bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal prenatal attitudes and postnatal breast-feeding behaviours in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Yu Elaine A , Thomas Joan S , Owais Aatekah , Tirmizi Noor , Faruque ASG , Das Sumon K , Rahman Shahed , Schwartz Benjamin , Stein Aryeh D
Published: May 2014

Objective

To assess the relationships between maternal breast-feeding intention, attitudes, self-efficacy and knowledge at 7 months’ gestation with exclusive or full breast-feeding at 3months postpartum.

Design

Prospective cohort study with structured home interviews during pregnancy and 3 months after delivery.

Setting

Two rural sub-districts of Kishoreganj district, Bangladesh.

Subjects

Mother–infant dyads.

Results

Over 80 % of 2178 pregnant women intended to exclusively breast-feed (EBF). Maternal positive attitudes, self-efficacy and knowledge about breast-feeding were positively associated with EBF intention (allP<0·05). All mothers except one reported initiating breast-feeding and 99·6 % of children were still breast-fed at 3 months. According to 24 h dietary recalls, we categorized 985 (45·2 %) infants as EBF at 3 months (47·8 % among mothers with EBF intention; 31·7 % among mothers with no EBF intention;P<0·05) and 551 (25·3 %) infants as predominantly breast-fed at 3 months (24·2 % among mothers with EBF intention; 30·8 % among mothers with no EBF intention;P<0·05). Prenatal EBF intention was associated with EBF (OR=1·48, 95 % CI 1·14, 1·91) and with full breast-feeding (OR=1·34, 95 % CI 1·04, 1·72) at age 3 months. EBF at age 3months was not associated with maternal breast-feeding knowledge, attitudes or self-efficacy.

Conclusions

Despite widespread expressed maternal EBF intention and universal breast-feeding initiation, prevalence of both exclusive and full breast-feeding at 3months remains lower than WHO recommendations. EBF intention predicts breast-feeding behaviours, suggesting the importance of prenatal counselling to improve infant feeding behaviours.
DirectionalOut Ofin the History of English: Grammaticalization and Reanalysis
Authors: Elenbaas Marion
Published: May 2014

In Present-Day English, the particleoutis obligatorily adjacent to the followingofPP, as inHe pulled the plugs out of his ears/ *He pulled out the plugs of his ears, even though particles can normally precede or follow the object of the particle verb, as inHepulled out the plugs/Hepulled the plugs out. Interestingly, in Old English and Middle English, the particleoutcould occur either adjacent or nonadjacent to theofPP. Based on corpus data covering the period from Old English to Late Modern English, I show that the change in the syntax of directionalout ofinvolves grammaticalization: The bleaching of the directional meaning of the prepositionofled to a structural reanalysis by which theofPP became included in the particle's phrasal projection and could no longer be separated from the particleout. This in turn led to phono-logical reduction of the prepositionof. The loss of the nonadjacent option is argued to be connected to the status of particles as optionally projecting elements.*
Pain Related Catastrophizing on Physical Limitation in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients. Is Acceptance Important?
Authors: Costa Joana , Pinto-Gouveia José , Marôco João
Published: May 2014

The experience of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) includes significant suffering and life disruption. This cross-sectional study examined the associations between pain, catastrophizing, acceptance and physical limitation in 55 individuals (11 males and 44 female; Mean age = 54.37; SD = 18.346), from the Portuguese population with (RA) 2 years after the diagnosis; also explored the role of acceptance as a mediator process between pain, catastrophizing and physical limitation. Results showed positive correlation between pain and catastrophizing (r = .544; p ≤ .001), and also between pain and 2-years’ physical limitation (r = .531; p ≤ .001) Results also showed that acceptance was negatively correlated with physical limitation 2 years after the diagnosis (r = –.476; p ≤ .001). Path-analysis was performed to explore the direct effect of pain (ß = –.393; SD = .044; Z = 3.180; p ≤ .001) and catastrophizing (n.sig.) on physical limitation and also to explore the buffer effect of acceptance in this relationship (indirect effect ß = –.080). Results showed that physical limitation is not necessarily a direct product of pain and catastrophizing but acceptance was also involved. Pain and catastrophizing are associated but the influence of catastrophizing on physical limitation is promoted by low levels of acceptance. Results emphasize the relevance of acceptance as the emotional regulation process by which pain and catastrophizing influence physical functioning and establish the basic mechanism by which pain and catastrophizing operate in a contextual-based perspective. Also the study results offer a novel approach that may help behavioral health and medical providers prevent and treat these conditions.
Assessment of the Standard Forensic Procedure for the Evaluation of Psychological Injury in Intimate-Partner Violence
Authors: Fariña Francisca , Arce Ramón , Vilariño Manuel , Novo Mercedes
Published: May 2014

In judicial terms, a victim refers to any person who has suffered injury arising from an action or omission of an action that constitutes an offence, and the burden of proof lies with the prosecution. A review of Spanish judicial judgements underscored that the lack of evidence of psychological injury in cases of intimate-partner violence (IPV) accounted for approximately 40% of acquittals. Thus, the Spanish standard of proof for the forensic evaluation of psychological injury i.e., the MMPI-2 and the unstructured interview were assessed in order to determine if they met the statutory requirement for the assessment of psychological injury and the differential diagnosis of feigning. The results of the comparison of 51 women victims of IPV with firm convictions against their aggressors, and 54 women mock victims of IPV showed that the F, K, Fb, Fp and Ds scales, and the F-K index discriminated significantly and with medium and large effect sizes, between adjudicated and mock victims. However, the results did not provide a valid decision criterion for forensic settings i.e., false negatives (identifying feigner as honest protocols) were not classified correctly. In conclusion, the standard forensic procedure for the evaluation of psychological injury in cases of IPV did not constitute valid proof for judges who acquitted defendants on the grounds of not proven due to the lack of evidence of psychological injury.
Motivational Profiles and Achievement Goal Dominance in Physical
Education
Authors: Méndez-Giménez Antonio , Cecchini-Estrada José-Antonio , Fernández-Río Javier
Published: May 2014

The main goal was to compare idiographic profiles of achievement goal dominance
(AGD) and motivational profiles based on 2x2 achievement goals to improve our
understanding of how the four achievement goals work in conjunction with one
another, and to discern which profiles are most adaptive in the Physical
Education context. A total of 351 students (203 males; 148 females)
(M = 14.26 ± 1.37 years) from 3 different
secondary schools agreed to participate. 86.6% (N =
303) showed AGD, mostly mastery-approach dominance (62.9%).We examined the four
AGD groups’ idiographic profiles and how they relate to certain
positive (autonomous motivation and positive affect) and negative variables
(controlled motivation and amotivation). The results supported the hypotheses of
AGD theory (MANOVA one-way, Wilks’ lambda
= .609, F(24, 298) = 7.96,
p < .001, η2 = .15).
Subsequently, k-means cluster analysis was performed, yielding
4 distinct achievement goal profiles. The most adaptive was named
“mastery goals”, while “high achievement
goals” were the second most adaptive. AGD
participants’distribution across the different motivational clusters
was also ascertained (MANOVA one-way, Wilks’ lambda
= .678, F(12, 910) = 12.01,
p < .001, η2 =
.12).
Erfolgsrelevante Aktionsmuster von Torhütern beim Siebenmeterwurf im Spitzenhandball
Authors: Lobinger Babett , Büsch Dirk , Werner Karsten , Pabst Jan , Gail Sascha , Sichelschmidt Peter
Published: May 2014

Der vorliegende Beitrag analysiert den Siebenmeterwurf (7M) im Spitzenhandball aus unterschiedlichen, sich ergänzenden Perspektiven: Phänomenologisch als standardisierte 1:1-Situation mit Spiel entscheidendem Charakter und theoriebasiert als (intentionale) Bewegungshandlung interagierender Akteure. Auf der Basis einer Analyse der Spielberichtsbögen (N = 47) und der zugehörigen Siebenmeterwürfe (7M, N = 419) der Handball-Europameisterschaft der Männer 2010 in Österreich wurde der Zusammenhang von personalen Faktoren der Werfer, z. B. Händigkeit und Länderspielerfahrung, sowie situativen Faktoren, z. B. Spielposition, Anzahl zuvor geworfener 7M und der Trefferquote untersucht. In einem zweiten Schritt wurden darauf aufbauend Aktionsmuster von Werfern und Torhütern mittels Inhaltsanalyse von 166 7M-Videos aus 30 Spielen desselben Turniers extrahiert. Die empirisch gewonnenen Aktionsmuster der Torhüter und Werfer aus den beiden Studien wurden Torhütern bzw. Torhütertrainern aus dem nationalen Spitzenhandball vorgelegt und in Bezug auf ihre Praxisrelevanz kommunikativ validiert.
Depth of Processing in the Stroop Task
Authors: Eidels Ami , Ryan Kathryn , Williams Paul , Algom Daniel
Published: May 2014

The presence of the Stroop effect betrays the fact that the carrier words were read in the face of instructions to ignore them and to respond to the target ink colors. In this study, we probed the nature of this involuntary reading by comparing color performance with that in a new forced-reading Stroop task in which responding is strictly contingent on reading each and every word. We found larger Stroop effects in the forced-reading task than in the classic Stroop task and concluded that words are processed to a shallower level in the Stroop task than they are in routine voluntary reading. The results show that the two modes of word processing differ in systematic ways and are conductive to qualitatively different representations. These results can pose a challenge to the strongly automatic view of word reading in the Stroop task.
Adolescent seasonal allergic rhinitis and the impact of health-care professional training: cluster randomised controlled trial of a complex intervention in primary care
Authors: Hammersley Victoria S , Elton Rob A , Walker Samantha , Hansen Christian H , Sheikh Aziz
Published: May 2014

Background:

Seasonal allergic rhinitis is typically poorly managed, particularly in adolescents, in whom it is responsible for considerable morbidity. Our previous work has demonstrated that if poorly controlled this can impair educational performance.

Aim:

The primary aim of this trial was to assess the impact of a primary care–based professional training intervention on clinical outcomes in adolescents with seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Methods:

Cluster trial in which UK general practice staff were randomised to a short, intensive workshop on the evidence-based management of seasonal allergic rhinitis. The primary outcome measure was the change in the validated Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire with Standardized Activities (RQLQ(S)) score between baseline and 6 weeks post intervention (minimal clinically important difference=0.5). Secondary outcome measures of interest included health-care professionals’ knowledge and confidence in managing seasonal allergic rhinitis, number of seasonal allergic rhinitis-related consultations, relevant treatments prescribed and symptom scores.

Results:

Thirty-eight general practices were randomised (20 in the intervention arm) and 246 patients (50.2% males, mean age 15 years) were included in the primary outcome analysis. Health-care professionals’ knowledge and confidence of the clinical management of seasonal allergic rhinitis improved. This did not, however, result in clinically or statistically significant improvements in RQLQ(S): −0.15, (95% confidence interval, −0.5 to +0.2). There were no differences in consultation frequency, treatments issued for seasonal allergic rhinitis or symptom scores.

Conclusions:

Although associated with increases in professionals’ self-assessed confidence and understanding of seasonal allergic rhinitis management, this intensive training workshop did not translate into improvements in adolescents’ disease-specific quality of life or a reduction in rhinitis symptoms.
Chemodosimetric analysis in food-safety monitoring: design, synthesis, and application of a bimetallic Re(i)–Pt(ii) complex for detection of dimethyl sulfide in foods
Authors: Chow Cheuk-Fai , Gong Fu-Wen , Gong Cheng-Bin
Published: May 2014

Detection of neutral biogenic sulfides plays a crucial role in food safety. A new heterobimetallic Re(i)–Pt(ii) donor–acceptor chemodosimeter—[Re(biq)(CO)3(CN)]–[Pt(DMSO)(Cl)2] (1, biq = 2,2′-biquinoline)—was synthesized and characterized.
An amorphous silicon photodiode microfluidic chip to detect nanomolar quantities of HIV-1 virion infectivity factor
Authors: Vistas Cláudia R. , Soares Sandra S. , Rodrigues Rogério M. M. , Chu Virginia , Conde João P. , Ferreira Guilherme N. M.
Published: May 2014

A hydrogenated amorphous silicon photosensor is coupled to a microfluidic channel functionalized with recombinant single fragment antibodies to detect nanomolar quantities of HIV-1 virion infective factor.
Gold nanoparticle-based immunodetection of Staphylococcus aureus leukotoxin M/F′-PV in subclinical samples of bovine mastitis
Authors: Padmaja Radhakrishnan Jayasree , Akshath Uchangi Satyaprasad , Abhijith Kunhitlu Subrahmanya , Halami Prakash Motiram , Thakur Munna Singh
Published: May 2014

In the present study, an immunosensor was designed to assess bovine mastitis at the earliest by quantifying leukotoxin M/F′-PV (LukM/F′-PV).
A rapid and highly sensitive fluorimetric method for the determination of meloxicam using uranyl acetate
Authors: Tian Jing , Li Chunyan , Liu Shaopu , Liu Zhongfang , Yang Jidong , Zhu Jinghui , Hu Xiaoli
Published: May 2014

A novel quick spectrofluorimetric method with high sensitivity and simplicity for determining meloxicam was established based on the interaction of uranyl acetate with meloxicam.
Polyol-mediated C-dot formation showing efficient Tb3+/Eu3+ emission
Authors: Dong Hailong , Kuzmanoski Ana , Gößl Dorothee M. , Popescu Radian , Gerthsen Dagmar , Feldmann Claus
Published: May 2014

Metal-modified C-dots (3–5 nm) obtained by most simple heating of polyols show intense blue, green and red emission with quantum yields up to 85%.
Boron-nitride and aluminum-nitride “Pringles” and flapping motion
Authors: Fa Wei , Chen Shuang , Zeng Xiao Cheng
Published: May 2014

Boron-nitride and aluminum-nitride “Pringles”: flexible structures in solution with flapping motion.
A folate receptor-specific activatable probe for near-infrared fluorescence imaging of ovarian cancer
Authors: Lee Hawon , Kim Jisu , Kim Hyunjin , Kim Youngmi , Choi Yongdoo
Published: May 2014

A folate receptor-specific activatable probe for in vivo near-infrared fluorescence imaging with a high target-to-background ratio was synthesized.
Colloidal core–shell materials with ‘spiky’ surfaces assembled from gold nanorods
Authors: Guo Iris W. , Pekcevik Idah C. , Wang Michael C. P. , Pilapil Brandy K. , Gates Byron D.
Published: May 2014

Colloidal particles are prepared with a ‘spiky’ surface topography achieved by the self-assembly of gold nanorods onto the surfaces of spherical polystyrene cores. These core–shell assemblies exhibit surface plasmon resonance properties and serve as a platform for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy measurements.
A concise total synthesis of puberulic acid, a potent antimalarial agent
Authors: Sennari Goh , Hirose Tomoyasu , Iwatsuki Masato , Ōmura Satoshi , Sunazuka Toshiaki
Published: May 2014

Total synthesis of puberulic acid has been achieved via 8 steps, with 54% yield, using d-(+)-galactose as a framework source.
A DFT and ONIOM study of C–H hydroxylation catalyzed by nitrobenzene 1,2-dioxygenase
Authors: Geronimo Inacrist , Paneth Piotr
Published: May 2014

The DFT and ONIOM calculations show that C–H hydroxylation by nitrobenzene 1,2-dioxygenase proceeds through a HO–FeVO intermediate.
Probing the microenvironment of unimicelles constituted of amphiphilic hyperbranched polyethyleneimine using 1-methyl-8-oxyquinolinium betaine
Authors: Picco Agustín S. , Silbestri Gustavo F. , Falcone R. Darío , Azzaroni Omar , Ceolín Marcelo , Correa N. Mariano
Published: May 2014

Microenvironment of HPEI based core shell amphiphilic macromolecules has been assessed by using QB probe.
Tunable white-light emission from mixed lanthanide (Eu3+, Gd3+, Tb3+) coordination polymers derived from 4-(dipyridin-2-yl)aminobenzoate
Authors: Ramya A. R. , Varughese Sunil , Reddy M. L. P.
Published: May 2014

A novel approach was developed for the generation of white-light emission from isostructural mixed Ln3+-4-(dipyridin-2-yl)aminobenzoate coordination polymers [Ln3+ = Eu3+ (1), Tb3+ (2), and Gd3+ (3)] by tuning the excitation wavelength.
Selective oxidation of methanol to methyl formate on catalysts of Au–Ag alloy nanoparticles supported on titania under UV irradiation
Authors: Han Chenhui , Yang Xuzhuang , Gao Guanjun , Wang Jie , Lu Huailiang , Liu Jie , Tong Min , Liang Xiaoyuan
Published: May 2014

Au–Ag alloy nanoparticles on titania exhibit superior photocatalytic performance in selective oxidation of methanol to methyl formate.
Testing Aβ toxicity on primary CNS cultures using drug-screening microfluidic chips
Authors: Ruiz A. , Joshi P. , Mastrangelo R. , Francolini M. , Verderio C. , Matteoli M.
Published: May 2014

Neuronal viability tests performed in primary cultures and co-cultures of the central nervous system grown on microfluidic drug screening chips show a neuroprotective action of FTY720 in cultures degenerated by oligomeric beta amyloid.
KEGG-PATH: Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes-based pathway analysis using a path analysis model
Authors: Du Junli , Yuan Zhifa , Ma Ziwei , Song Jiuzhou , Xie Xiaoli , Chen Yulin
Published: May 2014

The KEGG-PATH approach, a kind of data mining through functional enrichment analysis of time-course experiments or those involving multiple treatments, can uncover the complex regulation mechanisms of KEGG pathways through the subdivision of total effect.
In situ preparation of uniform Ag NPs onto multifunctional Fe3O4@SN/HPW@CG towards efficient reduction of 4-nitrophenol
Authors: Wang Zhenzhen , Zhai Shangru , Zhai Bin , Xiao Zuoyi , Zhang Feng , An Qingda
Published: May 2014

Magnetic chitosan-based core–shell composites were prepared employing phosphotungstic acid as a layer-linker and chitosan as a green reducing agent.
Energetic salts prepared from phenolate derivatives
Authors: Srinivas Dharavath , Ghule Vikas D. , Muralidharan Krishnamurthi
Published: May 2014

Energetic salts with 1 : 1, 2 : 1, and 3 : 1 charge ratios (cation : anion) based on various nitrogen-rich cations and phenolate anions have been synthesized by a straightforward and simple method.
Cohesive energy and line energy of graphene
Authors: Rusanov A. I.
Published: May 2014

The rupture of σ-bonds in graphene and calculation of cohesive energy.
Hierarchically nanotextured surfaces maintaining superhydrophobicity under severely adverse conditions
Authors: Maitra Tanmoy , Antonini Carlo , Auf der Mauer Matthias , Stamatopoulos Christos , Tiwari Manish K. , Poulikakos Dimos
Published: May 2014

A rational methodology for designing multifunctional hierarchically nanotextured aluminum based superhydrophobic surfaces maintaining superhydrophobicity under severely adverse conditions.
Vibrational and electronic excitations in gold nanocrystals
Authors: Bayle Maxime , Combe Nicolas , Sangeetha Neralagatta M. , Viau Guillaume , Carles Robert
Published: May 2014

Self-assemblies of gold nanocrystals (a) examined using an original spectrometry method and apparatus (b) to get a representation of their vibrational density of states (c).
Synthesis and chemoselective ligations of MIDA acylboronates with O-Me hydroxylamines
Authors: Noda Hidetoshi , Bode Jeffrey W.
Published: May 2014

A chemoselective amide-bond forming ligation of N-methyliminodiacetyl (MIDA) acylboronates and O-Me hydroxylamines, including unprotected peptide substrates, is described.
Enhanced electrochemical properties of a LiNiO2-based cathode material by removing lithium residues with (NH4)2HPO4
Authors: Xiong Xunhui , Ding Dong , Bu Yunfei , Wang Zhixing , Huang Bin , Guo Huajun , Li Xinhai
Published: May 2014

Lithium residues on the surface of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 have been removed by adding (NH4)2HPO4. Despite the absence of a coating layer, the modified material retains as much as 66.9% of its initial capacity after 100 cycles at 2 C, while the pristine material shows only 48.1% retention.
Reconfigurable dual‐port UWB diversity antenna with high port isolation
Authors: Shaikh A. , Saleem R. , Shafique M.F. , Brown A.K.
Published: May 2014

A reconfigurable dual‐port diversity antenna for ultra‐wideband application is presented. The proposed design can be configured either in stacked/back‐to‐back arrangement by placing radiating elements facing in the opposite directions or in orthogonal arrangement. The proposed designs are realised on FR4 substrate of dimensions 40 × 36 × 1.5 mm. By introducing an efficient decoupling structure in the ground plane, both configurations maintain an isolation better than 25 dB over the complete band. Performance of the proposed design is verified by the measured results including s‐parameters, envelope correlation coefficient, total active reflection coefficient and channel capacity loss. The proposed design is suitable for integration in three‐dimensional (3D) system‐in‐package applications.
Synthesis, Photo-physical and Electrochemical Properties of Dendrimers with (S)-BINOL Core and Benzothiazole Surface Unit
Authors: Kalpana Venkatesan , Rajavelu Kannan , Rajakumar Perumal
Published: May 2014

Chiral dendritic architectures with benzothiazole as surface group, 1,2,3-triazole as a bridging unit, and (S)-BINOL (1,1-bi-2-naphthol) as a core unit were synthesised in good yields via a convergent synthetic strategy. The chiroptical properties of the dendrimers revealed that the specific rotation increased in the order of dendrimers 4 > 3 > 2 > 1. All the dendrimers showed excellent optical and electrochemical response, and hence would find application in dye-sensitised solar cells.
Observations and assessment of iron oxide and green rust nanoparticles in metal-polluted mine drainage within a steep redox gradient
Authors: Johnson Carol A. , Freyer Gina , Fabisch Maria , Caraballo Manuel A. , Küsel Kirsten , Hochella Michael F.
Published: May 2014

Environmental context Legacy contamination from mining operations is a serious and complex environmental problem. We examine a former uranium mine where groundwater leaving the site enters a stream with chemically dramatic effects resulting in a fundamental change in the way contaminant metals are transported to the surface environment. The results are important for our understanding of how these contaminants are dispersed, and how they could interact with the biosphere. Abstract In this study of iron- and silica-bearing nanoparticle and colloid aggregates in slightly acidic mine drainage, we combined bulk scale geochemistry techniques with detailed nanoscale analyses using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) to demonstrate the complexity of iron oxide formation and transformation at a steep redox gradient (groundwater outflow into a stream), and the resulting role in metal(loid) uptake. We also identified pseudohexagonal nanosheets of Zn-bearing green rust in outflowing groundwater using HR-TEM. This is only the second study where green rust was identified in groundwater, and the second to examine naturally occurring green rust with analytical TEM. In aerated downstream waters, we found aggregates of poorly crystalline iron oxide particles (20–200nm in diameter). Inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis of water fractions shows that most elements such as Ni and Zn were found almost exclusively in the dissolved–nanoparticulate (<0.1μm) fraction, whereas Cu and As were primarily associated with suspended particles. In the underlying sediments composed of deposited particles, goethite nanoneedles formed on the ferrihydrite surfaces of larger aggregated particles (100–1000nm), resulting in more reactive surface area for metal(loid) uptake. Sequential extraction of sediments showed that many metal(loid)s, particularly As and Zn, were associated with iron oxides identified as ferrihydrite, goethite and possibly schwertmannite. Amorphous silica co-precipitation with iron oxides was prevalent at all sampling sites, but its effect on metal(loid) sorption is unknown. Fine-grained iron oxide sediments are easily remobilised during turbulent flow events, adding to the mobility of the associated metals.
Fertility control to mitigate human–wildlife conflicts: a review
Authors: Massei Giovanna , Cowan Dave
Published: May 2014

As human populations grow, conflicts with wildlife increase. Concurrently, concerns about the welfare, safety and environmental impacts of conventional lethal methods of wildlife management restrict the options available for conflict mitigation. In parallel, there is increasing interest in using fertility control to manage wildlife. The present review aimed at analysing trends in research on fertility control for wildlife, illustrating developments in fertility-control technologies and delivery methods of fertility-control agents, summarising the conclusions of empirical and theoretical studies of fertility control applied at the population level and offering criteria to guide decisions regarding the suitability of fertility control to mitigate human–wildlife conflicts. The review highlighted a growing interest in fertility control for wildlife, underpinned by increasing numbers of scientific studies. Most current practical applications of fertility control for wild mammals use injectable single-dose immunocontraceptive vaccines mainly aimed at sterilising females, although many of these vaccines are not yet commercially available. One oral avian contraceptive, nicarbazin, is commercially available in some countries. Potential new methods of remote contraceptive delivery include bacterial ghosts, virus-like particles and genetically modified transmissible and non-transmissible organisms, although none of these have yet progressed to field testing. In parallel, new species-specific delivery systems have been developed. The results of population-level studies of fertility control indicated that this approach may increase survival and affect social and spatial behaviour of treated animals, although the effects are species- and context-specific. The present studies suggested that a substantial initial effort is generally required to reduce population growth if fertility control is the sole wildlife management method. However, several empirical and field studies have demonstrated that fertility control, particularly of isolated populations, can be successfully used to limit population growth and reduce human–wildlife conflicts. In parallel, there is growing recognition of the possible synergy between fertility control and disease vaccination to optimise the maintenance of herd immunity in the management of wildlife diseases. The review provides a decision tree that can be used to determine whether fertility control should be employed to resolve specific human–wildlife conflicts. These criteria encompass public consultation, considerations about animal welfare and feasibility, evaluation of population responses, costs and sustainability.
Synthetic di-sulfated iduronic acid attenuates asthmatic response by blocking T-cell recruitment to inflammatory sites
Authors: Nonaka Motohiro , Bao Xingfeng , Matsumura Fumiko , Götze Sebastian , Kandasamy Jeyakumar , Kononov Andrew , Broide David H. , Nakayama Jun , Seeberger Peter H. , Fukuda Minoru
Published: May 2014

Significance

Asthmatic inflammation is orchestrated by T-lymphocyte cell trafficking network within lungs, blood circulation, secondary lymphoid organ, and peripheral tissue. Here, we demonstrated that T cell and following eosinophil recruitment was substantially reduced in our recently generated mouse model, where heparan sulfate synthase exostoses-1 (Ext1) is knockout in an inducible manner. Moreover, we discovered that even a monosaccharide, 2,4-disulfated iduronic acid (Di-S-IdoA), bound to chemokine CCL20 and significantly inhibited CCL20 binding to heparan sulfate and to endothelial cell surface. We found that Di-S-IdoA attenuated asthmatic reaction, measured by T cell, eosinophil, and CCL20 recruitment in asthmatic mice. These findings show for the first time (to our knowledge) that sulfate monosaccharide can be developed into a potent therapeutic agent for treating asthma.
How cells flow in the spreading of cellular aggregates
Authors: Beaune Grégory , Stirbat Tomita Vasilica , Khalifat Nada , Cochet-Escartin Olivier , Garcia Simon , Gurchenkov Vasily Valérïévitch , Murrell Michael P. , Dufour Sylvie , Cuvelier Damien , Brochard-Wyart Françoise
Published: May 2014

Significance

Cellular aggregates are in vitro model of tumors. Deposited on adhesive substrates, they spread like liquid droplets with a monolayer expanding from the aggregate. We model spreading dynamics by balancing driving forces at the film periphery and viscous forces associated to the penetration of the cells from the (3D) aggregate into the (2D) film. By confocal microscopy, we observe this mechanism named “permeation” by tracking single cells. Using particle image velocimetry, we characterize the flow field versus substrate rigidity. If cells spread like a viscous liquid on stiff substrate, the flows become irregular, with formation of holes as the rigidity decreases. This work will shed light on the dynamics of tissue spreading occurring during cancer progression and embryonic development.
Wireless power transfer to deep-tissue microimplants
Authors: Ho John S. , Yeh Alexander J. , Neofytou Evgenios , Kim Sanghoek , Tanabe Yuji , Patlolla Bhagat , Beygui Ramin E. , Poon Ada S. Y.
Published: May 2014

The ability to implant electronic systems in the human body has led to many medical advances. Progress in semiconductor technology paved the way for devices at the scale of a millimeter or less (“microimplants”), but the miniaturization of the power source remains challenging. Although wireless powering has been demonstrated, energy transfer beyond superficial depths in tissue has so far been limited by large coils (at least a centimeter in diameter) unsuitable for a microimplant. Here, we show that this limitation can be overcome by a method, termed midfield powering, to create a high-energy density region deep in tissue inside of which the power-harvesting structure can be made extremely small. Unlike conventional near-field (inductively coupled) coils, for which coupling is limited by exponential field decay, a patterned metal plate is used to induce spatially confined and adaptive energy transport through propagating modes in tissue. We use this method to power a microimplant (2 mm, 70 mg) capable of closed-chest wireless control of the heart that is orders of magnitude smaller than conventional pacemakers. With exposure levels below human safety thresholds, milliwatt levels of power can be transferred to a deep-tissue (>5 cm) microimplant for both complex electronic function and physiological stimulation. The approach developed here should enable new generations of implantable systems that can be integrated into the body at minimal cost and risk.
The stomach and small and large intestinal microbiomes.
Authors: Riedel C. U. , Schwiertz A. , Egert M.
Published: May 2014

This chapter provides an overview on the composition of the microbial flora inhabiting the human gastrointestinal tract (GIT), as well as its entire genetic information and the microbe-microbe and host-microbe interactions taking place in the GIT. Scientific advances on the microbiome of the upper (stomach and duodenum) and lower GIT (jejunum, ileum, caecum, colon, rectum), particularly of healthy and diseased people, are discussed. In addition, relevant factors that affect the composition of the GIT microbiome are also explored.
The lung microbiome.
Authors: Rogers G. B. , Carroll M. P. , Bruce K. D.
Published: May 2014

This chapter details current knowledge on lung microbial composition in the healthy state, as well as during acute (i.e., bacterial pneumonia) and chronic disease conditions (i.e., cystic fibrosis, bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
Function of the human gut microbiota.
Authors: Matsuki T. , Tanaka R.
Published: May 2014

This chapter reviews the various functions of the human gut microbiata in relation to: (1) production and conversion of bioactive compounds; (2) regulation of the crypt-villus structure in the small intestine; (3) immune maturation; (4) prevention of pathogenic infections; (5) energy homeostasis, adiposity and obesity; and (6) host behaviour.
The HCR-20V3 in Germany
Authors: Kötter Sebastian , von Franqué Fritjof , Bolzmacher Manfred , Eucker Sabine , Holzinger Barbara , Müller-Isberner Rüdiger
Published: May 2014

This article describes the contributions of the German workgroup to the second revision of the HCR-20 (HCR-20V3). In 2009, a beta-testing of draft 1 of the HCR-20V3 was conducted. The results were considered in the revision process of draft 1. In 2013, an interrater reliability study of the German translation of draft 2 of the HCR-20V3 was conducted. After a two-day workshop five raters (psychologists) without experience in structured professional judgment each rated the same 30 cases. The selected cases covered a range of diagnoses and risk levels. Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs) and the percentage of agreement were calculated for each item, each sub item, and the Summary Risk Ratings (SRRs). The interrater reliability of the SRRs (ICC = .86) was excellent. For the item-level ratings of the risk factors, the mean ICC for the H scale items and sub-items was .65, which would be “good.” The average item-level ICC of the C scale items (.66) and R scale items (.73) would be categorized similarly. There were some ratings with lower reliability. Possible reasons (lack of variance, or misunderstanding from the training procedure) are discussed.
Pcia Theory in Field Practice: World Vision's Pursuit of Peace Impact and Programming Quality across Sectors
Authors: Kamatsiko Valarie Vat
Published: May 2014

This article provides a critical reflection of World Vision's field practice with Peace and Conflict Impact Assessment (PCIA) related frameworks drawing from experiences in Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan and Uganda. It particularly discusses the value-added of PCIA and its contribution to programming quality. The article examines the uptake of PCIA findings to inform design, monitoring and evaluation, highlighting the importance of ‘influencing’ as an approach as well as the ‘integrative power’ of relationship and relationship-building. The article examines important challenges associated with the application of the conventional logical framework. It also discusses promising practices that derive from PCIA, including being informed by complex adaptive systems theories and the importance of community participation and engagement in PCIA processes. It concludes with a discussion of implications for effective PCIA micro- (project) and meso- (programme) level usability. The article suggests that minimum standards for PCIA processes, methodology and content are needed. It makes clear that ‘influencing’ and ‘relationship-building’ are core competencies for PCIA practice. It concludes that effective peacebuilding results are achieved when PCIA is internalised by practitioners as a worldview rather than simply deployed as a tool.
Exploring adaptive management in environmental farm programs in Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Hurlbert Margot , Pittman Jeremy
Published: May 2014

This paper assesses two policy programs employed over the last several decades in the rural agricultural sector in Saskatchewan, Canada through the lens of adaptive management. The programs relate to farm environmental management practices and farm water infrastructure, which reduce the vulnerability of agricultural producers to climate change impacts. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with key informants from the agricultural policy community and then interpreted through qualitative content analysis. Results contribute to the scholarship of adaptive management and suggest ways to improve the two farm programs.
State of the Art: Advanced Imaging of the Right Ventricle and Pulmonary Circulation in Humans (2013 Grover Conference Series)
Authors: van de Veerdonk Mariëlle C. , Marcus J. Tim , Bogaard Harm‐Jan , Noordegraaf Anton Vonk
Published: May 2014

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease characterized by remodeling and vasoconstriction of the pulmonary vasculature, ultimately leading to right ventricular (RV) failure and death. Recent developments in echocardiography, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and positron emission tomography allow advanced, noninvasive, in vivo assessment of the RV and have contributed to the identification of risk factors, prognostic factors, and monitoring of therapeutic responses in patients with PAH. Although far from reaching its future potential, these techniques have not only provided global RV assessment but also allowed evaluation of changes in cellular and molecular tissue processes, such as metabolism, oxygen balance and ischemia, angiogenesis, and apoptosis. Integrated application of these techniques could provide full insights into the different pathophysiological aspects of a failing RV in the setting of PAH. Recent advances in hybrid imaging have implemented simultaneous measurements of myocardial and vascular interactions and will be one of the most important potential future developments.
Small-span Hermitian matrices over quadratic integer rings
Authors: Greaves Gary
Published: May 2014

A totally-real polynomial in

Z

[
x
]

\mathbb {Z}[x]

with zeros

α
1

⩽

α
2

⩽
⋯
⩽

α
d

\alpha _1 \leqslant \alpha _2 \leqslant \dots \leqslant \alpha _d

has span

α
d

−

α
1

\alpha _d - \alpha _1

. Building on the classification of all characteristic polynomials of integer symmetric matrices having small span (span less than

4
4

), we obtain a classification of small-span polynomials that are the characteristic polynomial of a Hermitian matrix over some quadratic integer ring. Taking quadratic integer rings as our base, we obtain as characteristic polynomials some low-degree small-span polynomials that are not the characteristic (or minimal) polynomial of any integer symmetric matrix.
MethylSig: a whole genome DNA methylation analysis pipeline
Authors: Park Yongseok , Figueroa Maria E. , Rozek Laura S. , Sartor Maureen A.
Published: May 2014

Motivation: DNA methylation plays critical roles in gene regulation and cellular specification without altering DNA sequences. The wide application of reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) and whole genome bisulfite sequencing (bis-seq) opens the door to study DNA methylation at single CpG site resolution. One challenging question is how best to test for significant methylation differences between groups of biological samples in order to minimize false positive findings.

Results: We present a statistical analysis package, methylSig, to analyse genome-wide methylation differences between samples from different treatments or disease groups. MethylSig takes into account both read coverage and biological variation by utilizing a beta-binomial approach across biological samples for a CpG site or region, and identifies relevant differences in CpG methylation. It can also incorporate local information to improve group methylation level and/or variance estimation for experiments with small sample size. A permutation study based on data from enhanced RRBS samples shows that methylSig maintains a well-calibrated type-I error when the number of samples is three or more per group. Our simulations show that methylSig has higher sensitivity compared with several alternative methods. The use of methylSig is illustrated with a comparison of different subtypes of acute leukemia and normal bone marrow samples.

Availability: methylSig is available as an R package at http://sartorlab.ccmb.med.umich.edu/software.

Contact: sartorma@umich.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary Data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Characterization of culturable vaginal Lactobacillus species among women with and without bacterial vaginosis from the United States and India: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Madhivanan Purnima , Raphael Eva , Rumphs Alnecia , Krupp Karl , Ravi Kavitha , Srinivas Vijaya , Arun Anjali , Reingold Arthur L. , Klausner Jeffrey D. , Riley Lee W.
Published: May 2014

Lactobacillus species play an integral part in the health of the vaginal microbiota. We compared vaginal Lactobacillus species in women from India and the USA with and without bacterial vaginosis (BV). Between July 2009 and November 2010, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 40 women attending a women’s health clinic in Mysore, India, and a sexually transmitted diseases clinic in San Francisco, USA. Women were diagnosed with BV using Amsel’s criteria and the Nugent score. Lactobacillus 16S rDNA was sequenced to speciate the cultured isolates. Ten Indian and 10 US women without BV were compared with an equal number of women with BV. Lactobacilli were isolated from all healthy women, but from only 10 % of Indian and 50 % of US women with BV. 16S rDNA from 164 Lactobacillus colonies was sequenced from healthy women (126 colonies) and women with BV (38 colonies). Seven cultivable Lactobacillus species were isolated from 11 Indian women and nine species from 15 US women. The majority of Lactobacillus species among Indian women were L. crispatus (25 .0%), L. jensenii (25.0 %) and L. reuteri (16.7 %). Among US women, L. crispatus (32.0 %), L. jensenii (20.0 %) and L. coleohominis (12.0 %) predominated. L. jensenii and L. crispatus dominated the vaginal flora of healthy Indian and US women. Indian women appeared to have a higher percentage of obligate heterofermentative species, suggesting the need for a larger degree of metabolic flexibility and a more challenging vaginal environment.
The Origin and Biosynthesis of the Benzenoid Moiety of Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q) in Arabidopsis
Authors: Block Anna , Widhalm Joshua R. , Fatihi Abdelhak , Cahoon Rebecca E. , Wamboldt Yashitola , Elowsky Christian , Mackenzie Sally A. , Cahoon Edgar B. , Chapple Clint , Dudareva Natalia , Basset Gilles J.
Published: May 2014

It is not known how plants make the benzenoid ring of ubiquinone, a vital respiratory cofactor. Here, we demonstrate that Arabidopsis thaliana uses for that purpose two separate biosynthetic branches stemming from phenylalanine and tyrosine. Gene network modeling and characterization of T-DNA mutants indicated that acyl-activating enzyme encoded by At4g19010 contributes to the biosynthesis of ubiquinone specifically from phenylalanine. CoA ligase assays verified that At4g19010 prefers para-coumarate, ferulate, and caffeate as substrates. Feeding experiments demonstrated that the at4g19010 knockout cannot use para-coumarate for ubiquinone biosynthesis and that the supply of 4-hydroxybenzoate, the side-chain shortened version of para-coumarate, can bypass this blockage. Furthermore, a trans-cinnamate 4-hydroxylase mutant, which is impaired in the conversion of trans-cinnamate into para-coumarate, displayed similar defects in ubiquinone biosynthesis to that of the at4g19010 knockout. Green fluorescent protein fusion experiments demonstrated that At4g19010 occurs in peroxisomes, resulting in an elaborate biosynthetic architecture where phenylpropanoid intermediates have to be transported from the cytosol to peroxisomes and then to mitochondria where ubiquinone is assembled. Collectively, these results demonstrate that At4g19010 activates the propyl side chain of para-coumarate for its subsequent β-oxidative shortening. Evidence is shown that the peroxisomal ABCD transporter (PXA1) plays a critical role in this branch.
Increased carotid plaque burden in men with the fibrillin‐1 2/3 genotype
Authors: De Basso Rachel , Hedblad Bo , Carlson Joyce , Persson Margaretha , Östling Gerd , Länne Toste
Published: May 2014

Fibrillin‐1 (FBN1) is an important constituent of the vascular wall and earlier studies have indicated an effect of the FBN1 2/3 genotype on blood pressure as well as aortic stiffness in men. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the FBN1 2/3 genotype was associated with the presence of carotid plaque and incident cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in middle‐aged subjects. The FBN1 genotype was characterized in 5765 subjects (2424 men, 3341 women; age 45–69 years) recruited from the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study Cardiovascular Cohort, Sweden. Plaque occurrence and intima–media thickness (IMT) of the carotid artery were assessed by ultrasound. The incidence of first cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction and stroke) and cause‐specific mortality were monitored over a mean follow‐up period of 13.2 years. The most common FBN1 genotypes were 2/2, 2/3 and 2/4, which accounted for 92.2% (n = 5317) of subjects. There were no differences between the three genotypes regarding age, blood pressure, glucose, lipids, smoking habits, common carotid artery diameter and intima–media thickness in men and women. The presence of plaque in the carotid artery was higher in men with the 2/3 genotype compared with the 2/2 and 2/4 genotypes (55% vs 46% and 50%, respectively; P = 0.007). No similar differences were observed in women. No significant relationship was observed between FBN1 genotypes and the incidence of cardiovascular disease or all‐cause mortality. The increased prevalence of plaque in the carotid artery of middle‐aged men with the FBN1 2/3 genotype indicates pathological arterial wall remodelling with a more pronounced atherosclerotic burden.
Twin parenthood: the midwife's role – a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Carrick‐Sen DM , Steen N , Robson SC
Published: May 2014

Objective

To determine whether a midwife‐led intervention improved preparation for twin parenting and maternal psychosocial outcome.

Design

Randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Two maternity units in North East England.

Population

A cohort of 162 women with uncomplicated twin pregnancy.

Methods

Self‐completion questionnaire at multiple time points.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was probable postnatal depression (measured with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, EPDS) 26 weeks after delivery. Secondary outcomes included preparation for parenting, maternal anxiety, parenting stress, and maternal wellbeing.

Results

The mean maternal EPDS scores at 26 weeks after delivery were 5.4 (SD 4.5) in the twin intervention (TI) group and 6.9 (SD 5.5) in the twin control (TC) group, and the mean difference between the groups was 1.5 (95% confidence interval, 95% CI, −0.2 to 3.3). The relative risk (RR) of having probable depression in the TI group compared with the TC group at 26 weeks was 0.48 (95% CI 0.19–1.20) for mothers and 0.84 (95% CI 0.42–1.70) for fathers. There were no statistically significant differences in maternal anxiety or parenting stress. TI mothers reported increased maternal wellbeing, reaction to motherhood, family support, mood, and greater self‐confidence 26 weeks after delivery, and felt more prepared for parenting.

Conclusion

As a result of the limited sample size, the study was unable to detect a difference in maternal depression using the maternal EPDS mean score. The antenatal preparation for parenting programme did not improve postnatal maternal anxiety or parenting stress; however, it did improve postnatal maternal wellbeing, mood, self‐confidence, reaction to motherhood, and better prepared mothers to parent twin infants. Midwives have a key role in preparing mothers to parent twins.