bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Cervical Length and the Relationship Between Short Cervix and Preterm Birth
Authors: Slager Joan , Lynne Sandra
Published: July 2012

Premature effacement of the cervix, or short cervix, in the midtrimester of pregnancy currently represents the strongest predictor of spontaneous preterm birth. Numerous studies have examined the relationship between short cervix and preterm birth, and although differences in sensitivity and predictive value exist, the overwhelming consensus indicates that the risk of preterm birth increases with decreasing cervical length. Cutoff values for cervical length range from less than 25 mm to less than 15 mm depending on patient characteristics and gestational age. Importantly, short cervix is more sensitive for predicting earlier forms of prematurity (at <32 weeks) than later forms of prematurity (>32 weeks). Cervical length measured at 18 to 24 weeks' gestation appears to be the most valuable measurement. Cervical length assessments can be performed by digital examination, a cervical measurement device, transabdominal ultrasound, or transvaginal ultrasound. Transvaginal ultrasound is the most reliable method to evaluate cervical length, but it is not available in all locations. Current clinical practice standards do not recommend universal screening for cervical length; however, results of randomized controlled clinical trials provide evidence to support expanded screening programs by individual practitioners.
Treatment Options and Recommendations to Reduce Preterm Births in Women With Short Cervix
Authors: Slager Joan , Lynne Sandra
Published: July 2012

Premature shortening of the cervix, or short cervix, is the most predictive risk factor for preterm birth. Results of clinical studies of interventions to prevent preterm birth have shown that identifying at‐risk women on the basis of cervical length versus obstetric history alone improves the likelihood of timely interventions with cervical cerclage or progesterone supplementation, improving outcomes. Debate continues over the use of cerclage; however, results of a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials provide evidence to support its use in women who have history of prior preterm birth and who develop short cervix before 24 weeks' gestation. Results of the recent PREGNANT trial, consistent with the earlier Fetal Medicine Foundation study, support the use of vaginal progesterone for prevention of preterm birth. In women identified by transvaginal ultrasound to have short cervix (10–20 mm) in midtrimester, daily vaginal progesterone gel reduced the risk of preterm birth before 33 weeks' gestation by 45% and before 28 weeks' gestation by 50%. Occurrence of any morbidity and mortality event also was significantly reduced by 43%, with a 61% reduction in the rate of respiratory distress syndrome in infants born to women receiving vaginal progesterone gel versus those receiving placebo. The safety profile of progesterone treatment in early pregnancy is well established, and studies of vaginal progesterone for prevention of preterm birth have identified no additional safety issues. Adverse events were comparable between women receiving progesterone and those receiving placebo. Recent guidelines issued by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal‐Fetal Medicine recommend vaginal progesterone in women with no prior spontaneous preterm birth and cervical length of 20 mm or less at 24 weeks' gestation or earlier. Future studies will refine strategies for prevention of preterm birth to address other risk factors and determine the role of other interventions.
Effect of Simultaneous Nucleation and Crystal Growth on DSC Crystallization Peaks of Glasses
Authors: Rodrigues Alisson M. , Costa Alberth M. C. , Cabral Aluisio A.
Published: July 2012

In this study, the change of the height of the crystallization peak, (δT)p, and the reciprocal of the crystallization peak temperature, 1/Tp, were investigated as a function of nucleation heat‐treatment time for two silicate glasses: (2BaO·TiO2·2SiO2—B2TS2) and lithium disilicate (Li2O·2SiO2—LS2). Then, monolithic pieces were heat‐treated in a differential scanning calorimetry furnace. The results demonstrated that these glasses behave similarly with respect to peak crystallization temperature, i.e., 1/Tp decreases with the heating rate for nucleation (φn). However, the results with B2TS2 samples demonstrated that (δT)p increases with rising heating rates for nucleation (shorter nucleation heat treatment times), φn, whereas (δT)p was found to decrease with φn in the LS2 specimens. This unexpected behavior is attributed to the extensive overlapping of the I(T) and U(T) curves shown by fresnoite glass.
Characterization of Domains Reorientation in Multilayer Piezoelectric Ceramic Actuators by Polarized Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Peng Bin , Yue Zhenxing , Meng Siqin , Xi Xiaoqing , Li Longtu
Published: July 2012

Polarized Raman spectroscopy was applied to characterize domains reorientation in the multilayer piezoelectric ceramic actuators during the poling process and in the near crack tip zone. It is found that the relative intensity of the vibration modes of E(2TO) and E(3TO + 2LO) + B1 (IE(2TO)/Isilent) is affected by electric field and mechanical stress. During the poling process, IE(2TO)/Isilent increases when the applied DC electric field exceeds the coercive electric field. In the near crack tip zone, the IE(2TO)/Isilent mapping indicates that near the crack tip zone indicated that the domains were reoriented and the mapping of Raman shift of E(3TO + 2LO) + B1 mode reveals the stress release caused by crack development. This study also confirms that the relative intensity of IE(2TO)/Isilent can be used for characterization of domains reorientation in PZT‐based ceramics under electric and mechanical stresses.
Biracial couples and adverse birth outcomes: a systematic review and meta‐analyses
Authors: SRINIVASJOIS RAVISHA M. , SHAH SHREYA , SHAH PRAKESH S. ,   ON BEHALF OF KNOWLEDGE SYNTHESIS GROUP ON DETERMINANTS OF PRETERM/LBW BIRTHS
Published: July 2012

Background. Differences in birth outcomes such as low birthweight (LBW), preterm births (PTB), stillbirth, differences in birthweight in Black vs. White race are well known. Infants born to biracial parents (mother and father from either Black or White races) also experience higher adverse birth outcomes. Objective. To systematically review and meta‐analyze birth outcomes among parents of mixed racial background compared to parents of same race. Search strategy. Medline, Embase, CINAHL and bibliographies of identified articles were searched for English language studies. Selection criteria. Studies reporting association between parental mixed racial status and LBW, PTB, or small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) outcomes were included. Data collection and analyses. After exclusion of duplicate cohorts in different publications, data from White mother–Black father (WMBF), Black mother–White father (BMWF) and Black mother–Black father (BMBF) groups were compared with the White mother–White father (WMWF) group. Results. Eight English language studies from of 26 335 596 singleton births were included and reviewed. Compared to the WMWF group, the adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence intervals) were: (a) low birthweight; 1.21 (1.10–1.33) for WMBF, 1.75(1.64–1.87) for BMWF, and 2.08 (1.81–2.38) for BMBF; (b) preterm births; 1.17 (1.05–1.31) for WMBF, 1.37 (1.18–1.59) for BMWF, and 1.78 (1.59–2.00) for BMBF; and (c) stillbirths; 1.43 (0.92–2.21) for WMBF, 1.51 (1.09–2.08) for BMWF, and 1.85 (1.47–2.32) for BMBF. Conclusion. Biracial status of parents was associated with higher risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes than both White parents but lower than both Black parents, with maternal race having a greater influence than paternal race on pregnancy outcomes.
Serum soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) in early pregnancy prior to clinical onset of preeclampsia
Authors: ODDEN NANCY , HENRIKSEN TORE , MØRKRID LARS
Published: July 2012

Objective. To examine whether soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) in early pregnancy could be a risk marker for later development of preeclampsia. Design. Case‐control study. Setting. Hospital‐based. Population. The study comprised 43 pregnant women developing preeclampsia (cases) and 86 pregnant women not developing the disorder (controls). Each case was matched with two controls with respect to pre‐pregnancy body mass index, gestational age at time of blood collection, storage time of blood samples and maternal age. Methods. The samples had been taken predominantly in the first trimester as part of a routine serological screening for rubella, HIV and toxoplasmosis of Norwegian pregnant women, and were analyzed by a commercially available enzyme‐linked immunosorbent suPARnostic® assay kit (ELISA, Virogates, Copenhagen, Denmark). Results. There was no significant difference between median suPAR levels in women who subsequently developed preeclampsia and those who did not (4.5 in the case group vs. 4.3 ng/mL in the control group, p= 0.49). The suPAR levels were relatively high compared with levels in non‐pregnant women, reflecting some general physiological responsiveness associated with pregnancy irrespective of preeclampsia. The suPAR level was not related to maternal body mass index, maternal age or sample storage time, nor did it show any association with the following fetal characteristics: body weight, body length, placental weight, delivery method or gender. Conclusion. suPAR did not appear to be a useful early pre‐clinical marker of preeclampsia.
Cutaneous deciduosis: a report of two cases of an unusual pseudomalignancy
Authors: Natale Kristen E. , Royer Michael C. , Rush Walter L. , Lupton George P.
Published: July 2012

Cutaneous deciduosis represents a rare manifestation of cutaneous endometriosis in which typical endometrial glands and stroma are morphologically and physiologically transformed under hormonal influence. The transformed glands and stroma usually take on the microscopic appearance of uterine decidua but may mimic malignancy. We describe two cases of cutaneous deciduosis that presented in the post‐partum period, but biopsies were not performed until a much later date. The first lesion arose on the perineum of a 31‐year‐old female after vaginal delivery, but a biopsy was not performed until 6 years after presentation. The second lesion grew in a cesarean section scar of a 26‐year‐old female with a history of ovarian adnexal endometriosis. Clinically described as a persistent post‐operative hematoma, the lesion throbbed in synchrony with her menstrual cycles; a biopsy was also performed 6 years after presentation. Histopathologically, both specimens showed similar findings. Sections showed a multinodular proliferation of pale‐staining epithelioid cells without significant nuclear atypia or conspicuous mitotic figures. Both showed focal glands that ranged from slit‐like to slightly dilated and that contained a flattened epithelial lining without atypia. These unusual cases are presented to instruct about the pathologic findings of this entity in order to prevent the unnecessary diagnosis of malignancy.

Natale KE, Royer MC, Rush WL, Lupton GP. Cutaneous deciduosis: a report of two cases of an unusual pseudomalignancy.
DEK expression in Merkel cell carcinoma and small cell carcinoma
Authors: Patel Rajiv M. , Walters Laura L. , Kappes Ferdinand , Mehra Rohit , Fullen Douglas R. , Markovitz David M. , Ma Linglei
Published: July 2012

Background

The chromatin architectural factor DEK maps to chromosome 6p and is frequently overexpressed in several neoplasms, including small cell lung carcinoma, where it is associated with poor prognosis, tumor initiation activity and chemoresistance. DEK expression has not been studied in cutaneous Merkel cell carcinoma.

Methods

We applied a DEK monoclonal antibody to 15 cases of Merkel cell carcinoma and 12 cases of small cell carcinoma. DEK nuclear immunoreactivity was scored based on percentage (0, negative; 1+, <25%; 2+, 25–50%; 3+, >50%) and intensity (weak, moderate or strong).

Results

All 15 Merkel cell carcinoma cases (100%) showed diffuse (3+) nuclear positivity (14 strong, 1 weak). Six of 12 small cell carcinoma cases (50%) showed diffuse (3+) and strong nuclear positivity, while one case exhibited focal (1+) weak nuclear positivity. The remaining five cases were negative for DEK expression.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that DEK may be involved in the pathogenesis of Merkel cell carcinoma and therefore may provide therapeutic implications for Merkel cell carcinomas. In addition, the difference in DEK expression between Merkel cell carcinoma and small cell carcinoma suggests possible separate tumorigenesis pathways for the two tumors.
Pregnancy‐associated acquired arteriovenous malformation of the nail unit: a novel cause of localized erythronychia
Authors: Rutnin Suthinee , Nguyen Jennifer V. , Miller Christopher J. , DeHoratius Danielle , Rubin Adam I.
Published: July 2012

Localized longitudinal erythronychia describes a solitary red streak limited to a single nail unit. Localized longitudinal erythronychia can be caused by both benign and malignant entities. Most commonly, the cause is a benign process, such as an onychopapilloma. We report a case of an acquired subungual arteriovenous malformation that presented as localized longitudinal erythronychia during pregnancy. To our knowledge, this is the first report of localized longitudinal erythronychia arising from a pregnancy‐associated arteriovenous malformation of the nail unit.
Treatment with mesenchymal stromal cells is a risk factor for pneumonia‐related death after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Forslöw Ulrica , Blennow Ola , LeBlanc Katarina , Ringdén Olle , Gustafsson Britt , Mattsson Jonas , Remberger Mats
Published: July 2012

We performed a retrospective cohort study to find out whether the use of reduced‐intensity conditioning (RIC) might reduce the risk of early death from pneumonia. Pneumonia‐associated deaths were evaluated in 691 hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients. The majority had a hematological malignancy (n = 504) and an HLA‐matched donor (n = 584). RIC was given to 336 patients and myeloablative conditioning (MAC) to 355. Data concerning radiology, culture and autopsy results were evaluated together with risk factors for death related to pneumonia within or after 100 d after HSCT (early and overall pneumonia). In 60 patients, pneumonia contributed to death (early n = 17). The cumulative incidence of early pneumonia‐related death was 2.8% and 2.1% in MAC and RIC patients, respectively. The cumulative incidence of overall pneumonia‐related death was 8.2% and 10.5%, respectively. In 40 patients, (67%) an etiology could be established, with 19 patients having proven or probable mold infection. In the multivariate analyses, acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) grades II–IV, cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and having received mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) were factors associated with overall pneumonia‐related death. Bacteremia and a previous HSCT were associated with early pneumonia‐related death. RIC did not reduce the incidence of early death associated with pneumonia. Acute GVHD II–IV, CMV infection and MSC treatment were factors associated with pneumonia‐related death. Mold infection was the most common contributor to pneumonia‐related death in HSCT patients.
Pathology of spontaneous air sacculitis in 37 baboons and seven chimpanzees and a brief review of the literature
Authors: Kumar Shyamesh , Fox Benjamin , Owston Michael , Hubbard Gene B. , Dick Edward J.
Published: July 2012

Background  Air sacculitis is an important clinical condition in non‐human primates.

Methods  We evaluated 37 baboons and seven chimpanzees with spontaneous air sacculitis submitted to pathology over a 20‐year period.

Results  Air sacculitis was observed almost exclusively in males. Common reported signs were halitosis, coughing, nasal discharges, depression, anorexia, and weight loss. Gross lesions included thickened air sacs and suppurative exudate lining the walls. Microscopic lesions included marked epithelial hyperplasia or hypertrophy, necrosis, fibrosis, cellular infiltrates, and bacterial colonies. Mixed bacterial infections were more common than infections by single species of bacteria. Streptococcus sp. was the most frequent bacteria isolated in both baboons and chimpanzees.

Conclusions  This is the first report describing the gross and microscopic lesions of air sacculitis in chimpanzees. The preponderance of males suggests a male sex predilection in baboons.
Parameters of haematology, clinical chemistry and lipid metabolism in the common marmoset and alterations under stress conditions
Authors: Kuehnel F. , Grohmann J. , Buchwald U. , Koeller G. , Teupser D. , Einspanier A.
Published: July 2012

Common marmosets are suitable non‐human primate models for many human diseases. Standard values for blood parameters are required to evaluate physiological and pathological situations. Two studies were conducted: study I to determine standard values and study II to examine these under changed housing conditions. In study I, all parameters for clinical chemistry were similar in range for both genders with these specifics: male marmosets had significantly higher total and LDL cholesterol levels than females, whereas the mean corpuscular volume and the mean corpuscular haemoglobin were significantly lower than in females. In study II, glucose, lymphocytes and salivary cortisol were significantly lower, and faecal cortisol was increased during the change of housing conditions. In conclusion, standard values for haematology and clinical chemistry for the common marmoset were determined. Further on, parameters that are influenced by relocation stress and its importance for experimental results are described.
No association of SIDS with two polymorphisms in genes relevant for the noradrenergic system: COMT and DBH
Authors: Klintschar Michael , Heimbold Christian
Published: July 2012

Aim:  Recent research suggests that genetic variance determining the strength of noradrenergic transmitting might contribute to the aetiology of SIDS. We have typed 2 functional polymorphisms of relevance for both biosynthesis and catabolism of noradrenalin: The Val158Met single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the Catechol‐O‐methyl transferase gene (COMT) and the 1021C/T SNP of the dopamine dehydroxylase gene (DBH).

Methods:  COMT and DBH were typed in 171 and 196 SIDS cases and 213 and 244 controls, respectively, using PCR followed by digestion with restriction enzymes. Typing was performed using a QIAxcel automatic electrophoresis unit.

Results:  Both SNPs were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, and for none of these polymorphisms, an association with SIDS could be demonstrated. The allelic frequencies of the DBH locus were C: 78.32% and T: 21.68% in SIDS and C: 77.66% and T: 22.34% in controls. For the COMT locus, the allelic frequencies were A: 51.17% and G: 48.83% in SIDS and A: 52.82% and G: 47.18% in controls.

Conclusion:  Despite these negative results, the noradrenergic system is still an attractive candidate as modulator of SIDS risk to our eyes. There are several genes involved in this system that have not been studied up to now.
Molecular mechanism of the allosteric enhancement of the umami taste sensation
Authors: Mouritsen Ole G. , Khandelia Himanshu
Published: July 2012

The fifth taste quality, umami, arises from binding of glutamate to the umami receptor T1R1/T1R3. The umami taste is enhanced several‐fold upon addition of free nucleotides such as guanosine‐5′‐monophosphate (GMP) to glutamate‐containing food. GMP may operate via binding to the ligand‐binding domain of the T1R1 part of the umami receptor at an allosteric site. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we show that GMP can stabilize the closed (active) state of T1R1 by binding to the outer vestibule of the so‐called Venus flytrap domain of the receptor. The transition between the closed and open conformations was accessed in the simulations. Using principal component analysis, we show that the dynamics of the Venus flytrap domain along the hinge‐bending motion that activates signaling is dampened significantly upon binding of glutamate, and further slows down upon binding of GMP at an allosteric site, thus suggesting a molecular mechanism of cooperativity between GMP and glutamate.
Structural analysis of trimeric phospholipase A2 neurotoxin from the Australian taipan snake venom
Authors: Cendron Laura , Mičetić Ivan , Polverino de Laureto Patrizia , Paoli Marco
Published: July 2012

Snake pre‐synaptic neurotoxins endowed with phospholipase A2 activity are potent inducers of paralysis through the specific disruption of the neuromuscular junction pre‐synaptic membrane and represent a valuable tool for investigating neuronal degeneration and recovery. They have different structural complexity and a wide range of lethal potency and enzymatic activity, although they share a similar mechanism of action. Although no correlation has been reported between neurotoxicity and enzymatic activity, toxicity increases with structural complexity and phospholipase A2 oligomers show 10‐fold lower LD50 values compared to their monomeric counterparts. To date, no structural study has been performed on multimeric SPANs with the aim of shedding light on the correlation between structural complexity and neurotoxicity. In the present study, we investigated the structure of taipoxin, a trimeric phospholipase A2 neurotoxin, as well as that of its subunits, by X‐ray crystallography and small angle X‐ray scattering analysis. We present the high‐resolution structure of two isoforms of the taipoxin β subunit, which show no neurotoxic activity but enhance the activity of the other subunits in the complex. One isoform shows no structural change that could justify the lack of activity. The other displays three point mutations in critical positions for the catalytic activity. Moreover, we designed a model for the quaternary structure of taipoxin under physiological conditions, in which the three subunits are organized into a flat holotoxin with the substrate binding sockets exposed on the same side of the complex, which suggests a role for this interface in the toxin–membrane interaction.

Database
 The coordinates and structure factors have been deposited in the RCSB Protein Data Bank (http://www.rcsb.org) under accession numbers 3VBZ and 3VC0, corresponding to β isoforms 1 and 2 respectively

Structure digital abstract

taipoxin beta isoform 2
 and taipoxin beta isoform 2 bind by x‐ray crystallography (View interaction)
Up‐regulated long non‐coding RNA H19 contributes to proliferation of gastric cancer cells
Authors: Yang Feng , Bi Jianwei , Xue Xuchao , Zheng Luming , Zhi Kangkang , Hua Jide , Fang Guoen
Published: July 2012

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to have important regulatory roles in cancer biology, and the lncRNA H19 is up‐regulated in hypoxic stress and in some tumors. However, the contributions of H19 to gastric cancer remain largely unknown. In this study, we assayed the H19 expression level in gastric cancer tissues by real‐time PCR, and defined the biological functions by flow cytometry and RNA immunoprecipitation. We demonstrated that H19 levels were markedly increased in gastric cancer cells and gastric cancer tissues compared with normal controls. Moreover, ectopic expression of H19 increased cell proliferation, whereas H19 siRNA treatment contributed to cell apoptosis in AGS cell line. We further verified that H19 was associated with p53, and that this association resulted in partial p53 inactivation. These data suggest an important role for H19 in the molecular etiology of gastric cancer and potential application of H19 in gastric cancer therapy.
Tissue Doppler and myocardial deformation imaging to detect myocardial dysfunction in pediatric cancer patients treated with high doses of anthracyclines
Authors: Yağci‐Küpeli Begül , Varan Ali , Yorgun Hikmet , Kaya Bariş , Büyükpamukçu Münevver
Published: July 2012

Aim

To detect subtle changes in myocardial function in pediatric cancer patients treated with high dose anthracyclines.

Methods

In all, 19 pediatric cancer patients with no cardiotoxicity findings treated with a cumulative anthracycline dose of ≥350 mg/m2 and healthy participants of the same age were included in the study. Transthoracic echocardiography measurements, pulsed‐wave tissue Doppler from the basal portions of all walls and strain and strain rate imaging of all walls from basal portion were obtained.

Results

A total of 19 patients (13 boys and six girls) and 17 participants (10 boys and seven girls) in the control group were enrolled. Three patients had subnormal ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) values. There was no significant difference in EF and FS between the two groups. The left ventricle isovolumic relaxation time was prolonged (P = 0.02) and the mitral color propagation velocity was decreased in patients (P = 0.001). Peak systolic strain and strain rates of the right ventricle, septal, lateral and inferior wall basal region of the left ventricle were significantly lower in patients than controls (all P < 0.05). Tissue Doppler measurements of early and late diastolic myocardial velocities of the right ventricular free wall, lateral wall of left ventricle and septum, and peak systolic myocardial velocity of the left ventricle anterior wall were significantly lower in patients (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Myocardial Doppler and deformation imaging techniques provide a thorough evaluation of cardiac functions with the advantage of detecting subtle early changes before a global cardiac functional impairment occurs.
Structure and composition of the boundary zone between aragonitic crossed lamellar and calcitic prism layers in the shell of Concholepas concholepas (Mollusca, Gastropoda)
Authors: Dauphin Yannicke , Cuif Jean‐Pierre , Cotte Marine , Salomé Murielle
Published: July 2012

Mollusc shells are composed of two or three layers. The main layers are well‐studied, but the structural and chemical changes at their boundaries are usually neglected. A microstructural, mineralogical, and biochemical study of the boundary between the inner crossed lamellar and outer prismatic layers of the shell of
Concholepas concholepas showed that this boundary is not an abrupt transition. Localized structural and chemical analyses showed that patches of the inner aragonitic crossed lamellar layer persist within the outer calcitic prismatic layer. Moreover, a thin aragonitic layer with a fibrous structure is visible between the two main layers. A three‐step biomineralization process is proposed that involves changes in the chemical and biochemical composition of the last growth increments of the calcite prisms. The changes in the secretory process in the mantle cells responsible for the shell layer succession are irregular and discontinuous.
Proanthocyanidins Inhibit Seed Germination by Maintaining a High Level of Abscisic Acid in Arabidopsis thalianaF
Authors: Jia Liguo , Wu Qiuyu , Ye Nenghui , Liu Rui , Shi Lu , Xu Weifeng , Zhi Hui , Rahman A. N. M. Rubaiyath Bin , Xia Yiji , Zhang Jianhua
Published: July 2012

Proanthocyanidins (PAs) are the main products of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway in seeds, but their biological function during seed germination is still unclear. We observed that seed germination is delayed with the increase of exogenous PA concentration in Arabidopsis. A similar inhibitory effect occurred in peeled Brassica napus seeds, which was observed by measuring radicle elongation. Using abscisic acid (ABA), a biosynthetic and metabolic inhibitor, and gene expression analysis by real‐time polymerase chain reaction, we found that the inhibitory effect of PAs on seed germination is due to their promotion of ABA via de novo biogenesis, rather than by any inhibition of its degradation. Consistent with the relationship between PA content and ABA accumulation in seeds, PA‐deficient mutants maintain a lower level of ABA compared with wild‐types during germination. Our data suggest that PA distribution in the seed coat can act as a doorkeeper to seed germination. PA regulation of seed germination is mediated by the ABA signaling pathway.
Diffuse radio emission in MACS J1752.0+4440
Authors: van Weeren R. J. , Bonafede A. , Ebeling H. , Edge A. C. , Brüggen M. , Giovannini G. , Hoeft M. , Röttgering H. J. A.
Published: July 2012

We report the discovery of large-scale diffuse radio emission in the galaxy cluster MACS J1752.0+4440 (z = 0.366). Using Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope (WSRT) observations we find that the cluster hosts a double radio relic system as well as a 1.65 Mpc radio halo covering the region between the two relics. The relics are diametrically located on opposite sides of the cluster centre. The NE and SW relics have sizes of 1.3 and 0.9 Mpc, respectively. In the case of an isolated binary merger event, the relative sizes of the relics suggest a mass ratio about 2:1. We measure integrated spectra of −1.16 ± 0.03 for the NE relic and −1.10 ± 0.05 for the SW relic. We conclude that this cluster has undergone a violent binary merger event and the relics are best explained by particles (re)accelerated in outwards travelling shock waves. The spectral indices suggest that the relics trace shock waves with Mach numbers (M) of around 3.5–4.5. These relatively high Mach numbers derived from the radio spectral index are comparable to those derived for a few other recently discovered relics. This implies that merger shocks with M > 3 are relatively common in cluster outskirts if our understanding of diffusive shock acceleration is correct.
Development and Evaluation of a Colloidal Gold Immunochromatography Strip for Rapid Detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Food
Authors: Guo Ailing , Sheng Hongli , Zhang Min , Wu Renwei , Xie Ji
Published: July 2012

To successfully establish an immunochromatography strip assay for rapid detection Vibrio parahaemolyticus in food, two kinds of specific antibodies were employed. In the strip test, polyclonal rabbit antibody (pAb) against V. parahaemolyticus was conjugated with 40 nm colloidal gold and used as analytical reagent. Goat anti‐rabbit IgG and monoclonal mouse antibody (mAb) against V. parahaemolyticus were dispensed on a nitrocellulose membrane in two distinct sectors, the former as control and the latter for test. The strip assay revealed 100% specificity with 31 strains (two V. parahaemolyticus type strains; fifteen V. parahaemolyticus strains isolated from foods, four other species of Vibrio strains and ten non‐Vibrio strains). The detection limit of immunochromatographic strip was 105 cfu/mL. Shelf life of the strip was over 90 days at 37C. The immunochromatographic strip is therefore successful in and suitable for fast detection of V. parahaemolyticus.

Practical Applications

In this study, we developed a colloidal gold immunochromatography strip for the detection of V. parahaemolyticus. Immunochromatography strip test has advantages of being simple, rapid, free from contamination and low in price. It would allow detection of V. parahaemolyticus pure cultures within a short time (<15 min) and detection of V. parahaemolyticus in food within 11 h, which contained 10 h enrichment. Rapid detection and easy operation makes the strip suitable for on‐site detection. There is therefore much high application value in food microorganism, and it is worth to be popularized.
Patient‐Specific Modelling in Drug Design, Development and Selection Including its Role in Clinical Decision‐Making
Authors: Shublaq Nour , Sansom Clare , Coveney Peter V.
Published: July 2012

Genomics has made enormous progress in the twelve years since the publication of the first draft human genome sequence, but it has not yet been translated into the clinic. Despite spiralling development costs, the number of new drug registrations is not increasing. One reason for this lies in the genetic complexity of disease. Most diseases involve dysregulation in pathways that involve many genes, and many (including most cancers) are themselves genetically heterogeneous. Systems biology involves the multi‐level simulation of physiology, cell biology and biochemistry using complex computational techniques. We show here using case studies in cancer and HIV how such computational models, and particularly models based on individual patient data, can be used for drug design and development, and in the selection of the appropriate treatment for a given patient in the face of resistance mutations. If these techniques are to be adopted in routine clinical practice, clinicians will need better training in modern approaches to the integrated analysis of large‐scale heterogeneous data and multi‐scale models, while developers will need to provide much more usable tools. Investment in computational infrastructure is needed so that results can be returned on clinically relevant timescales and data warehouses designed with data protection as well as accessibility in mind.
What’s in a Name? The Representation of Terrorism Using Political Organization Names
Authors: Dechesne Mark
Published: July 2012

The present contribution introduces representation theory of terrorism. The basic proposition is that comparison of the names of nonviolent and violent political organizations reveals core characteristics of terrorist organizations. Accordingly, eight characteristics are identified: Hostility, Absolutism, Authoritarianism, Action Orientation, Resistance, Militancy, Achievement Motivation, and Superiority. An empirical study among college students, comparing those preferring groups that possess these characteristics with those preferring groups that do not possess these characteristics, shows that greater endorsement of groups that possess these characteristics is associated with greater support for group‐based violence. Representation theory provides a novel way of looking at terrorism, specifies indicators of violent intent and generates new hypothesis regarding the nature of terrorism.
Assessing Contemporary Trends and Future Prospects in the Study of the Suicide Bomber
Authors: Gill Paul
Published: July 2012

While the analyses of who engages in terrorism have largely evolved away from early psychopathological accounts, studies that focus on suicide bombers still emphasize personality characteristics as the cause of involvement and contain static interpretations of motivation. This article provides a review of such approaches before offering a number of alternatives that potentially contain more value for moving terrorism research forward. These approaches are illustrated by a series of analyses of a data set of 219 Palestinian suicide bombers: a descriptive analysis of the socio‐demographic characteristics of suicide bombers, their pathways into terrorist organizations, their spatial patterning and issues concerned with lethality. Collectively these analyses show how bringing together different theoretical frameworks can provide a stronger basis for the management of conflict and terrorism.
Preparation of Four Chromium Ore Reference Materials
Authors: Cheng Zhizhong , Huang Hongku , Liu Mei , Gu Tiexin , Yan Weidong , Yan Mingcai
Published: July 2012

The preparation and characterisation of four chromium ore reference materials are described in this paper. The sample material for GCr‐1, GCr‐3 and GCr‐4 was collected from chromite deposits in Tibet, Qinghai province and Inner Mongolia. GCr‐2 is a composite sample from GCr‐1 and GCr‐4. Sample homogeneity was tested by WD‐XRF and the relative standard deviations were < 1.0%. An F‐test showed that all four materials were homogeneous. Thirteen laboratories involved in the inter‐laboratory programme provided 672 determinations (eighteen oxides and elements). Sixteen components were characterised as certified values, of which Cr2O3 ranged from 17.59 to 57.80% m/m. The contents of FeO and CO2 were taken as reference values.
SLRS‐5 Elemental Concentrations of Thirty‐Three Uncertified Elements Deduced from SLRS‐5/SLRS‐4 Ratios
Authors: Heimburger Alexie , Tharaud Mickael , Monna Fabrice , Losno Rémi , Desboeufs Karine , Nguyen Elisabeth B.
Published: July 2012

The fifth version of natural river water certified reference material, SLRS‐5 (National Research Council – Conseil National de Recherches Canada), is commonly used to control the quality of major and trace element measurements. Concentrations of silicon and thirty‐one uncertified trace elements have been reported for the certified reference material SLRS‐4, but they are not yet available for SLRS‐5. Here, SLRS‐5/SLRS‐4 ratios were deduced from SLRS‐5 and SLRS‐4 measurements by inductively coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectrometry and high‐resolution inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry for certified elements and thirty‐five uncertified elements (rare earth elements, B, Bi, Br, Cs, Ga, Ge, Hf, Li, Nb, P, Pd, Rb, Rh, S, Sc, Si, Sn, Th, Ti, Tl, Y). Both reference materials were measured directly one after the other, so that calculated elemental ratios would not be notably influenced either by calibration uncertainties or by eventual long‐term instrumental drift. The computed ratios are in good agreement with those deduced from the certified values. We also report concentrations for thirty‐three uncertified elements in SLRS‐5 by combining the measured SLRS‐5/SLRS‐4 ratios and the published SLRS‐4 values. The resulting new data set provides target SLRS‐5 values, which will be useful in quality control procedures.
AN INTERNATIONAL SURVEY ON ATTITUDES OF RENAL NURSES TOWARDS OLDER PEOPLE
Authors: Zampieron Alessandra , Saraiva Maria , Corso Michele , Buja Alessandra
Published: July 2012

Background: Previous studies have indicated that healthcare providers do not enjoy taking care of older people, because of poor attitudes towards the elderly.

Aim: The purpose of this cross‐sectional study is to identify and describe the attitudes of a worldwide sample of renal nurses towards older people.

Method: A convenience sample composed of renal nurses worldwide completed a socio‐demographic questionnaire and the Kogan's Attitude towards Old People Scale (KOAP).

Results: We received 1,061 completed questionnaires from nurses in 12 countries. Participants were mainly female (81%), their average age being 42.69 (SD ± 8.70); 74% of nurses had older people in their families and 51% had lived with older people. The sample reported slightly positive attitudes towards the elderly [mean score (±SD) = 151.50 (±17.9)]. Attitudes were influenced by continent, country, religion, presence of older people in the family and level of nursing education (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: Our study has shown that renal nurses have slightly positive attitudes towards older people but attitudes could be improved with specific information being provided to renal nurses, to obtain better care.
Taxonomical observation on the grain amaranths and new varieties of Amaranthus cruentus (Amaranthaceae)
Authors: Das Saubhik
Published: July 2012

The grain amaranths (Amaranthus hypochondriacus, A. caudatus and A. cruentus) have a long history and a unique process of domestication. They are supposedly derived from a weed progenitor. The hypothesis proposing a monophyletic origin of the grain amaranths from the close relative A. hybridus is widely favoured. The present study applied morphological and biochemical tools, and revealed a close affinity between A. hypochondriacus and A. caudatus, and a distinct divergence of A. cruentus from the others, in accordance with previous observations. Accessions of A. cruentus showed a prominent variability, especially in seed surface features, which strongly proposed a segregation of the population into two groups; one having rusty brown seeds with reticulate spermoderm and another group having greyish white seeds with rugulate spermoderm: Amaranthus cruentus var. albus var. nov. and Amaranthus cruentus var. cruentus var. nov. This introduction was well supported by cluster analysis, showing a clear delimitation of brown and greyish white seeded accession of A. cruentus.
Comparative evaluation of different chelators in removal of calcium hydroxide preparations from root canals
Authors: Ballal NV , Kumar SR , Laxmikanth HK , Saraswathi MV
Published: July 2012

Background:  This study compared the efficacy of 10% citric acid, 17% EDTA and 7% maleic acid (MA) with ultrasonic agitation in the removal of calcium hydroxide (CH) from root canals.

Methods:  Seventy maxillary anterior teeth were enlarged to F3 using protaper files. Teeth were then divided into two groups: A and B. Group A was filled with (CH + iodoform + silicone oil) mixture and group B with CH and propylene glycol (PG). Ten teeth were divided into positive and negative control groups. The volume of CH preparations was estimated using spiral CT. After seven days, teeth in groups A and B were further divided into three subgroups based on irrigants used and CH was retrieved along with ultrasonic agitation. Volume analysis was undertaken using spiral CT. Mean percentage of CH removed was analysed using one‐way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference test.

Results:  All irrigants removed (CH + PG) completely without any difference between them (p = 0.17). Removal of (CH + iodoform + silicone oil) was significantly higher for MA and citric acid than EDTA (p < 0.001). There was no difference between MA and citric acid.

Conclusions:  Concentrations of 7% MA and 10% citric acid were found to be superior to 17% EDTA in the removal of (CH + iodoform + silicone oil). (CH + PG) preparation was completely removed by all the irrigants.
Antibacterial efficacy of casein‐derived peptides against Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Liu V , Dashper S , Parashos P , Liu S‐W , Stanton D , Shen P , Chivatxaranukul P , Reynolds EC
Published: July 2012

Background : The aim of this study was to test a casein peptide in its glycosylated form (kappa‐casein glycopeptide, KCGP) and its non‐glycosylated form (kappa‐casein peptide, KCP) for antibacterial efficacy against Enterococcus faecalis in planktonic and biofilm cultures.

Methods : E. faecalis strain JKD 15036 was exposed to different concentrations of KCGP and KCP in a 96‐well culture plate. The effect of the peptides on the growth of E. faecalis in planktonic culture was monitored by measuring optical density over 7 hours. Biofilm formation was measured after 24 hours using a crystal violet assay. All experiments were performed in triplicate.

Results : KCGP and KCP inhibited growth of E. faecalis in planktonic culture with no significant difference in activity between the peptides. KCGP at 0.16% w/v was significantly better at inhibiting E. faecalis biofilm formation than KCP at the same concentration and significantly better than NaOCl at 1.0% w/v.

Conclusions : KCGP effectively inhibited E. faecalis biofilm formation and may have potential to augment the efficacy of traditional antiseptic agents.
India Balances China
Authors: Malik Mohan
Published: July 2012

This article argues that classical realism is alive and well in Asia. China, India, and other states are all seeking to establish a balance‐of‐power favorable to their own interests. Economic engagement and military balancing remain dual components of China's and India's policy toward each other. Asymmetric growth in the Chinese and Indian economies has had the effect of intensifying their power competition. The biggest cause of Sino‐Indian balancing and counterbalancing is that both countries aspire to the same things at the same time on the same (contested) continental landmass and its adjoining waters. India's evolving Asia policy reflects the desire to build an arc of strategic partnerships with China's key neighbors in Southeast Asia and further east along the Asia‐Pacific rim, and with the United States, to help neutralize the continuing Chinese military assistance and activity around India, and to develop counter‐leverages of its own to keep China sober.
The China Factor in the U.S. “Reengagement” With Southeast Asia: Drivers and Limits of Converged Hedging
Authors: Kuik Cheng‐Chwee , Idris Nor Azizan , Md Nor Abd Rahim
Published: July 2012

This article argues that the U.S.–Southeast Asia relations under Obama have been driven and limited by a “partially converged hedging” process between the two sides. On the one hand, the United States has sought to push back and hedge against the longer‐term risks of a rising challenger by mobilizing its alignment and diplomatic assets in Asia. The structural imperative, however, has been conditioned by a calculation of not wanting to be rigidly locked in any regional problems. On the other hand, the ASEAN states have correspondingly hedged against the uncertainty surrounding China's rise by leveraging on the United States' enhanced engagement. This driver, nonetheless, has also been conditioned by a fundamental concern of not wanting to confront the rising power in an outright manner. Unless China's actions have posed an immediate threat that leaves the states no choice but balancing, such a partially converged hedging process is likely to endure in the years to come.
Oral health impact, dental caries, and oral health behaviors among the National Cadets Corps in South India
Authors: Pentapati Kalyana Chakravarthy , Acharya Shashidhar , Bhat Meghashyam , Krishna Rao Sree Vidya , Singh Sweta
Published: July 2012

Aim

The aim of the present study was to assess the oral health impact and to evaluate the association between socioeconomic status, oral health behaviors, dental caries experience, and oral health impacts among children enrolled in the National Cadets Corps.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted among 389 male cadets aged between 13 and 15 years. Sociodemographic and oral health behavior‐related information was collected using a self‐administered questionnaire. The Child–Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (OIDP) Index was used to assess the oral impacts. The cadets were clinically examined for caries experience using decayed, missing, filled tooth index.

Results

A total of 359 children completed all stages of the survey. The mean age of the children was 13.96 ± 0.6 years. Fifty‐five percent of the participants experienced at least one impact in the last 3 months. The mean OIDP score for the population was 12.13 ± 5.85. The most prevalent impact was difficulty in eating (37%), and the least affected daily performance was social contact (17%). Dental attendance and caries experience were significant predictors of oral impacts.

Conclusions

The present study revealed that oral health had a significant impact on quality of life. Caries experience and past dental visits were associated with oral health‐related quality of life among this study population.
taxonstand: An r package for species names standardisation in vegetation databases
Authors: Cayuela Luis , Granzow‐de la Cerda Íñigo , Albuquerque Fabio S. , Golicher Duncan J.
Published: July 2012

1. Compilation of vegetation databases has contributed significantly to the advancement of vegetation science all over the world. Yet, methodological problems result from the use of plant names, particularly in data that originate from numerous and heterogeneous sources. One of the main problems is the inordinate number of synonyms that can be found in vegetation lists.

2. We present Taxonstand, an r package to automatically standardise plant names using The Plant List (http://www.theplantlist.org). The scripts included in this package allow connection to the online search engine of the Plant List and retrieve information from each species about its current taxonomic status. In those cases where the species name is a synonym, it is replaced by the current accepted name. In addition, this package can help correcting orthographic errors in specific epithets.

3. This tool greatly facilitates the preparation of large vegetation databases prior to their analyses, particularly when they cover broad geographical areas (supranational or even continental scale) or contain data from regions with rich floras where taxonomic problems have not been resolved for many of their taxa. Automated workflows such as the one provided by the taxonstand package can ease considerably this task using a widely accessible working nomenclatural authority list for plant species names such as The Plant List.