bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neonatal levels of neurotrophic factors and risk of autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Abdallah M. W. , Mortensen E. L. , Greaves‐Lord K. , Larsen N. , Bonefeld‐Jørgensen E. C. , Nørgaard‐Pedersen B. , Hougaard D. M. , Grove J.
Published: October 2012

Objective

To examine levels of 3 neurotrophic factors (NTFs): Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Neurotrophin‐4 (NT‐4), and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) in dried blood spot samples of neonates diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) later in life and frequency‐matched controls.

Method

Biologic samples were retrieved from the Danish Newborn Screening Biobank. NTFs for 414 ASD cases and 820 controls were measured using Luminex technology. Associations were analyzed with continuous measures (Tobit regression) as well as dichotomized at the lower and upper 10th percentiles cutoff points derived from the controls' distributions (logistic regression).

Results

ASD cases were more likely to have BDNF levels falling in the lower 10th percentile (odds ratios [OR], 1.53 [95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.04–2.24], P‐value = 0.03). Similar pattern was seen for TGF‐β in females with ASD (OR, 2.36 [95% CI, 1.05–5.33], P‐value = 0.04). For NT‐4, however, ASD cases diagnosed with ICD‐10 only were less likely to have levels in upper 10th percentile compared with controls (OR, 0.22 [95% CI, 0.05–0.98], P‐value = 0.05).

Conclusion

Results cautiously indicate decreased NTFs levels during neonatal period in ASD. This may contribute to the pathophysiology of ASD through impairments of neuroplasticity. Further research is required to confirm our results and to examine the potential therapeutic effects of NTFs in ASD.
Providing predictive testing for Huntington disease via telehealth: results of a pilot study in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Hawkins AK , Creighton S , Ho A , McManus B , Hayden MR
Published: October 2012

Predictive testing (PT) for Huntington disease (HD) usually requires several in‐person appointments which acts as a barrier to testing for those from remote regions. This pilot study reports the use of telehealth PT to examine whether such telehealth
testing improves access to HD PT while maintaining quality of care and support. Individuals underwent PT via the telehealth protocol or standard in‐person protocol and were asked to complete surveys regarding their experience. Results reveal no significant differences between the in‐person‐tested and telehealth‐tested groups with respect to quality of care, information, counselling and support. The majority of participants in both groups stated that pre‐test counselling had provided them with sufficient knowledge about the advantages and disadvantages of undergoing testing, the opportunity to ask questions, and the ability to make an informed decision. The majority of participants in both groups were satisfied by the manner in which results were delivered and stated they had received sufficient information regarding the implications of these results. This study reveals that telehealth PT improves access while maintaining quality of care and support.
A three dimensional limit load solution for highly undermatched single edge cracked specimens in pure bending
Authors: ALEXANDROV S. , MUSTAFA Y.
Published: October 2012

The accuracy of defect assessment methods for cracked structures depends on the accuracy of limit load solutions. The present paper focuses on a new method to construct simple three‐dimensional kinematically admissible velocity fields for highly undermatched welded joints with edge cracks and its application to single edge cracked specimens in pure bending. The objective is to take into account specific features of flow pattern in highly undermatched joints to propose three‐dimensional kinematically admissible velocity fields whose level of complexity as well as accuracy of limit load predictions are comparable with plane strain fields. The three‐dimensional solution found for single edge cracked specimens in pure bending is compared to available semi‐analytical plane strain solutions. Several feasible ways to improve the solution found are proposed.
A Turkish trichothiodystrophy patient with homozygous XPD mutation and genotype–phenotype relationship
Authors: Pehlivan Davut , Cefle Kivanc , Raams Anja , Ozturk Sukru , Baykal Can , Kleijer Wim J. , Palanduz Sukru , Jaspers Nicolaas G. J.
Published: October 2012

Trichothiodystrophy (TTD) is a rare, recessive condition involving multiple organs and systems. Four genes associated with nuclear excision repair have been described in the molecular etiology of TTD. There is a significant heterogeneity of clinical and laboratory findings of TTD, even in individuals carrying the same mutation. Worldwide, approximately 120 cases have been reported, mostly from Western populations and the mutations are compound heterozygous. We herein present clinical and laboratory findings of a female patient with a homozygous mutation, R722W, in the XPD gene. To date, two patients who carry the same mutation have been reported. Our genotype–phenotype correlation study showed patients who carry R722W mutation have a more severe TTD phenotype than other types of mutations.
Bullous pyoderma gangrenosum of the bilateral dorsal hands
Authors: Miyata Toshiko , Yashiro Mika , Hayashi Miyuki , Kamata Kouju , Katsuoka Kensei
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) shows characteristic non‐infectious ulcers that are commonly associated with systemic diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases, myeloproliferative disorders or aortitis syndrome. The typical clinical appearance is undermining ulcers with reddish and irregular borders on the legs. As PG has these notable signs, the diagnosis is relatively easy and its treatment depends on the severity of underlying complications. We report a case of a 60‐year‐old Japanese man, diagnosed with bullous PG, who also had been suffering from myeloperoxidase antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐positive microscopic polyangiitis and pulmonary aspergillosis. This case displayed soft whitish ulcers that existed on the rough ulcer base, with irregular borders, on his bilateral dorsal hands. Initially, it seemed to be cutaneous secondary aspergillosis because the host was already infected with pulmonary aspergillosis in both lungs. The differential diagnosis of PG from aspergillosis was from the sterile bullae or neutrophilic bullae on his right forearm, which evolved into ulcers in a few days. This case was finally diagnosed as bullous PG and a topical glucocorticoid was very effective to epithelize the ulcers in 2–3 weeks.
Geological maps from the British Antarctic Survey
Authors: Nowell David
Published: October 2012

In a bold move the British Antarctic Survey has published the naturally fragmentary results of their ongoing geological mapping and research programme in the Antarctic Peninsula and offshore islands, plus South Georgia. The later is classified as a United Kingdom overseas territory, along with the volcanically active South Sandwich Islands just north of 60 degrees south. Beyond this latitude to the South Pole all territorial claims have been frozen by the Antarctic treaty, which built upon the International Geophysical Year of 1957 and came into force in 1961. Since then this monumental achievement, developed during the height of the cold war, has succeeded in keeping Antarctica demilitarized, including banning the disposal of nuclear waste, and untainted by mineral exploration. In 1998 this treaty was renewed for a further fifty years and extended to cover the impact of tourism. Although geological research had been conducted since the pioneering days of Shackleton, Scott and Amundsen, the original 1908 territorial claim was backed up by a continuing presence since 1943, and the Falklands Islands Dependencies Survey was renamed the British Antarctic Survey in 1962 to chime with the spirit of purely scientific research entailed by this treaty which has now expanded to a membership of nearly fifty nations.
Global biogeography and diversification of palms sheds light on the evolution of tropical lineages. II. Diversification history and origin of regional assemblages
Authors: Baker William J. , Couvreur Thomas L.P.
Published: October 2012

Aim

Palms (Arecaceae/Palmae) are a model group for evolutionary studies in the tropics. In two companion papers, we aim to establish a general framework of palm evolution, exploring the geographical distribution of palm lineages and species diversity patterns at global and regional levels. In this, the second paper, we analyse the biogeographical events underlying regional palm assemblages and diversification processes across the family. We investigate the timing and location of diversification rate shifts and test the ‘odd man out’ pattern of low species diversity observed in the African palm flora.

Location

Global.

Methods

A complete, dated phylogeny of palm genera and ancestral area reconstructions were used to infer the biogeographical history of regional palm assemblages. Diversification rates for all genera were estimated and significant shifts in diversification rates across the family were identified under a maximum likelihood model.

Results

Following their early diversification in Laurasia around 100 Ma, palms dispersed southwards before the end of the Cretaceous. Few dispersal events into Africa, North America and South America were inferred, whereas numerous lineages migrated between Eurasia, the Pacific and the Indian Ocean. Thirteen diversification rate increases were identified. High diversification rates were found only in lineages from Asia, the Americas, the Pacific and the Indian Ocean, but not in any African groups. Diversification decreases were not identified in any lineage.

Main conclusions

Dispersal of palms into their present‐day distribution started during the Late Cretaceous, consistent with the first fossil records for rain forests in Africa and South America. The few dispersal events into South America and Africa emphasize the isolated position of these continents for most of the Cenozoic. In contrast, high dispersal between Eurasia, the Pacific and the Indian Ocean, notably during the Miocene, can be attributed to geological activity in the region, especially in Malesia. Low species diversity in Africa relative to other regions is explained here by increased in situ diversification in Asia, the Americas, the Pacific and the Indian Ocean, rather than by diversification rate decreases in Africa. This may prove to be a general pattern in other organisms showing a similar disparity in richness in Africa.
Assessment of blood administration competencies using objective structured clinical examination
Authors: Sellu D. H. , Davis R. E. , Vincent C. A.
Published: October 2012

Background

In order to minimise the risk of blood transfusion errors, all healthcare professionals who participate in the transfusion process are required to be assessed as competent. New and innovative methods of training and competency assessment are required to improve the training process.

Aim/Objective

The aim of this study was to explore the use of objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) in the assessment of competencies for blood administration.

Design

A mixed‐methods approach was employed using structured observations of simulated practice through a three station OSCE to assess three stages of the blood transfusion process: (i) communication; (ii) documentation and (iii) identification of patients and blood products. Nurses and midwives were assessed using a 28‐item checklist that was rated on a 5‐point Bondy scale. After the OSCE, a questionnaire was given to participants to evaluate their attitudes.

Setting and Participants

Eighty four midwives and nurses from 10 different clinical areas in a District General Hospital in London.

Results

Inter‐rater reliability between assessors was high (>0.8). Overall assessors scored participants highest on aseptic technique (97%) and lowest for positive patient identification (81%). Participants felt that the OSCE was a useful intervention and could contribute to improving the competences of staff in blood transfusion safety.

Conclusion

A simulation OSCE is valid and reliable for competency asessment in blood administration. The checklist is simple to complete and can be used to identify weaknesses and evaluate learning needs of staff in blood administration.
Towards appreciating appropriate clinical responses to highly sensitive cardiac troponin assays
Authors: Bima A. , Sikaris K.
Published: October 2012

Cardiac troponins (cTn) are structural components of the contractile apparatus of the cardiomyocyte and the recommended biochemical markers for diagnosing myocardial infarction. Although the diagnostic performance of both cTnT and cTnI as biochemical markers are quite similar, it is the analytical sensitivities of these assays that have been found to create the difference. High‐sensitivity cTn assays, which are capable of measuring cTn levels 10‐folds lower than conventional fourth generation assays, are results of continuous effort to develop more sensitive and accurate tests to detect cardiac injury. While the improvement in the sensitivity of these assays promises improvement in many aspects of patient care, such as earlier myocardial infarction diagnosis and cardiac disease risk assessment, shortcoming of these assays must be considered. Very low measurable levels of cardiac damage biochemical markers can deliver occult yet possible decisive message. Better understanding of the pros and cons of these assays will pledge an appropriate clinical reaction to highly sensitive results.
Total arterial coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with diabetes: an 8‐year experience
Authors: Buxton B. F. , Shi W. Y. , Galvin S. D. , Fuller J. , Hayward P. A.
Published: October 2012

Objective

Coronary artery bypass grafting using arterial conduits may improve survival and minimise harvest site complications. However, in diabetes, the outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting performed exclusively using arterial conduits are uncertain. We reviewed our experience with this approach.

Methods

From 1996 to 2008, 400 patients with diabetes (managed with oral hypoglycaemics, insulin or both) underwent primary isolated coronary artery bypass grafting for triple vessel coronary disease. In 246 (61.5%), total arterial revascularisation was achieved using single or bilateral internal thoracic arteries supplemented by one or more radial arteries (arterial group), while in the remaining 154 (38.5%), at least one venous conduit was used (mixed conduits group: mean 1.5 veins per patient). Propensity‐score matching was used to adjust for bias.

Results

Total arterial revascularisation patients were more likely to be younger (arterial: 63 ± 10 years vs mixed: 67 ± 10 years, P < 0.0001), of elective priority (85% vs 75%, P = 0.018) and less likely to have moderate‐severe left ventricular dysfunction (23% vs 36%, P = 0.024). Use of bilateral internal thoracic arteries was similar between groups (16% vs 11%, P = 0.19). There was a comparable in‐hospital mortality (1.9% vs 2.0%, P > 0.99) and major morbidities, except the arterial group who experienced less stroke (0.4% vs 3.2% vs P = 0.04) and harvest site infections (0.4% vs 4%, P = 0.016). Mean follow was 7.8 ± 3.7 years. Estimated survival at 12‐year survival in the arterial group was 80% ± 3.2% vs 54% ± 5.5% (P < 0.0001). Subsequently, 103 propensity‐score‐matched patient pairs were created between the two groups. After matching, in‐hospital mortality (1% vs 2%, P > 0.99) and major morbidities were similar, as was an estimated 12‐year survival (69% ± 6.1% vs 59% ± 6.5%, P > 0.99).

Conclusions

The use of veins to supplement arterial conduits did not deleteriously affect survival. However, the significant number of patients receiving arterial grafts in both groups may have masked any potential difference. Greater numbers and longer follow‐up will reveal the potential of this approach.
Non‐invasive ventilation in critical care
Authors: Cross A. M.
Published: October 2012

Non‐invasive ventilation refers to a number of respiratory support strategies commonly used in critical care settings. This paper describes the principles of non‐invasive ventilation, the practicalities of its use and the evidence for its use in a number of common acute conditions.
Minor effects of green tea catechin supplementation on cardiovascular risk markers in active older people: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Miyazaki Ryo , Kotani Kazuhiko , Ayabe Makoto , Tsuzaki Kokoro , Shimada Junko , Sakane Naoki , Takase Hideto , Ichikawa Hiroshi , Yonei Yoshikazu , Ishii Kojiro
Published: October 2012

Aim:  Although previous studies have shown that consumption of green tea catechins (GTC) and walking might prevent development of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the effects of GTC supplementation on CVD risk in active older people are unknown.

Methods:  A total of 52 older adults (male/female 20/32, mean age 69.1 ± 5.9 years) participating in a pedometer‐based walking program were randomly assigned to a GTC group with an intake of 630.9 mg GTC daily (n = 26) or a control group (n = 26) for 14 weeks. Cardiovascular risk markers were measured before and after this trial.

Results:  In the GTC group, values of the following markers were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) from the beginning to the end of the trial: waist circumference (from 84.2 ± 8.4 to 82.2 ± 8.5 cm), hip circumference (from 95.1 ± 6.9 to 92.2 ± 6.3 cm), total cholesterol (from 233.0 ± 46.3 to 218.8 ± 42.3 mg/dL), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (from 130.4 ± 36.2 to 119.1 ± 33.4 mg/dL) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol to high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (from 2.0 ± 1.7 to 1.7 ± 0.5); only hip circumference (from 95.6 ± 8.1 to 94.1 ± 7.6 cm) was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in the control group. No significant between‐group differences were found for any parameter measured.

Conclusions:  Although GTC might reduce cholesterol levels, the present randomized control trial suggests that GTC supplementation in active older participants did not significantly affect cardiovascular risk markers. Future studies should identify more effective combinations of GTC supplementation and physical activity. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 622–629.
Respiratory and olfactory turbinal size in canid and arctoid carnivorans
Authors: Green Patrick A. , Van Valkenburgh Blaire , Pang Benison , Bird Deborah , Rowe Timothy , Curtis Abigail
Published: October 2012

Within the nasal cavity of mammals is a complex scaffold of paper‐thin bones that function in respiration and olfaction. Known as turbinals, the bones greatly enlarge the surface area available for conditioning inspired air, reducing water loss, and improving olfaction. Given their functional significance, the relative development of turbinal bones might be expected to differ among species with distinct olfactory, thermoregulatory and/or water conservation requirements. Here we explore the surface area of olfactory and respiratory turbinals relative to latitude and diet in terrestrial Caniformia, a group that includes the canid and arctoid carnivorans (mustelids, ursids, procyonids, mephitids, ailurids). Using high‐resolution computed tomography x‐ray scans, we estimated respiratory and olfactory turbinal surface area and nasal chamber volume from three‐dimensional virtual models of skulls. Across the Caniformia, respiratory surface area scaled isometrically with estimates of body size and there was no significant association with climate, as estimated by latitude. Nevertheless, one‐on‐one comparisons of sister taxa suggest that arctic species may have expanded respiratory turbinals. Olfactory surface area scaled isometrically among arctoids, but showed positive allometry in canids, reflecting the fact that larger canids, all of which are carnivorous, had relatively greater olfactory surface areas. In addition, among the arctoids, large carnivorous species such as the polar bear (Ursus maritimus) and wolverine (Gulo gulo) also displayed enlarged olfactory turbinals. More omnivorous caniform species that feed on substantial quantities of non‐vertebrate foods had less expansive olfactory turbinals. Because large carnivorous species hunt widely dispersed prey, an expanded olfactory turbinal surface area may improve a carnivore's ability to detect prey over great distances using olfactory cues.
Potential Conflict and Inefficiencies Arising in Agri‐environmental Management
Authors: Martin Elsa , Stahn Hubert
Published: October 2012

We characterise the welfare implications of uncoordinated policy decisions in the presence of multiple externalities, illustrated with an aquifer. We concentrate on the problem of coordination that can occur when distinct agricultural and water authorities implement their respective policies (to optimise food production and groundwater use) with environmental concerns in mind. We represent this problem as an open‐loop Nash game, which compares the game‐theoretical solution to a centrally planned solution. We show that the inefficiencies arise from differences in the account taken of relevant costs by different authorities. We demonstrate that the magnitude of the inefficiency generated by the absence of coordination of our authorities varies depending on the weights put on environmental benefits by each authority, and discuss the implications of analysis for future research and policy.
Pleistocene glaciations of northern Russia – a modern view
Authors: Astakhov Valery I.
Published: October 2012

The size, age and dynamics of Pleistocene glaciers, especially ice sheets that periodically covered the northern seaboard of Eurasia, are crucial for understanding the evolution of arctic climates, sea‐level changes, the biota and tectonism. General ideas on the glacial history of the vast areas of northern Russia between 48° and 148°E, beyond the limits of the Fennoscandian glaciation, have considerably changed during the last two decades. The change towards modern views may even be considered as a paradigm shift from the conventional wisdom of the previous half‐century. The transformation of the main landmarks of late Quaternary glacial history started in the 1970s and accelerated after 1993 as a result of international collaboration in the Russian Arctic. A wealth of new sedimentological, geomorphic and stratigraphic data has recently accumulated for the sedimentary record of the last 200 ka. This information, together with data collected from native geological surveys, has been synthesized in the form of digital maps of ice limits based on key stratigraphic sites. The results have been published as contributions to the international programs QUEEN and APEX and also as parts of global compilations. These publications give general overviews of the Eurasian glacial history, but some important modern data are reported only in the Russian literature and therefore are hardly known to the international community. In this paper I will first consider the background material on the non‐Scandinavian glaciations and then follow this with a review of the modern results obtained in the course of international cooperation. The outcome is inevitably influenced (or biased) by my long‐term experience in studying the Pleistocene of northern Russia. I will not discuss here the extreme northeast of Siberia (western Beringia), as this is a distinct topic partly overviewed in recent publications.
Tools to Detect Delirium Superimposed on Dementia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Morandi Alessandro , McCurley Jessica , Vasilevskis Eduard E. , Fick Donna M. , Bellelli Giuseppe , Lee Patricia , Jackson James C. , Shenkin Susan D. , MarcoTrabucchi  , Schnelle John , Inouye Sharon K. , Ely E. Wesley , MacLullich Alasdair
Published: October 2012

Objectives

To identify valid tools to diagnose delirium superimposed on dementia.

Design

Systematic review of studies of delirium tools that explicitly included individuals with dementia.

Setting

Hospital.

Participants

Studies were included if delirium assessment tools were validated against standard criteria, and the presence of dementia was assessed according to standard criteria that used validated instruments.

Measurements

PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for articles in English published between January 1960 and January 2012.

Results

Nine studies fulfilled the selection criteria. Of 1,569 participants, 401 had dementia, and 50 had delirium superimposed on dementia. Six delirium tools were evaluated. One study using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) with 85% of participants with dementia had high specificity (96–100%) and moderate sensitivity (77%). Two intensive care unit studies that used the CAM for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM‐ICU) reported 100% sensitivity and specificity for delirium in 23 individuals with dementia. One study using electroencephalography reported sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 91% in a population with a 100% prevalence of dementia. No studies examined potential effects of dementia severity or subtype on diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusions

The evidence base on tools for detection of delirium superimposed on dementia is limited, although some existing tools show promise. Further studies of existing or refined tools with larger samples and more‐detailed characterization of dementia are required to address the identification of delirium superimposed on dementia.
Cape Verdean Creole and the Politics of Scene‐Making in Lisbon, Portugal
Authors: Pardue Derek
Published: October 2012

The performance of Kriolu rap in Lisbon, Portugal has emerged at a time when Western European countries are reassessing the relationship between national territory and identity. Attractive to some and disturbing to others are the attitude and flair of Kriolu rappers. A group of mostly young men of Cape Verdean descent, these rappers insist on speaking and singing in Kriolu, a creole language that lacks official‐language status in both Portugal and Cape Verde. In this article, based on analyses of rap lyrics, excerpts from my fieldwork conversations with rappers, and structural features of the Kriolu language itself, I propose that Kriolu rap is a renewed interrogation of diaspora and of place‐based identity. More generally, I propose that, when contextualized in terms of cultural history and (post)colonial politics, Kriolu rap offers insight into the relationship between words and music as part of a process of combining aesthetics with social claims. [creole, rap, diaspora, chronotope, Cape Verde, Portugal]
Bedside Focused Echocardiography as Predictor of Survival in Cardiac Arrest Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Blyth Lacey , Atkinson Paul , Gadd Kathleen , Lang Eddy
Published: October 2012

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19:1119–1126 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Objectives:  The objective was to determine if focused transthoracic echocardiography (echo) can be used during resuscitation to predict the outcome of cardiac arrest.

Methods:  A literature search of diagnostic accuracy studies was conducted using MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases. A hand search of references was performed and experts in the field were contacted. Studies were included for further appraisal and analysis only if the selection criteria and reference standards were met. The eligible studies were appraised and scored by two independent reviewers using a modified quality assessment tool for diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS) to select the papers included in the meta‐analysis.

Results:  The initial search returned 2,538 unique papers, 11 of which were determined to be relevant after screening criteria were applied by two independent researchers. One additional study was identified after the initial search, totaling 12 studies to be included in our final analysis. The total number of patients in these studies was 568, all of whom had echo during resuscitation efforts to determine the presence or absence of kinetic cardiac activity and were followed up to determine return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Meta‐analysis of the data showed that as a predictor of ROSC during cardiac arrest, echo had a pooled sensitivity of 91.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 84.6% to 96.1%), and specificity was 80.0% (95% CI = 76.1% to 83.6%). The positive likelihood ratio for ROSC was 4.26 (95% CI = 2.63 to 6.92), and negative likelihood ratio was 0.18 (95% CI = 0.10 to 0.31). Heterogeneity of the results (sensitivity) was nonsignificant (Cochran’s Q: χ2 = 10.63, p = 0.16, and I2 = 34.1%).

Conclusions:  Echocardiography performed during cardiac arrest that demonstrates an absence of cardiac activity harbors a significantly lower (but not zero) likelihood that a patient will experience ROSC. In selected patients with a higher likelihood of survival from cardiac arrest at presentation, based on established predictors of survival, echo should not be the sole basis for the decision to cease resuscitative efforts. Echo should continue to be used only as an adjunct to clinical assessment in predicting the outcome of resuscitation for cardiac arrest.
Juvenile Competency and Responsibility: Public Perceptions
Authors: Bradley April R. , Mayzer Roni , Schefter Mallory , Olufs Erin , Miller Joseph , Laver Mariah
Published: October 2012

The current study examined the relationship between knowledge of adolescent brain development and attitudes about juvenile competency, responsibility, likelihood to recidivate, and rehabilitative capacity. In addition, it examined what factors—a juvenile's age, the type of crime committed, or the immediacy of the crime—influenced participants' perceptions. Participants displayed some knowledge of adolescent brain development and social maturity, and tended to see adolescents as not ready, emotionally or psychologically, to handle the proceedings of adult court or a jury trial. However, a delay in criminal behavior (immediate vs. next morning) and type of victim (targeted vs. random) heavily influenced ratings of responsibility, likelihood to recidivate, and rehabilitative capacity. Implications for jury decision making and public policy are discussed.
External Assets as Predictors of Positive Emotions Among At‐Risk Youth in Malaysia
Authors: Abdul Kadir Nor Ba'yah , Rahim Samsudin A. , Mustapha Zaidah , Abdul Mutalib Mimi Hanida , Kee Chang Peng , Mohamed Rusyda Helma
Published: October 2012

The present study is among the first to examine external assets as predictors of positive emotions among at‐risk youth. The study aims to examine the associations of external assets with positive emotions, determine external assets as a predictor of positive emotions in phase 1, and see if these predictors were consistently established in phase 2. At first contact, 403 participants from low‐income apartments in the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur, aged 13–25 years were asked to complete the 25 Developmental Assets, Malaysian version. The participants were also invited to participate in social activities organized by the PERMATA community. The same participants were approached four months later to examine the stability of measures. Multiple regression analysis revealed support is the most significant predictor of positive emotions at phase 1 whilst positive peer influence, family boundaries and caring neighborhood are the significant predictors at phase 2. Results suggested that the presence of other external assets can enhance the positive development of at‐risk youth, however, the support must be present to some extent in the first place.
Fatty liver Shionogi‐ob/ob mouse: A new candidate for a non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis model
Authors: Sugihara Takaaki , Koda Masahiko , Kishina Manabu , Kato Jun , Tokunaga Shiho , Matono Tomomitsu , Ueki Masaru , Murawaki Yoshikazu
Published: October 2012

Aim

The fatty liver Shionogi (FLS) mouse develops hereditary fatty liver without obesity. The FLS‐ob/ob mouse made by transferring the leptinob gene demonstrates several metabolic disorders and marked fat deposition in the liver. The aim was to evaluate which mouse model, the FLS or FLS‐ob/ob, is more useful for non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis research.

Methods

FLS (n = 40) and FLS‐ob/ob (n = 40) mice were fed a standard diet for 12, 24, 36 and 48 weeks, and then killed. The degree of fat deposition, oxidative stress, fibrosis and apoptosis were analyzed in the liver. Hepatic mRNA expression of fibrogenic and pro‐inflammatory cytokines was measured.

Results

FLS mice developed hepatic steatosis and slight fibrosis without obesity between 12 and 48 weeks of age. Conversely, FLS‐ob/ob mice developed severe steatosis at 12 weeks of age, and steatohepatitis with increased oxidative stress and advanced fibrosis between 24 and 36 weeks of age. At 48 weeks of age, some FLS‐ob/ob but not FLS mice, progressed to cirrhosis. Transforming growth factor‐β1, connective tissue growth factor and tumor necrosis factor‐α mRNA expression levels were greater in FLS‐ob/ob than FLS mice between 24 and 48 weeks of age. The number of apoptotic cells in the liver was greater at 12 weeks of age in FLS mice and at 48 weeks of age in FLS‐ob/ob mice.

Conclusion

FLS‐ob/ob mice developed more severe steatohepatitis with fibrosis than FLS mice, and had increased oxidative stress and apoptosis. These findings indicate that the FLS‐ob/ob mouse is a more useful model for steatohepatitis research.
Internal and External Quality Mapping as a New Approach to the Evaluation of Sensory Quality – a Case Study with Olive Oil
Authors: Delgado Claudia , Guinard Jean‐Xavier
Published: October 2012

The preference mapping approach was extended to the investigation of sensory quality in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), and this article describes a new methodology – internal and external quality mapping – which can be used to uncover and measure the positive and negative drivers of sensory quality as perceived by experts. A panel of 23 olive oil experts evaluated 22 EVOOs for the intensity of the sensory attributes in the International Olive Council scorecard on a 10‐cm scale, and then rated their overall sensory quality on a 100‐point scale. In parallel, a descriptive analysis panel rated the intensity of 22 sensory attributes. The quality ratings by the experts were analyzed by principal component analysis (e.g., internal quality mapping), and were then related to the descriptive analysis ratings using regression methods (e.g., external quality mapping). No significant segmentation was found in the quality ratings of the experts, indicating that the experts' concept of quality was homogeneous. Through a regression of the quality ratings into a factor analysis, biplots of the sensory attributes showed that ripe and green fruit, nutty, grassy, bitter and pungent flavors were positive drivers of quality for the experts, whereas rancidity and fustiness were negative drivers.

Practical Applications

Internal and external quality mapping is proposed as a validation tool for the assessment of sensory quality by experts. It uncovers potential segmentation among the experts and it identifies the sensory drivers of their concept of sensory quality.

Understanding how experts interpret quality in extra virgin olive oil will also be beneficial for producers and marketers because they often bridge between them and the consumers, similar to the wine industry, where experts play a fundamental role in guiding consumers' purchase decisions.
Willingness‐to‐Pay for a Nutraceutical‐Rich Juice Blend
Authors: Lawless Lydia J.R. , Nayga Rodolfo M. , Akaichi Faical , Meullenet Jean‐François , Threlfall Renee T. , Howard Luke R.
Published: October 2012

As human life expectancy increases, the potential for nutraceutical products expands. Economic theory and sensory science were integrated to determine (1) consumer acceptance of potential health statements about a juice blend and (2) the relative satisfaction consumers derived from sensory and nutraceutical characteristics of a juice blend. Four nonhypothetical experimental auction sessions with 11–12 consumers/session were held (n = 47) to elicit willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) for an optimized juice blend (87% Concord grape and 13% blackberry). Participants in two sessions tasted the product first and then received a potential health statement about the juice blend regarding positive benefits of anthocyanins before the third round (vice versa for the other two sessions). The WTP for the juice blend was higher when subjects tasted the product first and then received the potential health statement, which indicated a contrast effect caused by treatment order. Agreement with the potential health statement was not correlated to WTP. Nutraceutical product launch should be accompanied with in‐store taste sessions to introduce consumers to product sensory properties.

Practical Applications

Consumers' willingness‐to‐pay for nutraceuticals can be assessed through nonhypothetical experimental auctions. Nonhypothetical value elicitation methods use real money and products to advantageously eliminate hypothetical bias. Experimental auctions allow product attributes such as nutraceutical status to be assessed along with sensory characteristics; hence, auctions can more easily capture all product aspects that contribute to consumer liking. Understanding how consumers value all attributes can provide crucial information about a product's marketplace sustainability.
LuxU connects quorum sensing to biofilm formation in Vibrio fischeri
Authors: Ray Valerie A. , Visick Karen L.
Published: October 2012

Biofilm formation by Vibrio fischeri is a complex process involving multiple regulators, including the sensor kinase (SK) RscS and the response regulator (RR) SypG, which control the symbiosis polysaccharide (syp) locus. To identify other regulators of biofilm formation in V. fischeri, we screened a transposon library for mutants defective in wrinkled colony formation. We identified LuxQ as a positive regulator of syp‐dependent biofilm formation. LuxQ is a member of the Lux phosphorelay and is predicted to control bioluminescence in concert with the SK AinR, the phosphotransferase LuxU and the RR LuxO. Of these, LuxU was the only other regulator that exerted a substantial impact on biofilm formation. We propose a model in which the Lux pathway branches at LuxU to control both bioluminescence and biofilm formation. Furthermore, our evidence suggests that LuxU functions to regulate syp transcription, likely by controlling SypG activity. Finally, we found that, in contrast to its predicted function, the SK AinR has little impact on bioluminescence under our conditions. Thus, this study reveals a novel connection between the Lux and Syp pathways in V. fischeri, and furthers our understanding of how the Lux pathway regulates bioluminescence in this organism.
Identification of three novel HLA‐DQA1 alleles: DQA1*01:08, DQA1*01:09 and DQA1*03:03:02
Authors: Yan H. , Dong X. S. , Li J. , An P. , Zhao L. , Liu X. J. , Han F.
Published: October 2012

Three novel alleles DQA1*01:08, 01:09 and 03:03:02 are described. All are single‐nucleotide substitutions.
HIV-1 Antisense Transcription Is Preferentially Activated in Primary Monocyte-Derived Cells
Authors: Laverdure Sylvain , Gross Antoine , Arpin-André Charlotte , Clerc Isabelle , Beaumelle Bruno , Barbeau Benoit , Mesnard Jean-Michel
Published: October 2012

In this study, an antisense luciferase-expressing human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) molecular clone was used to infect primary cells. We found that antisense transcription activity from the 3′ long terminal repeat (LTR) was significantly more abundant in monocyte-derived cells than in activated T lymphocytes. Moreover, by analyzing antisense transcription in infected monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs), we observed that the majority of HIV-1-infected MDDCs with significant antisense transcription activity did not produce Gag. We also confirmed that the negative-strand-encoded antisense protein (ASP) was expressed in monocyte-derived cells.
Utilization of Sialylated Glycans as Coreceptors Enhances the Neurovirulence of Serotype 3 Reovirus
Authors: Frierson Johnna M. , Pruijssers Andrea J. , Konopka Jennifer L. , Reiter Dirk M. , Abel Ty W. , Stehle Thilo , Dermody Terence S.
Published: October 2012

Mammalian reoviruses display serotype-specific patterns of tropism and disease in the murine central nervous system (CNS) attributable to polymorphisms in viral attachment protein σ1. While all reovirus serotypes use junctional adhesion molecule-A as a cellular receptor, they differ in their utilization of carbohydrate coreceptors. This observation raises the possibility that carbohydrate binding by σ1 influences reovirus pathology in the CNS. In this study, we sought to define the function of carbohydrate binding in reovirus neuropathogenesis. Newborn mice were inoculated intramuscularly with wild-type strain type 3 Dearing (T3D) and T3D-σ1R202W, a point mutant T3D derivative that does not bind sialic acid (SA). Infected mice were monitored for survival, and viral loads at the sites of primary and secondary replication were quantified. Fewer mice inoculated with the wild-type virus survived in comparison to those inoculated with the mutant virus. The wild-type virus also produced higher titers in the spinal cord and brain at late times postinoculation but lower titers in the liver in comparison to those produced by the mutant virus. In addition, the wild-type virus was more virulent and produced higher titers in the brain than the mutant following intracranial inoculation. These animal infectivity studies suggest that T3D-σ1R202W harbors a defect in neural growth. Concordantly, compared with the wild-type virus, the mutant virus displayed a decreased capacity to infect and replicate in primary cultures of cortical neurons, a property dependent on cell surface SA. These results suggest that SA binding enhances the kinetics of reovirus replication in neural tissues and highlight a functional role for sialylated glycans as reovirus coreceptors in the CNS.
Fluorescencein situhybridisation analysis of bone marrow trephine biopsy specimens; an additional tool in the diagnostic armoury
Authors: Neat Michael J , Moonim Mufaddal T , Dunn Robert G , Geoghegan Helen , Foot Nicola J
Published: October 2012

Fluorescencein situhybridisation (FISH) analysis is now widely employed in the diagnosis and risk stratification of a wide range of malignant diseases. While this technique is used successfully with formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) sections from numerous tissue types, FISH analysis of FFPE tissue sections from trephine biopsy specimens has been less widely reported, possibly due to technical limitations relating to the decalcification protocols employed. During the last 4 years FISH analysis has been carried out successfully in 42 out of 55 (76%) consecutive trephine biopsy specimens received as part of the standard diagnostic service at our institution. Samples decalcified using EDTA-based protocols were analysed successfully in 31/31 cases (100%), whereas only 11/24 samples (46%) decalcified using formic acid-based protocols were successful. In our experience, FISH analysis of trephine biopsy specimens is a highly reproducible technique and a very useful adjunctive tool in the diagnostic armoury; however, its use in a standard diagnostic setting relies on the use of EDTA-based decalcification protocols.
Risk factors and pregnancy outcomes in women with syphilis diagnosed using a molecular approach
Authors: Casal Charliana , Araújo Eliete da Cunha , Corvelo Tereza Cristina de Oliveira
Published: October 2012

Objectives

To investigate the risk factors for infection and the outcome of pregnancy in women diagnosed with syphilis using a molecular approach.

Methods

Case-control study of pregnant women admitted to a maternity ward, with the cases classified as early or latent maternal syphilis, based on clinical-serological diagnoses. The DNA of total peripheral blood was used to detect thepolAgene using nested PCR (nPCR). The case and control groups were divided into subgroups based on whether the birth was successful (infant survived) or had a lethal outcome (miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death).

Results

The frequency of maternal syphilis was 1% (237/25 600), considering both those that had live births (71.3%, 169/237) and those with a lethal outcome (28.7%, 68/237), with a higher detection rate being provided by the nPCR in women with early syphilis. The cases of nPCR(+) congenital syphilis were more frequent in the women with early syphilis, nPCR(+) mothers and those who did not have treatment during the prenatal. The risk of maternal syphilis was greater in women who had not received preventive counselling, initiated sexual activity at 16 years of age or younger, had multiple partners, used drugs, were from households with a low income and poor sanitation, and had a history of miscarriage.

Conclusions

The risk factors for congenital syphilis are closely related to the health of the mother, reflecting the lack of adequate prenatal care. The high frequency of maternal syphilis was associated in particular to the socio-economic conditions of the mother and her sexual and reproductive health.
SHAPE RECTANGULARITY MEASURES
Authors: ŽUNIĆ DRAGIŠA , MARTINEZ-ORTIZ CARLOS , ŽUNIĆ JOVIŠA
Published: October 2012

This paper introduces a family of rectangularity measures. The measures depend on two parameters which enable their flexibility, i.e. the possibility to adapt with respect to a concrete application. Several rectangularity measures exist in the literature, and they are designed to evaluate numerically how much the shape considered differs from a perfect rectangle. None of these measures distinguishes rectangles whose edge ratios differ, i.e. they assume that all rectangles (including squares) have the same shape. Such property can be a disadvantage in applications. In this paper, we consider differently elongated rectangles to have different shapes, and propose a family of new rectangularity measures which assigns different values to rectangles whose edge ratios differ. The new rectangularity measures are invariant with respect to translation, rotation and scaling transformations. They range over the interval ]0, 1] and attain the value 1 only for perfect rectangles with a desired edge ratio.
Ambient Electronics
Authors: Sekitani Tsuyoshi , Someya Takao
Published: October 2012

We report the recent research progress and future prospects of flexible and printed electronics, focusing on molecular electronic material-based thin-film transistors, which are expected to usher in a new era of electronics.
Mechanism behind Improved Apparent Field-Effect Mobility in Pentacene Thin-Film Transistors with Thin Molybdenum Trioxide Layer
Authors: Minagawa Masahiro , Sato Yasuo , Takahashi Akira , Baba Akira , Shinbo Kazunari , Kato Keizo , Kaneko Futao
Published: October 2012

Insertion of a thin layer of the Lewis acid molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) improves the apparent mobility of charge carriers in organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). In order to identify the dominant mechanism responsible for this, we characterized devices having a bottom pentacene (70-z nm)/MoO3 (1 nm)/top pentacene (z nm) structure and those having pentacene (69 nm)/MoO3 (1 nm) only under the gold source and drain electrodes. The former devices exhibited large drain currents (I
DS) and mobilities, regardless of the z value. Moreover, the latter devices exhibited comparable I
DS and mobilities to those of conventional pentacene OFETs, suggesting that the formation of CT complexes just above the conduction channel is the critical mechanism. Carriers generated by dissociation of CT complexes at the pentacene/MoO3 interface contribute to the formation of an effective channel and the apparent mobility.