bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of trap states in high Al content AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors by frequency dependent capacitance and conductance analysis
Authors: Zhu Jie-Jie , Ma Xiao-Hua , Hou Bin , Chen Wei-Wei , Hao Yue
Published: March 2014

Trap states in Al0.55Ga0.45N/GaN Schottky-gate high-electron-mobility transistors (S-HEMTs) and Al2O3/Al0.55Ga0.45N/GaN metal-oxide-semiconductor HEMTs (MOS-HEMTs) were investigated with conductance method in this paper. Surface states with time constant of (0.09–0.12) μs were found in S-HEMTs, and electron tunneling rather than emission was deemed to be the dominant de-trapping mechanism due to the high electric field in high Al content barrier. The density of surface states evaluated in S-HEMTs was (1.02–4.67)×1013 eV−1·cm−2. Al2O3 gate insulator slightly reduced the surface states, but introduced low density of new traps with time constant of (0.65–1.29) μs into MOS-HEMTs.
Temperature measurement of cold atoms using single-atom transits and Monte Carlo simulation in a strongly coupled atom-cavity system
Authors: Li Wenfang , Du Jinjin , Wen Ruijuan , Yang Pengfei , Li Gang , Liang Junjun , Zhang Tiancai
Published: March 2014

We investigate the transmission of single-atom transits based on a strongly coupled cavity quantum electrodynamics system. By superposing the transit transmissions of a considerable number of atoms, we obtain the absorption spectra of the cavity induced by single atoms and obtain the temperature of the cold atom. The number of atoms passing through the microcavity for each release is also counted, and this number changes exponentially along with the atom temperature. Monte Carlo simulations agree closely with the experimental results, and the initial temperature of the cold atom is determined. Compared with the conventional time-of-flight (TOF) method, this approach avoids some uncertainties in the standard TOF and sheds new light on determining temperature of cold atoms by counting atoms individually in a confined space.
Identifying and designing chemicals with minimal acute aquatic toxicity
Authors: Kostal Jakub , Voutchkova-Kostal Adelina , Anastas Paul T. , Zimmerman Julie Beth
Published: March 2014

Significance

Two of the rigorous disciplines that have emerged over the last 20 y to empower sustainability science are industrial ecology and green chemistry. Robust assessment tools of industrial ecology identify the greatest opportunities to mitigate human health and environmental impacts resulting from human activity. Green chemistry designs and develops chemicals, materials, and processes that, throughout the life cycle, minimize hazard and maximize efficiency. This process often entails synthesizing new molecules while maintaining function and minimizing adverse outcomes, particularly toxicity. There is an urgent need to develop accurate and economical screening tools that predict potential toxicity and inform the design of safer alternatives. A computational approach is presented for the rational design of molecules for reduced acute aquatic toxicity.
SpyLigase peptide–peptide ligation polymerizes affibodies to enhance magnetic cancer cell capture
Authors: Fierer Jacob O. , Veggiani Gianluca , Howarth Mark
Published: March 2014

Significance

Building proteins into assemblies faces challenges in specificity and stability of the connections. Proteins are ideally connected via peptide tags for minimal disruption of function.
Streptococcus pyogenes
contains a protein that locks itself together. After genetic dissection, we created a protein (SpyLigase) that locks two peptide tags together. With tags on opposite ends of an antibody or affibody (an antibody-like scaffold), SpyLigase assembled the proteins into polyantibody or polyaffibody chains. Magnetic beads can isolate specific cell types, but the small area of bead-to-cell contact means that abundant cell-specific target is required for cell capture. Polymerization of affibodies enabled capture of cancerous cells expressing less cancer marker and should enhance sensitivity of cell isolation for various research and clinical applications.
Dual regulation of G proteins and the G-protein–activated K
+
channels by lithium
Authors: Farhy Tselnicker Isabella , Tsemakhovich Vladimir , Rishal Ida , Kahanovitch Uri , Dessauer Carmen W. , Dascal Nathan
Published: March 2014

Significance

Recent genome-wide association studies suggest a strong linkage between psychiatric disorders, especially bipolar disorder (BPD) and schizophrenia, and ion channels, including G-protein–activated K
+
channels (GIRK); however, there are no clear functional links. Lithium is a prominent antibipolar treatment. We report a dual regulation of GIRK channels by therapeutic doses of lithium in neurons. We reproduced these regulations in
Xenopus
oocytes, identified the molecular mechanism (a dual regulation of G proteins via actions on Gα subunit), and verified the action of Li
+
on Gα–Gβγ interaction by direct biochemical studies. The discovery of a significant regulation of an ion channel by therapeutic doses of lithium may help linking between neuronal excitability and mechanisms of BPD.
Tuning the threshold voltage of carbon nanotube transistors by n-type molecular doping for robust and flexible complementary circuits
Authors: Wang Huiliang , Wei Peng , Li Yaoxuan , Han Jeff , Lee Hye Ryoung , Naab Benjamin D. , Liu Nan , Wang Chenggong , Adijanto Eric , Tee Benjamin C.-K. , Morishita Satoshi , Li Qiaochu , Gao Yongli , Cui Yi , Bao Zhenan
Published: March 2014

Significance

Highly noise-resistant logic gates are needed for large-scale circuits. This was challenging previously with carbon nanotube circuits due to the lack of control of the threshold voltages of nanotube transistors. We demonstrate the use of dopants to tune the charge carrier density of carbon nanotubes films and hence precisely control the threshold voltages of carbon nanotube transistors. This doping method is highly versatile and can be applied through inkjet printing. With this technique, we demonstrate highly noise-resistant and low power consumption carbon nanotube logic gates on a flexible substrate. This work places carbon nanotubes in a highly competitive position for large-scale solution-processed flexible circuits.
Programmable bacteria detect and record an environmental signal in the mammalian gut
Authors: Kotula Jonathan W. , Kerns S. Jordan , Shaket Lev A. , Siraj Layla , Collins James J. , Way Jeffrey C. , Silver Pamela A.
Published: March 2014

Significance

The human microbiota represents the trillions of bacteria that live on the skin, in the oral, nasal, and aural cavities, and throughout the gastrointestinal tract. The species that live in the gastrointestinal tract, the gut microbiota, closely interact with host cells and have a profound impact on health. To develop tools to effectively monitor the gut microbiota and ultimately help in disease diagnosis, we have engineered
Escherichia coli
to sense and record environmental stimuli, and demonstrated that
E. coli
with such memory systems can survive and function in the mammalian gut. This work demonstrates that
E. coli
can be engineered into living diagnostics capable of nondestructively probing the mammalian gut.
Multidimensional spectroscopy of photoreactivity
Authors: Ruetzel Stefan , Diekmann Meike , Nuernberger Patrick , Walter Christof , Engels Bernd , Brixner Tobias
Published: March 2014

Significance

Many chemical reactions typically involve ultrafast reaction steps and are highly complex. Thus, one requires special methods to observe the associated atomic movements in real time. Though conventional femtosecond spectroscopy techniques are in principle capable of providing the necessary temporal resolution, they often suffer from the fact that they cannot isolate the overlapping spectral signatures of reactants, intermediates, and products. Here we demonstrate that this issue is unraveled using 2D and 3D electronic spectroscopy that directly visualizes the photochemical connectivity between photoreactive molecular species. Hence, this approach not only provides an intuitive and direct picture for which reactants can be turned into which products, but also exposes the reactive molecular modes connecting them with unprecedented perspicuity.
STAT3 interrupts ATR-Chk1 signaling to allow oncovirus-mediated cell proliferation
Authors: Koganti Siva , Hui-Yuen Joyce , McAllister Shane , Gardner Benjamin , Grasser Friedrich , Palendira Umaimainthan , Tangye Stuart G. , Freeman Alexandra F. , Bhaduri-McIntosh Sumita
Published: March 2014

Significance

DNA replication is error-prone. Mechanisms to recognize errors in DNA lead to arrest of cell proliferation at various checkpoints to allow for repair. Suppression of these mechanisms is necessary for recovery from these checkpoints and continuation of cell division. We show that signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), a protein overactive in many human cancers, can abnormally evade recognition of DNA errors and damage leading to bypass of a critical cell-cycle checkpoint and uncontrolled cell proliferation. While relevant to understanding cancer development and prevention, this will also bring fresh insights into the role of STAT3 in the central biology of cell proliferation, particularly since STAT3 is necessary for critical processes including embryonic development and immunity.
Raman measurements of phase transitions in dense solid hydrogen and deuterium to 325 GPa
Authors: Zha Chang-sheng , Cohen R. E. , Mao Ho-kwang , Hemley Russell J.
Published: March 2014

Significance

Understanding the behavior of hydrogen under pressure has been a major challenge in modern physics since the early days of quantum mechanics. This paper reports new spectroscopic measurements showing that hydrogen and deuterium transform to complex molecular-based structures to pressures of at least 325 GPa (3.25 megabars). These phases are based on distorted graphene sheets of hydrogen molecules, a major surprise in our understanding of this fundamental system at very high densities. The results provide constraints for theoretical calculations of structures, phase transitions, and electronic properties, including the transition to the predicted metallic state of the solid at 300 K.
Dynamin 2–dependent endocytosis is required for sustained S1PR1 signaling
Authors: Willinger Tim , Ferguson Shawn M. , Pereira João P. , De Camilli Pietro , Flavell Richard A.
Published: March 2014

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor 1 (S1PR1) is critical for lymphocyte egress from lymphoid organs. Lymphocytes encounter low S1P concentrations near exit sites before transmigration, yet S1PR1 signaling is rapidly terminated after exposure to S1P. How lymphocytes maintain S1PR1 signaling in a low S1P environment near egress sites is unknown. Here we identify dynamin 2, an essential component of endocytosis, as a novel regulator of T cell egress. Mice with T cell–specific dynamin 2 deficiency had profound lymphopenia and impaired egress from lymphoid organs. Dynamin 2 deficiency caused impaired egress through regulation of S1PR1 signaling, and transgenic S1PR1 overexpression rescued egress in dynamin 2 knockout mice. In low S1P concentrations, dynamin 2 was essential for S1PR1 internalization, which enabled continuous S1PR1 signaling and promoted egress from both thymus and lymph nodes. In contrast, dynamin 2–deficient cells were only capable of a pulse of S1PR1 signaling, which was insufficient for egress. Our results suggest a possible mechanism by which T lymphocytes positioned at exit portals sense low S1P concentrations, promoting their egress into circulatory fluids.
Sarcomere length nanometry in rat neonatal cardiomyocytes expressed with α-actinin–AcGFP in Z discs
Authors: Shintani Seine A. , Oyama Kotaro , Kobirumaki-Shimozawa Fuyu , Ohki Takashi , Ishiwata Shin’ichi , Fukuda Norio
Published: March 2014

Nanometry is widely used in biological sciences to analyze the movement of molecules or molecular assemblies in cells and in vivo. In cardiac muscle, a change in sarcomere length (SL) by a mere ∼100 nm causes a substantial change in contractility, indicating the need for the simultaneous measurement of SL and intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in cardiomyocytes at high spatial and temporal resolution. To accurately analyze the motion of individual sarcomeres with nanometer precision during excitation–contraction coupling, we applied nanometry techniques to primary-cultured rat neonatal cardiomyocytes. First, we developed an experimental system for simultaneous nanoscale analysis of single sarcomere dynamics and [Ca2+]i changes via the expression of AcGFP in Z discs. We found that the averaging of the lengths of sarcomeres along the myocyte, a method generally used in today’s myocardial research, caused marked underestimation of sarcomere lengthening speed because of the superpositioning of different timings for lengthening between sequentially connected sarcomeres. Then, we found that after treatment with ionomycin, neonatal myocytes exhibited spontaneous sarcomeric oscillations (cell-SPOCs) at partial activation with blockage of sarcoplasmic reticulum functions, and the waveform properties were indistinguishable from those obtained in electric field stimulation. The myosin activator omecamtiv mecarbil markedly enhanced Z-disc displacement during cell-SPOC. Finally, we interpreted the present experimental findings in the framework of our mathematical model of SPOCs. The present experimental system has a broad range of application possibilities for unveiling single sarcomere dynamics during excitation–contraction coupling in cardiomyocytes under various settings.
Combination of Erythropoietin and Sildenafil Can Effectively Attenuate Hypoxia‐Induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Mice
Authors: Samillan Victor , Haider Thomas , Vogel Johannes , Leuenberger Caroline , Brock Matthias , Schwarzwald Colin , Gassmann Max , Østergaard Louise
Published: March 2014

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is an incurable disease that often leads to right ventricular hypertrophy and right heart failure. This study investigated single versus combined therapy with sildenafil and erythropoietin on hypoxia‐induced pulmonary hypertension in mice. Mice were randomized into 5 groups and exposed to either hypoxia (10% oxygen) or normoxia for a total of 5 weeks. Hypoxic mice were treated with saline solution, erythropoietin (500 IU/kg 3 times weekly), sildenafil (10 mg/kg daily), or a combination of the two drugs for the last 2 weeks of hypoxic exposure. We measured right ventricular pressures using right heart catheterization, and the ventilatory response to hypoxia was recorded via whole‐body plethysmography. Histological analyses were performed to elucidate changes in pulmonary morphology and appearance of right heart hypertrophy. Plasma levels of cardiotrophin‐1 and atrial natriuretic peptide were quantified. Treatment with either erythropoietin or sildenafil alone lowered the hypoxia‐induced increase of pulmonary pressure and reduced pulmonary edema formation, pulmonary vascular remodeling, and right ventricular hypertrophy. Notably, the combination of the two drugs had the most prominent effect. Changes in cardiotrophin‐1 and atrial natriuretic protein levels confirmed these observations. The combination treatment with erythropoietin and sildenafil demonstrated an attenuation of the development of hypoxia‐induced PH in mice that was superior to that observed for either drug when given alone.
Transition from Prostacyclin Analogue Infusion to Oral Therapy in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A 5‐Year follow‐up
Authors: Escolar Esteban , Pineda Andrés M. , Correal Barbara , Ahmed Tahir
Published: March 2014

Transition from prostacyclin analogue infusion to oral therapy in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is possible with acceptable short‐ and midterm results. However, there is a paucity of data on long‐term outcomes after successful transition. Using a predefined protocol, transition to oral therapy was attempted in 22 patients with clinically stable PAH. Clinical and hemodynamic data were retrospectively collected at baseline as well as during and after transition. Parameters for successful versus nonsuccessful transition were also evaluated. All patients had severe PAH at baseline and showed clinical and hemodynamic improvement with prostacyclin analogue infusion. Initial oral agents used for transition were bosentan (63.6%), sildenafil (31.8%), and tadalafil (4.5%). Combination therapy was used in 68% of the patients. Successful transition was achieved in 11 patients (50%) with a mean transition duration of 16 months. After successful transition, clinical and hemodynamic parameters remained stable at midterm (mean, 18 months) and long‐term (mean, 60 months) follow‐up. Compared with the successful transition group, patients who experienced failure were older, had a higher frequency of idiopathic PAH, and had worse hemodynamic parameters during treatment with prostacyclin analogue alone, as well as during the transition period. In conclusion, successful transition from prostacyclin analogue infusion to oral therapy can be achieved in a significant proportion of patients with clinically stable PAH. After an initial successful transition, patients were able to maintain clinical and hemodynamic stability at the mid‐ and long‐term follow‐up.
Contributions of magno- and parvocellular channels to conscious and non-conscious vision
Authors: Breitmeyer Bruno G.
Published: March 2014

The dorsal and ventral cortical pathways, driven predominantly by magnocellular (M) and parvocellular (P) inputs, respectively, assume leading roles in models of visual information processing. Although in prior proposals, the dorsal and ventral pathways support non-conscious and conscious vision, respectively, recent modelling and empirical developments indicate that each pathway plays important roles in both non-conscious and conscious vision. In these models, the ventral P-pathway consists of one subpathway processing an object's contour features, e.g. curvature, the other processing its surface attributes, e.g. colour. Masked priming studies have shown that feed-forward activity in the ventral P-pathway on its own supports non-conscious processing of contour and surface features. The dorsal M-pathway activity contributes directly to conscious vision of motion and indirectly to object vision by projecting to prefrontal cortex, which in turn injects top-down neural activity into the ventral P-pathway and there ‘ignites’ feed-forward–re-entrant loops deemed necessary for conscious vision. Moreover, an object's shape or contour remains invisible without the prior conscious registration of its surface properties, which for that reason are taken to comprise fundamental visual qualia. Besides suggesting avenues for future research, these developments bear on several recent and past philosophical issues.
The interplay of attention and consciousness in visual search, attentional blink and working memory consolidation
Authors: Raffone Antonino , Srinivasan Narayanan , van Leeuwen Cees
Published: March 2014

Despite the acknowledged relationship between consciousness and attention, theories of the two have mostly been developed separately. Moreover, these theories have independently attempted to explain phenomena in which both are likely to interact, such as the attentional blink (AB) and working memory (WM) consolidation. Here, we make an effort to bridge the gap between, on the one hand, a theory of consciousness based on the notion ofglobal workspace(GW) and, on the other, a synthesis of theories of visual attention. We offer atheory of attention and consciousness(TAC) that provides a unified neurocognitive account of several phenomena associated with visual search, AB and WM consolidation. TAC assumes multiple processing stages between early visual representation and conscious access, and extends the dynamics of the global neuronal workspace model to avisual attentional workspace(VAW).The VAW is controlled byexecutive routers, higher-order representations of executive operations in the GW, without the need for explicit saliency or priority maps. TAC leads to newly proposed mechanisms for illusory conjunctions, AB, inattentional blindness and WM capacity, and suggests neural correlates of phenomenal consciousness. Finally, the theory reconciles the all-or-none and graded perspectives on conscious representation.
A novel cysteine-rich neurotrophic factor in Aplysia facilitates growth, MAPK activation, and long-term synaptic facilitation
Authors: Pu Lu , Kopec Ashley M. , Boyle Heather D. , Carew Thomas J.
Published: March 2014

Neurotrophins are critically involved in developmental processes such as neuronal cell survival, growth, and differentiation, as well as in adult synaptic plasticity contributing to learning and memory. Our previous studies examining neurotrophins and memory formation in Aplysia showed that a TrkB ligand is required for MAPK activation, long-term synaptic facilitation (LTF), and long-term memory (LTM) for sensitization. These studies indicate that neurotrophin-like molecules in Aplysia can act as key elements in a functionally conserved TrkB signaling pathway. Here we report that we have cloned and characterized a novel neurotrophic factor, Aplysia cysteine-rich neurotrophic factor (apCRNF), which shares classical structural and functional characteristics with mammalian neurotrophins. We show that apCRNF (1) is highly enriched in the CNS, (2) enhances neurite elongation and branching, (3) interacts with mammalian TrkB and p75NTR, (4) is released from Aplysia CNS in an activity-dependent fashion, (5) facilitates MAPK activation in a tyrosine kinase dependent manner in response to sensitizing stimuli, and (6) facilitates the induction of LTF. These results show that apCRNF is a native neurotrophic factor in Aplysia that can engage the molecular and synaptic mechanisms underlying memory formation.
Maternal and institutional characteristics associated with the administration of prophylactic antibiotics for caesarean section: a secondary analysis of the World Health Organization Multicountry Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health
Authors: Morisaki N , Ganchimeg T , Ota E , Vogel JP , Souza JP , Mori R , Gülmezoglu AM ,   on behalf of the WHO Multicountry Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health Research Network
Published: March 2014

Objective

To illustrate the variability in the use of antibiotic prophylaxis for caesarean section, and its effect on the prevention of postoperative infections.

Design

Secondary analysis of a cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Twenty‐nine countries participating in the World Health Organization Multicountry Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health.

Population

Three hundred and fifty‐nine health facilities with the capacity to perform caesarean section.

Methods

Descriptive analysis and effect estimates using multilevel logistic regression.

Main outcome measures

Coverage of antibiotic prophylaxis for caesarean section.

Results

A total of 89 121 caesarean sections were performed in 332 of the 359 facilities included in the survey; 87% under prophylactic antibiotic coverage. Thirty five facilities provided 0–49% coverage and 77 facilities provided 50‐89% coverage. Institutional coverage of prophylactic antibiotics varied greatly within most countries, and was related to guideline use and the practice of clinical audits, but not to the size, location of the institution or development index of the country. Mothers with complications, such as HIV infection, anaemia, or pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia, were more likely to receive antibiotic prophylaxis. At the same time, mothers undergoing caesarean birth prior to labour and those with indication for scheduled deliveries were also more likely to receive antibiotic prophylaxis, despite their lower risk of infection, compared with mothers undergoing emergency caesarean section.

Conclusions

Coverage of antibiotic prophylaxis for caesarean birth may be related to the perception of the importance of guidelines and clinical audits in the facility. There may also be a tendency to use antibiotics when caesarean section has been scheduled and antibiotic prophylaxis is already included in the routine clinical protocol. This study may act as a signal to re‐evaluate institutional practices as a way to identify areas where improvement is possible.
Education and severe maternal outcomes in developing countries: a multicountry cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Tunçalp Ö , Souza JP , Hindin MJ , Santos CA , Oliveira TH , Vogel JP , Togoobaatar G , Ha DQ , Say L , Gülmezoglu AM ,   on behalf of the WHO Multicountry Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health Research Network
Published: March 2014

Objective

To assess the relationship between education and severe maternal outcomes among women delivering in healthcare facilities.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Twenty‐nine countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Population

Pregnant women admitted to 359 facilities during a period of 2–4 months of data collection between 2010 and 2011.

Methods

Data were obtained from hospital records. Stratification was based on the Human Development Index (HDI) values of the participating countries. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between maternal morbidity and education, categorised in quartiles based on the years of formal education by country. Coverage of key interventions was assessed.

Main outcome measures

Severe maternal outcomes (near misses and death).

Results

A significant association between low education and severe maternal outcomes (adjusted odds ratio, aOR, 2.07; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI, 1.46–2.95), maternal near miss (aOR 1.80; 95% CI 1.25–2.57), and maternal death (aOR 5.62; 95% CI 3.45–9.16) was observed. This relationship persisted in countries with medium HDIs (aOR 2.36; 95% CI 1.33–4.17) and low HDIs (aOR 2.65; 95% CI 1.54–2.57). Less educated women also had increased odds of presenting to the hospital in a severe condition (i.e. with organ dysfunction on arrival or within 24 hours: aOR 2.06; 95% CI 1.36–3.10). The probability that a woman received magnesium sulphate for eclampsia or had a caesarean section significantly increased as education level increased (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Women with lower levels of education are at greater risk for severe maternal outcomes, even after adjustment for key confounding factors. This is particularly true for women in countries that have poorer markers of social and economic development.
Postpartum haemorrhage management, risks, and maternal outcomes: findings from the World Health Organization Multicountry Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health
Authors: Sheldon WR , Blum J , Vogel JP , Souza JP , Gülmezoglu AM , Winikoff B ,   on behalf of the WHO Multicountry Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health Research Network
Published: March 2014

Objective

To explore the clinical practices, risks, and maternal outcomes associated with postpartum haemorrhage (PPH).

Design

Secondary analysis of cross‐sectional data.

Setting

A total of 352 health facilities in 28 countries.

Sample

A total of 274 985 women giving birth between 1 May 2010 and 31 December 2011.

Methods

We used multivariate logistic regression to examine factors associated with PPH among all births, and the Pearson chi‐square test to examine correlates of severe maternal outcomes (SMOs) among women with PPH. All analyses adjust for facility‐ and country‐level clustering.

Main outcome measures

PPH, SMOs, and clinical practices for the management of PPH.

Results

Of all the women included in the analysis, 95.3% received uterotonic prophylaxis and the reported rate of PPH was 1.2%. Factors significantly associated with PPH diagnosis included age, parity, gestational age, induction of labour, caesarean section, and geographic region. Among those with PPH, 92.7% received uterotonics for treatment, and 17.2% had an SMO. There were significant differences in the incidence of SMOs by age, parity, gestational age, anaemia, education, receipt of uterotonics for prophylaxis or treatment, referral from another facility, and Human Development Index (HDI) group. The rates of death were highest in countries with low or medium HDIs.

Conclusions

Among women with PPH, disparities in the incidence of severe maternal outcomes persist, even among facilities that report capacity to provide all essential emergency obstetric interventions. This highlights the need for better information about the role of institutional capacity, including quality of care, in PPH‐related morbidity and mortality.
Just Interested or Getting Involved? An Analysis of Superannuation Attitudes and Actions
Authors: Bateman Hazel , Deetlefs Jeanette , Dobrescu Loretti I. , Newell Ben R. , Ortmann Andreas , Thorp Susan
Published: March 2014

Low levels of non‐default decision‐making among superannuation members in Australia are assumed to be evidence of a lack of interest and capability. Using member records and survey data from a large Australian superannuation fund, we test the relationship between attitudes towards retirement savings and observable levels of non‐default activities (such as making voluntary contributions, choosing or changing investment options and changing insurance cover). Additional retirement savings contributions by permanent staff are more likely if the staff member is very likely to recommend their superannuation fund. Individuals who rate their own personal interest in superannuation affairs as very high are more likely to be active online. This, however, does not extend to choosing a non‐default investment or purchasing additional insurance, where we find no differences between the highly interested and the disengaged. These findings, together with several other differences related to demographics and employment conditions, show that non‐default activity is not a reliable proxy for member engagement.
The Relationship between Meteorological Conditions and Homicide, Suicide, Rage, and Psychiatric Hospitalization
Authors: Talaei Ali , Hedjazi Arya , Rezaei Ardani Amir , Fayyazi Bordbar Mohammad Reza , Talaei Andisheh
Published: March 2014

This study focuses on the relationship between the incidence of homicide, rage, suicide, and psychiatric hospitalization as violent behaviors with temperature, humidity, and air pressure as specific meteorological variables in the city of Mashhad, in the northeast of Iran. The data were obtained from Iran Meteorological Organization, official registry of Legal Medicine Organization and the local psychiatric hospital, March 2009 to Feb 2010 daily and were analyzed with SPSS‐14 using Pearson correlation coefficient, ANOVA, and post hoc analysis tests. The rates of rage and psychiatric admission had a significant relationship with the daily mean air temperature, minimum relative humidity, maximum relative humidity, minimum daily pressure, and maximum daily air pressure (p < 0.0001). There was no significant correlation between homicide and suicide rates with any meteorological variables (p > 0.05). We concluded that, the possibility of nonfatal violence and psychiatric hospitalization would increase in hot and arid weather with low air pressure.
Contribution of CDKAL1 rs7756992 and IGF2BP2 rs4402960 polymorphisms in type 2 diabetes, diabetic complications, obesity risk and hypertension in the Tunisian population 在突尼斯人群中，CDKAL1 rs7756992与IGF2BP2 rs4402960的多态性对2型糖尿病、糖尿病并发症、肥胖风险以及高血压的影响
Authors: Lasram Khaled , Ben Halim Nizar , Benrahma Houda , Mediene‐Benchekor Sounnia , Arfa Imen , Hsouna Sana , Kefi Rym , Jamoussi Henda , Ben Ammar Slim , Bahri Sonia , Abid Abdelmajid , Benhamamouch Soraya , Barakat Abdelhamid , Abdelhak Sonia
Published: March 2014

Background

The insulin‐like growth factor 2 mRNA‐binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) and the cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 regulatory subunit‐associated protein 1‐like 1 (CDKAL1) identified through genome‐wide association (GWA) studies have been shown to be associated with Type 2 diabetes in various ethnic groups. In this study, we investigated the association of the rs7756992 of CDKAL1 and the rs4402960 of IGF2BP2 with Type 2 diabetes, diabetic complications (nephropathy, retinopathy and cardiovascular disease), obesity and hypertension in a Tunisian population.

Methods

A case‐control association study including 200 Type 2 diabetes Tunisian patients (World Health Organization criteria) and 208 controls (age ≥40; fasting plasma glucose <6.1 mmol/L; without first degree family history of diabetes) has been performed. Other parameters such as diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, cardiovascular disease, overweight/obesity and hypertension have been also collected. Genotyping was performed using TaqMan technology.

Results

A significant association between the rs4402960 and Type 2 diabetes (OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.34–2.58, P < 10−4) has been found. Overweight/obese subjects bearing the T‐allele have an increased risk to develop Type 2 diabetes (OR = 2.06, 95% CI = 1.40–3.03, P < 10−4). Furthermore, the rs7756992 was found to be associated with the reduced risk of diabetic nephropathy in patients with diabetes (OR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.27–0.73, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

The present study confirms that the rs4402960 of IGF2BP2 gene is a strong candidate for Type 2 diabetes susceptibility and overweight/obesity risk in the Tunisian population. Interestingly, our data suggest that the rs7756992 of CDKAL1 gene have a protective effect against diabetic nephropathy.
Alpha‐melanocyte stimulating hormone modulates ethanol self‐administration in posterior ventral tegmental area through melanocortin‐4 receptors
Authors: Shelkar Gajanan P. , Kale Atmaram D. , Singh Uday , Singru Praful S. , Subhedar Nishikant K. , Kokare Dadasaheb M.
Published: March 2014

Although the role of alpha‐melanocyte stimulating hormone (α‐MSH) in alcohol seeking behaviour in rats has been demonstrated, the underlying mechanisms are not understood. Herein, we test the hypothesis that α‐MSH might have a permissive effect in promoting the reward action of ethanol. Rats were implanted with cannulae targeted at the posterior ventral tegmental area (pVTA), because the site is sensitive to reinforcing effects of ethanol. These rats were trained to self‐administer ethanol in standard two‐lever (active/inactive) operant chamber test. Each active lever press resulted in self‐administration of 100 nl of ethanol (100–300 mg%) containing solution. Over a period of 7 days, ethanol significantly increased the number of lever presses, which was considered as a measure of reward. Because ethanol at 200 mg% resulted in maximum number of lever presses (∼18–20 lever presses/30‐minute session), the dose was employed in further studies. While prior administration of melanocortin (MC) agonists, α‐MSH or [Nle4,D‐Phe7]‐alpha‐MSH into pVTA, resulted in an 89% increase in lever presses, the response was attenuated following pre‐treatment with MC4 receptors (MC4R) antagonist, HS014. In an immunohistochemical study, the brains of rats that were trained to self‐infuse ethanol showed significantly increased α‐MSH immunoreactivity in the nucleus accumbens shell, bed nucleus of stria terminalis and arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. In the pVTA, α‐MSH fibres were found to run close to the dopamine cells, labelled with tyrosine hydroxylase antibodies. We suggest that α‐MSH‐MC4R system in the pVTA might be a part of the neuroadaptive mechanism underlying ethanol addiction.
The effect of upper limb position on ultrasonographic arterial flow to the ulnar nerve
Authors: Moore A. E. , Muirhead J. C. , Sharples K. , Stringer M. D.
Published: March 2014

We measured the pulsatility indices in the inferior collateral and posterior recurrent ulnar arteries, which supply the ulnar nerve at the elbow, in 38 conscious adults. Compared with a straight 30° abducted arm, elbow flexion to 120° reduced the mean (SD) pulsatility index in the inferior artery and increased the pulsatility index in the posterior artery: from 3.36 (0.86) to 3.04 (0.94), p = 0.001, and from 3.14 (0.81) to 3.64 (1.05), p < 0.0005, respectively. The mean (95% CI) pulsatility index in the inferior artery was unaffected by shoulder abduction to 120°, but it was decreased in the posterior artery in men, from 3.06 (2.76–3.36) to 2.64 (2.34–2.95), but not women, from 3.22 (2.94–3.50) to 3.25 (2.97–3.53), p = 0.01 for men vs women. Researchers should measure arterial pulsatility indices under general anaesthesia and associate them with measures of nerve function.
A prospective observational study of stroke volume responsiveness to a passive leg raise manoeuvre in healthy non‐starved volunteers as assessed by transthoracic echocardiography
Authors: Godfrey G. E. P. , Dubrey S. W. , Handy J. M.
Published: March 2014

Current guidelines for intra‐operative fluid management recommend the use of increments in stroke volume following intravenous fluid bolus administration as a guide to subsequent fluid therapy. To study the physiological premise of this paradigm, we tested the hypothesis that healthy, non‐starved volunteers would develop an increment in their stroke volume following a passive leg raise manoeuvre. Subjects were positioned supine and stroke volume was measured by transthoracic echocardiography at baseline, 30 s, 1 min, 3 min and 5 min after passive leg raise manoeuvre to 45°. Stroke volume was measured at end‐expiration during quiet breathing, as the mean of three sequential measurements. Seventeen healthy volunteers were recruited; one volunteer in whom it was not possible to obtain Doppler measurements and a further five for reasons of poor Doppler image quality were not included in the study. Mean (SD) percentage difference from baseline to the largest change in stroke volume was 5.7 (9.6)% (p = 0.16). Of the 11 volunteers evaluated, five (45%) had stroke volume increases of greater than 10%. Mean (SD) maximum percentage change in cardiac index was 14.8 (9.7)% (p = 0.004). A wide variation in baseline stroke volume and response to the passive leg raise manoeuvre was seen, suggesting greater heterogeneity in the normal population than current clinical guidelines recognise.
A randomised comparison of the i‐gel™ and the Laryngeal Mask Airway Classic™ in infants
Authors: Kim M.‐S. , Oh J.‐T. , Min J. Y. , Lee K.‐H. , Lee J.‐R.
Published: March 2014

We performed a randomised comparison of the i‐gel™ and the Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) Classic™ in children aged less than a year who were undergoing general anaesthesia for elective surgery. Fifty‐four infants were randomly allocated to either the i‐gel or the LMA Classic. We measured performance characteristics, fibreoptic views through the device and complications. Success rate at first insertion attempt was 100% (27/27) in the i‐gel group compared with 88% (23/26) in the LMA Classic group. Insertion of the device was considered easy in 26/27 (96%) patients in the i‐gel group compared with 18/26 (69%) patients in the LMA Classic group (p = 0.009). There were no differences between the groups in insertion times, fibreoptic views through the device, airway leak pressures or complications. We conclude that the i‐gel was considered easier to insert than the LMA Classic in infants.
Sublingual ultrasound as an assessment method for predicting difficult intubation: a pilot study
Authors: Hui C. M. , Tsui B. C.
Published: March 2014

Current methods to assess the airway before tracheal intubation are variable in their ability to predict a difficult airway accurately. We hypothesised that sublingual ultrasound could provide additional information to predict a difficult airway with greater success than current methods. We recruited 110 patients to perform sublingual ultrasound on themselves following brief instruction. Ability to view the hyoid bone on sublingual ultrasound, mouth opening distance, thyromental distance, neck mobility, size of mandible and modified Mallampati classification were recorded and assessed for ability to predict a difficult intubation based on the grade of laryngoscope. Visibility of the hyoid using ultrasound was associated with a laryngoscopic grade of 1–2 (p < 0.0001), and (p < 0.0001) had a positive likelihood ratio of 21.6 and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.28. Each of the other methods had considerably lower positive likelihood ratios and lower sensitivity. Our results suggest that sublingual ultrasound is a potential tool for predicting a difficult airway in addition to conventional methods.
Palladium(II) Complexes with N‐Heteroaromatic Bidentate Hydrazone Ligands: The Effect of the Chelate Ring Size and Lipophilicity on in vitro Cytotoxic Activity
Authors: Filipović Nenad , Grubišić Sonja , Jovanović Maja , Dulović Marija , Marković Ivanka , Klisurić Olivera , Marinković Aleksandar , Mitić Dragana , Anđelković Katarina , Todorović Tamara
Published: March 2014

Novel Pd(II) complex with N‐heteroaromatic Schiff base ligand, derived from 8‐quinolinecarboxaldehyde (q8a) and ethyl hydrazinoacetate (haOEt), was synthesized and characterized by analytical and spectroscopy methods. The structure of novel complex, as well as structures of its quinoline and pyridine analogues, was optimized by density functional theory calculations, and theoretical data show good agreement with experimental results. A cytotoxic action of the complexes was evaluated on cultures of human promyelocytic leukemia (HL‐60), human glioma (U251), rat glioma (C6), and mouse fibrosarcoma (L929) cell lines. Among investigated compounds, only complexes with quinoline‐based ligands reduce the cell numbers in a dose‐dependent manner in investigated cell lines. The observed cytotoxic effect of two isomeric quinoline‐based complexes is predominantly mediated through the induction of apoptotic cell death in HL‐60 cell line. The cytotoxicity of most efficient novel Pd(II) complex is comparable to the activity of cisplatin, in all cell lines investigated.
Synthesis and Biologic Evaluation of Substituted 5‐methyl‐2‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐3(2H)‐one Derivatives as Selective COX‐2 Inhibitors: Molecular Docking Study
Authors: Dube Pritam N. , Bule Shweta S. , Mokale Santosh N. , Kumbhare Manoj R. , Dighe Pravin R. , Ushir Yogesh V.
Published: March 2014

The present study reported the synthesis and biologic evaluation of new pyrazolone derivatives for COX‐2 inhibitory activities and investigated in vivo for their anti‐inflammatory activities using carrageenan‐induced rat paw edema model as well as in vitro using HRBC membrane stabilization and protein denaturation method. Eight derivatives showed pronounced COX‐2 inhibition, and 5a, 5d, and 5f exhibited the highest COX‐2 inhibition. The derivatives were further evaluated for antioxidant activity wherein 5a and 5b showed potent free radical‐scavenging activity against DPPH, nitric oxide, and hydrogen peroxide radicals. Molecular docking study revealed the binding orientations of pyrazolone derivatives into the active sites of COX‐2 and thereby helps to design the potent inhibitors.
Notifications for child safeguarding from an acute hospital in response to presentations to healthcare by parents
Authors: Gonzalez‐Izquierdo A. , Ward A. , Smith P. , Walford C. , Begent J. , Ioannou Y. , Gilbert R.
Published: March 2014

Background 

Consideration of child safeguarding is routine within maternity services but less common in other health services for adults. We audited notifications for child safeguarding from an acute general hospital where the policy includes questioning adults presenting with violence, mental health problems or drug or alcohol misuse to any department within the hospital about children at home and notifying to the local authority children's social care services if there are safeguarding concerns.

Methods 

Cross‐sectional audit of notifications for child safeguarding, including abuse, neglect or victimization, from all departments in one hospital to the local authority children's social care department during 12 months (2010/11).

Results 

Of 681 notifications (57 per month), 40% (270/681) were triggered by parents' presentation to acute hospital services. Of these, 37% (100/270; 12 teenage mothers) presented for maternity care and 60% (162/270; 8 teenage parents) presented to the emergency department (ED). Of the 60% (411/681) of notifications prompted by children presenting for healthcare, most originated from the ED (358/411; 87%): two‐thirds of these presented with injury (250/358; 70%).

Conclusion 

Given a policy to ask adults about children at home, a substantial proportion of children notified for child safeguarding were recognized through presentations to acute healthcare by their parents. Further research and development of this policy needs to ensure that questioning results in effective interventions for the children and their parents.
Blunted expression of miR-199a-5p in regulatory T cells of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease compared to unaffected smokers
Authors: Chatila W M , Criner G J , Hancock W W , Akimova T , Moldover B , Chang J-K , Cornwell W , Santerre M , Rogers T J
Published: March 2014

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by an abnormal regulatory T cell (Treg) response and increases in T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th17 cell responses. It is unclear if dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNA) within Treg cells contributes to the abnormal inflammatory response in COPD. In this study, we aimed to compare the miRNA profile of COPD Treg cells with that of healthy controls and to explore the function of differentially expressed miRNAs. We first obtained Treg and T effector cells (Teff) from peripheral blood of non-smokers, unaffected current smokers and COPD current smokers. Then, we assessed their miRNA expression by microarray analysis followed by real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) validation of particular miRNAs. Six and 96 miRNAs were expressed differentially in COPD Treg cells versus Treg cells of healthy non-smokers and healthy smokers, whereas no differences were found in miRNA expression in Teff cells. We found that miR-199a-5p was repressed by approximately fourfold in Treg cells of COPD patients compared to healthy smokers (P < 0·05). In addition, miR-199a-5p was over-expressed in Treg cells compared to Teff cells (P < 0·001) and had significant over-representation of its target genes in the Treg transcriptome, being associated with the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β activation pathway (P < 0·01). We also confirmed the function of miR-199a5p in an in-vitro loss-of-function cell model running TaqMan® arrays of the human TGF-β pathway. These findings suggest that the abnormal repression of miR-199a-5p in patients with COPD compared to unaffected smokers may be involved in modulating the adaptive immune balance in favour of a Th1 and Th17 response.