bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genotypic and phenotypic variation in transmission traits of a complex life cycle parasite
Authors: Louhi Katja‐Riikka , Karvonen Anssi , Rellstab Christian , Jokela Jukka
Published: June 2013

Characterizing genetic variation in parasite transmission traits and its contribution to parasite vigor is essential for understanding the evolution of parasite life‐history traits. We measured genetic variation in output, activity, survival, and infection success of clonal transmission stages (cercaria larvae) of a complex life cycle parasite (Diplostomum pseudospathaceum). We further tested if variation in host nutritional stage had an effect on these traits by keeping hosts on limited or ad libitum diet. The traits we measured were highly variable among parasite genotypes indicating significant genetic variation in these life‐history traits. Traits were also phenotypically variable, for example, there was significant variation in the measured traits over time within each genotype. However, host nutritional stage had no effect on the parasite traits suggesting that a short‐term reduction in host resources was not limiting the cercarial output or performance. Overall, these results suggest significant interclonal and phenotypic variation in parasite transmission traits that are not affected by host nutritional status.
A Comprehensive Survey of Cationic Iridium(III) Complexes Bearing Nontraditional Ligand Chelation Motifs
Authors: Ladouceur Sébastien , Zysman‐Colman Eli
Published: June 2013

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Eli Zysman‐Colman at the Université de Sherbrooke. The cover image shows a series of cationic iridium complexes synthesized in the group’s lab with emission spanning the visible color spectrum.
Towards the Total Synthesis of Marineosin A: Construction of the Macrocyclic Pyrrole and an Advanced, Functionalized Spiroaminal Model
Authors: Aldrich Leslie N. , Berry Cynthia B. , Bates Brittney S. , Konkol Leah C. , So Miranda , Lindsley Craig W.
Published: June 2013

Herein, we describe the enantioselective construction of the 12‐membered macrocyclic pyrrole core of marineosin A in 5.1 % overall yield from (S)‐propylene oxide. The route features a key Stetter reaction to install a 1,4‐diketone, which is subjected to Paal–Knorr pyrrole synthesis and ring‐closing metathesis to afford the macrocycle. A divergence point in the synthetic scheme also enabled access to a highly functionalized spiroaminal model system through an acid‐mediated hydroxy oxo amide cyclization strategy.
Sorption of phosphamidon onto microwave synthesized zeolitic material
Authors: Shah Bhavna , Jadav Piyush , Shah Ajay
Published: June 2013

Bagasse fly ash (BFA) a sugar industry waste had been collected and converted to zeolitic material (MZBFA) by combined conventional and microwave reflux method. The synthesized sorbent has been characterized using various techniques such as FTIR, XRD, and SEM. BFA and MZBFA were used for the removal of phosphamidon (PSM), an organophosphorus pesticide from aqueous solution. The PSM sorption capacities of MZBFA and BFA were determined by batch sorption technique. Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin Redushkwich, and Temkin isotherms were estimated for the sorption nature and efficiency of sorbents. The sorption kinetics is better reflected by pseudo second order model and thermodynamics parameters exhibited specified endothermic nature of sorption. The overall sorption was approximated well by film diffusion at lower concentrations and pore diffusion at higher concentrations simultaneously. From the results, it was observed that MZBFA exhibited higher removal capacity than BFA. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 114–122, 2014
Multiyear predictability of the North Atlantic subpolar gyre
Authors: Wouters B. , Hazeleger W. , Drijfhout S. , van Oldenborgh G. J. , Guemas V.
Published: June 2013

In decadal predictability studies, the subpolar Atlantic stands out as a region of high potential and real predictability. Since local temperature and salinity variations in the region are for a large part controlled by ocean dynamics, skillful predictability of the local ocean dynamics is a prerequisite to obtain multiyear predictability of other variables such as sea surface temperature. In this study, we discuss the predictability of the main ocean current system in the region, the subpolar gyre. From perfect model hindcasts exploiting initial condition information only from realistic ocean observation locations, we find that predictability is increased when Argo subsurface data are included. In our real‐world experiments with initialized hindcasts, the observed decline in subpolar gyre strength of the mid‐1990s is reproduced well and we find predictability of the subpolar gyre up to 2 years ahead, comparable to the skill of a damped persistence model.
Shape‐induced gravitational sorting of Saharan dust during transatlantic voyage: Evidence from CALIOP lidar depolarization measurements
Authors: Yang Weidong , Marshak Alexander , Kostinski Alexander B. , Várnai Tamás
Published: June 2013

Motivated by the physical picture of shape‐dependent air resistance and, consequently, shape‐induced differential sedimentation of dust particles, we searched for and found evidence of dust particle asphericity affecting the evolution and distribution of dust‐scattered light depolarization ratio (δ). Specifically, we examined a large data set of Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) observations of Saharan dust from June to August 2007. Observing along a typical transatlantic dust track, we find that (1) median δ is uniformly distributed between 2 and 5 km altitudes as the elevated dust leaves the west coast of Africa, thereby indicating uniformly random mixing of particle shapes with height; (2) vertical homogeneity of median δ breaks down during the westward transport: between 2 and 5 km δ increases with altitude and this increase becomes more pronounced with westward progress; (3) δ tends to increase at higher altitude (>4 km) and decrease at lower altitude (<4 km) during the westward transport. All these features are captured qualitatively by a minimal model (two shapes only), suggesting that shape‐induced differential settling and consequent sorting indeed contribute significantly to the observed temporal evolution and vertical stratification of dust properties. By implicating particle shape as a likely cause of gravitational sorting, these results will affect the estimates of radiative transfer through Saharan dust layers.
Proton entry into the near‐lunar plasma wake for magnetic field aligned flow
Authors: Dhanya M. B. , Bhardwaj A. , Futaana Y. , Fatemi S. , Holmström M. , Barabash S. , Wieser M. , Wurz P. , Alok A. , Thampi R. S.
Published: June 2013

We report the first observation of protons in the near‐lunar (100–200 km from the surface) and deeper (near anti‐subsolar point) plasma wake when the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) and solar wind velocity (vsw) are parallel (aligned flow; angle between IMF and vsw≤10°). More than 98% of the observations during aligned flow condition showed the presence of protons in the wake. These observations are obtained by the Solar Wind Monitor sensor of the Sub‐keV Atom Reflecting Analyser experiment on Chandrayaan‐1. The observation cannot be explained by the conventional fluid models for aligned flow. Back tracing of the observed protons suggests that their source is the solar wind. The larger gyroradii of the wake protons compared to that of solar wind suggest that they were part of the tail of the solar wind velocity distribution function. Such protons could enter the wake due to their large gyroradii even when the flow is aligned to IMF. However, the wake boundary electric field may also play a role in the entry of the protons into the wake.
Dynamic ice formation in channels as a driver for stream‐aquifer interactions
Authors: Weber Matthew D. , Booth Eric G. , Loheide Steven P.
Published: June 2013

This research introduces and provides evidence of a novel mechanism of stream‐aquifer exchange caused by dynamic ice formation on streams. At a stream site in southwestern Wisconsin, we document a significant fluctuation in stream depth and the potentiometric surface in the adjacent aquifer during periods of ice formation, suggesting that stream‐aquifer interactions may be influenced by these transient events. Four years of winter stream data document that dynamic ice formation (1) causes an average increase in stream depth of 106%, (2) affects stream depth on 20% of days from December through February, and (3) substantially alters stream‐aquifer interactions by reducing the hydraulic gradient toward the channel during ice formation events. Dynamic ice formation represents a potentially widespread mechanism for altering stream‐aquifer interactions and associated biogeochemical transformations. The sensitivity of this process to air temperature indicates a need for further research on the impacts of climate warming.
Phase I/II clinical study on safety and antivascular effects of paclitaxel encapsulated in cationic liposomes for targeted therapy in advanced head and neck cancer
Authors: Strieth Sebastian , Dunau Christoph , Michaelis Uwe , Jäger Lorenz , Gellrich Donata , Wollenberg Barbara , Dellian Marc
Published: June 2013

Background

The purpose of this phase I/II clinical trial was to test safety and effectiveness of 2 doses of vascular targeting cationic liposomes encapsulating paclitaxel (EndoTAG‐1 [ET]) in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods

Patients with nonresectable therapy‐refractory HNSCC were recruited for both ET treatment groups (3 or 4 patients per group). In cutaneous metastases, laser Doppler blood flow measurements were conducted during infusions.

Results

Only adverse events of grade 1 or 2 according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI‐CTCAE version 3.0) – in particular fatigue, chills, and hypertension – occurred. Follow‐up tumor volume measurements revealed stable disease in 4 of 5 cases. Reproducible dose‐dependent blood flow reductions in skin metastases during ET infusions provide evidence of biological effectiveness.

Conclusion

Infusions of ET seem to be safe and further phase II and III studies are warranted to prove efficacy in the treatment of HNSCC. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 976–984, 2014
Variations in the mRNA expression of poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerases, poly(ADP‐ribose) glycohydrolase and ADP‐ribosylhydrolase 3 in breast tumors and impact on clinical outcome
Authors: Bieche Ivan , Pennaneach Vincent , Driouch Keltouma , Vacher Sophie , Zaremba Tomasz , Susini Aurélie , Lidereau Rosette , Hall Janet
Published: June 2013

In order to assess the variation in expression of poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) family members and the hydrolases that degrade the poly(ADP‐ribose) polymers they generate and possible associations with classical pathological parameters, including long‐term outcome, the mRNA levels of PARP1, PARP2, PARP3, poly(ADP‐ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG) and ADP‐ribosylhydrolase 3 (ARH3) were examined using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in 443 unilateral invasive breast cancers and linked to hormonal status, tumor proliferation and clinical outcome. PARP1 mRNA levels were the highest among these five genes in both normal and tumor tissues, with a 2.45‐fold higher median level in tumors compared to normal tissues. Tumors (34.1%) showed PARP1 overexpression (>3 fold relative to normal breast tissues) compared to underexpression (<0.33 fold) in only 0.5%. This overexpression was seen in all breast tumor subgroups, with the highest fraction (51%) seen in the HR‐positive/ERBB2‐positive subgroup and was not highly associated with any other classical predictive factors. No correlation was seen between PARP1 mRNA and PARP‐1 protein levels in a subset of 31 tumors. PARP3 was underexpressed in 10.4% of tumors, more frequently in the HR‐negative tumors (25.4%) than the HR‐positive tumors (5.9%). This PARP3 underexpression was mutually exclusive with a PARP1 overexpression. PARP2 levels were unchanged between normal and tumor tissues and few tumors showed overexpression of PARG (3.8%) or ARH3 (3.4%). Within the subgroup of triple negative tumors, PARG mRNA levels below the median were associated with a higher risk of developing metastases (p = 0.039) raising the possibility this might be marker of clinical outcome.
Sunlight‐induced biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles by animal and fungus biomass and their characterization
Authors: Wei Xuetuan , Zhou Huacong , Xu Lin , Luo Mingfang , Liu Huizhou
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is considered a green method. Sunlight could induce the synthesis of AgNPs with bacteria and plant biomass, while animal and fungus biomass have not been investigated for synthesis of AgNPs under sunlight radiation.

RESULTS

Under 80 000 lx sunlight intensity and 4 mg mL‐1 of tryptone solution, the maximum AgNPs yield was obtained after 60 min, and the Ag+ (1 mmol L‐1) conversion rate reached 98 ± 2%. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that T‐Ag (tryptone‐mediated) were circular and oval, with an average diameter of 11.63 ± 4.17 nm, and Y‐Ag (yeast extract‐mediated) displayed similar shape and size to T‐Ag. X‐ray diffraction confirmed that T‐Ag and Y‐Ag were in the form of nanocrystals. As‐prepared AgNPs showed obvious antimicrobial activity against B. subtilis and E. coli. Capping with peptides helped to maintain colloidal stability of AgNPs. Without sunlight, AgNPs showed high stability at pH 7–11 due to high ζ‐potential values, while the stability was destroyed at pH 4. Further exposure to sunlight for 48 h also resulted in sedimentation of AgNPs.

CONCLUSION

Sunlight could induce tryptone and yeast extract to synthesize AgNPs, and the stability of AgNPs could be regulated by capping peptides, pH, and sunlight exposure. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Coordinated THEMIS spacecraft and all‐sky imager observations of interplanetary shock effects on plasma sheet flow bursts, poleward boundary intensifications, and streamers
Authors: Yue Chao , Nishimura Yukitoshi , Lyons Larry R. , Angelopoulos Vassilis , Donovan Eric F. , Shi Quanqi , Yao Zhonghua , Bonnell John W.
Published: June 2013

In order to characterize plasma sheet and nightside auroral disturbances in response to interplanetary shocks, we have examined three interplanetary shock events that occurred when multiple Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) spacecraft were located in the plasma sheet near midnight while ground‐based aurora data were available near the spacecraft footprints. Large‐scale responses we found are that the magnetotail magnetic pressure started to increase within ~2 min of the SYM‐H jump, and the diffuse aurora near the auroral equatorward boundary intensified over a wide magnetic local time range, due to the shock compressional effect, on average 3 min after the shock arrival. In addition, we also identified plasma sheet and auroral disturbances that are more transient and localized. Earthward or equatorward flow bursts are observed in the near‐Earth plasma sheet on average 5 min after the SYM‐H increase. We find that these fast flows, originating downtail of the near‐Earth spacecraft, form a localized channel, since only some of the spacecraft detected the flow bursts. Poleward boundary intensifications (PBIs) and subsequent north‐south directed auroral streamers are then formed, while no substorm activity was detected. Those auroral forms are also localized in space near midnight and around the footprint of the spacecraft. These results indicate that the fast flows are azimuthally localized channels and are the magnetotail counterpart of the PBIs and streamers and that such localized disturbances are triggered by the interplanetary shocks in addition to the large‐scale compression of the magnetosphere.
The role of synoptic‐scale features and advection in prolonged warming and generation of different forms of precipitation at Dome Fuji station, Antarctica, following a prominent blocking event
Authors: Hirasawa Naohiko , Nakamura Hisashi , Motoyama Hideaki , Hayashi Masahiko , Yamanouchi Takashi
Published: June 2013

A blocking event over the East Antarctic ice sheet during June 1997 generated the highest surface air temperature (which increased from around −70°C to around −30°C) and pressure of that year at the Dome Fuji station (77.5°S, 40°E). Following the blocking event, the anomalously high air temperature (around −50°C to −60°C) and pressure were maintained at the surface for about 1 week. This study investigates how these warm conditions were maintained and documents the sequential occurrence of two forms of synoptic‐scale high‐pressure systems with conditions that produced precipitation by different processes in each case. In the first half of the warm period, a solitary high‐pressure system (the Solitary High) formed over the Dome Fuji station and traveled west over East Antarctica after being cut off from the tip of the preceding blocking ridge. During this phase, tropospheric temperatures were higher, and surface‐based temperature inversions were more intense than during the following period. While a dry‐out developed in the troposphere below about 300 hPa, the precipitation of ice crystals in the surface‐based temperature inversion layer was generated by deposition of moisture that had become trapped in the boundary layer after being transported onto the continent by the previous blocking ridge. This mechanism has not been previously reported elsewhere. During the second half of the warm period, a ridge of high pressure (the Transcontinental Ridge) traversed East Antarctica almost completely, and its western section was amplified by the merging of the Solitary High with a preceding quasi‐stationary Rossby wave train propagating along the Southern Ocean. This ridge allowed an intrusion of warm, moist air from the Weddell Sea toward the station, which generated precipitation throughout the whole troposphere by orographic uplift once again, and ended the dry‐out. This represents the typical mechanism of both moisture transportation and the generation of precipitation, and this mechanism was the same as that associated with the preceding blocking ridge.
Nitrogen, Aerosol Composition, and Halogens on a Tall Tower (NACHTT): Overview of a wintertime air chemistry field study in the front range urban corridor of Colorado
Authors: Brown Steven S. , Thornton Joel A. , Keene William C. , Pszenny Alexander A. P. , Sive Barkley C. , Dubé William P. , Wagner Nicholas L. , Young Cora J. , Riedel Theran P. , Roberts James M. , VandenBoer Trevor C. , Bahreini Roya , Öztürk Fatma , Middlebrook Ann M. , Kim Saewung , Hübler Gerhard , Wolfe Daniel E.
Published: June 2013

The Nitrogen, Aerosol Composition, and Halogens on a Tall Tower (NACHTT) field experiment took place during late winter, 2011, at a site 33 km north of Denver, Colorado. The study included fixed‐height measurements of aerosols, soluble trace gases, and volatile organic compounds near surface level, as well as vertically resolved measurements of nitrogen oxides, aerosol composition, soluble gas‐phase acids, and halogen species from 3 to 270 m above ground level. There were 1928 individual profiles during the three‐week campaign to characterize trace gas and aerosol distributions in the lower levels of the boundary layer. Nitrate and ammonium dominated the ionic composition of aerosols and originated primarily from local or regional sources. Sulfate and organic matter were also significant and were associated primarily with longer‐range transport to the region. Aerosol chloride was associated primarily with supermicron size fractions and was always present in excess of gas‐phase chlorine compounds. The nighttime radical reservoirs, nitryl chloride, ClNO2, and nitrous acid, HONO, were both consistently present in nighttime urban air. Nitryl chloride was especially pronounced in plumes from large point sources sampled aloft at night. Nitrous acid was typically most concentrated near the ground surface and was the dominant contributor (80%) to diurnally averaged primary OH radical production in near‐surface air. Large observed mixing ratios of light alkanes, both in near‐surface air and aloft, were attributable to local emissions from oil and gas activities.
Land subsidence of natural transitional environments by satellite radar interferometry on artificial reflectors
Authors: Strozzi Tazio , Teatini Pietro , Tosi Luigi , Wegmüller Urs , Werner Charles
Published: June 2013

Land subsidence is a widespread phenomenon, particularly relevant to transitional environments, such as wetlands, deltas, and lagoons, characterized by low elevation with respect to the mean sea level. Satellite synthetic aperture radar (SAR) interferometry offers the possibility to effectively and precisely measure land displacements for dry surfaces or anthropogenic structures, but difficulties arise in identifying long‐term stable targets in natural transitional regions. In order to improve the coverage of satellite SAR interferometry in salt marshes within the Venice Lagoon (Italy), we installed a network of 57 Trihedral Corner Reflectors (TCRs). The TCRs were monitored by ENVISAT ASAR and TerraSAR‐X acquisitions covering the time period from November 2006 to September 2011. The results show that the northern lagoon basin is subsiding at ~3 mm/yr and that the central and southern portions are more stable. Larger subsidence rates, up to 6 mm/yr, are measured where surficial loads, such as artificial salt marshes or embankments, rise above the lagoon bottom. The accuracy of TerraSAR‐X is greater than ENVISAT due to the shorter wavelength and higher spatial resolution in relationship to the size of the TCRs. The observations obtained in the Venice Lagoon indicate that SAR interferometry using a large network of artificial reflectors is an effective and powerful methodology to monitor land subsidence in transitional environments where the loss of elevation with respect to the mean sea level can yield significant morphological changes to the natural environment.
Malevolent Creativity in Terrorist Organizations
Authors: Gill Paul , Horgan John , Hunter Samuel T. , D. Cushenbery Lily
Published: June 2013

Terrorist organizations are both imitative and innovative in character. While the drivers of imitation have been extensively modeled using concepts such as contagion and diffusion, creativity and innovation remain relatively underdeveloped ideas in the context of terrorist behavior. This article seeks to redress this deficiency by presenting a conceptual framework with which we can understand the complex nature and multiple drivers of creativity and innovation within terrorist organizations. The overriding questions we address are: what factors spark creativity and innovation within terrorist organizations, and are there particular organizational traits that increase an organization's propensity to be creative and innovative? Using insights from industrial and organizational psychology and aided by illustrative examples and case studies from the history of terrorism, we aim to show that the multiple drivers of creativity and innovation are identifiable. By providing a conceptual framework that explores these key issues, we suggest that a much clearer research agenda for these issues may emerge. We conclude with a discussion concerning how our framework can help inform counter‐terrorism practices.
A Prospective Study on the Association Between Caregiver Psychological Symptomatology and Symptom Clusters of Pediatric Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Wong Shane Shucheng , Kletter Hilit , Wong Yukwal , Carrion Victor G.
Published: June 2013

This study investigated the influence of caregiver psychological symptoms on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in traumatized children. One‐hundred eleven children and caretakers were assessed in this study. Children (N = 59) with a history of exposure to interpersonal violence were evaluated for reexperiencing, avoidance/numbing, and hyperarousal symptom clusters using the Clinician‐Administered PTSD Scale for Children and Adolescents (CAPS‐CA). The 52 primary caregivers were evaluated using the Symptom Checklist‐90‐Revised (SCL‐90‐R) on 9 domains of psychological symptomatology: anxiety, depression, hostility, interpersonal sensitivity, obsessive–compulsive disorder, paranoid ideation, phobic anxiety, psychoticism, and somatization. At 14‐month follow‐up, 45 of the children were re‐evaluated with the CAPS‐CA. Caregiver psychological symptoms in the domains of anxiety, depression, interpersonal sensitivity, obsessive–compulsive disorder, and paranoid ideation were associated with less improvement in total pediatric PTSD symptoms. Analysis of PTSD symptoms by cluster showed that greater caregiver symptomatology in the domains of anxiety, depression, interpersonal sensitivity, and obsessive–compulsive disorder were associated with less improvement in the hyperarousal symptom cluster. These results suggest caregiver symptomatology may be specifically associated with hyperarousal symptoms in pediatric trauma.
Emotion Regulation Difficulties Mediate Associations Between Betrayal Trauma and Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress, Depression, and Anxiety
Authors: Goldsmith Rachel E. , Chesney Samantha A. , Heath Nicole M. , Barlow M. Rose
Published: June 2013

Emotion regulation difficulties following trauma exposure have received increasing attention among researchers and clinicians. Previous work highlights the role of emotion regulation difficulties in multiple forms of psychological distress and identifies emotion regulation capacities as especially compromised among survivors of betrayal trauma: physical, sexual, or emotional maltreatment perpetrated by someone to whom the victim is close, such as a parent or partner. It is unknown, however, whether links between emotion regulation difficulties and psychological symptoms differ following exposure to betrayal trauma as compared with other trauma types. In the present study, 593 male and female university undergraduates completed the Difficulties with Emotion Regulation Scale (Gratz & Roemer, 2004), the Brief Betrayal Trauma Scale (Goldberg & Freyd, 2006), the Impact of Event Scale (Horowitz, Wilner, & Alvarez, 1979), and the Trauma Symptom Checklist (Elliott & Briere, 1992). A path analytic model demonstrated that betrayal trauma indirectly impacted symptoms of intrusion (β = .11), avoidance (β = .13), depression (β = .17), and anxiety (β = .14) via emotion regulation difficulties, an effect consistent with mediation. Emotion regulation difficulties did not mediate the relationship between other trauma exposure and psychological symptoms. Results may inform treatment‐matching efforts, and suggest that emotion regulation difficulties may constitute a key therapeutic target following betrayal trauma.
Attachment Narratives in Refugee Children: Interrater Reliability and Qualitative Analysis in Pilot Findings From a Two‐Site Study
Authors: De Haene Lucia , Dalgaard Nina Thorup , Montgomery Edith , Grietens Hans , Verschueren Karine
Published: June 2013

Although forced migration research on refugee family functioning clearly points to the potential breakdown of parental availability and responsiveness in the context of cumulative migration stressors, studies exploring attachment security in refugee children are surprisingly lacking so far. The authors report their findings from a 2‐site, small‐scale administration of an attachment measure, adapted for use with refugee children aged between 4 and 9 years from a reliable and validated doll‐play procedure. We evaluated interrater reliability and conducted a qualitative analysis of refugee children's narrative response to identify migration‐specific representational markers of attachment quality. The level of agreement among 3 independent coders ranged between .54 to 1.00 for both study samples, providing initial psychometric evidence of the measure's value in assessing child attachment security in this population. The exploratory analysis of migration‐related narrative markers pointed to specific parameters to be used in parent–child observational assessments in future validation of the attachment measure, such as parental withdrawal or trauma‐communication within the parent–child dyad.
Differential cochlear implant outcomes in older adults
Authors: Roberts Daniel S. , Lin Harrison W. , Herrmann Barbara S. , Lee Daniel J.
Published: June 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

The goals of this study were to analyze whether cochlear implant (CI) users over 65 years of age have different surgical and audiological outcomes when compared to younger adult CI users and to identify reasons for these possible differences.

Study Design

Retrospective single‐institution study.

Methods

Records of 113 postlingually deafened adults with unilateral cochlear implants were reviewed. Preoperative and postoperative speech perception scores, and medical and epidemiological data were recorded and analyzed.

Results

Speech perception ability was significantly poorer in CI users over 65 years of age compared to younger adult patients (P = .012). Patients over the age of 80 years accounted for these findings (P = .017). Older patients were less likely to have a family history of hearing deficits. A history of noise exposure and idiopathic cause of hearing loss did not correlate with audiological outcomes. A family history of hearing loss was associated with a trend toward better speech recognition (P = .062). Older patients did not experience more vestibular symptoms or other complications compared to younger patients.

Conclusions

Patients over the age of 80 years had lower speech perception scores than other adult CI recipients but did not have higher rates of dizziness or vertigo after surgery. A family history of hearing loss was associated with a trend toward better speech recognition, possibly representing a new prognostic variable. These findings provide important information that will aid clinicians in counseling older CI candidates.

Level of Evidence

2b. Laryngoscope, 123:1952–1956, 2013
In‐vivo occlusal caries prevention by pulsed CO2‐laser and fluoride varnish treatment—A clinical pilot study
Authors: Rechmann Peter , Charland Daniel A. , Rechmann Beate M.T. , Le Charles Q. , Featherstone John D.B.
Published: June 2013

Background and Objectives

High caries prevalence in occlusal pits and fissures warrants novel prevention methods. An 86% reduction in dental enamel smooth surface demineralization in‐vivo following short‐pulsed 9.6 µm‐CO2‐laser irradiation was recently reported. The objective of this study was to conduct a blinded 12‐month‐pilot clinical trial of occlusal pit and fissure caries inhibition using the same CO2‐laser irradiation conditions.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Twenty subjects, average age 14 years, were recruited. At baseline, second molars were randomized into test and control groups, assessed by International Caries Detection & Assessment System (ICDAS‐II), SOPROLIFE light‐induced fluorescence evaluator in daylight and blue‐fluorescence mode and DIAGNOdent. An independent investigator irradiated test molars with a CO2‐laser, wavelength 9.6 µm, pulse‐duration 20 µs, pulse‐repetition‐rate 20 Hz, beam diameter 800 µm, average fluence 4.5 ± 0.5 J/cm2, 20 laser pulses per spot. At 3‐, 6‐ and 12‐month recall teeth were assessed by ICDAS, SOPROLIFE and DIAGNOdent. All subjects received fluoride varnish applications at baseline and 6‐month recall.

Results

All subjects completed the 3‐month, 19 the 6‐month and 16 the 12‐month recall. At all recalls average ICDAS scores had decreased for the test and increased for the control fissures (laser vs. control, 3‐month: −0.10 ± 0.14, 0.30 ± 0.18, P > 0.05; 6‐month: −0.26 ± 0.13, 0.47 ± 0.16, P = 0.001; 12‐month: −0.31 ± 0.15, 0.75 ± 0.17, P < 0.0001; mean ± SE, unpaired t‐test) being statistically significantly different at 6‐ and 12‐month recalls.

SOPROLIFE daylight evaluation revealed at 6‐ and 12‐months statistically significant differences in changes between baseline and recall for test and control molars, respectively (laser vs. control, 6‐month: 0.22 ± 0.13, 0.17 ± 0.09, P = 0.02; 12‐month: 0.28 ± 0.19, 0.25 ± 0.17, P = 0.03). For SOPROLIFE blue‐fluorescence evaluation mean changes in comparison to baseline for the control and the laser treated teeth were also statistically significant for the 6‐ and 12‐month recall.

Conclusion

Specific microsecond short‐pulsed 9.6 µm CO2‐laser irradiation markedly inhibits caries progression in pits and fissures in comparison to fluoride varnish alone over 12 months. Lasers Surg. Med. 45:302–310, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Globally generated vector bundles on with
Authors: Anghel Cristian , Manolache Nicolae
Published: June 2013

One classifies the globally generated vector bundles on with the first Chern class c1 = 3. The case c1 = 1 is very easy, the case c1 = 2 was done in [42], the case c1 = 3, rank =2 was settled in [21] and the case c1 ≤ 5, rank = 2 in [10]. Our work is based on Serre's theorem relating vector bundles of rank = 2 with codimension 2 lci subschemes and its generalization for higher ranks, considered firstly by Vogelaar in [48].
Polyamines are oncometabolites that regulate the LIN28/let‐7 pathway in colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Paz Edwin A. , LaFleur Bonnie , Gerner Eugene W.
Published: June 2013

Polyamine metabolism is a highly coordinated process that is essential for normal development and neoplastic growth in mammals. Although polyamine metabolism is a validated pathway for prevention of carcinogenesis, the mechanisms by which polyamines elicit their tumorigenic effects are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of polyamine metabolism in colon cancer by screening a non‐coding RNA (ncRNA) platform to identify polyamine responsive signaling nodes. We report that multiple non‐coding RNAs are altered by polyamine depletion including induction of microRNA (miRNA) let‐7i, a member of the tumor suppressive let‐7 family. The let‐7 family targets several RNAs for translational repression, including the growth‐associated transcription factor HMGA2 and is negatively regulated by the pluripotency factor LIN28. Depletion of polyamines using difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) or genetic knockdown of the polyamine‐modified eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A isoforms 1 and 2 (eIF5A1/2) resulted in robust reduction of both HMGA2 and LIN28. Locked nucleic acid (LNA) oligonucleotides targeting the seed region of the let‐7 family rescued the expression of HMGA2, but not LIN28, in both DFMO‐treated and eIF5A1/2 knockdown cultures. Our findings suggest that polyamines are oncometabolites that influence specific aspects of tumorigenesis by regulating pluripotency associated factors, such as LIN28, via an eIF5A‐dependent but let‐7‐independent mechanism while the expression of proliferation‐related genes regulated by let‐7, such as HMGA2, is mediated through microRNA mediated repression. Therefore, manipulating polyamine metabolism may be a novel method of targeting the LIN28/let‐7 pathway in specific disease states. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional (psychogenic) symptoms in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Pareés Isabel , Saifee Tabish A. , Kojovic Maja , Kassavetis Panagiotis , Rubio‐Agusti Ignacio , Sadnicka Anna , Bhatia Kailash P. , Edwards Mark J.
Published: June 2013

It has been reported that patients who have Parkinson's disease have a high prevalence of somatisation (functional neurological symptoms) compared with patients who have other neurodegenerative conditions. Numerous explanations have been advanced for this phenomenon. Here, with illustrative cases, we discuss this topic, including its clinical importance, and suggest a link between the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease and the proposed propensity to develop functional symptoms. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Set shifting and reversal learning in borderline personality disorder
Authors: Barker Victoria , Pope Merrick , Smith Sharon , Brown Verity , Hall Jeremy
Published: June 2013

Background

People with BPD have been shown in some studies to have structural deficits in regions of the prefrontal cortex. A sensitive test of prefrontal cortex function is the intra‐dimensional/extra‐dimensional (IDED) set shifting task. This study sought to examine whether people with BPD demonstrate impaired performances on extra‐dimensional shift (EDS) and reversal learning aspects of this task similar to those seen in conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder.

Method

Twenty subjects with BPD and 21 healthy control subjects were administered the IDED task from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery cognitive test battery. EDS and reversal learning errors were compared between the groups using repeated measures ANOVAs.

Results

There was no significant difference between the BPD and control participants in EDS or reversal learning on the IDED task or in stage of the task completed. There was a medium effect size difference (Cohen's d = 0.4) for simple reversal learning and small effect sizes for reversal learning (Cohen' d = 0.17) and IDED shift stages (Cohen's d = 0.2 and −0.3 respectively).

Conclusions

Participants with BPD in this study did not show statistically significant deficits in EDS or reversal learning, although small to medium effect sizes were found. These findings distinguish them from sufferers of schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder and are in keeping with the idea that BPD is a distinct condition with discrete neuropathological processes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Too close for comfort
Authors: Broadribb Michael P.
Published: June 2013

Learning from experience is one of the four pillars of Risk‐Based Process Safety [CCPS, Guidelines for Risk Based Process Safety, New York, 2007]. Incidents that occur at one facility often provide opportunities to strengthen management systems at other facilities. Sharing the technical lessons learned from incidents is morally right and vital to improving process safety performance across the process and related industries. Most incidents also involve human factors, often as a key causal factor. Understanding these performance shaping factors can also be essential to minimizing future failures. Most articles regarding case studies on process safety incidents are written and presented by a third party who was not directly involved in the incident. As such, the articles may lack the human element and other insights that can only be properly appreciated and articulated by someone directly involved in the incident. In his early career the author was involved in two major incidents while managing the day‐to‐day operation of refinery process units. This article describes the first incident involving two major fires. In both incidents, the author found himself decidedly too close for comfort and could easily have become a casualty himself. This article will raise awareness of lessons learned relating to a number of elements of Risk‐Based Process Safety [CCPS, Guidelines for Risk Based Process Safety, New York, 2007] and human factors. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 32: 255–259, 2013
A study of flare load reduction by a safety instrumented system based on a high integrity protection system
Authors: Lee Inbok , Oh Taekeun
Published: June 2013

In order to relieve the over‐pressure safely due to a process malfunction in the oil refineries and petrochemical plants, a flare system has been used in many cases. However, in some cases, it is not recommended to install an additional flare system because of various limitations such as environmental regulations and the lack of plant area. Moreover, it is also challenging to mitigate the increase of flare load due to the failure of instruments only by the existing flare system. So, the reduction of the flare load has been the center of attention. As a good solution to this problem, a safety instrumented system (SIS) can be used. The mitigation scheme for flare load by the SIS associated with the high integrity protection system has many advantages in theory, but several issues have to be checked before it is applied in reality. Thus, this study has suggested some technical basis and important factors to consider in the application to the actual safety design and operation process. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 32: 393–400, 2013
Free transverse vibration in periodically hinged identical beams on elastic foundations: a single material phononic crystal
Authors: Han Lin , Zhang Yan , Jiang Lin‐hua , Zhang Zi‐ming
Published: June 2013

Unlike the common phononic crystals (PCs) with different materials, the infinite periodically hinged identical beams on elastic foundations, considered as a special “single material” PC, also have transverse vibration band gaps (BGs). The modified transfer matrix method is proposed to calculate the band structure of this system. The propagation of transverse vibration of such a system with aluminium beams and soil foundation is studied. The results show that the system gives wider BGs than the common PC case at low frequency. The influence of the stiffness of foundation and geometrical parameters is analyzed to obtain a wider first BG.

magnified image

The frequency responses of the 6‐cell periodically hinged aluminium beams (solid line) and common aluminium‐epoxy PC beam (dashed line) on a foundation. The hinged case has wider low BGs with stronger attenuation.

(© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Safety and Efficacy of Shilajit (Mumie, Moomiyo)
Authors: Stohs Sidney J.
Published: June 2013

Shilajit (mumie; moomiyo, mummiyo) has been used for a wide variety of illnesses and conditions for many years. However, relatively few well‐controlled human studies have been conducted on the effects of shiliajit, although a growing number of studies have been published in recent years involving animal and in vitro systems. The safety of shilajit is well documented based on animal and human studies. Various research studies indicate that shilajit exhibits antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, adaptogenic, immunomodulatory, and anti‐dyslipidemic properties. Animal and human studies indicate that shilajit enhances spermatogenesis. Furthermore, animal and human data support its use as a ‘revitalizer’, enhancing physical performance and relieving fatigue with enhanced production of ATP. Key constituents in shilajit responsible for these effects appear to be dibenzo‐α‐pyrones and fulvic acid and their derivatives. Various mechanistic studies provide support for the above observed effects. Additional well‐controlled human and animal studies involving the use of standardized products are needed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Saharan mineral dust outbreaks observed over the North Atlantic island of La Palma in summertime between 1984 and 2012
Authors: Laken Benjamin A. , Parviainen Hannu , Pallé Enric , Shahbaz Tariq
Published: June 2013

We estimate the frequency of Saharan mineral dust outbreak events observed over the North Atlantic island of La Palma based on in situ nightly atmospheric extinction measurements recorded almost continuously since 1984 by the Carlsberg Meridian Telescope at the Roque de los Muchachos observatory. The outbreak frequency shows a well‐defined seasonal peak in the months of July to September, during which time the occurrence of Saharan dust events (SDEs) is approximately 28 ± 6%. We find considerable year‐to‐year variability in the summertime SDE frequency, observing a steady reduction between 1984 and 1997, followed by a period of relative mean stability from 1999 to 2012. We investigated changes in the atmospheric extinction of the SDEs as an indicator of strength of the episodes and found that this parameter approximately follows the SDE frequency, however, instrumental limitations prevented us from deriving precise conclusions regarding their long‐term changes. A lagged correlation analysis between SDE properties and the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and Sahel rainfall index (SRI) was performed. We found that 55 ± 4% of the year‐to‐year variations in July–September SDE frequency may be reproduced by a lagged relationship to the NAO conditions during the preceding October–December period, and 45 ± 4% may be reproduced by a negative correlation to the SRI during the preceding February–April period. Based on these relationships it may be possible to obtain an approximate indication of the strength of the upcoming summertime dust season over the North Atlantic around half a year in advance.
Surface and interface analysis of electrochemically synthesized ferromagnetic/semiconducting Ni/GaAs(001) thin film
Authors: Bhatt Pramod , Bhatt Ranu , Yusuf S. M.
Published: June 2013

Thin film of ferromagnetic (FM) metal (Ni) on a semiconducting substrate (GaAs), i.e. Ni/GaAs(001), has been synthesized using electrochemical method. The structural, chemical and magnetic properties at the surface and interface have been investigated using X‐ray diffraction (XRD)/grazing incidence X‐ray reflectivity (GIXRR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and magneto‐optical Kerr effect (MOKE) techniques, respectively. A crystalline peak observed at 44.4º in the XRD pattern, corresponding to Ni(111) Bragg peak, confirms the monocrystalline nature of the film. The atomic force microscopy image shows small‐sized spherical crystallites uniformly deposited over the substrate. The fitted GIXRR pattern confirms a smooth Ni/GaAs(001) film surface with roughness of less than ~5 ± 0.4 Å. The micro‐structural parameters, such as film thickness, surface and interface roughness, and electron density, are found to be ~230 ± 5 Å, ~4.5 ± 1 Å, ~0.5 ± 0.02 Å and ~6.38 ± 0.5 (Å−2), respectively. The chemical nature of the film at the surface and interface, investigated using a depth profile XPS technique, shows no diffusion of metallic Ga and As into Ni layer or vice versa, confirming a sharp FM/semiconducting Ni/GaAs(001) interface. The magnetization behavior investigated using MOKE technique at room temperature shows a soft FM nature of the film with coercivity of ~75 Oe at the film surface. However, coercivity was found to be ~35 Oe at the interface. In addition, the saturation magnetization is also found to decrease at the interface with decreasing Ni layer thickness. The observed magnetization behavior is correlated with structural and chemical changes that occur at the interface of Ni/GaAs(001) film. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bias in randomised factorial trials
Authors: Kahan Brennan C.
Published: June 2013

Factorial trials are an efficient method of assessing multiple treatments in a single trial, saving both time and resources. However, they rely on the assumption of no interaction between treatment arms. Ignoring the possibility of an interaction in the analysis can lead to bias and potentially misleading conclusions. Therefore, it is often recommended that the size of the interaction be assessed during analysis. This approach can be formalised as a two‐stage analysis; if the interaction test is not significant, a factorial analysis (where all patients receiving treatment A are compared with all not receiving A, and similarly for treatment B) is performed. If the interaction is significant, the analysis reverts to that of a four‐arm trial (where each treatment combination is regarded as a separate treatment arm). We show that estimated treatment effects from the two‐stage analysis can be biased, even in the absence of a true interaction. This occurs because the interaction estimate is highly correlated with treatment effect estimates from a four‐arm analysis. Simulations show that bias can be severe (over 100% in some cases), leading to inflated type I error rates. Therefore, the two‐stage analysis should not be used in factorial trials. A preferable approach may be to design multi‐arm trials (i.e. four separate treatment groups) instead. This approach leads to straightforward interpretation of results, is unbiased regardless of the presence of an interaction, and allows investigators to ensure adequate power by basing sample size requirements on a four‐arm analysis. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.