bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On U-Statistics and Compressed Sensing II: Non-Asymptotic Worst-Case Analysis
Authors: Lim Fabian , Stojanovic Vladimir
Published: March 2013

In another related work, U-statistics were used for non-asymptotic average-case analysis of random compressed sensing matrices. In this companion paper the same analytical tool is adopted differently-here we perform non-asymptotic worst-case analysis. Simple union bounds are a natural choice for worst-case analyses, however their tightness is an issue (and questioned in previous works). Here we focus on a theoretical U-statistical result, which potentially allows us to prove that these union bounds are tight. To our knowledge, this kind of (powerful) result is completely new in the context of CS. This general result applies to a wide variety of parameters, and is related to (Stein-Chen) Poisson approximation. In this paper, we consider i) restricted isometries, and ii) mutual coherence. For the bounded case, we show that -th order restricted isometry constants have tight union bounds, when the measurements m = O (k(1.5(+ log(n/k))). Here, we require the restricted isometries to grow linearly in , however we conjecture that this result can be improved to allow them to be fixed. Also, we show that mutual coherence (with the standard estimate √(4 log n)/m) have very tight union bounds. For coherence, the normalization complicates general discussion, and we consider only Gaussian and Bernoulli cases here.
Resilience in UK and French Security Strategy: An Anglo-Saxon Bias?
Authors: Joseph Jonathan
Published: March 2013

The idea of resilience is increasingly prominent across a wide range of policy areas. This contribution looks at the emergence of resilience in UK security discourse and compares this with the situation in France. It argues that although the term is being debated in France, it is considered to be an Anglo-Saxon import. This article suggests that use of the idea of resilience has more to do with particular forms of governance than with security. It develops this argument through the idea of neoliberal governmentality.
Parental experiences of support for pupils with dyslexia: ignoring the effect on parents
Authors: Earey Alison
Published: March 2013

This article reports on research that was carried out with parents in order to understand the education system in England from their viewpoint through in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews with seven parents, who were largely sourced through a local dyslexia specialist tutor. The data were analysed by using cross‐sectional analysis in order to consider the participants' choice of words and their comparative responses to questions. The interviews probed parents for information on their experience from the initial point of concern about the child's difficulties with words, through to assessment and concerns for the future. The findings suggest that, while we live in an age of purported inclusion and equality, there are still children who experience exclusion and prejudice in education. Their experience does not match the ideal and, as a result, their parents are suffering too. The findings help to support recent research and could encourage continued improvements in the education system.
The Vortex of Rights: ‘Right to the City’ at a Crossroads
Authors: Kuymulu Mehmet BariŞ
Published: March 2013

The right to the city concept has recently attracted a great deal of attention from radical theorists and grassroots activists of urban justice, who have embraced the notion as a means to analyze and challenge neoliberal urbanism. It has, moreover, drawn considerable attention from United Nations (UN) agencies, which have organized meetings and outlined policies to absorb the notion into their own political agendas. This wide‐ranging interest has created a conceptual vortex, pulling together discordant political projects behind the banner of the right to the city. This article analyzes such projects by reframing the right to the city concept to foreground its roots in Marxian labor theory of value. It argues that Lefebvre's formulation of the right to the city — based on the contradiction between use value and exchange value in capitalist urbanism — is invaluable for analyzing and delineating contradictory urban politics that are pulled into the vortex of the right to the city. Following Lefebvre's lead in such an analysis, however, reveals certain limitations of Lefebvre's own account. The article therefore concludes with a theoretical proposition that aims to open up space for further critical debate on the right to the city.
Antimicrobial Effect of Sour Pomegranate Sauce on Escherichia coli O157 : H7 and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Kışla Duygu , Karabıyıklı Şeniz
Published: March 2013

Pomegranate sauce is one of the most popular pomegranate products produced in Turkey. This study was conducted to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of both traditional and commercial sour pomegranate sauce samples on Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and Escherichia coli O157 : H7 (ATCC 43895). The initial microflora of the pomegranate sauce samples was determined by performing the enumerations of total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, yeast and mold, S. aureus, E. coli, and the determination of Salmonella spp. MIC tests were applied to the neutralized and the original (unneutralized) sour pomegranate sauce samples in order to put forth the inhibition effect depending on low pH value. It was found that inhibitory effect of the traditional and the commercial samples, except one sample, on pathogens was not only due to the acidity of the products. The results of MIC tests indicated that although both traditional and commercial samples showed a considerable inhibitory effect on test microorganisms, the traditional pomegranate sauce samples were more effective than the commercial ones.
Suitability ofCalifornia bay laurel and other species as hosts for the non‐native redbay ambrosia beetle and granulate ambrosia beetle
Authors: Mayfield Albert E. , MacKenzie Martin , Cannon Philip G. , Oak Steven W. , Horn Scott , Hwang Jaesoon , Kendra Paul E.
Published: March 2013

The redbay ambrosia beetleXyleborus glabratusEichhoff is a non‐native vector of the pathogen that causes laurel wilt, a deadly disease of trees in the familyLauraceae in the southeasternU.S.A.

Concern exists thatX. glabratusand its fungal symbiont could be transported to the westernU.S.A. and cause damage toCalifornia bay laurelUmbellularia californica(Hook. &Arn.)Nutt. inCalifornia andWashington.

The present study evaluated in‐flight attraction, attack density and emergence ofX. glabratusand another invasive ambrosia beetleXylosandrus crassiusculus(Motschulsky) on cut bolts ofCalifornia bay laurel and eight related tree species in an infested forest inSouthCarolina.Xylosandrus crassiusculusis not a vector of the laurel wilt pathogen but is a pest of nursery and ornamental trees.

Mean catch ofX. glabratusonCalifornia bay laurel bolts was not significantly different from catches on bolts of knownX. glabratushosts sassafrasSassafras albidum(Nutt.)Nees and swampbayPersea palustris(Raf.)Sarg. Mean attack density and adult emergence of both beetle species fromCalifornia bay laurel was equal to or greater than all other tree species tested. Both beetle species readily produced brood inCalifornia bay laurel bolts.

The results obtained in the present study suggest thatCalifornia bay laurel may be negatively impacted by both of these invasive ambrosia beetles if they become established in the tree's native range.
Kisspeptin as a master player in the central control of reproduction in mammals: An overview of kisspeptin research in domestic animals
Authors: Okamura Hiroaki , Yamamura Takashi , Wakabayashi Yoshihiro
Published: March 2013

The hypothalamo‐pituitary‐gonadal (HPG) axis is the regulatory system for reproduction in mammals. Because secretion of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) into the portal vessels is the final step at which the brain controls gonadal activities, the GnRH neuronal system had been thought to be central to the HPG axis. A newly discovered neural peptide, kisspeptin, has opened a new era in reproductive neuroendocrinology. As shown in a variety of mammals, kisspeptin is a potent endogenous secretagogue of GnRH, and the kisspeptin neuronal system governs both the pulsatile GnRH secretion that drives folliculogenesis, spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis, and the GnRH surge that triggers ovulation in females. The kisspeptin neuronal system is therefore considered a master player in the central control of mammalian reproduction, and kisspeptin and related substances could therefore be valuable for the development of novel strategies for the management of fertility in farm animals. To this end, the present review aimed to summarize the current research on kisspeptin signaling with a focus on domestic animals such as sheep, goats, cattle, pigs and horses.
Seasonal variation of the lying and standing behavior indexes of dairy cattle at different daily time periods in free‐stall housing
Authors: Uzal Seyfi Selda
Published: March 2013

The lying and standing behavior of dairy cattle reveal whether dairy cattle housing is appropriate to cow comfort. Lying and standing behavior indexes, such as cow comfort index (CCI), cow stress index (CSI) and stall usage index (SUI) are often used as an indication of animal welfare. This study was performed to determine the seasonal and hourly variation of cow behavioral indexes at different daily time periods (DTP) and evaluate appropriateDTPbetter representing daily behavioral activity of dairy cattle in free‐stall housing (FHS) in Konya,Turkey. Animal behaviors were videotaped for a total of 24 days (576 h) over four seasons in aFHSat a commercial dairy farm fromNovember 2007 toMarch 2009 using continuous video data (24 h per day). The behaviors of cows in the barn were evaluated using 60‐min scan sampling. All phenotypes were evaluated on an hourly basis during the experimental period. The results show how these indexes can be accurately evaluated by analyzing video recordings taken onDTPbetween 08.00–15.00 and 19.00–24.00 hours for autumn and summer and 10.00–12.00 and 20.00–22.00 hours for spring, instead of continuous observation (r > 0.93,P < 0.01). Consequently, the evaluated method provides saving time and labor to accurately analyze cow behavior instead of observations over a long time.
Incidence rates and risk factors of bipolar disorder in the general population: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Kroon Jojanneke S , Wohlfarth Tamar D , Dieleman Jeanne , Sutterland Arjen L , Storosum Jitschak G , Denys Damiaan , de Haan Lieuwe , Sturkenboom Mirjam CJM
Published: March 2013

Objective

To estimate the incidence rates (IRs) of bipolar I and bipolar II disorders in the general population according to sociodemographic population characteristics.

Methods

A cohort study (during the years 1996–2007) was conducted in a general practitioners research database with a longitudinal electronic record of 800000 patients throughout the Netherlands [the Integrated Primary Care Information (IPCI) database]. Cases of bipolar disorder were identified and classified by systematic review of medical records. Age‐ and gender‐specific IRs were calculated per calendar year, degree of urbanization, and degree of deprivation.

Results

The overall IR of bipolar disorder was 0.70/10000 person‐years (PY) [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.57–0.83]; the IR of bipolar I disorder was 0.43/10000 PY (95% CI: 0.34–0.55) and the IR of bipolar II disorder was 0.19/10000 PY (95% CI: 0.13–0.27). Two peaks in the age at onset of the disorder were noticed: one in early adulthood (15–24 years; 0.68/10000 PY) and a larger peak in later life (45–54 years; 1.2/10000 PY). In bipolar II disorder, only one peak, in the 45–54 year age category (IR 0.42/10000 PY), was found. The IRs of bipolar disorder were significantly higher in deprived areas. Similar rates were found for men compared to women and in urban compared to rural areas. No association was found between the onset of first (hypo)manic episode and month or season of birth.

Conclusions

We found two peaks in the age at onset of bipolar disorder, one in early adulthood and one in later life, the former consisting mainly of bipolar I disorder subjects. The incidence of bipolar disorder is higher in deprived areas. The onset of bipolar disorder is not associated with gender, urbanization, or month or season of birth.
Quercetin induces insulin secretion by direct activation of L‐type calcium channels in pancreatic beta cells
Authors: Bardy G , Virsolvy A , Quignard J F , Ravier M A , Bertrand G , Dalle S , Cros G , Magous R , Richard S , Oiry C
Published: March 2013

Background and Purpose

Quercetin is a natural polyphenolic flavonoid that displays anti‐diabetic properties in vivo. Its mechanism of action on insulin‐secreting beta cells is poorly documented. In this work, we have analysed the effects of quercetin both on insulin secretion and on the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in beta cells, in the absence of any co‐stimulating factor.

Experimental Approach

Experiments were performed on both INS‐1 cell line and rat isolated pancreatic islets. Insulin release was quantified by the homogeneous time‐resolved fluorescence method. Variations in [Ca2+]i were measured using the ratiometric fluorescent Ca2+ indicator Fura‐2. Ca2+ channel currents were recorded with the whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique.

Key Results

Quercetin concentration‐dependently increased insulin secretion and elevated [Ca2+]i. These effects were not modified by the SERCA inhibitor thapsigargin (1 μmol·L−1), but were nearly abolished by the L‐type Ca2+ channel antagonist nifedipine (1 μmol·L−1). Similar to the L‐type Ca2+ channel agonist Bay K 8644, quercetin enhanced the L‐type Ca2+ current by shifting its voltage‐dependent activation towards negative potentials, leading to the increase in [Ca2+]i and insulin secretion. The effects of quercetin were not inhibited in the presence of a maximally active concentration of Bay K 8644 (1 μmol·L−1), with the two drugs having cumulative effects on [Ca2+]i.

Conclusions and Implications

Taken together, our results show that quercetin stimulates insulin secretion by increasing Ca2+ influx through an interaction with L‐type Ca2+ channels at a site different from that of Bay K 8644. These data contribute to a better understanding of quercetin's mechanism of action on insulin secretion.
Forging a modern generation of polyphenol‐based therapeutics
Authors: Wright Bernice
Published: March 2013

The long‐standing debate that polyphenol secondary metabolites from dietary plants are important nutritional components continues due to compelling evidence for their abilities to ameliorate degenerative conditions including, cancer, neurological disorders and cardiovascular disease. The clinical use of polyphenols is not, however, mainstream as issues regarding poor selectivity, dosage, toxicity and delivery methods are unresolved. The paper by Rieder et al. suggests that the lack of selectivity, at least for the stilbene, resveratrol, may not be a major limiting factor. The present commentary is a critique of this significant finding that is focused on deciding how the use of resveratrol as clinical medicine could be advanced, and how this new information integrates with current knowledge of polyphenol physiological effects. This commentary suggests that the multi‐target nature of polyphenols may be translated into reliable therapy using the current systems/network pharmacology approach concerned with developing viable therapeutic agents that achieve specific effects through interactions with a wide array of targets.

Linked Article

This article is a commentary on Rieder et al., pp. 1244–1258 of BJP 167:6. To view this paper visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2012.02063.x
The broader evolutionary lessons to be learned from a comparative and phylogenetic analysis of primate muscle morphology
Authors: Diogo Rui , Wood Bernard
Published: March 2013

The present publication reviews the broader evolutionary implications of our long‐term study of primate musculature. It summarizes the implications of the study for our understanding of the use of myological characters for phylogenetic reconstruction, for assessing the importance of homoplasy and reversions in evolution, and for our understanding of Dollo's law, the notion of ‘direction’ in evolution, the common myth of human complexity, the tempo and mode of primate and human evolutionary history, adaptive radiations, the notion that ‘common’ equals ‘primitive’ and the influence of morphogenesis on the variability of head, neck, pectoral and upper limb muscles. Among other results our study shows that myological characters are useful for phylogenetic reconstruction. The results also stress the importance of homoplasy and of evolutionary reversions in morphological evolution, and they provide examples of reversions that violate Dollo's law due to the retention of ancestral developmental pathways. They also show that contrary to the idea of a ‘general molecular slow‐down of hominoids’ the rates of muscle evolution at the nodes leading to and within the hominoid clade are higher than those in most other primate clades. However, there is no evidence of a general trend or ‘directionality’ towards an increasing complexity during the evolutionary history of hominoids and of modern humans in particular, at least regarding the number of muscles or of muscle bundles. The rates of muscle evolution at the major euarchontan and primate nodes are different, but within each major primate clade (Strepsirrhini, Platyrrhini, Cercopithecidae and Hominoidea) the rates at the various nodes, and particularly at the nodes leading to the higher groups (i.e. those including more than one genus) are strikingly similar. Our results also support, in general terms, the assumption that ‘common is primitive’ and they lend some support for the ‘vertebrate‐specific model’ in the sense that during the divergent events that resulted in these four major primate clades there was more emphasis on postcranial changes than on cranial changes. Our study of primates does not, however, support suggestions that the distal structures of the upper limb are more prone to variation than the proximal ones, or that the topological origins of the upper limb muscles are more prone to evolutionary change than their insertions.
Reciprocal Pathways Between American and Chinese Early Adolescents' Sense of Responsibility and Disclosure to Parents
Authors: Qin Lili , Pomerantz Eva M.
Published: March 2013

This research examined the reciprocal pathways between youth's sense of responsibility to parents and disclosure to them during early adolescence in the United States and China. Four times over the seventh and eighth grades, 825 American and Chinese youth (Mage = 12.73 years) reported on their sense of responsibility to parents and disclosure of everyday activities to them. Autoregressive latent trajectory models revealed that the more youth felt responsible to parents, the more they subsequently disclosed to them in both the United States and China. The reverse was also true: The more youth disclosed to parents, the more responsible they felt to them over time. The strength of these reciprocal pathways increased as youth progressed through early adolescence.
Marital Conflict, Allostatic Load, and the Development of Children's Fluid Cognitive Performance
Authors: Hinnant J. Benjamin , El‐Sheikh Mona , Keiley Margaret , Buckhalt Joseph A.
Published: March 2013

Relations between marital conflict, children's respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), and fluid cognitive performance were examined over 3 years to assess allostatic processes. Participants were 251 children reporting on marital conflict, baseline RSA, and RSA reactivity (RSA‐R) to a lab challenge were recorded, and fluid cognitive performance was measured using the Woodcock–Johnson III. A cross‐lagged model showed that higher levels of marital conflict at age 8 predicted weaker RSA‐R at age 9 for children with lower baseline RSA. A growth model showed that lower baseline RSA in conjunction with weaker RSA‐R predicted the slowest development of fluid cognitive performance. Findings suggest that stress may affect development of physiological systems regulating attention, which are tied to the development of fluid cognitive performance.
The Adolescent Relational Dialectic and the Peer Roots of Adult Social Functioning
Authors: Allen Joseph P. , Chango Joanna , Szwedo David
Published: March 2013

The long‐term import of a fundamental challenge of adolescent social development—establishing oneself as a desirable peer companion while avoiding problematic behaviors often supported within peer groups—was examined in a community sample of 184 adolescents, followed from ages 13 to 23, along with parents, peers, and romantic partners. The dialectical nature of this challenge appeared in findings that autonomy vis‐à‐vis peer influences predicted both long‐term success avoiding problematic behavior but also more difficulty establishing strong adult friendships. Conversely, being a desirable peer companion in adolescence predicted more positive adult relationships but also greater alcohol use. Adolescents who established themselves as both desirable companions and as autonomous vis‐à‐vis peers were rated as most successful by their parents at age 23.
Investigation of the cutaneous response to recall antigen in humansin vivo
Authors: Akbar A N , Reed J R , Lacy K E , Jackson S E , Vukmanovic-Stejic M , Rustin M H A
Published: March 2013

In this paper we provide a detailed description of an experimental method for investigating the induction and resolution of recall immune response to antigen in humans in vivo. This involves the injection of tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) into the skin, followed by inducing suction blisters at the site of injection, from which leucocytes and cytokines that are involved in the response can be isolated and characterized. Using this technique we found that although the majority of CD4+ T cells in the skin that are present early in the response express cutaneous lymphocyte antigen (CLA), the expression of this marker is reduced significantly in later phases. This may enable these cells to leave the skin during immune resolution. Furthermore, interleukin (IL)-2 production can be detected both in CD4+ T cells and also in the blister fluid at the peak of the response at day 7, indicating that mediators found in the blister fluid are representative of the cytokine microenvironment in vivo. Finally, we found that older humans have defective ability to respond to cutaneous PPD challenge, but this does not reflect a global immune deficit as they have similar numbers of circulating functional PPD-specific CD4+ T cells as young subjects. The use of the blister technology enables further characterization of the skin specific defect in older humans and also general mechanisms that govern immune regulation in vivo.
Induction of autoimmune diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice requires interleukin-21-dependent activation of autoreactive CD8+ T cells
Authors: Chen X-L , Bobbala D , Rodriguez G M , Mayhue M , Chen Y-G , Ilangumaran S , Ramanathan S
Published: March 2013

Non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice lacking interleukin (IL)-21 or IL-21 receptor do not develop autoimmune type 1 diabetes (T1D). We have shown recently that IL-21 may promote activation of autoreactive CD8+ T cells by increasing their antigen responsiveness. To investigate the role of IL-21 in activating diabetogenic CD8+ T cells in the NOD mouse, we generated IL-21-deficient NOD mice expressing the highly pathogenic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class-I-restricted 8.3 transgenic T cell receptor (TCR). IL-21 deficiency protected 8.3-NOD mice completely from T1D. CD8+ T cells from the 8.3-NOD.Il21−/− mice showed decreased antigen-induced proliferation but displayed robust antigen-specific cytolytic activity and production of effector cytokines. IL-21-deficient 8.3 T cells underwent efficient homeostatic proliferation, and previous antigen stimulation enabled these cells to cause diabetes in NOD.Scid recipients. The 8.3 T cells that developed in an IL-21-deficient environment showed impaired antigen-specific proliferation in vivo even in IL-21-sufficient mice. These cells also showed impaired IL-2 production and Il2 gene transcription following antigen stimulation. However, IL-2 addition failed to reverse their impaired proliferation completely. These findings indicate that IL-21 is required for efficient initial activation of autoreactive CD8+ T cells but is dispensable for the activated cells to develop effector functions and cause disease. Hence, therapeutic targeting of IL-21 in T1D may inhibit activation of naive autoreactive CD8+ T cells, but may have to be combined with other strategies to inhibit already activated cells.
2-Chlorodeoxyadenosine (cladribine) induces apoptosis in human monocyte-derived dendritic cells
Authors: Singh V , Prajeeth C K , Gudi V , Bénardais K , Voss E V , Stangel M
Published: March 2013

2-Chlorodeoxyadenosine (cladribine, CdA) is an immunosuppressive drug that is licensed to treat hairy cell leukaemia, and has been shown recently to have beneficial effects in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The therapeutic effects of CdA have been suggested to be mediated partly through its potent toxicity towards lymphocytes. However, the effects of CdA on other immune cells are poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the effects of CdA on the induction of apoptosis in human monocytes, monocyte-derived immature (ImDC) and mature (mDC) dendritic cells. Treatment of monocytes with CdA strongly induced apoptosis after 24 h, while apoptosis induction in DC was evident after 72 h. Furthermore, CdA treatment strongly induced caspase-3 and caspase-9 in monocytes, whereas activation of caspases was undetected in DC. The mitochondrial membrane potential in DC was reduced significantly after CdA treatment. DNA hypodiploid assessment showed fragmented nuclei in DC after CdA treatment together with activation of p53 protein. These results revealed that CdA induces caspase-independent apoptosis in DC and suggest cell type specific effects of CdA. This mechanism may contribute to the effect of CdA in autoimmune diseases.
Adaptive behavior and later school achievement in children with early‐onset epilepsy
Authors: Berg Anne T , Caplan Rochelle , Baca Christine B , Vickrey Barbara G
Published: March 2013

Aim

To determine whether early measures of adaptive behavior are predictive of later school difficulties and achievement in otherwise neurotypical (unimpaired) children with onset of epilepsy during the preschool years.

Method

In a prospective cohort study, parents completed the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS) for children who were aged 5 years or less at epilepsy diagnosis. Eight to 9 years later, the children were assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children (WISC), the Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT), and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Associations of VABS scores with later WRAT and CBCL scores were tested.

Results

A total of 108 neurotypical children (64 males, 44 females; mean age at testing 11y 11mo, SD 2y) were studied. After adjustment for IQ and other factors, there was an increase of 0.15 points (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.03–0.27 points; p=0.03) and 0.14 points (95% CI 0.0–0.28 points; p=0.05) in WRAT reading and spelling scores for each 1‐point increment in the VABS communication score. Corresponding numbers for the VABS socialization score were 0.20 (95% CI 0.08–0.32; p=0.005) and 0.17 (95% CI 0.05–0.29; p=0.005).

Conclusion

In neurotypical preschool children with epilepsy, early social and communication scores predict later school performance. These findings raise questions about opportunities for early identification and intervention for children at greatest risk.
Compromised quality of life in patients with both Type 1 diabetes mellitus and coeliac disease
Authors: Bakker S. F. , Pouwer F. , Tushuizen M. E. , Hoogma R. P. , Mulder C. J. , Simsek S.
Published: March 2013

Aims

Type 1 diabetes mellitus and coeliac disease are two chronic illnesses associated with each other. Both diseases and their treatments can seriously impair quality of life. The objective of the present study was to investigate health‐related quality of life in adult patients diagnosed with both Type 1 diabetes and coeliac disease and compare this with healthy control subjects and control subjects who have Type 1 diabetes only.

Methods

A generic measure of health‐related quality of life (RAND‐36) and a measure of diabetes‐specific quality of life (DQOL) questionnaires were sent to patients diagnosed with both Type 1 diabetes and coeliac disease. The control group consisted of patients with Type 1 diabetes without coeliac disease matched for age, gender and socio‐economic status. Generic quality of life scores were compared with data from healthy Dutch control subjects.

Results

Fifty‐seven patients with Type 1 diabetes and coeliac disease were included and no associations between clinical characteristics and quality of life were observed. Women reported a lower quality of life in social functioning, vitality and mental health than men (all P < 0.05). A lower diabetes‐specific quality of life was observed regarding diabetes‐related worries and social worries in patients with Type 1 diabetes and coeliac disease compared with patients with Type 1 diabetes. Compared with healthy control subjects, quality of life in patients with Type 1 diabetes and coeliac disease was significantly lower, particularly social functioning (Cohen's d = 0.76) and general health perception (Cohen's d = 0.86).

Conclusions

The additional diagnosis of coeliac disease and treatment by gluten‐free diet in adult patients with Type 1 diabetes has a considerable, negative impact on quality of life and diabetes‐specific quality of life. Women are particularly affected and social functioning and general health perception is compromised.
Consideration of influence factors between small‐scale specimens and large components on the fatigue strength of thin‐plated block joints in shipbuilding
Authors: Fricke W. , Feltz O.
Published: March 2013

Shipbuilding in blocks, as being usual on all larger shipyards, requires that the blocks will finally be welded together manually or semi‐automatically, that is, with butt‐welds in transverse direction that have to withstand relatively high dynamical loads. Modern shipbuilding aims at lightweight construction with thin plates that may have a plate thickness down to 4 mm. Previous investigations showed that manually produced butt‐welds in such thin structures did not reach the calculated fatigue life as required in the rules. Up to the present, this problem has not yet been solved, and it is questioned if all influence factors on the fatigue behaviour of real structures are correctly considered as no damage cases at butt joints that are known yet. In the investigation described here, results from small‐scale specimens tested with cyclic loads will be transferred to large components, considering the effects of recorded pre‐deformations induced by welding as well as measured differences in residual stresses between small‐scale specimens and large components, thus clarifying how far for instance a detrimental stress ratio should be taken into account by the rules for thin plates.
Niche conservatism and the potential for the crayfishProcambarus clarkiito invadeSouthAmerica
Authors: Palaoro Alexandre V. , Dalosto Marcelo M. , Costa Gabriel C. , Santos Sandro
Published: March 2013

Invasive species are one of the most severe threats to biodiversity, and an ability to predict the extent of potential invasions can help conservation strategies. Species distribution models (SDMs) have been widely used to project the potential range of invasive species. These models assume that species retain their niche properties during invasion (niche conservatism), although this assumption is seldom verified.

We gathered occurrence records for the crayfishProcambarus clarkiifrom theU.S.A.and Mexico (native + invasive ranges) and from the IberianPeninsula (invasive) to test for niche conservatism across continents using niche overlap metrics (Schoener'sD). To test for differences in the climate space occupied by the species on the different continents, we performed two principal component analyses (PCAs) on the environmental data extracted from occurrence records: first, separately for each occurrence data set (i.e. each continent) and secondly, using the pooled data. Subsequently, we projected the model to South America, where this species has the potential to become invasive.

Schoener'sDshowed high overlap (0.68) between the two regions (theAmericas andIberia), and there was no difference between the regions in bothPCAs. The crayfish has conserved its niche across continents, and therefore, our model projection to South America may accurately demonstrate where invasion is most likely to occur.

Large parts of South America are apparently suitable, mainlyArgentina,Chile,Paraguay,Uruguay and southernBrazil. This result is of great concern since this invasive species can spread quickly in suitable areas. Stronger laws and regulations should be made to protect native biodiversity and agricultural land. Our approach could be replicated for the study of invasions by other species where extensive data on the potentially invaded areas are available.
Timing of the diet shift from zooplankton to macroinvertebrates and size at maturity determine whether normally piscivorous fish can persist in otherwise fishless lakes
Authors: Huss Magnus , Persson Lennart , Borcherding Jost , Heermann Lisa
Published: March 2013

Using a size‐structured population model, life‐history information and records of piscivores in systems without prey fish, we analysed the role of the timing of shifting from small‐to‐large invertebrate prey types in regulating piscivore performance, especially under conditions of low availability of prey fish.

Large invertebrate prey are generally absent or at low densities in pelagic habitats; consequently, pelagic piscivorous fish species with a poor ability to exploit zooplankton depend on prey fish in order to persist. In contrast, our model shows that abundant large invertebrate prey in the littoral habitat may allow littoral piscivores to persist in the absence of prey fish if they can shift diet from zooplankton to macroinvertebrates early in life.

However, if the diet shift from zooplankton to macroinvertebrates is delayed, or density dependence reduces growth rate, the persistence of even littoral piscivorous fish species in the absence of other prey fish is severely constrained.

Our results suggest that undergoing an early diet shift from zooplankton to macroinvertebrates may be necessary to reach sizes large enough to enable successful exploitation of the piscivorous niche. These insights can help to understand the persistence of piscivorous fish species, or their absence, in otherwise fishless lakes.
Reciprocity and Giving in a Consecutive Three-Person Dictator Game with Social Interaction
Authors: Bahr Gunter , Requate Till
Published: March 2013

We study pure indirect reciprocity by setting up a modified dictator game with three players A, B, and C acting sequentially. Subject A takes a share of a pie and passes the rest to subject B, while B divides the rest between herself and C. We find that this consecutive three-person dictator game increases generosity compared with the traditional two-person dictator game. We analyze the influence of social interaction and uncertainty. In treatments with certainty we observe pure indirect reciprocity: B indirectly reciprocates for A’s behavior in the decision on how generous to be to C.
Effects of hospitalist‐directed interdisciplinary medicine floor service on hospital outcomes for seniors with acute medical illness
Authors: Yoo Ji Won , Seol Haesun , Kim Sun Jung , Yang Janet Miyoung , Ryu Woo Sang , Min Too Dae , Choi Jong Bum , Kwon Minkyung , Kim Sulgi
Published: March 2013

Aim

To examine whether a hospitalist‐directed interdisciplinary (ITD) team in an internal medicine residency program enhances the hospital and clinical outcomes for seniors with acute medical illness.

Methods

Seniors admitted to a USA teaching hospital medical floor‐teaching services were allocated to the ITD (n = 379) and usual care teams (n = 383). Compared with the usual care team, the ITD team physicians carried out daily “geriatric” assessment and management, and led ITD team meetings.

Results

The mean probability of functional decline on hospital discharge in the ITD team (25%; 95% CI 19–30%) was significantly lower than that in the usual care team (36%; 95% CI 30–43%; OR 0.35; 95% CI 0.10–0.92; P < 0.001). The mean probability of delirium in the ITD team (26%; 95% CI 20–32%) was significantly lower than that in the usual care team (34%; 95% CI 28–41%; OR 0.48; 95% CI 0.16–0.97; P = 0.03). The mean probability of transition to an institution in the ITD team (18%; 95% CI 13–23%) was significantly lower than that in the usual care team (26%; 95% CI 19–32%; OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.14–0.95; P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Hospitalist‐directed ITD team care is associated with reductions of functional decline, delirium and transition to an institution for seniors with acute medical illness. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 71–77.
Frailty assessment in the geriatric outpatient clinic
Authors: Kim Hidong , Higgins Patricia A , Canaday David H , Burant Chris J , Hornick Thomas R
Published: March 2013

Aim

Frailty is a common phenomenon in geriatric patients. In the present translational research study, we assessed two frailty instruments (Fried 2001; Gill 2002), comparing the usefulness and scoring classifications for frailty screening in an academically affiliated geriatrics clinic.

Methods

Assessment was completed on 162 male veterans (mean age 83.7 years, 57% African American) enrolled in a geriatric clinic. The instruments' component criteria, which are well known to gerontological clinicians, were administered in a standard order and scoring was identical to original instruments.

Results

The five‐item Fried frailty instrument required 15–20 min to complete; the two‐item Gill frailty instrument required less than 2 min. Of the 162 participants assessed, 72 were determined to be frail by at least one of the instruments, but just 33 were frail by both instruments. Correlations between the instruments were Spearman = 0.55 (P < 0.001) and kappa = 0.25, (P < 0.001). There were no differences in frailty scores based on race, and there were equivocal results based on age, even though this was an older sample, with almost 17% ≥90 years. A total of 63% (103/162) of the sample met the criterion for weak grip strength, and decreasing grip strength correlated with increasing age (r = −0.238, P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Expedient identification of the frailty syndrome remains an unmet necessity for clinical practice. The different results by the Fried and Gill frailty instruments are likely due to differences in component domains and testing methods. The present results support previous findings that showed that grip strength might be an important indicator of increasing frailty. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 78–83.
Stroke in centenarians
Authors: Olsen Tom Skyhøj , Andersen Klaus Kaae
Published: March 2013

Aim

Reports on centenarians with stroke have thus far been casuistic. We present clinical characteristics and 1‐month mortality in 39 centenarians admitted to Danish hospitals with acute stroke within 2000–2010.

Methods

A Danish stroke registry (2000–2010) contains information about 61 935 acute stroke patients among which 39 patients were centenarians. Data included age, sex, civil and housing status, stroke severity (Scandinavian Stroke Scale [SSS], 0 worst to 58 best), computed tomography scan, cardiovascular risk factors and death within 1 month after stroke. Data in centenarians were compared with similar data in stroke patients aged 40–69 years (n = 25 023), 70–79 years (n = 16 048), 80–89 years (n = 16 274) and 90–99 years (n = 3379).

Results

Of the 39 centenarians, 87% were women, 82% were living alone and 64% were living in their own home before the stroke. In general, the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was lower in centenarians, particularly with regard to previous myocardial infarction, previous stroke and diabetes mellitus. Strokes were significantly more severe (SSS 25.4), and 1‐month mortality (38.5%) was significantly higher in centenarians when compared with other age groups.

Conclusion

Centenarians with stroke are from a cardiovascular standpoint healthier than their younger counterparts. Yet, strokes in centenarians are more severe and associated with very high mortality. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 84–88.
Dose‐finding trial of tolvaptan in liver cirrhosis patients with hepatic edema: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Okita Kiwamu , Kawazoe Seiji , Hasebe Chitomi , Kajimura Kozo , Kaneko Akira , Okada Mitsuru , Sakaida Isao ,   ASCITES Dose‐Finding Trial Group
Published: March 2013

Aim

Liver cirrhosis represents the end stage of any chronic liver disease, and it is associated with hepatic edema such as ascites. Many patients with ascites do not respond to diuretic therapy or require administration of diuretics at high doses that can cause adverse events. This 7‐day, multicenter, double‐blind trial of tolvaptan was designed to determine the optimal dose of tolvaptan for producing the intended pharmacological effect in hepatic edema.

Methods

Liver cirrhosis patients with inadequate diuretic response despite having received a conventional diuretic therapy were enrolled in the trial. Participants were stratified randomly to four groups receiving tolvaptan at 7.5, 15 or 30 mg/day, or placebo as an add‐on to conventional diuretics once daily for 7 days. Changes in bodyweight and abdominal circumference were analyzed. Serum sodium concentrations were measured. Safety assessment was performed.

Results

Tolvaptan at 7.5–30 mg/day reduced bodyweight and abdominal circumference compared with placebo. Serum sodium concentrations remained within the normal range in all tolvaptan groups. Serious adverse events were not observed, and most common adverse event was thirst. Tolvaptan at 7.5 mg/day showed the maximum change in bodyweight and abdominal circumference together with preferable tolerability.

Conclusion

Tolvaptan at 7.5 mg/day was considered the optimal dose in liver cirrhosis patients with hepatic edema who showed inadequate response to conventional diuretics.
Measuring labour absorption problems in developing countries: Limitations of the concept of unemployment
Authors: SYLLA Ndongo Samba
Published: March 2013

The “standard” unemployment rate is often criticized for omitting large numbers of people who are classified as employed or as not economically inactive, when in fact their situation amounts to unemployment. The author discusses the limitations of this standard definition for developing countries. After reviewing the methodological and statistical problems posed by the standard rate, he looks at the reality behind the words in contexts where the labour market is highly segmented. He shows that the standard unemployment rate underestimates excess labour supply and is a poor indicator of the Decent Work deficit, and considers its limitations in guiding economic policy.
Sex segregation in India's formal manufacturing sector
Authors: CHATTOPADHYAY Molly , CHAKRABORTY Sonali , ANKER Richard
Published: March 2013

Using an index of dissimilarity based on data from the Annual Survey of Industries for 1989/90 and 2000/01, the authors find that sex segregation across India's so‐called factory sector decreased over this period. Most of the apparent improvement, however, was due to changes in the industrial structure of employment, not desegregation per se. The index is also sensitive to the number of industries in the underlying classifications. At the national and state levels, formal job opportunities for women are effectively very limited: they are highly concentrated in a small number of traditional “women's” manufacturing industries, such as food, tobacco, apparel, weaving and spinning.
Who will give effect to the ILO's Maritime Labour Convention, 2006?
Authors: PINIELLA Francisco , SILOS José María , BERNAL Francisca
Published: March 2013

The Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, which takes effect on 20 August 2013, consolidates dozens of ILO standards adopted since the 1920s. It has been described as the “fourth pillar” of the international maritime regulatory regime, alongside three major IMO Conventions on safety at sea and marine pollution control. The challenge, the authors argue, will be to enforce it within the existing inspection frameworks of flag State implementation and “port State control”. Technically, the responsibility rests on the former, but the proliferation of flags of convenience suggests that the latter will have a crucial part to play too, as will, in either case, inspector training.
High rates of conspecific brood parasitism revealed by microsatellite analysis in a diving duck, the common pochard Aythya ferina
Authors: Šťovíček Ondřej , Kreisinger Jakub , Javůrková Veronika , Albrecht Tomáš
Published: March 2013

Conspecific brood parasitism (CBP) is a reproductive tactic whereby a parasitic female lays its eggs into the nests of other conspecific females. Genetic‐based data on the occurrence of CBP in birds, however, is still relatively scarce. We analysed prevalence of CBP in a ground‐nesting diving duck, the common pochard Aythya ferina, using a set of 17 microsatellites. Compared to related species, our population showed a relatively high level of CBP, with 39% of genotyped pochard eggs laid parasitically and 89% of nests containing ≥ 1 parasitic egg. In addition, we observed relatively high rates of interspecific brood parasitism (13% of eggs), caused predominantly by mallard Anas plathyrhynchos and tufted duck Aythya fuligula. CBP eggs had decreased hatching success compared to host eggs, with 65% of CBP and 95% of non‐CBP genotyped eggs hatching successfully. Our data suggest that this was probably due to improper timing of parasitic egglaying, which compromised synchronised hatching of CBP and host‐eggs. Despite high rates of CBP in our pochard popu lation, fitness costs associated with this reproductive tactic appear to be low for host females since neither clutch size nor host‐egg hatching probability were reduced due to CBP.