bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consequences of inferring diet from feeding guilds when estimating and interpreting consumer–resource stoichiometry
Authors: Lauridsen Rasmus B. , Edwards Francois K. , Cross Wyatt F. , Woodward Guy , Hildrew Alan G. , Jones J. Iwan
Published: March 2014

Imbalances between the supply of elements from resources and their demand from consumers may constrain key ecological processes, such as growth and production. Most previous studies have estimated such stoichiometric imbalances between consumers and resources by inferring the diet of the former from functional classifications rather than by direct assessments of the diet. However, this does not allow for potentially plastic responses of consumers to a restricted supply of elemental resources.

Here, for three streams of very contrasting nutrient availability, we calculated elemental imbalances between consumers and resources using diets derived from empirical gut contents analysis and compared them with those inferred for the functional feeding guilds of the species concerned.

In almost every case, elemental imbalances (C:P and N:P) based on the realised diet differed significantly from those expected from the inferred diet, the former revealing greater alignment between the elemental composition of consumers and their resources, particularly for P.

Simply inferring the diet, as is commonly done, results in erroneous estimates of elemental imbalances and misleading conclusions about stoichiometric constraints on consumers.
Interest Group Access to the Bureaucracy, Parliament, and the Media
Authors: Binderkrantz Anne Skorkjær , Christiansen Peter Munk , Pedersen Helene Helboe
Published: March 2014

A key issue for interest groups and policymakers is the ways through which organized interests voice their interests and influence public policy. This article combines two perspectives on interest group representation to explain patterns of interest group access to different political arenas. From a resource exchange perspective, it argues that access to different political arenas is discrete as it is determined by the match between the supply and demands of interest groups and gatekeepers—politicians, bureaucrats, and reporters. From a partly competing perspective, it is argued that access is cumulative and converges around wealthy and professionalized groups. Based on a large‐scale investigation of group presence in Danish political arenas, the analyses show a pattern of privileged pluralism. This describes a system where multiple political arenas provide opportunities for multiple interests but where unequally distributed resources produce cumulative effects (i.e., the same groups have high levels of arena access).
Meiotic recombination cold spots in chromosomal cohesion sites
Authors: Ito Masaru , Kugou Kazuto , Fawcett Jeffrey A. , Mura Sachiko , Ikeda Sho , Innan Hideki , Ohta Kunihiro
Published: March 2014

Meiotic chromosome architecture called ‘axis–loop structures’ and histone modifications have been shown to regulate the Spo11‐dependent formation of DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) that trigger meiotic recombination. Using genome‐wide chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analyses followed by deep sequencing, we compared the genome‐wide distribution of the axis protein Rec8 (the kleisin subunit of meiotic cohesin) with that of oligomeric DNA covalently bound to Spo11, indicative of DSB sites. The frequency of DSB sites is overall constant between Rec8 binding sites. However, DSB cold spots are observed in regions spanning ±0.8 kb around Rec8 binding sites. The axis‐associated cold spots are not due to the exclusion of Spo11 localization from the axis, because ChIP experiments showed that substantial Spo11 persists at Rec8 binding sites during DSB formation. Spo11 fused with Gal4 DNA binding domain (Gal4BD‐Spo11) tethered in close proximity (≤0.8 kb) to Rec8 binding sites hardly forms meiotic DSBs, in contrast with other regions. In addition, H3K4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) remarkably decreases at Rec8 binding sites. These results suggest that reduced histone H3K4me3 in combination with inactivation of Spo11 activity on the axis discourages DSB hot spot formation.
An inventory of healthy weight practices in federally funded haemophilia treatment centres in the United States
Authors: Adams E. , Deutsche J. , Okoroh E. , Owens‐McAlister S. , Majumdar S. , Ullman M. , Damiano M. L. , Recht M. ,   the Healthy Weight Working Group
Published: March 2014

In the haemophilia population, obesity has an adverse effect on health care cost, chronic complications and joint disease. Although staff of federally funded Hemophilia Treatment Centers in the United States (HTCs) anecdotally recognize these outcomes, practices to promote healthy weights have not been reported. This evaluation identifies routine practices among HTCs in body mass index (BMI) assessment, perceptions about need to address obesity and roles in offering evidence‐based strategies to promote healthy weights. A telephone survey was developed to assess HTCs practices including patient BMI assessment and counselling, perceptions about the importance of healthy patient weights, and HTCs roles in weight management. Ninety of the 130 federally funded HTCs contacted elected to participate and completed the telephone survey. Of these, 67% routinely calculated BMI and 48% provided results to patients. Approximately one‐third classified obesity correctly for children (30%) and adults (32%), using the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions BMI cut‐offs. Most HTCs (87%) reported obesity as an issue of ‘big’ or ‘moderate’ concern and 98% indicated HTC responsibility to address this issue. Most centres (64%) address patient weight during comprehensive visits. One‐third (33%) of centres include a nutritionist; of those without, 61% offer nutrition referrals when needed. Most (89%) HTCs do not have a protocol in place to address healthy weights; 53% indicated that guidelines are needed. HTCs offer services to help improve weight outcomes. Training programmes for calculating and interpreting BMI as well as identifying appropriate guidelines to apply to the HTC patient population are needed.
Endovascular treatment of arteriovenous graft pseudoaneurysms, indications, complications, and outcomes: A systematic review
Authors: Florescu Marius C. , Qiu Fang , Plumb Troy J. , Fillaus Jennifer A.
Published: March 2014

There are limited data regarding endovascular treatment of arteriovenous graft (AVG) pseudoaneurysms using stent grafts. We performed a comprehensive literature review on the use of stent grafts in the treatment of AVG pseudoaneurysms. We included 10 studies (121 patients). The mean AVG age was 3.1 years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.2–4) and pseudoaneurysm mean diameter was 34 mm (95% CI: 23–46). The majority (71%) of the pseudoaneurysms were located on the arterial limb of the AVG and 77% presented with venous anastomosis stenosis requiring angioplasty. The mean number of stents used to treat one lesion was 1.4 (95% CI: 1.3–1.5). The technical success rate of pseudoaneurysm isolation was 100% in all studies and 100% of patients received hemodialysis using the AVG after pseudoaneurysm treatment without the need for catheter placement. The primary patency rates for 1, 3, and 6 months were 81%, 73%, and 24%. Secondary patency was 80%, 77%, and 74% at 1, 3, and 6 months. Arteriovenous graft thrombosis occurred in 12% of patients. Arteriovenous graft infection developed in 35% of cases. Arteriovenous graft pseudoaneurysm treatment using stent grafts is effective in managing even large pseudoaneurysms and has acceptable primary and secondary patency rates. Graft infection was a relatively frequent complication.
IL10 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms are Related to Upregulation of Constitutive IL‐10 Production and Susceptibility to Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Assis Shirleide , Marques Cintia Rodrigues , Silva Thiago Magalhães , Costa Ryan Santos , Alcantara‐Neves Neuza Maria , Barreto Mauricio Lima , Barnes Kathleen Carole , Figueiredo Camila Alexandrina
Published: March 2014

Background

Helicobacter pylori infection is a strong risk factor for gastric cancer, likely due to the extensive inflammation in the stomach mucosa caused by these bacteria. Many studies have reported an association between IL10 polymorphisms, the risk of gastric cancer, and IL‐10 production. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between IL10 genetic variants, Helicobacter pylori infection, and IL‐10 production by peripheral blood leukocytes in children.

Materials and Methods

We genotyped a total of 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms in IL10 in 1259 children aged 4–11 years living in a poor urban area in Salvador, Brazil, using TaqMan probe based, 5′ nuclease assay minor groove binder chemistry. Association tests were performed by logistic regression for Helicobacter pylori infection and linear regression for IL‐10 spontaneous production (whole‐blood cultures) including sex, age, and principal components for informative ancestry markers as covariates, using PLINK.

Results

Our results shown that IL10 single nucleotide polymorphisms rs1800896 (OR = 1.63; 95% CI = 1.11–2.39), rs3024491 (OR = 1.71; 95% CI = 1.14–2.57), rs1878672 (OR = 1.79; 95% CI = 1.19–2.68), and rs3024496 (OR = 1.48; 95% CI = 1.05–2.08) were positively associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. Eight single nucleotide polymorphisms were associated with spontaneous production of IL‐10 in culture, of which three (rs1800896 and rs1878672, p = .04; rs3024491, p = .01) were strongly associated with infection by Helicobacter pylori.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that IL10 variants rs1800896, rs3024491, rs1878672, and rs3024496 are more consistently associated with the presence of anti‐H. pylori IgG by inducing increased production of IL‐10. Further studies are underway to elucidate the role of additional genetic variants and to investigate their impact on the occurrence of gastric cancer.
Helicobacter pylori Modulates Cisplatin Sensitivity in Gastric Cancer by Down‐Regulating miR‐141 Expression
Authors: Zhou Xiaoying , Su Jing , Zhu Li , Zhang Guoxin
Published: March 2014

Background

Recent studies found that gastric cancer patients with Helicobacter pylori infection had a better response to chemotherapy and had an improved overall prognosis compared with those without. However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown.

Methods

Quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) was utilized to determine the expression profile of miR‐141 in H. pylori infected cells and tissues and their respective controls. qRT‐PCR and Western blot were used to determine the expression level of KEAP‐1. Luciferase reporter assays were used to determine whether KEAP‐1 was a direct target of miR‐141 in the gastric cancer cells. MTT and apoptosis assay were performed to detect the survival of cells under cisplatin treatment.

Result

We found that H. pylori infection can significantly down‐regulate miR‐141 expression. Knockdown miR‐141 expression in 7901/DDP and 7901 cells could significantly improve cisplatin sensitivity. Over‐expression of miR‐141 resulted in enhanced resistance to cisplatin in both gastric cancer cells. We also demonstrated that miR‐141 directly targets KEAP1 by luciferase reporter assay, and that down‐regulation of KEAP1 induces cisplatin resistance. Conversely, over‐expression of KEAP1 significantly enhanced cisplatin sensitivity. Our 75 pairs of tissues also showed that KEAP1 was significantly up‐regulated in H. pylori‐positive tissues.

Conclusion

Altogether, these findings demonstrated that the H. pylori infection could modulate cisplatin sensitivity through miR‐141‐mediated regulation of KEAP1.
Multicriteria decision analysis in oncology
Authors: Adunlin Georges , Diaby Vakaramoko , Montero Alberto J. , Xiao Hong
Published: March 2014

Background

There has been a growing interest in the development and application of alternative decision‐making frameworks within health care, including multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA). Even though the literature includes several reviews on MCDA methods, applications of MCDA in oncology are lacking.

Aim

The aim of this paper is to discuss a rationale for the use of MCDA in oncology. In this context, the following research question emerged: How can MCDA be used to develop a clinical decision support tool in oncology?

Methods

In this paper, a brief background on decision making is presented, followed by an overview of MCDA methods and process. The paper discusses some applications of MCDA, proposes research opportunities in the context of oncology and presents an illustrative example of how MCDA can be applied to oncology.

Findings

Decisions in oncology involve trade‐offs between possible benefits and harms. MCDA can help analyse trade‐off preferences. A wide range of MCDA methods exist. Each method has its strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the appropriate method varies depending on the source and nature of information used to inform decision making. The literature review identified eight studies. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was the most often used method in the identified studies.

Conclusion

Overall, MCDA appears to be a promising tool that can be used to assist clinical decision making in oncology. Nonetheless, field testing is desirable before MCDA becomes an established decision‐making tool in this field.
Iron overload secondary to cirrhosis: a mimic of hereditary haemochromatosis?
Authors: Abu Rajab Murad , Guerin Leana , Lee Pauline , Brown Kyle E
Published: March 2014

Aims

Hepatic iron deposition unrelated to hereditary haemochromatosis is common in cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to determine whether hepatic haemosiderosis secondary to cirrhosis is associated with iron deposition in extrahepatic organs.

Methods and results

Records of consecutive adult patients with cirrhosis who underwent autopsy were reviewed. Storage iron was assessed by histochemical staining of sections of liver, heart, pancreas and spleen. HFE genotyping was performed on subjects with significant liver, cardiac and/or pancreatic iron. The 104 individuals were predominantly male (63%), with a mean age of 55 years. About half (46%) had stainable hepatocyte iron, 2+ or less in most cases. In six subjects, there was heavy iron deposition (4+) in hepatocytes and biliary epithelium. All six of these cases had pancreatic iron and five also had cardiac iron. None of these subjects had an explanatory HFE genotype.

Conclusions

In this series, heavy hepatocyte iron deposition secondary to cirrhosis was commonly associated with pancreatic and cardiac iron. Although this phenomenon appears to be relatively uncommon, the resulting pattern of iron deposition is similar to haemochromatosis. Patients with marked hepatic haemosiderosis secondary to cirrhosis may be at risk of developing extrahepatic complications of iron overload.
Lower foraging efficiency of offspring constrains use of optimal habitat in birds with extended parental care
Authors: Nolet Bart A. , Gyimesi Abel , van Lith Bart
Published: March 2014

After reproducing successfully, birds with extended parental care form family groups. Despite being the dominant social unit, such family groups have been reported to switch to alternative habitat earlier than adults without offspring, with potential negative carry‐over effects for the next breeding season. Here we test a proposed mechanism for this earlier habitat switch, namely a low foraging efficiency in juveniles. Such a test is best performed under controlled conditions because in the field families may occupy food patches of a different quality than singles or pairs without young. We studied this mechanism in Bewick's Swans Cygnus columbianus bewickii, which trample (or ‘treadle’) for food buried in the sediment. The gross intake rate of juveniles was as low as 60% of that of adults, depending on the burial depth of the food. Trampling effort did not differ between age classes, but differences in intake rate were related to body size, suggesting that larger or heavier birds were trampling more efficiently. Corresponding giving‐up densities in the field were calculated to be c. 60% higher for juveniles than for adults. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the lower foraging efficiency of juveniles may be responsible for the segregation of family groups from adults without offspring.
Variation in offspring sex ratio of a long‐lived sexually dimorphic raptor, the Eastern Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca
Authors: Katzner Todd E. , Jackson Daniel S. , Ivy Jamie , Bragin Evgeny A. , DeWoody Andrew
Published: March 2014

Sex ratio theory attempts to explain observed variation in offspring sex ratio at both the population and the brood levels. In the context of low‐fecundity organisms producing high‐investment offspring, the drivers of adaptive variation in sex ratio are incompletely understood. For raptors that display reverse sexual dimorphism (RSD), preferential allocation of resources to the putatively cheaper sex (male) may be a response to environmental, social or demographic stressors. To assess the extent of skew in offspring sex ratios and to evaluate possible dietary, environmental and demographic correlates of such skew to long‐lived RSD avian species, we evaluated the offspring sex ratio of 219 chicks from 119 broods in 30 territories of Eastern Imperial Eagles Aquila heliaca across 7 years and four regions at a nature reserve in Kazakhstan. Only in one region in 1 year of our study did the offspring sex ratio differ significantly from parity (10 males : 1 female in 11 territories). Whereas offspring sex ratios were independent of dietary diversity, precipitation, temperature and productivity, we found that year had a moderate effect on brood sex ratio within territories. Our results provide limited evidence of brood sex manipulation in these populations of Eastern Imperial Eagles, and no mechanistic insight into predictions associated with it. Stochastic variation is likely to explain much of the fluctuation we observed in sex ratios, but our observations are also consistent with the hypothesis that sex‐ratio manipulation may occur irregularly, in concurrence with atypical environmental or demographic conditions that fluctuate at a time scale longer than that of our 7‐year study.
Influence of stochastic processes and catastrophic events on the reproductive dynamics of the endangered Maroon‐fronted Parrot Rhynchopsitta terrisi
Authors: Ortiz‐Maciel Sonia Gabriela , Salinas‐Melgoza Alejandro , Valdéz‐Juárez Simón Octavio , Lopez‐Toledo Leonel , Enkerlin‐Hoeflich Ernesto
Published: March 2014

Stochastic and catastrophic events may strongly impact the dynamics of wild populations. Annual fluctuations in rainfall may affect parrot populations, but few studies address the impact of other stochastic or catastrophic events on their population dynamics. The Maroon‐fronted Parrot Rhynchopsitta terrisi is an endangered species that nests colonially in cavities and crevices in limestone cliffs. From 1995 to 2010, we quantified Parrot attendance at nesting colonies throughout its breeding range, and reproductive output of nesting Parrots from 1997 to 2010 at the two most important nesting colonies. There was significant variation among colonies in the number of cavities occupied by Parrots each year. Rainfall significantly influenced both the number of occupied cavities and productivity, which declined after very dry years. Natural unpredictable events such as hurricanes did not modify the nesting activity of Maroon‐fronted Parrots at breeding colonies. However, wildfires increased in dry years, negatively affecting attendance at breeding colonies. The Maroon‐fronted Parrot may overcome the impacts of climatic variability, natural stochastic processes, and human‐induced catastrophic events by using nesting colonies as a network of resources throughout the breeding range. Given the current trends in climate change, it is likely the species may suffer stronger and more frequent unpredictable catastrophic events, potentially putting at risk its survival in the long term.
The separate effects of egg size and parental quality on the development of ornamental plumage coloration
Authors: Robinson Thomas J. , Siefferman Lynn , Bentz Alexandra B. , Risch Thomas S.
Published: March 2014

The fitness‐related consequences of egg size, independent of the influences of parental quality, are poorly understood in altricial birds. Not only can egg size and parental quality influence growth and survival, but each could influence the development of condition‐dependent plumage coloration in offspring. The Eastern Bluebird Sialia sialis is an altricial, multi‐brooded, cavity‐nesting passerine in which juveniles display dichromatic UV‐blue plumage. Previous research suggests that plumage coloration acts as a signal of individual quality among juvenile and adult Eastern Bluebirds. Here, we separate the effects of egg size and parental quality (defined by egg size laid) on nestling growth and plumage ornamentation by exchanging clutches of large eggs with clutches of small eggs. Nestlings were significantly larger immediately post‐hatching when hatched from a large egg, but to maintain a larger size, nestlings needed to have hatched from a large egg and to have been reared by high‐quality parents. Nestlings were brighter when reared by high‐quality parents and this relationship was strongest later in the breeding season. Nestlings exhibited greater UV chroma if hatched early in the season, but UV chroma was not significantly affected by egg size or parental quality. These findings demonstrate varying influences of both egg size and parental quality on offspring growth and plumage ornamentation but suggest that quality of post‐hatching investment is more influential than pre‐hatching investment.
Testing multiple pathways for impacts of the non‐native Black‐headed Weaver Ploceus melanocephalus on native birds in Iberia in the early phase of invasion
Authors: Grundy James P. B. , Franco Aldina M. A. , Sullivan Martin J. P.
Published: March 2014

Not all non‐native species have strong negative impacts on native species. It is desirable to assess whether a non‐native species will have a negative impact at an early stage in the invasion process, when management options such as eradication are still available. Although it may be difficult to detect early impacts of non‐native species, it is necessary to ensure that management decisions can be based on case‐specific scientific evidence. We assess the impacts of a non‐native bird, the Black‐headed Weaver Ploceus melanocephalus, at an early stage in its invasion of the Iberian Peninsula. To do this we identify potential pathways by which competition for shared resources by Black‐headed Weavers could lead to population declines in two ecologically similar native species, and generate hypotheses to test for evidence of competition along these pathways. Black‐headed Weavers could potentially impact native species by displacing them from nesting habitat, or by reducing habitat quality. We found no evidence for either potential competition pathway, suggesting that Black‐headed Weavers do not currently compete with the two native species. However, it is possible that mechanisms that currently allow coexistence may not operate once Black‐headed Weavers reach higher population densities or different habitats.
Tawny Owl Strix aluco as an indicator of Barn Owl Tyto alba breeding biology and the effect of winter severity on Barn Owl reproduction
Authors: Chausson Alexandre , Henry Isabelle , Ducret Bertrand , Almasi Bettina , Roulin Alexandre
Published: March 2014

In the temperate zone, food availability and winter weather place serious constraints on European Barn Owl Tyto alba populations. Using data collected over 22 years in a Swiss population, we analysed the influence of early pre‐breeding food conditions and winter severity on between‐year variations in population size and reproductive performance. To estimate pre‐breeding food conditions, we attempted a novel approach based on an index that combines Tawny Owl Strix aluco reproductive parameters and the occurrence of wood mice Apodemus sp. in their diet. Tawny Owls breed earlier in the season than Barn Owls and are strongly dependent on the abundance of wood mice for breeding. This index was strongly positively associated with the number of breeding pairs and early breeding in the Barn Owl. Winter severity, measured by snow cover and low temperatures, had a pronounced negative influence on the size of the breeding population and clutch size. Food conditions early in the breeding season and winter severity differentially affect the Barn Owl life cycle. We were able to use aspects of the ecology and demography of the Tawny Owl as an indicator of the quality of the environment for a related species of similar ecology, in this case the Barn Owl.
CX3CR1 RNAi inhibits hypoxia‐induced microglia activation via p38MAPK/PKC pathway
Authors: Liu Yong , Zhao Tianzhi , Yang Zhao , Li Qianning
Published: March 2014

There is accumulating evidence which demonstrates that chronic cerebral ischaemia can induce white matter lesions (WMLs), and microglia‐activation‐mediated cytokines and proteases releasing during the ischaemia might play a vital role in pathogenesis. In addition, hypoxia‐induced upregulated expression of fractalkine promotes the activation of microglia and their migration to the lesions through interaction with its receptor CX3CR1. However, the specific mechanisms involved in fractalkine/CX3CR1‐mediated microglial activation have not been fully identified. In the present study, we constructed lentivirus encoding shRNA against CX3CR1 and transduced into microglial cells in under hypoxic conditions. Moreover, we analysed the proliferation, cytokine secretion and signal‐pathway activation of the microglia. We found that CX3CR1 RNAi‐mediated gene downregulation could attenuate hypoxic‐induced microglial proliferation, cytokine secretion [including tumuor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β)] and matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) synthesis. These effects were shown to be nediated through p38MAPK/PKC activation. Therefore, our results reveal a novel mechanism of fractalkine/CX3CR1 involvement in activation of microglia. Thus CX3CR1 RNAi might provide a therapeutic strategy which could be useful in chronic cerebral ischaemia.
Adipocyte dysfunction in rats with streptozotocin–nicotinamide‐induced diabetes
Authors: Szkudelska Katarzyna , Nogowski Leszek , Szkudelski Tomasz
Published: March 2014

Administration of streptozotocin (STZ) and nicotinamide (NA) to adult rats allows for the induction of mild diabetes. However, this experimental model has not been fully characterized. This study was undertaken to determine the metabolic and secretory activity of adipose tissue in rats with STZ‐NA‐induced diabetes. Experiments were performed using epididymal adipocytes isolated from control and mildly diabetic rats. Lipogenesis, glucose transport as well as glucose and alanine oxidation, lipolysis, anti‐lipolysis, cAMP levels and adipokine secretion were compared in cells isolated from the control and diabetic rats. Lipogenesis, glucose transport and oxidation were diminished in the adipocytes of diabetic rats compared with the fat cells of control animals. However, alanine oxidation appeared to be similar in the cells of non‐diabetic and diabetic animals. Lipolytic response to low epinephrine concentrations was slightly increased in the adipocytes of diabetic rats; however, at higher concentrations of the hormone, lipolysis was similar in both groups of cells. The epinephrine‐induced rise in cAMP levels was higher in the adipocytes of STZ‐NA‐induced diabetic rats, even in the presence of insulin. Lipolysis stimulated by dibutyryl‐cAMP did not significantly differ, whereas anti‐lipolytic effects of insulin were mildly decreased in the cells of diabetic rats. Secretion of adiponectin and leptin was substantially diminished in the adipocytes of diabetic rats compared with the cells of control animals. Our studies demonstrated that the balance between lipogenesis and lipolysis in the adipose tissue of rats with mild diabetes induced by STZ and NA is slightly shifted towards reduced lipid accumulation. Simultaneously, adiponectin and leptin secretion is significantly impaired.
Torsional Shear Strength Tests for Glass–Ceramic Joined Silicon Carbide
Authors: Ferraris Monica , Ventrella Andrea , Salvo Milena , Katoh Yutai , Gross Dietmar
Published: March 2014

A torsion test on hour‐glass‐shaped samples with a full joined or a ring‐shaped joined area was chosen to measure shear strength of glass–ceramic joined silicon carbide. Shear strength of about 100 MPa was measured for full joined SiC with fracture completely inside their joined area. Attempts to obtain this shear strength with a ring‐shaped joined area failed due to mixed mode fractures. On the contrary, full joined and ring‐shaped steel hour‐glasses joined by a glass–ceramic gave the same shear strength, thus suggesting that this test measures shear strength of joined components only when their fracture is completely inside their joined area.
The assessment of foreign accent and its communicative effects by naïve native judges vs. experienced non‐native judges
Authors: Gallardo del Puerto Francisco , García Lecumberri María Luisa , Gómez Lacabex Esther
Published: March 2014

The capacity of non‐native evaluators to perform foreign accent (FA) judgments has been questioned. This study explores differences between linguistically trained non‐native judges (NNJs) who are teachers of English familiar with the students' L1s and naïve native judges (NJs) who do not speak the students' L1s. Both groups were compared in their global evaluation of FA and its potential communicative effects (comprehensibility and irritation) in two groups of language learners (more and less experienced). Results show striking similarities between the two groups of judges. NNJs were as able as NJs to assess FA despite finding it more comprehensible than the NJs did. It is suggested that NNJs' linguistic training promotes a more analytic approach to FA evaluation, which can compensate for the lack of native intuitions.
Nisin‐loaded alginate‐high methoxy pectin microparticles: preparation and physicochemical characterisation
Authors: Khaksar Ramin , Hosseini Seyede Marzieh , Hosseini Hedayat , Shojaee‐Aliabadi Saeedeh , Mohammadifar Mohammad Amin , Mortazavian Amir Mohammad , khosravi‐Darani Kianoosh , Haji Seyed Javadi Nasrin , Komeily Rozita
Published: March 2014

The bacteriocin nisin has been extensively used as potential natural preservative in the food industry. However, antimicrobial activity of nisin due to its binding with food components and inactivation by enzymatic degradation is reduced when it is applied in food. Encapsulation of nisin is an efficient approach to overcome the problems related to the direct application of this antimicrobial peptide in foods. In this study, nisin was encapsulated in alginate‐high methoxy pectin (HMP) microparticles, and its release studies were performed in water to determine the diffusion and the kinetic behaviour of the matrix. Results showed that the nisin content had a significant influence on encapsulation efficiency (EE), loading capacity (LC) and microparticles size. The values of EE, LC and particle mean diameter were about 47–54%, 16–21% and 57–131 μm, respectively. The nisin‐loaded microparticles showed nearly spherical structure with fold on the surface, as displayed by scanning electron micrograph. Interaction between alginate and HMP was confirmed by the changes in the intensity and wave number of the stretching vibrations of the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups in alginate‐HMP microparticles FTIR spectra. Furthermore, the addition of nisin resulted in a markedly increase in intensity of carboxylic peak at 1620 cm−1, indicating the presence of nisin inside of the microparticles. The in vitro nisin release from these microparticles followed a sustained release profile consistent with a Fickian diffusion mechanism.
Optimisation of microwave‐assisted extraction of prune (Prunus domestica) antioxidants by response surface methodology
Authors: Haddadi‐Guemghar Hayate , Janel Nathalie , Dairou Julien , Remini Hocine , Madani Khodir
Published: March 2014

Optimal conditions for microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) of total phenols (TP), epicatechin gallate and antioxidant activity from prune (Prunus domestica), rejected in transformation process of plum to prune, were determined by response surface methodology. The central composite design was used to study the effects of three independent variables: microwave power, irradiation time and solvent polarity on the TP, epicatechin gallate and antioxidant activity. Epicatechin gallate was identified as a major phenolic compound in prune extract by RP‐HPLC. Microwave power and irradiation time significantly affected all responses (P < 0.01). The highest TP (598.89 mg GAE/100 g prune) was obtained using water as an extraction solvent at 500 W, during 115 s. However, the optimal conditions for epicatechin gallate extraction were ethanol 80%, 435 W and 120 s. MAE is more efficient than conventional extraction method to obtain TP from prune. The experimental values were reasonably close to the predicted values confirming the validity of the predicted models.
Partial replacement of sodium chloride with potassium chloride in marinated rabbit meat
Authors: Soglia Francesca , Petracci Massimiliano , Mudalal Samer , Vannini Lucia , Gozzi Giorgia , Camprini Lucia , Cavani Claudio
Published: March 2014

This study was aimed at evaluating the consequences of sodium chloride reduction by potassium chloride up to 50% on technological, sensorial and microbiological traits of marinated rabbit meat. In total, 226 rabbit loin meat samples were obtained and subjected to vacuum tumbling using solutions with different NaCl/KCl ratios. Replacing of sodium chloride up to 30% by potassium chloride did not change microbiological traits (total aerobic mesophilic and lactic acid bacteria maximum cell loads), sensorial acceptability (perceived saltiness and overall liking) and technological traits (pH, colour, texture, cooking loss and yield). Otherwise, reduction in sodium chloride to 50% significantly decreased perceived saltiness (4.15 vs. 4.73; P < 0.05) and reduced microbial shelf life by 1 day when compared to control, even if there was still no effect on technological traits. In conclusion, it is feasible imparting an added value for processed rabbit meat products by reduction in sodium content that could increase market interest.
Application of ultrafiltration in the study of phenolic isolates and melanoidins from pale and black brewers' spent grain
Authors: Piggott Charles O. , Connolly Alan , FitzGerald Richard J.
Published: March 2014

Two types of brewers' spent grain (BSG), pale and black, were studied employing ultrafiltration (UF cut‐off, 10 kDa) to obtain high‐molecular‐weight (HMW) and low‐molecular‐weight (LMW) phenolic fractions from one pale (P2) and one black (B2) BSG extracts. Of the four UF fractions obtained, the HMW B2 fraction had highest level of polyphenols (5.73 ± 0.25 mg GAE g−1 BSG dw) and protein (18.82 ± 0.41 mg protein g−1 BSG dw). Metal‐chelating ability and antioxidative properties were also identified. Antioxidant activity evaluated using the DPPH and FRAP assays, indicated that activity in B2 extracts was associated mainly with the HMW fraction (3.10 ± 0.10 and 2.49 ± 0.09 TE g−1 BSG dw, respectively), whereas in P2 samples, antioxidant activity was highest in LMW fractions (0.58 ± 0.01 and 0.92 ± 0.03 TE g−1 BSG dw, respectively). The high antioxidant activity and metal‐chelating ability observed for black BSG extracts may be attributed to the presence of coloured melanoidinic structures.
The Holy Spirit in the Trinitarian Communion: ‘Love’ and ‘Gift'?
Authors: Levering Matthew
Published: March 2014

Christians in the West often have become so accustomed to naming the Holy Spirit ‘Love’ and ‘Gift’ – or at least to associating the Holy Spirit particularly with these two dynamisms – that it can come as a surprise that Scripture nowhere explicitly names the Holy Spirit either ‘love’ or ‘gift’. Indeed, as Hans Urs von Balthasar points out, the Spirit is much more clearly associated with truth, knowledge and power. How then does Augustine arrive at the view that the Holy Spirit should be named ‘Love’ and ‘Gift'? I examine and evaluate the complex exegetical steps by which Augustine draws out these names.
Spirit and Incarnation: Toward a Pneumatic Chalcedonianism
Authors: McFarland Ian A.
Published: March 2014

The Holy Spirit has often been used to define an alternative to Chalcedonian Christology that, by replacing the Word with the Spirit as the locus of Christ's divinity, is better able to honor Christ's humanity. Such alternatives not only display a serious misunderstanding of Chalcedon, but also exacerbate the problem they seek to address by accentuating Christ's difference from other human beings. While an orthodox Christology will see the Spirit as present in every one of Jesus' actions, this should be understood as a vindication rather than a rebuttal of Chalcedon.
Holy Spirit and Mediation: Towards a Transformational Pneumatology
Authors: Davies Oliver
Published: March 2014

In modern theology the living connectedness between exalted Son and Spirit of Pentecost in history has been broken, leading to their linearity and to a structure whereby the Spirit seems to ‘take the place’ of the Son. Modern forms of ‘substitutionism’ distort the theological perspective. The ‘non‐reductive physicalism’ of contemporary science can return us to an understanding of Trinity in history, based not on the modern binary of transcendence and immanence but the integrated, transformational hermeneutic of scriptural tradition. This is the critical reorientation of theology to the living Christ, in the Holy Spirit, which corrects the substitutionary structure to a mediatory one.
Ureteroscopy under Local Anaesthesia with and without Intravenous Analgesia
Authors: VÖGELI T.‐A. , MELLIN H.‐E. , HOPF B. , ACKERMANN R.
Published: March 2014

Summary— In a prospective study of 302 ureteroscopic procedures, 161 were commenced and 133 completed without the use of general or regional anaesthesia. In 15 patients ureteroscopy (URS) was performed with lignocaine jelly in the urethra only, and in 118 with additional intravenous analgesia. Alfentanil, a synthetic morphine derivative, was used for intravenous analgesia.

Ureteroscopy was performed prior to extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in 46 patients, for stone basketing in 40, for stone fragmentation in 29, for diagnostic purposes in 14 and for cold knife ureterotomy in 4. Ureteric lesions were observed in 9 patients (6.8%) treated under intravenous sedoanalgesia. This percentage is within the range reported in other series of patients treated under general anaesthesia. The findings suggest that URS, when performed without general or regional anaesthesia, does not increase the risk of complications or compromise the results of treatment.
Endourological Treatment of Ureteric Injuries
Authors: CORMIO L. , BATTAGLIA M. , TRAFICANTE A. , SELVAGGI F. P.
Published: March 2014

Summary— Over the last 8 years, 30 patients with ureteric injuries underwent endoscopic treatment. There were 14 failures, 5 because of blockage or diversion of the catheter in the fistulous gap and 9 because it was impossible to penetrate the stenotic tract. All failures occurred when treatment was attempted more than 3 weeks after the trauma. Sixteen lesions were successfully treated by placing a 6 to 10 F double pigtail catheter in the damaged ureter and leaving it for at least 3 months. Patients were followed up for 24 months. No recurrences were seen and good long‐term results were achieved in all cases.

In our experience, endourological treatment can be recommended for recent strictures < 2 cm in length, or for small fistulas in which continuity of the ureteric wall is still partially preserved. Despite the risk of failure, especially following late treatment of an injury, it should be considered a safe and effective procedure that is accepted well by the patients and that avoids the need for open surgery and its possible complications.
Management of the Neuropathic Bladder by Suprapubic Catheterisation
Authors: BARNES D. G. , SHAW P. J. R. , TIMONEY A. G. , TSOKOS N.
Published: March 2014

Summary— Forty out‐patients with neuropathic bladders managed by suprapubic catheterisation have been reviewed. Management included anticholinergic therapy and daily clamping of the catheter to maintain a compliant bladder of good capacity. Twenty‐three females and 17 males (mean age 45 years) were studied. Failed intermittent catheterisation and the replacement of long‐term urethral catheters were the main indications for suprapubic catheterisation. Catheter‐related problems were common, with only 5 patients reporting none. Acceptance by patients was high (84%). No evidence could be found of accelerated renal deterioration in patients followed up for more than 2 years. A policy for the management of suprapubic catheters is recommended.
Inter‐observer Variation in Assessment of the Prostate by Digital Rectal Examination
Authors: VARENHORST E. , BERGLUND K. , LÖFMAN O. , PEDERSEN K.
Published: March 2014

Summary— In a prospective study, inter‐observer variation in the assessment of the prostate by digital rectal examination (DRE) by a urologist and a general practitioner was analysed. The 2 physicians performed independent assessment of the prostate in 933 men aged 50 to 69 years with regard to 9 variables as part of a screening programme for carcinoma of the prostate. Complete agreement for all observations was reached in 46.5% of the men. Using kappa (K) statistics, the values were adjusted for the expected chance agreement. K values between 0.485 and 0.682 were obtained for 6 variables representing good agreement; these were size, tenderness, midline furrow, symmetry, induration and nodularity. Agreement regarding fixation, lateral sulci and seminal vesicles was poor owing to the small number of cases deviating from normal. Contrary to the general belief that DRE is highly subjective, our results show a good correspondence between the observations of the examiners when assessing the prostate in a systematic way.
How Reliable is a Single Measurement of Urinary Flow in the Diagnosis of Obstruction in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?
Authors: MATZKIN H. , VAN DER ZWAAG R. , CHEN Y. , PATTERSON LYNNE A. , BRAF Z. , SOLOWAY M. S.
Published: March 2014

Summary— Twenty‐six elderly patients with obstructive symptomatology and an initial low peak urinary flow rate (< 15 ml/s) were observed for 6 to 12 months. Repeated assessments were made of flow rates and residual volumes. Within patient variation of the maximal urinary flow was significant; the standard deviation (SD) varied from 0.8 to 5.5 ml/s. The SD varied with the mean peak flow rates and this suggests that the precision of a single determination of a patient's peak flow is inversely related to the peak flow itself. In all, 333 determinations of peak flow were obtained. Only 80% were below 2 SD of the mean Siroky nomogram. Multiple determinations were used to estimate the sensitivity rate for each patient, i.e. the proportion of peak flows that were less than 2 SD below the mean of Siroky's nomogram. The average sensitivity for all of the flow values was 0.813 when applied to voided volumes and increased only slightly to 0.838 when applied to total bladder volume.

Given a prevalence of 0.70 of obstruction ascribed to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) among elderly men, the positive predictive value of an abnormally low peak flow was 0.97. A single low peak flow based on assessment of voided volume may serve as an almost sure indication of obstruction. If a patient has a single normal peak flow rate, he still has a 0.31 probability of having evidence of obstruction in his following uroflow determinations. Using total bladder volume does not make a difference in most patients and is not worth the effort and discomfort. The only patients who require accurate residual measurements are those with a normal uroflow but clear‐cut obstructive symptomatology or with borderline peak flow.

The results of this study are relevant to everyday clinical practice and to the evaluation of studies on alternatives to surgery in BPH.
Routine Estimation of Prostate Specific Antigen Prior to Clinic Attendance in Patients with Symptoms of Bladder Outlet Obstruction
Authors: VISWANATH S. , PALMER M. A. , OJHA H. O. , DESMOND A. D.
Published: March 2014

Summary— We report the use of serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) estimations prior to clinic attendance in 234 patients referred with symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction to a general urology clinic. Ninety‐three patients with PSA levels > 10 ng/ml were seen earlier than planned and offered transurethral resection or transrectal biopsy of the prostate gland. Forty‐six patients (49%) proved to have carcinoma of the prostate, compared with 10 of 141 (7%) patients who had PSA values < 10 ng/ml. With a decision value of 10 ng/ml, the sensitivity for detecting carcinoma was 82% and specificity 73.5%. Using a decision value of 7 ng/ml improved the sensitivity to 95% without significantly affecting the specificity (70%). Twenty‐four patients with prostatic cancer had bone metastases; the sensitivity of PSA for predicting a positive bone scan using a decision value of 25 ng/ml was 92%, but the specificity was only 31%.
Coagulation Tests in Predicting Haemorrhage after Prostatic Resection
Authors: AHSAN Z. , CARTNER R. , ENGLISH P. J.
Published: March 2014

Summary— It is known that disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) can contribute towards blood loss after transurethral resection of the prostate because of the absorption of various prostatic substances. The aim of the present study was to establish whether simple coagulation tests (prothrombin time/activated partial thromboplastin time) carried out immediately after surgery would be useful in predicting those patients who bleed excessively after prostatic resection due to DIC. Criteria to determine significant post‐operative haemorrhage were defined. Of 110 patients entered into the study, 34.5% had significant post‐operative bleeding and 74% of these had an abnormal prothrombin time (≥ 15 s) immediately after surgery. An abnormal prothrombin time was associated with the resection of large prostates but could also predict the risk of bleeding independent of the resected weight; 18% of patients with an abnormal prothrombin time were also found to have an abnormal activated partial thromboplastin time and all of these had significant blood loss. A group of patients with an abnormal prothrombin time and a resected dry weight ≥ 35 g was identified as a high risk group.
The Nesbit‐Kelâmi Procedure for Congenital Curvature of the Erect Penis
Authors: AFŞR H.
Published: March 2014

Summary— Twenty patients with a congenital deformity of the erect penis were operated upon using the Nesbit‐Kelâmi technique. Excellent results were obtained in all patients.
Sonography in Fracture of the Penis
Authors: KOGA S. , SAITO Y. , ARAKAKI Y. , NAKAMURA N. , MATSUOKA M. , SAITA H. , YOSHIKAWA M. , OHYAMA C.
Published: March 2014

Summary— Sonography was performed in 7 patients with fracture of the penis and in 6 cases it demonstrated the exact site of a tear in the tunica albuginea. It was useful in the diagnosis and management of these patients.