bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The importance of amino acid interactions in the crystallization of hydroxyapatite
Authors: Jahromi M. Tavafoghi , Yao G. , Cerruti M.
Published: December 2012

Non-collagenous proteins (NCPs) inhibit hydroxyapatite (HA; Ca
5
(PO
4
)
3
OH) formation in living organisms by binding to nascent nuclei of HA and preventing their further growth. Polar and charged amino acids (AAs) are highly expressed in NCPs, and the negatively charged ones, such as glutamic acid (Glu) and phosphoserine (P-Ser) seem to be mainly responsible for the inhibitory effect of NCPs. Despite the recognized importance of these AAs on the behaviour of NCPs, their specific effect on HA crystallization is still unclear, and controversial results have been reported concerning the efficacy of HA inhibition of positively versus negatively charged AAs. We focused on a positively charged (arginine, Arg) and a negatively charged (Glu) AA, and their combination in the same solution. We studied their inhibitory effect on HA nucleation and growth at physiological temperature and pH and we determined the mechanism by which they can affect HA crystallization. Our results showed a strong inhibitory effect of Arg on HA nucleation; however, Glu was more effective in inhibiting HA crystal growth during the growth stage. The combination of Glu and Arg was less effective in controlling HA nucleation, but it inhibited HA crystal growth. We attributed these differences to the stability of complexes formed between AAs and calcium and phosphate ions at the nucleation stage, and in bonding strength of AAs to HA crystal faces during the growth stage. The AAs also influenced the morphology of synthesized HA. Presence of either Arg or Glu resulted in the formation of spherulites consisting of preferentially oriented nanoplatelets orientation. This was attributed to kinetic factors favoring growth front nucleation (GFN) mechanism.
There Is No Structural Relationship between Nasal Septal Deviation, Concha Bullosa, and Paranasal Sinus Fungus Balls
Authors: Tsai Tung-Lung , Lan Ming-Ying , Ho Ching-Yin
Published: December 2012

This study aims to determine the relationship between nasal septal deviation, concha bullosa, and chronic rhinosinusitis by using a definitive pathological and simplified model. Fifty-two consecutive sinus computed tomography scans were performed on patients who received endoscopic sinus surgery and whose final diagnosis was paranasal sinus fungus balls. The incidences of nasal septal deviation and concha bullosa for patients diagnosed with paranasal sinus fungus balls among the study group were 42.3% and 25%, respectively. About 63.6% sinuses with fungus balls were located on the ipsilateral side of the nasal septal deviation, and 46.2% were located on the ipsilateral side of the concha bullosa. When examined by Pearson’s chi-square test and the chi-squared goodness-of-fit test, no significant statistical difference for the presence of paranasal sinus fungus balls between ipsilateral and contralateral sides of nasal septal deviation and concha bullosa was noted (P=0.292andP=0.593, resp.). In conclusion, we could not demonstrate any statistically significant correlation between the location of infected paranasal sinus, the direction of nasal septal deviation, and the location of concha bullosa, in location-limited rhinosinusitis lesions such as paranasal sinus fungal balls. We conclude that the anatomical variants discussed herein do not predispose patients to rhinosinusitis.
The physicochemical and microbiological quality of the Sudanese yoghurt Mish produced by traditional and modernised methods
Authors: Abdel‐Gader Mustafa K H , El‐bakri Jafar M , El Zubeir Ibtisam E M
Published: December 2012

The traditional and modernised processing of Mish were assessed by comparing samples from modernised process with the traditional process: in each case, six batches were evaluated, with six samples per batch. The results indicated highly significant (P ≤ 0.001) differences in protein, ash and fat content, the viscosity and all microbiological parameters tested between the traditional and modern produced Mish. However, the storage period showed significant variations only for the microbiological parameters, as some contaminants were found for samples processed by the traditional procedure. Hence, the study recommended that Mish processing should be carried out following the modernised procedure to ensure better hygienic quality.
Review article: Paramedic education opportunities and challenges in Australia
Authors: Hou Xiang‐Yu , Rego Joanna , Service Melinda
Published: December 2012

Paramedic education has been undergoing major development in Australia in the past 20 years, with many different educational programmes being developed across all Australian jurisdictions. This paper aims to review the current paramedic education programmes in Australia to identify the similarities and differences between the programmes, and the strengths and challenges in these programmes. A literature search was performed using six scientific databases to identify any systematic reviews, literature reviews or relevant articles on the topic. Additional searches included journal articles and text references from 1995 to 2011. The search was conducted during December 2010 and November 2011. Included in this review are a total of 28 articles, which are focused around five major issues in paramedic education: (i) principle on paramedic programmes and the involvement of industry partners; (ii) clinical placements; (iii) contemporary methods of education; (iv) needs for specific programmes within paramedic education; and (v) articles related to the accreditation process for paramedic programmes. Paramedic programmes across Australian universities vary with many different practices, especially relating to clinical placements in the field. The further advances of the paramedic education programmes should aim to respond to population change and industry development, which would enhance the paramedic profession across Australia.
Transplantation of granulocytic myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (G‐MDSCs) could reduce colitis in experimental murine models
Authors: Su Hui , Cong Xu , Liu Yu Lan
Published: December 2012

Objective

Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a group of myeloid cells expressing CD11b and Gr‐1 marker in mice and comprise at least two subsets: granulocytic MDSCs (G‐MDSCs) and monocytic MDSCs (M‐MDSCs). This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of transplantation of G‐MDSC subsets from normal mice to colitis mice.

Methods

Murine colitis model was induced by the intrarectal administration of 2,4,6‐trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS). The mice were divided into four groups: control group, TNBS‐induced colitis, TNBS‐induced colitis plus normal saline injection and TNBS‐induced colitis plus bone marrow‐derived G‐MDSCs injection (transplantation group). G‐MDSCs were sorted and enriched via magnetic‐activated cell sorting (MACS) program, the purity of the sorted cells was then identified using flow cytometry analysis. Sex cross‐transplantation of dominant G‐MDSCs was applied from normal mice to colitis models using i.v. injection. Changes of body weight, survival rate, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were monitored and macroscopic and microscopic injury scores are calculated. Donor cell Y chromosomes were assessed by in situ hybridization to assess reconstitutions.

Results

After the transplantation of bone marrow‐derived G‐MDSCs from normal mice to colitis models, recipient mice showed increased survival rate, decreased macroscopic and microscopic injury scores and MPO activity, as well as lowered concentration of serum interleukin‐6. Y chromosomes staining displayed colonization of donor cells of liver, spleen and colon tissues.

Conclusion

Bone marrow‐derived G‐MDSCs are effective in the improvement of murine colitis, but its effect in human needs further investigation.
Impact of extended cervical mediastinoscopy in staging of left lung carcinoma
Authors: Sayar Adnan , Çitak Necati , Büyükkale Songül , Metin Muzaffer , Kök Abdulaziz , Yurt Sibel , Çelikten Alper , Gürses Atilla
Published: December 2012

Background

Extended cervical mediastinoscopy (ECM) is a method for staging lung carcinoma. We aimed to demonstrate the impact of ECM in the staging of lung carcinoma.

Methods

Between 1998 and 2011, 159 patients with left lung carcinoma who underwent ECM simultaneously with standard cervical mediastinoscopy (SCM), were retrospectively analyzed. Until 2006, ECM had been performed routinely (n = 90, routine ECM), however, after 2006 ECM was performed only in patients selected based on computed tomography and positron emission tomography scans (n = 69, selective ECM).

Results

Mediastinal lymph node metastasis was present in 36 patients by mediastinoscopy. Aortopulmonary window (APW) lymph node metastasis was present in 26 patients (10 in the routine group, 16 in the selective group), whereas the 10 patients who had mediastinal lymph node metastasis that could only be accessed by SCM, but had no APW lymph node metastasis, were excluded. The remaining 123 patients (72 in the routine group, 51 in the selective group) were identified as cN0/N1 by SCM/ECM, and lobectomy, pneumonectomy, and exploratory thoracotomy were performed on 64, 43, and 16 of these patients, respectively. According to the lymphadenectomy, APW lymph node metastasis was determined in 11 patients (seven in the routine group, four in the selective group). Sensitivity, negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of ECM were calculated as 0.70, 0.90, and 0.92, respectively. Staging values of routine/selective ECM protocols were 0.58/0.80, 0.89/0.91 and 0.91/0.94, respectively. The complication rate was 5% (n = 8).

Conclusions

ECM has an adequate NPV and accuracy in determining metastasis to the APW lymph nodes in patients with left lung carcinoma.
Keynote Address: The Focus on Competencies and Individual Learner Assessment as Emerging Themes in Medical Education Research
Authors: Hamstra Stanley J.
Published: December 2012

This article describes opportunities for scholarship in medical education, based on a brief overview of recent changes in medical education. The implications arising from these changes are discussed, with recommendations for focus, and suggestions and examples for making progress in this field. The author discusses 1) the historical context of the current shift toward competency‐based medical education, 2) the potential contribution of social and behavioral sciences to medical education scholarship, 3) methods and approaches for supporting scholarship in medical education, and very briefly 4) trends in simulation. The author concludes with a call for quality in medical education scholarship and argues that the most promising and fruitful area of medical education scholarship for the future lies in the field of assessment of individual competence.
Evaluating Educational Interventions in Emergency Medicine
Authors: Deiorio Nicole M. , Fitch Michael T. , Jung Julianna , Promes Susan B. , Thibodeau Lorraine G. , Woolley Wendy L. , Gisondi Michael A. , Gruppen Larry D.
Published: December 2012

This article presents the proceedings of the 2012 Academic Emergency Medicine consensus conference breakout group charged with identifying areas necessary for future research regarding effectiveness of educational interventions for teaching emergency medicine (EM) knowledge, skills, and attitudes outside of the clinical setting. The objective was to summarize both medical and nonmedical education literature and report the consensus formation methods and results. The authors present final statements to guide future research aimed at evaluating the best methods for understanding and developing successful EM curricula using all types of educational interventions.
The Current State of Core Competency Assessment in Emergency Medicine and a Future Research Agenda: Recommendations of the Working Group on Assessment of Observable Learner Performance
Authors: Kessler Chad S. , Leone Katrina A.
Published: December 2012

In 2012, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) introduced the Next Accreditation System (NAS) for residency program accreditation. With implementation of the NAS, residents are assessed according to a series of new emergency medicine (EM)‐specific performance milestones, and the frequency of assessment reporting is increased. These changes are driving the development of new assessment tools for the NAS that can be feasibly implemented by EM residency programs and that produce valid and reliable assessment data. This article summarizes the recommendations of the writing group on assessment of observable learner performance at the 2012 Academic Emergency Medicine consensus conference on education research in EM that took place on May 9, 2012, in Chicago, Illinois. The authors define an agenda for future assessment tool research and development that was arrived at by consensus during the conference.
Assessing Practice‐based Learning and Improvement
Authors: Salzman David H. , Franzen Douglas S. , Leone Katrina A. , Kessler Chad S.
Published: December 2012

Assessment of practice‐based learning and improvement (PBLI) is a core concept identified in several competency frameworks. This paper summarizes the current state of PBLI assessment as presented at the 2012 Academic Emergency Medicine consensus conference on education research in emergency medicine. Based on these findings and consensus achieved at the conference, seven recommendations have been identified for future research.
Assessing Interpersonal and Communication Skills in Emergency Medicine
Authors: Chan Teresa M. , Wallner Clare , Swoboda Thomas K. , Leone Katrina A. , Kessler Chad
Published: December 2012

Interpersonal and communication skills (ICS) are a key component of several competency‐based schemata and key competency in the set of six Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) core competencies. With the shift toward a competency‐based educational framework, the importance of robust learner assessment becomes paramount. The journal Academic Emergency Medicine (AEM) hosted a consensus conference to discuss education research in emergency medicine (EM). This article summarizes the initial preparatory research that was conducted to brief consensus conference attendees and reports the results of the consensus conference breakout session as it pertains to ICS assessment of learners. The goals of this consensus conference session were to twofold: 1) to determine the state of assessment of observable learner performance and 2) to determine a research agenda within the ICS field for medical educators. The working group identified six key recommendations for medical educators and researchers.
Assessing Professionalism: Summary of the Working Group on Assessment of Observable Learner Performance
Authors: Rodriguez Elliot , Siegelman Jeffrey , Leone Katrina , Kessler Chad
Published: December 2012

Professionalism is one of the six Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) core competencies on which emergency medicine (EM) residents are assessed. However, very few assessment tools exist that have been rigorously evaluated in this population. One goal of the 2012 Academic Emergency Medicine consensus conference on education research in EM was to develop a research agenda for testing and developing tools to assess professionalism in EM residents. A literature review was performed to identify existing assessment tools. Recommendations on future research directions were presented at the consensus conference, and an agenda was developed.
A Suggested Core Content for Education Scholarship Fellowships in Emergency Medicine
Authors: Yarris Lalena M. , Coates Wendy C. , Lin Michelle , Lind Karen , Jordan Jaime , Clarke Sam , Guth Todd A. , Santen Sally A. , Hamstra Stanley J.
Published: December 2012

A working group at the 2012 Academic Emergency Medicine consensus conference on education research in emergency medicine (EM) convened to develop a curriculum for dedicated postgraduate fellowships in EM education scholarship. This fellowship is intended to create future education scholars, equipped with the skills to thrive in academic careers. This proceedings article reports on the consensus of a breakout session subgroup tasked with defining a common core content for education scholarship fellowships. The authors propose that the core content of an EM education scholarship fellowship can be categorized in four distinct areas: career development, theories of learning and teaching methods, education research methods, and educational program administration. This core content can be incorporated into curricula for education scholarship fellowships in EM or other fields and can also be adapted for use in general medical education fellowships.
Assessing Diagnostic Reasoning: A Consensus Statement Summarizing Theory, Practice, and Future Needs
Authors: Ilgen Jonathan S. , Humbert Aloysius J. , Kuhn Gloria , Hansen Matthew L. , Norman Geoffrey R. , Eva Kevin W. , Charlin Bernard , Sherbino Jonathan
Published: December 2012

Assessment of an emergency physician (EP)'s diagnostic reasoning skills is essential for effective training and patient safety. This article summarizes the findings of the diagnostic reasoning assessment track of the 2012 Academic Emergency Medicine consensus conference “Education Research in Emergency Medicine: Opportunities, Challenges, and Strategies for Success.” Existing theories of diagnostic reasoning, as they relate to emergency medicine (EM), are outlined. Existing strategies for the assessment of diagnostic reasoning are described. Based on a review of the literature, expert thematic analysis, and iterative consensus agreement during the conference, this article summarizes current assessment gaps and prioritizes future research questions concerning the assessment of diagnostic reasoning in EM.
Defining A Core Curriculum for Education Scholarship Fellowships in Emergency Medicine
Authors: Coates Wendy C. , Lin Michelle , Clarke Samuel , Jordan Jaime , Guth Todd , Santen Sally A. , Yarris Lalena M.
Published: December 2012

A trained cadre of medical education scholars with a focus on methodologically sound research techniques is needed to ensure development of innovations that can be translated to educational practice, rigorous evaluation of instructional strategies, and progress toward improving patient care outcomes. Most established educational programs are aimed at existing faculty members and focus primarily on the development of teaching and leadership skills. At the 2012 Academic Emergency Medicine (AEM) consensus conference, “Education Research in Emergency Medicine: Opportunities, Challenges, and Strategies for Success,” a breakout session was convened to develop training recommendations for postgraduate fellowship programs in medical education scholarship that would enable residency graduates to join academic faculties armed with the skills needed to perform research in medical education. Additionally, these graduates would enjoy the benefits of established mentorships. A group of 23 medical education experts collaborated to address the following objectives: 1) construct a formal needs assessment for fellowship training in medical education scholarship in emergency medicine (EM), 2) compare and contrast current education scholarship programs in both EM and non‐EM specialties, and 3) develop a set of core curriculum guidelines for specialized fellowship training in medical education scholarship in EM. Fellowship‐trained faculty need to be proficient in learner instruction and assessment, organizational leadership, curriculum development, educational methodology, and conducting generalizable hypothesis‐driven research to improve patient care.
Faculty Development in Medical Education Research
Authors: LaMantia Joseph , Hamstra Stanley J. , Martin Daniel R. , Searle Nancy , Love Jeffrey , Castaneda Jill , Aziz‐Bose Rahela , Smith Michael , Griswold‐Therodorson Sharon , Leuck JoAnna
Published: December 2012

This 2012 Academic Emergency Medicine consensus conference breakout session was devoted to the task of identifying the history and current state of faculty development in education research in emergency medicine (EM). The participants set a future agenda for successful faculty development in education research. A number of education research and content experts collaborated during the session. This article summarizes existing academic and medical literature, expert opinions, and audience consensus to report our agreement and findings related to the promotion of faculty development.
Assessing Patient Care: Summary of the Breakout Group on Assessment of Observable Learner Performance
Authors: Takayesu James Kimo , Kulstad Christine , Wallenstein Joshua , Gallahue Fiona , Gordon David , Leone Katrina , Kessler Chad
Published: December 2012

There is an established expectation that physicians in training demonstrate competence in all aspects of clinical care prior to entering professional practice. Multiple methods have been used to assess competence in patient care, including direct observation, simulation‐based assessments, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), global faculty evaluations, 360‐degree evaluations, portfolios, self‐reflection, clinical performance metrics, and procedure logs. A thorough assessment of competence in patient care requires a mixture of methods, taking into account each method's costs, benefits, and current level of evidence. At the 2012Academic Emergency Medicine(AEM) consensus conference on educational research, one breakout group reviewed and discussed the evidence supporting various methods of assessing patient care and defined a research agenda for the continued development of specific assessment methods based on current best practices. In this article, the authors review each method's supporting reliability and validity evidence and make specific recommendations for future educational research.
Medical Education Research in the Context of Translational Science
Authors: Santen Sally A. , Deiorio Nicole M. , Gruppen Larry D.
Published: December 2012

Health care struggles to transfer recent discoveries into high‐quality medical care. Therefore, translational science seeks to improve the health of patients and communities by studying and promoting the translation of findings from bench research into clinical care. Similarly, medical education practice may be slow to adopt proven evidence of better learning and assessment. The Academic Emergency Medicine (AEM) consensus conference was designed to promote the dissemination of evidence‐based education research and practice. We will pull from the work developed by the consensus conference as a means to create a roadmap for future medical education research using the framework of translational science.
Does multi‐fetal pregnancy reduction adversely influence intra‐uterine growth?
Authors: Brown Richard , Shrim Alon , Mallozzi Angela
Published: December 2012

Multi‐fetal pregnancy reduction (MFPR) is offered in the management of higher‐order multiple gestations to reduce the risks associated with such pregnancies. Pregnancy outcomes, including birthweight, following MFPR have been examined with variable findings. However, little attention has been paid to in utero growth in such pregnancies. This study examines whether the intra‐uterine growth performance of a twin pregnancy resulting from MFPR differs from that of an unreduced twin pregnancy. This was a retrospective analysis comparing the intrauterine growth of 20 higher order multiple pregnancies that underwent MFPR with resulting di‐chorionic twin gestations with 293 unreduced di‐chorionic twin gestations. Biometric nomograms were derived for the unreduced twin population and the biometric parameters for the reduced pregnancies were compared with these. There was a difference with respect to femur length in the period 20–28 weeks (p = 0.003) but no other significant differences were observed. MFPR does not itself adversely influence intra‐uterine fetal growth.
Osmotic demyelination syndrome associated with hypophosphataemia: 2 cases and a review of literature
Authors: Turnbull Jessica , Lumsden Daniel , Siddiqui Ata , Lin Jean‐Pierre , Lim Ming
Published: December 2012

Aim

Central and extrapontine myelinolysis are collectively known as osmotic demyelination syndrome. This encephalopathic illness has been well documented in the adult literature, occurring most commonly in the context of chronic alcoholism, correction of hyponatraemia and liver transplantation. Aetiology and outcome in the paediatric population are less well understood.

Methods

Two cases of osmotic demyelination syndrome occurring in children with transient severe hypophosphataemia during the course of their illness are presented. Both had very different neurological outcomes, but the changes of central and extrapontine myelinolysis were apparent on neuroimaging. Sixty‐one cases in the paediatric literature were then reviewed.

Results

We summarize aetiology and outcome in paediatric cases of osmotic demyelination syndrome and postulate a role for hypophosphataemia as a contributing factor in the development of these sometimes devastating conditions.

Conclusion

Hypophosphataemia may contribute to the risk of developing osmotic demyelination syndrome in at‐risk paediatric patients and further study of this association should be undertaken.
Newborn calf welfare: A review focusing on mortality rates
Authors: UETAKE Katsuji
Published: December 2012

Calf mortality control is vitally important for farmers, not only to improve animal welfare, but also to increase productivity. High calf mortality rates can be related to larger numbers of calves in a herd, employee performance, severe weather, and the neonatal period covering the first 4 weeks of life. Although the basic premise of preventing newborn calf mortality is early detection and treatment of calves at risk for failure of passive transfer of immunoglobulins, calf mortality due to infectious diseases such as acute diarrhea increases in the presence of these physical and psychological stressors. This suggests that farmers should not ignore the effects of secondary environmental factors. For prevention rather than cure, the quality of the environment should be improved, which will improve not only animal welfare but also productivity. This paper presents a review of the literature on newborn calf mortality and discusses its productivity implications.
Effects of low protein diet and low protein diet supplemented with synthetic essential amino acids on meat quality of broiler chickens
Authors: Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Nakashima Kazuki , Ishida Aiko , Ashihara Akane , Katsumata Masaya
Published: December 2012

We investigated the effects of a low crude protein (CP) diet and a low CP diet supplemented with synthetic essential amino acids (EAA) on the meat quality of broiler chickens. Twenty‐one‐day‐old chickens were assigned to one of three diets: control, low CP (LCP), or low CP supplemented with EAA (ELCP). The chickens received these diets for 10 days. The shear force value (SFV) and free glutamate content of the Pectoralis major muscle were measured as indicators of the meat toughness and taste. The collagen and crude fat content of the muscle and the cross‐sectional area of myofibers were measured to evaluate the effects of the LCP and ELCP diets on meat toughness. The SFV of the ELCP group was 47% lower than that of the control group (P < 0.01). However, the LCP diet did not affect the SFV. The collagen and crude fat content were not affected by the dietary treatment. The cross‐sectional area was lower in the LCP and ELCP groups (P < 0.05) than the control group. The free glutamate content of muscle was not affected by the dietary treatment. Thus, a low CP diet supplemented with EAA is an effective means of producing tender meat.
Drivers of beta‐diversity variation inBromus erectussemi‐natural dry grasslands
Authors: Burrascano Sabina , Anzellotti Ilaria , Carli Emanuela , Del Vico Eva , Facioni Laura , Pretto Francesca , Sabatini Francesco M. , Tilia Agnese , Blasi Carlo
Published: December 2012

Questions

What are the main drivers of variation in beta‐diversity forBromus erectussemi‐natural dry grasslands of habitat 6210(*) at different scales? How should environmental variables and spatial patterns be taken into account to conserve the maximum possible beta‐diversity within the habitat?

Location

CentralItaly.

Methods

We used 195 vegetation relevés distributed in three nested extents: a single mountain, a mountain chain and southernLazio. Multiple regression on distance matrices was performed using dissimilarity matrices based on: (1) species abundances as response variables; (2) spatial coordinates and environmental parameters (altitude, slope, percentage of rock and stone coverage, aspect, annual rainfall) as explanatory variables. The two groups of explanatory variables were used separately to partition the variation, and jointly to assess the relative contribution of each individual variable. Those variables found to significantly affect beta‐diversity were used to: (1) compare beta‐diversity levels between a set of randomly selected and a set of stratified relevés; and (2) analyse the habitat distribution across environmental gradients. These analyses, together with the curves describing the relationships between spatial distances and composition dissimilarities, were used to inform management decisions for the habitat.

Results

Most of the variance was explained by environmental variables, whose share was higher in the smallest and intermediate extent than in the broadest extent. Community dissimilarity increased in proportion to differences in altitude and spatial distances at every extent. Accordingly, at all the extents, the selection of relevés stratified by altitude or selected taking into account a minimum spatial distance included significantly higher levels of within‐habitat beta‐diversity, than randomly selected relevés. The relation of beta‐diversity to the variation in aspect and annual rainfall varied at different extents.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that dry grassland management plans aimed at conserving the maximum within‐habitat beta‐diversity should take into account variation in environmental variables, among which altitude proved to be a critical factor at every extent. Also, spatial distances positively affect within‐habitat beta‐diversity levels, and scale‐dependent minimum distances among habitat patches should be taken into account when selecting patches of habitat 6210(*) to be conserved in the study area.
Syn‐depositional thin‐ and thick‐skinned extensional tectonics in the mid‐Cretaceous Lasarte sub‐basin, western Pyrenees
Authors: Bodego Arantxa , Agirrezabala Luis M.
Published: December 2012

In the mid‐Cretaceous Lasarte sub‐basin (LSB) [northeastern Basque‐Cantabrian Basin (BCB)] contemporaneous and syn‐depositional thin‐ and thick‐skinned extensional tectonics occur due to the presence of a ductile detachment layer that decoupled the extension. Despite the interest in extension modes of rift basins bearing intra‐stratal detachment layers, complex cases remain poorly understood. In the LSB, field results based on mapping, stratigraphic, sedimentological and structural data show the relationship between growth strata and tectonic structures. Syn‐depositional extensional listric faults and associated folds and faults have been identified in the supra‐detachment thin‐skinned system. But stratigraphic data also indicate the activation of sub‐detachment thick‐skinned extensional faults coeval with the development of the thin‐skinned system. The tectono‐sedimentary evolution of the LSB, since the Late Aptian until the earliest Late Albian, has been interpreted based on thin‐ and thick‐skinned extensional growth structures, which are fossilized by post‐extensional strata. The development of the thin‐skinned system is attributed to the presence of a ductile detachment layer (Upper Triassic Keuper facies) which decoupled the extension from deeper sub‐detachment basement‐involved faulting under a regional extensional/transtensional regime.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of [1,2,4]Triazolo[3,4‐a]phthalazine and Tetrazolo[5,1‐a]phthalazine Derivatives Bearing Substituted Benzylpiperazine Moieties as Positive Inotropic Agents
Authors: Wu Yan , Sun Liang‐Peng , Ma Long‐Xu , Che Jian , Song Ming‐Xia , Cui Xun , Piao Hu‐Ri
Published: December 2012

Two series of [1,2,4]triazolo[3,4‐a]phthalazine and tetrazolo[5,1‐a]phthalazine derivatives bearing substituted benzylpiperazine moieties have been synthesized and evaluated for their positive inotropic activity by measuring left atrium stroke volume on isolated rabbit heart preparations. The majority of the derivatives exhibited better in vitro activity than the existing drug, milrinone, and 6‐((4‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)piperazin‐1‐yl)methyl)tetrazolo[5,1‐a]phthalazine. 8 m in particular was identified as the most potent with an increased stroke volume of 12.02 ± 0.20% (milrinone: 2.46 ± 0.07%) at a concentration of 3 × 10–5 m. The chronotropic effects of the compounds that exhibited good potency were also evaluated.
Ro52- and Ro60-specific B cell pattern in the salivary glands of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Aqrawi L A , Skarstein K , Øijordsbakken G , Brokstad K A
Published: December 2012

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is characterized by the presence of autoantibodies against the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particles Ro/SSA and La/SSB, and mononuclear cell infiltration of exocrine tissues, especially salivary and lachrymal glands. Low numbers of autoantigen-specific memory B cells and elevated levels of plasma cells have been detected previously in the peripheral blood (PB) of pSS patients compared to controls. As both Ro52 and Ro60-specific cells have been detected in the salivary glands (SG) of pSS patients, we aimed to characterize the SSA-specific B cell pattern in SG biopsies. A series of double immunohistochemical stainings were performed on paraffin-embedded tissue from 10 well-characterized pSS patients for each Ro52 and Ro60 along with CD19, CD5, CD20 or CD27, respectively. Ro52 and Ro60-specific cells detected in SG tissue were found to be CD19+ B cells located outside the CD19+/CD20+ B cell zones (BCZ) and also interstitially. These SSA-specific cells were also quantified. No SSA-specific cells were CD5+, indicating that they do not belong to the B-1 B cell subset. Furthermore, no SSA-specific cells were observed within the CD20+ BCZ. Hence, no SSA-specific memory B cells were detected in these individuals. Contrary to this, SSA-specific cells were found to be CD19+/CD27++, demonstrating that they are differentiating short or long-lived plasma cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that these lower levels of SSA-specific memory B cells in PB and absence of SSA-specific memory B cells in SG of pSS patients could result from activation of these cells into plasma cells at the site of inflammation.
Strengthening kinship families: scoping the provision of respite care in Australia
Authors: Borenstein Juliette , McNamara Patricia ,   Respite Care Consortium
Published: December 2012

Kinship care is the fastest growing form of out‐of‐home care in Australia, as it is in many other countries. The Victorian Government's response has been to establish 18 programmes across the state to provide support to kinship families. The scoping project described here, based on interviews with key programme staff, explores the experiences of the new programmes in providing support, specifically respite care, to kinship families. It has produced a picture, based on qualitative and quantitative data, of how respite care is understood, the perceived respite needs of kinship families, how services are organized and provided, identified barriers to families accessing support, the effect of respite provision and what constitutes optimal practice. The findings establish a basis for a best practice model of service provision for this increasingly significant family type.
A population‐based study of hereditary non‐polyposis colorectal cancer: evidence of pathologic and genetic heterogeneity
Authors: Warden G , Harnett D , Green J , Wish T , Woods MO , Green R , Dicks E , Rahman P , Zhai G , Parfrey P
Published: December 2012

Hereditary non‐polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) may be the result of Lynch syndrome (LS) caused by mutations in mismatch repair (MMR) genes, a syndrome of unknown etiology called familial colorectal cancer type‐X (FCCTX), or familial serrated neoplasia associated with the colorectal cancer (CRC) somatic BRAF mutation. To determine the cause of HNPCC in the founder population of the island of Newfoundland, we studied 37 families with LS and 29 families without LS who fulfilled the Amsterdam I criteria. In non‐LS, four index CRCs were BRAF mutation positive, one of which was microsatellite instable. Geographic clustering of LS families caused by three different founder mutations in MSH2 was observed. Nine unique MMR mutations in four MMR genes were identified in single families distributed in different geographic isolates. The geographic distribution of non‐LS was similar to LS. The coefficient of relatedness using genotype data was significantly higher for non‐LS than for all CRC. Extensive genealogic investigation failed to connect non‐LS families and in some clusters pathologic CRC heterogeneity was observed. We conclude that non‐LS HNPCC may be a heterogeneous disorder with different pathogenic pathways, and that the geographic distribution is consistent with multiple different mutations in unknown CRC susceptibility gene(s).
Ornithine carbamoyltransferase deficiency: molecular characterization of 29 families
Authors: Storkanova G , Vlaskova H , Chuzhanova N , Zeman J , Stranecky V , Majer F , Peskova K , Luksan O , Jirsa M , Hrebicek M , Dvorakova L
Published: December 2012

Ornithine carbamoyltransferase deficiency is the most common inherited defect of the urea cycle. We examined 28 male and 9 female patients from 29 families and identified 25 distinct mutations in OTC, 14 of which were novel. Three novel missense mutations (p.Ala102Pro, p.Pro158Ser, p.Lys210Glu) and a novel deletion of the Leu43 are not directly involved either in the enzyme active site or in the intersubunit interactions; however, the mutations include conserved residues involved in intramolecular interaction network essential for the function of the enzyme. Three novel large deletions – a 444 kb deletion affecting RPGR, OTC and TSPAN7, a 10 kb‐deletion encompassing OTC exons 5 and 6 and a 24.5 kb‐deletion encompassing OTC exons 9 and 10 – have probably been initiated by double strand breaks at recombination‐promoting motifs with subsequent non‐homologous end joining repair. Finally, we present a manifesting heterozygote carrying a hypomorphic mutation p.Arg129His in combination with unfavorably skewed X‐inactivation in three peripheral tissues.
The Neighborhood Strikes Back: Community Murals by Youth in Boston's Communities of Color
Authors: SIEBER TIM , CORDEIRO GRAÇA ÍNDIAS , FERRO LÍGIA
Published: December 2012

Community murals in US inner city neighborhoods offer popular, grassroots representations of local identities and their relation to urban space and community culture. They are powerful tools in building neighborhood solidarity across ethnic groups, generations, and defended gang territories. Designed primarily for local consumption, murals circulate dramatic, alternative representations of local identity, heritage and history, contesting attributions of stigma and danger promulgated in mainstream media. In Boston's Dudley Street corridor that crosscuts its Roxbury and Dorchester neighborhoods, both low‐income communities of color, these themes are evident in the presence of a vibrant series of community murals lining the one‐mile long street. Designed and painted by local youth under the sponsorship of grassroots community‐based organizations, the murals give voice to urban youth's hopes, struggles, and aspirations for their individual and collective futures, from their positions in disadvantaged, multi‐ethnic neighborhoods in a city sharply divided by race and class.
A Divided Provincial Town: The Development from Ethnic to Class Segmentation in Kupang, West Timor
Authors: TIDEY SYLVIA
Published: December 2012

This article focuses on the physical composition of the Eastern Indonesian provincial town of Kupang, a town thought to be characterized by interethnic tensions. I examine the assumption that social segmentation is explainable in terms of ethnicity. In order to show that ethnicity not the sole explanation for social segregation, I draw on urban anthropological insights proposing an anthropology of cities—and in particular Setha M. Low's concept of the “divided city”—to look at the kinds of social segmentation that are suggested by the development of new residential areas in Kupang. When comparing the composition of Kupang during colonial times to its current lay‐out, it becomes clear that, even though Kupang started out as a city characterized by ethnic segmentation, it has been developing towards a city based on class‐segmentation. This class‐segmentation reflects access to state employment and resources. Nevertheless, being a provincial town instead of a larger metropolis, class segmentation (physically or socially) is far from rigid. As such, provincial towns can form a fascinating space to explore physical segregation, social stratification and social mobility. [Eastern Indonesia, Kupang, West Timor, ethnicity, class segmentation].
The Viet Village Urban Farm and the Politics of Neighborhood Viability in Post‐Katrina New Orleans
Authors: TRUITT ALLISON
Published: December 2012

Viability emerged as a contentious political term in post‐Katrina New Orleans. While initial expert‐led proposals defined neighborhood viability in terms of topography, community‐based groups emphasized the cultural and historical aspects that defined neighborhoods as viable. This analysis focuses on the politics of neighborhood viability with regarding to a specific neighborhood, Village de l'Est, well known for its sizeable Vietnamese population. Community leaders effectively employed cultural discourses to increase the visibility of the neighborhood and make claims on recovery dollars. One of these proposals was for an urban farm. The case‐study presented here focuses on how the proposal made evident how claims of viability often generated generated conflicting visions of neighborhoods in pre‐ and post‐Katrina New Orleans. [Sustainability, Urban farm, Vietnamese Americans, New Orleans]
Reduced Frontal Activation during a Working Memory Task in Mild Cognitive Impairment: a Non‐Invasive Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Niu Hai‐Jing , Li Xin , Chen Yao‐Jing , Ma Chao , Zhang Jun‐Ying , Zhang Zhan‐Jun
Published: December 2012

Aims

Working memory (WM) impairments are considered to be a main feature of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Functional brain imaging studies have revealed evidence of alterations in the frontal and temporal cortices associated with WM in MCI patients. However, some imaging methods are too expensive for routine clinical use and have a low temporal resolution.

Methods

Using a newly developed near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) system, we studied the spatiotemporal dynamics of oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy‐Hb) during a WM task in eight patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 16 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls.

Results

We performed temporal and spatial correlation analyses on each group during their WM tasks. These results consistently demonstrated that, when compared with the healthy controls, the MCI patients exhibited significantly decreased activation in the left frontal, right superior frontal and left temporal lobes. We found evidence of altered frontal and temporal processing during WM tasks in the MCI patients.

Conclusions

These results confirm the functional deficits in the frontal and temporal cortices and the impairment of WM and cognitive abilities in MCI patients and suggest that fNIRS may be a useful tool for evaluating brain activation in cognitive disorders.
Europe Needs a New Vision for a Natura 2020 Network
Authors: Hochkirch Axel , Schmitt Thomas , Beninde Joscha , Hiery Marietta , Kinitz Tim , Kirschey Jenny , Matenaar Daniela , Rohde Katja , Stoefen Aleke , Wagner Norman , Zink Andreas , Lötters Stefan , Veith Michael , Proelss Alexander
Published: December 2012

Twenty years after the world's nations agreed upon the Convention on Biodiversity, there is still a global decline in biodiversity. At present it seems unlikely that the Aichi Targets of halting biodiversity loss by 2020 will be met. Although the European Union is often seen as a pioneer in this regard, as its “Habitats Directive” represents one of the strongest legal tools in nature conservation, biodiversity continues to decline even in Europe. We outline four major problems in the current implementation of the directive. First, prioritization needs to be based upon comprehensive scientific knowledge. This requires a maximized number of red list assessments of European species and a regular adaptation of the annexes in order to focus on those sites with the highest conservation value. Second, strategic conservation plans need to be compiled for highly threatened species and adaptive management plans need to be implemented in each reserve. Third, an improved “on‐ground” monitoring system is necessary, focusing on population trends of priority species and feeding back to management plans and red list assessments. Fourth, substantial financial resources have to be invested in the implementation as well as education in order to reach a societal consensus on the necessity for conservation.
Calculating the benefit of conservation actions
Authors: Maron Martine , Rhodes Jonathan R. , Gibbons Philip
Published: December 2012

The benefit (or additionality) attributable to a conservation action is the difference between the outcomes of two scenarios: (1) the scenario with the conservation action, and (2) the alternative scenario, in which action did not occur. However, many conservation decisions are made using approaches that do not appropriately calculate this benefit. We review recent scientific literature and conservation policies to examine how conservation benefit is calculated in three situations: systematic reserve selection, investment in agri‐environment schemes, and biodiversity offset trades. In the examples we considered, the approaches used to calculate conservation benefit often involved assumptions about the alternative scenario that were not explicit, demonstrably wrong or both. We suggest that assumptions about how conservation value changes over time in the alternative scenario can often be substantially refined, and that making these assumptions explicit by calculating directly the expected difference between the two scenarios is likely to improve the quality of conservation decision‐making.
Transgenic chickens
Authors: Nishijima Ken‐ichi , Iijima Shinji
Published: December 2012

The development of transgenic chicken technology has lagged far behind that of mammalian species. Two reasons for this are that only a one‐cell‐stage oocyte can be obtained from a sacrificed hen and that the yolk prevents high‐magnification microscopic observation of oocytes. Recently, several new methods have been developed that will enable the successful establishment of transgenic chickens. Retroviral vectors are used in many cases because of their ability to incorporate transgenes into host cell chromosomes in a highly efficient manner. These viral vectors are injected directly into the embryos, usually at the blastodermal stage. In some cases, primordial germ cells (PGCs) are infected in vitro and then implanted into recipient embryos. Methods that do not rely on retroviral vectors are also available for creating transgenic chickens. Long‐term culture of PGCs permits the selection of stably transfected cells and implantation of the manipulated PGCs. In addition, embryonic stem (ES) cell systems are available; however, the induction of functional gametes from ES cells has not, to our knowledge, been successful. It is clear that recent developments suggest that chickens may be used as a valuable experimental genetic system.