bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations Between Friendship, Sympathy, and Prosocial Behavior Toward Friends
Authors: Padilla‐Walker Laura M. , Fraser Ashley M. , Black Brent B. , Bean Roy A.
Published: February 2014

The current study examined the associations between multiple aspects of the friend relationship (connection, companionship, psychological control) and global prosocial behavior toward friends. Participants included 467 early adolescents (M age of child = 13.32, SD = 1.05, 49% female, 69% European American), and data were collected at two time points, roughly 1 year apart. Structural equation modeling suggested that friend psychological control was negatively associated with prosocial behavior toward friends, while friend connection was positively associated (via adolescent sympathy). Discussion focuses on the friend relationship as an important influence on adolescent sympathy and prosocial behavior toward friends.
Effects of Ambient Nitrite on Amazon River Prawn, Macrobrachium amazonicum, larvae
Authors: Hayd Liliam A. , Lemos Daniel , Valenti Wagner C.
Published: February 2014

The effects of nitrite concentration on larval development of Amazon river prawn, Macrobrachium amazonicum, were studied in laboratory. In Experiment 1, larvae were reared in 600‐mL glass beakers filled with 300‐mL water with nitrite concentration of 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 mg/L NO2‐N. In Experiment 2, total ammonia nitrogen (TAN, NH3‐N + NH4‐N) excretion were analyzed in zoea (Z) I, III, VII and IX exposed to 0, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 mg/L NO2‐N. In both experiments each treatment was conducted in five replicates. The experiments were carried out in test solutions at 10 salinity, constant temperature 30 C and 12:12 h daylight : darkness regime. Survival, productivity, weight gain and larval stage index decreased linearly with increasing ambient nitrite concentration. However, there was no significant difference among larvae reared at concentration ranging from 0 to 0.8 mg/L NO2‐N by ANOVA in all variables. Individual ammonia‐N and mass‐specific ammonia‐N excretion increased in ZI and ZIX, was almost constant in ZIII and decreased in ZVII from 0 to 1.6 mg/L NO2‐N. The relationship between individual TAN and body mass suggested that 1.6 mg/L NO2‐N stress the larvae. Despite of the effects of nitrite on larvae follow a dose‐dependent response and shows large variability among individuals, levels below 0.8 mg/L may be used as a general reference in commercial hatcheries, which should be applied carefully.
Skeletal Anomalies of Pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus, Larvae from a Wild‐caught Broodstock
Authors: Lopes Taís da Silva , de Freitas Thiago Mendes , Jomori Rosângela K. , Carneiro Dalton José , Portella Maria Célia
Published: February 2014

Skeletal anomalies in fish are frequent, representing a major problem for the aquaculture industry. The anomalies usually arise in the larval phase and worsen, persist, or recover over the ensuing stages of development. In addition to impairing larval quality, they compromise the growth, health, and food conversion of fish, lowering their economic value. This study evaluated the occurrence of skeletal anomalies in pacu larvae during the first 30 d of development. The newly hatched larvae of six breeding pairs taken from the Paranapanema River (offspring A, B, C, D, E, and F) and subjected to induced spawning were reared separately for 30 d, feeding on live prey (Artemia nauplii). Nearly 20 larvae from each breeding pair were killed and stored 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, and 30 days post‐hatching. The larvae were stained to differentiate cartilage and bones and examined under a stereo microscope. A total of 1310 larvae were checked for the presence (1) or absence (0) of anomalies in the head, vertebral column, and fins. Associations between growth parameters (total length [TL] vs. standard length [SL]; SL vs. vertebral column length [VL]) were obtained by regression. Correspondence analysis was used to correlate data on the different parameters evaluated. On completion of observation, larvae from pair E had the highest SL, whereas offspring F were the shortest. All types of skeletal anomalies were detected in the larvae irrespective of the offspring, affecting the normal growth of pacu larvae obtained from wild‐caught breeders.
Christina Rossetti's Later Life: A Double Sonnet of Sonnets (1881): Exploring the Fearfulness of Forgiveness
Authors: Ludlow Elizabeth
Published: February 2014

In Later Life: A Double Sonnet of Sonnets, Christina Rossetti models a posture of fearfulness in the face of God's unique prerogative to forgive. Throughout, she deploys the dialogic properties of the sonnet sequence to engender recognition of the relational basis of existence. Unpacking its psalm‐inflected exploration of the interior journey of sin, shame and redemption, this article details Later Life's affinity with the poetics of George Herbert and John Donne. It also proposes that Later Life anticipates Karl Barth's Reformation‐inflected emphasis on the shattering recognition that ‘Through the forgiveness of sins… there is reflected in this human self‐consciousness a consciousness of a wholly different self’ (532).
Reading for pleasure in paradise: paired reading in Antigua and Barbuda
Authors: Warrington Molly J. , George Patricia
Published: February 2014

Reading for pleasure is essential in the development of literacy. This paper reports on findings from a paired reading strategy introduced into primary schools in Antigua and Barbuda in order to foster children's pleasure in reading. This programme of cross‐age peer tutoring intervention began with the training of teachers in a small group of seven schools and was extended to all the schools on the islands in the following year. Qualitative research data from children and teachers showed that children were enthusiastic about the experience, with some evidence to show that their wider interest in reading was stimulated. Although for the pupils, particularly the younger ones, the main benefit of shared reading was perceived to be an improvement in reading skills, for teachers, it was the increase in children's confidence in reading that was cited as the most positive outcome. Although resource constraints in some schools did limit the scope of the programme, the paper argues that it boosted the reading development of a number of children and may have acted as a catalyst for stimulating a lasting pleasure and joy in reading.
Occult HBV infection in Morocco: from chronic hepatitis to hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kitab Bouchra , Ezzikouri Sayeh , Alaoui Rhimo , Nadir Salwa , Badre Wafaa , Trepo Christian , Chemin Isabelle , Benjelloun Soumaya
Published: February 2014

Background & Aims

Morocco is one of low to intermediate endemic areas for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, but no reports have been published on Occult HBV infection (OBI). To determine the prevalence of OBI and its clinical impact among patients with cryptogenic and HCV‐related chronic liver disease in Morocco.

Methods

A total of 152 HBsAg‐negative patients (60 patients with cryptogenic hepatitis and 92 HCV carriers) were enrolled in this study. Sera collected from all patients were tested for anti‐HBc and anti‐HBs antibodies. OBI was assessed in serum and liver tissue samples using highly sensitive PCR assays targeting Surface, X and core regions of the HBV genome and confirmed by Southern blot hybridization.

Results

A high rate of anti‐HBc positivity was found among patients with HCV infection (57/92, 61.95%) compared to those with cryptogenic hepatitis (24/60, 40%) (P = 0.034). A high prevalence of OBI was found among patients with HCV infection (42/92, 45.65%) compared to those with cryptogenic hepatitis (17/60, 28.3%) (P = 0.013). In both groups, the prevalence of OBI increased in parallel with advancing stage of liver disease (χ2 = 6.73; P = 0.0095). The highest proportion of OBI was reached among HCV‐related HCC cases (62.5%). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that older age (≥56 years), positivity for anti‐HBc and presence of OBI were independent risk factors for the development of HCC in HCV‐infected patients.

Conclusion

This study helps to understand the current status of OBI and its impact on the severity of liver disease in Moroccan patients.
Isolation, Purification, and Cultivation of Primary Retinal Microvascular Pericytes: A Novel Model Using Rats
Authors: Liu Guanghui , Meng Chun , Pan Mingdong , Chen Meng , Deng Ruzhi , Lin Ling , Zhao Li , Liu Xiaoling
Published: February 2014

Objective

To isolate, purify, and cultivate primary retinal microvascular pericytes (RMPs) from rats to facilitate the study of their properties in vitro.

Methods

Primary RMPs were isolated from weanling rats by mechanical morcel and collagenase digestion, and purified by a step‐wise combination of selective medium with different glucose concentrations, medium exchange, and partial enzymatic digestion. Morphology of RMPs was assessed by phase contrast microscopy. Further characterization was analyzed by immunofluorescence. Functional assay was evaluated by the pericytes‐ endothelial cells (ECs) coculture system.

Results

Retinal microvascular pericytes migrated out of microvascular fragments after 24–48 hours of plating and reached subconfluence on days 14–16. The cells showed typical pericyte morphology with large irregular triangular cell bodies and multiple long processes, and uniformly expressed the cellular markers α‐SMA, PDGFR‐β, NG2 and desmin, but were negative for vWF, GS, GFAP and SMMHC. Ninety‐nine percent of the cell population had double positive staining for α‐SMA and PDGFR‐β. In the coculture system, RMPs can directly contact ECs and move together to form the capillary‐like cords.

Conclusions

Retinal microvascular pericytes can be readily obtained by our method. We report the first cultivation of primary RMPs from rats and establish a simple method for their isolation and purification.
A DETHRONED KING? THE LIMITS OF STATE INFRASTRUCTURAL POWER IN FRANCE
Authors: DUPUY CLAIRE , POLLARD JULIE
Published: February 2014

Since the 1980s in Western Europe, centralized states' control over subnational territories has been deeply affected by processes of Europeanization and regionalization. These changes have raised the issue of state territorial restructuring in a particular fashion: what capacity have formerly centralized states retained to steer and control subnational territories? The article draws on Mann's concept of infrastructural power, which refers to the state's capacity to exercise control and implement political decisions over the national territory. The article applies the two main operationalizations of the concept, namely thecapabilityof the state to exercise control and theweightof the state in the subnational territories. Empirically, the article focuses on the French state in two policy sectors (education and housing). Although France is a most likely case, this article challenges this expectation, and shows the limits of the French state's infrastructural power over the subnational territories since the late 1980s.
Wound and insect‐induced jasmonate accumulation in carnivorous Drosera capensis: two sides of the same coin
Authors: Mithöfer A. , Reichelt M. , Nakamura Y.
Published: February 2014

Carnivorous sundew plants catch and digest insect prey for their own nutrition. The sundew species Drosera capensis shows a pronounced leaf bending reaction upon prey capture in order to form an ‘outer stomach’. This formation is triggered by jasmonates, phytohormones typically involved in defence reactions against herbivory and wounding. Whether jasmonates still have this function in D. capensis in addition to mediating the leaf bending reaction was investigated here. Wounded, insect prey‐fed and insect‐derived oral secretion‐treated leaves of D. capensis were analysed for jasmonates (jasmonic acid, JA; jasmonic acid‐isoleucine conjugate, JA‐Ile) using LC‐MS/MS. Prey‐induced jasmonate accumulation in D. capensis leaves was persistent, and showed high levels of JA and JA‐Ile (575 and 55.7 pmol·g·FW−1, respectively), whereas wounding induced a transient increase of JA (maximum 500 pmol·g·FW−1) and only low (3.1 pmol·g·FW−1) accumulation of JA‐Ile. Herbivory, mimicked with a combined treatment of wounding plus oral secretion (W+OS) obtained from Spodoptera littoralis larvae induced both JA (4000 pmol·g·FW−1) and JA‐Ile (25 pmol·g·FW−1) accumulation, with kinetics similar to prey treatment. Only prey and W+OS, but not wounding alone or OS, induced leaf bending. The results indicate that both mechanical and chemical stimuli trigger JA and JA‐Ile synthesis. Differences in kinetics and induced jasmonate levels suggest different sensing and signalling events upon injury and insect‐dependent challenge. Thus, in Drosera, jasmonates are still part of the response to wounding. Jasmonates are also employed in insect‐induced reactions, including responses to herbivory and carnivory.
Aid Distribution and Cooperation in Unequal Communities
Authors: D'Exelle Ben , van den Berg Marrit
Published: February 2014

We experimentally study aid distribution and cooperation in a field lab in ruralNicaragua. In the first stage of the experimental game, participants contribute to a collective effort that determines the amount of aid given to the group, which is distributed among the players in a second stage. We find that in a treatment where a group representative, selected as the highest contributor, distributes aid, contributions are higher compared to a treatment where aid is equally distributed. The higher amounts of aid attracted, however, benefit representatives only. At the same time, representatives do care about fairness. They give higher aid shares to players with low endowments and lower shares to low contributors. Moreover, representatives with lower relative wealth or who contribute relatively more, keep higher aid shares. With our experimental game simulating community‐based development (CBD) schemes, we discuss the implications of our results for elite capture in such schemes.
Assessing the Approach to a Thrombosed AV Graft
Authors: Ponce Pedro , Carvalho Telmo , Messias Humberto , Neves Fernando ,   the Lisbon VAC Interventional Nephrology Team
Published: February 2014

The patency of the vascular access (VA) is a fight for the attending nephrologist. A retrospective observational study was conducted to compare the success rate of surgical versus endovascular technique percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for graft thrombosis treatment. Of 3008 patients, 22.1% patients were dialyzed through grafts. Forty‐five percent of all prevalent patients referred due to VA malfunction had a graft. For 18 months, 336 thrombosed grafts were submitted to surgery in 228 cases and to PTA in 126. PTA for thrombolysis included the Pharmaco‐Mechanical Technique and the Arrow‐Trerotola Device. Procedures were performed as outpatient, with an average delay of 1 day. Immediate success was 100% for surgery and 87.3% for PTA. The unassisted patency for thrombosed grafts for surgery/PTAwas 265.12 ± 15.30/230.59 ± 19.83 days respectively, favoring surgery. The primary patency for thrombosed grafts treated by surgery/PTA at 30, 90, and 180 days was, respectively, 74.1%/81%, 63.2%/67.5%, and 53.9%/55.6% all in favor of PTA. AV grafts have a much higher rate of thrombosis than fistulas. Graft thrombosis can be dealt either by surgery or PTA, with identical success.
Construction and Immunogenicity of the DNA Vaccine of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Dormancy Antigen Rv1733c
Authors: Zhang W. , Jiang H. , Bai Y.‐l. , Kang J. , Xu Z.‐K. , Wang L.‐M.
Published: February 2014

We aimed to construct the DNA vaccine encoding Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (Mtb) dormancy antigen Rv1733c and investigate its immunogenicity in mice. The recombinant plasmid pcDNA‐Rv1733c was transfected into P815 cells and its product was detected by indirect immunofluorescence. The mice were immunized once every 2 weeks by intramuscular injection of pcDNA‐Rv1733c plasmid for a total of three times. The specific antibodies in the serum of the immunized mice were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay at the indicted time. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent spot was applied to determine the levels of IFN‐γ, IL‐2 and IL‐4 secreted by splenic lymphocytes. Total cytotoxicity T lymphocyte (CTL) active of the splenic lymphocytes was detected by lactate dehydrogenase assay. Additionally, we analysed the percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in splenic lymphocytes using flow cytometry. The specific antibody was detected at 2 weeks after the first immunization, and the antibody titre was increased with time which was reached to 1:1600 at 8 weeks. The stimulation index of spleen lymphocytes and the levels of IFN‐γ, IL‐2 and IL‐4 of pcDNA‐Rv1733c‐immunized mice were both higher than those of saline‐immunized mice (P < 0.05). However, no difference was found in the percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and the activity of CTL between the pcDNA‐Rv1733c‐ and saline‐immunized mice (P > 0.05). So we got the conclusion that the plasmid pcDNA‐Rv1733c DNA could induce specific humoral and cellular immunity in mice. Improving the immune effect of Rv1733c by several strategies, such as choosing appropriate immunization route and adjuvant, would be significant for Rv1733c as new tuberculosis vaccine.
Influence of the Gut Microbiota on Blood Acute‐Phase Proteins
Authors: Schroedl W. , Kleessen B. , Jaekel L. , Shehata A. A. , Krueger M.
Published: February 2014

Little is known about the bovine intestinal microbiota influence on systemic innate immune responses. The objective of the present study was to determine relationships between acute‐phase proteins in blood serum of cows [C‐reactive protein (CRP), LPS‐binding protein (LBP) and haptoglobin (Hp)] and the faecal microbiota. Fifty‐two healthy cows (2–8 years old) were investigated. Faecal bacteria were determent characterized by in situ hybridization with 16S/23S rRNA‐targeted probes and by conventional culture methods. The population of Gram‐negative faecal bacteria (Enterobacteriaceae) was correlated negatively with CRP and positively with LBP in blood plasma, independent of the method used. Similar results were observed with Clostridium perfringens. No correlation was found between the faecal population of intestinal bacteria and Hp levels in blood plasma. This datum indicates that intestinal bacteria, especially Enterobacteriaceae and C. perfringens, may influence the level of CRP and LBP in blood plasma. These findings can be very important for diagnostic evaluations of the intestinal microbiota and provide specific information about its regulation.
Emotional Mimicry: Why and When We Mimic Emotions
Authors: Hess Ursula , Fischer Agneta
Published: February 2014

The goal of this review was to provide a brief overview of recent developments in the domain of emotional mimicry research. We argue that emotional signals are intrinsically meaningful within a social relationship, which is crucial for understanding the functionality and boundary conditions of emotional mimicry. On the basis of a review of the literature on facial mimicry of emotion displays, we conclude that the classic matched motor hypothesis does not hold for emotional mimicry. We alternatively propose a contextual view of emotional mimicry, which states that emotional mimicry depends on the social context: we only mimic emotional signals that are interpreted to promote affiliation goals and not necessarily what we see. As a further consequence, we are less likely to mimic strangers and we do not mimic people we do not like nor emotions that signal antagonism.
Nephrotoxicity of concomitant use of tacrolimus and teicoplanin in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients
Authors: Mori T. , Shimizu T. , Kato J. , Kikuchi T. , Kohashi S. , Koda Y. , Toyama T. , Saburi M. , Iketani O. , Okamoto S.
Published: February 2014

Both tacrolimus and glycopeptide antibiotics are known to be nephrotoxic, and are often concomitantly given after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or solid organ transplantation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the nephrotoxicity of concomitant use of tacrolimus and glycopeptide antibiotics in HSCT recipients. We retrospectively evaluated 67 patients who received intravenous tacrolimus and teicoplanin concomitantly for >4 days after allogeneic HSCT for hematologic diseases. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) was performed in all patients for both tacrolimus and teicoplanin. The median age of the patients was 48 years (range: 16–62), and the median duration of the co‐administration of tacrolimus and teicoplanin was 11 days (range: 4–40). The mean serum creatinine (sCr) level tended to be elevated after the co‐administration (from 0.69 ± 0.26 to 0.75 ± 0.30 mg/dL; P = 0.08); however, a 2‐fold or greater increase in sCr was observed only in 2 (3.0%) patients. Increased sCr was reversible, and no patient required hemodialysis. These results suggest that the incidence of clinically significant nephrotoxicity can be minimized if the TDM of each drug is properly applied.
Dose impact in radiographic lung injury following lung SBRT: Statistical analysis and geometric interpretation
Authors: Yu Victoria , Kishan Amar U. , Cao Minsong , Low Daniel , Lee Percy , Ruan Dan
Published: February 2014

Purpose:

To demonstrate a new method of evaluating dose response of treatment‐induced lung radiographic injury post‐SBRT (stereotactic body radiotherapy) treatment and the discovery of bimodal dose behavior within clinically identified injury volumes.

Methods:

Follow‐up CT scans at 3, 6, and 12 months were acquired from 24 patients treated with SBRT for stage‐1 primary lung cancers or oligometastic lesions. Injury regions in these scans were propagated to the planning CT coordinates by performing deformable registration of the follow‐ups to the planning CTs. A bimodal behavior was repeatedly observed from the probability distribution for dose values within the deformed injury regions. Based on a mixture‐Gaussian assumption, an Expectation‐Maximization (EM) algorithm was used to obtain characteristic parameters for such distribution. Geometric analysis was performed to interpret such parameters and infer the critical dose level that is potentially inductive of post‐SBRT lung injury.

Results:

The Gaussian mixture obtained from the EM algorithm closely approximates the empirical dose histogram within the injury volume with good consistency. The average Kullback‐Leibler divergence values between the empirical differential dose volume histogram and the EM‐obtained Gaussian mixture distribution were calculated to be 0.069, 0.063, and 0.092 for the 3, 6, and 12 month follow‐up groups, respectively. The lower Gaussian component was located at approximately 70% prescription dose (35 Gy) for all three follow‐up time points. The higher Gaussian component, contributed by the dose received by planning target volume, was located at around 107% of the prescription dose. Geometrical analysis suggests the mean of the lower Gaussian component, located at 35 Gy, as a possible indicator for a critical dose that induces lung injury after SBRT.

Conclusions:

An innovative and improved method for analyzing the correspondence between lung radiographic injury and SBRT treatment dose has been demonstrated. Bimodal behavior was observed in the dose distribution of lung injury after SBRT. Novel statistical and geometrical analysis has shown that the systematically quantified low‐dose peak at approximately 35 Gy, or 70% prescription dose, is a good indication of a critical dose for injury. The determined critical dose of 35 Gy resembles the critical dose volume limit of 30 Gy for ipsilateral bronchus in RTOG 0618 and results from previous studies. The authors seek to further extend this improved analysis method to a larger cohort to better understand the interpatient variation in radiographic lung injury dose response post‐SBRT.
A quality assurance framework for the fully automated and objective evaluation of image quality in cone‐beam computed tomography
Authors: Steiding Christian , Kolditz Daniel , Kalender Willi A.
Published: February 2014

Purpose:

Thousands of cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanners for vascular, maxillofacial, neurological, and body imaging are in clinical use today, but there is no consensus on uniform acceptance and constancy testing for image quality (IQ) and dose yet. The authors developed a quality assurance (QA) framework for fully automated and time‐efficient performance evaluation of these systems. In addition, the dependence of objective Fourier‐based IQ metrics on direction and position in 3D volumes was investigated for CBCT.

Methods:

The authors designed a dedicated QA phantom 10 cm in length consisting of five compartments, each with a diameter of 10 cm, and an optional extension ring 16 cm in diameter. A homogeneous section of water‐equivalent material allows measuring CT value accuracy, image noise and uniformity, and multidimensional global and local noise power spectra (NPS). For the quantitative determination of 3D high‐contrast spatial resolution, the modulation transfer function (MTF) of centrally and peripherally positioned aluminum spheres was computed from edge profiles. Additional in‐plane and axial resolution patterns were used to assess resolution qualitatively. The characterization of low‐contrast detectability as well as CT value linearity and artifact behavior was tested by utilizing sections with soft‐tissue‐equivalent and metallic inserts. For an automated QA procedure, a phantom detection algorithm was implemented. All tests used in the dedicated QA program were initially verified in simulation studies and experimentally confirmed on a clinical dental CBCT system.

Results:

The automated IQ evaluation of volume data sets of the dental CBCT system was achieved with the proposed phantom requiring only one scan for the determination of all desired parameters. Typically, less than 5 min were needed for phantom set‐up, scanning, and data analysis. Quantitative evaluation of system performance over time by comparison to previous examinations was also verified. The maximum percentage interscan variation of repeated measurements was less than 4% and 1.7% on average for all investigated quality criteria. The NPS‐based image noise differed by less than 5% from the conventional standard deviation approach and spatially selective 10% MTF values were well comparable to subjective results obtained with 3D resolution pattern. Determining only transverse spatial resolution and global noise behavior in the central field of measurement turned out to be insufficient.

Conclusions:

The proposed framework transfers QA routines employed in conventional CT in an advanced version to CBCT for fully automated and time‐efficient evaluation of technical equipment. With the modular phantom design, a routine as well as an expert version for assessing IQ is provided. The QA program can be used for arbitrary CT units to evaluate 3D imaging characteristics automatically.
Body-Related Envy: A Social Comparison Perspective in Sport and Exercise
Authors: Pila Eva , Stamiris Angela , Castonguay Andree , Sabiston Catherine M.
Published: February 2014

These three studies sought to better understand experiences of body-related envy and to examine the association with motivation and exercise behavior in young adult males and females. In an interview study, participants (N = 11) discussed body-related envy within a framework of social comparison. In Study 2, a thematic content analysis was conducted on self-reported narratives of body-related envy experiences reported by 288 participants. Themes of body-related envy triggers, cognitions, and cognitive and behavioral outcomes were identified. Findings from Studies 1 and 2 highlighted the possible link between body-related envy and exercise motivation and behavior. Study 3 tested these associations with males and females (N = 595) who completed a self-report questionnaire. In the structural equation model, body-related envy was positively associated with external, introjected, and identified regulations, and identified regulation was positively associated with exercise behavior. Taken together, the importance of body-related envy in the experience of cognitive, affective, and behavioral outcomes related to sport and exercise contexts is highlighted.
Driving and Sustaining Culture Change in Olympic Sport Performance Teams: A First Exploration and Grounded Theory
Authors: Cruickshank Andrew , Collins Dave , Minten Sue
Published: February 2014

Stimulated by growing interest in the organizational and performance leadership components of Olympic success, sport psychology researchers have identified performance director–led culture change as a process of particular theoretical and applied significance. To build on initial work in this area and develop practically meaningful understanding, a pragmatic research philosophy and grounded theory methodology were engaged to uncover culture change best practice from the perspective of newly appointed performance directors. Delivered in complex and contested settings, results revealed that the optimal change process consisted of an initial evaluation, planning, and impact phase adjoined to the immediate and enduring management of a multidirectional perception- and power-based social system. As the first inquiry of its kind, these findings provide a foundation for the continued theoretical development of culture change in Olympic sport performance teams and a first model on which applied practice can be based.
Next Season's Hurricanes
Authors: Vecchi Gabriel A. , Villarini Gabriele
Published: February 2014

Seasonal predictions of hurricane activity remain challenging, especially at a regional scale.
Top Choice for French Post Drops Out in Industry Flap
Authors: Rabesandratana Tania
Published: February 2014

Paolo Boffetta decides to drop his bid to become the next director of France's premier epidemiology institute after conflict-of-interest allegations.
Southern Hemisphere Storms Pulsate to a 25-Day Beat, New Papers Show
Authors: Kerr Richard A.
Published: February 2014

This week in
Science
, researchers report that the storm belt in the Southern Hemisphere throbs powerfully with a 20- to 30-day beat, the manifestation of a pulsating flow of heat from the tropics to high latitudes.
China Builds Mammoth Detector to Probe Mysteries of Neutrino Mass
Authors: Qiu Jane
Published: February 2014

A Chinese-led team is planning a mammoth neutrino detector, meant to capture enough neutrinos from nearby nuclear reactors to determine which of the three known flavors of neutrinos are heavier or lighter.
Diffuse malignant epithelioid mesothelioma in a background of benign multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Mino Jeffrey S , Monteiro Rosebel , Pigalarga Rodolfo , Varghese Sumi , Guisto Laura , Rezac Craig
Published: February 2014

Peritoneal mesotheliomas are unusual entities with diverse origins and outcomes. Both benign and malignant variants exist. Benign multicystic peritoneal mesotheliomas (BMPMs), also known as multiple or multilocular peritoneal inclusion cysts, are extremely rare tumours arising from the peritoneal mesothelium covering the abdominal serous cavity. Even though these entities are considered benign tumours, BMPMs tend to recur after surgical resection, and in two cases have been reported to undergo malignant transformation. In contrast, diffuse malignant peritoneal mesotheliomas, while also quite rare, are the second most common form of malignant mesothelioma after the pleural variety with extremely high mortality and poor response to many treatments to date. We present a rare case of diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma within a large component of a BMPM in a young man admitted to our service.
Tuberculosis of the glans penis healing with meatal stenosis
Authors: Sinha Rajan Kumar , Mukherjee Subhabrata , Kamal Mir Reza , Karmakar Dilip
Published: February 2014

A 45-year-old man presented with ulceroproliferative lesion of the glans penis. Clinical diagnosis was penile carcinoma and incisional biopsy was performed. Histopathology report came as penile tuberculosis. The lesion healed with antitubercular treatment. Meatal stenosis occurred at 2 months follow-up and was managed with meatotomy.
Improving hospital weekend handover: a user-centered, standardised approach
Authors: Mehra Avi , Henein Christin
Published: February 2014

Clinical Handover remains one of the most perilous procedures in medicine (1). Weekend handover has emerged as a key area of concern with high variability in handover processes across hospitals (1,2,4,5-10).

Studying weekend handover processes within medicine at an acute teaching hospital revealed huge variability in documented content and structure. A total of 12 different pro formas were in use by the medical day-team to handover to the weekend team on-call. A Likert-survey of doctors revealed 93% felt the current handover system needed improvement with 71% stating that it did not ensure patient safety (Chi-squared, p-value <0.001, n=32). Semi-structured interviews of doctors identified common themes including “a lack of consistency in approach” “poor standardization” and “high variability”.

Seeking to address concerns of standardization, a standardized handover pro forma was developed using Royal College of Physician (RCP) guidelines (2), with direct end-user input. Results following implementation revealed a considerable improvement in documented ceiling of care, urgency of task and team member assignment with 100% uptake of the new proforma at both 4-week and 6-month post-implementation analyses. 88% of doctors surveyed perceived that the new proforma improved patient safety (p<0.01, n=25), with 62% highlighting that it allowed doctors to work more efficiently. Results also revealed that 44% felt further improvements were needed and highlighted electronic solutions and handover training as main priorities.

Handover briefing was subsequently incorporated into junior doctor induction and education modules delivered, with good feedback. Following collaboration with key stakeholders and with end-user input, integrated electronic handover software was designed and funding secured. The software is currently under final development.

Introducing a standardized handover proforma can be an effective initial step in improving weekend handover. Handover education and end-user involvement are key in improving the process. Electronic handover solutions have been shown to significantly increase the quality of handover and are worth considering (9, 10).
Osteopontin induces ductular reaction contributing to liver fibrosis
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Lopategi Aritz , Ge Xiaodong , Lu Yongke , Kitamura Naoto , Urtasun Raquel , Leung Tung-Ming , Fiel Maria Isabel , Nieto Natalia
Published: February 2014

Objective

In human chronic liver disease, there is association between ductular reaction (DR) and fibrosis; yet, the mechanism triggering its onset and its role in scar formation remains unknown. Since we previously showed that osteopontin (OPN) is highly induced during drug-induced liver fibrosis, we hypothesised that OPN could drive oval cells (OC) expansion and DR and signal to hepatic stellate cells (HSC) to promote scarring.

Results

In vivo studies demonstrated increased OPN expression in biliary epithelial cells (BEC) and in OC in thioacetamide (TAA)-treated mice. OPN ablation protected mice from TAA and bile duct ligation-induced liver injury, DR and scarring. This was associated with greater hepatocyte proliferation, lower OC expansion and DR along with less fibrosis, suggesting that OPN could activate the OC compartment to differentiate into BEC, which could then signal to HSC to enhance scarring. Since TAA-treated wild-type mice and cirrhotic patients showed TGF-β+BEC, which were lacking in TAA-treatedOpn−/−mice and in healthy human explants, this suggested that OPN could regulate TGF-β, a profibrogenic factor. In vitro experiments confirmed that recombinant OPN (rOPN) decreases hepatocyte proliferation and increases OC and BEC proliferation. To evaluate how BEC regulate collagen-I production in HSC, co-cultures were established. Co-cultured BEC upregulated OPN and TGF-β expression and enhanced collagen-I synthesis by HSC. Lastly, recombinant TGF-β (rTGFβ) and rOPN promoted BEC proliferation and neutralisation of OPN and TGF-β reduced collagen-I expression in co-cultured HSC.

Conclusions

OPN emerges as a key matricellular protein driving DR and contributing to scarring and liver fibrosis via TGF-β.
Leaves and epiphyllous shoots in Chisocheton (Meliaceae): a continuum of woody leaf and stem axes
Authors: Fisher Jack B. , Rutishauser Rolf
Published: February 2014

The pinnately compound leaves of Chisocheton tenuis, a small tree from Papua New Guinea, exhibit indeterminate growth and periodically produce new pinnae from a leaf tip bud. Inflorescences and vegetative shoots arise from epiphyllous buds on the adaxial surface of the rachis between the pinna pairs. Axillary buds occur on the stem but are always vegetative. The structure and ontogeny of leaves, axillary buds, and epiphyllous buds are documented with sections and scanning electron microscopy. Although epiphyllous inflorescences are described from herbarium specimens of C. tenuis, only vegetative shoots were collected as epiphyllous outgrowths. These epiphyllous shoots formed woody stem and rachis axes similar to the stem and rachis on the original shoot. Epiphyllous buds first appear on a leaf primordium without evidence of an ontogenetic displacement from an earlier axillary site. Later, epiphyllous buds and pinnae arise in an acropetal order close to the meristem at the tip of the leaf. Epiphyllous inflorescences in Chisocheton pohlianus are described from herbarium material. Leaf and bud structure and ontogeny in a related species, Chisocheton montanus, which lacks epiphyllous buds and has axillary inflorescences, are similar to C. tenuis except that no meristems occur on the rachis. Possible morphological interpretations for these examples of unusual organography are presented. Epiphyllous buds and leaf tip meristems are examples of heterotopy. Key words: buds, epiphylly, Chisocheton, heterotopy, homology, leaves, Meliaceae, meristems.
Arctagrostis (Poaceae, tribe Pooideae) in North America and Greenland
Authors: Aiken S. G. , Lefkovitch L. P.
Published: February 2014

The genus Arctagrostis in North America and Greenland was studied using fieldwork in the Canadian Arctic, examination of about 1000 herbarium specimens including types, consideration of chromosome numbers relative to morphology, and numerical taxonomy. We recognize two subspecies, A. latifolia (R. Br.) Griseb. and A. latifolia ssp. arundinacea (Trin.) Tzvelev, which show considerable phenotypic plasticity and may hybridize.
Stress history and sampling disturbance effects on monotonic and cyclic responses of overconsolidated Bootlegger Cove clays
Authors: Zapata-Medina David G. , Finno Richard J. , Vega-Posada Carlos A.
Published: February 2014

This paper examines the influence of reproducing the stress history of a natural soil deposit during laboratory reconsolidation on the subsequent response and behavior of heavily overconsolidated Bootlegger Cove Formation (BCF) clays under both monotonic and cyclic loadings. The results are compared with a conventional reconsolidation technique wherein a specimen is directly K0-reconsolidated to the in situ effective stresses, and no stress history of the overconsolidated soil deposit is reproduced. Monotonic and cyclic experiments under triaxial conditions were conducted and their results compared in terms of stress–strain–strength responses with emphasis on shear stiffness degradation, to show the significant difference in the responses between the stress-probe sets. Additionally, comparison with field and in situ measurements are presented to validate procedures, judge the accuracy of the experiments, and evaluate the effects of tube sampling.
Endophytic fungal symbionts associated with gypsophilous plants
Authors: Porras-Alfaro Andrea , Raghavan Srivathsan , Garcia Margaret , Sinsabaugh Robert L. , Natvig Donald O. , Lowrey Timothy K.
Published: February 2014

Gypsum soils (calcium sulfate) occur throughout arid regions of the world. These soils contain a large number of endemic plants. Limited information is available about the microbial symbionts of these plants. We collected eight endemic gypsophilous flowering plant species in New Mexico and characterized their root- and leaf-associated fungi using molecular, microscopic, and culture techniques. Dominant culturable fungi were identified by analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA region. Microscopic analysis of roots indicated that gypsophilous plants are colonized primarily by arbuscular mycorrhizal and dark septate fungi. Sporobolus nealleyi Vasey (a gypsophilous grass) showed the greatest percentages of fungal colonization. All fungal isolates belonged to the Ascomycota, dominated by the orders Pleosporales and Sordariales. Isolates in the Alternaria complex were the dominant fungi recovered from leaves, and Monosporascus was the dominant genus recovered from roots. The dominant genera show low plant specificity and wide distribution as plant symbionts in arid regions. The generalist nature of gypsophilous plants with respect to their fungal symbionts could be advantageous for their successful establishment and survival. A common cohort of fungal symbionts could facilitate efficient transfer of nutrients and water in these plants that are restricted to a specific substrate in an environment dominated by extreme conditions.
Exploration of the α-effect by substitution on hydroxylamine anions. I. Effects of alkyl- and fluoroalkylation
Authors: Afzal D. , Fountain K.R.
Published: February 2014

Many explanations for the α-effect have been suggested. Most are simple models conjecturing various sources affecting the nucleophilic behavior. This paper provides a comprehensive study of electronic effects using the single α-atom lone electron pair of substituted hydroxyl amine anions. This substituent scheme shows that the interaction of this lone pair with the negatively charged oxygen atom is an important indicator of reactivity.
A NEW STRUCTURE FOR ALL-OPTICAL THREE-INPUT XOR LOGIC GATE BASED ON SEMICONDUCTOR OPTICAL AMPLIFIER MACH–ZEHNDER INTERFEROMETER
Authors: JAHROMI HAMED DEHDASHTI , BINAIE ALI , ZARIFKAR ABBAS , SHEIKHI MOHAMMAD HOSSEIN
Published: February 2014

In this paper the design and simulation of an all-optical three-input exclusive-OR (XOR) gate based on semiconductor optical amplifier-Mach–Zehnder interferometer (SOA-MZI) configuration is presented. This gate is constructed of three semiconductor optical amplifiers placed at the arms of the two coupled Mach–Zehnder interferometers. The outputs of these two MZIs are combined at the output port to form the final signal. The proposed scheme does not need a continuous wave (CW) laser for its operation and is designed so that the minimum number SOAs are employed. Theoretical analyses and simulations show that this structure acts as an all-optical three-input XOR logic gate which has many applications in optical data communications.
Conductivity studies of Ni and Gd substituted BiCoO3
Authors: Ramachandran T. , Rajeevan N. E. , Pradyumnan P. P.
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we report the synthesis, thermal and electrical property studies of Ni 0.5 Gd 0.2 Bi 0.3 CoO 3, a new material for thermoelectric applications. The material was synthesized by solid state reaction route taking BiCoO 3 as basic matrix by substituting bismuth with nickel and gadolinium. Structural studies using room temperature XRD and room temperature Raman spectrum established cubic structure for Ni 0.5 Bi 0.5 CoO 3 and tetragonal structure for Ni 0.5 Gd 0.2 Bi 0.3 CoO 3. The SEM micrograph of the samples revealed crystallites of micrometer dimension with varying grain size. The sample showed interestingly low thermal conductivity and VRH mechanism was found to dominate in the electrical conduction at low temperature regime. The low thermal conductivity and moderate electrical conductivity is suggestive of strong candidature of the material for thermoelectric applications.
SATURN'S LONGITUDE: RISE OF THE SECOND BRANCH OF SHEAR-STABILITY THEORY AND FALL OF THE FIRST
Authors: DOWLING TIMOTHY E.
Published: February 2014

This paper reviews the inviscid shear-stability theory that led to the first calibrated measurement of Saturn's rotation period. The roots trace back to 1880, when Kelvin argued that there are two distinct branches, which Arnol'd established in the 1960s as two nonlinear stability theorems. Vortical eddies must lean into the shear to be unstable, and vorticity (Rossby) waves, which are uni-directional, control the physics. The analog of the Mach number for vorticity waves, here denoted "Mach" or "Ma," is treated as a signed quantity that takes on negative values when the intrinsic wave propagation is in the downstream direction. The Kelvin–Arnol'd first branch, which includes the Rayleigh, Kuo, Charney–Stern and Fjørtoft theorems — a century of results — establishes shear stability by restricting to negative "Ma" numbers. Violation of the most well-known of these, Charney–Stern, which implies the existence of at least one potential vorticity (PV; also known as vortensity) extremum, is equivalent to allowing some positive "Ma" numbers in the domain. The Kelvin–Arnol'd second branch is the "supersonic" condition. Taken together, the two branches prove that "subsonic" flow is necessary for instability. Consequently, the shock of vorticity waves in shear may be identified as the onset of shear instability itself. Observationally, positive "Ma" numbers prove to be the norm, not the exception, on Earth, Jupiter and Saturn, and nearly "choked PV" conditions are found to hold for the jets of Jupiter and Saturn, not "mixed PV," yielding a clear, connected and calibrated determination of Saturn's rotation period.
ANGULAR STABLE HTO PLATES DIFFER IN REGIONAL STRAIN ACCORDING TO GEOMETRICAL DESIGN
Authors: Suzuki Daisuke , Watanabe Kota , Kamiya Tomoaki , Otsubo Hidenori , Yamashita Toshihiko , Fujimiya Mineko
Published: February 2014

The purpose of this study was to compare regional strain in crural bones after high tibial osteotomy (HTO) using two types of angular stable plates. Eight pairs of fresh frozen crura were used (age, 76–96 years). One side was attached through a short locking plate with a spacer (Puddu) to the tibia and the other side was attached to a long T-shaped locking plate (TomoFix). Strain gauges were put on the bone at the following four points: the lateral tibial cortex under the osteotomy hinge (hinge); medial cortex of the tibial shaft just distal to the Puddu (upper tibia); medial cortex of the tibial shaft just distal to the TomoFix (lower tibia); and the fibular shaft (fibula). Axial compression load of 550 N was applied three times, then loading was applied until failure. Strain data were continuously recorded via the computer during loading. Strain values showed similar trends for both Puddu and TomoFix conditions except in one region; upper tibia strain was significantly larger with Puddu (-98.4 ± 74.4 με; mean ± standard deviation) than that with TomoFix (-19.2 ± 29.2 με). In ultimate failure loading, strain varied widely between individuals. The significantly higher strain with Puddu at the upper tibia was due to the large spacer, while the small strain with TomoFix at the lower tibia was attributed to stress dissipation by many screws and its length. Setting of both plates showed significantly larger strain at the fibula compared to other parts, suggesting that weight-bearing by the fibula after HTO is not negligible.