bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mycorrhization level in truffle plants and presence of concurrent fungi
Authors: Falini Leonardo B. , Benucci Gian M. , Bencivenga Mattia , Donnini Domizia
Published: December 2013

In Italy, to improve good practices for truffle cultivation, some regional governments require specific certification of mycorrhization level and plant quality for marketing, out-planting and establishment of truffle orchards. The Department of Applied Biology at the University of Perugia has dealt with certification of truffle plants since the 1980’s. Here we show the mycorrhization analysis of different host species previously inoculated with truffle spores by an Italian commercial nursery.
Mycorrhizal inoculation of pecan seedlings with some marketable truffles
Authors: Benucci Gian M. , Bonito Gregory , Falini Leonardo B. , Bencivenga Mattia , Donnini Domizia
Published: December 2013

Pecan is the common name of Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch, an ectomycorrhizal tree native to North America, also frequently known as hickory. Mycorrhizal inoculations of pecan seedlings with: Tuber aestivum Vittad., T. borchii Vittad., T. indicum Cooke & Massee, and T. lyonii Butters are described and discussed.
Assessing genetic resources of summer truffle in Slovakia
Authors: Gažo Ján , Miko Marián , Miko Martin , Chlpík Juraj
Published: December 2013

A study of summer truffle genetic resources, their description and evaluation of economically important traits in Slovak natural truffiéres started since 2005. Draft of national descriptor list has been developed to manage truffle genetic resources collected in the information system "Tuber Aestivum/ Uncinatum Phenotype Data" (TAUPD). Revision was performed in TAUPD to increase effectiveness of truffle breeding process.
Preliminary studies of fungi in the Biebrza National Park (NE Poland). II. Macromycetes
Authors: Kujawa Anna , Wrzosek Marta , Domian Grażyna , Kędra Kamil , Szkodzik Jarosław , Rudawska Maria , Leski Tomasz , Karliński Leszek , Pietras Marcin , Gierczyk Błażej , Dynowska Maria , Ślusarczyk Dominika , Kałucka Izabela , Ławrynowicz Maria
Published: December 2013

This paper presents the second part of the results of the first short-term inventory of fungi species occurring in the Biebrza National Park and is focused on a survey of macrofungi. The total number of macrofungi found during the survey in late August 2012 was 289 taxa: 17 ascomycetes and 272 basidiomycetes, inhabiting diverse ecological niches. The identified fungi belonged to ectomycorrhizal symbionts and saprobionts decomposing wood, plant litter and animal remnants. The identity of 25 mycorrhizal fungi species has been confirmed using molecular techniques. Five species are newly reported for Poland (Amanita olivaceogrisea, Lepiota lepida, Stropharia alcis, Xerocomus fennicus, X. cisalpinus) and 225 taxa (79 %) were not known in the Biebrza National Park. Fifty species are endangered in Poland, of which nine species are protected by law. Data on species richness and the taxonomic diversity of the identified fungi are briefly commented in terms of their significance for nature conservation and future research.
Trésor perdu et expérience cinématographique de l’adresse au tiers
:
Le beau dimanche de Dominique Cabrera, 2007
Authors: Wahnich Sophie
Published: December 2013

Si la Révolution française est devenue un trésor perdu, l’expérience cinématographique offre de nouvelles possibilités pour le retrouver et pose des questions nouvelles à l’historien de la Révolution française. En prenant appui sur un film de Dominique Cabrera intitulé Le Beau Dimanche (2007), il s’agit de montrer qu’une nouvelle figure de tiers, le fantôme, permet de reconsidérer la figuration d’un régime d’historicité caractérisé par des effets retour de ce qui était resté tabou et, dans le cas de cet article, de la violence répressive des demandes populaires de justice.
Communitas/Immunitas: a releitura de Roberto Esposito da biopolítica
Authors: Nalli Marcos
Published: December 2013

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar as principais ideias do filósofo político italiano Roberto Esposito, mostrando como ele relê a biopolítica moderna a partir das categorias conceituais de “comunidade” e “sistema imunitário”. Procuraremos demonstrar como Esposito concebe cada um desses conceitos e como os articula de modo a demonstrar os traços totalitários que podem apresentar, identificando uma aparente limitação de sua abordagem para, em seguida, esboçar uma possível resposta de Esposito, na medida em que retoma a urgência de se pensar outro conceito de comunidade.
A crítica da violência de Walter Benjamin: implicações histórico-temporais do conceito de reine Gewalt
Authors: F. Barbosa Jonnefer
Published: December 2013

“ZurKritik der Gewalt”, publicado em agosto de 1921, nos ArchivfurSozialwissenschaftundSozialpolitik, tratará da tentativa de demarcação de uma violência (Gewalt) exterior (auserhalb) ou para além (jenseits) do direito: uma“violência pura” (reine Gewalt),que romperia a dialética da violência mítica que instauraria e conservaria a ordem jurídica. Este artigo pretende estabelecer algumas problematizações sobre esse conceito na filosofia de Walter Benjamin e de alguns intérpretes contemporâneos,buscando conjugar o conceito de reine Gewalt com as reflexões benjaminianas sobre o tempo e a história.
Violências do nome: exceção e silêncio
Authors: Nicastro Honesko Vinícius
Published: December 2013

A partir da leitura da cena final do filme Teorema,de Pier Paolo Pasolini, o presente ensaio propõe uma análise a respeito da linguagem humana, bem como das implicações políticas advindas de tais análises. Aborda a maneira como o limite da linguagem é encarado nas reflexões que sobre isso fazem tanto Pasolini quanto Maurice Blanchot. RetomandoValéry – o poema como “l’hesitationprolongee entre lesens et leson” –, demonstra como o par significante/significado pode ser lido como a questão mística da linguagem, isto é, como algo que lida com o misterio. Para tanto, recorre às compreensões dantescas sobre a origem da linguagem significante, às proposições benjaminianas sobre a linguagem e às leituras contemporâneas de Giorgio Agamben e Jean-Luc Nancy. As análises expõem o modo como tal problema místico da linguagem pode e deve ser conectado ao problema político. Isto é, à compreensão da política está implicada a necessidade de redimensionamento da máxima aristotélica do zōonlogonekhon. O ensaio expõe o modo como o homem resolve sua vida na linguagem, de modo que às pressupostas certezas políticas são precisas novas questões sobre a própria dimensão do humano. A leitura de Teorema, portanto, serve como mote para pensar uma dimensão em que a ontologia se resolva em ética e que, assim, aporte não numa busca pelo Sentido político, mas num pensamento (sobre a) político(a) atravessado por uma reinvenção desentidos.
Impact of intrapancreatic or extrapancreatic bile duct involvement on survival following pancreatoduodenectomy for common bile duct cancer
Authors: Kamposioras K , Anthoney A , Fernández Moro C , Cairns A , Smith A M , Liaskos C , Verbeke C S
Published: December 2013

Background

The clinicopathological factors that influence survival following pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) for common bile duct (CBD) cancer are not well known. This study aimed to investigate the effect of tumour involvement of the intrapancreatic versus extrapancreatic CBD on margin status, overall (OS) and disease-free (DFS) survival.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of patients who underwent PD for CBD cancer between 2001 and 2009. Pathological examination was performed according to a previously described standardized protocol based on axial slicing. Clinicopathological data and outcome in terms of margin status, DFS and OS were compared between cancers involving exclusively the intrapancreatic CBD (CBDin) and those involving the extrapancreatic CBD, in isolation or combined with invasion of the intrapancreatic part of the duct (CBDex).

Results

A total of 66 patients were enrolled. Most CBD cancers were locally advanced (97 per cent pathological (p) T3, 76 per cent pN1). Microscopic margin involvement (R1) was more frequent in CBDex than in CBDin cancers (34 of 39 versus 13 of 27; P = 0·001), more often multifocal (P < 0·001) and more frequently affected the periductal margin (P = 0·005). Venous resection was more often required for CBDex cancers (P = 0·009). CBDex cancers were associated with worse OS (median 21 versus 28 months; P = 0·020) and DFS (14 versus 31 months; P = 0·015), but the rate and site of recurrence did not differ. Metastasis to more than two lymph nodes was an independent predictor of OS and DFS.

Conclusion

CBDex cancer is associated with a higher rate of R1 resection and venous resection after PD, and has a worse outcome than CBDin cancer.
Optimizing the outcome of vascular intervention for Takayasu arteritis
Authors: Perera A H , Youngstein T , Gibbs R G J , Jackson J E , Wolfe J H , Mason J C
Published: December 2013

Background

Takayasu arteritis (TA) predisposes to the development of arterial stenoses and aneurysms, and is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality amongst young patients. The aims of this study were to analyse indications and outcomes of surgical intervention, and to assess the potential benefits of immunosuppression and the use of perioperative imaging.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of patients with TA referred between 2001 and 2012.

Results

A series of 97 patients with TA, seen at a single tertiary centre, is reported. Immunosuppression was required in 87 patients (90 per cent). Thirty-seven (38 per cent) underwent 64 procedures: 27 patients underwent 33 open surgical procedures and 20 patients had 31 endovascular procedures. After a median follow-up of 6 years, the overall success rate was 79 per cent for open surgery (mean graft patency 9·4 years) and 52 per cent for endovascular procedures (P = 0·035). Procedural failure was significantly reduced in patients receiving preoperative immunosuppression, and particularly endovascular procedures (P = 0·001). In addition to clinical examination and measurement of acute-phase reactants, combination non-invasive imaging including Doppler ultrasonography, [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose combined positron emission and computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance angiography and CT angiography was used to identify arterial lesions, establish the diagnosis and monitor treatment outcomes.

Conclusion

Outcomes of vascular intervention in TA may be improved by detailed preoperative assessment including measurement of disease activity, and by ensuring optimal immunomodulatory therapy before and after the procedure.
Sustainable global surgery
Authors: Earnshaw J J , Alderson D
Published: December 2013

A challenge to surgeons
Patient‐reported outcomes in women with breast cancer enrolled in a dual‐center, double‐blind, randomized controlled trial assessing the effect of acupuncture in reducing aromatase inhibitor‐induced musculoskeletal symptoms
Authors: Bao Ting , Cai Ling , Snyder Claire , Betts Kelly , Tarpinian Karineh , Gould Jeff , Jeter Stacie , Medeiros Michelle , Chumsri Saranya , Bardia Aditya , Tan Ming , Singh Harvinder , Tkaczuk Katherin H. R. , Stearns Vered
Published: December 2013

BACKGROUND

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) have been associated with decrements in patient‐reported outcomes (PROs). The objective of this study was to assess whether real acupuncture (RA), compared with sham acupuncture (SA), improves PROs in patients with breast cancer who are receiving an adjuvant AI.

METHODS

Postmenopausal women with a stage 0 through III breast cancer who received an AI and had treatment‐associated musculoskeletal symptoms were randomized to receive 8 weekly RA versus SA in a dual‐center, randomized controlled trial. The National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) menopausal symptoms questionnaire, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CESD) scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the hot flash daily diary, the Hot Flash‐Related Daily Interference Scale (HFRDI), and the European quality‐of‐life survey (EuroQol) were used to assess PROs at baseline and at 4weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks.

RESULTS

The intention‐to‐treat analysis included 23 patients in the RA arm and 24 patients in the SA arm. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the 2 groups. Compared with baseline, scores in the RA arm improved significantly at week 8 on the CESD (P = .022), hot flash severity (P = .006), hot flash frequency (P = .011), the HFRDI (P = .014), and NSABP menopausal symptoms (P = .022); scores in the SA arm improved significantly on the EuroQol (P = .022),the HFRDI (P = .043), and NSABP menopausal symptoms (P = .005). Post‐hoc analysis indicated that African American patients (n = 9) benefited more from RA than SA compared with non‐African American patients (n = 38) in reducing hot flash severity (P < .001) and frequency (P < .001) scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Both RA and SA were associated with improvement in PROs among patients with breast cancer who were receiving AIs, and no significant difference was detected between arms. Racial differences in response to acupuncture warrant further study. Cancer 2014;120:381–389. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
The Early Cognitive Development of Children at High Risk of Developing an Eating Disorder
Authors: Kothari Radha , Rosinska Magda , Treasure Janet , Micali Nadia
Published: December 2013

Diagnosis of an eating disorder (ED) has been associated with differences in cognition. Recent evidence suggests that differences may be present prior to onset. Children at familial high risk for ED show cognitive differences at ages 8–10 years. Research is required to investigate differences in cognitive development at various time points. This is the first study to investigate cognitive development in children at high risk at 18 months (Griffiths Mental Development Scale; n = 982) and 4 years old (Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence—Revised; n = 582), in comparison with children not at risk, using a general population sample, the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Children of women with lifetime anorexia nervosa revealed difficulties in social understanding, visual‐motor function, planning and abstract reasoning. Cognitive differences observed here have also been observed in clinical groups. This suggests difficulties may be present prior to onset, potentially affecting risk status for development of ED. Findings contribute to an understanding of aetiology, and design of prevention/intervention strategies. Copyright © 2013 The Authors. European Eating Disorders Review published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Relationship between disease severity, hyperinsulinemia, and impaired insulin clearance in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Bril Fernando , Lomonaco Romina , Orsak Beverly , Ortiz-Lopez Carolina , Webb Amy , Tio Fermin , Hecht Joan , Cusi Kenneth
Published: December 2013

Hyperinsulinemia is believed to play a key role in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and associated cardiovascular risk. However, the relative contribution of insulin clearance to hyperinsulinemia and its relationship to liver histology have not been carefully evaluated before. To examine this, we enrolled 190 patients (32 without nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD], 36 with simple steatosis [SS], and 122 with biopsy-proven NASH). Insulin secretion and hepatic insulin clearance were estimated by means of an oral glucose tolerance test, whereas peripheral insulin sensitivity and whole-body insulin clearance were measured during a euglycemic insulin clamp. A liver biopsy was performed to assess histology (grade/stage). Patients with NASH had similar hepatic insulin sensitivity, compared to patients with SS, but more severe adipose tissue insulin resistance and worse hyperinsulinemia. Patients with SS and NASH had a similar ˜30% reduction (P < 0.01) in hepatic insulin clearance, when compared to patients without NAFLD. Reduced hepatic insulin clearance was not associated with severity of inflammation, ballooning, and fibrosis. In contrast, worse histological inflammation and ballooning (but not steatosis or fibrosis) were associated with a progressive reduction in whole-body insulin clearance (P < 0.001 for trend). There was no significant difference in insulin secretion between patients with SS versus NASH. Conclusion: Decreased hepatic insulin clearance develops with a mild increase in liver fat (LFAT) accumulation. It appears to be largely driven by hepatic steatosis, whereas steatohepatitis is more closely associated with reduced whole-body insulin clearance. Hyperinsulinemia in NAFLD correlated strongly with impaired insulin clearance, but not with insulin secretion. Strategies that reduce LFAT and improve insulin clearance hold the potential to revert the unfavorable effects of hyperinsulinemia in these patients. (Hepatology 2014;59:2178–2187)
The use of sediment toxicity identification evaluation methods to evaluate clean up targets in an urban estuary
Authors: Greenstein Darrin J , Bay Steven M , Young Diana L , Asato Stanford , Maruya Keith A , Lao Wenjian
Published: December 2013

The Ballona Creek Estuary (BCE) in Los Angeles, California, is in a highly urbanized watershed, is contaminated by a variety of chemicals, and has prevalent sediment toxicity. Sediment cleanup targets for BCE have been established for Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn, chlordane, DDTs, PCBs, and PAHs, based on sediment quality guidelines. A sediment toxicity identification evaluation (TIE) was conducted to examine how these targets corresponded to toxicity observed with the estuarine amphipod Eohaustorius estuarius. Whole sediment and porewater TIEs were used to identify the cause of toxicity. Passive samplers were deployed to determine the bioavailable fraction of contaminants. Spiked sediment tests were conducted to determine the thresholds of toxicity for selected constituents. Toxicity was found to be widespread but temporally and spatially variable. Whole sediment and porewater TIEs both indicated pyrethroid pesticides were the most likely contaminant group contributing to the toxicity. Concentrations of the chemicals listed for cleanup were found to often exceed target values but were not observed at concentrations likely to cause toxicity. Bioavailable fractions of the target chemicals quantified using passive samplers did not exceed toxicity thresholds. Spiked sediment tests established 10 day LC50s for 4,4′ DDE, 4, 4′ DDT, α-chlordane, and cyfluthrin at >3050 μg/g, 266 μg/g, >2120 μg/g, and 0.33 μg/g organic carbon (OC), respectively. The cyfluthrin LC50 was within the range of concentrations observed in the estuary sediments, but LC50s for the other 3 chemicals were orders of magnitude greater than observed levels. The combination of TIE, sediment chemistry and the results from spiked sediment exposures indicate pyrethroid pesticides are more likely the cause of the observed toxicity than any of the contaminants targeted for cleanup. The results of this study indicate the importance of using a TIE approach to determine chemicals of concern and dose-response information to set cleanup targets, rather than using sediment quality guidelines. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2014;10:260–268. © 2013 SETAC

Key Points

Sediment quality guidelines are often used to inform management decisions regarding contaminated sediments, such as determining chemicals of concern and clean up target concentrations. Different conclusions were obtained in an urban estuary for stressor identifications using sediment quality guidelines versus site specific assessments with toxicity identification evaluations, bioavailable chemical measurements, and spiked sediment exposures. Sediment quality guideline based clean up target concentrations were often multiple orders of magnitude below the concentrations found to be toxic by the spiked sediment exposures.
Foot and ankle joint movements inside orthoses for children with spastic CP
Authors: Liu Xue‐Cheng , Embrey David , Tassone Channing , Klingbeil Frederick , Marquez‐Barrientos Carlos , Brandsma Brenna , Lyon Roger , Schwab Jeffrey , Tarima Sergey , Thometz John
Published: December 2013

We compared the ankle joint and foot segment kinematics of pediatric cerebral palsy (CP) participants walking with and without orthoses. A six segment foot model (6SF) was used to track foot motion. Holes were cut in the study orthoses so that electromagnetic markers could be directly placed on the skin. The Hinged Ankle Foot Orthoses (HAFO) allowed a significant increase in ankle dorsiflexion as compared to the barefoot condition during gait, but significantly constrained sagittal forefoot motion and forefoot sagittal range of motion (ROM) (p < 0.01), which may be detrimental. The Solid Ankle Foot Orthoses (SAFO) constrained forefoot ROM as compared to barefoot gait (p < 0.01). The 6SF model did not confirm that the SAFO can control excessive plantarflexion for those with severe plantarflexor spasticity. The supramalleolar orthosis (SMO) significantly (p < 0.01) constrained forefoot ROM as compared to barefoot gait at the beginning and end of the stance phase, which could be detrimental. The SMO had no effects observed in the coronal plane. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:531–536, 2014.
Serum influences the expression of Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum‐sensing genes and QS‐controlled virulence genes during early and late stages of growth
Authors: Kruczek Cassandra , Qaisar Uzma , Colmer‐Hamood Jane A. , Hamood Abdul N.
Published: December 2013

In response to diverse environmental stimuli at different infection sites, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a serious nosocomial pathogen, coordinates the production of different virulence factors through a complicated network of the hierarchical quorum‐sensing (QS) systems including the las, rhl, and the 2‐alkyl‐4‐quinolone‐related QS systems. We recently showed that at early stages of growth serum alters the expression of numerous P. aeruginosa genes. In this study, we utilized transcriptional analysis and enzyme assays to examine the effect of serum on the QS and QS‐controlled virulence factors during early and late phases of growth of the P. aeruginosa strain PAO1. At early phase, serum repressed the transcription of lasI, rhlI, and pqsA but not lasR or rhlR. However, at late phase, serum enhanced the expression of all QS genes. Serum produced a similar effect on the synthesis of the autoinducers 3OC12‐HSL, C4‐HSL, and HHQ/PQS. Additionally, serum repressed the expression of several QS‐controlled genes in the early phase, but enhanced them in the late phase. Furthermore, serum influenced the expression of different QS‐positive (vqsR, gacA, and vfr) as well as QS‐negative (rpoN, qscR, mvaT, and rsmA) regulatory genes at either early or late phases of growth. However, with the exception of PAOΔvfr, we detected comparable levels of lasI/lasR expression in PAO1 and PAO1 mutants defective in these regulatory genes. At late stationary phase, serum failed to enhance lasI/lasR expression in PAOΔvfr. These results suggest that depending on the phase of growth, serum differentially influenced the expression of P. aeruginosa QS and QS‐controlled virulence genes. In late phase, serum enhanced the expression of las genes through vfr.
Annexin A3 promotes tumorigenesis and resistance to chemotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Pan Qiu‐Zhong , Pan Ke , Weng De‐Sheng , Zhao Jing‐Jing , Zhang Xiao‐Fei , Wang Dan‐Dan , Lv Lin , Jiang Shan‐Shan , Zheng Hai‐Xia , Xia Jian‐Chuan
Published: December 2013

Annexin A3 (ANXA3) has been found to play important roles in cancer progression, metastasis, and drug resistance; however, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the expression level, clinical significance and biologic function of ANXA3 in HCC. Real‐time quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and immunohistochemical staining were used to examine ANXA3 expression levels in HCC tumor tissue, and its correlation with the clinicopathological features and prognosis of HCC patients was analyzed. The biological functions of ANXA3 in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and resistance to chemotherapy were also investigated. ANXA3 expression was significantly increased in HCC tissues as compared with adjacent non‐tumorous tissues. Elevated ANXA3 expression was associated with tumor size, number of lesions, tumor stage, and poor prognosis. In hepatoma cell lines, exogenous ANXA3 transduction promoted the tumorigenic activity and metastatic potential of tumor cells. Small interfering RNA silencing of ANXA3 inhibited these processes. In addition, in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that ANXA3 overexpression enhanced resistance to chemotherapy. Taken together, our findings reveal that ANXA3 might play an important role in HCC progression and chemoresistance, and could serve as a novel prognostic marker and therapeutic target for HCC. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Emerging clinical trends and perspectives on comorbid patterns of mental disorders in research
Authors: Fava Giovanni A. , Tossani Eliana , Bech Per , Berrocal Carmen , Chouinard Guy , Csillag Claudio , Wittchen Hans‐Ulrich , Rief Winfried
Published: December 2013

Comorbidity is a well‐established and documented phenomenon in mental disorders and medicine with heuristic value. The concept of comorbidity remains however poorly defined and lacks a comprehensive and coherent theoretical framework. There is a need to develop coherent methodological strategies in order to promote a fuller understanding of the implications of comorbidity and to exploit its potential value with regard to etiopathogenic and therapeutic issues. This position paper makes recommendations of improved methodological standards and procedures and discusses a range of options that can provide incremental information that is likely to improve therapeutic outcomes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predominantly placenta‐expressed mRNAs in maternal plasma as predictive markers for twin–twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Miura Kiyonori , Higashijima Ai , Miura Shoko , Mishima Hiroyuki , Yamasaki Kentaro , Abe Shuhei , Hasegawa Yuri , Kaneuchi Masanori , Yoshida Atsushi , Kinoshita Akira , Yoshiura Koh‐ichiro , Masuzaki Hideaki
Published: December 2013

Objective

This study aimed to identify a set of predominantly placental (PP) mRNAs, which are associated with later‐developing twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).

Method

First, out of 50 PP mRNAs we previously reported, we select target mRNAs that are ordinarily detectable in maternal plasma. Plasma concentrations of these PP mRNAs were measured in monochorionic diamniotic twin (MCDA‐T) pregnancies complicated by TTTS later (n = 11) and in uncomplicated MCDA‐T pregnancies (n = 17). Finally, the diagnostic values of the PP mRNAs in plasma were evaluated.

Results

From 50 PP mRNAs, nine [human placental lactogen (hPL); pregnancy‐specific glycoproteins 2 (PSG2); human pregnancy‐specific glycoproteins 3 (PSG3); syncytin; syncytin 2; retinoic acid‐induced 14; A disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain‐containing protein 12 (ADAM12); chorionic glycoprotein hormones, alpha polypeptide; and chorionic glycoprotein hormones, and beta polypeptide] were selected as target mRNAs. Changes in six PP mRNAs [increased hPL, PSG2, and PSG3 and decreased syncytin, syncytin2, and ADAM12] in maternal plasma were detected in MCDA‐T pregnant women who subsequently developed TTTS. Finally, mRNA signatures gave elevated AUCs (hPL/PSG2: 0.8717; hPL/PSG3: 0.8449; hPL/ADAM12: 0.8396) compared with single hPL mRNA.

Conclusion

Quantitative aberration of plural cell‐free PP mRNAs in maternal plasma precedes the appearance of clinically apparent TTTS. This suggests that pathophysiological changes in the placenta are associated with morbid conditions of TTTS. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tunable Reverse‐Biased Graphene/Silicon Heterojunction Schottky Diode Sensor
Authors: Singh Amol , Uddin Md. Ahsan , Sudarshan Tangali , Koley Goutam
Published: December 2013

A new chemical sensor based on reverse‐biased graphene/Si heterojunction diode has been developed that exhibits extremely high bias‐dependent molecular detection sensitivity and low operating power. The device takes advantage of graphene's atomically thin nature, which enables molecular adsorption on its surface to directly alter graphene/Si interface barrier height, thus affecting the junction current exponentially when operated in reverse bias and resulting in ultrahigh sensitivity. By operating the device in reverse bias, the work function of graphene, and hence the barrier height at the graphene/Si heterointerface, can be controlled by the bias magnitude, leading to a wide tunability of the molecular detection sensitivity. Such sensitivity control is also possible by carefully selecting the graphene/Si heterojunction Schottky barrier height. Compared to a conventional graphene amperometric sensor fabricated on the same chip, the proposed sensor demonstrated 13 times higher sensitivity for NO2 and 3 times higher for NH3 in ambient conditions, while consuming ∼500 times less power for same magnitude of applied voltage bias. The sensing mechanism based on heterojunction Schottky barrier height change has been confirmed using capacitance‐voltage measurements.
Novel transparent ceramics for solid-state lasers
Authors: Yang Hao , Zhang Jian , Luo Dewei , Lin Hui , Shen Deyuan , Tang Dingyuan
Published: December 2013

Recent progress on rare-earth doped polycrystalline YAG transparent ceramics has made them an alternative novel solid-state laser gain material. In this paper we present results of our research on polycrystalline RE:YAG transparent ceramics. High optical quality YAG ceramics doped with various rare-earth (RE) ions such as ${\rm Nd}^{3+}$, ${\rm Yb}^{3+}$, ${\rm Er}^{3+}$, ${\rm Tm}^{3+}$, and ${\rm Ho}^{3+}$ have been successfully fabricated using the solid-state reactive sintering method. Highly efficient laser oscillations of the fabricated ceramics are demonstrated.
b-Stability and Blow-Ups
Authors: Donaldson S. K.
Published: December 2013

We study a notion of ‘b-stability’, introduced previously by the author in connection with the existence of constant scalar curvature Kähler, and Kähler-Einstein, metrics. The main result is Theorem 1.2, which makes progress towards a statement that the existence of such metrics implies b-stability. The proof is a modification of an argument of Stoppa, taking account of the birational transformations involved in the definition of b-stability.
Seasonal variations in the structure of copepod assemblages in tropical marine and estuarine waters, Coleroon, south-east India
Authors: Rajkumar M. , Sun Jun , Jenkinson I. R. , Rahman M.M.
Published: December 2013

A twelve-month investigation was undertaken on how copepod community structure varied in relation to environmental factors in the Coleroon estuary, south-east India. Sampling was monthly, from Station 1 in the sea to Station 4 in the Vettar backwaters. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was applied to elucidate the environmental factors affecting the copepod community. A total of 104 copepod species in 38 genera and 26 families were recorded, with the Calanoids, Acartia erythraea and Oithona brevicornis being the most dominant. At all four stations, both these species loaded near the intercept of CCA axes 1 and 2, perhaps reflecting that they were autochthonous. Most species occurred in distinct seasonal patterns. Abundances ranged from 13 × 103 to 215 × 103 (ind. m−3). Coleroon waters showed high diversity (bits/ind.), from 5.29 at Station 3 to 4.97 at Station 4. Abundance correlated positively with temperature and salinity and negatively with rainfall, dissolved oxygen concentration (DO) and pH. Species diversity correlated strongly with abundance (P < 0.01). Abundance and diversity were highest during the summer, and both correlated positively with salinity. Temperatures (air and water), salinity, pH and DO varied in the ranges 26–36°C, 25–34.2°C, 9–38, 7.0–8.7 and 3.0–6.8 ml l-1, respectively. Nitrate, nitrite, phosphate and silicate (µM) varied in the ranges: 4.7–64.5, 0.4–14.1, 0.2–12.9 and 9.3–148, respectively.
Reshaping US Navy Pacific Response in Mitigating Disaster Risk in South Pacific Island Nations: Adopting Community-Based Disaster Cycle Management
Authors: Reaves Erik J. , Termini Michael , Burkle Frederick M.
Published: December 2013

The US Department of Defense continues to deploy military assets for disaster relief and humanitarian actions around the world. These missions, carried out through geographically located Combatant Commands, represent an evolving role the US military is taking in health diplomacy, designed to enhance disaster preparedness and response capability. Oceania is a unique case, with most island nations experiencing “acute-on-chronic” environmental stresses defined by acute disaster events on top of the consequences of climate change. In all Pacific Island nation-states and territories, the symptoms of this process are seen in both short- and long-term health concerns and a deteriorating public health infrastructure. These factors tend to build on each other. To date, the US military's response to Oceania primarily has been to provide short-term humanitarian projects as part of Pacific Command humanitarian civic assistance missions, such as the annual Pacific Partnership, without necessarily improving local capacity or leaving behind relevant risk-reduction strategies. This report describes the assessment and implications on public health of large-scale humanitarian missions conducted by the US Navy in Oceania. Future opportunities will require the Department of Defense and its Combatant Commands to show meaningful strategies to implement ongoing, long-term, humanitarian activities that will build sustainable, host nation health system capacity and partnerships. This report recommends a community-centric approach that would better assist island nations in reducing disaster risk throughout the traditional disaster management cycle and defines a potential and crucial role of Department of Defense's assets and resources to be a more meaningful partner in disaster risk reduction and community capacity building.

ReavesEJ,TerminiM,BurkleFMJr.Reshaping US Navy Pacific response in mitigating disaster risk in South Pacific Island nations: adopting community-based disaster cycle management.Prehosp Disaster Med.2014;29(1):1-9.
Pseudo-Outbreak ofKlebsiella oxytocaSpontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis Attributed to Contamination of Multidose Vials of Culture Medium Supplement
Authors: Perez Federico , Deshpande Abhishek , Kundrapu Sirisha , Hujer Andrea M. , Bonomo Robert A. , Donskey Curtis J.
Published: December 2013

Objective.

To determine the source of a cluster ofKlebsiella oxytocaisolates cultured from peritoneal fluid of 3 patients with cirrhosis on a single day.

Design.

Outbreak investigation and before-after study.

Setting.

A Veterans Affairs medical center.

Methods.

Epidemiologic investigation, analysis of antimicrobial susceptibility testing results and molecular typing ofK. oxytocaisolates with repetitive sequence-based polymerase chain reaction (rep-PCR), review of microbiology laboratory procedures for processing peritoneal fluid cultures, and comparison of peritoneal fluid contamination rates 18 months before and after modification of laboratory procedures for culturing peritoneal fluid.

Results.

Each of the peritoneal fluid samples that grewK. oxytocawas inoculated into blood culture bottles by different clinicians at different hospital locations. None of the patients had clinical findings suggestive of peritonitis or elevated polymorphonuclear cell counts in peritoneal fluid (range, 3-25 cells/μL). Molecular typing with rep-PCR demonstrated that theK. oxytocaisolates were genetically related (greater than 95% similarity). Laboratory procedures included the routine addition of a culture medium supplement of yeast extract and dextrose from a multidose vial into blood culture bottles with peritoneal fluid. After discontinuing use of the culture medium supplement, there was a marked reduction in the number of peritoneal fluid cultures deemed as contaminants (14.3% vs 0.9%;P<.001).

Conclusion.

A pseudo-outbreak ofK. oxytocaperitonitis and high rates of contamination of peritoneal fluid were attributable to contamination of a multidose culture medium supplement. This article highlights the importance of discouraging the use of multidose vials in all clinical settings.
The aluminoarsenate Na1.67K1.33Al3(AsO4)4
Authors: Bouhassine Mohamad Alem , Boughzala Habib
Published: December 2013

The title compound, sodium potassium trialuminium tetrakis(orthoarsenate), was prepared by solid-state reactions. The anionic framework consists of corrugated layers parallel to (010) and is made up of corner-sharing AlO6 octahedra (site symmetries .2. and 2/m..) that are connected to isolated AsO4 tetrahedra (site symmetries .2. and m..) through edge- and corner-sharing. The alkali cations are occupationally disordered. The two K+ cations [site symmetries .2. and m..; occupancies 0.314 (7) and 0.035 (12)] are situated in the interlayer space, whereas the smaller Na+ cations [both with site symmetry m..; occupancies = 0.725 (14) and 0.112 (14)] are located in the cavities of the anionic framework. The K+ cations are surrounded by six and seven O atoms, the Na+ cations by seven and nine O atoms. The resulting coordination polyhedra of the two types of cations are highly distorted.
Tetra-μ-acetato-κ8
O:O′-bis[(pyridine-2-carbonitrile-κN
1)copper(II)]
Authors: Luo Mei , Wang Lei , Zhang Jing-Cheng
Published: December 2013

The title binuclear compound, [Cu2(CH3COO)4(C6H4N2)2], lies about an inversion center, with the CuII cation bridged by four acetate anions and coordinated by a pyridine N atom in a distorted square-pyramidal geometry. The Cu...Cu distance is 2.5997 (15) Å. In the crystal, molecules are linked by weak C—H...O and C—H...N hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture. The crystal studied was a non-merohedral twin with a minor twin component of 4.1 (1)%.
2-(2-Fluoro-4-nitrophenoxy)-3-nitropyridine
Authors: Cui Lili , He Xingquan
Published: December 2013

In the title compound, C11H6FN3O5, the dihedral angle between the aromatic rings is 72.4 (3)°. The NO2 groups form dihedral angles of 40.8 (2) and 4.8 (2)°, respectively, with the attached pyridine and benzene rings. The crystal structure features π–π stacking between centrosymmetrically related pairs of pyridine rings [centroid–centroid separation = 3.800 (3) Å].
catena-Poly[[triaquamagnesium]-μ2-malonato]
Authors: Klijn Tim de , Lutz Martin
Published: December 2013

In the title compound, [Mg(C3H2O4)(H2O)3]
n
, the metal atom is in an octahedral environment. The octahedra are connected by malonate anions, forming chains along the c-axis direction. O—H...O hydrogen bonds link these chains into a three-dimensional network.
Being there for my grandchild – grandparents' responses to their grandchildren's exposure to domestic violence
Authors: Sandberg Linn
Published: December 2013

Grandparents whose grandchildren are exposed to domestic violence are faced with some unique challenges in their grandparenting, which have thus far been little discussed in research. This paper discusses the narratives of 10 Swedish grandparents whose grandchildren have been exposed to violence towards their mother. The aim was to explore grandparents' narrations of their responses in the face of violence, and their understanding of the role they play in their grandchildren's social networks. Two significant responses are discussed: ‘being there’ and ‘acknowledging the independence and self‐determination of the adult children’. Grandparents experienced these responses as contradictory and felt powerless when it came to their possibilities to protect their grandchildren. The paper suggests that grandparents could be a resource for domestic violence services, and social work practice needs to assess the roles of grandparents of children exposed to domestic violence. Social workers should consider the challenges these grandparents are facing and what support they may need in order to support their grandchildren.
Impacts of Pleistocene glacial loading on abnormal pore‐water pressure in the eastern Michigan Basin
Authors: Khader O. , Novakowski K.
Published: December 2013

The hydromechanical effects of Pleistocene glacial loading on the Michigan Basin are assessed using numerical analysis based on coupled stress and pore‐water pressure. The two‐dimensional model domain included the Basin cross section and extended 10 km into the Precambrian. In the analysis, we considered the effects of the number of glacial loading cycles, the presence and connectedness of a deep Cambrian aquifer, the direction of glacial advance, the effect of a wet versus dry glacier/soil interface, topographic effects, density‐driven flow effects, and lithosphere flexure on the development of anomalous pressures. The modeling results were compared with data collected from highly instrumented wells completed in the eastern margin of the Basin. The present‐day results define regions of significant underpressure in the upper Ordovician and lower Silurian formations characterized by very low hydraulic conductivity and regions of overpressure where hydraulic conductivity is higher. To achieve the degree of underpressure observed in the instrumented wells using the model, a specific loading cycle applied over 100 000 years was repeated four times. As the number of loading cycles increased, the Paleozoic formations reached a state where the underpressures remain constant. Our results also illustrate the difference in poroelastic modeling between the application of mechanical loads on the land surface and the application of an equivalent hydraulic head, where the latter developed overpressures rather than the observed underpressures. The modeling also shows that the overpressures observed in the Cambrian formations are most likely to be the result of density‐driven flow. Finally, the simulations show that the effects of lithosphere flexure in the hydromechanical models results in the development of lateral stresses that generate overpressures rather than underpressures in the southern half of the domain. As there are no suitable observation points, these results remain unconfirmed, and further study is warranted.
Sperm depletion does not account for undeveloped eggs in Blue Tits Cyanistes caeruleus
Authors: Schut Elske , Vedder Oscar , Komdeur Jan , Magrath Michael J. L.
Published: December 2013

Hatching failure negatively impacts reproductive success in birds. One reason why eggs fail to hatch is that they are not fertilized, which may be because they receive insufficient sperm. In most passerines, copulation declines in frequency or ceases altogether after the laying of the first egg, so eggs laid late in the laying sequence may be more likely to remain unfertilized. We tested this prediction in the Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus, a species in which late‐laid eggs are particularly likely to be sperm‐limited because it lays the largest clutch of any passerine. We assessed whether: (1) eggs laid later in the laying sequence are more likely to fail to develop, (2) larger clutches are more likely to contain undeveloped eggs, (3) the number of sperm present on the perivitelline layers of each egg decreases across the laying sequence and (4) the number of sperm present on the perivitelline layers of freshly laid eggs sampled from active clutches predicts the proportion of eggs that develop in the remainder of the clutch. The occurrence of undeveloped eggs was not related to their position in the laying sequence, nor was it related to clutch size. Within a clutch, sperm number did not differ between an egg laid early and an egg laid towards the end of the laying sequence. Moreover, there was no indication that the proportion of undeveloped eggs in a clutch correlated with the number of sperm in a subset of eggs from that clutch, or that females laying larger clutches had stored more sperm. In summary, we found no evidence that Blue Tit eggs fail to hatch because they receive insufficient sperm.
Oncological outcomes of renal pelvic and ureteral cancer patients registered in 2005: The first large population report from the Cancer Registration Committee of the Japanese Urological Association
Authors: Fujimoto Hiroyuki , Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Miki Tsuneharu , Kanayama Hiro‐omi , Ohyama Chikara , Suzuki Kazuhiro , Nishiyama Hiroyuki , Eto Masatoshi , Naito Seiji , Fukumori Tomoharu , Kubota Yoshinobu , Takahashi Satoru , Homma Yukio , Kamoi Kazumi
Published: December 2013

Objectives

To describe the clinical and pathological characteristics and the outcomes of renal pelvic and ureteral cancer patients diagnosed in 2005 in Japan.

Methods

In 2011, data were collected from renal pelvic and ureteral cancer patients diagnosed in 2005. A total of 1509 registered patients from 348 institutions were analyzed. Epidemiology and survival were analyzed based on each cancer location and on cancer multiplicity.

Results

The 5‐year overall survival of the 1509 patients was estimated at 0.64. Open surgery was carried out in 409 renal pelvic cancer cases (66.9%) and 315 ureteral cancer cases (63.0%). The retroperitoneal approach was common, and lymph node dissection was carried out in approximately one‐third of open surgery cases and one‐fifth of laparoscopic cases. Approximately 60% of the operated unilateral renal pelvic or ureteral cancer was diagnosed as invasive, and just 14.6% was diagnosed as stage pTa. Distribution of the estimated worst tumor grade was significantly different for renal pelvic cancer and ureteral cancer.

Conclusions

This article presents the first large population report of survival data in Japanese renal pelvic and ureteral cancer patients. In comparison with the Japanese bladder cancer database report in 1999–2001 from the Cancer Registration Committee of the Japanese Urological Association, the pathological characteristics of renal pelvic and ureteral cancer were diagnosed as aggressive.
A WORLD HISTORY OF WHAT?
Authors: Burke Peter
Published: December 2013

A World History of Art by Hugh Honour and John Fleming, London: Macmillan, 1982, 639 pp., 934 ills, some in colour, £15.95
Morphotropic Phase Boundary in Solution‐Derived (Bi0.5Na0.5)1−xBaxTiO3 Thin Films: Part I Crystalline Structure and Compositional Depth Profile
Authors: Pérez‐Mezcua Dulce , Sirera Rafael , Bretos Iñigo , Ricote Jesús , Jimenez Ricardo , Fuentes‐Cobas Luis , Escobar‐Galindo Ramón , Chateigner Daniel , Lourdes Calzada M.
Published: December 2013

In this work, ferroelectric (Bi0.5Na0.5)1−xBaxTiO3 thin films were fabricated by chemical solution deposition (CSD) with compositions x = 0.050–0.150. Stoichiometric thin films (hereinafter BNBT) and others containing 10 mol% excesses of Bi3+ and Na+ (BNBTxs) were spin coated onto Pt/TiO2/SiO2/(100)Si substrates and crystallized by rapid thermal processing at 650°C for 60 s in oxygen atmosphere. Crystalline structure is studied by X‐ray diffraction using Cu anode (λCu = 1.5406 Ǻ) and synchrotron radiation (λ = 0.97354 Ǻ). Rietveld refinement showed the coexistence of rhombohedral/tetragonal phases in the BNBT films for x values close to those reported for (Bi0.5Na0.5)1−xBaxTiO3 bulk ceramics. Different volume fractions of the rhombohedral/tetragonal phases are detected as a function of the Ba2+ content. An apparent shift of the position of the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) is observed in the BNBTxs films. Here, the MPB region appears for nominal Ba2+ molar values of x ~ 0.10 and the experiments using a grazing‐incidence synchrotron radiation indicate the existence of a crystalline phase with pyrochlore structure at the film surface. Rutherford backscattering experiments (RBS) revealed that the bismuth excess is not volatilized during the crystallization of the BNBTxs films which present inhomogeneous compositional depth profile and thick BixPt bottom interfaces. The MPB BNBT films with x ~ 0.055 have a homogeneous compositional depth profile without appreciable bottom interfaces. Scanning electron micrographs reveal less porosity and higher grain sizes in the stoichiometric films than in those with Bi3+ and Na+ excesses.