bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of transcriptome technologies in the pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus reveals novel insights into the genome and MpkA dependent gene expression
Authors: Müller Sebastian , Baldin Clara , Groth Marco , Guthke Reinhard , Kniemeyer Olaf , Brakhage Axel A , Valiante Vito
Published: October 2012

Background

The filamentous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus has become the most important airborne fungal pathogen causing life-threatening infections in immuno-compromised patients. Recently developed high-throughput transcriptome and proteome technologies, such as microarrays, RNA deep-sequencing, and LC-MS/MS of peptide mixtures, are of enormous value for systematically investigating pathogenic organisms. In the field of infection biology, one of the priorities is to collect and standardise data, in order to generate datasets that can be used to investigate and compare pathways and gene responses involved in pathogenicity. The “omics” era provides a multitude of inputs that need to be integrated and assessed. We therefore evaluated the potential of paired-end mRNA-Seq for investigating the regulatory role of the central mitogen activated protein kinase (MpkA). This kinase is involved in the cell wall integrity signalling pathway of A. fumigatus and essential for maintaining an intact cell wall in response to stress.

Results

The comparison of the transcriptome and proteome of an A. fumigatus wild-type strain with an mpkA null mutant strain revealed that 70.4% of the genome was found to be expressed and that MpkA plays a significant role in the regulation of many genes involved in cell wall remodelling, oxidative stress and iron starvation response, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Moreover, absence of the mpkA gene also strongly affects the expression of genes involved in primary metabolism. The data were further processed to evaluate the potential of the mRNA-Seq technique. We comprehensively matched up our data to published transcriptome studies and were able to show an improved data comparability of mRNA-Seq experiments independently of the technique used. Analysis of transcriptome and proteome data revealed only a weak correlation between mRNA and protein abundance.

Conclusions

High-throughput analysis of MpkA-dependent gene expression confirmed many previous findings that this kinase is important for regulating many genes involved in metabolic pathways. Our analysis showed more than 2000 differentially regulated genes. RNA deep-sequencing is less error-prone than established microarray-based technologies. It also provides additional information in A. fumigatus studies and as a result is more suitable for the creation of extensive datasets.
Correlation between Slug transcription factor and miR-221 in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells
Authors: Lambertini Elisabetta , Lolli Andrea , Vezzali Federica , Penolazzi Letizia , Gambari Roberto , Piva Roberta
Published: October 2012

Background

Breast cancer and its metastatic progression is mainly directed by epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), a phenomenon supported by specific transcription factors and miRNAs.

Methods

In order to investigate a possible correlation between Slug transcription factor and miR-221, we performed Slug gene silencing in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and evaluated the expression of genes involved in supporting the breast cancer phenotype, using qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and wound healing assays were employed to determine a functional link between these two molecules.

Results

We showed that Slug silencing significantly decreased the level of miR-221 and vimentin, reactivated Estrogen Receptor α and increased E-cadherin and TRPS1 expression. We demonstrated that miR-221 is a Slug target gene, and identified a specific region of miR-221 promoter that is transcriptionally active and binds the transcription factor Slug “in vivo”. In addition, we showed that in Slug-silenced cells, wich retained residual miR-221 (about 38%), cell migration was strongly inhibited. Cell migration was inhibited, but to a less degree, following complete knockdown of miR-221 expression by transfection with antagomiR-221.

Conclusions

We report for the first time evidence of a correlation between Slug transcription factor and miR-221 in breast cancer cells. These studies suggest that miR-221 expression is, in part, dependent on Slug in breast cancer cells, and that Slug plays a more important role than miR-221 in cell migration and invasion.
Repeated in vivo inguinal measurements to estimate a single optimal mesh size for inguinal herniorrhaphy
Authors: Rabe Rannie , Yacapin Clarence Pio Rey , Buckley Brian S , Faylona Jose Macario
Published: October 2012

Background

Inguinal hernia is a common condition and its repair (herniorrhaphy) is one of the most commonly performed procedures in general surgery. The Lichtenstein herniorrhaphy technique is a widely used and effective surgery that uses mesh to reinforce the area of weakness. Although a wide range of mesh sizes are available for use in hernia repair, in low-resource health care settings the provision of multiple products may not be supportable and it may be necessary for the provision and use of a single mesh size. This study aimed to determine whether the recommended 7.0 cm x 15.0 cm size is an appropriate single mesh size.

Methods

In order to determine the optimal mesh size according to recommended surgical practices, in vivo measurements of key dimensions of the inguinal floor were taken in patients undergoing herniorrhaphy.

Results

Measurements were taken in 43 patients: 40 men and 3 women, mean age 43 years (SD 13.6); 39 with indirect hernias, 4 with direct. Allowing for recommended mesh overlaps, the optimal mesh size for provision to be appropriate for the majority of patients was determined to be 8.5 cm x 14.0 cm, 21% wider than the mesh size currently recommended for use in Lichtenstein herniorrhaphy.

Conclusions

An appropriate size for routine provision in low-resource settings, or other settings where the provision of several mesh sizes is not supportable, may be 8.5 cm x 14.0 cm.
Exposure to second-hand smoke and direct healthcare costs in children – results from two German birth cohorts, GINIplus and LISAplus
Authors: Batscheider Ariane , Zakrzewska Sylwia , Heinrich Joachim , Teuner Christina M , Menn Petra , Bauer Carl Peter , Hoffmann Ute , Koletzko Sibylle , Lehmann Irina , Herbarth Olf , von Berg Andrea , Berdel Dietrich , Krämer Ursula , Schaaf Beate , Wichmann H-Erich , Leidl Reiner ,   the GINIplus and LISAplus study groups
Published: October 2012

Background

Although the negative health consequences of the exposure to second hand tobacco smoke during childhood are already known, evidence on the economic consequences is still rare. The aim of this study was to estimate excess healthcare costs of exposure to tobacco smoke in German children.

Methods

The study is based on data from two birth cohort studies of 3,518 children aged 9-11 years with information on healthcare utilisation and tobacco smoke exposure: the GINIplus study (German Infant Study On The Influence Of Nutrition Intervention Plus Environmental And Genetic Influences On Allergy Development) and the LISAplus study (Influence of Life-Style Factors On The Development Of The Immune System And Allergies In East And West Germany Plus The Influence Of Traffic Emissions And Genetics). Direct medical costs were estimated using a bottom-up approach (base year 2007). We investigated the impact of tobacco smoke exposure in different environments on the main components of direct healthcare costs using descriptive analysis and a multivariate two-step regression analysis.

Results

Descriptive analysis showed that average annual medical costs (physician visits, physical therapy and hospital treatment) were considerably higher for children exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke at home (indoors or on patio/balcony) compared with those who were not exposed. Regression analysis confirmed these descriptive trends: the odds of positive costs and the amount of total costs are significantly elevated for children exposed to tobacco smoke at home after adjusting for confounding variables. Combining the two steps of the regression model shows smoking attributable total costs per child exposed at home of €87 [10–165] (patio/balcony) and €144 [6–305] (indoors) compared to those with no exposure. Children not exposed at home but in other places showed only a small, but not significant, difference in total costs compared to those with no exposure.

Conclusions

This study shows adverse economic consequences of second-hand smoke in children depending on proximity of exposure. Tobacco smoke exposure seems to affect healthcare utilisation in children who are not only exposed to smoke indoors but also if parents reported exclusively smoking on patio or balcony. Preventing children from exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke might thus be desirable not only from a health but also from an economic perspective.
Tumor biobanks in translational medicine
Authors: Botti Gerardo , Franco Renato , Cantile Monica , Ciliberto Gennaro , Ascierto Paolo Antonio
Published: October 2012

The concept of tissue banking as a “bio-repository” aimed to collection, storing and distribution of human biological material and clinical information, is emerging as a successful strategy to support clinical and translational research. In particular, Tumor Biobanks represent a key resource for diagnosis, research and experimental therapies, especially for those correlated to clinical application of a new type of medicine known as “intelligent drugs”.

Biobanks are not “spontaneous” collections, but they needs an institutional organization, basically a research unit, whose effectiveness and quality can be guaranteed only if it is carefully organized according to precise and shared rules.
Wildlife uses and hunting patterns in rural communities of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Authors: Santos-Fita Dídac , Naranjo Eduardo J , Rangel-Salazar José Luis
Published: October 2012

Background

Subsistence hunting is a traditional practice providing food and many other goods for households in the Yucatan Peninsula, southeast Mexico. Economic, demographic, and cultural change in this region drive wildlife habitat loss and local extinctions. Improving our understanding about current practices of wildlife use may support better management strategies for conserving game species and their habitat. We aimed to evaluate if wildlife use remained relevant for the subsistence of rural residents of the Yucatan Peninsula, as well as if local hunting practices were related to environmental, geographical, and cultural factors.

Methods

Fieldwork was done between March 2010 and March 2011. Information was obtained through conversations, interviews, and participant observation. Record forms allowed recording animals hunted, biomass extracted, distance intervals to hunting sites, habitat types and seasonality of wildlife harvests. Data were analyzed using one-way Analysis of Variance, and Generalized Linear Models.

Results

Forty-six terrestrial vertebrate species were used for obtaining food, medicine, tools, adornments, pets, ritual objects, and for sale and mitigating damage. We recorded 968 animals taken in 664 successful hunting events. The Great Curassow, Ocellated Turkey, paca, white-tailed deer, and collared peccary were the top harvested species, providing 80.7% of biomass (10,190 kg). The numbers of animals hunted and biomass extracted declined as hunting distances increased from villages. Average per capita consumption was 4.65 ± 2.7 kg/person/year. Hunting frequencies were similar in forested and agricultural areas.

Discussion

Wildlife use, hunting patterns, and technologies observed in our study sites were similar to those recorded in previous studies for rural Mayan and mestizo communities in the Yucatan Peninsula and other Neotropical sites. The most heavily hunted species were those providing more products and by-products for residents. Large birds such as the Great Curassow and the Ocellated Turkey were extremely important for local hunters, representing around 40% of total prey taken.

Final considerations

Our results suggest that hunting is frequent in our study areas. Low human densities allow low hunting pressure on most game species and favor conservation of the tropical forest. We suggest that co-management may help regulating hunting, prioritizing cultural practices of sustainable use and conservation for benefiting local users and animal populations.
Chronic hepatitis E virus infection in a patient with leukemia and elevated transaminases: a case report
Authors: Gauss Annika , Wenzel Juergen J , Flechtenmacher Christa , Navid Mojdeh Heidary , Eisenbach Christoph , Jilg Wolfgang , Stremmel Wolfgang , Schnitzler Paul
Published: October 2012

Introduction

Acute hepatitis E virus infection may cause mild, self-limiting hepatitis, either as epidemic outbreaks or sporadic cases, the latter of which have been reported in industrialized countries. Chronic infections are uncommon and have been reported in immunosuppressed patients, patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection, and patients with hematological malignancies.

Case presentation

A 46-year-old Caucasian man was admitted to the gastroenterology clinic with a history of increasing transaminases, persistent exhaustion, and occasional right-side abdominal pain over the course of a 6-month period. B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia had been diagnosed several years earlier, and the patient was treated with rituximab, pentostatin, and cyclophosphamide. A diagnostic workup ruled out autoimmune and metabolic liver disease, hepatitis A-C, and herpes virus infection. A physical examination revealed enlarged axillary lymph nodes. The results of an abdominal ultrasound examination were otherwise unremarkable. Hepatitis E virus infection was diagnosed by detection of hepatitis E virus-specific antibodies. Blood samples were positive for hepatitis E virus ribonucleic acid with high viral loads for at least 8 months, demonstrating a rare chronic hepatitis E virus infection. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed hepatitis E virus genotype 3c with homologies to other European isolates from humans and swine, indicating an autochthonous infection.

Conclusions

Usually, hepatitis E virus infection appears as an acute infection; rare chronic infections have been reported for transplant patients, patients with human immunodeficiency virus, and patients with hematological malignancies. The chronic nature of hepatitis E infection in our patient was most likely induced by the immunosuppressive B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia treatment. The differential diagnosis in patients with unexplained hepatitis should include hepatitis E virus infection, and appropriate laboratory analyses should be considered.
The development of Leishmania turanica in sand flies and competition with L. major
Authors: Chajbullinova Alsu , Votypka Jan , Sadlova Jovana , Kvapilova Katerina , Seblova Veronika , Kreisinger Jakub , Jirku Milan , Sanjoba Chizu , Gantuya Sambuu , Matsumoto Yoshitsugu , Volf Petr
Published: October 2012

Background

In Central Asian foci of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniases, mixed infections of Leishmania turanica and L. major have been found in a reservoir host (the great gerbil, Rhombomys opimus) as well as in the sand fly vector Phlebotomus papatasi, but hybrids between these two Leishmania species have never been reported. In addition, the role of sand fly species other than P. papatasi in L. turanica circulation is not clear.

Methods

In this work we compared the development of L. turanica in three sand fly species belonging to different subgenera. In addition, we studied experimental co-infections of sand flies by both Leishmania species using GFP transfected L. turanica (MRHO/MN/08/BZ18(GFP+)) and RFP transfected L. major (WHOM/IR/-/173-DsRED(RFP+)). The possibility of Leishmania genetic exchange during the vectorial part of the life cycle was studied using flow cytometry combined with immunofluorescent microscopy.

Results

Late-stage infections of L. turanica with frequent colonization of the stomodeal valve were observed in the specific vector P. (Phlebotomus) papatasi and in the permissive vector P. (Adlerius) arabicus. On the other hand, in P. sergenti (the specific vector of L. tropica), L. turanica promatigotes were present only until the defecation of bloodmeal remnants. In their natural vector P. papatasi, L. turanica and L. major developed similarly, and the spatiotemporal dynamics of localization in the sand fly gut was the same for both leishmania species. Fluorescence microscopy in combination with FACS analyses did not detect any L. major / L. turanica hybrids in the experimental co-infection of P. papatasi and P. duboscqi.

Conclusion

Our data provide new insight into the development of different leishmania parasite species during a mixed infection in the sand fly gut. Despite the fact that both Leishmania species developed well in P. papatasi and P. duboscqi and did not outcompete each other, no genetic exchange was found. However, the ability of L. turanica to establish late-stage infections in these specific vectors of L. major suggests that the lipophosphoglycan of this species must be identical or similar to that of L. major.
Secretome analysis of chondroitin sulfate-treated chondrocytes reveals anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-catabolic properties
Authors: Calamia Valentina , Lourido Lucía , Fernández-Puente Patricia , Mateos Jesús , Rocha Beatriz , Montell Eulalia , Vergés Josep , Ruiz-Romero Cristina , Blanco Francisco J
Published: October 2012

Introduction

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a symptomatic slow-acting drug for osteoarthritis (OA) widely used in the clinic. The aim of this work is to find proteins whose secretion from cartilage cells under proinflammatory stimuli (IL-1β) is regulated by CS, employing a novel quantitative proteomic approach.

Methods

Human articular chondrocytes released from three normal cartilages were grown in SILAC medium. When complete incorporation of the heavy isotope was achieved, chondrocytes were stimulated with IL-1β 5 ng/ml with or without CS pretreatment (200 µg/ml). Forty-eight hours later, chondrocyte secretomes were analyzed by nano-scale liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Real-time PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses were employed to confirm some of the results.

Results

We could identify 75 different proteins in the secretome of human articular chondrocytes. Eighteen of these were modulated by CS with statistical significance (six increased and 12 decreased). In normal chondrocytes stimulated with IL-1β, CS reduces inflammation directly by decreasing the presence of several complement components (CFAB, C1S, CO3, and C1R) and also indirectly by increasing proteins such as TNFα-induced protein (TSG6). TSG6 overexpression correlates with a decrease in pro-matrix metalloproteinase activation (observed in MMP1 and MMP3 levels). Finally, we observed a strong CS-dependent increase of an angiogenesis inhibitor, thrombospondin-1.

Conclusion

We have generated a quantitative profile of chondrocyte extracellular protein changes driven by CS in the presence of IL-1β. We have also provided novel evidences of its anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-catabolic properties. Demonstration of the anti-angiogenic action of CS might provide a novel therapeutic approach for OA targeting.
Association of circulating levels of MMP-8 with mortality from respiratory disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Mattey Derek L , Nixon Nicola B , Dawes Peter T
Published: October 2012

Introduction

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are implicated in the destruction of the joint and have been shown to be strongly associated with inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Circulating MMPs have also been associated with cardiovascular disease in the general population, and are predictive of cardiovascular mortality. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether circulating levels of MMPs are predictive of mortality in RA.

Methods

A multiplex suspension array system (Luminex®) was used to measure levels of MMPs (1, 2, 3, 8 and 9) in sera taken at recruitment of RA patients (n = 487) in a study of factors associated with mortality in RA. Patients were tracked on the National Health Service Central Register for notification of death, and the relationship between baseline MMP levels and mortality was analysed using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.

Results

At the time of follow-up, 204/486 patients had died, of which 94 (46.1%) had died of circulatory diseases, 49 of malignancy (24.0%), and 42 (20.6%) of respiratory diseases. In a stepwise analysis which included all MMPs, only MMP-8 was significantly associated with all cause mortality (P = 0.0007, 0.6% hazard ratio increase per ng/ml). No association was found between MMP levels and mortality due to circulatory disease or malignancy. However MMP-8 levels were strongly associated with mortality due to respiratory disease (P < 0.0001, 1.3% hazard ratio increase per ng/ml). The association with respiratory disease related mortality remained highly significant in multivariate models which included smoking as well as markers of severity and disease activity such as rheumatoid factor, nodular disease, and C-reactive protein (CRP).

Conclusions

The serum level of MMP-8 is a strong predictor of mortality in RA, especially that due to respiratory disease. This finding is consistent with increased activation of neutrophils in RA and identifies serum MMP-8 as a useful marker for increased risk of premature death.
Interferon-γ inhibits integrin-mediated adhesion to fibronectin and survival signaling in thyroid cells
Authors: Salzano Marcella , Russo Eleonora , Postiglione Loredana , Guerra Anna , Marotta Vincenzo , Esposito Silvano , Vitale Mario
Published: October 2012

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most frequent autoimmune disorder, characterized by the presence of a large lymphocytic infiltration and secretion of inflammatory cytokines in the thyroid. Infiltrating lymphocytes and cytokines play a pivotal role in the progression of HT, characterized by the progressive destruction of the normal follicular architecture of the gland and death of follicular cells, ending with loss of thyroid function. Integrins are plasma membrane receptors for the cell–extra-cellular matrix components, with both structural and signaling functions. Integrin-mediated fibronectin (FN) binding is necessary for the correct function and survival of thyroid follicular cells. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) stimulation on integrin expression and signaling in the thyroid cell. Cytotoxicity, integrin expression, cell adhesion to FN, and FN-stimulated ERK and AKT phosphorylation were determined in a normal human thyroid cell line treated with IFN-γ. IFN-γ induced apoptosis and reduced the expression of the integrin αvβ3. Integrin-mediated cell adhesion to FN was strongly impaired. Similarly, FN-stimulated ERK and AKT phosphorylation were inhibited. In conclusion, our study in a thyroid cell model demonstrates that IFN-γ induces apoptosis and inhibits the expression of the integrin αvβ3, reducing cell adhesion to FN and the succeeding outside-in signaling. These results suggest that integrins mediate the cytotoxic effect of IFN-γ and are involved in the destructive mechanism of autoimmune thyroiditis.
Status of the Pediatric Clinical Trials Enterprise: An Analysis of the US ClinicalTrials.gov Registry
Authors: Pasquali Sara K. , Lam Wendy K. , Chiswell Karen , Kemper Alex R. , Li Jennifer S.
Published: October 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Clinical trials are the gold standard for generating evidence-based knowledge in medicine. Recent legislation requiring trials to be registered at ClinicalTrials.gov has enabled evaluation of the clinical trial enterprise as a whole, which was previously not possible. The purpose of this study was to create a snapshot of the pediatric clinical trial portfolio.

METHODS:

All interventional trials registered at ClinicalTrials.gov from July 2005 to September 2010 were included. Pediatric (ie, enrolling patients aged 0–18 years) trial characteristics, therapeutic area, location, and funding were described. Secondary objectives included describing pediatric trials over time and comparison with nonpediatric trials.

RESULTS:

During this time, 5035 pediatric trials were registered compared with >10 times as many nonpediatric trials. Neonates/infants were eligible for enrollment in 46.6% of trials versus children (77.9%) and adolescents (45.2%). Nearly one-half of pediatric trials enrolled <100 subjects, and more pediatric trials versus nonpediatric trials evaluated preventive therapies. The proportion of pediatric trials evaluating a drug intervention declined over time, and there were fewer Phase 0 to II versus Phase III to IV trials. Infectious disease/vaccine studies (23%) were the most common, followed by psychiatric/mental health (13%) studies. Many trials enrolled patients outside the United States, and <15% of trials were sponsored by the National Institutes of Health or other US federal agencies.

CONCLUSIONS:

Analysis of the ClinicalTrials.gov data set allows description of the current scope of pediatric trials. These data may be useful to stakeholders in informing decisions regarding the conduct of trials in children and provide insight into mechanisms to advance pediatric trial infrastructure and methodology toward improving child health.
Evaluation of an Auditory Assessment Protocol for Chinese Infants with Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip and/or Palate
Authors: Yang Frank F. , McPherson Bradley , Shu Huang
Published: October 2012

Objective

To objectively investigate the auditory status of mainland Chinese infants with nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate and to evaluate an auditory assessment protocol for this group.

Design

Prospective cohort case review.

Patients or other Participants

A total of 42 Chinese infants with nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate aged 6 to 24 months.

Intervention

The hearing profiles of participants were acquired using otoscopy, tympanometry, transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions, and auditory brainstem response estimated hearing threshold. The efficiency of the current audiological test battery was analyzed also.

Results

Sixty-four (64.2) percent of infants with nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate (55.9% of ears) were suspected to have middle ear disorder, and 85.7% of all subjects (83.3% of ears) were found to have hearing loss. Of those with confirmed loss, the overall mean auditory brainstem response estimated air-conduction hearing threshold was 53.5 ± 13.6 decibel normal hearing level [db nHL]. Using auditory brainstem response thresholds as a reference standard, the diagnostic agreement with the other assessment tools for normal/abnormal results was otoscopy, 69% (κ = .57); tympanometry, 66.7% (κ = .53); and transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions, 80% (κ = .64).

Conclusion

The high prevalence of middle ear disease and hearing loss in mainland Chinese infants with nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate in this study was in contrast to previous studies of older age groups of Chinese children conducted in Hong Kong and Singapore. The audiological assessment protocol used in our study could provide useful information; although, modifications may be necessary to ensure a complete diagnostic overview for children with craniofacial clefts.
Scoring Systems of Cleft-Related Facial Deformities: A Review of Literature
Authors: Mosmuller D.G.M. , Griot J.P.W. Don , Bijnen C.L. , Niessen F.B.
Published: October 2012

Objective

There is a need for an internationally agreed objective method of assessing cleft-related deformities in order to compare the results of individual surgeons and different surgical techniques or to determine the optimal timing for primary lip closure. To assess the current methods, an overview of the recent developments in postoperative scoring systems of cleft-related deformities was made.

Methods

A Medline search from June 2003 through July 2011 was conducted, and references in the selected articles were checked. This search yielded 428 articles, and after application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 40 articles were included in this review.

Results

Twenty-five studies used two-dimensional (2D) photographs for the assessment of cleft-related deformities. Fourteen of these studies used a subjective method for the assessment and 11 performed anthropometric measurements. Good reliability has been found for subjective assessments and measurements from 2D photographs. Fifteen studies assessed three-dimensional (3D) imaging.

Conclusions

Although there is a wide variety in study design, 3D imaging seems most reliable in assessing cleft-related facial deformities. However, scoring on 2D photographs is easier to perform and more applicable in daily practice because all cleft patients are photographed through the course of their treatment.
Thresholds of ecosystem response to nutrient enrichment from fish aggregations
Authors: Layman Craig A. , Allgeier Jacob E. , Yeager Lauren A. , Stoner Elizabeth W.
Published: October 2012

Biogeochemical hotspots can be driven by aggregations of animals, via excretion, that provide a concentrated source of limiting nutrients for primary producers. In a subtropical seagrass ecosystem, we characterized thresholds of ecological change associated with such hotspots surrounding artificial reef habitats. We deployed reefs of three sizes to aggregate fishes at different densities (and thus different levels of nutrient supply via excretion) and examined seagrass characteristics that reflect ecosystem processes. Responses varied as a function of reef size, with higher fish densities (on larger reefs) associated with more distinct ecological thresholds. For example, adjacent to larger reefs, the percentage of P content (%P) of seagrass (Thalassia testudinum) blades was significantly higher than background concentrations; fish densities on smaller reefs were insufficient to support sharp transitions in %P. Blade height was the only variable characterized by thresholds adjacent to smaller reefs, but lower fish densities (and hence, nutrient input) on smaller reefs were not sufficient for luxury nutrient storage by seagrass. Identifying such complexities in ecological thresholds is crucial for characterizing the extent to which biogeochemical hotspots may influence ecosystem function at a landscape scale.
Ethical Aspects of the Prevention of Suicide in Psychiatry
Authors: Liégeois Axel , Eneman Marc
Published: October 2012

From an ethical perspective, three values are at stake in the prevention of suicide—the inviolability of life, the autonomy of the client, and the care relationship between caregivers and client. These values can be integrated in the following way. The best prevention consists of a good care relationship involving intensive counseling of the client regarding existential questions. In this way, caregivers can increase the client’s autonomy and responsibility. Sometimes, however, caregivers need to intervene with protective measures to safeguard the inviolability of the client’s life. Caregivers strive for a reasonable balance between autonomy and inviolability by means of the integrating value of the relationship.
A Clinical Study of the Effectiveness of a Light Emitting Diode
System on Tooth Bleaching
Authors: Hayward Roche , Osman Yusuf , Grobler Sias R
Published: October 2012

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a Light Emitting Diode (LED) System (BriteWhite) on tooth bleaching. Method: eeth 11 and 21 of twenty one subjects were treated in the chair with a LED light and 44% carbamide peroxide gel, followed by an at-home treatment period of 14 days with 35% carbamide peroxide. The color of the teeth was measured with a spectrophotometer (L*; a*; b*) before treatment (control) and after the above mentioned two stages. The subjects were also instructed to note tooth and gingival sensitivity. Results: For the L* component a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between base-line and directly after the LED treatment stage (whiter) was found and a complete relapse was found after the 14 day at-home treatment period. The b* component showed statistically significant differences (p<0.05) between base-line and the LED stage (less yellow more blue), with a further significant color improvement after the 14 day treatment period. For the a* component (green to red) no statistically significant change was (p>0.05) found throughout the study (Wilcox on Signed Rank Sum Test). A major color change of 1.8 units (ΔEab) was found after the LED treatment stage with only a further small 0.2 unit improvement after the 14 day at-home treatment stage. Tooth and gingival sensitivity scores were low (below mild) throughout the treatment stages. Conclusion: A major tooth color increase was found after the in-office LED/gel treatment stage and only an insignificant further improvement was noted after the additional 14 day at-home treatment period. Only low tooth and gingival sensitivity scores were found. A slight increase in both the sensitivity and gingival scores after the LED/gel activated stage could be observed. Overall the total color increase was low.
Predicting the Glycemic Response to Gastric Bypass Surgery in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Dixon John B. , Chuang Lee-Ming , Chong Keong , Chen Shu-Chun , Lambert Gavin W. , Straznicky Nora E. , Lambert Elisabeth A. , Lee Wei-Jei
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE

To find clinically meaningful preoperative predictors of diabetes remission and conversely inadequate glycemic control after gastric bypass surgery. Predicting the improvement in glycemic control in those with type 2 diabetes after bariatric surgery may help in patient selection.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Preoperative details of 154 ethnic Chinese subjects with type 2 diabetes were examined for their influence on glycemic outcomes at 1 year after gastric bypass. Remission was defined as HbA1c ≤6%. Analysis involved binary logistic regression to identify predictors and provide regression equations and receiver operating characteristic curves to determine clinically useful cutoff values.

RESULTS

Remission was achieved in 107 subjects (69.5%) at 12 months. Diabetes duration <4 years, body mass >35 kg/m2, and fasting C-peptide concentration >2.9 ng/mL provided three independent preoperative predictors and three clinically useful cutoffs. The regression equation classification plot derived from continuous data correctly assigned 84% of participants. A combination of two or three of these predictors allows a sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 87% for remission. Duration of diabetes (with different cutoff points) and C-peptide also predicted those cases in which HbA1c ≤7% was not attained. Percentage weight loss after surgery was also predictive of remission and of less satisfactory outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The glycemic response to gastric bypass is related to BMI, duration of diabetes, fasting C-peptide (influenced by insulin resistance and residual β-cell function), and weight loss. These data support and refine previous findings in non-Asian populations. Specific ethnic and procedural regression equations and cutoff points may vary.
Perovskite-supported Palladium for Methane Oxidation – Structure–Activity Relationships
Authors: Eyssler Arnim , Lu Ye , Matam Santhosh Kumar , Weidenkaff Anke , Ferri Davide
Published: October 2012

Palladium is the precious metal of choice for methane oxidation and perovskite-type oxides offer the possibility to stabilize it as PdO, considered crucial for catalytic activity. Pd can adopt different oxidation and coordination states when associated with perovskite-type oxides. Here,
we review our work on the effect of perovskite composition on the oxidation and coordination states of Pd and its influence on catalytic activity for methane oxidation in the case of typical Mn, Fe and Co perovskite-based oxidation catalysts. Especially X-ray absorption near edge structure
(XANES) spectroscopy is shown to be crucial to fingerprint the different coordination states of Pd. Pd substitutes Fe and Co in the octahedral sites but without modifying catalytic activity with respect to the Pd-free perovskite. On LaMnO3 palladium is predominantly exposed at the
surface thus bestowing catalytic activity for methane oxidation. However, the occupancy of B-cation sites of the perovskite structure by Pd can be exploited to cyclically activate Pd and to protect it from particle growth. This is explicitly demonstrated for La(Fe, Pd)O3, where
catalytic activity for methane oxidation is enhanced under oscillating redox conditions at 500 °C, therefore paving the way to the practical application in three-way catalysts for stoichiometric natural gas engines.
Development of Industrial Catalysts for Sustainable Chlorine Production
Authors: Mondelli Cecilia , Amrute Amol P , Moser Maximilian , Schmidt Timm , Pérez-Ramírez Javier
Published: October 2012

The heterogeneously catalyzed gas-phase oxidation of HCl to Cl2 offers an energy-efficient and eco- friendly route to recover chlorine from HCl-containing byproduct streams in the chemical industry. This process has attracted renewed interest in the last decade due to an
increased chlorine demand and the growing excess of byproduct HCl from chlorination processes. Since its introduction (by Deacon in 1868) and till recent times, the industrialization of this reaction has been hindered by the lack of sufficiently active and durable materials. Recently, RuO2-based
catalysts with outstanding activity and stability have been designed and they are being implemented for large-scale Cl2 recycling. Herein, we review the main limiting features of traditional Cu-based catalysts and survey the key steps in the development of the new generation of
industrial RuO2-based materials. As the expansion of this technology would benefit from cheaper, but comparably robust, alternatives to RuO2-based catalysts, a nov el CeO2-based catalyst which offers promising perspectives for application in this field has
been introduced.
Characterization of a Spent Ru/C Catalyst after Gasification of Biomass in Supercritical Water
Authors: Wambach J. , Schubert M. , Döbeli M. , Vogel F.
Published: October 2012

Carbon-supported ruthenium catalysts promote the gasification of aqueous organic feed with high efficiency to synthetic natural gas in supercritical water. Ruthenium metal was recently identified as the catalytically active species. [1] Occasionally deactivation is observed. To understand
the deactivation, the fresh and several spent catalyst samples were investigated by RBS, ERDA, and XPS. The data revealed a massive reduction of the ruthenium concentration in toto and especially of the surface concentration. Of importance is the almost complete disappearance of the spectral
features in the valance band region. Coverage of the ruthenium clusters e.g. with a thin 'carbonaceous' layer, i.e. a kind of fouling, or structural modifications of the ruthenium clusters might be the origin. Additionally, leaching of ruthenium might contribute, but is not considered a major
effect, because ruthenium was never found in the liquid effluent of the reactor. The influence of additionally detected corrosion products (Ni, Cr, Fe, Ti) from the stainless steel and the titanium alloy walls seems to be small. No evidence for a deactivation by sulphur could be found.
LAW VERSUS POLITICS
Authors: Barkow Rachel E
Published: October 2012

In The Collapse of American Criminal Justice, a majestic book that is the capstone of an equally majestic career, William Stuntz documents the pathologies of the American criminal justice system and traces their causes by engaging in a probing and provocative look at American history. Stuntz identifies both legal doctrine and political developments and the rise of discretion as at the roots of our system’s failings and then offers possible solutions. In this review essay, I largely agree with Stuntz’s political arguments and his proposals for change, while taking issue with some of Stuntz’s criticisms of criminal law doctrine, including his attack on the shift from judge-made law to criminal codes.
Structural, elastic, thermodynamic and lattice dynamic properties of PrX (X = Sb, Bi)
Authors: Kocak Belgin , Ciftci Yasemin O. , Colakoglu Kemal , Deligoz Engin
Published: October 2012

First principles calculations for rare earth compounds PrSb and PrBi in NaCl(B1), CsCl(B2), ZB(B3), WC(Bh) and CuAu(L1o) structures have been performed using density functional theory within the generalized gradient approximation. For the total-energy calculation, the projected augmented plane-wave implementation of the Vienna ab-initio simulation package has been used. Our structural results are consistent with the available experimental and other theoretical data. The phonon dispersion curves and corresponding one-phonon density of states (DOS) for both compounds are also computed in NaCl(B1) structure which is energetically more stable than the other structures. In addition to these properties, the temperature/pressure variation of the volume, thermal expansion coefficient, heat capacity are calculated in over wide pressure and temperature ranges.
Investigating the machinability of austempered ductile irons with dual matrix structures
Authors: Ovalıa İsmail , Mavib Ahmet
Published: October 2012

In this study, the machinability of austempered ductile iron with dual phase structure was investigated. Specimens were intercritically austenitized (partially austenitized) in the two phase region (α + γ) at various temperatures (810, 820 and 830 °C) for 90 min, then quenched in a salt bath held at austempering temperatures of 315 °C or 375 °C for 120 min and then air cooled to room temperature to obtain various ausferrite volume fractions and morphologies. Machinability tests were carried out at various cutting speeds (150, 180 and 210 m min−1), at a constant feed rate (0.30 mm rev−1) and depth of cut at 2 mm after austempering heat treatment. The experimental results showed that austempered specimens from the (α + γ) temperature range exhibited better machinability than as-cast samples. On the other hand, the cutting force was decreased with increasing proeutectoid ferrite fractions. The results also showed that continuity of ausferritic structure along intercellular boundaries plays an important role in determining machinability of austempered ductile iron with different ausferrite volume fractions. Another important result is that higher proeutectoid volume fraction has negative effects on surface roughness.
Structural and relaxor characteristics of Ca0.18Sr0.226Ba0.594Nb2O6
Authors: Meher K. R. S. Preethi , Vaish Rahul , Hou J. , Krsmanovic Dalibor , Kumar R. V. , Varma K. B. R.
Published: October 2012

Polycrystalline Ca0.18Sr0.226Ba0.594Nb2O6 (CSBN18) was synthesized via the solid-state reaction route. X-ray structural studies confirmed it belonged to the tetragonal tungsten bronze family. Rietveld refinement of the X-ray data has been carried out for CSBN18 where the atomic positions and site occupancy factors for A-sites have been determined. The dielectric properties of CSBN18 ceramic were studied as a function of temperature in the 100 Hz–1 MHz frequency range. The dielectric relaxation followed the Vogel–Fulcher relation wherein E
a = 37.4 meV; T
f = 131.5 °C and ω
0 = 4.31 × 109 rad s−1. A high pyroelectric coefficient of ∼ 250 μC m−2.K was obtained around the transition temperature (∼150 °C). This is significantly higher than that reported for polycrystalline Sr
x
Ba1-xNb2O6 (SBN). However, the piezoelectric coefficient (d
33) of the title composition was as low as 6 pC N−1.
Mechanical properties and corrosion behaviour of freestanding, precipitate-free magnesium WE43 thin films
Authors: Schlüter Kristina , Zamponi Christiane , Hapke Julia , Hort Norbert , Kainer Karl Ulrich , Quandt Eckhard
Published: October 2012

Magnetron sputtered freestanding thin films of two modified WE43 alloys (Mg4Y3Nd and Mg4Y3Gd) consist of a supersaturated single phase microstructure with a strong texture in [0001] direction for a wide range of deposition conditions. While the deposition conditions have no significant influence on the corrosion behaviour of these samples, they strongly influence the mechanical properties, which can be tuned between extremely brittle behaviour for high sputtering pressures (2.0 × 10−2 mbar) and ductile behaviour with a maximum strain of about 18 % at room temperature for low sputtering pressures (8.0 × 10−4 mbar) for both investigated alloys.
Zoobiquity: What Animals Can Teach Us About Health and the Science of Healing. By Barbara Natterson-Horowitz and Kathryn Bowers. Knopf Doubleday Publishing: New York, NY, USA, 2012; Hardback, 320 pp;16.23; ISBN-10: 0307593487
Authors: Greek Ray
Published: October 2012

Zoobiquity: What Animals Can Teach Us About Health and the Science of Healing (Knopf 2012) is an easy to read and entertaining book co-written by Barbara Natterson-Horowitz, MD and Kathryn Bowers. Natterson-Horowitz is a practicing cardiologist at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) David Geffen School of Medicine, who also has training in psychiatry. Kathryn Bowers is a professional writer who teaches writing at UCLA. The book addresses traits shared by nonhuman animals (hereafter referred to simply as animals) and humans that have medical relevance. The authors are to be commended for discussing matters that should be obvious in the 21st century, but sadly still are not universally accepted. Humans share our lineage with animals and this has implications for the origin of traits. Clearly, animals have emotions, preferences, and suffer from diseases that are similar on some levels to the ones humans suffer from. The Cartesian view of animals has been debunked and the authors give many examples supporting a more scientifically advanced view of animals.
Can REDD+ Save the Forest? The Role of Payments and Tenure
Authors: Barbier Edward B. , Tesfaw Anteneh T.
Published: October 2012

A recent policy response to halting global forest deforestation and degradation, and any resulting greenhouse gas emissions is REDD+, which also includes the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks. Although still in its infancy, the success of REDD+ will depend significantly on whether it can be economically viable and if any resulting payments are sufficient to cover the opportunity cost plus any transaction cost. Where tenure security over forest is weak, REDD+ can pose a risk for forest communities, who could be dispossessed, excluded and marginalized. This review of existing studies explores how payment for avoided deforestation, and forest tenure impact the success of REDD+ projects in terms of effectiveness, efficiency and equity. Effectiveness refers to the difference between deforestation with and without REDD+, efficiency refers to avoiding deforestation at minimal cost, and equity refers to the implication of REDD+ on benefit sharing. We conclude that the potential success or failure of REDD+ as a means to reduce deforestation and carbon emission on forest commons depends critically on designing projects that work within existing informal tenure institutions to ensure that carbon storage benefits align with livelihood benefits.