bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioapplications of hyperbranched polymers
Authors: Wang Dali , Zhao Tianyu , Zhu Xinyuan , Yan Deyue , Wang Wenxin
Published: September 2014

The recent research progress in biological and biomedical applications of hyperbranched polymers has been summarized in this review.
Stable and selective electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide to ethylene on copper mesocrystals
Authors: Chen Chung Shou , Handoko Albertus D. , Wan Jane Hui , Ma Liang , Ren Dan , Yeo Boon Siang
Published: September 2014

CuCl-derived Cu mesocrystals selectively catalyze CO2 reduction to ethylene (up to 81% of the total carbonaceous products) for longer than six hours.
When catalyst meets reactor: continuous biphasic processing of xylan to furfural over GaUSY/Amberlyst-36
Authors: Aellig Christof , Scholz David , Dapsens Pierre Y. , Mondelli Cecilia , Pérez-Ramírez Javier
Published: September 2014

A highly intensified process for the selective conversion of hemicellulose to furfural is demonstrated which integrates a bifunctional catalytic system into a biphasic fixed-bed reactor operating in continuous mode.
A new thiacalix[4]arene-fluorescein based probe for detection of CN− and Cu2+ ions and construction of a sequential logic circuit
Authors: Sharma Neetu , Reja Shahi Imam , Bhalla Vandana , Kumar Manoj
Published: September 2014

A thiacalix[4]arene-fluorescein based fluorescent probe for detection of CN− and Cu2+ ions and its application in a sequential logic circuit.
Self-assembled Cu(ii) and Ni(ii) metallamacrocycles formed from 3,3,3′,3′-tetrabenzyl-1,1′-aroylbis(thiourea) ligands: DNA and protein binding studies, and cytotoxicity of trinuclear complexes
Authors: Selvakumaran Nagamani , Bhuvanesh Nattamai S. P. , Karvembu Ramasamy
Published: September 2014

The synthesis and characterization of metallamacrocyclic square planar Ni(ii) and Cu(ii) complexes and the interaction of cytotoxic trinuclear complexes with CT DNA and BSA protein are described.
Two isoreticular metal–organic frameworks with CdSO4-like topology: selective gas sorption and drug delivery
Authors: Liu Jian-Qiang , Wu Jian , Jia Zhen-Bin , Chen Hong-Lang , Li Qing-Lin , Sakiyama Hiroshi , Soares Thereza , Ren Fei Ren Fei , Daiguebonne Carole , Guillou Olivier , Ng Seik Weng
Published: September 2014

In this work, we have also investigated the binding mode of 5-FU to these frameworks, which provides an atomic level view of host–guest interactions.
Synthesis and analysis of the anticancer activity of platinum(ii) complexes incorporating dipyridoquinoxaline variants
Authors: Pages Benjamin J. , Li Feng , Wormell Paul , Ang Dale L. , Clegg Jack K. , Kepert Cameron J. , Spare Lawson K. , Danchaiwijit Supawich , Aldrich-Wright Janice R.
Published: September 2014

Platinum complexes incorporating variants of dpq were synthesised. Their DNA affinity and cytotoxicity were compared to complexes containing phen variants, revealing unexpected trends in biological activity.
Nanoceria biodistribution and retention in the rat after its intravenous administration are not greatly influenced by dosing schedule, dose, or particle shape
Authors: Yokel Robert A. , Unrine Jason M. , Wu Peng , Wang Binghui , Grulke Eric A.
Published: September 2014

Nanoceria distribution and retention in the rat is not greatly affected by its dose, size, shape, or dosing schedule.
Insights into the inhibition and mechanism of compounds against LPS-induced PGE2production: a pathway network-based approach and molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Zhang Xinzhuang , Gu Jiangyong , Cao Liang , Ma Yimin , Su Zhenzhen , Luo Fang , Wang Zhenzhong , Li Na , Yuan Gu , Chen Lirong , Xu Xiaojie , Xiao Wei
Published: September 2014

An approach to integrate molecular docking and pathway networks was developed to evaluate the efficacy of multi-target compounds.
Self-oxidation of cytochrome c at methionine80 with molecular oxygen induced by cleavage of the Met–heme iron bond
Authors: Wang Zhonghua , Ando Yuki , Nugraheni Ari Dwi , Ren Chunguang , Nagao Satoshi , Hirota Shun
Published: September 2014

Met80 of cytcis oxidized site-specifically by reaction of heme with molecular oxygen in the presence of a reducing agent, when Met80 dissociates from the heme iron due to interaction of the protein with cardiolipin.
Discovery of an orally active subtype-selective HDAC inhibitor, chidamide, as an epigenetic modulator for cancer treatment
Authors: Pan De-Si , Yang Qian-Jiao , Fu Xin , Shan Song , Zhu Jing-Zhong , Zhang Kun , Li Zhi-Bin , Ning Zhi-Qiang , Lu Xian-Ping
Published: September 2014

Tumorigenesis is maintained through a complex interplay of multiple cellular biological processes and is regulated to some extent by epigenetic control of gene expression.
Diastereoselective self-assembly of clofarabine lipids
Authors: Sandin Peter , Bombelli Francesca Baldelli , Castroflorio Benedetta , Müller Christoph , Obermeier Jürgen , Karlsson Göran , Edwards Katarina , Baglioni Piero , Berti Debora
Published: September 2014

Clofarabine lipids form superstructures via diastereoselective self-assembly.
Photonic metal–organic framework composite spheres: a new kind of optical material with self-reporting molecular recognition
Authors: Cui Jiecheng , Gao Ning , Wang Chen , Zhu Wei , Li Jian , Wang Hui , Seidel Philipp , Ravoo Bart Jan , Li Guangtao
Published: September 2014

By using spherical colloidal crystals as 3D-ordered host matrices, a general strategy for efficient spatial arrangement of MOF materials has been developed, affording a new class of highly tunable MOF composite spheres.
The mechanism and regioselectivity of gold(i) or platinum(ii) catalyzed intramolecular hydroarylation to pyrrolopyridinones and pyrroloazepinones
Authors: Fang Ran , Wei Xiaoxiao , Yang Lizi
Published: September 2014

Pyrrolopyridinones and pyrroloazepinones can be prepared through gold(i) or platinum(ii) catalysis. These interesting gold(i) or platinum(ii) catalyses are fully supported by a computational study justifying the formation of each intermediate.
Nanoporous morphology control of polyethylene membranes by block copolymer blends
Authors: Uehara Hiroki , Kano Makiko , Tanaka Hidekazu , Kato Satomi , Masunaga Hiroyasu , Yamanobe Takeshi
Published: September 2014

A desirable combination of size-selective molecular permeation and robustness development for nanoporous membranes could be achieved via pore geometry control by a blending technique.
Bio-inspired directional high-aspect-ratio nanopillars: fabrication and actuation
Authors: Jiang Weitao , Wang Lanlan , Liu Hongzhong , Ma Haoyun , Tian Hongmiao , Chen Bangdao , Shi Yongsheng , Yin Lei , Ding Yucheng
Published: September 2014

Nanopillars (400–500 nm in diameter, 20–40 in aspect ratio, and 60–90° in slanted angles) were fabricated, whose posture can be actuated by electron beam or external electric field.
Ru/C: a simple heterogeneous catalyst for the amination of azoles under ligand free conditions
Authors: Harsha Vardhan Reddy K. , Anil Kumar B. S. P. , Prakash Reddy V. , Uday Kumar R. , Nageswar Y. V. D.
Published: September 2014

A ligand free Ru/C-catalyzed amination of 2-halo azoles with a broad scope of aminating reagents has been developed. Utilizing this protocol a variety of 2-aminoazole derivatives were synthesized in moderate to good yields. The methodology is operationally simple and it provides potentially useful products by using an inexpensive recyclable catalytic system.
Evidence that three-regime kinetics is inherent to formation of a polymer brush by a grafting-to approach
Authors: Sha Xue , Xu Xiaohe , Sohlberg Karl , Loll Patrick J. , Penn Lynn S.
Published: September 2014

Display of three-regime kinetics requires sufficiently low temperature and concentration: too high (left) vs. low enough (right).
Substituent effect on the radical scavenging activity of 6-chromanol derivatives
Authors: Inami Keiko , Suzuki Mariko , Shimizu Azusa , Furukawa Miyuki , Morita Mine , Mochizuki Masataka
Published: September 2014

A series of 6-chromanol derivatives were synthesized, and their second order rate constants (k) for the reaction with galvinoxyl radical were determined. The reaction constants from the slope, which plotted with the log k versus the Hammett sigma or Taft sigma constants for the four substituents at each, were obtained.
An investigation of physico-chemical properties of a new polyimide–silica composites
Authors: Akhter T. , Park O. Ok , Siddiqi H. M. , Saeed S. , Saoud Khaled Mohammad
Published: September 2014

In the present study, a novel diamine 1,4-bis[4-(hydrazonomethyl)phenoxy]butane (4-BHPB) has been successfully synthesized by a facile method.
A selective colorimetric and fluorescent probe for the detection of ClO− and its application in bioimaging
Authors: Li Jianfang , Huo Fangjun , Yin Caixia
Published: September 2014

Disperse Violet 26 is a commercially available fluorochrome used as an on–off fluorescent probe for the detection of ClO−, which is one of the biologically important reactive oxygen species (ROS), in HEPES : CH3CN = 1 : 1 (v/v pH = 7.0) with an excellent selectivity and sensitivity for ClO− compared to other analytes.
Unsubstituted quinoidal pyrrole and its reaction with oxygen, charge transfer and palladium(ii) complexes via DDQ oxidation
Authors: Ghorai Debasish , Mani Ganesan
Published: September 2014

A new class of reactive quinoidal structure of pyrrole, which forms donor–acceptor and binuclear palladium complexes, and the products of its reaction with O2 only under sunlight are described.
A highly efficient DBU-catalyzed green synthesis of spiro-oxindoles
Authors: Wang Liqun , Zhang Daming , Li Jian , Xu Guangyang , Sun Jiangtao
Published: September 2014

A DBU-catalyzed green synthesis of spiro-oxindoles with 100% atom economy has been developed under environmentally benign conditions.
Chemodosimeter approach for nanomolar detection of Cu2+ ions and their bio-imaging in PC3 cell lines
Authors: Reja Shahi Imam , Bhalla Vandana , Manchanda Shaffi , Kaur Gurcharan , Kumar Manoj
Published: September 2014

A new rhodamine–azaindole based fluorescence probe for Cu2+ has been synthesized which shows fluorescence resonance energy transfer process in acetonitrile. Further, the probe undergoes Cu2+ promoted hydrolysis in mixed aqueous media as well as in the intracellular systems.
Rings and rackets from single-wall carbon nanotubes: manifestations of mesoscale mechanics
Authors: Wang Yuezhou , Semler Matthew R. , Ostanin Igor , Hobbie Erik K. , Dumitrică Traian
Published: September 2014

We combine distinct element method simulations with experiments to reveal size dependencies and hence elucidate the mesoscale mechanical origin of rings and rackets assembled from single-walled carbon nanotube ropes.
Highly dispersible and charge-tunable magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles: facile fabrication and reversible binding to GO for efficient removal of dye pollutants
Authors: Yu Hongtao , Li Yunchao , Li Xiaohong , Fan Louzhen , Yang Shihe
Published: September 2014

The surface charge-tunable Fe3O4 nanoparticles with high dispersibility and high superparamagnetism are fabricated by a facile electrochemical method in acetonitrile solution. These nanoparticles can reversibly bind to graphene oxides, which could be recycled and continually used for high-efficient removal of dye pollutants from water.
Controlled electrochemical synthesis of new rare earth metal lutetium hexacyanoferrate on reduced graphene oxide and its application as a salicylic acid sensor
Authors: Devadas Balamurugan , Madhu Rajesh , Chen Shen-Ming , Yeh Huai-Tse
Published: September 2014

A controlled electrochemical synthesis of new rare earth metal lutetium hexacyanoferrate on reduced graphene oxide and its application as a salicylic acid sensor.
Matrix-derived combination effects influencing absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) of food-borne toxic compounds: implications for risk assessment
Authors: Rietjens Ivonne M. C. M. , Tyrakowska Bożena , van den Berg Suzanne J. P. L. , Soffers Ans E. M. F. , Punt Ans
Published: September 2014

Absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) of food-borne toxic compounds may be influenced by other compounds or constituents present in the food.
Cascaded circular‐polarisation‐selective surface based on bisected split rings
Authors: Martinez‐Lopez L. , Rodriguez‐Cuevas J. , Martinez‐Lopez J.I. , Martynyuk A.E.
Published: September 2014

A cascaded circular‐polarisation‐selective surface (CPSS) based on bisected split rings is presented. The proposed CPSS allows the transmission of one sense of circular polarisation while reflecting the other sense. To validate the proposed design, a nine‐layer prototype that operates in the Ka band has been designed, fabricated and tested. Experimental results show that transmission coefficients higher than −1 dB and axial ratios lower than 3 dB are obtained for one sense of circular polarisation, whereas transmission coefficients lower than −20 dB are obtained for the opposite sense over the frequency band from 26.39 to 35.43 GHz.
Reactive power planning under conditional‐value‐at‐risk assessment using chance‐constrained optimisation
Authors: López Julio , Contreras Javier , Mantovani Jose R.S.
Published: September 2014

This study presents a risk‐assessment approach to the reactive power planning problem. Chance‐constrained programming is used to model the random equivalent availability of existing reactive power sources for a given confidence level. Load shedding because of random equivalent availability of those reactive power sources is implemented through conditional‐value‐at‐risk. Tap settings of under‐load tap‐changing transformers are considered as integer variables. Active and reactive demands are considered as probability distribution functions. The proposed mathematical formulation is a two‐stage stochastic, multi‐period mixed‐integer convex model. The tradeoff between risk mitigation and investment cost minimisation is analysed. The proposed methodology is applied to the CIGRE‐32 electric power system, using the optimisation solver CPLEX in AMPL.
Probabilistic multi‐hypothesis tracker for multiple platform path planning
Authors: Cheung Brian , Davey Samuel , Gray Douglas
Published: September 2014

This study considers the problem of automatically coordinating multiple platforms to explore an unknown environment. The goal is a planning algorithm that provides a path for each platform in such a way that the collection of platforms cooperatively sense the environment in a globally efficient manner. The environment is described by a spatially non‐homogeneous priority function. The method samples this function to produce a discrete collection of locales that the platforms use as waypoints. The key feature of the method is to treat the assignment of locales to platforms as a target tracking problem and to use the probabilistic multi‐hypothesis tracker (PMHT) as a method of performing multi‐platform batch data association. This paper introduces the PMHT path planner (PMHT‐pp) and compares this algorithm as a method of performing multiple platform batch data association with the Genetic Algorithm to solve the modified multi‐travelling salesman problem.
Why am I Not Photogenic? Differences in Face Memory for the Self and others
Authors: Wen Wen , Kawabata Hideaki
Published: September 2014

Many people complain that they do not photograph well. In the present study, we hypothesised that the self-face is memorized more beautifully than reality, which may result in reports of being not photogenic. We took photographs of students who were in the same university course and were familiar with one another. We then magnified or shrunk the size of their eyes (Experiment 1; N = 10) and their mouths (Experiment 2; N = 10). We asked the students to select the picture that seemed most like their classmates' real faces or their own real face. The results showed that there were significant differences between memories of their own and others' faces. Participants selected their classmates' real faces to a greater degree than the modified faces. However, participants tended to select pictures of themselves with magnified eyes and shrunken mouths more often than for their classmates. In Experiment 3 (N = 22), more male participants were included and the influence of gender and mirror-reversed images were examined. We found that there were no significant differences across gender, and the mirror reversal did not change the participants' selections. The bias of self-face recognition may reflect different memory processes for the self and others.
Determination of Trace Arsenic Content in Commercial Crispbread by Hydride Generation Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry
Authors: Welna Maja
Published: September 2014

Methodology for the determination of total As in crispbread by hydride generation inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (HG–ICP–OES) was evaluated. The effect of pre-reduction reagents before the HG reaction under conditions of real samples was investigated. Sonication (15 min, 25°C) of samples with aqua regia allowed complete release of As species in solutions. Arsenic hydride was generated in the reaction with NaBH4 (1.0 % (m/v)) after the pre-reduction of AsV to AsIII with ascorbic acid (1.5 % (m/v)) and KI (0.5 % (m/v)) in 3 mol L–1 HCl. Detection limits (LODs) of 0.46 (AsIII) and 0.49 (AsV) μg L–1 were assessed. The accuracy of the method was confirmed by analysis with a certificate reference material and recovery test. Various crispbreads (wheat, rye, corn, rice) were analysed with the developed procedure and As content varied between 0.027 and 0.219 μg g–1, being the highest in the rice samples.
Friedel–Crafts Chemistry. Part 43. A Convergent Construction of Some New Bridged Aza-Bicyclic Analogues of Azocine, Azonine, and Azecine via Friedel–Crafts Ring Closures
Authors: Abd El-Aal Hassan A. K. , Khalaf Ali A. , El-Khawaga Ahmed M. A.
Published: September 2014

Our present study provides an expedient general approach for the synthesis of some novel bridged dibenzo-azocinone, -azoninone, -azecinone, -azocine, -azonine, and -azecine derivatives via Friedel–Crafts intramolecular ring-closure reactions. The methodology is realized by a four-step protocol involving first preparation of 7-methyl-3,3-diphenylindoline through the reduction of 7-methyl-3,3-diphenylindolin-2-one followed by N-alkylations with different haloesters (α-, β- or γ-). The resulting indoline ester derivatives were allowed to react both by addition of Grignard reagents to afford alcohols and by hydrolysis to afford acids. Particular attention has been given to the novel structures especially in regard to the promising pharmaceutical and therapeutic values associated with their skeletons.
Utilization of extracellular information before ligand-receptor binding reaches equilibrium expands and shifts the input dynamic range
Authors: Ventura Alejandra C. , Bush Alan , Vasen Gustavo , Goldín Matías A. , Burkinshaw Brianne , Bhattacharjee Nirveek , Folch Albert , Brent Roger , Chernomoretz Ariel , Colman-Lerner Alejandro
Published: August 2014

Significance

Many cell decisions depend on precise measurements of external ligands reversibly bound to receptors. Yeast cells orient in gradients of sex pheromone detecting differences in the amount of ligand-receptor complex. However, yeast can orient in gradients with nearly all receptors occupied. We describe a general systems-level mechanism, pre-equilibrium sensing and signaling (PRESS), which overcomes this saturation limit by shifting and expanding the input dynamic range to which cells can respond. PRESS requires that events downstream of the receptor be transient and faster than the time required for the receptor to reach equilibrium binding. Experiments and simulations show that PRESS operates in yeast and may help cells orient in gradients. Many ligand-receptor interactions are slow, suggesting that PRESS is widespread throughout eukaryotes.
Parallel corpora make sense
Authors: Lefever Els , Hoste Véronique
Published: September 2014

We present a multilingual approach to Word Sense Disambiguation (WSD), which automatically assigns the contextually appropriate sense to a given word. Instead of using a predefined monolingual sense-inventory, we use a language-independent framework by deriving the senses of a given word from word alignments on a multilingual parallel corpus, which we made available for corpus linguistics research. We built five WSD systems with English as the input language and translations in five supported languages (viz. French, Dutch, Italian, Spanish and German) as senses. The systems incorporate both binary translation features and local context features. The experimental results are very competitive, which confirms our initial hypothesis that each language contributes to the disambiguation of polysemous words. Because our system extracts all information from the parallel corpus, it offers a flexible language-independent approach, which implicitly deals with the sense distinctness issue and allows us to bypass the knowledge acquisition bottleneck for WSD.
Heptamethoxyflavone, a citrus flavonoid, suppresses inflammatory osteoclastogenesis and alveolar bone resorption
Authors: Matsumoto Chiho , Inoue Hiroki , Tominari Tsukasa , Watanabe Kenta , Hirata Michiko , Miyaura Chisato , Inada Masaki
Published: August 2014

We examined the effects of heptamethoxyflavone (HMF), a citrus flavonoid on inflammatory bone resorption. HMF suppressed the osteoclast formation and PGE2 production induced by IL-1. In mouse calvarial organ cultures, HMF attenuated the bone resorption elicited by LPS. HMF suppressed bone resorption in the mandibular alveolar bone. HMF may protect against inflammatory bone loss such as periodontal disease.
Sphingomyelin homeostasis is required to form functional enzymatic domains at the trans-Golgi network
Authors: van Galen Josse , Campelo Felix , Martínez-Alonso Emma , Scarpa Margherita , Martínez-Menárguez José Ángel , Malhotra Vivek
Published: September 2014

Do lipids such as sphingomyelin (SM) that are known to assemble into specific membrane domains play a role in the organization and function of transmembrane proteins? In this paper, we show that disruption of SM homeostasis at the trans-Golgi network (TGN) by treatment of HeLa cells with d-ceramide-C6, which was converted together with phosphatidylcholine to short-chain SM and diacylglycerol by SM synthase, led to the segregation of Golgi-resident proteins from each other. We found that TGN46, which cycles between the TGN and the plasma membrane, was not sialylated by a sialyltransferase at the TGN and that this enzyme and its substrate TGN46 could not physically interact with each other. Our results suggest that SM organizes transmembrane proteins into functional enzymatic domains at the TGN.
Journalism: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Hargreaves Ian
Published: September 2014

Journalism has a central and profound impact on our world view; we find it everywhere from newspapers and television, to radio and the Internet. Journalism: A Very Short Introduction examines the world of contemporary journalism and reflects on the growth of social media, online, and electronic journalism. By looking not only at what journalism has been in the past, but also what it is becoming in the digital age, it examines the big issues relating to reportage, warfare, celebrity culture, privacy, ethics, and technology worldwide. It also explores the impact of issues such as the banking and financial crisis as well as the aftermath of the Leveson inquiry in the UK.
Sensitivity of Quantitative Traits to Mutational Effects, Number of Loci, and Population History
Authors: Schraiber Joshua G. , Landis Michael J.
Published: August 2014

When models of quantitative genetic variation are built from population genetic first principles, several assumptions are often made. One of the most important assumptions is that traits are controlled by many genes of small effect. This leads to a prediction of a Gaussian trait distribution in the population, via the Central Limit Theorem. Since these biological assumptions are often unknown or untrue, we characterized how finite numbers of loci or large mutational effects can impact the sampling distribution of a quantitative trait. To do so, we developed a neutral coalescent-based framework, allowing us to experiment freely with the number of loci and the underlying mutational model. Through both analytical theory and simulation we found the normality assumption was highly sensitive to the details of the mutational process, with the greatest discrepancies arising when the number of loci was small or the mutational kernel was heavy-tailed. In particular, fat-tailed mutational kernels result in multimodal sampling distributions for any number of loci. An empirical analysis of 7079 expressed genes in 49Neurospora crassastrains identified 116 genes with non-normal sampling distributions. Several genes showed evidence of multimodality and/or skewness, suggesting the importance of their genetic architecture. Since selection models and robust neutral models may produce qualitatively similar sampling distributions, we advise extra caution should be taken when interpreting model-based results for poorly understood systems of quantitative traits.
Manipulation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase Signaling in the Arabidopsis Stomatal Lineage Reveals Motifs That Contribute to Protein Localization and Signaling Specificity
Authors: Lampard Gregory R. , Wengier Diego L. , Bergmann Dominique C.
Published: August 2014

When multiple mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) components are recruited recurrently to transduce signals of different origins, and often opposing outcomes, mechanisms to enforce signaling specificity are of utmost importance. These mechanisms are largely uncharacterized in plant MAPK signaling networks. The Arabidopsis thaliana stomatal lineage was previously used to show that when rendered constitutively active, four MAPK kinases (MKKs), MKK4/5/7/9, are capable of perturbing stomatal development and that these kinases comprise two pairs, MKK4/5 and MKK7/9, with both overlapping and divergent functions. We characterized the contributions of specific structural domains of these four “stomatal” MKKs to MAPK signaling output and specificity both in vitro and in vivo within the three discrete cell types of the stomatal lineage. These results verify the influence of functional docking (D) domains of MKKs on MAPK signal output and identify novel regulatory functions for previously uncharacterized structures within the N termini of MKK4/5. Beyond this, we present a novel function of the D-domains of MKK7/9 in regulating the subcellular localization of these kinases. These results provide tools to broadly assess the extent to which these and additional motifs within MKKs function to regulate MAPK signal output throughout the plant.
REVIEW: Evidence of negative effects of anthropogenic structures on wildlife: a review of grouse survival and behaviour
Authors: Hovick Torre J. , Elmore R. Dwayne , Dahlgren David K. , Fuhlendorf Samuel D. , Engle David M.
Published: September 2014

Anthropogenic structures such as those associated with energy development are a major threat to wildlife as a result of direct and indirect effects on populations. Species already imperilled as a result of habitat loss and alteration also may be the most threatened by rapidly increasing energy development, and these added pressures could lead to species extinctions and further declines in biodiversity.

Of particular concern are tetraonids (grouse spp.) which have life cycles that require large, intact habitats to persist. We searched the peer‐reviewed literature to assess impacts of six anthropogenic structures (i.e. oil and gas, fences, wind turbines, buildings, roads and power lines) on grouse survival and displacement behaviour across four different time periods in a grouse life cycle (i.e. year around, lekking, nesting and brooding).

We used 5 studies that examined a total of 23 study–structure combinations to assess displacement behaviour in grouse and found an average effect of −1·40 (95% CI: −1·50, −1·31), indicating that anthropogenic structures displace grouse. Similarly, we used 9 studies examining a total of 17 study–structure combinations to assess survival and found an average effect of −1·11 (95% CI: −1·33, −0·88), indicating a negative effect of structures on grouse survival.

Oil and gas structures had the greatest negative effect on displacement behaviour ( = −2·41, 95% CI: −3·28, −1·54), and of the periods of the life cycle examined, lek attendance was most affected ( = −4·85, 95% CI: −6·39, −3·31).

Synthesis and applications. This data‐driven synthesis reveals an overall negative effect of anthropogenic structures on grouse displacement behaviour and survival. Specifically, grouse were displaced and had lower survival in the presence of oil and gas structures and the presence of roads resulted in displacement behaviour. Too few studies existed to examine the specific effects of wind turbines and fences on displacement behaviour and the impact of wind turbines, fences, buildings and power lines on survival, which emphasizes the need for research assessing the influence of these structures on wildlife. Future management should focus on limiting the amount of oil and gas and road development in areas occupied by extant grouse populations, and if unavoidable, new infrastructure should be placed at low densities away from known lekking locations as leks appear sensitive to disturbance from anthropogenic structures.
A pilot investigation of a brief, needs‐led caregiver focused intervention in psychosis
Authors: Roddy Sarah , Onwumere Juliana , Kuipers Elizabeth
Published: September 2014

Caregivers play an important role in the treatment and recovery of people with psychosis but they have different needs from service users and can experience significant distress as part of their role. Responding to caregiver needs is not readily identified as being the primary responsibility of clinical services that have limited resources. A small pilot study sought to evaluate the effect and acceptability of providing a brief, needs‐led intervention to long‐term caregivers of service users with psychosis. A two or three session, interactive and structured intervention, adapted from family work with psychosis, focused on facilitated carer access to reliable information about psychosis, goal setting and adaptive problem‐solving. Measures of affect, coping and care‐giving impact were completed at baseline and post‐intervention. Data for the first four caregivers who attended individual sessions are presented. Post‐intervention scores indicate reductions in levels of carer distress and depressive symptoms. Caregivers reported high levels of acceptability and satisfaction. Further studies are required to evaluate the impact of such interventions on a larger number and wider range of caregivers.

Practitioner points

To date, it has proved difficult for clinical services to meet the needs of caregivers of service users with psychosis.

The caregivers of service users with psychosis have readily identifiable needs that can be met with a brief, structured, individualized and interactive intervention.

Offering a time‐limited intervention to carers who would like support with their role has benefits for both the caregivers and the service.
When Does Electricity Price Cap Regulation Become Distortionary?
Authors: Simshauser Paul
Published: September 2014

Australia has a deregulated national wholesale electricity market, a national network regulatory framework, but inconsistent state‐based regulated retail price caps in workably competitive markets. This article finds that asymmetric information and the complexity of energy markets means that a regulator, no matter how wise and well resourced, could never be expected to produce reliable estimates of competitive prices. If regulation represents a policy constraint, relying on long‐run concepts rather than short‐run prices is least damaging to the flow of capital and non‐linear pricing.
The Person Agreement System Of Wobzi Lavrung (Rgyalrongic, Tibeto‐Burman)
Authors: Lai Yunfan
Published: September 2014

This article offers a description of the person agreement system of Wobzi Lavrung, a Tibeto‐Burman language spoken in Sichuan, China. The Lavrung language is still imperfectly described, and the aim of this paper is to contribute to the documentation of one of its dialects. The analysis follows the terminology proposed in Dryer (1986), Haspelmath (2005), Zuñiga (2006), and Malchukov et al. (2010). We discuss the inflectional affixes, the empathy hierarchy and the different types of transitive constructions in the language. Furthermore, the system under analysis is compared to related languages such as Rgyalrong and Rta'u.
Screening for pre‐eclampsia early in pregnancy: performance of a multivariable model combining clinical characteristics and biochemical markers
Authors: Giguère Y , Massé J , Thériault S , Bujold E , Lafond J , Rousseau F , Forest J‐C
Published: September 2014

Objective

To investigate the performance of a multivariable model combining a priori clinical characteristics and biomarkers to detect, early in pregnancy, women at higher risk of developing pre‐eclampsia (PE).

Design

Nested case–control study.

Setting

University medical centre, Quebec, Canada (CHU de Québec).

Population

A total of 7929 pregnant women recruited between 10 and 18 weeks of gestation. In all, 350 developed hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP)—of which 139 had PE, comprising 68 with severe PE and 47 with preterm PE—and were matched with two women with a normal pregnancy.

Methods

We selected a priori clinical characteristics and promising markers to create multivariable logistic regression models: body mass index (BMI), mean arterial pressure (MAP), placental growth factor, soluble Fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1, pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A and inhibin A.

Main outcome measures

PE, severe PE, preterm PE, HDP.

Results

At false‐positive rates of 5 and 10%, the estimated detection rates were between 15% (5–29%) and 32% (25–39%), and between 39% (19–59%) and 50% (34–66%), respectively. Considering the low prevalence of PE in this population, the positive predictive values were 7% (5–9%) to 10% (7–13%) for PE and 2% (1–4%) to 4% (3–6%) in the preterm and severe PE subgroups. The multivariable model yielded areas under the receiver operating characteristics curves (AUC) between 0.72 (0.61–0.81) and 0.78 (0.68–0.88). When only BMI and MAP were included in the model, the AUC were similar to those of the a priori model.

Conclusions

In a population with a low prevalence of preterm PE, a multivariable risk algorithm using an a priori combination of clinical characteristics and biochemical markers did not reach a performance justifying clinical implementation as screening test early in pregnancy.
Halo naevi and café au lait macule regression in a renal transplant patient on immunosuppression
Authors: Lolatgis Helena , Varigos George , Braue Anna , Scardamaglia Laura , Boyapati Ann , Winship Ingrid
Published: September 2014

A case of halo naevi and café au lait macule regression in a renal transplant patient receiving long‐term immunosuppressive therapy is described. We propose the direct transfer of an auto‐reactive antibody, CD8 T‐cells or tumour necrosis factor α from the transplant donor to the recipient as a possible cause. We have also considered insufficient immunosuppressive therapy as a possible mechanism.
A simulation model to study maternal hyperoxygenation during labor
Authors: Bullens Lauren M. , van der Hout‐van der Jagt Marieke B. , Van Runnard Heimel Pieter J. , Oei Guid
Published: August 2014

Objective

To investigate the effect of maternal hyperoxygenation on fetal oxygenation and fetal heart rate decelerations during labor, using a simulation model.

Design

Use of a mathematical model that simulates feto–maternal hemodynamics and oxygenation, designed in Matlab R2012a.

Setting

Clinical and engineering departments in the Netherlands.

Methods

We simulated variable and late fetal heart rate decelerations, caused by uterine contractions with a different contraction interval. We continuously recorded oxygen pressure in different feto–placental compartments and fetal heart rate, during maternal normoxia and during hyperoxygenation with 100% oxygen.

Main outcome measures

Changes in oxygen pressure in the intervillous space, umbilical vein and arteries, fetal cerebral and microcirculation as well as fetal heart rate deceleration depth and duration.

Results

Maternal hyperoxygenation leads to an increase in fetal oxygenation: in the presence of variable decelerations, oxygen pressure in the intervillous space increased 9–10 mmHg and in the cerebral circulation 1–2 mmHg, depending on the contraction interval. In addition, fetal heart rate deceleration depth decreased from 45 to 20 beats per minute. In the presence of late decelerations, oxygen pressure in the intervillous space increased 7–10 mmHg and in the cerebral circulation 1–2 mmHg, depending on the contraction interval. The fetus benefited more from maternal hyperoxygenation when contraction intervals were longer.

Conclusions

According to the simulation model, maternal hyperoxygenation leads to an increase in fetal oxygenation, especially in the presence of variable decelerations. In addition, in the presence of variable decelerations, maternal hyperoxygenation leads to amelioration of the fetal heart rate pattern.
Cancer antigen 125 after delivery in women with a normal pregnancy: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Szecsi Pal B. , Andersen Malene R. , Bjørngaard Brian , Hedengran Katrine K. , Stender Steen
Published: August 2014

Objective

To establish reference intervals for cancer antigen 125 (CA‐125) in women with expected normal pregnancy, delivery, and early postpartum period.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Obstetrics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Gentofte, Denmark.

Population

Eight hundred and one women with expected normal pregnancies were investigated. Of these, 640 delivered vaginally, 82 by emergency cesarean section, and 79 by elective cesarean section; 720 women had uncomplicated pregnancies.

Methods

Samples were collected at gestational weeks 13–20, 21–28, 29–34, 35–42, during labor, and on first and second day postpartum. Reference intervals were calculated for each gestational period as recommended by the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine.

Main outcome measures

Concentration of serum CA‐125 during the gestational period and around delivery.

Results

CA‐125 was fairly stable below 35 U/mL during pregnancy but increased markedly during vaginal delivery, to a minor degree during emergency cesarean section, and only slightly during elective cesarean section. In the early postpartum period, CA‐125 decreased with an apparent half‐life of 24 h.

Conclusions

The CA‐125 cut‐off value (<35 U/mL) used for non‐pregnant women can be used for women during pregnancy after gestational week 13 as a supplement to ultrasound evaluation of ovarian cysts. The wide range of CA‐125 concentration during normal pregnancies makes it unlikely that small fluctuations in CA‐125 can be clinically useful for identifying other conditions. Measuring CA‐125 around the time of delivery is not recommended. Gestational age‐specific reference intervals during normal pregnancy are not needed.
Co‐ordinated regulation of neurogenin‐3 expression in the maternal and fetal pancreas during pregnancy
Authors: Søstrup Birgitte , Gaarn Louise W. , Nalla Amarnadh , Billestrup Nils , Nielsen Jens H.
Published: September 2014

Objective

Several studies have shown increased beta cell mass during pregnancy in both rodents and humans. Proliferation of existing beta cells seems to be the predominant mechanism in rodents, whereas the mechanism in humans is unclear. We hypothesized that neogenesis contributes to the increased beta cell mass in pregnancy and that circulating factors are involved.

Samples

Pancreatic tissue from mice and rat and serum from pregnant women.

Method

Morphometric analysis of pancreas of pregnant and nonpregnant mice was carried out by immunocytochemical staining for the neogenic marker neurogenin‐3. Messenger RNA levels of neurogenin‐3 and the transcription factor musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene family protein B in fetal rat pancreas cells, cultured with serum from pregnant women, were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Main outcome measures

The number of neurogenin‐3‐positive cells present in pregnant mice was increased compared with nonpregnant mice. Neurogenin‐3 and musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene family protein B mRNA was detected in fetal rat pancreas exposed to serum from pregnant women.

Results

In pregnant mice we found a 3.6‐fold increase in beta cell volume at day 18 compared with nonpregnant mice and a 3.5‐fold increase in neurogenin‐3 volume at day 14, mainly located in the acinar compartment where it was eightfold higher than in nonpregnant mice. In fetal rat pancreatic cells exposed to serum from pregnant women we found a marked increase in both neurogenin‐3 and musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene family protein B mRNA levels in fibroblast‐like cells.

Conclusion

These results suggest that neogenesis contributes to the increased beta cell mass in pregnancy and that circulating factors are involved in beta cell formation in both the maternal and fetal pancreas during pregnancy.
Impact of night shifts on laparoscopic skills and cognitive function among gynecologists
Authors: Veddeng Anne , Husby Thomas , Engelsen Ingeborg B. , Kent Andrew , Flaatten Hans
Published: September 2014

Objective

To assess whether gynecologists have impaired laparoscopic skills and/or reduced cognitive function after long on‐call hours.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Norway.

Population

28 gynecologists working long shifts in a single department.

Methods

Pre‐training of laparoscopic skills on a virtual reality simulator. Simulator‐ and cognitive testing on two different occasions; one in the morning after a normal nights' sleep at home and one in the morning directly after 17.5 h on call. The virtual reality simulator test consisted of three repetitive salpingectomies in an ectopic pregnancy module. The cognitive test consisted of a standardized cognitive test battery (Cambridge neuropsychological test automated battery).

Main outcome measures

Simulated laparoscopic performance was assessed by time to perform the procedure, total length of instrument movement (tip trajectory) and blood loss. Cognitive function was assessed by reaction time, errors and total score.

Results

No significant impairment in laparoscopic skills was found after 17.5 h on call. Cognitive testing revealed a statistically significant increase in reaction time post‐call. Construct validity for the metrics “time to perform procedure” and “tip trajectory” in the ectopic pregnancy module was established in a validation study prior to our main study.

Conclusions

We were not able to detect impaired laparoscopic skills among gynecologists tested by a virtual reality procedural module after 17.5 h on call. We found a small increase in reaction time but no other signs of reduced cognitive function. The study adds information on surgical performance of sleep‐deprived gynecologists.
Review article: depression and the use of antidepressants in patients with chronic liver disease or liver transplantation
Authors: Mullish B. H. , Kabir M. S. , Thursz M. R. , Dhar A.
Published: September 2014

Background

The scale of depression in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) and those who have received orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is poorly characterised. Clinicians are uncertain of how best to manage depression within these patients.

Aims

To review the literature evaluating both the prevalence and impact of depression in patients with CLD and post‐OLT, and to assess the safety and efficacy of antidepressant use within this context.

Methods

A PubMed search using the phrases ‘chronic liver disease’, ‘cirrhosis’, ‘liver transplantation’, ‘depression’, ‘antidepressant’ and the names of specific causes of liver disease and individual antidepressants.

Results

Over 30% of cirrhotic patients have depressive features, and they experience worse clinical outcomes than nondepressed cirrhotic patients. CLD patients with chronic hepatitis C are particularly prone to depression, partly related to the use of interferon therapy. OLT patients with depression have higher mortality rates than nondepressed patients; appropriate antidepressant use reverses this effect. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are effective and generally safe in both CLD and OLT patients.

Conclusions

Depression is much more prevalent in CLD or OLT patients than is generally recognised, and it adversely affects clinical outcomes. The reasons for this relationship are complex and multifactorial. Antidepressants are effective in both CLD and post‐OLT, although lower doses or a reduced dosing frequency may be required to minimise side effects, e.g. exacerbation of hepatic encephalopathy. Further research is needed to establish optimal management of depression in these patients, including the potential role of nonpharmacological treatments.
Personality disorder moderates outcome in short‐ and long‐term group analytic psychotherapy: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Lorentzen Steinar , Ruud Torleif , Fjeldstad Anette , Høglend Per A.
Published: September 2014

Objectives

In a randomized clinical trial, short‐ and long‐term psychodynamic group psychotherapy (STG and LTG, respectively) schedules were equally effective for the ‘typical’ patient during a 3‐year study period. Although several studies have reported good effects for patients with personality disorders (PD) in diverse forms of psychotherapy, the significance of treatment duration is unclear. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that PD patients would improve more during and after LTG than STG.

Design

A randomized, longitudinal, prospective study contrasting the outcomes during and after short‐ and long‐term dynamic group psychotherapies.

Methods

One hundred and sixty‐seven outpatients with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, or PD were randomized to STG or LTG (respectively, 20 or 80 weekly sessions of 90 min each). Outcome measures are as follows: symptoms (SCL‐90‐R), interpersonal problems (IIP‐C), and psychosocial functioning (GAF split version: GAF‐Symptom and GAF‐Function). PD pathology (number of PD criteria items) was selected a priori as a putative moderator of treatment effects. Change during the 3‐year study period was assessed using linear mixed models. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT 00021417.

Results

Our hypothesis was supported, as patients with PD improved significantly more regarding all outcome variables in LTG than STG. For patients without PD, the rate of change was similar across 3 years; however, the rate of change in symptoms and interpersonal problems was higher in STG during the first 6 months.

Conclusions

The effectiveness of LTG is higher for patients with co‐morbid PD. Patients without PD do not appear to experience additional gain from LTG.

Practitioner points

Clinical implications

LTG demonstrates better effectiveness than STG for patients with personality disorder co‐morbidity (PD).

Patients without PD do not appear to experience additional gain from attending LTG.

Correct initial allocation to treatment duration may prevent disruptive breaks in relationships and lead to both human and economic cost savings.

Limitations

Trials on mixed diagnostic samples may limit the ability to fully assess change for specific diagnostic groups.

Therapists were unable to select patients and compose their own groups. Although this condition might increase the generalizability of the results, it may also have restricted the therapists and the clinical situation inadvertently.