bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The diagnosis and treatment of myotonic disorders
Authors: Heatwole Chad R. , Statland Jeffrey M. , Logigian Eric L.
Published: September 2012

Myotonia is a defining clinical symptom and sign common to a relatively small group of muscle diseases, including the myotonic dystrophies and the nondystrophic myotonic disorders. Myotonia can be observed on clinical examination, as can its electrical correlate, myotonic discharges, on electrodiagnostic testing. Research interest in the myotonic disorders continues to expand rapidly, which justifies a review of the scientific bases, clinical manifestations, and numerous therapeutic approaches associated with these disorders. We review the pathomechanisms of myotonia, the clinical features of the dystrophic and nondystrophic myotonic disorders, and the diagnostic approach and treatment options for patients with symptomatic myotonia. Muscle Nerve 47: 632–648, 2013
Groundwater response to dual tidal fluctuations in a peninsula or an elongated island
Authors: Wang Quanrong , Zhan Hongbin , Tang Zhonghua
Published: September 2012

Groundwater flow in a peninsula or an elongated island is influenced by tidal fluctuations on both sides of the peninsula or island, which is named as dual tidal fluctuations. In this study, semianalytical solutions of transient groundwater flow in response to dual tidal fluctuations in an aquifer–aquitard system were presented for cases with and without the aquitard storage. These solutions were first derived using the Laplace transform and subsequently computed by the Fourier series numerical inverse Laplace transform. The derived solutions were found to agree very well with the results of numerical simulations by MODFLOW. The solution ignoring the aquitard storage approached the quasi‐steady state solution quickly when the mean sea level initial condition was used. The solutions with and without the aquitard storage were nearly the same at the early time and were separated from each other during the intermediate time, and the difference of solutions became constant at late time for small aquifer/aquitard storativity ratio and large tidal frequency. The propagation bias, which is the departure from the theoretical ratio of tidal attenuation to tidal lag, was enhanced not only with increase of the dimensionless specific leakage (aquitard/aquifer hydraulic conductance ratio) but also with decrease of the aquifer/aquitard storativity ratio and with the increase of the dimensionless tidal frequency. The solution with the aquitard storage was more sensitive to these three parameters. The newly developed solutions were capable of handling realistic initial conditions that might be approximated by piecewise linear functions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Overcoming autopsy barriers in pediatric cancer research
Authors: Alabran Jennifer L. , Hooper Jody E. , Hill Melissa , Smith Sandra E. , Spady Kimberlee K. , Davis Lara E. , Peterson Lauren S. , Malempati Suman , Ryan Christopher W. , Acosta Rae , Spunt Sheri L. , Keller Charles
Published: September 2012

Background

More than 13,000 children annually in the United States and Canada under the age of 20 will be diagnosed with cancer at a mortality approaching 20% 1,2. Tumor samples obtained by autopsy provide an innovative way to study tumor progression, potentially aiding in the discovery of new treatments and increased survival rates. The purpose of this study was to identify barriers to autopsies and develop guidelines for requesting autopsies for research purposes.

Procedure

Families of children treated for childhood cancer were referred by patient advocacy groups and surveyed about attitudes and experiences with research autopsies. From 60 interviews, barriers to autopsy and tumor banking were identified. An additional 14 interviews were conducted with medical and scientific experts.

Results

Ninety‐three percent of parents of deceased children did or would have consented to a research autopsy if presented with the option; however, only half of these families were given the opportunity to donate autopsy tissue for research. The most significant barriers were the physicians' reluctance to ask a grieving family and lack of awareness about research opportunities.

Conclusions

The value of donating tumor samples to research via an autopsy should be promoted to all groups managing pediatric cancer patients. Not only does autopsy tumor banking offer a potentially important medical and scientific impact, but the opportunity to contribute this Legacy Gift of autopsy tumor tissue also creates a positive outlet for the grieving family. Taking these findings into account, our multidisciplinary team has developed a curriculum addressing key barriers. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;60:204–209. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of graphene nanofiller on the crystallization behavior and mechanical properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)
Authors: Lee Seungae , Hong Jin‐Yong , Jang Jyongsik
Published: September 2012

The effect of graphene on the crystallization behavior of graphene/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanocomposites is investigated in terms of the heterogeneous nucleation effect using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Nanometer‐sized graphenes with disc‐type shape are successfully fabricated by transversal cutting of platelet carbon nanofibers, and the graphene/PVA nanocomposites are prepared by varying the concentration of graphene using a solution‐casting method. The graphene/PVA nanocomposites exhibit an enhanced degree of crystallization, increasing to 18.8% at a graphene concentration of 0.5 wt%. The graphene acts as an effective nucleating agent during the crystallization process, enhancing the degree and rate of crystallization. In addition, the graphene/PVA nanocomposites with a high graphene content have markedly improved mechanical properties. Mechanical properties, including hardness and elastic modulus, of the prepared graphene/PVA nanocomposites are analyzed using an atomic force microscopy nanoindentation method. The graphene plays a key role in increasing the crystallinity by acting as an effective nucleating agent at low concentrations (<1.0 wt%) and in enhancing the mechanical properties by acting as a nanofiller at high concentrations (>1.0 wt%).
The incorporation and controlled release of platelet‐rich plasma‐derived biomolecules from polymeric tissue engineering scaffolds
Authors: Sell Scott A , Ericksen Jeffery J , Bowlin Gary L
Published: September 2012

Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) has been gaining popularity in recent years as a cost‐effective material capable of stimulating healing in a number of different clinical applications. As the clinical role ofPRPhas been growing so too has its prevalence in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, particularly in the field of extracellular matrix (ECM) analogue scaffold fabrication. As polymeric scaffold fabrication techniques strive to create structures that ever more closely replicate the nativeECM's form and function, the need for increased scaffold bioactivity becomes more pronounced.PRP, which has been shown to contain over 300 bioactive molecules, has the potential to deliver a combination of growth factors and cytokines capable of stimulating cellular activity through enhanced chemotaxis, proliferation andECMproduction. The ability to incorporate such a potent bioactive milieu into a polymeric tissue engineering scaffold, which lacks intrinsic cell signaling molecules, may help to promote scaffold integration with native tissues and increase the overall patency of polymericECManalogue structures. This mini‐review briefly discusses the physiological basis ofPRPand its current clinical use, as well as the potential role thatPRPmay play in the future of polymeric tissue engineering scaffold design. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Microsolvation of morpholine, a bidentate base – the importance of cooperativity
Authors: Vallejos Margarita M. , Lamsabhi Al Mokhtar , Peruchena Nélida M. , Mó Otilia , Yáñez Manuel
Published: September 2012

The structure, relative energies, and bonding in morpholine(water)n(n = 1–4) clusters have been investigated at the Becke, three‐parameter, Lee–Yang–Parr/6–311 + G(3df,2p)//Becke, three‐parameter, Lee–Yang–Parr/6–311 + G(d,p) level of theory. Cooperative effects have been analyzed through the use of structural, energetic, and electron density indexes. Our analysis shows that these effects are crucial to trace the relative stability of the complexes formed. In all cases water molecules prefer to self‐associate forming chains in which each individual molecule behaves as a hydrogen bond (HB) donor and HB acceptor. The chain so formed behaves in turn as HB donor and HB acceptor with respect to morpholine, being the most stable arrangements those in which the NH group of morpholine behaves simultaneously as HB donor and HB acceptor. Higher in energy lie complexes in which the HB acceptor continues to be the NH group, but the HB donor is a CH group, or alternative structures in which the HB acceptor is the ether‐like oxygen of morpholine and the HB donor its NH group. Cooperativity increases with the number of solvent molecules, but there is a clear attenuation effect. Thus, whereas the additive interaction energy on going from dihydrated to trihydrated species increases by a factor of 3, this increase is about half on going from trihydrated to tetrahydrated complexes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Poly[(R)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate)]/poly(styrene) blends compatibilized with the relevant block copolymer
Authors: Abdelwahab Mohamed A. , Martinelli Elisa , Alderighi Michele , Grillo Fernandes Elizabeth , Imam Syed , Morelli Andrea , Chiellini Emo
Published: September 2012

A novel triblock copolymer PS–PHB–PS based on the microbial polyester Poly[(R)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate)] (PHB) and poly(styrene) (PS) was prepared to be used as compatibilizer for the corresponding PHB/PS blends. It was prepared in a three‐step procedure consisting of (i) transesterification reaction between ethylene glycol and a high‐molecular‐weight PHB, (ii) synthesis of bromo‐terminated PHB macroinitiator, and (iii) atom transfer radical polymerization polymerization of styrene initiated by the PHB‐based macroinitiator. Fourier transform infrared, gel permeation chromatography, 1H‐, and 13C‐NMR spectroscopies were used to determine the molecular structure and/or end‐group functionalities at each step of the procedure. Although thermogravimetric analysis showed that the block copolymer underwent a stepwise thermal degradation and had better thermal stability than their respective homopolymers, differential scanning calorimetry displayed that the PHB block in the copolymer could not crystallize, and thus generating a total amorphous structure. Atomic force microscopy images indicated that the block copolymer was phase segregated in a well‐defined morphological structure with nanodomain size of ∼40 nm. Contact angle measurements proved that the wettability properties of the block copolymer were in between those of the PHB and PS homopolymers. Blends analyzed for their morphology and thermal properties showed good miscibility and had well‐defined morphological features. Polymer blends exhibited lower crystallinity and decreased stiffness which was proportional to the amount of compatibilizer content in the blends. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Disorder in order: A study of local and global order in Ge‐rich GeSbTe alloys
Authors: Fons P. , Matsunaga T. , Kolobov A. V. , Krbal M. , Tominaga J. , Yamada N.
Published: September 2012

Disorder in the amorphous state of phase‐change alloys has been a focus of much research, however, more recently it has become clear that there is significant temperature activated disorder in the crystalline phases that may have important implications for electrical transport. We explore order on different length scales using a variety of techniques. Bragg diffraction (BD) to determine average order, X‐ray absorption to analyze order on nearest neighbor length scales, and total scattering to investigate structure on intermediate length scales. We find that Ge‐rich phase‐change alloys lying along the technological important (GeTe)x–(Sb2Te3)1 − x pseudobinary tie line exhibit a ferroelectric transition at a Curie temperature Tc from rhombohedral to cubic symmetry using BD while short‐range order probes such as X‐ray absorption spectroscopy indicate that local rhombohedral symmetry is maintained. Using total X‐ray scattering, we demonstrate that this apparent discrepancy can be resolved by the introduction of disorder on intermediate length scales using a simple model.
BC50: A Generalized, Unifying Affinity Descriptor
Authors: Vacca Alberto , Francesconi Oscar , Roelens Stefano
Published: September 2012

Assessing binding affinities is an unavoidable step that we come across any time interactions between binding species are investigated. A quantitative evaluation of binding affinities relies on the determination of binding constants but, whilst the binding constant fully defines the affinity of a reagent for a ligand when only one complex species is formed, the same is not true when the interacting partners form more than one complex of different stoichiometry, because all complexes contribute to the overall binding affinity. Unfortunately, this situation is the rule rather than the exception in chemical systems, but a generally accepted solution for this issue has not yet been settled. In this Personal Account, we describe the evolution, from the initial idea to a fully developed stage, of a binding descriptor that has been developed with the aim of filling this gap, thereby providing scientists in all fields of chemistry with a unifying tool for the assessment of binding affinities based on the knowledge of the binding constants in systems that involve any number of complex species. DOI 10.1002/tcr.201200014
Pubic arch angle in prolonged second stage of labor: clinical significance
Authors: Gilboa Y. , Kivilevitch Z. , Spira M. , Kedem A. , Katorza E. , Moran O. , Achiron R.
Published: September 2012

Objective

To evaluate the clinical significance of the pubic arch angle (PAA) measured by transperineal ultrasound during prolonged second stage of labor.

Methods

We evaluated prospectively 62 women ≥ 37 weeks of gestation with failure to progress in the second stage of labor. Transperineal ultrasound (transverse plane) was used to measure the pubic arch angle. Correlations with fetomaternal characteristics, mode of delivery and perinatal outcome were evaluated.

Results

The mean PAA was 101.1° (± 13.1°; range, 80°–135°). We found a negative correlation with maternal age. Patients with an occipitotransverse fetal position had a significantly smaller angle compared with those with occipitoanterior positions (94.3° ± 5.5° vs 103.2° ± 14.8°, P < 0.05), as did those with operative deliveries compared with those with spontaneous vaginal delivery (97.1° ± 11.5° vs 110.1° ± 14.0°, P < 0.05). The prediction of operative delivery in prolonged second stage of labor by receiver–operating characteristics curve using PAA alone yielded an area under the curve of 0.75. The predicted probability for operative delivery increased as PAA decreased, with an odds ratio of 0.933 for each decrease in angle of 1°.

Conclusion

Our study suggests a correlation between the PAA and mode of delivery in prolonged second stage of labor. This may be used as an adjunctive parameter when considering delivery mode. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Capacity of endometrial thickness measurement to diagnose endometrial carcinoma in asymptomatic postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Breijer M. C. , Peeters J. A. H. , Opmeer B. C. , Clark T. J. , Verheijen R. H. M. , Mol B. W. J. , Timmermans A.
Published: September 2012

Objectives

Measurement of endometrial thickness is an important tool in the assessment of women with postmenopausal bleeding, but the role of endometrial thickness measurement by ultrasound in asymptomatic women is unclear. The aims of this study were to determine: (1) the normal endometrial thickness measured by ultrasonography, (2) the prevalence of serious endometrial pathology and (3) the sensitivity and specificity of endometrial thickness measurement by transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS) for diagnosing premalignant and malignant endometrial disease in asymptomatic postmenopausal women.

Methods

A MEDLINE and EMBASE search (from inception to January 2011) was performed. Articles reporting on endometrial thickness measurement in the diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma and atypical hyperplasia in asymptomatic postmenopausal women not using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) were selected. Endometrial thickness and the prevalence of endometrial (pre)malignancies were recorded. If possible, 2 × 2 tables were extracted.

Results

Thirty‐two studies reporting on 11 100 women were included. The estimated mean endometrial thickness was 2.9 mm (95% CI, 2.6–3.3 mm). The pooled estimated prevalences of endometrial carcinoma and atypical endometrial hyperplasia were 0.62% (95% CI, 0.42–0.82%) and 0.59% (95% CI, 0.22–0.96%), respectively. Summary estimates for sensitivity and specificity of TVS endometrial thickness measurement in the prediction of endometrial carcinoma were 0.83 (95% CI, 0.19–1.00) and 0.72 (95% CI, 0.23–0.95) for a 5‐mm cut‐off and 0.33 (95% CI, 0.04–0.85) and 0.94 (95% CI, 0.92–0.96) for a 6‐mm cut‐off.

Conclusions

The results from this systematic review do not justify the use of endometrial thickness as a screening test for endometrial carcinoma and atypical endometrial hyperplasia in asymptomatic postmenopausal women not using HRT.
Predictions of protein–RNA interactions
Authors: Cirillo Davide , Agostini Federico , Tartaglia Gian Gaetano
Published: September 2012

Ribonucleoprotein interactions play important roles in a wide variety of cellular processes, ranging from transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression to host defense against pathogens. High throughput experiments to identify RNA–protein interactions provide information about the complexity of interaction networks, but require time and considerable efforts. Thus, there is need for reliable computational methods for predicting ribonucleoprotein interactions. In this review, we discuss a number of approaches that have been developed to predict the ability of proteins and RNA molecules to associate. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article is categorized under:

Molecular and Statistical Mechanics > Molecular Dynamics and Monte-Carlo Methods
Linking Elk movement and resource selection to hunting pressure in a heterogeneous landscape
Authors: Cleveland Shawn M. , Hebblewhite Mark , Thompson Mike , Henderson Robert
Published: September 2012

Elk (Cervus elaphus) are increasing in fragmented landscapes that result from exurban human development throughout western North America, which increases human–wildlife conflicts and poses a challenge to wildlife managers. Elk hunting must often be intensively managed to reduce population growth rate, crop depredation, and habituation to humans. However, little was known about the indirect effect hunting has on anti‐predator behavior, movement, resource selection, and human–elk conflicts. We outfitted elk with global positioning system (GPS) collars in the wildland–urban interface (WUI) of Missoula, Montana, USA, 2007–2009, to test the indirect effects of hunting on elk. We used data from 9 GPS‐collared adult female elk during 3 hunting seasons with increasing hunting pressure (2007–2009) to test relationships between movement rates measured by first passage time (FPT) and resource selection. Elk movement rates were lower approximately 750 m from houses and trails, resulting in resource selection for areas approximately 1,200 m from houses and trails; this suggested that habituation to humans contributed to human–wildlife conflict. Movement rates increased with increasing hunting pressure, and were lower in general versus focal hunting seasons and with archery versus rifle hunting. Thus, intensive hunting seasons in the WUI increased elk movement rates and exposure to hunter predation risk, as predicted. These results support the hypothesis that elk modify their behavior in relation to temporal and spatial variation in human predation risk. In the intensively managed WUI, our results demonstrate that even small increases in the area hunted and increases in intensity can indirectly change resource selection and movement rates of elk, potentially reversing recent trends of increasing habituation in WUI elk populations. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Spatially explicit analysis of poaching activity as a conservation management tool
Authors: Haines Aaron M. , Elledge David , Wilsing Lucas K. , Grabe Matt , Barske Michael D. , Burke Nolan , Webb Stephen L.
Published: September 2012

Most Americans support legal hunting for food or as a population management tool, but there are strong concerns about illegal hunting activities such as poaching. Poaching may negatively impact animal populations by causing local extinctions, reducing genetic variability, reducing trophy size and hunting opportunities, and altering sex ratios and age structures. One approach to help mitigate poaching is to identify patterns of reported poaching activity and to document poaching arrests to help facilitate the efficiency of future surveillance for poachers. Our goal for this manuscript was to analyze temporal, spatial, and environmental patterns associated with poaching activity reported for white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Fayette County, Iowa, USA, based on reports of poaching activity. We analyzed data from 67 reported poaching events from 2000 to 2009 and correlated these events with temporal, spatial, and environmental variables to determine trends in illegal hunting behavior. We found that poachers preferred to be active during the evening in mid‐ to late autumn (primarily Oct–Dec), on days with no precipitation and high visibility, and in areas next to roads, forests, and riparian cover types containing variable topography. We used these results to develop a spatially explicit map depicting hotspots of poaching activity. By identifying patterns of poaching behavior and spatially explicit prediction maps, conservation officers will be able to survey for poaching activity more efficiently. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
On the Complexity of Crystallization of Thioantimonates: In‐situ Energy Dispersive X‐ray Diffraction (EDXRD) Studies of the Solvothermal Formation of the Isostructural Thioantimonates [TM(tren)Sb4S7] (TM = Fe, Zn)
Authors: Seidlhofer Beatrix , Antonova Elena , Wang Jing , Schinkel Diana , Bensch Wolfgang
Published: September 2012

The formation of the thioantimonates [M(tren)Sb4S7] (M = Fe, Zn; tren = tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine) has been studied with in‐situ energy dispersive X‐ray diffraction (EDXRD) under solvothermal conditions. Up to 60 % amine concentration the compound [Fe(tren)Sb4S7] coexists with an unknown crystalline material until the end of the reaction. In the concentration range 70–90 % amine the unknown compound and [Fe(tren)Sb4S7] are formed at the beginning of the reaction and when the unknown compound starts to disappear a new mixed‐valent thioantimonate [Fe(tren)FeSbS4] nucleates and crystallizes. Using a 100 % tren solution only [Fe(tren)FeSbS4] could be identified in the powder patterns. The analysis of the data collected under real conditions clearly shows a strong correlation between the disappearance of the unknown compound and the formation of the mixed‐valent thioantimonate. Evidences are presented that FeII/FeIII redox reactions play an important role for nucleation and crystal growth of a distinct iron‐containing thioantimonate. Because Zn2+ is not redox active the formation processes are different and no crystalline intermediate could be detected.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Two New Quaternary Thallium(I) Copper(I) Lutetium(III) Selenides: TlCu3Lu2Se5 and Tl2Cu5Lu3Se8
Authors: Babo Jean‐Marie , Schleid Thomas , Albrecht‐Schmitt Thomas E.
Published: September 2012

TlCu3Lu2Se5 and Tl2Cu5Lu3Se8 were prepared by the reaction of copper and lutetium metal with elemental selenium in an excess of TlCl as flux at 850 °C. Orange TlCu3Lu2Se5 or deep orange Tl2Cu5Lu3Se8 lath‐shaped crystals emerged from these reactions. TlCu3Lu2Se5 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Cmcm [a = 404.83(2), b = 1432.56(8), c = 1670.81(9) pm, Z = 4], whereas Tl2Cu5Lu3Se8 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group Cm [a = 1427.23(8), b = 404.59(2), c = 1464.37(8) pm, β = 110.52(1), Z = 2]. In both structures the Tl+ cations are eightfold coordinated with Se2– anions in the shape of a bicapped trigonal prism and the Cu+ cations are fourfold coordinated with Se2– anions in both single [CuSe4]7– and double tetrahedral [Cu2Se6]10– units. The latter copper‐selenium units are connected to each other through edges to build corrugated $\rm^{2}_{\infty}${[Cu3Se5]7–} layers in TlCu3Lu2Se5 and a three‐dimensional $\rm^{3}_{\infty}${[Cu5Se8]11–} framework in Tl2Cu5Lu3Se8. The lutetium Lu3+ cations are sixfold coordinated with Se2– anions in an octahedral environment. The [LuSe6]9– polyhedra form only double octahedral chains in the first compound, while both single and double chains are found in the second. The double chains are joined to each other through vertices to form markedly corrugated $\rm^{2}_{\infty}${[Lu2Se5]4–} layers in TlCu3Lu2Se5. In Tl2Cu5Lu3Se8 both single and double chains are connected to build less corrugated $\rm^{2}_{\infty}${[Lu3Se8]7–} layers. The two compounds are three‐dimensional anionic frameworks $\rm^{3}_{\infty}${[Cu3Lu2Se5]}– and $\rm^{3}_{\infty}${[Cu5Lu3Se8]}2–, respectively, in which the Tl+ cations occupy channels.
Syntheses, Structures, and Properties of Two New Tri‐spin Lanthanide‐Nitronyl Nitroxide (LnIII = GdIII and HoIII) Complexes
Authors: Wang Xiaoling , Xu Panpan , Bao Xia , Wang Fengwu , Chen Yonghong , Wei Yijun
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Two radical–LnIII–radical complexes, [Ln(hfac)3(NITPh‐Ph)2] [Ln = Gd (1) and Ho (2), hfac = hexafluoroacetylacetonate; and NITPh‐Ph = 4′‐biphenyl‐4, 4, 5, 5‐tetramethylimidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide] were synthesized and characterized by X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis, magnetic measurements, as well as IR and UV/Vis spectroscopy. X‐ray crystal structure analysis revealed that the structures of both complexes are isomorphous, the central LnIII ions are coordinated by six oxygen atoms from three hfac ligand molecules and two oxygen atoms from nitronyl radicals. The temperature dependencies of the magnetic susceptibilities were studied. They showed that in the GdIII complex, ferromagnetic interactions between GdIII and the radicals and antiferromagnetic interactions between the radicals coexist in this system (with JRad–Gd = 0.1 cm–1, JRad–Rad = –0.309 cm–1).
Long‐term Surgical Outcomes of Patients with Type 1 Autoimmune Pancreatitis
Authors: Miura Fumihiko , Sano Keiji , Amano Hodaka , Toyota Naoyuki , Wada Keita , Kadowaki Susumu , Shibuya Makoto , Takada Tadahiro , Soejima Yurie , Kondo Fukuo
Published: September 2012

Background

Although pancreatectomy has sometimes been performed for patients with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) presenting atypical radiologic findings under the diagnosis of pancreatobiliary malignancy, the long‐term surgical outcome of these patients had not yet been fully elucidated.

Methods

The long‐term surgical outcomes of 13 patients with pathologically diagnosed type 1 AIP with immunohistochemical staining for immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) were retrospectively compared with those of 34 patients with conventional chronic pancreatitis to evaluate the residual pancreatic function.

Results

A definite relapse of AIP in terms of the clinical manifestations and diagnostic imaging was not found in any of the patients, although one patient experienced an attack of acute pancreatitis caused by pancreatic stones, and stricture of the hepaticojejunostomy occurred in one patient. The overall body weight decreased significantly more in patients with AIP than in patients with conventional chronic pancreatitis (p < 0.05); however, there was no difference in the preoperative nondiabetic patients. Refractory diarrhea occurred in only one patient with AIP. The cumulative new‐onset rates of diabetes mellitus of the ten patients with AIP and 24 patients with conventional chronic pancreatitis at 5 years after the surgery were 32.5 and 26.1 %, respectively (p = 0.70).

Conclusions

Careful long‐term follow‐up is needed for patients undergoing pancreatectomy for type 1 AIP because remnant pancreatic function can deteriorate as severely as that of patients who undergo pancreatectomy for conventional chronic pancreatitis. In the present series, however, there were few definite manifestations indicating relapse or the persistent existence of AIP.
Efficacy of 10 % Sucralfate Ointment in the Reduction of Acute Postoperative Pain After Open Hemorrhoidectomy: A Prospective, Double‐Blind, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Ala Shahram , Saeedi Majid , Eshghi Fariborz , Rafati Mohamadreza , Hejazi Vahid , Hadianamrei Roja
Published: September 2012

Background

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of 10 % sucralfate ointment in the reduction of acute postoperative pain after open hemorrhoidectomy.

Methods

A total of 48 patients (24 men and 24 women) between 20 and 70 years of age who underwent open hemorrhoidectomy were included in this prospective, double‐blind, randomized, controlled trial and were randomly divided into two groups (24 in each group), receiving either sucralfate ointment or placebo immediately after surgery and then every 12 h for 14 days. The primary outcome measure was pain intensity measured by a visual analogue scale at different time points after hemorrhoidectomy.

Results

The sucralfate group had significantly less pain than the placebo group at 24th h and the 48th h after hemorrhoidectomy (4 ± 1.14 vs 5.08 ± 0.97; P = 0.001 and 3 ± 0.72 vs 4.41 ± 0.8; P < 0.001, respectively), and they consumed lower amounts of analgesics at the same time intervals (12.50 ± 16.48 vs 21.87 ± 15.30 mg of pethidine; P = 0.047 and 152 ± 23 vs 172 ± 29 mg of diclofenac; P = 0.009, respectively). The same trend continued until the end of the trial.

Conclusions

Sucralfate ointment reduced the acute postoperative pain after hemorrhoidectomy.
Characteristics of hepatic stem/progenitor cells in the fetal and adult liver
Authors: Koike Hiroyuki , Taniguchi Hideki
Published: September 2012

Background

The liver is an essential organ that maintains vital activity through its numerous important functions. It has a unique capability of fully regenerating after injury. Regulating a balance between self‐renewal and differentiation of hepatic stem cells that are resources for functional mature liver cells is required for maintenance of tissue homeostasis.

Methods

This review describes the characteristics of hepatic stem/progenitor cells and the regulatory mechanism of their self‐renewal and differentiation capacity.

Results

In liver organogenesis, undifferentiated hepatic stem/progenitor cells expand their pool by repeated self‐renewal in the early stage of liver development and then differentiate into two different types of cell lineage, namely hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. Liver development is regulated by expression of stem cell transcription factors in a complex multistep process. Recent studies suggest that stem cells are maintained by integrative regulation of gene expression patterns related to self‐renewal and differentiation by epigenetic mechanisms such as histone modification and DNA methylation.

Conclusions

Analysis of the proper regulatory mechanism of hepatic stem/progenitor cells is important for regenerative medicine that utilizes hepatic stem cells and for preventing liver cancer through clarification of the carcinogenetic mechanism involved in stem cell system failure.
Petrological and Geochemical Studies of Paleoproterozoic Mafic Dykes from the Chitrangi Region, Mahakoshal Supracrustal Belt, Central Indian Tectonic Zone: Petrogenetic and Tectonic Significance
Authors: Srivastava Rajesh K.
Published: September 2012

A number of Paleoproterozoic mafic dykes are reported to intrude volcano-sedimentary sequences of the Mahakoshal supracrustal belt. They are medium to coarse-grained and mostly trend in ENE-WSW to E-W. Petrographically they are metadolerite and metabasite. Geochemical compositions classify them as sub-alkaline basalts to andesites with high-iron tholeiitic nature. Both groups, i.e. metabasites and metadolerites, show distinct geochemical characteristics; high-field strength elements are relatively higher in metadolerites than metabasites. This suggests their derivation from different mantle melts. Chemistry does not support any possibility of crustal contamination. Trace element modeling advocates that metabasite dykes are derived from a melt originated through ~20% melting of a depleted mantle source, whereas metadolerite dykes are probably derived from a tholeiitic magma generated through <10% melting of a enriched mantle source. Chemistry also reveals that the studied samples are derived from deep mantle sources. HFSE based discrimination diagrams suggest that metabasite dykes are emplaced in tectonic environment similar to the N-type mid-oceanic ridge basalts (N-MORB) and the metadolerite dykes exhibit tectonic setting observed for the within-plate basalts. These inferences show agreement with the available tectonic model presented for the Mahakoshal supracrustal belt. The Chitrangi region experienced N-MORB type mafic magmatism around 2.5 Ga (metabasite dykes) and within-plate mafic magmatism around 1.5-1.8 Ga (metadolerite dykes and probably other alkaline and carbonatite magmatic rocks).
Late Holocene Storm Records from Lower Reaches of Narmada Valley, Western India
Authors: Sukumaran Prabhin , Rajshekhar C. , Sant Dhananjay A. , Krishnan K.
Published: September 2012

Storms from the Arabian Sea are the most significant meteorological feature in western India that brings extreme rainy days together with catastrophic flooding. The present study reports two such palaeo-storm horizons at 1.16 m and 3.2 m above the present day water level in the Narmada channel, 56 km inland based on sedimentology and foraminiferal records. Both the horizons show similar sediment facies and foraminiferal assemblage. The present findings instigate to look for such new sites and build palaeo-storm records for western India.
Reservoir Induced Landslide at Assar, Jammu and Kashmir: A Case Study
Authors: Singh Yudhbir , Bhat G. M. , Sharma Vinay , Pandita S. K. , Thakur K. K.
Published: September 2012

In February 2009, a huge landslide occurred at Assar in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir state. The slide triggered after the reservoir level of the Baglihar dam increased from initial water level of 850 m to 870 m. The impounding of reservoir water created high angle scarps at number of fossil slide sites on either side of the river within the reservoir area. One such scarp (about 250 m long) at Assar caused a huge landslide washing out about 150 m road stretch. The sliding material is dominated by finer fraction (71.5 %) of micaceous silty sand and coarser fraction of gravel to boulder size. Over saturation of the slope forming material, weak rocks and high absorption and swelling nature of the soil, high slope angle and toe cutting by the water are the main reasons that triggered this slide.
A new family of bacterial DNA repair proteins annotated by the integration of non‐homology, distant homology and structural bioinformatic methods
Authors: Mello Luciane V. , Rigden Daniel J.
Published: September 2012

Different bioinformatics methods illuminate different aspects of protein function, from specific catalytic activities to broad functional categories. Here, a triple‐pronged approach to predict function for a domain of unknown function, DUF2086, is applied. Distant homology to characterised enzymes and conservation of key residues suggest an oxygenase function. Modelling indicates that the substrate is most likely a nucleic acid. Finally, genomic context analysis linking DUF2086 to DNA repair, leads to a predicted activity of oxidative demethylation of damaged bases in DNA. The newly assigned activity is sporadically present in phyla not containing near relatives of the similarly active repair protein AlkB.
Governance Indicators and the Level of Analysis Problem: Empirical Findings from South America
Authors: Gingerich Daniel W.
Published: September 2012

Studies of the link between state capacity and development often utilize national-level governance indicators to explain fine-grained development outcomes. As capacity in some bureaucratic agencies matters more for these outcomes than capacity in others, this work proxies for capacity within the set of relevant agencies by using a measure of ‘mean’ capacity across all agencies in a polity. This practice is problematic for two reasons: (1) within-country, cross-agency diversity in capacity often overwhelms the variation encountered across public sectors considered in their entireties; (2) national-level reputations for capacity are not particularly informative about differences in capacity in functionally equivalent agencies in different countries. The article draws on the author's survey of public employees in Bolivia, Brazil and Chile to establish these points.
Coalition Building and Consensus in the Council of the European Union
Authors: Häge Frank M.
Published: September 2012

Although qualified-majority voting is possible, member states in the Council of the European Union (EU) still adopt most policies by consensus. The agent-based model of coalition building in multilateral negotiations presented here addresses this puzzle. The model demonstrates that consensual decisions may emerge as an unintended by-product of government representatives’ desire to form blocking coalitions. A qualitative case study demonstrates the plausibility of the model's assumptions and resulting coalition-building dynamics. Moreover, a quantitative test shows that the model's predictions correspond closely to the observed consensus rates. Finally, computational experiments predict a positive effect of the voting threshold but no effect of increases in membership on winning coalition size, which has important practical implications for institutional design and enlargement policy.
The unstable ‘clone’: evidence from monitoring AFLP-based mutations for short-term clonal genetic variation in two asexual lineages of the grain aphid,Sitobion avenae(F.)
Authors: Loxdale H.D. , Vorwerk S. , Forneck A.
Published: September 2012

Clones have been in the forefront of biological interest for many years. Even so, open discussions continue to surround the concept of clonality, which has been recently much debated in the scientific literature, both in terms of philosophical meaning as well as empirical determination. Philosophically, the clone is the horizontally produced lineage from a single fertlized egg (e.g. mammals by division of the fertilized egg and representing a single generation) or vertically produced offspring (e.g. aphids representing different successive generations) from a single asexual stem mother (originally for a particular lineage, following hatching of the overwintering sexual egg in the spring); empirically, the aspect of genetic fidelity is also considered important, so-called clones being assumed to have an identical genome among clone mates. In reality of course, such members of a clonal lineage must differ at various regions of the genome, since mutation is a fundamental property of the DNA itself. Yet few studies have so far set out to show this empirically in eukaryotic organisms, which indulge in periods of asexual reproduction, sometimes, as in aphids, over many generations. In the present study, we have investigated asexual lineages of the grain aphid,Sitobion avenae(F.), a global pest of cereals, over five successive generations employing AFLP-PCR molecular techniques. Our main interest was to see how much variation was present in the early generations and if this variation was transmitted through the asexual lineages. By monitoring AFLP-based polymorphisms, we show that, in this aphid species, of a total of 110 individuals from two lineages tested (termed SA and SB), random mutations (band deletions, more rarely additions) were apparent from the third generation onwards, and although some mutations were found to be transmitted transgenerationally, others were rarely transmitted through the particular lineages they were detected in. Using Arlequin v. 2.0, average gene diversity within the lineages was found to be 0.024 ± 0.013 and 0.031 ± 0.016 for SA and SB, respectively. It was also found from the rearing of the lineages that one lineage, SA, was more fecund than the other lineage, SB, over the five generations (N = 818vs. N = 358 total stem mothers plus nymphs for the two lineages, respectively).
Taxonomic identification of Macrolophus pygmaeus and Macrolophus melanotoma based on morphometry and molecular markers
Authors: Castañé C. , Agustí N. , Arnó J. , Gabarra R. , Riudavets J. , Comas J. , Alomar Ó.
Published: September 2012

Two Macrolophus species, M. melanotoma (=M. caliginosus) and M. pygmaeus, have been referred to as efficient predators of several key pests on vegetable crops in Europe. However, due to the great morphological similarity of these species, they have been confused, with important consequences for inoculative releases of these predators in greenhouses and for the conservation of their natural populations on greenhouse and outdoor crops. In this work, we developed tools to identify these morphologically very similar species. We first confirmed the specific status of two Macrolophus populations collected on their respective host plants (Dittrichia viscosa and tomato) through crossing experiments. Then, using multivariate morphometric analysis, we proposed a linear discriminant function that combines head measurements separating males from the two species without error. Finally, we designed specific primers for a mitochondrial DNA region that were able to distinguish field-collected Macrolophus individuals through conventional PCR. In conclusion, the tools developed in the present study will allow reliable identification of the Macrolophus species present in crops and in the native flora that are the source of populations that colonise them. They will also allow correct identification of mass reared Macrolophus to be introduced in greenhouse crops in inoculative releases.
Interannual and geographical reproducibility of the nutritional quality of milk fat from commercial grazing flocks
Authors: Virto Mailo , Bustamante Marian , Ruiz de Gordoa Juan Carlos , Amores Gustavo , Fernández-Caballero Paula N. , Mandaluniz Nerea , Arranz Josune , Nájera Ana I. , Albisu Marta , Pérez-Elortondo Francisco J. , Barron Luis J. R. , de Renobales Mertxe
Published: September 2012

The objective of the present work was to study the differences in the fatty acid (FA) composition of raw sheep milk fat under commercial milk production conditions throughout lactation, in two consecutive years. Particular attention was placed on the C18:2cis-9,trans-11 isomer, C18:1trans-11 acid, and unsaturated FA as the feeding regimen of 10 commercial flocks oflatxadairy sheep changed from indoor feeding to part-time grazing conditions (from early spring) as traditionally practiced in the Basque Country (Northern Spain). Farms located at an altitude of between 600 and 700 m, in two different geographical areas with different rainfall were selected. Milk samples were collected monthly from late January (indoor feeding) until mid-, or end of, June (outdoor feeding), during two consecutive years. In spite of some interannual variability (most likely due to large differences in rainfall), the evolution of individual FA throughout lactation was comparable between years, indicating that it was reproducible under commercial milk production conditions. The average concentrations of C18:2cis-9,trans-11 isomer and C18:1trans-11 acid in milk from the commercial flocks increased about 200% during the transition period (end of March or early April until May), from indoor feeding (late January or early February until the end of March) to the outdoor period (early May to mid-June), remaining constant during the outdoor period (27·53 ± 9·32 μmol/g fat and 71·58 ± 20·53 μmol/g fat, respectively). Non-atherogenic FA comprised approximately 50% of all saturated FA at any time during lactation, whereas the milk atherogenicity index decreased significantly during the outdoor period. The Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity of the water-soluble milk fraction did not appear to be influenced by feeding management. The FA composition of cheeses made during the second year with milk from the indoor or outdoor periods reflected those of the corresponding milks. A principal components analysis clearly showed that differences in the milk FA composition were primarily due to outdoor grazing, with very little contribution from the geographical zone or the year.
Genetic structure of the wide-ranging fiddler crabUca crassipesin the west Pacific region
Authors: Aoki Misuzu , Wada Keiji
Published: September 2012

The genetic relationship between fiddler crabUca crassipespopulations from the continental coast, continental islands, and oceanic islands in the west Pacific was investigated using 1039 bp (base pairs)-long combined 12Sr-RNA–16Sr-RNA sequences and a 504-bp mitochondrial DNA control region. The combined 12Sr-RNA–16Sr-RNA sequences indicated that the Vietnamese population, located along the continental coast, and the Chichi-jima population, which is located on an oceanic island north of the Northern Mariana Islands, formed different clades than populations from the other Ryukyu Islands and Moorea Island. Conversely, the Ryukyu Islands and Moorea Island populations exhibited a close genetic relationship, although the mtDNA control region indicated significant differentiation between the Ryukyu Islands and Moorea Island populations. The isolated Vietnam and Chichi-jima populations exhibited higher genetic diversity in the control region than the other populations.
Use of shell-shape to discriminate betweenBrachidontes rodrigueziiandBrachidontes purpuratusspecies (Mytilidae) in the transition zone of their distributions (south-western Atlantic)
Authors: Van der Molen Silvina , Márquez Federico , Idaszkin Yanina L , Adami Mariana
Published: September 2012

Mussels are important components of rocky shore assemblages throughout the world. Several mytilid species are found as multilayered beds in the intertidal along the coasts of the south-western Atlantic. However, in contrast to the north communities in the Pacific and Atlantic, those of the south-western Atlantic are dominated by species of small size, locally named mejillines. These mid-intertidal beds attached to consolidated substrates are dominated by virtual monocultures of two small-sized species ofBrachidontes: B. rodriguezii(d'Orbigny, 1842) andB. (Perumytilus) purpuratusLamarck, 1819, respectively distributed in the warm and cold temperate sectors of the south-western Atlantic; both coexisting in the transition zone between 40° and 44°S latitude. Nevertheless, there has been some confusion about the separation ofB. rodrigueziiandB. purpuratus, as well as about the boundaries of their distribution ranges in the south-western Atlantic. Here, on the basis of a morphogeometric analysis of shell morphology, we describe a feasible way for the identification of both species.