the origin of metabolism involves chemical reactions that are based on environmental catalysts. Recently, we described a non-enzymatic glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway-like reactions catalysed by metal ions [mainly Fe(II)] and phosphate, simple inorganic molecules abundantly found in Archaean sediments. While the RNA world can serve to explain the origin of genetics, the origin of the metabolic network might thus date back to constraints of environmental chemistry. Interestingly, considering a metal-catalysed origin of metabolism gives rise to an attractive hypothesis about how the first enzymes could have formed: simple RNA or (poly)peptide molecules could have bound the metal ions, and thus increased their solubility, concentration and accessibility. In a second step, this would have allowed substrate specificity to evolve.
Intermixing at the absorber-buffer layer interface in thin-film solar cells: The electronic effects of point defects in Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2 and Cu2ZnSn(Se,S)4 devices
Authors: Varley J. B. , Lordi V.
Published: August 2014

We investigate point defects in the buffer layers CdS and ZnS that may arise from intermixing with Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 (CIGS) or Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTS) absorber layers in thin-film photovoltaics. Using hybrid functional calculations, we characterize the electrical and optical behavior of Cu, In, Ga, Se, Sn, Zn, Na, and K impurities in the buffer. We find that In and Ga substituted on the cation site act as shallow donors in CdS and tend to enhance the prevailing n-type conductivity at the interface facilitated by Cd incorporation in CIGS, whereas they are deep donors in ZnS and will be less effective dopants. Substitutional In and Ga can favorably form complexes with cation vacancies (A-centers) which may contribute to the “red kink” effect observed in some CIGS-based devices. For CZTS absorbers, we find that Zn and Sn defects substituting on the buffer cation site are electrically inactive in n-type buffers and will not supplement the donor doping at the interface as in CIGS/CdS or ZnS devices. Sn may also preferentially incorporate on the S site as a deep acceptor in n-type ZnS, which suggests possible concerns with absorber-related interfacial compensation in CZTS devices with ZnS-derived buffers. Cu, Na, and K impurities are found to all have the same qualitative behavior, most favorably acting as compensating acceptors when substituting on the cation site. Our results suggest one beneficial role of K and Na incorporation in CIGS or CZTS devices is the partial passivation of vacancy-related centers in CdS and ZnS buffers, rendering them less effective interfacial hole traps and recombination centers.
LIt.search: fast tracking access to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health literature
Authors: Tieman Jennifer J. , Lawrence Mikaela A. , Damarell Raechel A. , Sladek Ruth M. , Nikolof Arwen
Published: August 2014

Objective To develop and validate a PubMed search filter, LIt.search, that automatically retrieves Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health literature and to make it publicly accessible through the Lowitja Institute website. Methods Search filter development phases included: (1) scoping of the publication characteristics of Aboriginal and Torres Start Islander literature; (2) advisory group input and review; (3) systematic identification and testing of MeSH and text word terms; (4) relevance assessment of the search filter’s retrieved items; and (5) translation for use in PubMed through the web. Results Scoping study analyses demonstrated complexity in the nature and use of possible search terms and publication characteristics. The search filter achieved a recall rate of 84.8% in the full gold standard test set. To determine real-world performance, post-hoc assessment of items retrieved by the search filter in PubMed was undertaken with 87.2% of articles deemed as relevant. The search filter was constructed as a series of URL hyperlinks to enable one-click searching. Conclusion LIt.search is a search tool that facilitates research into practice for improving outcomes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and is publicly available on the Lowitja Institute website. What is known about this topic? Health professionals, researchers and decision makers can find it difficult to retrieve published literature on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health easily, effectively and in a timely way. What does this paper add? This paper describes a new web-based searching tool, LIt.search, which facilitates access to the relevant literature. What are the implications for practice? Ready access to published literature on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health reduces a barrier to the use of this evidence in practice. LIt.search encourages the use of this evidence to inform clinical judgement and policy and service decision-making as well as reducing the burdens associated with searching for community practitioners, academics and policy makers.
Construction of CuII Cluster-Based Magnetic Metal–Organic Framework Derived from a V-Shaped Aromatic Dicarboxylate Ligand
Authors: Chen Yong-Qiang , Tian Yuan , Li Jun
Published: August 2014

In our efforts towards rational design and systematic synthesis of cluster-based metal–organic frameworks, a new CuII coordination framework derived from the V-shaped aromatic dicarboxylate with formula [Cu4(µ4-O)(L)3]∞ (1), H2L = (4-phenyl)-2,6-bis(4-carboxyphenyl)pyridine) was synthesised under hydrothermal conditions and structurally characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, and infrared spectroscopy. Structure analysis shows that complex 1 has a three-dimensional framework based on [Cu8] cluster with 8-connected bcu topology. Magnetic investigation suggests that anti-ferromagnetic coupling exists between CuII ions in the [Cu8] cluster.
Chapter 2. The role of constructional meanings in novel verb-noun compounds in Spanish
Authors: Yoon Jiyoung
Published: August 2014

The present study addresses the issues of the comprehension and creation of Spanish verb-noun novel compounds in relation to the two types of constructions that have been proposed in Yoon (2009). In order to determine if a construction causes semantic ‘coercion’ in the interpretation and creation of a novel compound, I have conducted a study consisting of comprehension and production tasks. The results suggest that the two types of verb-noun compound constructions in Spanish indeed exist in language users’ grammar, but external constraints such as world knowledge in a particular dialect of the language, metonymy and metaphor, and a relation between frequencies and analogies, are also deemed important in order to fully understand the cognitive mechanism that regulates the productivity of the Spanish verb-noun compound.
Chapter 8. Variable type framing in Spanish constructions of directed motion
Authors: Pedersen Johan
Published: August 2014

Spanish constructions of telic motion with manner verbs are somewhat problematic for the Talmian typology, while also posing a challenge for constructionist frameworks anchored in English grammar. In response to Talmy (2000), Aske (1989), Morimoto (2008), and Beavers et al. (2010) among others, I demonstrate in this article that this construction type tends to be acceptable whenever the lexical meaning of the verb implies an element of directed motion. Drawing on Goldberg (2006) and Pedersen (2009, 2013), I suggest that schematicity is a typological parameter, and, more specifically, that the term variable type framing may accommodate the case of variation under scrutiny here.
‘Khoisan’ sibling terminologies in historical perspective
Authors: Boden Gertrud , Güldemann Tom , Jordan Fiona
Published: August 2014

This paper combines regional anthropological comparison, historical linguistics and phylogenetic comparative methodology (PCM) concerning the analysis of sibling terminology in order to address the historical relationships between the languages of the three South African Khoisan families, Kx’a, Tuu and Khoe-Kwadi. We look first at the ways how siblings are grouped into kin classes and secondly how sibling terms as lexical items are linguistically related in and between these families. Their demonstrable internal linguistic relationships imply original family-specific sibling terminologies with relevant lexemes as part of the proto-languages used within a social culture of the proto-societies (cf. Murdock 1949: 346f.; Elmendorf 1961: 365; Jordan 2011: 299). Our hypotheses for proto-terminologies, contact scenarios and trajectories of change are finally submitted to PCM probability tests. By trying to detect signals of genealogical or contact relationships we hope to contribute to the reconstruction of pre-historical processes in the Kalahari Basin, including testing hypotheses found in the previous literature, among them the claim about a deep structural unity of Khoisan kinship systems.
Clicks, prosodies and Khoisan
Authors: Elderkin Edward D.
Published: August 2014

This paper concerns itself with a point in the historical phonology of Khoisan languages: what are the basic accompaniments relevant to clicks and how might the many accompaniments described for the present day languages have arisen? In order to answer this question, the whole structure of the morph has to be considered. What is presented is an outline of an approach for a historical investigation; there is no attempt to provide full descriptions, either synchronic or diachronic. The paper finally compares aspects of the sound system of Proto-­Khoe with the systems of other languages in southern and eastern Africa.
The Evaluation of Language Regimes
Authors: Gazzola Michele
Published: August 2014

Building on existing analytical frameworks, this book provides a new methodology allowing different language policies in international multilingual organisations (or “language regimes”) to be compared and evaluated on the basis of criteria such as efficiency and fairness. It explains step-by-step how to organise the evaluation of language regimes and how to design and interpret indicators for such evaluation. The second part of this book applies the theoretical framework to the evaluation of the language policy of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) division of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and the European Patent Office (EPO). Results show that an increase in linguistic diversity of the language regimes of patent organisations can both improve the efficiency of the patent system and lead to a more balanced distribution of costs among countries. This book is a resource for scholars in language policy and planning and for policy-makers in the international and European patent system.
The grammaticalization chain of case functions
Authors: Narrog Heiko
Published: August 2014

In the 1980s and 1990s, grammaticalization research brought forth a number of intriguing proposals concerning the directionality of extension and change between case functions, i.e. semantic roles. One of these proposals, by Heine et al. (1991), consisted in a single unidirectional chain of increasing grammaticalization of case functions, advancing from the spatial domain via an anthropocentric domain to inanimate and abstract domains, based on metaphorical extension. This bold proposal is still often referred to, but has proven to be problematic in some points, especially in the intermediate area of anthropocentric concepts. The present paper investigates this chain in detail, showing which hypothesized extensions still hold and which not. It is argued that the single chain is untenable and has to be broken up into at least two larger directionalities, one leading to the development of the expression of core participants, often triggered by constructional reanalysis, and the other leading to highly abstract, inanimate case roles. The application of the concept of metaphorical extension to the reanalysis cases is much less straightforward than that to the semantically motivated cases. However, the result of change is similar, as the semantic weight of the linguistic expression shifts practically completely to the nominal, and case marking becomes almost purely syntactic marking. Dative case functions are in an intermediate position leading to extensions both in the direction of core participants and to inanimate, abstract roles. Keywords: Grammaticalization; semantic roles; semantic maps; unidirectionality; case functions; metaphor
Physician Attitudes toward Palliative Care for Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Results of a Cross‐Sectional Survey
Authors: Fenstad Eric R. , Shanafelt Tait D. , Sloan Jeff A. , Novotny Paul J. , Durst Louise A. , Frantz Robert P. , McGoon Michael D. , Swetz Keith M.
Published: August 2014

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic, symptomatic, life‐threatening illness; however, it is complex, with variable expression regarding impact on quality of life (QOL). This study investigated attitudes and comfort of physicians regarding palliative care (PC) for patients with PAH and explored potential barriers to PC in PAH. An internet‐based, mixed‐methods survey was distributed to Pulmonary Hypertension Clinicians and Researchers, a professional organization within the Pulmonary Hypertension Association. Only responses from physicians involved in clinical care of patients with PAH were analyzed. Of 355 clinicians/researchers, 79 (22%) returned surveys, including 76 (21%) providers involved in clinical care. Responding physicians were mainly pulmonologists (67%), practiced in university/academic medical centers (89%), had been in practice a mean of 12 ± 7 years, cared for a median of 100 PAH patients per year, and reported a high level of confidence in managing PAH (87%), advanced PAH‐specific pharmacologic interventions (95%), and end‐of‐life care (88%). Smaller proportions were comfortable managing pain (62%) and QOL issues (78%). Most physicians (91%) reported utilizing PC consultation at least once in the prior year, primarily in the setting of end‐of‐life/active dying (59%), hospice referral (46%), or symptomatic dyspnea/impaired QOL (40%). The most frequent reasons for not referring patients to PC included nonapproval by the patient/family (51%) and concern that PC is “giving up hope” (43%). PAH may result in symptoms that impair QOL despite optimal PAH therapy; however, PC awareness and utilization for PAH providers is low. Opportunities may exist to integrate PC into care for PAH patients.
Examining the Comorbidity Between Depression and the Anxiety Disorders From the Perspective of the Quadripartite Model
Authors: Watson David , Stasik Sara M.
Published: August 2014

Major depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) represent heterogeneous combinations of symptoms. Analyses focusing on these distinctive symptom dimensions can play an important role in explicating key diagnostic phenomena such as comorbidity. We review depression and PTSD from the perspective of the quadripartite model, which posits that it is important to consider two quantitative elements when analyzing the properties of symptoms: (a) the magnitude of their general distress component and (b) their level of specificity. Within both disorders, we identified certain symptoms—insomnia and appetite disturbance in the case of depression, dysphoria within PTSD—that both (a) exhibited poor diagnostic specificity and (b) provided little or no incremental information to their respective diagnoses. We therefore argue that deemphasizing these weak and nonspecific indicators and focusing primarily on more specific types of symptoms potentially can improve the diagnosis and assessment of these disorders.
Introduction
Authors: Richards C. Steven , O'Hara Michael W.
Published: August 2014

In this chapter, we provide a brief introduction to our book. We discuss the following themes, which run throughout this edited book on depressive disorders and comorbidity: assessment and diagnosis, theory and methods, psychiatric comorbidity, health comorbidity, relationship comorbidity, intervention and consultation, and future directions. A number of themes will be apparent, including the incredibly broad scope of depressive comorbidity. Depression goes with many other problems. Another theme is that the specifics of depressive comorbidity—and the implications for theory, research, and practice—vary considerably as we consider one type of comorbidity versus another. For example, the comorbidity of depression and generalized anxiety disorder has very different implications than the comorbidity of depression and alcohol-use disorder, which in turn is different than the comorbidity of depression and cancer, which again has different implications than the comorbidity of depression and severe relationship dysfunction. Each of the chapters in the book highlight some of the themes and issues, but the remarkable breadth and depth of depressive comorbidity becomes clearer as we consider all of the chapters in total. We attempt to bridge some of these differences and look for common themes in the Epilogue at the end of the book, as do some of the contributors in their individual chapters on specific issues or types of comorbidity. In this Introduction, however, we focus more on the specific chapters and a few of the themes that are highlighted in each one. Overarching themes, such as what is meant bycomorbidity, how might future efforts at assessment and treatment be improved, and what future developments may be particularly helpful are discussed in many of the individual chapters. This brief introduction serves to highlight a few of the issues and introduce the reader to the broad array of chapters that await them in the rest of the book.
Coding and Analysis Strategies
Authors: Saldaña Johnny
Published: August 2014

This chapter provides an overview of selected qualitative data analytic strategies with a particular focus on codes and coding. Preparatory strategies for a qualitative research study and data management are first outlined. Six coding methods are then profiled using comparable interview data: process coding, in vivo coding, descriptive coding, values coding, dramaturgical coding, and versus coding. Strategies for constructing themes and assertions from the data follow. Analytic memo writing is woven throughout the preceding as a method for generating additional analytic insight. Next, display and arts-based strategies are provided, followed by recommended qualitative data analytic software programs and a discussion on verifying the researcher’s analytic findings.
Decolonizing Research Practice
Authors: Evans Michael , Miller Adrian , Hutchinson Peter J. , Dingwall Carlene
Published: August 2014

Indigenous approaches to research are fundamentally rooted in the traditions and knowledge systems of Indigenous peoples themselves, although Indigenous methodologies and methods have become both systems for generating knowledge and ways of responding to the processes of colonization. Very specific Indigenous methods emerge from language, culture, and worldview. This chapter describes two such Indigenous research approaches drawn from the work of two Indigenous scholars with their communities in Australia and Canada. Although creative and new, these approaches draw deeply from their communities and thus express and enact traditional knowledge systems in contemporary terms. This approach may result in more pertinent research, better take-up and dissemination of research results, and a general improvement in the situations of Indigenous communities and peoples.
Photography as a Research Method
Authors: Holm Gunilla
Published: August 2014

This chapter discusses the development of photography as a research method in social sciences. It describes the different types of photographs used, such as archival photographs and photographs taken by the researcher, and it focuses especially on photographs taken by participants. The uses of different approaches to obtain photographs and issues of interest concerning each approach are presented. The most common approaches to analyze photographs, such as content analysis, discourse analysis, and ethnographic analysis are described. Interesting and challenging questions about the interpretation and presentation of photographs are raised, such as the impact of the researcher’s and participants’ habitus on the interpretation of photographs. Finally, ethical issues in research using photographs are considered, especially the meaning of informed consent and confidentiality in photographic research is emphasized.
Anorectal stricture in 102 patients with Crohn's disease: natural history in the era of biologics
Authors: Brochard C. , Siproudhis L. , Wallenhorst T. , Cuen D. , d'Halluin P. N. , Garros A. , Bretagne J.‐F. , Bouguen G.
Published: August 2014

Background

The natural history of nonfistulising perianal Crohn's disease (PCD) remains unknown.

Aim

To assess the long‐term outcome of anorectal strictures.

Methods

All outcomes of PCD patients with anorectal stricture followed in a single unit from 2005 to 2013 were reviewed, as well as subsequent therapeutic management. Cumulative incidence of stricture healing (disappearance of the anal stricture) was estimated using a Kaplan–Meier method and factor associated with an unfavourable course (persistent stricture S2, persistent stoma or proctectomy) with nonparametric test.

Results

A total of 102 patients (M/F: 37/65) were included. The duration of CD at diagnosis was 8.9 years. After a median follow‐up period of 2.8 years, 52 of the 88 followed patients (59%) achieved anorectal stricture healing. Two patients (2%) developed anal adenocarcinoma. Female gender [HR 2.05 (1.1–4.03), P = 0.0221], disease duration of CD of less than 10 years [HR 1.94 (1.01–3.63), P = 0.0271], and anal fistula at stricture diagnosis [HR 2.36 (1.21–5.05), P = 0.0106) were significantly associated with anorectal stricture healing in a multivariate analysis model. Twenty‐eight patients (32%) had an unfavourable course at the end of follow‐up. Gender and introduction or optimisation of TNFα antagonist treatment decreased the risk of unfavourable course in multivariate analysis. Conversely, the Luminal B2 phenotype at CD diagnosis was the only factor associated with unfavourable course.

Conclusions

Anorectal stricture does not imply a nonreversible and complicated condition related to severe perianal Crohn's disease. However, both the diagnosis of cancer and sepsis drainage remain challenging in this situation.
Spanish consensus document for acceptance and rejection of kidneys from expanded criteria donors
Authors: Lledó‐García E. , Riera L. , Passas J. , Paredes D. , Morales J. M. , Sánchez‐Escuredo A. , Burgos‐Revilla F. J. , de Andrés Belmonte A. , Oppenheimer F. , Rodríguez‐Ferrero M. L. , Solé M. , Matesanz R. , Valentín M. , Pascual J.
Published: August 2014

In the recent years, more than 60% of available deceased donors are either older than 50 yr or have significant vascular comorbidities. This makes the acceptance and rejection criteria of renal allografts very rigorous, especially in cases of younger recipients, and at the same time encourages live donations. In our country, there is a lack of homogeneity in the percentages of use of expanded criteria donor (ECD) allografts between the different autonomous communities. Furthermore, the criteria vary greatly, and in some cases, great importance is given to the biopsy while in others very little. In this study, we present a unified and homogenous criteria agreed upon by consensus of a 10‐member Panel representing major scientific societies related to renal transplantation in Spain. The criteria are to be used in accepting and/or rejecting kidneys from the so‐called ECDs. The goal was to standardize the use of these organs, to optimize the results, and most importantly to provide for the maximum well being of our patients. Finally, we believe that after taking into account the Panel's thorough review of specific scientific literature, this document will be adaptable to other national renal transplant programmes.
Liberalisation Failed: Understanding Persistent State Power in the Burkinabè Cotton Sector from 1990 to 2004
Authors: Dowd‐Uribe Brian
Published: August 2014

The literature characterises African states as unable to subvert pressure from the World Bank to liberalise their economies. This article contradicts this narrative by showing how Burkina Faso adopted a cotton‐sector liberalisation plan that retained significant state control. It argues that French influence, the sequence of regional liberalisations, and an ideological shift at the World Bank opened up political space for Burkina Faso to propose alternative and more moderate liberalisation reforms – in this case, the inclusion of a producers' organisation in cotton governance rather than a privatisation of cotton‐sector activities. Heavy involvement in the formation of the producers' organisation allowed the Burkinabè state to retain control of its cotton sector, paradoxically, via the full implementation of its liberalisation reforms.
Spectral Doppler Interrogation of the Patent Foramen Ovale–A Window to Left Heart Hemodynamics
Authors: Fadel Bahaa M. , Husain Aysha , Bakarman Hatem , Dahdouh Ziad , Salvo Giovanni Di , Mohty Dania
Published: August 2014

Spectral Doppler interrogation of flow across a patent foramen ovale (PFO) allows recording of the instantaneous pressure gradient between left and right atrium (RA). The assessment of RA pressure using the size and collapsibility of the inferior vena cava would thus allow estimation of left atrial (LA) pressure. In this article, we illustrate the value of spectral Doppler interrogation of flow across the PFO by transthoracic echocardiography as a novel and simple tool for the assessment of LA pressure and left cardiac hemodynamics in addition to the conventional noninvasive parameters.
Paired box 2 upregulates androgen receptor gene expression in androgen‐independent prostate cancer
Authors: Ito Saya , Ueda Takashi , Ueno Akihisa , Nakagawa Hideo , Taniguchi Hidefumi , Hongo Fumiya , Kamoi Kazumi , Okihara Koji , Kawauchi Akihiro , Miki Tsuneharu
Published: August 2014

Androgen‐independent prostate cancer is known as a hormone‐refractory disease. Although the androgen receptor (AR) is considered to be a key regulator of androgen‐independent prostate cancer progression, the mechanism through which AR gene expression is regulated is not well understood. In the present study, we showed that the AR gene was upregulated by paired box 2 (PAX2) in androgen‐independent prostate cancer. When PAX2 upregulated AR gene expression, a decrease in DNA methylation of the AR gene locus was also observed. PAX2 was highly expressed and promoted cell growth in an androgen‐independent prostate cancer cell line (22Rv1). The cell growth inhibition by PAX2 knockdown was rescued by AR overexpression in 22Rv1 cells. In a mouse xenograft model of androgen‐independent prostate cancer, PAX2 knockdown inhibited tumor growth and AR gene expression and also increased DNA methylation of the AR gene. Consistent with this, AR and PAX2 expression levels were positively correlated in prostate cancer patients. These findings suggested that PAX2 promoted cancer cell growth in androgen‐independent prostate cancer by regulating AR gene expression through an epigenetic mechanism.
Prevalence of root canal treatment and periapical radiolucency in elders: a systematic review
Authors: Hamedy Reza , Shakiba Bita , Pak Jaclyn G. , Barbizam Joao V. , Ogawa Rikke S. , White Shane N.
Published: August 2014

Introduction

Neither the prevalence of periapical radiolucency (PARL), a surrogate for disease, nor the prevalence of non‐surgical root canal treatment (NSRCT) in elders have been subjected to systematic review. The purpose of this study was to conduct systematic review and meta‐analysis of the prevalence of PARL and NSRCT in elders.

Methods

Inclusion/exclusion criteria were used for defined searches in MEDLINE and Cochrane CENTRAL. Title lists were scanned and abstracts read to determine utility; articles meeting the criteria were analyzed. Weighted mean percentages were calculated for prevalence of PARL, NSRCT, and PARL in both teeth with and without NSRCT.

Results

Defined searching produced 3576 titles; 29 prevalence articles were included. Patient samples mostly represented modern populations from countries with very high human development indices. Meta‐analyses were performed on up to 74 000 elders’ teeth. For those aged 65+, the prevalence of all teeth with NSRCT was extremely high, 21%; the prevalence of all teeth with PARL was quite high, 7%; the prevalence of PARL in NSRCT teeth was high, 25%; and the prevalence of PARL in untreated teeth was surprisingly high, 4%. In elders, the prevalence of NSRCT and PARL separately increased with age; whereas, PARL in NSRCT teeth decreased with age.

Conclusions

In comparison to general adult populations, elders had: a much higher prevalence of NSRCT, a higher prevalence of PARL, a lower prevalence of PARL in NSRCT teeth, and a higher prevalence of PARL in untreated teeth. Teeth saved through NSRCT were preferentially retained by elders.
Reported side effects of intravenous midazolam sedation when used in paediatric dentistry: a review
Authors: Papineni McIntosh Arathi , Ashley Paul Francis , Lourenço‐Matharu Liege
Published: August 2014

Background

Intravenous (IV) midazolam may be of value as an alternative paediatric dental sedation technique, but there is some apprehension concerning its routine use due to a lack of evidence regarding its safety and side effects.

Aim

To review all available literature reporting the side effects of IV midazolam in children undergoing dental procedures.

Design

Both randomised controlled trials (RCT) and non‐randomised studies were reviewed. Reported side effects were categorised as either significant or minor, and the percentage prevalence of significant or minor side effects per episode of treatment was calculated.

Results

Five RCTs were included, in which no significant side events were reported; however, minor side effects were recorded (n = 33, 19.5%), with paradoxical reaction being the most common (n = 11, 6.5%). Six non‐randomised studies were included, in which no significant side effects were reported; however, minor side effects were reported (n = 118, 16.8%) with paradoxical reaction being the most common (n = 89, 12.7%).

Conclusions

Although no significant side effects were recorded, of the minor side effects reported paradoxical reaction was the most common. Due to inconsistency in side effect reporting, the authors suggest the application of a standardised adverse event reporting tool for future studies of sedation in paediatric dentistry.
AnIn VitroBiomechanical Comparison of Hydroxyapatite Coated and Uncoated AO Cortical Bone Screws for a Limited Contact: Dynamic Compression Plate Fixation of Osteotomized Equine 3rd Metacarpal Bones
Authors: Durham Myra E. , Sod Gary A. , Riggs Laura M. , Mitchell Colin F.
Published: August 2014

Objectives

To compare the monotonic biomechanical properties of a broad 4.5 mm limited contact‐dynamic compression plate (LC‐DCP) fixation secured with hydroxyapatite (HA) coated cortical bone screws (HA‐LC‐DCP) versus uncoated cortical bone screws (AO‐LC‐DCP) to repair osteotomized equine 3rd metacarpal (MC3) bones.

Study Design

Experimental.

Sample Population

Adult equine cadaveric MC3 bones (n = 12 pair).

Methods

Twelve pairs of equine MC3 were divided into 3 test groups (4 pairs each) for: (1) 4 point bending single cycle to failure testing; (2) 4 point bending cyclic fatigue testing; and (3) torsional single cycle to failure testing. For the HA‐LC‐DCP‐MC3 construct, an 8‐hole broad LC‐DCP (Synthes Ltd, Paoli, PA) was secured on the dorsal surface of each randomly selected MC3 bone with a combination of four 5.5 mm and four 4.5 mm HA‐coated cortical screws. For the AO‐LC‐DCP‐MC3 construct, an 8‐hole 4.5 mm broad LC‐DCP was secured on the dorsal surface of the contralateral MC3 bone with a combination of four 5.5 mm and four 4.5 mm uncoated cortical screws. All MC3 bones had mid‐diaphyseal osteotomies. Mean test variable values for each method were compared using a pairedt‐test within each group. Significance was set atP < .05.

Results

Mean yield load, yield bending moment, composite rigidity, failure load, and failure bending moment, under 4 point bending, single cycle to failure, of the HA‐LC‐DCP fixation were significantly greater than those of the AO‐LC‐DCP fixation. Mean ± SD values for the HA‐LC‐DCP and the AO‐LC‐DCP fixation techniques, respectively, in single cycle to failure under 4 point bending were: yield load, 26.7 ± 2.15 and 16.3 ± 1.38 kN; yield bending moment, 527.4 ± 42.4 and 322.9 ± 27.2 N‐m; composite rigidity, 5306 ± 399 and 3003 ± 300 N‐m/rad; failure load, 40.6 ± 3.94 and 26.5 ± 2.52 kN; and failure bending moment, 801.9 ± 77.9 and 522.9 ± 52.2 N‐m. Mean cycles to failure in 4 point bending of the HA‐LC‐DCP fixation (116,274 ± 13,211) was significantly greater than that of the AO‐LC‐DCP fixation 47,619 ± 6580. Mean yield load, mean composite rigidity, and mean failure load under torsional testing, single cycle to failure was significantly greater for the broad HA‐LC‐DCP fixation compared with the AO‐LC‐DCP fixation. In single cycle to failure under torsion, mean ± SD values for the HA‐LC‐DCP and the AO‐LC‐DCP fixation techniques, respectively, were: yield load, 101.3 ± 14.68 and 70.54 ± 10.20 N‐m; composite rigidity, 437.9 ± 32.9 and 220.7 ± 17.6 N‐m/rad; and failure load: 105.7 ± 15.5 and 75.28 ± 10.1 N‐m.

Conclusion

HA‐LC‐DCP was superior to AO‐LC‐DCP in resisting the static overload forces (palmarodorsal 4 point bending and torsional) and in resisting cyclic fatigue under palmarodorsal 4 point bending.
A Robust Procedure for High‐Precision Determination of Rare Earth Element Concentrations in Seawater
Authors: Zheng Xin‐Yuan , Yang Jingjing , Henderson Gideon M.
Published: August 2014

This study reports a robust procedure that permits precise measurement of all fourteen naturally occurring rare earth element (REE) concentrations, present at ng kg−1 to sub ng kg−1 levels, in ~ 100 ml seawater. This procedure is simple and can be routinely applied to measure seawater REEs with relatively high sample throughput. The procedure involves addition of a 142Ce‐145Nd‐171Yb‐enriched spike mixture, iron co‐precipitation, REE purification with chromatographic separation and the use of a magnetic‐sector‐field ICP‐MS (Element 2) coupled with a desolvating sample introduction system (Aridus 1). Critical steps of the procedure, including co‐precipitation pH and matrix removal, have been optimised through a set of experiments described here. The accuracy of the new procedure was assessed against a gravimetric mixture of REEs, and the precision was demonstrated by repeated measurement of two well‐mixed natural seawaters. Repeated analyses of these seawater reference materials (RMs), using ~ 100 ml seawater for each aliquot, indicate precision of 3% (1s) for the REEs. Measured REE concentrations of two uncertified seawater RMs (CASS‐4 and NASS‐5) are consistent with published values, and REE concentrations of the GEOTRACES intercalibration samples show good agreement with those reported by other participant laboratories. REE concentrations for other intercalibration samples (SAFe and Arctic PS70) are also reported.
Valsartan independent of AT1 receptor inhibits tissue factor, TLR‐2 and ‐4 expression by regulation of Egr‐1 through activation of AMPK in diabetic conditions
Authors: Ha Yu Mi , Park Eun Jung , Kang Young Jin , Park Sang Won , Kim Hye Jung , Chang Ki Churl
Published: August 2014

Patients suffering from diabetes mellitus (DM) are at a severe risk of atherothrombosis. Early growth response (Egr)‐1 is well characterized as a central mediator in vascular pathophysiology. We tested whether valsartan independent of Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R) can reduce tissue factor (TF) and toll‐like receptor (TLR)‐2 and ‐4 by regulating Egr‐1 in THP‐1 cells and aorta in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice. High glucose (HG, 15 mM) increased expressions of Egr‐1, TF, TLR‐2 and ‐4 which were significantly reduced by valsartan. HG increased Egr‐1 expression by activation of PKC and ERK1/2 in THP‐1 cells. Valsartan increased AMPK phosphorylation in a concentration and time‐dependent manner via activation of LKB1. Valsartan inhibited Egr‐1 without activation of PKC or ERK1/2. The reduced expression of Egr‐1 by valsartan was reversed by either silencing Egr‐1, or compound C, or DN‐AMPK‐transfected cells. Valsartan inhibited binding of NF‐κB and Egr‐1 to TF promoter in HG condition. Furthermore, valsartan reduced inflammatory cytokine (TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐1β) production and NF‐κB activity in HG‐activated THP‐1 cells. Interestingly, these effects of valsartan were not affected by either silencing AT1R in THP‐1 cells or CHO cells, which were devoid of AT1R. Importantly, administration of valsartan (20 mg/kg, i.p) for 8 weeks significantly reduced plasma TF activity, expression of Egr‐1, TLR‐2, ‐4 and TF in thoracic aorta and improved glucose tolerance of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice. Taken together, we concluded that valsartan may reduce atherothrombosis in diabetic conditions through AMPK/Egr‐1 regulation.
The Global Crisis and Equity Market Contagion
Authors: BEKAERT GEERT , EHRMANN MICHAEL , FRATZSCHER MARCEL , MEHL ARNAUD
Published: August 2014

We analyze the transmission of the 2007 to 2009 financial crisis to 415 country‐industry equity portfolios. We use a factor model to predict crisis returns, defining unexplained increases in factor loadings and residual correlations as indicative of contagion. While we find evidence of contagion from the United States and the global financial sector, the effects are small. By contrast, there has been substantial contagion from domestic markets to individual domestic portfolios, with its severity inversely related to the quality of countries’ economic fundamentals. This confirms the “wake‐up call” hypothesis, with markets focusing more on country‐specific characteristics during the crisis.
Central type primitive neuroectodermal tumor/neuroblastoma of the uterus: A case report
Authors: Shimada Chisa , Todo Yukiharu , Okamoto Kazuhira , Akashi Daisuke , Yamashiro Katsushige , Hasegawa Tadashi
Published: August 2014

We encountered a 63‐year‐old woman who had a uterine tumor with peritoneal dissemination and para‐aortic lymph node metastasis. Microscopic specimens of the tumor showed a small blue round‐cell tumor. Immunohistochemistry showed cells to be negative for cytokeratin AE1/3, desmin, myogenin, CD10, CD34, and CD99, focal positive for vimentin, and positive for muscle‐specific actin (HHF‐35), neurofilament, synaptophysin and CD56. Fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed no split signal showing Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1 gene translocation. Deletion of 1p36 was identified in 30% of the tumor cells. These findings are thought to be equivalent to central type primitive neuroectodermal tumors/neuroblastoma. Cytoreductive debulking surgery followed by chemotherapy, including cyclophosphamide, vincristine and adriamycin, resulted in complete remission. She has no evidence of disease at 24 months after surgery.
Regulation of Rfa2 phosphorylation in response to genotoxic stress in Candida albicans
Authors: Gao Jiaxin , Wang Haitao , Wong Ada Hang‐Heng , Zeng Guisheng , Huang Zhenxing , Wang Yanming , Sang Jianli , Wang Yue
Published: August 2014

Successful pathogens must be able to swiftly respond to and repair DNA damages inflicted by the host defence. The replication protein A (RPA) complex plays multiple roles in DNA damage response and is regulated by phosphorylation. However, the regulators of RPA phosphorylation remain unclear. Here, we investigated Rfa2 phosphorylation in the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans. Rfa2, a RFA subunit, is phosphorylated when DNA replication is inhibited by hydroxyurea and dephosphorylated during the recovery. By screening a phosphatase mutant library, we found that Pph3 associates with different regulatory subunits to differentially control Rfa2 dephosphorylation in stressed and unstressed cells. Site‐directed mutagenesis revealed T11, S18, S29, and S30 being critical for Rfa2 phosphorylation in response to genotoxic insult. We obtained evidence that the genome integrity checkpoint kinase Mec1 and the cyclin‐dependent kinase Clb2–Cdc28 mediate Rfa2 phosphorylation. Although cells expressing either a phosphomimetic or a non‐phosphorylatable version of Rfa2 had defects, the latter exhibited greater sensitivity to genotoxic challenge, failure to repair DNA damages and to deactivate Rad53‐mediated checkpoint pathways in a dosage‐dependent manner. These mutants were also less virulent in mice. Our results provide important new insights into the regulatory mechanism and biological significance of Rfa2 phosphorylation in C. albicans.
MALDI‐MS Lipid Profiles of Oocytes Recovered by Ovum Pickup from Bos indicus and 1/2 indicus × taurus with High vs Low Oocyte Yields
Authors: Silva‐Santos KC , Ferreira CR , Santos GMG , Eberlin MN , Siloto LS , Rosa CO , Marcantonio TN , Seneda MM
Published: August 2014

Contents

The aim of the present study was to compare the lipid profile in oocytes of indicus and 1/2 indicus × taurus cows with high and low antral follicle count (AFC)/oocyte yields. After an OPU procedure (D0), antral follicles ≥3 mm were counted by ultrasonography (D4, 19, 34, 49, 64), and cows were assigned to groups with either high AFC (≥30 follicles; indicus, NH group; 1/2 indicus × taurus, AH group) or low AFC (≤15 antral follicles; indicus, NL group; 1/2 indicus × taurus, AL group). The lipid profiles of the oocytes were determined by MALDI‐MS. For GI, GII and GIII oocytes, the indicus samples tend to cluster separately from the 1/2 indicus × taurus samples. The lipid species [PC (P‐38:5) + H]+ and/or [PC (P‐36:2) + Na]+, [PC (38:2) + H]+, [PC (38:5) + Na]+ and [TAG (60:8) + NH4]+ were more abundant in indicus (NH and NL groups) than 1/2 indicus × taurus. The higher lipid content in the indicus oocytes likely reflects differences in the rate of lipid metabolism and may contribute to oocyte competence and embryo development.
A saddlepoint approximation to the distribution of the sum of independent non‐identically uniform random variables
Authors: Murakami Hidetoshi
Published: August 2014

Calculating the probability of the corresponding significance point is important for finite sample sizes. However, it is difficult to evaluate this probability when the sample sizes are moderate to large. Under these circumstances, consideration of a more accurate approximation for the distribution function is extremely important. Herein, we performed a saddlepoint approximation in the upper tails for the distribution of the sum of independent non‐identically uniform random variables under finite sample sizes. Saddlepoint approximation results were compared with those for a normal approximation. Additionally, the order of errors of the saddlepoint approximation was derived. © 2014 The Authors. Statistica Neerlandica © 2014 VVS.
Spatial distributions of soil chemical and physical properties prior to planting soybean in soil under ridge‐, no‐ and conventional‐tillage in a maize–soybean rotation
Authors: Fan R. Q. , Yang X. M. , Drury C. F. , Reynolds W. D. , Zhang X. P.
Published: August 2014

Detailed information on the profile distributions of agronomically important soil properties in the planting season can be used as criteria to select the best soil tillage practices. Soil cores (0–60 cm) were collected in May, 2012 (before soybean planting), from soil transects on a 30‐yr tillage experiment, including no‐tillage (NT), ridge tillage (RT) and mouldboard plough (MP) on a Brookston clay loam soil (mesic Typic Argiaquoll). Soil cores were taken every 19 cm across three corn rows and these were used to investigate the lateral and vertical profile characteristics of soil organic carbon (SOC), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), soil volumetric water content (SWC), bulk density (BD), and penetration resistance (PR). Compared to NT and MP, the RT system resulted in greater spatial heterogeneity of soil properties across the transect. Average SOC concentrations in the top 10 cm layer were significantly greater in RT than in NT and MP (P = 0.05). NT soil contained between 0.8 and 2.5% (vol/vol) more water in the top 0–30 cm than RT and MP, respectively. MP soil had lower PR and BD in the plough layer compared to NT and RT soils, with both soil properties increasing sharply with depth in MP. The RT had lower PR relative to NT in the upper 35 cm of soil on the crop rows. Overall, RT was a superior conservation tillage option than NT in this clay loam soil; however, MP had the most favourable soil conditions in upper soil layers for early crop development across all treatments.