bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iron reduction and mineralization of deep‐sea iron reducing bacterium Shewanella piezotolerans WP3 at elevated hydrostatic pressures
Authors: Wu W. F. , Wang F. P. , Li J. H. , Yang X. W. , Xiao X. , Pan Y. X.
Published: October 2013

In this study, iron reduction and concomitant biomineralization of a deep‐sea iron reducing bacterium (IRB), Shewanella piezotolerans WP3, were systematically examined at different hydrostatic pressures (0.1, 5, 20, and 50 MPa). Our results indicate that bacterial iron reduction and induced biomineralization are influenced by hydrostatic pressure. Specifically, the iron reduction rate and extent consistently decreases with the increase in hydrostatic pressure. By extrapolation, the iron reduction rate should drop to zero by ~68 MPa, which suggests a possible shut‐off of enzymatic iron reduction of WP3 at this pressure. Nano‐sized superparamagnetic magnetite minerals are formed under all the experimental pressures; nevertheless, even as magnetite production decreases, the crystallinity and grain size of magnetite minerals increase at higher pressure. These results imply that IRB may play an important role in iron reduction, biomineralization, and biogeochemical cycling in deep‐sea environments.
Tipping points in tropical tree cover: linking theory to data
Authors: van Nes Egbert H. , Hirota Marina , Holmgren Milena , Scheffer Marten
Published: October 2013

It has recently been found that the frequency distribution of remotely sensed tree cover in the tropics has three distinct modes, which seem to correspond to forest, savanna, and treeless states. This pattern has been suggested to imply that these states represent alternative attractors, and that the response of these systems to climate change would be characterized by critical transitions and hysteresis. Here, we show how this inference is contingent upon mechanisms at play. We present a simple dynamical model that can generate three alternative tree cover states (forest, savanna, and a treeless state), based on known mechanisms, and use this model to simulate patterns of tree cover under different scenarios. We use these synthetic data to show that the hysteresis inferred from remotely sensed tree cover patterns will be inflated by spatial heterogeneity of environmental conditions. On the other hand, we show that the hysteresis inferred from satellite data may actually underestimate real hysteresis in response to climate change if there exists a positive feedback between regional tree cover and precipitation. Our results also indicate that such positive feedback between vegetation and climate should cause direct shifts between forest and a treeless state (rather than through an intermediate savanna state) to become more likely. Finally, we show how directionality of historical change in conditions may bias the observed relationship between tree cover and environmental conditions.
Biomass from landscape management of grassland used for biogas production: effects of harvest date and silage additives on feedstock quality and methane yield
Authors: Herrmann C. , Prochnow A. , Heiermann M. , Idler C.
Published: October 2013

Biogas production from grassland biomass harvested during landscape management may help to maintain species‐rich grassland biotopes, but extensive management and late harvests often result in low‐quality biomass. Biogas production from the vegetation ofAlopecuretum pratensis,Molinietum caeruleaeandCaricetum gracilis, three typical grassland biotopes in northGerman nature reserves, was investigated in relation to harvest date. In addition, theA. pratensisvegetation was investigated for ensiling and the application of bacterial silage additives. Results indicate that biogas production might be a reasonable utilization pathway for grassland biomass from landscape management if the first cut occurs up to late summer. Methane yields of grassland biomass decreased substantially with later harvest, from up to 309 lN kg−1organic dry matter (ODM) inMay to below 60 lN kg−1ODMinFebruary, in correlation with increasing crude fibre contents.Caricetum gracilisvegetation was the least suitable feedstock for biogas production. It showed a rapid decline in methane yields with later harvest and 25% lower methane yields compared with other types of grassland vegetation. Application of silage additives is recommended for adequate preservation of grassland biomass from landscape management by ensiling. Addition of homofermentative lactic acid bacteria improved acidification during ensiling if sufficient fermentable sugar was available. The use of inoculant and molasses enhanced methane yields by 3–55%. Additional carbohydrate source is necessary to ensure proper ensilage when grasses are harvested after late autumn.
The Wages of Skilled Temporary Migrants: Effects of Visa Pathways and Job Portability
Authors: Lindsay Lowell B. , Avato Johanna
Published: October 2013

We examine the earnings of highly‐skilled foreign, temporary workers and how changes in visa system affect their earnings. We use the National Science Foundation's 2003 National Survey of College Graduates and find that foreign students and temporary workers earn less than natives and permanent immigrant workers on average. Changes in visa status increase earnings, but initial visa status conditions later earnings growth along visa pathways. This implies that migrant workers ability to achieve steady, rather than discontinuous, earnings growth requires policies that make their visa portable, that it permits them to readily change employers. An admission system that favours fully‐portable permanent visas may improve worker productivity. The findings also indicate that the selectivity of foreign S&E students is not as great as that of new workers admitted from abroad; another argument against ‘stapling’ permanent visa status to foreign graduate degrees.

Policy Implications

Visa requirements do not ensure that temporary students and workers earn the same as similar natives during their initial period of stay. Over time this may depress occupational earnings.

There is a need to reform and enforce visa regulations. Visa portability that permits ready changes in employment should better migrant earnings. Permanent admission may be preferred.

Temporary foreign students experience slow earnings growth, while temporary workers hired from abroad outperform foreign graduates. The assumption that foreign graduates are the best qualified appears incorrect and facilitating (“stapling”) a green card to their diploma a poor idea.
Socioeconomic, behavioral, and anthropometric risk factors for traumatic dental injuries in childhood: a cohort study
Authors: Feldens Carlos Alberto , Kramer Paulo Floriani , Feldens Eliane Gerson , Pacheco Luana Moraes , Vítolo Márcia Regina
Published: October 2013

Aim

To investigate risk factors for the occurrence of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) at 4 years of age.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

A birth cohort (n = 500) was recruited from the public healthcare system in São Leopoldo, Brazil. Demographic, socioeconomic, anthropometric, and behavioral variables were collected at 6 months, 1 year, and 4 years of age. Clinical examinations at 4 years of age were carried out by a single examiner using the Andreasen classification. Poisson regression was used to determine risk factors for the occurrence of TDI at 4 years of age.

Results

A total of 23.7% of the children (80/337) exhibited TDI at 4 years of age. The risk of TDI was 35% lower among children who had been breastfeed for ≥6 months relative risk (RR 0.65; 95% CI 0.43‐0.97) and more than twofold higher among those who were bottle fed ≥ three times a day (RR 2.37; 95% CI 1.10–5.11) at 12 months of age. Higher household income in the first year of life and greater height at 4 years of age were significantly associated with the outcome.

Conclusions

The identification of behavioral, socioeconomic, and anthropometric risk factors for TDI in early childhood can contribute to the elaboration of prevention strategies.
Effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccine in preventing medically attended influenza infection in England and Wales during the 2010/2011 season: a primary care‐based cohort study
Authors: Kafatos George , Pebody Richard , Andrews Nick , Durnall Hayley , Barley Michele , Fleming Douglas
Published: October 2013

Background

Estimates of seasonal influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) are affected by factors such as the strain of the current circulating influenza virus and characteristics of the host.

Objective

The objective of this study was to provide VE estimates for the 2010/2011 seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) in preventing medically attended influenza in England and Wales for the season 2010/2011.

Methods

A cohort study design was employed using electronic health records extracted from 104 GP practices in the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) primary care sentinel network. Endpoints included influenza‐like illness (ILI), lower respiratory tract infection (LTRI) as well as PCR‐confirmed influenza from patients swabbed from practices participating in a swabbing scheme. Adjustment was made for age, month, underlying chronic condition, region and number of consultations in the 12 months prior to the study period. In addition to the cohort analysis, a nested test‐negative case–control analysis (TNCC) was carried out using the swab‐negative results as controls.

Results

In the cohort analysis, VE against LRTI was −0·5% [95% CI: (−7·0%, 7·5%)], against ILI was 37·8% [95% CI: (32·3%, 43·0%)] and against PCR‐confirmed influenza was 50·0% [95% CI:(25·9%, 65·6%)] for type A and 44·4% [95% CI: (10·1%, 65·6%)] for type B. Using the TNCC design, the type A VE was 56·5% [95% CI: (30·4%, 72·7%)] and for type B was 54·0% [95% CI: (21·0%, 73·3%)].

Conclusions

This study shows that the 2010/2011 TIV provided moderate protection against the circulating influenza strains for the 2010/2011 season. It also suggests that VE against the less specific diagnosis of ILI can be found, but less specific endpoints such as LRTI are not useful.
Distance decay of similarity, effects of environmental noise and ecological heterogeneity among species in the spatio‐temporal dynamics of a dispersal‐limited community
Authors: Bellier Edwige , Grøtan Vidar , Engen Steinar , Schartau Ann Kristin , Herfindal Ivar , Finstad Anders G.
Published: October 2013

The joint spatial and temporal fluctuations in community structure may be due to dispersal, variation in environmental conditions, ecological heterogeneity among species and demographic stochasticity. These factors are not mutually exclusive, and their relative contribution towards shaping species abundance distributions and in causing species fluctuations have been hard to disentangle. To better understand community dynamics when the exchange of individuals between localities is very low, we studied the dynamics of the freshwater zooplankton communities in 17 lakes located in independent catchment areas, sampled at end of summer from 2002 to 2008 in Norway. We analysed the joint spatial and temporal fluctuations in the community structure by fitting the two‐dimensional Poisson lognormal model under a two‐stage sampling scheme. We partitioned the variance of the distribution of log abundance for a random species at a random time and location into components of demographic stochasticity, ecological heterogeneity among species, and independent environmental noise components for the different species. Non‐neutral mechanisms such as ecological heterogeneity among species (20%) and spatiotemporal variation in the environment (75%) explained the majority of the variance in log abundances. Overdispersion relative to Poisson sampling and demographic stochasticity had a small contribution to the variance (5%). Among a set of environmental variables, lake acidity was the environmental variable that was most strongly related to decay of community similarity in space and time.
Floral ecology ofOreocharis pumila(Gesneriaceae): a novel case of sigmoid corolla
Authors: Guo Yan‐Feng , Wang Ying‐Qiang
Published: October 2013

Attraction of pollinators and successful pollen transfer represent the primary targets of selection during flower evolution, leading to repeated evolutionary shifts between pollinators and consequently to the diversification of floral forms. However, most studies in floral evolution focus on the characteristics of flowers with straight corolla tube. Here, we report on an unusual form of sigmoid corolla combined with protandry and herkogamy in a Chinese species of Gesneriaceae,Oreocharis pumila(formerlyOpithandra pumila). Contrary to species with sigmoid corollas studied previously, the base of the corolla tube of this species is inclined at an oblique angle downwards before the tube bends forward, and the stigma and anthers are included in the upper part of the corolla tube. The plants were found to be self‐compatible but incapable of autonomous selfing. Successful pollination was found to depend fully on the presence of insect pollinators (Nomiasp.) and pollen grains are the greatest reward for the visitors. Different from the other sigmoid flowers, the sigmoid corolla ofO. pumilawas not found to favor insect pollinators with long flexible proboscises. A mechanical fit between floral morphology and pollinator was found, in which only small insect visitors with specialized visiting behavior are legitimate pollinators. The protandry combined with herkogamy in the sigmoid corolla tube strongly ensures pollination efficiencies.Oreocharis pumilais the only species with sigmoid corolla in the genusOreocharis. We hypothesize that such a corolla has arisen through selection due to inadequate pollination in early spring in the mountainous habitat thatO. pumilaoccupies.
Histopathology of Cryoballoon Ablation‐Induced Phrenic Nerve Injury
Authors: ANDRADE JASON G. , DUBUC MARC , FERREIRA JOSE , GUERRA PETER G. , LANDRY EVELYN , COULOMBE NICOLAS , RIVARD LENA , MACLE LAURENT , THIBAULT BERNARD , TALAJIC MARIO , ROY DENIS , KHAIRY PAUL
Published: October 2013

Cryoballoon‐Induced Phrenic Nerve Injury

Introduction

Hemi‐diaphragmatic paralysis is the most common complication associated with cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation, yet the histopathology of phrenic nerve injury has not been well described.

Methods and Results

A preclinical randomized study was conducted to characterize the histopathology of phrenic nerve injury induced by cryoballoon ablation and assess the potential for electromyographic (EMG) monitoring to limit phrenic nerve damage. Thirty‐two dogs underwent cryoballoon ablation of the right superior pulmonary vein with the objective of inducing phrenic nerve injury. Animals were randomized 1:1 to standard monitoring (i.e., interruption of ablation upon reduction in diaphragmatic motion) versus EMG guidance (i.e., cessation of ablation upon a 30% reduction in the diaphragmatic compound motor action potential [CMAP] amplitude). The acute procedural endpoint was achieved in all dogs. Phrenic nerve injury was characterized by Wallerian degeneration, with subperineural injury to large myelinated axons and evidence of axonal regeneration. The degree of phrenic nerve injury paralleled the reduction in CMAP amplitude (P = 0.007). Animals randomized to EMG guidance had a lower incidence of acute hemi‐diaphragmatic paralysis (50% vs 100%; P = 0.001), persistent paralysis at 30 days (21% vs 75%; multivariate odds ratio 0.12, 95% confidence interval [0.02, 0.69], P = 0.017), and a lesser severity of histologic injury (P = 0.001). Mature pulmonary vein ablation lesion characteristics, including circumferentiality and transmurality, were similar in both groups.

Conclusion

Phrenic nerve injury induced by cryoballoon ablation is axonal in nature and characterized by Wallerian degeneration, with potential for recovery. An EMG‐guided approach is superior to standard monitoring in limiting phrenic nerve damage.
Evaluation of the Radiopacity of Esthetic Root Canal Posts
Authors: Rodrigues Eliana , Salzedas Leda Maria Pescinini , Delbem Alberto Carlos Botazzo , Pedrini Denise
Published: October 2013

The radiopacity of esthetic root canal posts may impair the assessment of their fit to the root canal when using radiographic images. This study determined in vitro the radiographic density of esthetic root canal posts using digital images. Thirty‐six roots of human maxillary canines were assigned to six groups (N = 6 per group): Reforpost (RP); Aestheti‐Plus (AP); Reforpost MIX (RPM); D.T. Light Post (LP); Reforpost Radiopaque (RPR); and White Post DC (WP). Standardized digital images of the posts were obtained in different conditions: outside the root canal, inside the canal before and after cementation using luting material, and with a tissue simulator. Analysis of variance was used to compare the radiopacity mean values among the posts outside the root canal and among the posts under the other conditions, and the “t” unpaired test to compare the radiopacity between the posts and the dentin, and between the posts and the root canal space. There was no statistically significant difference in radiopacity between RP and RPM, and LP and WP. AP posts showed radiopacity values significantly lower than those for dentin. No statistically significant difference was found between posts (RP and AP) and the root canal space. A statistically significant difference was observed between the luted and non‐luted posts; additionally, luted posts with and without tissue simulator showed no significant differences. Most of the cement‐luted posts analyzed in this study were distinguishable from the density of adjacent dentin surfaces, allowing radiographic confirmation of the fit of the post in the canal.

Clinical Significance

The success of using esthetic root canal posts depends mainly on the fit of the post within the canal.[1] The radiopacity of a post allows for radiographic imaging to be used to determine the fit, an important factor in a clinical perspective.
Hematologic reference intervals in Cynomolgus (Macaca fascicularis) monkeys
Authors: Bourgès‐Abella N. , Geffré A. , Moureaux E. , Vincenti M. , Braun J.P. , Trumel C.
Published: October 2013

Background

Reference intervals are important aids for interpreting clinical pathology laboratory data especially in Cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis), the non‐human primate species most widely used in biomedical research. The purpose of this study was to establish hematologic reference intervals for Cynomolgus according to the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines using the databank at a primatology center.

Methods

Blood specimens from 272 healthy Cynomolgus imported from Mauritius, the Philippines and Vietnam, were analyzed. Reference intervals were established by nonparametric method. Effects of sex, age, body weight, and breeding origin were investigated.

Results

Hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration decreased slightly and mean corpuscular volume increased slightly with age. Lower red blood cell concentration, hemoglobin, and hematocrit were observed in monkeys from the Philippines.

Conclusions

These hematology reference intervals, established according to international recommendations, can be used in settings using similar animals and analyzers.
Extended access of cocaine self‐administration results in tolerance to the dopamine‐elevating and locomotor‐stimulating effects of cocaine
Authors: Calipari Erin S. , Ferris Mark J. , Jones Sara R.
Published: October 2013

Tolerance to the neurochemical and psychoactive effects of cocaine after repeated use is a hallmark of cocaine addiction in humans. However, comprehensive studies on tolerance to the behavioral, psychoactive, and neurochemical effects of cocaine following contingent administration in rodents are lacking. We outlined the consequences of extended access cocaine self‐administration as it related to tolerance to the psychomotor activating, dopamine (DA) elevating, and DA transporter (DAT) inhibiting effects of cocaine. Cocaine self‐administration (1.5 mg/kg/inj; 40 inj; 5 days), which resulted in escalation of first hour intake, caused reductions in evoked DA release and reduced maximal rates of uptake through the DAT as measured by slice voltammetry in the nucleus accumbens core. Furthermore, we report reductions in cocaine‐induced uptake inhibition and a corresponding increase in the dose of cocaine required for 50% inhibition of DA uptake (Ki) at the DAT. Cocaine tolerance at the DAT translated to reductions in cocaine‐induced DA overflow as measured by microdialysis. In addition, cocaine‐induced elevations in locomotor activity and stereotypy were reduced, while rearing behavior was enhanced in animals with a history of cocaine self‐administration. Here, we demonstrate both neurochemical and behavioral cocaine tolerance in an extended‐access rodent model of cocaine abuse, which allows for a better understanding of the neurochemical and psychomotor tolerance that develops to cocaine in human addicts.

image

We demonstrate tolerance to the neurochemical and behavioral effects of cocaine following extended‐access cocaine self‐administration. With respect to neurochemistry, we show reduced cocaine‐induced dopamine uptake inhibition, an increased dose of cocaine required for 50% inhibition of the dopamine transporter, and reduced cocaine‐induced dopamine overflow. In addition, we show escalation of cocaine intake and reduced cocaine‐induced locomotor activity following cocaine self‐administration.
The fibrous tapetum of the horse eye
Authors: Shinozaki Aya , Takagi Satoshi , Hosaka Yoshinao Z. , Uehara Masato
Published: October 2013

The tapetum lucidum is a light‐reflective tissue in the eyes of many animals. Many ungulates have a fibrous tapetum. The horse has one of the largest eyes of any living animal and also has excellent vision in low‐light environments. This study aimed to clarify the macroscopic tapetal shape, relationship between the tapetal thickness and the degree of pigmentation of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), spatial relationship between the visual streak and the tapetum, and wavelength of the light reflected from the tapetum in the horse. Macroscopically, weak light revealed the tapetum as a horizontal band located dorsal to and away from the optic disc. The tapetum expanded dorsally as the illumination increased. The tapetal tissue consisted of lamellae of collagen fibrils running parallel to the retinal surface; these spread over almost the entire ocular fundus and were thicker in the horizontal band dorsal to the disc. Only the horizontal band of the tapetum was covered by unpigmented RPE, suggesting that this band reflects light and is responsible for mesopic and scotopic vision. The visual streak was located in the ventral part of the horizontal band, ventral to the thickest part of the tapetum. The wavelength of the light reflected from the horizontal band of the tapetum was estimated from the diameter and interfibrous distance of the collagen fibrils to be approximately 468 nm. Therefore, the light reflected from the tapetum should be more effectively absorbed by rods than by cones, and should not interfere with photopic vision.
Comparative study of notoungulate (Placentalia, Mammalia) bony labyrinths and new phylogenetically informative inner ear characters
Authors: Macrini Thomas E. , Flynn John J. , Ni Xijun , Croft Darin A. , Wyss André R.
Published: October 2013

The phylogenetic relationships of notoungulates, an extinct group of predominantly South American herbivores, remain poorly resolved with respect to both other placental mammals and among one another. Most previous phylogenetic analyses of notoungulates have not included characters of the internal cranium, not least because few such features, including the bony labyrinth, have been described for members of the group. Here we describe the inner ears of the notoungulates Altitypotherium chucalensis (Mesotheriidae), Pachyrukhos moyani (Hegetotheriidae) and Cochilius sp. (Interatheriidae) based on reconstructions of bony labyrinths obtained from computed tomography imagery. Comparisons of the bony labyrinths of these taxa with the basally diverging notoungulate Notostylops murinus (Notostylopidae), an isolated petrosal from Itaboraí, Brazil, referred to Notoungulata, and six therian outgroups, yielded an inner ear character matrix of 25 potentially phylogenetically informative characters, 14 of them novel to this study. Two equivocally optimized character states potentially support a pairing of Mesotheriidae and Hegetotheriidae, whereas four others may be diagnostic of Notoungulata. Three additional characters are potentially informative for diagnosing more inclusive clades: one for crown Placentalia; another for a clade containing Kulbeckia, Zalambdalestes, and Placentalia; and a third for Eutheria (crown Placentalia plus stem taxa). Several other characters are apomorphic for at least one notoungulate in our study and are of potential interest for broader taxonomic sampling within Notoungulata to clarify currently enigmatic interrelationships. Measures of the semicircular canals were used to infer agility (e.g. capable of quick movements vs. lethargic movements) of these taxa. Agility scores calculated from these data generally corroborate interpretations based on postcranial remains of these or closely related species. We provide estimates of the low‐frequency hearing limits in notoungulates based on the ratio of radii of the apical and basal turns of the cochlea. These limits range from 15 Hz in Notostylops to 149 Hz in Pachyrukhos, values comparable to the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) and the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) when hearing in air, respectively.
Placental mesenchymal dysplasia differentially diagnosed from molar pregnancy by 3‐D inversion mode rendering: A case report
Authors: Minekawa‐Mehandjiev Ryoko , Masuda Kumi , Yamamoto Kasumi , Miura Kiyonori , Nakayama Masahiro , Murata Yuji
Published: October 2013

Placental mesenchymal dysplasia (PMD) is a rare placental vascular anomaly which resembles partial molar pregnancy by 2‐D ultrasonography. It is challenging but clinically important to distinguish between them in order to avoid unnecessary termination of pregnancy. A patient was referred to our centre at 13 weeks of gestation and 2‐D ultrasound of the placenta showed a widespread vesicular pattern mixed with normal appearing placenta. Amniotic fluid volume was normal, and the fetus appeared to be an appropriate size for gestation without obvious structural abnormalities. 3‐D reconstruction imaging of the placenta showed a large multi‐cystic area arising from the chorionic plate which was adjacent to normal‐appearing placenta. 3‐D imaging rendered with ‘inversion mode’ revealed multiple fluid‐filled structures with different sizes and appearances. Her serum hCG level was slightly elevated. All findings taken together, we suspected PMD rather than partial molar pregnancy. Histological examinations of the placenta after termination at 15 weeks confirmed the diagnosis.
Assessment of cardiovascular autonomic function in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Saranya Kuppusamy , Pal Gopal Krushna , Habeebullah Syed , Pal Pravati
Published: October 2013

Aim

The study was conducted to assess the sympathovagal balance in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) using short‐term heart rate variability (HRV) analysis and conventional autonomic function tests (CAFT).

Methods

Thirty‐one newly diagnosed patients with PCOS and 30 age‐matched controls were recruited. Body mass index (BMI), waist : hip ratio (WHR), cardiovascular parameters such as basal heart rate (BHR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and rate‐pressure product (RPP), and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were measured in both groups. Cardiovascular autonomic functions assessed were spectral analysis of HRV, heart rate and blood pressure response to standing (30:15 ratio), deep breathing (E:I ratio) and isometric handgrip (ΔDBPihg).

Results

The cases had significantly increased BMI, WHR, BHR, SBP, DBP and RPP. Ratio of low‐frequency to high‐frequency power of HRV (LF‐HF ratio), the marker of sympathovagal balance was significantly increased in cases compared to controls. Time‐domain indices of HRV and E:I ratio were decreased, and 30:15 ratio, ΔDBPihg and FBG were increased in cases. Though there was a significant correlation of LF‐HF ratio with BMI, WHR, BHR, RPP and FBG, only BHR and RPP had independent contribution to LF‐HF ratio.

Conclusion

We conclude that PCOS patients have altered autonomic modulation in the form of increased sympathetic and decreased parasympathetic reactivity and HRV. The sympathovagal imbalance exposes them to cardiovascular morbidities.
Microwave endometrial ablation at a frequency of 2.45 GHz for menorrhagia: Analysis of treatment results at a single facility
Authors: Nakayama Kentaro , Ishibashi Tomoka , Ishikawa Masako , Katagiri Atsuko , Katagiri Hiroshi , Iida Kouji , Nakayama Naomi , Miyazaki Kohji
Published: October 2013

Aim

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of microwave endometrial ablation at a frequency of 2.45 GHz in women with menorrhagia. This method has been attracting attention as an alternative to hysterectomy in the treatment of functional and organic menorrhagia.

Material and Methods

We performed microwave endometrial ablation in 103 women with menorrhagia between August 2007 and October 2012. All patients had completed child bearing. We evaluated the efficacy of microwave endometrial ablation using a visual analog scale for menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, and patient satisfaction. We also evaluated the incidence of hypermenorrhea recurrence, amenorrhea, and procedure complications in relation to patients' clinical factors, such as the presence of myoma, adenomyosis, uterine size, and type of bleeding.

Results

A total of 76 patients completed the evaluation period. Excessive menstruation improved from a preoperative mean visual analog score of 10, to 1.9 after treatment. Dysmenorrhea improved from a mean score of 4.2, to 1.3, and patient satisfaction had a mean score of 9.0. Hemoglobin levels improved from 10.1 g/dL preoperatively to 12.5 g/dL postoperatively. Four patients experienced recurrence of excessive menstruation. No related clinical factors could be identified for recurrence risk or the occurrence of postoperative infection. A total of 26 patients (34.2%) became amenorrheic; these patients were less likely to have myomata, intramural myomata, and myomata larger than 5 cm.

Conclusions

Microwave endometrial ablation at a frequency of 2.45 GHz is an effective and safe treatment. It should be considered as a standard treatment for conservative therapy‐resistant menorrhagia.
Formulation and evaluation of metoclopramide solid lipid nanoparticles for rectal suppository
Authors: Mohamed Radwa A , Abass Haidy A , Attia Mohamed A , Heikal Ola A
Published: October 2013

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to formulate and characterize metoclopramide solid lipid nanoparticles (MCP-SLNs) and incorporating it into suppository bases for treatment of nausea and vomiting, produced with chemotherapeutic agents, using one dose per day.

Methods

MCP-SLNs was prepared using high shear homogenization (hot homogenization) technique using different surfactants (tween 80, poloxamer 407, poloxamer 188 and cremophore) in two different concentrations (2.5% and 5%) then solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN), whose release percentage above 50%, was incorporated into suppository for treatment of nausea and vomiting. The prepared SLN and suppositories were then evaluated and characterized.

Key findings

Formulation of poloxamer 407 with compritol and drug (F9) produced highest in-vitro % release (80%). Transmission electron microscopy showed that SLN had round and spherical shape in form of solid dispersion or drug-enriched core. Particle size analysis of SLN showed a size range of 24.99–396.8 nm. Negative zeta potential proves complete drug entrapment. In-vivo study of MCP-SLN suppositories produced the same %GE as the market metoclopramide (MCP) suppository (Primperan) with sustained release effect.

Conclusion

MCP-SLN suppositories (formula F) can reverse decrease in %GE because of emesis with sustained release effect. So it succeeded to be an alternative to MCP suppositories with no multiple dosing.
Doxorubicin-induced death in tumour cells and cardiomyocytes: is autophagy the key to improving future clinical outcomes?
Authors: Tacar Oktay , Dass Crispin R
Published: October 2013

Objectives

Doxorubicin, a commonly used frontline chemotherapeutic agent for cancer, is not without side-effects. The original thinking that the drug causes necrosis in tumours has largely given way to its link with apoptosis over the past two decades.

Key findings

More recently, major biomarkers such as AMPK, p53 and Bcl-2 have been identified as important to apoptosis induction by doxorubicin. It is Bcl-2 and its interaction with Beclin-1 that has refocussed research attention on doxorubicin, albeit this time for its ability to induce autophagy. Autophagy can be either anticancerous or procancerous however, so it is critical that the reasons for which cancer cells undergo this type of cell biological event be clearly identified for future exploitation.

Taking a step back from treating patients with large doses of doxorubicin, which causes toxicity to the heart amongst other organs, and further research with this drug's molecular signalling in not only neoplastic but normal cells, may indeed redefine the way doxorubicin is used clinically and potentially lead to better neoplastic disease management.
‘Sexual Transgression on the American Stage: Clyde Fitch, Sapho and the “American Girl” ’
Authors: Saxon Theresa
Published: October 2013

Clyde Fitch's play, Sapho (1900), is significant in the history of theatre censorship in America as a result of the arrests of the leading actress, Olga Nethersole, and several of her entourage. Critical analyses have focussed explicitly on the role of Nethersole in the censorship of the production. But the play as a dramatic production and the role of the playwright have been obscured by the media frenzy that led to the arrests and the subsequent furore. This article looks to expand the critical landscape of the censorship of Sapho, exploring the critical reputation of the writer, the public reception and the media reaction that led to its closure and the arrests, in the wider context of the show′s performance. This article argues that Sapho became a moral crusade because Fitch′s drama staged the critical intersection between the erotics of sexual transgression and the cult of the ‘American girl’. Further, Clyde Fitch's version of Sapho recognised the critical link between discourses of sexuality/purity and discourses of ‘nervousness’ that pervaded America at the turn of the century. To survive as the epitome of ‘civilisation’, America required the repeated and continuous modelling of the asexual body of the pure ‘American girl’; Sapho exposed the model and the structuring impulses that participated in its formation.
Medical Ethics in Victorian Fiction
Authors: Huelman Lisieux M.
Published: October 2013

Studies on 19th‐century British literature have, in the last decade, become increasingly aware of the literary representations of medicine in general and medical ethics in particular. The Romantic and Victorian periods are the beginning of the professionalization of both science and medicine; it is important, therefore, to study the ways in which the literature of those periods both reflected and informed emerging public debates on medical ethics. Medicine, during Victoria's reign, became standardized, professionalized, and, eventually, specialized. Medical research and the medical technology made tremendous advancements including germ theory and the stethoscope. Given the amount of progress made during the period, Victorian studies contributing to medical humanities can and should further research how Victorian literature shaped contemporary conceptions of medical ethics. Issues of patient privacy that we recognize today did not exist for Victorian medical professionals, and, therefore, the study of ethical implementation of medical research is a more productive line of inquiry for Victorian studies. While Gothic fiction like Wells' The Island of Dr. Moreau and Stevenson's The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1886) are fruitful starting points for this continuance, it is also crucial to consider issues of medical ethics as they appear in other novel genres of the same period. Lesser‐studied works – including Eliot's The Lifted Veil (1859), Charles Dicken's “A Curious Dance Round a Curious Tree” (1852), Charles Reade's Hard Cash (1870), Anthony Trollope's The Fixed Period (1882), and Mary Augusta Ward's Marcella (1894) – warrant further scholarly consideration of their engagement with medical ethics.
Romantic Vision and Gothic Balladry: Anne Bannerman's Tales of Superstition and Chivalry
Authors: Ruppert Timothy
Published: October 2013

Like her women Romantic contemporaries Joanna Baillie and Anna Barbauld, the Scottish poet Anne Bannerman (1765–1829) took an interest in the imaginative possibilities conferred by the tradition of British visionary poetics, a longstanding mode of imaginative production engaged by authors such as Chaucer, Sidney, Spenser, Shakespeare, Milton and many of the canonical Romantics, including William Blake, William Wordsworth and Percy Bysshe Shelley. Evoking the style, conventions and disruptive objectives of Judeo‐Christian scriptural prophecy, visionary poetics created an opportunity for authors to express unpopular and even radical ideas within culturally sanctioned literary frameworks such as dream narratives, portrayals of seers and imaginative accounts of mystical or otherworldly experiences. In her second published volume of poetry, 1802'sTales of Superstition and Chivalry, Bannerman makes use of several themes, images and tropes associated with visionary poetry in what appears at first glance to be a volume of Gothic ballads. That pieces such as ‘The Prophetess of the Oracle of Seäm’ and ‘The Prophecy of Merlin’ place her Tales within the context of vatic literature becomes more compelling when we consider how Bannerman redraws certain conventions of the visionary subgenre and so transforms the Gothic idiom.
Unearthing carrion beetles' microbiome: characterization of bacterial and fungal hindgut communities across the Silphidae
Authors: Kaltenpoth Martin , Steiger Sandra
Published: October 2013

Carrion beetles (Coleoptera, Silphidae) are well known for their behaviour of exploiting vertebrate carcasses for nutrition. While species in the subfamily Silphinae feed on large carcasses and on larvae of competing scavengers, the Nicrophorinae are unique in monopolizing, burying and defending small carrion, and providing extensive biparental care. As a first step towards investigating whether microbial symbionts may aid in carcass utilization or defence, we characterized the microbial hindgut communities of six Nicrophorinae (Nicrophorus spp.) and two Silphinae species (Oiceoptoma noveboracense and Necrophila americana) by deep ribosomal RNA amplicon sequencing. Across all species, bacteria in the family Xanthomonadaceae, related to Ignatzschineriao larvae, were consistently common, and several other taxa were present in lower abundance (Enterobacteriales, Burkholderiales, Bacilli, Clostridiales and Bacteroidales). Additionally, the Nicrophorinae showed high numbers of unusual Clostridiales, while the Silphinae were characterized by Flavobacteriales and Rhizobiales (Bartonella sp.). In addition to the complex community of bacterial symbionts, each species of carrion beetle harboured a diversity of ascomycetous yeasts closely related to Yarrowia lipolytica. Despite the high degree of consistency in microbial communities across the Silphidae—specifically within the Nicrophorinae—both the fungal symbiont phylogeny and distance‐based bacterial community clustering showed higher congruence with sampling locality than host phylogeny. Thus, despite the possibility for vertical transmission via anal secretions, the distinct hindgut microbiota of the Silphidae appears to be shaped by frequent horizontal exchange or environmental uptake of symbionts. The microbial community profiles, together with information on host ecology and the metabolic potential of related microorganisms, allow us to propose hypotheses on putative roles of the symbionts in carcass degradation, detoxification and defence.
Massive invasion of exoticBarbus barbusand introgressive hybridization with endemicBarbus plebejusinNorthernItaly: where, how and why?
Authors: Meraner A. , Venturi A. , Ficetola G. F. , Rossi S. , Candiotto A. , Gandolfi A.
Published: October 2013

Biological invasions and introgressive hybridization are major drivers for the decline of native freshwater fish. However, the magnitude of the problem across a native species range, the mechanisms shaping introgression as well as invader's dispersal and the relative role of biological invasions in the light of multiple environmental stressors are rarely described. Here, we report extensive (N = 665) mtDNAsequence and (N = 692) microsatellite genotypic data of 32 Northern Adriatic sites aimed to unravel the invasion of theEuropeanBarbus barbusin Italy and the hybridization and decline of the endemicB. plebejus. We highlight an exceptionally fast breakthrough ofB. barbuswithin thePoRiver basin, leading to widespread introgressive hybridization with the endemicB. plebejuswithin few generations. In contrast, adjacent drainage systems are still unaffected fromB. barbusinvasion. We show that barriers to migration are inefficient to halt the invasion process and that propagule pressure, and not environmental quality, is the major driver responsible forB. barbussuccess. Both introgressive hybridization and invader's dispersal are facilitated by ongoing fisheries management practices. Therefore, immediate changes in fisheries management (i.e. stocking and translocation measures) and a detailed conservation plan, focussed on remnant purebredB. plebejuspopulations, are urgently needed.
Role of capsular polysaccharide (CPS) in biofilm formation and regulation of CPS production by quorum‐sensing in Vibrio vulnificus
Authors: Lee Kyung‐Jo , Kim Jeong‐A , Hwang Won , Park Soon‐Jung , Lee Kyu‐Ho
Published: October 2013

Extracellular polysaccharides, such as lipopolysaccharide and loosely associated exopolysaccharides, are essential for Vibrio vulnificus to form biofilms. The role of another major component of the V. vulnificus extracellular matrix, capsular polysaccharide (CPS), which contributes to colony opacity, has been characterized in biofilm formation. A CPS‐deficient mutant, whose wbpP gene encoding UDP‐GlcNAc C4‐epimerase was knocked out, formed significantly more biofilm than wild type, due to increased hydrophobicity of the cell surface, adherence to abiotic surfaces and cell aggregation. To elucidate the direct effect of CPS on biofilm structure, extracted CPS and a CPS‐degrading enzyme, α‐N‐acetylgalactosaminidase, were added in biofilm assays, resulting in reduction and increment of biofilm sizes respectively. Therefore, it is suggested that CPS play a critical role in determining biofilm size by restricting continual growth of mature biofilms. Since CPS is required after maturation, CPS biosynthesis should be controlled in a cell density‐dependent manner, e.g. by quorum‐sensing (QS) regulation. Analysing transcription of the CPS gene cluster revealed that it was activated by SmcR, a QS master regulator, via binding to the upstream region of the cluster. Therefore, CPS was produced when biofilm cell density reached high enough to turn on QS regulation and limited biofilms to appropriate sizes.
Enhancing the Effects of Power Sharing on Psychological Empowerment: The Roles of Management Control and Power Distance Orientation
Authors: Chen Chao C. , Zhang Ann Yan , Wang Hui
Published: October 2013

In this article we test a model of bounded empowerment: the boundary conditions under which power sharing affects employees' psychological empowerment. Using data from two telecommunication companies, we investigate how management control and power distance orientation moderate the effects of supervisors' power sharing on employees' psychological empowerment. Results show that power sharing improves job performance partly through psychological empowerment. Furthermore, management control enhances rather than impedes the positive effect of power sharing on psychological empowerment. Power distance orientation further enhances management control's positive moderating effect on employee psychological empowerment. Limitations and implications for future research are also discussed.
Effects of natural hybrid and non‐hybridEpichloëendophytes on the response ofHordelymus europaeusto drought stress
Authors: Oberhofer Martina , Güsewell Sabine , Leuchtmann Adrian
Published: October 2013

Interspecific hybrid endophytes of the genusEpichloë(Ascomycota, Clavicipitaceae) are prevalent in wild grass populations, possibly because of their larger gene variation, resulting in increased fitness benefits for host plants; however, the reasons are not yet known. We tested hypotheses regarding niche expansion mediated by hybrid endophytes, population‐dependent interactions and local co‐adaptation in the woodland grassHordelymus europaeus, which naturally hosts both hybrid and non‐hybrid endophyte taxa.

Seedlings derived from seeds of four grass populations made endophyte free were re‐inoculated with hybrid or non‐hybrid endophyte strains, or left endophyte free. Plants were grown in the glasshouse with or without drought treatment.

Endophyte infection increased plant biomass and tiller production by 10–15% in both treatments. Endophyte types had similar effects on growth, but opposite effects on reproduction: non‐hybrid endophytes increased seed production, whereas hybrid endophytes reduced or prevented it completely.

The results are consistent with the observation that non‐hybrid endophytes inH. europaeusprevail at dry sites,but cannot explain the prevalence of hybrid endophytes. Thus, our results do not support the hypothesis of niche expansion of hybrid‐infected plants. Moreover, plants inoculated with native relative to foreign endophytes yielded higher infections, but both showed similar growth and survival, suggesting weak co‐adaptation.
Charity Art Auctions
Authors: Canals‐Cerda Jose J.
Published: October 2013

Using a unique panel data set of art auctions on eBay, we conduct an empirical analysis of the impact of charity status on the outcome of an auction and find it to be substantial. Charity status increases the probability of sale by 46%, the observed number of bidders by 111% and the sale price by 45%. In addition, charity status substantially lowers the auction's opening price. Interestingly, the effect of charity status declines over time indicating that charity auctions may be susceptible to donor fatigue.