bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure of the female gonoduct of the viviparous teleost Poecilia reticulata (Poeciliidae) during nongestation and gestation stages
Authors: Campuzano‐Caballero Juan Carlos , Uribe Mari Carmen
Published: December 2013

Female teleosts do not have oviducts because Müllerian ducts do not develop. Instead, the caudal region of the ovary, the gonoduct, connects to the exterior. Because of the lack of oviducts in viviparous teleosts, the embryos develop in the ovary, as an intraovarian gestation, unique in vertebrates. This is the first study to address the histology of the gonoduct in a viviparous teleost. The gonoduct of Poecilia reticulata was analyzed during previtellogenesis, vitellogenesis, and gestation. The gonoduct lacks germinal cells. From deep to superficial, the wall has simple cuboidal or columnar epithelium, loose connective tissue, longitudinal layer of smooth muscle, and visceral peritoneum. Cells of the immune system occur in the lumen and in the mucosa. The gonoduct was divided in three regions: 1) cephalic, 2) middle, and 3) caudal. At the initial part of each region, thin mucosal folds extend into the lumen. The cephalic region forms a tubular structure with light and irregular folds. The middle region has a wider lumen and is more irregular due to ventral invaginations and irregular and short mucosal folds; beneath the epithelium there are melano‐macrophage centers. The caudal region is delimited from the middle region by folds; however, they are thinner than these of the other regions. Ventral invaginations form exocrine glands, and the smooth muscle is thicker than in the other regions. During gestation, cells of the immune system are abundant; melano‐macrophage centers become larger and the glands exhibit desquamated cells. These observations suggest roles of the gonoduct in reducing the diameter of the lumen; receiving sperm during vitellogenesis; producing secretions, more abundant during vitellogenesis; and in immunological activity throughout the reproductive cycle. The ciliated epithelium and the thick muscle of the caudal region may be involved during birth. J. Morphol. 275:247–257, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vascular and extravascular findings on magnetic resonance angiography of the thoracic aorta and the origin of the great vessels
Authors: Sohns Jan M. , Staab Wieland , Menke Jan , Bergau Leonard , Dabir Darius , Schwarz Alexander , Spiro Judith E. , Dorenkamp Marc , Harrison James L. , Steinmetz Michael , Lotz Joachim , Sohns Christian
Published: December 2013

Purpose

To investigate the presence of relevant vascular and incidental extravascular findings in patients undergoing magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the thoracic aorta and origin of the great vessels.

Materials and Methods

In all, 165 consecutive patients (mean age 61 ± 12 years) underwent 1.5 T MRA of the thorax. Two researchers identified vascular and incidental extravascular findings. Clinically relevant vascular findings were defined. Extravascular findings were categorized as minor (Group A, without change in patient treatment), intermediate (Group B, unclear clinical relevance, requiring additional investigations), and major (Group C, causing a change in patient treatment).

Results

A total of 306 relevant vascular findings were found in our cohort. A total of 397 extravascular findings were observed among the patients and were classified as Group A findings in 81.9% (325/397 findings, observed in 146 of 165 patients), as Group B findings in 15.4% (61/397 findings, observed in 52 of 165 patients), and as Group C in 2.8% of findings (11/397). The clinically relevant Group C findings were observed in 6.7% of patients (11/165), comprising eight previously unknown neoplasms (4.8% of 165), two patients with hemodynamically relevant pericardial effusion (1.2% of 165), and one patient with spondylodiscitis (0.6% of 165) detected by MRA.

Conclusion

Relevant vascular and extravascular findings were found in patients referred for thoracic MRA. Most extravascular findings can be categorized by MRA as minor, while others required further diagnostics since they may be malignant or otherwise clinically relevant. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:988–995. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vegetation, fire and climate history of the Lesser Caucasus: a new Holocene record from Zarishat fen (Armenia)
Authors: JOANNIN SÉBASTIEN , ALI ADAM A. , OLLIVIER VINCENT , ROIRON PAUL , PEYRON ODILE , CHEVAUX SAMY , NAHAPETYAN SAMUEL , TOZALAKYAN PETROS , KARAKHANYAN ARKADI , CHATAIGNER CHRISTINE
Published: December 2013

Vegetation, fire and climate history are investigated in the 10 000‐year record of Zarishat fen located today in the steppe grasslands of Armenia (Near East). Pollen‐based climate quantification provides a reconstruction of seasonal parameters. The development of in‐situ water‐dependant plants and of forests at lower altitude at 8200 cal a BP echoes the shift from an arid and cold [annual precipitation (Pann) = 452 mm; mean temperature of the coldest month (MTCO) = −11.1 °C)] Early Holocene to a more humid and warmer (Pann = 721 mm; MTCO = −6.8 °C) Mid–Late Holocene. This marks the onset of lower seasonality, in particular more effective precipitation brought during late spring by the Westerlies. Paralleling the Mediterranean precipitation pattern, precipitation in the Near East and Central Asia decreased during the Mid–Late Holocene in favour of higher seasonality controlled in winter/spring by the Siberian High. Fire history and sedge‐based fen development record drier phases at approximately 6400, 5300–4900, 3000, 2200–1500 and 400 cal a BP, which resemble the precipitation pattern of the South‐Western Mediterranean and contrast with the Holocene pattern in the South‐Central and South‐Eastern Mediterranean regions. Arid phases in Armenia are believed to be related to multi‐centennial‐scale variation of Westerly activity (North Atlantic Oscillation‐like).
A high‐resolution monsoon record of millennial‐scale oscillations during Late MIS 3 from Wulu Cave, south‐west China
Authors: DUAN FUCAI , LIU DIANBING , CHENG HAI , WANG XIANFENG , WANG YONGJIN , KONG XINGGONG , CHEN SHITAO
Published: December 2013

A speleothem record from south‐western China characterizes in detail the millennial‐scale changes in Asian Monsoon (AM) intensity from 39.3 to 28.7 ka. The calcite δ18O profile, with an average resolution of ∼8 years, shows several strong monsoon events concurrent with Greenland Interstadials (GIS) 8–4. To gain a systematic perspective of AM millennial‐scale variability, the new and previously reported data from the same cave are combined, showing that AM variation exhibits a broad similarity with Greenland ice δ18O records and with Antarctica but in an opposite sense. For the interval that encompasses GIS 5 and GIS 4.1, however, our stalagmite δ18O record depicts a sustained strong monsoon with no distinctive oscillation between these interstadials. Another prominent characteristic in our record is a gradual transition into Chinese Interstadial (CIS) 8, which is well constrained by an annually laminated sequence. We find that an initial rise in monsoon intensity, lasting a few centuries, significantly precedes the abrupt onset of CIS 8 in the AM realm. This suggests that atmospheric moisture and heat transport are probably capable of inducing abrupt climate change when a rapid reorganization of ocean/atmosphere circulations passes a tipping point.
Reconstruction of large mandibulofacial defects with the composed double skin paddle fibula free flap: A review of 32 procedures
Authors: Leclère Franck M. , Bosc Romain , Temam Stéphane , Leymarie Nicolas , Mirghani Haitham , Sarfati Benjamin , Kolb Frédéric
Published: December 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

The purpose of this study was to analyze our experience with the composed double skin paddle fibula free flap to reconstruct large mandibulofacial defects.

Study Design

Between 2006 and 2011, a total of 32 composed double skin paddle fibula free flap procedures were performed on 32 patients (mean age 54.4 ± 9.7 years, mean follow‐up period of 3.4 ± 1.7 years).

Methods

A chart review was drawn up to determine the type of defects covered by each skin paddle, the vascular anatomy, the origin of the perforators, and any associated complications.

Results

The distal septocutaneous skin paddle (Nakajima type B) was used for the reconstruction of the floor of the mouth in most cases. The proximal paddle (Nakajima type D) was used for base of the tongue, mobile tongue, soft palate, internal cheek, inferior lip, and the skin of the chin and neck. The lateral soleus pedicle arose from the fibular pedicle in 28 cases and directly from the tibial‐fibular trunk in four cases. There were two partial soleus skin paddle losses. Seven complications required revision surgery: due to a cervical abscess in two cases, due to a hematoma in two cases, due to a disunion of the second skin paddle leading to an orostoma in two cases, and due to an exposition of the osteosynthesis material in one case.

Conclusion

In large mandibulofacial defects, a second skin paddle raised on the soleus perforators may be of benefit when reconstructing the soft palate, neck, cheek, or tongue as the length of its pedicle renders a second free flap unnecessary.

Level of Evidence

IV. Laryngoscope, 124:1336–1343, 2014
Results of the investigations of melting and solidification processes during fusion welding and fusion soldering by modelling
Authors: Wittke K.
Published: December 2013

Im Beitrag wird eine Methode zur materiellen Modellierung unter Anwendung optisch durchsichtiger Materialien der thermischen und chemischen Erstarrungsprozesse beim Schmelzschweißen und Schmelzlöten beschrieben. Alle Erstarrungsprozesse erfolgen unabhängig von der Form der Primärkristallite zuerst über das planare, dann zellulare und letztlich dendritische Wachstum des Erstarrungsgefüges. Es wird insbesondere bestimmt durch die chemische Zusammensetzung des Schweiß‐ und Lötgutes, die Schweiß‐, Löt‐, Kristallisations‐ bzw. Erstarrungsgeschwindigkeiten und durch die Temperaturgradienten an der Erstarrungsfront. Die Leerstellendichte in Erstarrungsgefüge kann beim Schmelzschweißen durch die temporäre Bildung von sogenannten Reißverschluss‐Primärkorngrenzen erfolgen. Eine bevorzugte Wachstumsrichtung der Primärkristallite erklärt sich unter anderem durch das schnellere Wachstum der sogenannten Opferkristallite, was die bekannten Theorien zum bevorzugten Wachstum ergänzt.
Influence of deep cryogenic treatment of high speed steel substrate on TiAlN coating properties
Authors: Šolić S. , Cajner F. , Panjan P.
Published: December 2013

Deep cryogenic treatment in combination with classic heat treatment shows a significant improvement in wear resistance of high speed steel tools. The aim of this research was to investigate how the microstructure of the substrate tool steel material, which was altered by deep cryogenic treatment and plasma nitriding, influences the properties of TiAlN coating. The microstructure, topography and composition of the TiAlN coating were investigated using field‐emission scanning electron microscope, atomic force microscopy, XRD, and glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy. The coating adhesion was measured using the scratch test. The sliding wear resistance and the force required to break the coating were determined with the ball‐on‐flat method. Resistance to microabrasion was measured by free ball abrasion test. The results show that deep cryogenic treatment combined with plasma nitriding influence the adhesion of the TiAlN coating to the high speed steel substrate. Wear resistance tests show better wear resistance of deep cryogenic treated samples in comparison with conventionally heat treated ones.
Female reproductive factors, menopausal hormone use, and Parkinson's disease
Authors: Liu Rui , Baird Donna , Park Yikyung , Freedman Neal D. , Huang Xuemei , Hollenbeck Albert , Blair Aaron , Chen Honglei
Published: December 2013

The objective of this study was to examine the associations of reproductive factors and exogenous hormone use with risk of Parkinson's disease (PD) among postmenopausal women. The study comprised 119,166 postmenopausal women aged 50 to 71 years in the NIH‐AARP Diet and Health Study, who completed a baseline questionnaire in 1995–1996 and a follow‐up survey in 2004–2006. A total of 410 self‐reported PD diagnoses were identified between 1995 and 2006. Multivariate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were derived from logistic regression models. PD risk was not significantly associated with female reproductive factors including age at menarche, age at first live birth, parity, and age at menopause. For example, compared with women with natural menopause at age 50 to 54 years, the ORs were 1.18, (95% CI, 0.78‐1.79) for women with natural menopause aged <45, 1.19 (95% CI, 0.88‐1.61) for those aged 45 to 49, and 1.33 (95% CI, 0.91‐1.93) for those aged 55 or older. We found that oral contraceptive use for ≥10 years (vs. never used) was associated with lower PD risk (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.38‐0.92), but shorter use showed no association. Use of menopausal hormone therapy showed inconsistent results. Compared with non–hormone users at baseline, current hormone users for <5 years showed a higher risk of PD (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.11‐2.08). However, no associations were observed for past hormone users or current users of ≥5 years. Overall, this large prospective study provides little support for an association between female reproductive factors and PD risk. Our findings on long‐term oral contraceptive use and current hormone therapy warrant further investigations. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Effects of isoflurane anesthesia on F‐waves in the sciatic nerve of the adult rat
Authors: Nowicki Marcin , Baum Petra , Kosacka Joanna , Stockinger Maximilian , Klöting Nora , Blüher Matthias , Bechmann Ingo , Toyka Klaus V.
Published: December 2013

Introduction

Nerve conduction studies provide insights into the functional consequences of axonal and myelin pathology in peripheral neuropathies. We investigated whether isoflurane inhalation anesthesia alters F‐wave latencies and F‐persistence in the sciatic nerve of adult rats.

Methods

Ten rats were investigated at 3 different isoflurane concentrations followed by ketamine‐xylazine injection anesthesia. To assess F‐wave latencies, a stimulation paradigm was chosen to minimize H‐reflex masking of F‐waves.

Results

F‐wave persistence rates were reduced with 3.5% isoflurane concentration at 4 and 10 Hz supramaximal stimulation and marginally reduced with 2.5% isoflurane when compared with ketamine‐xylazine. F‐wave amplitudes decreased progressively with rising stimulus frequency in all types of anesthesia and most at 3.5% isoflurane concentration.

Conclusions

The type of anesthesia and the stimulus repetition rate have an impact on some F‐wave parameters. Higher isoflurane concentrations and repetition rates are not recommended in experimental studies using rat neuropathy models where F‐waves are of interest. Muscle Nerve 50:257–261, 2014
Preparation and electrochemistry of nanostructured PPy/graphite nanosheets/rare earth ions composites for supercapacitor
Authors: Sun Wanhong , Mo Zunli , Li Hailing , Sun Yu , Zhou Yanqing
Published: December 2013

Highly conductive PPy/graphite nanosheets/rare earth ions (PPy/nanoG/RE3+) composites were prepared via in‐situ polymerization with p‐toluenesulfonic acid as a dopant and FeCl3 as an oxidant. The microstructures of nanoG and PPy/nanoG/RE3+ were characterized by the SEM and TEM examinations. It was found that nanoG and PPy nanospheres formed the uniform composite with the PPy nanospheres embedded on the nanoG surface and/or filled between the nanoG. The effects of nanoG and RE3+ on the electrical conductivity and electrochemical performance of the composites were investigated. The results showed that the nanoG and RE3+ as the filler had effect on the conductivity and electrochemical performance of PPy/nanoG/RE3+ composites, which played an important role in forming a conducting network in PPy matrix. A specific capacitance of as high as 175 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g was achieved over the PPy/nanoG/Gd3+ composite. The capacitance of the PPy/nanoG/Gd3+ composite decreased only 5.1% after 800 charging/discharging cycles at a current density of 1 A/g. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:2731–2738, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Microcellular injection molding of in situ modified poly(ethylene terephthalate) with supercritical nitrogen
Authors: Xi Zhenhao , Zhang Fanglin , Zhong Hua , Liu Tao , Zhao Ling , Turng Lih‐Sheng
Published: December 2013

The microcellular injection molding (commercially known as MuCell) of in situ polymerization‐modified PET (m‐PET) was performed using supercritical nitrogen as the physical blowing agent. Based on the design of experiment matrices, the influence of operating conditions on the mechanical properties of molded samples was studied systematically for two kinds of m‐PETs, namely, n‐m‐PET and m‐m‐PET synthesized using pentaerythritol and pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) as modifying monomers, respectively. Optimal conditions for injection molding were obtained by analyzing the signal‐to‐noise (S/N) ratio of the tensile strength of the molded samples. The specific mechanical properties, especially the impact strength, of the microcellular samples under those optimal conditions increased significantly. Scanning electron microscope analyses showed a uniform cell structure in the molded specimens with an average cell size of around 35 µm. The m‐m‐PET modified with PMDA generated a slightly finer cell structure and a higher cell density than the n‐m‐PET. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:2739–2745, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation and properties of a p‐aramid fabric composite impregnated with a magnetorheological fluid for body armor applications
Authors: Kang Tae Jin , Hong Kyung Hwa , Jeong Heeyun
Published: December 2013

A polyurethane (PU)‐magnetorheological fluid (MRF)/p‐aramid fabric composite was fabricated, and its mechanical properties were subsequently investigated. The contribution of the PU‐MRF matrix to the impact resistance of the system was then discussed. MRFs consist of stable suspensions of magnetite particles within a carrying fluid. Therefore, when an external magnetic field is applied, the MRFs exhibit drastic and reversible changes in rheological properties as a result of the field‐induced ordering of the particulate phase. We then attempted to develop new and enhanced bulletproof materials by incorporating MRF and PU in a p‐aramid fabric. It was found that when a magnetic field was applied, the mechanical properties of the PU‐MRF/p‐aramid fabric composite improved. It was also found that adding a PU matrix improves the impact performance of the PU‐MRF/p‐aramid fabric composite, relative to a neat p‐aramid fabric and a MRF/p‐aramid fabric composite with similar areal density. The improved impact performance of the PU‐MRF/p‐aramid fabric composite appears to be because the PU film and MRF enable different energy absorbing mechanisms, including particle friction, fabric/matrix debonding, matrix cracking, and delamination, which are not observed in neat p‐aramid fabric systems. The findings of this study are thought to be important from a design viewpoint of soft armors. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:729–734, 2015. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Comparison of Prescription Drug Costs in the United States and the United Kingdom, Part 4: Antibiotics in Young Children
Authors: Jick Hershel , Wilson Andrew , Chamberlin Douglas
Published: December 2013

Objectives

To compare the usage and cost of antibiotics in the United States and United Kingdom in children younger than 10 years.

Methods

A follow up of some 160,000 young children enrolled in U.S. private health insurance companies and an equal number in general practices in the United Kingdom in 2009, based on two prospectively designed and documented electronic medical databases.

Main Results

Percentage of young children in each country prescribed an antibiotic together with the estimated total annual cost.

Principal Conclusions

In the United States, ~75% of privately insured children were prescribed one or more antibiotics compared with an estimated 50% in the United Kingdom. The annual cost was more than five times higher in the United States compared with the United Kingdom The usage and cost of antibiotics in young privately insured children is far higher in the United States than in the United Kingdom, where the government pays the cost of prescription drugs.
The HBM domain: Introducing bimodularity to bacterial sensing
Authors: Ortega Álvaro , Krell Tino
Published: December 2013

We have recently reported the three dimensional structure of the McpS chemoreceptor sensor domain in complex with its cognate ligands. The domain was characterized by a bimodular architecture, where ligand binding to each module caused a chemotactic response. This is a novel small molecule binding domain, which, however, is un‐annotated in relevant databases. We report here the domain signature of the family of McpS‐like sensor domains, which was termed helical bimodular (HBM) domain. The HBM domain was identified in Bacteria and Archaea and forms part of chemoreceptors and histidine kinases. The conservation of amino acids in the ligand binding sites of both modules suggests that HBM family members recognize similar ligands.
An Idiographic Approach to Estimating Models of Dyadic Interactions with Differential Equations
Authors: Steele Joel S. , Ferrer Emilio , Nesselroade John R.
Published: December 2013

We present an idiographic approach to modeling dyadic interactions using differential equations. Using data representing daily affect ratings from romantic relationships, we examined several models conceptualizing different types of dyadic interactions. We fitted each model to each of the dyads and the resulting AICc values were used to classify the most likely configuration of interaction for each dyad. Additionally, the AICc from the different models were used in parameter averaging across models. Averaged parameters were used in models involving predictors of relationship dynamics, as indexed by these parameters, as well as models wherein the parameters predicted distal outcomes of the dyads such as relationship satisfaction and status. Results indicated that, within our sample, the most likely interaction style was that of independence, without evidence of emotional interrelations between the two individuals in the couple. Attachment-related avoidance and anxiety showed significant relations with model parameters, such that ideal levels of affect for males were negatively influenced by higher levels of avoidance from their partner while their own levels of anxiety had positive effects on their levels of dyadic coregulation. For females coregulation was negatively influenced by both time in the relationship and their partner’s level of avoidance. Analysis involving distal outcomes showed modest influences from the individual’s level of ideal affect.
Modeling Viewpoint Shifts in Probabilistic Choice
Authors: Okubo Tomoya , Mayekawa Shin-ichi
Published: December 2013

A number of mathematical models for overcoming intransitive choice have been proposed and tested in the literature of decision theory. This article presents the development of a new stochastic choice model based on multidimensional scaling. This allows decision-makers to have multiple viewpoints, whereas current multidimensional scaling models are based on the assumption that a subject or group of subjects has only one viewpoint. The implication of our model is that subjects make an intransitive choice because they are able to shift their viewpoint. This paper also presents the maximum likelihood estimation of the proposed model, and reanalyzes Tversky’s gamble experiment data.
Making the Soviet Intelligentsia
Authors: Tromly Benjamin
Published: December 2013

Making the Soviet Intelligentsia explores the formation of educated elites in Russian and Ukrainian universities during the early Cold War. In the postwar period, universities emerged as training grounds for the military-industrial complex, showcases of Soviet cultural and economic accomplishments and valued tools in international cultural diplomacy. However, these fêted Soviet institutions also generated conflicts about the place of intellectuals and higher learning under socialism. Disruptive party initiatives in higher education - from the xenophobia and anti-Semitic campaigns of late Stalinism to the rewriting of history and the opening of the USSR to the outside world under Khrushchev - encouraged students and professors to interpret their commitments as intellectuals in the Soviet system in varied and sometimes contradictory ways. In the process, the social construct of intelligentsia took on divisive social, political and national meanings for educated society in the postwar Soviet state.
State Pilgrims and Sacred Observers in Ancient Greece
Authors: Rutherford Ian
Published: December 2013

For at least a thousand years Greek cities took part in religious activities outside their territory by sending sacred delegates to represent them. The delegates are usually called theōroi, literally 'observers', and a delegation made up of theōroi, or the action of taking part in one, is called theōriā. This is the first comprehensive study of theōroi and theōriā. It examines a number of key functions of theōroi and explains who served in this role and what their activities are likely to have been, both on the journey and at the sanctuary. Other chapters discuss the diplomatic functions of theōroi, and what their activities tell us about the origins of the notion of Greek identity and about religious networks. Chapters are also devoted to the reception of the notion of theōriā in Greek philosophy and literature. The book will be essential for all scholars and advanced students of ancient religion.
The impact of leadership styles on organizational culture and firm effectiveness: An empirical study
Authors: Klein Andrew S , Wallis Joseph , Cooke Robert A.
Published: December 2013

This research project seeks to contribute to the literature on management by presenting and testing a model of leadership linking leadership styles directly to culture type and indirectly to firm effectiveness. The authors selected a four-factor theory of leadership and examined how it directly impacted organizational culture, and indirectly impacted organizational effectiveness (via an organization's culture). Using surveys designed to measure attitudinal and behavioral indicators of organizational culture, leadership, and effectiveness, we collected data from 2,662 individuals in 311 organizations. The results generally support the hypotheses that organizational effectiveness is related to type of culture and that cultural norms are related to type of leadership styles. The results have implications for management and organizational development practices and processes. The results indicate that the leadership skills of managers and supervisors are critical factors in the creation and reinforcement of cultural norms. Furthermore, cultural norms seem to positively impact organizational effectiveness.
Social networks, time homeless, and social support: A study of men on Skid Row
Authors: GREEN HAROLD D. , TUCKER JOAN S. , GOLINELLI DANIELA , WENZEL SUZANNE L.
Published: December 2013

Homeless men are frequently unsheltered and isolated, disconnected from supportive organizations and individuals. However, little research has investigated these men's social networks. We investigate the structure and composition of homeless men's social networks, vis-a-vis short- and long-term homelessness with a sample of men drawn randomly from meal lines on Skid Row in Los Angeles. Men continuously homeless for the past six months display networks composed of riskier members when compared to men intermittently homeless during that time. Men who report chronic, long-term homelessness display greater social network fragmentation when compared to non-chronically homeless men. While intermittent homelessness affects network composition in ways that may be addressable with existing interventions, chronic homelessness fragments networks, which may be more difficult to address with those interventions. These findings have implications for access to social support from network members which, in turn, impacts the resources homeless men require from other sources such as the government or non-governmental organizations.
Policy, Politics and Political Science
Authors: Atkinson Michael M.
Published: December 2013

Abstract.Political scientists are increasingly studying public policy in interdisciplinary environments where they are challenged by the political and normative agenda of other disciplines. Political science has unique perspectives to offer, including a stress on the political feasibility of policy in an environment of power differentials. Our contributions should be informed by the insights of cognitive psychology and we should focus on improving governance, in particular the competence and integrity of decision makers. The discipline's stress on legitimacy and acceptability provides a normative anchor, but we should not over invest in the idea that incentives will achieve normative goals. Creating decision situations that overcome cognitive deficiencies is ultimately the most important strategy.

Résumé.Les politologues étudient les politiques publiques dans des contextes de plus en plus interdisciplinaires, où ils sont remis en question par les préoccupations politique et normatives d'autres disciplines. La science politique a des perspectives uniques à offrir, y compris un accent sur la faisabilité politique des politiques publiques dans un contexte de relations de pouvoir asymétriques. Nos contributions doivent être informées par les idées associées à la psychologie cognitive et nous devrions nous concentrer sur l'amélioration de la gouvernance, et notamment la compétence et l'intégrité des décideurs. L'accent de notre discipline sur la légitimité et l'acceptabilité fournit un point d'ancrage normatif, mais il ne faut pas trop investir dans l'idée que des mesures incitatives permettront nécessairement d'atteindre des objectifs normatifs. Créer des situations de décision qui surmontent les lacunes cognitives des acteurs est finalement la stratégie la plus importante à adopter.
Pete's bar: alternative use of the laryngoscopy suspension bar to improve surgical exposure during small incision cochlear implantation
Authors: MacKeith S A C , Sleeman-Barker P , Ramsden J D
Published: December 2013

Background:

Cochlear implant surgery is increasingly being performed through a small incision because of the benefits associated with this technique, such as fewer wound complications. Efforts have been made to maximise surgical exposure in order to improve this evolving technique; this includes the development and use of new retractors. For instance, elasticated stay hooks can retract skin in a radial fashion and they are less bulky than traditional retractors. These hooks are usually attached directly to surgical drapes or to a disposable retractor ring; there are disadvantages to both of these methods.

Method:

This paper describes a technique using a laryngeal suspension bar in which the bar acts as a fixed structure to which these elasticated stay hooks can be attached.

Conclusion:

This technique was found to be safer, cheaper and more effective for obtaining optimal surgical exposure compared with a technique whereby the stay hooks are attached directly to the drapes or to a disposable retractor ring.
Dung beetles and fecal helminth transmission: patterns, mechanisms and questions
Authors: NICHOLS ELIZABETH , GÓMEZ ANDRÉS
Published: December 2013

Dung beetles are detrivorous insects that feed on and reproduce in the fecal material of vertebrates. This dependency on vertebrate feces implies frequent contact between dung beetles and parasitic helminths with a fecal component to their life-cycle. Interactions between dung beetles and helminths carry both positive and negative consequences for successful parasite transmission, however to date there has been no systematic review of dung beetle-helminth interactions, their epidemiological importance, or their underlying mechanisms. Here we review the observational evidence of beetle biodiversity–helminth transmission relationships, propose five mechanisms by which dung beetles influence helminth survival and transmission, and highlight areas for future research. Efforts to understand how anthropogenic impacts on biodiversity may influence parasite transmission must include the development of detailed, mechanistic understanding of the multiple interactions between free-living and parasitic species within ecological communities. The dung beetle–helminth system may be a promising future model system with which to understand these complex relationships.
Anaphylactic shock after amiodarone infusion resulting in haemodynamic collapse requiring a temporary ventricular assist device
Authors: Averin Konstantin , Lorts Angela , Connor Chad
Published: December 2013

Acute heart failure related to anaphylactic shock is often reversible and necessitates aggressive support to ensure full recovery. We report the case of a 15-year-old boy who developed severe ventricular dysfunction and haemodynamic instability after administration of amiodarone and required temporary mechanical circulatory support with a left ventricular assist device. He had full recovery of cardiac function and returned to baseline neurologic status. This is the first report of successful left ventricular assist device use for recovery from cardiovascular collapse due to anaphylaxis.
Biological radiation dose from secondary particles in a Milky Way gamma-ray burst
Authors: Atri Dimitra , Melott Adrian L. , Karam Andrew
Published: December 2013

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are a class of highly energetic explosions emitting radiation in a very short timescale of a few seconds and with a very narrow opening angle. Although, all GRBs observed so far are extragalactic in origin, there is a high probability of a GRB of galactic origin beaming towards the Earth in the past ∼0.5 Gyr. We define the level of catastrophic damage to the biosphere as approximation 100 kJ m−2, based on Thomas et al. (2005a, b). Using results in Melott & Thomas (2011), we estimate the probability of the Earth receiving this fluence from a GRB of any type, as 87% during the last 500 Myr. Such an intense burst of gamma rays would ionize the atmosphere and deplete the ozone (O3) layer. With depleted O3, there will be an increased flux of Solar UVB on the Earth's surface with potentially harmful biological effects. In addition to the atmospheric damage, secondary particles produced by gamma ray-induced showers will reach the surface. Among all secondary particles, muons dominate the ground-level secondary particle flux (99% of the total number of particles) and are potentially of biological significance. Using the Monte Carlo simulation code CORSIKA, we modelled the air showers produced by gamma-ray primaries up to 100 GeV. We found that the number of muons produced by the electromagnetic component of hypothetical galactic GRBs significantly increases the total muon flux. However, since the muon production efficiency is extremely low for photon energies below 100 GeV, and because GRBs radiate strongly for only a very short time, we find that the biological radiation dose from secondary muons is negligible. The main mechanism of biological damage from GRBs is through Solar UVB irradiation from the loss of O3 in the upper atmosphere.
Disruptive Innovation in Health Care: Business Models, Moral Orders and Electronic Records
Authors: Garrety Karin , McLoughlin Ian , Zelle Gregor
Published: December 2013

There is widespread consensus that current healthcare costs are unsustainable, and that efficiencies could be achieved by reorganising care and making greater use of information technology, in particular nationally available electronic health records. Such approaches have, however, been difficult to implement, partly because incentives for uptake are weak. In this article we argue that the difficulties go deeper than calculations of costs and benefits, and include disruptions to the complex moral orders that surround the production and exchange of health information. Using the introduction of national electronic health records in England and Australia as examples, we show how attempts to reshape and transfer distributions of rights and responsibilities developed in the age of paper into the digital world go awry. We suggest that a fundamental rethinking of the role of ‘records’ in healthcare may be an integral component of the moral re-ordering required to transform health care through such means.
Effect of Glutamine Synthetase Inhibition on Brain and Interorgan Ammonia Metabolism in Bile Duct Ligated Rats
Authors: Fries Andreas W , Dadsetan Sherry , Keiding Susanne , Bak Lasse K , Schousboe Arne , Waagepetersen Helle S , Simonsen Mette , Ott Peter , Vilstrup Hendrik , Sørensen Michael
Published: December 2013

Ammonia has a key role in the development of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). In the brain, glutamine synthetase (GS) rapidly converts blood-borne ammonia into glutamine which in high concentrations may cause mitochondrial dysfunction and osmolytic brain edema. In astrocyte-neuron cocultures and brains of healthy rats, inhibition of GS by methionine sulfoximine (MSO) reduced glutamine synthesis and increased alanine synthesis. Here, we investigate effects of MSO on brain and interorgan ammonia metabolism in sham and bile duct ligated (BDL) rats. Concentrations of glutamine, glutamate, alanine, and aspartate and incorporation of 15NH4+ into these amino acids in brain, liver, muscle, kidney, and plasma were similar in sham and BDL rats treated with saline. Methionine sulfoximine reduced glutamine concentrations in liver, kidney, and plasma but not in brain and muscle; MSO reduced incorporation of 15NH4+ into glutamine in all tissues. It did not affect alanine concentrations in any of the tissues but plasma alanine concentration increased; incorporation of 15NH4+ into alanine was increased in brain in sham and BDL rats and in kidney in sham rats. It inhibited GS in all tissues examined but only in brain was an increased incorporation of 15N-ammonia into alanine observed. Liver and kidney were important for metabolizing blood-borne ammonia.
The Acute-Phase Protein PTX3 is an Essential Mediator of Glial Scar Formation and Resolution of Brain Edema after Ischemic Injury
Authors: Rodriguez-Grande Beatriz , Swana Matimba , Nguyen Loan , Englezou Pavlos , Maysami Samaneh , Allan Stuart M , Rothwell Nancy J , Garlanda Cecilia , Denes Adam , Pinteaux Emmanuel
Published: December 2013

Acute-phase proteins (APPs) are key effectors of the immune response and are routinely used as biomarkers in cerebrovascular diseases, but their role during brain inflammation remains largely unknown. Elevated circulating levels of the acute-phase protein pentraxin-3 (PTX3) are associated with worse outcome in stroke patients. Here we show that PTX3 is expressed in neurons and glia in response to cerebral ischemia, and that the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a key driver of PTX3 expression in the brain after experimental stroke. Gene deletion of PTX3 had no significant effects on acute ischemic brain injury. In contrast, the absence of PTX3 strongly compromised blood–brain barrier integrity and resolution of brain edema during recovery after ischemic injury. Compromised resolution of brain edema in PTX3-deficient mice was associated with impaired glial scar formation and alterations in scar-associated extracellular matrix production. Our results suggest that PTX3 expression induced by proinflammatory signals after ischemic brain injury is a critical effector of edema resolution and glial scar formation. This highlights the potential role for inflammatory molecules in brain recovery after injury and identifies APPs, in particular PTX3, as important targets in ischemic stroke and possibly other brain inflammatory disorders.
Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology Software Tutorials and Use: Comments and Guidelines for PSP Contributions
Authors: Vicini P , Friberg LE , van der Graaf PH , Rostami‐Hodjegan A
Published: December 2013

In addition to methodological Tutorials,1 CPT:PSP has recently started to publish software Tutorials.2,3 Our readership and authors may be wondering what kind of format or product is expected, and the review of submissions we have already received prompted several discussions within the PSP Editorial Team. This editorial reflects on these discussions and summarizes their salient points. It aims at providing some details about the current vision of CPT:PSP for software tutorial articles. In addition, it brings some clarity on the topic of what role commercial software tutorials can have in CPT:PSP and how CPT:PSP tutorials differ from publications which describe the software itself, as those which can be found in other computer science journals. Finally, the discussion includes reproducibility considerations and the general use of commercial and noncommercial software in CPT:PSP publications. We hope our thoughts, and especially a stated requirement to publish user input to the software to aid in reproducibility, will help in guiding our authors and will stimulate healthy debate among our readers about the evolving nature of our science, how it can be facilitated using software and associated databases as a conduit, and what role this journal can play in fostering both the best modeling and simulation practices and the best scientific approaches to computational modeling, to bring the advantages of modeling and simulation to all regular practitioners, and not to just a (self) selected few.

CPT Pharmacometrics Syst. Pharmacol. (2013) 2, e86; doi:10.1038/psp.2013.60; published online 18 December 2013
Polymethylmethacrylate coating on aligned carbon nanotube–silicon solar cells for performance improvement
Authors: Li Ru , Di Jiangtao , Yong Zhenzhong , Sun Baoquan , Li Qingwen
Published: December 2013

PMMA coating on aligned CNT–Si solar cell with efficiency of 13% after doping by NO2.
Multifunctional fluorescent material based on metallomicelles trapped in silica nanochannels
Authors: Tao Shengyang , Fan Pan , Wang Yuchao , Wang Chan , Hu Tao , Meng Changgong
Published: December 2013

A multifunctional fluorescent material with a chemical stimulus-response is prepared by trapping metallomicelles in confined silica nanochannels.
GPI (glycosylphosphatidylinositol)-linked aspartyl proteases regulate vacuole homoeostasis in Candida glabrata
Authors: Bairwa Gaurav , Rasheed Mubashshir , Taigwal Ritu , Sahoo Rosalin , Kaur Rupinder
Published: December 2013

A family of 11 GPI (glycosylphosphatidylinositol)-linked cell surface-associated aspartyl proteases (yapsins) in the human opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida glabrata is required for cell wall remodelling, pH homoeostasis, survival in macrophages and virulence in a murine model of disseminated candidiasis. In the present paper, we report new roles for yapsins in C. glabrata physiology and implicate them for the first time in the regulation of vacuole homoeostasis. In the present study we show that a C. glabrata mutant lacking all 11 yapsins, Cgyps1-11∆, possesses an enlarged vacuole and displays vma− (vacuolar membrane ATPase)-like phenotypes with elevated metal ion susceptibility in an alkaline pH medium and diminished Vma activity. The results of the present study also demonstrate a singular role for CgYps1 (C. glabrata yapsin 1) in the maintenance of ion homoeostasis under normal and calcineurin-inhibited conditions. Elevated polyphosphate levels and diminished cellular CPY (carboxypeptidase Y) activity in the Cgyps1-11∆ mutant highlight the yapsin requirement for a properly functioning vacuole. Lastly, a gross perturbation of cellular homoeostasis in the Cgyps1-11∆ mutant, even in the absence of external stressors, characterized by reduced levels of ATP and stress metabolites, elevated ROS (reactive oxygen species) levels, cell surface abnormalities, and a constitutively activated PKC (protein kinase C) signalling pathway underscore diverse physiological functions of yapsins in C. glabrata.
Beyond Rhetoric to Understanding Determinants of Wind Turbine Support and Conflict in Two Ontario, Canada Communities
Authors: Walker Chad , Baxter Jamie , Ouellette Danielle
Published: December 2013

The literature concerning local opposition to wind turbine developments has relatively few case studies exploring the felt impacts of people living with turbines in their daily lives. Aitken even suggests that such residents are subtly or overtly cast as deviants in the current literature. Our mixed-methods, grounded-theory case study of two communities in Ontario, Canada provides insights about such residents though twenty-six face-to-face in-depth interviews, 152 questionnaires, and basic spatial analysis involving locals who have been living with operating turbines for several years. Despite being neighbours the communities differ on several measures including the spatial clustering of turbines. Opposition is significantly predicted by: Health, siting process, economic benefits, and visual aesthetic variables. Though a majority supports the turbines we focus on the interplay of that majority with those experiencing negative impacts, particularly related to health. We highlight an asymmetry of impacts at the local level on those who oppose turbines, which is supported by rhetorical conflict at multiple scales. The findings point to the need for greater attention to mitigating impacts, including conflict, by understanding how siting policies interact with social processes at the local level.
Azides – Diazonium Ions – Triazenes: Versatile Nitrogen-rich Functional Groups
Authors: Kölmel Dominik K. , Jung Nicole , Bräse Stefan
Published: December 2013

For more than 100 years, nitrogen-rich compounds such as azides, diazonium ions, and triazenes have proved to be extremely valuable. Because these functional groups can be easily introduced into various substrates, they are frequently used nowadays. More importantly, they can be converted into a great number of other functional groups. The scope of this article is thus to summarize possible synthetic routes for the formation of these functional groups as well as to highlight some of the most prominent applications of these exciting moieties in chemical biology and combinatorial chemistry. Many of the most famous name reactions such as the Staudinger reduction, Staudinger ligation, Sandmeyer reaction, Wallach reaction, Mitsunobu reaction, Huisgen reaction, Balz–Schiemann reaction, Meerwein arylation, Pschorr reaction or Gomberg–Bachmann reaction are covered.
Cumulative latency advance underlies fast visual processing in desynchronized brain state
Authors: Wang Xu-dong , Chen Cheng , Zhang Dinghong , Yao Haishan
Published: December 2013

Significance

Fast sensory processing, critical for the survival of animals, is usually achieved in a vigilant state characterized by cortical desynchronization. To understand the neural substrate for such fast processing, we examined brain state modulation of response latency in rat primary visual cortex (V1). We found that the response latency for V1 neurons is shorter in the desynchronized state than in the synchronized state. Increase in membrane conductance of single V1 neurons contributes to but cannot fully account for the observed latency advance. Such faster response is explained by cumulative latency advance along various stages of the visual pathway, from lateral geniculate nucleus to successive V1 layers, likely due to a global increase of membrane conductance in the desynchronized state.