bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prenatal diagnosis of partial trisomy 16p and its association with congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Strong Molly , Garabedian Matthew , Pettigrew Anjana , Barron Natasha , Hansen Wendy
Published: March 2013

What's already known about this topic?

Little is known about partial trisomy 16p as relatively few cases have been reported.

An abnormal yolk sac and increased nuchal translucency are associated with aneuploidy and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

What does this study add?

We propose that congenital diaphragmatic hernia may be part of the phenotype of partial trisomy 16p. This case adds to other recent observations of congenital diaphragmatic hernia with chromosome imbalances in 16p.

This report illustrates the natural progression of an abnormality, imaged by ultrasound during the first 17 weeks of pregnancy: abnormal yolk sac, increased nuchal translucency, and diaphragmatic hernia.
Copolymers of ethylene and sulfonated norbornene for proton exchange membranes
Authors: Daigle Jean‐Christophe , Dube‐Savoie Vincent , Tavares Ana C. , Claverie Jerome P.
Published: March 2013

Terpolymers of ethylene, norbornene, and 5‐exo norbornene methyl alcohol are prepared using Pd phosphine sulfonates as catalysts. The pendant hydroxyl groups are then transformed into thioacetate groups. Films cast from the resulting polymers are then oxidized by hydrogen peroxide. This green oxidation method is found to quantitatively transform thioacetate groups into sulfonic acids, leading to the formation of sulfonated hydrocarbon ionomers. These ionomers are thermally stable, exhibit increasing conductivity up to 110 °C, and have a low water uptake, indicating that these materials are potentially interesting candidates for the preparation of fuel cell membranes. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 2669–2676
Assessment of family psychosocial functioning in survivors of pediatric cancer using the PAT2.0
Authors: Gilleland Jordan , Reed‐Knight Bonney , Brand Sarah , Griffin Anya , Wasilewski‐Masker Karen , Meacham Lillian , Mertens Ann
Published: March 2013

Background

This study aimed to examine clinical validity and utility of a screening measure for familial psychosocial risk, the Psychosocial Assessment Tool 2.0 (PAT2.0), among pediatric cancer survivors participating in long‐term survivorship care.

Methods

Caregivers (N = 79) completed the PAT2.0 during their child's survivorship appointment. Caregivers also reported on family engagement in outpatient mental health treatment. Medical records were reviewed for treatment history and oncology provider initiated psychology consults.

Results

The internal consistency of the PAT2.0 total score in this survivorship sample was strong. Psychology was consulted by the oncology provider to see 53% of participant families, and families seen by psychology had significantly higher PAT2.0 total scores than families without psychology consults. PAT2.0 total scores and corresponding subscales were higher for patients, parents, and siblings enrolled in outpatient mental health services since treatment completion. Results were consistent with psychosocial risk categories presented within the Pediatric Psychosocial Preventative Health Model. Fifty‐one percent of families presenting for survivorship care scored in the “universal” category, 34% scored in the “targeted” category, and 15% scored in the “clinical” category.

Conclusions

Data indicate that the overall proportions of families experiencing “universal”, “targeted”, and “clinical” levels of familial distress may be constant from the time of diagnosis into survivorship care. Overall, the PAT2.0 demonstrated strong psychometric properties among survivors of pediatric cancer and shows promise as a psychosocial screening measure to facilitate more effective family support in survivorship care. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changing Boundaries: The Policies of Workfare in the U.S. and Europe
Authors: Brodkin Evelyn Z. , Larsen Flemming
Published: March 2013

In recent decades, workfare‐style policies have become part of the institutional architecture of welfare and labor market arrangements around the world. In this article, we offer a comparative, historical view of workfare's advance. Our analysis recognizes the complexity and diversity of what we call the “policies of workfare” and highlights the different paths through which these policies have developed in the U.S. and parts of Europe. We argue that it is necessary to look beyond familiar policy labels and language in order to consider workfare‐style policies as part of a broader political project that is altering the boundary between the democratic welfare state and the market economy. We see workfare policies as boundary‐changing, with potentially profound implications both for individuals disadvantaged by market arrangements and for societies seeking to grapple with the increasing instability and precariousness of work in the “new” economy.
Not a Suburban Soccer Mom? Political Engagement Among Lower SES Women
Authors: Wemlinger Elizabeth , Kropf Martha
Published: March 2013

Analysis of recent Census data by the National Women's Law Center indicates that poverty is worse than ever, especially for women. While studies of socioeconomic status and participation as well as social networks and poverty are quite numerous, there has been little systematic quantitative study of the interaction of poverty and gender on social networks and participation in collective action. We ask whether the paths to social capital and participation are different for poor women than for their non‐poor counterparts. And, are poor women different from poor men? The types of social networking in which the poor and non‐poor may participate should logically be very different: More formal organizations often require significant resources for participation (e.g., sports clubs). Further, poor individuals often rely on informal networks of assistance and cooperation, but women are most reliant on such networks because they are most likely to be single heads of household. Certainly, scholars suggest that women are more likely to engage in informal networking and have established social capital, making voting more likely among women (Harell, 2009), but to our knowledge, scholars have not compared those of low and higher incomes in terms of their types of social capital building. We use the Current Population Survey Civic Engagement Supplement and the Voting Supplement (2010) to examine civic engagement of citizens, with a theoretical eye toward understanding the differences in participation between low‐income women and higher‐income women. The analyses herein suggest differences in social capital among women of different income levels. The overall findings of this research contradict what we originally theorized, that income drives social capital–creating avenues, yet add a new and important understanding to how social capital may be created and what influence it might have on political engagement.
A Theoretical Understanding of Housing and Homelessness: Federal Homelessness and Housing Policy Through the Lenses of Punctuated Equilibrium Theory and Advocacy Coalition Frameworks
Authors: Beard Virginia
Published: March 2013

Homelessness and housing insecurity have gained increasing attention since the 1980s in the United States. The numbers of people experiencing homelessness and insecure housing are growing. The federal‐level policy responses to homelessness—from Homeless Persons' Survival Act and the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act and current reauthorizations under the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act of 2009—potentially reflect stasis of ideologies and thus policy responses with a few key punctuated changes in the U.S. housing policy framework. This article employs the lens of Punctuated Equilibrium Theory and Advocacy Coalition Framework as theoretical vantage points through which to understand federal‐level U.S. homelessness policy creation. Thus, this project examines what factors help explain housing and homelessness policy responses and ensuing program creations from the federal level over time.
Human amniotic fluid stem cells protect rat lungs exposed to moderate hyperoxia
Authors: Grisafi Davide , Pozzobon Michela , Dedja Arben , Vanzo Valentina , Tomanin Rosella , Porzionato Andrea , Macchi Veronica , Salmaso Roberto , Scarpa Maurizio , Cozzi Emanuele , Fassina Ambrogio , Navaglia Filippo , Maran Claudio , Onisto Maurizio , Caenazzo Luciana , De Coppi Paolo , De Caro Raffaele , Chiandetti Lino , Zaramella Patrizia
Published: March 2013

Background

Treatment of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains as yet an unmet clinical need and recently stem cells have been proposed as a therapeutic tool in animal models. We investigated the role of amniotic fluid stem cells (AFS) in an adult rat model of hyperoxia lung injury.

Methods

Fifty Sprague–Dawley rats were, at birth, randomly exposed to moderate hyperoxia or room air for 14 days and a single dose of human amniotic fluid stem (hAFS) or human Fibroblasts (hF), cells was delivered intratracheally (P21). At P42 animals were euthanized and lung tissue examined using histology, immunohistochemistry, PCR, and ELISA. hAFS cells characterization and homing were studied by immunofluorescence.

Results

In rats treated with hAFS and hF cells 16S human rRNA fragment was detected. Despite a low level of pulmonary hAFS cell retention (1.43 ± 0.2% anti‐human‐mitochondria‐positive cells), the lungs of the treated animals revealed higher secondary crest numbers and lower mean linear intercept and alveolar size, than those exposed to hyperoxia, those left untreated or treated with hF cells. Except for those treated with hAFS cells, moderate hyperoxia induced an increase in protein content of IL‐6, IL‐1β, as well as IF‐γ and TGF‐1β in lung tissues. High VEGF expression and arrangement of capillary architecture in hAFS cell group were also detected.

Conclusions

Treatment with hAFS cells has a reparative potential through active involvement of cells in alveolarization and angiogenesis. A downstream paracrine action was also taken into account, in order to understand the immunodulatory response. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:1070–1080. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Salivary and serum analysis in children diagnosed with pneumonia
Authors: Klein Kremer Adi , Kuzminsky Ela , Bentur Lea , Nagler Rafael M.
Published: March 2013

The aim of the current study was to evaluate specific markers for pneumonia by using a non‐invasive assessment of inflammatory/oxidative biomarkers in saliva accompanying a routine serum analysis. No study evaluating saliva of children with pneumonia has been published previously. Salivary analysis was performed in 15 children diagnosed with lobar pneumonia and in a parallel group of 16 children matching in age and gender in whom there was no respiratory illness, and compared to the serum analysis obtained routinely in both groups of children. Salivary flow rate was lower in the patients' group as was uric acid concentration (by 60%). Increase in salivary concentrations of almost all parameters analyzed was found: Ca, P, and Mg concentrations were higher in the patients' group by 23%, 55%, and 33%, respectively, while LDH, total protein amylase and albumin concentrations were higher by 275%, 79%, and 42%, respectively. In the serum, white cell counts and neutrophils were significantly higher, and sodium level significantly lower in the patients' group. Compositional changes were in the range of 3–80% while the saliva alterations were more profound, in the range of 42–275%. The results demonstrated in the current study indicate salivary analysis as a potentially novel tool for children with pneumonia. Human salivary collection and analysis is a non‐invasive tool that could provide additional information for diagnosis and follow‐up of pneumonia, especially in children. This is especially beneficial for pediatric patients, as salivary collection is simple, non‐invasive, and patient‐friendly. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:569–573. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Age‐related alterations in T‐lymphocytes modulate key pathways in prostate tumorigenesis
Authors: De Angulo Alejandra , Faris Robert , Cavazos David , Jolly Christopher , Daniel Benajmin , deGraffenried Linda
Published: March 2013

BACKGROUND

The primary risk for prostate cancer is aging, often associated with inflammation. Evidence implicates progressive age‐related immune dysfunction with increased prostate cancer incidence and mortality. The aged T‐cell response is characterized by increased production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, which could significantly contribute to prostate tumorigenesis through induction of key inflammation‐mediated pro‐survival factors.

METHODS

T‐cell function of the young (<6 month‐old) glycerol‐3‐phosphate acyltransferase‐1 (GPAT‐1) knock‐out mouse mimics many of the hallmarks observed in an aged (>22‐month‐old) mouse. Serum and splenic T‐lymphocytes from young GPAT‐1−/− (6 months) and aged wild type (22 months) mice were collected for in vitro studies, including a cytokine immunoarray for serum cytokine levels, luciferase assays for NF‐κB activation and Western blot analyses for protein expression.

RESULTS

The T‐cell cytokine profile of the GPAT‐1−/− mice mirrored that observed in aged wild type mice, including higher expression levels of IL‐17. Serum‐ and T‐cell‐derived factors induced NF‐κB activity in normal, non‐transformed and prostate cancer epithelial cells, correlating with re‐localization of NF‐κB and increased protein expression of downstream targets of NF‐κB.

CONCLUSION

The aging and aging‐mimic mice produced circulating factors that induce pro‐inflammatory pathways in prostate cells, most notably NF‐κB. These findings provide evidence that an aged T‐cell may directly contribute to the increased risk for prostate cancer in the elderly and establish that the GPAT‐1−/− model, which mimics many of the characteristics of an aged immune system, is a viable tool for investigating this novel area of cancer risk. Prostate 73: 855–864, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expression screening of cancer/testis genes in prostate cancer identifies nr6a1 as a novel marker of disease progression and aggressiveness
Authors: Mathieu Romain , Evrard Bertrand , Fromont Gaëlle , Rioux‐Leclercq Nathalie , Godet Julie , Cathelineau Xavier , Guillé François , Primig Michael , Chalmel Frédéric
Published: March 2013

BACKGROUND

Cancer/Testis (CT) genes are expressed in male gonads, repressed in most healthy somatic tissues and de‐repressed in various somatic malignancies including prostate cancers (PCa). Because of their specific expression signature and their associations with tumor aggressiveness and poor outcomes, CT genes are considered to be useful biomarkers and they are also targets for the development of new anti‐cancer immunotherapies. The aim of this study was to identify novel CT genes associated with hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC), and castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).

METHODS

To identify novel CT genes we screened genes for which transcripts were detected by RNA profiling specifically in normal testis and in either HSPC or CRPC as compared to normal prostate and 44 other healthy tissues using GeneChips. The expression and clinicopathological significance of a promising candidate—NR6A1—was examined in HSPC, CRPC, and metastatic site samples using tissue microarrays.

RESULTS

We report the identification of 98 genes detected in CRPC, HSPC and testicular samples but not in the normal controls. Among them, cellular levels of NR6A1 were found to be higher in HSPC compared to normal prostate and further increased in metastatic lesions and CRPC. Furthermore, increased NR6A1 immunoreactivity was significantly associated with a high Gleason score, advanced pT stage and cancer cell proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that cellular levels of NR6A1 are correlated with disease progression in PCa. We suggest that this essential orphan nuclear receptor is a potential therapeutic target as well as a biomarker of PCa aggressiveness. Prostate 73: 1103–1114, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Frequency behaviour of light‐addressable potentiometric sensors
Authors: Werner Carl Frederik , Wagner Torsten , Yoshinobu Tatsuo , Keusgen Michael , Schöning Michael J.
Published: March 2013

Light‐addressable potentiometric sensors (LAPS) are semiconductor‐based potentiometric sensors, with the advantage to detect the concentration of a chemical species in a liquid solution above the sensor surface in a spatially resolved manner. The addressing is achieved by a modulated and focused light source illuminating the semiconductor and generating a concentration‐depending photocurrent. This work introduces a LAPS set‐up that is able to monitor the electrical impedance in addition to the photocurrent. The impedance spectra of a LAPS structure, with and without illumination, as well as the frequency behaviour of the LAPS measurement are investigated. The measurements are supported by electrical equivalent circuits to explain the impedance and the LAPS‐frequency behaviour. The work investigates the influence of different parameters on the frequency behaviour of the LAPS. Furthermore, the phase shift of the photocurrent, the influence of the surface potential as well as the changes of the sensor impedance will be discussed.
Non‐linear electro‐elastic coupling in highly strained zinc‐blende compounds: InGaP/GaP [111] quantum wells
Authors: Pedesseau Laurent , Katan Claudine , Jancu Jean‐Marc , Even Jacky
Published: March 2013

A symmetry‐based thermodynamical model of third‐order electro‐elastic coupling is applied to zinc‐blende semiconductors. Density functional theory is used to calculate the complete set of linear and non‐linear coefficients. The entanglement of non‐linear piezoelectricity, electrostriction and other non‐linear phenomena, is studied in details at the same level of theory. Numerical results for InxGa1−xP/GaP [111] quantum wells show the predominance of the non‐linear piezoelectricity contribution. However, for a coupled non‐linear model, the electrostriction has also to be taken into account. Finally, the non‐linear elasticity gives a significant correction on the strain calculation.
Ergonomic assessment of the surgeon's physical workload during standard and robotic assisted laparoscopic procedures
Authors: Hubert N , Gilles M , Desbrosses K , Meyer JP , Felblinger J , Hubert J
Published: March 2013

Background

Standard laparoscopy is responsible for musculoskeletal problems because of surgeons anti‐ergonomic positions. Robot‐assisted laparoscopy seems to reduce these musculoskeletal disorders thanks to the surgeons seated position. The objective of this study is to evaluate the muscular strain and cognitive stress induced by these two techniques during real operations conducted on the pig.

Methods

Electromyographic activities, heart rate, physical and mental workloads (NASA Tlx and Borg CR‐10) were recorded.

Results

Physical workload and perception of the effort invested was significantly greater during the standard laparoscopies (p<0.05). Mental stress was however identical for the two techniques. In Standard Laparoscopic group, greater physical activity was found for trapezius and dorso‐lumbar muscles, and significant appearance of fatigue of the trapezius muscles should also be noted. Finally, heart rate during standard laparoscopy was increased (92.1 ± 1.6 bpm vs 83.7 ± 1.8, p<0,01), confirming greater physical expenditure.

Conclusions

Robot‐assisted laparoscopy is a less physically stressful surgical technique than standard laparoscopy. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Continuous phase modulation for broadband satellite communications: design and trade‐offs
Authors: Beidas B. F. , Cioni S. , De Bie U. , Ginesi A. , Iyer‐Seshadri R. , Kim P. , Lee L. N. , Oh D. , Noerpel A. , Papaleo M. , Vanelli‐Coralli A.
Published: March 2013

In this paper, we introduce the continuous phase modulations mode of the second‐generation broadband satellite communications return link Digital Video Broadcast Interactive Satellite System standard. Starting from a detailed discussion about the impairments faced in a typical broadband satellite system user set‐up, we introduce the waveform selection rationale, the design trade‐offs, and the waveform performance under realistic system assumptions. We show that the designed continuous phase modulations mode exhibits an excellent trade‐off between performance and robustness to nonlinear distortions at low and medium spectral efficiency thus suggesting its adoption for the consumer market profile of the Digital Video Broadcast Interactive Satellite System. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Planning multi‐arm screening studies within the context of a drug development program
Authors: Wason James M. S. , Jaki Thomas , Stallard Nigel
Published: March 2013

Screening trials are small trials used to decide whether an intervention is sufficiently promising to warrant a large confirmatory trial. Previous literature examined the situation where treatments are tested sequentially until one is considered sufficiently promising to take forward to a confirmatory trial. An important consideration for sponsors of clinical trials is how screening trials should be planned to maximize the efficiency of the drug development process. It has been found previously that small screening trials are generally the most efficient. In this paper we consider the design of screening trials in which multiple new treatments are tested simultaneously. We derive analytic formulae for the expected number of patients until a successful treatment is found, and propose methodology to search for the optimal number of treatments, and optimal sample size per treatment. We compare designs in which only the best treatment proceeds to a confirmatory trial and designs in which multiple treatments may proceed to a multi‐arm confirmatory trial. We find that inclusion of a large number of treatments in the screening trial is optimal when only one treatment can proceed, and a smaller number of treatments is optimal when more than one can proceed. The designs we investigate are compared on a real‐life set of screening designs. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spectroscopic Characterization of the Chiral Structure of Individual Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes and the Edge Structure of Isolated Graphene Nanoribbons
Authors: Zhang Daqi , Yang Juan , Li Yan
Published: March 2013

The chiral structure of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and the edge structure of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) play an important role in determining their electronic and phonon structures. Spectroscopic methods, which require simple sample preparation and cause minimal sample damage, are the most commonly utilized techniques for determining the structures of SWNTs and graphene. In this review the current status of various spectroscopic methods are presented in detail, including resonance Raman, photoluminescence (PL), and Rayleigh scattering spectroscopies, for determination of the chiral structure of individual SWNTs and the edge structure of isolated graphene, especially of graphene nanoribbons. The different photophysical processes involved in each spectroscopic method are reviewed to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the electronic and phonon properties of SWNTs and graphene. The advantages and limitations of each spectroscopic method as well as the challenges in this area are discussed.
Managerial Incentive and External Knowledge Acquisition Under Technological Uncertainty: A Nested System Perspective
Authors: Tian Yan , Li Yuan , Wei Zelong
Published: March 2013

Although an extensive body of literature has stressed the firm‐level barriers or drivers for knowledge acquisition, little attention has been paid to the barriers and/or drivers nested within manager–organization subsystem. This article aims to explore the factors from nested system perspective by investigating the effects of manager's wealth‐oriented and career‐oriented incentives (COIs) on firm's external knowledge acquisition and the moderating effects of technological uncertainty. Four hypotheses are proposed and tested by the data from 607 Chinese firms. We find that COI has a positive effect, whereas wealth‐oriented incentive has an inverse U‐shaped effect on external knowledge acquisition. Furthermore, we also find that the effects of wealth‐oriented and COIs are contingent on technological uncertainty. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NuRD Blocks Reprogramming of Mouse Somatic Cells into Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Luo Min , Ling Te , Xie Wenbing , Sun He , Zhou Yonggang , Zhu Qiaoyun , Shen Meili , Zong Le , Lyu Guoliang , Zhao Yun , Ye Tao , Gu Jun , Tao Wei , Lu Zhigang , Grummt Ingrid
Published: March 2013

Reprogramming of somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by overexpression of a defined set of transcription factors requires epigenetic changes in pluripotency genes. Nuclear reprogramming is an inefficient process and the molecular mechanisms that reset the epigenetic state during iPSC generation are largely unknown. Here, we show that downregulation of the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylation (NuRD) complex is required for efficient reprogramming. Overexpression of Mbd3, a subunit of NuRD, inhibits induction of iPSCs by establishing heterochromatic features and silencing embryonic stem cell-specific marker genes, including Oct4 and Nanog. Depletion of Mbd3, on the other hand, improves reprogramming efficiency and facilitates the formation of pluripotent stem cells that are capable of generating viable chimeric mice, even in the absence of c-Myc or Sox2. The results establish Mbd3/NuRD as an important epigenetic regulator that restricts the expression of key pluripotency genes, suggesting that drug-induced downregulation of Mbd3/NuRD may be a powerful means to improve the efficiency and fidelity of reprogramming.
Re: Morbidly adherent placenta: evaluation of ultrasound diagnostic criteria and differentiation of placenta accreta from percreta. G. Calì, L. Giambanco, G. Puccio and F. Forlani. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2013; 41: 406–412
Authors: Comstock C. H.
Published: March 2013

Linked Comment: Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2013:41:406–412
Numerical assessment of 3‐D macrodispersion in heterogeneous porous media
Authors: Beaudoin A. , de Dreuzy J.‐R.
Published: March 2013

Key Points

Heterogeneity‐induced dispersion is much larger in 3D than in 2D

Braiding of high‐velocity channels critically enhance transverse dispersion

Longitudinal dispersion also comes from high correlations of the velocity field
Assessing the impact of end‐member selection on the accuracy of satellite‐based spatial variability models for actual evapotranspiration estimation
Authors: Long Di , Singh Vijay P.
Published: March 2013

Key Points

Endmembers largely determine the magnitudes of EF retrievals

Endmembers have minor effect on standard deviation and skewness of EF retrievals

Predictability of ET models depends mostly on the ability of Ts to capture EF
Guanidinyl‐Functionalized Aromatic Compounds (GFAs) – Charge and Spin Density Studies as Starting Points for the Development of a New Class of Redox‐active Ligands
Authors: Himmel Hans‐Jörg
Published: March 2013

This research report is devoted to guanidinyl‐functionalized aromatic compounds (GFAs), which represent a new class of strong electron donors and redox‐active ligands. Charge and spin density studies provided the basis for the development of a rich coordination chemistry, which includes molecular complexes as well as 1D coordination polymers.
Position‐Space Bonding Indicators for Hexaborides of Alkali, Alkaline‐Earth, and Rare‐Earth Metals in Comparison to the Molecular Crystal K2[B6H6]
Authors: Börrnert Carina , Grin Yuri , Wagner Frank R.
Published: March 2013

The crystal structure of the hexaborides MB6 of alkali, alkaline‐earth, and rare‐earth metals displays a network of interconnected B6 octahedra, while isolated B6H6 units occur in the molecular crystal K2[B6H6]. For the case of a total charge transfer of two electrons from the metal atoms, the B6 units serve as classical examples of electron deficient clusters. QTAIM and ELI‐D analyses of chemical bonding based on solid state DFT/APW+lo quantum chemical calculations were performed. Consistent with Wade's rules, a number of about seven endohedral bonds for the octahedral units is recovered from the delocalization index (DI). Detailed analyses of two‐ and three‐center delocalization indices yield a clear two‐center character of the exohedral B–B bonds and a mixed two‐ and three‐center character of the endohedral B–B bonds. The picture obtained by topological analysis of ELI‐D is in agreement with the DI results. With changing effective electron transfer from the metal atoms, electronic saturation of the intra‐cluster bonding is found, which leads to the notion of generally two‐valent rare‐earth atoms in MB6 hexaborides.
Time-budgeting
: a component based development methodology for real-time embedded systems
Authors: Dixit Manoj G. , Ramesh S. , Dasgupta Pallab
Published: March 2013

The design of a complex embedded control system involves integration of large number of components. These components need to interact in a timely fashion to achieve the system level end-to-end requirements. In practice, the component level timing specification consists of design attributes like component task mapping, task period and schedule definition but often lack details on their real-time (functional) requirements. As we observe, there is no systematic methodology in place for decomposing the feature level timing requirements into component level timing requirements. This paper proposes an early stage
time-budgeting methodology
to bridge the above gap. A salient proposal of this methodology is to consider
parameterized
component timing-requirements. A key step in the methodology involves computing a set of constraints by relating component requirements with feature requirements. This enables the separation of timing constraints from functionality decomposition, and facilitates early optimization of the
component time-budget
for a complex component based embedded system. This paper formalizes the proposed methodology by using Parametric Temporal Logic. A case study involving two advanced features from the automotive domain, namely Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Mitigation is given to demonstrate the methodology.
Does Preoperative 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D Status Significantly Affect the Calcium Kinetics after Total Thyroidectomy?
Authors: Lang Brian Hung‐Hin , Wong Kai Pun , Cheung Chung Yeung , Fong Yuen Ki , Chan Desmond Kwan‐Kit , Hung Grace Kin‐Yee
Published: March 2013

Background

Although previous studies have suggested that low preoperative 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25‐OHD) is a risk factor for hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy, the impact of preoperative 25‐OHD on calcium (Ca)/parathyroid hormone (PTH) kinetics in the immediate postoperative period remains unclear. The study compared the postoperative Ca/PTH kinetics between different preoperative 25‐OHD levels.

Patients

A total of 281 patients who underwent a total thyroidectomy were analyzed. Serum Ca was measured preoperatively within 1 h after surgery (Ca‐D0) and on the following morning (Ca‐D1). Preoperative 25‐OHD was also measured after overnight fasting while postoperative PTH was checked at skin closure on day 0 (PTH‐D0) and on the following morning on day 1 (PTH‐D1). The Ca/PTH kinetics were compared between three groups (group I: preoperative 25‐OHD < 10 ng/mL; group II: 25‐OHD = 10–20 ng/mL; group III: 25‐OHD > 20 ng/mL).

Results

Group I had significantly lower preoperative Ca (p = 0.016) and Ca‐D0 (p = 0.036) but higher PTH‐D1 (p = 0.015) than groups II and III. PTH‐D0, Ca‐D1, and the rate of clinically significant hypocalcemia were similar in the three groups. Group I had a significantly smaller Ca drop (−0.02 vs. 0.01 and 0.02 mmol/L, p = 0.011) and a tendency for a significantly smaller PTH drop (0.4 vs. 0.5 and 1.0 pmol/L, p = 0.073) than groups II and III. PTH‐D1 (OR = 1.550) and 25‐OHD (OR = 0.958) were independent factors for Ca drop from day 0 to day 1.

Conclusions

Although group I began with lower serum Ca, those patients tended to have a greater PTH response to Ca drop and so preoperative 25‐OHD did not significantly affect the overall Ca kinetics from preoperative to day 1.
Association of plasma and cortical amyloid beta is modulated by APOE ε4 status
Authors: Swaminathan Shanker , Risacher Shannon L. , Yoder Karmen K. , West John D. , Shen Li , Kim Sungeun , Inlow Mark , Foroud Tatiana , Jagust William J. , Koeppe Robert A. , Mathis Chester A. , Shaw Leslie M. , Trojanowski John Q. , Soares Holly , Aisen Paul S. , Petersen Ronald C. , Weiner Michael W. , Saykin Andrew J. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: March 2013

Background

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele's role as a modulator of the relationship between soluble plasma amyloid beta (Aβ) and fibrillar brain Aβ measured by Pittsburgh compound B positron emission tomography ([11C]PiB PET) has not been assessed.

Methods

Ninety‐six Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative participants with [11C]PiB scans and plasma Aβ1–40 and Aβ1–42 measurements at the time of PET scanning were included. Regional and voxelwise analyses of [11C]PiB data were used to determine the influence of APOE ε4 allele on association of plasma Aβ1–40, Aβ1–42, and Aβ1–40/Aβ1–42 with [11C]PiB uptake.

Results

In APOE ε4− but not ε4+ participants, positive relationships between plasma Aβ1–40/Aβ1–42 and [11C]PiB uptake were observed. Modeling the interaction of APOE and plasma Aβ1–40/Aβ1–42 improved the explained variance in [11C]PiB binding compared with using APOE and plasma Aβ1–40/Aβ1–42 as separate terms.

Conclusions

The results suggest that plasma Aβ is a potential Alzheimer's disease biomarker and highlight the importance of genetic variation in interpretation of plasma Aβ levels.
Development and validation of a microRNA‐based diagnostic assay for classification of renal cell carcinomas
Authors: Spector Yael , Fridman Eddie , Rosenwald Shai , Zilber Sofia , Huang Yajue , Barshack Iris , Zion Orit , Mitchell Heather , Sanden Mats , Meiri Eti
Published: March 2013

Renal cancers account for more than 3% of adult malignancies and cause more than 13,000 deaths per year in the US alone. The four most common types of kidney tumors include the malignant renal cell carcinomas; clear cell, papillary, chromophobe and the benign oncocytoma. These histological subtypes vary in their clinical course and prognosis, and different clinical strategies have been developed for their management. In some kidney tumor cases it can be very difficult for the pathologist to distinguish between tumor types on the basis of morphology and immunohistochemistry (IHC). In this publication we present the development and validation of a microRNA‐based assay for classifying primary kidney tumors. The assay, which classifies the four main kidney tumor types, was developed based on the expression of a set of 24 microRNAs. A validation set of 201 independent samples was classified using the assay and analyzed blindly. The assay produced results for 92% of the samples with an accuracy of 95%.
Propionic and butyric acids, formed in the caecum of rats fed highly fermentable dietary fibre, are reflected in portal and aortic serum
Authors: Jakobsdottir Greta , Jädert Cecilia , Holm Lena , Nyman Margareta E.
Published: March 2013

SCFA are important end products formed during colonic fermentation of dietary fibre (DF). It has been suggested that propionic and butyric acids affect metabolic parameters, low-grade systemic inflammation, insulin resistance and obesity. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the various SCFA profiles observed after fermentation in the caecum of rats fed pectin, guar gum and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) were also represented in hepatic portal and aortic serum. The SCFA in serum were extracted using hollow fibre-supported liquid membrane extraction before GLC analysis. The concentrations of acetic, propionic and butyric acids in caecal content correlated well with those in portal serum (P< 0·001) for all the three diets. A weaker correlation was found for propionic and butyric acids between the caecal content and aortic serum (P< 0·05). Butyric acid concentration in caecal content was also reflected in the aortic serum (P= 0·019) of rats fed FOS. FOS gave rather low amounts of the SCFA, especially butyric acid, but caecal tissue weight was higher with FOS than with the other two diets. This may be explained by rapid fermentation and quick utilisation/absorption of the SCFA. The present study also showed that propionic acid was metabolised/utilised to a higher extent than butyric acid by colonocytes before reaching the liver. We conclude that the formation of propionic and butyric acids in the caecum is reflected by increased concentrations in the aortic blood. This approach may therefore simplify the evaluation and study of SCFA from DF in human subjects.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC SECTOR HEALTH FACILITY-LEVEL DATA FOR MONITORING CHANGES IN MATERNAL MORTALITY RISKS AMONG COMMUNITIES: THE CASE OF PAKISTAN
Authors: JAIN ANRUDH K. , SATHAR ZEBA , SALIM MOMINA , SHAH ZAKIR HUSSAIN
Published: March 2013

This paper illustrates the importance of monitoring health facility-level information to monitor changes in maternal mortality risks. The annual facility-level maternal mortality ratios (MMRs), complications to live births ratios and case fatality ratios (CFRs) were computed from data recorded during 2007 and 2009 in 31 upgraded public sector health facilities across Pakistan. The facility-level MMR declined by about 18%; both the number of Caesarean sections and the episodes of complications as a percentage of live births increased; and CFR based on Caesarean sections and episodes of complications declined by 29% and 37%, respectively. The observed increases in the proportion of women with complications among those who come to these facilities point to a reduction in the delay in reaching facilities (first and second delays; Thaddeus & Maine, 1994); the decrease in CFRs points to improvements in treating obstetric complications and a reduction in the delay in receiving treatment once at facilities (the third delay). These findings point to a decline in maternal mortality risks among communities served by these facilities. A system of woman-level data collection instituted at health facilities with comprehensive emergency obstetric care is essential to monitor changes in the effects of any reduction in the three delays and any improvement in quality of care or the effectiveness of treating pregnancy-related complications among women reaching these facilities. Such a system of information gathering at these health facilities would also help policymakers and programme mangers to measure and improve the effectiveness of safe-motherhood initiatives and to monitor progress being made toward achieving the fifth Millennium Development Goal.
Lenition revisited
Authors: BAUER LAURIE
Published: March 2013

The definition of lenition remains problematic, with several competing and at times incompatible definitions being current. What is more, some of these definitions seem to lead to paradoxes. In this paper, some of these paradoxes are considered, and a revised definition of lenition is suggested which, while being compatible with the spirit of earlier definitions, arguably avoids the problems to which those other definitions give rise. The relationship of lenition to assimilation is considered, as is the relationship between lenition and position. An argument is made that position, while important in determining where lenition might occur in individual cases, is not in itself causally linked with the processes of lenition. The question of whether strength can be equated with resistance to change is also considered, and answered in the negative.
Onshore–offshore distribution of Thecosomata (Gastropoda) in the Benguela Current upwelling region off Namibia: species diversity and trophic position
Authors: Koppelmann Rolf , Kullmann Björn , Lahajnar Niko , Martin Bettina , Mohrholz Volker
Published: March 2013

Many Thecosomata (Gastropoda) produce an aragonite shell and are potentially threatened by the increasing ocean acidification. Information about these species is very important for future monitoring of the fate of this group. This paper investigates the distribution, species composition and trophic role of Thecosomata along a transect from the coast into the open ocean off Walvis Bay, Namibia, in September 2010 and January/February 2011. Twenty species were detected, but three taxa (Limacina bulimoides,Limacina inflataandDesmopterus papilio) dominated the community with more than 80% of the total standing stock. Diel vertical migration was observed for bothLimacinataxa with higher concentrations in surface waters during night.Desmopterus papiliorevealed almost no day/night differences. The highest diversities and abundances were detected at the slope and offshore stations, indicating the oceanic preference of this group; some taxa aggregated at the shelf–open ocean interface. δ15N measurements confirmed the first trophic level of this group; however, significant differences were detected between seasons with higher values in February 2011. This can be related to differences in seston values as the primary food source. Possible biogeochemical causes for these differences like an exhaustion of the nitrate pool or denitrification processes under suboxic conditions are discussed.
A new species of Aciconula (Amphipoda: Corophiidea) from Brazilian waters
Authors: Guedes-Silva Elkênita , Souza-Filho Jesser F.
Published: March 2013

A new species, Aciconula tridentata sp. nov., is described from the Brazilian coast. The type material were collected from Praia de Suape, Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco, Brazil. This new species differs from all its congeners in having the propodus palm of male gnathopod 2 bearing a 3-dentate projection. Additionally, A. tridentata sp. nov. can be distinguished from A. australiensis and A. miranda in lacking a setose hump proximally in article 1 of the peduncle of antenna 1; the outer plate of maxilliped reaching the end of palp article 1, and the female pereopod 4 is 3-articulate. A key to species of the genus is provided.
Six new species of glass sponges (Porifera: Hexactinellida) from the north-eastern Pacific Ocean
Authors: Reiswig Henry M.
Published: March 2013

Six new species of Hexactinellida are described from hard bottom communities of shelf, canyon and seamounts of the west coast of North America: Washington, British Columbia and Gulf of Alaska. They were collected by a variety of methods, trawl, manned submersible, and robot submersible, and hence vary greatly in condition. The six species comprise additions to five different families of the subclass Hexasterophora, Farreidae (Farrea omniclavata sp. nov. and F. truncata sp. nov.), Euretidae (Chonelasma oreia sp. nov.), Euplectellidae (Amphidiscella lecus sp. nov.), Leucopsacidae (Oopsacas olympicus sp. nov.) and Rossellidae (Acanthascus malacus sp. nov.). These additions represent an increase of 29% to the known species of Hexactinellida in this area. A completely unique form of defended tabulate stalk is described for A. lecus. The species Chauoplectella spinifera is transferred to Oopsacas.
Effect of tropical rainfall in structuring the macrobenthic community of Mandovi estuary, west coast of India
Authors: Gaonkar Udaykumar V. , Sivadas Sanitha K. , Ingole Baban S.
Published: March 2013

Macrofaunal community structure is determined by a number of environmental variables. The riverine run-off during the monsoon brings about drastic changes in the physico-chemical parameters of a tropical estuary. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of rainfall in structuring the benthic macrofaunal community of a tropical estuary. The temporal dynamics of the macrobenthic community in the monsoon dominated Mandovi estuary (central west coast of India) was studied fortnightly from June 2007 to June 2009. A fixed location, downstream of the Madovi river, was sampled for benthic and water parameters. Ten replicates were collected during each sampling date using a Van Veen grab (0.04 m2). The macrofaunal abundance showed temporal fluctuation. The multivariate analysis showed the clustering of the samples linked to the environmental parameters (CCA and LINKTREE). The temporal variation observed in the macrofaunal abundance was basically due to changes in abundance of the dominant species. The variation in macrofaunal abundance was brought about by the recruitment and settling of re-suspended adults. It can be concluded that the macrofaunal structuring is influenced by temporal changes in the environment associated with the annual monsoon rainfall. Hence climate induced changes in the monsoonal pattern may affect the macrobenthic assemblages of tropical estuaries.
Truth Deserves to be Believed
Authors: Thalos Mariam
Published: March 2013

Science seems generally to aim at truth. And governmental support of science is often premised on the instrumental value of truth in service of advancing our practical objectives, both as individuals and as communities, large and small. While there is some political expediency to this view, it is not correct. The value of truth is nowise that it helps us achieve our aims. In fact, just the contrary: truth deserves to be believed only on the condition that its claim upon us is orthogonal to any utility it might have in the service of (any and all) practical ends.
Surveillance and movements of Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) in the bovine tuberculosis region of Michigan
Authors: WALTER W. D. , FISCHER J. W. , ANDERSON C. W. , MARKS D. R. , DELIBERTO T. , ROBBE-AUSTERMAN S. , VERCAUTEREN K. C.
Published: March 2013

Wildlife reservoir hosts of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) include Eurasian badgers (Meles meles) and brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) in the UK and New Zealand, respectively. Similar species warrant further investigation in the northern lower peninsula of Michigan, USA due to the continued presence of bTB on cattle farms. Most research in Michigan, USA has focused on interactions between white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and cattle (Bos taurus) for the transmission of the infectious agent of bTB, Mycobacterium bovis, due to high deer densities and feeding practices. However, limited data are available on medium-sized mammals such as Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana; hereafter referred to as opossum) and their movements and home range in Michigan near cattle farms. We conducted surveillance of medium-sized mammals on previously depopulated cattle farms for presence of M. bovis infections and equipped opossum with Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to assess potential differences in home range between farms inside and outside the bTB core area that has had cattle test positive for M. bovis. On farms inside the bTB core area, prevalence in opossum was comparable [6%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2·0–11·0] to prevalence in raccoon (Procyon lotor; 4%, 95% CI 1·0–9·0, P = 0·439) whereas only a single opossum tested positive for M. bovis on farms outside the bTB core area. The prevalence in opossum occupying farms that had cattle test positive for M. bovis was higher (6·4%) than for opossum occupying farms that never had cattle test positive for M. bovis (0·9%, P = 0·01). Mean size of home range for 50% and 95% estimates were similar by sex (P = 0·791) both inside or outside the bTB core area (P = 0·218). Although surveillance efforts and home range were not assessed on the same farms, opossum use of farms near structures was apparent as was selection for farms over surrounding forested habitats. The use of farms, stored feed, and structures by opossum, their ability to serve as vectors of M. bovis, and their propensity to ingest contaminated sources of M. bovis requires additional research in Michigan, USA.