bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geographic Inequity in the Availability of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in England and Wales: A 10-Year Update
Authors: Cavanagh Kate
Published: July 2013

Background: Improving access to psychological therapies, and in particular cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), has been a health service priority in England and Wales over the past decade. The delivery of CBT has been limited by a scarcity of resources and further limited by the inequitable geographic distribution of CBT therapists. Aims: The current study replicates and extends our previous analysis of the geography of British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) membership (Shapiro, Cavanagh and Lomas, 2003) 10 years later in order to evaluate the progress made in improving equitable access to CBT. Method: This paper presents the absolute and comparative geographic distribution of current BABCP members, accredited CBT practitioners, and BABCP members who are nurses or clinical psychologists in England and Wales. Results: Efforts to improve the availability of CBT in England and Wales are reflected in the doubling of total membership, and a 4.5 fold increase in accredited membership over the last 10 years. There is evidence that the magnitude of inequity in the geographic availability of CBT therapists has decreased, but that inequity is still evident. Limitations of using BABCP membership data as a proxy measure of CBT availability are acknowledged. Conclusions: A five-fold discrepancy in accredited CBT practitioners between the best and least well-served population decile indicates ongoing “postcode availability” of the best qualified CBT practitioners. Possible strategies to improve the availability of CBT and remedy this inequity are discussed.
Acute and Subacute Changes in Neural Activation during the Recovery from Sport-Related Concussion
Authors: Hammeke Thomas A. , McCrea Michael , Coats Sarah M. , Verber Matthew D. , Durgerian Sally , Flora Kristin , Olsen Gary S. , Leo Peter D. , Gennarelli Thomas A. , Rao Stephen M.
Published: July 2013

To study the natural recovery from sports concussion, 12 concussed high school football athletes and 12 matched uninjured teammates were evaluated with symptom rating scales, tests of postural balance and cognition, and an event-related fMRI study during performance of a load-dependent working memory task at 13 h and 7 weeks following injury. Injured athletes showed the expected postconcussive symptoms and cognitive decline with decreased reaction time (RT) and increased RT variability on a working memory task during the acute period and an apparent full recovery 7 weeks later. Brain activation patterns showed decreased activation of right hemisphere attentional networks in injured athletes relative to controls during the acute period with a reversed pattern of activation (injured > controls) in the same networks at 7 weeks following injury. These changes coincided with a decrease in self-reported postconcussive symptoms and improved cognitive test performance in the injured athletes. Results from this exploratory study suggest that decreased activation of right hemisphere attentional networks mediate the cognitive changes and postconcussion symptoms observed during the acute period following concussion. Conversely, improvement in cognitive functioning and postconcussive symptoms during the subacute period may be mediated by compensatory increases in activation of this same attentional network. (JINS, 2013,19, 1–10)
Evolving from Methodological to Conceptual Unification
Authors: Henriques Gregg
Published: July 2013

The absence of a philosophical system that can effectively address the profound problems that exist at the heart of psychology has resulted in the discipline becoming increasingly defined and unified simply by its commitment to the scientific method. This article articulates why unification via method is a weak intellectual solution and explains how the Unified Theory ( Henriques, 2011 ) provides the needed framework so that the field can evolve from its current unity via method to a more mature conceptual unity that clearly defines psychology, grounds it in a scientific worldview, and assimilates and integrates its key insights into a coherent whole.
Flux pinning induced stress and magnetostriction in a long elliptic cylindrical superconductor
Authors: Yong Huadong , Zhou Youhe
Published: July 2013

In this paper, stress and magnetostriction induced by flux pinning are studied numerically for a long elliptic cylinder superconductor. The cylinder is placed in a parallel magnetic field. Based on the critical state Bean model and variational formulation, critical current and flux distributions are obtained for zero field cooling process first. Then, the mechanical response problem of the elliptic cylinder is investigated using the finite element method, and the problem is assumed to be plane strain case. The results show that the stress depends on magnetic field and aspect ratio of ellipse. In addition, the maximum stress of semi-major axis is different from that of semi-minor axis. The aspect ratio has different effects on the stress distribution for semi-major and semi-minor axes.
Ultra-precise particle velocities in pulsed supersonic beams
Authors: Christen Wolfgang
Published: July 2013

We describe an improved experimental method for the generation of cold, directed particle bunches, and the highly accurate determination of their velocities in a pulsed supersonic beam, allowing for high-resolution experiments of atoms, molecules, and clusters. It is characterized by a pulsed high pressure jet source with high brilliance and optimum repeatability, a flight distance of few metres that can be varied with a tolerance of setting of \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$50\; \mathrm{\umu }\mathrm{m}$\end{document}50μm, and a precision in the mean flight time of particles of better than 10−4. The technique achieves unmatched accuracies in particle velocities and kinetic energies and also permits the reliable determination of enthalpy changes with very high precision.
Effects of surface oxide layer on nanocavity formation and silver gettering in hydrogen ion implanted silicon
Authors: Naczas Sebastian , Yaqoob Faisal , Huang Mengbing
Published: July 2013

We have made an investigation of the surface oxide effects on nanocavity formation in hydrogen implanted silicon and the influence of resultant nanocavities on diffusion and gettering of implanted silver atoms. A wafer with a 200-nm SiO2 surface layer was implanted with 22.5 keV H ions to a dose of 1 × 1017 cm−2, yielding the concentration peak of implanted H ions at ∼140 nm below the SiO2/Si interface. Subsequently, two sets of Si samples were prepared, depending on whether the oxide layer was etched off before (Group-A) or after (Group-B) post-H-implantation annealing. As evidenced by transmission electron microscopy, Group-A samples exhibited an array of large-sized nanocavities in hexagon-like shape, extending from the surface to the depth ∼140 nm, whereas a narrow band of sphere-shaped nanocavities of small size was present around 140 nm below the surface in Group-B samples. These Si samples with pre-existing nanocavities were further implanted with Ag ions in the surface region (∼40 nm projected range) and post-Ag-implantation annealing was conducted in the temperature range between 600 and 900 °C. Measurements based on Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy revealed much different behaviors for Ag redistribution and defect accumulation in these two sets of samples. Compared to the case for Group-B Si, Group-A Si exhibited a lower concentration of residual defects and a slower kinetics in Ag diffusion as well. We discuss the role of thick surface oxide in point defect generation and recombination, and the consequence on nanocavity formation and defect retention in Si. The properties of nanocavities, e.g., their depth distribution, size, and even shape, are believed to be responsible for the observed disparities between these samples, including an interesting contrast of surface vs. bulk diffusion phenomena for implanted Ag atoms.
Resonant ultrasound spectroscopy for a sample with cantilever boundary condition using Rayleigh-Ritz method
Authors: Farzbod Farhad
Published: July 2013

Resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS) involves probing material properties by exciting and detecting resonant vibrational modes in a sample of interest. The desired material property is obtained by comparing theoretical and experimental results. Typically, the sample is considered to be freestanding with stress free boundary conditions. However in many situations of current interest, realizing a truly free sample is difficult. Here as an alternative, we consider a cantilever having a zero displacement boundary condition at one end of the sample. The eigenfrequencies and eigenmodes are obtained using a solution method that considers the exact equations of motion for an elastic sample. The solution is validated by comparing computed eigenfrequencies to a limiting case involving a long, thin sample. Additionally, a proof of principle experiment using laser-resonant ultrasound spectroscopy has been conducted on a copper cantilever.
Communication: Selection rules for tunneling splitting of vibrationally excited levels
Authors: Siebrand Willem , Smedarchina Zorka , Fernández-Ramos Antonio
Published: July 2013

Five symmetry-based selection rules are formulated that relate the tunneling splitting of a vibrationally excited level to that of the ground level in molecules with a symmetric double-minimum potential. The rules, which explain why excited levels frequently have smaller splittings than zero-point levels, are used to interpret the observed and calculated splittings in malonaldehyde.
Probing the local surface potential and quantum capacitance in single and multi-layer graphene
Authors: Wagner Tino , Köhler Denny , Milde Peter , Eng Lukas M.
Published: July 2013

We report on local measurements of the surface potential and quantum capacitance in single layer graphene as well as multilayers thereof as a function of the carrier density by using frequency-modulated Kelvin probe force microscopy. We find excellent agreement to tight-binding calculations reported for graphene monolayers and extract the minimum quantum capacitance from density sweeps at room temperature. The surface potential of graphene multilayers is found to depend linearly on the carrier density, which suggests treating them as two-dimensional electron gases. In addition, we demonstrate that the simultaneously detected second harmonic of the Kelvin modulation, proportional to |∂2C/∂z2|, is directly sensitive to local changes in the quantum capacitance of graphene.
Numerical investigation of the plasma-aided fabrication of stoichiometric InAs nanodots at early stage of the growth
Authors: Alizadeh M. , Mehdipour H. , Goh B. T. , Rahman S. A.
Published: July 2013

Using numerical modeling of the plasma sheath and key surface processes, the plasma-aided fabrication of InAs nanodots is investigated at early stage of the growth. Roles of different plasma process parameters, such as electron temperature, electron number density, and ion-to-electron density ratio, in achieving the stoichiometric growth of the nanodots are explored and conditions to achieve a highly stoichiometric InAs composition are discussed. It is shown that the nanodots get larger with increasing the electron temperature and electron number density, whereas they shrink in size with increasing the ion-to-electron density ratio. Moreover, it is shown that with increase in the electron temperature and electron number density stoichiometric saturation state can be reached shortly, which this enables the fabrication of highly stoichiometric array of nanodots within shorter processing time. The results obtained can open a path toward nucleation and growth of an array of nanodots with desired structural composition and size distribution.
Optical bistability with a repulsive optical force in coupled silicon photonic crystal membranes
Authors: Hui Pui-Chuen , Woolf David , Iwase Eiji , Sohn Young-Ik , Ramos Daniel , Khan Mughees , Rodriguez Alejandro W. , Johnson Steven G. , Capasso Federico , Loncar Marko
Published: July 2013

We demonstrate actuation of a silicon photonic crystal membrane with a repulsive optical gradient force. The extent of the static actuation is extracted by examining the optical bistability as a combination of the optomechanical, thermo-optic, and photo-thermo-mechanical effects using coupled-mode theory. Device behavior is dominated by a repulsive optical force which results in displacements of ≈1 nm/mW. By employing an extended guided resonance which effectively eliminates multi-photon thermal and electronic nonlinearities, our silicon-based device provides a simple, non-intrusive solution to extending the actuation range of micro-electromechanical devices.
Phase-resolved observations of optical pulse propagation in chip-scale silicon nanowires
Authors: Marko Matthew D. , Li Xiujian , Zheng Jiangjun , Liao Jiali , Yu Mingbin , Lo Guo-Qiang , Kwong Dim-Lee , Husko Chad A. , Wei Wong Chee
Published: July 2013

We report phase-resolved temporal measurements of picosecond pulse propagation in silicon chip-scale nanowire waveguides. The nonlinear ultrafast phenomena are examined experimentally with frequency-resolved optical gating and numerically with nonlinear Schrödinger pulse modeling. Pulse broadening and higher-order pulse splitting were observed experimentally and matched remarkably with numerical predictions. The contributions of self-phase modulation and group velocity dispersion, as well as two-photon absorption, free-carrier dispersion, and absorption, are described and discussed, in support of chip-scale nonlinear signal processing and ultrafast processes.
Tuned synthesis of novel 3D mesoscopic ZnO crystals using buffer layer assisted grown catalysts
Authors: Shehzad M. A. , Hafeez M. , Rehman S. , Bhatti A. S.
Published: July 2013

In this paper, we demonstrate that vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) mode of growth can be employed to obtain three-dimensional (3D cubes or 2D platelets) mesoscopic structures with unusual morphologies and sizes using buffer layer assisted (BLA) grown catalysts. The unusual structures could not be grown by using normally deposited catalyst. It is demonstrated that the shape and the contact angle of the catalyst are the key parameters to realize such an unusual growth. AFM images of the BLA grown Mn nanoparticles showed small contact area and large contact angle with the substrate. The VLS growth was performed in the ambient and in the presence of a carrier gas. The growth done in the presence of a carrier gas led to creation of oxygen vacancies, which affected the ultimate morphology of the grown structure. It was observed that oxygen deficient environment led to the growth of hierarchical micropellets. On the contrary, the presence of oxygen resulted in the quasi symmetrical growth of micro/nano cubes. Finally, the growth mechanism was explained using thermodynamic approach, considering the interface energies and change in the Gibb's free energy. XRD, Raman and PL characterization techniques were employed and found in good agreement with proposed growth mechanism. Self doping of the Mn catalyst was also observed in cubic structures.
Two periods of total testicular regression are peculiar events of the annual reproductive cycle of the black Myotis bat, Myotis nigricans (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)
Authors: Beguelini Mateus R. , Góes Rejane M. , Taboga Sebastião R. , Morielle-Versute Eliana
Published: July 2013

Myotis nigricans presents few and controversial reproductive data, which indicate geographical variation in reproduction. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the seasonal modifications in testicular and epididymal morphologies in a tropical environment, submitting these organs to morphometric and immunohistochemical analysis. The observations revealed that this species presents two peaks of spermatogenic activity followed by two periods of total testicular regression (a quiescent pre-pubertal-like morphology, where only Sertoli cells and spermatogonia could be observed), in the same annual reproductive cycle, which seem to be only indirectly influenced by abiotic factors. This testicular behaviour seems to be synchronised with the caput and corpus epididymidis, but not with the cauda epididymidis, which presents aspects of sperm storage in May–June. The control of this variation seems to be directly linked to the expression of the androgen receptor, since, throughout the year, it is high in periods of testicular recrudescence and low in periods of deactivation. It is not thought to be directly linked to apoptosis, which is more pronounced in periods of recrudescence than in periods of regression.
A Comparison of Characteristics and Outcomes of Opioid-Dependent Patients Initiating Office-Based Buprenorphine or Methadone Maintenance Treatment
Authors: Fingerhood Michael I. , King Van L. , Brooner Robert K. , Rastegar Darius A.
Published: July 2013

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare demographic factors and 1-year treatment outcomes of patients treated with buprenorphine or methadone.

Methods

The study included 252 subjects who received a prescription for buprenorphine in an academic internal medicine practice and 252 subjects who enrolled in a methadone maintenance program located on the same campus over the same time frame. Data were collected retrospectively. Patients were classified as “opioid-positive” or “opioid-negative” each month for a year based on urine drug testing and provider assessment. Successful treatment was defined as remaining in treatment after 1 year and achieving 6 or more opioid-negative months.

Results

Buprenorphine patients were more likely to be male, have health insurance, be employed, abuse prescription opioids, and be human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected; they were less likely to abuse benzodiazepines. At 12 months, 140 (55.6%) of buprenorphine patients and 156 (61.9%) of methadone patients remained in treatment ( P =.148). Patients on methadone had a higher mean number of opioid-negative months (6.96 vs. 5.43; P <.001) and mean number of months in treatment (9.38 vs. 8.59; P <.001). On multivariable analysis, methadone maintenance was significantly associated with successful treatment (adjusted odds ratio: 2.10; 95% confidence interval: 1.43–3.07).

Conclusions

Office-based buprenorphine and methadone maintenance programs serve very different populations. Both are effective, but patients on methadone had mildly better treatment outcomes.
Potential economic impacts of water-use changes in Southwest Kansas
Authors: Golden Bill , Johnson Jeff
Published: July 2013

This research considers three policy scenarios aimed at reducing groundwater consumption in three high priority subareas of southwest Kansas. The three policy scenarios include: (1) a Status Quo scenario where there is no change in water-use policy, (2) an Immediate Conversion to Dryland scenario where all groundwater pumping is halted, and (3) a Reallocation scenario, which allows only a 40% reduction in saturated thickness in 25 years. Each policy scenario is simulated under normal versus drought weather conditions. Results suggest that, from both a community and producer perspective, groundwater conservation policy can generate positive economic gains.
Degradation of high affinity HuD targets releases Kv1.1 mRNA from miR-129 repression by mTORC1
Authors: Sosanya Natasha M. , Huang Peggy P.C. , Cacheaux Luisa P. , Chen Chun Jung , Nguyen Kathleen , Perrone-Bizzozero Nora I. , Raab-Graham Kimberly F.
Published: July 2013

Little is known about how a neuron undergoes site-specific changes in intrinsic excitability during neuronal activity. We provide evidence for a novel mechanism for mTORC1 kinase–dependent translational regulation of the voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.1 messenger RNA (mRNA). We identified a microRNA, miR-129, that repressed Kv1.1 mRNA translation when mTORC1 was active. When mTORC1 was inactive, we found that the RNA-binding protein, HuD, bound to Kv1.1 mRNA and promoted its translation. Unexpectedly, inhibition of mTORC1 activity did not alter levels of miR-129 and HuD to favor binding to Kv1.1 mRNA. However, reduced mTORC1 signaling caused the degradation of high affinity HuD target mRNAs, freeing HuD to bind Kv1.1 mRNA. Hence, mTORC1 activity regulation of mRNA stability and high affinity HuD-target mRNA degradation mediates the bidirectional expression of dendritic Kv1.1 ion channels.
MoniTORing neuronal excitability at the synapse
Authors: Kepert Inge , Kiebler Michael A.
Published: July 2013

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key player at the synapse regulating local translation and long-lasting synaptic plasticity. Now, a new study by Sosanya et al. (2013. J. Cell Biol. http://dx.doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201212089) investigates the molecular mechanism of how mTOR suppresses local protein synthesis of a key potassium channel at activated synapses.
Biogenesis of Polarized Epithelial Cells During Kidney Development In Situ: Roles of E-Cadherin–mediated Cell–Cell Adhesion and Membrane Cytoskeleton Organization
Authors: Piepenhagen Peter A. , Nelson W. James
Published: July 2013

Organization of proteins into structurally and functionally distinct plasma membrane domains is an essential characteristic of polarized epithelial cells. Based on studies with cultured kidney cells, we have hypothesized that a mechanism for restricting Na/K-ATPase to the basal-lateral membrane involves E-cadherin–mediated cell–cell adhesion and integration of Na/K-ATPase into the Triton X-100–insoluble ankyrin- and spectrin-based membrane cytoskeleton. In this study, we examined the relevance of these in vitro observations to the generation of epithelial cell polarity in vivo during mouse kidney development. Using differential detergent extraction, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence histochemistry, we demonstrate the following. First, expression of the 220-kDa splice variant of ankyrin-3 correlates with the development of resistance to Triton X-100 extraction for Na/K-ATPase, E-cadherin, and catenins and precedes maximal accumulation of Na/K-ATPase. Second, expression of the 190-kDa slice variant of ankyrin-3 correlates with maximal accumulation of Na/K-ATPase. Third, Na/K-ATPase, ankyrin-3, and fodrin specifically colocalize at the basal-lateral plasma membrane of all epithelial cells in which they are expressed and during all stages of nephrogenesis. Fourth, the relative immunofluorescence staining intensities of Na/K-ATPase, ankyrin-3, and fodrin become more similar during development until they are essentially identical in adult kidney. Thus, renal epithelial cells in vivo regulate the accumulation of E-cadherin–mediated adherens junctions, the membrane cytoskeleton, and Na/K-ATPase through sequential protein expression and assembly on the basal-lateral membrane. These results are consistent with a mechanism in which generation and maintenance of polarized distributions of these proteins in vivo and in vitro involve cell–cell adhesion, assembly of the membrane cytoskeleton complex, and concomitant integration and retention of Na/K-ATPase in this complex.
Dynamics of Centromeres during Metaphase–Anaphase Transition in Fission Yeast: Dis1 Is Implicated in Force Balance in Metaphase Bipolar Spindle
Authors: Nabeshima Kentaro , Nakagawa Takashi , Straight Aaron F. , Murray Andrew , Chikashige Yuji , Yamashita Yukiko M. , Hiraoka Yasushi , Yanagida Mitsuhiro
Published: July 2013

In higher eukaryotic cells, the spindle forms along with chromosome condensation in mitotic prophase. In metaphase, chromosomes are aligned on the spindle with sister kinetochores facing toward the opposite poles. In anaphase A, sister chromatids separate from each other without spindle extension, whereas spindle elongation takes place during anaphase B. We have critically examined whether such mitotic stages also occur in a lower eukaryote, Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Using the green fluorescent protein tagging technique, early mitotic to late anaphase events were observed in living fission yeast cells. S. pombe has three phases in spindle dynamics, spindle formation (phase 1), constant spindle length (phase 2), and spindle extension (phase 3). Sister centromere separation (anaphase A) rapidly occurred at the end of phase 2. The centromere showed dynamic movements throughout phase 2 as it moved back and forth and was transiently split in two before its separation, suggesting that the centromere was positioned in a bioriented manner toward the poles at metaphase. Microtubule-associating Dis1 was required for the occurrence of constant spindle length and centromere movement in phase 2. Normal transition from phase 2 to 3 needed DNA topoisomerase II and Cut1 but not Cut14. The duration of each phase was highly dependent on temperature.
Contribution of the GTPase Domain to the Subcellular Localization of Dynamin in the NematodeCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Labrousse Arnaud M. , Shurland Dixie-Lee , van der Bliek Alexander M.
Published: July 2013

Caenorhabditis elegans dynamin is expressed at high levels in neurons and at lower levels in other cell types, consistent with the important role that dynamin plays in the recycling of synaptic vesicles. Indirect immunofluorescence showed that dynamin is concentrated along the dorsal and ventral nerve cords and in the synapse-rich nerve ring. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused to the N terminus of dynamin is localized to synapse-rich regions. Furthermore, this chimera was detected along the apical membrane of intestinal cells, in spermathecae, and in coelomocytes. Dynamin localization was not affected by disrupting axonal transport of synaptic vesicles in the unc-104 (kinesin) mutant. To investigate the alternative mechanisms that dynamin might use for translocation to the synapse, we systematically tested the localization of different protein domains by fusion to GFP. Localization of each chimera was measured in one specific neuron, the ALM. The GTPase, a middle domain, and the putative coiled coil each contribute to synaptic localization. Surprisingly, the pleckstrin homology domain and the proline-rich domain, which are known to bind to coated-pit constituents, did not contribute to synaptic localization. The GFP-GTPase chimera was most strongly localized, although the GTPase domain has no known interactions with proteins other than with dynamin itself. Our results suggest that different dynamin domains contribute to axonal transport and the sequestration of a pool of dynamin molecules in synaptic cytosol.
First Report of a 16SrIX Group (‘Candidatus Phytoplasma phoenicium’-Related) Phytoplasma Associated with a Chrysanthemum Disease
Authors: Bayat H. , Verhoeven J. Th. J. , Botermans M. , Peters D. , Hassani-Mehraban A.
Published: July 2013

In November 2010, approximately 2% of the chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) cv. Paniz plants showed numerous small leaves in the top and stunting in a field collection of the National Research Center of Ornamental Plants in Mahallat, Iran. Next to these plants, some plants of the same collection showed leaves with a reddish and/or chlorotic discoloration around the veins. The observed symptoms were believed to represent infection by a phytoplasma and/or a viroid. Two plants with each type of the symptoms were individually analyzed. Using a total RNA extract from diseased leaves, RT-PCR with primer pairs targeting all known pospiviroids, including Chrysanthemum stunt viroid (CSVd) (3), were negative. Purified DNA was examined for the highly conserved phytoplasma 16S rRNA gene by nested-PCR using the universal primer sets P1/P7 and R16F2n/R16R2 (2). Fragments of 1.2 kb, obtained only from the plants with the small leaves and stunting, were sequenced and one of these sequences, which were identical, was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. KC176800). BLAST analysis of the chrysanthemum phytoplasma sequence exhibited 99% identity to Candidatus Phytoplasma phoenicium (Ca. P. phoenicium) species of the 16SrIX group. Subsequently, in silico RFLP analysis of the nested PCR product with the pDRAW32 program using AluI and TaqI restriction sites used for 16SrIX subgroups A, B, C, D, and E indicated that the 16SrIX chrysanthemum isolate belonged to subgroup D (1). Recently, based on GenBank sequences, several strains of Ca. P. phoenicium have been isolated and identified from diverse host species like Lactuca serriola, L. sativa, Solanum lycopersicon, Sonchus sp. [16SrIX-E], Carthamus tinctorius, and Prunus amygdalus [16SrIX-B] (4) in Iran. The vector species transmitting Ca. P. phoenicium to C. morifolium still needs to be identified. The leafhopper Neoaliturus fenestratus may be a potential vector as it is an often encountered efficient transmitter vector of 16SrIX group phytoplasmas in Iran (2). Next to the susceptibility of chrysanthemum to members of aster yellows, stolbur, and Ca. P. aurantifolia phytoplasma groups, this is, to our knowledge, the first report of a 16SrIX group member infecting chrysanthemum. The detection of this phytoplasma in chrysanthemum can form a new threat to this crop and other ornamentals in the Mahallat flower production region.

References: (1) R. E. Davis et al. New Dis. Rep. 20:35, 2010. (2) M. Salehi et al. Plant Pathol. 56:669, 2007. (3) J. Th. J. Verhoeven et al. Eur. J. Plant Pathol. 110:823, 2004. (4) M. G. Zamharir. Afr. J. Microbiol. Res. 5:6013, 2011.
The First Report of Globodera rostochiensis Pathotypes Ro5 Occurrence in Poland
Authors: Przetakiewicz A.
Published: July 2013

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L. subsp. tuberosum) is one of the most important crops in Poland. During vegetation season, pests and pathogens including a quarantine-significant nematode Globodera rostochiensis (Woll.) Behrens can infect growing plants. Regional surveys have revealed potato cyst nematodes (PCN) to be widely distributed in Poland, with the highest infestation throughout the northwest of the country. Since 1946, only pathotype Ro1 of G. rostochiensis has been recorded. Previous data revealed the occurrence of pathotype Ro5 in three separate provinces. In recent surveys, 22 soil samples from infested fields in northern and western parts of Poland were collected. Each sample comprised 10 kg of soil collected in a grid pattern. Samples of approximately 2 kg were dried for extracting nematodes. The cysts were obtained with an automatic cyst extractor (Mekku Gmbh). A molecular test was performed as a first step to discriminate G. rostochiensis from G. pallida. DNA from 30 cysts per sample was extracted with DNeasy Blood and Tissue KIT (Qiagen). Multiplex PCR analysis with two pairs of primers, GroR-GroF and PaR-PaF (1), was employed. The PCR resulted in a single 315-bp DNA fragment specific for G. rostochiensis. No amplification was shown with primers specific for G. pallida. Bioassays on differential genotypes of potato were carried out to identify the pathotype of G. rostochiensis. Five genotypes of potato: S. vernei hybr. 58.1642/4, S. vernei hybr. 62.33.3, S. vernei hybr. 65.346/19, S. multidissectum hybr. P 55/7, S. kurtzianum hybr. 60.21.19, and two varieties, Desiree and Maris Piper, were inoculated with 22 populations of G. rostochiensis cysts (2). Tests were performed in three replications. Eighteen of the cyst populations were pathotype Ro1 and four were pathotype Ro5. The abundance of cysts in locations where the new pathotype was detected suggests that there is a threat of further spread of G. rostochiensis. Consequently, producers and farmers need to grow resistant potato cultivars to keep nematode population below damaging level. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Globodera rostochiensis Ro5 in Poland.

References: (1) A. Fullaondo et al. Nematology 1:157, 1999. (2) J. Kort et. al. Nematologica 23:333, 1977.
Absolute-structure reports
Authors: Flack Howard D.
Published: July 2013

All the 139 noncentrosymmetric crystal structures published inActa Crystallographica Section Cbetween January 2011 and November 2012 inclusive have been used as the basis of a detailed study of the reporting of absolute structure. These structure determinations cover a wide range of space groups, chemical composition and resonant-scattering contribution. DefiningAandDas the average and difference of the intensities of Friedel opposites, their level of fit has been examined using 2ADand selected-Dplots. It was found, regardless of the expected resonant-scattering contribution to Friedel opposites, that the Friedel-difference intensities are often dominated by random uncertainty and systematic error. An analysis of data collection strategy is provided. It is found that crystal-structure determinations resulting in a Flack parameter close to 0.5 may not necessarily be from crystals twinned by inversion. Friedifstatis shown to be a robust estimator of the resonant-scattering contribution to Friedel opposites, very little affected by the particular space group of a structure nor by the occupation of special positions. There is considerable confusion in the text of papers presenting achiral noncentrosymmetric crystal structures. Recommendations are provided for the optimal way of treating noncentrosymmetric crystal structures for which the experimenter has no interest in determining the absolute structure.
New methods of crop production and farmland birds: effects of plastic mulches on species richness and abundance
Authors: Skórka Piotr , Lenda Magdalena , Moroń Dawid , Tryjanowski Piotr
Published: July 2013

Modern methods of crop production are regarded as one of the major factors moderating ecosystem processes in agricultural landscapes and may negatively affect farmland biodiversity. One method which is on the increase is mulching: the use of plastic foil to cover crops at sowing in order to promote early growth by reducing the negative effects of variable temperatures and to limit pesticide use. However, almost nothing is known of the role of mulching on farmland biodiversity.

In this study, carried out in southern Poland in 2011, we investigated the impact of mulching with plastic foil on the number of species and abundance of farmland birds at two spatial scales.

At the local scale, bird species number and abundance were lower in areas where foil was used than those in the control areas, both during the period when the foil was used and after it was removed from the crops. At the landscape scale, we found a significant negative relationship between the proportion of crops covered by foil and bird species richness and abundance. Farmland specialists, nonfarmland birds, ground nesters and above‐ground nesting species were all negatively affected by foil mulching. Foil had a negative effect on potential resources for birds including adult butterflies and their larvae and weed species.

Synthesis and applications. Our results provide the first evidence that the use of foil for mulching has negative effects on farmland bird populations, probably through the trophic cascade and habitat disturbance. Therefore, foil mulches must be considered as another factor contributing to the decline of farmland biodiversity. We suggest limiting the use of this method of vegetable production at the farm level. Decreasing the field size and converting some arable fields into grassland patches are proposed as mitigation measures in landscapes with high foil cover.
How pre‐service teachers' personality traits, self‐efficacy, and discipline strategies contribute to the teacher–student relationship
Authors: de Jong Romi , Mainhard Tim , van Tartwijk Jan , Veldman Ietje , Verloop Nico , Wubbels Theo
Published: July 2013

Background

Although the teacher–student relationship is a well‐documented phenomenon, few attempts have been made to identify its predictors. Research has mainly focused on in‐service teachers, less is known about characteristics of pre‐service teachers in relation to the teacher–student relationship.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to identify the predictors of pre‐service secondary teachers' relationships with their students. It was hypothesized that friendliness and extraversion, self‐efficacy in classroom management and in student engagement, and various discipline strategies would contribute to the teacher–student relationship in terms of influence and affiliation.

Sample

A total of 120 pre‐service teachers in teacher education programmes participated.

Method

Data on pre‐service teachers' background (e.g., gender and age), personality traits, and self‐efficacy were gathered with teacher questionnaires; data on teachers' discipline strategies and the teacher–student relationship with student questionnaires.

Results

The two personality traits and self‐efficacy appeared not to be related to the teacher–student relationship in terms of affiliation or influence. However, significant relationships were found between the different discipline strategies and the teacher–student relationship in terms of influence and affiliation. There were differential effects for gender on the relationship between discipline strategies on the one hand and influence and affiliation on the other.

Conclusion

This study provides relevant new insights into the research fields of classroom management and interpersonal relationships in education. It contributes to our understanding of discipline strategies by fine tuning an existing instrument and revealing interesting connections with the teacher–student relationship. Specific gender effects on this connection are discussed, as are implications for practice.
Prospective randomized trial of hexylaminolevulinate photodynamic‐assisted transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) plus single‐shot intravesical mitomycin C vs conventional white‐light TURBT plus mitomycin C in newly presenting non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer
Authors: O'Brien Timothy , Ray Eleanor , Chatterton Kathryn , Khan Muhammad Shamim , Chandra Ashish , Thomas Kay
Published: July 2013

Objective

To determine if photodynamic ‘blue‐light'‐assisted resection leads to lower recurrence rates in newly presenting non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

Patients and Methods

We conducted a prospective randomized trial of hexylaminolevulinate (HAL) photodynamic diagnosis (PDD)‐assisted transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) plus single‐shot intravesical mitomycin C vs standard white‐light‐assisted TURBT plus single‐shot intravesical mitomycin C.

A total of 249 patients with newly presenting suspected NMIBC enrolled at Guy's Hospital between March 2005 and April 2010. Patients with a history of bladder cancer were excluded.

The surgery was performed by specialist bladder cancer surgical teams.

Of the eligible patients, 90% agreed to be randomized.

Results

Of the 249 patients, 209 (84%) had cancer and in 185 patients (89%) the cancer was diagnosed as NMIBC.

There were no adverse events related to HAL in any of the patients randomized to the intravesical HAL‐PDD arm.

Single‐shot intravesical mitomycin C was administered to 61/97 patients (63%) in the HAL‐PDD arm compared with 68/88 patients (77%) in the white‐light arm (P = 0.04)

Intravesical HAL was an effective diagnostic tool for occult carcinoma in situ (CIS). Secondary CIS was identified in 25/97 patients (26%) in the HAL‐PDD arm compared with 12/88 patients (14%) in the white‐light arm ((P = 0.04)

There was no significant difference in recurrence between the two arms at 3 or 12 months: in the HAL‐PDD and the white‐light arms recurrence was found in 17/86 and 14/82 patients (20 vs 17%), respectively ((P = 0.7) at 3 months, and in 10/63 and 15/67 patients (16 vs 22%), respectively ((P = 0.4) at 12 months.

Conclusions

Despite HAL‐PDD offering a more accurate diagnostic assessment of a bladder tumour, in this trial we did not show that this led to lower recurrence rates of newly presenting NMIBC compared with the best current standard of care.
Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 3,9‐diazatetraasteranes as Novel Matrilysin Inhibitors
Authors: Liu Yanlan , Tan Hongbo , Yan Hong , Song Xiuqing
Published: July 2013

Matrilysin is an ideal biological target to develop novel inhibitors because it is overexpressed in malignant tumour cells. A series of 3,9‐diazatetraasteranes was designed as inhibitors of matrilysin, which was an ideal biological target because it is responsible for aggressive malignant phenotypes and poor prognoses implicated in many cancers. Docking simulation supported the initial pharmacophore hypothesis and suggested a common interaction mechanism of 3,9‐diazatetraasteranes with the catalytic site of matrilysin. The 3,9‐diazatetraasteranes were synthesized by the photocyclization of 4‐aryl‐1,4‐dihydropyridines, and their structures were determined using 1H NMR, 13C NMR and MS. The inhibitory activities of these compounds on matrilysin were investigated in vitro using an MTT assay in A549 (small cell lung cancer) cells. The results show that the 3,9‐diazatetraasteranes can inhibit the growth of A549 tumour cells. The best IC50 value is approximately 50 μm. This result indicates that 3,9‐diazatetraasteranes will be useful pharmacological tools for the investigation of matrilysin inhibitors.
The electrophysiological time course of somatosensory spatial remapping: vision of the hands modulates effects of posture on somatosensory evoked potentials
Authors: Rigato Silvia , Bremner Andrew J. , Mason Luke , Pickering Alan , Davis Rob , van Velzen José
Published: July 2013

We investigated the electrophysiological correlates of somatosensory processing under different arm postures by recording event‐related potentials at frontal, central and centroparietal sites during tactile stimulation of the hands. Short series of 200 ms vibrotactile stimuli were presented to the palms of the participants' hands, one hand at a time, in either uncrossed‐ or crossed‐hands postures. The manipulation of posture allowed us to investigate the electrophysiological processes underlying the spatial remapping of somatosensory stimuli from anatomical into external frames of reference. To examine somatosensory spatial remapping independently of its effects on attentional processes, the stimuli were presented unpredictably in terms of location, and in temporal onset. We also examined how vision of the limbs affects the process of remapping. When participants had sight of their hands (Experiment 1) the effect of posture was observed over regions contralateral to the stimulated hand from 128 ms, whereas when their limbs were covered (Experiment 2) effects of posture influenced the ipsilateral regions from 150 ms. These findings add to an increasing body of evidence which indicates that sight of the hand modulates the way in which information in other modalities is processed. We argue that in this case, sight of the hand biases spatial encoding of touch towards an anatomical frame of reference.
Functional properties and short‐term dynamics of unidirectional and reciprocal synaptic connections between layer 2/3 pyramidal cells and fast‐spiking interneurons in juvenile rat prefrontal cortex
Authors: Zaitsev A. V. , Lewis D. A.
Published: July 2013

The interactions between inhibitory fast‐spiking (FS) interneurons and excitatory pyramidal neurons contribute to the fundamental properties of cortical networks. An important role for FS interneurons in mediating rapid inhibition in local sensory and motor cortex microcircuits and processing thalamic inputs to the cortex has been shown in multiple reports; however, studies in the prefrontal cortex, a key neocortical region supporting working memory, are less numerous. In the present work, connections between layer 2/3 pyramidal cells and FS interneurons were studied with paired whole‐cell recordings in acute neocortical slices of the medial prefrontal cortex from juvenile rats. The connection rate between FS interneurons and pyramidal neurons was about 40% in each direction with 16% of pairs connected reciprocally. Excitatory and inhibitory connections had a high efficacy and a low neurotransmission failure rate. Sustained presynaptic activity decreased the amplitude of responses and increased the failure rate more in excitatory connections than in inhibitory connections. In the reciprocal connections between the FS and pyramidal neurons, inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission was more efficient and had a lower failure rate than in the unidirectional connections; the differences increased during the train stimulation. These results suggest the presence of distinct preferential subnetworks between FS interneurons and pyramidal cells in the rat prefrontal cortex that might be specific for this cortical area.
The elimination of scabies: a task for our generation
Authors: McLean Florence E.
Published: July 2013

Scabies prevalence remains unacceptably high in many regions throughout the world. Infestation with scabies significantly impacts quality of life and is linked to pyoderma and consequently to severe long‐term sequelae such as post‐streptococcal glomerulonephritis. In the past, control programs using topical treatments have met with poor compliance; however, the highly effective oral agent ivermectin may offer a new paradigm in scabies management. Problems still exist with insensitive diagnostic tests, questions concerning mite reservoirs, and restrictions on who can receive ivermectin. Despite these difficulties, the elimination of scabies in communities worst affected may soon be possible.
The effect of long‐term care and follow‐up on complications in patients with external fixators
Authors: Cam Rahsan , Korkmaz Fatma Demir
Published: July 2013

The present study aimed to determine the effect of long‐term care and follow‐up on complications in patients with external fixators. This study was conducted as a study research. The study sample included a total of 60 patients treated with external fixators for fractures, of whom 30 were in the control and 30 were in the study group. No intervention was made on the control group patients. The patients in the study group received external fixator pin site wound care, pin site massage and neurovascular follow‐up. The study group patients were also given discharge training about external fixator pin site care two days before their discharge and were also provided with training manuals to guide their home care. Both groups were visited weekly at their homes to record their complications. Nine complications developed in eight patients (26.7%) in the study group, and 19 complications developed in 19 patients (63.3%) in the control group. Pin site infections were 11.6% of the total sample. The percentage for pin loosening, stiff joint, nerve and vessel injury and pain and swelling was 5%, 25%, 1.7% and 3.3%, respectively.
Antecedents to the integration process for recovery in older patients and spouses after a cardiovascular procedure
Authors: Carroll Diane L
Published: July 2013

Social isolation, psychological state and knowledge needs are important antecedents to the process of integration for recovery from cardiovascular (CV) procedures. The purpose of this study is to measure these antecedents at 6 and 12 weeks after CV procedures in patients (greater 65 years) and their spouses. This descriptive study enrolled 318 subjects; 87 patients/73 spouses responded. There was higher spousal anxiety at 6 weeks (4.64 ± 4.2) compared with 12 weeks (3.65 ± 3.3, t = −2.17, P < 0.032). Patients rated 10 and 7 self‐care knowledge needs at 6 and 12 weeks as ‘very important’ with significant reductions in importance for 4 needs by 12 weeks. Spouses rated 14 and 10 knowledge needs as ‘very important’ at 6 and 12 weeks. There were three spouse care knowledge needs that were not met at 6 weeks. Data identified higher anxiety levels in spouses, and spouse needs that were unmet at 6 weeks after CV procedures.