bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thickness and fit of mouthguards according to heating methods
Authors: Mizuhashi Fumi , Koide Kaoru , Takahashi Mutsumi
Published: May 2013

The purpose of this study was to examine the difference in the thickness and fit of mouthguards made by four different heating methods of the mouthguard sheet material. A Sports Mouthguard® of 3.8‐mm thickness was used in this study. Four heating methods were performed. In one method, the sheet was heated only one side. In the other methods, one side of the sheet was heated first until the center of the sheet was displaced by 0.5 cm, 1.0 cm, and 1.5 cm from the baseline, and then turned upside down and heated. The sheets were adapted using a vacuum former when the heated sheets hung 1.5 cm from the baseline. We measured the thickness and fit of the mouthguard at the areas of the central incisor and first molar. The difference in thickness at the central incisor and first molar regions was analyzed by two‐way anova. The difference in fit with different heating methods was analyzed by one‐way anova. The results showed that the thickness of the mouthguard differed in the central incisor and first molar areas (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), but not with the heating methods. The fit of the mouthguard at the central incisor and first molar areas was significantly different among the heating methods (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05). These results suggested that the fit of the mouthguard was superior when the heated surface of the sheet contacted the surface of the working model. This finding may help to fabricate accurate mouthguards.
Links between riparian landcover, instream environment and fish assemblages in headwater streams of south‐eastern Brazil
Authors: Cruz Bruna B. , Miranda Leandro E. , Cetra Mauricio
Published: May 2013

We hypothesised and tested a hierarchical organisation model where riparian landcover would influence bank composition and light availability, which in turn would influence instream environments and control fish assemblages. The study was conducted during the dry season in 11 headwater tributaries of the Sorocaba River in the upper Paraná River Basin, south‐eastern Brazil. We focused on seven environmental factors each represented by one or multiple environmental variables and seven fish functional traits each represented by two or more classes. Multivariate direct gradient analyses suggested that riparian zone landcover can be considered a higher level causal factor in a network of relations that control instream characteristics and fish assemblages. Our results provide a framework for a hierarchical conceptual model that identifies singular and collective influences of variables from different scales on each other and ultimately on different aspects related to stream fish functional composition. This conceptual model is focused on the relationships between riparian landcover and instream variables as causal factors on the organisation of stream fish assemblages. Our results can also be viewed as a model for headwater stream management in that landcover can be manipulated to influence factors such as bank composition, substrates and water quality, whereas fish assemblage composition can be used as indicators to monitor the success of such efforts.
A new method for continuously measuring the δ13C of soil CO2 concentrations at different depths by laser spectrometry
Authors: Parent F. , Plain C. , Epron D. , Maier M. , Longdoz B.
Published: May 2013

Soil carbon dioxide (CO2) efflux is an important component of the carbon (C) cycle but the biological and physical processes involved in soil CO2 production and transport are not fully understood. To improve our knowledge, we present a new approach to measure simultaneously soil CO2 concentrations and efflux, and their respective isotopic signatures (δ13C‐CO2). To quantify soil air 13CO2 and 12CO2 concentrations, we adapted a method based on CO2 diffusion from soil pores into tubes with a highly gas‐permeable membrane wall. These tubes were placed horizontally at different depths in the soil. Air was sampled automatically from the tubes and injected through a diluting system into a tuneable diode laser absorption spectrometer. The CO2 and δ13C‐CO2 vertical profiles were thus obtained at hourly intervals. Our tests demonstrated the absence of fractionation in the membrane tubes for δ13C‐CO2. Subsequently, we set up field experiments for two forest soils, which showed that natural soil CO2 concentrations and δ13C‐CO2 were not affected significantly by the measurement system. While δ13C‐CO2 in air‐filled pores below 5 cm was constant over 3 days, we observed large diurnal variations in δ13C‐CO2 efflux. However, the average difference between the two measurements was close to −4.4‰, which supports steady‐state diffusion over this 3‐day period. This new method seems to be a very effective way to measure the δ13C‐CO2 profile of the soil atmosphere, and demonstrates that the fractionation that occurs during diffusion is the main transport process that affects the δ13C‐CO2 of the soil CO2 efflux on a daily timescale while advection may account for within‐day variations.
Speaker verification using heterogeneous neural network architecture with linear correlation speech activity detection
Authors: Tashan Tariq , Allen Tony , Nolle Lars
Published: May 2013

This paper presents a multi‐level speaker verification system that uses 64 discrete Fourier transform spectrum components as input feature vectors. A speech activity detection technique is used as a pre‐processing stage to identify vowel phoneme boundaries within a speech sample. A modified self‐organising map (SOM) is then used to filter the speech data by using cluster information extracted from three vowels for a claimed speaker. This SOM filtering stage also provides coarse speaker verification. Finally, a second speaker verification level of three multi‐layer perceptron networks classifies the filtered frames provided by the SOMs. These multi‐layer perceptrons work as fine‐grained vowel‐based speaker verifiers. The proposed verification algorithm shows a performance of 94.54% when evaluated using 50 speakers from the Centre for Spoken Language Understanding speaker verification database. In addition, it is shown that the novel discrete Fourier transform spectrum‐based linear correlation pre‐processing technique, presented here, provides the system with greater robustness against changes in speech volume levels when compared with an equivalent energy frame analysis.
The effect of throat underflushing on the fatigue strength of fillet weldments
Authors: Livieri P. , Tovo R.
Published: May 2013

The paper deals with the effect of the weld bead geometry on the fatigue strength of a joint, mainly focusing on geometry change due to post‐weld grinding. The weld toe burr grinding usually has a positive effect on the fatigue strength; however, excessive material removal at the weld throat can decrease its strength. This effect was experimentally evaluated and compared with proper numerical estimations. By means of the numerical evaluations of the effective stress, obtained by the implicit gradient method, the estimation of the geometric component of the grinding process is possible. With this procedure, it is possible to analyse a real joint, geometrically modelled by laser scanner acquisition, and also to assess the excessive net section reduction in a grinding operation.
Systematic variation in the logarithmic ranges in abundance of freshwater phytoplankton populations
Authors: Talling Jack F.
Published: May 2013

The logarithmic scaling of species abundance in phytoplankton populations enables the relative ranges of species between periodic (e.g. annual) upper and lower limits to be defined and compared. Examples are discussed mainly from published information on four lakes, two tropical (lakes George and Victoria) and two high‐latitude temperate (Windermere and Esthwaite Water), differing in seasonality and predominant environmental factors.

Although wide logarithmic ranges (>3 orders, log10 units) do exist in the tropical lakes, there are many examples of narrow ranges (<1.5 orders). In Lake Victoria, the latter are characteristic of species with low maximum abundance measured as biomass that do not appreciably deplete the medium (e.g. of nutrients, light) in a density‐dependent manner, but are indirectly regulated by resource depletion caused by more abundant species and by physical mixing, the predominant environmental seasonality.

In the seasonally equable tropical Lake George, narrow ranges in numerical abundance are predominant. Some are favoured by recruitment from a considerable past accumulation of viable biomass on the sediment.

Annual ranges of under one order are rare in Windermere and Esthwaite Water, and probably in most other temperate lakes, although this value is approached by a few ‘opportunistic’ species (e.g. some cryptomonads) of wide environmental tolerance and some species (e.g. Planktothrix agardhii) of enriched shallow lakes. There is little information for species of very low abundance.

Examples are given of logarithmic plots of a measure of total phytoplankton biomass with time. Annual ranges are markedly less than those of the major individual component species, indicating species replacement.
Results of the WIRK prospective, non‐interventional observational study of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) in patients with congenital haemophilia with inhibitors and other bleeding disorders
Authors: Birschmann I. , Klamroth R. , Eichler H. , Schenk J. , Kirchmaier C. M. , Halimeh S.
Published: May 2013

Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) has been available for the treatment of acute bleeding and for prevention of bleeding during surgery and invasive procedures in patients with congenital haemophilia with inhibitors (CHwI) and acquired haemophilia since 1996. The study objective was to assess the efficacy and safety of rFVIIa in patients with CHwI, acquired haemophilia, congenital FVII deficiency and Glanzmann's thrombasthenia, in a real‐life clinical setting. There were no specific inclusion or exclusion criteria; participation was offered to all German haemophilia centres known to use rFVIIa to treat patients with the above indications. Data on rFVIIa use and efficacy for the treatment of acute bleeding episodes and invasive procedures were recorded. Adverse drug reactions and recurrent bleeding episodes were also monitored. In total, 64 patients (50.0% women) received rFVIIa treatment. Patients experienced 281 evaluable bleeding episodes and underwent 44 invasive procedures. In 252 of 281 (89.7%) bleeding episodes, a stop (66.5%) or a significant reduction (23.1%) in bleeding was observed. No bleeding complications were reported for 42 of 44 (95.5%) invasive procedures covered with rFVIIa. A clear positive association was observed between early initiation of rFVIIa treatment for acute bleeding and efficacy. The total cumulative dose and number of injections were 468.3 ± 545.8 μg kg−1 and 3.6 ± 4.6 respectively. No drug‐related adverse events were reported. rFVIIa use in Germany provided effective haemostatic cover without associated adverse events in the management of acute bleeds and invasive procedures across a range of bleeding disorders.
Prognostic molecular markers in cancer – quo vadis?
Authors: Søland Tine M , Brusevold Ingvild J
Published: May 2013

Despite the tremendous number of studies of prognostic molecular markers in cancer, only a few such markers have entered clinical practise. The lack of clinical prognostic markers clearly reflects limitations in or an inappropriate approach to prognostic studies. This situation should be of great concern for the research community, clinicians and patients. In the present review, we evaluate immunohistochemical prognostic marker studies in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) from 2006 to 2012. We comment upon general issues such as study design, assay methods and statistical methods, applicable to prognostic marker studies irrespective of cancer type. The three most frequently studied markers in OSCC are reviewed. Our analysis revealed that most new molecular markers are reported only once. To draw conclusions of clinical relevance based on the few markers that appeared in more than one study was problematic due to between‐study heterogeneity. Currently, much valuable tissue material, time and money are wasted on irrelevant studies.
Potential of human γD‐crystallin for hair damage repair: insights into the mechanical properties and biocompatibility
Authors: Ribeiro A. , Matamá T. , Cruz C. F. , Gomes A. C. , Cavaco‐Paulo A. M.
Published: May 2013

Synopsis

Objectives

The objective of this work was to develop a new strategy to physically ‘repair’ chemically damaged hair. Hence the human eye γD‐crystallin, a protein from the superfamily characterized structurally by the Greek key motif, was studied. The human γD‐crystallin was chosen based on the ability of proteins belonging to this superfamily to be involved in the coating of specific structures. Two crystallins were used on the study, the wild type (Protein Data Bank ID: 1HK0) and the mutant protein. The mutant form was intended to induce a strong and quick protein polymerization as well to have new possible points of anchorage to hair.

Methods

The ability of both crystallins to bind to damaged hair and even penetrate into its cortex was checked by fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore the reinforcement of hair mechanical resistance, the potential cytotoxic/inflammatory effect of crystallins were studied in order to have a fully comprehension about the protein based formulation.

Results

Although the chemical over‐bleaching treatment induced a decrease of 20% on the resistance of the hair, the crystallins which bind and penetrate the hair fibre were able to recover and even to improve its mechanical properties when compared to the virgin hair. Moreover none of the crystallins displayed a toxic effect in fibroblasts for all the range of tested concentrations upon 72 h of exposure. The active aggregation process of mutant crystallin induced an inflammatory response in fibroblasts in the first 24 h of contact, measured by the amount of released pro‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐6 to the medium. In contrast contact with wild type crystallin did not lead to significant inflammation.

Conclusion

Outcome from protein formulation characterization supports the hypothesis that the γD‐crystallin it is able to recover and improve the mechanical properties of chemical damaged hair. Therefore it can be considered as a very promising strengthening agent for the development of new restorative hair care products.
Effect of Screw Insertion Torque on Mechanical Properties of Four Locking Systems
Authors: Boudreau Bianca , Benamou Jérôme , von Pfeil Dirsko J. F. , Guillou Reunan P. , Beckett Clifford , Déjardin Loïc M.
Published: May 2013

Objective

To evaluate the effect of screw insertion torque on the mechanical properties of four 3.5 mm locking systems: New Generation Devices (NGD), Securos (PAX), Synthes (SYN), and Veterinary Orthopedic Implants (VOI).

Study Design

In vitro mechanical study.

Methods

Screws were inserted at 1.5 Nm, 2.5 Nm, and 3.5 Nm torques, using dedicated drill guides and a calibrated torque screwdriver. Locking mechanisms were tested under shear loading conditions using a custom‐design probe. Tests were conducted under displacement control until failure. Load to failure and interface stiffness were compared between and within groups using a two‐factor ANOVA (P < .05). Failure modes were described.

Results

The SYN group had significantly greater mechanical properties compared to all other groups at any given insertion torque. Insertion torque had a significant effect on the PAX group, increasing the load to failure by 126% when increasing the insertion torque from 1.5 Nm to 3.5 Nm. Insertion torque had no significant effect on the mechanical properties of the VOI group and limited effect on the NGD and SYN groups. Single failure mode, by screw head decoupling or screw shaft fracture, occurred in the SYN and VOI groups, respectively. In contrast, NGD and PAX systems failed through a combination of screw decoupling and/or bending.

Conclusions

Regardless of insertion torque, the SYN locking mechanism showed the highest failure loads, interfacial stiffness as well as consistent failure mode. These findings highlight the dependability of this system. When using the PAX system an insertion torque of at least 2.5 Nm should be recommended.
Low soil temperature inhibits the stimulatory effect of elevated [CO2] on height and biomass accumulation of white birch seedlings grown under three non‐limiting phosphorus conditions
Authors: Ambebe Titus Fondo , Danyagri Gabriel , Dang Qing‐Lai
Published: May 2013

White birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.) seedlings were exposed to ambient or doubled ambient carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]), three soil temperatures (Tsoil) (low, intermediate, high), and three phosphorus (P) regimes (low, medium, high) in environment‐controlled greenhouses. Height (H), root‐collar diameter (RCD), biomass, and leaf phosphorus concentration (leaf P) were determined four months after initiation of treatments. The low Tsoil reduced H, RCD, shoot biomass, root biomass and total seedling biomass whereas the high‐P level and the [CO2] elevation increased all the growth and biomass parameters. Elevated [CO2] significantly reduced leaf P. There were significant two‐factor interactions suggesting that the effect of elevated [CO2] on (1) H, total biomass, biomass of plant components, and leaf P was dependent on Tsoil, (2) total biomass was contingent on P regime. For instance, the positive response of H and total biomass to elevated [CO2] was limited to seedlings raised under the intermediate and high Tsoil, respectively. In addition, [CO2] elevation increased total biomass only at the high‐P regime but not at the low‐ or medium‐P level where the effect of [CO2] was statistically insignificant. No significant main effect of treatment or interaction was observed for root to shoot biomass ratio.
The bleeding site: a multi‐level analysis of associated factors
Authors: Farina Roberto , Tomasi Cristiano , Trombelli Leonardo
Published: May 2013

Aim

To evaluate the association between the probability of a sulcus/pocket to bleed on probing (BoP) and patient related as well as site‐specific characteristics.

Methods

Data from 88960 sites were retrospectively derived from the clinical record charts of 601 adult patients. BoP (positive/negative) had been recorded at the initial periodontal visit after probing pocket depth (PPD) assessment. To analyse the influence of patient‐, tooth‐ and site‐related factors on the probability for a site to be BoP+, a logistic, 3‐level model was built with BoP as the binary outcome variable.

Results

(i) The mean probability to be BoP+ for a site with PPD = 3 mm was 18%, and the log odds increased by 0.69 for each 1 mm increment in PPD; (ii) a significantly higher risk for BoP+ was observed for inter‐proximal versus approximal surfaces, posterior teeth versus anterior teeth, females versus males, while a significantly lower risk was observed for smokers versus non‐smokers; (iii) when controlling for the significant covariates, different BoP+ probabilities could still be observed among sites in patients with a different susceptibility to BoP.

Conclusions

The probability of a site to be BoP+ was associated with either site‐specific (i.e. PPD, tooth aspect, tooth type) or patient‐related factors (i.e. gender, smoking status).
Cotton AnnGh3 Encoding an Annexin Protein is Preferentially Expressed in Fibers and Promotes Initiation and Elongation of Leaf Trichomes in Transgenic Arabidopsis
Authors: Li Bing , Li Deng‐Di , Zhang Jie , Xia Hui , Wang Xiu‐Lan , Li Ying , Li Xue‐Bao
Published: May 2013

The annexins are a multifamily of calcium‐regulated phospholipid‐binding proteins. To investigate the roles of annexins in fiber development, four genes encoding putative annexin proteins were isolated from cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) and designated AnnGh3, AnnGh4, AnnGh5, and AnnGh6. Quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) results indicated that AnnGh3, AnnGh4, and AnnGh5 were preferentially expressed in fibers, while the transcripts of AnnGh6 were predominantly accumulated in roots. During fiber development, the transcripts of AnnGh3/4/5 genes were mainly accumulated in rapidly elongating fibers. With fiber cells further developed, their expression activity was dramatically declined to a relatively low level. In situ hybridization results indicated that AnnGh3 and AnnGh5 were expressed in initiating fiber cells (0–2 DPA). Additionally, their expression in fibers was also regulated by phytohormones and [Ca2+]. Subcellular localization analysis discovered that AnnGh3 protein was localized in the cytoplasm. Overexpression of AnnGh3 in Arabidopsis resulted in a significant increase in trichome density and length on leaves of the transgenic plants, suggesting that AnnGh3 may be involved in fiber cell initiation and elongation of cotton.
The Hierarchical Structure and Construct Validity of the PID‐5 Trait Measure in Adolescence
Authors: De Clercq Barbara , De Fruyt Filip , De Bolle Marleen , Van Hiel Alain , Markon Kristian E. , Krueger Robert F.
Published: May 2013

The DSM‐5 may be the first edition that enables a developmental perspective on personality disorders because of its proposal to include a trait assessment in the Axis II section. The current study explores the reliability, structure, and construct validity of the Personality Inventory for DSM‐5 (PID‐5; Krueger, Derringer, Markon, Watson, & Skodol, 2012) in adolescents, a measure that assesses the proposed DSM‐5 traits. A community sample of Flemish adolescents (N = 434; 44.7% male) provided self‐reports on the PID‐5 and the Dimensional Personality Symptom Itempool (DIPSI; De Clercq, De Fruyt, Van Leeuwen, & Mervielde, 2006). Results indicate an acceptable reliability for the majority of the PID‐5 facets and a tendency toward structural convergence of the adolescent PID‐5 structure with the adult proposal. Convergent validity with age‐specific facets of personality pathology was generally supported, but discriminant validity appeared to be low. Beyond the findings that support the applicability of the PID‐5 in adolescents, developmental issues may be responsible for specific differences in the adolescent PID‐5 structure, the rather poor discriminant validity of the PID‐5, and the lower reliability of a small number of PID‐5 facets. These results indicate that further research on the validity of the PID‐5 in younger age groups is required.
Root caries: a periodontal perspective
Authors: Bignozzi I. , Crea A. , Capri D. , Littarru C. , Lajolo C. , Tatakis D. N.
Published: May 2013

Background and objective

A prevailing dental problem in the periodontal patient is root caries. Specifically, periodontal involvement often results in root surfaces becoming exposed and at risk for this condition. Periodontal therapy often leads to increased gingival recession as well, and the associated increased root caries risk may compromise the long‐term success and survival of periodontally treated teeth.This narrative review will address the topic of root caries in the periodontal patient, focusing on unmet research needs.

Material and Methods

The Medline database was searched to identify items dealing with root caries, in terms of clinical features, diagnosis, pathogenic mechanisms and histopathology, as well as epidemiology, focusing then on the relationship between root caries and periodontal disorders.

Results

Although there is extensive literature on root caries, consensus is lacking regarding certain aspects, such as diagnostic criteria, prevalence within populations and indisputable risk factors. Advancing age could be an aggravating factor in susceptibility to root caries for the periodontal patient; however, definitive evidence in this regard is still missing. Similarly, full awareness of the increased risk of root caries in patients with periodontal disease or long‐term periodontal treatment appears to be still lacking.

Conclusion

Research regarding root caries in age‐specific (elderly) periodontal patients is needed. Improved oral hygiene practices, locally applied preventive measures, good dietary habits and regular dental check‐ups are crucial approaches to prevent both periodontal disease progression and root caries. Periodontal patients with root exposure should follow a strict root caries prevention protocol, as an integral component of their periodontal maintenance therapy.
Adrenomedullin and Angiopoietin-1 Additively Restore Erectile Function in Diabetic Rats: Comparison with the Combination Therapy of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Angiopoietin-1
Authors: Nishimatsu Hiroaki , Suzuki Etsu , Nomiya Akira , Niimi Aya , Suzuki Motofumi , Fujimura Tetsuya , Fukuhara Hiroshi , Homma Yukio
Published: May 2013

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a major health problem. We have shown that adrenomedullin (AM) restores erectile function in diabetic rats.

Aim

The aim of this study is to explore a better treatment for ED, we examined whether combination of AM and angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) was more effective to treat ED than treatment with AM alone or Ang-1 alone. We also compared the effect of the combination therapy with that of treatment with vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A).

Methods

Male Wistar rats were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) to induce diabetes. Adenoviruses expessing AM (AdAM), Ang-1 (AdAng-1), and VEGF-A (AdVEGF-A) were injected into the penis 6 weeks after STZ administration. Erectile function, penile histology, and protein expression were analyzed 4 weeks after the injection of the adenoviruses.

Main Outcome Measures

Intracavernous pressure and mean arterial pressure were measured to evaluate erectile function. The morphology of the penis was analyzed by Elastica van Gieson stain and immunohistochemistry. The expression of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), VE-cadherin and type I collagen was assessed by Western blot analysis.

Results

Infection with AdAM plus AdAng-1 more effectively restored erectile function than infection with AdAM alone or AdAng-1 alone. This combination therapy restored erectile function to a level similar to that observed in the age-matched Wistar rats. Expression of SMA and VE-cadherin increased more significantly in the AdAM plus AdAng-1-treated group than in the AdAM- or AdAng-1-treated group. Although AdVEGF-A infection restored erectile function significantly, it also caused enlargement of the trabeculae of the cavernous body, aberrant angiogenesis, and overproduction of type I collagen.

Conclusions

These results suggested that combination therapy with AM and Ang-1 potently restored erectile function and normal morphology of the cavernous body compared with VEGF-A administration. This combination therapy will be useful to treat ED patients with a severely damaged cavernous body.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with the Complaint of Premature Ejaculation and the Four Premature Ejaculation Syndromes: A Large Observational Study in China
Authors: Gao Jingjing , Zhang Xiansheng , Su Puyu , Liu Jishuang , Xia Lei , Yang Jiajia , Shi Kai , Tang Dongdong , Hao Zongyao , Zhou Jun , Liang Chaozhao
Published: May 2013

Introduction

Although the new classification of premature ejaculation (PE) has been proposed by Waldinger et al., there have been few studies investigating the four PE syndromes in China.

Aims

We investigated the prevalence and factors associated with the complaint of PE and the four PE syndromes in Anhui province, China.

Methods

Between September 2011 and September 2012, subjects were selected from five cities in Anhui province, China. They participated in this survey by completing a detailed verbal questionnaire regarding their demographic data and medical and sexual history. Men with PE complaint were diagnosed as lifelong PE (LPE), acquired PE (APE), natural variable PE (NVPE), or premature-like ejaculatory dysfunction (PLED).

Main Outcome Measures

PE complaint was divided into four PE syndromes. Anxiety, depression, and erectile dysfunction were independently assessed by the self-rating anxiety/depression scale and the international index of erectile function-5, respectively.

Results

Of the 3,016 men evaluated, 25.80% complained of PE. The distribution of the four PE syndromes in men with PE complaint was in the order of NVPE (44.09%), PLPE (24.81%), APE (18.77%), and LPE (12.34%). Patients with PE complaint were older and more likely to smoke, had more comorbidities, and a higher body mass index (BMI) than patients without the complaint (P < 0.001 for all). Similar findings were also observed in patients with APE compared with other PE patients (depression P = 0.012, cardiovascular P = 0.003, others P < 0.001). In addition, the rates of counseling by a doctor in men with LPE and APE were higher than those in men with NVPE and PLED (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The prevalence of PE complaint in male population of Anhui province, China, was 25.80%, with the highest PE syndromes being NVPE and PLPE. Patients with PE complaint or APE were older and more likely to smoke, had more comorbidities, and a higher BMI.
Animals, Agency and Resistance
Authors: Carter Bob , Charles Nickie
Published: May 2013

In this paper we develop a relational approach to the question of animal agency. We distinguish between agency and action and, using three examples of non‐human animal behaviour, explore how human‐other animal interactions might be understood in terms of action, agency and resistance. In order to do this we draw on the distinction between primary and corporate agency found in the work of Margaret Archer, arguing that, while non‐human animals are able to act and to exercise primary agency, they are unable to exercise corporate agency. Animals are therefore agents; they act and their actions have consequences, they also resist conditions which they do not like and, in some circumstances, are able to change the conditions of their agency. We discuss the place of animals in the social world and the political implications of this way of viewing animal agency.
A New User‐Oriented Index, Based on a Fuzzy Inference System, for Quality Evaluation of Rural Roads
Authors: Dell'Orco Mauro , Mellano Mario
Published: May 2013

Users of road facilities generally express a judgment on road quality based on their psychophysical conditions, in relation to the environment they refer to. This judgment is made considering many aspects, for example, the presence of traffic lights, the frequency of interchanges, of lay‐bys and gas stations, route conformation, environmental conditions, quality of road signs, etc. In this article, we propose a new index called Global Satisfaction Index, which uses vehicular traffic quality and quality of road pavement, to summarize these aspects, and to express the users’ global judgment about the ride comfort on rural roads. Since in this kind of judgment a subjective perception process is involved, we have used fuzzy theory to handle uncertainty embedded in the process. The attributes of the aspects considered have been expressed through fuzzy numbers, and the global judgment has been obtained through a fuzzy inference system. In this way the proposed index overcomes the limits of other existing indices, since it incorporates uncertainties and/or imprecision inherent in the drivers’ perception of the ride comfort. Moreover, it can be used for evaluation and comparison of different types of road sections. Finally, a numerical example is presented to assist in understanding the practical aspects of the proposed index.
Social structure of Atlantic spotted dolphins, Stenella frontalis, following environmental disturbance and demographic changes
Authors: Elliser Cindy R. , Herzing Denise L.
Published: May 2013

Extreme environmental events and demographic changes can have variable effects on the social structure of animal populations. This study compared the social structure of a community of Atlantic spotted dolphins in the Bahamas before and after two hurricanes. Approximately 36% of the individuals were lost, with no subsequent increase in immigration. The majority of the social structure characteristics were consistent with results from a long‐term study covering the previous 12 yr, including community structure with definitive social clusters, sex preferences and overall association patterns. However some changes occurred, though still constrained within sex preferences. Posthurricane there was a decrease in social differentiation and increased cohesion within clusters and across age class. Males retained or made new first order alliances, however, only one second order alliance was evident, revealing a simplified alliance structure. Juvenile individuals made alliance level associations, unprecedented from long‐term analysis. Although other studies have shown stark restructuring, this study showed that less drastic changes within overall social structure stability can occur. Persistence and evolutionary changes in populations through environmental and/or demographic perturbations may depend on the social structure of a population or community. Understanding the processes involved in social development is paramount for conservation of diverse populations.
mCSF1, a nucleus‐encoded CRM protein required for the processing of many mitochondrial introns, is involved in the biogenesis of respiratory complexes I and IV in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zmudjak Michal , Colas des Francs‐Small Catherine , Keren Ido , Shaya Felix , Belausov Eduard , Small Ian , Ostersetzer‐Biran Oren
Published: May 2013

The coding regions of many mitochondrial genes in plants are interrupted by intervening sequences that are classified as group II introns. Their splicing is essential for the expression of the genes they interrupt and hence for respiratory function, and is facilitated by various protein cofactors. Despite the importance of these cofactors, only a few of them have been characterized.

CRS1‐YhbY domain (CRM) is a recently recognized RNA‐binding domain that is present in several characterized splicing factors in plant chloroplasts. The Arabidopsis genome encodes 16 CRM proteins, but these are largely uncharacterized.

Here, we analyzed the intracellular location of one of these hypothetical proteins in Arabidopsis, mitochondrial CAF‐like splicing factor 1 (mCSF1; At4 g31010), and analyzed the growth phenotypes and organellar activities associated with mcsf1 mutants in plants.

Our data indicated that mCSF1 resides within mitochondria and its functions are essential during embryogenesis. Mutant plants with reduced mCSF1 displayed inhibited germination and retarded growth phenotypes that were tightly associated with reduced complex I and IV activities. Analogously to the functions of plastid‐localized CRM proteins, analysis of the RNA profiles in wildtype and mcsf1 plants showed that mCSF1 acts in the splicing of many of the group II intron RNAs in Arabidopsis mitochondria.
Significant spatial aggregation and fine‐scale genetic structure in the homosporous fern Cyrtomium falcatum (Dryopteridaceae)
Authors: Chung Mi Yoon , Chung Myong Gi
Published: May 2013

Spores of homosporous ferns are small, wind‐borne and thus have the potential for long‐distance dispersal. This common perception has led to a prediction of near‐random spatial genetic structure within fern populations. Spore dispersal and spore bank studies, however, indicate that most spores fall close to the maternal plant (< 5 m), supporting a prediction of significant fine‐scale genetic structure (FSGS) within populations.

To determine which of these two hypotheses is more likely to occur in nature, we measured inbreeding and quantified the spatial distribution of individuals and allozyme‐based genotypes using spatial autocorrelation methods within four populations of the fern Cyrtomium falcatum in southern South Korea.

Inbreeding levels were low, and all populations exhibited significant aggregation of individuals and strong FSGS.

The present results support the second hypothesis, and the substantial FSGS in C. falcatum could reflect the unique features of most homosporous ferns (outcrossing mating systems that lead a majority of spores to occur at short distances and a very limited dispersal distance of male gametes). Although fern spores are physically analogous to orchid seeds, the intensity of FSGS exhibited in C. falcatum is four times stronger than that in 16 terrestrial orchid species.
Cell‐extrinsic effects of the tumor unfolded protein response on myeloid cells and T cells
Authors: Zanetti Maurizio
Published: May 2013

Tumor‐infiltrating myeloid cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells (DCs) are key regulators of tumor immunity and growth. The origin of tumor‐derived signals that instruct myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment is only partially understood. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response, or unfolded protein response (UPR), provides survival advantages to tumor growth. However, the cell‐extrinsic effects of the tumor UPR on immune cells have not been explored. Our laboratory recently showed that the tumor UPR can be transmitted by yet unidentified factor(s) to myeloid cells, macrophages, and DCs. ER stress transmission to receiver myeloid cells upregulates the production of proinflammatory cytokines, and contextually of arginase I, leading to a proinflammatory/suppressive phenotype. DCs imprinted by tumor‐borne ER stress transmissible factor(s) have decreased cross‐presentation of antigen and defective cross‐priming, causing T cell activation without proliferation. When DCs imprinted by transmissible ER stress are admixed with tumor cells and injected in vivo, facilitation of tumor growth is observed. Thus, tumor‐borne ER stress plays a hitherto unappreciated role at the tumor/immune interface that ultimately facilitates tumor growth.
Human dendritic cells subsets as targets and vectors for therapy
Authors: Klechevsky Eynav , Banchereau Jacques
Published: May 2013

The skin immune system includes a complex network of dendritic cells (DCs). In addition to generating cellular and humoral immunity against pathogens, skin DCs are involved in tolerogenic mechanisms that maintain immune homeostasis and in pathogenic chronic inflammation in which immune responses are unrestrained. Harnessing DC function by directly targeting DC‐derived molecules or by selectively modulating DC subsets is a novel strategy for ameliorating inflammatory diseases. In this short review, we discuss recent advances in understanding the functional specialization of skin DCs and the potential implication for future DC‐based therapeutic strategies.
Induction of diapause and seasonal morphs in butterflies and other insects: knowns, unknowns and the challenge of integration
Authors: NYLIN SÖREN
Published: May 2013

The ‘choice’ of whether to enter diapause or to develop directly has profound effects on the life histories of insects, and may thus have cascading consequences such as seasonal morphs and other less obvious forms of seasonal plasticity. Present knowledge of the control of diapause and seasonal morphs at the physiological and molecular levels is briefly reviewed. Examples, mainly derived from personal research (primarily on butterflies), are given as a starting point with the aim of outlining areas of research that are still poorly understood. These include: the role of the direction of change in photoperiod; the role of factors such as temperature and diet in modifying the photoperiodic responses; and the role of sex, parental effects and sex linkage on photoperiodic control. More generally, there is still a limited understanding of how external cues and physiological pathways regulating various traits are interconnected via gene action to form a co‐adapted complete phenotype that is adaptive in the wild despite environmental fluctuation and change.
The Development of a Community and Home‐Based Chronic Care Management Program for Older Adults
Authors: Cooper Jennifer , McCarter Kathryn A.
Published: May 2013

Objective

The objective of this paper was to evaluate a chronic care management program piloted by a visiting nurses association. Desired outcomes were to increase nurses' knowledge of self‐management of chronic conditions and improve patient self‐efficacy and clinical measures.

Program Plan and Implementation

The program provided educational development for nurses and piloted encounters with patients with chronic conditions targeting community health nurses for a chronic care professional (CCP) certification and invited 300 faith community nurses to an education program on chronic condition(s). Thirteen patients with chronic condition(s) were enrolled. Chronic care professional modules were used to increase nurses' knowledge and were measured by successful completion of a certification exam. Faith community nurses participated in an education program and completed a posttest to measure knowledge of content. Patient improvement in self‐management was measured by pre‐ and postintervention self‐efficacy scores and clinical measures.

Program Evaluation

Seventeen nurses successfully completed the exam, and 38 faith community nurses participated in the program and completed the posttest. Three patients showed improvement in self‐efficacy scores and eight in clinical measures.

Conclusions

The educational development of community nurses prepared them to provide effective encounters to improve self‐efficacy and clinical outcomes for older adults with chronic conditions.
Bayesian Transformation Models for Multivariate Survival Data
Authors: de Castro Mário , Chen Ming‐Hui , Ibrahim Joseph G. , Klein John P.
Published: May 2013

In this paper, we propose a general class of Gamma frailty transformation models for multivariate survival data. The transformation class includes the commonly used proportional hazards and proportional odds models. The proposed class also includes a family of cure rate models. Under an improper prior for the parameters, we establish propriety of the posterior distribution. A novel Gibbs sampling algorithm is developed for sampling from the observed data posterior distribution. A simulation study is conducted to examine the properties of the proposed methodology. An application to a data set from a cord blood transplantation study is also reported.
Semiparametric Mixtures of Symmetric Distributions
Authors: Butucea Cristina , Vandekerkhove Pierre
Published: May 2013

We consider in this paper the semiparametric mixture of two unknown distributions equal up to a location parameter. The model is said to be semiparametric in the sense that the mixed distribution is not supposed to belong to a parametric family. To insure the identifiability of the model, it is assumed that the mixed distribution is zero symmetric, the model being then defined by the mixing proportion, two location parameters and the probability density function of the mixed distribution. We propose a new class ofM‐estimators of these parameters based on a Fourier approach and prove that they are‐consistent under mild regularity conditions. Their finite sample properties are illustrated by a Monte Carlo study, and a benchmark real dataset is also studied with our method.
Effects of macronutrient intake on thigh muscle mass during home‐based walking training in middle‐aged and older women
Authors: Okazaki K. , Yazawa D. , Goto M. , Kamijo Y.‐I. , Furihata M. , Gen‐no H. , Hamada K. , Nose H.
Published: May 2013

We examined whether post‐exercise macronutrient supplementation during a 5‐month home‐based interval walking training (IWT) accelerated exercise‐induced increases in skeletal muscle mass and strength in healthy middle‐aged and older women. Thirty‐five women (41–78 years) were randomly divided into two groups: IWT alone (CNT, n = 18) or IWT plus post‐exercise macronutrient (7.6 g protein, 32.5 g carbohydrate, and 4.4 g fat) supplementation (NUT, n = 17). For IWT, all subjects were instructed to repeat five or more sets of 3‐min low‐intensity walking at 40% peak aerobic capacity (Vo2 peak), followed by a 3‐min high‐intensity walking above 70% Vo2 peak per day for 4 or more days per week. We determined Vo2 peak, thigh muscle tissue area by computer tomography, and thigh muscle strength in all subjects before and after IWT. We found that an increase in hamstring muscle tissue area was 2.8 ± 1.2% in NUT vs −1.0 ± 0.7% in CNT and that in isometric knee flexion force was 16.3 ± 3.7% in NUT vs 6.5 ± 3.0% in CNT; both were significantly higher in NUT than in CNT (both, P < 0.001). Thus, post‐exercise macronutrient supplementation enhanced the increases in thigh muscle mass and strength, although partially, in home‐based IWT in middle‐aged and older women.
The Utility of Interaction Analysis for Generalizing Characteristics of Science Classrooms
Authors: Crippen Kent J. , Sangueza Cheryl R.
Published: May 2013

Validating and generalizing from holistic observation protocols of classroom practice have proven difficult. These tools miss crucial classroom characteristics, like the type of instruction, the organization of learners, and the level of cognitive engagement that occur differentially in the time span of a lesson. As a result, this study examined the potential of interaction analysis for drawing detailed inferences about science classrooms. Holistic and interaction analysis techniques were applied to an existing set of observational data from a group of high school teachers (N = 21) who were participating in long‐term professional development. Results indicate that interaction analysis provides crucial details that are otherwise absent. Questions are raised about the overall benefit and use of holistic observation protocols without supplemental information.
The Effects of Metacognitive Reflective Assessment on Fifth and Sixth Graders' Mathematics Achievement
Authors: Bond John B. , Ellis Arthur K.
Published: May 2013

The purpose of this experimental study was to investigate the effects of metacognitive reflective assessment instruction on student achievement in mathematics. The study compared the performance of 141 students who practiced reflective assessment strategies with students who did not. A posttest‐only control group design was employed, and results were analyzed by conducting one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and nonparametric procedures. On both a posttest and a retention test, students who practiced reflective strategies performed significantly higher than students who did not use the strategies. A within‐subjects ANOVA was also conducted six weeks following the intervention to assess how the factor of time affected retention levels. No significant difference was found between the posttest and retention test results for the experimental groups or the control group.
The Role of Interactions Between Student and Classroom Context in Developing Adaptive Self‐Efficacy in One Sixth‐Grade Mathematics Classroom
Authors: Yetkin Özdemir İ. Elif , Pape Stephen J.
Published: May 2013

Research and theory suggest several instructional practices that could enhance student self‐efficacy. However, little is known about the ways these instructional practices interact with individual students to create opportunities or challenges for developing adaptive self‐efficacy. In this study, we focused on two sources of efficacy, mastery experiences, and social persuasion, and examined how these sources were structured for three students with different levels of mathematics achievement and self‐efficacy within a sixth‐grade mathematics classroom. Analyses within each case showed that each student experienced success and received social persuasion differently. On the other hand, analyses across the cases suggest that not only the amount but also the form (i.e., with and without assistance) of successful experiences and the type of performances (e.g., stating definitions, explaining solution procedures, sharing problem‐solving strategies, and making comments on others' ideas) through which the student experienced mastery may have played important role in developing self‐efficacy. Consistently, the amount and form of teacher feedback was different for each focal student. Examining these differences provide insight into each student's self‐efficacy assessed over the course of the study as well as the kind of support each student needed to develop adaptive self‐efficacy.