bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Allocating CSR plant functional types: the use of leaf economics and size traits to classify woody and herbaceous vascular plants
Authors: Pierce Simon , Brusa Guido , Vagge Ilda , Cerabolini Bruno E. L.
Published: April 2013

Three main directions of adaptive specialization are evident in the world flora, reflecting fundamental trade‐offs between economics (conservative vs. acquisitive investment of resources) and size. The current method of ordinating plants according to these trade‐offs, CSR classification, cannot be applied to the woody species that dominate many terrestrial ecosystems.

We aimed to produce a novel CSR classification method applicable to vascular plants in general.

Principal components analysis (PCA) of variation in a range of plant traits for 678 angiosperm, gymnosperm and pteridophyte species was used to determine the limits to multivariate space occupied by functionally diverse species. From this calibration, correlations between PCA axes and values of leaf dry matter content (LDMC; as an index of conservatism in life history), specific leaf area (SLA; indicative of acquisitive economics) and leaf area (LA; photosynthetic organ size) were used to produce predictor regressions from which target species could be compared against the multivariate space. A spreadsheet was developed that returned ternary coordinates and tertiary CSR strategies for target subjects based on LA, LDMC and SLA values.

The method allowed classification of target species within a triangular space corresponding to Grime's theoretical CSR triangle and was sufficiently precise to distinguish strategies between species within genera and within populations of species. It was also largely in agreement with previous methods of CSR classification for herbaceous species.

Rapid CSR classification of woody and herbaceous vascular plants is now possible, potentially allowing primary plant functional types and ecosystem processes to be investigated over landscape scales.
Overview of Recent Events in the Microbiological Safety of Sprouts and New Intervention Technologies
Authors: Yang Yishan , Meier Fabienne , Ann Lo Jerilyn , Yuan Wenqian , Lee Pei Sze Valarie , Chung Hyun‐Jung , Yuk Hyun‐Gyun
Published: April 2013

There has been an increasing trend in consumption of sprouts worldwide due to their widespread availability and high nutrient content. However, microbial contamination of sprouts readily occurs due to the presence of pathogenic bacteria in seeds; and the germination and sprouting process provide optimal conditions for bacterial growth. In recent years, there has been a rise in the number of outbreaks associated with sprouts. These outbreaks occurred mainly in the US, Canada, UK, as well as Europe. More recently in 2011, there were 4 sprout‐related outbreaks, with the Escherichia coli O104:H4 outbreak in Germany causing around 50 deaths and 4000 illnesses reported. On top of pathogenic E. coli, Salmonella spp. are often associated with sprout‐related foodborne disease outbreaks. The contamination of sprouts has become a worldwide food safety concern. Hence, this review paper covers the outbreaks associated with sprouts, prevalence and characteristics of pathogens contaminating sprouts, their survival and growth, and the source of these pathogens. Physical, biological, and chemical interventions utilized to minimize microbial risks in sprouts are also discussed.
Effects of Milk and Milk Products Consumption on Cancer: A Review
Authors: Davoodi H. , Esmaeili S. , Mortazavian A.M.
Published: April 2013

Milk is considered to be the only foodstuff that contains approximately all different substances known to be essential for human nutrition. In terms of cancer risk, dairy foods have been reported as both protective and occasionally as harmful. The evidence that dairy foods can protect against cancer, or increase the risk of cancer is not conclusive. Overall, the proven health benefits of dairy foods greatly outweigh the unproven harm. Dairy foods should be encouraged as part of a varied and nutritious diet as they are essential to maintain good bone and dental health, to prevent osteoporosis, major cardiovascular disease risk factors, hypertension, type‐2 diabetes, metabolic syndromes, as well as some cancers. The Cancer Council and USDA recommend 3 servings of milk and milk products daily. This article reviews the potential of milk and milk products (its indigenous or exogenous compounds) to inhibit different cancer risks. Also reviewed are the reports over the years that have suggested milk and the dairy industry as responsible agents for causing cancer.
Unaccompanied refugee children – vulnerability and agency
Authors: Eide Ketil , Hjern Anders
Published: April 2013

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The numbers of refugee adolescents that arrive in Europe without their families has increased in recent years, particularly in Sweden. Research has demonstrated that these children have high rates of mental health problems, particularly depression and post‐traumatic stress disorder, during the first years after resettlement. Despite this, there are also indications that many of these unaccompanied children are resourceful and arrive with a clear vision of a positive future in the new country. Follow‐up studies in the United States and Norway have indicated fairly good social outcomes in the long term.

Conclusion

The education and care that unaccompanied minors receive during the first years after resettlement, together with their own drive to create a positive future, are key factors in their mental health and long‐term adjustment.
Defining the Reporting Entity in the Not‐for‐profit Public Sector: Implementation Issues Associated with the Control Test
Authors: Howieson Bryan
Published: April 2013

This paper reports the main findings of a research project carried out on behalf of the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) and the New Zealand Financial Reporting Standards Board. The purpose of the research is to inform standard setters about implementation issues that had been encountered in the not‐for‐profit (NFP) public sector when applying the control concept in AASB 127, Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements. The intention is to use the findings to inform proposed implementation guidance for AASB 10, Consolidated Financial Statements. Data were collected via a literature review and meetings with various NFP public sector constituents. Identified issues were either conceptual in nature (for example, who are the relevant users of NFP public sector general purpose financial statements and what are their needs?) or related to implementation concerns (for example, is the power exerted by one NFP public sector entity over another of an ‘ownership’ or a ‘regulatory’ form?). The findings give rise to several suggested actions that standard setters could take in providing useful guidance to NFP public sector constituents.
The Part‐Time Job Satisfaction Puzzle: Different Types of Job Discrepancies and the Moderating Effect of Family Importance
Authors: Iseke Anja
Published: April 2013

Although part‐time employment often appears as a substandard form of employment, evidence that part‐time employees are less satisfied than full‐time employees is ambiguous. To shed more light on this puzzle, I test an extended discrepancy theory framework using data from the German Socio‐Economic Panel. The results help explain previous inconsistent findings: Part‐time employment increases the chances of being underemployed while it reduces the likelihood of working more hours than preferred, and the negative effects of both types of working time mismatches on job satisfaction are similar in size. Furthermore, the importance attributed to family roles mitigates the negative effect of part‐time employment on job satisfaction.
Cisplatin influences acquisition of resistance to molecular‐targeted agents through epithelial–mesenchymal transition‐like changes
Authors: Kurokawa Maki , Ise Nobuyuki , Omi Kazuya , Goishi Katsutoshi , Higashiyama Shigeki
Published: April 2013

Chemotherapy with platinum agents is the standard of care for non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, novel molecular‐targeted agents like gefitinib have been approved for advanced NSCLCs, including recurrent cases previously treated with platinum‐based chemotherapy. Although these agents show antitumor activity through distinct mechanisms and elicit positive initial responses, tumors invariably develop resistance. Recent studies have revealed mechanisms by which both types of agents induce acquired resistance. However, little is known about whether first‐line treatment with either type of agent affects cancer cell susceptibility and development of resistance against subsequent treatment with the other. Using in vitro drug‐resistant NSCLC cell models, we provide evidence that acquired cisplatin resistance may reduce the sensitivity of cancer cells to subsequent treatment with a molecular‐targeted agent. In addition, first‐line cisplatin treatment influenced the mechanism by which cancer cells developed resistance to subsequent treatment with a molecular‐targeted agent. The influence of cisplatin on acquisition of resistance to a molecular‐targeted agent was associated with epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐like alterations such as increased expression of mesenchymal markers, morphological change, and AXL tyrosine kinase‐mediated increased cell motility. Our findings indicate that the influence of platinum‐based chemotherapy on molecular‐targeted therapies and the involvement of EMT and EMT‐related effectors should be considered when developing therapeutic strategies using antitumor agents, especially in the context of sequential therapy.
Immunomodulatory effects of IL‐23 and IL‐17 in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis
Authors: Wang M. , Zhang W. , Shang J. , Yang J. , Zhang L. , Bachert C.
Published: April 2013

Background

Interleukin‐23 (IL‐23) and IL‐17 may be involved in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (AR). However, a differentiation of the role of IL‐23 and IL‐17 has not been performed yet.

Objective

The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of IL‐23 and IL‐17, using a mouse model of AR.

Methods

Anti‐IL‐23p19 and anti‐IL‐17 Abs were administrated intranasally during rechallenge in ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced AR in BALB/c mice. Immunomodulatory effects were evaluated by measuring nasal rubbing and sneezing occurrences, serum OVA‐specific antibodies, Th2 responses (i.e. expression of IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13 and IFN‐γ genes in nasal mucosa, IL‐4+ CD4+ T cells percentages in superficial cervical lymph nodes (LNs) and IL‐4 production in LNs stimulated with OVA in vitro), and neutrophil, eosinophil and mast cell recruitment into the nasal mucosa.

Results

The effect of IL‐17 antagonism was limited to attenuating the Th2 responses and neutrophil and eosinophil infiltration. In contrast, treatment with anti‐IL‐23p19 Abs markedly reduced nasal rubbing and sneezing events, Th2 responses, serum OVA‐specific IgE and IgG1 levels, as well as mucosal neutrophil, eosinophil and mast cell infiltration.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

IL‐17 and IL‐23 may play a pathogenic role in an established AR mouse model; with a more pronounced contribution of IL‐23 than IL‐17.
Efficient Non‐linear Optimization via Multi‐scale Gradient Filtering
Authors: Martin Tobias , Joshi Pushkar , Bergou Miklós , Carr Nathan
Published: April 2013

We present a method for accelerating the convergence of continuous non‐linear shape optimization algorithms. We start with a general method for constructing gradient vector fields on a manifold, and we analyse this method from a signal processing viewpoint. This analysis reveals that we can construct various filters using the Laplace–Beltrami operator of the shape that can effectively separate the components of the gradient at different scales. We use this idea to adaptively change the scale of features being optimized to arrive at a solution that is optimal across multiple scales. This is in contrast to traditional descent‐based methods, for which the rate of convergence often stalls early once the high frequency components have been optimized. We demonstrate how our method can be easily integrated into existing non‐linear optimization frameworks such as gradient descent, Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno (BFGS) and the non‐linear conjugate gradient method. We show significant performance improvement for shape optimization in variational shape modelling and parameterization, and we also demonstrate the use of our method for efficient physical simulation.
Deproteinized bovine bone mineral particles and osseointegration of implants without primary bone contact: an experimental study in dogs
Authors: Sivolella Stefano , Bressan Eriberto , Salata Luiz A. , Quiñones Maria E. , Lang Niklaus P. , Botticelli Daniele
Published: April 2013

Objectives

To evaluate the influence on osseointegration of Deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) particles used to fill defects of at least 1 mm around implants having no primary contact with bone.

Material and methods

Premolars and first molars were extracted bilaterally from the mandible of six Labrador dogs. After 3 months of healing, mucoperiosteal full‐thickness flaps were elevated, and one recipient site was prepared in the molar region of each hemi‐mandible to place implants. These were installed with a deliberate circumferential and periapical space to the bone walls of 1.2 mm. All implants were stabilized with passive fixation plates to maintain the implants in situ and without any contact with the implant bed. The control sites were left to be filled with coagulum, while at the test sites, the residual gap was filled with DBBM. After 3 months of submerged healing, the animals were sacrificed. Ground sections were prepared and analyzed histomorphometrically.

Results

Mineralized bone‐to‐implant contact was 4.0% and 3.9% for control and test sites, respectively. The width of the residual defects was 0.48 mm and 0.88 mm at the control and test sites, respectively. The percentage of implant surface covered by a layer of dense connective tissue of 0.12 mm of width on average was 84.9% and 88.5% at the control and test sites, respectively.

Conclusion

A minor and not predictable degree of contact or distance osteogenesis was obtained on the implant surface when primary contact of the implant surface with the implant bed had deliberately been avoided. DBBM grafting of the artificial gap did not favor osseointegration. Neither did it enhance the ability to bridge the gap with newly formed bone in an artificial defect wider than 1 mm.
Forecasting: Exercises to Enhance Learning from Business Simulations
Authors: Clark Timothy S. , Kent Brian M.
Published: April 2013

Forecasting the outputs of dynamic systems develops a richer understanding of relevant inputs and their interrelationships than merely observing them ex post. Academic business simulations foster students’ development of this critical competency, but learning outcomes can be significantly augmented with relatively simple, complementary exercises in forecasting. We introduce an in‐class forecasting exercise that is easily added to simulations or in any course where students gain from untangling the determinants of quantitative outcomes. The exercise also enhances opportunities for team‐building and spirited competition. Implementation details, evidence of effectiveness, and implications are discussed.
Metabolic dysfunction in pulmonary hypertension: the expanding relevance of the Warburg effect
Authors: Cottrill Katherine A. , Chan Stephen Y.
Published: April 2013

Background

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is an enigmatic vascular syndrome characterized by increased pulmonary arterial pressure and adverse remodelling of the pulmonary arterioles and often of the right ventricle. Drawing parallels with tumourigenesis, recent endeavours have explored the relationship between metabolic dysregulation and PH pathogenesis.

Design

We will discuss the general mechanisms by which cellular stressors such as hypoxia and inflammation alter cellular metabolism. Based on those principles, we will explore the development of a corresponding metabolic pathophenotype in PH, with a focus on WHO Groups I and III, and the implications that these alterations may have for future treatment of this disease.

Results

Investigation of metabolic dysregulation in both the pulmonary vasculature and right ventricle during PH pathogenesis has provided a more unifying understanding of how disparate disease triggers coordinate end‐stage disease manifestations. Namely, as defined originally in various cancers, the Warburg effect describes a chronic shift in energy production from mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis. In many cases, this Warburg phenotype may serve as a central causative mechanism for PH progression, largely driving cellular hyperproliferation and resistance to apoptosis. Consequently, new therapeutic strategies have been increasingly pursued that target the Warburg phenotype. Finally, new technologies are increasingly becoming available to probe more completely the complexities of metabolic cellular reprogramming and may reveal distinct metabolic pathways beyond the Warburg effect that drive PH.

Conclusion

Studies of metabolic dysregulation in PH are just emerging but may offer powerful therapeutic means to prevent or even reverse disease progression at the molecular level.
Cost of stroke in France
Authors: Chevreul K. , Durand‐Zaleski I. , Gouépo A. , Fery‐Lemonnier E. , Hommel M. , Woimant F.
Published: April 2013

Background and purpose

A cost of illness study was undertaken on behalf of the French Ministry of Health to estimate the annual cost of stroke in France with the goal of better understanding the current economic burden so that improved strategies for care may be developed.

Methods

Using primary data from exhaustive national databases and both top‐down and bottom‐up approaches, the stroke‐related costs for healthcare, nursing care and lost productivity were estimated.

Results

The total healthcare cost of stroke patients in France in 2007 was €5.3 billion, 92% of which was borne by statutory health insurance. The average cost of incident cases was €16 686 per patient in the first year, while the annual cost of prevalent cases was a little less than half that amount (€8099). Nursing care costs were estimated at €2.4 billion. Lost productivity reached €255.9 million and that income loss for stroke patients was partially compensated by €63.3 million in social benefit payments.

Conclusions

With healthcare costs representing 3% of total health expenditure in France, stroke constitutes an ongoing burden for the health system and overall economy. Nursing care added nearly half again the amount spent on healthcare, while productivity losses were more limited because nearly 80% of acute incident strokes were in patients over age 65. The high cost of illness underscores the need for improved prevention and interventions to limit the disabling effects of stroke.
A Review of the Nurtured Heart Approach to Parenting: Evaluation of its Theoretical and Empirical Foundations
Authors: Hektner Joel M. , Brennan Alison L. , Brotherson Sean E.
Published: April 2013

The Nurtured Heart Approach to parenting (NHA; Glasser & Easley, 2008) is summarized and evaluated in terms of its alignment with current theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence in family studies and developmental science. Originally conceived and promoted as a behavior management approach for parents of difficult children (i.e., with behavior disorders), NHA is increasingly offered as a valuable strategy for parents of any children, despite a lack of published empirical support. Parents using NHA are trained to minimize attention to undesired behaviors, provide positive attention and praise for compliance with rules, help children be successful by scaffolding and shaping desired behavior, and establish a set of clear rules and consequences. Many elements of the approach have strong support in the theoretical and empirical literature; however, some of the assumptions are more questionable, such as that negative child behavior can always be attributed to unintentional positive reinforcement by parents responding with negative attention. On balance, NHA appears to promote effective and validated parenting practices, but its effectiveness now needs to be tested empirically.
Fatigue crack initiation in Hastelloy X – the role of boundaries
Authors: Abuzaid W. , Oral A. , Sehitoglu H. , Lambros J. , Maier H. J.
Published: April 2013

In polycrystalline metals, microstructural features such as grain boundaries (GBs) influence fatigue crack initiation. Stress and strain heterogeneities, which arise in the vicinity of GBs, can promote the nucleation of fatigue cracks. Because of variations in grain size and GB types, and consequently variations in the local deformation response, scatter in fatigue life is expected. A deeper quantitative understanding of the early stages of fatigue crack nucleation and the scatter in life requires experimental and modelling work at appropriate length scales. In this work, experiments are conducted on Hastelloy X under fatigue conditions, and observations of fatigue damage are reported in conjunction with measurements of local strains using digital image correlation. We use a recent novel fatigue model based on persistent slip band–GB interaction to investigate the scatter in fatigue lives and shed light into the critical types of GBs that nucleate cracks. Experimental tools and methodologies, utilizing ex situ digital image correlation and electron backscatter diffraction, for high resolution deformation measurements at the grain level are also discussed in this paper and related to the simulations.
Idiosyncratic Volatility Covariance and Expected Stock Returns
Authors: Peterson David R. , Smedema Adam R.
Published: April 2013

Given that the idiosyncratic volatility (IDVOL) of individual stocks co‐varies, we develop a model to determine how aggregate idiosyncratic volatility (AIV) may affect the volatility of a portfolio with a finite number of stocks. In portfolio and cross‐sectional tests, we find that stocks whose returns are more correlated with AIV innovations have lower returns than those that are less correlated with AIV innovations. These results are robust to controlling for the stock's own IDVOL and market volatility. We conclude that risk‐averse investors pay a premium for stocks that pay well when AIV is high, consistent with our model.
Standardizing the analysis of conditioned fear in rodents: a multidimensional software approach
Authors: Meuth P. , Gaburro S. , Lesting J. , Legler A. , Herty M. , Budde T. , Meuth S.G. , Seidenbecher T. , Lutz B. , Pape H.‐C.
Published: April 2013

Data comparability between different laboratories strongly depends on the individually applied analysis method. This factor is often a critical source of variation in rodent phenotyping and has never been systematically investigated in Pavlovian fear conditioning paradigms. In rodents, fear is typically quantified in terms of freezing duration via manual observation or automated systems. While manual analysis includes biases such as tiredness or inter‐personal scoring variability, computer‐assisted systems are unable to distinguish between freezing and immobility. Consequently, the novel software called MOVE follows a semi‐automatized approach that prefilters video sequences of interest for the final human judgment. Furthermore, MOVE allows integrating additional data sources (e.g. force‐sensitive platform, EEG) to reach the most accurate and precise results. MOVE directly supports multi‐angle video recordings with webcams or standard laboratory equipment. The integrated manual key logger and internal video player complement this all‐in‐one software solution. Calculating the interlaboratory variability of manual freezing evaluation revealed significantly different freezing scores in two out of six laboratories. This difference was minimized when all experiments were analyzed with MOVE. Applied to a genetically modified mouse model, MOVE revealed higher fear responses of CB1 deficient mice compared to their wild‐type littermates after foreground context fear conditioning. Multi‐angle video analysis compared to the single‐camera approach reached up to 15% higher accuracy and two fold higher precision. Multidimensional analysis provided by integration of additional data sources further improved the overall result. We conclude that the widespread usage of MOVE could substantially improve the comparability of results from different laboratories.
Reconsidering Resurrection, Incarnation and Nature in Schleiermacher's Glaubenslehre
Authors: Elgendy Rick
Published: April 2013

In the Glaubenslehre, Friedrich Schleiermacher affirms the resurrection of Christ but dissociates it from redemption. Many interpreters have proposed that Schleiermacher's move to evacuate the resurrection of salvific content follows necessarily from his positions on the nature‐system and the unity of the divine creative decree. This article argues that Schleiermacher could have offered a more ramified place for the resurrection of Christ in the Glaubenslehre had he interpreted it as the consummation and extension of God's incarnation in Christ. In this light, it suggests three propositions that would both extend redemptive significance to the resurrection and preserve the integrity of the nature‐system, and defends those propositions against two likely and significant objections.
The Effect of Paracetamol and Tropisetron on Pain: Experimental Studies and a Review of Published Data
Authors: Tiippana Elina , Hamunen Katri , Kontinen Vesa , Kalso Eija
Published: April 2013

Experimental studies suggest that paracetamol‐induced analgesia is mediated via central serotonergic pathways and attenuated by 5‐HT3‐antagonists. However, clinical studies do not support this, and 5‐HT3‐antagonists are expected to reduce pain by blocking the descending pronociceptive pathway. The current project tested whether tropisetron attenuates analgesia by paracetamol. Two randomized, double‐blind, crossover studies with 18 healthy male volunteers in each were performed. Pain stimuli were cold water immersion (cold pressor test), contact heat pain (study 1) and electrical stimulation (study 2). In both studies, tropisetron 5 mg i.v. or saline was administered, followed by paracetamol 2 g i.v. 30 min. later. Individual changes in heat and cold pain intensity, cold pain tolerance and unpleasantness were recorded. The same thresholds were also expressed as scores (% of the individual score at baseline). Additionally, previously published findings on the effects of paracetamol and its interaction with 5HT3‐antagonists in human experimental pain models were reviewed. After calculation of the sensory and pain scores (%), tropisetron seemed to amplify the analgesic action of paracetamol. Paracetamol 2 g i.v. did not show any statistically significant analgesia in thermal tests (study 1), or differences in sensory, pain detection or moderate pain thresholds of the electrical stimulus (study 2). As paracetamol did not have a measurable analgesic effect in these tests, no conclusions can be drawn about the interaction between paracetamol and tropisetron. However, tropisetron may have an analgesic effect of its own. Clinicians should not avoid using these drugs together, unless larger clinical studies indicate otherwise.
Work–family interface for married women: a Singapore and United States cross‐cultural comparison
Authors: Fackrell Tamara , Galovan Adam M , Hill E Jeffrey , Holmes Erin Kramer
Published: April 2013

This study is a cross‐cultural comparison of the work–family interface for married women using two nationally representative samples from Singapore (n = 467) and the United States of America (n = 923). This study demonstrates how the direction and strength of paths in a model of the work–family interface differs between a collectivist nation (Singapore) and an individualistic nation (the USA). Results revealed that schedule flexibility decreased family‐to‐work conflict in the United States but increased family‐to‐work conflict and increased depression in Singapore. Clear differences in the direction of effects in schedule flexibility and family‐to‐work conflict in the United States and Singapore suggest that national culture (e.g. collectivist vs individualistic) is an important factor in theorizing about the work–family interface for married women.
An Assessment of the Impact of IFRS Adoption on Public Sector Audit Fees and Audit Effort – Some Evidence of the Transition Costs on Changes in Reporting Regimes
Authors: Redmayne Nives Botica , Laswad Fawzi
Published: April 2013

While many countries have adopted International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for private sector enterprises, New Zealand (NZ), Australia and the United Kingdom adopted IFRS for all sectors, including the public sector. This approach is consistent with the concept of sector‐neutral accounting standards that gained wide acceptance in NZ and Australia in the early 1990s. Although a number of studies have assessed the impact of IFRS adoption in the private sector, and the public sector has provided some evidence as to the effects of IFRS adoption on financial statements, the costs of adopting IFRS have not been examined. One measure of cost is the change in audit fees in an IFRS reporting environment. The authors examine the impact of IFRS adoption in the NZ public sector on audit fees and audit effort. They obtained data regarding audit fees and audit effort in the NZ public sector and compared the pre‐adoption year with the first year of adoption for all segments. Their results indicate a substantial increase in audit fees and audit effort in the first year of IFRS adoption for all segments, with some variation across the segments. Two sectors, local authorities and energy companies, have had significant increases in audit fees and audit effort. These findings provide some empirical evidence regarding the cost of transition to IFRS and are of interest to researchers and regulators in countries that are currently considering transitioning to IFRS or IFRS‐based International Public Sector Accounting Standards standards in reporting for the public sector.
Comparison of Different Pacing Strategies to Minimize Phrenic Nerve Stimulation in Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: HUIZAR JOSE F. , KASZALA KAROLY , KONERU JAYANTHI N. , THACKER LEROY R. , ELLENBOGEN KENNETH A.
Published: April 2013

Pacing Strategies to Minimize PN Stimulation

Introduction

Phrenic nerve (PN) stimulation (PNS) frequently limits cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Yet, pacing strategies to minimize PNS have not been systematically compared. We propose to: (1) compare different pacing strategies to minimize PNS in CRT and (2) evaluate differences between PN and left ventricular (LV) capture thresholds among LV pacing configurations.

Methods and Results

PN and LV thresholds were obtained using 6 LV configurations in 28 patients with any PNS during CRT implantation or replacement. Incidence of PNS was compared in all LV configurations by programming pacing output to (1) One Volt (V) above LV threshold, (2) triple pulse width (PW) at LV threshold, and (3) 1.5 times LV threshold for each patient. PN thresholds and PN strength‐duration curves were statistically different between configurations (P < 0.05). Ring→RVcoil and Ring→Can had the largest difference between PN and LV thresholds. Pacing output programmed to 1.5 times LV threshold, 1 V above LV threshold, and triple PW at LV threshold had similar probability of PNS between LV configurations. However, 1 V above LV threshold and triple PW at LV threshold frequently resulted in poor (<30%) LV capture safety margin (14–43% and 53–68%, respectively). Freedom from PNS (programmed output at twice LV threshold) was found in 88%, 84%, and 52% with 6, 3, or 2 available LV configurations, respectively.

Conclusion

Multiple LV pacing configurations marginally increase the probability of avoiding PNS by electronic reprogramming. Pacing output programmed to 1.5 times LV threshold is an additional alternative to minimize PNS when electronic reprogramming options are limited.
A Comparison of Two Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitors Worn at the Same Time
Authors: Kallem RadhaKrishna R. , Meyers Kevin E.C. , Sawinski Deirdre L. , Townsend Raymond R.
Published: April 2013

There are limited data in the literature comparing two simultaneously worn ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring (ABPM) devices. The authors compared BPs from two monitors (Mobil‐O‐Graph [I.E.M., Stolberg, Germany] and Spacelabs 90207 [Spacelabs Medical, Issequah, WA]). In the nonrandomized component of the study, simultaneous 8‐hour BP and heart rate data were measured by Mobil‐O‐Graph, consistently applied to the nondominant arm, and Spacelabs to the dominant arm on 12 untreated adults. Simultaneous 8‐hour BP and heart data were obtained by the same monitors randomly assigned to a dominant or nondominant arm on 12 other untreated adults. Oscillometric BP profiles were obtained in the dominant and nondominant arms of the above 24 patients using an Accutorr (Datascope, Mahwah, NJ) device. The Spacelabs monitor recorded a 10.2‐mm Hg higher systolic pressure in the nonrandomized (P=.0016) and a 7.9‐mm Hg higher systolic pressure in the randomized studies (P=.00008) compared with the Mobil‐O‐Graph. The mean arterial pressures were 1 mm Hg to 2 mm Hg different between monitors in the two studies, and heart rates were nearly identical. Our observations, if confirmed in larger cohorts, support the concern that ABPM device manufacturers consider developing normative databases for their devices.
Life Cycle Assessment of Diesel and Electric Public Transportation Buses
Authors: Cooney Greg , Hawkins Troy R. , Marriott Joe
Published: April 2013

The Clean Air Act in the United States identifies diesel‐powered motor vehicles, including transit buses, as significant sources of several criteria pollutants that contribute to ground‐level ozone formation or smog. The effects of air pollution in urban areas are often more significant due to congestion and can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular health impacts. Life cycle assessment (LCA) has been utilized in the literature to compare conventional gasoline‐powered passenger cars with various types of electric and hybrid‐powered alternatives, however, no similarly detailed studies exist for mass transit buses.

LCA results from this study indicate that the use phase, consisting of diesel production/combustion for the conventional bus and electricity generation for the electric bus, dominates most impact categories; however, the effects of battery production are significant for global warming, carcinogens, ozone depletion, and eco‐toxicity. There is a clear connection between the mix of power‐generation technologies and the preference for the diesel or electric bus. With the existing U.S. average grid, there is a strong preference for the conventional diesel bus over the electric bus when considering global warming impacts alone. Policy makers must consider regional variations in the electricity grid prior to recommending the use of battery electric buses to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. This study found that the electric bus was preferable in only eight states, including Washington and Oregon. Improvements in battery technology reduce the life cycle impacts from the electric bus, but the electricity grid makeup is the dominant variable.
Update on Kawasaki disease: Epidemiology, aetiology and pathogenesis
Authors: Yim Deane , Curtis Nigel , Cheung Michael , Burgner David
Published: April 2013

Kawasaki disease is an acute systemic vasculitis predominantly affecting young children. It is due to an abnormal host response to as yet unidentified infectious trigger(s). Kawasaki disease may cause coronary artery damage, long‐term cardiovascular morbidity and occasionally mortality, especially if the diagnosis is missed or timely treatment is not given. This is the first of two updates on Kawasaki disease. Here we review recent advances in epidemiology, possible aetiologies, host susceptibility and pathogenesis of this fascinating condition.
Anex vivoinvestigation of the effect of theTATEcanine elbow arthroplasty system on kinematics of the elbow
Authors: Burton N. J. , Ellis J. R. , Burton K. J. , Wallace A. R. , Colborne G. R.
Published: April 2013

Objective

To devise a kinematic technique to objectively ascertain the location and orientation of the centre of rotation of the canine elbow and to compare this axis following arthroplasty with the first generationTATE™ prosthesis in anex vivomodel.

Methods

Five pairs of cadaveric forelimbs were obtained and proximal limb soft tissues removed. Pin‐mounted reflective markers were applied to the humerus and ulna. Limbs were mounted on a frame and six trials of the elbow manually cycled through its sagittal range of motion captured using 4 Qualisys cameras at 120 Hz. Radiography was performed to identify marker position.TATE™ cartridges were implanted and kinematic analysis repeated. Kinematic data were imported into custom software and the three‐dimensional joint centre of rotation defined using a closed‐form solution for absolute orientation. Pairedttests were performed to determine if the centre of rotation of the elbow differed significantly (P<0·05) pre‐ and postoperatively and between left and right limbs.

Results

There was no significant difference in three‐dimensional orientation of the elbow axis between pre and postoperative measurements or between left and right limbs.

Clinical Significance

A critical factor in obtaining a successful functional outcome following elbow arthroplasty in humans is accurate reconstruction of the anatomic centre of rotation. The first generationTATEcanine elbow arthroplasty cartridge and its instrumentation accurately reconstructed the anatomic centre of rotation in 8 of the 10 elbows assessed in thisex vivomodel.
Citrus leaf blotch virus invades meristematic regions in Nicotiana benthamiana and citrus
Authors: Agüero Jesús , Vives María Carmen , Velázquez Karelia , Ruiz‐Ruiz Susana , Juárez Jose , Navarro Luis , Moreno Pedro , Guerri José
Published: April 2013

To invade systemically host plants, viruses need to replicate in the infected cells, spread to neighbouring cells through plasmodesmata and move to distal parts of the plant via sieve tubes to start new infection foci. To monitor the infection of Nicotiana benthamiana plants by Citrus leaf blotch virus (CLBV), leaves were agroinoculated with an infectious cDNA clone of the CLBV genomic RNA expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the transcriptional control of a duplicate promoter of the coat protein subgenomic RNA. Fluorescent spots first appeared in agroinfiltrated leaves 11–12 days after infiltration, indicating CLBV replication. Then, after entering the phloem vascular system, CLBV was unloaded in the upper parts of the plant and invaded all tissues, including flower organs and meristems. GFP fluorescence was not visible in citrus plants infected with CLBV‐GFP. Therefore, to detect CLBV in meristematic regions, Mexican lime (Citrus aurantifolia) plants were graft inoculated with CLBV, with Citrus tristeza virus (CTV), a virus readily eliminated by shoot‐tip grafting in vitro, or with both simultaneously. Although CLBV was detected by hybridization and real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) in 0.2‐mm shoot tips in all CLBV‐inoculated plants, CTV was not detected. These results explain the difficulty in eliminating CLBV by shoot‐tip grafting in vitro.
Acquired and Infused Moral Virtue: A Distinction of Ends
Authors: Harms Arielle
Published: April 2013

There is a danger in separating out just a small portion of Thomas Aquinas' Summa Theologiae for a detailed study while neglecting the larger framework from which this section comes. Yet students of Aquinas have failed to recognize the import of Thomas’ discussion of ends, both final and proximate, and how these are related to his later discussion of acquired and infused moral virtue and their relation to charity and prudence in the Prima Secundae of his Summa. In asserting that charity is necessary for all true virtue, the roles of the Church, the state, their members and even the place and role of grace and nature are confused. A proper understanding of the distinction between acquired natural moral virtue and infused moral virtue and their distinct ends assists in a more complete understanding of the position and responsibilities of each of these in building up a more just earthly society and the ultimate attainment of eternal beatitude.
Apoplastic mesophyll signals induce rapid stomatal responses to CO2 in Commelina communis
Authors: Fujita Takashi , Noguchi Ko , Terashima Ichiro
Published: April 2013

Previous studies have suggested that the mesophyll contributes to stomatal CO2 responses.

The effects of changes in CO2 concentration (100 or 700 ppm) on stomatal responses in red or white light were examined microscopically in a leaf segment, an epidermal strip and an epidermal strip placed on a mesophyll segment of Commelina communis, all mounted on a buffer‐containing gel.

In both red and white light, stomata of the leaf segment opened/closed rapidly at low/high CO2. In red light, epidermal strip stomata barely responded to CO2. In white light, they opened at low CO2, but hardly closed at high CO2. Stomata of the epidermal strip placed on the mesophyll responded in the same manner as those on the leaf segment. Insertion of a doughnut‐shaped cellophane spacer (but not polyethylene spacer) between the epidermal strip and the mesophyll hardly altered these responses. Stomata in leaf segments treated with 3‐(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐1,1‐dimethylurea (DCMU), a photosynthesis inhibitor, did not open in red light, but opened/closed at low/high CO2 in white light.

These results indicate that the apoplast transfer of ‘mesophyll signals’ and the stomatal opening at low CO2 are dependent on photosynthesis, whereas the stomatal closure at high CO2 is independent of photosynthesis.
A Randomized Controlled Study to Compare the 2% Lignocaine and Aqueous Lubricating Gels for Female Urethral Catheterization
Authors: Chan Moon Fai , Tan Hong Yun , Lian Xia , Ng Li Yuen Geraldine , Ang Li Ling Emily , Lim Lay Hoon Linda , Ng Wai May , Tan Mui Choo Yvonne Gwendoline , Taylor Beverley Joan
Published: April 2013

Objective

The 2% lignocaine gel has long been used for male urethral catheterization, but aqueous gel as lubricant has been used for females. However, studies report that females experience pain during urethral catheterization. We compared the effectiveness of 2% lignocaine gel (intervention) and aqueous gel (control) for female urethral catheterization in reducing procedural pain.

Methods

A double‐blinded, randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted from November 2011 to April 2012 in an acute care hospital in Singapore. In total, 52 adult female inpatients (26 interventions vs. 26 controls) requiring urethral catheterization were included in the study. The intervention included patients receiving 2% lignocaine gel as a lubricant for urethral catheterization. Patients' pre‐ and postprocedural visual analog scale (VAS) were collected prospectively and nonparametric tests were used for data analysis.

Results

There was a significant reduction from the preprocedure pain score (Median = 22.0 mm) to the postprocedural pain score (Median = 6.6 mm) in the 2% lignocaine group (Z = −3.8, P < 0.001), but not in the aqueous gel group (pre vs. post: 16.5 mm vs. 18.2 mm; Z = −0.36, P = 0.716). Subjects using 2% lignocaine gel had significantly more reduction in the postprocedural pain score than the aqueous gel group (U = 209.5, P = 0.019).

Conclusions

The 2% lignocaine gel significantly reduces the procedural pain of female urethral catheterization as compared with aqueous gel. This study provides evidence for the hospital to change the current practice in the hope of reducing procedural pain for female patients during urethral catheterization.
IFAG and Childhood Rosacea: A Possible Link?
Authors: Prey Sorilla , Ezzedine Khaled , Mazereeuw‐Hautier Juliette , Eschard Catherine , Barbarot Sébastien , Boralevi Franck , Taïeb Alain , Léaute‐Labrèze Christine ,   on behalf of the Groupe de Recherche Clinique en Dermatologie Pédiatrique
Published: April 2013

Idiopathic facial aseptic granuloma (IFAG) is a disorder that usually occurs during early childhood. Its pathogenesis remains poorly understood. The objective of this study was to investigate possible relationships between IFAG and childhood rosacea. This was a retrospective multicenter study of patients attending four French dermatologic centers diagnosed with IFAG between October 2000 and July 2007. Patients and their parents were asked to come for a follow‐up visit or to make an appointment for a telephone interview. Clinical symptoms of childhood rosacea were recorded: flushing, permanent or recurrent erythema; facial telangiectasia; papules and pustules on the face without comedones or microcysts; preferential location of the lesions on the convexity of the face; and ophthalmologic involvement of rosacea (recurrent chalazions, conjunctival hyperemia, keratitis). Thirty‐eight patients, 20 girls and 18 boys, were included in the study. The median age at the time of diagnosis of IFAG was 43 months, with a median follow‐up of 3.9 years. Sixteen patients (42.1%) had at least two criteria of childhood rosacea, 11 of 32 (34.4%) with a single lesion and 5 of 6 (83.3%) with multiple lesions. Children with IFAG are at risk for childhood rosacea, and follow‐up is advised, including periodic ophthalmologic assessment.
Health Care Providers' Perspectives on Low HPV Vaccine Uptake and Adherence in Appalachian Kentucky
Authors: Head Katharine J. , Vanderpool Robin C. , Mills Laurel A.
Published: April 2013

Objective

Previous intervention research conducted in Appalachian Kentucky resulted in extremely low uptake and adherence to the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among women ages 18–26, despite provision of free vaccine. Because of these findings, the purpose of this qualitative, follow‐up study was to elicit health care providers' perspectives on barriers and facilitators to HPV vaccination and suggested strategies for improving vaccination rates.

Design and Sample

Researchers conducted semi‐structured qualitative interviews with a purposive sample of eight health care providers (seven nursing professionals, one physician) at the health clinic where the original HPV vaccination intervention took place. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed and authors used a constant‐comparative method to analyze the data.

Results

Significant themes emerged from the interviews, centering around two primary issues: vaccine uptake and vaccine adherence. Related to uptake, health care providers identified perceived patient barriers and inadequate HPV vaccine education. They also identified the vaccine schedule and clinic‐centered communication deficiencies as adherence‐related barriers.

Conclusion

These Appalachian Kentucky health care providers provided important insights into barriers and facilitators to HPV vaccine uptake and adherence that need to be readily addressed in this community. As informed by these providers, several suggestions for improving HPV vaccination, such as more targeted education efforts and patient‐centered reminder systems, may be applicable to other nursing professionals working in rural and medically underserved communities.