bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of histone binding by supramolecular hosts
Authors: Allen Hillary F. , Daze Kevin D. , Shimbo Takashi , Lai Anne , Musselman Catherine A. , Sims Jennifer K. , Wade Paul A. , Hof Fraser , Kutateladze Tatiana G.
Published: March 2014

The tandem PHD (plant homeodomain) fingers of the CHD4 (chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 4) ATPase are epigenetic readers that bind either unmodified histone H3 tails or H3K9me3 (histone H3 trimethylated at Lys9). This dual function is necessary for the transcriptional and chromatin remodelling activities of the NuRD (nucleosome remodelling and deacetylase) complex. In the present paper, we show that calixarene-based supramolecular hosts disrupt binding of the CHD4 PHD2 finger to H3K9me3, but do not affect the interaction of this protein with the H3K9me0 (unmodified histone H3) tail. A similar inhibitory effect, observed for the association of chromodomain of HP1γ (heterochromatin protein 1γ) with H3K9me3, points to a general mechanism of methyl-lysine caging by calixarenes and suggests a high potential for these compounds in biochemical applications. Immunofluorescence analysis reveals that the supramolecular agents induce changes in chromatin organization that are consistent with their binding to and disruption of H3K9me3 sites in living cells. The results of the present study suggest that the aromatic macrocyclic hosts can be used as a powerful new tool for characterizing methylation-driven epigenetic mechanisms.
Network‐coded rateless coding scheme in erasure multiple‐access relay enable communications
Authors: Gu Shushi , Jiao Jian , Zhang Qinyu , Yang Zhihua , Xiang Wei , Cao Bin
Published: March 2014

This study proposes a novel adaptive network‐coded rateless coding scheme for an erasure multiple‐access relay system with two distributed sources and an asymmetric network topology. To increase transmission efficiency, a two‐dimensional degree distribution, as part of network‐coded relay protocol, is designed based on the AND–OR tree analysis technique. The degree distributions of rateless coding at the sources and network coding at the relay are optimised by the linear programming approach under asymmetric channel conditions. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme outperforms existing classical relay protocols under time‐varying channel conditions, and achieves a significantly better performance.
Optimal distributed generation placement under uncertainties based on point estimate method embedded genetic algorithm
Authors: Evangelopoulos Vasileios A. , Georgilakis Pavlos S.
Published: March 2014

The scope of this study is the optimal siting and sizing of distributed generation within a power distribution network considering uncertainties. A probabilistic power flow (PPF)‐embedded genetic algorithm (GA)‐based approach is proposed in order to solve the optimisation problem that is modelled mathematically under a chance constrained programming framework. Point estimate method (PEM) is proposed for the solution of the involved PPF problem. The uncertainties considered include: (i) the future load growth in the power distribution system, (ii) the wind generation, (iii) the output power of photovoltaics, (iv) the fuel costs and (v) the electricity prices. Based on some candidate schemes of different distributed generation types and sizes, placed on specific candidate buses of the network, GA is applied in order to find the optimal plan. The proposed GA with embedded PEM (GA–PEM) is applied on the IEEE 33‐bus network by considering several scenarios and is compared with the method of GA with embedded Monte Carlo simulation (GA–MCS). The main conclusions of this comparison are: (i) the proposed GA–PEM is seven times faster than GA–MCS, and (ii) both methods provide almost identical results.
Thermophysical Properties of Fluids. II. Methane, Ethane, Propane, Isobutane, and Normal Butane
Authors: Younglove B. A. , Ely J. F.
Published: March 2014

Tables of methane, ethane, propane, isobutane, and normal butane thermodynamic and transport properties are presented. The mathematical relations from which these thermophysical properties are obtained are described. The tables list pressure, density, temperature, internal energy, enthalpy, entropy, specific heat at constant pressure and at constant volume, sound speed, viscosity, thermal conductivity, and dielectric constant.
International Equations for the Saturation Properties of Ordinary Water Substance
Authors: Saul A. , Wagner W.
Published: March 2014

Consistent with the latest experimental data and the recent internationally recommended values for the critical parameters, we have developed compact and accurate representative equations for the following properties on the saturation line of ordinary (light) water substance: vapor pressure, density, enthalpy and entropy of both the saturated liquid and the saturated vapor. These equations form the basis of a ‘‘Supplementary Release on Saturation Properties of Ordinary Water Substance’’ issued by the International Association for the Properties of Steam (IAPS).
Viscosity and Thermal Conductivity of Nitrogen for a Wide Range of Fluid States
Authors: Stephan K. , Krauss R. , Laesecke A.
Published: March 2014

The viscosity and the thermal conductivity of fluid nitrogen were critically evaluated and correlated on the basis of a comprehensive literature survey. Recommended values were generated in a temperature range from 70 to 1100 K and pressures up to 100 MPa using the residual concept. To retain consistency with the IUPAC Thermodynamic Tables, the same thermodynamic key data were used. Additionally, a so-called transport equation of state was established that makes it possible to achieve a unified representation of the viscosity and thermal conductivity in terms of pressure and temperature.
Challenges of providing HIV care in general practice
Authors: Newman Christy E. , de Wit John B. F. , Crooks Levinia , Reynolds Robert H. , Canavan Peter G. , Kidd Michael R.
Published: March 2014

As the management of HIV changes and demand for HIV health services in primary care settings increases, new approaches to engaging the general practice workforce with HIV medicine are required. This paper reports on qualitative research conducted with 47 clinicians who provide HIV care in general practice settings around Australia, including accredited HIV s100 prescribers as well as other GPs and general practice nurses. Balanced numbers of men and women took part; less than one-quarter were based outside of urban metropolitan settings. The most significant workforce challenges that participants said they faced in providing HIV care in general practice were keeping up with knowledge, navigating low caseload and regional issues, balancing quality care with cost factors, and addressing the persistent social stigma associated with HIV. Strategic responses developed by participants to address these challenges included thinking more creatively about business and caseload planning, pursuing opportunities to share care with specialist clinicians, and challenging prejudiced attitudes amongst patients and colleagues. Understanding and supporting the needs of the general practice workforce in both high and low HIV caseload settings will be essential in ensuring Australia has the capacity to respond to emerging priorities in HIV prevention and care.
The idea of southern Africa in the humanities and social science disciplines
Authors: Ndhlovu Finex , Siziba Liqhwa
Published: March 2014

The role of the academy in the manufacture of individual and group identities remains least understood from theoretical and empirical perspectives. The legitimation and consumption of such identity discourses (by both academic practitioners and the general public) have also been inadequately theorised. What is well known and heavily theorised is the subject of how disciplines have created their own identities but the consequence of such disciplinary identity formations remains a grey area that still requires systematic theorisation. Drawing on a selection of humanities and social science disciplines, their academic associations, journals and journal articles bearing the name ‘southern Africa’ as its data set, this paper provides a critical discourse analysis of how these fields of study have shaped the idea of southern Africa. The overall intention here is not to flag which discipline provides the best definition and understanding of southern Africa. Rather, the overarching argument is this: in the course of pursuing their individual disciplinary interests, the different strands of the humanities and social sciences have inadvertently invented and sustained competing and contested southern African identities that are inconsistent with the dynamic and fluid nature of the everyday lived experiences of the peoples whose region they purport to describe and represent in academic circles.
The African Union and the promotion of democracy and good political governance under the African Peer-Review Mechanism: 10 years on
Authors: Mangu André Mbata
Published: March 2014

In May 2013, the African Union (AU) commemorated both the 50th anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity and the 10th anniversary of the African Peer-Review Mechanism (APRM). Democracy and good political governance features prominently in the AU Constitutive Act and constitute the first thematic area under the APRM. The AU adopted several other instruments aimed at promoting democracy and good political governance among its member states. These include the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (APRM) base document, its Declaration on Democracy, Political, Economic and Corporate Governance which governs the APRM, the African Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption, and the African Charter for Democracy, Elections and Governance. As Africa celebrates a decade of both the AU and the APRM, this article revisits democracy and good political governance from an African legal and political perspective. It also assesses AU Member States’ compliance with the APRM and their achievements on the road to democracy and good political governance. It finally looks at the challenges and prospects for democracy and good political governance on a continent that has suffered several decades of authoritarianism and mal governance.
Stimulus Type and the List Strength Paradigm
Authors: Osth Adam F. , Dennis Simon , Kinnell Angela
Published: March 2014

In recognition memory, increasing the strength of studied items does not reduce performance on other items, an effect dubbed the null list strength effect (LSE). While this finding has been replicated many times, it has rarely been tested using stimuli other than single words. Kinnell and Dennis (2012) recently tested for the presence of list length effects using non-word stimulus classes while controlling for the confounds that are present in list length designs. Small list length effects were found for fractal and face images. We adopted the same paradigm and stimuli used by Kinnell and Dennis to test whether these stimuli would be susceptible to list strength effects as well. We found significant LSEs for fractal images, but null LSEs for face images and natural scene photographs. Stimuli other than words do appear to be susceptible to list strength effects, but these effects are small and restricted to particular stimulus classes, as is the case in list length designs. Models of memory may be able to address differences between these stimulus classes by attributing differences in representational overlap between the stimulus classes.
Munc18-1 redistributes in nerve terminals in an activity- and PKC-dependent manner
Authors: Cijsouw Tony , Weber Jens P. , Broeke Jurjen H. , Broek Jantine A.C. , Schut Desiree , Kroon Tim , Saarloos Ingrid , Verhage Matthijs , Toonen Ruud F.
Published: March 2014

Munc18-1 is a soluble protein essential for synaptic transmission. To investigate the dynamics of endogenous Munc18-1 in neurons, we created a mouse model expressing fluorescently tagged Munc18-1 from the endogenous munc18-1 locus. We show using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching in hippocampal neurons that the majority of Munc18-1 trafficked through axons and targeted to synapses via lateral diffusion together with syntaxin-1. Munc18-1 was strongly expressed at presynaptic terminals, with individual synapses showing a large variation in expression. Axon–synapse exchange rates of Munc18-1 were high: during stimulation, Munc18-1 rapidly dispersed from synapses and reclustered within minutes. Munc18-1 reclustering was independent of syntaxin-1, but required calcium influx and protein kinase C (PKC) activity. Importantly, a PKC-insensitive Munc18-1 mutant did not recluster. We show that synaptic Munc18-1 levels correlate with synaptic strength, and that synapses that recruit more Munc18-1 after stimulation have a larger releasable vesicle pool. Hence, PKC-dependent dynamic control of Munc18-1 levels enables individual synapses to tune their output during periods of activity.
Mechanosignaling between central apparatus and radial spokes controls axonemal dynein activity
Authors: Oda Toshiyuki , Yanagisawa Haruaki , Yagi Toshiki , Kikkawa Masahide
Published: March 2014

Cilia/flagella are conserved organelles that generate fluid flow in eukaryotes. The bending motion of flagella requires concerted activity of dynein motors. Although it has been reported that the central pair apparatus (CP) and radial spokes (RSs) are important for flagellar motility, the molecular mechanism underlying CP- and RS-mediated dynein regulation has not been identified. In this paper, we identified nonspecific intermolecular collision between CP and RS as one of the regulatory mechanisms for flagellar motility. By combining cryoelectron tomography and motility analyses of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii flagella, we show that binding of streptavidin to RS heads paralyzed flagella. Moreover, the motility defect in a CP projection mutant could be rescued by the addition of exogenous protein tags on RS heads. Genetic experiments demonstrated that outer dynein arms are the major downstream effectors of CP- and RS-mediated regulation of flagellar motility. These results suggest that mechanosignaling between CP and RS regulates dynein activity in eukaryotic flagella.
The Frobenius functor and injective modules
Authors: Marley Thomas
Published: March 2014

We investigate commutative Noetherian rings of prime characteristic such that the Frobenius functor applied to any injective module is again injective. We characterize the class of one-dimensional local rings with this property and show that it includes all one-dimensional

F
F

-pure rings. We also give a characterization of Gorenstein local rings in terms of

T
o
r

i
R

(

R

f

,
E
)

\mathrm {Tor}_i^R(R^{f},E)

, where

E
E

is the injective hull of the residue field and

R

f

R^{f}

is the ring

R
R

whose right

R
R

-module action is given by the Frobenius map.
Obesity-induced Hyperleptinemia Improves Survival and Immune Response in a Murine Model of Sepsis
Authors: Siegl Daniel , Annecke Thorsten , Johnson Bobby L. , Schlag Christian , Martignoni Andre , Huber Nadine , Conzen Peter , Caldwell Charles C. , Tschöp Johannes
Published: March 2014

Background:

Obesity is a growing health problem and associated with immune dysfunction. Sepsis is defined as systemic inflammatory response syndrome that occurs during infection. Excessive inflammation combined with immune dysfunction can lead to multiorgan damage and death.

Methods:

The authors investigated the influence of a class 1 obesity (body mass index between 30 and 34.9) on immune function and outcome in sepsis and the role of leptin on the immune response. The authors used a long-term high-fat-diet feeding model (12 weeks) on C57Bl/6 mice (n = 100) and controls on standard diet (n = 140) followed by a polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture.

Results:

The authors show that class 1 obesity is connected to significant higher serum leptin levels (data are mean ± SEM) (5.7 ± 1.2 vs. 2.7 ± 0.2 ng/ml; n = 5; P = 0.033) and improved innate immune response followed by significant better survival rate in sepsis (71.4%, n = 10 vs. 10%, n = 14; P < 0.0001). Additional sepsis-induced increases in leptin levels stabilize body temperature and are associated with a controlled immune response in a time-dependent and protective manner. Furthermore, leptin treatment of normal-weight septic mice with relative hypoleptinemia (n = 35) also significantly stabilizes body temperature, improves cellular immune response, and reduces proinflammatory cytokine response resulting in improved survival (30%; n = 10).

Conclusions:

Relative hyperleptinemia of class 1 obesity or induced by treatment is protective in sepsis. Leptin seems to play a regulatory role in the immune system in sepsis, and treatment of relative hypoleptinemia could offer a new way of an individual sepsis therapy.
Intra- and Interrater Reliability of Ultrasound Assessment of Gastric Volume
Authors: Kruisselbrink Richelle , Arzola Cristian , Endersby Ryan , Tse Cyrus , Chan Vincent , Perlas Anahi
Published: March 2014

Background:

Gastric sonography can provide information about gastric content and volume that can help determine aspiration risk at the bedside. The primary objective of this study is to assess the intrarater and interrater reliability of a previously validated method of gastric volume assessment based on gastric antral area. The secondary objective is to evaluate the agreement between two different methods to measure gastric antral area.

Methods:

Three independent raters performed a standardized gastric ultrasound assessment in healthy subjects who had been randomly allocated to ingest a predetermined volume of clear fluid (apple juice) from 0 to 400 ml. Each rater measured the gastric antral area, using twice the two-diameter method and twice the free-tracing method. The rater order was allocated at random and raters were unaware of the volume ingested and of one-another’s measurements. The Guidelines for Reporting Reliability and Agreement Studies were followed for conducting and reporting this study.

Results:

Twenty-two volunteers were studied. Ultrasound assessment of antral cross-sectional area and volume was found to have “nearly perfect” intrarater and interrater reliability (correlation coefficient >0.8) with maximum differences within 13%. A Bland–Altman analysis suggests that the free-tracing method and the two-diameter method are essentially equivalent, within a clinically acceptable level of agreement.

Conclusions:

Ultrasound assessment of gastric volume by clinical anesthesiologists is highly reproducible with high intrarater and interrater reliability. The free-tracing method to measure antral cross-sectional area is equivalent to the two-diameter method.
Allopurinol
Authors: Ihekweazu Faith D. , Kellermayer Richard
Published: March 2014

Thiopurines are used as a maintenance therapy in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). For some patients the metabolism of thiopurines is unfavorable, leading to increased adverse effects, including hepatotoxicity. There are many reports in the adult literature concerning the manipulation of thiopurine metabolism with allopurinol; however, there is only 1 publication in this respect for pediatric UC. We present 3 pediatric cases of UC wherein the combination of allopurinol and low‐dose 6‐mercaptopurine allowed for shunting of thiopurine metabolites to a more favorable pattern. This intervention supported clinical remission in all, including one case poorly responsive to infliximab.
Effects of 70% Ethanol Locks on Rates of Central Line Infection, Thrombosis, Breakage, and Replacement in Pediatric Intestinal Failure
Authors: Abu‐El‐Haija Maisam , Schultz Jonathan , Rahhal Riad M.
Published: March 2014

Objectives:

Parenteral nutrition is essential for the growth and nutrition of patients with intestinal failure (IF). Catheter‐related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) are a major complication of parenteral nutrition use. Few retrospective studies have shown that 70% ethanol lock (ETL) therapy for central lines can reduce the infection rate. Studies assessing line breakage, thrombosis, and replacement with the use of ETL are lacking in the pediatric literature.

Methods:

The present study is a retrospective chart review, with a primary outcome of CRBSI rate per 1000 catheter days, and secondary outcomes of line thrombosis, line breakage requiring repair, and line replacement rates with use of ETL compared with heparin locks. Rates were compared using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test for paired nonparametric data.

Results:

Seven patients satisfied the inclusion criteria that included having a single‐lumen silicone central line exposed to both heparin and ETL therapy during the study period. There was a statistically significant decrease in overall and Gram‐negative CRBSI rates per 1000 catheter days with a use of ETL therapy (10.3–1.4 per 1000 catheter days for overall CRBSIs, P = 0.02; 6.7–0 per 1000 catheter days for Gram‐negative CRBSI, P = 0.03). There was an increasing trend in line thrombosis and repair rates with ETL therapy. Logistic regression analysis evaluating the impact of line luminal size on line repair rate showed a reduced risk of line repair when using larger‐diameter central lines.

Conclusions:

ETL therapy is an effective method for decreasing CRBSI in patients with IF; however, it may have a negative impact on line integrity. Patients should be carefully selected when deciding on ETL therapy use for central line care. Studies are needed on the effect of different ethanol concentrations on infection rate and line integrity to optimize the outcome in this high‐risk population.
A temporal requirement for Hippo signaling in mammary gland differentiation, growth, and tumorigenesis
Authors: Chen Qian , Zhang Nailing , Gray Ryan S. , Li Huili , Ewald Andrew J. , Zahnow Cynthia A. , Pan Duojia
Published: March 2014

Despite recent progress, the physiological role of Hippo signaling in mammary gland development and tumorigenesis remains poorly understood. Here we show that the Hippo pathway is functionally dispensable in virgin mammary glands but specifically required during pregnancy. In contrast to many other tissues, hyperactivation of YAP in mammary epithelia does not induce hyperplasia but leads to defects in terminal differentiation. Interestingly, loss of YAP causes no obvious defects in virgin mammary glands but potently suppresses oncogene-induced mammary tumors. The selective requirement for YAP in oncogenic growth highlights the potential of YAP inhibitors as molecular targeted therapies against breast cancers.
Measurement of Intracellular Ca2+ Release in Intact Cells Using 45Ca2+
Authors: Luyten Tomas , Bultynck Geert , Parys Jan B. , De Smedt Humbert , Missiaen Ludwig
Published: March 2014

This protocol describes a technique using 45Ca2+ to measure the release of Ca2+ from the intracellular stores in monolayers of intact cells cultured in 12-well 4-cm2 clusters. The 45Ca2+-flux technique described here can only be applied to cell types that adhere to plastic. We describe the loading of the stores with 45Ca2+, and the subsequent 45Ca2+ efflux.
Calcium Imaging in the Intact Olfactory System of Zebrafish and Mouse
Authors: Friedrich Rainer W.
Published: March 2014

Odors are first detected by olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) and evoke stimulus-specific patterns of activation across the input channels of the olfactory bulb (OB), the glomeruli. The output of the OB consists of spatiotemporal activity patterns across mitral/tufted cells that are conveyed to multiple pallial and subpallial target areas. In the main olfactory system of vertebrates, as well as in the olfactory system of insects, odor information is encoded by distributed patterns of activity across a large number of glomeruli or neurons. Ca2+ imaging has therefore become an important approach used to analyse the encoding and processing of olfactory information by populations of glomeruli or neurons. Experiments in the intact olfactory system are important to maintain the integrity of the system, to analyse activity patterns evoked by natural odors, and to examine the influence of active sampling strategies, such as sniffing in mammals. This protocol focuses on how to visualize glomerular Ca2+ signals after loading a dextran-coupled Ca2+ indicator into OSNs. Separate procedures are described for zebrafish and mice.
Evaluation of Cancer Immunity in Mice
Authors: Disis Mary L. , Palucka Karolina
Published: March 2014

There have been significant advances in the development and application of novel therapeutic approaches and improved diagnostics for cancer in the past decade. Manipulation and/or assessment of cancer-specific immunity have been central to these advances. Murine models are a standard for the preclinical development of cancer immunotherapeutics. However, critical advances in our understanding of the role of the immune microenvironment and the assessment of cancer-specific immunity have not been fully applied to rodent models. Methods to preserve the function of immune cells after cryopreservation and standard approaches to quantitative immune assays have not been developed. Furthermore, a detailed evaluation of the immune tumor environment, which can impact a clinical response to different agents, is rarely undertaken as models are being contemplated. Rapid translation of immunoncology agents to the clinic will require standardization of immunologic assay methods and a more detailed immunologic characterization of common mouse models. Outlined here are the critical elements in assessing immunity in cancer mouse models and suggestions concerning the standardization of approaches when using these models for the study of immunoncology.
Colonization of Cimex lectularius with Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Barbarin Alexis M. , Hu Baofeng , Nachamkin Irving , Levy Michael Z.
Published: March 2014

A recent paper published by Lowe and Romney in Emerging Infectious Diseases titled, Bed bugs as Vectors for Drug‐Resistant Bacteria has sparked a renewed interest in bed bug vector potential. We followed a pyrethroid resistant strain of the human bed bug (Cimex lectularius, L.) fed either human blood or human blood with added methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) for 9 days post‐feeding. Results indicated that while the bed bug midgut is a hospitable environment for MRSA, the bacteria does not survive longer than 9 days within the midgut. Additionally, MRSA is not amplified within the midgut of the bug as the infection was cleared within 9 days. Due to the weekly feeding behaviours of bed bugs, these results suggest that bed bug transmission of MRSA is highly unlikely.
The genome of Syntrophorhabdus aromaticivorans strain UI provides new insights for syntrophic aromatic compound metabolism and electron flow
Authors: Nobu Masaru K. , Narihiro Takashi , Hideyuki Tamaki , Qiu Yan‐Ling , Sekiguchi Yuji , Woyke Tanja , Goodwin Lynne , Davenport Karen W. , Kamagata Yoichi , Liu Wen‐Tso
Published: March 2014

How aromatic compounds are degraded in various anaerobic ecosystems (e.g. groundwater, sediments, soils and wastewater) is currently poorly understood. Under methanogenic conditions (i.e. groundwater and wastewater treatment), syntrophic metabolizers are known to play an important role. This study explored the draft genome of Syntrophorhabdus aromaticivorans strain UI and identified the first syntrophic phenol‐degrading phenylphosphate synthase (PpsAB) and phenylphosphate carboxylase (PpcABCD) and syntrophic terephthalate‐degrading decarboxylase complexes. The strain UI genome also encodes benzoate degradation through hydration of the dienoyl‐coenzyme A intermediate as observed in Geobacter metallireducens and Syntrophus aciditrophicus. Strain UI possesses electron transfer flavoproteins, hydrogenases and formate dehydrogenases essential for syntrophic metabolism. However, the biochemical mechanisms for electron transport between these H2/formate‐generating proteins and syntrophic substrate degradation remain unknown for many syntrophic metabolizers, including strain UI. Analysis of the strain UI genome revealed that heterodisulfide reductases (HdrABC), which are poorly understood electron transfer genes, may contribute to syntrophic H2 and formate generation. The genome analysis further identified a putative ion‐translocating ferredoxin : NADH oxidoreductase (IfoAB) that may interact with HdrABC and dissimilatory sulfite reductase gamma subunit (DsrC) to perform novel electron transfer mechanisms associated with syntrophic metabolism.
‘Factual causation’ and ‘scope of liability’: What's the difference?
Authors: Hamer David
Published: March 2014

According to a dominant view, for the negligent defendant to be held liable for the plaintiff's harm the plaintiff must establish first, that the breach was the ‘factual cause’ of the harm, and second, that the harm is within the ‘scope of liability’. On this view, factual causation is purely factual, while scope of liability is normative and non‐causal. This article accepts the basic two‐step approach, but argues that the distinction is overstated. A close analysis of the principles shows that factual causation may require value judgment, and that scope of liability often involves an assessment of the strength and nature of the causal connection between breach and harm.
Hospital Wet Mount Examination for the Presence of Sperm in Sexual Assault Cases is of Questionable Value
Authors: Cavness Shannon , Choudhury Asha , Sensabaugh George
Published: March 2014

Many protocols for the examination of sexual assault victims include the preparation of vaginal wet mount slides to determine whether sperm are present and if so, whether the sperm are motile. We have reviewed findings in 501 case reports to compare the efficiency of sperm detection on wet mounts to subsequent crime laboratory results of sperm searches on vaginal swabs. Sperm were detected on wet mounts in only 41% of cases in which sperm were detected in the crime laboratory. Motile sperm were observed in only 12% of cases reporting a 0–9 h postcoital interval; in three cases, motile sperm were seen at 15 h and beyond, indicating that motile sperm are not reliable evidence of a short postcoital interval. These findings demonstrate that wet mount examinations are of little value in guiding subsequent analyses in the crime laboratory or in corroborating other investigative aspects of the case.
Use of Hair Testing to Determine Methadone Exposure in Pediatric Deaths
Authors: Tournel Gilles , Pollard Jocelyn , Humbert Luc , Wiart Jean‐François , Hédouin Valéry , Allorge Delphine
Published: March 2014

A case of death attributed to methadone acute poisoning in an infant aged 11 months is reported. A sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) was suspected, whereas a traumatic cause of death was excluded regarding autopsy findings. Specimens were submitted to a large toxicological analysis, which included ethanol measurement by HS‐GC‐FID, a targeted screening for drugs of abuse and various prescription drug classes followed by quantification using UPLC‐MS/MS methods. Methadone and its metabolite (EDDP) were detected in all the tested fluids, as well as in hair, with a blood concentration of methadone considered as lethal for children (73 ng/mL). The cause of death was determined to be acute “methadone poisoning”, and the manner of death was “accidental”. A discussion of the case circumstances, the difficulties with the interpretation of toxicological findings in children (blood concentration and hair testing), and the origin of exposure are discussed.
Traumatic Brain Injury among Indiana State Prisoners
Authors: Ray Bradley , Sapp Dona , Kincaid Ashley
Published: March 2014

Research on traumatic brain injury among inmates has focused on comparing the rate of traumatic brain injury among offenders to the general population, but also how best to screen for traumatic brain injury among this population. This study administered the short version of the Ohio State University Traumatic Brain Injury Identification Method to all male inmates admitted into Indiana state prisons were screened for a month (N = 831). Results indicate that 35.7% of the inmates reported experiencing a traumatic brain injury during their lifetime and that these inmates were more likely to have a psychiatric disorder and a prior period of incarceration than those without. Logistic regression analysis finds that a traumatic brain injury predicts the likelihood of prior incarceration net of age, race, education, and psychiatric disorder. This study suggests that brief instruments can be successfully implemented into prison screenings to help divert inmates into needed treatment.
Expression pattern analysis of odorant‐binding proteins in the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum
Authors: De Biasio Filomena , Riviello Lea , Bruno Daniele , Grimaldi Annalisa , Congiu Terenzio , Sun Yu Feng , Falabella Patrizia
Published: March 2014

Odorant‐binding proteins (OBPs) are soluble proteins mediating chemoreception in insects. In previous research, we investigated the molecular mechanisms adopted by aphids to detect the alarm pheromone (E)‐β‐farnesene and we found that the recognition of this and structurally related molecules is mediated by OBP3 and OBP7. Here, we show the differential expression patterns of 5 selected OBPs (OBP1, OBP3, OBP6, OBP7, OBP8) obtained performing quantitative RT‐PCR and immunolocalization experiments in different body parts of adults and in the 5 developmental instars, including winged and unwinged morphs, of the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum. The results provide an overall picture that allows us to speculate on the relationship between the differential expression of OBPs and their putative function. The expression of OBP3, OBP6, and OBP7 in the antennal sensilla suggests a chemosensory function for these proteins, whereas the constant expression level of OBP8 in all instars could suggest a conserved role. Moreover, OBP1 and OBP3 are also expressed in nonsensory organs. A light and scanning electron microscopy study of sensilla on different body parts of aphid, in particular antennae, legs, mouthparts, and cornicles‐cauda, completes this research providing a guide to facilitate the mapping of OBP expression profiles.
Workplace bullying as an antecedent to job insecurity and intention to leave: a 6‐month prospective study
Authors: Glambek Mats , Matthiesen Stig Berge , Hetland Jørn , Einarsen Ståle
Published: March 2014

Workplace bullying is a severe problem in contemporary working life, affecting up to 15 per cent of employees. Among the detrimental outcomes of bullying, it is even postulated as a major risk factor for exclusion from work. In support of this claim, the current study demonstrates that exposure to bullying behaviour predicts an increase in both levels of job insecurity and intention to leave over a 6‐month time lag, among a random sample of North Sea workers (n = 734). The findings suggest that bullied employees are insecure about the permanence and content of their job, and they may be at risk of turnover and exclusion from working life. It is recommended that these outcomes are taken into consideration when incidences of workplace bullying are addressed.
Feasibility of and rectal dosimetry improvement with the use of SpaceOAR® hydrogel for dose‐escalated prostate cancer radiotherapy
Authors: van Gysen Kirsten , Kneebone Andrew , Alfieri Florencia , Guo Linxin , Eade Thomas
Published: March 2014

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of injecting a temporary spacer between the rectum and the prostate and to quantify the degree of rectal dosimetric improvement that might result.

Methods

Ten patients underwent CT and MRI before and after injection of 10 cc of hydrogel and at completion of radiotherapy. Hydrogel was injected under general anaesthetic using a transperineal approach. The primary endpoints were perioperative toxicity and rectal dosimetry (V80, V75, V70, V65, V40 and V30). Secondary endpoints were acute gastrointestinal toxicity during and 3 months following radiotherapy and the stability of the hydrogel. Treatment for all patients was planned incorporating volumetric modulated arc therapy with a D95 of 80 Gy in 40 fractions to the prostate and proximal seminal vesicles on both the pre‐ and post‐hydrogel scans. Toxicity was scored with the Common Terminology Criteria, v. 3.0.

Results

In the first 24 h, two patients described an increase in bowel movement frequency. The comparison plans had identical prescription doses. Rectal doses were significantly lower for all hydrogel patients for all dose endpoints (V80 = 7% vs. 0.1%, V75 = 10.3% vs. 1.1%, V70 = 13.2% vs. 2.7%, V65 = 15.8% vs. 4.6%, V40 = 35.2% vs. 23.3%, V30 = 52.6% vs. 38.5%; P < 0.001). Post‐treatment MRI showed gel stability. Grade 1 bowel toxicity was reported in six patients during radiotherapy and two patients at 3 months' follow‐up. No Grade 2 or Grade 3 acute bowel toxicity was reported.

Conclusion

SpaceOAR hydrogel was successfully injected in 10 patients with minimal side effects. Rectal dosimetry was significantly improved in all patients. This study has been extended to 30 patients with longer follow‐up planned.
Dietary Cholesterol Protects Against Alcohol‐Induced Cerebral Artery Constriction
Authors: Bukiya Anna , Dopico Alejandro M. , Leffler Charles W. , Fedinec Alexander
Published: March 2014

Background

Binge drinking represents the major form of excessive alcohol (ethanol [EtOH]) consumption in the United States. Episodic (such as binge) drinking results in blood alcohol levels (BAL) of 18 to 80 mM and leads to alcohol‐induced cerebral artery constriction (AICAC). AICAC was shown to arise from EtOH‐induced inhibition of large‐conductance, calcium/voltage‐gated potassium (BK) channels in the vascular smooth muscle. Factors that modulate BK channel‐mediated AICAC remain largely unknown.

Methods

Male Sprague Dawley rats were placed on high‐cholesterol (2% of cholesterol) diet for 18 to 23 weeks. Their littermates were placed on control iso‐caloric diet. AICAC was evaluated both in vivo and in vitro, by means of pial arteriole diameter monitoring through a closed cranial window and diameter measurements of isolated, pressurized cerebral arteries. Cholesterol level in the cerebral artery tissue was manipulated by methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin to reverse dietary‐induced accumulation of cholesterol. BK channel surface presence on the plasma membrane of cerebral artery myocytes was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining. BK channel function in pressurized cerebral artery was assessed using selective BK channel blocker paxilline.

Results

Within 5 minutes of 50 mM EtOH injection into carotid artery in vivo, arteriole diameter decreased by 20% in control group. Pial arteriole constriction was significantly reduced in rats on high‐cholesterol diet, resulting in only 10% reduction in diameter. BAL in both groups, however, remained the same. Significant reduction in AICAC in group on high‐cholesterol diet compared to control was also observed after middle cerebral artery dissection and in vitro pressurization at 60 mmHg, this reduction remaining after endothelium removal. Cholesterol level in de‐endothelialized cerebral arteries was significantly increased in rats on high‐cholesterol diet. Removal of excessive cholesterol content restored AICAC to the level observed in cerebral arteries of rats on normal diet. Immunofluorescence staining of BK channel‐forming and accessory, smooth muscle‐specific β1 subunit in freshly isolated cerebral artery myocyte showed that high‐cholesterol diet did not down‐regulate surface presence of BK protein. However, paxilline‐induced cerebral artery constriction was diminished in arteries from rats on high‐cholesterol diet.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that dietary cholesterol protects against AICAC. This protection is caused by cholesterol buildup in the arterial tissue and diminished function (but not surface presence) of EtOH target—BK channel.
Does Hangover Influence the Time to Next Drink? An Investigation Using Ecological Momentary Assessment
Authors: Epler Amee J. , Tomko Rachel L. , Piasecki Thomas M. , Wood Phillip K. , Sher Kenneth J. , Shiffman Saul , Heath Andrew C.
Published: March 2014

Background

Measures of hangover are associated with current and future problematic alcohol use. At present, it is not known whether these associations reflect any direct influence of hangover events on near‐term drinking behaviors. The current study aimed to determine whether hangover following a drinking episode influences time to next drink (TTND) and, if so, to determine the direction of this effect and identify any moderating personal or contextual factors.

Methods

Community‐recruited, frequent drinkers oversampled for current smoking (N = 386) carried electronic diaries for 21 days, reporting on drinking behaviors and other experiences. Survival analysis was used to model data from 2,276 drinking episodes, including 463 episodes that were followed by self‐reported hangover in morning diary entries.

Results

When tested as the sole predictor in a survival model, hangover was associated with increased TTND. The median survival time was approximately 6 hours longer after episodes with hangovers compared to those without. In a multivariate model, hangover was only significant in the presence of interaction effects involving craving at the end of the index drinking episode and the occurrence of financial stressors. Additional predictors of TTND in the final multivariate model included age, lifetime alcohol use disorder diagnosis, typical drinking frequency, day of the week, and morning reports of craving, negative affect, and stressors after the index episode. There was no association between morning reports of hangover and contemporaneous diary ratings of likelihood of drinking later the same day.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that hangover has, at best, a modest or inconsistent influence on the timing of subsequent alcohol use among frequent drinkers.
The Spanish Origins of Extractive Institutions in the Philippines
Authors: Cruz Prince Christian
Published: March 2014

Why did the Spanish colonisers of the Philippines establish extractive institutions? Using an explicit rational choice framework, the article examines the demand for institutions of Spanish settlers during the conquest period. It provides a framework for analysing the incentive structure faced by individuals that lead them to demand, create, and preserve certain types of institutions. The article argues that extractive institutions were demanded and supplied to minimise the uncertainty brought by high mortality and the relatively low wealth in the Philippines.
Genetic Considerations in Human Sex‐Mate Selection: Partners Share Human Leukocyte Antigen but not Short‐Tandem‐Repeat Identity Markers
Authors: Israeli Moshe , Kristt Don , Nardi Yuval , Klein Tirza
Published: March 2014

Problem

Previous studies support a role for MHC on mating preference, yet it remains unsettled as to whether mating occurs preferentially between individuals sharing human leukocyte antigen (HLA) determinants or not. Investigating sex‐mate preferences in the contemporary Israeli population is of further curiosity being a population with distinct genetic characteristics, where multifaceted cultural considerations influence mate selection.

Method of study

Pairs of male–female sex partners were evaluated in three groups. Two groups represented unmarried (n = 1002) or married (n = 308) couples and a control group of fictitious male–female couples. HLA and short‐tandem‐repeat (STR) genetic identification markers were assessed for the frequency of shared antigens and alleles.

Results

Human leukocyte antigen results showed that Class I and/ or Class II single antigen as well as double antigen sharing was more common in sex partners than in control group couples (P < 0.001). Married versus unmarried pairs were not distinguishable. In contrast, STR‐DNA markers failed to differentiate between sex‐mates and controls (P = 0.78).

Conclusion

Sex partnerships shared HLA determinants more frequently than randomly constituted male–female pairs. The observed phenomenon does not reflect a syngenetic background between sex‐mates as STR markers were not selectively shared. Thus, sex‐mate selection in man may contravene the evolutionary pressure for genetic diversity in regard to HLA.
Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 effectively reduces the duration of acute diarrhoea in hospitalised children
Authors: Dinleyici Ener Cagri ,   PROBAGE Study Group, Vandenplas Yvan
Published: March 2014

Aim

Guidelines consider certain probiotics useful in the management of acute gastroenteritis. This study evaluated the use of Lactobacillus (L) reuteri DSM 17938.

Methods

A multicentre, randomised, single‐blind clinical trial was performed in hospitalised children with acute gastroenteritis lasting 12–72 h. Children received conventional therapy with, or without, 1 × 108 CFU of L. reuteri DSM 17938 for 5 days. The primary endpoint was the duration of diarrhoea and secondary outcomes were days of hospitalisation and the percentage of children with diarrhoea after each day of treatment.

Results

We compared 64 children receiving L. reuteri with 63 controls. Lactobacillus reuteri reduced the duration of diarrhoea after 24 h (p < 0.001) and more diarrhoea‐free children were seen in the L. reuteri than control group after 24 and 48 h (50% versus 5%, p < 0.001) and 72 h (69% versus 11%, p < 0.001). Lactobacillus reuteri reduced mean hospital stays (4.31 ± 1.3 days versus 5.46 ± 1.77 days, p < 0.001). Prolonged diarrhoea occurred in 17% of the controls, but none of the L. reuteri group. No adverse effects were reported.

Conclusion

Lactobacillus reuteri effectively reduced the duration of acute diarrhoea and hospital stays in children hospitalised with acute gastroenteritis. Outpatient data are now required.
Effect of kangaroo mother care on growth and development of low birthweight babies up to 12 months of age: a controlled clinical trial
Authors: Bera Alpanamayi , Ghosh Jagabandhu , Singh Arun K. , Hazra Avijit , Mukherjee Suchandra , Mukherjee Ranajit
Published: March 2014

Aim

Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is a nonconventional low‐cost method of newborn care. Our aim was to assess the effect of sustained KMC on the growth and development of low birthweight Indian babies up to the age of 12 months.

Methods

We enrolled 500 mother and baby pairs, in groups of five, in a parallel group controlled clinical trial. The three infants with the lowest birthweight in each group received KMC, while the other two received conventional care. All babies were exclusively breastfed for 6 months. Babies in the intervention group were provided KMC until the infant was 40 weeks of corrected gestation or weighed 2500 g. Weight, length and head, chest and arm circumferences were evaluated at birth and at the corrected ages of 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Development was assessed using the Developmental Assessment Scales for Indian Infants (DASII) at 12 months.

Results

The KMC babies rapidly achieved physical growth parameters similar to the control babies at 40 weeks of corrected age. But after that, they surpassed them, despite being smaller at birth. DASII motor and mental development quotients were also significantly better for KMC babies.

Conclusion

The infants in the KMC group showed better physical growth and development than the conventional control group.