bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chlorophyll fluorescence for visualizing the spatial and temporal spread of Phytophthora alni subsp. alni in alder bark tissue
Authors: Pfanz H. , Mombour J. , Wittmann C. , Fleischmann F. , Oßwald W.
Published: May 2014

The impact of alder Phytophthora (Phytophthora alni subsp. alni) on corticular photosynthetic metabolism was explored via measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence. Stem inoculation induced a sharp reduction of maximum (Fv/Fm) and effective quantum yield of PSII (). Observations of the axial and radial spread of the pathogen revealed that near to the point of inoculation and in the whole centre of the stem lesion Fv/Fm and of the cortex chlorenchyma decreased to almost zero, indicating tissue necrosis. Low values of Fv/Fm and were also found in some presymptomatic regions beyond the visible stem lesion. In contrast, substantial photosynthetic activity was found in uninvaded parts of the inoculated trees and in the control. These stem parts showed a marked light‐adapted quantum efficiency of PSII as well as marked electron transport rates in their bark tissues. Thus, corticular photosynthesis stayed unaffected in these stem parts supporting stem carbon balance. Chlorophyll fluorescence measurements in the field illustrated that stem infection with P. alni subsp. alni and the effect on the bark tissues is not only highly heterogeneous but also underlies very quick temporal changes, due to a rapid destruction of the photosynthetic apparatus. The results show that chlorophyll fluorescence measurements and fluorescence imaging are useful indicators of tissue infection caused by Phytophthora infection of bark tissues. Chlorophyll fluorescence measurements can be used to map and visualize the spatial as well as temporal spread of bark pathogens and can give a first indication of invasion of the host tissue beyond the visible lesion.
Improvement in In Vitro Fertilization Rate, Decrease in Reactive Oxygen Species and Spermatozoa Death Incidence in Rams by Dietary Fish Oil
Authors: Matini Behzad A , Ebrahimi B , Alizadeh AR , Esmaeili V , Dalman A , Rashki L , Shahverdi AH
Published: May 2014

Contents

Our aim was to evaluate the effects of fish oil feeding on sperm classical parameters, level of reactive oxygen spices (ROS), spermatozoa death incidence and in vitro fertilization (IVF) rate in rams. We randomly assigned nine rams, into two experimental groups (isoenergetic and isonitrogenous rations with constant level of vitamin E supplement): control (CTR; n = 5) and fish oil (FO; n = 4, 35 g/day/ram). Diets were fed for 70 days during the physiological breeding season. After a 21‐day dietary adaptation period, semen was collected weekly from each ram by an artificial vagina. Sperm classical parameters were determined by the computer‐assisted sperm analyzer system (CASA), and it was prepared for IVF process by swim‐up technique. These evaluations were performed during the first and last weeks of sampling. Intracellular ROS level and spermatozoa death incidence were detected by flow cytometry on a weekly basis after adaptation. Data were analysed with SPSS 15. The volume, concentration (3.6 and 2.7 × 109/ml) and sperm progressive motility (60 and 48%) were significantly improved in the FO group compared with the CTR (p < 0.05). A comparison of two‐cell stage embryos following IVF in the two groups showed a significantly higher fertilization rate in the FO group (56%) compared with the CTR (49%). Superoxide anion (O2−) rate was significantly lower (p < 0.05) at the third week of sampling in the FO. Although the H2O2 rate was numerically lower in the FO group compared with the CTR, this difference was not significant. In addition, apoptosis showed a significant difference in the third week of sampling (15 and 30% for FO and CTR, respectively; p < 0.05). Overall, adding fish oil to the ram diet not only improved sperm quality and IVF results, it also could reduce oxygen‐free radicals and the incidence of spermatozoa death.
Colonization and Recovery of Invertebrate Ecosystem Engineers during Prairie Restoration
Authors: Wodika Ben R. , Klopf Ryan P. , Baer Sara G.
Published: June 2014

Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and earthworms (Oligochaeta) are considered ecosystem engineers because they form biogenic structures in the soil that influence resource supply. The objectives of this study were to quantify recovery dynamics of these invertebrate groups across a chronosequence of restored prairies and elucidate whether changes in the abundance and biomass of ants and earthworms were related to key plant and ecosystem properties. We sampled ants and earthworms from cultivated fields, grasslands restored from 1 to 21 years, and native prairie. Ant abundance and biomass peaked between 5 and 8 years of restoration and abundance was 198 times greater than cultivated fields. Earthworm abundance increased linearly across the chronosequence and became representative of native prairie, but all earthworm populations were dominated by European species. Ant abundance and biomass were positively correlated with plant diversity and plant richness, whereas earthworm abundance biomass was only related to surface litter. These results demonstrate that earthworm abundance increases with time since cessation of cultivation and concomitant with prairie establishment, whereas the abundance and biomass of ants are more related to the structure of restored plant communities than time. The dominance of exotic earthworms in these restorations, coupled with their capacity to alter soil properties and processes may represent novel conditions for grassland development.
Combination budesonide/formoterol inhaler as maintenance and reliever therapy in Māori with asthma
Authors: Pilcher Janine , Patel Mitesh , Smith Ann , Davies Cheryl , Pritchard Alison , Travers Justin , Black Peter , Weatherall Mark , Beasley Richard , Harwood Matire ,   SMART Study Group
Published: June 2014

Background and objective

There are significant health disparities between Māori and non‐Māori with asthma, a pattern seen between other ethnic populations. This study investigates outcomes for Māori in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of combination budesonide/formoterol inhaler therapy in asthma.

Methods

This 24‐week multicentre RCT recruited 303 adult asthma patients, 44 of whom were Māori. Participants were randomized to the single combination budesonide/formoterol inhaler as maintenance and reliever therapy (‘SMART’) regimen or ‘standard’ regimen (combination budesonide/formoterol inhaler for maintenance and salbutamol as reliever). Outcomes included patterns of beta‐agonist inhaler use including ‘high use’ of reliever therapy (>8 actuations of budesonide/formoterol in excess of four maintenance doses per day for SMART and >16 actuations per day of salbutamol for standard). Differences in outcomes for Māori versus non‐Māori were assessed using an interaction term between ethnicity and treatment.

Results

With adjustment for ethnicity, the SMART group had fewer days of high use (relative rate (RR) 0.57 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.38–0.85)), days of high use without medical review within 48 h (RR 0.49 (95% CI: 0.32–0.75)) and severe exacerbations (RR 0.54 (95% CI: 0.36–0.81)) compared with standard. The magnitude of the benefit from the SMART regimen was similar in Māori and non‐Māori. Regardless of treatment regimen, Māori demonstrated more days of high use, high use without medical review and underuse of maintenance therapy.

Conclusions

The SMART regimen has a favourable risk/benefit profile in Māori. Days of high use, days of high use without medical review and underuse of maintenance treatment were greater in Māori, regardless of treatment regimen.
Bronchial inflammation in hypersensitivity pneumonitis after antigen‐specific inhalation challenge
Authors: Villar Ana , Muñoz Xavier , Sanchez‐Vidaurre Sara , Gómez‐Ollés Susana , Morell Ferran , Cruz María‐Jesús
Published: May 2014

Background and objective

The aim of this study is to compare the inflammatory profile before and after specific inhalation challenge (SIC) in induced sputum from patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) and to investigate whether different causal antigens define the resulting profile.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted in 27 patients with HP: 15 patients due to exposure to birds (BHP) and 12 due to exposure to fungi (FHP), confirmed by SIC. Induced sputum was obtained before and/or 24 h after SIC. Cell types were determined by differential cell count using optical microscopy. Interferon‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐12p70, IL‐2, IL‐10, IL‐8, IL‐6, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐1β, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and TNF‐β levels were measured in the supernatants.

Results

Following SIC, higher sputum neutrophilia levels (P = 0.048) and an increase in IL‐8 levels (P = 0.017) were found in patients with FHP than in those with BHP. FHP patients also showed increased IL‐1β, IL12‐p70 and IL5 levels (P = 0.011, P = 0.036 and P = 0.018, respectively) after SIC. In BHP, a trend towards increases in sputum eosinophils and TH2 cytokines (IL4, IL5) was seen following SIC (P = 0.059, P = 0.068 and P = 0.075 respectively).

Conclusions

This study shows that bronchial inflammation is present in patients with HP evidenced by increases in sputum neutrophils and eosinophils following exposure to the offending antigen during SIC.
Classification of Listeria monocytogenes Persistence in Retail Delicatessen Environments Using Expert Elicitation and Machine Learning
Authors: Vangay P. , Steingrimsson J. , Wiedmann M. , Stasiewicz M. J.
Published: June 2014

Increasing evidence suggests that persistence of Listeria monocytogenes in food processing plants has been the underlying cause of a number of human listeriosis outbreaks. This study extracts criteria used by food safety experts in determining bacterial persistence in the environment, using retail delicatessen operations as a model. Using the Delphi method, we conducted an expert elicitation with 10 food safety experts from academia, industry, and government to classify L. monocytogenes persistence based on environmental sampling results collected over six months for 30 retail delicatessen stores. The results were modeled using variations of random forest, support vector machine, logistic regression, and linear regression; variable importance values of random forest and support vector machine models were consolidated to rank important variables in the experts’ classifications. The duration of subtype isolation ranked most important across all expert categories. Sampling site category also ranked high in importance and validation errors doubled when this covariate was removed. Support vector machine and random forest models successfully classified the data with average validation errors of 3.1% and 2.2% (n = 144), respectively. Our findings indicate that (i) the frequency of isolations over time and sampling site information are critical factors for experts determining subtype persistence, (ii) food safety experts from different sectors may not use the same criteria in determining persistence, and (iii) machine learning models have potential for future use in environmental surveillance and risk management programs. Future work is necessary to validate the accuracy of expert and machine classification against biological measurement of L. monocytogenes persistence.
Semiparametric Transformation Models for Causal Inference in Time-to-Event Studies with All-or-Nothing Compliance
Authors: Yu Wen , Chen Kani , Sobel Michael E. , Ying Zhiliang
Published: May 2014

We consider causal inference in randomized survival studies with right-censored outcomes and all-or-nothing compliance, using semiparametric transformation models to estimate the distribution of survival times in treatment and control groups, conditionally on covariates and latent compliance type. Estimands depending on these distributions, e.g. the complier average causal effect, the complier effect on survival beyond time t and the complier quantile effect, are then considered. Maximum likelihood is used to estimate the parameters of the transformation models, using a specially designed expectation–maximization algorithm to overcome the computational difficulties that are created by the mixture structure of the problem and the infinite dimensional parameter in the transformation models. The estimators are shown to be consistent, asymptotically normal and semiparametrically efficient. Inferential procedures for the causal parameters are developed. A simulation study is conducted to evaluate the finite sample performance of the estimated causal parameters. We also apply our methodology to a randomized study conducted by the Health Insurance Plan of Greater New York to assess the reduction in breast cancer mortality due to screening.
STRUCTURAL CHANGES AND INTERREGIONAL INCOME INEQUALITY IN THE PHILIPPINES, 1975–2009
Authors: Akita Takahiro , Pagulayan Mark Saliganan
Published: May 2014

The Philippines has undergone gradual, but substantial, changes in industrial structure over the past few decades, and these have been associated with changes in the geographical distribution of economic activity. This study analyzes changes in the determinants of regional income inequality in the Philippines associated with these structural changes from 1975 to 2009. This is accomplished by using the bidimensional decomposition method. The reduction of the disparity between the National Capital Region (NCR) and the rest of Luzon is essential to decreasing Luzon's high within‐region inequality and overall interregional inequality. However, this is not easy to accomplish, as service sectors have enjoyed agglomeration economies that the NCR has nurtured under economic liberalization and globalization. Decentralization has been one way to ameliorate the disparity, but its effects are ambiguous. Another option would be to relocate some manufacturing activities to areas outside the NCR where they could enjoy localization economies.
The Whitening Hypothesis Challenged: Biculturalism in Latino and Non‐Hispanic White Intermarriage
Authors: Vasquez Jessica M.
Published: June 2014

Assimilation theory holds that intermarriage between minorities and non‐Hispanic whites is a gauge of integration and assumes that minorities jettison their ethnic identification in favor of whiteness. Drawing on race relations theory to argue that intermarriage is potentially transformative for non‐Hispanic whites as well as Latinos, this article challenges assimilation theory's bias that minorities (should) undergo cultural change and that non‐Hispanic whites remain unmoved. This article uses in‐depth interviews with Latino and non‐Hispanic white married couples to assess the consequences of ethnic intermarriage from the perspectives of both partners. Interethnic partners engaged in four “ideal types” of biculturalism, running largely contrary to assimilation theory's social whitening hypothesis. Due to boundary blurring, exemplified by affiliative ethnic identity, non‐Hispanic whites can migrate into Latino culture.
Using video and online subtitling to communicate across languages from West Papua
Authors: Crosby Alexandra , Notley Tanya
Published: June 2014

In this paper we examine mediated practices and experiences of online translation and subtitling. Our paper is based on a collaboration with EngageMedia − a not‐for‐profit organisation based in Australia and Indonesia − and is specifically focused on its work in West Papua. We argue that the video‐hosting and online subtitling that is enabled through EngageMedia's websites, while mobilising West Papuan stories in a logical, relatively fast and organised manner, is embedded in a more messy socially‐mediated translation process that occurs across shifting scales (local, national, regional, and global), and a range of cultures (online, offline, local, global, networked). By examining this socially‐mediated process we identify the many ways in which ‘friction’ emerges and we conclude that for video to support multi‐lingual, translational communication and activism, social and technological infrastructures need to be further developed to avoid ‘restrictive frictions’ and create ‘productive’ ones.
Ringing the living and the dead: Mobile phones in a Sepik society
Authors: Telban Borut , Vávrová Daniela
Published: June 2014

Since Digicel services began to operate in remote areas of Papua New Guinea in mid‐2007, enthusiasm for mobile telecommunication devices has become a pan‐New Guinean phenomenon. During our last fieldwork period, between December 2010 and December 2011, no mobile phone network existed among the Karawari people in the East Sepik Province of Papua New Guinea. However, their expectations were high and some individuals had already purchased mobile phones, which they used as torches, radios, and cameras. In Ambonwari village, people were convinced that Digicel would soon build its tower on their land and enable them to ring both the living and the dead. The dead had already interfered with calls and some people were suspected of possessing phone numbers of their deceased relatives. In our article we explore the relationship between mobile phones, the increasing fascination with phone numbers, and the ways in which the Ambonwari perceive, interpret, and engage with the world.
Pointing the Phone: Transforming Technologies and Social Relations among Warlpiri
Authors: Vaarzon‐Morel Petronella
Published: June 2014

Many central Australian Aboriginal settlements have recently gained access to mobile phones and the Internet. This paper explores ways in which Aboriginal people engage with this technology outside of institutional settings. Drawing on long‐term research among Warlpiri, I reflect on people's responses to earlier communication media such as the two‐way radio and radio–telephone and compare them to patterns of use emerging around new technologies. Attending to the social landscape surrounding the uptake of new media and the social networking site ‘Divas Chat’, I consider how transformations in material structures of communication interact with changing demographics, embodied socio‐spatial relations, sorcery beliefs and mobility to reinforce, refigure and/or disrupt patterns of conflict and connectedness that hitherto have structured Warlpiri relational ontology. I suggest that the way people engage with these technologies illuminates and intensifies fault‐lines arising from contradictions between older established social orders and changing relations with the state and modernity.
Use of activity monitors for assessment of pruritus in an acute model of canine atopic dermatitis
Authors: Schwab‐Richards Rachel , Prost Christine , Steffan Jean , Seewald Wolfgang , Nenci Chiara , Roosje Petra
Published: May 2014

Background

We developed a canine model of acute atopic dermatitis to evaluate the potential of compounds to treat pruritus and skin lesions induced in Dermatophagoides farinae (Df)‐sensitized dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The aim was to investigate the effectiveness of long‐term recording activity monitors to assess pruritus induced by allergen challenges.

Animals

Thirty‐two Df‐sensitized laboratory dogs.

Methods

In two blinded crossover studies, 28 Df‐sensitized dogs were challenged on 3 days with a Df slurry applied to clipped abdominal skin. Dogs were treated with a positive control (prednisolone 1 mg/kg once daily for 5 days, starting 1 day before challenge) or left untreated; all were fitted with activity monitors. To confirm pruritus, a parallel study with four dogs was conducted, filming the dogs before and during challenge and assessing the film for pruritic behaviour.

Results

The activity of dogs treated with prednisolone was significantly lower between 00.00 and 03.00 h and between 03.00 and 06.00 h compared with untreated dogs (repeated‐measures ANCOVA; P < 0.0001). To determine whether the recorded night‐time activity corresponded to pruritic manifestations, we compared activity monitor and video recordings of four dogs for two periods (16.30–20.30 and 24.00–03.00 h) before and during a Df challenge. The correlation between night‐time activity monitor activity and observed pruritic behaviour was highly significant (test of correlation coefficient versus zero: r = 0.57, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions and clinical importance

Determination of night‐time activity with activity monitors after allergen challenge appears to be an objective and practical way to assess pruritus in this experimental model of canine atopic dermatitis.
Food‐specific serumIgEandIgGreactivity in dogs with and without skin disease: lack of correlation between laboratories
Authors: Hardy Jonathan I. , Hendricks Anke , Loeffler Anette , Chang Yu‐Mei , Verheyen Kristien L. , Garden Oliver A. , Bond Ross
Published: June 2014

Background

Despite conflicting data on their utility and no reports on interlaboratory reproducibility, serum food‐specific antibodies are commonly assayed in first‐opinion canine practice.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine both the variability of test results between two laboratories and the frequencies and magnitudes of food reactivity in dogs of different disease status.

Animals

Sera were obtained from eight dogs with cutaneous adverse food reaction (GroupA), 22 with nonfood‐induced atopic dermatitis (GroupB), 30 with an allergic/inflammatory phenotype (GroupC), 12 with miscellaneous skin diseases (GroupD) and nine healthy dogs (GroupE).

Methods

Paired sera were submitted to two laboratories (AandB) for assays of food‐specificIgEandIgGantibodies.

Results

Numbers of positiveIgEandIgGtests determined by each laboratory in Groups A, B, D and E were comparable (Group C not included). Significant differences in the magnitude of IgE reactivity between groups for each allergen were seen only for lamb (Laboratory A,P = 0.003); lamb reactivity in Group D exceeded Group E (P = 0.004) but was comparable between all other groups. Agreement (kappa statistic) between the two laboratories’ tests was ‘moderate’ for one antigen (potato IgE), ‘fair’ for four (corn IgE, rice IgE and IgG and soya bean IgG), ‘slight’ for eight (six IgE and two IgG) and ‘less than chance’ for the remaining six antigens (three IgE and three IgG).

Conclusions and clinical importance

These laboratories’ tests appear to have dubious predictive clinical utility because they neither correlate nor distinguish between dogs of different disease status.
Transfusion indication predictive score: a proposed risk stratification score for perioperative red blood cell transfusion in cardiac surgery
Authors: Al‐Khabori M. , Al‐Riyami A. Z. , Mukaddirov M. , Al‐Sabti H.
Published: May 2014

Background and Objectives

Red blood cell transfusion is known to be associated with increased morbidity and mortality in cardiac surgery. This study was performed to derive a score to predict that risk in our patients.

Materials and Methods

Clinical details of patients who underwent cardiac surgery at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital over 5 years were reviewed. We used univariable and multivariable logistic regression to develop the score, the Hosmer–Lemeshow test for calibration, the receiver operator curve for discrimination and the bootstrap procedure for internal validation.

Results

The sample included 413 patients. The following were found to be statistically significant transfusion predictors (score given): cerebrovascular disease (4), use of aspirin or clopidogril within 7 days of surgery (3), non‐elective surgery (2), haematocrit <35% (2), glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency (2), use of cardiopulmonary bypass (2), age > 60 years (1), diabetes mellitus (1) and male gender (−2). We classified the observations into three groups: group 1 with total score of <2, group 2 with total score of 2–5 and group 3 with total score of >5. The calculated probabilities of receiving transfusion were 42%, 63% and 91% for groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively.

Conclusion

We derived a simple score that can be utilized to assess the need of blood transfusion in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. We are the first to report G6PD deficiency and history of cerebrovascular disease as predictors. We recommend prospective external validation of the proposed score on a larger cohort of patients.
Structures of netrin-1 bound to two receptors provide insight into its axon guidance mechanism
Authors: Xu Kai , Wu Zhuhao , Renier Nicolas , Antipenko Alexander , Tzvetkova-Robev Dorothea , Xu Yan , Minchenko Maria , Nardi-Dei Vincenzo , Rajashankar Kanagalaghatta R. , Himanen Juha , Tessier-Lavigne Marc , Nikolov Dimitar B.
Published: May 2014

Dissecting how signaling directs axon growth

During development of the nervous system, nerve cells send out projections called axons that must be guided to their proper targets. Netrins are secreted proteins that bind to receptors to either attract or repel the growing axons. Xu
et al.
present x-ray structures that show that complexes of netrin with two different receptors, neogenin and DCC, have different architectures. How netrin signals remains to be understood in detail, but netrin's ability to create different assemblies probably plays a role in the diverse signaling outcomes it mediates.

Science
, this issue p.
1275
Draft Whole-Genome Sequence of a New Variant of Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor Strain Isolated from a Cholera Patient in Russia
Authors: Smirnova Nina I. , Cherkasov Alexander V. , Krasnov Yaroslav M. , Agafonov Dmitriy A. , Kutyrev Vladimir V.
Published: May 2014

Draft whole-genome sequencing of the
Vibrio cholerae
О1 El Tor clinical strain L3226, isolated in Moscow in 2010, was carried out. Various mutations in the virulence-associated mobile elements were determined in its genome that differentiated this strain from the reference
V. cholerae
О1 El Tor strain N16961
.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Winogradskyella
sp. Strain PG-2, a Proteorhodopsin-Containing Marine Flavobacterium
Authors: Kumagai Yohei , Yoshizawa Susumu , Oshima Kenshiro , Hattori Masahira , Iwasaki Wataru , Kogure Kazuhiro
Published: May 2014

Winogradskyella
sp. strain PG-2 is a marine flavobacterium isolated from surface seawater. This organism contains proteorhodopsin, which can convert light energy into available forms of biochemical energy. Here, we present its complete genome sequence and annotation, which provide further insights into the life strategy of proteorhodopsin-mediated phototrophy in the ocean.
Otoscope fogging: examination finding for perforated tympanic membrane
Authors: Naylor Jason F
Published: May 2014

The author reports a recently recognised physical examination finding, otoscope fogging, for perforated tympanic membrane. Otoscope fogging is defined as condensation forming in the view field of the otoscope while inspecting the ear. In the setting of occult perforation secondary to the inability to visualise the entire tympanic membrane, otoscope fogging may provide the clinician with valuable information since medical management may differ if perforation is present.
Intravenous iron administration together with parenteral nutrition to very preterm Jehovah's Witness twins
Authors: Poorisrisak Porntiva , Schroeder Allan Mikael , Greisen Gorm , Zachariassen Gitte
Published: June 2014

Preterm twin sisters (monozygotic) were born at gestational age 27 weeks and 5 days with birth weights of 935 and 735 g. They were admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit for a period of 1 month. Their parents were Jehovah’s Witnesses and refused blood transfusion for their preterm daughters. Subcutaneous erythropoietin and intravenous iron were given as a prophylactic to avoid anaemia.
A surprising cause of reversible dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Vlot Mariska , de Jong Margriet , de Ronde Pim , Tukkie Raymond
Published: May 2014

This case report describes two cases of dilated cardiomyopathy due to hypocalcaemia as a result of hypoparathyroidism. Patient A suffered from dilated cardiomyopathy due to secondary hypoparathyroidism as a result of previous neck surgery. Patient B suffered from dilated cardiomyopathy with congestive heart failure due to primary hypoparathyroidism. Hypoparathyroidism can exist for years before being recognised, especially after neck surgery. Besides standard treatment of heart failure, restoration of serum calcium levels with calcium and vitamin D supplementation can lead to rapid improvement of cardiac function and should be continued lifelong. Both patients were responding very well to heart failure therapy and calcium supplementation as ejection fraction improved after restoration of plasma calcium levels. This case report emphasises that hypocalcaemia should be in the differential diagnosis of heart failure.
Pleuropericardial effusion: an unusual presentation of polymyalgia rheumatica
Authors: Chhabra Lovely , Devadoss Ramprakash , Gnanapandithan Karthik , Spodick David H
Published: May 2014

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an idiopathic systemic inflammatory condition manifesting as aches and muscle stiffness of the proximal muscle groups. Very rarely, PMR can be associated with serositis. We report a very rare case of PMR where the patient’s primary presentation was a pleuropericardial syndrome (pleuropericardial effusion).
Migration of a strand of four seeds in low-dose-rate brachytherapy
Authors: Dedic-Hagan Jasmina , Teh Amy Y M , Liang Eisen , Collett Nicholas , Woo Henry H
Published: May 2014

We report a case of stranded-seed migration (one strand of four seeds), via the prostatic venous plexus to the internal pudendal vein, in low-dose-rate (LDR) prostate brachytherapy. A 70-year-old man with low-risk prostate adenocarcinoma underwent transperineal permanent seed implantation. A total of 93 iodine-125 seeds were implanted (91 stranded seeds and 2 loose seeds). Immediate postimplantation fluoroscopic image and day 1 postimplantation CT scan indicated all implanted seeds to be within the vicinity of the prostate as planned. Day 30 pelvic X-ray and CT scan revealed migration of a strand of four seeds to the right pelvis (adjacent to ischial spine). At 2 years postimplantation, the patient continues to have good disease control with prostate specific antigen level of 0.69 μg/L, and asymptomatic. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of migration of an entire strand of seeds following LDR prostate brachytherapy.
Survival after an amniotic fluid embolism following the use of sodium bicarbonate
Authors: Evans Sorcha , Brown Brigid , Mathieson Matthew , Tay Stan
Published: May 2014

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare and potentially fatal complication of pregnancy. In this case report, we highlight the successful use of sodium bicarbonate in a patient with an AFE. We present a case of a 38-year-old mother admitted for an elective caesarean section. Following the delivery of her baby, the mother suffered a cardiac arrest. Following a protracted resuscitation, transoesophageal echocardiography demonstrated evidence of acute pulmonary hypertension, with an empty left ventricle and an over-distended right ventricle. In view of these findings and no improvement noted from on-going resuscitation, sodium bicarbonate was infused as a pulmonary vasodilator. Almost instantaneous return of spontaneous circulation was noted, with normalisation of cardiac parameters. We propose that in patients suspected with AFE and who have been unresponsive to advance cardiac life support measures, and where right ventricular failure is present with acidosis and/or hypercarbia, the use of sodium bicarbonate should be considered.
Widespread variation inNSP1, a gene involved in rhizobium nodulation, across species ofAcmispon(Fabaceae) from diverse habitats
Authors: Dorman Hanna E. , McGlaughlin Mitchell E. , Wallace Lisa E.
Published: May 2014

GRAS proteins comprise a large family of genes that play important roles in regulating gene expression throughout all stages of plant development. The physiological and phylogenetic breadth of GRAS proteins known among model species suggests that they may be useful as molecular genetic markers in non-model species. For example, GRAS genes involved in regulating legume–rhizobium symbioses may reveal ecological and evolutionary variation in these relationships. In this study, we collected sequences from Nodulation Signaling Protein 1 (NSP1), a gene involved in the development of an infection thread through which rhizobia enter roots, in five species of Acmispon Raf. to quantify genetic variation within and between closely related species and to compare sequence divergence in NSP1 from Acmispon with other legumes. We found a high degree of similarity of NSP1 from Acmispon with homologues in other angiosperms. Thirty-two unique alleles were identified within Acmispon, and much of this variation reflects spatial and geographic variation of sampled populations. There was no evidence of selection at the molecular level. Given the strong genetic structure found among Acmispon species, especially in a microsatellite region of the N-terminus, and the existence of homologues, NSP1 could be a useful phylogenetic marker across angiosperms.
MORAL HAZARD AND ADVERSE SELECTION IN HEALTH INSURANCES, EVIDENCE FROM A TRANSITIONAL ECONOMY
Authors: NGUYEN MINH THI
Published: May 2014

This paper uses special features of Vietnam's health insurance system to separately estimate the effects of moral hazard and adverse selection. Traditionally, the estimation of those effects is ad hoc due to the endogeneity of insurance status. Due to a special fact in Vietnam that there exist a great deal of people who are under the compulsory scheme but get no insurances, we are able to estimate the effects of moral hazard and adverse selection using a matching estimator technique. Our results show that with outpatient services, moral hazard and adverse selection are very severe in Vietnam for old people, and not for young people; and that for inpatient service, the effects are insignificant. The results can be used in the construction of the health insurance policy for Vietnam toward universal insurance as stated in the Law of Health Insurance 2008.
MANAGEMENT UNDER CONDITIONS OF COMPLEXITY AND UNCERTAINTY
Authors: LAM CHUAN-LEONG
Published: May 2014

Managers are faced with increased complexity and unexpected risks. This article raises some reasons for the increase in complexity and risks. It also describes the tools and approaches used to anticipate some of these risks and how to mitigate against them. The usefulness of the scenario planning process is also indicated. The type of behavioral biases that makes risk identification difficult is also explained.
Extracting mass hierarchy information from simple analysis of neutrino mass splitting
Authors: Zhang Yijia , Ma Bo-Qiang
Published: May 2014

Based on the independent measurements on neutrino mass splitting [Formula: see text], and recent measurements by the T2K Collaboration, we carry out a simple fitting analysis on [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in normal hierarchy and inverted hierarchy respectively, suggesting [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in normal hierarchy, or [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in inverted hierarchy. The simple analysis indicate that both normal and inverted hierarchies are consistent with current experimental measurements on mass splitting. The p-value for normal hierarchy and that for inverted hierarchy are 62% and 55%, respectively. This reveals a slight favor for the normal hierarchy. It is suggested that further measurements on the mass splitting with higher accuracy are necessary to determine the neutrino mass hierarchy.
Universe acceleration in brane world models
Authors: Chiou-Lahanas C. , Diamandis G. A. , Georgalas B. C.
Published: May 2014

We examine the cosmology induced on a brane moving in the background of a five-dimensional black hole, solution of the string effective action. The evolution, determined by the Israel junction conditions is found to be compatible with an accelerating universe with the present day acceleration coming after a decelerating phase. The possible species of the energy–momentum tensor, localized on the brane, for these solutions to be valid are discussed.
The optical system in Borexino
Authors: Lombardi Paolo
Published: May 2014

Borexino detector is composed of 2214 photomultipliers (PMTs) collecting the scintillation light produced by the liquid scintillator. Phototubes are partially immersed in the scintillator and partially in high purity water. A proper electrical and mechanical selection of the devices as well as a custom-made encapsulation was mandatory for a long-term immersion in these two aggressive liquid. Underwater cables and connectors and optical fibers are also described in detail.
Structural refinement and optical band gap studies of manganese-doped modified sodium potassium lithium niobate lead — piezoelectric ceramics
Authors: Mishra S. K. , Mishra R. K. , Brajesh Kumar , Ray Rajyavardhan , Himanshu A. K. , Pandey H. K. , Singh N. K.
Published: May 2014

Li -doped NKLN ceramic ( Na0.5K0.5)0.935Li0.065NbO3(NKLN935) in pure and MnO2doped compositions have been revisited to carry out a detailed analysis of the structural and optical properties. Rietveld analysis of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern reveals the system to be tetragonal (space group P4mm). UV–Visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy and an equivalent Kubelka–Munk function is used to obtain the optical band gap values. It is reported that with increasing Mn doping, the band gap values decreases, which has been analyzed and understood in terms of the tetragonal structure and is found to be consistent with dielectric properties.
Carbon humanism: Freeman Dyson and the looming battle between environmentalists and humanists
Authors: Schewe Phillip F.
Published: May 2014

Freeman Dyson has had a distinguished career as a scientist, but perhaps this notable body of work might be eclipsed in importance by his many writings about society, especially those dealing with the dilemma of how improved living standards can be brought about without despoiling the land. Dyson is one of the few prominent commentators who directly addresses what might shape up as a culture war between two viewpoints — environmentalism and humanism — that otherwise have many aims in common. The first part of this essay looks at the broad outline of Dyson's career while the second part looks more particularly at his contributions to the humanist debate.
Acoustic Band Gap Extension in One-Dimensional Solid/Fluid Phononic Crystal Heterostructure
Authors: Xiao Xu Yang , Chen Run Ping
Published: June 2014

The propagation of elastic longitudinal waves in one-dimensional (1D) phononic crystals (PNCs) consisting of alternating solid and fluid media is comprehensively analyzed in theory. We demonstrate the acoustic band gap (ABG) structure determined by the dispersion relation for longitudinal waves at normal incidence. According to the band structure, we design a sub-PNC by setting a reasonable thickness ratio of fluid and solid media, and then form a phononic heterostructure by merging this PNC and other PNC designed in advance. We have shown that the wide band gap exists in such a phononic heterostructure for elastic longitudinal waves at normal incidence. For oblique incidence, the wide band gap shifts towards high frequency regions, meanwhile a low-frequency band gap is split.
HOW BIG OF A THREAT IS NEEDLESTICK-INJURY-INDUCED COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME? A "SCIENTIFIC" PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Hirata Hitoshi
Published: May 2014

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), previously known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy, is attracting more public attention in Japan which is likely a result of the recent upsurge in lawsuits filed against medical institutes. A recent court ruling over a case of injection-needlestick-injury induced CRPS has touched off serious debates among both medical practitioners and legal professionals. Although the court rejected the plaintiff's claims, the high court admitted them in view of the evidence and the entire pleadings and ordered the defendant to pay compensation. As venipuncture is the most frequently conducted and minimally invasive procedure in daily clinical practice, this court decision has attracted tremendous interest throughout the nation, alarming medical practitioners, and encouraging attorneys. The purpose of this article is twofold: to highlight the patient's clinical course in summary based on an unofficial case law report1 and to provide a scientific perspective on this issue based on recent relevant articles.
POSTERIOR INTEROSSEOUS ARTERY FLAP: OUR EXPERIENCE AND REVIEW OF MODIFICATIONS DONE
Authors: Fong Poh Ling , Chew Winston Yoon Chong
Published: May 2014

This is a report on the 14 PIA flaps done in our centre for traumatic hand defects over both volar and dorsal aspects, as well as thumb reconstruction over a six-year period from 2000 to 2007. We were able to achieve reach to the DIPJ with the use of fascia extension and better flap survival with more perforators captured in the flap.
FLEXOR POLLICIS LONGUS RECONSTRUCTION USING THE PALMARIS LONGUS IN ANTERIOR INTEROSSEUS NERVE SYNDROME
Authors: Koh Shukuki , Horii Emiko , Hattori Tatsuya
Published: May 2014

In anterior interosseus nerve syndrome, reconstruction of the paralyzed flexor pollicis longus is occasionally required. Traditionally, the brachioradialis has been used as a motor, but we utilised the palmaris longus, which is expendable. The palmaris longus tendon was transferred in an end-to-side manner, leaving the flexor pollicis longus in situ. The procedure was performed in three patients. All patients regained a full range of thumb interphalangeal joint motion and an average 90% of the pinch strength. The only complication noted was thenar pain due to the adhesion of the palmar branch of the median nerve with the transferred tendon in one patient. This can be avoided if the interlacing suture was placed more proximally. Palmaris longus transfer is a simple technique that gives a satisfactory result.
ARTHROSCOPIC ASSISTED PERCUTANEOUS SCREW FIXATION OF BENNETT'S FRACTURE
Authors: Zemirline Ahmed , Lebailly Frédéric , Taleb Chihab , Facca Sybille , Liverneaux Philippe
Published: May 2014

Several techniques are used for fixation of Bennett's fractures. The aim of this study was to assess a technique of arthroscopic-assisted reduction and percutaneous cannulated screw fixation of Bennett's fractures.

Seven patients (mean age 29 years) with three fractures Type I and four fractures Type II according to Gedda were operated under arthroscopic lavage, fluoroscopic screw fixation, and arthroscopic control of the joint reduction.

Arthroscopy, showed satisfactory joint reduction in all cases. At 4.5 months, the mean pain score was 1 (0–4), QuickDASH 15 (0–61), and Kapandji score 9 (5–10). Compared to the contralateral side, first web opening was 86% (58–100), key pinch 73% (45–89), grip strength, and 85% (40–100). Four secondary displacements were noted, two of which had a step of more than 1 mm.

Our results showed that the use of arthroscopy for percutaneous screw fixation of Bennett's fractures facilitates joint reduction but does not guarantee stability of fixation.
Coupling distances between Lévy measures and applications to noise sensitivity of SDE
Authors: Gairing Jan , Högele Michael , Kosenkova Tetiana , Kulik Alexei
Published: June 2014

We introduce the notion of coupling distances on the space of Lévy measures in order to quantify rates of convergence towards a limiting Lévy jump diffusion in terms of its characteristic triplet, in particular in terms of the tail of the Lévy measure. The main result yields an estimate of the Wasserstein–Kantorovich–Rubinstein distance on path space between two Lévy diffusions in terms of the coupling distances. We want to apply this to obtain precise rates of convergence for Markov chain approximations and a statistical goodness-of-fit test for low-dimensional conceptual climate models with paleoclimatic data.
Theory of optimal harvesting for a nonlinear size-structured population in periodic environments
Authors: He Ze-Rong , Liu Rong
Published: June 2014

This paper investigates the theoretical aspects for an optimal harvesting problem of a nonlinear size-structured population model in a periodic environment. We establish the well-posedness of the state system by means of frozen coefficients and fixed point reasoning. The existence of a unique optimal policy is proved via Ekeland's variational principle, and the first-order optimality conditions are derived by a suitable normal cone and a dual system. The results obtained would be beneficial for exploration of renewable resources.
Chapter 20 Multi-stage collapse events in the South Soufrière Hills, Montserrat as recorded in marine sediment cores
Authors: Cassidy M. , Trofimovs J. , Watt S. F. L. , Palmer M. R. , Taylor R. N. , Gernon T. M. , Talling P. J. , Le Friant A.
Published: June 2014

We present new evidence for sector collapses of the South Soufrière Hills (SSH) edifice, Montserrat during the mid-Pleistocene. High-resolution geophysical data provide evidence for sector collapse, producing an approximately 1 km
3
submarine collapse deposit to the south of SSH. Sedimentological and geochemical analyses of submarine deposits sampled by sediment cores suggest that they were formed by large multi-stage flank failures of the subaerial SSH edifice into the sea. This work identifies two distinct geochemical suites within the SSH succession on the basis of trace-element and Pb-isotope compositions. Volcaniclastic turbidites in the cores preserve these chemically heterogeneous rock suites. However, the subaerial chemostratigraphy is reversed within the submarine sediment cores. Sedimentological analysis suggests that the edifice failures produced high-concentration turbidites and that the collapses occurred in multiple stages, with an interval of at least 2 ka between the first and second failure. Detailed field and petrographical observations, coupled with SEM image analysis, shows that the SSH volcanic products preserve a complex record of magmatic activity. This activity consisted of episodic explosive eruptions of andesitic pumice, probably triggered by mafic magmatic pulses and followed by eruptions of poorly vesiculated basaltic scoria, and basaltic lava flows.

Supplementary material:

All geochemical data tables, including locations for all subaerial and submarine samples are available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18709
.
Activation of HIF-1α does not increase intestinal tumorigenesis
Authors: Xue Xiang , Ramakrishnan Sadeesh K. , Shah Yatrik M.
Published: May 2014

The hypoxic response is mediated by two transcription factors, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and HIF-2α. These highly homologous transcription factors are induced in hypoxic foci and regulate cell metabolism, angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and cell survival. HIF-1α and HIF-2α are activated early in cancer progression and are important in several aspects of tumor biology. HIF-1α and HIF-2α have overlapping and distinct functions. In the intestine, activation of HIF-2α increases inflammation and colon carcinogenesis in mouse models. Interestingly, in ischemic and inflammatory diseases of the intestine, activation of HIF-1α is beneficial and can reduce intestinal inflammation. HIF-1α is a critical transcription factor regulating epithelial barrier function following inflammation. The beneficial value of pharmacological agents that chronically activate HIF-1α is decreased due to the tumorigenic potential of HIFs. The present study tested the hypothesis that chronic activation of HIF-1α may enhance colon tumorigenesis. Two models of colon cancer were assessed, a sporadic and a colitis-associated colon cancer model. Activation of HIF-1α in intestinal epithelial cells does not increase carcinogenesis or progression of colon cancer. Together, the data provide proof of principle that pharmacological activation of HIF-1α could be a safe therapeutic strategy for inflammatory bowel disease.