bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overview of low molecular weight heparin for preventative treatment of adverse obstetric outcomes related to abnormal placentation
Authors: Ghidini Alessandro
Published: April 2014

Different proportions of cases of preterm and severe preeclampsia, placental abruption, fetal growth restriction, and fetal death share a common causal pathway of abnormal placental implantation. Documentation of an association between the risk of such adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) and inherited thrombophilias prompted initial studies to evaluate the benefit of anticoagulants for the prevention of recurrences both in patients with and without inherited thrombophilias. Prenatal administration of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) has been evaluated in case control, cohort and randomized clinical trials. The evidence suggests a benefit of LMWH in the reduction of recurrences of APOs, with a number needed to treat of 6 (95% confidence interval: 4–10) to prevent one case of recurrent APOs. Such benefit is independent of the presence of inherited thrombophilias or the administration of low dose aspirin. Further studies are needed to establish the optimal duration for the prophylaxis, to better delineate the mechanism of action of LMWH and to explore the role, if any, of maternal serum markers and uterine artery Doppler findings in the modulation of the LMWH prophylaxis. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical description of unconstrained thermally induced shape‐memory recovery in crosslinked polyethylenes
Authors: Kolesov Igor , Dolynchuk Oleksandr , Radusch Hans‐Joachim
Published: April 2014

A new theoretical approach based on the modified three‐element Eyring‐Halsey model was developed for the derivation of an equation describing the thermally induced recovery of predeformed and crystallized crosslinked polymers. The proposed approach takes into account the influence of crystallizable covalent network and of entangled slipped molecular chains. Modeling of thermally induced shape‐memory (SM) recovery strain and SM recovery rate detected at constant heating rate has been successfully performed for nearly linear and two short‐chain branched polyethylenes, which were crosslinked by peroxide. The values of material constants determined by fitting agree with the estimations existing in literature. Fitting results have shown that increase of degree of branching and crosslink density accompanied with reducing crystallinity results in increasing contribution of the entangled slipped chains to the total stored SM strain. The physical sense of main fitting parameters and their dependences on the material constants such as crystallinity are discussed. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 815–822
Phosphine resistance in Australian Cryptolestes species (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae): perspectives from mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase I analysis
Authors: Tay Wee Tek , Beckett Stephen J , De Barro Paul J
Published: April 2014

BACKGROUND

The flat grain beetle (FGB) species Cryptolestes ferrugineus, C. pusillus, C. pusilloides and C. turcicus are major stored‐product pests worldwide, of which the first three are present in Australia. C. ferrugineus is also a species with high phosphine resistance status in various countries. Morphological identification of Cryptolestes species is difficult and represents an additional barrier to effective management of phosphine resistance in FGBs.

RESULT

Mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase I (mtDNA COI) gene characterisation enabled differentiation of the four major FGB pest species through direct sequence comparison, and enabled the development of a PCR‐RFLP method for rapid species differentiation. We detected two mtDNA haplotypes (Cunk‐01, 02) present at low frequencies with an average nucleotide divergence rate of 0.079 ± 0.011 (SE) from C. pusillus. This nucleotide divergence rate is similar to that between C. ferrugineus and C. pusilloides (0.088 ± 0.012). Male and female genitalia morphologies of the Cunk‐02 individuals indicated they were consistent with C. pusillus, yet DNA sequence analyses suggested species‐level divergence. The mtDNA COI gene of phosphine‐bioassayed, lab‐reared F1 generation survivors supported the presence of strong phosphine resistance in C. ferrugineus, but unexpectedly also in C. pusilloides and C. pusillus F1 survivors.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated the utility of molecular DNA techniques for differentiating closely related insect species, and its usefulness in assisting the management of pest insect species. The likely presence of a cryptic C. pusillus species in Australia and the possible development of strong phosphine resistance in Australian FGB pest species require further investigation. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
High‐precision determination of 13C–18O bonds in CO2 using multicollector peak hopping
Authors: Petrizzo Daniel A. , Young Edward D.
Published: April 2014

RATIONALE

Rapid development of the CO2 'clumped‐isotope' temperature proxy (Δ47) has involved both resource‐ and labor‐intensive analytical methods. We report strategies for measuring Δ47 on a conventional mass spectrometer, with the usual CO2 set of three Faraday collectors while reducing the time devoted to standardization with temperature‐equilibrated CO2.

METHODS

We measured Δ47 in CO2 on a mass spectrometer using only three Faraday cups by 'multicollector peak hopping', directing 46CO2+ and 47CO2+ ion beams into the Faraday cups normally used for m/z 44 and 45. Δ47 was calculated from the previously measured δ13C and δ18O values and we then measured 47CO2+/46CO2+. We invoke a protocol for correcting ion‐beam intensities for secondary electrons to address common problems with compositional non‐linearity and both long‐ and short‐term measurement stability.

RESULTS

Our method eliminates the need for six Faraday cups for measuring Δ47, a possible advantage for many laboratories. In addition, by using a correction based on removing the effects of secondary electrons, we remove the Δ47 dependence on δ47CO2. As a result, our methods are robust against mass spectrometer operating conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Δ47 can be precisely measured on mass spectrometers currently employed for measuring δ13C and δ18O values without significant resource investment. Accounting for ion scatter during measurements of CO2 results in improved external precision and long‐term stability, while significantly increasing the machine time available for sample analysis. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct detection of brominated flame retardants from plastic e‐waste using liquid extraction surface analysis mass spectrometry
Authors: Paine Martin R. L. , Rae Ian D. , Blanksby Stephen J.
Published: April 2014

RATIONALE

The worldwide generation of plastic electronic waste (e‐waste) is reaching epic proportions. The presence of toxic brominated flame retardants (BFRs) within these materials limits their ability to be recycled, resulting in large amounts of e‐waste reaching landfills.

METHODS

Liquid extraction surface analysis mass spectrometry (LESA‐MS) employing a chip‐based nanoelectrospray coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer represents a novel control technology for directing e‐waste streams for recycling. LESA‐MS allows direct sampling and analysis of solid material, capable of detecting BFRs including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBP‐A), the two most common flame retardant additives currently in circulation.

RESULTS

Authentic PBDE congeners and TBBP‐A were deposited on glass and characterised by LESA‐MS analysis. PBDEs are notoriously difficult to detect via electrospray; however, they were detected with ease by utilising a combination of nanoelectrospray and solvent doped with ammonium acetate. In situ detection of TBBP‐A within plastic e‐waste was also possible by performing LESA‐MS on the surface of granulated material provided by a commercial waste depot. E‐waste sample analysis was completely automated, with each sample analysed in less than 1 min.

CONCLUSIONS

LESA‐MS is fast, simple, and robust allowing unambiguous detection of a range of additives through tandem mass spectrometry. LESA‐MS does not require dissolution of the solid matrix nor the sample to be present under vacuum and the use of separative techniques prior to analysis is not necessary. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of multiple constituents from seed of Vaccaria segetalis with an adsorbent‐separation strategy based on liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Qi Peng , Zhang Feng , Xue Rui , Li Zhixiong , Chen Mingcang , Sun Zhaolin , Zhu Kaicheng , Huang Chenggang
Published: April 2014

RATIONALE

Seeds of Vaccaria segetalis (Wang‐Bu‐Liu‐Xing in Chinese) are mainly used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of amenorrhea, breast infections, and edema. The study was designed to identify the components and metabolites of Wang‐Bu‐Liu‐Xing.

METHODS

A novel methodology combining an adsorbent‐separation strategy with analysis by liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC/QTOF‐MS/MS) was established to identify the components of Wang‐Bu‐Liu‐Xing. The adsorbent‐separation technique was applied on macroporous resin (adsorbents). Different concentrations of ethanol (30%, 60%, and 95%), which covered high‐to‐low polarity ranges, were chosen as the elution solvent, respectively. The QTOF mass spectrometer was operated in negative ion mode with an electrospray ionization source.

RESULTS

A total of 52 components were successfully identified in the Wang‐Bu‐Liu‐Xing decoction based on the fragmentation pathways and QTOF high‐accuracy mass spectral analysis. To the best of our knowledge, several new saponins were reported for the first time. A total of 20 compounds, which included 10 prototypes and 10 metabolites, were also identified in rat plasma and urine after oral administration of Wang‐Bu‐Liu‐Xing decoction.

CONCLUSIONS

An integrated adsorbent‐separation strategy is powerful and reliable for global detection and identification of complex components in herbal prescriptions. The components identified in rat biofluids may also provide helpful chemical information for further pharmacology and active mechanism study on this herb. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of trace organic pollutants in wastewater to assess biodegradation using wrong‐way‐round ionization in liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Su Lijuan , Khunjar Wendell O. , Aga Diana S.
Published: April 2014

RATIONALE

Monitoring the concentrations of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in wastewater is an integral step toward understanding the fate of these contaminants in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). This paper aims to develop a method that allows for the simultaneous analysis of multiple classes of PPCPs that can be used as tracers to assess the performance of WWTPs.

METHODS

Five PPCP tracers – carbamazepine (CBZ), 17α‐ethinylestradiol (EE2), nonylphenol (NP), salicylic acid (SA), and trimethoprim (TMP) – were analyzed by liquid chromatography/triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) using a highly basic mobile phase (pH 10.3). Conventionally, TMP (pKa 7.12) and CBZ (pKa 13.94) are analyzed in positive ion mode using an acidic mobile phase. However, the high pH mobile phase allowed the quantification of all the tracers by polarity switching, with TMP undergoing wrong‐way‐round (WWR) ionization.

RESULTS

The instrument limits of detection for the five tracers, without solid‐phase extraction, were in the range of 1.3 to 5.9 ng/mL, except for NP, which was 238 ng/mL. The signal‐to‐noise (S/N) ratios for TMP and CBZ with the mobile phase at pH 10.3 were higher than the S/N ratios observed at pH 2.7 under positive electrospray ionization. The mechanism of WWR ionization for TMP was investigated, and we propose that a charge transfer from solvent clusters to TMP molecules due to electrolytic reactions at the surface of the droplet leads to WWR ionization in electrospray.

CONCLUSIONS

A method to simultaneously analyze five representative PPCP tracers with a wide range of pKa values using WWR ionization in LC/MS/MS with polarity switching was developed. The method was successfully used to monitor the selected PPCPs in samples from full‐scale WWTPs to assess their biodegradation under various treatment conditions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Internal energy distribution in electrospray ionization: Towards the evaluation of a thermal‐like distribution from the multiple‐collision model
Authors: Rondeau David , Drahos László , Vékey Károly
Published: April 2014

RATIONALE

The internal energy deposition in ions that cross the desolvation region of an electrospray ionization (ESI) source affects the mass spectra that are obtained using in‐source collision‐induced dissociation (CID) or in tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) mode. It is thus important to evaluate the internal energy distributions of the ions in different parts of an ESI mass spectrometer.

METHODS

The desolvation region is considered as a collision zone and a partially elastic multiple‐collision model is used to account for the accumulation of internal energy in the ions. The ion survival yields (SYTheo) of the theoretical mass spectra calculated by MassKinetics software are fitted with the experimental ion survival yields (SYExp) of the substituted benzylpyridinium cations that have been obtained with an ESI source interfaced with a quadrupole mass spectrometer. The theoretical parameters used for fitting the calculation data with the experimental results are the center‐of‐mass collision energy (Ecom) of the colliding ions and a term related to the pressure of the desolvation area of the ESI interface.

RESULTS

In the proposed model, an average number of 'effective' collisions of close to 30 in the desolvation area is employed. The voltages applied to the orifice of this interface are correlated to a theoretical initial kinetic energy (Einit,Kin) in the laboratory frame of the ions. In the present case, these theoretical initial kinetic energies range from 5.5 to 9 eV. The internal energy distributions evaluated from this model resemble the thermal distributions of ions having 'characteristic temperatures' between 1020 and 1550 K, and the results of calculations show that the mean internal energy of the ions increases linearly with the orifice voltage.

CONCLUSIONS

The model used in this study can account for the energy build‐up of the ions in an ESI interface and allows the change in the internal energy distribution of the electrosprayed ions in different regions of a mass spectrometer to be evaluated. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of alcohol‐dependent clopidogrel metabolites using conventional liquid chromatography/triple quadrupole mass spectrometry
Authors: Hu Zhe‐Yi , Laizure S. Casey , Herring Vanessa L. , Parker Robert B.
Published: April 2014

RATIONALE

Clopidogrel (CLO) is a prodrug used to prevent ischemic events in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention or with myocardial infarction. A previous study found ethyl clopidogrel (ECLO) is formed by transesterification of CLO when incubated with alcohol in human liver microsomes. We hypothesize that ECLO will be subject to further metabolism and developed an assay to identify its metabolites.

METHODS

A liquid chromatography/triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method was developed to identify metabolites of ECLO. According to the predicted metabolic pathway of ECLO, precursor–product ion pairs were used to screen the possible metabolites of ECLO in human liver S9 fractions. Subsequently, the detected metabolites were characterized by the results of product ion scan.

RESULTS

In the presence of alcohol, CLO was tranesterified to ECLO, which was further oxidized to form ethylated 2‐oxo‐clopidogrel and several ethylated thiol metabolites including the ethylated form of the H4 active metabolite.

CONCLUSIONS

The ECLO formed by transesterification with alcohol is subject to metabolism by CYP450 enzymes producing ethylated forms of 2‐oxo‐clopidogrel and the active H4 thiol metabolite. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Joint longitudinal and survival‐cure models in tumour xenograft experiments
Authors: Pan Jianxin , Bao Yanchun , Dai Hongsheng , Fang Hong‐Bin
Published: April 2014

In tumour xenograft experiments, treatment regimens are administered, and the tumour volume of each individual is measured repeatedly over time. Survival data are recorded because of the death of some individuals during the observation period. Also, cure data are observed because of a portion of individuals who are completely cured in the experiments. When modelling these data, certain constraints have to be imposed on the parameters in the models to account for the intrinsic growth of the tumour in the absence of treatment. Also, the likely inherent association of longitudinal and survival‐cure data has to be taken into account in order to obtain unbiased estimators of parameters. In this paper, we propose such models for the joint modelling of longitudinal and survival‐cure data arising in xenograft experiments. Estimators of parameters in the joint models are obtained using a Markov chain Monte Carlo approach. Real data analysis of a xenograft experiment is carried out, and simulation studies are also conducted, showing that the proposed joint modelling approach outperforms the separate modelling methods in the sense of mean squared errors. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nuchal Translucency Quality Review (NTQR) program: first one and half million results
Authors: Cuckle H. , Platt L. D. , Thornburg L. L. , Bromley B. , Fuchs K. , Abuhamad A. , Benacerraf B. , Copel J. A. , Depp R. , D'Alton M. , Goldberg J. , O'Keeffe D. , Spitz J. , Toland G. , Wapner R. ,   for the Nuchal Translucency Quality Review Program of the Perinatal Quality Foundation
Published: April 2014

Objective

To evaluate the performance of first‐trimester nuchal translucency (NT) measurement by providers (physician‐sonologists and sonographers) within the Nuchal Translucency Quality Review (NTQR) program.

Methods

After training and credentialing providers, the NTQR monitored performance of NT measurement by the extent to which an individual's median multiple of the normal median (MoM) for crown–rump length (CRL) was within the range 0.9–1.1 MoM of a published normal median curve. The SD of log10 MoM and regression slope of NT on CRL were also evaluated. We report the distribution between providers of these performance indicators and evaluate potential sources of variation.

Results

Among the first 1.5 million scans in the NTQR program, performed between 2005 and 2011, there were 1 485 944 with CRL in the range 41–84 mm, from 4710 providers at 2150 ultrasound units. Among the 3463 providers with at least 30 scans in total, the median of the providers' median NT‐MoMs was 0.913. Only 1901 (55%) had a median NT‐MoM within the expected range; there were 89 above 1.1 MoM, 1046 at 0.8–0.9 MoM, 344 at 0.7–0.8 MoM and 83 below 0.7 MoM. There was a small increase in the median NT‐MoM according to providers' length of time in the NTQR program and number of scans entered annually. On average, physician‐sonologists had a higher median NT‐MoM than did sonographers, as did those already credentialed before joining the program. The median provider SD was 0.093 and the median slope was 13.5%. SD correlated negatively with the median NT‐MoM (r = −0.34) and positively with the slope (r = 0.22).

Conclusion

Even with extensive training, credentialing and monitoring, there remains considerable variability between NT providers. There was a general tendency towards under‐measurement of NT compared with expected values, although more experienced providers had performance closer to that expected. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Substance use: Determinants and opportunities for prevention in the family and school context
Authors: Kleinjan Marloes , Engels Rutger C. M. E.
Published: April 2014

During adolescence, teenagers try a range of risk behaviors including smoking, drinking, and the use of soft drugs. Because substance use contributes to an unhealthy lifestyle of teenagers on the short term and can lead to serious health problems on the longer term, prevention in this target group is important. This chapter provides an overview of the determinants of substance use on the one hand, and primary and secondary prevention opportunities on the other hand, especially in the school context. At the end, future directions and recommendations for school, youth, and family are discussed.
Translation of etiology into evidence‐based prevention: The life skills program IPSY
Authors: Weichold Karina
Published: April 2014

IPSY (Information + Psychosocial Competence = Protection) is a universal life skills program aiming at the promotion of generic intra‐ and interpersonal life skills, substance specific skills (for example, resistance skills), school bonding, knowledge, and the prevention of substance misuse with a focus on alcohol and tobacco in youth. This program is based on the WHO's life skills approach as well as on theories and empirical findings concerning the development of substance misuse during early adolescence. IPSY is implemented by teachers over three years of schooling (grades 5–7 in Germany). Guided by models of translational research dealing with conditions of a successful translation of etiological findings into evidence‐based prevention programs, the chapter highlights the results of a more than ten‐year research program focusing on the development and evaluation of the IPSY program. Findings on long‐term general effects, mediators and moderators of program effectiveness, and cross‐cultural transferability of the program to other European countries are summarized and discussed in light of dissemination issues.
Computational models reveal genotype–phenotype associations in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Franco‐Duarte Ricardo , Mendes Inês , Umek Lan , Drumonde‐Neves João , Zupan Blaz , Schuller Dorit
Published: April 2014

Genome sequencing is essential to understand individual variation and to study the mechanisms that explain relations between genotype and phenotype. The accumulated knowledge from large‐scale genome sequencing projects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolates is being used to study the mechanisms that explain such relations. Our objective was to undertake genetic characterization of 172 S. cerevisiae strains from different geographical origins and technological groups, using 11 polymorphic microsatellites, and computationally relate these data with the results of 30 phenotypic tests. Genetic characterization revealed 280 alleles, with the microsatellite ScAAT1 contributing most to intrastrain variability, together with alleles 20, 9 and 16 from the microsatellites ScAAT4, ScAAT5 and ScAAT6. These microsatellite allelic profiles are characteristic for both the phenotype and origin of yeast strains. We confirm the strength of these associations by construction and cross‐validation of computational models that can predict the technological application and origin of a strain from the microsatellite allelic profile. Associations between microsatellites and specific phenotypes were scored using information gain ratios, and significant findings were confirmed by permutation tests and estimation of false discovery rates. The phenotypes associated with higher number of alleles were the capacity to resist to sulphur dioxide (tested by the capacity to grow in the presence of potassium bisulphite) and the presence of galactosidase activity. Our study demonstrates the utility of computational modelling to estimate a strain technological group and phenotype from microsatellite allelic combinations as tools for preliminary yeast strain selection. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Comparative Study of Contrasting Surgical Residency Programs
Authors: Singh Pritam , Aggarwal Rajesh , Hashimoto Daniel A. , Williams Noel N. , Darzi Ara
Published: April 2014

Background

Postgraduate training is completed in a 5‐year surgical residency program in the USA, compared with 10 years in the UK. The UK Joint Committee on Surgical Training (JCST) has described quality indicators for surgical training. Similar indicators can be inferred from the American Board of Surgery and Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. This exploratory study compares postgraduate surgical training between two regions following their respective national programs.

Methods

A questionnaire was developed based on JCST quality indicators. This was distributed electronically to all general surgical residents in the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) (N = 64) and North and South West Thames general surgical registrars in London (N = 182).

Results

A total of 76 residents (31 %) completed the questionnaire and all data presented are self‐reported. When residents operate electively, an attending is scrubbed for 57 % of cases in London versus 83 % at UPenn (p < 0.001). During emergency surgery, residents operate without an attending in the operating room (OR) for 60 % of cases in London versus 2 % in UPenn (p < 0.001). London versus UPenn residents have a mean 3.6 versus 5.0 (p < 0.001) operating sessions and 0.7 versus 2.3 (p < 0.001) teaching hours per week. In London, 68 % of residents have regular gastrointestinal endoscopy sessions compared with 39 % at UPenn (p = 0.036).

Conclusions

UPenn residents receive more supervised operating opportunities and scheduled teaching than their London counterparts. However, they have less independent operating experience and less exposure to gastrointestinal endoscopy training.
Habitat and microsite influence demography of two herbs in intact and degraded scrub
Authors: Stephens Elizabeth L. , Tye Matthew R. , Quintana‐Ascencio Pedro F.
Published: April 2014

Identifying environmental factors associated with vital rate variation is critical to predict population consequences of environmental perturbation. We used matrix models to explore effects of habitat and microsite on demography of two widespread herbs, Chamaecrista fasciculata (partridge pea) and Balduina angustifolia (yellow buttons). We evaluated models simulating population dynamics in common microsites (shrub, litter, bare sand) within two habitats (intact, degraded Florida scrub) using data on experimental populations initiated by sowing seeds, and natural seed production. Models included four stages (seed bank, small vegetative, large vegetative, reproductive) and three vital rates (survival, growth, fecundity), summarized in sixteen transitions. We conducted life table response experiments to assess contributions of each habitat and microsite to population growth rates. We found that (1) C. fasciculata had greatest population growth in degraded habitat and litter microsites, (2) B. angustifolia had similar population growth between habitats and greatest in bare sand microsites, (3) advancing growth transitions of C. fasciculata had greatest elasticity on population growth in degraded habitat, shrub, and litter, as did seed survival in intact habitat and bare sand, (4) seed survival and advancing growth transitions of B. angustifolia had greatest elasticity on population growth in both habitats, as did seed survival in shrub and litter, and advancing growth in bare sand. Greater population growth of C. fasciculata in degraded scrub is probably explained by release from belowground competition; B. angustifolia may be most affected by competition with shrubs. Microsites in intact scrub were not ecologically equivalent to those in degraded scrub emphasizing that intact scrub is ecologically complex and critical to preserve.
Molecular approach for the rapid detection of Bacillus and Pseudomonas genera—dominant antagonistic groups—from diverse ecological niches using colony multiplex PCR
Authors: Nair Anusree V , Pradeep M A , Vijayan K K
Published: April 2014

Bacillus and Pseudomonas are the dominant groups of bacteria known for their antagonistic potential against many plant and animal pathogens. Presently, exploration of these genera with antagonistic property for disease management of aquaculture system is gaining more importance to overcome the use of antibiotics and related resistance issues. Rapid screening and identification of these genera from diverse bacterial populations by conventional methods is laborious, cost-intensive, and time-consuming. To overcome these limiting factors, in the present study, a colony multiplex PCR (cmPCR) method was developed and evaluated for the rapid detection of Bacillus and Pseudomonas. The technique amplifies the partial 16S rRNA gene of Bacillus and Pseudomonas with a product size of ~1,100 and ~375 bp, respectively, using single forward (BSF2) and two reverse primers (PAGSR and BK1R). Reliability of the cmPCR method was confirmed by screening 472 isolates obtained from ten different eco-stations, of which 133 isolates belonged to Bacillus and 32 to Pseudomonas. The cmPCR method also helped to identify six different Pseudomonas spp. and 14 different Bacillus spp. from environmental samples. Of the total 472 isolates studied, 46 showed antagonistic activity, among which 63 % were Bacillus and 17.4 % were Pseudomonas. Thus, the newly developed molecular approach provides a quick, sensitive, and potential screening tool to detect novel, antagonistically important Bacillus and Pseudomonas genera for their use in aquaculture. Further, it can also act as a taxonomic tool to understand the distribution of these genera from wide ecological niches and their exploitation for diverse biotechnological applications.
Taking stock: A multistakeholder perspective on improving the delivery of care and the development of treatments for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Bradley Patrick , Akehurst Ron , Ballard Clive , Banerjee Sube , Blennow Kaj , Bremner Jennifer , Broich Karl , Cummings Jeffrey , Dening Karen , Dubois Bruno , Klipper Wiebke , Leibman Chris , Mantua Valentina , Molinuevo José Luis , Morgan Susan , Muscolo Luisa A.A. , Nicolas François , Pani Luca , Robinson Louise , Siviero Paolo , van Dam Julius , VanEmelen Jan , Wimo Anders , Wortmann Marc , Goh Lindee
Published: April 2014

Health‐care stakeholders increasingly recognize that the scientific and economic challenges associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) are simply too great for individual stakeholder groups to address solely from within their own silos. In the necessary spirit of collaboration, we present in this perspective a set of multicountry multistakeholder recommendations to improve the organization of existing AD and dementia care and the development of new treatments. In brief, the five recommendations are (1) health‐care systems must make choices regarding the patient populations to be diagnosed and treated, (2) health‐care systems should use an evidence‐based standard of care, (3) increased collaboration between public and private institutions is needed to enhance research, (4) reimbursement end points need to be agreed on and validated, and (5) innovative business models should be used to spur the introduction of new medicines.
An empirically derived composite cognitive test score with improved power to track and evaluate treatments for preclinical Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Langbaum Jessica B. , Hendrix Suzanne B. , Ayutyanont Napatkamon , Chen Kewei , Fleisher Adam S. , Shah Raj C. , Barnes Lisa L. , Bennett David A. , Tariot Pierre N. , Reiman Eric M.
Published: April 2014

Background

There is growing interest in the evaluation of preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatments. As a result, there is a need to identify a cognitive composite that is sensitive to track preclinical AD decline to be used as a primary endpoint in treatment trials.

Methods

Longitudinal data from initially cognitively normal, 70‐ to 85‐year‐old participants in three cohort studies of aging and dementia from the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center were examined to empirically define a composite cognitive endpoint that is sensitive to detect and track cognitive decline before the onset of cognitive impairment. The mean‐to‐standard deviation ratios (MSDRs) of change over time were calculated in a search for the optimal combination of cognitive tests/subtests drawn from the neuropsychological battery in cognitively normal participants who subsequently progressed to clinical stages of AD during 2‐ and 5‐year periods, using data from those who remained unimpaired during the same period to correct for aging and practice effects. Combinations that performed well were then evaluated for representation of relevant cognitive domains, robustness across individual years before diagnosis, and occurrence of selected items within top performing combinations.

Results

The optimal composite cognitive test score comprised seven cognitive tests/subtests with an MSDR = 0.964. By comparison, the most sensitive individual test score was Logical Memory Delayed Recall with an MSDR = 0.64.

Conclusions

We have identified a composite cognitive test score representing multiple cognitive domains that has improved power compared with the most sensitive single test item to track preclinical AD decline and evaluate preclinical AD treatments. We are confirming the power of the composite in independent cohorts and with other analytical approaches, which may result in refinements, have designated it as the primary endpoint in the Alzheimer's Prevention Initiative's preclinical treatment trials for individuals at high imminent risk for developing symptoms due to late‐onset AD.
Some quantitative characters used in the identification of Taenia hydatigena, T. ovis, T. pisiformis and T. multiceps adult worms, and T. multiceps metacestodes
Authors: Edwards G. T. , Herbert I. V.
Published: April 2014

Measurements were made of gravid worm lengths, scolex diameter, rostellum diameter, sucker diameter, and large and small rostellar hooks of adult Taenia hydatigena, T. multiceps, T. ovis and T. pisiformis obtained from dogs in North Wales. Values recorded agreed closely with published values. None of these characters could be used to differentiate reliably between the species except that, of the worms examined, those with large rostellar hooks greater than 228 μim were T. pisiformis and those with large hooks less than 168 μm were T. multiceps. The range of hook lengths of the different species overlapped considerably.

Reliable identification required examination of mature proglottis morphology of specimens which were relaxed before fixation. Relaxed mature proglottides often showed a characteristic shape.

Lengths of rostellar hooks of scolices from T. multiceps coenuri followed the same frequency distribution as adult worm hooks. A strong correlation was shown between coenurus volume and the number of scolices on the coenurus membrane, with a poor correlation between coenurus age and volume.
Depression and Neighborhood Violence among Children and Early Adolescents in Medellin, Colombia
Authors: Velez-Gomez Paulina , Restrepo-Ochoa Diego Alveiro , Berbesi-Fernandez Dedsy , Trejos-Castillo Elizabeth
Published: April 2014

Violence is considered one of the most important public health problems among Latino countries. In Colombia, approximately 41% of Medellin’s inhabitants have witnessed a homicide, 75% have witnessed an aggressive incident, and 40% have been victims of other types of violent incidents. Despite increased national/international attention paid to the effects of neighborhood violence exposure on childhood depression, little is still known about this phenomenon in non-clinical samples. This study examined neighborhood violence exposure and depression (negative mood, interpersonal problems, ineffectiveness, anhedonia, and negative self-esteem) among N = 320 8–12 years old youth. Data were collected from public schools in Medellin during 2009. Kovacs’ Children’s Depression Inventory was used to assess depression; neighborhood violence exposure was measured using Medellin’s Human Rights report on high-low violence rates neighborhoods where participants lived and/or attended school. Results show that 26 children reported depressive symptoms (a prevalence of 8.9 % in the total sample). Among early adolescents (boys and girls), exposure to higher levels of violence was associated with greater ineffectiveness. Gender did not moderate the relationship between violence exposure and depression subscales. Results raise awareness about the importance to further exploring other factors related to neighborhood violence exposure and depression (e.g., developmental stage, gender).
Relation of Reading Motivation to Reading Achievement in Seventh-Grade Students From Kenya and the United States
Authors: Mucherah Winnie , Ambrose-Stahl Dee
Published: April 2014

Research showing a relationship between middle school students’ reading motivation and achievement originates primarily in the Western world. The current study was conducted in Kenya and the United States to investigate whether motivation to read and reading achievement are related similarly in the 2 settings. A total of 208 seventh-grade students from public schools from Kenya (51 girls, 34 boys) and the United States (60 girls, 63 boys) completed the Reading Motivation Questionnaire ( Wigfield & Guthrie, 1995 ) after completing their respective standardized examination for reading achievement. Regression analyses revealed that efficacy (positive) and importance of reading (negative) were predictors of reading achievement for the U.S. students while challenge and compliance were both positive significant predictors of reading achievement for the Kenyan students. Overall, girls reported being more motivated by compliance and social reasons and boys by challenge. Girls showed higher reading achievement. These findings suggest that the motivation for reading and its relationship to success in reading differ by cultural setting and by gender.
In vitro dosimetry of agglomerates
Authors: Hirsch V. , Kinnear C. , Rodriguez-Lorenzo L. , Monnier C. A. , Rothen-Rutishauser B. , Balog S. , Petri-Fink A.
Published: April 2014

A well-controlled route towards biocompatible agglomerated Au-NPs is reported, which span the range from small particles with high diffusion coefficients to larger particles with lower diffusion coefficients. Difference in uptake kinetics of single NPs and agglomerates can be explained by particokinetics, without the need to consider size-mediated cellular uptake mechanisms.
Inter-Professional Collaboration: Perceptions and Practices with Youth with Complex Problems
Authors: MCCARTER SUSAN , Maschi Tina , Morgan Keith
Published: April 2014

Youth with complex problems are frequently served by multiple public systems, including mental health, child welfare, juvenile justice, and education. Effective inter-professional collaboration is necessary to meet the needs of these youth, yet relationships among individual characteristics of service providers and their collaborative activities have not been examined. This study explores inter-professional beliefs, perceived competencies, and practices of licensed social workers serving youth with complex problems, using data from the National Association of Social Workers Workforce Study. Our analyses suggest that perceived importance of collaboration may contribute to and predict collaborative activities (B = 1.05, SE = .13, β= .30, p <.001) and this relationship remained positive and significant after controlling for gender, race/ethnicity, years of practice experience, and sector of employment. Better understanding of these inter-professional beliefs, competencies, and practices may help identify training, workforce development, and supervision needs for forensic social work with this vulnerable population.
Is Positive Social Support Available to Re-Entering Prisoners? It Depends on Who You Ask
Authors: PETTUS-DAVIS CARRIE , Schyett Anna M. , Lewis Misty
Published: April 2014

Re-entering prisoners have complex needs. Growing attention hasturned to the role of informal social support in successful post-release outcomes. Research indicates informal supports are available to re-entering prisoners, yet this support can be experienced negatively and contribute to poor outcomes. We examined antici-pated and received quality, source, and types of support for re-entering prisoners from perspectives of 60 re-entering prisonersand corrections professionals. We found re-entering prisoners anticipated and received what they considered positive support. Alternatively, corrections professionals perceived limited positive support as available and instead reported negative support as morelikely. Corrections professionals also questioned whether re-entering prisoners’ accurately differentiate positive and negative support. Results indicate key practice implications.
The sublinear problem for the 1-homogeneous 𝑝-Laplacian
Authors: Martínez-Aparicio Pedro , Pérez-Llanos Mayte , Rossi Julio
Published: April 2014

In this paper we prove the existence and uniqueness of a positive viscosity solution of the

1
1

-homogeneous

p
p

-Laplacian with a sublinear right-hand side; that is,
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="minus StartAbsoluteValue upper D u EndAbsoluteValue Superscript 2 minus p Baseline div left-parenthesis StartAbsoluteValue upper D u EndAbsoluteValue Superscript p minus 2 Baseline upper D u right-parenthesis equals lamda u Superscript q">

−

|

D
u

|

2
−
p

div

(

|

D
u

|

p
−
2

D
u
)
=
λ

u
q

-|D u|^{2-p}\textrm {div}\:(|D u|^{p-2}Du)=\lambda u^q

in

Ω
\Omega

,

u
=
0

u=0

on

∂
Ω

\partial \Omega

, where

Ω
\Omega

is a bounded starshaped domain,

λ
>
0

\lambda >0

,

p
>
2

p>2

and

0
>
q
>
1

0>q>1

.
Density‐dependent intraspecific aggression regulates survival in northern Yellowstone wolves (Canis lupus)
Authors: Cubaynes Sarah , MacNulty Daniel R. , Stahler Daniel R. , Quimby Kira A. , Smith Douglas W. , Coulson Tim
Published: April 2014

Understanding the population dynamics of top‐predators is essential to assess their impact on ecosystems and to guide their management. Key to this understanding is identifying the mechanisms regulating vital rates.

Determining the influence of density on survival is necessary to understand the extent to which human‐caused mortality is compensatory or additive. In wolves (Canis lupus), empirical evidence for density‐dependent survival is lacking. Dispersal is considered the principal way in which wolves adjust their numbers to prey supply or compensate for human exploitation. However, studies to date have primarily focused on exploited wolf populations, in which density‐dependent mechanisms are likely weak due to artificially low wolf densities.

Using 13 years of data on 280 collared wolves in Yellowstone National Park, we assessed the effect of wolf density, prey abundance and population structure, as well as winter severity, on age‐specific survival in two areas (prey‐rich vs. prey‐poor) of the national park. We further analysed cause‐specific mortality and explored the factors driving intraspecific aggression in the prey‐rich northern area of the park.

Overall, survival rates decreased during the study. In northern Yellowstone, density dependence regulated adult survival through an increase in intraspecific aggression, independent of prey availability. In the interior of the park, adult survival was less variable and density‐independent, despite reduced prey availability. There was no effect of prey population structure in northern Yellowstone, or of winter severity in either area. Survival was similar among yearlings and adults, but lower for adults older than 6 years.

Our results indicate that density‐dependent intraspecific aggression is a major driver of adult wolf survival in northern Yellowstone, suggesting intrinsic density‐dependent mechanisms have the potential to regulate wolf populations at high ungulate densities. When low prey availability or high removal rates maintain wolves at lower densities, limited inter‐pack interactions may prevent density‐dependent survival, consistent with our findings in the interior of the park.
‘Bourdieu’, medical elites and ‘social class’: a qualitative study of ‘desert island’ doctors
Authors: McDonald Ruth
Published: April 2014

Sociologists of professions draw on Weberian theories of closure. However they have tended to ignore Bourdieu's work, which rejects Weberian notions of class and status groups as distinct ideal types and sees these concepts as inextricably linked. Bourdieu emphasises the importance of a class‐based habitus which generates orientations, inclinations and dispositions that organise practices and the perception of practice. For Bourdieu, because individuals perceive one another primarily through the status that attaches to their practices (through a symbolic veil of honour) they fail to perceive the real basis of these practices: the forms of capital that underlie the different habitus and enable their realisation. This article draws on interviews with 17 elite doctors appearing on a national (UK) radio show during which they choose eight discs to take to a desert island. According to Bourdieu, ‘nothing more clearly affirms one's “class”, nothing more infallibly classifies, than one's taste in music’. An analysis of the doctors' musical tastes and their mode of acquisition (largely, for these elites, via their family and education at independent schools), as well as other insights into their cultural capital reveals the importance of linking class and status when exploring professional status and prestige.
Microbiological quality of artisanal Sepet cheese
Authors: Ercan Duygu , Korel Figen , Orşahin Hande
Published: April 2014

Microbial diversity in milk and in cheese itself affects the biochemical and sensory characteristics of artisanal cheeses. In this study, the microflora of Sepet cheese, which is a traditional artisanal cheese in Turkey, was investigated. Average lactococci, lactobacilli, enterococci, yeast, mould, coliform, psychrotrophic and total aerobic bacteria, presumptive Staphylococcus aureus counts were; 7.31 ± 1.08, 7.19 ± 1.02, 6.84 ± 0.92, 3.19 ± 1.40, 0.84 ± 0.89, 2.18 ± 1.81, 4.92 ± 1.15, 7.53 ± 1.13 and 1.25 ± 1.70 log cfu/g, respectively. Staphylococci, coliform and mould counts were less than 1.00 log cfu/g at the end of ripening, which was at around 6–8 °C for 3 months. According to phenotypic and genotypic identifications, isolates were closely related to Lactobacillus plantarum, Weisella confusa, Weisella paramesenteroides, Pediococcus pentasaceous, Enterococcus casseliflavus, Enterococcus durans and Enterococcus faceium. This study provides baseline data on the microflora of traditional artisanal Sepet cheese, which is a prerequisite for a successful scale up to industrial production.
Addressing the Rising Costs of Electricity, Water and Gas – Would More Multi‐Utility Firms Help?
Authors: Abbott Malcolm , Cohen Bruce
Published: April 2014

In the face of rising costs of living and stagnant productivity growth in the utilities sector, this article considers the scope for the greater bundling of services and the further development of multi‐utility firms in Australia. With particular reference to the water sector, the article sets out the range of factors likely to contribute to, or inhibit such developments in Australia. In summary, this article concludes that the limited economies of scope that exist between the water and energy (gas and electricity) sectors, as compared to those within the energy sector, is a primary factor restricting the potential development of multi‐utility firms. It also suggests the potential scope for bundling and development of multi‐utility firms is likely to be inhibited by the lack of competition in the water sector, and to a lesser degree the predominant government ownership of that sector. Nonetheless, this article suggests further work should be undertaken to more accurately assess the potential for economies of scope in the delivery of utility services. It also notes that any change to facilitate bundling as a means to lower pricing also requires pricing regulation to be adapted to address any potential obfuscation by firms.