bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engaging with Voices: Ethnographic Encounters with the Gambian Language‐in‐Education Policy
Authors: Juffermans Kasper , Van Camp Kirsten
Published: June 2013

Drawing on fieldwork in a primary school in ruralGambia, WestAfrica, this article foregrounds the notion of voice as analytical heuristics for understanding language in education. Arguing for more attention to voices from the field and for critical reflection on the researcher's voice in research, the article addresses the ways in which school children, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders voice their opinions and concerns about language in education in relation to official policy and practice.
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation for children with acquired severe aplastic anaemia: a retrospective study by the Viva‐Asia Blood and Marrow Transplantation Group
Authors: Chen Jing , Lee Vincent , Luo Cheng Juan , Chiang Alan Kwok Shing , Hongeng Suradej , Tan Poh Lin , Tan Ah Moy , Sanpakit Kleebsabai , Li Chun Fu , Lee Anselm Chi‐wai , Chua Hsin Chieh , Okamoto Yasuhiro
Published: June 2013

We retrospectively analysed the outcomes of 127 children with acquired severe aplastic anaemia (SAA) who had received haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) between 2000 and 2011 in one of the 10 Asia Pacific institutions. Fifty‐three were matched sibling donor (MSD) and 74 were alternative donor (AD), including 22 matched unrelated donor, 32 mismatched unrelated donor and 20 mismatched related donor. With a median follow up 45·5 months (13–139) and when compared to the MSD group, AD recipients had more grade II‐IV acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD; 14·3% vs. 32·8%, P = 0·029), but similar grade III‐IV aGVHD (10·2% vs. 12·5%, P = 0·774), graft failure (GF) (15·1% vs. 15·5%, P = 0·658) and 5‐year overall survival (90·6% vs. 83·7%, P = 0·251). As a source of stem cell, peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) resulted in less GF (18% vs. 9·1% P = 0·013), similar grade II‐IV aGVHD (28·1% vs. 17·4%, P = 0·258), chronic GVHD (25·8% vs. 29·3%, P = 0·822) and similar outcomes (89·7% vs. 82·4%, P =0 ·665) when compared to bone marrow (BM). In univariate analysis, GF (P < 0·001) and grade II‐IV aGVHD (P = 0·009) were predictors of poor survival. In multivariate analysis, only GF was associated with poor survival (P = 0·012). The outcome of AD and PBSC HSCT were comparable to that of MSD and BM HSCT in the Asia Pacific region.
Interrogation of ERG gene rearrangements in prostate cancer identifies a prognostic 10‐gene signature with relevant implication to patients' clinical outcome
Authors: Bismar Tarek A. , Alshalalfa Mohammed , Petersen Lars F. , Teng Liang Hong , Gerke Travis , Bakkar Ashraf , Al‐Mami Amal , Liu Shuhong , Dolph Michael , Mucci Lorelei A. , Alhajj Reda
Published: June 2013

Objectives

ERG‐gene rearrangement defines a distinct molecular subtype of PCA with potential biological and clinical implications.

To identify a molecular signature reflective of the downstream effects of ERG‐mediated transcriptional regulation with prognostic implication in patients with prostate cancer (PCA).

Material and Methods

We used a singular value decomposition (SVD) bioinformatics approach to re‐analyse gene expression data previously generated from 46 prostate tumours, and identified an ERG‐like gene signature.

The signature was validated on several patient cohorts and individual genes were correlated to ERG expression and PCA progression.

Results

An ERG‐like 10‐gene signature was identified and validated in PCA cohorts of the physician health study (p115) (n = 110) in addition to three independent public datasets, and was significantly associated with disease progression, biochemical recurrence and PCA‐specific mortality.

Patients with the ERG‐like signature were significantly associated with disease recurrence on univariate (hazard ratio [HR] 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.3–5.2; P = 0.004) and multivariate analysis (HR 2.3; 95% CI:1.1–4.6, P = 0.016) compared with patients without this signature.

Within the group of patients with Gleason score (GS) 6 and 7 PCA, the signature added prognostic value beyond GS and identified patients at higher risk of cancer deaths more accurately than GS alone or in combination with ERG status.

Protein expression of the 10 genes were significantly associated with ERG and disease progression regardless of ERG status.

Conclusion

The characterized ERG‐like signature was reflective of aggressive features of ERG‐mediated transcription and was prognostically robust.

The combination of this signature with clinicopathological variables should be validated prospectively to explore its clinical utility in stratifying patients with PCA and in identifying those at higher risk of metastatic and lethal disease.
Importance of HOX genes in normal prostate gland formation, prostate cancer development and its early detection
Authors: Javed Saqib , Langley Stephen E.M.
Published: June 2013

The aims of this paper were to review the published literature on the role of HOX genes in the development of the normal prostate gland and in prostate cancer and to discuss the potential role of the HOX family member, Engrailed‐2 (EN2), as a diagnostic test of PCa.

Hox genes were first described in the fruit fly Drosphila melanogaster, where they specify the body plan and control the formation of body segments. They belong to a family of homeodomain‐containing transcription factors that determine cell and tissue identity during normal embryonic development. They have been shown to be re‐expressed by several different types of cancers.

Studies have shown that different Hox genes are responsible for the development of the separate lobes of the prostate gland, the seminal vesicles and the epididymis. All HOX13 paralogues are expressed in the adult human prostate, suggesting the possibility of similarities between the function and expression of HOX genes within urological structures at similar anterior–posterior positions.

The oncogenic and tumour suppressor signalling pathways associated with PCa converge on the HOX gene network, which ultimately controls gene expression, affecting tumour formation and metastatic progression.

The Engrailed genes (EN1 and EN2) from the HOX gene family show a very high degree of functional conservation during embryonic development.

Urinary EN2 is being investigated as a potential diagnostic marker of early PCa. It is secreted into the urine by PCa cells but not by normal prostatic tissue. A recent study has shown an association between urinary EN2 levels and cancer volume in radical prostatectomy specimens. The ability to predict tumour volume could inform the treatment decision‐making process for patients with localized PCa choosing between active surveillance and radical treatment options.
Capillaroscopy
Authors: Jung Peter , Trautinger Franz
Published: June 2013

Microscopy of the nailfold capillaries has found increasing use in dermatology, rheumatology and angiology particularly as an important tool to distinguish between primary and secondary Raynaud disease. The best evidence is available in systemic sclerosis where specific capillaroscopic patterns have a high positive predictive value for the development of the disease. Conversely, a regular capillary pattern rules out systemic sclerosis with high degree of probability. PRINCE (prognostic index for nailfold capillaroscopic examination) was developed to identify patients at high risk of developing systemic sclerosis. CSURI (capillaroscopic skin ulcer risk index) should predict the risk of developing digital ulcers in patients with systemic sclerosis with high specificity and sensitivity.

As a consequence of recent results a pathologic capillary pattern was integrated by the EULAR Scleroderma Trials and Research Group (EUSTAR) in the diagnostic algorithm of the VEDOSS‐Project (very early diagnosis of systemic sclerosis). Capillary patterns may correlate with visceral involvement and capillaroscopy thus has the potential as a screening tool to enable early diagnosis of organ involvement in systemic sclerosis.
Genetic characterization of Botrytis cinerea isolates collected from pine and eucalyptus nurseries in Bio‐Bio Region, Chile
Authors: Muñoz G. , Campos F.
Published: June 2013

A total of 55 Botrytis cinerea isolates collected from Pinus radiata and Eucalyptus globulus plants cultivated in nurseries located in the Bio‐Bio Region, Chile, as well as isolates collected from native plants such as Rubus spp and Aristotelia chilensis located near the nurseries were genetically characterized. All isolates carried the Bc‐hch2 allele, thus belonging to genetic Group II, which is now referred to as B. cinerea. Genotyping based on the presence of transposons Boty and Flipper showed differences between isolates related to the plant host. Thus, transposa isolates (containing both transposons) were detected in P. radiata and E. globulus, while vacuma isolates (containing neither transposon) were detected in all plants except E. globulus. Notably, boty isolates (containing just the Boty transposon) were detected at high frequencies in all plant hosts. Analyses to detect mutations involved in resistance to fungicides such as benzimidazoles (BZ), dicarboximides and QoIs also showed differences in the studied isolates. Isolates collected from E. globulus were shown to carry mutations for all tree fungicides, while those collected from P. radiata presented mutations involved in resistance to BZ only. Isolates collected from native plant hosts did not carry any of the mutations analysed.
The majority of newly generated cells in the adult mouse substantia nigra express low levels of Doublecortin, but their proliferation is unaffected by 6‐OHDA‐induced nigral lesion or Minocycline‐mediated inhibition of neuroinflammation
Authors: Worlitzer Maik M. A. , Viel Thomas , Jacobs Andreas H. , Schwamborn Jens C.
Published: June 2013

Parkinson's disease is characterized by a selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). However, whether regenerative endogenous neurogenesis is taking place in the mammalian SN of parkinsonian and non‐parkinsonian brains remains of debate. Here, we tested whether proliferating cells in the SN and their neurogenic potential would be affected by anti‐inflammatory treatment under physiological conditions and in the 6‐hydroxy‐dopamine (6‐OHDA) Parkinson's disease mouse model. We report that the majority of newly generated nigral cells are positive for Doublecortin (Dcx), which is an often used marker for neural progenitor cells. Yet, Dcx expression levels in these cells were much lower than in neural progenitor cells of the subventricular zone and the dentate gyrus neural progenitor cells. Furthermore, these newly generated nigral cells are negative for neuronal lineage markers such as TuJ1 and NeuN. Therefore, their neuronal commitment is questionable. Instead, we found evidence for oligodendrogenesis and astrogliosis in the SN. Finally, neither short‐term nor long‐term inhibition of neuroinflammation by Minocycline‐ or 6‐OHDA‐induced lesion affected the numbers of newly generated cells in our disease paradigm. Our findings of adult generated Dcx+ cells in the SN add important data for understanding the cellular composition and consequently the regenerative capacity of the SN.
The ORF slr0091 of Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 encodes a high‐light induced aldehyde dehydrogenase converting apocarotenals and alkanals
Authors: Trautmann Danika , Beyer Peter , Al‐Babili Salim
Published: June 2013

Oxidative cleavage of carotenoids and peroxidation of lipids lead to apocarotenals and aliphatic aldehydes called alkanals, which react with vitally important compounds, promoting cytotoxicity. Although many enzymes have been reported to deactivate alkanals by converting them into fatty acids, little is known about the mechanisms used to detoxify apocarotenals or the enzymes acting on them. Cyanobacteria and other photosynthetic organisms must cope with both classes of aldehydes. Here we report that the Synechocystis enzyme SynAlh1, encoded by the ORF slr0091, is an aldehyde dehydrogenase that mediates oxidation of both apocarotenals and alkanals into the corresponding acids. Using a crude lysate of SynAlh1‐expressing Escherichia coli cells, we show that SynAlh1 converts a wide range of apocarotenals and alkanals, with a preference for apocarotenals with defined chain lengths. As suggested by in vitro incubations and using engineered retinal‐forming E. coli cells, we found that retinal is not a substrate for SynAlh1, making involvement in Synechocystis retinoid metabolism unlikely. The transcript level of SynAlh1 is induced by high light and cold treatment, indicating a role in the stress response, and the corresponding gene is a constituent of a stress‐related operon. The assumptions regarding the function of SynAlh are further supported by the surprisingly high homology to human and plant aldehyde dehydrogenase that have been assigned to aldehyde detoxification. SynAlh1 is the first aldehyde dehydrogenase that has been shown to form both apocarotenoic and fatty acids. This dual function suggests that its eukaryotic homologs may also be involved in apocarotenal metabolism, a function that has not been considered so far.
Climate change‐induced shifts in fire for Mediterranean ecosystems
Authors: Batllori Enric , Parisien Marc‐André , Krawchuk Meg A. , Moritz Max A.
Published: June 2013

Aim 

Pyrogeographical theory suggests that fire is controlled by spatial gradients in resources to burn (fuel amount) and climatic conditions promoting combustion (fuel moisture). Examining trade‐offs among these environmental constraints is critical to understanding future fire activity. We evaluate constraints on fire frequency in modern fire records over the entire Mediterranean biome and identify potential shifts in fire activity under an ensemble of global climate projections.

Location

 The biome encompassing the Mediterranean‐type ecosystems (MTEs).

Methods 

We evaluate potential changes in fire over the 21st century in MTEs based on a standardized global framework. Future fire predictions are generated from statistical fire−climate models driven by ensembles of climate projections under the IPCC A2 emissions scenario depicting warmer–drier and warmer–wetter syndromes. We test the hypothesis that MTEs lie in the transition zone discriminating fuel moisture versus fuel amount as the dominant constraint on fire activity.

Results 

Fire increases reported in MTEs in recent decades may not continue throughout the century. MTEs occupy a sensitive portion of global fire−climate relationships, especially for precipitation‐related variables, leading to highly divergent fire predictions under drier versus wetter syndromes. Warmer–drier conditions could result in decreased fire activity over more than half the Mediterranean biome by 2070–2099, and the opposite is predicted under a warmer–wetter future. MTEs encompass, however, a climate space broad and complex enough to include spatially varied fire responses and potential conversions to non‐MTE biomes.

Main conclusions

 Our results strongly support the existence of both fuel amount and fuel moisture constraints on fire activity and show their geographically variable influence throughout MTEs. Climatic controls on fire occurrence in MTEs lie close to ‘tipping points’, where relatively small changes in future climates could translate into drastic and divergent shifts in fire activity over the Mediterranean biome, mediated by productivity alterations.
Trends in the use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators in Australia: a 10‐year nationwide study from 2000–2009
Authors: Burch A. W. T. , Wong C. X. , Sullivan T. , Brooks A. G. , Leong D. P. , Lau D. H. , Sun M. T. , Roberts‐Thomson K. C. , Sanders P.
Published: June 2013

Background

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) have been demonstrated to reduce mortality in survivors of life‐threatening arrhythmias (secondary prevention) and in patients at increased risk of sudden cardiac death (primary prevention). Other nations have reported significant increases in ICD use in recent years.

Aim

To investigate Australian nationwide trends of ICD procedures over a 10‐year period (2000–2009).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare's National Hospital Morbidity Database was performed to determine the annual number of ICD implantation and replacement procedures between 2000 and 2009. Rates were calculated using Australian Bureau of Statistics data on the annual estimated population. Time trends in the yearly procedure number and rate were analysed using negative binomial regression models with comparisons made by age and sex.

Results

The number of new ICD implantations increased from 708 to 3198 procedures between 2000 and 2009. Replacement procedures increased from 290 to 1378. The implantation rate (per million) increased from 37.0 to 145.6 and the replacement rate from 15.1 to 62.7. When rates were adjusted for age and sex, the implantation rate increased annually by 15.8% and the replacement rate by 16.6% (P < 0.0001). Procedures occurred most commonly in men (implantations: 80.1%; replacements: 78.0%) between ages 70–79.

Conclusions

ICD procedures increased significantly in Australia between 2000–2009. Despite these increases, other studies have suggested ICD devices are currently under‐utilised. During the study period, males accounted for the majority of ICD procedures. While there are numerous reasons for this, it is not known if device under‐use is more common in females.
Intended follow up of women with breast cancer at low risk of recurrence and at least 5 years from diagnosis
Authors: Bell R. J. , Fradkin P. , Robinson P. J. , Schwarz M. , Davis S. R.
Published: June 2013

Background

Although there is evidence that minimal surveillance is compatible with an optimal outcome in women after early stage breast cancer, little is known of the surveillance that these women receive.

Aims

To describe the intended clinical follow up and patterns of use of imaging modalities in low‐risk breast cancer survivors who are at least 5 years from diagnosis.

Methods

Participants in the Bupa Health Foundation Health and Wellbeing After Breast Cancer Study with stage 1 invasive breast cancer at diagnosis, who had survived free of recurrence or new primary breast cancer for at least 5 years, provided information for this analysis.

Results

The most common choice of physician follow up was with one doctor only (54%). Within this group, the most frequent choice was a general practitioner (GP) (63%) followed by medical oncologist (23%). Thirty‐five per cent of women said that they intended to consult two doctors and within this group, the most common combination was a GP and a medical oncologist (45%). This was despite two out of three women reporting being advised that there was no need to consult a medical oncologist. Over 90% of women reported having a mammogram with, or without, breast ultrasound in the previous 12 months. There was a low rate of use of other imaging tests in the absence of clear indications.

Conclusions

Minimising unnecessary medical consultations by women with breast cancer at low risk of recurrence 5 years from diagnosis will require education about the benefits of a minimal surveillance strategy.
Evaluation of In Situ Heterogeneity of Elements in Solids: Implications for Analytical Geochemistry
Authors: Ramsey Michael H. , Solomon‐Wisdom Grace , Argyraki Ariadne
Published: June 2013

A general method for the evaluation of in situ heterogeneity of geochemical materials is described and the significance of the results discussed, by using three case studies and earlier data sets. The heterogeneity of Pb in soil (expressed as RSD due to sampling, RSDsamp) varies from < 5 to > 100% between different sites, in a way that relates to the mode of deposition of the element. The heterogeneity of an element also varies systematically as a function of the distance scale at some sites. This variation can be modelled using linear regression, accounting for over 90% of the experimental variance, at seven scales over three orders of magnitude. Variation in heterogeneity between elements at the same site, seems to be somewhat diagnostic of the origin of the element, lithogenic being less than anthropogenic, although the later is also being modified by the mode of deposition. Where the heterogeneity is large (RSD > 30%), it is proposed that it can be expressed more accurately as a heterogeneity factor (10GSDsamp), to reflect its frequency distribution, which is positively skewed towards higher concentration values.
Low Temperature Synthesis of High Alumina Cements by Novel Co‐Melt Precursors and Their Implementation as Castables with Some Micro Fine Additives
Authors: Kumar Vijay , Singh Vinay Kumar , Srivastava Abhinav
Published: June 2013

In the present investigations nano size high alumina cements (HAC) were prepared by very effective co‐melt precursor sintering technique from their metal nitrate precursors. The prime cementing phases observed were CA, CA2, and C12A7. The addition of nano structured cements in refractory castables has improved the thermo‐chemical‐mechanical properties to a significant extent. Each batch of low cement castables (LCC) was prepared from calcined Chinese bauxite, HAC, and superfine additives. The effect of HAC in bauxite castable with the additives similar to Silicon Carbide, reactive alumina, and micro‐fine silica on the sinterability and properties of these castables was investigated. Physical properties such as apparent porosity and bulk density, mechanical properties such as hot modulus of rupture (HMOR), cold and hot modulus of rupture (CMOR), and cold crushing strength (CCS) of hydrated and sintered castables were studied. The sintered castables were also characterized for their solid phase compositions and microstructure using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and FE‐SEM, respectively. In the castables new phases such as mullite, α‐alumina were formed at the expense of bauxite and silica. Solid solution of mullite formed at high temperature acts as a bonding phase and is accounted for high HMOR, CMOR, and CCS values. These excellent properties of such castables may enable their uses in various applications such as refractory lining for fabrication of steel, aluminium, copper, glass, cement, chemicals, and ceramics.
Processing and Properties of Eu3+‐Doped Barium Bismuth Titanate (BaBi4Ti4O15) Glass–Ceramic Nanocomposites
Authors: Molla Atiar Rahaman , Tarafder Anal , Mukherjee Siddhartha , Mohanty Sukant Kumar , Karmakar Basudeb
Published: June 2013

Precursor glasses for the ferroelectric barium bismuth titanate (BaBi4Ti4O15) (BBiT) have been prepared by the melt‐quench technique in the SiO2–K2O–BaO–Bi2O3–TiO2 (SKBBT) glass system with and without Eu2O3 doping. BBiT glass–ceramic (GC) nanocomposites have been derived from these glasses by controlled heat treatment. The structural properties of the GCs have been investigated using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), electron microscopy (FE‐SEM, TEM), and FT‐IR reflectance spectroscopy. FE‐SEM images show the formation of randomly oriented hexagonal rod‐shaped crystals of 200–400 nm and TEM images show 10–20 nm crystallites. FT‐IR spectra exhibit the characteristic bands of BBiT at 480, 585, and 680 cm−1. The activation energy of crystallization (Ec) varies from 295 to 307 kJ/mol. The dielectric constants (εr) of glass and GC nanocomposites increase with an increase in frequency up to 3.0 MHz and then decrease up to 5.0 MHz. Heat‐treated GCs show higher εr values, in the range 25–55, compared to the precursor glasses (20–37). Dielectric losses (tan δ) for all the samples increase from 0.005 to 1.0 with an increase in frequency from 100 Hz to 5.0 MHz. Excitation spectra were recorded by monitoring emission at 613 nm corresponding to the 5D0 → 7F2 transition. An intense 466 nm excitation band corresponding to the 7F0 → 5D2 transition was observed. Emission spectra were then recorded by exciting the glass samples at 466 nm. Longer heat‐treatment times led to a 15‐fold increase in the intensity of the red emission at 612 nm, attributed to the segregation of Eu3+ ions into the low phonon energy BBiT crystallites. The hardness (3.8–5.1 GPa) and fracture toughness (1.8–3.5 MPam0.5) values obtained in the GCs are high and suitable for structural applications.
Enhancing the Superconducting Properties of Magnesium Diboride Without Doping
Authors: Maeda Minoru , Kim Jung Ho , Oh Sangjun , Li Wen Xian , Takase Kouichi , Kuroiwa Yoshihiro , Dou Shi Xue , Takano Yoshiki
Published: June 2013

Carbon doping is known to be very effective for enhancing the high‐field properties of magnesium diboride, MgB2, but not for the low‐field properties. Here, we report that both the high‐ and the low‐field properties can be improved simultaneously without doping by increasing the initial magnesium partial pressure, by simply reducing the size of the magnesium particles. It is shown that in situ processed bulk MgB2 sintered with fine magnesium powders has superior superconducting properties compared with a bulk sample fabricated using coarse magnesium lumps. The change in the lattice parameters was almost negligible; however, a clear increase in lattice strain can be observed for the sample sintered with fine magnesium powders. The increase in the lattice strain results in an enhancement of the high‐field properties. Furthermore, it has also been found that the low‐field critical current density is not reduced, but rather slightly increased for the fine magnesium powder sample. This is due to a closer linkage among the grains that drastically improves grain connectivity. These findings demonstrate that the initial growth mechanism of MgB2 is very crucial for its superior superconducting properties, and it especially indicates the importance of magnesium vapor pressure.
A Study on Crystallization Kinetics of Thermoelectric Bi2Se3 Crystals in Ge–Se–Bi Chalcogenide Glasses by Differential Scanning Calorimeter
Authors: Liu Yinyao , Yuan Shuanglong , Xie Jun , Shangguan Futiao , Ren Jing , Chen Guorong
Published: June 2013

Novel glass‐ceramics with embedded thermoelectric Bi2Se3 crystals were prepared from glass matrices in the Ge20Se100−xBix (x = 5, 10, 12 mol%) system. Based on DSC results performed at different heating rates, characteristic activation energies (Ec) and Avrami exponents (n) were obtained and analyzed by using Kissinger's relation, Ozawa's method, Augis–Bennett approximation and Matusita–Sakka theory. XRD results showed that pure Bi2Se3 crystalline phase precipitated upon annealing at different temperatures for various time. The crystal size and crystalline fraction in the samples could be tuned by controlling the annealing time.
Estimation of Daily Streamflow of Southeastern Coastal Plain Watersheds by Combining Estimated Magnitude and Sequence
Authors: Ssegane Herbert , Amatya Devendra M. , Tollner E.W. , Dai Zhaohua , Nettles Jami E.
Published: June 2013

Commonly used methods to predict streamflow at ungauged watersheds implicitly predict streamflow magnitude and temporal sequence concurrently. An alternative approach that has not been fully explored is the conceptualization of streamflow as a composite of two separable components of magnitude and sequence, where each component is estimated separately and then combined. Magnitude is modeled using the flow duration curve (FDC), whereas sequence is modeled by transferring streamflow sequence of gauged watershed(s). This study tests the applicability of the approach on watersheds ranging in size from about 25‐7,226 km2 in Southeastern Coastal Plain (U.S.) with substantial surface storage of wetlands. A 19‐point regionalized FDC is developed to estimate streamflow magnitude using the three most selected variables (drainage area, hydrologic soil index, and maximum 24‐h precipitation with a recurrence interval of 100 years) by a greedy‐heuristic search process. The results of validation on four watersheds (Trent River, North Carolina: 02092500; Satilla River, Georgia: 02226500; Black River, South Carolina: 02136000; and Coosawhatchie River, South Carolina: 02176500) yielded Nash‐Sutcliffe efficiency values of 0.86‐0.98 for the predicted magnitude and 0.09‐0.84 for the predicted daily streamflow over a simulation period of 1960‐2010. The prediction accuracy of the method on two headwater watersheds at Santee Experimental Forest in coastal South Carolina was weak, but comparable to simulations by MIKE‐SHE.
Safe Extraction of Riata Looped Extruding Filler Cables
Authors: RUBENSTEIN DONALD S. , WESTON LAWRENCE T. , KNELLER JAMES , WRIGHT CHRISTOPHER , YIN HANG
Published: June 2013

Safe Extraction of Riata Looped Extruding Filler Cables

The Riata 1590 lead model contains both electrically active cables (AC) and filler cables (FC) that run in pairs within lumens along the lead body. FC are yet to be described as lead components that may be externalized from either external abrasion or inside‐out abrasion seen in the recalled St. Jude leads. Externalization of FC would not be expected to develop any electrical abnormality during routine ICD and lead evaluations. FC are fixed at their ends only with a silicone adhesive compared to mechanical crimps for AC. This glue bond can break allowing a progressive migration of the filler cable to extrude out the insulation breach forming profound loops of cables. We identify the 10 recalled Riata models that contain the electrically inactive FC that will need closer scrutiny by X‐ray imaging techniques. Extraction of ICD leads with externalized cables may be difficult, with the presence of extruded loops of FC compounding procedural complexity. We describe a technique that reduced extruded loops of FC and allowed safe extraction of the lead.
Consistent behavioural traits and behavioural syndromes in pairs of the false clown anemonefish Amphiprion ocellaris
Authors: Wong M. Y. L. , Medina A. , Uppaluri C. , Arnold S. , Seymour J. R. , Buston P. M.
Published: June 2013

Using the social clown anemonefish Amphiprion ocellaris, whether individuals exhibited consistency in activity levels, boldness and sociability in a paired context, and whether these three behavioural traits were positively correlated within a single behavioural syndrome, was investigated. The results highlight that consistent individual differences in behaviour are expressed in a social fish and suggest that consistent behavioural traits and behavioural syndromes could influence the structure and functioning of their societies.
Cyst–theca relationship of the arctic dinoflagellate cyst Islandinium minutum (Dinophyceae) and phylogenetic position based on SSU rDNA and LSU rDNA
Authors: Potvin Éric , Rochon André , Lovejoy Connie
Published: June 2013

Round brown spiny cysts constitute a morphological group common in high latitude dinoflagellate cyst assemblages. The dinoflagellate cyst Islandinium minutum (Harland et Reid) Head, Harland et Matthiessen is the main paleoecological indicator of seasonal sea‐ice cover in the Arctic. Despite the importance of this cyst in paleoceanographical studies, its biological affinity has so far been unknown. The biological affinity of the species I. minutum and its phylogenetic position based on the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rDNA) and the large subunit ribosomal RNA gene (LSU rDNA) were established from cyst incubation experiments in controlled conditions, optical and scanning electron microscopy, and single‐cell PCR. The thecal motile cell obtained was undescribed. Although the motile cell was similar to Archaeperidinium minutum (Kofoid) Jörgensen, the motile cell of I. minutum lacked a transitional plate in the cingular series, which is present in Archaeperidinium spp. Islandinium minutum and Archaeperidinium spp. were paraphyletic in all phylogenetic analyses. Furthermore, Protoperidinium tricingulatum, which also lacks a transitional plate, was closely related to I. minutum and transfered to the genus Islandinium. Based on available data, it is clear that Islandinium is distinct from Archaeperidinium. Therefore, we considered Islandinium Head, Harland et Matthiessen as a non‐fossil genus and emend its description, as well as the species I. minutum. This is the first description of a cyst–theca relationship and the first study that reports molecular data based on SSU rDNA and LSU rDNA on a species assigned to the genus Islandinium.
Hi‐LAB: A New Measure of Aptitude for High‐Level Language Proficiency
Authors: Linck Jared A. , Hughes Meredith M. , Campbell Susan G. , Silbert Noah H. , Tare Medha , Jackson Scott R. , Smith Benjamin K. , Bunting Michael F. , Doughty Catherine J.
Published: June 2013

Few adult second language (L2) learners successfully attain high‐level proficiency. Although decades of research on beginning to intermediate stages of L2 learning have identified a number of predictors of the rate of acquisition, little research has examined factors relevant to predicting very high levels of L2 proficiency. The current study, conducted in the United States, was designed to examine potential cognitive predictors of successful learning to advanced proficiency levels. Participants were adults with varying degrees of success in L2 learning, including a critical group with high proficiency as indicated by standardized language proficiency tests and on‐the‐job language use. Results from a series of group discrimination analyses indicate that high‐level attainment was related to working memory (including phonological short‐term memory and task set switching), associative learning, and implicit learning. We consider the implications for the construct of high‐level language aptitude and identify future directions for aptitude research.
Determinants in the rpsT mRNAs recognized by the 5′‐sensor domain of RNase E
Authors: Mackie George A.
Published: June 2013

RNase E plays a central role in processing virtually all classes of cellular RNA in many bacterial species. A characteristic feature of RNase E and its paralogue RNase G, as well as several other unrelated ribonucleases, is their preference for 5′‐monophosphorylated substrates. The basis for this property has been explored in vitro. At limiting substrate, cleavage of the rpsT mRNA by RNase E (residues 1–529) is inefficient, requiring excess enzyme. The rpsT mRNA is cleaved sequentially in a 5′ to 3′ direction, with the initial cleavage(s) at positions 116/117 or 190/191 being largely driven by direct entry, independent of the 5′‐terminus or the 5′‐sensor domain of RNase E. Generation of the 147 nt 3′‐limit product requires sequential cleavages that generate 5′‐monophosphorylated termini on intermediates, and the 5′‐sensor domain of RNase E. These requirements can be bypassed with limiting enzyme by deleting a stem‐loop structure adjacent to the site of the major, most distal cleavage. Alternatively, this specific cleavage can be activated substantially by a 5′‐phosphorylated oligonucleotide annealed 5′ to the cleavage site. This finding suggests that monophosphorylated small RNAs may destabilize their mRNA targets by recruiting the 5‐sensor domain of RNase E ‘in trans’.
The role of Arabidopsis thaliana NAR1, a cytosolic iron–sulfur cluster assembly component, in gametophytic gene expression and oxidative stress responses in vegetative tissue
Authors: Nakamura Miyuki , Buzas Diana Mihaela , Kato Akira , Fujita Masahiro , Kurata Nori , Kinoshita Tetsu
Published: June 2013

Iron–sulfur proteins have iron–sulfur clusters as a prosthetic group and are responsible for various cellular processes, including general transcriptional regulation, photosynthesis and respiration. The cytosolic iron–sulfur assembly (CIA) pathway of yeast has been shown to be responsible for regulation of iron–sulfur cluster assembly in both the cytosol and the nucleus. However, little is known about the roles of this pathway in multicellular organisms.

In a forward genetic screen, we identified an Arabidopsis thaliana mutant with impaired expression of the endosperm‐specific gene Flowering Wageningen (FWA). To characterize this mutant, we carried out detailed phenotypic and genetic analyses during reproductive and vegetative development.

The mutation affects NAR1, which encodes a homolog of a yeast CIA pathway component. Comparison of embryo development in nar1‐3 and other A. thaliana mutants affected in the CIA pathway showed that the embryos aborted at a similar stage, suggesting that this pathway potentially functions in early seed development. Transcriptome analysis of homozygous viable nar1‐4 seedlings showed transcriptional repression of a subset of genes involved in ‘iron ion transport’ and ‘response to nitrate’. nar1‐4 also exhibited resistance to the herbicide paraquat.

Our results indicate that A. thaliana NAR1 has various functions including transcriptional regulation in gametophytes and abiotic stress responses in vegetative tissues.
Measuring neural representations with fMRI: practices and pitfalls
Authors: Davis Tyler , Poldrack Russell A.
Published: June 2013

Recently, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of functional magnetic resonance imaging studies seeking to answer questions about how the brain represents information. Representational questions are of particular importance in connecting neuroscientific and cognitive levels of analysis because it is at the representational level that many formal models of cognition make distinct predictions. This review discusses techniques for univariate, adaptation, and multivoxel analysis, and how they have been used to answer questions about content specificity in different regions of the brain, how this content is organized, and how representations are shaped by and contribute to cognitive processes. Each of the analysis techniques makes different assumptions about the underlying neural code and thus differ in how they can be applied to specific questions. We also discuss the many pitfalls of representational analysis, from the flexibility in data analysis pipelines to emergent nonrepresentational relationships that can arise between stimuli in a task.
Obesity: a systematic review on parental involvement in long‐term European childhood weight control interventions with a nutritional focus
Authors: van der Kruk J. J. , Kortekaas F. , Lucas C. , Jager‐Wittenaar H.
Published: June 2013

In Europe, about 20% of children are overweight. Focus on parental responsibility is an effective method in weight control interventions in children. In this systematic review we describe the intensity of parental involvement and behaviour change aimed at parents in long‐term European childhood weight control interventions. We include European Union studies targeting parents in order to improve children's weight status in multi‐component (parental, behaviour change and nutrition) health promotion or lifestyle interventions. The included studies have at least one objectively measured anthropometric outcome in the weight status of the child. Parental involvement was described and categorized based on the intensity of parental involvement and coded using a validated behaviour change taxonomy specific to childhood obesity. Twenty‐four studies were analysed. In effective long‐term treatment studies, medium and high intensity parental involvement were identified most frequently; whereas in prevention studies low intensity parental involvement was identified most frequently. Parenting skills, generic and specific to lifestyle behaviour, scored frequently in effective weight control interventions. To list parental skills in generic and specific to lifestyle, descriptions of the included studies were summarized. We conclude that intensity of parental involvement and behaviour change techniques are important issues in the effectiveness of long‐term childhood weight control interventions.
FOSTERING PUBLIC SERVICE MOTIVATION THROUGH WORKPLACE TRUST: EVIDENCE FROM PUBLIC MANAGERS IN TAIWAN
Authors: CHEN CHUNG‐AN , HSIEH CHIH‐WEI , CHEN DON‐YUN
Published: June 2013

The existing literature addressing antecedents of public service motivation (PSM) focuses on personal predisposition and institutional shaping. The authors offer a focus that differs from previous studies, arguing that workplace trust as a result of human interaction and personal choice has a bearing onPSM. It is postulated that public managers' trust in citizens, trust in colleagues, and trust in agency leaders enhance theirPSM. The authors test this proposition by using data collected from middle managers working in the Taiwan central government and it receives strong support. This study brings trust into the study ofPSM, facilitates interdisciplinary dialogues, and thus helps makePSMa type of knowledge that pushes back the boundaries of public administration.
Heart rate variability arterial hypertension in young heart‐transplanted recipients: Association progression of cardiac allograft vasculopathy?
Authors: Giordano Ugo , Michielon Guido , Calò Carducci Francesca , Ravà Lucilla , Alfieri Sara , Parisi Francesco , Grutter Giorgia
Published: June 2013

Hypertension and reduced HRV are frequent in heart‐transplanted recipients. We studied 26 young recipients to investigate the relationship between BP and HRV during simultaneous 24‐h monitoring. Presence of CAV was considered. All HRV measures were significantly lower than normal values. Significant correlations were found between mean daytime systolic BP and the rMSSD (p = 0.04), and mean daytime DBP and SDANN for all 5‐min segments (p = 0.03) and between rMSSD and mean nighttime DBP (p = 0.03). Four patients were hypertensive during daytime, seven had a reduced nocturnal fall and two had a nocturnal rise in BP. Eight patients showed severe CAV grade (grade IV) on the Stanford scale, 13 moderate (grade III) and five mild (grade I‐II). After a follow‐up time of 30 months, four of the 13 patients (30%) with CAV grade III showed an increase to grade IV and all showed abnormalities of both HRV and ABPM patterns. The relationship between HRV abnormalities and arterial hypertension and CAV should be further explored.
Compensation of Measurement Errors Caused by Glass Refraction For Photogrammetric Plantar Surface Mapping
Authors: Ali Al‐Baghdadi Jasim Ahmed , Chong Albert K. , Alshadli Duaa
Published: June 2013

Mapping the human plantar (sole) surface during movement using an optical imaging technique often necessitates the use of a stage made of transparent material so that the human subject's gait can be imaged in a natural way, without obstruction. This research investigates a technique to reduce glass refraction distortion in the captured 3D spatial data. Impurities in the glass produce outliers in the calculated distortion values which were detected using an automated slope gradient technique. A point‐based moving averaging technique was utilised to determine the most appropriate distortion correction to replace the removed outliers. The results show that the empirical methods developed provide accurate glass refraction corrections for photogrammetric measurements, highlighted using the 3D foot plantar surface captured during various phases of a person's gait.
Effect of Laser Thermal Injury on Langerhans Cells in Mouse and Hairless Guinea Pig Epidermis
Authors: Burnham Kim , Schuster Kurt , Shingledecker Aurora , Kornegay Robert , Oliver Jeffrey
Published: June 2013

To examine the effect of laser thermal injury on Langerhans cells (LC) within the epidermis, the dorsal skin of mice and hairless guinea pigs was exposed to varying levels of laser irradiation using a thulium laser at a wavelength of 2.0 μm. At 6, 24 and 48 h post irradiation, animals were euthanized, skin samples prepared for histology and the epidermis obtained and stained by major histocompatibility complex‐II staining (mice) or ATPase assay (hairless guinea pigs) for the enumeration of LC. Mouse skin exhibited histological evidence of thermal damage at 24 h post irradiation at even the lowest dose (0.14 W) and decreases in the numbers of epidermal LC were observed at all doses and decreases were proportional to dose. In contrast, hairless guinea pig skin only showed consistent histological evidence of thermal damage at the highest dose of irradiation (0.70 W) at 24 and 48 h post irradiation and exhibited a statistically significant decrease in numbers of epidermal LC only at this dose. Thus, epidermal LC depletion occurred in the skin of both mice and hairless guinea pigs in response to laser treatment and the magnitude of depletion directly correlated with the extent of thermal damage both within and between species.
Cognitive control adjustments and conflict adaptation in major depressive disorder
Authors: Clawson Ann , Clayson Peter E. , Larson Michael J.
Published: June 2013

Individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) show alterations in the cognitive control function of conflict processing. We examined the influence of these deficits on behavioral and event‐related potential (ERP) indices of conflict adaptation, a cognitive control process wherein previous‐trial congruency modulates current‐trial performance, in 55 individuals with MDD and 55 matched controls. ERPs were calculated while participants completed a modified flanker task. There were nonsignificant between‐groups differences in response time, error rate, and N2 indices of conflict adaptation. Higher depressive symptom scores were associated with smaller mean N2 conflict adaptation scores for individuals with MDD and when collapsed across groups. Results were consistent when comorbidity and medications were analyzed. These findings suggest N2 conflict adaptation is associated with depressive symptoms rather than clinical diagnosis alone.
Two novel null HLA‐A alleles with identical exon 4 nonsense mutations: HLA‐A*24:183N and A*02:356N
Authors: Shimizu M. , Nakajima F. , Okazaki H. , Satake M. , Tadokoro K.
Published: June 2013

HLA‐A*24:183N, A*02:356N, and A*02:15N share the same stop codon at the same position in exon 4.
Evaluation of biofilm production byPseudomonas aeruginosafrom canine ears and the impact of biofilm on antimicrobial susceptibilityin vitro
Authors: Pye Charlotte C. , Yu Anthony A. , Weese J. Scott
Published: June 2013

Background

Pseudomonas aeruginosais a common cause of canine otitis;P. aeruginosabiofilm formation has been documented in human medicine, but the role of biofilms in canine disease is not well documented. Bacteria within biofilms can be more resistant to antibiotics compared with their planktonic form; therefore, understanding the biofilm‐forming capacity of isolates and their susceptibility to antimicrobials is important when developing treatment regimens.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To evaluate the biofilm‐forming capacity of canine otic isolates ofP. aeruginosaand to compare the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the planktonic versus biofilm‐embedded bacteria.

Methods

Biofilm‐forming ability was assessed using a microtitre plate assay. Broth microdilution was used to assess theMICs of neomycin, polymyxin B, enrofloxacin and gentamicin for the planktonic and biofilm‐embedded bacteria.

Results

Eighty‐three isolates from dogs with otitis were tested; 33 (40%) were classified as biofilm producers. BiofilmMICs for polymyxin B, neomycin, gentamicin and enrofloxacin were significantly higher than for the planktonic form (P < 0.05).

Conclusions and clinical importance

Biofilm production by otitis isolates ofP. aeruginosais common and may play a role in the pathogenesis of disease. TheMICs for biofilm‐embedded bacteria differ from their planktonic counterparts, potentially leading to a lack of response to treatment. If polymyxin B, gentamicin, neomycin or enrofloxacin is to be used for topical treatment of aPseudomonasotitis, the concentration of the medication should be increased, in particular if addressing chronic otitis, because biofilms may have developed.